Rams-Chargers Recap: Winners and Losers

[BonifayRam]

Rams-Chargers Recap: Winners and Losers​

The Chargers defeated the Rams at Sofi Stadium, but there was plenty to be encouraged by

By JB Scott Aug 15, 2021

Rams-Chargers Recap: Winners and Losers from Saturday night

The Chargers defeated the Rams at Sofi Stadium, but there was plenty to be encouraged by

www.turfshowtimes.com

• 
  
  The Los Angeles Chargers bested the Los Angeles Rams 13-6 in Saturday night’s preseason contest and the first game at SoFi Stadium in front of fans. Leading up to the game, Head Coach Sean McVay indicated around 35 players would not participate. With that said, only around 18 players that were on the field Saturday night will make the final 53 roster - others will have the opportunity to earn a spot on the practice squad.
• 
  There were some promising contributors in the battle for LA and others that did not perform up to expectations. Here are four winners from the first preseason contest against the Chargers, plus three players or positions that aren’t feeling as hot right now.
  

  Winners​

  Justin Lawler, EDGE​

  A former 2018 seventh-round draft choice from SMU, Justin Lawler was the star of the evening and may have solidified his place on the Rams final 53-man roster. Lawler appeared in every game during his rookie season, though his role was mostly limited to special teams. Unfortunately, injuries kept him off the field during 2019 and 2020. It’s encouraging to see Lawler persevere and overcome injuries to become a preseason standout.
• 
  On just the first series of the game Lawler recorded multiple pressures and a hit on Chargers veteran quarterback Chase Daniel, one of these pressures forcing an incompletion on the goal line and a field goal attempt. On the second series the outside linebacker made a tackle for loss in the run game. All in all, it was an impressive night from the fourth year player who now projects to be the primary backup to EDGE Leonard Floyd.
• 
  
• Jacob Harris, TE
• Rookie Jacob Harris showed flashes of promise and elite athletic ability during offseason activities and training camp, and it’s good to see this carryover to the preseason as well. At times, Harris seemed raw, fumbling after a long catch and run sequence and then being unable to stay in-bounds for what would have been a spectacular touchdown grab. It is not reasonable to expect Harris to be a staple of the 2021 Rams offense in his first year, but McVay can provide opportunities - either schematically or situationally - that are advantageous with the rookie’s unique skill set.
  

  Bryce Perkins, QB​

  Bryce Perkins’ rookie preseason campaign never took place due to COVID-19 restrictions, so this was the first time we’ve seen him live in a Rams uniform. The depth on the offensive line did not have a strong outing on Saturday night, but Perkins was better equipped to handle pressure and off-schedule plays than fellow backup Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Perkins finished 7 of 10 for 42 yards as a passer and recorded 4 attempts for 23 yards on the ground.
• 
  The second-year signal caller figures to split playing time with Hodges for the remaining two preseason games, so the pecking order could easily change; however, it is fair to question whether the Rams will be able to stash Perkins on the practice squad this season or if he must be carried on the 53-man roster. One benefit of Perkins sticking around is that he can run the scout team and help the first team defense prepare for mobile quarterbacks.
  
  

  Kick/Punt Returner​

  In what may have been the most positive development of the evening, the Rams seem to be improving in the kick/punt return game.
• 
  Rookie Tutu Atwell earned the first opportunity to handle punts and ripped off a 20-yard return that was called back due to penalty. While this may or may not be notable normally, Atwell looked faster than anyone else on the field at times. The speedster also caught 2 passes for 21 yards, with the longest reception being a 19-yard catch and run.
• 
  Running back Raymond Calais handled kick return duties at times as a rookie, but has added punt returns to his repertoire this season. Calais returned a punt for 46-yards and kickoff for 29-yards, flashing impressive speed and vision on both returns. The second-year runner also had a share of carries on offense, but was unable to separate himself much.
  

  Losers​

  Offensive Line Depth​

  The offensive line seemed to be dominated by the Chargers defensive front for most of the night, especially in the running game. An important note in this is that backup left tackle Joseph Noteboom was on the sidelines with the starters and other key players. Another exception is that second-year right tackle Tremayne Anchrum seemed to play well, so really the concern lies on the interior of the OL.
• 
  LA’s quarterbacks were consistently under duress, though Perkins was able to navigate the pressure and make plays with his legs. Hodges, a more traditional pocket passer, was a sitting “duck” for most of the night.
• 
  The woes on the offensive line also prevented a real look at any of the reserve running backs battling for playing time behind lead back Darrell Henderson. Xavier Jones had 7 carries for 21 yards, Jake Funk 5 for 12 yards, and Calais 7 for 14 yards, an overall average of less than 2.5 yards per attempt.
  

  The Kickers​

  Starter Matt Gay, who was fairly reliable last season, missed an extra point that was moved back due to a false start penalty. Reserve kicker Austin MacGinnis also recorded a miss on a field goal attempt. While Gay’s miss isn’t overly concerning, it will be something to keep an eye on moving forward. Reports from training camp indicated both Gay and MacGinnis were consistently accurate during practice, so time will tell if this was really just an off-night.
  

  Ben Skowronek​

  Rookie seventh-rounder Ben Skowronek seemed to be trending towards a spot on the roster as a key special teams player and a possible situational receiver role. The Rams announced the rookie suffered a broken forearm during the game and will undergo surgery. It is not yet known how long Skowronek will be out.
  

 

[BonifayRam]

Rams lose to Chargers in preseason, but gain knowledge on their depth at key positions

Sean McVay comes away with a bunch of information on some important reserves for 2021

www.turfshowtimes.com

“Jokes are never telling. They’re jokes.”
That’s a line by Jude Law in the first episode of The Young Pope. Some would say that the preseason is a joke, but that’s not quite true because we do know that these games can be telling. But hardly anything that happened on Saturday will be indicative of how the LA Rams will perform this season and by those standards, a 13-6 loss to the LA Chargers is in no way revealing.

We did, however, learn something about how the depth chart and third line of reserves could be shaking out for Sean McVay’s coaching staff.

John Wolford is likely entrenched as Matthew Stafford’s backup this season. His three years of experience with McVay and his Week 17 performance against the Arizona Cardinals is a worthy resume for a player who will hold significant responsibilities as Stafford’s right-hand man. The starter-backup QB relationship is an important one and Wolford’s the right right-handed man, man. The Rams probably can’t afford to keep a third quarterback on the roster, so Devlin Hodges and Bryce Perkins are essentially auditioning for another team to give them a chance come September. Saturday’s game did not reveal that either of them would be better options as a backup quarterback than Wolford.

Justin Lawler is listed as the backup to Leonard Floyd at outside linebacker and that’s exactly what Justin Lawler looked like on Saturday night. He was the talk of the team on Twitter and there’s little question that players like Terrell Lewis and Chris Garrett are competing to be the last person in at linebacker.

Or in the case of Lewis, not competing often enough. Garrett seemed to have some good moments on Saturday night. LA had nine linebackers last season and when you crunch the numbers, it may be difficult for either of Garrett or Lewis to make the final 53.

The fact that Coleman Shelton started at center probably solidifies Brian Allen as the current number one. Though Allen hasn’t played in a game since November of 2019, this wasn’t the type of night to get him back in action. The same would go for the rest of the starters, but the most glaring offensive line talk of the game centered around the apparent decline of Bobby Evans from the presumed leader at right guard to potentially fighting just to make the roster. There was, however, positive talk about Tremayne Anchrum and we’ll see if that plays out in a different rotation of linemen next Saturday night.

Jacob Harris played as a receiver against the Chargers, not as a tight end. He also played as a receiver in college, so right now we’ve only ever known Harris as a receiver.

To put him in the tight end conversation is premature even though the news hasn’t been glowing when it has come to Brycen Hopkins this year. Well, that’s not entirely correct. The news hasn’t even existed. After playing two offensive snaps as a rookie, Hopkins has rarely been a topic of conversation at training camp and nothing seemed to be going in his favor on Saturday night either. The objective for McVay now seems to be to protect Tyler Higbee and Johnny Mundt, and to potentially keep an eye on the free agent market in September.

McVay did say after the game that Xavier Jones has been a bright spot in camp and Jones may have been one of the few regulars who had significant participation against the Chargers. That’s because Darrell Henderson is the only running back on the roster to have even participated in an offensive play in the NFL, and neither Jones nor Raymond Calais had a chance to play in a preseason game in 2020. The statistics they had this week do not matter, but based on McVay’s comments, it would appear that Jones is in the lead to complement Henderson when the regular season gets here. That’s if the Rams don’t add a running back, and while I do believe McVay is comfortable with Jones, I didn’t feel convinced that he was convinced that LA can start the season with what they have at the position.

That’s not to leave out Jake Funk, but I don’t expect McVay to turn to a three-headed running back committee. Even if Funk does make the final roster, it will likely be as a special teamer who also serves a function as running back insurance.

I don’t believe there was anybody out there on Saturday night catching passes who will be regularly expected to catch passes in 2021. The team is going to lean on Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, DeSean Jackson, Tyler Higbee, and Van Jefferson before they get to Tutu Atwell and Harris. But Atwell should have been able to shake off some skepticism about his size this week by showing out with speed and bouncing back up quickly after a number of hard hits in the open field. He could also end up as the team’s starting punt returner.

Trishton Jackson scored a touchdown and I still don’t know how the numbers will crunch in his favor. Harris seems destined to take a roster spot without having a solid position between tight end and receiver, and Jackson must also deal with J.J. Koski and Ben Skowronek. And that’s not for the number five job, that’s for the number six job, seven if you count Harris.

The Rams next face the Las Vegas Raiders, exactly one week later at 7 PM and again at SoFi Stadium. We may get an opportunity to see a team that more closely resembles the one we’ll see in Week 1, but then again not really. It’s like looking at a picture through three panes of colored, textured glass. By a score of 13-6, we’ve removed one pane of glass.
Two more to go.

Quicker Notes​

I don’t expect McVay to give the starting inside linebacker job to a rookie this season, but the play of Ernest Jones on Saturday night further emphasizes the optimism about the third round pick’s future.

We didn’t hear from Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams, obviously, but also not Donte Deayon, David Long, or Robert Rochell. Also not Jordan Fuller, Taylor Rapp, Terrell Burgess, or Nick Scott. The play of Brontae Harris, Kareem Orr, Juju Hughes, J.R. Reed on Saturday may not be able to result in a roster spot in Week 1 but you never know.

McVay wasn’t concerned about Matt Gay’s miss. It’s unfortunate that MacGinnis missed. That had to be a big moment for him, given there was no preseason last year and these chances are so rare. I hope he gets another.

I wouldn’t speculate any change at punter right now.

Koski had three catches and presently he’s the biggest mystery on the roster. He seems like the right candidate to make the practice squad and to be one of those options for a gameday activation from the practice squad, should any injuries at receiver arrive.

We heard the names of some defensive linemen called out and standing out, but really it will be difficult for any of them other than Bobby Brown, Earnest Brown, and Eric Banks to make the final roster. Even that could be too many because we know that Aaron Donald, Sebastian Joseph-Day, A’Shawn Robinson, and Greg Gaines are in. LA kept six defensive linemen last season. Michael Hoecht, Jonah Williams, George Silvanic, John Daka have big hills to get over.

Some of these guys hadn’t played in a game in a long time, yet another reason to cut these performances some slack. The vast majority of work and progress is made during the week.

 

[ottoman89]

I'd add Ernest Jones as a winner.

 

[So Ram]

I'd add Ernest Jones as a winner.

Jonah Williams had a sack & made a couple plays. He has been 2nd unit all training camp.
I think he deserves a little love,but still think he finds a way onto the roster.

 

[Jacobarch]

Winners

Harris
Perkins
Lawler
Tutu
Jackson
Jones
Reed
Orr

Harris - dude has some serious skills. His footwork is exceptional, and it shows in his route running. His blocking skills will eventually need some polishing but he has a very high ceiling. One thing to watch is his ball security.

Perkins- smooth and doesn't hesitate. Has a great throwing motion, made the correct reads for the most part and had a handle on running the offense. If he continues to impress I wouldn't be surprised if he takes Wolfords backup spot.

Lawler - a decent rotational player. He was playing against 2nd string and 3rd string players. He should shine, and he did. He'll make the 53

Tutu - I think he'll be our new Tavon Austin, mcVay will sprinkle him in on jet sweeps, screens and trick plays. He needs to gain about 10 pounds of muscle before I can take him seriously as a WR. I'll of course retract my statement if he ends up being a stud his rookie season lol.

Jackson - he showed up multiple times at WR. That route for the TD was so smooth and precise it would be hard to cut him if he continues to shine. I think we keep him ok ST for now until he develops further. I still want to see more from him in the upcoming games.

Jones - I still feel he's a little light in the feet to be our starter week one. However I think he takes over the job mid season. He needs to bulk a little and his instincts aren't always on point. Looks good in coverage but seems to get washed in the run game a little. That screen play he blew up...damn. Future is bright for this kid.

Reed - I kind of focused in on him in the first quarter. This guy has incredible run stopping abilities, always around the ball and has a nose for taking amazing angles. With how deep our secondary looks at the moment look for the Rams to stash him on ST and develop.

Orr - the quick eye test tells me he can play. Most likely a ST player or practice squad but it wouldn't surprise me if another team picked him up from the PS with all the media coverage he's gotten in the last week.

Losers and head scratchers...

Losers,

Bobby Evans
Hodges
Coleman


Head scratchers,

Funk
Jones


Bobby Evans - yikes, I don't know if this dude makes the team. I'm sure he does because the Rams spent a 3rd round draft pick on him. But at least from what I see is he is not a guard. He's a tackle and that's it. Maybe just a backup but at least I don't see him getting blown at tackle like I see him getting dominated at guard. Start of the 3rd quarter getting smashed by a 2nd or 3rd stringer... Not acceptable. Rams need to rethink having him backup Corbett because he'll get Stafford killed.

Hodges - not sure what McVay sees in him? Not a real good arm, seems to not see the field like Perkins does and threw some ducks that probably would be taken to the house if playing against starters. I think he'll be on the first cut. He just doesn't look like a fit.

Coleman - not exactly sure if he'll make the team but the lack of depth at guard will probably guarantee him a roster spot. Hopefully he improves.

Head scratchers,

Funk and Jones - not really sure what to think of them at this point. The online wasn't giving them much room to work with but hopefully they gel and give us a good look at what to expect when they have a little help. One thing I don't see is the short yardage runner we desperately need. Funk might be that guy but he needs to add a little weight.

 

[Memphis Ram]

View: https://twitter.com/PFF_Rams/status/1426976687703486464

 

[Merlin]

The way that Evans played... To be honest it calls into question the Rams' entire offseason OL plan. And btw I am fine with them projecting that a guy will get better and they obviously did that with Evans. But he still has a looooong way to go. I am probably more disappointed with him than any other player after this first preseason look.

This play sums up how I feel about him tbh... Hey Bobby can you get second level for us and block 31 or at least get in his way?

Answer: "no but I can sure make 31 look like an all-star."

 

[Merlin]

A few plays later, a critical 3rd and 2...

Nice whiff bro...

Why don't you grab a little more jersey there and get a flag too while you're at it.

 

[fanotodd]

I’ll add #43 Ford to “soon to be cur” list.

As for bright spots, I was very impressed with Anchrum. Despite a glaring depth deficiency on the interior, Anchrum turned in a solid performance.

The RB situation will look a whole lot better once the 1rst team OL is front of them.

Looks like the Rams are also gonna give away a decent QB prospect in Perkins.

 

[Merlin]

Anchrum played so well that I find myself asking why he was not competing at RG with Evans from the beginning of camp. He's a better player and I have zero doubt would be better at RG than Evans too.

I just find it really disappointing that once again there seems to have been faulty slotting logic with our OL in camp. Last year it was the same shit with Boom at LG over Edwards. I figured that would be a thing of the past with Kromer gone but it's impossible for me to understand how/why Anchrum wasn't tried at RG in some sort of competition.

Oh and note that last year many of us saw that coming. This year I can't say that admittedly. I had hoped Anchrum would compete a bit at RG or as part of the starting 5 but did not know enough about any of these depth guys to feel conviction one way or the other. I realize we're only one game into the preseason sched but I hope to see some juggling of roles with these guys in the upcoming games.

 

[CoachAllred]

Rewatched Rams first offensive series and focused on the oline.
What I about to say say is not meant to knock this guy. He is a rookie starting at left tackle. Not an easy assignment
by any means. that being said. AJ Jackson had a terrible series.
I may not be in exact order of each play.

1. He totaly missed a blitz pickup, staying with the edge rusher instead of picking the C gap blitz.
causing the incompletion to X. Jones in the flat. it happened quick so no adjustment was called
When that happens you always have to take the inside C Gap pressure over the outside "D" pressure.

2 he was responsible for one of our blown up runs lets his guy shoot the inside gap without coming close
to slowing him down.

3. Not Certain but I am pretty sure he was supposed to come off his guy for the Funk screen.
He didn't and Funk never had a chance.

Another thing I noticed is our backup TE #45 in 12 personnel allowed another run to be blown
up in the backfield

Again not knocking any of these guys. I just wanted to go back and see how some of these
runs were stopped in our backfield.
AJ's a rookie udfa if he sticks with the team he will no doubt get a lot better than what I saw.
If I were in his shoes I would be lucky to get lined up much less play well.

If anyone is interested in rewatching it I have a pretty good site at

fullmatchtv.com

 

[CoachAllred]

The way that Evans played... To be honest it calls into question the Rams' entire offseason OL plan. And btw I am fine with them projecting that a guy will get better and they obviously did that with Evans. But he still has a looooong way to go. I am probably more disappointed with him than any other player after this first preseason look.

This play sums up how I feel about him tbh... Hey Bobby can you get second level for us and block 31 or at least get in his way?
View attachment 47290
View attachment 47291
View attachment 47292

Answer: "no but I can sure make 31 look like an all-star."
View attachment 47293

Yea that's bad already broke down and made contact. Worse case scenario is mirror and once defender steps
drive him out the same side defender committed.

 

[…..]

Koski looked the part to me. I know we cant keep everyone, that reciever group is really, really nice if you have a guy like Koski at the bottom.

 

[fearsomefour]

I thought Williams and Copeland (who’ve I’ve liked his whole time here) showed well on the DL.
It would appear the promotion of Allen to C and Corbett to G may have more to do with Evans struggling than Allen making big strides.
Evans can still move guys in the run game but pass pro is shaky. He is very much like Brown in that regard.
The second punter may give Hekker a run.

 

[Jacobarch]

View: https://twitter.com/PFF_Rams/status/1426976687703486464

JR reed might be a player. Gotta see more

 

[blackbart]

I really don’t want another Tavon Austin. If Tutu isn’t something more than that it is a wasted pick that could have been used for a lot more impact.

Fuck a bunch of trick plays. Give me a grind it out power run game to compliment Stafford and the air game.

 

[Jacobarch]

I really don’t want another Tavon Austin. If Tutu isn’t something more than that it is a water pick that could have been used for a lot more impact.

Fuck a bunch of trick plays. Give me a grind it out power run game to compliment Stafford and the air game.

As long as he scores TDs I could care less. Let's wait and see what he becomes

 

[blackbart]

As long as he scores TDs I could care less. Let's wait and see what he becomes

Did he even get hit on the 19 yarder? I have not been back through the recording butthe live play and replay looked like the db barely got a hand on him.

I hope he develops into more, right now I don’t see it.

 

[TexasRam]

View: https://twitter.com/PFF_Rams/status/1426976687703486464

It’s good to see the PFF guys actually watched the film and got it right.

As I stated in my O-line review, Jordan Meredith looked extremely solid. I gave him an A grade after rewatching every offensive snap.

Keep your eye on Meredith. He may jump the depth chart and and make it to suiting up on Sundays.

If Brian Allen struggles you may see Meredith starting on Sundays.

 

[badnews]

I really don’t want another Tavon Austin. If Tutu isn’t something more than that it is a wasted pick that could have been used for a lot more impact.

Fuck a bunch of trick plays. Give me a grind it out power run game to compliment Stafford and the air game.

Geez lol