The Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats have a storied rivalry in the NFL, with thrilling games that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Their Week 13 matchup in the 2024 NFL season, played on December 1, 2024, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was no exception. The Rams pulled off a 21-14 victory, overcoming a 6-0 halftime deficit with a strong second-half performance. This article dives into the player stats, key moments, and standout performances from this exciting game, breaking it down in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the game, let’s explore what made this matchup special.
Game Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
The Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats was a classic example of how football can shift dramatically from one half to another. The Saints dominated early, shutting out the Rams in the first half with a 6-0 lead, thanks to two 54-yard field goals by kicker Blake Grupe. However, the Rams roared back after halftime, scoring 21 points while their defense held firm, allowing only one touchdown. The final score of 21-14 kept the Rams at 6-6, boosting their NFC West playoff hopes, while the Saints fell to 4-8, marking the first loss for interim head coach Darren Rizzi.
This game showcased the importance of halftime adjustments, with the Rams’ offense finding its rhythm and their defense stepping up to stifle New Orleans’ attack. Let’s break down the key player stats and performances that defined this thrilling contest.
Key Player Stats: Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford (Quarterback)
Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ veteran quarterback, had a solid game, particularly in the second half. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 183 yards, with no turnovers and two crucial touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. His first touchdown was a 3-yard pass to wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, giving the Rams a 14-6 lead. Later, with 8:54 left in the game, Stafford connected with Puka Nacua for a 7-yard touchdown that sealed the 21-14 victory. Stafford’s ability to stay calm under pressure and avoid mistakes was pivotal, especially against a Saints defense that was ready to capitalize on any errors.
Stafford’s play-action passing was a highlight, as he went 7-for-12 for 127 yards and two touchdowns. This efficiency in the passing game opened up opportunities for the Rams’ running attack, which proved to be a game-changer. Stafford’s leadership and clutch performance in crunch time earned praise from head coach Sean McVay, who noted the team’s collective improvement in the second half.
Kyren Williams (Running Back)
Running back Kyren Williams was the offensive catalyst for the Rams, delivering a season-high 104 rushing yards on 15 carries, including a 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that gave the Rams their first lead at 7-6. His explosive running and decisive cuts kept the Saints’ defense on their heels, even when New Orleans stacked the box to stop the run. Williams averaged nearly 7 yards per carry, showcasing his ability to break through to the second and third levels of the defense.
Williams’ energy and instincts were evident throughout the game. “It felt great. It was like I was me, myself, and I out there,” he said after the game, reflecting on his confident performance. His 104 yards marked his second 100-yard rushing game of the season and his eighth career game reaching that milestone. The Rams’ offensive line deserves credit for paving the way, as they didn’t allow a single negative run play, punishing the Saints’ front repeatedly.
Blake Corum (Running Back)
Supporting Williams in the backfield, rookie running back Blake Corum added 42 yards on the ground, contributing to the Rams’ season-high 156 rushing yards. While Corum’s role was secondary, his carries helped keep the Saints’ defense honest, preventing them from focusing solely on Williams. The Rams’ balanced rushing attack was a key factor in their second-half surge, setting up play-action opportunities for Stafford.
Demarcus Robinson (Wide Receiver)
Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson made a significant impact with his 3-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, his seventh touchdown of the season. His ability to get open in the red zone gave Stafford a reliable target when it mattered most. Robinson’s contribution extended beyond his touchdown, as he helped stretch the field and keep the Saints’ secondary guessing.
Puka Nacua (Wide Receiver)
Puka Nacua, the Rams’ dynamic second-year receiver, sealed the game with a 7-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. His score came at a critical moment, putting the Rams ahead 21-14 with less than nine minutes remaining. Nacua’s ability to find space in tight coverage and make contested catches has made him a go-to option for Stafford, and his performance in this game added to his growing reputation as a clutch playmaker.
Rams Defense
The Rams’ defense didn’t record a sack or force a turnover, but they were stout when it counted. They limited the Saints to 4.8 yards per play, the third-lowest average the Rams allowed all season. The defense recorded three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and six passes defended, holding New Orleans to 5-for-15 on third-down conversions. A crucial moment came on the Saints’ final drive, when defensive end Jared Verse deflected a pass from Derek Carr on fourth-and-3, effectively ending the game. The Rams’ ability to minimize big plays and keep the Saints out of the end zone in the first half set the stage for their second-half comeback.
Key Player Stats: New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr (Quarterback)
Saints quarterback Derek Carr had a decent statistical outing, completing 24 of 37 passes for 214 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. His 28-yard touchdown pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion to Dante Pettis, tied the game at 14-14 with 11:59 remaining. Carr also completed a 20-yard strike to Cedrick Wilson Jr., showing flashes of his ability to make precise throws.
However, Carr’s performance was hindered by a conservative passing attack, averaging just 5.0 yards per attempt. The Saints struggled to generate explosive plays, with only one completion longer than 28 yards. On the final drive, with the Saints at the Rams’ 9-yard line and facing fourth-and-3, Carr’s pass was deflected, sealing New Orleans’ fate. Despite completing five consecutive passes at multiple points in the game, Carr couldn’t deliver in crunch time, as noted by interim coach Darren Rizzi: “We had a guy open in the end zone, and we couldn’t get the ball off.”
Alvin Kamara (Running Back)
Running back Alvin Kamara was a bright spot for the Saints, rushing for 112 yards on 23 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. His 119 total yards from scrimmage highlighted his importance to the Saints’ offense, marking his third 100-yard rushing game of the season and 11th of his career. Kamara’s ability to grind out tough yards kept the Saints in the game, but New Orleans’ inability to convert in the red zone limited his impact. Despite his strong performance, the Saints’ offense leaned heavily on field goals rather than touchdowns, which proved costly.
Taysom Hill (Tight End/Utility)
Versatile tight end Taysom Hill, known for his do-it-all role, was a key part of the Saints’ game plan until a knee injury forced him off the field in the fourth quarter. Hill converted a critical fourth-and-1 run late in the game, gaining 2 yards to keep a drive alive, but he was carted off shortly after. His injury was a significant blow, as Hill’s unique skill set as a runner, passer, and receiver makes him a matchup nightmare. Without him, the Saints’ offense lost a dynamic element, contributing to their struggles in the final minutes.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Wide Receiver)
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling made a big play with his 28-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, his fourth touchdown in four games since joining the Saints midseason. His speed and ability to stretch the field gave the Saints a much-needed spark, tying the game at 14-14. Valdes-Scantling’s emergence as a reliable target has been a bright spot for New Orleans’ passing game.
Dante Pettis (Wide Receiver)
Dante Pettis made one of the game’s most memorable plays, hauling in a two-point conversion in tight coverage against Rams cornerback Darious Williams to tie the game at 14. His ability to come through in a high-pressure situation showcased his value as a depth receiver for the Saints.
Blake Grupe (Kicker)
Kicker Blake Grupe was responsible for all of the Saints’ first-half points, successfully making two 54-yard field goals to give New Orleans a 6-0 lead at halftime. However, he missed a 36-yard attempt in the second quarter, which could have extended the Saints’ lead. Grupe’s long-range accuracy was impressive, but the missed kick highlighted New Orleans’ struggles to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns.
Saints Defense
The Saints’ defense started strong, shutting out the Rams in the first half and forcing them into tough situations. Defensive tackle Bryan Bresee recorded a sack on Matthew Stafford, aided by replay-assist technology, and the unit held the Rams to 3-for-7 on third-down conversions. However, the defense couldn’t stop the Rams’ rushing attack in the second half, allowing 156 yards on the ground. Injuries to key players like center Erik McCoy (groin), guard Nick Saldiveri (knee), and safety Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder) further weakened the unit, allowing the Rams to capitalize on their opportunities.
Team Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Comparison
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Total Yards: The Saints slightly outgained the Rams, but Los Angeles was more efficient, averaging 5.9 yards per play compared to New Orleans’ 4.8.
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Rushing Yards: The Rams had 156 rushing yards, led by Kyren Williams’ 104, while the Saints had 134, with Alvin Kamara contributing 112.
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Passing Yards: Stafford’s 183 passing yards edged out Carr’s 214, but the Rams’ two touchdown passes compared to the Saints’ one made the difference.
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Third-Down Conversions: The Rams converted 3 of 7 third downs (42.9%), while the Saints managed 5 of 15 (33.3%).
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Red Zone Efficiency: The Rams were perfect in the red zone, scoring three touchdowns on three trips, while the Saints failed to score on their two red-zone opportunities.
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Time of Possession: The Saints held the ball for five minutes longer than the Rams, but their inability to finish drives cost them.
Why the Rams Won
The Rams’ victory came down to their second-half adjustments and efficiency. After being shut out in the first half, their offense found its groove, with Kyren Williams’ running setting the tone and opening up play-action opportunities for Stafford. The Rams’ perfect red-zone execution (3-for-3) contrasted sharply with the Saints’ struggles (0-for-2), creating a 21-point swing in a 7-point game. Defensively, Los Angeles limited big plays and made a crucial stop on fourth down to seal the win. Head coach Sean McVay’s halftime adjustments and the team’s resilience were key, as noted by Williams: “We knew the second half was going to be ours.”
Why the Saints Lost
The Saints’ loss can be attributed to their inability to capitalize on early dominance. Despite controlling the ball and outgaining the Rams, they settled for field goals instead of touchdowns in the first half. Injuries to key players like Taysom Hill, Erik McCoy, and Nick Saldiveri disrupted their rhythm, and their conservative passing attack lacked the explosiveness needed to keep up with the Rams’ second-half surge. Interim coach Darren Rizzi acknowledged the missed opportunities, saying, “We did a lot of things we set out to do, but we didn’t execute in crunch time.”
Historical Context: Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats have faced off 78 times since 1967, with the Rams leading the regular-season series 43-34 and the teams tied 1-1 in the postseason. This rivalry has seen intense moments, including the controversial 2018 NFC Championship Game. The 2024 matchup added another chapter, with the Rams’ comeback victory showcasing their resilience and the Saints’ fight despite adversity.
Looking Ahead
For the Rams (6-6), this win kept their playoff hopes alive as they prepared to host the Buffalo Bills the following week. The Saints (4-8) faced a tougher road, with a matchup against the New York Giants on the horizon. Both teams will look to build on their strengths—running for the Rams and resilience for the Saints—while addressing their weaknesses to finish the season strong.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Rams vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats on December 1, 2024, was a thrilling display of football, with standout performances from Kyren Williams, Matthew Stafford, Alvin Kamara, and Derek Carr. The Rams’ second-half dominance and red-zone efficiency proved decisive, while the Saints’ injuries and missed opportunities cost them a chance at victory. This game highlighted the importance of execution and adaptability, making it a memorable chapter in their storied rivalry. Whether you’re cheering for the Rams or the Saints, this matchup was a reminder of why we love NFL football—heart, hustle, and unforgettable moments.
