Rams offense can move football, but Red Zone frustrations continue at Ford Field

Despite starting at their 10-yard line in the first quarter, the LA Rams offense proved to have some firepower in the offense. After throwing two of three passes for a three yard loss in their first possession, the Rams took over on their own 10-yard line. It was not exactly the type of field position that this team hoped to have in their second possession

But sometimes you just have to deal with whatever the down and distance. Such was the case for this offense as they took the football field. But this is the same Rams offense that boasts WR Cooper Kupp, and WR Puka Nacua, and the team has added TE Colby Parkinson.

It was not long before a healthy WR Cooper Kupp made his case that he is fully healthy once more. At first down and 10 yards to go, Stafford connected with Kupp for five yards and then 11 yards. He then turned his attention to impressive TE Colby Parkinson for a 10 yard completion. And suddenly, the offense was beginning to move the football and build momentum. But when the LA Rams got to a first down and 10 yards to go on the 19-yard line, the offense self-destructed.

The first down fell incomplete. The second play was a sack of Matthew Stafford and a loss of eight yards. The next play, OT Warren McClendon was called for a false start, That pushed the Rams all the way back to third down and 23 yards to go at the Lions 32-yard line. At that point, the Rams surrendered, sent out rookie Joshua Karty, who kicked his first field goal of his NFL career.

I'm not one to second guess easily. But it's clear that the Lions were going to blitz after the Rams entered the Red Zone in this one on a steady diet of pass plays, especially with two backup offensive tackles. And unfortunately, the team is letting them stranded on their own.

In one case, the Lions sent a blitz to the inside of LT Joe Noteboom, while the defensive end took the outside route. Unfortunately, Noteboom followed the defensive end and allowed the inside pass rusher to have an unobstructed path to QB Matthew Stafford.

This game is still early, with more than 10 minutes to go in the second quarter. So far, the game feels like it could go either way.

Game Score: Q2 and 10:40 remaining

• LA Rams 3
• Detroit Lions 3

There is plenty of football remaining in this one. Stay tuned. So far in this one:

• QB Matthew Stafford has thrown 11 of 16 for 79 yards
• RB Ronnie Rivers for two runs and 16 yards
• WR Puka Nacua has caught three of three catches for 29 yards

At some point, the Rams will need to prove an ability to score in the Red Zone. Let's hope that happens soon.