WERE THE RAMS THE REAL WINNERS AGAINST THE LIONS?
Brevin Townsell/La Rams
RAMS LOSE 26-20 TO LIONS IN OVERTIME
It's a bold statement to say that the Rams are the true winners of a heartbreaking 26-20 loss, but the LA Rams put a hurting on what experts are saying are “the Super Bowl favorites.” However, there were many positives to take away in such a close match, while using your backups.
A rematch to the intense wild card game that the Lions would win 23-24. Though it was a Week 1 match, the atmosphere was nearly identical to the Lions first playoff game in 30 years. The game ended with a victory for the Lions, but there are major positives to look for in the Rams squad.
With losses of Puka Nacua, Steve Avila, Joe Noteboom and Rob Hevenstein due to injury the Rams were put in a difficult situation to try and take down the Lions. With backup offensive linemen the question was whether Stafford could survive the heavy pass rush by the Lions. The Rams would fight on, and though A.J Arcuri would struggle against Hutchinson, Stafford managed to find Cooper Kupp everytime.
Kupp was targeted 21 times with 14 catches for 120 yards against the Lions. Along with a phenomenal touchdown, the Rams should be excited to see Kupp and Stafford back together at full health.
Beaux Limmer would also step up to play at center and would perform well as he found himself from behind a backup 3rd center to the starting center going into Week 2.
The Rams defense was spectacular against the Lions. One of the youngest defensive line groups in the NFL, the Rams were able to provide pressure through all fronts. Kobie Turner being the leader of that group and the most experienced, his presence was felt with most of the focus on him. The others in Verse, Young, and Fiske were capable of putting pressure on Goff.
A gut wrenching loss can be looked as a big victory for this Rams team. A squad that has a new defense coached by a new Coordinator, and an offense with injuries, was capable of shutting down a top team in the NFL. The season is bright for the Rams as long as they keep their head up.
