Marcus Spears and Dan Orlovsky have reacted to the news that Christian Darrisaw will be sidelined for the entire season due to a knee injury.
Inglewood, California – The Los Angeles Rams have struggled throughout the season due to injuries to key players, particularly star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. However, their return for a prime-time game marked a turning point for the team, showcased in a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
Kupp contributed a touchdown reception, while Nacua recorded 106 receiving yards, both players showing the impact they have been missing throughout the season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 279 yards and achieved four touchdown passes, leading the Rams (3-4) to their second consecutive victory for the first time this season.
“They brought a lot of energy to our team, and a ton of confidence,” Stafford noted, highlighting the team’s renewed vigor. Before their return, Stafford had thrown just three touchdowns in the first six games. “It’s not only just the offense. I know the defense feels it too when those guys are out there making plays,” he added.
Nacua, who missed five games prior, had seven receptions, marking his eighth career game with over 100 yards. Kupp returned from a four-game absence and made five catches for 51 yards, including a pivotal 27-yard reception late in the game.
“It was just so much fun,” Kupp expressed. “Offensively, we were just able to find ways to keep the sticks moving. Guys were just doing their jobs, and it was pretty cool to see us going.”
Kyren Williams also made a significant contribution, rushing for 97 yards and catching an early touchdown. Demarcus Robinson caught two touchdown passes from Stafford, including a 25-yard touchdown that put Los Angeles ahead and a 10-yard touchdown catch late in the game to extend their lead.
The Rams’ defense also stepped up, as Byron Young sealed the game with a safety against Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold with 1:36 remaining, despite grabbing Darnold’s facemask on the play without a penalty being called. The victory marked a significant turnaround for the Rams, who entered the bye week with a 1-4 record.
“I believe in this group,” stated coach Sean McVay, who achieved his 80th victory, setting a record for the most wins in Rams history. “I saw resolve. I didn’t see a flinch. … We’ve done a good job of getting ourselves back to where we wanted to be.”
McVay’s win also marked his first meeting against Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who previously served as his offensive coordinator during their Super Bowl-winning season three years ago.
“We were close on some plays,” O’Connell admitted. “But when you’re playing against that quarterback, and those receivers getting healthy and getting out there and making some plays for them, it just comes down to whether we can get enough rush and coverage working together.”
Darnold passed for 240 yards for the Vikings (5-2), who faced a lackluster defensive effort after suffering their first loss of the season. Minnesota lost starting left tackle Darrisaw to a knee injury late in the first half.
Justin Jefferson led the Vikings with eight receptions totaling 115 yards, and both Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield caught touchdown passes from Darnold. The Vikings managed only two field goals in the last three quarters.
“As an offense, we’ve got to just be more consistent,” Darnold remarked. “The facemask, it is what it is. I thought we could have done a lot to not put ourselves in the situation we were in.”
Stafford accomplished at least four touchdown passes for the 16th time in his career, moving past Dan Marino for ninth place in NFL history in total completions. Both teams found the end zone during their initial drives, impressing a sellout crowd at SoFi Stadium.
Byron Murphy intercepted an off-target pass from Stafford in the third quarter, allowing Minnesota to go up 17-14 on a drive extended by a spectacular one-handed reception from Jefferson.
Injuries have also complicated matters for both teams. For the Vikings, tight end T.J. Hockenson and guard Dalton Risner were out, with Darrisaw’s injury occurring while attempting to run out the clock before halftime. Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington was inactive due to a shoulder injury, while safety Kam Curl returned after injuring his knee in the first quarter.
Looking ahead, the Vikings will host the Indianapolis Colts on November 3, while the Rams will take on the Seattle Seahawks on the same day.