4 Winners and 2 Losers in Rams' 28-6 Win Over Giants

Sports admin September 22, 2026 0 Comments

4 Winners and 2 Losers in Rams’ 28-6 Win Over Giants

The Los Angeles Rams entered the Week 2 home opener at SoFi Stadium facing a must-win situation to avoid joining the contenders to start 0-2 this season.

Despite missing key players such as Puka Nacua, Myles Garrett and safety Kamren Kinchens, the Rams dominated the New York Giants, 28-6, on Monday Night Football. And by controlling both sides of the ball, the Rams reminded the world why the latest super team was considered an overwhelming preseason Super Bowl favorite.

Now let’s discuss the biggest winners and losers from the victory.

Winner: Davante Adams

Adams understood the assignment after hearing top receiver Nacua wouldn’t play. Nacua’s absence put Adams back into a role he’s had for most of his NFL career, and he turned in a vintage performance.

The veteran was virtually unguardable, creating separation and hauling in everything. The Giants secondary had no answer. Adams finished the game with eight receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns.

Loser: Harrison Mevis

Mevis entered the game with the full trust of coach Sean McVay, but that seemed to change Monday night. It started when the Rams marched down the field before halftime, only for Mevis to miss a 43-yard field goal slightly to the left.

Then in the third quarter, McVay elected against having Mevis attempt a 56-yard field goal, instead taking a delay-of-game penalty and punting. Maybe it was just an off day, but Mevis’ leg will be something to watch moving forward.

Winner: Matthew Stafford

After turning in his worst performance as a Ram in the season opener, Stafford looked more like the player who won his first MVP award last season. He commanded the offense and was pinpoint accurate, even on his signature no-look pass.

With Nacua out of the lineup, Stafford leaned more on Adams and tight end Terrance Ferguson. He completed 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, moving past Philip Rivers for sixth in NFL history in passing touchdowns.

Winner: Trent McDuffie

The Rams gave up a lot of draft capital and handed McDuffie a record-setting contract to fill a need for a shutdown cornerback. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula was more aggressive in his play calling Monday night than in the opener, allowing McDuffie to shadow Giants star receiver Malik Nabers.

McDuffie didn’t just have an interception. He erased Nabers from the game. According to Next Gen Stats, McDuffie held Nabers without a catch on three targets across 21 coverage matchups. Overall, Nabers finished with one catch for 1 yard on four targets.

Loser: Xavier Smith

Already down on the depth chart at receiver, Smith makes his impact on special teams as a returner. Now that job could be in jeopardy after his performance Monday night.

Smith mishandled the opening kickoff of the second half, which pinned the offense at its own 11-yard line. He also returned a punt for a loss of 2 yards. On offense, while Stafford was slinging the rock, Smith was a non-factor.

Winner: Byron Young

With Garrett out, Young stepped up at edge rusher when the Rams needed it most, consistently generating pressure on Giants quarterback Jameis Winston. Young finished the game with a sack, three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss.

Now that Aaron Donald, who was double-and triple-teamed in his season debut, is back on the field, the Rams defense should hold up if Young can continue this level of play over the next few games.

This story was originally published September 22, 2026 at 2:36 PM.