3 initial takeaways from Rams' Week 8 win: offense sputters early, defense locks in

For Los Angeles Rams fans, Week 8 facing the winless Chargers seemed as winnable a game as we'll get in 2026. Ultimately, they came through.

But rather stunningly, the offense opened the game by failing to gain a first down in five possessions. On the first series, Matthew Stafford threw another interception. With LA's early-game struggles this season, that felt like torture.

It was not until Stafford connected with Tutu Atwell for a 40-yard reception that the Rams successfully moved the chains. Two more completions to set up Kyren Williams for a one-yard touchdown plunge.

The passing offense was largely ineffective throughout the game. With the exception of a handful of plays, the Rams sputtered. Failing to attempt many runs early in the game allowed the Chargers to control the clock, double the home team in yards gained, and keep the Horns on their heels throughout the first half. Fans didn't need that type of scare.

Could LA somehow find a way to get back to running the football?

3 initial observations from Rams' 24-9 win over Chargers

1. Run game fixed early offensive sputters

The Rams ran for miles in Week 7 against the Raiders. But against a similarly poor Chargers run defense, they continued to pass. That's very questionable play calling, as the offense entered the game without tight ends Colby Parkinson and Terrence Ferguson, or wide receiver Davante Adams.

At halftime, LA had recorded just one first down. The offense averaged 1.6 yards per play until that final scoring drive. Stafford was ineffective during the first five possessions, but the offense continued lean on the passing game.

LA did not convert its first third down until less than seven minutes remained in the third quarter.

2. Matthew Stafford started cold again

Yes, Stafford is still the king of fourth-quarter comebacks. But his inability to start the game at anything close to above-average sometimes sets the stage for those comebacks. In Week 8, the Horns allowed nearly a whole half to elapse before recording their first first down.

Even when Stafford was completing passes, he seemed uncomfortable in the pocket. He ended 17 of 25 passes for 157 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and was sacked once.

Stafford connected with Puka Nacua 11 times, and with Atwell twice.

Thankfully, the running backs showed up. LA ran 27 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Better still, once the running backs heated up, so did the defense.

3. Rams defense stymied the Chargers

Even without many key starters, the defense was superb. And to be fair, it's been the defense that has emerged as the key to winning games this season. Against the Chargers, defensive coordinator Chris Shula's crew often found itself at a disadvantage in field position and time of possession.

But this defense stepped up once more. It kept the Bolts out of the end zone, held the Chargers offense to just 64 rushing yards on 25 carries, and did not allow any receiver to get hot enough to turn the game to the visitor's advantage.

The Rams needed this win and got it. This was the first time all year that they have strung together two victories. It was ugly, but it produced a beautiful result. The LA Rams improved to .500 and kept their playoff hopes alive for another week.

As always, thanks for reading.

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