Go beyond the scoreboard
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1
Sean McVay’s evaluation of Stetson Bennett is nearly complete.
McVay, preparing for his eighth season as the Rams coach, has not committed to Bennett as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s back-up for the Sept. 8 opener at Detroit.
So, the preseason finale Saturday against the Houston Texans at NRG stadium offers Bennett a final opportunity to not only win another preseason game but also, more importantly, win McVay’s confidence ahead of the 1 p.m. PT deadline Tuesday to trim the roster to 53 players.
Bennett is not changing his approach.
“Just prepare like I always prepare,” Bennett said, “and go in there and do the best I can and try to win a football game.”
Matthew Stafford ran the Rams’ first team offense for the first time in a week, but he won’t be put in any situation that could risk injury before the opener.
Bennett led the Rams to victories over the Dallas Cowboys and the Chargers. Against the Cowboys, he overcame four interceptions and passed for a game-tying touchdown with four seconds left. Against the Chargers, he had a pass intercepted and lost a fumble but a 47-yard touchdown pass sparked the Rams to victory.
In both games, Bennett played every Rams snap.
Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games, so McVay must decide whether he can trust Bennett to execute the offense without major error if Stafford suffers an injury before or during the first two games.
Against the Texans, Bennett can prove he is worthy of that trust.
Other situations to examine:
2
Xavier Smith catching on
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
The 53-man roster presumably will include receivers Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington.
Smith probably secured a spot because of his dual performance as a receiver and kick returner.
Smith, who played at Florida A&M, signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He spent last season on the practice squad.
Against the Chargers, Smith caught five passes for 45 yards and returned two punts for 50 yards, including one 34 yards.
He is enjoying the varied opportunities not only in games but also in practices.
“Any time that I can take reps for my teammates or just get in and run a go route to give Coop a rest, I’m OK with doing that,” Smith said after the preseason game against the Chargers. “Because that’s my role, and I play my role to the best of my abilities, and do what I can to support my teammates.”
3
Making a play for a roster spot
(Ryan Sun / Associated Press)
The Rams under McVay typically have not put a premium on inside linebackers but the new kickoff rules could open roster opportunities.
Linebacker Omar Speights made a big hit on the opening kickoff against the Chargers. It was not the first impressive play by the undrafted rookie from Louisiana State.
Speights had seven tackles, two for lost yardage, against the Chargers. He had four tackles, one for a loss against the Cowboys.
“You feel him on game day,” McVay said. “You can have conversations with him where he understands the big picture. … He’s a mature rookie.”
4
Getting defensive
Rams safety Jaylen McCollough is congratulated after intercepting a Chargers pass during their preseason game.
(Gregory Bull / Associated Press)
Defensive back Jaylen McCollough also is pushing for a roster spot.
The undrafted free agent defensive back intercepted a pass against the Chargers, the latest big play in a series of them dating to training camp.
“I’m just not surprised anymore,” McVay said this week, adding, “He plays with a physical toughness. He’s got a mental toughness.”
5
Can Karty bounce back?
Joshua Karty isn’t perfect.
After making his first four field-goal attempts, the rookie missed a 52-yard attempt against the Chargers.
So, Saturday offers an opportunity for McVay to assess how Karty responds after his first miss.
