Bolts From The Blue
The Los Angeles Chargers are facing off against the Los Angeles Rams in the second game of the preseason.
To learn more about the Rams ahead of the matchup, we spoke with Turf Show Times writer Evan Craig.
1) Matthew Stafford hasn’t been healthy throughout training camp, but he appears to be making a return. What’s the latest update on his status?
The updates have been mixed and definitely concerning. Consensus is that not everything is alright in Hollywood, and the team is being overly cautious, which is great to see, but any more setbacks could ruin the makings of a promising season. I said not long ago that this offseason has given me shades of 2022 because of similar nagging injury concerns for Stafford. Things are not overly rosy for the Rams at this time, but the hope is that feeling will change as we get closer to the regular season.
2) Who have been some standouts on offense during training camp? What about defensively?
Blake Corum, who I’ll get to later, has had a really good camp and is aiming for a bigger role in the offense heading into his sophomore season. Rookie running back Jarquez Hunter has also been a standout. However, I don’t see him playing much this year, especially since first-year backs typically haven’t seen the field much in the Sean McVay era. Defensively, linebacker Nate Landman has been earning rave reviews from everyone. Landman is in his first season with the Rams and has had 191 combined tackles in the last two years with the Falcons. L.A. has largely neglected the LB position in recent years, and the hope is that he’ll play every snap in 2025.
3) What’s one thing people should know about the Rams that can’t be found in a box score?
The main thing to know about the Rams is that they’ll always play hard. Regardless of how good the team is or who the opponent is, McVay’s leadership always gives L.A. a chance to land in the win column. That is something that should put fear into everyone across the league, not just the NFC.
4.) What are three things you’d like to see out of L.A. against the Chargers Saturday?
I would love to see Stetson Bennett continue to show out like he did in the Rams’ preseason opener. Bennett is in his third season with the team and looked better than he ever has against the Cowboys last week. He made several high-level throws that he struggled making before, and confidence in him is high, which is good since it’s unknown how long Stafford’s health will hold up. Also, I’d like to see Blake Corum continue stepping up, as he had a great game versus Dallas, scoring two touchdowns. Despite not stuffing the stat sheet in terms of yardage, Corum looked like he could be a solid complement to Kyren Williams this season, assuming Sean McVay gives him more touches. The final thing I’d like to see...
