Halftime Notes: Preseason At Raiders

Halftime Notes: Preseason At Raiders


Myles Simmons

[www.therams.com]


The Rams and Raiders have had a high-powered first half, but a 35-yard Greg Zuerelein field goal gave Los Angeles a 17-14 lead heading into halftime. Here are some notes from the first two quarters.

FAST START OFFENSIVELY

The Rams got off to a strong start offensively, rolling down the field in eight plays for a touchdown.

Quarterback Jared Goff completed all four of his passes for 66 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Tight end Gerald Everettalso started well, catching a crossing route and darting down the field for a 23-yard gain. Robert Woods also had a pair of receptions for 19 yards on the drive.

Running back Todd Gurley started well, rushing four times for 19 yards on the first drive. He converted the only third down the Rams faced — a 3rd-and-1 — with a three-yard run. Gurley also kept a pile moving for an eight-yard run on the ensuing first down.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins was on the field with the first-team offense throughout the drive, but did not receive a target. But his presence was felt, as he appeared to draw defenders on Kupp’s touchdown catch.

Goff finished the first half 14-of-17 passing for 145 yards with a touchdown. Gurley finished with 38 yards on eight carries with one touchdown. And Kupp had five receptions for 67 yards with a TD.

TRU JOHNSON PICK


Cornerback Trumaine Johnson captured the Rams’ first interception of the preseason on the defense’s second drive.

On 3rd-and-6 from the Oakland 34, outside linebacker pressured quarterback Derek Carr and nearly came away with a sack. But while Carr evaded Barwin, he threw a pass intended for wideout Michael Crabtree right to Johnson over the middle of the field. Johnson returned the pass nine yards to the Oakland 41 to set the Rams’ up in solid field position.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS

L.A. cashed in after the interception, using another eight-play drive to get back in the end zone.

Gurley did plenty of work on the drive, including a four-yard run to start it off, an eight-yard run, and a two-yard touchdown to cap it. Goff was sharp on the drive, too, firing a 12-yard pass on the left sideline to tight end Tyler Higbee. And he hit Kupp over the middle for a nine-yard pass.

The touchdown put Los Angeles up 14-7.