(Inglewood) Kevin Byard returned Matthew Stafford’s second 24-yard interception on Sunday as the Tennessee Titans prevailed 28-16 over the Los Angeles Rams.
Jeffery Simmons collected three of five sacks inflicted on Stafford, helping the Titans to their fifth straight win.
Stafford suffered interceptions in back-to-back possessions in the second quarter. Tennessee had 14 points in 11 seconds, taking a 14-3 lead.
David Long had the Rams’ first interception at the 8-line, on a play where Stafford wanted to avoid a safety touchdown.
Long gained six yards after catching the ball. On the next game, Ryan Tannehill joined Geoff Swaim for a touchdown.
Late in the first half, Tannehill added a one-yard sneak for a touchdown.
PHOTO GARY A. VASQUEZ, USA TODAY SPORTS
Kevin Byard scored a touchdown following an interception.
The Titans (7-2) won even being dominated 347-194 for yards.
They were playing a game opener without Derrick Henry, who leads the league in rushing yards. Henry could miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Adrian Peterson of the Titans took part in a 15e season, going from a six-yard touchdown run, among his 21-yard rushing harvest.
The Titans signed the veteran on Monday.
The Titans’ next game is Sunday at home against the New Orleans Saints.
Known for being very disciplined, the Rams have been punished 12 times for 115 yards.
Sean McVay’s troop had never lost so much ground via penalties under his watch.
The Rams (7-2) had won their last four meetings.