Matthew Stafford's first half Houdini act is keeping Rams dream alive

No matter what the game looks like, it seems that LA Rams fans are quick to grab the pitchfork and torches to march on SoFi Stadium and demand that anyone and everyone associated with this young (and quite inexpensive) defense be fired, released, or sent packing in the dead of night. But this game was never going to be won on the backs of the defense.

The Minnesota Vikings offense is a high-octane scoring machine. And they had managed to outscore their opponents by a score of 52-3 before facing the Rams. That first quarter proficiency grew to 66 to 10 by the end of the first quarter in Week 8. The Rams defense is lucky to hold the Vikings to punt the football. So far, the defense has forced the Vikings to punt twice.

Meanwhile, the slumbering Rams offense has seemingly sprung to life. Before Week 8, Matthew Stafford had only managed to throw three touchdowns. That works out ot a horrible start to the 2024 NFL season. But don't despair quite yet. Stafford has already thrown for two touchdowns on Thursday Night Football, including this phenomenal job of escaping the Vikings pass rush and finding his trusty teammate, WR Cooper Kupp, all alone in the end zone:

Houdini himself would be proud of Stafford's ability to escape on this play.

The score is tied at the half.

Halftime Score

• Minnesota Vikings 14
• Los Angeles Rams 14

But there are several reasons to be optimistic.

The first reason is the most basic. The Rams open the second half with the football. And in this game, the team with the most possessions is the most likely to win. But there are more reasons to look up. You see, the Vikings have won five games by crushing opponents early in the game, and then coasting for the win.

The Detroit Lions won the game in Week 7 by chipping away at the Vikings lead, In that game, the Vikings jumped out to a 10-0 lead.

The longer the Rams stay close in this game, the greater the likelihood for Darnold to make a mistake. He threw an interception and was sacked four times in Week 7. The LA Rams already have a sack in this one, And just before the half, Vikings OT Christian Darrisaw appeared to suffer a knee injury.

The Rams have a chance. The second half is underway.

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