news-engine

Rarely does a non-dynasty NFL team enter its season opener as a consensus favorite, but the Los Angeles Rams possess everything that a prognosticator can want in a Super Bowl pick. They have a head coach-quarterback duo who has already won the Lombardi Trophy, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, a new cornerback duo that has also tasted championship success, and a willingness to push the envelope. That last attribute backfired horribly on Thursday, and the other factors were surprisingly ineffective. The Rams arrived in Melbourne, Australia less than a day before their NFC West showdown with the San Francisco 49ers, attempting to stay on a Pacific Coast body clock rather than gradually adjust to the 17-hour time difference like their opponent. Whether or not the head-scratching travel plans had any bearing on the outcome is irrelevant. LA is still heading home with a 27-7 loss. Following months of hearing Rams-based praise, people were quick to unload on social media. “This Rams team team was being called a “superteam” before the season started,” @hoodiebp recalled on X. “They said we were going to go 17-0 or a minimum of 14-3.” “Maybe it's just me but the Rams look like a football team that took a 9,000-mile, 16-hour flight within the last 48 hours,” @rodger noted. “Cool sports science, Rams,” @HayesTSN quipped. “Absolutely dummied.” The Rams tried to be the smartest one in the room, only to don a metaphorical dunce cap by night's end. Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford struggled to penetrate a stifling Niners defense, completing 15-of-25 passes for only 155 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. The offense particularly floundered in the defining moments, going 2-of-9 on third-down conversions. Defensively, the Rams were also out of sorts. Outstanding pass-rusher Myles Garrett failed to leave an imprint on the game in his team debut, as Brock Purdy received plenty of time to operate in the picket. Moreover, Los Angeles allowed San Francisco to average 5.8 yards per rushing attempt. Emphasizing a long jet lag and LA's on-field mistakes threatens to minimize what the 49ers accomplished inside Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kyle Shanahan had his team ready to go in all phases of the game. But the Rams still performed inadequately, especially given all the talent on their roster. They will now have to prove themselves back in The States. Players should be extra motivated for a Week 2 Monday Night Football game versus the New York Giants. But will their bodies be able to match that attitude?