Turf Show Times
It wasn’t until the second half that the Los Angeles Rams offense really started clicking, but when they finally matched the defense’s effort, L.A. pulled away from the Tennessee Titans for a 33-19 road win in Week 2. Although many will consider this a hot take, the game wasn’t as close as the final score indicates.
To be sure, the game was tighter than it should have been at halftime. In the final three minutes of the opening 30, Tennessee was able to convert a great sideline catch and low-percentage cross body/field throw into a touchdown and an L.A. interception with 30 seconds left into a field goal.
Coming out of the break, the Rams offense scored on four of five drives while the defense took a python-like form, constricting and choking off the Titans offense, allowing just 75 net yards. Most of which came on Tennessee’s final mop-up drive.
It was hot and humid in Nashville, with the Rams going deep into roster. Let’s review who played and more importantly, who played well.
Offensive line
All five starters lasted 100 percent of snaps versus the Titans and were much improved over Week 1. While the run game struggled early in the game, the Rams game plan was to throw the ball and were successful. The first hint of the pass-first strategy was starting Justin Dedich over Beaux Limmer at left guard. Dedich is the better pass blocker, while Limmer is proficient in the run game. Overall, Dedich played quite well, by my count only missing three pass blocks. One was a pass set inside the red zone that was completed, another was switch-off from the center that split the two, and on the final he was beaten inside but recovered to ride the defender all the way through the pocket.
Quarterback
Provided with ample time Matthew Stafford (61, 100%) worked the mid-depth areas of the field exceptionally well. He made a couple of bad throws, but was generally quite sharp, standing tall in the pocket, finding the open receivers and putting good zip on his passes. He led the Rams to a solid ratio of scoring drives, six of 10 drives (not counting the final possession to run out the clock). This summer’s bad back has not been a deterrent, he started the season hot.
Running back
There was a glimpse of light in how the run game played out. Not the least of which was the two L.A. backs teaming up for 60 yards in the fourth quarter, helping the Rams pull away and then, close out the game. Blake Corum’s (18) reps were almost doubled from Week 1, but there was still a 70/30 split in favor of Kyren Williams (43). When the Rams did insert Corum, it appeared for a complete drives rather than just a mishmash of plays. Jarquez Hunter was active this week and got his feet wet on six special teams reps.
Wide receiver
Another hint the Rams wanted to throw the ball...
