Los Angeles Rams
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Rams Winners & Losers: Stetson Bennett stuns Chargers in final moments
Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...etson-bennett-stuns-chargers-in-final-moments
The Los Angeles Rams are now 2-0 in the preseason after Stetson Bennett led a last-minute comeback against the crosstown Chargers. The Rams were given a tougher fight by the other LA team than they saw last week against the Cowboys; however, it’s always positive to see the team finish in the win column.
Who stood out on an individual level? Let’s take a look at the winners & losers:
VOTE: Who gets the game ball in Rams’ win?
Winners
Stetson Bennett, QB
It’s rare to see quarterbacks throw for 300+ yards in the preseason, but Stetson Bennett surely had a rare night. He completed 28 of 40 (70%) of his passes for 324 yards, three TD’s, and an interception.
We’ve seen late-game heroics from Bennett before; however, this time felt different. He played well throughout this game and maintained through the final seconds. This wasn’t the case of playing poorly for the better part of four quarters only to be fortunate at the very end. We are watching a new Bennett, and the growth is coming at the right time amidst Matthew Stafford’s curious health concerns.
Brennan Jackson, EDGE
Jackson was quiet last week against Dallas. It was a different story against the Chargers.
He sacked Justin Herbert while working against their first-string offense to hold the Chargers to a field goal on their opening drive. He also earned another sack while the Chargers were driving to keep them out of the end zone.
That’s a good day at the office. There is a role open at the third EDGE rusher position behind Jared Verse and Byron Young in replacement of Michael Hoecht. Through two games, Jackson and rookie Josaiah Stewart are the frontrunners.
Jarquez Hunter & Cody Schrader, RB
Blake Corum was the starter and received only four carries. It seems the Rams are intent on resting their primary backup running back. That meant an extended look at rookie Jarquez Hunter and last week’s star Cody Schrader.
Hunter carried the rock 15 times for 55 yards (3.7 avg) with a long of 11 yards. He showed off his physical running style and acceleration. It was a positive outing but it might not do much to shake up the expected rotation in the backfield.
Schrader on the other hand seems to have leapfrogged Ronnie Rivers (did not play). The second-year back rushed 13 times for 48 yards (3.7 avg) and was productive through the air with two catches for 24 yards. The Rams kept Schrader on the regular season roster a year ago, and it’s looking possible that he takes Rivers’ spot on the team in 2025. Can he contribute on special teams as Rivers has in recent years?
AJ Green, CB
Green has been LA’s best overall corner so far in the preseason, and that represents a continuation of positive feedback in training camp. The box score credits him with two pass deflections. More impressive was the fact that he did not give up much in coverage and has been a reliable tackler in the secondary.
Brennan Presley, WR
The best preseason receiver award through two games would probably go to Xavier Smith so far. Brennan Presley was LA’s best pass catcher against the Chargers, though on a night with three passing touchdowns he did not record a score. Presley hauled in six of eight targets for 102 yards, including a long of 40.
On fourth down late in the game while the Rams were attempting a comeback, Presley soared over two defenders to give LA the ball deep into the redzone. This was his most impressive catch on the night and setup the game-winning score to Tru Edwards.
Desjuan Johnson, DT
Johnson was LA’s most productive pass rusher on the night. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes with four or more pressures. He was equally as formidable in the running game, and the Rams generally were strong in the run game even when the Chargers’ starters were in.
Preseason isn’t a strong indicator of how the defense will play in the regular season (we aren’t watching the same players); however, the depth on this unit is much improved from recent years and they are playing with great effort and coordination. I’m at least cautiously optimistic for now.
Losers
Matthew Stafford’s back saga
The Rams surprised media members by refusing to confirm whether Matthew Stafford had a throwing session again this week as he manages back soreness and works to join practice for the first time this preseason. It’s only fair to take this news in a negative light—because if Stafford did throw there is no harm in saying such—and the update hangs like a dark cloud over this fun exhibition win.
Cam Lampkin, CB
Lampkin had a positive standout performance last week against the Cowboys. He seemed to get beat deep often against the Chargers, including passes that fell harmlessly incomplete.
If we take the preseason in the aggregate through two games, AJ Green is the favorite to make the roster or practice squad after Darious Williams, Cobie Durant, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Emmanuel Forbes.
Ty Hamilton, DT
I wrote coming into this game that rookie Ty Hamilton must play better, and that unfortunately was not the case. Hamilton again looked porous in run defense and Desjuan Johnson is playing much better right now. There might not even be room on the 53-man roster for Johnson—let alone Hamilton—after accounting for Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, and Tyler Davis.
It’s getting tougher and tougher to see the fifth round pick make this roster, and the Rams traded up in order to acquire him.
Beaux Limmer, C
Expectations are high when a starter from last year takes the field in the preseason, and that is the case for second-year lineman Beaux Limmer. While Limmer was fine (probably good) in pass protection, he stood out in a negative way in the ground game. Simply put, Willie Lampkin—who left early with a lower body injury—and Justin Dedich are playing better right now.
This makes me wonder what Limmer’s future is with the Rams. Does he have potential to grow into a starting role once Coleman Shelton’s hourglass runs empty? Is it worth stashing such a player even when he’s not dominating backups in the preseason? It’s worth noting that Limmer played 39 of 49 offensive snaps in this game.
Source: https://www.turfshowtimes.com/los-a...etson-bennett-stuns-chargers-in-final-moments
(@bgrisakTST) 