You knew it would be a tough test to deal with an experienced Rams team that gives every defense fits and does just enough on its own defensive side of the ball to carve out wins.
That's pretty much what happened against the Texans on opening day.
Tough & Physical But Not Enough
The Houston defense played tough, physical ball and held the Rams in check for most of the afternoon. If I had offered you the Rams only scoring two TDs as an option you would have taken it faster than you can spot your first surfer on Venice Beach.
But the Texans came away with no points in the second half as their new offense had trouble getting into scoring range. Ka'imi Fairbairn was seemingly on his way to a Special Teams Player of the Week honor, nailing three long field goals in the first half.
Peanut Punch
Houston needed more and could not get it. Well, actually, two more field goals might have been enough. A deep drive late in the game in a quest for the go-ahead TD was snuffed out by a 'peanut punch' that gave the ball back to L.A.
The previous drive was about to ice the game for the Rams, but Azeez Al-Shaair forced a fumble that gave the ball back to C.J. Stroud and friends, and they marched down the field before turning it over.
Chubb's Texans Debut
The running game wasn't exactly a bonanza yet it was effective, with Nick Chubb running for 60 yards and C.J. Stroud scrambling for 32, including a run to set up a Ka'imi Fairbairn 53-yard field goal at the halftime buzzer.
Too many mistakes plagued the Texans, who committed 11 penalties for 80 yards and went only 2-9 in third downs.
Stroud's running is encouraging. You don't want to take unnecessary risks but it's so effective when he takes off with the rock.
O-Line Configurations
There was a lot of pressure in the backfield, as the line had to deal with different configurations because of injuries to Ed Ingram, Jake Andrews and Cam Robinson, who left but was able to return.
MNF vs the Bucs
I'm going to wince before reading the next injury report during Bucs week. Derek Stingley Jr. left but came back in. Cade Stover left and didn't. It's all available hands on deck to deal with Baker Mayfield and his crew.
Here they come, four-in-a-row division winner Tampa Bay in a rematch of the epic '23 game. This is a huge test in the home opener and the Texans can't afford to drop to 0-2.
Jacksonville and Indy won, as Tennessee looked improved in a one-score loss to Denver.
Settle in, folks. It's a long season and the path to the postseason has plenty of potholes and twists and turns. It's important to right the ship quickly.
