Rams’ legend warns ‘you can’t just show up’ ahead of Week 2 vs Giants
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Rams’ legend warns ‘you can’t just show up’ ahead of Week 2 vs Giants
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Andrew Whitworth calls the Rams’ ugly loss to the 49ers a wake-up call and warns their star-studded roster still has plenty of work to do ahead of the Week 2 game against the Giants, Image 2 shows Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled after making a pass in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers
The Rams' first chance to prove they received it comes Monday night against the1-0 Giants. New York opened the John Harbaugh era with a 28-20 victory over the heavily favored Cowboys and now arrives at SoFi Stadium with an opportunity to deepen Los Angeles' early hole.
Andrew Whitworth watches during a joint practice between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints at the Rams Practice Facility in Woodland Hills, California, Thursday, August 20, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
"The NFL has a way of humbling you very quickly," Whitworth told Front Office Sports. He called the defeat a needed wake-up call and warned that "you can't just show up and people are going to bow down to you."
Los Angeles produced minus-0.289 expected points added per play, with its passing offense sinking to minus-0.454 EPA per attempt. The Rams converted only 2 of 9 third downs, committed two turnovers and scored once in three red-zone trips.
The Rams could not sustain drives, end San Francisco's possessions or disruptBrock Purdy.
Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled after making a pass in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth celebrate after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. USA TODAY Sports
Whitworth's message nevertheless carried balance. The morning after the loss, headvised frustrated fansto "R-E-L-A-X!" He noted thatNew Englandlost its 2025 opener to a Raiders team that finished 3-14 before reaching the Super Bowl.
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The Rams have authored recoveries of their own. They went from 3-2 to 12-5 last season, 1-4 to 10-7 in 2024 and 3-5 to 10-7 in 2023.
That history supplies perspective, not absolution. One opener will not decide the Rams' season, but their offseason additions and Super Bowl billing guarantee nothing.
Monday night offers the first measure of their response. Los Angeles does not need to panic, but it cannot expect an unbeaten opponent to bow down, either.
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