Post Game Reactions; Rams / Cowboys

[CGI_Ram]

Takeaways from the Rams’ second preseason game against the Cowboys

Keeping fans updated with the latest news on the Los Angeles Rams. From breaking stories, to injury reports, to roster moves, we've got you covered.

www.therams.com

Five Takeaways from the Rams’ second preseason game against the Cowboys

HONOLULU, Hawaii — On the road for their second straight preseason game, the Rams fell to the Cowboys 14-10 Saturday evening. The vast majority of Los Angeles’ starters didn’t make the trip, so those in reserve roles saw heavy action in a good showing for the Hawaiians in attendance.
Here are five instant takeaways from the exhibition matchup at Aloha Stadium.

1) COSTLY DEFENSIVE PENALTIES ON GAME-DEFINING DRIVE

Flags against the Rams for a late hit, defensive pass interference and roughing the passer accounted for 34 of the Cowboys’ 72 yards on their go-ahead scoring drive late in the third quarter, with quarterback Cooper Rush connecting with wide receiver Devin Smith from eight yards out for the touchdown.

On a larger scale, the mistakes contributed to 18 total penalties for Los Angeles, six more than it had in its preseason opener at Oakland last weekend.

2) OFFENSE LOOKS SHARPER

Backup quarterback Blake Bortles adjusted well from his first game as a Ram, completing 7 of 11 passes for 62 yards and one touchdown against the Cowboys. Brandon Allen took over for Bortles at the beginning of the first offensive series in the second quarter.

Even when the execution didn’t look as smooth, the Rams adapted mostly well. Allen recovered a botched snap and hit wide receiver Nsimba Webster for a 16-yard gain on 3rd and 6 to keep a late first half drive alive.

Wide receiver Mike Thomas also had a nice showing. After dropping a pass from Bortles on the Rams' first scoring drive, who overcame a drop by catching his next two passes from Bortles to help set up that scoring opportunity. He finished with two receptions for 23 yards in the loss.

3) DARRELL HENDERSON MORE INVOLVED

Rams coach Sean McVay said the plan was to increase running back Darrell Henderson’s touches, and true to his word he kept Henderson quite busy Saturday evening.

Henderson got the start and rushed six times for 16 yards, both team-highs. He also led all Rams in receiving with six receptions on six targets for 38 yards. While his carries matched what he got in the preseason opener at Oakland, he had five more receptions and targets in the passing game.

Los Angeles got pinned inside the five late in the first half but his carries on that series helped them out of it. His longest reception was a 26-yard gain via Bortles on L.A.'s first offensive series.


View: https://twitter.com/ramsnfl/status/1162911736040546304?s=21


4) JOJO NATSON CHIPS IN ON OFFENSE

Los Angeles' primary return specialist, JoJo Natson caught two passes on two targets for 12 yards and secured the Rams’ lone touchdown of the game.

On special teams, he muffed a punt on a fair catch attempt that was recovered by Dallas at Los Angeles’ 32-yard line, but a missed 52-yard field goal attempt by Cowboys kicker Brett Maher effectively prevented any harm from coming out of it.

In fairness, it was an atypical mistake by Natson, who lost only two fumbles during the 2018 regular season.

4) NATREZ PATRICK SHINES

Signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent in May, Natrez Patrick was a bright spot at outside linebacker against the Cowboys.

He combined with linebacker Micah Kiser for a sack early in the first quarter, then drew a holding call later that same quarter on the Cowboys’ third offensive series. Patrick also added three total tackles and one quarterback hit.

5) SPECIAL TEAMS CONTRIBUTIONS

Johnny Hekker’s coffin corner punt that set up Dallas at its own 3 should be noted, even though the Cowboys still marched all the way downfield and scored. Greg Zuerlein’s 29-yard field goal attempt gave the Rams the lead with 3:45 left in the second quarter. Special teams also contributed to Maher’s missed field goal. Zuerlein uncharacteristically missed a 56-yarder toward the end of the first half, but it was an otherwise solid day for this unit.

 

[CGI_Ram]

View: https://youtu.be/98ThEg37q9g

 

[Riverumbbq]

Winners and losers from Rams' preseason loss to Dallas

By: Cameron DaSilva | 45 minutes ago
The Los Angeles Rams couldn’t complete the comeback against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night, suffering their second loss of the preseason.
It inspired more confidence than the preseason opener in Oakland, but there are still plenty of improvements to be made.

Here are the winners and losers from Los Angeles’ 14-10 loss to the Cowboys.

Winners

OLB Natrez Patrick
Patrick was recently transitioned to outside linebacker after Justin Lawler went down with a foot injury and it’s worked out wonderfully for the team and Patrick himself. He stood out in a big way on Saturday night, flashing throughout the game as a pass rusher. He finished with just a half-sack and three tackles, but he also hit the quarterback once, drew a holding penalty and made a run stop for a short gain. His stock is undeniably on the rise.

RB Darrell Henderson
Henderson’s rushing stat line doesn’t look great (six carries, 16 yards) but he looked extremely comfortable in the backfield and had an impact as a receiver. He caught six passes on six targets for 38 yards, including a 26-yarder on a wheel route. Jaylon Smith had no chance in coverage on that play, which made Henderson’s speed apparent right out of the gate. With more decisive cuts and a better burst through the line, Henderson is showing signs of being a real playmaker in L.A.

OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
This was Okoronkwo’s first game since January 2018, so it’s been a difficult road for the former Oklahoma Sooner. He’s battled back from multiple injuries since being drafted in the fifth round last year and it was worth the wait for fans. He showed off a good spin move, the ability to rush up the middle on stunts and an overall strong pass-rush repertoire. It took a while for Okoronkwo to get on the field, but a performance like this one pushed him further away from the bubble. Now he just needs to stay healthy.

ILB Dakota Allen
Allen played the majority of the defensive snaps for the Rams and he made his presence felt a few times. He dislodged a ball carrier’s helmet on one hit and stopped a receiver dead in his tracks on another, displaying good power in his tackles. Allen was a seventh-round pick so he’s not guaranteed a roster spot, yet he’s trending in that direction after making eight tackles (one for loss) against Dallas.

WRs Nsimba Webster and Jalen Greene
Webster looked good as both a receiver and in the return game, boosting his chances of making the team. Greene doesn’t contribute as a returner, but he displayed strong hands and the ability to get open on intermediate routes. He led the team with 43 yards on four catches, while Webster chipped in 38 yards on four receptions. It was a solid night for the undrafted rookies.

S Steven Parker
Parker had an interception in Week 1 of the preseason and added another pass breakup in this one, continuing a good (albeit brief) stretch of play. He recorded three tackles in the game Saturday night and didn’t have any lapses in coverage – something worth mentioning for a young safety.

CB Dont’e Deayon
He might not make the team, but Deayon sure is giving the Rams a lot to think about. He stood out for all the right reasons on Saturday night, picking off one pass and making a highlight-reel tackle behind the line of scrimmage. He’s picking up steam at the midway point of the preseason.


Losers

OL Jamil Demby

Demby continues to struggle with penalties this preseason, drawing three more flags on Sunday. He was called for holding twice and a facemask once, though the latter may have been incorrectly called on him. Regardless, it was not a good night for the second-year offensive lineman. While playing center, his snaps were shaky, including one that was way off the mark which Brandon Allen fortunately recovered and turned into a positive play.


WR Mike Thomas
Just as Thomas seemed to take a step forward in practice, he takes a step back in the preseason. He caught just two of five targets in the game and had an ugly drop on an out-breaking route – a ball he absolutely should’ve caught. He did bounce back with a nice grab along the sideline, but his impact was minimal considering the targets he saw.


WR/KR JoJo Natson
Natson could be playing his way off this team. He did score a 7-yard touchdown, but his muffed punt far outweighs finding the end zone. His clearest path to the 53-man roster is as a return specialist and botching punts is a quick way to land on the bubble. His speed and agility are always apparent, but so are his questionable hands.


DL Boogie Roberts
Defensive holding is rarely called on a D-lineman, but Roberts somehow found a way to get flagged for it twice on Saturday night. He did make two tackles, but once again, mental mistakes cost the Rams. If Roberts is going to make the team – which at this point seems doubtful – he’ll need to cut down on mistakes like the ones he made against Dallas.

Winners and losers from Rams' preseason loss to Dallas

Natrez Patrick and Dont’e Deayon stood out in a big way Saturday night.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[Riverumbbq]

Best photos from Rams' preseason game vs. Cowboys

By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago
The Los Angeles Rams suffered their second loss of the preseason on Saturday night, falling to the Dallas Cowboys 14-10. Unlike the first exhibition game, the Rams found the end zone in this one, providing some excitement for fans in Honolulu.
Here are the best photos from the game.

Dallas Cowboys v Los Angeles Rams
HONOLULU, HAWAII – AUGUST 17: Aloha from Hawaii, the entrance of Aloha Stadium before the preseason…

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HONOLULU, HAWAII – AUGUST 17: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams readies his…

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HONOLULU, HAWAII – AUGUST 17: Mike Thomas #88 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Blake Bortles (right) talks with offensive…

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August 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams players walk off the field after pre-game…

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August 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Blake Bortles (5) warms up before…

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August 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams players walk off the field after pre-game…

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August 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Blake Bortles (5) passes the football…

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August 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by Los…

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HONOLULU, HAWAII – AUGUST 17: Los Angeles Rams HOF legend Eric Dickerson and Aaron Donald #99…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Mike Thomas (88) makes a…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver JoJo Natson (19) reacts after…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Blake Bortles (5) points from the…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back John Kelly (42) leaps over…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Nsimba Webster (14) kicks the…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Brandon Allen (8) throws the ball…

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HONOLULU, HAWAII – AUGUST 17: Travis Frederick #72 and the Dallas Cowboys face off against the…

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Aug 17, 2019; Honolulu, HI, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (27) carries the…

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HONOLULU, HAWAII – AUGUST 17: Nsimba Webster #14 of the Los Angeles Rams returns a kickoff…

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Best photos from Rams' preseason game vs. Cowboys

All the best photos from the Rams’ preseason loss to Dallas.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[Riverumbbq]

Los Angeles Rams versus Dallas Cowboys: Good, bad, and ugly

The Rams had a solid-yet-unspectacular outing in Hawaii versus the Dallas Cowboys. Let’s take a look at some guys who impressed, and others who didn’t.

By Sosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP Aug 18, 2019, 8:02am CDT

Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Like week one of the preseason, week two has come and gone just as quick after a fun contest and weekend in Hawaii. The Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys battled their way to a 14-10 game that seen the Cowboys finish victorious. Just as they did in week one, the Rams chose to bench all starters — sans the inside linebacker spot — allowing younger players to battle each other for spots on the 53-man roster.

Let’s have a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly:


Good
Offensive Line
David Edwards is the lone offensive lineman who falls under the good category. Edwards spent time at both left tackle and right tackle, starting out on the blindside. Through two games, Edwards has been far and away the best reserve lineman. His comfort level is simply far greater than any of his counterparts.

Receivers
Nsima Webster and Jalen Greene both had very solid outings. Greene converted six targets into four receptions for 43 yards, with his only gaff coming on a vertical route up the left sideline where he dropped a back shoulder pass. Webster also chipped in with four receptions, converting all four of his targets for 38 yards. Greene was consistently making plays down the field, whereas Webster was creating plays in the short-to-intermediate part of the field.

Edge Rushers
Natrez Patrick and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo showed up snap after snap. Early on in the contest, it was Patrick who was abusing his opponent on the edge as he consistently dominated in the run game and even chipped in with a sack on Cowboys’ starting QB Dak Prescott (nearly a sack-fumble). After Patrick’s early dominance, Ogbo came alive and was drawing holds left right and center. Ogbo had multiple pressures, multiple drawn flags, and multiple QB hits. Ogbo’s talent was very evident as he put together a brilliant performance in his first NFL action.

Inside Linebacker
All of the eyes were stuck to Micah Kiser and Bryce Hager, and they probably should be considering the two are competing to see who’ll start alongside Cory Littleton. Yet, it was Travin Howard and Dakota Allen who played fantastically, particularly the latter. Allen collected eight tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a massive hit where he legally blasted a Cowboys player. His speed and consistent nose for the football have been very impressive through two games.

Secondary
Cornerbacks Darious Williams and Donte Deayon, as well as safeties Taylor Rapp and Steven Parker all put forth great performances. Deayon pulled himself a nice interception on a deep pass, also blasting a receiver on a screen just a few plays later. Williams chipped in with two pass deflections of his own. Rapp — like always — was near the ball on every snap, collecting three of his own tackles in his short time on the field. As for Parker, he just continues to make plays. His play speed and range is evident as he can make plays on every level of the field.


Bad

Offensive Line
Jamil Demby (LT, LG, C), Bobby Evans (RT, RG, LT), Jeremiah Kolone, Chandler Brewer, and Aaron Neary all struggled on the offensive line. Demby had multiple high and low snaps during his time at center while also getting flagged for multiple holds. As for rookie Bobby Evans, nothing he does ever looks easy or smooth. He usually gets the job done, but some reps are quite ugly.

Defensive Line
John Franklin-Myers and Sebastian Joseph-Day haven’t done anything to separate themselves thus far. Both have been incredibly stale as pass rushers, offering no pass rush ability through two games. Against the run, SJD improved, though leaps and bounds are left in terms of potentially improved performance as he could be an opening day starter.

Ugly

Jamil Demby
It wasn’t a pretty scene for Demby who continues to struggle as a center. It’s clear that it isn’t and shouldn’t be his NFL position, as Demby did play better at left tackle, though the flags certainly need to be cleaned up.
Penalties
A combined 29 penalties were accepted. Yuck.

Los Angeles Rams-Dallas Cowboys: Good, bad, and ugly

The Rams had a solid-yet-unspectacular outing in Hawaii versus the Dallas Cowboys. Let’s take a look at some guys who impressed, and others who didn’t.

www.turfshowtimes.com

 

[Akrasian]

How did Gaines play?

 

[den-the-coach]

How did Gaines play?

He played well, at this point I believe he'll be the starter against the Panthers in Carolina. SJD has gotten stronger, but just has not made any plays, whereas, you can tell when Gaines is in the game and from a defensive perspective, that's a good thing.

 

[OldSchool]

How did Gaines play?

I honestly only noticed him on a couple plays. I didn't see a lot from anybody on the DLine. Dallas ran pretty good the first series with their 1's but not much after that so far as I can recall. I just remember a tweet from Vinny that Gaines was in the game.

 

[OC--LeftCoast]

I posted this earlier on the injury thread...please allow me to put it where it belongs

Just talking Defense here, my lord but does the staff have some gut wrenching decisions coming up

So is it all about the draft OR FA signings, cuz I’m seeing 24 Carrot Gems in both

Obo, Patrick, Gaines, Carraway, Durham, Howard, Reeder, Parker & Deayon, man I hope all these guys make it

But Dakota Allen, my gosh this guy brings something (at least last nite) to ILB I haven’t seen since a young hard hitting Laurenitis

Just my two cents

 

[Ram65]

How did Gaines play?

He got 16 snaps. I noticed him on the field a couple of times. I didn't see anything that stands out in this game. SJD only had 11 snaps. Can't copy snap count. Totals snaps were 70-71.

I posted the replay link a little while ago in its own thread.

Rams snap counts: Okoronkwo stands out in first game, Kiser limited

Breaking down the snap count distribution for the Rams in their preseason loss to Dallas.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[Merlin]

David Edwards is the lone offensive lineman who falls under the good category. Edwards spent time at both left tackle and right tackle, starting out on the blindside. Through two games, Edwards has been far and away the best reserve lineman. His comfort level is simply far greater than any of his counterparts.

Edwards got beat some but yeah it looks like he is in the mix for backup duty. Looking like he belongs at LT on many of the snaps was impressive, he's just not a guy who can recover at all if he doesn't get his feet right at the outset.

I have to think if they were to need him at OG he would settle in pretty well. But for a rookie he is off to a great start.

Offensive Line
Jamil Demby (LT, LG, C), Bobby Evans (RT, RG, LT), Jeremiah Kolone, Chandler Brewer, and Aaron Neary all struggled on the offensive line. Demby had multiple high and low snaps during his time at center while also getting flagged for multiple holds. As for rookie Bobby Evans, nothing he does ever looks easy or smooth. He usually gets the job done, but some reps are quite ugly.

Defensive Line
John Franklin-Myers and Sebastian Joseph-Day haven’t done anything to separate themselves thus far. Both have been incredibly stale as pass rushers, offering no pass rush ability through two games. Against the run, SJD improved, though leaps and bounds are left in terms of potentially improved performance as he could be an opening day starter.

Evans' pass pro even at OG is shaky. He just looks really raw, like he's thinking too much. With last night's performance Demby lost primary backup duties and now he's fighting for a roster spot. Teams and upside probably going to determine that last spot or two.

JFM has been invisible, didn't even realize he played. But SJD had a pretty good night tbh, he jammed things up and did his job. Watched him pretty heavy vs Dallas interior OL and he stood up pretty well. Still feel like we're 2 deep at NT which is great.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I almost feel bad for Demby. Wow....
View attachment 29705

 

[Riverumbbq]

I almost feel bad for Demby. Wow....
View attachment 29705

It feels a bit, at least to me, that they are trying to force Demby into that reserve Center role in order to make space by dismissing Neary. While i'm all for cross-training offensive linemen, you can't shove a square peg thru a round hole, at least not without a lot more practice. I'd prefer, and i'll say this for the 2'nd time in as many weeks, that they should play Demby at OG for now and let him master those 2 spots before pushing him into something that doesn't appear to be working at the moment. jmo.

 

[BigRamFan]

I almost feel bad for Demby. Wow....
View attachment 29705

Yeah, me too. I hope he got his degree while at Maine. It appears he may be in for a career change.

 

[BonifayRam]

I almost feel bad for Demby. Wow....
View attachment 29705

Sad thing here this is Jamil's best playing post .....Left OG!

If you please may I take up @jrry32 vocation & offer up some defense of JD? First... this is the Cowboys starting unit going up against basically an entire first year rookie OL.

Secondly this DL'er who tossed salad'd Jamil is Maliek Collins who has started 39 games for the Cowboys the last 3 seasons. I seen press clips lately where its said that Collins has been one of the standout players on the team thus far. The Cowboys DL is considered to be one of the elite DL's in the NFL.

Do you think Kromer has seen enough of his tentative plan to have JD as his #6 game day OL'er? What about the plan to have JD as our reserve center?

If I were Kromer I retire this JD plan of being involved with centering the ball & just go with Aaron Neary & Vitas Hrynkiewicz from this point on in preseason. We were discussing this last week that JD needs to concentrate on two post not five. Those two post are LG/RG posts.

 

[OldSchool]

Patrick was an ILB at Georgia but had injury issues and a drug suspension which is why he was a UDFA. Rams moved him to OLB but I wonder with Hager being nothing special and Kiser hurt if Patrick doesn't get snaps at ILB in the next few weeks.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Hrynkie didn't get in at C until the 4th qtr, from what little I saw of him he looks better than Demby. Wow , that dude is a wide load! If this guy picks up the line calls he's going to be moving up the depth chart. His main drawback is he's only a C.

 

[BonifayRam]

It feels a bit, at least to me, that they are trying to force Demby into that reserve Center role in order to make space by dismissing Neary. While i'm all for cross-training offensive linemen, you can't shove a square peg thru a round hole, at least not without a lot more practice. I'd prefer, and i'll say this for the 2'nd time in as many weeks, that they should play Demby at OG for now and let him master those 2 spots before pushing him into something that doesn't appear to be working at the moment. jmo.

Yes Sir both you & I were working on the same response with the same main element ...if JD is to be any centering its needs to be @ the OG posts.

At this point its evident to me that Aaron Neary who played for just 1 quarter yesterday should be our reserve center for week 5 & on. Also evident that rookie David Edwards is by far our best swing OT & might be our best playing LG after Noteboom.

While Bob Evans & Jamil Demby have struggled .....Rookie UDFA #67 Chandler Brewer (who is 6-5 320 plus pounds' ex cancer survivor) has moved up the depth chart & has been very solid playing all four OL posts excluding OC. Yesterday his performance @ both OG post particularly the RG post was worth watching again.

 

[bubbaramfan]

I'm wondering if Kromer is ever going to quit shuffling the OL around, its making almost all of them look bad.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

I'm wondering if Kromer is ever going to quit shuffling the OL around, its making almost all of them look bad.

Looks like the entire 1st half Edwards played LT and Evans RT, and they held their own okay, except Taco was getting by Edwards in the 2nd Q.