The defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams began their season at the hot and humid SoFi Stadium Thursday night against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, and despite scoring a few exciting moments, they didn’t appear to be the defending Super Bowl champs that they are.
On the Bills first drive of the season, Josh Allen found Gabe Davis for a 26-yard touchdown.
After that, it was an ineffective back-and-forth game, because both teams committed turnovers. The Bills defense was unable to make use of the Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's interception. Allen gave two interceptions. Rookie player James Cook fumbled his first rush attempt. That led to Stafford to find wide receiver Cooper Kupp for a touchdown after the Bills were up by 10-0. Kupp was the top scorer of every wide receiver with touchdowns during last season.
The Rams tied the game before halftime, thanks a field goal by Matt Gay. In the third quarter, when the score was 10-10, the Rams lost the ball, but they were able to get it back and had to punt.
The Bills appeared to be no trouble gaining yards against the Rams’ defense throughout the game. After the Rams’ loss of the ball, Josh Allen brought his team down the field to find wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie for the touchdown. The Bills were leading 17-10. After another Rams punt, Allen found Davis for a 47-yard reception, and a bit after, the Bills quarterback ran in the touchdown, which extended the Bills lead to 24-10.
The next drive, Stafford threw a pass to Kupp which bounced off the ground and was intercepted by the Bills’ defense. Allen converted the interception to a touchdown of 53 yards to Stefon Diggs, extending the gap to 31-10.
Then Stafford threw another interception; however, the Bills were unable to capitalize to score this time. The Rams’ defense was able to force a fumble, however the Rams did not manage to score, and the Bills took the lead 31-10.
Rams running back Cam Akers only saw three attempts at rushing during the game. He had zero yards at the end.
Stat-Leaders for the match:
Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 26-of-31 of his pass attempts for 297 yards, three touchdowns thrown, two interceptions; he added 10 rush attempts for 56 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught 8-of-9 of his targets for 122 yards and one touchdown; while Gabe Davis caught 4-of-5 of his targets for 88 yards and one touchdown.
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp caught 13-of-15 targets for 128 yards and one touchdown.
The Bills defense finished the game with six sacks, two interceptions, and allowed just 10 points.
The Rams defense finished with two interceptions, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery; however, they allowed 31 points.
Three crucial matches to be watched on Sunday:
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Arizona Cardinals vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In Week 2 of the season, the Rams will play their opponents the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, while the Bills return to host their rivals the Tennesse Titans on Monday Night Football.
