The Los Angeles Rams began the 2024 season right where they ended the 2023 season, at Ford Field taking on the Detroit Lions. And unfortunately, the result was very similar as the Rams lost 26-20 in overtime to start off the season 0-1.
Unlike last season when the loss to the Lions was the end though, this was just the beginning as the Rams played a really encouraging game despite not coming away on top.
One of the main reasons the Rams lost the game was injuries, so hopefully guys can get healthy so this team can reach its full potential. L.A. already without both starting offensive tackles in Rob Havenstein and Alaric Jackson as well as their top cornerback Darious Williams.
Then by halftime, the Rams had already lost star wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee), star offensive guard Steve Avila (knee) and swing offensive tackle Joe Noteboom (ankle). It remains to be seen if any of the injuries are serious, but it was clear the Rams offense missed them even though they continued to battle all night.
After facing a 17-3 deficit early in the third quarter, the Rams rattled off 17 straight points to take a 20-17 lead.
Without Nacua in the mix, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford relied of his favorite target Cooper Kupp, who looked like he was back to being 100% healthy.
Kupp was targeted an insane 21 times on the night, hauling in 14 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. If Nacua doesn’t miss too much time then the Rams could boast the best receiving duo in the league.
First of many sacks for @JaredVerse1!
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/BJuuDY1Mwc
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 9, 2024
First touchdown of the #RamsHouse season? Of course it's Kyren Williams.
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/zNfCDe98yQ
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 9, 2024
Explosive play by Tyler Johnson has the offense in business!
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/K89zOlGp7f
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 9, 2024
John Johnson III with a big interception of his former teammate Jared Goff!
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/shXr11LuoR
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 9, 2024
Stafford to Kupp still as good as it gets. #RamsHouse
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/0TPaQdPdOz
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) September 9, 2024
While Stafford and the offense did a great job despite being so short-handed, Chris Shula and the defense were the surprise of the night, slowing down the high-powered Lions offense as well.
After Detroit went up 17-3, Shula’s defense forced two punts and an interception to allow the offense to take the lead. The Rams had a chance to close it out with the ball and just over two minutes remaining.
They were unable to convert on a long third down though and had to punt, allowing the Lions to come down and tie it with a field goal to send the game to overtime.
The Lions then won the coin toss and got the ball first, going 70 yards on eight plays, all of which were runs, to score the game-winning touchdown and keep Stafford and the Rams offense off the field.
While the Rams defense getting bullied in that fashion was not ideal, it was clear just how fatigued they were. Most NFL players don’t play in the preseason anymore so are not yet conditioned to play a full four quarters and overtime in Week 1.
With that being the case, whoever got the ball first in overtime was likely to drive down the field and score, and that was the Lions.
Shula’s young defense should hold their heads high though as they played extremely well in the second half. L.A. only had two sacks of Jared Goff but seemed to be getting solid pressure all night with rookie Jared Verse picking up his first career sack.
Another rookie had a solid night for the Rams as kicker Joshua Karty made both of his field goals and both extra points. Given the Rams’ struggles at kicker in the past, it was good to see Karty start his career off with a perfect night.
What’s next for the Rams
The Rams stay on the road in Week 2, taking on the Arizona Cardinals in their first divisional game. The Cardinals took the Buffalo Bills to the limit on the road in Week 1 so cannot be taken lightly despite the Rams’ historical dominance over their division rivals.
