Los Angeles Rams: John Kelly leaves no doubt in 21-20 win over the Houston Texans

The Los Angeles Rams close out Week 3 of the NFL preseason with a 21-20 win against the Houston Texans.

In what was a carbon copy of the last two weeks, the Los Angeles Rams kept their offensive starters on the sidelines while managing a 21-20 win over the Houston Texans at the Coliseum. Finally, LA got some key defensive players some time on the field and consequently they ran their exhibition record to 2-1.

Impressed?
Me either.

For the third time in many weeks, Rams head coach Sean McVay flirted with but ultimately kept his offense on the sidelines.  Meaning, quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley will hit the field cold come Week 1 of the regular season against the Oakland Raiders.

But that’s a story for later.

For now, it appears McVay may have a backup quarterback issue on his hands. Sean Mannion managed to be just mediocre enough to keep the Los Angeles brass wondering if it’s not time to cut bait and move on from the Oregon State alum who still doesn’t get it as he enters year four in the NFL and year two under McVay.

Don’t fool yourself, this is a legitimate issue that hasn’t gotten better with just one preseason game left.

Mannion managed to go 11 /17 for 68 yards. He also tossed an interception but did throw for one touchdown. It’s worth noting, he was most effective against the second and third stringers off of the Houston bench.  So, for all you fanboys and naysayers who insist all will be fine, think on that a little.

For the third week in a row, the bright spot for the Rams is John Kelly. Kelly, who has absolutely locked up the backup spot behind Gurley was impressive, rushing for 64 yards on 15 carries and scoring twice. Without a doubt, Kelly will be a fixture in the Los Angeles playbook in 2018.

As for the guy I picked to pass Mannion on the QB depth chart, Brandon Allen was, at the very least, as good and as bad as Mannion. Allen threw for 63 yards, completing 10 passes on 13 attempts.

The Rams will wrap up the 2018 exhibition season next Thursday when they play the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.