NFL
By George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams take to the road for the first time this season as they face the Tennessee Titans. The Rams want to build on their 14-9 week one victory over the Houston Texans. The Titans are looking to rebound following their 20-12 week one defeat to the Denver Broncos. The Rams relied on a strong defensive effort to keep the Texans out of the endzone, holding them to three field goals. Stafford became the 10th quarterback in NFL history to surpass 60,000 passing yards in the game.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford led a balanced offensive attack in the Rams’ win over the Texans. Stafford completed 21-29 passes for 245 yards and 1 touchdown. A key to the Rams’ passing attack is the use of multiple receivers. In the game against the Texans, Stafford completed passes to eight different receivers. Leading the way was Puka Nacua with 10 receptions for 130 yards, including a key third-down reception late in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. In his debut with the Rams, WR Davante Adams had 4 receptions on 8 targets for 51 yards. Stafford did not force the ball and took what the Texans’ pass coverage gave him. Look for Stafford to continue to spread the ball around to different receivers against the Titans’ defense. With Stafford dealing with a lower back injury, the Titans’ defense will look to bring pressure in an attempt to limit Stafford’s effectiveness. The Rams allowed three sacks against the Texans in week one. Look for head coach Sean McVay to devise a blocking scheme to limit the Titans’ pass rush and give Stafford time to find the open receiver in McVay’s multiple receiver formations.
The Texans’ defense was able to contain the Rams’ rushing attack, holding the Rams to 72 yards on 25 carries. RB Kyren Williams led the Rams with 66 yards on 18 carries and 1 touchdown. Blake Corum was not used as much as many expected in week one, accounting for only one carry in the game. Look for Corum to be more involved in the Rams’ rushing attack against the Titans. The Rams’ offensive line will look to do a better job at maintaining their blocks and opening running lanes for Williams and the other running backs.
The Rams get their first look at quarterback Cam Ward. In his NFL debut, Ward completed 12-28 passes for 112 yards. The Broncos’ defense was able to pressure Ward throughout the game, accounting for 6 sacks against Ward. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula will look to bring pressure on Ward with his edge rushers, Jared Verse and Byron Young While the edge rushers will look to bring pressure from the outside, the Rams’ interior defensive line will look to bring pressure up the middle and force Ward off his spot. While bringing pressure from the outside, the Rams’ edge rushers will need to maintain containment and not allow Ward to escape to the outside. Verse and Young will look to force Ward to step up in the pocket towards the interior pass rush.
The Titans used a balanced offensive game plan against the Broncos, with 21 rushing attempts to go along with 28 passes. Tony Pollard led the Titans with 60 yards on 18 carries. The Rams’ defense will look to do a better job at stopping the run, as they allowed 114 yards on 27 carries against the Texans. Look for the Titans to attempt to establish the run early in the game. Coach Shula will look to take away the Titans’ running game and make the Titans one-dimensional and put the game on Ward’s shoulders.
The Rams will look to make it two straight wins to start the 2025 season. The Titans are looking to bounce back and get their first win of the season. Look for Coach McVay to continue to call a balanced offensive attack against the Titans. Look for Rams to bring pressure on Cam Ward early to get him off his game. The Rams will come away with the victory to improve to 2-0 in the 2025 season.
