Recap: Rams struggle with Sean Mannion at quarterback, lose 33-7 at Baltimore

The Los Angeles Rams lose to the Baltimore Ravens 33-7, with a struggling Sean Mannion at quarterback.

The Los Angeles Rams got the preseason underway with a loud and deafening thud in an uninspiring 33-7 loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Head coach Sean McVay decided to sit the vast majority of his top players, including quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley, giving the depth chart an opportunity to open some eyes.

They did. But if you’re second string quarterback Sean Mannion, McVay may have chosen to close his.

Mannion, entering his fourth season with the Rams, looked every bit Ill-equipped to be a starting quarterback, and may give some pause as to his value as a backup.

He simply was ineffective, going 3 of 13 for 16 yards, yes 16 YARDS, and an interception. For good measure and to round out his stat line, he was sacked two times.

Ok, this was the first of four preseason games, and watching, it was clear that McVay had a pretty simple script. But Mannion looked bad. And for fans who wondered what the depth chart offered at the quarterback position, the answer wasn’t good.

As for the rest, clearly it was one game and an exhibition one no less, where the players who were on the field won’t be come the regular seasons. Neither the offense or defense was effective. If anything, it was a night where individual performances stood out, especially rookie running back John Kelly.

Kelly, the sixth round pick from Tennesseee, rushed for 77 yards on 13 carries, including a long run for 40 yards.

Clearly the lone bright spot on a night few were to be found. Kelly will push hard for depth chart positioning. He’s a runner who can make things happen, including catching 2 passes for 14 yards.

Of note was QB Brandon Allen. Allen. Who would mercifully spell Mannion, turned in a respectable outing, going 10 of 15, for 73 yards and a touchdown.

Overall, Los Angeles looked unimpressive in their first preseason outing. In the grand scheme of things, the two best stories to come of the Baltimore trip was finally seeing Allen, and the not so sudden revelation that Mannion as a backup may need to be re-evaluated.