The defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams opened up their season at a hot and steamy SoFi Stadium against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills Thursday night, and despite a few high points, they looked like everything but the defending Super Bowl champs.
On the Bills’ opening drive, Josh Allen found rising star Gabe Davis for a 26-yard touchdown.
Josh Allen ➡️ Gabe Davis @brgridiron
First NFL TD of the season 🔥
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/k0WfAp7LKh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 9, 2022
Following that, it was a sloppy back-and-forth, as both teams committed turnovers. The Bills’ offense could not capitalize on Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s interception. Allen threw two interceptions, and rookie running back James Cook fumbled his first rush attempt. That allowed Stafford to find wide receiver Cooper Kupp for a touchdown after the Bills went up 10-0. Kupp led all wide receivers in touchdowns last season.
This TD grab by Cooper Kupp is absolutely ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/OwlbEGgWre
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 9, 2022
The Rams managed to tie the game right before halftime with a field goal by Matt Gay. At the beginning of the third quarter, with the game tied 10-10, the Rams fumbled the ball, but they were able to recover it and were forced to punt.
The Bills seemed to have no problem gaining yards against the Rams’ defense all game. Following the Rams fumble, Josh Allen marched his team down the field, where he found wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie for the touchdown. Bills led 17-10. Following another Rams punt, Allen found Davis for a 47-yard reception, and shortly after, the Bills quarterback ran in for the touchdown, extending the Bills’ lead 24-10.
On the next drive, Stafford threw a pass to Kupp that ricocheted and was intercepted by the Bills’ defense. Allen turned the interception into a 53-yard touchdown to Stefon Diggs, widening the lead to 31-10.
Stefon Diggs gets loose for the TD 💨 @brgridiron
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/4dqzMX8Qbk
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 9, 2022
Believe it or not, Stafford threw another interception, but the Bills did not convert on the opportunity this time. The Rams’ defense was able to force another fumble, but the Rams were not able to score, and the Bills won the game 31-10.
Rams running back Cam Akers surprisingly saw just three rushing attempts all game long. He finished the game with zero yards.
Stat leaders of the game:
Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 26-of-31 of his pass attempts for 297 yards, three touchdowns thrown, two interceptions; he added 10 rush attempts for 56 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught 8-of-9 of his targets for 122 yards and one touchdown; while Gabe Davis caught 4-of-5 of his targets for 88 yards and one touchdown.
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp caught 13-of-15 targets for 128 yards and one touchdown.
The Bills defense finished the game with six sacks, two interceptions, and allowed just 10 points.
The Rams defense finished with two interceptions, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery; however, they allowed 31 points.
Three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s games:
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Arizona Cardinals vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In Week 2, the Rams will host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday, as the Bills travel back to Buffalo to host the Tennesse Titans on Monday Night Football.
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