The Los Angeles Rams picked up their second loss of the season on Sunday night in a 30-26 defeat against the Denver Broncos. Here are five takeaways from the game, which went down to the wire at Mile High.
Donald is doing more than expected, and that's not good
If Aaron Donald didn't end his retirement when he did, there's a chance the Rams are 0-3 right now. The NFL legend is playing at an All-Pro level, clearing lanes, and influencing the opposition in ways that provide advantages to his teammates.
Donald's return was supposed to be about luxury, not necessity. That's no longer the case, especially with the issues in the secondary. How much more can Los Angeles put on his shoulders? He was out of football for two years. At the same time, maybe that period away from the game allowed his body to heal
enough for this incredible output.
Watson's injury brings looming depth concerns into play
Jaylen Watson had to exit the contest in the second quarter, with Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Josh Wallace called upon to fill in. Forbes was continually put in positions where Bo Nix attacked his weaknesses and suffered as a result. Wallace did recover, making an interception, and he should've had a second that likely would've won the game, if not for a phantom defensive pass interference call. Perhaps poetic justice from the 2018 NFC Championship Game.
Regardless, defensive coordinator Chris Shula was no longer able to utilize Forbes and Wallace in ways that benefit their strengths, leaving them exposed. If Watson misses more time, Wallace should get the start. However, the Rams could be down two starting defensive backs within three weeks if Kam Kinchens isn't ready to go for Week 4.
The Broncos picked the Rams' secondary apart. It was a disaster, and Philadelphia is looking to pounce next week.
Present and future on display at WR
One of the biggest bright spots of the game was the work of Davante Adams and Konata Mumpfield. They have a close relationship as fellow wide receivers, with Adams taking Mumpfield under his wing. Adams made Pat Surtain II look pedestrian, and though he did have a costly drop at the end of the game, we can't take away from another signature performance. I'm sure Adams would disagree.
Surtain, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, needed safety help because Adams was so dominant. He put up seven receptions for 137 yards. Mumpfield earned himself way more targets as Sunday night was his coming-out party with four receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. On that score, Mumpfield was wide open for a 48-yard catch-and-run after hitting a silky smooth double move. He's been a standout player in practice since his rookie year. Now he's putting it all together as he benefits from snaps typically reserved for Puka Nacua.
Williams looks like his 2023 All-Pro self
Running back Kyren Williams was a true dual-threat running back on Sunday, recording 158 total yards and displaying a level of explosiveness that has been missing from his game for years. He was outstanding, making defenders miss left and right. He was comfortable all night and should be an even bigger part of this offense moving forward.
With Blake Corum creeping up in terms of snap count and carries, Williams took a strong position as the RB1. He was at his best as both a runner and receiver. If the Rams can figure out how to call plays for Corum that complement Williams' dual-threat ability, they will have a running back duo that can exhaust defenses even more.
Adams' expiring contract could become a topic of discussion
It's early, but Adams is playing like an All-Pro again. He was great last season, especially in the red zone, but he wasn't putting in that entire body of work that we were used to seeing. Part of that was his injury, which limited him in portions, especially late in the season. A bigger part was the targets going to Nacua.
Now, with Nacua out, Adams just showed the country that he's still a top-five receiver. He's set to be a free agent after this season. It seems it's all love between player and team, but Adams is balling, and the Rams have the same issues as they did last season. He wants to win a Super Bowl, and he needs to get over his championship game hump to do so, as does Sean McVay.
This game is a sign that both sides should strongly consider the next moves regarding their relationship, because Adams will be a top free agent, and the Rams will struggle to win without him.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 takeaways from Rams' heartbreaking loss to Broncos
