The Orleans Saints' two-game winning streak came to an end as the Los Angeles Rams rallied in the second half for a 21-14 victory on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome.
The loss dropped the Saints, who were coming off their bye, to 4-8. The Rams improved to 6-6. It was the Saints' first loss under interim head coach Darren Rizzi.
New Orleans shut out the Rams in the first half, the first time that has happened since Sean McVay was hired in Los Angeles, but the rushing attack and Matthew Stafford got on track in the second half. Running back Kyren Williams had 15 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. After passing for just 23 yards in the first half, Stafford had 160 yards and two touchdowns in the second half.
The Saints dominated the first half but only had two Blake Grupe 54-yard field goals to show for it. He also missed a 36-yarder. Playing again without star center Erik McCoy, the offensive line struggled with protection as quarterback Derek Carr was 24 of 36 for 184 yards with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Marques Valdes-Scantling. Running back Alvin Kamara was the top offensive weapon with 23 carries for 112 yards. It was the 11th 100-yard game in Kamara's career.
Kevin Austin led the receivers with three catches for 31 yards while tight end Juwan Johnson added five catches for 36 yards.
New Orleans sacked Stafford twice (Nathan Shepherd, Bryan Bresee) but he was able to make enough plays to produce the victory.
The Saints lost three starters to injury in the game. Taysom Hill suffered a left knee injury while converting for a fourth-down attempt in the fourth quarter. Left guard Nick Saldiveri suffered a knee injury on the touchdown pass to Valdes-Scantling and safety Tyrann Matieu left the game with a shoulder injury in the second half. Hill and Saldiveri had to be carted off the field.
The Saints will play at the New York Giants (2-10) on Sunday, Dec. 8. The Giants have not won at home this season (0-6).
Check out the game action photos from the New Orleans Saints game against the Los Angeles Rams for Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season on Dec. 1, 2024 at the Caesars Superdome.