Rams Overpower Buccaneers 34–7: Stafford, Adams Shine as Los Angeles Takes NFC Lead
The Los Angeles Rams delivered one of their most dominant performances of the season on November 23, 2025, rolling past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 34–7 victory at SoFi Stadium. With the win, the Rams surged into sole possession of the NFC’s top seed, extending their winning streak to six games and thrilling the largest crowd in the stadium’s history.
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A Fast Start and MVP Chants for Stafford
Quarterback Matthew Stafford set the tone immediately, leading touchdowns on each of the Rams’ first three drives. His precision passing and control of the offense fueled chants of “M-V-P!” from the energized Los Angeles crowd. Stafford finished the night completing 25 of 35 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns, extending his interception-free streak to an impressive 308 consecutive attempts — one of the longest such streaks of the 21st century.
Yet for all of Stafford’s success, one of the night’s biggest highlights came from the defense. Cornerback Cobie Durant electrified the stadium with a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown, earning a celebratory “Land Shark” gesture from Stafford himself.
Davante Adams Continues Dominant Stretch
Wide receiver Davante Adams was once again central to the Rams’ offensive firepower. He caught two more touchdown passes — bringing his NFL-leading total to 12 — and has now recorded nine touchdowns in his last five games. His chemistry with Stafford continues to be one of the league’s most dangerous connections, with his second score of the night coming on a smooth 24-yard route that left Tampa Bay’s secondary trailing.
Puka Nacua also contributed significantly with seven receptions for 97 yards, while tight end Colby Parkinson added a touchdown grab during Stafford’s early-game surge.
Defense Sets the Tone
The Rams’ defense, bolstered by standout efforts from Jared Verse and Kobie Turner (each recording two sacks), kept the Buccaneers’ offense in check throughout the night. Tampa Bay managed only 193 total yards and just 70 net passing yards, struggling to mount any consistent momentum.
The game also held emotional weight as the Rams honored legendary defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who retired in March 2024 after a decade of dominance. Energized by the tribute, the defense stifled Tampa Bay across all four quarters.
Buccaneers Struggle, Lose Mayfield to Injury
The Buccaneers endured a difficult night on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had just 60 total yards and two interceptions before halftime, exited the game due to a sprained left shoulder. He was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater for the second half.
Despite managing a single highlight — a 14-yard touchdown from Mayfield to Tez Johnson — the Tampa Bay offense never recovered from early miscues. Head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged the all-around struggle, noting that Tampa Bay was outplayed “from play-calling to execution.”
With their third straight loss and fourth in their last five games, the Buccaneers fell to 6–5, opening the door for the Carolina Panthers to pull even in the NFC South race.
Looking Ahead
The Buccaneers will host the Arizona Cardinals on November 30 as they look to regroup, while the red-hot Rams will travel to face the Carolina Panthers on the same day.
Conclusion
The Rams’ emphatic 34–7 victory showcased a team playing with confidence, balance, and cohesion on both sides of the ball. With Stafford operating at an MVP level and Adams delivering game-changing performances week after week, Los Angeles has emerged as one of the NFL’s most complete and dangerous teams. But beyond the explosive plays and statistical dominance, the Rams are showing something deeper: a growing belief that their ceiling is nowhere in sight. As Jared Verse put it, “We’re just going to keep pushing and being a better version of ourselves.”
If they continue to perform at this level — attacking, improving, and playing for one another — the Rams may not just be leading the NFC; they may be on a path toward something far bigger by season’s end.
Sources
Game recap by AP / CBS Sports:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20251123_TB@LAR/
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