The Los Angeles Rams are set to play the New York Giants in their home opener next Monday night, as the team looks to shake off a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. The task won't be easy, as the Giants impressed on Sunday Night Football in their 28-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
With the Rams looking to avoid a 0-2 start, here are three major lessons they must learn this week after New York dazzled in head coach John Harbaugh's debut.
Isaiah Likely will be a matchup problem
Giants tight end Isaiah Likely impressed during his first few seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, even proving he was more productive than incumbent starter Mark Andrews when given an extended run of play. That chance never materialized, but in his debut with New York, he was ungardable.
The Cowboys attempted
to scheme wide receiver Malik Nabers out of the game, which allowed the Giants to attack other areas of the field with success. Likely found himself in advantageous matchups repeatedly, schooling linebackers and defensive backs on his way to a multi-touchdown day. With eight receptions for 78 yards and two touchdowns, Likely will be a top target of Jaxson Dart.
For the Rams, the major question revolves around guarding Likely. He presents the same issues that Mike Evans did, while being able to be utilized anywhere on the field. Quentin Lake had a bad game in the opener, but he's probably the player best suited to do so. Do the Rams ride with their captain or take a bold approach with Trent McDuffie, Jaylen McCollough, Kam Curl, or someone else?
The defensive line will be under siege
Harbaugh attacks the middle because he believes his offensive line, paired with bruising running back Cam Skattebo, can make any defensive line quit. Myles Garrett is heading to injured reserve after he has knee surgery, Aaron Donald has yet to confirm if he'll play, and the 49ers took it to the Rams last week, prompting Harbaugh to believe his team will be able to do the same.
The Giants attacked the Cowboys by using their best playmakers to stretch the field, attacking the underneath with quick passes and inside runs. Sound familiar? With Dart being a rushing threat himself, how the Rams handle the Giants will depend on how strong they are depth-wise, along with how smart they are with their rotation and player management.
Matthew Stafford can not be asked to play hero ball
Stafford was called upon to throw the ball too many times last week, and in the Rams' insistence on attacking the skies – despite having more success on the ground – Sean McVay and company quickly lost the battle for field position and stamina.
Long story short, McVay was outschemed and outmatched by a superior game plan. The Giants will look to do the same. The Rams must prioritize running the ball and the quick pass to negate the emerging defensive line for New York. Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and others were hauling to the football. Dak Prescott had to move around to make throws, and at Stafford's age, he can't move in the ways he needs to against the speed the Giants present on the field.
New York is built to outlast its opponents. Don't force Stafford to burn his arm out early, especially when he'll be a sitting duck.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 things Rams can learn from Giants' win ahead of Week 2 matchup
