GAME DAY Rams vs Chargers Aug. 17

[den-the-coach]

Silver bullet to poverty?

Conflating Stetson Bennett not graduating is two different topics and one has nothing to do with the other whatsoever.

You were trying to link him not graduating to him throwing 4 INTS and either not having the capability to grasp what’s going on or not having the work ethic and motivation.

A poor attempt I might add.

And that last line was the only thing that had anything to do with poor or poverty my good sir.

We will agree to disagree as I do believe Bennett has some issues reading defenses and that it might be related. Just a perception and I watched plenty of Bennett in college.

Believe me i hope he proves me wrong and keeps improving, but I continue to question his ability to read defenses and process plays as a quarterback. Again questioning that and correlating that with his not graduating in six years of college is not a poor attempt IMHO and again we will agree to disagree.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Cameron DaSilva

August 17, 2024 7:20 pm PT



Two games, two wins for the Los Angeles Rams this preseason. For the second week in a row, they scored 13 points and kept their opponent out of the end zone, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 13-9 on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. It was a back-and-forth game all afternoon as the two teams traded field goals for 50 minutes, but the Rams finally broke through with a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Stetson Bennett once again played the entire game, and while he did cut down on the interceptions after throwing four last week, he still turned it over twice in the win. He landed in our “dud” category this week, but a handful of young playmakers shined as studs.
Here’s a look at which players stood out in a good way, and those who struggled a bit in Inglewood.

Stud: DB Jaylen McCollough​

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
McCollough is having a really good preseason so far. He showed up with a few physical plays last week and on Saturday, he flashed again. The rookie safety pulled down an interception in the second quarter on a tipped pass over the middle, diving to haul it in and thwart the Chargers’ drive in Rams territory. It’ll still be hard for him to make the team because of how deep the Rams are at safety but he’s making a strong case.

Stud: WR Jordan Whittington​

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Mike LaFleur made it sound like the Rams might rest Whittington this week but he ended up playing and playing well again. The rookie receiver caught five passes for 52 yards in the first half alone, including a 24-yarder over the middle on third-and-3. All he does is make plays and he’s seemingly carving out a role for himself in the receiving corps.

Stud: WR Tyler Johnson​

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
With so much attention on Whittington, Johnson has quietly had a nice preseason, too. He caught a beautiful 29-yard pass from Stetson Bennett on a corner route, elevating to come down with the reception for a first down. He also had a 32-yard return on the opening kickoff, showing off his versatility right away as the Rams search for a return specialist this season.

Stud: LB Omar Speights​

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Speights plays with an aggressiveness and physicality that coaches love to see. He had a big hit on the first kickoff return by the Chargers and then in the second half, he read a screen pass to the running back perfectly and made a tackle for a 3-yard loss. He’s a big hitter who’s also shown good instincts on defense. Inside linebacker is an open competition behind Ernest Jones and Christian Rozeboom, so Speights could sneak onto the roster.
He led the team with seven tackles, two more than any other player in this game.

Stud: WR Xavier Smith​

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Smith has looked like a playmaker in multiple facets. He had a beautiful leaping grab on a fade route, coming back to the ball to make a great catch, which was just one of multiple impressive plays by the second-year receiver. He also took a jet sweep for 9 yards, had a 19-yard punt return, a 34-yard return and finished with 45 yards receiving on five catches.

Dud: P Ethan Evans​

(Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
While Joshua Karty was solid, Evans was not so much. He hit three punts and averaged 33.7 yards per kick, a number that was weighed down by a horrendous 22-yard punt. Granted, it took a bad bounce and came backward, but it was still not a very good punt. Later on, Evans had a 30-yard punt that went out of bounds at the Chargers’ 20, so that one had room for improvement, too. After a rocky rookie season, Evans struggled in this preseason game.

Dud: QB Stetson Bennett​

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Stetson Bennett is a roller coaster ride each time he steps on the field. There’s always some good, but there are also a lot of lows with his play. Against the Chargers, he threw a bad interception in the end zone on fourth down, underthrowing his receiver by a lot. He then came back with a 47-yard touchdown pass two drives later, and then followed it up with some poor ball security on a scramble where he lost a fumble.


Turnovers aside, he was inaccurate throughout the game, throwing behind receivers on multiple occasions. He’s simply too inconsistent right now, and this is against vanilla defenses with backups on the field.

Dud: CB Tre Tomlinson​

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Tomlinson needed to play well this preseason in order to make the 53-man roster but he’s once against struggled with penalties, just as he did last year. Against the Chargers, he was called for illegal contact on third-and-19, giving the offense a fresh set of downs on what was an incomplete pass. He actually got beat deep by Quentin Johnston on that play but Easton Stick missed him with an overthrow.

Dud: C Mike McAllister​

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
McAllister replaced Beaux Limmer at center as the game went on but he did not have a particularly good game. He gave up a lot of ground when blocking in the run game, which led to a few tackles for a loss in the backfield, and just didn’t get much push when the Rams did hand the ball off. Limmer appears to have an edge in this position battle right now.

 

[Allen2McVay]

He played on special teams.

Are you saying Atwell played?

I recorded the game but have not watched it. That would greatly surprise me.

Are you sure?

 

[CGI_Ram]

I think Atwell is safe. His lack of PS snaps kind of confirms that… and he presents unique matchup issues compared to our other WR.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Are you saying Atwell played?

I recorded the game but have not watched it. That would greatly surprise me.

Are you sure?

I didn't see him and can't imagine he played.
If we carry 6 or 7 receivers that can all positively affect the game while providing versatility due to skill sets that is a win.
I don't worry about where they are slotted on the depth chart.

 

[den-the-coach]

Cameron DaSilva

August 17, 2024 7:20 pm PT

Dud: P Ethan Evans​

(Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
While Joshua Karty was solid, Evans was not so much. He hit three punts and averaged 33.7 yards per kick, a number that was weighed down by a horrendous 22-yard punt. Granted, it took a bad bounce and came backward, but it was still not a very good punt. Later on, Evans had a 30-yard punt that went out of bounds at the Chargers’ 20, so that one had room for improvement, too. After a rocky rookie season, Evans struggled in this preseason game.

Dud: QB Stetson Bennett​

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Stetson Bennett is a roller coaster ride each time he steps on the field. There’s always some good, but there are also a lot of lows with his play. Against the Chargers, he threw a bad interception in the end zone on fourth down, underthrowing his receiver by a lot. He then came back with a 47-yard touchdown pass two drives later, and then followed it up with some poor ball security on a scramble where he lost a fumble.


Turnovers aside, he was inaccurate throughout the game, throwing behind receivers on multiple occasions. He’s simply too inconsistent right now, and this is against vanilla defenses with backups on the field.

Dud: CB Tre Tomlinson​

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Tomlinson needed to play well this preseason in order to make the 53-man roster but he’s once against struggled with penalties, just as he did last year. Against the Chargers, he was called for illegal contact on third-and-19, giving the offense a fresh set of downs on what was an incomplete pass. He actually got beat deep by Quentin Johnston on that play but Easton Stick missed him with an overthrow.

Dud: C Mike McAllister​

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
McAllister replaced Beaux Limmer at center as the game went on but he did not have a particularly good game. He gave up a lot of ground when blocking in the run game, which led to a few tackles for a loss in the backfield, and just didn’t get much push when the Rams did hand the ball off. Limmer appears to have an edge in this position battle right now.

Hard to debate the Duds in this game, Tomlinson seems likely to be cut as the Rams have several others in that area that are better options. Glad the Rams drafted Beaux Limmer a bonafide backup Center as Mike McAllister has struggled on both games and even though Bennett did improve his turnover ratio from 4 to 2, he is still a work in progress. BTW worst game Ethan Evans has had and not worried there.

 

[TheTackle]

Evans also outkicked the coverage, which was a problem last year. I have to say I am a little worried based on his performances so far so hope this is a blip following some good camp reports

 

[TheTackle]

I didn't see him and can't imagine he played.
If we carry 6 or 7 receivers that can all positively affect the game while providing versatility due to skill sets that is a win.
I don't worry about where they are slotted on the depth chart.

Kick Hunter Long to the curb and keep seven!

 

[PARAM]

It's interesting fans are still trying to write off Atwell. We forget the first 4 weeks of last season, with Kupp on the shelf and the only other viable option, an unproven rookie (albeit a great one over the course of the season), Atwell was the #2 WR. Through the first 3 games he saw 26 targets, had 17 receptions for 246 yards (14.5) with 1 TD. The #3, 4 and 5 WRs (Skowronek, Jefferson, DRob) had 16 targets, 8 receptions and 92 yards. As Puka emerged and Kupp returned, the number of targets dropped significantly. But having a guy with his speed AND hands as the #3 or #4 WR is a luxury. I'm liking the possibility of a WR group consisting of Kupp, Puka, DRob, Atwell, Whittington and whomever they choose as the #6 (T. Johnson, Lapp or X. Smith). Of course I could be completely wrong.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Hard to debate the Duds in this game, Tomlinson seems likely to be cut as the Rams have several others in that area that are better options. Glad the Rams drafted Beaux Limmer a bonafide backup Center as Mike McAllister has struggled on both games and even though Bennett did improve his turnover ratio from 4 to 2, he is still a work in progress. BTW worst game Ethan Evans has had and not worried there.

Limmer is really impressive, I have only seen a couple of forgivable offenses. Not a glamorous position but making as much of a positive impact as anyone playing in these P.S Games

 

[JBRam77]

Kick Hunter Long to the curb and keep seven

Kalinic looked pretty damn good-huge frame, good hands, body control

 

[den-the-coach]

Kalinic looked pretty damn good-huge frame, good hands, body control

Not sure about Nikola Kalinic as last week he had two penalties, however, did look very fluid running the routes, but I am betting Long makes the team.

 

[Mojo Ram]

Tutu. The way I see it is this. He was drafted because McVay wanted his DeSean Jackson.

The real DeSean Jackson was brought in and promptly diva’d his own ass off the roster.

Tutu was slow in developing but eventually found some gameday PT.

He’s made a few splash plays and some plays here and there, but hasn’t forced himself into the starting rotation because he can’t get himself open regularly or block in 11 personnel.

Meanwhile, Puka comes in and immediately forces himself to become the WR2.

Also meanwhile, vet Demarcus Robinson is brought in to compete and forces himself into WR3 because he can do just about everything Tutu can do plus block.

Also meanwhile…and for a long while now, the Rams have been looking for one of these WR’s to become the guy on ST’s.

Long story short, three years in…
Tutu isn’t DeSean Jackson 2.0
Tutu isn’t WR3
Tutu isn’t a ST’s guy

Today we have some young guns showing out and competing like Whittington, X and T Johnson who are forcing their way onto the roster. They’re bringing an assortment of skills to the table that include getting open, blocking and ST versatility.

IMO Tutu comes from the Van Jefferson school of football players. He suffers from a lack of competitive fire. It doesn’t help that he’s too small to force his will physically. He’s fast and has decent hands but that ain’t enough when you don’t have what so many of these rookies and dudes like Puka, Kyren, Turner have, which is the love of football and the competitive drive to become a helluva football player and the absolute BEST that one can be.

 

[SteezyEndo]

Not sure about Nikola Kalinic as last week he had two penalties, however, did look very fluid running the routes, but I am betting Long makes the team.

I concur I’d keep Long. He may have more upside. Would like to see more though.

 

[Merlin]

Physics is his issue. Too short and not enough arm. Has to float it over the middle because he is not tall enough to see over the line and drive the ball.

Yes this is why I value some height with QBs. If you aren't at least 6'2" you are looking past shoulders. That has to be difficult in this league.

But again we are talking QB2 where flawed passers fill those jobs. Bennett is not consistent enough now to be QB2. But I don't think that is too high a bar for him down the road.

Rams are probably gonna be looking for a QB this week. If not then the loss of Stafford means loss of that game.

Not sure about Nikola Kalinic as last week he had two penalties, however, did look very fluid running the routes, but I am betting Long makes the team.

I don't see it with Long. I think Allen, who is still showing inexperience at times, is well ahead of him. Rams will keep 3 TEs I expect but if Kalinic can show growth in this next game I would consider going with the young player.

 

[RamWoodie]

Most important to me is it appears the Rams will have good OLine depth.

 

[WestCoastRam]

There are numerous reasons Tutu will most likely make the roster but another one is, if he was playing in preseason, he'd probably be outplaying every WR on the field right now.

 

[TheTackle]

Limmer is really impressive, I have only seen a couple of forgivable offenses. Not a glamorous position but making as much of a positive impact as anyone playing in these P.S Games

He’s safely in the team especially after playing so well against their first team defense! Bruss should be safe too

 

[TheTackle]

Tutu. The way I see it is this. He was drafted because McVay wanted his DeSean Jackson.

The real DeSean Jackson was brought in and promptly diva’d his own ass off the roster.

Tutu was slow in developing but eventually found some gameday PT.

He’s made a few splash plays and some plays here and there, but hasn’t forced himself into the starting rotation because he can’t get himself open regularly or block in 11 personnel.

Meanwhile, Puka comes in and immediately forces himself to become the WR2.

Also meanwhile, vet Demarcus Robinson is brought in to compete and forces himself into WR3 because he can do just about everything Tutu can do plus block.

Also meanwhile…and for a long while now, the Rams have been looking for one of these WR’s to become the guy on ST’s.

Long story short, three years in…
Tutu isn’t DeSean Jackson 2.0
Tutu isn’t WR3
Tutu isn’t a ST’s guy

Today we have some young guns showing out and competing like Whittington, X and T Johnson who are forcing their way onto the roster. They’re bringing an assortment of skills to the table that include getting open, blocking and ST versatility.

IMO Tutu comes from the Van Jefferson school of football players. He suffers from a lack of competitive fire. It doesn’t help that he’s too small to force his will physically. He’s fast and has decent hands but that ain’t enough when you don’t have what so many of these rookies and dudes like Puka, Kyren, Turner have, which is the love of football and the competitive drive to become a helluva football player and the absolute BEST that one can be.

Is he the best a midget can be?

 

[WestCoastRam]

He’s safely in the team especially after playing so well against their first team defense! Bruss should be safe too

If Bruss keeps up the showing at RG he may make it, also might make it with injuries. Guess it depends on whether Rams keep 9 or 10 oline. But it's not like the guy is gonna get snatched up by another team so he can easily go to PS and a guy like Acuri ends up taking the 10th spot.