RAMS NOT SHARP IN ROUT
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.
Perhaps one day, four months or a decade from now, the Rams will look back at Sunday’s victory over the New York Giants and remember.
Not necessarily any single play from their 38-11 rout of the hapless Giants at MetLife Stadium, but on an afternoon that the Giants celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their 2011 Super Bowl championship team the Rams overcame early struggles on offense and remained on track for a possible run to Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium.
Matthew Stafford passed for four touchdowns, running back Darrell Henderson and receiver Cooper Kupp each scored two touchdowns and the defense forced four turnovers in a victory that improved the Rams record to 5-1.
Not that coach Sean McVay envisioned confetti falling just yet. Not after the Rams offense once again started slow.
“It’s not good enough,” he said. “Not pleased with it.”
Or, as Kupp summarized: “It is the result we wanted, but as an offense it’s not up to our standard.”
The game was the first in a three-game stretch that pits the Rams against struggling teams. The Giants, for example, fell to 1-5.
Next up: The 0-6 Detroit Lions, and former quarterback Jared Goff ’s return to SoFi Stadium.
McVay and General Manager Les Snead traded Goff, two first-round draft picks and a third-round pick to the Lions for Stafford because McVay had grown frustrated with Goff, and they believed Stafford offered superior arm talent, savvy and experience.
Stafford did not win a playoff game in 12 seasons, but McVay and Snead are convinced he is the missing piece to help the Rams win a Super Bowl that will be played in their home stadium.
Stafford has passed for 16 touchdowns, with four interceptions.
On Sunday, he tossed two
touchdown passes to Kupp, one to Henderson and another to receiver Robert Woods. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 251 yards, with an interception.
“There’s room for improvement,” Stafford said of the offense, “but I’m proud of the way we just stuck to
The Rams defense made it relatively easy for Stafford — and softened McVay’s grimace.
Safety Taylor Rapp intercepted two passes. Rookie cornerback Robert Rochell intercepted another. Outside linebacker Obo Okoronkwo sacked Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and forced a fumble.
“A lot of guys had expanded roles,” Rapp said. “We knew that coming into the game this week and everyone stepped up.”