Los Angeles Rams: 3 storylines for Week 2 preseason against the Raiders

Week 2 of the preseason will have the Los Angeles Rams facing a team they will see come opening week of the 2018 NFL regular season, the Oakland Raiders.

After an unimpressive Week 1 preseason outing against the Baltimore Ravens, a 33-7 loss, the Los Angeles Rams will look to bounce back.

Actually, they really need to bounce back. A win is not necessary, but they need to show something, especially with some first team players actually playing.

But let’s be honest, fans shouldn’t expect much, if anything. Mostly because the Oakland Raiders, their opponent on Saturday, is also their Week 1 opponent to kick off the 2018 NFL regular season. Head coach Sean McVay is no fan of playing a team in an exhibition game, only to turn around and see them in the regular season.

"“Yeah, it’s an interesting dynamic,” he said. “There’s a lot of things that go into it, but if you said, ‘Would you prefer to not have your second preseason game against the team you open with?’ The answer would be ‘yes’ from me.”"

Beyond that, Los Angeles needs to find something positive. Week 1 showed some flashes with sixth round pick, running back John Kelly and third string quarterback Brandon Allen. Beyond that. It was a big bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Well that and a bad performance by Sean Mannion.

The preseason is remarkably interpretive. Depending on what you’re looking for, silver linings can best be defined as remaining injury free, especially for your front line guys.

So with that said, don’t look for much on Saturday afternoon against Oakland, as McVay has set a trend of playing if safe and showing few cards.

Look for that to continue in Week 2 of the preseason.