Rams Beat Chargers 24-9 With a Second-Half Surge, Sending Justin Herbert and the Bolts to 0-7

The Los Angeles Rams didn’t pick up a first down until the final two minutes of the first half on Sunday. They still beat the Chargers 24-9 at SoFi Stadium, scoring three straight touchdowns to turn a 9-3 deficit into a comfortable win.

The result leaves the Chargers (0-7) as the NFL’s only winless team and extends their worst start since 2000, according to the Associated Press. The Rams (4-4) won back-to-back games for the first time since January.

Chargers vs. Rams: final score and how it happened

The Chargers, coming off their bye, controlled the first half. Their defense held the Rams to zero first downs and 14 yards on Los Angeles’ first 16 plays over five drives, per the Chargers’ recap. The AP reported it was the first time in Sean McVay’s career that his offense went its first five drives without a first down.

Cameron Dicker kicked three field goals, from 34, 46 and 41 yards, for a 9-3 lead. Then the game turned.

Scoring summary (per Chargers.com):

The Rams’ first first down came on a 40-yard completion to Tutu Atwell, and Williams walked in untouched from the 1 with 19 seconds left before halftime. Corum gained 55 yards on the opening drive of the third quarter and capped it with his 23-yard score. Two plays after Trent McDuffie intercepted Herbert, Nacua took a screen 18 yards for the final touchdown.

Justin Herbert stats and the Chargers’ slump

Herbert threw for 257 yards with two interceptions. The AP noted he has thrown at least one interception in all seven games this season. The Chargers totaled 295 yards but haven’t scored a touchdown in nine straight quarters.

“I think the turnovers are what’s stopping us, and that’s something we have to clean up,” Herbert said. “When we’re not converting on third down and not scoring points in the red zone, it’s tough in that regard.”

Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who has kept play-calling duties despite the winless start, dialed up back-to-back flea-flickers in the second quarter to set up a field goal.

Coach Jim Harbaugh struck a defiant tone. “There’s no quit,” he said. “There’s no surrender. It’s going to be an opportunity next week.”

Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Puka Nacua

The Rams were missing injured receiver Davante Adams, but their offense found a rhythm after halftime:

• Matthew Stafford: 157 passing yards, 1 TD
• Puka Nacua: 11 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD
• Blake Corum: 73 rushing yards, 1 TD
• Kyren Williams: 1-yard rushing TD

“This is something that we’ve got to build upon, but it’s not something we can exhale from,” Nacua said.

There was also a lighter moment late. Aaron Donald chased a loose Herbert fumble with open field ahead, but the ball bounced out of bounds before he could scoop it up. “Oh man, I’m going to give him such a hard time about that,” McVay said.

Injury updates

• Chargers: Safety Derwin James (hamstring) missed his fourth straight game and was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Linebacker Daiyan Henley hurt his shoulder in the first quarter but returned.
• Rams: Cornerback Jaylen Watson injured his shoulder early in the second half and didn’t return. McDuffie hurt his back in the second half but was on the sideline in his helmet late in the game.

What’s next

• Chargers (0-7): host the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium next Sunday.
• Rams (4-4): at the Washington Commanders next Sunday.

FAQ

Earlier coverage: Chargers vs. Rams: How to Watch and What to Know as Winless Chargers Face Rams at SoFi Stadium (Nov 1)