WOODLAND HILLS, CA – The Los Angeles Rams traveled to Nashville in Week 2 and left with a convincing 33-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. The final score reflected a game that required patience and resilience, as the Rams staged a fourth-quarter surge to pull away. But beyond the box score, the details tell the story of how head coach Sean McVay’s roster is shaping up early in the season.
By examining snap counts and Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades, we can get a clearer picture of who stood out, which units are building momentum, and where improvements are still needed.
Offensive Line Stability Pays Off
The Rams’ offense starts up front, and Week 2 offered encouraging news: the entire offensive line played every single snap. Alaric Jackson (LT), Justin Dedich (LG), Coleman Shelton (C), Kevin Dotson (RG), and Rob Havenstein (RT) all logged 61 snaps each, keeping Matthew Stafford protected throughout the game.
That stability is a luxury in the NFL, especially after the Rams battled health issues across the line last season. Beyond simply being available, the group played well, highlighted by Jackson’s 80.6 PFF grade, one of the best among all Rams on Sunday. His reliability at left tackle gave Stafford the time to operate effectively and put preseason injury concerns to rest.
Receiving Corps: Stars Shine and Depth Emerges
The Rams’ pass-catching group delivered fireworks, with three different players scoring touchdowns.
Davante Adams led the way with 49 snaps and an 82.2 grade. His touchdown grab reminded everyone why he remains one of the NFL’s premier receivers.
Puka Nacua continued his breakout trajectory, logging 42 snaps and an 81.6 grade while also finding the end zone. His versatility is proving invaluable, working intermediate routes while stretching defenses vertically.
Jordan Whittington chipped in with 39 snaps, showing that McVay trusts him in steady rotation, while Tutu Atwell (26 snaps) maintained his role as a speed threat who can open space for others
Tight ends also played a crucial part. With Colby Parkinson sidelined, Tyler Higbee saw 46 snaps and served as a steady chain-mover. But the biggest surprise came from Davis Allen, who played just 25 snaps but posted the team’s highest grade at 89.4. Allen’s touchdown and efficiency highlighted his potential as a red-zone difference-maker.
Running Backs: Rotation Taking Shape
The backfield showed balance and flexibility. Kyren Williams logged 43 snaps as the primary back, but rookie Blake Corum continued carving out a role with 18 snaps of his own. While Williams provides reliability and pass protection, Corum’s burst adds fresh energy to the ground game. The developing one-two punch could prove vital as the season progresses.
Stafford Steady and Efficient
Stafford’s performance underscored why continuity along the line matters. Playing all 61 snaps, he earned a 78.5 grade, efficiently distributing the football and tossing two touchdowns. More importantly, he looked comfortable in the pocket and displayed the durability the Rams need from him.
With Adams, Nacua, and Allen all scoring touchdowns, Stafford showed he can spread the ball effectively while capitalizing on mismatches. That balance is the hallmark of a McVay offense at its best.
Defensive Snap Counts: Depth on Display
The Rams’ defense was on the field for 66 snaps, and several key themes emerged: durability at safety, dominant edge rushing, and heavy rotation up front.
Defensive Snap Counts (66 Plays)
S Quentin Lake – 66
S Kamren Curl – 66
MLB Nate Landman – 64
S Kamren Kinchens – 58
OLB Byron Young – 51
CB Emmanuel Forbes – 49
OLB Jared Verse – 43
MLB Omar Speights – 41
CB Cobie Durant – 41
DT Kobie Turner – 39
DT Tyler Davis – 30
DT Poona Ford – 29
CB Darious Williams – 26
OLB Josaiah Stewart – 25
S Jaylen McCollough – 22
CB Ahkello Witherspoon – 16
OLB Nick Hampton – 15
DT Ty Hamilton – 14
DT Larrell Murchison – 14
DE Braden Fiske – 13
S Josh Wallace – 4
Defensive Standouts by PFF Grade
The Rams got impact plays from all three levels of the defense.
1. Byron Young – 90.0
Young was a force off the edge, recording two sacks and multiple pressures. His ability to disrupt Tennessee’s passing game tilted the momentum.
2. Quentin Lake – 89.3
Playing all 66 snaps, Lake shined in both coverage and run support. He looks to be settling into a leadership role in the secondary.
3. Darious Williams – 79.5
Despite playing just 26 snaps, Williams’ coverage was sharp. He provided critical relief in the cornerback rotation.
4. Cobie Durant – 73.0
Durant held steady in 41 snaps, providing reliable coverage and helping limit Tennessee’s downfield threats.
5. Josaiah Stewart – 72.4
The rookie edge rusher notched his first career sack and flashed potential as a rotational piece.
Defensive Takeaways
Safety Strength: Both Lake and Curl were ironmen, playing every snap, with Kinchens adding 58 more. This consistency in the secondary paid off, especially as the corners rotated heavily.
Edge Rush Dominance: Byron Young stole the show, but Stewart and Jared Verse chipped in to create constant pressure. This depth off the edge is exactly what the Rams need to take heat off their young secondary.
Rotating the Interior: The defensive tackle group saw a steady rotation, with Turner, Davis, and Ford logging the bulk of snaps, while younger players like Braden Fiske and Ty Hamilton got limited reps. That depth should help keep the line fresh late in games.
Cornerback Concerns: Emmanuel Forbes logged nearly 50 snaps but was targeted often, even surrendering a touchdown. While Williams and Durant had solid outings, this remains the area most in need of improvement.
Linebacker Dependability: Nate Landman nearly played the entire game (64 snaps) and proved crucial in both run support and short-zone coverage. Omar Speights’ 41 snaps rounded out a dependable performance from the linebacker group.
The Big Picture
The Rams’ 33-19 win over Tennessee was a complete team effort. The offense benefited from rare continuity along the offensive line, Stafford’s steady hand, and explosive plays from Adams, Nacua, and Allen. Meanwhile, the defense showcased both star power (Byron Young, Quentin Lake) and depth (Stewart, Durant) in holding the Titans to just 19 points.
Looking ahead, the formula for success seems clear: keep Stafford upright with a healthy line, continue developing the Williams-Corum backfield balance, and let the receivers create mismatches. On defense, leaning on edge rushers and safeties while shoring up cornerback play will be critical as tougher offenses loom.
For Week 2, the Rams walked away not just with a win, but with a growing identity on both sides of the ball and momentum that could carry them into the thick of the NFC playoff race.