Shocking Rams Game Start: Stafford, Higbee Strike First

Image Source: CBS Sports

The rams game between Los Angeles and the Denver Broncos began with the visitors controlling the tempo on Sunday Night Football. Matthew Stafford guided the Rams down the field early, while the Broncos struggled to generate consistent offensive momentum at Empower Field at Mile High.

Los Angeles entered the Week 3 matchup at 1-1 after a dominant win over the New York Giants. Denver also carried a 1-1 record into the nationally televised contest after rallying past the Jacksonville Jaguars. With both teams viewed as potential playoff contenders, the game carried significant early-season importance.

A Powerful Rams Game Opening Gives Los Angeles Control

The Rams opened the scoring with an impressive 11-play, 63-yard drive. Stafford capped the possession with a touchdown pass to Tyler Higbee, who slipped into the flat after appearing to block down. Higbee then beat Riley Moss near the goal line to give Los Angeles a 7-0 advantage.

The scoring drive highlighted Stafford’s patience and the Rams’ ability to move the football methodically. Rather than relying on one explosive play, Los Angeles repeatedly picked up manageable yardage and kept Denver’s defense on the field. The Rams also converted a crucial fourth-and-3 near midfield with a quick pass to Kyren Williams.

Denver challenged the ruling on the fourth-down completion, but the call was upheld. That conversion extended the drive and helped Los Angeles maintain field position before Higbee delivered the first major offensive breakthrough of the night.

Stafford Finds Higbee as Rams Attack Without Puka Nacua

The Rams entered the matchup without Puka Nacua, who was listed as doubtful and remained unavailable. His absence placed additional responsibility on Davante Adams, Higbee and the rest of Los Angeles’ receiving group.

Adams had produced a spectacular performance the previous week, catching eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants. The Broncos presented a far more difficult challenge, particularly with cornerback Patrick Surtain II expected to see plenty of coverage snaps against the veteran wide receiver.

Higbee’s touchdown provided Stafford with an important alternative target. The veteran quarterback also appeared to benefit from the Rams’ commitment to play-action concepts and short, efficient throws designed to keep Denver’s pass rush from taking over.

Broncos Defense Shows Pressure Despite Early Deficit

Denver’s defense did create a few problems for Stafford during the opening quarter. The Broncos recorded a sack on Los Angeles’ first possession, ending a promising drive after Stafford failed to spot a wide-open Terrance Ferguson on an earlier play.

That pressure continued a trend from the previous season, when Denver led the NFL with 68 sacks. The Broncos’ pass rush remains one of the team’s most important strengths, especially against an experienced quarterback such as Stafford.

However, the defense could not prevent Los Angeles from producing points on its next extended possession. Denver’s offense also missed an opportunity when Wil Lutz’s field-goal attempt struck the left upright and bounced away. The miss kept the Broncos off the scoreboard and preserved the Rams’ early lead.

Los Angeles Adds a Critical Field Goal

Los Angeles extended its advantage to 10-0 when Harrison Mevis converted a 36-yard field goal. The Rams had moved into scoring range before a penalty on Steve Avila and a dropped screen pass by Konata Mumpfield stalled the drive.

Even without finishing the possession with a touchdown, the field goal gave the Rams a valuable two-score cushion. The early margin was especially important because Denver had shown the ability to rally in its previous game against Jacksonville.

Terrance Ferguson was also listed as questionable to return with an ankle injury. Los Angeles had five active tight ends available, but Ferguson’s explosiveness was valuable for an offense already operating without Nacua.

What the Early Score Means for Both Teams

The result remained unresolved in the available live updates, but the opening stretch favored Los Angeles in nearly every key area. The Rams controlled possession, converted a fourth down and finished two scoring drives. Denver, meanwhile, missed a field goal and struggled to sustain its first offensive opportunities.

• Los Angeles moved ahead 7-0 on Stafford’s touchdown pass to Higbee.
• Harrison Mevis added a 36-yard field goal for a 10-0 Rams lead.
• Denver’s defense recorded an early sack of Stafford.
• Wil Lutz missed after his attempt hit the left upright.
• Puka Nacua was unavailable for Los Angeles.

The rest of the contest was expected to center on whether Bo Nix could settle into the game and whether Denver’s defense could create another turnover or sack. For Los Angeles, the priority was protecting the lead, managing injuries and continuing to find production from Adams, Higbee and Kyren Williams.

As reported in the CBS Sports live updates, the Rams’ fast start placed pressure on Denver to respond before halftime. A comeback would keep the Broncos firmly in contention, while another Los Angeles scoring drive could make the deficit increasingly difficult to overcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored first in the Rams game?

Los Angeles scored first when Matthew Stafford connected with Tyler Higbee for a touchdown during an 11-play, 63-yard drive.

What was the score in the early Rams game updates?

The Rams led the Broncos 10-0 after Harrison Mevis made a 36-yard field goal.

Was Puka Nacua playing?

No. Puka Nacua was unavailable, increasing the workload for Davante Adams, Tyler Higbee and the rest of the Rams’ offense.

What happened to Wil Lutz?

Wil Lutz missed a field-goal attempt after the kick struck the left upright.

Where was the game played?

The matchup took place at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver during Week 3 of the NFL season.