Turf Show Times
Saturday night’s comeback win for the Los Angeles Rams was as entertaining as you can expect for the preseason. They took down the Los Angeles Chargers 23-22 as third-year quarterback Stetson Bennett led an odds-defying game-winning drive.
I gave my initial thoughts on the Winners and Losers from the game last night. Now it’s time to take a more objective look on individual performances and analyze the Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and metrics from the exhibition contest.
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DJ Humphries did not play in this game. Veteran David Quessenberry started at left tackle and then Leveston played 51 of 77 total offensive snaps. Leveston earned a solid pass blocking grade of 72.7 and then shined on the ground with a run blocking grade of 93.6. While the yards per carry averages aren’t eye-popping, the Rams were committed to the run game as Jarquez Hunter and Cody Schrader both carried the ball 13 times or more.
Fan favorite Willie Lampkin played only 17 snaps before leaving with an injury.
Dedich was the best interior offensive lineman on Saturday night and continued his streak of strong play in the preseason. He was equally as effective in the run as in the pass. While undersized, we learned last year that Dedich can step in and be a steady contributor. He’s a good depth piece to have entering his second season.
Smith has been the most consistent and impressive pass catcher through two exhibition games. He hauled in all four of his targets for 49 yards (long of 25) against the other team from LA. If Smith can win the punt return duties, he’s almost a sure lock to make the roster behind Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington (all did not play Saturday). Keeping six receivers is easier said than done, however.
Williams was on the receiving end of what was Bennett’s best NFL pass to-date, and this resulted in a 38-yard score. Williams is one of many undersized, speedy receivers the Rams are platooning in the preseason, though this play will standout when remembering 2025.
Presley caught a fourth quarter touchdown from Bennett last week. He was held out of the end zone against the Chargers but was consistently productive. Presley plays bigger than his size and makes the most out of openings after the catch point. In total he accounted for six catches on eight targets for 102 yards including his longest gain of 40 yards.
Bennett did not crack the top five but was still stellar on Saturday. PFF credited the third-year QB with two big-time throws and three turnover-worthy plays. Turnovers have been a point of struggle with Bennett, and he’s...
