Rams vs Chargers preseason Week 2: 7 storylines fans must monitor

(7) - Who will stand out in Game 2?

There is no shortage of players whose performances in Game 1 have elevated their prospects of making the Rams roster. But it was only one game, one data point. As such, it could be just as much a function of sub-par performances on the part of Dallas Cowboys players as super-par performances from LA Rams players. So we need more data. That data comes against the Los Angeles Chargers.

But don't simply focus on the stars of Game 1. Tyler Davis, Jordan Whittington, and Kamren Kinchens played incredibly well, so well that they may have earned an 'advance to the 53-man roster, do not play any preseason games,' card. There will be others who could step up. We will be eager to see who those players may be.

Several young defensive backs showed up big despite a limited number of defensive snaps. Any of those players who hope to have a future with this team must be prepared to show up in Game 2 as well. Game 3 is too late to reverse coaches' decisions about who stays and who goes. It's even too late to pry out a practice squad slot. So the time for players to make their move is now.

That being said, it is no easy task. The Rams will be sending their junior varsity squad to the football field to face a mixture of varsity and junior varsity players on the Chargers roster. Some units on this Rams roster are deep and talented enough to match up well and compete. (Offensive line comes to mind). Other units may not.

As we advance into preseason, more variables become significantly more important. What is the level of talent that the Rams face in the preseason? How solid is the talent level of the Rams players still competing in the preseason game? If the Rams proceed as in past years to sit their preseason standouts, how long can the remaining players compete effectively?

And that is just the first brain-puzzler.