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00:00from Los Angeles CBS Sports presents the National Football League and welcome to NFL kickoff
00:11presented by YouTube TV. Good afternoon captains. Today it's the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles
00:18Rams. Hi everyone Kevin Harlan, Trent Green. We'll check in on the sideline moments from now
00:26with Melanie Collins. We've got a great way to start the season with two division winners from
00:31last season. Well Kevin this the NFL never disappoints. Think about what happened on
00:35Thursday and Friday night with the opening games and then of course the games that just finished up
00:39early. Phenomenal and as you said this matchup we have here two former playoff teams from a year ago
00:44two outstanding quarterbacks and some great defense. All right you set it up let's talk about
00:48those quarterbacks today. Well let's start with Matthew Stafford of course going into his 17th
00:53year. The ageless Matthew Stafford as he's approaching 60,000 career passing yards. A year
00:59ago he put up good numbers 66 percent complete two to one touchdown interception ratio and as we just
01:05said got the team into the playoffs and had a playoff win. On the other side CJ Stroud going into just his
01:10third year but two playoff appearances two division titles and two playoff wins putting together a heck
01:17of a start to his career but he has a new offensive coordinator this year and he'll have to make some
01:21adjustments. Live to the field we say good afternoon to Melanie Collins. Good afternoon Kevin. Matthew
01:26Stafford told us ever since he returned to practice on August 18th his back has felt progressively better
01:32and better. He's been able to participate in full in those practices over the last three weeks and told
01:37us I'm feeling pretty darn good. Sean McVay told us he hasn't noticed any difference in Stafford's
01:42caliber of play over that time. He said he's done everything in his power to stay sharp mentally
01:46throughout the offseason and physically today guys there will be no limitations on Matthew
01:52Stafford. All right Melanie thank you very much. We have had the flip of the coin. Rams won. They've deferred. They'll take the second half kickoff. Houston will receive.
02:04Well I think that's great news for Rams fans Kevin. Melanie just told us there's no limitations on Matthew
02:11Stafford and let's look you know let's not forget the fact that he's not a run option kind of quarterback. He's more of a stand in the pocket and fire the ball downfield which is exactly what the Rams will lead today.
02:21Josh Cardi is going to kick off for the Rams in deep bat. Damian Pierce along with Draymond Smith for
02:28the Houston Jacksons. Both teams went 10 and 7 a year ago and here's the kick trickling into the end zone.
02:37It'll be left there out to the 35. A new rule this year from the 30 last year now to the 35 this year
02:43on touchbacks. And this takes us to quarterback CJ Stroud who grew up some 53 miles away from here at homecoming as he takes on the Rams.
02:55Yeah what a great homecoming for him. CJ getting an opportunity to play near his hometown and
03:01put together some impressive numbers but as we talked about just a minute ago changing offensive
03:06coordinators learning a new offense they didn't like the progression the way the offense was going the last
03:10two years even though they won the division looking for more explosive plays and more consistency.
03:16To the air on first and 10 Stroud he's got Schultz who's brought down on the play by Cam Kenshens.
03:23A flag thrown the game just beyond.
03:29The 25 the flag is down. Holding. Offense number 74. It's a 10-yard penalty replay first down.
03:41So a hold by Cam Robinson who is the left tackle. And you may of course notice that the ball went
03:47to the 20-yard line. It must have touched Pierce as it was going into the end zone.
03:52Well that's a tough holding call right there. Looked more like Jared Burst was slipping to the ground and
03:56Cam Robinson was just in contact with him and they went down. Tough call early for the Texans moving
04:02him back 10 yards. Ed Ingram the starting right guard is out today with an abdominal injury and here
04:07comes Chubb. And he finds very little room with Byron Young bringing them down. Game of three on the play.
04:15It'll be second down and 17. And a matchup today you're going to watch with the Texans offense against
04:22this Randy. Well and you just mentioned Ingram being out with the abdominal injury and and not
04:27being able to play. So that reshuffles everything. They they shuffle Cam Robinson over at left tackle.
04:33Uh Ursary switches over from left to right tackle. They slide Howard down to guard. A lot of moving
04:38pieces on that offensive line. And they're gonna have to do a better job today against this Rams pass
04:42pass rush. And Ursary is a rookie. And Stroud to the air. And it is intended for Collins. Coverage on the play by Witherspoon.
04:52And incomplete. And third and 17 coming up.
04:59Once again the stunt right in the middle there. Getting pressure in Stroud's face. Has to get the ball. Puts it to the outside shoulder.
05:06Just the communication along that offensive line. We just mentioned that there's some shuffling going
05:13on up front. That was a big concern a year ago. CJ Stroud was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL.
05:21Four new starters on that offensive line for the Texans. Third down and 17. Nichols secondary.
05:28The Lagoon Bawali in the backfield. And you can see the flag and hear the whistle.
05:37Delay a game. Offense number seven. It's a five-yard penalty.
05:41Which is a bank again with another penalty against Houston. And D'Amico Ryan's the head coach.
05:47D'Amico got a little irritated this week talking about the offensive line. Everybody wants to keep bringing
05:51it up. He says I don't know it's game week. Let's just go play. I'm sick of talking about it. Let's go out and
05:56find out what these guys can do. And right now the the offense is moving backward for the Texans.
06:03A good ball. He stays in the backfield with the quarterback stride.
06:08It's third and 22. They need the 30. And again, Bawali will take it up.
06:12An original Texan who takes it up to the 15. Weaving there. Brought down Cam Curl. Got him.
06:18It was a gain of seven. And the punting unit is out there. Well, conservative play call,
06:24but a good play call. Because you don't want your first punt coming out of the back of the end zone
06:28by your punter. You want to try and get some separation. You know the Rams are going to be in a
06:32free event. Kind of keep everything in front and rally. Run a draw. Make a guy miss. Get a good eight,
06:37ten yards and get some separation for Townsend to punt this thing away. Tommy Townsend will punt. And deep back,
06:42they got Xavier Smith. Two minutes gone here in the opening quarter. And Townsend lets it fly.
06:55And Smith driven back to about the 24 with a hang of over five seconds and plucked down on the play.
07:01Nice special teams. Jalen Smith got him. It's a 60-yard punt. It's a five-yard return.
07:08You're watching NFL kickoff presented by YouTube TV.
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07:38A beautiful day in Southern California. We're back in SoFi Stadium here in Inglewood in Los Angeles.
07:45Suburban Los Angeles. A punt by Houston on their first possession.
07:50And the Rams will have a first and ten with the return to the 29.
07:56And Matthew Stafford is out there with no snaps
07:59in any of the preseason games. Not a surprise, but limited time because of back issues.
08:08Running back is Williams right to the air. Williams the block outside. They go. Nakua's got it.
08:14And on him quickly with C.J. Gardner-Johnson with the ball just beyond the 33 and a gain of four on first down.
08:22Just a quick throw to the outside to Nakua who's lined up in the slot.
08:25You see Adams on the outside running the the curl route.
08:29Or Atwell was on the I'm sorry that was Adams running the curl route on the outside.
08:33Nakua with the out route but good job by Kyron Williams recognizing the blitz and picking that up.
08:38Given Stafford room to make that throw. Matthew Stafford in his 17th season.
08:45Second down and six. Williams remains the back. Nakua on the move.
08:52And the first look at the Ram running back who corkscrews up to the 37.
08:55And here on the play by Henry To'o To'o. So Matthew Stafford top 10 quarterbacks in yards thrown and touchdown passes and coming off
09:07a season where he threw 20 touchdowns and eight picks a year ago.
09:10Well, you got to remember this offseason there was some speculation and rumors around that maybe he was going to get traded.
09:16There were teams that were coming after him. Was he available?
09:18I know he wasn't happy with the contract, but the Rams got the contract and Matthew Stafford.
09:22They got it figured out. They got him re-signed, got it adjusted and got him back here.
09:27They want him to continue to lead the Rams moving forward.
09:31Ed Stafford with a third and two.
09:34Catching the block at the left tackle. Quick hit.
09:37And a first down catch and made right there by Devontae Adams and Stingley was on him.
09:42It's a gain of three on third and two and Stingley is holding onto his hip.
09:47And that is an all pro cornerback with the new as Ram.
09:58Bent like a pretzel. Devontae Adams.
10:06Timeout on the field as they look at Stingley and a big hit by To'o To'o and we step aside on CBS.
10:11The all pro cornerback Derek Stingley is in the blue tent right now.
10:20They're taking a look at him bent backwards and really defensive back and wide receiver
10:25were in kind of contortionist move there.
10:28Can he want this together?
10:31And Adams shook it off, but Stingley is going to go to the tent.
10:34They're going to take a look at that hip.
10:36Well, I almost think, Kevin, that Stingley helped prevent, you know, Adams from peeling back even further.
10:46He took the brunt of it on the bottom.
10:48First and ten.
10:50And it's off to Williams.
10:52Hit on the play by a couple, including Tim Settle.
10:57Let's go to New York. Here's Adam Schein.
10:59Kevin, take a look at this. Jordan Love on fire to start this game.
11:05Hits Tucker Craft. Touchdown, seven-nothing.
11:09Packers leading the Lions back to you.
11:12Good start for Green Bay, and here we go here on a second down and seven.
11:17With the ball incomplete, Williams now third and seven for Matthew Stafford.
11:24Coverage on the play by Daniil Hunter with the pressure.
11:27Well, you see the Texans that time bringing five, and Williams goes to the left, and he has to flip around and try and get in front of Stafford to make the block.
11:37Good job by Stafford just throwing it at the ground at the feet of Williams to get the incompletion and not take the loss.
11:44Zizel Shire was coming in up the middle. Hunter on the side.
11:49Of course, with him and Anderson on the wings. Very tough. Third and seven up the middle.
11:55First down. It's Huka Nakua at the 47-yard line. On third and seven, they get ten.
12:01And a couple of nice conversions on third down by quarterback Matthew Stafford.
12:07Great wrap route by Nakua. Watch underneath. All of a sudden, you get the reaction of the underneath defender. Nakua wraps it around, gets in front of the safety.
12:14Just being on the same page as he comes downhill to make that a friendly catch and a first down.
12:21Record-setting rookie year for Nakua. Then last year, a lot of injuries, but was just shy of 1,000 yards.
12:28Higby, the tight end on the move. First and ten. Williams looking for a block broken up by Petrie, who has taken the place of Stingley with no gain on the play.
12:39And second down and ten. And we're talking about the secondary of the Houston Texans against these two terrific wide receivers for the Rams.
12:49Well, Kevin, we just talked about Stingley going out of the game. He was an all-pro, but Jalen Petrie covers the slot most of the time.
12:55He's mainly that nickel guy, and Lasseter does very well. And Huka Nakua, nearly 1,000 yards in just 11 games.
13:02And, of course, bringing in Devontae Adams for Cooper Cup, who moved on to Seattle.
13:06But Adams with five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
13:10Second down and ten. Nakua on the move in the jet sweep.
13:14And looking for a block and gets it there by Whittington.
13:16And then he is pounded by Barnett and others with a gain of 1,000 on that jet sweep.
13:23Well, Kev, Derek Stingley came off the field holding his left lower hip inside.
13:27He entered the blue medical tent for a few minutes, appeared to be in a lot of discomfort.
13:30But he just came out, ran up and down the sideline once, gave a thumbs up, and just entered the field again.
13:35So good news for the Texans.
13:36Timely report by you as well.
13:38And Stingley's back out there.
13:39They can ill afford to lose him.
13:41He led all cornerbacks with 23 deflections last season.
13:47Outstanding year.
13:48Kevin, let's see if Stafford goes to Devontae Adams.
13:51That's who's on Stingley right now, just one-on-one.
13:54Let's see if you want to test that right away, having him come back out on the field.
13:57Third down nine.
13:59Jets in the block at the left tackle into the air.
14:01And high and incomplete.
14:02Working on Petrie and looking for Nakua.
14:07And the coverage was there.
14:08Fourth down.
14:09And here comes the putting unit for the Rams on their first possession.
14:13Well, Stafford sees middle of the field closed with the safety on the outside.
14:18So, or the safety over the top down the middle.
14:20So, you think you're getting Nakua.
14:22But with Petrie taking that angle and cutting underneath it.
14:28Good job by the Texans defense.
14:29Jalen Knoll is back.
14:31He is a rookie with the punt here coming from Ethan Evans.
14:36And fair caught by the rookie at the five.
14:40Braxton Berrios, the all-pro returner, out with an injury.
14:45The rookie back there.
14:46Second look at Stroud coming up.
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15:00And by Burger King.
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15:05You rule.
15:09Each team has had it.
15:11Each team has punted.
15:12Trey, you were talking about the new offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans
15:16and a former Rams assistant.
15:17Yeah, Nick Caley's now taking over play calling as the offensive coordinator for the Texans.
15:22Last two years, he was with the Los Angeles Rams.
15:26Mainly with tight ends.
15:27Also passing game coordinator a year ago.
15:30First time calling plays.
15:32Chubb on first and ten.
15:34Sent up the middle.
15:35Nothing there.
15:36They stack him up and stone him at the line of scrimmage.
15:39Dock of Johnson was in.
15:40Elevated off the practice squad.
15:42The fullback leading the way on the first possession.
15:45Texans had two offensive penalties on the first drive.
15:49Second down and ten.
15:51Well, we talked with Chris Shula, the defensive coordinator for the Rams.
15:54And those two obviously being on the staff together the last two years.
15:57Chris is like, well, I kind of have some ideas as to what he's going to call.
16:01I know some of the staples.
16:02But we don't expect him.
16:05You know, he wants to put his own stamp on things, I should say.
16:07He's not going to come out and run the same offense that we're used to seeing.
16:10There's going to be some wrinkles here that I have to be ready for.
16:13Stroud, second down ten.
16:15And a low throw, which is grabbed by Cade Stover.
16:19A tight end with a gain of five out to the ten.
16:23It'll be third and five for Stroud and the offense of the Houston Texans.
16:29There's your offensive rookie of the year a couple years ago.
16:32Numbers were down last year.
16:34But he took about as many hits as any quarterback in pro football.
16:37Well, I think that's part of the reason.
16:38I know there was injuries along the offensive line.
16:40But part of the reason why you change offensive coordinators after winning back-to-back division titles,
16:44it may raise some eyebrows.
16:46But there wasn't the consistency that D'Amico Ryans wanted on that side of the ball.
16:50And thus the change to Nick Caleb.
16:52Running back is Groom Bawale.
16:53It's third down and five.
16:55Stroud on the move.
16:56Needs the 15.
16:57And he gets it with ease.
16:58Leading the way.
16:59Jaden Higgins, the rookie receiver out of Iowa State.
17:02Gets it by a yard.
17:03Third and five.
17:04Runs for six.
17:05And the Texans will move the chains.
17:09Well, the Rams this time show six at the line of scrimmage.
17:11But only rush four.
17:13Drop back into zone coverage right along that first down line.
17:15But Stroud sees there's an opening to the right.
17:18He's able to pick it up with his feet.
17:19And got to remember with Nick Caley there as the offensive coordinator.
17:22Two years with the Rams, but the previous eight seasons was with the Patriots.
17:28So, brings a lot of different philosophies and background to what he wants to do and put
17:33his stamp on things as an offensive coordinator.
17:35Said he really admired Josh McDaniels, the play caller for the Patriots.
17:38And then worked with McVay and Arlay.
17:40First and ten.
17:42And a run here.
17:43It's Damian Pierce trying to weave his way.
17:45And not a whole lot there at the bottom of the pile.
17:47Curl and others.
17:51So, Stroud, the first two years coming on strong.
17:54He was just below 4,000 yards last year.
17:56But the numbers are different.
17:57But look at the sacks in particular.
17:59Yeah, significant number.
18:00Drop and passing yards.
18:02And you see the touchdowns.
18:03But the interceptions more than doubled.
18:05The sacks were big.
18:06He got hit a lot, too, in terms of quarterback pressures and quarterback hits that he took.
18:11We've mentioned the offensive line.
18:13All the revamped offensive line.
18:15Only one returning starter up there.
18:16Four new guys along that front.
18:18Pierce the back.
18:19Second and seven.
18:20Stroud to the air.
18:21Ursula to block.
18:22And they come at him.
18:23Chased on the play by first.
18:25Gets it off to Schultz.
18:26Has the first down.
18:27Right in front of State Landman, the former Falcon.
18:30The gain is out to the 28.
18:32He picks up 11 yards through the air to the tight end.
18:35The former Cowboy in a first down.
18:37Kevin, what an incredible play here by C.J. Stroud.
18:39Look at the pressure.
18:40They bring the blitz.
18:41He spins out of it.
18:42He's able to get outside.
18:43Burst isn't able to get a hold of the jersey.
18:46And getting out in space.
18:47He's not looking to take off and run.
18:49He's looking up the field, trying to find a receiver to get the first down.
18:52And that's exactly what he does over on that left sideline.
18:55And Trent, a new coordinator and a new blocking scheme as well for this young quarterback to deal with.
18:59So there's a lot going on.
19:00Learning a new playbook.
19:01Learning new protections.
19:03Obviously, different offensive linemen.
19:05Shovel block.
19:06First and ten.
19:06He's caught his receiver.
19:07Carter at the 50-yard line.
19:09Grabbed by Jaden Higgins.
19:11He is the rookie.
19:12And a second-round pick out of Iowa State.
19:14Right on the screws.
19:1524-yard pickup.
19:17Down to the ram.
19:1848 in the first down for Houston.
19:19And Kevin, great protection that time.
19:21That allows Stroud to work the field and find Higgins.
19:24You know what I like best about that?
19:25After Higgins catches the ball, he brings it into his body knowing he's going to have to absorb a hit.
19:31And Curl delivered it.
19:33And being able to hang on to the ball.
19:34Good point.
19:38Joe Mixon, who had been the running back a year ago at over 1,000 yards, out with an injury, out for the first four games.
19:45And here again is Chubb trying to work his way in.
19:48Fisk makes the stop.
19:49And Mel again a three on the play.
19:51Well, you guys were talking about all the hits C.J. Stroud took last season.
19:54And he told us at the end of the season his body was definitely feeling it.
19:57But he said it was a good wake-up call because he realized he's not going to last a full season taking hits like that.
20:01So he said he had his best offseason yet in terms of working out, lifting weights, running and throwing.
20:06He spent a lot more time in Houston working with strength and conditioning coach Clint Martin.
20:11And he said he's feeling great physically heading into this season.
20:14Chubb in.
20:16Second down, seven or three.
20:18Another block at that right tackle just out of the reach of Chubb.
20:21With the coverage on the play by Omar Spinks.
20:24It'll be third and seven.
20:26And Chubb's story alone is inspiring.
20:29D'Amico Ryan's talked about this last night.
20:32From what he's come back with all the injuries.
20:34And now he's found another home in the NFL in Houston.
20:37Well, it really is incredible when you consider the injuries he's gone through the last couple of seasons.
20:41He was over 1,500 yards rushing just three seasons ago.
20:44But the last two years hampered with some big injuries.
20:48And trying to make a comeback.
20:49Getting an opportunity with Joe Mixon.
20:51Down for at least the first four games.
20:54Chubb will be the guy getting most of the reps.
20:56Third and seven.
20:57They come around the right tackle with the pass to Schultz for another first down.
21:01Caught by McCullough in his grasp.
21:03But the catch good.
21:05On third and seven.
21:07They pick up nine.
21:08And they're down to the 36-yard line of the Rams.
21:12Big hit on Stroud by Young right here.
21:15Coming off that right side.
21:16Boy, he did.
21:17He took it.
21:18But he's able to step into it and make the throw.
21:29Got to get better protection on Robinson on that right side.
21:32Or is that Ursary over there now?
21:34Ursary's on the right side.
21:35Ursary's over on the right side now.
21:36That's right.
21:37First down and ten.
21:38And the rush right here.
21:42And outside they go.
21:43And it's caught by tight end Stover.
21:45And Redwell tackle made by Emanuel Forbes.
21:49Former first-round pick at Washington.
21:51Now a Ram.
21:52Gain of a yard.
21:53Second down and nine.
21:54So coming in with four new starters on that offensive line.
21:59One of the big storylines.
22:01This new offensive line.
22:02Guys in different places and new faces.
22:04Against that terrific pass rush of the Rams.
22:07Well, and they like to bring pressure with just rushing forward.
22:10They've been so good at it.
22:11What they've been able to do with those down four.
22:12The last play, Quentin Lake, the safety, was down near the line of scrimmage.
22:16He blitzed off the end.
22:17There's nobody assigned to him.
22:19Second down nine.
22:21With a run right here.
22:22And that's Woody Marks.
22:23Who is a rookie out of USC.
22:25And a fourth-round pick.
22:27Who began at Mississippi State.
22:29Crawls for two.
22:30And he's down to near the 32-yard line.
22:32Well, it looks like Andrews right here steps back onto his foot.
22:35Right there.
22:36Let's see.
22:36Kicks him.
22:37Nope.
22:37He just loses his footing.
22:41For a second there, I saw Andrews step back.
22:43I thought maybe it got his foot.
22:45Oh, he dragged his toe.
22:46That was...
22:48He did a good job of just avoiding the back so that he didn't have a collision in the backfield.
22:52Gunbowale is in third and seven.
22:56Drive began back at the Houston five.
22:59Blocked by the Robinson left tackle position.
23:03And outside they go.
23:04And Schultz again.
23:05Young.
23:06Kinson's right there.
23:08Schultz has been huge.
23:09And they're going to call it incomplete.
23:13Well, I think by the time he came up with possession of the ball, he was laying out of bounds.
23:17See, it never hits the ground.
23:18You're exact.
23:18But boy, was it close.
23:20But by the time he secures it, he's laying out of bounds.
23:22So, it's fourth down.
23:26So, they got the hand just in there by Kinschens.
23:30And now they got Fairbairn coming in for a long field goal.
23:34This should just be normal for him, right?
23:36It's like a 51-yard.
23:37He's like, oh, this is just like last year.
23:3951-yard try to take the first lead.
23:43They win inside.
23:44It's perfect.
23:45And the Texans are on the board.
23:47Beginning at their five, 51-yard field goal.
23:50And Houston comes up with three.
23:54On the road is the division champ against the Rams on CBS.
24:03Fairbairn a season ago, 50 yards or more, 13-16.
24:07You alluded to it.
24:08He just had a 51-yard field goal.
24:09But what a drive.
24:11Especially converting third downs by their quarterback, C.J. Stroud.
24:15Two with three on third downs.
24:17And a drive that started at the five.
24:1851-yard field goal.
24:20They're up, three-zip.
24:21Well, and it was the different ways that he did it.
24:23The one he got with his feet.
24:24He got around to the outside.
24:25They were in man coverage.
24:26Dropped underneath guys back in the zone underneath.
24:28So he's able to get to the change.
24:30Then he spins out of a tackle and gets Schultz over on that left sideline.
24:34So finding different ways to make plays.
24:37Reddington will take it.
24:39He's on the move.
24:40And there he goes.
24:41Can Fairbairn get him?
24:43No!
24:43No!
24:44Flag thrown back at the 35.
24:47Flag is down back at the 35.
24:53That was a 69-yard return by Jordan Whittington.
24:58But all for naught.
25:00It's on L.A.
25:01During the return, holding the CD team, number 51.
25:12That's a 10-yard penalty from the spot of a foul.
25:14First down.
25:15Reader.
25:20But it gives him hope because that was some kind of return.
25:24And now the Rams will start inside their 25.
25:28Or right at their 25.
25:30Watching it again.
25:31Reader 51.
25:32See that left hand up in the jersey.
25:34Of Agunga Wally.
25:39Good work.
25:40By Jim Cornell, our director, producer, Billy Thayer.
25:43Here we go at the 1st and 10 at the 25.
25:47A lot of concern coming into this season about the back of Matthew Stafford.
25:5237 years of age.
25:54Out there again.
25:5517 years.
25:56It's a 1st and 10.
25:58Knocked away.
25:58Looking for Adams.
25:59Great coverage by the linebacker, Henry Tohoto.
26:02It's incompleted.
26:032nd down and 10.
26:06Tohoto matched up on Devontae Adams.
26:09Right in the slot.
26:10And if you're Stafford having Adams matched up on the linebacker, you're going to take that every time.
26:15He's just trying to make a move too soon.
26:18Watch how he goes to cut to the inside before securing the ball.
26:21Even the best have to remember.
26:26Starts with the ball, right, Kevin?
26:28Yeah, it always does, right?
26:29Always starts with the ball.
26:30Running back is Kyron Williams.
26:322nd down and 10.
26:34It'll be in the backfield there.
26:36In the center of this season is Coleman Shelton, who was part of that Super Bowl team a couple years ago.
26:42Williams takes it.
26:43Knocked down inside.
26:44Hit by Fatakasi.
26:46On a gain of 3.
26:47A back injury for a quarterback.
26:49A back injury for anybody is no good.
26:52For a quarterback who's sitting back there at 37 years of age, with 17 or 16 years under his belt.
26:58I mean, it's got to be a concern.
26:59Well, it has to be when you consider how much time that he missed.
27:02And, of course, you want as many reps as you can.
27:04But when you're a vet like Matthew Stafford and you've been through this system for a while now, it's not as critical.
27:11But, yes, you're right, Kevin.
27:12Anytime you get that back acting up, it can get you at any time.
27:17Got to get to the 35.
27:183rd down and 7.
27:22And inside it goes.
27:23Nakua.
27:24And he'll spin for the first down.
27:26Out to the 37-yard line.
27:27One flag thrown on the play.
27:29Over there is El Shire and To'o To'o.
27:32It's a gain of 9 on 3rd and 7 as it stands right now.
27:36Out to the 37-yard line of the Rams.
27:39Craig Rolstead is our referee in L.A. here today.
27:47Personal foul.
27:48Unnecessary roughness.
27:50Defense number 39.
27:51Useful the helmet.
27:53And it's on the one.
27:54At the end of the play.
27:55Automatic first down.
27:58Much of the chagrin of D'Amico Ryan's, the Texans head coach.
28:02Well, you're talking about rallying to the football.
28:04He spins off the first tackle, but then watch the double hit that comes up here.
28:07Shire goes low and then helmet to helmet by To'o To'.
28:10You know, that's so hard as you see.
28:14The Drew Blood.
28:14They're going to have to address that, but for the defender, he looked like he was going at an angle to get the ball, not get helmet to helmet.
28:24And then after the spin move, that's how it happened.
28:26Texans, a 51-yard field goal.
28:30Let's go to the second quarter.
28:31We start the second quarter.
28:38Rams on the move, beginning at their 25, and now they're just beyond midfield.
28:44We're still looking at Nakua, first and 10.
28:47And it goes off to the tight end.
28:49Colby Parkinson, with nice coverage on the play by Lasseter, limiting him to a gain of two down inside the 47-yard line.
28:57Hey, Kevin, don't get me wrong.
28:59I was talking about the previous play at the end of the first quarter.
29:02This is a penalty.
29:02It's a penalty every single time you get helmet to helmet.
29:05What I was trying to say is that it's so tough for the defenders when you're going full speed and you're trying to go at a certain angle,
29:12and then all of a sudden that offensive player adjusts what he's doing.
29:16A lot of times these penalties aren't necessarily because it was targeted or intended to be that way.
29:22It's just because of the fast action that happens in a football game.
29:24A terrific Stanford on second down and eight.
29:27And like a bolt, catch the 40 and down to the 39.
29:32Kyron Williams and Malley picks up seven.
29:34Well, Kev, Pukinokua was helped off the field with an athletic trainer and taken into the locker room with a towel,
29:39putting pressure over his face.
29:41He is being evaluated for a concussion currently, and he's questionable.
29:44I'll let you know when I have a further update.
29:46Third down and two.
29:48Blocked by Williams.
29:49He's got it.
29:50Wide open 30.
29:51Whittington flagged down at the 10 to the 6, and then belted there by Bullock.
29:57But a flag is down back at the 44.
30:00It's a 34-yard catch and run.
30:03Let's see what they've deciphered on this one.
30:06Holding.
30:06Offense, number 89.
30:09So they had the long return.
30:12Called back, and now they get a holding on another Whittington play.
30:16This one was for 32.
30:17Wiped away.
30:19Higby?
30:20Higby up there at the top.
30:21You see him as he's pulling him as he's coming down.
30:23But they catch the Texans in man coverage, and they catch the Texans bringing pressure.
30:32They had a huge play there, but as Higby was getting pushed back,
30:37he just grabbed a hold of the jersey on the way down, and that was the call.
30:40Again, one of the matchups we're watching today,
30:42this offensive line against this great Texan pass rush.
30:46The two terrific edge rushers, third and 12.
30:49Here comes Anderson, blocked by Jackson.
30:52Stafford in traffic.
30:53Messy pocket.
30:54Down he goes.
30:55And he had all kinds of congestion around him, led by Sheldon Rankins.
31:00They've added him.
31:01He comes up the middle, presses the pocket.
31:03Fourth and 12, punting it out there for L.A.
31:06Well, they bring Rankins back.
31:07This is where they're at their best.
31:09The same thing goes with the Rams.
31:10If you rush four and you're able to get pressure,
31:14Anderson coming up the middle, Daniil Hunter,
31:17and they said Rankins coming back after being with the team two years ago.
31:23That four-man pressure is key for any defense.
31:27Ethan Evans with a punt.
31:28Deep at the rookie, Jalen Noel.
31:30Again, burials out with a hamstring.
31:32This one he's going to let bounce.
31:34It goes into the end zone, touch back to the 20.
31:37And a couple minutes gone here in the second.
31:39Texans on top.
31:4151-yard field goal.
31:42You're watching NFL Kickoff, presented by YouTube TV.
31:51CJ Stroud, five of eight so far through the air.
31:55Yeah, and he's doing it every which way.
31:56This time they have coverage down the field,
31:58so he uses his feet to pick up the first down in the spin move
32:01to find Schultz over on the sideline.
32:04And then sliding in the pocket, not looking to take off and run,
32:09and making an accurate throw into coverage to Higgins
32:11for a big first down on the last series.
32:16The numbers on Stroud, and here he goes with his third possession.
32:22After the punt, touch back to the 20.
32:25First and 10.
32:26And the quick hitter outside, Collins.
32:28And he's out there leading the way.
32:31Justin Watson, a fellow receiver.
32:33He's up to the 26.
32:35Picks up six on the play.
32:36Second down and four.
32:38Collins, last year, was off to a blazing start.
32:42Then he got injured, missed five games,
32:44came back, and still had a 1,000-yard receiving season.
32:47Yeah, we talked about the injuries on the offensive line.
32:49The injuries to Nico Collins.
32:50The injuries to Tank Dell.
32:51They had injuries all over the place.
32:53Here comes Young.
32:54Down goes Stroud.
32:56Big-time sack, back inside the 15 of the Texans, losing 13.
33:03Byron Young, third year out of Tennessee,
33:05spent a lot of the offseason working on his flexibility.
33:09Pilates training, and it comes through on this one.
33:12He's coming off the top side there against Ursary once again.
33:15That time just pushed right back into Stroud.
33:20That time able to come up with the sack.
33:22They finished strong in the sack category the defense did last year for the Rams.
33:2816 in the two playoff games they had.
33:33Third down, 16.
33:34They need the 30.
33:36Outside it goes.
33:38And with a catch and run, it's Noel.
33:41And down he goes about the 20.
33:44Gain of six.
33:46And it is fourth down.
33:48And the punting unit again out there for Houston.
33:53Well, what a huge play on second down.
33:55Getting the sack.
33:56Pushing him back there.
33:58Making it a manageable third down for the defense.
34:01He just come up and rallied.
34:02You know they're either going to run a screen or draw something like that
34:04just to try and get a little separation and space for Townsend.
34:15Connie Townsend, the former Kansas City Chief.
34:21Jader Smith.
34:22And he signals horn as a lot of the fair catch back at the 25.
34:2654-yard punt.
34:27Good hang time for Townsend.
34:29Does his job.
34:30We step aside.
34:31Here comes Stafford down by three.
34:34The NFL on CBS is sponsored by Honda CR-V Trailsport Hybrid.
34:46State Farm.
34:48Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
34:51And by The Home Depot.
34:54How doers get more done.
34:56And by the way.
34:57And by the way.
34:57The home.
35:01Punnett.
35:02Leading 3-0 on a 51-yard field goal.
35:05A little change in the offensive line, at least for now.
35:07Bo Limmer.
35:08Has come in.
35:10As the left guard.
35:13Avila has stepped aside.
35:15But the big story on this line probably is Alaric Jackson,
35:19who is their left tackle battling blood clots.
35:22They can manage it, but nonetheless, always a concern.
35:26Stafford first and ten outside, incomplete.
35:28A drop by Adams.
35:30Coverage on the play by Derek Stingley.
35:32Mel, take it away.
35:34Have you mentioned Bo Limmer in there at left guard?
35:36That's because Steve Avila is questionable with an ankle injury.
35:38He has gone off into the locker room.
35:40Also, Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has a shoulder injury.
35:44He went in for some x-rays.
35:45He's questionable as well.
35:46Mel, we thank you for that.
35:48Limmer started 14 games at center last season for the Rams.
35:53This year, they've got Coleman Shelton.
35:56They welcome him back after he had been in Chicago last year.
36:00So he's the center.
36:01Limmer the guard.
36:02Second and ten.
36:03Stafford to the air.
36:05And incomplete.
36:06And again, going for Adams.
36:08And his shadow is there.
36:10One of the great cornerbacks in the NFL, Derek Stingley, who was injured early,
36:14but appears to be managing it as the game goes on.
36:17Well, Kevin, this defense, this pass defense is picking up right where they left off a year ago.
36:22They were one of the stingiest pass defenses in the NFL, only giving up about 200 yards a game.
36:27Their corners very highly respected in terms of opponents' completion percentage against them.
36:32It is, and Stafford gets it and gets down with a tackle by Anderson, who chases him all the way back to the seven.
36:44Let's see where they mark the ball.
36:45I think it's a seven.
36:46And the snap by Shelton High.
36:50And tough to corral.
36:52He's lucky he was able to get it on a good bounce.
36:54Well, and that had some heat on it, too.
36:56And it goes right through Stafford's hands, but just not able to come up with it.
37:01Fortunate to get it there inside the five and not have a turnover.
37:05Rams, three drives, three puns, three first downs.
37:09Shelton is back to punt.
37:11Ethan Evans, and you can see where he is in the end zone.
37:14Noel is back.
37:17And the rookie out of Iowa Stinks looks into the translucent roof, and he's on the move and ran territory.
37:26And then brought down after a 49-yard punt.
37:304-8 on the hang.
37:32Dolak with the tackle.
37:33Seven-yard return.
37:35Five minutes gone here in the second from L.A.
37:41Good news for the Rams.
37:44Nakua is out of the locker room.
37:46He then went to the tent.
37:47You can see they got the bandage cut above his eye.
37:50He was being looked at for a concussion.
37:54We'll find out if he has indeed cleared all those different things.
37:57He's back out there now.
37:58A punt by the Rams.
37:59Good return by the Texans.
38:01Chubb on first and 10.
38:03And Luna Ford was down there among a couple to bring him down near the 41 on a gain of five.
38:09The run defense for the Rams a season ago, Trent Green, was an issue.
38:14They think with Ford added to that line and Landman as a linebacker that they have maybe answered those questions.
38:21Well, and those are the two guys they mentioned, right, that they were excited about in the middle of that defense
38:25and trying to shore up that run defense.
38:27That time, giving them four, almost five yards on first down, but excellent field position for the Texans to try and get down here and get some points.
38:36Rams defense is going to have to stay in turn.
38:37Chubb on second down and five.
38:39And there he goes, breaking tackles and tackled by Curl.
38:43Inside the 28, a good burst, a run of 14 yards and a first down for the Texans.
38:49Well, how about the interior part of the offensive line here?
38:53Look at him pushing it to the side.
38:54We just talked about Puna.
38:55And then look at the getting up to that second level.
38:57Chubb's not hit until he's a good six, seven yards downfield, even though he's going right through the teeth of the defense.
39:05Excellent job of blocking by the Texans.
39:07And again, Joe Mixon is out.
39:08He was so important.
39:10The engine of this offense a year ago, but that with a foot injury in the offseason.
39:13With a first and ten, and finally grabbed there by Spates.
39:18And Russell down 25, picking up three, second down and seven.
39:23You can always count on Sundays with the NFL on CBS and Paramount+.
39:28Second down.
39:33New offensive coordinator.
39:35Four new starters on the offensive line.
39:37New running back.
39:38A lot of new.
39:39Two young receivers.
39:41Both rookies, both out of Ohio State, will put their mark on this team.
39:48It's second down and seven.
39:50And Chubb again.
39:52Landman was there, bringing him down.
39:55Gain of four.
39:56Third down.
39:57Back to Adam Schein in New York.
39:59Kevin, how about it?
40:01Jordan Love again.
40:02Look at this beautiful pass.
40:05Right in the buckets.
40:07Jaden Reed, 17-3 Packers.
40:09Back to you.
40:11And he is playing with a fractured foot, that receiver who caught that ball, who has been so important for the Packers.
40:23But he's got a fractured foot going through it this year.
40:27Here's the handoff on third and three.
40:30And Agun Bawale trying to carve his way.
40:33Shy of the first.
40:34About two to go.
40:36Inside the 20-yard line.
40:38He got a yard.
40:39Fourth down.
40:40Well, the fact they handed the ball with a quick dive up the middle, of course, they're trying to get the first down.
40:45But I almost wonder if they went into it saying, you know what, we're going to go for it if we end up short.
40:50There was no hesitation.
40:51It didn't even look like the kicking unit was ready to get out there for a field goal.
40:55It was almost like it was predetermined.
40:58If we don't get this, we're going to go for it on fourth down.
41:00They put Chubb in the game here on fourth and short.
41:03They got three tight ends, one of which will be the fullback, Johnson.
41:08Fourth and two.
41:10Stroud takes it himself, and they try to shove him across.
41:12And it looks like he's got the first inside the 18.
41:16Fourth and two.
41:17A little bit more than two.
41:18They'll move the chains.
41:19First down, Houston.
41:20They keep the drive alive.
41:23Well, trying to distract the offense, you know, a lot of times you bring that fullback in motion.
41:27That time, Jakob Johnson going in motion.
41:29You'd think he was going to settle right behind Stroud if you're doing a quarterback
41:33because then he can push the pile.
41:35But by him moving across, maybe that freezes the defense a little bit
41:38to think it's going to Chubb, and Stroud's able to get the first down.
41:48Scott remains five of eight through the air with a first down.
41:52First time either team has been in the red zone today,
41:54and the quick hitter incomplete looking for Collins.
41:57A couple linebackers in the vicinity.
41:59Incomplete second and 10.
42:00Great job by Landman that time to recognize what was going on.
42:05Collins to the outside.
42:07Just running a slant underneath with two guys clearing out to the inside.
42:10Landman getting through there.
42:13And able to affect the passing lane.
42:15CJ told us last night he's in the best shape of his life.
42:22Had a great offseason.
42:24The new coordinator, of course.
42:27Second down 10.
42:29And it's Pierce.
42:30And he tries to go in.
42:32Finished off by Kobe Turner.
42:33Near the 15.
42:35Gain of a couple on the play.
42:36And another third down situation for the Houston Jacksons, who have been effective on third down today.
42:47Right there, Pierce stepping on the foot of CJ Stroud.
42:49That causes the stumble in the backfield.
42:51You talk about Stroud being in the best shape of his life.
42:55And that's what you have.
42:56You know, every year it's a new process.
42:58And his second year got a new offensive coordinator.
43:01Took a bunch of hits a year ago.
43:02Wanted to get himself in the best shape possible.
43:05The longer you're in the league, you learn more and more things about how you want to approach a new season.
43:09And he found that going into this year.
43:11The blitz is on.
43:12Stroud is hit.
43:13Time he goes.
43:14Ball is loose.
43:15Coming through McCullough.
43:17Wow.
43:18Came in like a torpedo.
43:20That's a second sack.
43:25They lose 12.
43:27And the ball is back to the 27.
43:29And they're going to try for three on fourth and 20.
43:32Eight guys at the line of scrimmage.
43:34There's eight of them.
43:34Watch them coming off the edge here to the left.
43:37You cause confusion in protection.
43:39You're going to leave guys unblocked.
43:41Or you're going to leave some guys that are maybe double teamed.
43:43And another guy's cut free to the inside.
43:45They secured the inside.
43:46But McCullough came off the edge.
43:48It's nobody blocking and bringing them down.
43:5045-yard field goal.
43:52Fairbairn.
43:53And he will sneak it in.
43:566-0.
43:57The Houston Texans working with the new Longstaffer.
44:01Brinkman.
44:02Two for two.
44:04Long kicks.
44:05Fairbairn.
44:056-0 Houston.
44:06T.G.
44:11Stroud told us last night he loves watching Matthew Stafford.
44:15A lot of coaches, of course.
44:17That's tenor.
44:17They lost all day.
44:17Two.
44:20Three for two.
44:21˘
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