One highlight for the GB game & other responses

Five Takeaways: Preseason At Packers

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-fivetakeaways/Five-Takeaways-Preseason-At-Packers/621752d7-b602-4c77-855d-f8315110f899

The Rams preseason has come to a close with a 24-10 loss to the Packers. Here are five takeaways from the contest.

1) No starters

As expected, the Rams and Packers did not dress their starters for Thursday’s contest. Before the game, Green Bay announced a total of 28 players who would suit up. Los Angeles did not do the same, but the visitors’ numbers were similar.

2) One final impression

The fourth preseason game represents one last chance for many players to make an impression before clubs must cut their rosters down to 53 players. Over the course of the week, McVay talked about how this year provides a better opportunity for players to showcase their skills because reduction from 90 to 75 players was eliminated.

One Ram taking advantage of that chance in the first half was wide receiver Brandon Shippen. He caught six passes for 53 yards in the first half to lead the visitors.

Running back Justin Davis also had a nice first half, taking a screen pass 19 yards down the right side for one of Los Angeles’ best plays.

“Just making the effort to make sure that there’s no doubt in my mind that I left all my heart out on the field,” Davis said of his goals for tonight’s game. “That’s the only thing I can do at this point. It’s up to the coaches after that.”

3) Orlovsky only QB in

While head coach Sean McVay had announced the starters would not play in Thursday’s contest, he did not announce backup quarterback Sean Mannion would not play either.

Dan Orlovsky played the entire game at quarterback for the Rams, with mixed results. He threw a pair of interceptions in the first half — though one went off a receiver’s hands before landing in the arms of a defender.

Orlovsky finished the first half 10-of-21 passing for 101 yards.

4) Westbrooks records a sack

Defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks had one of the Rams’ best defensive plays of the game when he sacked quarterback Brett Hundley in the first quarter.

It looked as if Green Bay was attempting to set up a screen from Los Angeles’ 16-yard line, but Westbrooks found his way into the backfield and took Hundley down for a 13-yard loss instead.

“It was just anticipating the snap-count, along with get-off,” Westbrook said at halftime of the keys to his sack. “I was just hoping I wasn’t offsides when I caught the snap-count — that’s all.”

5) Now, it counts

With the final whistle in Green Bay, the Rams’ preseason has come to a close. Now the tough work begins, as the club must reduce its roster by 37 players by Saturday afternoon.

But the exciting work begins now, too, as Los Angeles can officially turn its attention to Sept. 10 and the Colts. From now on, every snap counts.

Football is back.

alyoshamucci wrote:

Was surprised Mannion didn’t play … and was surprised Cannon and Mundt didn’t play more.

The Good …

1) Forrest made a case for starting again, like he has all preseason … now I’ve forgotten how fast Barron flies around, but with Forrest in the loop Im not scared to lose Tree or Barron.

2) Was good to see Price and Ebukam applying pressure. Price didn’t have as good an overall game, but there was an early pressure he had where he looked like a contortionist getting around the OT in a tight window. Again, as I saw in college, his natural ability to elude the hands of the linemen is a big deal.

3) Sayles and Bryant could both make the team IMO, so for me I’d keep Bryant, as a 5 tech is less likely to find interest over a nose … Purcell is playing well enough ot keep and I get the sense they like him, there’s just not much upside IMO.

4) Travis Wilson looked smooth … not smooth enough that I’m not looking for a tough TE cut … but I wouldn’t be heartbroken if we kept him as our 3.

5) I know this is a random deep cut, but I’ve been waiting to see Kozan at OG and he did much better than I expected. Maybe he sticks on the PS?

6) That hit at the goal line … dang. I want Isaiah or Christian on the PS … but Id rather use that 9th DB spot on someone not yet on our roster.

7) Orimolade made some plays … that was nice to see. He’s a project for certain but maybe he hangs around the league long enough to learn.

8) Shippen … I bet he gets snagged when we cut him.

9) Mundt’s TD.