It was December 2020, and the Rams were in the midst of their third run to the playoffs in four seasons under coach Sean McVay. Their opponent: the 0-13 New York Jets. There was seemingly no way the hapless Jets could beat a 9-4 Rams team at SoFi Stadium. But the Rams came out flat and lost, 23-20. On Sunday, the Rams welcome the seemingly hapless New Orleans Saints, who arrive with a 1-7 record.
Los Angeles (2-0) have been just as efficient. The Rams started the year with a hard-fought 14-9 victory over the Houston Texans before flexing their offensive firepower in a 33-19 win over the Tennessee Titans. Matthew Stafford has looked sharp, and second-year receiver Puka Nacua has quickly emerged as one of the breakout stars of the league.
