Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939

Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys in their preseason opener, which was their first game in Southern California since 1994. Many Rams players are expected to make fantasy rosters this year, but multiple betting lines have the team finishing with a losing season. Some experts are saying that the move to L.A. and the Rams’ appearances on reality T.V. may be a distraction. Yet the Rams did win their first preseason game.

Here are seven observations from the Rams 28-24 victory:

1. Too early to tell on Jared Goff

Let’s not freak out about Jared Goff’s debut.  We would all love to have the Hollywood story of Goff coming in and lighting it up against the Cowboys. First, he wasn’t playing with the starters. Second, he was sacked hard on his first pass attempt. Welcome to the NFL, Jared.  He then completed only 4 of 9 passes for 38 yards. Unfortunately, his interception was a cause of being hit and slammed to the turf.

That said, he threw some accurate passes and was really close to completing a nice one to Pharoh Cooper. All in all, I’m okay with what I saw. Goff was pulled from the game due to a sore left shoulder caused from the sack, which was probably a smart move by head coach Jeff Fisher. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Let’s not overthink this until we see Goff on the field more.

2. Sean Mannion has really improved in one year

I watched Sean Mannion play a lot at Oregon State as a local resident. I told everyone last year that I thought Mannion was a good pick for the Rams and don’t be surprised if he does really well. I’m not going to pat myself on the back yet and overreact to one preseason game. However, Mannion showed that he has really improved since last season.

Mannion played well, and the early reports say that Mannion has had the best camp of the quarterbacks. If he continues this trend, it may really shake up the depth chart. Let’s see what happens against Kansas City to further evaluate his progression.

3. My concerns for the secondary haven’t changed

The Rams’ defensive line is shaping up to be the best in the NFL. The Rams’ linebackers will also be solid by Week 1 of the regular season. However, the secondary has me concerned. CB Coty Sensabaugh was outplayed by WR Dez Bryant and my confidence level with him is low. With the loss of CB Janoris Jenkins, we need some rookies to step up and take the spot. I’m just not sure yet if we have the player to do it.

I’m going to put my money on E.J. Gaines. If Gaines is healthy, he should take over that starting role and the Rams should be alright.

4. Nelson Spruce is making a case to make the team

My favorite UDFAs the Rams brought into camp this year are Nelson Spruce and Duke Williams. We didn’t see much of Williams, but Spruce became an overnight fan favorite against the Cowboys.  As I said in our first podcast, Spruce seems to catch everything thrown at him. He reminds me a lot of Ricky Proehl and Danny Amendola.

Spruce is going to be an interesting part of the final 53-man roster. Yes, I said it; I predict that he makes the squad. What that means for guys like Brian Quick, Mike Thomas and Bradley Marquez is yet to be seen, especially with the addition of Pharoh Cooper.

5. Tyler Higbee is going to be a stud

Tyler Higbee is a physical specimen and showed he was worth the Rams taking him earlier than predicted. Unlike former Ram Jared Cook, Higbee catches the ball consistently and extends plays. The Rams haven’t named him as a starter yet, but I think that’s just a formality. I have no doubt that Higbee will play a serious role in the Rams’ offense this season.

6. The depth at running back is phenomenal

Running back Todd Gurley sat out the first week of the preseason as expected. Benny Cunningham got the start for the Rams and performed well. Cunningham is getting better every year and looked explosive. I was a little concerned that we may be a little thin at the position after the Tre Mason ordeal. However, Malcolm Brown, Aaron Green and Chase Reynolds all played well in the game.

It’s apparent that the Rams’ front office has put together a lot of young talent since general manager Les Snead has taken over. They’ve done so well in fact, that many of the players on last year’s roster may not make the team. The running back position should be just fine this season.

7. Hard Knocks has helped me to have more respect for the team and coaches

I was worried that having cameras following every move of the team was going to be a major distraction. That is still to be determined, but I will admit that in some ways, it has made me respect the coaches more than I did. Fisher doesn’t want the Rams completing another losing season. He made it clear during the premiere episode HBO’s Hard Knocks. How is he doing this?  He’s getting rid of the players who don’t follow rules. Wide receiver Deon Long was one of those rulebreakers by having a female guest in his dorm room. I was impressed with Fisher for cutting him.

Defensive Line coach Mike Waufle also impressed me. The former Marine coaches like a drill instructor. I recognize this first hand, and I’m not surprised that we have the defensive line that we do because of it.

Quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke also surprised me. I think he’s the main reason that we’ve seen improvement with Mannion, and I believe he will do a good job with Goff.

Norm Hightower has been following the Rams for 48 years. You can follow Norm on Twitter @normhightower or on Facebook. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.