The Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are back in the win column!
The Los Angeles Rams Bounce Back and put Week 1 Behind Them
The Rams received key performances from quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Davante Adams, propelling them to a 28-6 victory over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
The Rams’ first home game presented another test in the beginning of a long and grueling season.
Offense
Rams star receiver Puka Nacua missed the game with a hip injury, leaving most of the receiving duties to Adams. Last week, Adams finished with three catches for 26 yards but this week he showed out. Adams broke out in a big way with eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
Last week, Stafford acknowledged that he missed Adams on a few passes. This week he made sure not to forget him. Adams’ usage last season primarily came in the red zone, but with Nacua out, he stepped up. The performance was the fourth most receiving yards of Adams’ career.
Stafford also played better going 22 for 31 passing for 327 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Stafford notched his 68th career 300-yard passing game and passed Phillip Rivers for sixth all time in NFL history in touchdown passes. While Stafford relied on Adams in the passing game, the Rams game was also extremely effective.
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for a true 50-50 backfield Monday Night. The pair finished with a combined 24 carries for 189 yards and a touchdown. Both finished with more than 90 yards each and became a Giant problem for the New York Defense all game long.
Defense
The Los Angeles Rams
Aug 30, 2026; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) at practice at the Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Like the offense, the defense showed out in Week 2. Graced by Aaron Donald’s return, the team looked a lot better than they did in Week 1. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart was injured after the first drive of the game and didn’t return. In Dart’s place, Giants veteran backup Jameis Winston finished the game.
While the defense faced a backup, they played exceptionally well. The secondary was a lot better and new cornerback Trent McDuffie came down with his first interception in a Rams uniform.
Rams also received key performances from safety Quentin Lake and pass rusher Byron Young. Lake finished with five tackles and a forced fumble. Young contributed with three tackles, three quarterback hits and a sack. The young pass rusher stepped up in Myles Garrett’s first missed game due to surgery on his knee. Young was the main difference maker on the defensive line. The Giants couldn’t keep him out of the backfield, as he made his presence felt several times throughout the game. Hopefully, Young continues this form of dominance, especially while Garrett is out a minimum of four weeks.
Aaron Donald
Donald made his season debut, officially marking his return from retirement. The future hall of famer played 32 snaps and finished with a tackle for a loss and a quarterback pressure. The veteran defensive tackle faced just seven double teams but logged the third fastest get-off on pass rushes by a defensive tackle this season.
Even if Donald didn’t finish with eye popping stats, his first game back after a two-year hiatus gives hope that the defense can be sustained while Garrett is out.
The Last Word
After a disappointing Week 1 loss, the Rams are back to looking like themselves. It’s no secret Week 1 was humiliating for the team, but this week’s bounce back was telling. While the Rams were missing two key starters, they managed to dominate the Giants.
Garrett was spotted at the game without crutches after his reported surgery. Originally dealing with swelling in his knee, the Rams hope Garrett’s recovery will be quicker than expected. The Rams could still use his services, especially paired with Donald.
The Rams’ next game against the Denver Broncos will present the Rams another tough task. The Broncos are a well-coached team filled with stars on both the offense and defense. While the team played better, they may need to play even better to earn their second win.
More Los Angeles Rams News:
The Los Angeles Rams’ Opportunity To Get Right In Week 2
The Los Angeles Rams Weren’t Ready: The San Francisco 49ers Find Gold in Australia
Three Facts to Know Before the Rams’ Season Begins
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images