The Rams opened the season with a low-scoring but action-packed victory over the Texans at SoFi Stadium. Quarterback Matthew Stafford left any doubts about his health behind by throwing for 245 yards and a touchdown, 130 of which went to wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Meanwhile, the defense locked down Houston's offense, allowing zero touchdowns. Inside linebacker Nate Landman's punch-out late in the fourth quarter helped Los Angeles seal the victory, while an interception from Cobie Durant and three total sacks helped keep Houston out of the end zone all game.
Here are five interesting stats from the Rams' 14-9 victory over the Texans (all ranks pre-Monday Night Football):
#### Rams had the seventh-highest defensive pressure rate in Week 1, via Next Gen Stats
The Rams pressured quarterback C.J. Stroud on 41.2% of his dropbacks on Sunday. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse led the way with four, while safety Quentin Lake, outside linebacker Byron Young and inside linebacker Omar Speights all registered two.
Seven other players tied with one, including safety Jaylen McCollough and defensive end Tyler Davis, who both collected sacks along with Young. L.A. ranked ninth in sack rate at 8.8%.
#### Stafford's five big time throws led the league, via Pro Football Focus
A big-time throw is defined as "a pass with excellent ball location and timing, generally thrown further down the field and/or into a tighter window." Stafford didn't complete five such throws in a single game once last season, but did so in the season opener against one of the toughest defenses in the league.
His back injury, which held him out of training camp and the majority of preseason practices, seemed like a thing of the past. Stafford said he "felt great" in the season opener.