Los Angeles Rams: Key notes from preseason loss to Baltimore Ravens

Here are some key notes surrounding the Los Angeles Rams from their embarrassing preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.

The Los Angeles Rams started their preseason on Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens, but it ended up being a performance to forget for the most part.

Sean McVay made the decision to sit the starters against Baltimore so the fans got a chance at seeing some possible studs or the future of the Rams, which there seem to be some concerns over for certain individuals.

For starters, Thursday’s game made it clear that the Rams may need to find another backup quarterback because Sean Mannion is not an ideal answer.

To say Mannion looked awful against Baltimore would be a huge understatement for Los Angeles. If Jared Goff gets hurt (knocks on every wood there ever was), Mannion will not be the next Nick Foles.

Mannion looked like a deer in headlights and just seemed so tentative against Baltimore after finishing 3-of-13 for 16 yards and one interception. This was just an abysmal performance all around and it will be interesting to see how Mannion bounces back next week against the Oakland Raiders.

On a positive note, Brandon Allen had a decent performance himself, as his stock seemed to rise against the Ravens after going 10-of-15 for 73 yards and one touchdown pass.

As crazy as it sounds, the Rams should maybe take a look at Robert Griffin III. He looked solid yet again in his second consecutive preseason game. Plus, let’s not forget that McVay is also familiar with Griffin from his coaching days as a member of the Washington Redskins.

John Kelly looks like a solid backup running back that could end up seeing plenty of third-down action as a rookie. He did such a wonderful job breaking tackles and finding the opening lanes against the Ravens, and finished the game with 13 carries for 77 yards.

Without question, Kelly has a solid opportunity to make a case for the No. 2 running back position this season behind Todd Gurley.

Wide receiver JoJo Natson also had a solid performance after returning kicks along with showing some explosiveness. Natson could be an option down the line if Pharoh Cooper is implemented in the offense more, which doesn’t seem likely because Cooper was the best kick and punt returner in the NFL last season.

Cooper definitely made the Rams a triple threat last season, minus the Atlanta Falcons game, which will not be mentioned because we don’t talk about the past.

All things considered, Los Angeles has a few positive factors from their 33-7 loss to Baltimore, but also should be concerned over some of the players that struggled on Thursday. Even if it is only preseason, let’s hope some of these backups are better prepared for next week’s outing against the Raiders to make McVay feel better about his roster beyond the starters come September.