3 things I wanted to see from the LA Rams in Game 2, but didn't
By Bret Stuter
![Los Angeles Rams v Los Angeles Chargers, Stetson Bennett Los Angeles Rams v Los Angeles Chargers, Stetson Bennett](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4475,h_2517,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/54/01j5hhm1ctfrb0stmz6y.jpg)
The LA Rams storylines for the 2024 preseason is what you make of it, I suppose. If you want to witness perfect execution, incredible decision-making, a complete dominance on both sides of the football, you are probably in the wrong store. Preseason games by this Rams roster is about giving less experienced players, well . . . experience. Whether good or bad, the team is looking to give players the history to turn talent into wisdom, raw athleticism into savvy skills, and confusion into confidence.
So far, so good. That seems to be what this team is doing right now.
I don't want to hear about the Rams backups facing backups from other teams. The Chargers played some of their starters against the Rams. And still, the Rams prevailed. It wasn't the final score that is the most thrilling part. It's the fact that this defense is chippy and swarming to the football like ants coming for a forgotten picnic lunch on the lawn.
It's simply a lot of fun to see.
Still, I don't believe that I am alone in setting expectations for this team. After all, it's human nature to take what was, and use that information to anticipate what will be. Right or wrong, sometimes setting expectations can lead to disappointment.
threads for preseason week 2. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/8nPv9BUC22
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 17, 2024
The Rams have done an incredible job in two preseason games of controlling the line of scrimmage. This is a team that does not play starters up front, on either side of the football. And yet, the performances of both the offensive line and the defensive front have been quite encouraging. The offensive line has been opening running lanes, while also creating pristine pockets for QB Stetson Bennett.
The opposite is true for the defensive front. The Rams have been swarming to the football, getting plenty of tackles for losses, and have even generated enough pass rush to keep opposing quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket. But, having said all that, there are areas which I hoped to see more from the Rams in preseason.
Here are three different expectations that fell short for me in Game 2.