JB Long on the Rams Preseason Schedule

From: JB Long


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A few reactions to the Los Angeles Rams 2018 preseason schedule:

1) Based on last year's precedent (and success), Rams starters don't figure to play much in the 2018 preseason. However, to the extent starters do play, they’ll do so predominantly in games two and three, which will be AT HOME versus the Raiders and Texans. That's a nice reward for LA season ticket holders.

2) That's more travel than you would ideally build into your preseason slate. It's possible the Coliseum renovation construction interfered, making it difficult for Rams to schedule according to their preference. We'll learn more about that in coming days, perhaps.

3) I don't attribute any significance (advantage/disadvantage) to playing the Raiders and Saints in the preseason, knowing they're also on the regular season schedule. Especially not in McVay's second season. Whenever the Rams connect with OAK and NO when it counts, the personnel and the scheme will bear little resemblance to what's on the field in August.

4) at BAL: Six years after the Rams orchestrated "The RGIII Trade," sending the No. 2 pick to WAS, now this figures to be the quarterback's first live audition for his last chance in the NFL. The Ravens recently signed him to be their backup.

5) vs OAK: Raiders back in the LA Coliseum. Gruden vs McVay, the appetizer. We'll also see this match-up in the regular season in Oakland. I thought it might make for a great Week 1 Monday Night Football opener, but might that opportunity be negated by the proximity of preseason game between the two teams? Not necessarily...

6) vs HOU: We didn’t get to see Deshaun Watson in person last year. He was injured shortly before the Texans were scheduled to play the Rams in 2017. Also didn’t get to see J.J. Watt. Potential to see both in the regular season tune-up between these franchises.

7) at NO: First of two trips to the Big Easy for the Rams in 2018. Brandin Cooks likely won’t play, and he's already made his first "return to New Orleans," as a member of the Patriots last season.