The Los Angeles Rams, hailed as a “super team” and a historical Super Bowl favorite coming into the season, got absolutely flattened by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Next to nothing went right for them in that opener. Now, their second game, against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, won’t bring many easy answers, but it could confirm if this team is heading for a full-blown meltdown. A win would be positive, sure, but not really noteworthy. A loss? That would send shockwaves across the entire NFL.
Bounce Back or Bust for Stafford?
LA opened as 8.5-point favorites against the Giants, though that line has already tightened to 7.5 points. Look, this is a game the Rams are expected to win. Period. A victory won’t suddenly make everything okay or put them “back on track,” even if it would feel encouraging after that brutal Australia trip. We’ve got looming questions that need answers, and Matthew Stafford is at the top of the list. His Week 1 performance was rough, with only Bo Nix and Deshaun Watson managing worse numbers across the league. Was that just an unlucky result of the long trip down under, or are we looking at the beginning of the end for his career? If the Rams want any shot at turning this around, Stafford has to bounce back, and fast.
Can This Defense Hold On?
Beyond the quarterback, there are serious concerns all over the field. How will the defense fare, especially without Myles Garrett for the foreseeable future? Desjuan Johnson is expected to handle run downs, while Josaiah Stewart will see a lot of action as a pass rusher and coverage changeup. Can this patchwork unit hold things together for at least the next four weeks? And what about Aaron Donald? If he participates against the Giants, will he look like his old self, or is he also showing signs of decline? Will his presence alone be enough to lift the entire defensive line? Then there’s Jaylen Watson. The Rams brought him in to limit bigger receiving targets, but he allowed two touchdowns in his first game, with Mike Evans reportedly having his way against him. Are the Rams getting their money’s worth out of him?
And don’t even get me started on special teams. Deebo Samuel ripped off long returns in Australia, and we all know how special teams has cost this franchise several games in recent seasons. Can they avoid another disaster, or is it more of the same? Lastly, did the Rams make a huge mistake by doubling down on 13 personnel? Their passing game looks less effective with three receivers, and it’s tough to come from behind when you’re leaning on heavier personnel. Should they have invested more in a third receiver this offseason? These aren’t minor issues, they are fundamental problems. Beat the Giants, then show us your true colors against the Broncos, Eagles, and Bills over the next three weeks. Only then can we really talk about what this season actually means.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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