ATLANTA — For the first time since 2021, Atlanta held off the Rams from scoring until midway through the first quarter in the Los Angeles Rams Vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats, marking a big win for Falcons fans everywhere!
Watts intercepted Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford twice in the game, giving him five picks this season and surpassing Hall-of-Famer Kenny Johnson as the most interceptions by a rookie Falcons safety in one season.
| Date | Result | Top Performers (Rams) | Top Performers (Falcons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Falcons 27 – 24 Rams | Matthew Stafford (2 TD, INT), Puka Nacua (yards) | Xavier Watts (2 INT), Bijan Robinson (TD) |
| 2022 | Rams 31 – 27 Falcons | Matthew Stafford (272 yds, 3 TD), Cooper Kupp (2 TD) | Marcus Mariota (2 TD), Drake London (TD) |
| 2020 | Rams 37 – 19 Falcons | Jared Goff (268 yds, 2 TD), Todd Gurley (TD) | Matt Ryan (304 yds), Julio Jones (93 yds) |
| 2019 | Rams 37 – 10 Falcons | Jared Goff (268 yds, 2 TD), Cooper Kupp (220 yds, TD) | Matt Ryan (INTs), Devonta Freeman (TD) |
| 2016 | Falcons 42 – 14 Rams | Case Keenum (TD), Todd Gurley (limited) | Matt Ryan (237 yds, 3 TD), Tevin Coleman (TD) |
Xavier Watts
Watts was outstanding for the Falcons on Monday Night Football against the Rams, intercepting Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford twice during their 27-24 win. Watts made headlines for his performance with two interceptions during this thrilling contest.
Watts made his first interception on a deep pass meant for wide receiver Juwan Johnson that was deflected off of Atlanta cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. He beat it back to its spot and quickly grabbed it before Johnson had any chance of recovering his position.
Watts made an important second-quarter play when he stripped Rams running back Jalen Richard while trying to run over the middle on 4th and 1. His play set Atlanta up with short field, and they converted that opportunity into a 1-yard touchdown run by fullback Justin Forsett.
Watts made history on the Falcons’ opening drive of the second half when, after an unsuccessful series, she blocked Los Angeles kicker Zane Gonzalez’ 37-yard field goal attempt and returned it 76 yards for a touchdown to narrow L.A.’s deficit from 24-17 down to 24-16 with 31 seconds left in the third quarter. But soon thereafter their offense again faltered, as linebacker Jared Verse downed Ethan Evans punt at their 1-yard line forcing them to punt once more.
Watts made his third and final interception of the game on a fourth-down pass to Puka Nacua that appeared errant, recovering it inside Atlanta territory and sprinting forward to make a tackle for loss. While Los Angeles attempted a last-ditch drive but were unable to reach Atlanta territory for a potential game-winning field goal attempt; thus giving Atlanta an easy victory. It marked Watts’ fourth and fifth interceptions this season as only their rookie with multiple takeaways this year.
A.J. Terrell Jr.
Atlanta Falcons defeated Los Angeles Rams 59-17 during Week 17 prime-time action inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a third-straight win and improved their record to 7-9; currently their playoff chances appear unlikely. They will host New Orleans Saints this Sunday before finishing up their regular-season schedule against them again on FOX on January 7.
At first half, the Falcons dominated on offense, scoring 21 points while holding Rams to just 113 yards from scrimmage. Safety Xavier Watts picked off Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford twice – now totaling five interceptions this season! These interceptions also helped the defense maintain their clean sheet and improve performance overall.
Atlanta kicker Zane Gonzalez has successfully converted five out of his last six clutch field goals, including Monday’s 51-yard game-winner against Tampa Bay and Carolina. Gonzalez became the first kicker in franchise history to accomplish such an accomplishment, helping Atlanta secure two victories thanks to his last-second heroics.
Terrell was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2020 NFL Draft after garnering high praise in pre-draft evaluation processes, with both Pro Football Focus and Sports Illustrated ranking him as fifth-best cornerback.
At Westlake High School in Atlanta, he was both a wide receiver and defensive back, earning first team All-State honors in Georgia 7A football before leading his team to win state. Aliya and Aundell Terrell Sr are his parents; Avieon plays defensive back at Clemson. Aundell Terrell Jr has made significant investments into his community through the Aundell Terrell Jr Foundation; hosting his inaugural football camp this past July 2022.
Xavier Smith
Xavier Smith from the Atlanta Falcons intercepted Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford twice during Monday night’s game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, becoming one of the premier cornerbacks in the league. — Falcons punter Bradley Pinion also had three punts inside 20 yards this season — leading all NFL punters with 32 punts inside 20.
Check out all of this week’s top plays from each team on “You Gotta Rewind That!” — Kicker Zane Gonzalez scored five consecutive clutch field goals that either tied or gave Atlanta the lead, giving Atlanta an edge in five different contests.
Jordan Whittington
Jordan Whittington, a rookie wide receiver from Texas Longhorns, has quickly established himself as one of the Rams’ key playmakers this season. He leads them with 24 receptions for 335 yards while also contributing 18 kick returns totalling 513 yards (28.5 average return distance).
Zane Gonzalez has led the Falcons with outstanding play, as evidenced by two clutch field goals in the final minute of their win against the Rams and four consecutive field goal making during his three season tenure with them. Furthermore, this year he has placed 32 punts inside 20-yard lines; more than any other NFL punter.
“Good Morning Football” highlights several 2024 draft middle round wide receiver prospects that could become major playmakers during year one of NFL Network’s Marc Ross’ evaluation of Whittington, including his ability to make contested catch on a sideline grab and use physicality after contact for an impressive 20-yard reception.
Jared Verse
Jared Verse has made his mark since first stepping onto a NFL field. Leading his defense as one of the premier edge rushers, Verse continues to push himself and excel as an individual performer.
Verse is rapidly making a name for himself in the league and will definitely be one of the players to watch during this season. After being honored as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year last season, his play only continues to improve and he will prove to be an incredible asset to Rams’ defense as one of their primary playmakers on defense.
He had an impressive rookie campaign with 18 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as well as impressive pressure numbers of 80.0 on pass rush grade tests. Along with teammates Byron Young, Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner he hopes to elevate their defense this season.
Verse is one of the key reasons behind why the Rams have started this season 2-0. He is an all-purpose player, capable of rushing from multiple angles or dropping back and covering receivers – and an enormous threat for opposing teams, making him an incredible defensive weapon on behalf of Los Angeles.
Team Sports Khabar