The Rams’ 27–7 loss to San Francisco was an embarrassment, but it is not a reason to panic yet. Los Angeles flew approximately 17 hours to Australia and arrived only about one day before kickoff, while the 49ers had nearly a full week to acclimate. That enormous preparation difference gives the Rams a legitimate explanation for looking slow, disorganized and physically flat.
Week 2 against the New York Giants will tell us much more.
Los Angeles will be back home, fully rested and playing against a team it is expected to beat. If the Rams respond with a convincing victory, the opener can be dismissed as a failed travel experiment and an early-season wake-up call.
If they lose again, everything changes.
An 0–2 start would create legitimate questions about Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay’s offense, the offensive line, the run defense and Myles Garrett’s ability to transform the unit. Aaron Donald’s eventual return would help, but one player cannot repair an entire team.
San Francisco was a warning.
A loss to the Giants would be evidence.
If that happens, LA, we have a problem.
