Rams-Giants: 2nd Half Open Thread

The Los Angeles Rams jumped out to a quick lead on the New York Giants in the first half; scoring a touchdown (pass to Tavon Austin) on their first drive, following a Larry Donnell turnover (fumble). They held the Giants to four plays on their next drive, forcing a punt. The Rams, off the foot of Greg Zuerlein, took the 10-0 lead in their first two possessions.

But they’ve been unable to put points on the board since the 5:15 mark of Q1, and the Giants have scored 10 unanswered.

Offensively, Brian Quick caused fits for the Giants’ defense early. He smoked former Rams’ CB Janoris Jenkins for 48 yards on the first play of their FG-scoring drive, and drew a pass interference later in the first quarter.

The Rams’ defense has been relatively stout throughout the first half, limiting star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr to three catches for 9 yards. The Giants’ offense has 126 yards of total offense (19 rushing, 107 passing).

As OBJ displayed last week against Baltimore, it’s not over til it’s over, so we’ll see if the Rams can continue to hold him in check.

The Giants’ offense did start warming up early in the 2nd quarter, stringing together a 14-play, 71-yard drive. But the Rams stood firm in the red zone, holding the Giants to a field goal.

New York got a huge boost following that FG, when a missed catch/tipped ball (intended for Tavon Austin) lead to an interception returned for a touchdown by Giants’ safety Landon Collins. The play, while technically 44 yards, took nearly four minutes to return, and there were roughly 200 missed tackles in that timeframe.

It doesn’t appear that either team necessarily has any “momentum” heading into half, as both offenses have been quiet for much of the second quarter. The Rams put up points on their first two drives, but have punted in four straight.

What started as a game - for the Rams - of putting up points and surprisingly good defense, has turned into one where the focal point has become penalties (six total), punts, and missed tackles.

As always, it appears the Rams are going to be in another close one. Let’s see which Rams team shows up after the half.

LEGGO!