The Los Angeles Rams acquired off to a powerful begin to the preseason as they picked up a slender victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Head coach Sean McVay continued the development of resting his starters and veterans in the course of the preseason, paving the way in which for the youthful gamers on the roster to get reps. Stetson Bennett acquired the nod at quarterback and performed all the sport, finishing 24 passes for 224 yards and one landing. Bennett did get picked off 4 instances, nevertheless it was to be anticipated after a protracted layoff from soccer.
Whereas it was good to see Bennett again on the sphere, the story of the afternoon was rookie receiver Jordan Whittington. With out Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, Whittington served because the No. 1 possibility for the passing sport and he delivered with game-highs of six receptions and 74 receiving yards.
Earlier than the sport in opposition to the Cowboys, Whittington admitted it was overwhelming for him to see his jersey within the locker room and prepare for his skilled debut, by way of Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“I’ve dreamed of being right here, so simply seeing my title on the again of an NFL jersey, it was quite a bit,” Whittington mentioned. “And I keep in mind earlier than the sport, I used to be praying, and I used to be like, ‘God, if this life solely exists in my goals, don’t wake me up.’ The entire time, I used to be simply having fun with it, man. That’s what it was about.”
Whittington had a powerful first coaching camp with Los Angeles and he confirmed why the crew is excessive on him as his sport resembles that of Nacua. Whittington is a powerful, bodily receiver who can take contact and generate yards after the catch.
The rookie’s greatest play of the day got here when he shook off a sort out to choose up 30 yards, exhibiting his playmaking capacity. He may have had a much bigger day after arising with an 18-yard seize, although it was referred to as again on a penalty.
The Rams have a knack for having the ability to discover productive gamers within the later rounds, and it’s trying like Whittington is likely to be their newest gem. It’s good to not overreact to at least one preseason sport, nevertheless it’s exhausting to not come away impressed with Whittington’s tape.
Sean McVay expects Puka Nacua to be prepared for Rams’ Week 1 sport in opposition to Lions
Sean McVay introduced Puka Nacua can be held out for the Rams’ total preseason attributable to his knee harm, however expects the star wideout to be accessible for Week 1 in opposition to the Detroit Lions.
