Rams vs. Raiders Notebook: Bennett Out of Rhythm, Run Defense Improves
The Los Angeles Rams fell to the Las Vegas Raiders 34-17 in their second preseason game on Saturday night.
Both teams are expected to finish towards the bottom of their respective divisions this season, but they shared the same objective of wanting to win in preseason Week 2.
So, following the Rams' "second game" of this season, here's what we learned:
1. Stetson Bennett Was a One Drive Wonder in Each Half
Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett seemed to be cool, calm and collected throughout last week's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, as he released the ball quickly, stepped up in the pocket and rolled out when necessary.
However, when he started against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night, he didn't have the same feel. The Rams were run-heavy in the first quarter as Bennett threw the ball three times, completing one for seven yards.
The Raiders were up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter and former Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth summarized it by saying Los Angeles "hasn't made a lot of mistakes, they just haven't made plays."
Whitworth explained that Bennett's success from last week started when he got into a rhythm, which would be the best way to wake him and the rest of the offense up.
Just a few seconds later, Bennett's rhythm began as he completed four passes in a row, including a 25-yard gain from receiver Tyler Johnson, an 18-yard gain from Ben Skowronek and a 15-yard leaping catch by tight end Davis Allen (finished game with eight receptions for 53 yards).
Unfortunately, Bennett couldn't reach the endzone, and Tanner Brown split the uprights from 25 yards out.
That was the last positive of Bennett's first half, as he threw a pick-six that seemed to be a miscommunication with intended receiver Johnson.
Nevertheless, Bennett found himself in a rhythm during the Rams' second possession in the third quarter. Bennett ended the methodical 11-play, 70-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.
However, like in the first half, this would be his only other score of the game.
2. Run Defense Showed Improvement
No need to sugarcoat it, the Rams run defense was a disaster from start to finish last week against the Chargers. The Chargers had several long runs throughout the rest of the game and averaged a jaw-dropping 6.9 yards per carry. On 31 attempts, the Chargers rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns.
Nevertheless, the Rams run defense showed a major improvement from last week, allowing 98 rushing yards on 25 attempts and only two long gains (at least 10 yards) against the Raiders. While it wasn't spectacular, the Rams held Las Vegas to 3.9 yards per carry, a big difference from the Chargers game.
Outside linebacker Zach VanValkenburg was a major factor in stopping the run as he recorded five tackles (tied for the most on the team), including one for loss.
3. Pass Coverage Was Up in First Half, But Down in the Second
The Rams' pass defense against the Chargers last week was consistent from start to finish as they allowed 16 receptions for just 128 yards.
Sixth-round rookie cornerback Tre Tomlinson did a solid job last week and Saturday night was no different as he batted a pass down and out of the receiver's hands on a deep route that could've gone for six.
Cameron McCutcheon forced two pass breakups, including one on a third-down curl route where he stuck to the receiver like glue from start to finish.
Linebacker Jake Hummel was among the best Rams defenders on Saturday night, as he recorded a pick-six while McVay was talking on the "Coach Cam." The 24-year-old also logged five tackles, which was tied for the most on the team.
However, the Rams allowed a ton of chunk plays, especially in the second half. Cornerback Timarcus Davis and safeties Quentin Lake and John Johnson, among many others, bit the bullet on these plays.
Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell closed out the game, completing 11-of-18 for 163 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He relieved Brian Hoyer who threw for 142 yards on 12-of-22.
The Raiders outscored the Rams 24-7 across the game's final 31 minutes.
The Rams have the youngest roster in the NFL and their secondary leans heavily towards the inexperienced side of the spectrum. While some members of the secondary showcased their abilities tonight, many others will really need to improve.
The Rams round out their preseason slate against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 26 at Empower Field at Mile High. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT.
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