Rams fans shouldn't overemphasize slow start to the season

There's no getting around the fact that the Los Angeles Rams' season opened with a humbling loss to the rival San Francisco 49ers. That loss, coupled with Seattle's victory over the Patriots, sank the Horns to the bottom of the NFC West Division. Even the lowly Cardinals made easy work of the Chargers.

Of course, the reigning champion Seahawks did not have an easy time of it themselves en route to a less-than-impressive 13-10 victory, minus injured quarterback Sam Darnold for most the game. But comb through the details and that defense is as lights-out as ever.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles failed miserably. It ended 27-7, but the game was all over but the shouting by halftime. LA did not score a single point in the second half. The 49ers seemed to score at will. It's so tempting to draw broad conclusions from the first game of the season.

But resist the temptation.

Disappointing Week needn't define Rams' season

As much as one perfect game does not define the season, the opposite is equally true. The Rams struggled miserably in Week 1, but the entire pomp and ceremony of pitting a so-called home game thousands of miles away is not something anyone can use to get a pulse on the season.

Were they poorly prepared or poorly rested? Were the 49ers that much better, that much more rested, or simply that much more motivated to give the Horns their come-uppance after monopolizing offseason headlines?

Early predictions for the 2026 season may have missed the mark in Week 1. Last season's best AFC team, New England, is also 0-1, despite facing Seahawks backup quarterback Drew Lock.

But all is not lost. By winning next two games the Rams can reclaim a 2-1 start. A Week 3 victory over the Denver Broncos, while difficult to accomplish, is not out of reach just yet, even without Myles Garrett. But that's getting ahead of things. Head coach Sean McVay has his squad fully focused on beating the Giants in Week 2.

For whatever reason, the Rams struggle against the Niners as favorites. Even when the 49ers are banged up, they have a knack for getting healthy in the nick of time to upset LA. But the season is not a sprint; it's a 17-game marathon. And now, Aaron Donald is on the brink of his debut. Buckle up for the ride.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow