After a disappointing Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, the Los Angeles Rams got back on track in Week 2 with a 28-6 win over the New York Giants on Monday night. Like the Rams, the Denver Broncos also got a much-needed win, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-13 to avoid an 0-2 start. Now, both teams will face each other on Sunday, September 27, on Sunday Night Football.
Despite missing wide receiver Puka Nacua due to injury, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford led the offense, throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns, though he also threw an interception. Wide receiver Davante Adams stepped up in Nacua’s absence, catching eight passes for 195 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The defense also bounced back with Aaron Donald’s return, limiting the Giants to 182 yards and six points.
The Broncos overcame a 13-3 deficit early in the third quarter, scoring 17 unanswered points to beat the Jaguars at home. After struggling in his Broncos debut against the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had an impressive performance, catching eight passes for 138 yards. His performance helped quarterback Bo Nix settle in as he threw for 288 yards and a touchdown, up from 131 yards against the Chiefs.
After giving up 31 points in their season-opening loss, the Broncos’ defense was a big reason for their comeback, limiting the Jaguars to three points in the second half and forcing a turnover. The defense’s performance allowed the offense to score 17 second-half points and complete the comeback.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Denver Broncos Sunday Night Football Preview
Game: Los Angeles Rams (1-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-1)
History: 10-5, Los Angeles Rams
Last Meeting: 51-14, Los Angeles Rams (2022)
Time: 8:20 p.m. (EST)
Location: Empower Field at Mile High | Denver, CO
TV: NBC
Radio: ESPN 710 AM| KOA 850 AM | 94.1 FM | SiriusXM 192, 193, XM App
Odds: Rams -2.5 | O/U: 43.5
This is the first time both teams are facing each other in Denver since 2018. The Rams have won the last five meetings against the Broncos, with their last loss coming in 2002 when they lost 23-16.
Rams Preparing To Be Short-Handed For The Second Consecutive Week
Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve following the Rams’ Week 1 loss to the 49ers. Now, the Rams are dealing with more injuries, as Nacua was listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday’s game against the Broncos after missing last week’s win over the Giants. Although he isn’t ruled out yet, Rams head coach Sean McVay said it’s more unlikely than likely that Nacua will play Sunday and expects him back in Week 4, barring any setbacks.
McVay discussed Nacua’s injury during his press conference on Wednesday and said that while he would love for him to play Sunday night, he doesn’t want to rush him back before he’s fully ready.
“It’s our job to make sure that we’re protecting [Nacua and Jordan Whittingham], putting them in positions to have successful outcomes and also have a long-term vision,” McVay said. “If they are both able to go, we’ll be better off, but not at the expense of pushing them, where they could have a setback that would then be temporary candidates for injured reserve if they reaggravate something like that.”
With Nacua potentially sidelined on Sunday, Stafford talked during Wednesday’s press conference about the challenge Denver’s defense presents, particularly with Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II expected to cover Adams, who was Stafford’s primary target in the Rams’ win over the Giants. Despite the Broncos’ defensive struggles in their season opener, the unit finished third in scoring defense last season.
“You look at their front seven: it’s really talented in both disruption and getting after the passer,” Stafford said. “The secondary is as good as one as we’ll play all year from a versatility and talent standpoint, so it’ll be a big challenge for us.”
Despite most likely not having Nacua on Sunday, McVay said he has a lot of confidence in his players to step up in his absence. The Rams will once again need Adams and everyone on the offense to step up if Nacua can’t play, as they look to avoid a 1-2 start.
Denver Broncos Looking To Make Offensive Improvements
Even though the Broncos bounced back from their season-opening loss, their offense has struggled to find a rhythm in its first two games. A big reason for these struggles has been the adjustment to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb.
Despite making the AFC Championship Game last season, Broncos head coach Sean Payton fired former offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi in the offseason and promoted Webb, the offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, to replace him and take over play-calling. His debut against the Chiefs went poorly: the offense scored one touchdown on its 12 drives and generated only 176 yards. The pressure intensified as the Broncos failed to score a touchdown through three quarters against the Jaguars, but the offense finally clicked in the fourth quarter and scored two touchdowns.
On Wednesday, Payton stressed the importance of getting off to faster starts and not playing from behind, something the team looks to do against the Rams.
“We talked about it in the start of the season, playing better early, so I think the focus is more in the front end,” Payton said. “If you’re playing with a lead, you’ve got that balance. If you’re playing within a touchdown, you still have to have that balance. Last week was a good example [because] it becomes difficult if it’s one-dimensional.”
Offensive improvements were expected heading into this season after the Broncos finished outside the top 10 in every major offensive category last season. Instead, they are 27th in points per game and 26th in yards per game heading into Week 3. Nix is still finding his footing after suffering a season-ending right ankle fracture during last season’s NFL Playoffs, throwing for 419 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Denver’s running game has also struggled, averaging 82.5 yards per game, 27th in the NFL. However, the Broncos’ top two running backs, J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey, will play after Dobbins left the game last week and Harvey was inactive. Their returns will help the team not just in the running game but also in the play action, as Harvey had 356 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Payton has nothing but praise for McVay, and he knows the challenge his team faces ahead of Sunday night’s game.
“I have a ton of respect for him. He’s sharp. You watch his film, it’s good film always to watch,” Payton said. “It’ll be a good challenge.”
Prediction
Rams 23, Broncos 17
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
