8 predictions for Rams vs. Chargers in preseason Week 1

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8 predictions for Rams vs. Chargers in preseason Week 1


Cameron DaSilva
August 14, 2021 5:00 am PT
For the first time since their playoff loss to the Packers, the Rams will be back in action on Saturday night for their preseason opener against the Chargers. No starters will play, nor will most of the primary backups, but this is still an important step in advance of the regular season.

More important than wins and losses in the preseason is the way the team performs in all three phases, cutting down on turnovers, penalties and, well, mistakes. The Rams are well-coached so while it won’t be perfect, this should be a somewhat clean game.


Here are eight predictions for Rams-Chargers on Saturday night.

1
Tutu Atwell has one long punt return

(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Atwell should get plenty of chances to showcase his speed on Saturday night, with one of those ways being in the return game. Sean McVay has already said Atwell will get to return some punts against the Chargers and if he gets good blocking ahead of him, he could break off a long return.

I’m not saying it’ll be a touchdown, but don’t be surprised if he returns one for 20-plus yards to provide a spark for the team.


2
Bryce Perkins outplays Devlin Hodges

(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

It should be about a 50-50 split between Perkins and Hodges, though we don’t know who will get the first crack. Regardless, Perkins should have a strong showing in his first-ever NFL game – even if it is just a preseason matchup.

He has the athleticism and creativity to make plays with his legs, but his arm talent shouldn’t be overlooked. In college, he was a productive dual-threat quarterback and I think that will show with a great performance against the Chargers.

If Hodges can avoid turnovers, he should also come away feeling good about his night, but Perkins has more upside heading into this one.


3
Jacob Harris scores a touchdown

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Just about every video of Harris shared from training camp was of him catching a pass in the end zone over a defender. When you’re 6-foot-5 and can jump out of the gym, that’s easier to do. The Rams love his potential and when it comes to the red zone, he’s a tailormade jump-ball weapon.

He’ll box out a defender tonight and score a touchdown against the Chargers, showing exactly why the Rams drafted him in the fourth round.

4
Kareem Orr stands out with a couple of PBUs

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Orr is a sleeper in the secondary but he can play – and he can play multiple positions, too. He might be battling Dont’e Deayon for the last spot in the secondary and a good defensive performance against the Chargers will make that competition even more interesting.

Orr prevented a touchdown in practice against the Cowboys and had a nice camp overall, putting him in a good spot to land on the roster. Impressing coaches in the preseason opener is the next step for the former Titan.


5
The second-team offensive line struggles

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The backup offensive line should get a lot of playing time in this one with the starters sitting, but no one should expect a perfect performance from the group. There are a lot of unproven players on the second unit, ranging from Tremayne Anchrum and Chandler Brewer to A.J. Jackson and Jordan Meredith.

This will be valuable experience for those players who have never gotten into an NFL game – preseason or otherwise – but the Chargers defensive line will probably give them some trouble up front.


6
Trishton Jackson leads the team in receptions

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson is fighting for one of the final roster spots, which will only be available if the Rams keep six receivers instead of just five. The Rams liked him enough to keep him on the 53-man roster last year, so he’s certainly caught the eye of Sean McVay, but the NFL is all about “what have you done for me lately?”

Jackson will do a lot for the Rams on Saturday night and lead the team in receptions, as well as receiving yards. He’ll have to hold off Ben Skowronek for that title, assuming the rookie plays after suffering a hamstring injury last week.

7
Chris Garrett records a sack

(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Not much has been made of Garrett’s performance in practice this summer as the seventh-round rookie makes the massive jump from Division II to the NFL. But Saturday could be his time to shine. With Leonard Floyd and Justin Hollins expected to sit this one out, as well as Terrell Lewis most likely with his knee acting up again, Garrett has a clear path to a ton of snaps against the Chargers.

The sack artist will bring down the quarterback at least once tonight, putting him on the radar as someone who could make the final roster.

8
Jake Funk shines at running back

John McCoy-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Jones and Funk will get most of the snaps at running back with Darrell Henderson Jr. getting the night off. They’re battling to be the primary backup running back and this game against the Chargers will go a long way toward deciding who has the edge in that competition.

I think Funk will really have a nice performance in his NFL debut, displaying the burst and vision that he showed at Maryland when he was able to stay healthy. If not for injuries, he likely would’ve been taken much earlier than the seventh round. Fans will realize that tonight at SoFi Stadium.