Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on from the tunnel prior to a NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Justin Hollins #58 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Justin Hollins #58 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after sacking quarterback Marcus Mariota (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Justin Hollins #58 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts with teammate defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams after sacking quarterback Marcus Mariota (not pictured) of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts pass intended for wide receiver Bryan Edwards #89 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Allen Robinson II #1 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Allen Robinson II #1 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Darrell Henderson Jr. #27 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Darrell Henderson Jr. #27 of the Los Angeles Rams celeb rates after running for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Rquarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams seats after running back Darrell Henderson Jr. not pictured) of the Los Angeles Rams runs for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defense tackles running back Tyler Allgeier #25 of the Atlanta Falcons for a loss of yards in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Safety Nick Scott #33 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams passes against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Cam Akers #3 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for first down against safety Erik Harris #23 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
running back Cam Akers #3 of the Los Angeles Rams dives for yardage against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defense tackles wide receiver Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons for a loss of yards in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Los Angeles Rams knocks away pass intended for tight end Kyle Pitts #8 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Tight end Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams catches pass for a down against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Cornerback Casey Hayward #29 of the Atlanta Falcons intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for tight end Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Running back Cam Akers #3 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for first down against safety Erik Harris #23 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams fans in the first half of a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams World Championship banners in the first half of a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Offensive tackle Tremayne Anchrum Jr. #72 of the Los Angeles Rams is helped off the field after a injury against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams fan in the first half of a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams fan in the first half of a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams fans in the first half of a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams looks on along with quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons scrambles against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Justin Hollins #58 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons and causes a fumble as the Los Angeles Rams recover the ball in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Linebacker Justin Hollins #58 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks quarterback Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons and causes a fumble as the Los Angeles Rams recover the ball in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams passes against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams catches pass for first down against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass and runs for a touchdown against linebacker Mykal Walker #3 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams reaches for a pass against safety Dean Marlowe #21 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Allen Robinson II #1 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass ands runs for first down against safety Richie Grant #27 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams can’t hold onto a pass in the end one against cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Atlanta Falcons cheers against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Allen Robinson II #1 of the Los Angeles Rams can’t reach a pass in the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams looks toward the video cord against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams runs onto the field prior to a NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. Los Angeles Rams won 31-27. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 31-27 during a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
INGLEWOOD – You know the old adage, “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react”? A prominent pastor is credited with having drawn that up, but it could’ve been any number of football coaches too, including Rams coach Sean McVay.
His team happened into some season-opening turbulence Sept. 8, when they began their title defense by stubbing their toe against the Buffalo Bills, who came west and crashed the party, beating L.A. by 21 points.
Back at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, the Rams happened into more adversity when the Atlanta Falcons undid most of the Rams’ 25-point lead with a second-half charge that pulled them within six points with 5:06 to play.
And wouldn’t you know it, the reigning Super Bowl champions reacted like champs.
They dug in and rectified their mistakes from Week 1. They better protected quarterback Matthew Stafford. They more effectively delegated the workload. And in the end, they got a victory-clinching interception from the man who’d been lambasted on social media for giving up a pair of TDs in the opening loss to Buffalo.
With 1:18 left, Jalen Ramsey pulled what the kids might call a “reverse Moss,” elevating like Randy Moss would when he used to out-sky defensive backs. This time, it was Ramsey climbing the invisible ladder to snatch the ball away from Atlanta receiver Bryan Edwards, taking away a touchdown and sealing the 31-27 victory.
But if that seems like an impressive response after getting beat in Week 1 by Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, I hope you heard Ramsey in the immediate aftermath of that loss, when he neither ducked reporters nor the criticism he knew was bubbling up online.
“There’s nothing that anybody can tell me that I haven’t already told myself, times 10, probably,” Ramsey said then. “I cuss myself out in my mind, worse than anybody that I could ever speak to. That’s just how I am and the standards I hold myself to. That’s how much I care because I want to make things right, do things right for my teammates and the organization.”
On Sunday, he punctuated his previous comments justly: “I’m him!” Ramsey yelled into a camera on the sideline. “I love when they count me out!”
Similarly, Stafford – whose two interceptions brought his season total to five picks to go with four touchdowns – promised his miscues will bother him more than they’ll bother you, if they’re bothering you.
The 14th-year NFL QB also swore he’d learn from them: “Each game is a new opportunity to go out there and play at a high level. There were two plays from this game I can clean up? Absolutely. Are there a lot of good plays to take from it? Yes … I’ll definitely look inward and try to figure out a way to make sure those things don’t happen.”
Whatever soul searching Stafford did after an uninspiring opener – he went 29 for 41, threw just one TD and was sacked seven times, the most for a QB in McVay’s tenure leading the Rams – properly set the table Sunday for the Rams’ first victory.
Before intermission, Stafford – who was sacked just once Sunday – completed 14 of his first 16 passes for two touchdowns.
The first of his TD passes went to Allen Robinson, the $46.5 million addition at receiver who’d been an afterthought in the opener, when he was targeted just twice. On Sunday, Stafford looked his way five times and Robinson snagged four catches for 53 yards.
It didn’t count, but Stafford and Robinson actually also connected on a second TD before halftime, though the play was blown dead on account of an officials’ medical timeout. (“Medical timeout,” Stafford muttered postgame, sounding like he was doing an impression of Jerry Seinfeld’s joke-sneering “Newman!”)
The Rams’ response to that ill-timed pause fit with Sunday’s read-and-react theme: Stafford sent his next pass to Cooper Kupp for an over-the-shoulder basket catch that put L.A. up 21-3 with 18 seconds left until halftime.
Robinson wasn’t the only member of the Rams to get more burn Sunday. Cam Akers – who was curiously limited to three carries in the opener, after which McVay alluded to the running back’s insufficient level of urgency – finished with a team-high 15 carries for 44 yards.
“Got more reps, got more burn, made the most of it,” Akers said Sunday, noting that what that told him was this: “Do more of what I did today.”
Rookie cornerback Cobie Durant was pleased to get his opportunities too, chances that resulted in heartburn for Atlanta quarterback Marcus Mariota.
On the field for his first official NFL snaps, the 5-foot-11 former South Carolina State Bulldog registered his first interception (which he returned for 51 yards) and his first sack.
And how did the newcomer respond? By doing exactly what Stafford planned to, thinking about how he’ll react better the next time after a welcome-to-the-NFL moment that happened upon him late in the game.
“He hurdled me,” Durant said of the Falcons’ rookie receiver Drake London, the former Moorpark and USC star with basketball hops. “So I’ma tackle with my head up, so I won’t get hurdled. That’s something that I learned.”
McVay’s reaction to the Rams’ first victory: “Man, there are so many things we can clean up. But I’ll tell you what, I haven’t been doing this that long, but I’ve been doing it long enough to know you never take a win for granted in this league.”
Stuff happened, as it tends to, but the Rams have started this season by championing resilience.
