Takeaways from Rams preseason win against Denver

[Riverumbbq]

By: Steve Rebeiro | 23 minutes ago


The Los Angeles Rams have finally won a preseason game.
The Rams took care of business against the Broncos in Los Angeles, coming out victorious in a 10-6 snoozefest. It was the first win of the summer for the Rams.

Despite the low score, there’s plenty to talk about. Here are four takeaways from the night.

No clarity in wide receiver battle
The Rams are going to have a tough decision to make when it comes to wide receivers KhaDarel Hodge and Mike Thomas.
The duo of Rams receivers are competing for one of the final spots on the team’s roster. Both guys looked great against Denver. Thomas hauled a 51 yard bomb from Brandon Allen on the second offensive snap of the night and finished with 76 yards on three receptions in the game. Hodge had three grabs for 54 yards himself and looked as reliable as anyone in the passing game tonight.
It wouldn’t be shocking if the Rams kept both guys, but it still seems unlikely. Wide receiver is the deepest position on the team. It’s so deep that Josh Reynolds, the fourth guy on the depth chart, has been held out all preseason and has been deemed a “fourth starter” by Jared Goff. Thomas and Hodge have both earned roster spots, but it wouldn’t make sense for the team to keep both guys. Les Snead and Sean McVay have a hard choice on their hands.

Injury bug continues to plague the Rams
The injuries didn’t stop for the Rams after losing Micah Kiser last week. Two more Rams were carted off the field against the Broncos: OL Aaron Neary and LB Josh Carraway.
While neither Carraway nor Neary were expected to have a big impact on the team, the team still loses some valuable depth at thin positions. Neary seemed like a lock to make the team as a reserve lineman despite his looming four game suspension. Carraway was a long shot, but it’s yet another body gone at the linebacker spot.

With so many injuries this preseason for both the Rams and the rest of the NFL, it feels like Sean McVay has made the right call by giving his starters the preseason off. Speaking of which…

Bryce Hager has starting ILB job locked up
Bryce Hager got the night off against Denver.

Yes, we’re talking about the same Bryce Hager who’s been a special teamer and had to fight for a roster spot on the Rams for the past five seasons. With Micah Kiser out indefinitely, Hager was allowed to rest with the rest of the starters, because he will indeed be a starter on defense opening day.
It’s been an unlikely rise for Hager. He started his career with the Rams in St. Louis as a special teamer. With a hole to be filled at inside linebacker this year, Hager was competing for the job with Micah Kiser. Now, he’s locked in as a starter. It’s certainly the most surprising development for the Rams this summer.

Dakota Allen, only real threat to take Hager’s job, didn’t see the field in the first half of the game. Allen shined in the second half, but he’s not going to steal the job from Hager before the season begins. You don’t sit a guy for an entire half if you’re considering starting him.

Darrell Henderson may not have a Week 1 role
The bar was set high for Darrell Henderson when the Rams selected him in the third-round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
That bar may have been set a little too high.

Henderson has looked decent in the preseason. He’s been plagued by poor run blocking, but he hasn’t done much of anything with his opportunities. John Kelly was the better back for the Rams against the Broncos. Heading into Week 1, it’s hard to justify Henderson taking snaps from Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown for any reason other than his draft stock.
That being said, there’s no reason to panic here. Henderson might just need some time to adjust to the NFL. If Gurley is healthy, his role truly won’t be that important, either. The Rams have been known to ease-in rookies under Sean McVay. Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen barely played last year and they’ll be playing critical starting roles on the offensive line this year. Don’t be surprised if the Rams take their time with Henderson as well.

4 takeaways from Rams' preseason win against Denver

The Los Angeles Rams finally got their first win of the 2019 preseason, beating the Broncos 10-6. Check out four takeaways from the game.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[CGI_Ram]

Five Takeaways from the Rams’ preseason win against the Broncos

www.therams.com

Five Takeaways from the Rams’ preseason win against the Broncos

At Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the only time this preseason, the Rams defeated the Broncos 10-6 Saturday evening. The vast majority of L.A.’s starters once again rested, so those in reserve roles received lots of reps as a result.

Here are five instant takeaways from the exhibition matchup.

1) WOLFORD, ALLEN LOOK MORE COMFORTABLE WITHIN OFFENSE AS THOMAS AND GREENE CONTRIBUTE

With backup QB Blake Bortles – the starter for the Rams’ first two preseason games – resting, backup Brandon Allen got the start against Denver and looked comfortable across the series he played in.

His 51-yard completion to WR Michael Thomas on the Rams' first offensive series got the unit off to a strong start, and he helped lead L.A. on a scoring drive capped off by a 37-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal.

QB John Wolford stepped in during the second half and found WR Jalen Greene for a four-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, capping off a 12-play, 52-yard drive that took nearly six minutes off the clock and gave the Rams a 10-6 lead.

2) PETERSON THE PLAYMAKER

CB Kevin Peterson inspiring preseason added a new chapter Saturday night, as he recorded his second interception of the preseason.

LB Dakota Allen's tip of Broncos rookie QB Brett Rypien’s pass led to Peterson’s pick in the third quarter.

Peterson’s first interception came in the preseason opener against the Raiders, just over a year removed from suffering an ACL tear in last year’s preseason opener that cost him the remainder of L.A.’s 2018 campaign.

3) STARTERS’ DRESS REHEARSAL LIMITED TO JUST WARMUPS

Traditionally, week three of the preseason has served as the “dress rehearsal” for NFL teams’ starters. They usually play a couple of series, then exit the game to avoid the risk of injury prior to the regular season.

For the Rams, the majority of their starters suited up and participated in pregame warmups, then changed into street clothes prior to kickoff. Considering Rams head coach Sean McVay said this week that playing first-team defense was off the table for Saturday’s game, the move doesn’t come as a total surprise.

The exception was Bortles, who still dressed but did not see any action against the Broncos. DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, projected to start at nose tackle according to the team’s unofficial depth chart, did not play, with rookie Greg Gaines starting in his place.

4) HENDERSON WORKLOAD WATCH

After significant involvement in the passing game against the Cowboys, RB Darrell Henderson Jr. instead saw his script flipped and was more of a factor in the running game.

Henderson led all Rams rushers with 11 carries for 28 yards, his longest attempt going for nine yards. However, in the passing game, he only had one catch for four yards.

The former University of Memphis standout has 23 carries for 57 yards, plus eight catches for 37 yards through three preseason games.

5) THOMAS INVOLVED EARLY AND OFTEN

WR Mike Thomas played a big role in the Rams’ early offensive execution.
His 51-yard reception helped Los Angeles reach the Denver 11 on its first offensive drive. He ended the day with three catches for 76 yards, all in the first half. The former 2016 sixth-round pick’s performances through week 3 of the preseason have made a strong impression.

 

[TexasRam]

A few other observations:


Thomas runs smooth routes but his record of drops can’t be forgotten easily.

Obo looked unstoppable once again. He looks like a future starter and possible pro bowl level impact player in the making.

Travin Howard was everywhere! His stock just skyrocketed.

Durham and Patrick once again provided constant pressure on the Qb off the edge.

Dakota Allen looks like a steal. Shows crazy explosion and some coverage skills.

Tanzel Smart has a solid game with constant pressure, but it’s probably too little too late for him.

Gaines is a powerful interior player with disruptive pass rush ability. He was constantly pushing the pocket and moving bodies around.

Parker must make this team, the dude has crazy instincts and range along with great technique.

Brewer showed some promise, might sneak into the 53.

Demby has a better game tonight and moved some bodies around better than most of the other lineman, but his lack of consistency is concerning.

Wolford has a quick release and better accuracy then Allen. But neither will make the 53.

Kelly ran hard tonight and secured himself some playing time in 2019.

Henderson has great hands, but with no running room who knows if his big play ability translates to the NFL.

Rams still need a veteran interior lineman unless they love living on the edge of insanity.

Some potential NFL starters are about to be cut at OLB, CB and WR.

Morgan Fox. Welcome back old friend. Reminded us that, oh by the way, i can get sacks.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Winners and losers from Rams' preseason win against Denver

By: Steve Rebeiro | 3 hours ago
For the third straight week, the Los Angeles Rams played in a low-scoring preseason game. The big difference in Week 3 of the preseason was that they were able to win.
The Rams defeated the Denver Broncos 10-6 in a game where barely any players expected to have an impact on the 2019 season saw the field. Still, just like on the scoreboard, there were plenty of winners and losers for the Rams that actually played.

Winners
ILB Dakota Allen
Dakota Allen is one of those guys that just has it.
Allen is the kind of defensive player that just jumps off the screen when you watch him play. You find yourself attached to him on every play. When you forget about him, he’s in on a tackle or making a play in the passing game.

Allen watched the entire first half from the sidelines. He played the majority of the second half, and his presence was felt. Not only was Allen making plays against the run, he came up huge in pass defense, defending on a few critical passing downs as well as starting a tip drill that led to a Kevin Peterson interception.
The fact that Bryce Hager didn’t even suit up and Allen didn’t start the first half means Hager will enter opening day as the team’s starting linebacker. But Allen still walks away from this game as a huge winner. He’s a lock to make the roster and seems likely to be the first ILB off the bench for the Rams.
It was just over three years ago that Dakota Allen was dismissed from the football program at Texas Tech. Now, he has a chance to play a key role on a Super Bowl contender. What a turnaround.

CB Kevin Peterson
Allen may have been the one to start the tip drill, but it was Kevin Peterson who came up with the ball for the interception.
Peterson’s interception was the cherry-on-top of a solid outing from the fourth-year cornerback. He’s found himself shuffling between the team’s main roster and practice squad for the past three years. Now that he’s ineligible for the practice squad, the clock may be ticking on Peterson’s time in Los Angeles. His performance tonight certainly helped his chances to remain on the team.
WR KhaDarel Hodge and WR Mike Thomas
It might seem odd to group Hodge and Thomas as winners together, but I truly think both guys walk away from this game looking better than ever.
Hodge and Thomas are competing for the fifth spot in the team’s wide receiver hierarchy, and likely the last spot if you factor in a return man. Both of them had excellent games. Each had three receptions, with Hodge totaling 54 yards and Thomas reaching 76.
It remains a stalemate when it comes to judging who has the upper-hand in the battle. But no matter which one gets cut, both guys should have jobs in the NFL come September. They’ve proven to be more than capable at catching passes this summer
I’m expecting Thomas to make the roster while the Rams try and keep Hodge on the practice squad. I’m also expecting somebody to scoop up Hodge for their main roster if the Rams cut him. Both guys are good players stuck behind four incredibly talented receivers.

QB Brandon Allen
Similarly, Brandon Allen walks away as a big winner even if he doesn’t seem likely to make the final roster.
Allen and fellow backup John Wolford are basically building a reel for their next audition. The Rams don’t need to keep a third quarterback. But when players are getting injured left-and-right andstar quarterbacks are retiring in their prime, there’s going to be a market for guys like Brandon Allen.
The fourth-year quarterback shined in this game, going 12 for 19 with 162 yards. He showed great awareness in the pocket despite poor play from the offensive line. He was able to connect on both short and deep balls. All-in-all, he just looked like an NFL quarterback. If the Rams don’t keep him, he’s worth a look for the other 31 teams in the league.

Losers
RB Darrell Henderson

Darrell Henderson has looked OK this preseason. Nothing more, nothing less.

He’s getting clobbered in the backfield on many of his plays. When he gets some space, he’s had some decent runs. But the third-round draft pick has done absolutely nothing to stand out in a crowded backfield. Tonight, he was thoroughly outplayed by John Kelly.

It’s not unrealistic for Henderson to not have a role on offense in Week 1. As of right now, I wouldn’t expect him to. He’s done nothing to earn touches and snaps outside of being a third-round pick. Expect Malcolm Brown to dominate the backup running back work in Week 1 behind Todd Gurley.

RB Justin Davis
While Henderson was on the field running into walls, Davis was watching from the sideline. And watching… and watching… and watching…

…until he finally trotted onto the field in the fourth quarter. Davis has a steep, steep hill to climb to make the Rams roster. Kelly has become a lock to make the roster. Even though Davis had the highest YPC in the backfield by far against Denver, he still came out as the biggest loser. It’s not a good sign for a bubble player in a crowded position to not get any snaps until the game is almost over.

WR JoJo Natson
Natson didn’t do anything to lose his job against Denver, but he did absolutely nothing to keep it. He totaled four yards on two punt returns. The good news is that he didn’t muff a punt tonight. But if you have to mention it, is it really even good news?

Natson’s main challenger for a roster spot, fellow receiver Nsimba Webster, had another solid night. Webster grabbed four passes for 47 yards, while Natson had two catches for 5 yards. Webster returned his only kick for 19 yards.

Webster is a much better receiver than Natson. It really isn’t close. The only advantage Natson really has over Webster is that he’s been here for a year. For better-or-worse, experience matters, and the Rams may not want to make a change when it comes to their return man. But Natson’s stock has dipped about as low as anyone’s this summer. Keep an eye on the Natson/Webster battle in the team’s final preseason game.

Winners and losers from Rams' preseason win against Denver

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Denver Broncos in preseason action Saturday night. Take a look at some winners and losers from the game.

theramswire.usatoday.com

 

[fearsomefour]

I keep saying it, will say it again, Allen is worth keeping.
The idea being that going into next year he is the 2. Instead of having to chase down some vet backup QB every year, you can ink him to a multi year, fairly cheap deal and have consistency at the back up spot.
Wolford can play and is fun to watch but Allen is clearly further along, as he should be.
I agree the Rams need to pick up an OL if possible. Especially if Neary is out with injury. None of the backups (save Neary) are ready to play in a regular season game.
There could be some things done of course to help guys out if one was forced in.
The Rams are paper thin at OL...with no real idea how two new, green starters are going to play.

 

[Akrasian]

The Rams are paper thin at OL...with no real idea how two new, green starters are going to play.

There are always going to be doubts - even with vets, injuries or sudden declines happen. But their two new starters they did watch play a bit last year in real games, and in every Wednesday practice. They both were more than fine in real games, and apparently excelled in practices. There always is some concern, but they do have some idea about what to expect from them. If not, they would have played them at least a few series during preseason.

 

[Faceplant]

I hope no one sleeps on John Kelly. That dude runs nasty and looks like a more complete back to me than DH. Love Henderson's home run ability, but I love JKs running style more. He's a voiolent SOB. Needs to get better in pass pro though.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

I quite literally can't remember a time that this team was so deep that we are going to be cutting players that I don't want to see go.

There are going to be some tough decisions.

 

[Ram65]

Darrell Henderson may not have a Week 1 role
The bar was set high for Darrell Henderson when the Rams selected him in the third-round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
That bar may have been set a little too high.

Henderson has looked decent in the preseason. He’s been plagued by poor run blocking, but he hasn’t done much of anything with his opportunities.

Henderson had nowhere to run again. I got a feeling he will be involved in the passing game early. He has great hands and a natural feel for the ball. That will allow him to take well-thrown Goff passed in stride for big gains. McVay isn't showing anything.

 

[A.J. Hicks]

Henderson had nowhere to run again. I got a feeling he will be involved in the passing game early. He has great hands and a natural feel for the ball. That will allow him to take well-thrown Goff passed in stride for big gains. McVay isn't showing anything.

Henderson has shown plenty for me. When he hits that top gear speed he's extremely explosive.

Running behind a line that isn't creating holes, in a vanilla offense, he was still able to burst into a few gaps.

I'd wager by week 3 we see Henderson break a BIG run 50+

 

[RamFanWA]

My takeway is -- the Rams will never see grass that good at home, the rest of the year!

 

[Psycho_X]

We're deep and well developed everywhere except o-line. That's our achilles heel this season. We can't afford any significant injuries there. It's a scary prospect. The rookies could develop as the year goes on like most do but I would be scared for Goff to have to rely on any of them through the first half of the season.

Aside from that I'm actually enjoying preseason this year. So many players I want to actually watch play, especially on defense. Hager may get the start in week 1 but I think Allen replaces him by midseason.

 

[Riverumbbq]

My takeway is -- the Rams will never see grass that good at home, the rest of the year!

What ? You don't like our Sensimilla ?

 

[OldSchool]

Short memories around here These same concerns were thrown around all last preseason. Nobody was happy last year with the depth of the OLine and two of them developed into starters. Let it happen and let Kromer work his magic.

 

[Dodgersrf]

I keep saying it, will say it again, Allen is worth keeping.
The idea being that going into next year he is the 2. Instead of having to chase down some vet backup QB every year, you can ink him to a multi year, fairly cheap deal and have consistency at the back up spot.
Wolford can play and is fun to watch but Allen is clearly further along, as he should be.
I agree the Rams need to pick up an OL if possible. Especially if Neary is out with injury. None of the backups (save Neary) are ready to play in a regular season game.
There could be some things done of course to help guys out if one was forced in.
The Rams are paper thin at OL...with no real idea how two new, green starters are going to play.

I agree.
Bortles will more than likely be gone next year. It would be nice to keep next years #2 was safe on the roster.

 

[Frogbelly]

Henderson had nowhere to run again. I got a feeling he will be involved in the passing game early. He has great hands and a natural feel for the ball. That will allow him to take well-thrown Goff passed in stride for big gains. McVay isn't showing anything.

True, Henderson had nowhere to run again. I doubt that he's involved in the passing game. It's going to be Gurley and Brown. In 3rd down passing situations, they're not going to gamble getting Goff hurt bringing him in, especially against the Panthers. Brown is no slouch as a receiver either. I don't think Henderson will even be active the 1st week.

 

[kurtfaulk]

I hope no one sleeps on John Kelly. That dude runs nasty and looks like a more complete back to me than DH. Love Henderson's home run ability, but I love JKs running style more. He's a voiolent SOB. Needs to get better in pass pro though.

wait until the rams starting oline gives henderson a hole to run through and then we'll see how much we like him. that guy runs like he's been shot out of a cannon.

.

 

[Ram65]

True, Henderson had nowhere to run again. I doubt that he's involved in the passing game. It's going to be Gurley and Brown. In 3rd down passing situations, they're not going to gamble getting Goff hurt bringing him in, especially against the Panthers. Brown is no slouch as a receiver either. I don't think Henderson will even be active the 1st week.

You could be right. I hope he is activated week one.

I was not saying Henderson would be in the backfield to block on third downs. More likely McVay would get him the ball on smoke screens, regular screens, shorter cross routes, wheel routes, and maybe an occasional deeper route to keep defenses on guard on earlier downs. He should see some jet motion plays and some runs from the backfield. When the Rams drafted him I thought a realistic target amount would be 5-7 touches a game. He is so explosive McVay should want to get the ball in his hands.

 

[shovelpass]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/25/nfl-rams-broncos-snap-counts-preseason-broncos/

 

[12intheBox]

I think watching a practice would tell us a lot more than watching a preseason game at this point.