What to expect from the LA Rams in preseason week 2

When the Raiders have the ball

The LA Rams did a very good job overall against the LA Chargers in the first preseason game, with two exceptions. On their first offensive drive, the Chargers were able to run 20 plays and chew up 10 minutes to open the game. While the Rams hope that won’t be the case against the Raiders, they will have their hands full trying to contain quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Mariota will have plenty of help, as the Raiders may test the Rams run defense with an early bit of Kenyon Drake.  I expect that Mariota will have more interest in throwing the ball, and the Raiders will be more than happy to allow him to test his arm against a pretty good Rams secondary (even with backups on the field).

Los Angeles Rams

This will be a huge test for the Rams outside linebackers to remain in their position and contain Mariota (i.e. don’t cheat to the inside to flush him out. It will also be an excellent opportunity for some defensive players to show up against a very potent Raiders rushing attack. Will Bobby Brown showcase some of that interior defensive line destruction that he made famous in Texas? I think he can. I also think Chris Garrett, who was oh-so-close to the Chargers quarterback, will say hello to the Raiders passer in this one.

The Rams secondary will be tested in this one. The Raiders will want to solidify their receiver depth chart after this one, and that could mean a little bit of trickery in their passing game. Watch the Raiders look to their tight end, and who the Rams try to match up against them. But even as the Raider lob the ball all over the skies of SoFi Stadium, keep an eye on Raiders RB Trey Ragas. He is pushing hard for the RB3 spot, and a good game here will likely do it.