First take on Week 2: Davante Adams leads Rams to get-right win over Giants

Davante Adams put his stamp on Monday Night Football in what turned out to be a dominant Los Angeles Rams win over the Giants. His final line: eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns, 11 yards shy of his 2021 career high. Still got it.

Steady as she goes was certainly not the game plan in Week 2. Of course, knowing the Rams would face backup quarterback Jameis Winston and not starter Jaxson Dart, who left early with an injury, you may have expected a blowout in LA's favor.

And therein lies the rub.

That said, it was a most-well-played game from the Horns. Early on, the offense looked like it might be sleepwalking through another game. Once the Rams found a rhythm, though, they looked every bit the part of a playoff contender. The outcome was determined by their stars.

Cornerback Trent McDuffie was outstanding. Undrafted rookie edge rusher Wesley Bailey was a pleasant surprise. Tight end Terrance Ferguson supplied a spark on multiple drives. And veteran Adams provided the majority of LA's receiving offense. All showed up big at key moments of the game.

Davante Adams delivered Rams a monster night in Week 2 win

It wasn't picture-perfect. Matthew Stafford completed two-thirds of his passes to either Adams or Ferguson; receiving options were not abundant. Last year's breakout star, tight end Colby Parkinson, was held in check. The offensive line finally surrendered a sack. The Rams turned it over twice and Harrison Mevis missed a field goal.

But the good news made up the vast majority. LA's run defense redeemed itself with a huge game. Part of the reason was the return of Aaron Donald, who frequently found himself facing double teams once more. But it was not in vain.

Defensive lineman Braden Fiske was a man possessed, applying constant pressure on the quarterback. Edge rusher Byron Young was incredibly active in this one as well. Donald, Kobie Turner, and Poona Ford all showed up. McDuffie was a monster in the secondary.

The Rams averaged over nine yards per play. The defense was energetic. Best of all, LA built a 14-3 halftime lead and then extended it.

They needed to get right in Week 2 and the whole team was much better, turnovers and special teams notwithstanding. That'll cost them games on other nights.

But Donald is back, and he's having the same effect as always. With this one in the books, the Rams can stop the self-reflection and focus on their next opponent, which will be the Broncos in Denver.

This team did what it had to do. With some luck and focused preparation, the win could be a turning point that helps get the group back on track. Of course, September tends to a be tough month for the Rams. The next three weeks won't get easier. But the good feeling of a well-timed win can change the tide, and that's what we got in this one.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow