Rams stave off Colts, win 29-23 in OT: Instant analysis of Week 4 win
The Los Angeles Rams were in complete control for 38 minutes against the Indianapolis Colts. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and built it all the way up to a 23-0 advantage midway through the third quarter, but that’s when things got crazy.
The Colts scored three unanswered touchdowns against the Rams, converting their two-point attempts twice, to tie the game at 23 with under 2 minutes left to play. It was an embarrassing collapse by Los Angeles a week after the offense could do nothing against the Bengals.
The game eventually went into overtime, which is when the Rams finally woke up. Matthew Stafford led a game-winning drive, marching Los Angeles down the field and capping it off with a 22-yard game-winning touchdown to Puka Nacua.
The Rams move to 2-2 with the victory, and fortunately avoid what would’ve been a disastrous collapse after going up 23-0.
Final score: Rams 29, Colts 23
Game notes
Matthew Stafford came out dealing against the Colts. He had 133 yards passing in the first quarter and completed 9 of his first 12 passes, leading two touchdown drives on the Rams’ first two possessions. His 133 yards were the most yards by any quarterback in the first quarter this season.
Sean McVay’s play calling was much better in the red zone to start this game. He trusted the running game and the result was two touchdowns by Kyren Williams from 3 yards out. After that, though, his game management was questionable. He got much too conservative too early, calling runs on third down and settling for field goals.
Brett Maher missed two field goals from 40-plus yards, which helped keep the Colts in the game. Indianapolis made things interesting with a touchdown 3 minutes into the fourth quarter, which drew them within eight points.
Puka Nacua was great from the start, making a juggling catch on the first play of the game and continuing to come up with big play after big play. In the first half alone, he had two catches of 26 yards and another of 32 yards.
The Rams were rolling until late in the third quarter when they allowed a touchdown on a four-play drive and then two plays later, Stafford threw a bad interception on a throw over the middle to Tutu Atwell.
Stafford was hobbled for a good portion of the second half, limping around the field after every play. He gutted through what was a pretty good performance, especially considering the injury he suffered in the second half.
The Rams were up 23-0 with 7:17 left in the third quarter before letting the Colts come all the way back with three touchdown drives in the second half to tie it up at 23 apiece with under 2 minutes left to play.
After the game was tied, the Rams went three-and-out, as did the Colts on the next drive. Los Angeles gained some momentum on the final drive of regulation but ultimately punted again, which all but ended the fourth quarter. Both teams had a chance to win in regulation.
In overtime, Stafford hit Nacua for a 22-yard completion and a touchdown, giving the Rams a dramatic win over Indianapolis.
It was over when...
… Nacua scored his first career touchdown, a 22-yard pass over the middle from Matthew Stafford in overtime. It looked like the game was over when the Rams were up 23-0 in the third quarter, but the Rams got their act together in overtime and put the nail in the coffin with a touchdown.
3 stars of the game
No. 3 star: Aaron Donald – 4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QB hits
No. 2 star: Kyren Williams – 25 carries, 103 yards, 2 TDs
No. 1 star: Puka Nacua – 9 catches, 163 yards, 1 TD
Play of the game
Nacua capped off a ridiculously good game with his first career touchdown, a 22-yarder over the middle to give the Rams the win in overtime.
STAFF! TO PUKA! FOR THE WIN!!
📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/BvaBnPEJD8
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 1, 2023
What's next?
After two weeks on the road, the Rams will return to Los Angeles for a home game against the defending NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff this time, too, so the Rams will be on a more normal schedule after playing on Monday Night Football and then at 1 p.m. ET, both on the road. The Rams haven’t faced the Eagles with Stafford as their quarterback yet, so this will be a first.
