The New Orleans Saints made their first and only trip to the west coast this season on Sunday to visit the Los Angeles Rams. They would have to do so without their two best defenders in the secondary, Marshon Lattimore and Ken Crawley.

The Saints were coming into this match-up riding an eight game winning streak and looking to continue dominating in the NFC.

However, this Rams team is no slouch as they came into this match-up 7-3 on the season after having just lost to the Minnesota Vikings last week.

This game started off with a bang for the Rams as they would get on the board first. Quarterback Jared Goff was able to find his groove with number one wide receiver Sammy Watkins. The two hooked up for a 24 yard strike and then a quick slant to finish off the drive with a touchdown.

The Saints weren't able to answer and the Rams would get the ball back looking to garner a big early advantage.

They would engineer a 5 minute and 28 second drive that culminated in three points as the Saints defense bent but didn't break. 10-0 Rams.

The Saints needed an answer, where would it come? Two words, Alvin Kamara.

74 yards to the house, this kid is electric. 10-7.

From there both teams would exchange a couple punts and then the Rams would get a big play in which Kenny Vaccaro gave up on a deep pass from Goff to Cooper Kupp that resulted in 53 yards.

That big play would lead to a Goff to Josh Reynolds connection for a score to increase the LA lead to 17-7.

The Saints would tack on a field goal by Wil Lutz before half and the score was a manageable 17-10.

As the second half opened up with the Saints getting the ball first and looking to tie the game, they wouldn't be able to do so.

Cam Jordan was doing all he could on defense to make up for the absences of Ken Crawley and Marshon Lattimore. Two sacks, two tackles for loss, and two passes knocked down.

The Rams would add on two field goals to open the second half scoring as the Saints were shutout in the third quarter.

With the Saints trailing 23-10 in the 4th quarter and converting one 4th down from the Rams 38 yard line, they had another chance on 4th down from the 3 yard line. Decision time for head coach Sean Payton and he decided to kick the field goal. Lutz would convert and the lead was cut back to ten.

From there the Saints offense had another opportunity but couldn't do anything with it and on the ensuing possession it was a beautiful balance of run and pass for the Rams. They truly looked as though they were playing to win the game instead of playing not to lose.

That said drive would last another 5:28 and really take the air out of New Orleans. Los Angeles would only come away with a field goal but the time off the clock would be enough to put the Saints in a really tough position.

The Saints were looking for some more magic like they were able to find last week and they were able to work the sidelines and get themselves down and score with 1:44 remaining. 26-20 Rams.

An on-side kick recovery would be needed for the Saints to have a shot. Unfortunately, it was not to be as the Rams recovered and were able to kneel out the remainder of time off the clock.

The eight game winning streak came to an end. New Orleans falls to 8-3 and LA improves to 8-3.

What's on Tap?

Next week the New Orleans Saints head home to take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday December 3 at 3:25pm.

 

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