10 takeaways from Rams’ big win vs. Saints

There was no bye week hangover for the Los Angeles Rams as they dominated a New Orleans Saints team making a quarterback switch. There is always concern about the Rams playing down to their opponent, but they dominated this one from start to finish, winning 34-10. This is a Rams team that seems focused after losing to the San Francisco 49ers back in Week 5. Here are 10 takeaways from the Rams’ dominant win.

1. Matthew Stafford continued his MVP-level

Matthew Stafford has been playing at an MVP level this season and that continued after the bye week. The Rams quarterback started this game 8-for-8 with a touchdown pass to Davante Adams. He finished with four touchdowns for a second consecutive week which is the first time he’s done that in his career. Through eight games, Stafford has 21 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He’s the fifth player in NFL history to have 20 or more touchdown passes and three-or-fewer interceptions in his first eight games of a season.

It’s been said multiple times at this point, but Stafford is playing some of the best football of his career right now. His touchdown pass to Puka Nacua was perfectly placed. Stafford playing at a MVP level is why the Rams have to take advantage of this season and this window. There aren’t many of these seasons left, if any, with Stafford at 37 years old. If Stafford can continue playing at this level, he’ll be firmly in the MVP conversation and will have the Rams as serious contenders down the stretch.

2. 13 personnel looks here to stay

When the Rams rolled out 13 personnel looks last week, it was thought that it may have been a personnel or matchup decision. The Rams were without Puka Nacua and the Jaguars had struggled in their base defense and were without Devin Lloyd. Against the Saints and with Nacua back in the lineup, the Rams leaned into 13 personnel even more.

On Sunday, the Rams used 13 personnel on 35 plays, gaining 167 yards and scoring four of their five touchdowns. Their 35 plays and 45.5 percent rate in 13 personnel topped last week. All four tight ends had multiple catches, including Terrance Ferguson with two for 54 yards. This may have been more than just a one-week twist and something that the Rams make part of their offensive identity.

3. Defense dominates Tyler Shough

With Tyler Shough making his first career start, it was expected that the Rams defense would be a lot for him to handle. However, the Rams defense still managed to exceed expectations. The Saints’ first three drives didn’t last more than three plays. In the first half, Shough was on the field for just one of the Saints’ two first downs.

The Rams completely shut out the Saints in the second half. It’s the fourth half of football that they’ve shut out their opponent. They held the Saints to just 10 first downs, 2-for-9...