Los Angeles Rams Survive Late Scare, Top Atlanta Falcons

The Los Angles Rams hung on for a surprisingly hard-fought 31-27 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, rebounding after Week 1's humiliating defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. The Rams appeared the dominant team through the first three quarters, jumping out to a 31-10 lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Falcons fought back, scoring 17 unanswered and even driving inside the Rams' 25-yard line with an opportunity to take a lead. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey then skyed for a spectacular interception to seal the game, and Rams fans everywhere breathed a sigh of relief.

The game should never have been as close as it was. The Rams passing attack was dominant after last week's stumble: quarterback Matthew Stafford cruised to 272 net passing yards on 37 dropbacks, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp tallied yet another 100+ yard game with his 11 receptions. But massive mistakes cost the Rams dearly. Stafford's second of two interceptions set the Falcons up with their first touchdown, a blocked punt led to an exhilarating touchdown return, and a fumble by Kupp set the Falcons up with a chance at the lead inside the Rams' 40. If not for Ramsey's dramatic endzone interception, the Rams could have easily found themselves 0-2 to begin the season.

For the second straight week, the Falcons found themselves part of a wild fourth quarter, and for the second straight week, they lost in devastating fashion. The team struggled in all facets on offense, tallying a mere 261 total yards and converting only three of their 10 third-down opportunities. Quarterback Marcus Mariota turned the ball over three times, and if not for the Rams' own turnovers, the game would have been completely out of hand. If the Falcons can take anything positive from a crushing first two weeks of the 2022 season, it's that they've likely struck gold with their rookie wide receiver Drake London. The pass catcher added another 86 receiving yards and a touchdown to follow up a strong Week 1 showing.

In Week 3, the Los Angeles Rams travel to face the Arizona Cardinals for an important NFC West clash, and the Atlanta Falcons visit a Seattle Seahawks team hoping to bounce back from a Week 2 blowout at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.