Rams vs. Broncos Notebook: Defense, Bennett Struggle
The Los Angeles Rams lost to the Denver Broncos 41-0 in their third preseason game on Saturday night.
Both teams are fighting for better reputations in their respective divisions this season, but they shared the same objective of wanting to win in preseason Week 3.
So, following the Rams' "third game" of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Defense Couldn't Recover After Rough First Drive
Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and the Broncos couldn't have started Saturday night's game against the Rams any better.
Denver had three plays over 15 yards on that drive and Stidham completed all six of his pass attempts for 71 yards. Receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey hauled in three of those completions for 45 yards.
Rams rookie cornerback Tre Tomlinson was often in the area of each target and recorded four tackles on that drive alone. However, one of those tackles was too aggressive, especially since he grabbed the receiver's facemask, and he was ejected less than five minutes into the game.
The Rams' second defensive drive wasn't much better as Stidham launched the ball over 50 yards to rookie Marvin Mims to reach the red zone on the first play. Rams cornerback Robert Rochell committed a defensive pass interference on the play too. Luckily, the Rams held Denver to a field goal, though.
The Rams' defense continued to struggle in the first quarter, as Stidham broke multiple sack attempts and ran for a 20-yard gain, which eventually led to a touchdown pass to tight end Albert Okwuegbunam. Okwuegbunam logged four receptions for 46 yards by the end of the first quarter but finished the game with seven for 109.
The Rams' defense only allowed one play over 15 yards in the second quarter, but that throw-and-catch went for 49 yards.
Stidham finished the half completing 17-of-28 attempts for 236 yards and a touchdown.
2. Bennett Was Not Cool, Calm and Collected
It simply wasn't quarterback Stetson Bennett's night. The two-time National Champion, who looked cool, calm and collected two weeks ago, didn't appear like it on Saturday night.
On three drives, Bennett completed 4-of-9 attempts for just 14 yards. Even some of his checkdowns were inaccurate and created multiple quick tackles.
Bennett was often too quick to release the ball, as a couple of passes were batted down by the defensive line. His decision-making was also questionable, as he often targeted well-covered receivers and two interceptions were the result.
On the first interception, intended receiver Demarcus Robinson wasn't in open space, and another defensive back, Essang Bassey, floated near the play before swooping in to change the possession.
Bennett's second turnover came early in the second quarter, as rookie linebacker Drew Sanders stepped into the passing lane to haul in the interception. Nevertheless, intended receiver Robinson was well-covered once again, as two Broncos were nearby.
A good summary of the Rams' offense and defense by the end of the first quarter was a simple stat: the Broncos took 24 offensive snaps, while the Rams had 26 total yards.
3. Pass-Rush Did a Solid Job of Reaching Behind the Line of Scrimmage
Despite the dominant loss, the Rams beat the Broncos in QB hits and tackles for loss.
Rams defensive linemen Desjuan Johnson and Marquise Copeland each recorded two QB hits, while outside linebackers Daniel Hardy, Zach VanValkenburg and Keir Thomas each contributed one.
Copeland and Hardy each logged a tackle for loss, including an 11-yard sack by Copeland. Inside linebacker Kelechi Anyalebechi led the Rams with two tackles for loss and defensive tackle Larrell Murchison had one.
The Rams' pass-rush has been their diamond in the rough this preseason as they made an impact in all three games.
This was all without Rams' all-time-great defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who never took a snap this preseason. The 32-year-old's days in Los Angeles are certainly numbered, so it's good to see that the young pass-rush is off to a good start for the future.
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