Stetson Bennett, grip it and rip it for a touchdown

hard to throw a pass any better

safety from the right hash couldn't get there, also pretty flat angle, but still wouldn't have gotten it there. pic.twitter.com/sXG1NdHUXX

— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) August 17, 2025

wv wrote:

I think the Chargers had the better Uniforms in this one. Sad to say it, but i have to be honest.

Well I think that evens out.

The Rams get the last minute drive to win a 4th quarter comeback in a series that had 2 4th down conversions, including a 38 yard completion on 4th and 10. That series also included heroic play from completely obscure depth receivers. The Rams then win with 5 seconds left. Even if it’s the pre-season, what they showed in fire and character on that drive was impressive.

And the Chargers get the better uniform.

That’s fair.

from https://theramswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2025/08/16/rams-chargers-preseason-takeaways-week-2/85696394007/?taid=68a17df8ef1d6b0001429f6b&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Young receivers are giving coaches a lot to think about

It’s easy to get caught up in preseason hype when it comes to receivers, but this summer has shown how deep the Rams are at that position. Brennan Presley had 102 yards on six catches, Smith had 49 yards on four catches, Mario Williams caught a 38-yard touchdown pass on a post route and Tru Edwards caught the game-winner – one of several tough grabs by the rookie.

There’s a chance none of the young guys like Presley, Williams or Edwards will make the team, but they’re at least giving the coaching staff something to think about. You just never know what will happen after the top six receivers on the roster.

Preseason takeaways: Rams QB Stetson Bennett IV solidifies roster spot
Bennett throws three touchdowns and caps a 10-play drive with a strike to Tru Edwards with five seconds left as the Rams edge the Chargers 23-22

Adam Grosbard

* https://www.ocregister.com/2025/08/16/preseason-takeaways-rams-qb-stetson-bennett-iv-solidifies-roster-spot/

INGLEWOOD — Here are five takeaways from the Rams’ 23-22 preseason win over the Chargers:

Comeback kid

The smile on Mike LaFleur’s face as Stetson Bennett IV got to the sideline said it all.

Bennett had just unleashed a laser, hitting receiver Mario Williams in stride for a 38-yard touchdown. LaFleur’s face was red and stretched wide as he greeted the quarterback back to the sidelines, eyes wrinkled in mirth at the accuracy of the throw.

Bennett followed up his steady preseason debut with another strong effort. He completed 28 of 40 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. He led the Rams on a nine-play touchdown drive to open the game against the Chargers’ starting defense, hitting rookie Konata Mumpfield on play-action for a touchdown.

But it was the way that Bennett shook off his one mistake that really stood out. Bennett threw an interception to a defensive tackle dropping into coverage in the fourth quarter. After chasing down and making the tackle, Bennett was able to reset and eventually lead the Rams on a game-winning, 10-play drive.

“I think it’s very important when you give up an interception the way you do in that situation and then you come back and you just respond, that’s what life’s about and that’s what we want to see specifically from a quarterback,” assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant said. “We’ve all seen him win a couple national championships in college and you see some of that thread work with his confidence and his belief in his teammates.”

He started the two-minute drill with a chunk play to Mark Redman, picking up 15 yards. He converted two fourth downs, including a 40-yard gain to Brennan Presley, the undrafted rookie leaping up and using strong hands to make the catch in double coverage.

Then Bennett fired a bullet to Tru Edwards for the game-winning score with five seconds left, solidifying his hold on a roster spot in the process.

“It was pretty cool, I’m not going to lie,” Bennett said. “Because I was tired out there. That was a hard-fought one and … it was pretty sweet.”

Secondary concerns

As the battle for the final cornerback job continues, veteran A.J. Green and second-year undrafted player Charles Woods probably made the best cases for the roster spot. Green responded well to an early mistake letting a receiver behind with two pass breakups, including one on a fade route at the goal line. And Woods had strong coverage on two key plays, a third-down play at the end of the second quarter and a two-point conversion on the third, that resulted in incompletions.

On Green, Pleasant said, “I thought A.J. really came out hot. I think the thing that we understand really early is they were taking those three-by-one isolations into the boundary. And after a couple of plays back-to-back he kind of stood up and realized what it was going to be. … I was very proud on how he responded.”

Pressure up front

Third-year defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson had a strong day. He had two pressures that resulted in Brennan Jackson sacks, then added a run stuff in the second half.

O-line watch

Justin Dedich started the game at right guard and Beaux Limmer at center as the Rams continued to sort through their options for backup interior offensive linemen. The pair swapped spots to open the second half before Limmer left the game. Willie Lampkin also got reps at center and left guard before leaving the game with an undisclosed injury.

No Stafford update

Asked to confirm that quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) completed his scheduled workout on Saturday, a Rams spokesperson declined to comment, adding that head coach Sean McVay would address the situation in his Monday press conference.

Stafford, 37, has missed all of training camp and the preseason with an aggravated disc in his back. He was scheduled to return to practice Monday before experiencing increased soreness in his back that morning, which delayed that milestone.

Stafford was not present on the sidelines for any of the Rams’ practices this week, and was not visible on the sidelines during the game against the Chargers. Stafford was on the sidelines for last week’s win over the Cowboys.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams Game Highlights | 2025 Preseason Week 2

Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Final stat line for Stetson Bennett tonight:

• 28/40 with 324 passing yards
• 70% completion percentage
• 3 TDs (including a game-winner), 1 INT
• 108.8 passer rating

Ramblin’ Fan@RamblinFan
Fun Fact: QB Stetson Bennett IV is now 4-0 in his last 4 preseason games.

3 of those games were won by a game-winning TD pass thrown as time was running out.

Some impressive performances in Week 2 of the preseason 👀 pic.twitter.com/2MiUuL7mMn

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) August 17, 2025

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Stet!!!!

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Touchdown Rams. Stetson Bennett IV to Tru Edwards with five seconds left.

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
HE DID IT. THE WONDERKID DID IT AGAIN.

Stetson Bennett throws up a desperate pass to Brennan Presley, who hauls it in on fourth and ten from midfield.

On the next play Tru Edwards catches the game winner.

Mike Golic Jr@mikegolicjr
the end of this Rams/Chargers game is ELECTRIC

Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
That was fun! Overall just impressed by the QB play and execution of fundamentals, on both sides. Wasn’t an overly sloppy game by any means.

Good momentum going into the final week of preseason. Getting closer to the real thing by the day.

#Rams QB Stetson Bennett to Tru Edwards for the win!!!pic.twitter.com/YDqVp8Ufig

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 17, 2025

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
Stetson Bennett avoided a near interception but would throw a pick on the following play, getting blasted on the return

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
Rams continue to hold the line in the red zone, trail the Chargers 9-7 at halftime.

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Chargers forced to settle for field goal after another big hit by Rams S Tanner Ingle broke up a would-be TD pass.

Los Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
QB @StetsonIII has completed 4-of-5 passes for 33 yards and a touchdown in today’s game. In the first quarter of the last two preseason games, he ranks second amongst all passers in passer rating (114.8) and passing yards (147 yards). He also ranks first in passing first downs (9).

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Rams ILB Pooh Paul Jr. was down on the field after that last play. Just got up and is walking off the field under his own power with trainers.

Ramblin’ Fan@RamblinFan
Rams OLB Brennan Jackson for his 2nd QB sack. He smells a roster spot in this game.

Brock Vierra@BrockVierra
Stetson Bennett came out firing after the defensive stop to put the Rams into Chargers territory. Jarquez Hunter ran them to the three yard line but on third and goal, Hunter was stopped short of the end zone.

The Rams went for it but coverage was tight. Turnover on downs.

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Charles Woods with the PBU on third-and-long. Bad throw but a great play by the Rams DB.

Los Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
ILB @ShaunDolac is second in the NFL in first half tackles during the preseason (11).

He’s one of seven players across the NFL to have double-digit tackles in the first half.

Los Angeles Rams PR@TheLARamsPR
At the end of the first half of our second preseason game, OLB @BrennanJ88 is one of five players across the NFL to record two sacks in a single game (2025).

The last Rams player with 2.0 sacks in a preseason game was in 2019.

Blaine Grisak@bgrisakTST
Really impressed with Stetson Bennett again for the most part. Can see the development.

Blake Corum looked good.

Defense really standing out though.

Brennan Jackson, Charles Woods, Tanner Ingle, Desjuan Johsnon all playing well.

The Falcons were 32nd in play action w/ Kirk Cousins. When Michael Penix took over, they…were still 32nd.

.@LedyardNFLDraft & I discussed whether Zac Robinson should put him under center + how it could unlock Bijan.

🎧: https://t.co/e8SHYQInrT

📺: https://t.co/6eKiOv6UcP?… pic.twitter.com/FwNJx76Gzy

— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 15, 2025

Brandon Thorn@BrandonThornNFL
“Offensive line play has skilled involved but a lot of it is about believing that you can do it” – Travis Frederick

Simple, but hard. Over my 8 years of attending OL Masterminds hearing from hundreds of NFL OL across eras this has been a constant theme as one of the keys to success.

With this established as a foundational aspect of being good at the position the question to me becomes “How?”

My answer would be to master the fundamentals first. Stance, start, weight distribution, posture and footwork. Reps and time. Reps and time with the guy next to you is even better. Diligent, smart and consistent film study both of your opponent and of prior successful players/units with your body type and/or who operated in a similar scheme. Success leaves clues but so does failure. Learn from both of those examples.

It’s a complex topic but that’s my initial thought and where I’d start

Jim Youngblood 53@53_jim70721
[Kevin Long v. Kevin Carter] Different types, of course. Carter, by 1999, was 300 pounds. Was a power player. By 1999 and 2000 he was moving to defensive tackle on passing downs at times (with Clemens and then Little at DE)

He was good technician but he was simply stronger than a lot of RTs & RGs

Long was a speed player, an arc rusher, hustle, non-stop motor. More like Grant Wistrom, though Wistrom was right side. Long was elite edge rusher–when healthy and at his prime.

Carter much more durable … but for LDEs — they were not same type of left edge, IMO

watch how Kevin Carter
1. gets hands inside RT's hands and pushed them up
2. then extends right arm
3. while also clubbing RT's right hand
4. then gets his arm under while still leg driving
5. closes

baiscally 4 moves – forklift, long arm, wrist club, rip pic.twitter.com/kPDtO2sddf

— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) August 15, 2025

from SI: https://www.si.com/nfl/2025-season-predictions-every-game-team-records-digital-cover

San Francisco 49ers (11–6)
With the Rams in a bit of an unknown space, I look to Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy and a—possibly—healthy Christian McCaffrey for a bit of stability. With this schedule, I didn’t get overly cute, save for losses to Chicago at home and at Indianapolis toward the end of the season. The 49ers of 2023, if you’ll remember, had a three-game losing streak against middle-tier opponents that was similarly eye-popping at the time but was merely a sign of exhaustion.

Los Angeles Rams (10–7)
As I write this, Matthew Stafford is lying in a silver airstream bus atop a chair that is emitting some rays into his body to make his back feel better. So, yeah, I don’t feel awesome about this. Let’s hope the Stafford injury is the red herring of the offseason, though if it is not, we have the potential of a total exercise-imploding injury that can reshape the NFC West. I have early losses to Houston—DeMeco Ryans could bring the heat on Stafford, knowing his mobility is challenged—and Jacksonville. Who else with a bad back doesn’t love a cross-the-globe flight to London and a 6:30 a.m. start time in your home market?

Seattle Seahawks (9–8)
A late adjustment had the Seahawks drop from 10 wins to nine, though this reflects my overall confidence in an offense that will transform under one-day head coach Klint Kubiak and the impressive Mike Macdonald. The four-game losing streak in Weeks 11 to 14 reflects the typical rigors of a long season, be it a roster-altering short-term injury or a period of sleepiness that Macdonald needs to rouse the team out of like that stretch where Seattle lost to the Giants and McCaffrey-less 49ers in back-to-back weeks a year ago.

Arizona Cardinals (6–11)
As I mentioned at the top, I’m ready to get waxed for this one. Everything is pointing up for the Cardinals. This roster is being built the correct way, and all the key tentpole positions are in place. This is the year of the takeoff—unless it simply isn’t. This happens from time to time and is a reminder that there is not always a logical ascent pattern, especially when the rest of the division is a collection of absolute stalwart head coaches (not to say Jonathan Gannon is not!). That’s why many of Arizona’s wins here are quality wins; they are just a little few and far between.

Sean McVay handing off head coaching role to top assistant Saturday vs. Chargers https://t.co/0tXlEo7JjX pic.twitter.com/spSyGCVV9C

— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) August 15, 2025

10 Observations from Rams’ joint practice with Saints: Offense overcomes early challenges to find rhythm late; defensive front wreaking havoc; Omar Speights, Nate Landman and Kam Kinchens’ playmaking

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-joint-practice-saints-offense-overcomes-early-challenges-to-find-rhythm-late-defensive-front-wreaking-havoc-omar-speights-nate-landman-and-kam-kinchens-playmaking

CARSON, Calif. – Thursday’s joint practice with the Saints saw the Rams offense look not as crisp initially as it did last week against the Cowboys but still find a way to finish strong, while their defense’s front seven dominated throughout the practice.

Here are 10 observations from the session:

1) Matthew Stafford does not practice. As noted in our separate injury update, even with Los Angeles operating under a day-to-day approach with its starting quarterback, it makes sense that Stafford would not participate, given head coach Sean McVay had ruled him out for the joint practice with the Chargers that wound up getting canceled. Thus, it was Jimmy Garoppolo once again leading the first-team offense in one of these settings.

2) Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes participates in practice. According to McVay, Forbes got “about 50 percent” of the snaps in today’s joint practice, which aligned with the plan they had for him.

“It’s good to be able to get him out on (the) practice (field) a couple days ago, and looks like he’s feeling good, and so for that, we’re grateful,” McVay said.

3) Offense lacks rhythm early..*.* First, some relevant context that the Rams were running a lot of base looks on both sides of the ball, according to McVay, which makes sense given these two teams will see each other again in Week 9 in the regular season. And while these joint practices are valuable opportunities for L.A.’s starters, the team does not gameplan for these.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Saints’ defensive coordinator is Brandon Staley, who held the same role for the Rams in 2020 and therefore has some familiarity with their offensive system and its rules.

Still, whether it was interceptions or unusual drops, the early team periods for the Rams did not resemble the explosive, efficient performance by their offense in last Tuesday’s joint practice with the Cowboys.

Garoppolo’s play had a hand in that, with McVay describing the quarterback’s day as “up and down.”

McVay pointed the impact of Saints’ pass rush in early in practice, but Garoppolo performed better as the Rams progressed into segments involving second- and third-down work, praising Garoppolo for how well he saw coverage and distributed the ball in those situations.

“One of my favorite things about Jimmy is, if something doesn’t go down the way we want, or if we have a little bit of a miscommunication, he’s great about being able to reset and be able to respond and not react to whatever that next snap is,” McVay said. “And I thought he did that today.”

4) … but finds it late. As McVay mentioned, Garoppolo deserves credit for his response after those early challenges. He threw a touchdown pass each to tight end Tyler Higbee, tight end Colby Parkinson and wide receiver Davante Adams in redzone drills – Adams’ was arguably most impressive because of his “late hands” technique to bring it in.

In the 2-minute drill period at the end of practice, Garoppolo fired off three straight completions – one to Adams, one to wide receiver Puka Nacua, then another to Adams – to get the offense moving.

“I love the way that he finished in the two-minute drill where he hits a big completion to Davante right off the jump and then we’re really one more completion away from being in the position that we want,” McVay said. “He managed that really well, but I thought he did a great job.”

5) Play(s) of the day. Early in team drills, inside linebacker Nate Landman used a “peanut punch” to a force a fumble by Saints running back Alvin Kamara, and Kinchens recovered the loose ball.

In redzone drills, cornerback Cam Lampkin had a fourth-down pass breakup in the endzone on a Spencer Rattler pass that drew lots of cheers from his defensive teammates.

6) Under pressure. Outside linebackers Jared Verse and Byron Young were fast and disruptive off the edge throughout Thursday’s practice. The interior defensive line was also consistently generating pressure and stops behind the efforts of Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford and especially Tyler Davis.

7) Davis and inside linebacker Omar Speights make their presence felt. Speights delivered one of the most physical “thud” tackles – both teams appeared to emphasize tackling without taking players off their feet – of practice when he hit Saints running back Kendre Miller as Miller was bringing in a pass during redzone team drills. L.A.’s defense was fired up after that.

Davis likewise had a run stop that was a big play for the defense in terms of the reaction it drew from teammates.

8) One-two step (times two). Besides Garoppolo, another standout in the two-minute drill period was wide receiver Konata Mumpfield, who had back-to-back catches near the right sideline where he got one foot down, then landed the other on top in bounds in toe-tap fashion, much to the delight of the Rams sideline.

9) Jarquez Hunter’s speed shines. The rookie running back had a few breakaway runs, the most impressive of which was arguably when he ran up the middle, cut back to the right, then found daylight through the second level of the Saints defense.

10) Lots of work for the ones: The bulk of the snaps went to each team’s first-team offenses and defenses, as expected based on what Saints head coach Kellen Moore told New Orleans reporters this week.