Rams vs Raiders: Offense overcome sluggish start, but still beat Oakland 33-13

The Los Angeles Rams got the 2018 NFL regular season off to a good start despite looking rusty, beating the Raiders 33-13 in Oakland.

The Los Angeles Rams got off to a slow and clunky start in their 2018 season opener against the Oakland Raiders, yet managed a 33-13 win.

Los Angeles, who sat their offensive unit for the entire exhibition season, looked every bit rusty as quarterback Jared Goff struggled with a passing game that too often had him force some balls into tight Raider coverage.

Running back Todd Gurley, who appeared to pick up where his 2017 season left off, helped the Rams establish some needed rhythm, ultimately rushing for 108 yards on 20 carries, and catching a touchdown late in the first quarter.

Monday night will be best remembered for two different stories as the Raiders were the better team in the first half, dominating time of possession and a slim scoreboard lead, while LA found a productive groove in the second half putting up 23 points.

Defensively, the Rams looked out of sync in the first half before coordinator Wade Phillips made needed adjustments at halftime. Raiders tight end Jared Cook scorched Los Angeles with 9 catches for 180 yards. Quarterback Derek Carr, who did a solid job in the first half, came back to earth in the second. Carr would finish 29 of 40, for 303 yards and 3 interceptions.

Goff, who will be better next week at home against NFC West rival Arizona, will have the benefit of finally getting time on the field with his offense. He would end his night throwing for 233 yards on 18 of 33, and 2 touchdowns.

Rams head coach Sean McVay may have dodged a bullet having kept his star players sidelined for the preseason. The Raiders got off to a hot start, but ultimately the better team won. That said, this game was up for grabs heading towards the final quarter of play.

Los Angeles plays the Cardinals next Sunday in their home opener. The Rams will enter that game 1-0 while the Cardinals will be looking for their first win after a loss to the Washington Redskins 24-6.