3 storylines that will shape the Rams’ Week 2 test and beyond

The Los Angeles Rams have one victory on the books, but even a welcome victory masked some concerns, particularly with the offense. And many astute fans are a bit unsettled with the process that continues to depend almost entirely on the defensive effort.

While a win is a win, L.A. is investing copious resources into the offense to do its part and is safely presumed to score an average of more than 14 points. Some NFL analysts are already sharing rosy outlooks for Week 2 versus the Tennessee Titans. But the fanbase is not so easily won over by tales of heroics that begin with "Once upon a time..."

This is not just what will happen, but how. Who will deliver added oomph to this offense?

And so, the dramatic win against the Houston Texans folds into the drama of Week 2 against the Titans on the road. Los Angeles is still a team of mystery and intrigue. Yes, it won on the comeback heroics of wide receiver Puka Nacua, the strength of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the nose for the end zone from running back Kyren Williams. But the offensive line performed poorly and is now banged up. So, the expectation for an easy win doesn't align any longer.

3 Rams storylines in Week 2 that may prove to be keys to success

What does align is the need for the Rams to get a win in Week 2 against relatively weak competition, especially considering they face off against the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles on the road in Week 3.

Entering that game at 2-0 is decidedly better than 1-1.

So, how does L.A. get its second win?

1. Can Rams rookies get involved on offense?

Not a single Rams rookie touched the football in Week 1. And if you cast a broader net, not even rookie defensive tackle Ty Hamilton saw action. While head coach Sean McVay is notoriously cautious about affording opportunities to rookie offensive weapons, it was disheartening to witness L.A. fail to deploy and rookies.

That has to change in Week 2, as many of the offensive deficiencies had been addressed by the front office in the draft.

Running back Jarquez Hunter offers power between the tackles and is a nasty, explosive afterburner whenever he sees daylight. Wide receiver Konata Mumpfield offers a stop, go, pivot that instantly creates separation, neutralizing the advantage of a physical secondary. And tight end Terrance Ferguson is a bigger-bodied version of now-Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp -- a tight end who specializes in catching passes. With both tight ends, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen, shaken up after Week 1, Ferguson seems to be needed to help the offense face the Titans.

2. How long can offense run through Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams?

As much fun as it was to see the offense stick with the tried and true performers like Nacua and Williams, it also must risk getting other players involved immediately. Los Angeles made no use of tight end Tyler Higbee, almost no use of wide receivers Tutu Atwell or Jordan Whittington, and even made light use of running back Blake Corum and even wide receiver Davante Adams.

It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. To win a 17-game regular-season race, the Rams must stop sticking with the same one or two offensive playmakers.

Just like racing cars, the wear and tear on the same four tires is a surefire way to lose the race. Pit stops are scheduled to fuel up and get new tires on the car. This offense needs to put some new wheels into the playbook for Week 2.

3. Is CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr. on track to be a huge steal?

While cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. may be seeing his first action in the secondary as a starter, his debut certainly seemed to contribute to a robust pass defense. While he is still settling into the defense and is less than perfect, limiting the Texans' pass offense to just 151 passing yards, and to hold the lid on 10 different receivers to no more than 32 receiving yards, four receptions, and no touchdowns is exemplary.

Forbes was not used at all last season until backups started in Week 18. Fast-forward to 2025, and he is starting alongside Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobit Durant. It seems that all of the talk about investing in the secondary may have been premature, as the teams added both Forbes and Witherspoon mid-season last year, and both started in 2025.

One victory is simply that, one victory. Fans are eager to see how this offense evolves. Ultimately, L.A. needs to show improvement this weekend and continue to do so throughout the season. Let the headlines gush over the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills for now. It's how teams end a season that is far more important.

And so, fans want to see this offense evolve into something a bit better this week, and in the weeks ahead.

As always, thanks for reading.

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