Stock up, stock down from Ram PS win over Cowboys...

Stock up, stock down from Rams' preseason win vs. Cowboys

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

The first preseason game for every team is always exciting, even if the starters hardly play a lick. That was the case for the Rams as Jared Goff stuck around for just eight plays, as did Todd Gurley.

There was still plenty to gain and lose for a few players on the roster, however. Let’s take a look at who helped (and hurt) their stock in Saturday’s win over the Cowboys. And we threw in a bonus that affected the entire team.

Stock up

WR Cooper Kupp

Kupp came into this game with higher expectations than just about every other player on the Rams roster. He was a prolific receiver in college, but there were questions about the level of competition he faced. Well, on Saturday night, he showed up. Kupp seemed to get open with ease, and while he had one drop, he made a few nice plays. In addition to recovering a fumble for a touchdown, Kupp had two catches for 35 yards. He’ll likely be L.A.’s third receiver.

TE Gerald Everett

Everett is expected to make a significant impact as a rookie this season, and he showed why the Rams were so high on him Saturday night. Although his numbers were pedestrian (two catches for 12 yards), he looked shifty in the open field and made multiple defenders miss. He and Tyler Higbee could prove to be dangerous in two-tight end sets.

OLB Ejuan Price

Seventh-round rookie Ejuan Price flashed briefly on one drive in the first half, blowing by Cowboys right tackle La’el Collins for a near-sack on Kellen Moore. Price’s hand use and power were put on full display against Collins, showing the potential he possessed at Pittsburgh.

DE Matt Longacre

Remember this name because you’ll be hearing it often this preseason. Longacre isn’t a household name yet, but he really got after the quarterback in the first half against the Cowboys. He dominated Dallas’ backup left tackles on multiple occasions. He’s currently a second-stringer for the Rams and will stay there with showings like Saturday night’s.

RB Justin Davis

What a weird night it was for Davis. He had 70 yards rushing on nine carries, including a 32-yard scamper, but he also put the ball on the ground twice – neither of which came on big hits. He was the most electric player on the field all night long, making decisive cuts to get upfield in a hurry. He could be a dynamic weapon that makes the oft-injured Lance Dunbar expendable.


Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Stock down

LT Pace Murphy

Murphy got beat badly by Cowboys rookie Taco Charlton, who’s struggled to get the better of any lineman in camp and during the preseason. It was only one play, but Murphy had trouble against a Dallas defensive line that lacks playmakers. Here’s to hoping Andrew Whitworth stays healthy for all 16 games.

RG Jamon Brown

Sean McVay experimented with Brown at right guard and Rob Havenstein at right tackle, and on the first drive Brown was exposed. Brown was pushed back as Todd Gurley was tackled for a loss and hit behind the line of scrimmage multiple times. If Havenstein plays well at right tackle, though, it may be easier to hide Brown inside at guard.

RB Malcolm Brown

Brown was (and still is) competing for the backup running back job behind Todd Gurley, but he didn’t do much to help his case on Saturday night. He had a few nice runs (five carries, 25 yards), but he also fumbled it once and didn’t show the home run-hitting ability that Justin Davis did. It’ll be a long battle for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, but Brown has some serious competition.

Running back ball security

There’s really no other way to put it besides the fact that the Rams have serious issues when it comes to holding onto the football. They put it on the ground five times, and it should’ve been six had one not been ruled an incomplete pass. This will be a focal point in practice throughout the week.