(Credit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
The Rams lost the game with 09 seconds left on the clock. It was enough time for Brady and the Buccaneers to put together a game-winning drive and snap a three-game losing streak. Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady said it best, “that was awesome.”
Brady threw the ball 58 times and became the first NFL player to reach 100,000 passing yards (regular and postseason) in his career. “I’m very fortunate to play with great players, people who catch the football, great coaches, and being down here has been an amazing experience for me,” Brady said of the achievement. Ultimately, Brady said he only cared about the win.
(Brevin Townsell / LA Rams)
For both teams, the game was lackluster until the last 44 seconds. With no timeouts left, Brady found rookie tight end Cade Otton with a 28-yard strike into the Rams’ territory. Brady would complete passes to Leonard Fournette and Scotty Miller to move the ball 21 yards and get to the Rams’ seven-yard line.
Related Stories
Brother-Coach Duo Revamps Bellflower Football
Booker, Paul Lead Suns in 112-95 Win Over Clippers
Brady looked for and found receiver Mike Evans who did not come up with the ball, but Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick received a pass interference call. With nine seconds left from the Rams’ one-yard line, Brady found tight end Otton for a 1-yard score, Otton’s first TD of the season. It was Brady’s 55th career game-winning drive.
(Brevin Townsell /LA Rams)
Cooper Kupp scored the only touchdown in the first half on a 69-yard catch from quarterback Matthew Stafford. Kupp, nursing an ankle injury, finished the game with 127 yards on eight receptions and one touchdown. Stafford, sacked four times, finished with 165 yards, 13-for-27. “There’s really no other way to put it, this is a tough pill to swallow,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.
On the defensive side of the ball, there were a few bright spots for the Rams. Linebacker Bobby Wagner blocked a Bucs field goal, and All-Pro lineman Aaron Donald sacked Brady on fourth down and batted away a pass to force a punt. Rams kicker Matt Gay kicked field goals of 26 and 35 yards after the half, and it looked as if the Rams would hold on to win. The Rams could not run out the clock on their final possession, ending the possibility of a much-needed road win.
(Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
The Rams, 3-5, are now third in the NFC West behind the Seahawks and 49ers.
And then there was this interesting and little-known game fact; Ram’s team doctor and sports surgeon Neal ElAttrache rebuilt Brady’s knee 14 years ago. According to the LA Times, “the two have been close friends since .”And what did Dr. ElAttrache have to say about his patient? “Of all competitors, you’ve got to think hard to find a better one than Tommy. You can never count him out. If he’s standing, you’d better be ready to play until the last second.” The Rams face the Arizona Cardinals at home next Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
