Five Takeaways: Rams Preseason Game at Denver

Five Takeaways: Preseason at Denver

By Myles Simmons

[www.therams.com]

DENVER — The Rams could not recapture their second-half magic in the mile-high city, falling to the Broncos, 17-9.

But as is the case with all exhibition matchups, the final score rarely tells the whole story. With that in mind, here are five takeaways from Preseason Week 3.

1) Ones on defense accomplishing goals

The Rams’ first-team defense looked strong against the Broncos, forcing a pair of three-and-outs to start the game. Middle linebacker Alec Ogletree had said during the week a fast start would be the focus, and the club was able to do just that with Ogletree, defensive tackle Michael Brockers, defensive end Robert Quinn, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald registering tackles for loss in the first two series.

Defensive tackle Dominique Easley got in on the TFL action in the second quarter, with a drive-stopping tackle on 4th-and-inches. Plus, cornerback Trumaine Johnson tipped a pass into the hands of a diving safety Cody Davis to force the first unit’s first turnover of the preseason.

There are all aspects of the game members of the defense had mentioned as being goals for this week, and it’s a positive to see them accomplished.


2) First offense moves the ball

Denver’s defense was one of the primary reasons the club won Super Bowl 50, and should continue to be a strength in 2016. With starting quarterback Case Keenum, the Rams were able to move the ball effectively, scoring a pair of field goals with him in the game. Keenum finished 8-of-12 for 77 yards before Jared Goff came in. Starting in place of Todd Gurley, who was a healthy scratch, Benny Cunningham rushed six times for 22 yards.

Another indication of the way the Rams moved the ball well is time of possession. L.A. took a 18:08 to 11:52 lead in TOP into halftime.

3) Third down needs improvement

While there were positives, Los Angeles’ ability to sustain drives was hampered by struggles on third down. The Rams began 0-of-5 on third down, including 0-of-4 with Keenum in at quarterback. L.A. finished just 1-of-7 on third-down opportunities in the first half, and were only 1-of-10 in the situation after three quarters.

Third down was an issue for the Rams’ offense last year, and will likely continue to be a point of emphasis as the club heads into the regular season.


4) Keeping Austin around

While this happened prior to kickoff, it’s important all the same. The Rams announced wide receiver Tavon Austin has signed a four-year contract extension to keep him with the club through the 2021 season.

“Tavon has been an integral part of our offense and special teams since we drafted him in 2013,” head coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement. “It is important to our organization to retain players we’ve drafted and invested in, and Tavon is an example of that. We’re excited for him to continue his career with the Rams.”

In 2015, Austin became the first player since Gale Sayers in 1965 to record at least five receiving touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns, and a punt return for a touchdown. You can read more about Austin’s extension here.

5) Extra points

— Greg Zuerlein made three field goals in the game’s first half, from 29-, 38-, and 48-yards out. They were the first three field goals Zuerlein’s attempted in the 2016 preseason.

— The Rams committed 10 penalties for 72 yards.

— Tight end Lance Kendricks made a pair of nice catches down the seam in the first half. He finished with three receptions for 36 yards.

— Rookie wideout Pharoh Cooper did a nice job to haul in a 19-yard reception from Goff in the second quarter. The pass was a bit high and hot, so Cooper tipped the ball to himself, securing it as he fell to the ground.