SOFI STADIUM (Los Angeles) – The Los Angeles Rams rebounded from an embarrassing loss in Australia to start the year by rolling to a 28-6 victory over the visiting New York Giants on Monday Night Football in the team’s home opener.
Dubbed the “Dream Team” to start the year because of the team’s successful moves to secure defensive game changers like defensive end Myles Garrett, cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the Rams finally looked like a team that could possibly live up to that billing in front of Team Stadium fans.
However, Los Angeles was boosted by the loss of New York quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) for the game in the first quarter. In the end, the Rams improved to 1-1 with the win, while the Giants dropped to 1-1.
Here are my suggestions:
The Rams almost traded Adams to the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason in a deal that would have brought them wide receiver AJ Brown in return. However, coach Sean McVay decided to keep Adams in part because of his great chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
With Brown now on injured reserve with the New England Patriots due to a high ankle sprain, the decision has potentially turned out to be good for the Rams. Without Puka Nacua on Monday with a hamstring injury, Adams more than filled the void, totaling eight catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
It was a party for Davante Adams and the Rams offense Monday night at SoFi Stadium. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Adams led the league in receiving touchdowns with 14 in 2025. He is now tied for fourth in the NFL all-time with Marvin Harrison Sr. and Cris Carter with 29 games with two hits.
While they flexed last year, the Rams were effective using 13 personnel (three tight ends). According to Next Generation Stats, Los Angeles used 13 personnel on 28 plays (54.9%) of the offensive snaps, averaging 10.4 yards per play and scoring two touchdowns with that personnel grouping.
When the Rams used 13 personnel, that left Adams on the field as the lone receiver — and he thrived.
Stafford finished with 327 passing yards and four touchdown passes, passing Philip Rivers (425) on the all-time TD list with 426.
However, not everything was great for the Rams. Kicker Harrison Mevis missed a 43-yard field goal wide left as special teams remained an issue. And the Rams also had two turnovers — an interception by Stafford on a forced ball in double coverage on Adams and a fumble by running back Kyren Williams that led to a 24-yard field goal for the Giants.
2.
New York lost its starting quarterback on the opening drive when Dart got between Los Angeles running backs Byron Young and Josaiah Steward, suffering a left knee injury. Dart left the field on his own, but after being evaluated by New York’s medical staff in the injury tent, he then went to the locker room for further evaluation.
Jaxson Dart leaves the field after suffering a knee injury in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams. (Harry How/Getty Images)
Dart did not return to the game and was replaced by veteran backup Jameis Winston. Dart’s absence severely limited the Giants’ offense. New York’s No. 1 receiver Malik Nabers also had to leave the game in the first half with a shoulder injury, but later returned.
With the team’s top two players out, the Giants were held to 182 yards of total offense.
Along with Dart, Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring injury late in his team’s 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and is week to week. And Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels re-dislocated his left elbow in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys and is out indefinitely.
3.
After a two-year absence and months of waiting, Donald finally took the field for the Rams. The Pittsburgh player received a standing ovation from the fans during player introductions.
Aaron Donald’s entrance was memorable Monday night at SoFi Stadium before the Rams’ win over the Giants. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Once the game started, Donald was a contributor, making a big run on Najee Harris’ run to force a goal-line punt. He finished with three combined tackles and a quarterback pressure on 32 defensive snaps, playing 58.2% of the snaps on defense for the Rams.
“Aaron looked great,” Rams coach Sean McVay said before the game. “He’s really impacted a lot of positive things. I think our defense is feeding off his energy. He’s been a real positive for us.”
3 ½. What’s next?
The Rams will try to keep the positive vibe going with a trip to the Mile High City, taking on the Denver Broncos in Week 3 on Sunday night. The Broncos bounced back with a big home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars after a disappointing loss in their season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, Los Angeles is still looking at the 2-0 Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West division standings.
The Giants will look to bounce back at home against the 0-2 Tennessee Titans. All eyes will be on Dart this week and if he can get back on the field.
