Rams defeat 0-7 Chargers 24-9 at SoFi Stadium

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Diego Chargers 24-9 on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, marking the team's second straight win of the season. The victory improved the Rams' record to 4-4. The Chargers fell to 0-7, their first such start since the 2000 season.

The Rams began the game slowly, generating only 24 yards over their first five possessions. They were zero for five on third down during that stretch. By the end of the first half, however, Kyren Williams rushed for a short touchdown in the final minute to give the Rams a 10-9 lead. The play capped a 66-yard, five-drive sequence.

San Diego quarterback Justin Herbert completed 24 of 32 passes for 257 yards. He threw his 10th interception of the season, extending his league-leading total. The Chargers' offense, the lowest-scoring in the NFL before the game, failed to capitalize on its opportunities. Receiver Ladd McConkey caught a 54-yard pass from Herbert on the final play of the first half at the one-yard line.

The Rams controlled the second half. Blake Corum rushed for 32 yards on four carries to start the third quarter. He finished the game with 73 yards on 11 carries. Corum scored on a 23-yard run to extend the Rams' lead to 17-9. Later in the third quarter, cornerback Trent McDuffie intercepted a pass, setting up Puka Nacua's 18-yard touchdown reception that made the score 24-9.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 17 of 25 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown. He also threw one interception. Nacua led the receiving corps with 11 catches for 80 yards. Williams added 56 rushing yards on 16 carries. Safety Quentin Lake and McDuffie each recorded interceptions during the game.

The Rams had not won two consecutive games earlier this season. Head coach Sean McVay told reporters this week that he did not care about the Chargers' record. He stated, "I would hope that we're mature and professional enough to know that we have to be able to have the right focus, concentration, level of urgency." The Rams' defense forced turnovers to keep the winless Chargers at bay.

Both teams will remain in action next week. The Rams will play at Washington, followed by a game at Arizona. They will then have a short bye before hosting the Green Bay Packers. Injuries affected the Rams' secondary, as McDuffie and Jaylen Watson left the game with back and shoulder issues, respectively. The Rams' offense led the NFL in yards per game entering the contest but struggled early before finding rhythm in the second half.