The New York Giants have a golden opportunity to send the NFL's preseason Super Bowl favorite spiraling in Week 2. The Los Angeles Rams, who were expected to be nearly unbeatable coming into the season, were blown out by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. The Rams' defense, which was supposed to be one of the best in the league, was systematically picked apart.
Still, Rams head coach Sean McVay isn't worried about his defense. McVay took to the "Coach McVay Show" to emphasize just how confident he is in Chris Shula, his defensive coordinator.
He said, "And I have tremendous trust and confidence in Chris Shula leading the way, our defensive coaches, and then ultimately, you know, we’re always looking at where those opportunities to put the players in the positions that allow their best traits and characteristics to come to life on a consistent basis, and you’ll see that moving forward."
Jaxson Dart and the Giants' offense can turn that confidence into panic in Week 2.
Giants' Jaxson Dart is set up to dismantle Rams' defense in Week 2
Giants fans saw a new version of Dart in the Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Instead of being erratic, mistake-prone, and, well, a rookie, he was controlled and dialed in. The second-year QB took exactly what the Cowboys' defense gave him, working the ball down the field with composure he rarely showed in 2025.
He'll need to carry that performance into Week 2 if the Giants are going to pull off another upset victory. In their loss to the 49ers, the Rams allowed Brock Purdy to dink and dunk his way down the field. The result was a methodical but nearly mistake-free performance from the Niner QB.
Especially with Myles Garrett out with a knee injury in Week 2, the Rams may try the same strategy. Their pass rush won't get home as quickly as it would with Garrett in the lineup, so they'll be more vulnerable to deep throws.
If shots down the field are available, Dart has the arm to take them. But the key to winning this game will be taking the gains that Shula gives him. There's no need to push the ball into tight windows if checkdown passes are available.
Another cool, calm, and collected performance from Dart could send the Rams into panic mode and leave fans doubting McVay's unwavering confidence in Shula.
Add us as a preferred source on Google