5 first-take observations from Rams win vs. Raiders: the good, bad, and ugly

The Los Angeles Rams needed to find some way to win in Las Vegas, despite being hampered by an ever-growing number of injuries.

They entered Week 7 without five starters. Missing Poona Ford and Kobie Turner up front and Nate Landman at linebacker was a huge loss for a team with limited depth on defense. All the injuries helped set the dramatic stage for a must-win game.

Banged up and reeling, the Rams still came in with hope. Much of the team's struggles has been less about talent and more about poor ball security, ugly special teams play, and a reluctance to run the ball. Well, LA committed to the running game in Week 7.

And it was real and spectacular. In other good news: Puka Nacua played, despite his recent injury.

Fans have been awaiting a game like this. The offense is too potent to sputter in the red zone. The defense remains talented. The Rams had previously refused to involve young players. In Week 7, they were forced to.

5 takeaways from Rams' Week 7 win in Las Vegas

Rams cannot break pass addiction early

In a game with an injury-depleted defense, no Davante Adams, and a need to get the rushing attack involved, Los Angeles came out throwing: three straight pass plays to open the game. And just like that, fans were back to scratching their heads.

It was the type of play calling that has befuddled fans all season. The Raiders are not a good run defense, and the opening series seemed to set the stage for another 50-pass effort by Stafford.

Sean McVay finally taps rushing attack, and success follows

In their first series, the Rams passed three times and punted. In the second series, McVay called four runs (five counting Blake Corum's nullified rushing score) versus four passes. The result, to the delight of Rams fans: a touchdown. With powerful running forcing defenders to stay honest, the offense found its stride and began to find open receivers. The Rams did not punt for the rest of the first half.

LA finished with 38 rushes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Best of all, the offense took over with 4:11 left in the game and retained possession to run out the clock. That's vintage Rams football.

Shaun Dolac made a solid debut as a starting linebacker

He may not have racked up many tackles (three), but filling in for Landman, Dolac was Johnny on the spot, forcing Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins to seek other outlets.

The Raiders offense was stymied for the most part. Las Vegas struggled to convert on third downs the entire game. The Raiders also struggled in the red zone, scoring just one touchdown in five appearances.

Dolac wasn't making highlights, but he contributed to well-composed defense was absolutely making plays.

Rams' coverage unit remains a huge liability

Every time the Rams kick off or punt, fans hold their breath. It feels inevitable that the opposing team will get a huge return. The only question is whether it will go for a touchdown or not. At the end of the first quarter, the Raiders had already put up 90 return yards: 36 and 42 on kickoff returns and 12 yards on a punt, gifting Cousins and company good field position.

After scoring, the Rams wisely began kicking it out of the end zone. They even allowed the Raiders to fake a punt and gain a first down. It was the type of nightmarish performance that fans have come to expect and have grown numb to.

Tight end Davis Allen was a red-zone weapon

Now in his fourth season, Allen came in with just four career touchdowns. Well, he added two more today with the Rams starved for a red-zone weapon. Allen caught a modest four of five passes for 20 yards, but he also caught the game's first two touchdown passes.

Without Adams on the field, LA needed a go-to guy near the end zone. Allen proved to be that guy. Those early scores changed the entire tempo of the game. The Rams had to have someone step up, and Allen filled that niche.

As always, thanks for reading.

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