Matthew Stafford leads heroic OT drive after Rams blow 23-point lead to Colts
Published in Football
INDIANAPOLIS — Matthew Stafford placed his right foot gingerly on a step up to the podium and winced through a smile. He did the same on the way down.
A few minutes earlier, the Rams' veteran quarterback had completed the latest chapter in his streak of dramatic victories at Lucas Oil Stadium.
And it was all the more impressive because he did it Sunday with a bum right hip.
Stafford's touchdown pass to rookie Puca Nacua in overtime gave the Rams a 29-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and marked the third time in as many games at the venue that Stafford worked his magic.
"I was really happy to get the shot," Stafford said.
Stafford got his opportunity after the Rams blew a 23-0 lead and failed to put the game away late in the fourth quarter.
But just as he did in 2016 with the Detroit Lions and in 2021 with the Rams — and 43 times during his 14-plus NFL seasons — Stafford led his team to victory with a game-winning drive.
Nacua's game-winning play — the first touchdown of his career — was his last of nine catches for 163 yards receiving. Through four games, the fifth-round draft pick has 39 receptions for 510 yards, both NFL rookie records.
Running back Kyren Williams posted the first 100-yard game of his career, gaining 103 yards and scoring two touchdowns in 25 carries.
But it was Stafford who ultimately came through with a performance that helped the Rams end a two-game losing streak and even their record at 2-2.
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