The Denver Broncos’ early slate is already looking unforgiving, and the Los Angeles Rams are next in line.
Denver got an extended look at what’s coming Sunday night, and the picture was a rough one. The Rams rolled past the New York Giants, 28-6, and they did it with enough force to make the Broncos’ upcoming matchup look even more daunting.
It started going sideways for the Giants almost immediately. On New York’s opening drive, Rams defenders sandwiched quarterback Jaxson Dart on a third-and-long, and he went down clutching his knee after hitting the turf. That kind of moment had to draw a wince from Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, given his own ankle situation.
Once the Rams seized control, Matthew Stafford kept the pressure on. He completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards, threw four touchdown passes and was intercepted once in a strong night against New York.
The challenge for Denver won’t stop with Stafford. Kyren Williams powered through the Giants for 85 yards on 12 carries, while Blake Corum matched that workload and added 79 yards of his own. That’s the kind of balance that forces a defense to stay honest snap after snap.
Pat Surtain II figures to be busy as well, likely spending plenty of time around Davante Adams. Adams caught eight passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Puka Nacua did not play because of a hip injury, and his availability remains unsettled until the Rams return to practice this week.
There’s also more to worry about than the offense. The Rams brought back formerly-retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald to line up with new trade acquisition Myles Garrett, though Garrett suffered a knee injury that required surgery and a stay on injured reserve that will keep him out for at least four games. Donald needed some time to get into football shape, but that wasn’t an issue Sunday night.
The Giants’ night fell apart after Dart exited. New York finished with fewer than 200 yards and managed only two field goals in the middle quarters.
Denver will have to keep Nix upright to have a chance, but the Broncos do carry a couple of positives into the matchup. Their defense settled in during Sunday’s 20-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Nix delivered late with the kind of familiar heroics that got the home crowd going. That crowd will be part of the equation again on Sunday night.
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