WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. - - The Rams come into Week 9 of the NFL season after winning their past two games.
Each game showcased a different Rams team. Week 6’s matchup with the Baltimore Ravens saw Los Angeles struggle early against a team that came in playing very underwhelming football. The offense couldn’t get much going but the defense’s dominant performance held tight until the offense found its way. The Rams won 17-3.
Los Angeles then took their talents overseas to face-off with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In London at the legendary Wembley Stadium, The Rams played their best game of the season blowing out the Jags 35-7 behind another dominant defensive performance to go along with a five-touchdown masterclass from quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford and the Rams sit at 5-2 tied atop the NFC West alongside the Seattle Seahawks. Los Angeles used the bye-week to get some key players healthy and will return to the field on Sunday to play the New Orleans Saints.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said wide receiver Puka Nacua (ankle) and offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (ankle) are expected to return to practice on Wednesday. They should be "ready to go" for Sunday's game against the Saints barring any setbacks.
With help needed in the secondary going forward Los Angeles added cornerback Roger McCreary via trade from the Tennessee Titans. His versatility will allow him to be used inside and outside.
McCreary is happy to be in LA looking to help get the team back to the playoffs.
"Really excited about it," McCreary said. "I'm in a great place with a great team."
The Rams may not be done making moves with the November 4th trade deadline looming. McVay stated that moves may be made if truly needed.
“I wouldn’t say no,” McVay said. “It’s not something that we’ve really talked about. I think if certain opportunities arise that you feel like give you a chance to be able to significantly upgrade your football team, but I feel really good about our group and the growth that I still think can be had from us in spite of doing some good things. That’s really in all three phases.”
Los Angeles is riding hide coming off of the bye week and look to continue their excellent play as of late with big games in the month of November against San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Carolina ahead.