Rams preseason takeaways: Stetson Bennett bounces back in victory over Chargers
Gary Klein
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-08-17/stetson-bennett-easton-stick-rams-chargers-preseason
Here are five takeaways from the Rams’ 13-9 victory over the Chargers in Week 2 of the NFL preseason Saturday at SoFi Stadium.
Stetson Bennett comes through again
A week after delivering a game-tying touchdown pass in the final seconds against the Dallas Cowboys, Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett connected with receiver JJ Laap in the fourth quarter for a 47-yard touchdown that proved to be the game-winner.
Bennett had said he wanted to build on the positives and eliminate the miscues that plagued him during the 13-12 win over the Cowboys, including four interceptions. And for the most part, he achieved his goals. He completed 17 of 31 passes for 213 yards with an interception and a fumble.
“Overall the operation and the execution was better,” Bennett said.
Bennett clearly benefited from playing the entire game against the Cowboys and from taking second-team reps during a joint practice with the Cowboys last Wednesday.
Facing a Chargers defense without star edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James Jr., but one that included several starters early in the game, Bennett avoided most decision-making errors but could not avoid a costly interception.
After the Rams recovered a fumble in the third quarter, Bennett drove the offense to the one-yard line. But defensive back Deane Leonard intercepted a pass in the end zone.
Bennett, however, bounced back in the fourth quarter, finding Laap behind coverage to give the Rams a 13-9 lead.
Bennett, who did not play last season while on the nonfootball injury/illness list, said he continues to learn from mistakes.
“When you don’t play football for so long, you want it to be perfect,” he said. “But you kind of gotta make those mistakes to learn from it. As much as I don’t want to do that, it is good that some things like that happen.”
JJ Laap comes up big
Laap, an undrafted free agent from Division III Cortland, showed his speed and concentration to haul in Bennett’s long pass in the end zone.
“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like that, honestly, my entire life,” Laap said, “and I was just thinking, ‘Go make a play.’ And I came down with it so, man, that was awesome.”
Laap caught two passes for 50 yards on a day when rookie receiver Jordan Whittington once again showed he can contribute to the receiver rotation. The sixth-round draft pick from Texas caught five passes for 52 yards.
Xavier Smith also appears certain to make the roster. He had five catches for 45 yards and also returned two punts for 50 yards.
Defense remains stingy
The Rams’ defense, facing an offense that featured several starting receivers, did not give up a touchdown for the second consecutive game.
Safety Jason Taylor II had another strong performance, making two tackles and recovering quarterback Easton Stick’s fumble at the Rams’ one-yard line to end a first-half drive.
Taylor was slowed during training camp last year because of injury. So “it feels great” to be playing well.
“Last year, I remember I was fighting and struggling just to try to get back on the field,” he said, “and going into the season like this feels 1,000% better.”
Cornerback Jaylen McCollough intercepted a pass that tipped off the hands of a receiver in the second quarter. Lineman Carlos Watkins, signed last week, sacked Luis Perez and forced a fumble that was recovered by edge rusher Ochaun Mathis.
Kicker Joshua Karty nearly perfect
The Rams last week cut kicker Tanner Brown, meaning coach Sean McVay has complete confidence in Joshua Karty, a sixth-round pick from Stanford.
Karty, who kicked two field goals and the game-winning extra point against the Cowboys, on Saturday kicked a 48-yard field goal that put the Rams ahead, 3-0. His 43-yard field goal in the third quarter tied the score, 6-6.
But he missed wide right on a 52-yard attempt in the fourth quarter.
Aubrey Pleasant coaches Rams to victory
McVay turned over coach responsibilities to Pleasant, and the Rams’ assistant head coach delivered a win.
Pleasant, who oversees defensive backs, thanked McVay and the organization “for believing in me,” he said.
“You can’t underestimate what it means to be a head coach,” Pleasant said, citing his preparation for communication with officials, understanding challenge rules, sideline decisions and other elements.
Taylor and other defensive backs said Pleasant communicated well with every position group.
“It was amazing,” Taylor said. “Especially for the DBs, he’s our leader. So to see him lead and do a great job leading not just the DBs but the whole team, it was amazing.
“A great moment.”
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