Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough started his first NFL game Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., and got the New Orleans Saints offense rolling late as the Rams grabbed a 20-10 halftime lead.
The Saints (1-7) went three-and-out on their first three possessions, gaining just 12 yards. On their fourth possession Taysom Hill lined up at quarterback and ran for 29 yards. It was the team's first run of more than nine yards in three games and led to a 39-yard field goal by Blake Grupe.
Shough hit tight end Juwan Johnson with an 11-yard touchdown pass with seven seconds to play, the team's first touchdown in two weeks, to close the gap at halftime.
Shough, the team's second-round pick out of Louisville, was eight of 14 for 84 yards and the touchdown. Receiver Rashid Shaheed had two receptions for 19 yards and Brandin Cookshad two catches for 16 yards. Top receiver Chris Olave had one reception for 27 yards. Hill was the leading rusher with 30 yards on two carries.
Defensive end Chase Young had a sack to lead the defense.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was 18 of 23 for 215 yards with three touchdowns.
The Rams (5-2) will get the ball to start the second half.
