Stetson Bennett led the Los Angeles Rams to their second consecutive preseason win, defeating the Chargers 13-9 on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. Although Bennett played a pivotal role in securing the victory, turnovers again marred his performance. Despite the low-scoring affair, the Rams managed to consistently move the ball and kept the Chargers out of the end zone, taking the lead late in the game thanks to a 47-yard touchdown pass from Bennett to J.J. Laap.
Stetson Bennett's Unpredictability
Bennett's performance continues to be a rollercoaster. He showcased his potential with a stunning 47-yard touchdown pass but also made costly mistakes, including an interception and a lost fumble. His inconsistency makes him difficult to evaluate and raises questions about his future with the team.
Undrafted Rookies Making Their Case
Jaylen McCollough and Omar Speights, both undrafted rookies, are making a strong push for spots on the 53-man roster. McCollough impressed with three tackles, an interception, and a pass deflection, while Speights led the game with seven tackles and two tackles for loss, showing promise at inside linebacker.
Jordan Whittington Continues to Shine
Whittington had another strong outing, catching five of his eight targets for 52 yards. His consistent performance may lead the Rams to rest him in the third preseason game, as he's already proven his value.
Kamren Kinchens Earns a Break
After a solid preseason opener, rookie safety Kamren Kinchens was held out of this game, indicating the Rams' confidence in his abilities and their desire to keep him healthy for the regular season. He could be vying for a significant role on defense.
Xavier Smith's Versatility
Smith is making a strong case for a roster spot with his versatile play. He caught five passes for 45 yards, had a 9-yard rush, and returned two punts for 50 yards. His ability to contribute in multiple ways is giving the Rams a lot to consider.
Zach Evans Struggles to Impress
Running back Zach Evans continues to struggle in the preseason, failing to break any significant runs. Despite having 51 career preseason carries, he has yet to gain more than 9 yards on a single run. His lack of impact puts his spot on the 53-man roster in jeopardy.
As the Rams move closer to the regular season, their preseason games have offered valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses. While standout players like Jordan Whittington and Xavier Smith have solidified their cases for roster spots, the team still faces challenges, particularly with Stetson Bennett's inconsistency and Zach Evans' struggles.
The preseason has been an interesting time for evaluating talent and making necessary adjustments, leaving the Rams with important decisions as they finalize their 53-man roster and prepare for the upcoming 2024 season.
