NFL Power Rankings, Week 2: Cowboys falter, Ravens shine

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 13: Patrick Queen #48 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after a play against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
25 of 33
2020 NFL Power Rankings
Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

It was a huge stage for the Los Angeles Rams, even if their $5 billion stadium was empty. On Sunday Night Football, the Rams christened SoFi Stadium with a win over the Dallas Cowboys. It wasn’t pretty, but they held on for the 20-17 victory, that should have fans feeling much better about their team following an offseason full of losses.

Los Angeles had said goodbye to running back Todd Gurley, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and safety Eric Weddle this offseason which had them looking like a team that could be in trouble — especially after missing the postseason the prior year and not having a first-round pick.

However, none of that seemed to bother them in their 2020 opener as the offense did just enough to outlast the Cowboys. Of course, the real star of the night for the Rams was their defense, led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.

Donald frustrated a hurting Dallas offensive line with continual pressure as the Cowboys never had enough time to take any deep shots. As for Ramsey, he forced a huge incompletion on a late third-down and then drew a game-clinching offensive pass interference that ended the comeback bid for the road team.

Sean McVay is back on the map with an impressive win and the Rams are ready for success in their new Southern California home.