What we learned from Rams' opener against the Cowboys

What we learned from Rams' exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys

Gary Klein

[www.latimes.com]

What we learned from the Rams’ 28-24 exhibition victory over the Dallas Cowboys at the Coliseum:

Jared Goff is a work in progress

We already knew that – he’s a rookie after all – but much was revealed during Goff’s brief two-series appearance.

Goff played almost exclusively in the shotgun formation at California and that’s how he started when he first came into game in the second quarter. But he also took snaps under center and did not appear uncomfortable.

Goff, 21, is listed at 6-4 and 215 pounds. His thin frame leaves him vulnerable to especially violent hits. Cowboys linebacker Derek Akunne delivered one that caused an interception and left Goff with soreness Coach Jeff Fisher decided was too much to play through in an exhibition.

Goff got into a rhythm during his second series and delivered a strike down the middle of the field to Pharoh Cooper. The rookie receiver dropped the ball and Goff was sacked on the next play.

The secondary remains a primary concern

Let’s start by acknowledging that covering Cowboys receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams is not easy.

Coty Sensabaugh and Lamarcus Joyner were reminded of that Saturday night.

Bryant beat Sensabaugh for several catches, including a 10-yard touchdown. Sensabaugh waved his arms to indicate no catch on that play and another, but officials disagreed.

Sam Farmer, Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry break down the Rams' 28-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason opener at the Coliseum.
Williams got behind Joyner for a 32-yard touchdown catch.

Replacing Janoris Jenkins is not going to be easy.

Tyler Higbee will contribute immediately

The rookie tight end from Western Kentucky caught five passes for 49 yards, continuing the outstanding play he has demonstrated during training camp practices.

Three of his receptions came courtesy of passes from Goff, his training camp roommate.

Higbee, Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey, who serves mainly as a blocker, could give Rams quarterbacks a viable trio of tight ends.

Todd Gurley should probably never play in exhibitions

Gurley was held out against the Cowboys for precautionary reasons, keeping his career participation in exhibitions at an impressive zero games.

Rams beat Cowboys, 28-24, in preseason opener
Rams beat Cowboys, 28-24, in preseason opener
The 10th pick in the 2015 draft watched four exhibitions last season while recovering from knee surgery. He went on to become the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year.

So Fisher apparently is not messing with a proven system for success.

The Rams’ decision to keep Gurley out of harm’s way on Saturday enabled backup Benny Cunningham to run for a touchdown.

Malcolm Brown rushed for a team best 66 yards in eight carries, and Chase Reynolds and Aaron Green caught touchdown passes from Sean Mannion.

Alec Ogletree took a step

Ogletree started at middle linebacker for the first time.

Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Rams made their return to the Coliseum on Saturday, playing the Dallas Cowboys in front of an expected 91,000 fans.
He did not intercept a pass, force a fumble or record a sack, but he played for the first time since suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 4 last season.

Ogletree was credited with two solo tackles.

Nelson Spruce will push for a roster spot

The Pac-12 Conference’s all-time receptions leader was an undrafted free agent.

Against the Cowboys, he caught six passes for 51 yards, including a touchdown.

On another team, Spruce might be a longshot to make the 53-man roster. But the Rams last season were plagued by dropped passes. Spruce has made a career of catching nearly everything thrown his way.

gary.klein@latimes.com