Vikings Fall to 5-2 after 30-20 Loss to Rams
Vikings Suffer Second Straight Loss
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams’ dismal record seemed like a blip on the radar when both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned from injury. The duo provided exactly what Matthew Stafford and the Rams were missing, and it was something the Minnesota Vikings couldn’t match.
Kupp and Nacua Lead the Charge
Kupp caught a touchdown pass and Nacua had 106 yards receiving in their returns to the lineup. Stafford passed for 279 yards and four TDs in the Los Angeles Rams’ 30-20 victory over the Vikings on Thursday night. Demarcus Robinson caught two TD passes from Stafford for the Rams (3-4), who won back-to-back games for the first time this season with 386 yards from an offense that looked exponentially more dangerous with its top two receivers in uniform.
Impact on Offense and Defense
"They brought a lot of energy to our team, and a ton of confidence," said Stafford, who had thrown just three TD passes in the Rams’ first six games combined. "It’s not only just the offense. I know the defense feels it too when those guys are out there making plays."
Performance of Key Players
After missing the previous five games, Nacua had seven catches while posting the eighth 100-yard game of his short career. Kupp returned from a four-game absence with five catches for 51 yards, including a 27-yard grab for a key first down late in the fourth quarter.
Final Quarter Summary
Kyren Williams rushed for 97 yards and caught an early TD pass for the Rams. Robinson caught a 25-yard TD pass late in the third quarter to put Los Angeles ahead, and he made a 10-yard TD catch with 6:17 to play for a 28-20 lead. Byron Young then sacked Sam Darnold for a safety with 1:36 left, sealing the Rams’ second win in five days after going 1-4 before their bye.
Coach’s Views
"I believe in this group," said coach Sean McVay, who became the winningest coach in Rams history with his 80th victory. "I saw resolve. I didn’t see a flinch. … We’ve done a good job of getting ourselves back to where we wanted to be."
Conclusion
The Vikings (5-2) followed up their first loss of the season with an ineffective defensive performance. Minnesota was held to two field goals in the final three quarters. Darnold passed for 240 yards, and Justin Jefferson had eight receptions for 115 yards. Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield caught TD passes from Darnold.
FAQs
- What was the final score of the game?
- The Rams won 30-20.
- How many yards did Puka Nacua have?
- 106 yards receiving
- How many TDs did Matthew Stafford throw?
- Four
- What was the Vikings’ record after the game?
- 5-2
