RAMS: L.A. looks to bounce back vs. Cowboys

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — On Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams will look to get back in the win column when they visit the Dallas Cowboys.

Los Angeles currently sits at 2-3 on the season. Last week, the Rams fell 24-17 at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers. L.A. led 17-10 entering the fourth quarter, but Pittsburgh outscored the Rams 14-0 in the final frame to come away with the victory.

Despite the loss, it was yet another strong performance from rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua. The fifth-round draft pick out of BYU had his fourth 100-yard receiving game in seven weeks, catching eight passes for 154 yards. For his performance, Nacua was once again named the NFL’s Pepsi Rookie of the Week.

Nacua currently ranks third in the league with 752 receiving yards, with only established stars Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins and A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of him. He is currently on pace for 1826 receiving yards this year — just 121 yards shy of teammate Cooper Kupp’s total from his historic 2021 season.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, also sit at 2-3 and are coming off of their bye week. Two weeks ago, Dallas defeated the Chargers 20-17 in Los Angeles. Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 21 of 30 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown in the win, while wide receiver CeeDee Lamb caught seven passes for 117 yards.

However, the biggest challenge for the Rams Sunday may be the vaunted Cowboys defense, led by star linebacker Micah Parsons. Through six games, Parsons has 20 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, five sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

The Rams did get some reinforcements this week, albeit in an unexpected form. On Wednesday, head coach Sean McVay and his wife Veronika welcomed a son, Jordan John McVay. McVay’s arrival into the world even made the team’s official transaction log.

Jordan’s middle name, John, is that of Sean McVay’s late grandfather, former 49ers executive John McVay, who passed away last year at the age of 91. Despite his namesake, however, it appears unlikely that Jordan will be able to help lead Los Angeles to a victory Sunday.

Kickoff between the Rams and Cowboys is set for 10:00 a.m. PDT on FOX.