Against a surprisingly stingy New York defense, the Los Angeles Rams toppled the Giants 17-9. Here’s what we learned from SoFi Stadium:

A Tale of Two Running Games

Coming into this game, the Rams had earned about 100 yards rushing in each of the last three games. Meanwhile, the Giants had failed to reach that mark in any of the previous games. In fact, their leading rusher was quarterback Daniel Jones (92 yards). That wasn’t the case today, as the Rams finished with a measly 58 total yards rushing. Running back Malcolm Brown led the way with just 37 yards. Meanwhile, the Giants finished with 136 rushing yards, with Daniel Jones and running back Wayne Gallman each earning 45 yards. Weird times at SoFi Stadium.

Rams Overcome Slow Start

I don’t know if Los Angeles read my article from last week, but it sure seemed like it. Facing an 0-3 Giants team, L.A. went into cruise mode after scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. Their next four drives went like this: fumble, punt, field goal, punt. With roughly seven minutes left in the game and faced with 3rd&3, Rams quarterback Jared Goff found receiver Cooper Kupp over the middle for a 55 yard touchdown. The late score gave L.A. their 17-9 lead and effectively sealed the win. 

Rams Defense Pulls Through

Give it up for the Rams defense. The unit prevented New York from scoring a single touchdown, making them settle for field goals. Prior to scoring the go ahead touchdown, L.A. was faced with a 3rd&3 on defense. Daniel Jones’ pass to receiver Golden Tate gained negative yardage thanks to a timely tackle by Rams defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Following a turnover on downs by the New York offense, the Rams’ offense ran three plays for a whopping single yard. With roughly two minutes to go in regulation, the Giants marched 62 yards down the field thanks to a Daniel Jones 13 yard scramble on 2nd&10. Doing his best Eli Manning impersonation, Jones somehow avoided a cluster of Rams defenders (and a surefire sack) for the first down. Then, faced with a 2nd&5, Jones tried to squeeze a pass into Damion Ratley’s waiting arms, but was intercepted thanks to a diving catch by Rams defensive back Darious Williams. Game over. 

Next Sunday, L.A. travels to D.C. to take on the Washington Football Team, who are coming off a crushing loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Kickoff takes place at FedEx Field at 10 a.m. PST.