Rams Loses Pre-season Finale: Roster Cuts Next

Ed "Pi Double i" Henderson

WorldWide Rams

​​The Los Angeles Rams lost 24-10 to the Green Bay Packers in a game that was quite un-entertaining, to say the least. Expecting much from the team when the starting offensive and defensive units were not suited, must be out the equation. The game is played merely for coaches to take observe players that’s on the bubble or providing playing time for many who will never play the game again.

There were a few bright spots in yesterday's game, on both sides of the ball. Despite the Packers dominating the flow of the game, chewing up the clock before scoring, however, there were a few players who stood out in the game.

Justin Davis catches screen pass from Dan Orlovsky

Rookie tight-end Johnny Mundt, who went undrafted from the University of Oregon, hauled in a couple of catches in his debut. None were far more spectacular than the 18-yard reception he caught that resulted in the Rams only touchdown

Johnny Mundt 18 yard touchdown reception

Orlovsky finds Mundt for the TD! #LAvsGB pic.twitter.com/xEnway8LQ4

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 1, 2017

Mundt lined up at fullback, motioned left and ran into the flats when Orlovsky would hit him on a quick strike. Mundt caught the ball, quickly turned up the field and then barrel right through Packers safety Josh Jones. Perhaps one of the best drive of the game, which was helped with a couple of Packers penalties. Mundt was greeted by Rams quarterback Jared Goff and head coach Sean McVay when arrived at the sideline congratulating him for his performance.

Davis finished the game with 17 carries for 55 yards, two receptions for 21 yards, as Mundt had two receptions for 24 yards and one touchdown.

Not to leave out the honorable mention, but, wide-receiver Brandon Shippen was targeted eight times hauling in seven catches for 58 yards to lead all receivers.

​​On the defensive side of the ball, Dominique Hatfield continued to impress the coaching staff. He would deflect a pass intended for a Packers receiver, by swiping quickly at the ball as the receiver was about to make the reception.

Last season UDFA linebacker Nic Grigsby was all over the field as he would show defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, he was keeping his roster spot. On the ensuing kickoff, after a Rams field goal, Grigsby would deliver a hard hit on a Packers returner as the defensive unit celebrated with him after the tackle. Grigsby had a career night in tackles as he registered 10 tackles with seven being solo tackles. 

A linebacker depth chart that has enormous talent, is very uncertain of Grigsby protection. Rams drafted two linebackers Ejuan Price and Samson Ebukam from the 2017 NFL Draft, also signing numerous undrafted ones too. 

Folarin Orimolade one of the first original UDFA’s signed was released and brought by the Rams, played a sound game tonight. Despite missing a couple contains assignment, he still managed to disturb the Packers run game. He finished the night with six tackles (four solos), and a couple of quarterback hurries.

Last of them all, defensive lineman Casey Sayles. It was a player who certainly will be caught up in the numbers game. Casey had to two tackles,  one solo and one for a loss. However, it’s the small things that don’t show up in the stats column that he was able to achieve tonight. Sayles gap penetration was impressive but also calls a little disturbance of the Packers officer blocking assignments. He played well enough when given the opportunity to at least have the coaching staff to think twice. He will end up on someone’s practice squad after the waiver process, but if not, consider the Rams to sign him to their practice squad.

So now it’s the waiting game of some 37 players who will have to sit and wait to get that call, “coach want’s to see you, bring your playbook.” No player is safe doing this process, as veterans can easily be released for one of the young players who may get picked up after cuts. 

On Saturday afternoon, by 1:00 PM PST, all teams must have a roster of 53 players from the 90 they have at this point. I’m just as eager to see which and how many receivers do the Rams carry, and the secondary, who will be the fortunate ones to make the cut. 

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