The New York Giants are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 2 contest at SoFi Stadium. A significant aspect of this matchup will be the Giants' rushing offense against the Rams' run defense.
Marquee Matchup: Giants Rushing Offense vs. Rams Run Defense
The Giants aim to replicate their strong ground game performance from their previous outing, where they accumulated 165 rushing yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Conversely, the Rams are seeking to improve their run defense after allowing 174 rushing yards and 5.8 yards per attempt in their season opener.
"I think we can play harder. I think we can play better and we can execute better, really at all levels," said Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. The Giants saw rushing touchdowns from Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary, alongside 54 rushing yards from Jaxson Dart. The Rams will counter with Poona Ford and Byron Young on their defensive front, while notably being without Myles Garrett who is on injured reserve.
Key Considerations for Week 2
Jaxson Dart's Ball Security: Quarterback Jaxson Dart demonstrated responsible ball-carrying in the opener, managing 11 carries without apparent recklessness. He employed slides, controlled dives, and ran out of bounds when appropriate, prioritizing health and sustained performance throughout the game. "Definitely take it into account," Dart commented. "It’s important to me to be as healthy as I was from the last snap to the next snap."
Rams' Offensive Focus: While the Rams' offense is often analyzed through quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the team intends to emphasize its run game. Running back Kyren Williams, who has three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, is a focal point. "Sean [McVay] wants to run the ball, to set up his play-actions," noted Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. "Sean does a good job of attacking players as well with scheme. I think he’s one of the best football coaches in the National Football League, and we have a hell of a challenge going against this offense."
Aaron Donald's Return: Defensive lineman Aaron Donald is set to make his return to the field after an initial retirement in March 2024. The 35-year-old defensive stalwart, who returned to practice on August 30, will be on a snap count. "I’ll probably be a lot more fresh," Donald stated. "My game plan is, I’m going to go out there and play hard. And when I need a break, tap out, let the next guy go out there and eat, and I’ll be right back." This marks his first appearance in an NFL game in 981 days.
Travel Strategy: The Giants opted to travel to the West Coast on Saturday, a day earlier than their typical charter flight schedule. Coach Harbaugh prefers this approach to help players adjust to the time difference. "You get a chance to kind of get your clock set just a little bit," Harbaugh said. "We try to get them ready to be at their peak at night. That’s kind of the idea." This contrasts with the Rams' recent travel for a game in Australia, which drew criticism for its proximity to the kickoff.
Prediction
Despite the challenges, the Rams are predicted to win this close contest. The prediction is Rams 27, Giants 23, suggesting a competitive game where the Rams' offense finds its rhythm after a subdued Week 1 performance, while the Giants may struggle to maintain possession as effectively as they did against the Cowboys.