NFL.com: What We Learned from Sunday's Week 2 Games

Not posting the entire article. I'm only posting what was said about the Rams-Saints game.

What we learned from Sunday's Week 2 games

By Around The NFL staff NFL.com
Published: Sept. 15, 2019 at 04:47 p.m.
Updated: Sept. 16, 2019 at 10:40 a.m.


Los Angeles Rams 27, New Orleans Saints 9

Editor's note: Saints quarterback Drew Brees is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and is likely out six weeks, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports.

1. The biggest news coming out of L.A. happened after the Saints' second drive when Drew Brees exited the tilt with a thumb injury on his throwing hand following a hit by Aaron Donald. The future Hall of Fame quarterback didn't return. Depending on how long the injury to Brees -- who couldn't grip a ball on the sideline -- lasts, it's an injury that could alter the complexion of the NFC playoff race.

With Brees on the sideline, the Rams defense smothered backup Teddy Bridgewater and the Saints offense. The Rams dominated the line of scrimmage with Donald, Dante Fowler, Michael Brockers, Clay Matthews, et al. controlling play. The Rams D bottled up Alvin Kamara as well as any team we've seen, holding the dynamic running back to 60 scrimmage yards on 14 touches. Repeatedly forcing Bridgewater to hold the ball with good coverage on the back end, L.A. held the Saints to one drive of more than 40 net yards in 10 possessions and zero touchdowns. Yes, Brees wasn't in for the majority of the game, but it was an impressive display from the Rams' defense nonetheless.

2. What a difference Cooper Kupp makes for the Rams. On a mostly workman-like day for the L.A. offense, Kupp provided the most explosive play. The receiver, coming off a torn ACL, caught a slant, beating corner Marshon Lattimore off the line, stiff-armed the CB into next week, weaved through the Saints secondary, broke additional poor tackle attempt, and muscled his way to the one-inch yard line setting up a Jared Goff sneak. The play put the Rams up big and squashed any thoughts of a Saints late-game comeback. The effect of Kupp (5/120) returning to the lineup this season can't be understated. The slot receiver gives Goff his security blanket back and slides Robert Woods (2/33) and Brandin Cooks (3/74/1) into better positions to win on the outside.

3. It wouldn't be a Saints-Rams matchup without refereeing controversy. In the second quarter, with the score tied 6-6 and the Rams at the 11-yard line, Goff was hit on a drop back, and the ball popped out as he went to throw. Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan scooped up the pigskin and raced downfield for what could have been a huge defensive touchdown. However, the play was whistled dead as Jordan was scampering down the sideline and ruled an incomplete pass. After review, it was determined the ball was out before the pass giving the Saints the ball. The whistle, however, wiped out what could have been a game-altering defensive score.

[www.nfl.com]

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