INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Fueled by a hot start to the first half with touchdowns by both sides of the ball, the Rams (9-2) dominated the Buccaneers 34-7 Sunday night at SoFi Stadium.
The victory extended the Rams' win streak to six games, and, combined with the Eagles' loss to the Cowboys Sunday afternoon, moved them into first place in the NFC going into Week 13.
Los Angeles quickly built a 21-0 point lead over Tampa Bay (6-5) via a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Davante Adams, a 50-yard interception return by cornerback Cobie Durant, then a 5-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to tight end Colby Parkinson – all before the 10 minute mark of the second quarter. A 24-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Adams and a 40-yard field goal by kicker Harrison Mevis had the Rams up 31-7 by halftime. That field goal was Mevis' first of his NFL career; he made both of his attempts (the other from 52) and all four extra point attempts Sunday night.
With M-V-P chants following each touchdown pass, Stafford completed 25 of 35 pass attempts for 273 yards and three touchdowns in the win. He started the game 12 for 12 for 121 yards and one touchdown before his first incompletion, which was knocked out of the receiver's grasp by the defender.
Defensively, outside linebacker Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Jared Verse finished with two sacks each on a night the Rams celebrated franchise legend Aaron Donald.
Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield sustained a left shoulder injury that had him doubtful to return before being downgraded to out. Teddy Bridgewater took over for Mayfield in the second half.
Here is the complete game recap, presented by Hyundai:
After a defensive stop at midfield on the opening series, the Rams capitalized on the ensuing possession via a 1-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Adams to take a 7-0 lead with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter.