Matthew Stafford throws four touchdowns, Rams beat Patriots 28-22

After a clunker Monday night, the Rams needed a bounce-back performance against a miserable Patriots team.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford was happy to oblige, throwing for four touchdowns in a 28-22 victory Sunday afternoon.

While Los Angeles’ offense got off to a slow start, the unit got going in the second quarter with an 80-yard drive that ended with Stafford’s first touchdown of the day — a 5-yard pass to Cooper Kupp.

It didn’t take long for the Rams to score again, as a strip-sack by Drake Maye resulted in Los Angeles getting the ball at the New England 12. On the first play of the possession, Stafford connected with Puka Nacua for a touchdown to give LA a 14-7 lead.

Kicker Joshua Karty missed a 26-yard field goal from the right upright to end the second quarter. But the Rams started the second half with a 69-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Kupp – giving Kupp his first multi-reception touchdown game since Week 2 of the 2022 season.

Stafford threw his fourth TD on the following drive, completing a pass in the back of the end zone to tight end Colby Parkinson for a 19-yard score.

It was the 17th time Stafford threw at least four touchdowns in a game in his career. He last did it a few weeks ago when the Rams defeated the Vikings.

Stafford finished the game 18-of-27 for 295 yards with four TDs and no picks — good for a 142.7 passer rating.

Nacua led with seven catches for 123 yards with a touchdown. Kupp had six catches for 106 yards with two touchdowns. Kyren Williams picked up 86 yards on 15 carries.

On the other hand, the Patriots had several opportunities deep in Los Angeles territory, but ended up settling for field goals. Down 21-10 midway through the third quarter, New England had fourth-and-goal at the LA 2, and head coach Jerod Mayo opted to settle for a field goal. A delay of game penalty pushed the club back, meaning Joey Slye’s kick was well from 25 yards.

Then, down 29-19 in the fourth quarter, the Patriots lined up to go for it on fourth-and-1 at the LA 19. But Ja’Lynn Polk committed a false start penalty, forcing New England to settle for a 42-yard field goal goal to make the score 28-22.

The Patriots had one last opportunity for a two-minute drive. But after Maye was sacked for the third time on the day, he threw an interception to Kamren Kinchens that effectively ended the game.

Maye completed 30-of-40 passes for 282 yards with two touchdowns and the lone interception, though he also lost a fumble.

With the win, the Rams are now 5-5 and still on top of things in the NFC West. It was Sean McVay’s 75th regular season win, tied for most in franchise history with the late John Robinson. Los Angeles will face Philadelphia in Week 12 Sunday night football.

At 3-8, the Patriots will be headed to a divisional matchup against the Dolphins in Week 12.