00:00:00
Speaker 1: Welcome into another edition of Altitude Advantage. I am Susanna Weir, and throughout the 2026 season, I will be taking the time each week to speak to a writer or a reporter from the opposing team's market to preview the Broncos' upcoming matchup. This week, I had the opportunity to speak with Stu Jackson, senior staff writer from the Los Angeles Rams. We discussed reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, the Rams' explosive offense, some of their defensive offseason acquisitions, and plenty more. But before we get to my conversation with Stu, just a reminder, if you haven't already, to head over to YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to check out Thursday's episode of Altitude Advantage, where I joined Hall of Famer Steve Atwater and lead writer Eric DeLalla to preview this Sunday night football matchup. Also, be sure to be on the lookout after Sunday's game for an instant reaction episode. That episode will be available on DenverBroncos.com or wherever you get your podcasts. But for now, let's get to my conversation with Stu Jackson. Joined now by Stu Jackson, senior staff writer for the Los Angeles Rams. Stu, thanks so much for joining me today. Excited to talk about this exciting week three matchup.
00:01:08
Speaker 2: Of course, thanks for having me on. Yeah, it's a couple of contending teams in primetime. Should be one of the most exciting matchups, no doubt, of week three of the regular season.
00:01:18
Speaker 3: I'm really looking.
00:01:19
Speaker 2: Forward to getting into Denver and obviously eventually getting to mile high and catching this game.
00:01:24
Speaker 3: Awesome.
00:01:24
Speaker 1: Well, let's get right into it. Kind of just wanted to start with a general overview of the way the season is unfolding for these two teams, as you mentioned. Two teams that kind of entered the season with very high aspirations and then kind of got off to similar starts here. Both start the season 0-1 against division opponents, but then turn it around in week two and put together strong performances, get that important first win. From your perspective, how did the Rams kind of handle that slow and maybe unexpected start? And then what has the messaging been ahead of this week's matchup after getting that important first win in week two?
00:02:02
Speaker 2: Yeah, I think the most telling reaction or response to week one from any Rams player was Devontae Adams when in his weekly press conference, he said essentially that you're a fool if you expect that to be the way this team looks the rest of the regular season. I'm sure there were probably similar sentiments shared by, you know, Broncos players, you know, in the locker room or throughout the following week after, you know, their regular season opener as well. Just really viewing it as more of an aberration and it was just a different game, you know, opening with an international game in a location that hadn't had an NFL regular season international game before. And so, you know, everybody kind of knew that, you know, it would look different, you know, come Monday night and just being, I think, in the normal rhythm and routine as far as just simply being back at their own stadium and, you know, having, you know, that full week and kind of a normal cadence for the most part in terms of, practice and things like that. And so, yeah, it was definitely not the way that I think, you know, any Rams player coach certainly expected week.
00:03:11
Speaker 3: One to go.
00:03:11
Speaker 2: But, you know, week two definitely felt more what it was supposed to look like, even if it was without somebody like Puka Nakua, that being the exception, of course.
00:03:24
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah. Definitely.
00:03:26
Speaker 1: I also think it's worth mentioning that the Broncos are playing this week in their second primetime matchup in the first three weeks of the season. The Rams obviously headed into their third consecutive primetime matchup. I believe the first team in NFL history to have open a season that way with three primetime games. Obviously, it's always exciting for the for the players to play in primetime in standalone slots. Do you feel like there's been a different kind of energy and excitement amongst the team there, just knowing, you know, especially entering the season with such high expectations to have the opportunity to kind of showcase who the team is this many times early on?
00:04:04
Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, I think it's something they notice, but it's not something they overemphasize, if that makes sense. More or less any time they get asked about, you know, does playing on Monday night football mean anything? Does playing on Sunday night football mean anything? It's really just, you know, roll the ball out, kick it off and let's play no matter, you know, what the time is is or what kickoff time is determined. And so certainly, you know, for us as observers and fans who are watching the game, you know, obviously those, those games carry a little more weight because they're certainly viewed as, as showcase games and rightfully so. But you know, for the most part, they kind of just treat it, you know, like any other game. The only difference is kind of like I talked about before, just, you know, maybe a little bit different, you know, rhythm and routine, if you will, on game day. But, you know, other than that, it's pretty much the same mindset and mentality as if the game kicked off at, say, you know, 125 Pacific time, or I guess it would be 225 Mountain.
00:05:01
Speaker 3: Time for you guys.
00:05:03
Speaker 1: Yeah, the messaging has certainly been similar over here in terms of that. Now to kind of just dive into some of the details here of this matchup, and maybe the best place to start is with the explosive Rams offense and Obviously, the reigning NFL MVP and quarterback Matthew Stafford, just a guy that's been doing it at a high level for a really long time. Just some stats here. 50 passing touchdowns since the start of the 2025 season leads NFL in passing yards and passer rating in that time span. Last week, another great performance from him. 327 passing yards, four touchdowns. Did have that one interception, but a 131.3 passer rating. I've heard some guys over here this week just speak about the challenge of facing a guy that's just seen so much and has been doing it for such a long time. What have you seen or maybe heard from Stafford that you think has contributed to his longevity and this sustained success from him? And just to be able to do it at such a high level and be so efficient at this this stage of his career, you know, what do you think has kind of contributed to that productivity from him?
00:06:09
Speaker 2: Yeah, well, he said this before, and I think it was at one point last season, you know, anytime he gets asked about the longevity, ultimately, it comes down to, you know, early in your career, you're focused on maybe the more, you know, mental aspect as you get later in your career. It's about, you know, more physical aspect in terms of just, you know, treatment, recovery, taking care of your body and things like that.
00:06:30
Speaker 3: And I think that's something that you know, has.
00:06:33
Speaker 2: Really helped him and, you know, extend his career where he's now, you know, in year 18. And he's also somebody that, you know, is still really sharp mentally, just like from a recall standpoint, from the amount of responsibility that he puts on his own plate to ensure that his teammates' jobs are that much easier on game day. And so, you know, when you combine all those things and also just, you know, the Rams offensive line, I would say too, you know, giving him plenty of time you know, to make those throws and still doing a great job of protecting him, you know, in the later stages of his career here. I think the combination of all those things and obviously the talent around him has really helped him in terms of, you know, playing at an MVP level last year and then, you know, having performances like he did Monday night against the Giants as well.
00:07:22
Speaker 1: Yeah, you mentioned the talent around him. Obviously, unsure of Puka Nakua's status for this week, but last week we see Devontae Adams step up in a big way. The run game gets going. Terrence Ferguson, the tight end, gets involved. There's been a lot of conversation over here this week also just about the challenges of 13 personnel, which we know the Rams utilized at the highest rate in the league last season. From your perspective covering the team, can you maybe just provide some insight into what what you've learned about Sean McVay's offensive philosophy, um, and maybe speak to why you think this offense has been able to execute at such a high level.
00:08:01
Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it stems from just a willingness to adapt. I mean, people remember that, you know, the early stages of McVay's coaching career here with the Rams, like 2017, 18, 19, like they're primarily an 11 personnel team, which, you know, it's like through those three wide receiver sets. Um, Of course, over time, that's evolved, especially the different concepts they use in the run game. That's evolved as well from what they were those first few seasons. Last season, the 13 personnel evolution was stipulated in part by the same circumstances they find themselves in right now. Like I talked about before, where Puka was out for Monday Night Football or was injured.
00:08:41
Speaker 3: It was the same deal last year.
00:08:42
Speaker 2: He got hurt, I want to say it was mid-season, but you know, essentially it was, you know, 13 personnel and Devontae Adams being kind of the focal point of the passing offense, you know, while they waited for Nakua to recover from the injury he was dealing with last year.
00:08:58
Speaker 3: And so.
00:09:01
Speaker 2: Just kind of recognizing, like, look, we have the depth at tight end to, you know, put two or three out there on the field at once. And, you know, again, Puka's injury kind of necessitated that evolution a little bit. And I think he sort of saw that as, okay, well, if we're going to put our three or four best receivers out there, then that's going to be having multiple tight ends out there, giving Devontae Adams some of those one-on-one opportunities. And it's done some good stuff as well in terms of what it's added to the blocking surface in the run game, especially as more defenses are coming out in base or nickel. And so, yeah, again, it's ultimately just him recognizing that What is it schematically or philosophically that aligns the best to the players strengths, at least, you know, the ones that are, you know, available and then going from there.
00:09:54
Speaker 3: Now, I don't think anybody expected it to lead to the league's highest.
00:09:59
Speaker 2: You know, usage rate of 13 personnel by the end of the regular season. But it was something that, again, just kind of spoke to, you know, not necessarily being set in his ways and looking at, OK, like what's the best thing for this team right now based on the players that.
00:10:16
Speaker 3: We have in front of us?
00:10:19
Speaker 1: Obviously, can't forget about the Rams defense either. Some huge acquisitions in the offseason. We know Miles Garrett is sidelined for the time being, but I'm sure he'll be back and be a game changer as always. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, who the Broncos are quite familiar with, comes over from the Chiefs and then Of course, Aaron Donald makes his return after two seasons of retirement. Can you just speak to maybe how the newcomers have impacted this unit and just generally maybe about the challenge that the Broncos offense is going to face this week?
00:10:52
Speaker 2: Yeah, I know that any time that Chris Shuler, the Rams defensive coordinator, or McVay's been asked about McDuffie, they've had nothing but positive things to say, which is what you would hope for, obviously.
00:11:03
Speaker 3: Given the investment they made in him after they traded for him.
00:11:05
Speaker 2: But You know, as cliche as it sounds, he's truly been as advertised in terms of just the way he can play sticky and coverage, the way he can play, whether the defense is in his own coverage or if he's in man coverage. He's met and maybe even exceeded the expectations that they've had for him through at least the first couple of games. And then, yeah, Jalen Watson also I'm sure is another name that Broncos fans are familiar with because he came over from Kansas City with Trent, but as a free agent signing. And he's made an impact as well. And then, yeah, obviously not to undersell the return of Aaron Donald either. I mean, he played, I think it was like 32 or 33 snaps in his 2026 season debut, his first game out of retirement. And he looked just like the same Aaron Donald that I watched and everybody else watched in 2023.
00:12:03
Speaker 3: Like he truly did not look like he had lost a step.
00:12:06
Speaker 2: Um, and there's also a lot of continuity on that defense too, but I think the mix of, you know, some of those new or in Aaron Donald's case, returning guys combined with, you know, the, a lot of the personnel that they still carried over from last year's defense, you know, the combination of those two has been really impactful. Um, beyond just even the new additions themselves.
00:12:31
Speaker 1: Awesome. Well, just to wrap up here, you know, as we mentioned at the top, both of these teams obviously entered this season with very high expectations and certainly are looking for more after week two wins. So I think we'll be in for a close game. Great matchup. So kind of just to wrap things up, From your perspective, what do you think some of the keys to this game could be and some things that might ultimately decide the outcome here for these two contending teams?
00:12:59
Speaker 2: Yeah, well, I think when I was looking at just sort of the storylines and matchups and whatnot at the start of this week, immediately what caught my attention is just the secondary and each team's respective passing games as well. I look at, obviously, the way that Jalen Waddell played, the big acquisition this offseason at receiver for Denver, and just Cortland Sutton being the veteran presence that he is. And then you look at Trent McDuffie and Jalen Watson for the Rams in the secondary. And then obviously, depending on whether or not Puka Nakua plays, like him and Devontae Adams going against Pat Sertan second and Riley Moss second, There's some really fascinating matchups there, and obviously you've got two high-level quarterbacks playing that position. So I just kind of look at that matchup as one that I think could be really key to this game for either team's outcome, just because, again, there's a ton of talent and experience.
00:14:07
Speaker 3: On each of those sides, and limiting....
00:14:12
Speaker 2: That respective side or whoever, I guess, wins those respective matchups, I think will, will be really important for, for Sunday night. These are also two defenses that are, you know, extremely physical as well. And I know that this is a Vance Joseph coordinated and led Broncos defense that the Rams are obviously very familiar with from the multiple seasons that he, you know, led the Cardinals defense when, you know, he was the DC for them or with them in Arizona. And so, there's a lot, I think, that will go into that. But I'm primarily looking at how does each team's respective secondary handle those receiver matchups and how do those receivers in turn respond to that, especially knowing kind of the mutual respect and whatnot that Sertan and Adams have talked about having for one another this week.
00:15:09
Speaker 1: Yeah, definitely a lot of great matchups to watch this week and certainly looking forward to a great Sunday night football game. Stu, thanks for joining me and talking about this matchup. I think it'll be a good one.
00:15:21
Speaker 3: Absolutely. Thanks so much, Suzanne. I appreciate you having me on.
00:15:24
Speaker 1: That was my conversation with Stu Jackson, senior staff writer for the Los Angeles Rams. Really enjoyed hearing Stu's insight on this exciting matchup, some of the challenges the Broncos could face in week three and more. Obviously, an exciting game for Broncos country as it will be the first home primetime matchup of the season. Denver will look to win their second straight game before heading on the road for two matchups against the 49ers and the Chargers. Again, be sure to visit the Broncos YouTube channel or wherever you get your podcasts for Thursday's full preview episode. For now, I'm Susanna Weir. Thanks for listening to Altitude Advantage.
Speaker 1: Welcome into another edition of Altitude Advantage. I am Susanna Weir, and throughout the 2026 season, I will be taking the time each week to speak to a writer or a reporter from the opposing team's market to preview the Broncos' upcoming matchup. This week, I had the opportunity to speak with Stu Jackson, senior staff writer from the Los Angeles Rams. We discussed reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, the Rams' explosive offense, some of their defensive offseason acquisitions, and plenty more. But before we get to my conversation with Stu, just a reminder, if you haven't already, to head over to YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts to check out Thursday's episode of Altitude Advantage, where I joined Hall of Famer Steve Atwater and lead writer Eric DeLalla to preview this Sunday night football matchup. Also, be sure to be on the lookout after Sunday's game for an instant reaction episode. That episode will be available on DenverBroncos.com or wherever you get your podcasts. But for now, let's get to my conversation with Stu Jackson. Joined now by Stu Jackson, senior staff writer for the Los Angeles Rams. Stu, thanks so much for joining me today. Excited to talk about this exciting week three matchup.
00:01:08
Speaker 2: Of course, thanks for having me on. Yeah, it's a couple of contending teams in primetime. Should be one of the most exciting matchups, no doubt, of week three of the regular season.
00:01:18
Speaker 3: I'm really looking.
00:01:19
Speaker 2: Forward to getting into Denver and obviously eventually getting to mile high and catching this game.
00:01:24
Speaker 3: Awesome.
00:01:24
Speaker 1: Well, let's get right into it. Kind of just wanted to start with a general overview of the way the season is unfolding for these two teams, as you mentioned. Two teams that kind of entered the season with very high aspirations and then kind of got off to similar starts here. Both start the season 0-1 against division opponents, but then turn it around in week two and put together strong performances, get that important first win. From your perspective, how did the Rams kind of handle that slow and maybe unexpected start? And then what has the messaging been ahead of this week's matchup after getting that important first win in week two?
00:02:02
Speaker 2: Yeah, I think the most telling reaction or response to week one from any Rams player was Devontae Adams when in his weekly press conference, he said essentially that you're a fool if you expect that to be the way this team looks the rest of the regular season. I'm sure there were probably similar sentiments shared by, you know, Broncos players, you know, in the locker room or throughout the following week after, you know, their regular season opener as well. Just really viewing it as more of an aberration and it was just a different game, you know, opening with an international game in a location that hadn't had an NFL regular season international game before. And so, you know, everybody kind of knew that, you know, it would look different, you know, come Monday night and just being, I think, in the normal rhythm and routine as far as just simply being back at their own stadium and, you know, having, you know, that full week and kind of a normal cadence for the most part in terms of, practice and things like that. And so, yeah, it was definitely not the way that I think, you know, any Rams player coach certainly expected week.
00:03:11
Speaker 3: One to go.
00:03:11
Speaker 2: But, you know, week two definitely felt more what it was supposed to look like, even if it was without somebody like Puka Nakua, that being the exception, of course.
00:03:24
Speaker 3: Yeah. Yeah. Definitely.
00:03:26
Speaker 1: I also think it's worth mentioning that the Broncos are playing this week in their second primetime matchup in the first three weeks of the season. The Rams obviously headed into their third consecutive primetime matchup. I believe the first team in NFL history to have open a season that way with three primetime games. Obviously, it's always exciting for the for the players to play in primetime in standalone slots. Do you feel like there's been a different kind of energy and excitement amongst the team there, just knowing, you know, especially entering the season with such high expectations to have the opportunity to kind of showcase who the team is this many times early on?
00:04:04
Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, I think it's something they notice, but it's not something they overemphasize, if that makes sense. More or less any time they get asked about, you know, does playing on Monday night football mean anything? Does playing on Sunday night football mean anything? It's really just, you know, roll the ball out, kick it off and let's play no matter, you know, what the time is is or what kickoff time is determined. And so certainly, you know, for us as observers and fans who are watching the game, you know, obviously those, those games carry a little more weight because they're certainly viewed as, as showcase games and rightfully so. But you know, for the most part, they kind of just treat it, you know, like any other game. The only difference is kind of like I talked about before, just, you know, maybe a little bit different, you know, rhythm and routine, if you will, on game day. But, you know, other than that, it's pretty much the same mindset and mentality as if the game kicked off at, say, you know, 125 Pacific time, or I guess it would be 225 Mountain.
00:05:01
Speaker 3: Time for you guys.
00:05:03
Speaker 1: Yeah, the messaging has certainly been similar over here in terms of that. Now to kind of just dive into some of the details here of this matchup, and maybe the best place to start is with the explosive Rams offense and Obviously, the reigning NFL MVP and quarterback Matthew Stafford, just a guy that's been doing it at a high level for a really long time. Just some stats here. 50 passing touchdowns since the start of the 2025 season leads NFL in passing yards and passer rating in that time span. Last week, another great performance from him. 327 passing yards, four touchdowns. Did have that one interception, but a 131.3 passer rating. I've heard some guys over here this week just speak about the challenge of facing a guy that's just seen so much and has been doing it for such a long time. What have you seen or maybe heard from Stafford that you think has contributed to his longevity and this sustained success from him? And just to be able to do it at such a high level and be so efficient at this this stage of his career, you know, what do you think has kind of contributed to that productivity from him?
00:06:09
Speaker 2: Yeah, well, he said this before, and I think it was at one point last season, you know, anytime he gets asked about the longevity, ultimately, it comes down to, you know, early in your career, you're focused on maybe the more, you know, mental aspect as you get later in your career. It's about, you know, more physical aspect in terms of just, you know, treatment, recovery, taking care of your body and things like that.
00:06:30
Speaker 3: And I think that's something that you know, has.
00:06:33
Speaker 2: Really helped him and, you know, extend his career where he's now, you know, in year 18. And he's also somebody that, you know, is still really sharp mentally, just like from a recall standpoint, from the amount of responsibility that he puts on his own plate to ensure that his teammates' jobs are that much easier on game day. And so, you know, when you combine all those things and also just, you know, the Rams offensive line, I would say too, you know, giving him plenty of time you know, to make those throws and still doing a great job of protecting him, you know, in the later stages of his career here. I think the combination of all those things and obviously the talent around him has really helped him in terms of, you know, playing at an MVP level last year and then, you know, having performances like he did Monday night against the Giants as well.
00:07:22
Speaker 1: Yeah, you mentioned the talent around him. Obviously, unsure of Puka Nakua's status for this week, but last week we see Devontae Adams step up in a big way. The run game gets going. Terrence Ferguson, the tight end, gets involved. There's been a lot of conversation over here this week also just about the challenges of 13 personnel, which we know the Rams utilized at the highest rate in the league last season. From your perspective covering the team, can you maybe just provide some insight into what what you've learned about Sean McVay's offensive philosophy, um, and maybe speak to why you think this offense has been able to execute at such a high level.
00:08:01
Speaker 2: Yeah, I think it stems from just a willingness to adapt. I mean, people remember that, you know, the early stages of McVay's coaching career here with the Rams, like 2017, 18, 19, like they're primarily an 11 personnel team, which, you know, it's like through those three wide receiver sets. Um, Of course, over time, that's evolved, especially the different concepts they use in the run game. That's evolved as well from what they were those first few seasons. Last season, the 13 personnel evolution was stipulated in part by the same circumstances they find themselves in right now. Like I talked about before, where Puka was out for Monday Night Football or was injured.
00:08:41
Speaker 3: It was the same deal last year.
00:08:42
Speaker 2: He got hurt, I want to say it was mid-season, but you know, essentially it was, you know, 13 personnel and Devontae Adams being kind of the focal point of the passing offense, you know, while they waited for Nakua to recover from the injury he was dealing with last year.
00:08:58
Speaker 3: And so.
00:09:01
Speaker 2: Just kind of recognizing, like, look, we have the depth at tight end to, you know, put two or three out there on the field at once. And, you know, again, Puka's injury kind of necessitated that evolution a little bit. And I think he sort of saw that as, okay, well, if we're going to put our three or four best receivers out there, then that's going to be having multiple tight ends out there, giving Devontae Adams some of those one-on-one opportunities. And it's done some good stuff as well in terms of what it's added to the blocking surface in the run game, especially as more defenses are coming out in base or nickel. And so, yeah, again, it's ultimately just him recognizing that What is it schematically or philosophically that aligns the best to the players strengths, at least, you know, the ones that are, you know, available and then going from there.
00:09:54
Speaker 3: Now, I don't think anybody expected it to lead to the league's highest.
00:09:59
Speaker 2: You know, usage rate of 13 personnel by the end of the regular season. But it was something that, again, just kind of spoke to, you know, not necessarily being set in his ways and looking at, OK, like what's the best thing for this team right now based on the players that.
00:10:16
Speaker 3: We have in front of us?
00:10:19
Speaker 1: Obviously, can't forget about the Rams defense either. Some huge acquisitions in the offseason. We know Miles Garrett is sidelined for the time being, but I'm sure he'll be back and be a game changer as always. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, who the Broncos are quite familiar with, comes over from the Chiefs and then Of course, Aaron Donald makes his return after two seasons of retirement. Can you just speak to maybe how the newcomers have impacted this unit and just generally maybe about the challenge that the Broncos offense is going to face this week?
00:10:52
Speaker 2: Yeah, I know that any time that Chris Shuler, the Rams defensive coordinator, or McVay's been asked about McDuffie, they've had nothing but positive things to say, which is what you would hope for, obviously.
00:11:03
Speaker 3: Given the investment they made in him after they traded for him.
00:11:05
Speaker 2: But You know, as cliche as it sounds, he's truly been as advertised in terms of just the way he can play sticky and coverage, the way he can play, whether the defense is in his own coverage or if he's in man coverage. He's met and maybe even exceeded the expectations that they've had for him through at least the first couple of games. And then, yeah, Jalen Watson also I'm sure is another name that Broncos fans are familiar with because he came over from Kansas City with Trent, but as a free agent signing. And he's made an impact as well. And then, yeah, obviously not to undersell the return of Aaron Donald either. I mean, he played, I think it was like 32 or 33 snaps in his 2026 season debut, his first game out of retirement. And he looked just like the same Aaron Donald that I watched and everybody else watched in 2023.
00:12:03
Speaker 3: Like he truly did not look like he had lost a step.
00:12:06
Speaker 2: Um, and there's also a lot of continuity on that defense too, but I think the mix of, you know, some of those new or in Aaron Donald's case, returning guys combined with, you know, the, a lot of the personnel that they still carried over from last year's defense, you know, the combination of those two has been really impactful. Um, beyond just even the new additions themselves.
00:12:31
Speaker 1: Awesome. Well, just to wrap up here, you know, as we mentioned at the top, both of these teams obviously entered this season with very high expectations and certainly are looking for more after week two wins. So I think we'll be in for a close game. Great matchup. So kind of just to wrap things up, From your perspective, what do you think some of the keys to this game could be and some things that might ultimately decide the outcome here for these two contending teams?
00:12:59
Speaker 2: Yeah, well, I think when I was looking at just sort of the storylines and matchups and whatnot at the start of this week, immediately what caught my attention is just the secondary and each team's respective passing games as well. I look at, obviously, the way that Jalen Waddell played, the big acquisition this offseason at receiver for Denver, and just Cortland Sutton being the veteran presence that he is. And then you look at Trent McDuffie and Jalen Watson for the Rams in the secondary. And then obviously, depending on whether or not Puka Nakua plays, like him and Devontae Adams going against Pat Sertan second and Riley Moss second, There's some really fascinating matchups there, and obviously you've got two high-level quarterbacks playing that position. So I just kind of look at that matchup as one that I think could be really key to this game for either team's outcome, just because, again, there's a ton of talent and experience.
00:14:07
Speaker 3: On each of those sides, and limiting....
00:14:12
Speaker 2: That respective side or whoever, I guess, wins those respective matchups, I think will, will be really important for, for Sunday night. These are also two defenses that are, you know, extremely physical as well. And I know that this is a Vance Joseph coordinated and led Broncos defense that the Rams are obviously very familiar with from the multiple seasons that he, you know, led the Cardinals defense when, you know, he was the DC for them or with them in Arizona. And so, there's a lot, I think, that will go into that. But I'm primarily looking at how does each team's respective secondary handle those receiver matchups and how do those receivers in turn respond to that, especially knowing kind of the mutual respect and whatnot that Sertan and Adams have talked about having for one another this week.
00:15:09
Speaker 1: Yeah, definitely a lot of great matchups to watch this week and certainly looking forward to a great Sunday night football game. Stu, thanks for joining me and talking about this matchup. I think it'll be a good one.
00:15:21
Speaker 3: Absolutely. Thanks so much, Suzanne. I appreciate you having me on.
00:15:24
Speaker 1: That was my conversation with Stu Jackson, senior staff writer for the Los Angeles Rams. Really enjoyed hearing Stu's insight on this exciting matchup, some of the challenges the Broncos could face in week three and more. Obviously, an exciting game for Broncos country as it will be the first home primetime matchup of the season. Denver will look to win their second straight game before heading on the road for two matchups against the 49ers and the Chargers. Again, be sure to visit the Broncos YouTube channel or wherever you get your podcasts for Thursday's full preview episode. For now, I'm Susanna Weir. Thanks for listening to Altitude Advantage.
