Rams exit the preseason with a 3-0 record and optimism for the future

Looks like we made it. The Los Angeles Rams emerged from the preseason untarnished in the win-loss column, taking all three games. Of course, the preseason has no bearing on the success or failure that awaits. But fans had every right to focus closely on the depth of a team that has committed to winning now at the expense of the future.

Any concerns may be overblown. The Horns defeated the feisty Los Angeles Chargers and showed up strong against NFL starters and rotational players throughout the game. The Rams played their third preseason game with rookies and players unlikely to make the roster.

If you saw the game, you had to be impressed by the entire squad's resiliency. This was not a perfect contest by any means. But it was a true test of the team, the coaches, and the development of a football program with lofty expectations for the upcoming season.

5 positive takeaways from Rams' preseason finale

The Rams are trying to promote 2025 draft picks while developing the 2026 class. Both starting left tackle Alaric Jackson and wide receiver Puka Nacua could face suspensions for offseason issues. There are questions about the current roster's depth and about the future.

Fortunately, rookies and reserves showed encouraging signs this preseason for the health of the organizational talent pipeline. Let's look at five positive takeaways from the 2026 finale.

1. Rookie quarterback Matt Caldwell is more than a camp arm

Historically, there has seldom been a worthwhile reason to monitor quarterback play in LA's final preseason game. That was not the case this year.

Playing mop-up in just one preseason quarter, rookie Matt Caldwell completed five of ten passes for 31 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 3 times for 16 yards.

Caldwell left the game early with an injury, forcing Ty Simpson back in to close out the win. But Caldwell showed poise. You heard it here first.

2. Rams OL backups played their hearts out

The offensive line did not allow a single sack in three games. It allowed the offense to churn out 1,024 yards and 67 points. Backup Rams linemen paved the road for 90 rushes that gained 432 yards and three touchdowns.

Nobody would suggest they outplayed the starters. But they did prove that they deserve a bit more respect than many have shown them so far.

3. Rams defensive reserves allowed only 30 preseason points

Preseason is not about winning. But it's difficult to discount a defense that held opponents to just 30 points in three games. This motley crew not only outperformed expectations, but proved to be much deeper at critical positions than fans first hoped.

4. Dean Connors is an impressive running back

No matter what the play, running back Dean Connors seemed to make positive yards. He impressed in two of the three games and may have been a reason why LA was comfortable trading away last year's fourth-round pick, Jarquez Hunter.

At 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, Connors uses powerful strides that shed would-be tacklers. For the entire preseason, he rushed 26 times for 96 yards. He managed to move the chains 10 times.

But he also caught seven passes for 53 yards and three touchdowns. Connors is versatile, powerful, and a solid complementary addition to an offense that loves physical play.

5. CJ Daniels can contribute this season

Rookie receiver CJ Daniels hauled in 18 of 24 passes for 128 yards in three preseason games. That confirms what fans had heard about Daniels throughout training camp. While some chided the Rams for not drafting a receiver earlier, Daniels continues to prove them wrong.

He made the most of his opportunities throughout the summer while catching passes from all four quarterbacks. He will rise rapidly during the season as he creates chemistry with starter Matthew Stafford.

The future may not be brighter than the present in Los Angeles. But after seeing the organization's youth, depth veterans, and overall competitive culture shine, Rams fans have a reason for optimism.

As always, thanks for reading.

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