INGLEWOOD — The Los Angeles Rams looked flat for much of the first half Sunday night, trailing the Detroit Lions by double digits and searching for momentum. By the time the clock hit zero, they were celebrating a signature comeback — and a playoff berth.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
INGLEWOOD — The Los Angeles Rams looked flat for much of the first half Sunday night, trailing the Detroit Lions by double digits and searching for momentum. By the time the clock hit zero, they were celebrating a signature comeback — and a playoff berth.
Matthew Stafford threw for 368 yards and two touchdowns to tight end Colby Parkinson as the Rams stormed back in the second half for a 41-34 victory over the Lions in front of 74,701 fans at SoFi Stadium. With the win, the NFC-leading Rams became the first team to clinch a postseason spot.
“I was excited,” Stafford said. “We had some chances on some third downs and didn’t get it done, but I thought we clutched up, made some plays on fourth down and were able to get some points out of it. Playing a good offense like Detroit has, you have to stay with them.”
Second-Half Surge
Los Angeles trailed by 10 points with just 30 seconds remaining in the first half, and both the offense and defense appeared stuck in neutral. That changed dramatically after halftime.
The Rams scored 20 consecutive points, feeding off energy on both sides of the ball and seizing control of the game during a dominant third quarter. Kyren Williams rushed for two touchdowns, while rookie Blake Corum added another score as the Rams improved to 11-3 and earned their eighth win in nine games.
“When we’re firing on all cylinders — man,” nose tackle Kobie Turner said. “You put your foot on the gas, and you leave everybody behind.”
Stafford, Nacua Shine
Stafford consistently carved up Detroit’s secondary, spreading the ball and keeping the Lions off balance. Parkinson hauled in a 26-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to put the Rams back in front, then caught his second score of the night in the fourth quarter — his sixth touchdown in the past six games, surpassing his total from his first five-and-a-half NFL seasons.
Puka Nacua delivered a career performance, catching nine passes for 181 yards — a personal best — as Los Angeles continued its march toward another postseason run.
The Rams are headed to the playoffs for the third straight year and for the seventh time in Sean McVay’s nine seasons as head coach.
Lions Strike Early
Detroit dominated the first half, averaging 8.5 yards per play and building a 24-14 lead just before halftime. Former USC standout Amon-Ra St. Brown torched the Rams’ secondary with 13 receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns.
St. Brown caught a 17-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter after Aidan Hutchinson’s 58-yard interception return set up the score. He added another touchdown in the second quarter and finished the first half with nine catches for 127 yards.
Jared Goff passed for 338 yards and three touchdowns for the Lions (8-6), but Detroit managed just 125 yards of offense in the second half as the Rams’ defense tightened up.
“Third quarter was rough on us,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “They got a jump on us that we couldn’t overcome. Nacua had a huge day. We couldn’t slow him down. Stafford played at a really high level, which we knew he would if we couldn’t disrupt him — and more importantly, stop the run. We weren’t able to do that.”
Discipline, Determination
Los Angeles controlled the trenches and the details, finishing with 30 first downs to Detroit’s 21. The Rams were flagged just twice for eight yards, continuing to lead the league in fewest penalties. Detroit committed four penalties for 25 yards.
“So proud of the resilience, the mental toughness,” McVay said. “And here’s the reality: we punched our ticket to get into the playoffs — good job right there. We didn’t talk about that all week — but now all our preparation turns to Thursday.”
McVay distributed multiple game balls in the locker room, recognizing Kyren Williams, Colby Parkinson and Puka Nacua before handing the final one to Stafford.
Up Next
The Rams will hit the road for a short week, heading to Seattle for a Thursday night showdown as they continue to build momentum heading into the postseason.