Los Angeles Rams First Preseason Game: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Doug Nelson

WorldWide Rams 

​Here are a few of my observations of the Los Angeles Rams first preseason game on Saturday. Keeping in mind, of course, that this was mostly a game featuring reserve players against other reserve players.

THE GOOD
The defense overall looked pretty good under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. There were a few rough spots, but considering this team is undergoing a transition from a four-three to a three-four, and that’s without the unit's best player, Aaron Donald. Donald hasn't even been in camp, with the defense able to hold even a Cowboys team featuring mostly reserve players to ten points was still a victory.
Backup quarterback Sean Mannion, as he often does in preseason games, mostly looked very polished and professional. I am not one of those fans who believe he should be the starter, but the job is Jared Goff's until he proves he can't handle the position. It hasn't occurred yet, but Mannion played well, no question.
The running ability (excluding the fumbles) of Justin Davis, yes, he had issues holding onto the ball. It's early in the pre-season, especially with Lance Dunbar on the shelf, for now, Davis, who played college ball at USC, has a great opportunity IF he can protect 1st the football.

THE BAD
The offensive line displayed some problems and can use some improvement on the right side with Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein.
Todd Gurley, this may be a little unfair because of the small sample size and the poor line play. But hopefully, two yards on four carries is not a sign of things to come.
​
THE UGLY
The turnovers (fumbles), I’m hoping this was just a sign of the fact that it was the first game of the preseason. This was just awful, and I'm sure the coaching staff will be emphasizing that point all week at practice.

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