The Los Angeles Rams moved to 2-0 for the first time since 2021 following a 33-19 win over the hapless Tennessee Titans. Winning back-to-back games over AFC South opponents is an excellent way to kick off the season, especially with a visit to the Eagles in store for Week 3. Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves and look at the good, the bad and the ugly from the road win over the Titans.
The Good
Running offense was excellent
Was that a Blake Corum sighting? In this economy?
The second-year running back, fresh off a strong preseason showing, scored the first touchdown of his career and added 44 yards on 8 carries. Per Next Gen Stats, Corum had a 34% snap rate, after topping 20% once in his rookie campaign.
Taking away the awesome 45-yard touchdown run from Puka Nacua, the Rams rushed 24 times for 104 yards, which was the output you love to see from the offense to have a balanced attack to support Matthew Stafford.
Davante Adams’ first touchdown in the horns
For all the fans worried that Davante Adams would be Allen Robinson 2.0 in L.A., have no fear. Adams brought his Taco Bell to Hollywood and he’s already off to a nice start. Plus, the All-Pro is only 182 yards from matching what Robinson achieved with the team in his 10 starts.
The veteran wideout led the team with 6 receptions for 106 and his first touchdown for the Rams, which put L.A. up by 11 with 9:40 left to play in the fourth quarter.
Through two games, Adams has proven to be a worthy investment. Way to go, Les Snead and company!
Second half defense once again took over the game
A week after pitching a shutout in the second half against the Texans, the Rams’ defense managed to secure another win.
Los Angeles held the Titans to six points and 75 yards of offense after halftime. The production on that front was much-needed, considering the Rams got off to a slow start for the second week in a row. Save for a ridiculous Cam Ward touchdown in the second quarter, the Titans managed just four field goals against L.A.’s stout unit.
Things have been a little too close for comfort to begin the season, but with an excellent defense, the Rams can manage to survive the slow starts for now until they get more into a rhythm.
The Bad
Matthew Stafford’s brutal interception before the half
Stafford managed to secure his first-ever win over the Titans on Sunday. That was good.
However, he made things harder than they needed to be after getting picked off by Tennessee linebacker Cody Barton with seconds to go before halftime. There was absolutely no need for it, as it probably would’ve been best to not take any chances and simply go to the locker room with a tie.
However, the Titans momentarily got life, as they took a three-point lead into the break. This was after getting a touchdown on the previous drive to tie things up at 10 apiece.
Thankfully, the interception didn’t cost the Rams anything in the end. It managed to work out in the end versus a bottom-feeder like the Titans, but Stafford must be more careful once the team begins playing its NFC brethren.
The Ugly
Can someone tell me what’s wrong with this team in the first half?
Seriously, can anyone tell me what’s going on?
The Rams have scored 17 points in the first half in the first two weeks of this season. That is not ideal, given that the competition hasn’t been super great to begin the year.
L.A. finally got its act together after halftime, but it’s hard not to feel a tad underwhelmed about the offense so far. Maybe the mantra is true that it’s not how you start but rather how you finish. Maybe.
I understand that teams are not playing at their full strength to start the season, yet, as I mentioned last week, this has been a problem dating back to late 2024. Facing teams that aren’t considered contenders (sorry Texans) and playing like this is one thing. However, doing this against stiffer competition is a recipe for disaster.
With the Rams set for a playoff rematch in Philadelphia next week, they cannot afford another week of slow starts. Third time will not be the charm there, I can guarantee that.
