The Los Angeles Rams erased any doubts about their form with a commanding 28-6 victory over the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium, a performance that earned praise from ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith. After a shaky start to the season, dropping their opener to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, the Rams showed they remain serious contenders for the Super Bowl.
Smith laid out his view clearly on ‘The Stephen A. Smith Show’. “What transpired against the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, was not indicative of the kind of season that they intend to have,” he said. He pointed to the presence of reigning league MVP and quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 327 yards and four touchdowns against the Giants. “They still have the reigning league MVP and quarterback Matthew Stafford,” Smith added.
The Rams’ offensive power was evident even without wide receiver Puka Nacua, who did not play. Davante Adams stepped up in his absence, racking up an impressive 195 receiving yards. Smith noted, “Even though Puka didn't play last night, Davante Adams did and played stellar.” The running game also contributed, with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum providing strong support.
Smith acknowledged the defensive impact of Aaron Donald, who returned to the lineup and lifted the Rams’ defensive presence considerably. “A defense that's going to need to be reckoned with because Aaron Donald, the monster, has returned,” he said. “When he's around, something just elevates defensively. It is who they are.”
Before the game, Smith had expected the Giants to challenge the Rams. The Giants entered the match missing defensive end Myles Garrett and wide receiver Puka Nacua, among others, but Smith believed the Giants’ defense and players like Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo could make an impact. Instead, the Giants struggled not to score but to stay healthy. “While the Los Angeles Rams were running to the end zone, the New York Giants were running to the infirmary,” Smith said.
The Rams started strong and controlled the match from kickoff, limiting the Giants to just two field goals while scoring four touchdowns themselves. Their ability to move the ball through the air and on the ground kept the Giants’ defense under constant pressure. Stafford’s connection with Adams was particularly effective, exploiting gaps in the Giants’ secondary.
This game followed a difficult opener for the Rams in Week 1, when they fell to the 49ers in Melbourne, Australia. The loss had raised questions about their readiness, but the victory over New York demonstrated a swift correction. Smith’s confidence in the Rams’ potential remains high, pointing to the talent across the roster and the return of key players.
Smith tweeted after the game, “Make no mistake, the Rams Are Here to DOMINATE!” alongside footage of the team’s celebrations on the field.
The Rams will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixtures, with Matthew Stafford’s form and Aaron Donald’s presence offering a platform for continued success. The Giants, meanwhile, must address their injury issues and find ways to respond after a challenging night at SoFi Stadium.
According to Yahoo Sports.