The Los Angeles Rams took care of business in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. In a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship, the Rams made a statement and defeated the Saints 27-9. Here’s a few players who made the win possible, and a couple that made it tougher.
Stud: CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
Nobody had a bigger chip on their shoulder heading into this game than Nickell Robey-Coleman. The Rams’ slot corner enshrined himself in NFL history when he leveled TommyLee Lewis late in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship. When the refs chose not to call pass interference, it changed the course of NFL history.
It seemed likely that the Saints would try and make Robey-Coleman’s day miserable. Instead, Robey-Coleman played a hell of a game and played a crucial role in the Rams victory. He had six total tackles and four solo tackles. He played well in pass coverage as well and recorded a defended pass.
Robey-Coleman isn’t usually much of a tackler, but his presence was felt in this game. He finished third on the team in tackles. It was a great day overall for Robey-Coleman.
Stud: WR Brandin Cooks
Brandin Cooks has a very quiet Week 1. He followed it up with a very loud Week 2.
Jared Goff connected with Cooks early on for a beautiful 57 yard gain that set up a field goal. Later on, the duo once again collaborated on a picture-perfect goal line slant. Cooks had to make a tough grab on a perfect pass for his first touchdown of the season.
Cooks has to feel good whenever he can make big plays against his former team. He got back on track in a major way in Week 2.
Dud: RT Rob Havenstein
The offensive line as a whole wasn’t great against the Saints, but Rob Havenstein was noticeably the worse.
Havenstein was tasked with the tough challenge of stopping Cameron Jordan. He failed miserably. Havenstein was called for holding twice on Jordan and gave up a sack as well.
It was a rough day for the usually reliable tackle. Besides Jordan eating his lunch all day, Havenstein lost his running mate on the right side when Austin Blythe exited with an injury in the second quarter. An already struggling Havenstein had to play next to Jamil Demby for two and a half quarters. It was not his best day.
Stud: S Eric Weddle
Eric Weddle had his Rams debut cut short last week when he was knocked out of the game due to a head laceration. In Week 2, it was Weddle who did the hitting.
Weddle recorded seven total tackles against the Saints. His big moment came on the first drive of the game, when he laid a massive hit on Jared Cook and forced an interception. Weddle laid into the former Rams tight end, and the ball rolled right into fellow safety John Johnson’s hands.
The Rams were lucky Weddle was able to make a quick recovery and be healthy for Week 2. His impact was felt in a major way.
Stud: WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp looks even better after his ACL surgery than he did before.
The third-year wide receiver shined against the Saints in Week 2, recording five receptions for 120 yards on nine targets. It’s clear as day that Kupp is Goff’s favorite target. That worked out pretty well for him against the Saints. Kupp’s big moment came on a massive 66 yard reception that set up a Jared Goff touchdown run.
Kupp led the Rams in receiving yards on Sunday and has established himself as the front-runner to lead the team on the season. If he can stay healthy, it’s going to be a huge year for him.
Dud: WR Josh Reynolds
There’s not much to be said about Reynolds’ performance in Week 2.
Literally, there isn’t really anything you can say. Reynolds was a ghost. He wasn’t targeted a single time in this game.
After being held out in the 2019 preseason, it was easy to anticipate a big role for Reynolds heading into the season. There hasn’t been one. Reynolds has played sparingly over the team’s first two games and has failed to reel in a single catch. Don’t expect things to change when it comes to Reynolds. He won’t be much of a factor this season if the other receivers remain healthy.
Stud: DT Michael Brockers
Michael Brockers was one of the more disappointing players on the Rams last season. He’s been the opposite of that so far in 2019.
Brockers recorded three tackles and a sack against the Saints on Sunday afternoon, but he was constantly getting in the face of Teddy Bridgewater and making his life a living hell. Brockers is in his eighth season with the Rams and looks like he’s returned to form this season. The 28-year-old is doing his best to earn a big pay day this spring.
