5 burning questions the Rams must answer in preseason Game 2 vs Chargers

The Los Angeles Rams answered some questions in their first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Their performance was a good first step. But the team's demonstration primarily proved one thing: The Rams were more prepared.

Individual players filled highlight reels with solid play and impressive performances. It was a promising start, but more of an appetizer than an entrée. The main course comes Saturday — it's a battle of LA as the Horns take on the Chargers. The Bolts’ defense has allowed just 20 points over two games, while their offense has put up 61 points in the same span.

Their depth is strong, and that poses plenty of challenges to a Rams team that views the preseason as an opportunity to rotate players, not focus on victories or final scores. It sets the stage for fierce competition — a Game 2 that raises the bar for everyone who steps onto the field. It also gives players and coaches a chance to respond to a new set of questions surrounding the team.

5 questions Rams must answer against Chargers in 2nd preseason game

(5) - Can Rams improve third-down conversion rate?

While the offense converted both fourth-down attempts, the same can’t be said for third downs. A quick calculation shows that converting four of 11 third-down tries is a 36.4 percent success rate, which is poor. The offense ran the ball six times, picking up a first down twice. They passed five times, completing two of those attempts. However, on two of the running plays, Blake Corum found the end zone.

Reviewing the play selection shows the offense wasn’t targeting plays specifically for first downs. On one incompletion, a pass interference penalty on a Cowboys defensive back was as good as a completion for a first down. Still, a 50 percent or better conversion rate on third downs is what you’d like to see moving forward.

(4) - Is rookie WR Konata Mumpfield as good as the hype?

Rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield made a circus catch that flashed big-time NFL potential. But for a newcomer whose reputation preceded him, the production just wasn’t there. He caught two of five targets for 24 yards. The lone interception thrown by QB Stetson Bennett came on a pass into double coverage aimed at Mumpfield, with the Cowboys defensive back appearing to wrestle the ball out of his hands.

Fans want to see more from him, but in a more productive level of play. A 40 percent completion rate will get both the receiver and the quarterback benched.

(3) - Is Steton Bennett more than a one-trick pony?

While unlikely, Stetson Bennett opened the 2023 preseason with an impressive showing, completing 17 of 29 passes for 191 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. In his second game, he went 15 of 24 for 142 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. By comparison, his 2025 preseason debut saw him complete 16 of 24 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

The coaches and fans need to see which direction he’s trending. In Game 2, he’ll face a more formidable defense, one that has allowed an average of just 10 points per game. LA also tends to sit players once they’ve secured a roster spot. The question now is whether Bennett can perform just as well against a tougher defense with fewer weapons at his disposal.

(2) - Can Rams improve both sides of the running game?

Game 1 was all about vanilla offenses facing vanilla defenses. By the end, the Rams’ rushing defense had allowed Cowboys running backs to carry the ball 19 times for 110 yards, averaging nearly 5.9 yards per attempt. On the other side, their own running backs totaled 31 carries for 162 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. Even for a group of backups, the defense will need to deliver a stingier effort.

But if you saw the game, you know that Cody Schrader’s five carries for 55 yards did a lot of heavy lifting for that rushing average. Without his production, the team averaged just 4.1 yards per carry. It’s also worth noting that Schrader is not guaranteed a roster spot in 2025. It was an overall lackluster performance, and fans will need to see more from this RB group on Saturday.

(1) - Can the Rams find a gunner who can keep up with P Ethan Evans?

Punter Ethan Evans averaged 72.5 yards per punt. One 81-yarder resulted in a touchback, and the other was returned 24 yards. Those outcomes dropped his net average to 50.5 yards per punt. Still impressive, but here’s the issue: a 67-yard punt that was negated by a foolish penalty on Charles Woods would have boosted Evans to a 74.0-yard average with a 64.0-yard net.

The team has a powerhouse punter but needs to find gunners who can get downfield quickly and force fair catches. Evans can blast the ball, but if opponents keep racking up big returns, it’s wasted effort. There are plenty of speedy players on the roster, and those final few spots will go to whoever consistently makes the play at the catch point.

Here's to hoping preseason Game 2 gives fans a bit more insight into As always, thanks for reading.