Los Angeles Rams: 3 takeaways from 33-13 win over Oakland Raiders in Week 1

3. Defense forces three interceptions off Derek Carr

Even though the linebacker position is still one of the main concerns for the Rams on defense, Wade Phillips has every reason in the world to be thrilled over how his unit performed as a whole during their win over the Raiders, especially in the second half. Whether it was Cory Littleton leading the team with 13 total tackles along with recording one of the team’s three interceptions off Derek Carr or Marcus Peters sealing the deal in the final minutes by returning a pick for a touchdown, the defense came up with some big plays against Oakland.

Speaking of Peters, Los Angeles fans couldn’t help but laugh over seeing him do his cousin’s famous leap into the end zone during that big interception return for a touchdown, as this shows just how much swag this unit in general has on defense. The offseason was filled with plenty of surprise moves, and right near the top of that list was the Rams acquiring Peters out of nowhere from the Kansas City Chiefs, and Monday night was the perfect example of why the team was so high on the talented cornerback.

Peters has been known to be a distraction at times with his attitude, but his ability to read opposing quarterbacks, and make big interceptions makes him one of the most dangerous cornerbacks in the league. Moving on from Trumaine Johnson wasn’t the easiest decision in the offseason, but when seeing how it led to a dynamic duo of Peters and Aqib Talib, it seems well worth it.