INGLEWOOD, Calif. — This was a physical, sluggish Week 1 battle between two of the most talented teams in the NFL working through some key changes at prime positions.
The injuries racked up on the Rams, who at various points on offense lost wide receiver Puka Nacua, tight end Colby Parkinson and starting guards Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson. Nacua and Parkinson were able to check back in, but that shuffling led to some penalties and stalled drives, leaving an offense that is designed to be a bit boom-or-bust.
New star receiver Davante Adams was clearly still working out his new connection with Matthew Stafford after the two got little practice time together as Stafford missed much of the summer with a back injury. The two did show their veteran savvy on a couple of plays, such as a pass interference penalty that Adams drew to key a touchdown drive and the 24-yard back-shoulder fade ball the two connected on down the left sideline that put a Texans cornerback on ice skates trying to recover. Adams finished with four catches for 51 yards.
But Nacua was the star even with the mid-game absence, as he finished with 10 catches for 130 yards, including the game-sealing 24-yard reception to run out the clock.