Rematch goes Rams’ way
Reigning NFC champs beat Saints again; Brees injures thumb in loss
LOS ANGELES — When Drew Brees went to the sideline holding his injured throwing hand, this NFC championship game rematch — and maybe this season’s Super Bowl race — dramatically changed in an instant.
Jared Goff and the Rams didn’t waste the opportunity created by Brees’ absence to beat the Saints again. And with no help from a no-call this time.
Goff passed for 283 yards and a TD and rushed for another score, and the Rams stopped the Saints from scoring an offensive TD for the first time since 2016 during a 27-9 victory Sunday.
A strong performance by the Rams defense, an impressive second half from Goff ’s offense, and another officiating decision that hurt the Saints were all overshadowed by Brees’ departure late in the first quarter.
Brees’ throwing hand collided with Aaron Donald’s outstretched hand while he threw an incompletion, and the NFL’s career leader in yards passing spent the afternoon on the sideline with his thumb heavily wrapped. Brees will see a hand specialist Sunday night.
“Yeah I’m concerned,” the 40year-old Brees said. “Hoping it is not too significant.”
The Saints didn’t score an offensive TD for the fourth time in 13-plus seasons under coach Sean Payton, who got a contract extension before the game.
Todd Gurley rushed for 63 yards and scored his first TD of the season in this rematch of the Rams’ 26-23 OT win in January. That game turned on the uncalled pass interference late in regulation by Rams corner Nickell Robey-Coleman.
This one also contained early refereeing drama that left the Saints steamed: the Saints’ Cameron Jordan had a long fumble return for a TD wiped out in the second quarter. The play initially was ruled an incomplete pass before video review determined Goff had fumbled, but Jordan’s long return didn’t count because officials had blown the play dead.