Ram Digest

Rams Defense Falters, Lose Preseason Opener To Chargers

Without defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams' rush defense was a sitting duck against the Los Angeles Chargers in their preseason opener.

Casey Smith

In this story:

The Los Angeles Chargers ran all over their crosstown rival's defense Saturday at SoFi Stadium, beating the Los Angeles Rams in their preseason opener 34-17.

Within a minute of the start of the first quarter, Rams defensive back Timarcus Davis committed a defensive pass interference on third-and-17, which extended the Chargers' drive. Two plays afterward, Chargers running back Elijah Dotson bounced off the left tackle and housed a 37-yard run as they took a 27-14 lead.

Dotson put the icing on the cake with his second touchdown rush of the game — a 40-yarder with 3:47 to go in the game to double up the Rams on the scoreboard. Dotson rushed for 92 yards and two scores on six carries.

With All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald sitting out as not to risk injury, the Rams' lack of rush defense was glaring in the first half, as the Chargers rushed for 93 yards — 55 of which came on their third drive of the game. The Chargers ran for 214 yards on 31 carries and a pair of touchdowns Saturday.

The Chargers' explosive plays weren't limited to the ground game, though.

Rams punter Ethan Evans' third punt of the first quarter was returned 81 yards for a touchdown by Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis to give them a 13-0 lead.

Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett relieved starter Brett Rypien midway through the first quarter and led two touchdown drives, completing 17-of-29 for 191 yards and one touchdown. Rypien was 3-for-6 with 11 yards in three drives that all resulted in punts.

Bennett's first touchdown pass of the preseason came with 1:48 to go in the first half, capping off a 16-play, 75-yard drive with an 11-yard strike to wide receiver Puka Nacua.

However, the Chargers answered with an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Easton Stick to wide receiver Quentin Johnston with 17 seconds to go in the first half, leading 20-7 at the break. Stick went 14-of-21 for 109 yards and one score.

The Rams are back in action at SoFi Stadium against the Las Vegas Raiders Aug. 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT.

You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here

Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!

Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook

Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here

Published
Casey Smith
CASEY SMITH

Home/Gameday