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Rams vs. Colts: 4 players to watch in Week 2

The Los Angeles Rams came out swinging in Week 1 on Sunday Night Football against the Chicago Bears. It didn’t take long for the Rams to unveil their new shiny toy in Matthew Stafford as he connected with Van Jefferson on a 67-yard touchdown pass on the team’s first offensive drive of the game. Stafford would knock his debut in Los Angeles out of the park, finishing with an efficient 321 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.

Most importantly, the Rams came away with a win over the Bears in Week 1, playing mistake-free football on both sides of the ball. Following the team’s 20-point victory versus Chicago, Los Angeles will travel to take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.

The Colts also had a new quarterback operating their offense in Week 1, but unlike Stafford, Carson Wentz was unable to deliver a win. Indianapolis came out flat against the Seattle Seahawks and would lose the game 28-16 at home.

It will be important for the Rams to remain focused on the task at hand because as Cameron DaSilva highlighted, the Colts have a slew of talented players on both sides of the ball, as well. Ahead of what should be an interesting test for Los Angeles, let’s take a look at four players you should keep an eye on against Indianapolis in Week 2.

Brian Allen

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Much was made about the center position this offseason as the Rams lost Austin Blythe in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs. If you were like me, you were clamoring for Los Angeles to take Creed Humphrey in the 2021 NFL draft, but instead, the team took Tutu Atwell -- who logged two snaps in Week 1. But I digress. Upon Blythe's departure, Sean McVay felt confident in going with either Austin Corbett or Brian Allen as the team's new starting center. After a competitive battle in training camp, McVay sided with Allen, which would move Corbett back to guard. In the Rams' lopsided win over the Bears, Allen performed well enough to earn the praise of McVay after the game. Allen was on the field for 52 snaps and allowed one sack while committing one penalty, per PFF. After holding his own against Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols, Allen will have his hands full with DeForest Buckner in Week 2. While Allen won't be the only one blocking Buckner, he'll be tasked with handling the All-Pro interior defender for a decent portion of the contest. If Allen can perform well against the Colts, then there should be more confidence instilled in him to keep the starting job at center.

Van Jefferson

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

If you followed along during the offseason, you knew that Jefferson would still have some type of a role in the offense despite the additions of DeSean Jackson and Atwell. It was clear from the start of the showdown with the Bears that Jefferson is actually the No. 3 wide receiver for the Rams behind Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Jefferson ended Week 1 with two receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown on three targets while being on the field for 69% of the team's offensive snaps. His 36 offensive snaps were just four fewer than Woods had against Chicago. In no way am I saying that Jefferson is going to unseat Woods in the offense, but it's clear that McVay wants to get the second-year wideout more involved in the passing attack. The Rams put on a clinic through the air in Week 1 versus a thin secondary of the Bears. While the Colts allowed big passing plays to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, they do have a more sound secondary. It will be interesting to see if Jefferson's role in the offense remains the same or if McVay begins using more of Jackson/Atwell to insert more speed at the wide receiver position.

David Long Jr.

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Besides the center position on offense, all eyes were on Long entering Week 1. Long was replacing Troy Hill at the nickel cornerback spot, even though the Rams noticeably rotated their cornerbacks all over the field to begin the season. Nevertheless, it was an impressive outing by Long in just his second start in the NFL. On the first drive of the game, Andy Dalton led the Bears into the red zone. With Chicago looking for points on third down at the 8-yard line, Kenny Young tipped an errant pass that was intercepted by Long in the end zone. It was just the start of a fantastic opener as Long concluded the game with five tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception. Long would exit the game due to cramping for a brief stint before he returned and logged 57% of the snaps on defense. Even though T.Y. Hilton won't be on the field in Week 2 for the Colts, Long will be tasked with helping cover Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell, who are both capable of making big plays.

Kenny Young

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Young was part of the play that seized the momentum for the Rams on the first drive when he tipped a Dalton pass attempt that was intercepted by Long. He was also able to finish with 10 tackles (which was tied for second on the Rams), a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery off of a Justin Hollins strip-sack. Ever since the departure of Cory Littleton after the 2019 season, the Rams have been searching for inside linebackers that can operate sideline to sideline. While it's only one game, Young showed promise in Week 1 versus the Bears, even if David Montgomery did scamper for 108 rushing yards on Sunday Night Football. Young and the other linebackers on the Rams will likely be tasked with having to cover Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines out of the backfield. Carson Wentz targeted Taylor and Hines a total of 15 times in Week 1, so containing them through the air will be vital for Los Angeles. Another productive week from Young would be a positive development for the Rams this season.

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