The Los Angeles Rams improved to a perfect 8-0 in Week 8, beating the Packers 29-27 in L.A.
The Rams started slow, but finished in typical Rams-fashion, behind running back Todd Gurley, aggressive play-calling by head coach Sean McVay, and a late takeaway from strong special teams play.
Here are seven stats that stood out in Week 8 against the Packers:
1.GURLEY BREAKS RECORDS
Running back Todd Gurley set a Rams franchise record with his third-quarter touchdown on Sunday — giving him the most touchdowns through the first eight games of the season in Rams history (15).
Gurley has now found the endzone in 11-straight games, which ties the franchise record for most consecutive games with a touchdown. Gurley matched former Ram Elroy Hirsch's record set in 1951.
2. HEKKER PASSING
All-Pro veteran punter Johnny Hekker took on the role of a passer midway through the second quarter when the Rams successfully executed a fake punt.
On 4th-and-3 from the L.A. 45, Hekker calmly stepped forward and threw a strike to cornerback Sam Shields for a gain of 12 yards and a first down on the left side.
The trick-play caught the Packers return team off-guard and was a much-needed conversion for the Rams in the first half. Hekker punted seven times on Sunday — with five coming in the first half. Entering Week 8, Hekker had only punted 15 times through seven games.
Hekker was 9-of-16 for 137 yards and one touchdown as a passer entering Sunday's game.
3. HAVE A DAY, JOSH REYNOLDS
Head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff have both expressed belief and confidence in second-year wide receiver Josh Reynolds as he's seen an uptick in playing time due to injuries to L.A.'s receiving corps.
Although he totalled just 42 yards on three receptions as the Rams fourth-best receiver on Sunday, Goff connected with Reynolds for two touchdowns on the afternoon — Reynolds' first and second touchdowns of the year.
Reynolds played in all 16 games in 2017, and scored just once against the Saints in his one start of the season.
4. ANOTHER GAME, ANOTHER SAFETY
For the second straight week, the Rams forced their opponent into its own endzone for a safety.
Down 10 nearing the end of the first half, Hekker pinned the Packers on the Green Bay one-yard line. On the very next play, linebacker Mark Barron stuffed running back Aaron Jones' attempt up the middle — resulting in two points and possession for the Rams.
5. OVERTURNED, OVERTURNED
Los Angeles had two successful reviews in what proved to be a critical point-scoring drive at the end of the first half.
Head coach Sean McVay challenged a catch by wide receiver Brandin Cooks on a 25-yard pass to the Packers sideline as part of a two-minute drill to end the half. Upon review, Cooks was able to get his hands between the ball and the sod and the call was overturned.
Just a few plays later, Gurley was ruled out as he tiptoed the sideline and reeled in a tipped-pass as the Rams moved into the red zone looking for their first touchdown of the day. The play was overturned under official review and quarterback Jared Goff then found Reynolds for six to cap the drive.
McVay is now successful in 4-of-7 challenges as a head coach.
6. AARON VS. AARON
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald joined Gurley in making Rams history in front of a Packer-friendly L.A. Coliseum with his two sacks against quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
With his ninth and 10th sacks of the season, Donald is now tied with former linebacker Kevin Greene and former defensive end Robert Quinn with 10.0 sacks through the season's first eight games.
Donald has now recorded at least one sack in five consecutive games for the second time in his career, and by bringing down Rodgers, has now sacked 27 different quarterbacks in his career.
No. 99 had a sack in five-straight weeks during his rookie season in 2014.
7. PERFECT
The Rams took the lead in the all-time Rams-Packers series, which now reads 47-46-2.
Los Angeles is now a perfect 8-0 for the first time since the 1969 Rams, that went 11-0 to start the season, but lost in the divisional round of the playoffs.
