Yes, the Los Angeles Rams biggest offense players in Todd Gurley and Jared Goff were shut down for the preseason finale, but anytime you can shutout an opponent deserves some applause.
How It Happened
The New Orleans Saints defense showed out in a big way and started things off with an interception by linebacker Alex Anzalone to prevent the Rams from scoring. Taysom Hill then led the team down the field on an eight play scoring drive that was highlighted by a 56-yard pass to Cam Meredith to get out to an early 6-0 lead.
Hill put together a very methodical drive in the second quarter that took almost eleven minutes off the clock and ended with a 16-yard pass in the endzone to Cam Meredith to make it 12-0 with 4:10 left until halftime. The Saints wrapped up the first half with a 34-yard field goal from Wil Lutz with :17 left to make it 15-0.
The Rams then learned the hard way to start the second half that you never punt on this team when Colton Jumper got up and blocked a punt that was recovered by Jayrone Elliot and returned for a touchdown to make it 22-0. New Orleans then put the finishing touches on the ballgame when Jonathan Williams jogged into the endzone from three yards out to make it 28-0.
Big Number: 4
The Saints have never been a franchise that is able to force turnovers with any consistency, but their performance on Thursday night showed that maybe there is a chance that we could see more turnovers in 2018 as they were able to rack up four in total. It could have been five takeaways if not for a questionable hands to the face penalty on rookie Marcus Davenport.
Player of the Game: Nate Stupar
While it seems like an easy choice to pick Taysom Hill with another solid performance, you have to show some love to Nate Stupar who racked up seven total tackles, three of which were sacks. You add an interception and a fumble recovery, you can’t have a better day than the one he had today.
Next Up: Season Opener vs Tampa Bay; Kickoff 12 pm
-Clint Domingue