Goff, L.A. put an end to New Orleans’ run
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams methodically drove downfield on their opening possession, and Sammy Watkins caught a precise slant from Jared Goff for a touchdown.
Drew Brees then got the ball for New Orleans’ first drive, and the Rams sacked him on back-to-back plays.
From that auspicious start to the recovery of the Saints’ final onside kick, the Rams emerged from a dismal decade of losing football Sunday with their most impressive win of the season.
Goff, from Marin CatholicKentfield and Cal, passed for 354 yards and hit rookie Josh Reynolds for another touchdown, and the Rams snapped the Saints’ eight-game winning streak with a 26-20 victory in a meeting of NFC division leaders.
The Rams (8-3) also ended a streak of their own: The franchise’s 10-year run of losing regular seasons is over.
For the first time since 2006, the Rams will finish at .500 or better after doubling their win total from their relocation season in 2016.
“That’s the best feeling ever, just being on a winning team,” said Watkins, who had four catches for 82 yards. “It makes it easy to go out there every week and work hard.”
The victory was an enormous statement about the Rams’ ability to play with the NFC’s best, but their fifth win in six games has put them in position for much bigger accomplishments.
After bouncing back from a loss at Minnesota, this revitalized franchise is steaming toward its first playoff berth since 2004 and its first winning season since 2003. “There were some games this year where we realized we could play with anybody,” Goff said. “This was, for sure, one of them.”
Alvin Kamara had a 74-yard touchdown run and a late TD reception for the Saints (8-3), who lost for the first time since Sept. 17.
Veteran coordinator Wade Phillips’ defense turned in a gritty effort against New Orleans, holding Brees to 246 yards passing.
“We never found a good rhythm of run-pass,” Brees said. “It just felt like everything was really tough sledding. The minute we’d get something going, there would be a penalty that would set us back, and then we’d be off the field.”