INGLEWOOD, Calif. – As running back Kyren Williams flipped into the end zone over 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, SoFi Stadium erupted.
The 15-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Matthew Stafford saw Williams catch a choice route out of the backfield for the Rams' first score of the day. The route was pristine, as he got a step on the linebacker in man coverage, and the finish was even better. It wasn't even the first time this season that Williams has flipped his way to six points, but this move was a bit more spectacular than his Week 1 somersault.
"That's probably my favorite play in the install this week because coach McVay was going to give me the opportunity to go make plays in the pass game." Williams said. "So when he called that play… and I seen who was on me I was like 'oh yeah, I'm about to go win this...' I seen the safety about ready to tackle my toes and I was like 'screw it, I'm gonna jump over him.'"
Williams said he was upset that he didn't land it because he's "better than that."
Williams finished the game with 89 rushing yards, 27 receiving yards and three total touchdowns, two on the ground and one through the air. Williams' 26 touches and 116 total yards were both season highs in the Rams' first win of the 2024 season, 27-24 over their division rival.
According to Next Gen Stats, the Rams pounded the rock to the right side, where the starting offensive linemen, Kevin Dotson and Rob Havenstein, are healthy. Williams received 18 carries for 69 to the right side, as McVay put an emphasis on feeding Williams, and had a clear plan to maximize his effi.
"I thought it was a big deal (to get Williams the ball)," McVay said postgame.
Williams became the first Rams player since Marshall Faulk (2001) to rush for a touchdown in six-straight games. He achieved that with a three-yard score in the third quarter that brought the Rams to within seven.
In the fourth quarter, after kicker Jake Moody missed a 55-yard field goal that would have put the 49ers up by two scores, Williams punched it in from four yards out for his third touchdown of the game. He then ran to the stands and passed the ball to his mom before the extra point tied the game at 24 with under two minutes remaining. But Williams knew there was still work to be done.
"I don't really try to get too excited," Williams said. "I really try to stay even-keeled because I know when you get excited and you start expecting things, those things don't come."
So, Williams kept his expectations to a minimum, instead focusing on the work ahead, and his hopes of a win came true after a 37-yard game winner from rookie kicker Joshua Karty.
Today, Williams' versatility shined and put the Rams over the top. He ran through and around 49ers defenders while also showcasing elite route running and awareness in the passing game. Without some key offensive pieces, Williams knew he had to show up in all facets of the game on Sunday, and that's exactly what he did.
"These are the games where you bring just a little bit more juice," Williams said. "These are the games where you can't wait to play, where everybody's doubting you... That's the types of things that we feel for sure but it's something that fuels us."
