In classic Hollywood style, the Los Angeles Rams made a late entrance to their game against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, and it cost them significantly.
It turns out that showing up late is a misstep in Australia as well.
Although the Rams were the designated home team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, when someone shouted, “Whose house?” the crowd, clad in red and gold, enthusiastically responded, “Our house.”
At least local celebrity Chris Hemsworth certainly knows how to swing a hammer.
Following a dismal 27-7 loss to the 49ers, where the Rams appeared jet-lagged, sluggish, and offensively confused, they’ll finally return to their actual home for a Monday night game against the New York Giants.
This Week 2 matchup suddenly feels more significant than it probably should.
The Rams have had ten days to reflect on their embarrassment in Australia. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for just 155 yards without any touchdowns and an interception, a stark contrast to his stellar previous season where he led the league with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdown passes. An offense that used to average 30.5 points per game managed to score only seven.
Puka Nacua, one of the few shining moments in that game, caught five passes for 74 yards, but now he’s questionable for Week 2 after missing practice due to a hip injury, adding to a list of issues he faced throughout August.
As disappointing as the Rams offense was last week, the defense wasn’t much better.
They allowed 174 rushing yards, failed to register a sack despite 34 pass attempts, and had merely two quarterback hits. Myles Garrett had the same stats as Aaron Donald, who watched the game from his couch back home: zero tackles, zero sacks, and zero pressures.
Now, with Garrett on injured reserve following knee surgery, Donald is set to make his long-awaited return after more than two years away from the game.
The Rams have plenty of issues, but with Donald back, at least that’s one less worry.
On the other hand, the Giants come in with significantly more confidence after defeating Dallas on Sunday Night Football. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, sometimes playfully referred to as “Dart Vader,” tossed for 230 yards and three touchdowns while also gaining 59 rushing yards. Isaiah Likely caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and Malik Nabers contributed with six catches for 69 yards. Cam Skattebo managed to rush for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Skattebo has even mentioned wanting to run through Donald on Monday night. Good luck with that, I suppose.
There’s also a notable reunion happening here, as Odell Beckham Jr. returns to the stadium where he helped the Rams clinch Super Bowl LVI and where he famously tore his ACL.
The Giants bring a fierce pass rush led by Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux, adding to the challenges for a Rams offense that appeared painfully predictable in Melbourne.
Historically, the Rams lead the overall series 30-17, but the Giants claimed victory in their last playoff meeting back in 1984.
But really, who’s thinking about 1984?
For the Rams, Monday night is about showing that Week 1 was just a bad memory, far removed from their current reality.
This time around, there are no kangaroos, no koalas, no lengthy flights, and most importantly, no excuses.
Marquee Matchup
Giants OL Francis Mauigoa vs. Rams DT Aaron Donald
Welcome to the NFL, rookie. Now you’ve got to block Aaron Donald.
Mauigoa went pressure-free on 36 pass-blocking snaps during his NFL debut, a noteworthy achievement for a rookie in Week 1 over the past eight seasons.
His next challenge could involve Donald, who plans to return after a significant absence.
The Rams are counting on him. They didn’t register a sack in Australia and will be without Garrett for a while, so Donald’s impact will be crucial. While he won’t play every snap, his presence next to players like Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske could reshape the team’s defense.
Mauigoa aced his first test against the Cowboys, but the next one could be a game changer.
M.D.’s Pick
Rams 28, Giants 21
The downside of the Rams’ travel to Australia was obvious. But, hopefully, they can reap the benefits on Monday. The team returned home swiftly and has had ten days to recover, while the Giants must travel after a Sunday game. The Giants’ pass rush and Dart’s mobility pose threats, but expect a more focused Stafford and a rejuvenated Rams defense with Donald back. After feeling like the most confounded home team last week, they finally get to play at SoFi Stadium and, hopefully, secure their first win.
Four Downs
First Down: Stop the run
Everything hinges on the Rams’ ability to stop the run. The 49ers rushed for 174 yards in Week 1, continuing a concerning trend from the previous season. Now they face Skattebo, who has been effective, and Dart, who adds another threat on the ground.
Chris Shula’s defense must prevent the Giants from creating easy second-and-manageable situations. If they establish a running game, play action becomes dangerous, especially with Likely involved. Donald’s return should help, but relying on one player won’t solve all their issues.
Second Down: Get to the quarterback
The Rams rushed the passer 34 times in Australia without a single sack. That’s just not acceptable for a defensive unit built to pressure quarterbacks.
Garrett’s injury makes Donald’s comeback even more essential, but the team can’t place all their hopes on a 35-year-old who hasn’t played in a while. Turner, Fiske, and Young need to step up.
Dart was exceptional against Dallas, so the Rams must ensure Monday feels more daunting for him.
Third Down: Where’s my MVP?
Stafford didn’t resemble the prolific quarterback who had an MVP season last year. Some blame can be attributed to the unusual travel, lack of preseason snaps, and San Francisco’s savvy defense, but Stafford also shares the responsibility.
With only 155 yards passing and no touchdown against the 49ers, the Rams needed Stafford to find his rhythm again. If Nacua is available along with other offensive options, Stafford should find that groove he needs to shine.
Fourth Down: You’re Likely to see a Dart
It seems Dart may have found a budding connection with Likely.
In his first game, Likely caught eight passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, breaking franchise records. If he adds to that on Monday, he could make history as the first tight end with at least four touchdown catches in his first two games.
The Rams must prevent that from happening. The 49ers exploited the Rams’ weaknesses in coverage last week. If they don’t address those vulnerabilities, Dart could light them up.
