Monday 19 September 2016 06:47, UK
It was the Rams defense that dominated on their return to Los Angeles, as three field goals were enough to beat NFC West division rivals Seahawks 9-3.
Los Angeles has not had an NFL team since 1994, and with two minutes to go, Seattle threatened to spoil their return.
Russell Wilson threw a 53-yard pass to Tyler Lockett on the Rams 35, but it was Rams fans who were celebrating at the final whistle as Marc Barron caused a Christine Michael fumble and Los Angeles recovered the ball to claim the win.
In 140 characters...
Christine Michael last minute fumble gives Rams the win. Russell Wilson looked limited with ankle injury. Rams defense dominant all night.
MVP
Marc Barron made 10 tackles, nine of them solo, and got the all-important hit on Christine Michael to cause the fumble and hand the Rams a win in their home opener.
Game-changer
With a minute left and under pressure on 3rd and 10, Wilson throws five yards to Michael. As the running back dives for the line, a tackle from Barron causes the ball to pop out and linebacker Alec Ogletree is first to react, reclaiming possession for the Rams, who can let the clock run down.
Stat of the Night
-7 - Seattle running back Thomas Rawls was held for negative yards off seven carries as the Rams defense limited the Seahawks to just 67 yards of rushing.
The Game
The housewarming in Los Angeles got off to a good start as the Rams scored a field goal on their first drive of the night, Lance Zuerlein providing the score. The Seahawks levelled early in the second quarter, and it was a story of defense as both attacks struggled to move the chains early.
With three minutes left in the half, Gurley found space and ran for 19 yards before Keenum threw 44 yards down the field to get to the Seattle five-yard line. However, good defensive coverage by the Seahawks contained the Rams, who had to settle for another field goal.
Todd Gurley showed glimpses of the quality that made him last season's offensive player of the year, but it was the defense that continued to dominate on both sides. William Hayes, the star of the Rams' Hard Knocks preseason, contributed five tackles and made a big sack on Russell Wilson in the third quarter.
As the game wore on, Rams quarterback Case Keenum looked more settled, utilising wide receiver Kenny Britt and tight end Lance Kendricks for plays of 36 and 44 yards respectively.
The Rams extended their lead to 9-3 with another field goal at the start of the fourth quarter, but it wasn't until the last two minutes that the Seahawks looked like they might spoil the party.
Wilson found Tyler Lockett to move 53 yards up to the Los Angeles 35-yard line, but a crucial fumble by running back Christine Michael gave possession back to the home team and allowed them to run down the clock and give the new LA Rams their first victory.
