4 winners (and 2 losers) from Rams’ statement Week 2 comeback win over Titans

It’s almost surreal to acknowledge that the Los Angeles Rams have earned two wins in just two games, but that’s exactly where this team stands. Neither victory came without flaws that could lead to ongoing concerns. But on the flip side, neither would’ve happened without surprising heroics from unexpected players.

Related: 5 instant reactions to Rams' come-from-behind win against Titans in Week 2

If the Rams want to win as many games as possible this season, this is certainly a promising path. The defense has shown remarkable resiliency, coming up with huge turnovers at critical moments. The offense has been efficient. And in Week 2, it was their second-half eruption that sealed the deal.

And that scoring fest kicked in just in time for a team that must pivot for its first NFC showdown, a Week 3 matchup that pits last year’s NFL Playoffs Divisional Round opponents, as the team must travel to face the 2-0 Philadelphia Eagles. But before we focus on that game, who was responsible for helping — as well as complicating — the effort to get a Week 2 road win?

4 winners and 2 losers from Rams' statement Week 2 win

Loser: Rams punt coverage

It’s heartbreaking to witness the effort of punter Ethan Evans, whose punting leg is capable of booming the football from one end of the field to the other. He punted three times for 145 yards, averaging 48.3 yards per punt. Unfortunately, two punts were returned for 37 yards, and the punt coverage unit almost surrendered a punt return for a touchdown.

With 3:22 remaining in the first half, Evans punted 47 yards to the Titans’ 43-yard line. Rookie WR Chimere Dike fielded the punt cleanly and raced down the right sideline for a score. But the Titans were called for a penalty, resetting the ball at the 44-yard line. Still, it was enough to shake up the defense, leading to their only touchdown of the first half.

Loser: Ahkello Witherspoon

The Rams have gotten excellent play from veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. But as luck would have it, Witherspoon is almost certainly headed for IR after suffering a broken clavicle. He left the game with one tackle. But it was clear that as long as he was on the field, opposing quarterbacks struggled to find open receivers. His injury is poorly timed, as the secondary will almost certainly be challenged over the next three games.

Winner RB Blake Corum

There is room for more than one running back in this offense, and Week 2 proved why that strategy can be successful. In a game where the Titans’ defense seemed to have Kyren Williams under control, they didn’t seem to have answers for Blake Corum. Corum rushed five times for 44 yards and his first rushing touchdown. Williams had 17 carries for 66 yards, while the second-year back nearly matched that total with less than a third of the touches.

Winner TE Davis Allen

Tight end Davis Allen has been targeted three times and caught just two passes. But as it’s worked out, Allen’s two catches have both gone for touchdowns. Of the team’s three receiving touchdowns so far this year, Allen has two of them. That’s insane, but it proves that anyone can be productive in this offense.

Winner: WR Puka Nacua

Nacua is going to cause problems for defensive coordinators all season long. After two games, he has hauled in 18 of 20 passes for 221 yards. But wait, there’s more. Nacua has rushed twice for 46 yards and a touchdown. He’s not just powering the offense. He’s the go-to guy who keeps the machine running until other players find their footing. That’s what happened in Week 2, and the guy who got hot is next on our list.

Winner WR Davante Adams

At one point in the game, Adams had only hauled in two of eight passes. But in the second half, he got hot, as QB Matthew Stafford found the range and began to connect with his newest elite offensive weapon. Stafford found Adams on four of his final five targets, pushing Adams to 106 receiving yards and his first touchdown in this offense.

Adams generated real chemistry with Stafford in this one. That chemistry couldn’t have come at a better time. As soon as he began to haul in passes, the entire offense seemed to spring to life. There is no way to replicate game-like conditions in practice, so the two getting synchronized in this one puts a great deal of pressure on future opponents.

A win is a win. But this victory sets the stage for an even better performance in Week 3. And that is something fans are eager to witness. As always, thanks for reading.

As always, thanks for reading.

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