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Rollicking Rams Look To Ram Past Thoughtless Titans In Week 2

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Fresh off a humiliating and odiously contemptuous Week 1 performance, the Titans play host to the rolling Rams in Week 2. Los Angeles presents another difficult challenge for rookie quarterback Cam Ward and Brian Callahan. Can the young signal caller win in his first home start despite the coaching malaise? Sunday’s game presents an interesting storyline, as the Titans and Rams feature former first-overall selections at the quarterback position. Tennessee shares a unique history with the LA-based outfit as they launched an eventual Super Bowl run for the Rams with a blockbuster trade. How will the ferocious Rams’ defense lead the way against the flailing Titans?

Rollicking Rams Look To Ram Past Thoughtless Titans In Week 2

Rams Offense vs. Titans Defense

The Rams’ offensive output significantly relies on Matt Stafford’s finicky back, which held up against the vaunted Houston Texans’ defensive front. Tennessee presents another stiff challenge for Sean McVay’s men as the Titans’ defense performed miracles once again. Can a wounded Titans’ stop unit hold off Stafford and his fleet of immensely talented skill players?

OL vs DL Matchups to Watch

Los Angeles is likely to be without its full complement of offensive line starters, with Rob Havenstein, Kevin Dotson, and Steve Avila battling injuries. Friday’s injury report will be the one to watch for both squads. Dotson and Havenstein practiced on a limited basis on Thursday, but Avila missed both Wednesday and Thursday. If Avila can’t go on Sunday, Justin Dedich would be next up at left guard. Highly touted sophomore Beaux Limmer likely draws the start if Dotson is unable to participate. Center Coleman Shelton returned to LA after spending time in Chicago last season. The Rams’ best offensive lineman is Havenstein, so his health is critical to their success.

Tennessee’s defensive front is dealing with injuries itself as T’Vondre Sweat suffered an ankle injury late in last week’s game. He hasn’t practiced this week, so his status for Sunday is in doubt, pending Friday’s injury report. Jeffery Simmons is still Jeffery Simmons, but slimmer and quicker. The most fascinating matchup will be Dre’Mont Jones against left tackle Alaric Jackson. Rookie Femi Oladejo will have his hands full going against the veteran standout Havenstein.

Skill on Skill Matchups To Watch

The Rams acquired superstar Davante Adams this past offseason to help complement budding star receiver Puka Nacua. Adams is a wily old veteran who knows how to get open and is playing with the best quarterback of his career. The young man from BYU, Nacua, is an impressive athlete, scoring in the 90s in all three seasons of his career to date, according to PFF’s metrics. How the Titans will square up against the talented duo is going to be a fascinating watch. L’Jarius Sneed was on a pitch count to open the season last week and could improve his usage more this week. Jarvis Brownlee, Jr had a rough game against Denver, committing multiple penalties and likely facing another long day against Adams/Nacua. Nickel cornerback Roger McCreary will have to be on high alert against the speedy Tutu Atwell.

The Titans’ safety duo will be stressed to its limits in pass coverage, but Xavier Woods was impressive in his Tennessee debut. Quandre Diggs hasn’t practiced this week yet due to a hand injury, so his status is in doubt. Rookie Kevin Winston, Jr, is practicing on a limited basis and was inactive in the season opener. The coaches could opt to use him on a pitch count, similar to Sneed, to begin his first season. Cedric Gray won the starting job next to Cody Barton out of training camp. Rams running back Kyren Williams is a challenging task as one of the best running backs in the league when he’s healthy. Tennessee’s linebackers and safeties will have to be on their toes against him.

Titans Offense vs. Rams Defense

Head coach Brian Callahan’s second year decidedly did not get off to the right start as his offense sputtered against the high-powered Broncos defense. The Rams’ defense features numerous young talents ready to take LA to new heights under DC Chris Shula. It will be a chore again for Ward and his receivers to offset a leaky offensive line.

OL vs DL Matchups to Watch

The Titans’ offensive line is a lamb going to slaughter against a pack of lions, as is usually the case, even with the addition of Dan Moore, Jr. Their task got even tougher when right tackle JC Latham declared himself out for the game due to injury. Latham’s injury forced veteran Oli Udoh into action last week, and it was not ideal to say the least. John Ojukwu would be the next man up if Udoh were to falter. The interior of the Titans’ line will have its hands full against Poona Ford, Braden Fiske, and Kobie Turner. Its real glaring issue is on the perimeter against 2024-25 All-Rookie performer Jared Verse and Byron Young. It will be a long day for Tennessee’s offense if it can’t keep the Rams at bay.

Skill on Skill Matchups To Watch

Tyler Lockett should help the receivers with his veteran knowledge after years of bruising battles against the Rams. Elic Ayomanor is a talented rookie who showed well in his debut last week. Calvin Ridley is still Calvin Ridley, despite a lackluster effort against Denver. The Rams feature multiple 2024-25 All-Rookie caliber performers in the back end of their defense, like Kamren Kinchens and Omar Speights. Former Falcons linebacker Nate Landman was sensational in his Rams debut last week. Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm was another favorite target for Ward, so he deserves some hype alongside Chig Okonkwo. If the offensive line can give Ward time, he should be able to find some weapons on the edges.

Odds and Ends

The Rams lead the all-time series by a margin of 8-6, which includes the days of the Oilers. Since the 2005 season, the two teams have met on a quadrennial basis. Tennessee leads the series 3-2 in that time frame, with a margin of victory of 28-22. There have been several notable alumni who have played for both teams, such as Kenny Britt, Cortland Finnegan, Kevin Carter, Daren Bates, Rodger Saffold, and Will Witherspoon. Most notably, these two teams share a coaching history with Jeff Fisher leading both franchises.

Uniforms

Titans
Rams

Weather Report

Sunday’s weather is projected to be a typical fall day in September for Nashville. The forecast calls for the high to reach 93 degrees, with winds blowing from the southeastern direction at 5 miles per hour. There is a minimal chance of precipitation, with only 2% of rain expected. Both teams will need to be well-hydrated and rested before kickoff to minimize the risk of injury and dehydration.

Referee Referendum

(Data courtesy of nflpenalties.com)

The NFL assigned Hussey to lead the referee unit for Sunday’s contest after that crew called the thrilling showdown on Sunday Night Football. Hussey enters his 24th season as an official with the league and 11th as the head referee. His crew saw only one change from last season, with Umpire Duane Heydt coming over from Brad Allen’s staff. Line Judge Carl Johnson and Side Judge Allen Baynes are the most veteran of his crew with 22 and 18 seasons of service, respectively. The significant staff continuity should be beneficial for Hussey and company, as little adjustments are necessary to operate as one. He officiated two Titans games last season, with both of them losses for Tennessee.

Hussey’s crew is generally known for letting teams play with a league-low 184 calls in the previous season. His staff called it relatively even, with 95 accepted flags for the home team and 89 for the road team. The trend continued on Sunday night, with Buffalo being assessed five flags, while the Ravens were called for seven.

Main Photo: [Ron Chenoy] – Imagn Images

The post Rollicking Rams Look To Ram Past Thoughtless Titans In Week 2 appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.