The Rams vs. Texans game did not go as planned for the Rams. But despite losing 24-20, there were positives in the second of the Rams preseason games. In this article, I will be giving you five takeaways from the game.

Lance McCutcheon May Be HIM

Rams fans, is the consensus still to bring Odell Beckham Jr back? Because there’s this undrafted free agent who has been TORCHING the preseason thus far. In Friday’s game, Lance McCutcheon corralled five receptions for 96 yards. This brings his preseason totals to 10 receptions for 183 yards and two TDs. He also had Derek Stingley Jr on skates at one point. Yes, the third overall pick of this year’s draft Derek Stingley Jr. McCutcheon has almost surely cemented himself a spot on the 53-man roster. The bigger question is how soon fans could see him hit the field on a consistent basis during the regular season.

Second-Team OL Struggled vs. Houston First-Team Defensive Front

The Rams did not start any of their “for sure” starters Friday night. However, the RG spot is up for grabs. The Rams’ first pick in the 2022 draft was Wisconsin guard, Logan Bruss. Bruss and the rest of the starting offensive line in the Rams vs. Texans game struggled. The Rams offensive line gave up a total of six sacks. It isn’t anything to be worried about yet, but it is something to watch. Speaking of something to watch, Bruss went down with an injury. He left the game in a knee brace on his right knee, Head Coach Sean McVay commented, “it didn’t look good”. Hopefully, this is just a minor setback. Bruss will likely have better production once he’s surrounded by at least one other starter on the offensive line.

Rams Waive Players

The Rams made the dreaded decision to cut a handful of players Saturday morning after the game. The most surprising waive was that of Super Bowl 56 starting TE, Kendall Blanton. Blanton was fighting for the backup spot between players like Brycen Hopkins and Roger Carter. Blanton will likely find himself somewhere else before the season is over. RB Raymond Calais, who had multiple snaps in the Rams’ first two preseason games, was waived too. DB Jairon Mcvea and RB A.J. Rose were waived as well. WR J.J. Koski was waived/injured.

The Rams Have A Deeper Defense Than What Was Expected

There have been a few players that have stood out over the past week or so. A number of them are pass rushers. Rookie edge rusher, Daniel Hardy, has been in the backfield on a relatively consistent basis. He had great production in college and has the frame to blow by tackles in the future. Meanwhile, Jonah Williams had himself a very good game vs. the Texans. He was raising havoc racking up a sack and three tackles, he could end up being a key rotational piece.

Rookie corners Decobie Durant and Derion Kendrick have impressed so far this preseason, don’t be surprised if you see them on the field early this season. Corner Robert Rochelle has also played well for the Rams during the preseason. Seeing all of these youth having success is cause for some optimism. The Rams may have their structure for what the defense will look like after Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey are gone.

QB2 Spot Should Be Up For Grabs

There is no question that QB Bryce Perkins has impressed viewers in the preseason over the past two years. His mobility makes him very exciting to watch and very difficult to defend. Perkins went 11/13 for 123 yards with a two-point conversion that got called back. If Perkins has another impressive showing, he could land himself the QB2 role. John Wolford is currently expected to be QB2 going into the season. His 14/22 for 142 yards showing may be enough to hold onto it for now, but he will have to continue to play well in the Rams’ third preseason game. With Matthew Stafford presently dealing with elbow tendonitis, QB2 is important this year to the Rams. Meaning both Wolford and Perkins need to remain healthy as well.

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