LA Rams preseason primer: Rams sit 35, Chargers sit 4?

Crosstown rivals?

The LA Rams have a lot of questions for this game, and may not find all of their answers.  That’s completely understandable under the circumstances. This is a preseason game, contests that are largely fought among players who are competing for roster spots at the tail end of the team’s depth chart. Starters are, for the most part, nearly already decided.  For the Rams, it’s safe to conclude that about half of the 53-man roster is set in place. That will mean that the game against the Chargers will mean a great deal to those players participating.

The same can be said about the LA Chargers, who also happen to be co-tenants to SoFi Stadium as well. With the 17 game season this year, the LA Rams will be home for just eight games, while the Chargers will be home for nine. Before that triggers anyone, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed that NFC teams will be on the road for the odd game this year. In 2022, AFC teams will be on the road for the odd game in that year.

Erase your expectations for this one

The Rams’ entire team is going to have some familiarity to it this season, as well as elements of newness. Many of the familiar position coaches have moved on to positions (promotions) with new teams, while the coaches who remain have likely been promoted into larger roles with the Rams. Offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell remains on the Rams staff, and he will be calling the offensive plays for the Rams in this one. He will be joined by new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, as well new special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis.

The Chargers are set to debut their new head coach Brandon Staley. If you think that name is familiar, it should be. Staley was the LA Rams defensive coordinator from 2020. Not only did he shock the NFL by leading the Rams defense to the Top-Ranked defense in the NFL, but he did so in just his first and only year as defensive coordinator of any season.