PHILADELPHIA — The Los Angeles Rams overcame a challenging start and late-game adversity to rally past the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. The victory marked a significant breakthrough for Rams head coach Sean McVay, who had struggled against the Eagles and their coach Nick Sirianni in previous meetings.
Philadelphia, missing key offensive players including wide receiver DeVonta Smith and left tackle Lane Johnson, was further hampered when star running back Saquon Barkley left early with a hamstring injury. The Eagles, who entered the game 2-2, struggled offensively throughout, failing to convert any of their 12 third-down attempts and finishing with just 172 total yards. Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 12 of 27 passes for 93 yards and threw two touchdowns to receiver Darius Cooper. The Eagles took a 20-10 lead into halftime, boosted by two interceptions that led to 10 points, including a late touchdown catch from Cooper.
The Rams, also 2-2 after the win, faced numerous challenges, including turnovers, penalties, and special teams miscues. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, had a mixed performance, completing 32 of 51 passes for 317 yards but throwing two interceptions. Despite intermittent struggles, Stafford led two late touchdown drives in the fourth quarter that secured the comeback. He rallied the offense after a penalty had stalled a promising drive late in the third quarter, inspiring confidence among his teammates to push for the win.
Running back Kyren Williams emerged as a key figure in the comeback, rushing for 80 yards on 15 carries and scoring two crucial touchdowns in the final four minutes. Receiver Puka Nacua, returning after missing two games, caught nine passes for 125 yards and contributed a rushing touchdown, marking career highs in receptions and yards for the game. The Rams offense, which had been stymied for much of the afternoon, capitalized on the Eagles' decision to go for it on fourth down late in the third quarter rather than kicking a field goal, a gamble that ultimately gave the Rams an opportunity to tie the game.
Defensively, the Rams held the Eagles to only one successful fourth-down conversion and forced key stops, including two sacks from edge rusher Byron Young during Philadelphia’s final drive, sealing the win. Despite eight penalties that cost them 100 yards, the defense kept the Rams within striking distance throughout the contest.
The win provides a measure of redemption for the Rams, who had previously been 1-6 against the Eagles and winless at Lincoln Financial Field against them under McVay. It also offers hope for the team's prospects as they anticipate the return of key defensive players currently sidelined with injuries, including Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett.
Looking ahead, the Rams will face the Buffalo Bills, who improved to 3-1 after a loss to the New England Patriots, carrying momentum from this hard-fought victory rather than attempting to rebound from a deeper deficit. The outcome in Philadelphia could prove pivotal for the Rams' confidence as the season progresses.