Rams’ late surge enough to overcome Eagles

Trailing for most of the afternoon in Philadelphia did not faze Los Angeles.

Leroy Hinds October 4, 2026·3 min read

The Philadelphia Eagles welcomed the Los Angeles Rams to Lincoln Financial Field with both teams looking to strengthen their respective starts to the season. Philadelphia had opened the campaign 2-1 but entered the matchup after a disappointing 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears, leaving Jalen Hurts and the Eagles under pressure to respond, down star receiver DeVonta Smith and linebacker Zack Baun.

The Rams, meanwhile, arrived at 1-2 despite boasting one of the NFL’s most productive offenses. Matthew Stafford had impressed early in the season, while the return of Puka Nacua added another dangerous weapon to an already potent passing attack. With both sides looking to build momentum, the matchup promised plenty of intrigue.

Philadelphia opened the scoring through Jake Elliott, who converted a 29-yard field goal before Harrison Mevis responded with a 40-yard kick for Los Angeles. The Rams struggled to find their rhythm offensively early, with Matthew Stafford throwing two interceptions during the first half, but the Eagles were unable to fully capitalise.

The second quarter belonged to home team as well. Elliott added a 56-yard field goal before Jalen Hurts connected with Darius Cooper for an 18-yard touchdown. Cooper then found the end zone again just a few seconds before halftime, this time on a 10-yard reception from Hurts.

The Rams did manage to get on the board before halftime, with Nacua rushing for a 2-yard touchdown on return.

The third quarter remained scoreless in a cagey affair that suited the leading Eagles, but Los Angeles began to take control of the game as the final period arrived, as Philadelphia were undermanned and unable to sustain any offense whatsoever.

Philadelphia’s offense, which had been effective enough to build its 10-point lead, completely stalled after halftime. The Eagles failed to score another point and went 0-for-12 on third down across the entire afternoon, while the Rams continued to move the ball.

With just under 4 minutes remaining, Kyren Williams finally broke through, rushing for a goal line score to cut Philadelphia’s advantage to 20-17.

The Eagles had had an opportunity to put the game away, but head coach Nick Sirianni elected to go for it on 4th down from the 2-yard line. Hurts’ pass fell incomplete, handing the Rams possession and keeping their comeback hopes alive. The head coach later took responsibility for the decision.

Los Angeles ultimately made Philadelphia pay. Stafford engineered a crucial drive, repeatedly finding Nacua and Williams as the Rams moved downfield. Williams eventually finished the drive himself, breaking into the end zone on a seven-yard run with just 1:10 remaining to give Los Angeles its first lead of the afternoon at 24-20.

Philadelphia still had one final opportunity, but the Rams’ defence closed the door.

Byron Young sacked Hurts twice on the final possession, including a strip-sack with 38 seconds remaining. Hurts recovered the fumble, but another incomplete pass on fourth down ended the Eagles’ hopes.

The Rams were able to kneel out the remaining seconds, completing a remarkable comeback after trailing by 10 points at halftime.

Williams finished with 80 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while also adding 67 receiving yards. Nacua’s 125 receiving yards provided another major boost in his return, while Stafford overcame his 2 interceptions to lead the decisive fourth-quarter drives.

For Philadelphia, the defeat will be particularly frustrating. The Eagles had controlled much of the first half and held a 20-10 advantage entering the final term, but their offense completely disappeared when it mattered most. DeVonta Smith was already out with a hamstring injury, while Saquon Barkley sustained one himself early in the piece.

The loss dropped Philadelphia to 2-2, while Los Angeles improved to that same record. For the Rams, it was a hugely important road victory that showed the resilience of Sean McVay’s team. For the Eagles, however, another defeat has raised further questions about their offense, mounting injury list and ability to close out games.

Touchdowns

Los Angeles Rams: Williams 2, Nacua
Philadelphia: Cooper 2