After an extended than regular offseason after failing to make the postseason, the Los Angeles Rams are going to be again in motion Saturday night time after they tackle their SoFi Stadium co-tenants, the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Rams are coming into uncharted territory for the primary time beneath the Sean McVay period as they’ve acquired quite a few younger gamers who’re competing for beginning spots. Coaching camp has featured a number of totally different place group battles and the preseason sport towards the Chargers will get these gamers the primary alternative to make their case to not solely make the 53-man roster however play an vital function in the course of the 2023 season.
Other than the younger expertise on the staff, McVay might be planning to play a few of his extra skilled gamers to be able to determine the perfect mixtures and groupings on each side of the sphere. That is one other shift in philosophy as McVay has usually held out veterans in preseason, however with so many new items to combine he may have to buck that pattern.
Rams Offense vs. Chargers Protection
Though Matthew Stafford is totally wholesome for the primary summer time since coming to Los Angeles, he’s almost definitely to take a seat out everything of the preseason to be able to maintain him recent. With out Stafford, Stetson Bennett is anticipated to attract the beginning with Brett Rypien working in as his backup, though that might swap in some unspecified time in the future as nicely.
The Rams took Bennett within the fourth spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft and has made impressions on McVay and Stafford throughout coaching camp. Though he doesn’t have the strongest arm, Bennett’s in a position to maintain performs alive together with his legs and hit receivers on the transfer.
With Cooper Kupp coping with a hamstring harm, gamers like Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua ought to see extra reps within the passing sport. Atwell has demonstrated a greater understanding of every receiver place, whereas Nacua seems forward of the training curve with regards to the scheme.
Rams Protection vs. Chargers Offense
L.A.’s protection will likely be of specific curiosity, particularly the go rush and secondary. Michael Hoecht has been working as a full-time edge rusher, however Byron Younger has additionally proven spectacular flashes.
Cobie Durant has already been seeing extra time on the star, however other than him the remainder of the secondary beginning spots appear up for grabs. Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake determine to attract the primary look because the beginning safeties, whereas Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson goes to make a case to start out within the slot this preseason.
Keys to Victory
1. Preserve issues easy
The primary preseason sport is all the time going to be tough for groups as they work primarily with backups who haven’t had a lot expertise within the system. For the Rams, that is notably true so conserving the play-calling easy will go a good distance.
2. Play error free
As tempting as it may be for gamers vying for roster spots to try to stick out on tape, the objective must be to remain disciplined and keep inside scheme. Enjoying as error-free as doable will gave the Rams extra possibilities to start out off the preseason on the suitable foot.