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Tutu Atwell delivered one of the biggest plays of his five-year NFL career Sunday, hauling in an 88-yard touchdown from Matthew Stafford with 1:33 left to lift the Los Angeles Rams to a 27-20 road win over the Indianapolis Colts.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
Tutu Atwell delivered one of the biggest plays of his five-year NFL career Sunday, hauling in an 88-yard touchdown from Matthew Stafford with 1:33 left to lift the Los Angeles Rams to a 27-20 road win over the Indianapolis Colts.
The Rams (3-1) stormed back with two touchdowns in the final 3:20 to hand the Colts (3-1) their first loss of the season in a game that featured four lead changes.
Stafford and Atwell Connect for History
Stafford passed for 375 yards and three touchdowns, including the longest scoring throw of his 17-year career. He tied the game earlier in the fourth quarter with a 9-yard strike to Puka Nacua, who finished with 13 receptions for a career-best 170 yards.
Atwell’s game-winner came when Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon slipped in coverage, leaving the speedy wideout wide open down the sideline.
“It felt great,” Atwell said. “It’s something I’ve been doing my whole career. I’m glad I got the opportunity and even happier we came away with the win.”
Stafford praised Atwell afterward: “I was so proud of him, so happy for him. Like Sean said, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. He made the biggest play in the biggest moment.”
Defense Seals the Win
Safety Kam Curl capped the victory with his second interception of the day, picking off Colts quarterback Daniel Jones with 53 seconds remaining to secure the win.
The Colts also suffered a costly mistake earlier in the game when rookie wide receiver Alec Pierce appeared to score on a 76-yard reception, only to fumble the ball before crossing the goal line while beginning to celebrate. The play was ruled a touchback, erasing what could have been a highlight-reel touchdown.
Other Standouts
Davante Adams added a touchdown reception for Los Angeles, while Indianapolis native Michael Pittman Jr.—a USC product from Woodland Hills—caught a go-ahead touchdown from Jones with 11:34 remaining. Pittman finished with five catches for 41 yards on 10 targets.
Despite strong stretches from the Colts, Los Angeles’ resilience and Stafford’s veteran poise proved the difference.
What’s Next
The Rams will look to build on the comeback when they host the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.