New York Giants @ Los Angeles Rams preview
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Rams (0-1) will face the New York Giants (1-0). This upcoming Week 2 game will take place at SoFi Stadium.
It has been a disjointed start to the campaign for the Rams. The preseason betting favorites were stunned 27-7 by the San Francisco 49ers in their opener, with Matthew Stafford throwing for just 155 yards and no touchdowns on 15 carries.
The Giants, meanwhile, are coming off a turnaround in Week 1. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions in a 28-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
New York rushed for 165 yards on 4.5 carries and converted nine of its first ten thirds in what was a dominant overall performance from John Harbaugh’s team in his first competitive game as the Giants’ head coach.
Stafford, speaking on his weekly SiriusXM show alongside co-host Jim Gray, acknowledged the challenge ahead. “I saw a young team with a lot of talent,” he said of Dart and the Giants, after watching the win over Dallas up close.
The biggest concern for New York heading into this game is the state of their cornerback group, which has been hit hard by injuries at the worst possible time.
Paulson Adebo has been placed on injured reserve with a knee problem and will miss at least the next four games. Deonte Banks, who did not practice Friday with a calf problem, is questionable.
Greg Newsome III, limited in practice with a rib complaint, is uncertain. Three corners from a group that will now have to deal with the combination of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
Nacua was the Rams’ leading receiver in Week 1 with five catches for 74 yards in an otherwise quiet offensive showing. Signed in the offseason to give Stafford his most prolific target since his peak years in Detroit, Adams will be looking for his first big statement in a Rams uniform.
The Rams’ injury news has been equally significant. Myles Garrett, the cornerstone of a revamped defensive line and the player who was supposed to make Los Angeles one of the most feared fronts in the league this season, has been placed on injured reserve following knee surgery.
The Rams’ blueprint for success is the early return of Aaron Donald, who will make his season debut Monday night after sitting out Week 1 with a rest designation.