Rams' no-name defense answered the bell in preseason send-off

There was never a more dramatic difference in approach than the treat fans enjoyed in the Los Angeles Rams' final preseason matchup against the Chargers. The Chargers used the finale to knock the rust off starters before the regular season. Those players started Thursday's game and spent several possessions on the field.

By contrast, Rams starters and key reserves sat while those still on the roster bubble vied for the final few spots on the team.

Of course, pitting starters against players whose NFL careers could end just hours after the game may seem a rather lopsided contest. But this preseason Rams defense is passionate, stingy, and just shut down the New Orleans Saints last week. The Horns outscored opponents 54-12 in the first two games.

The defense only allowed 18 points to a Chargers offense that did not hesitate to start star quarterback Justin Herbert.

The Bolts tried and failed to find a rhythm in their new offense under coordinator Mike McDaniels. It was the final test drive for Herbert and his playmakers to fine-tune their chemistry in a game-like setting.

So how did LA's defense measure up to the challenge?

Hodgepodge Rams defense handled tough task vs Chargers starters

Even as Chris Shula's defense allowed its first touchdown of the preseason, the group stood up tall. In the first quarter, before the Chargers swapped in backups, Herbert went 2-for-3 passing for 74 yards and a touchdown, but the Horns held them to five runs for just 10 yards.

The Rams led 13-7 at halftime and held on for a 20-18 win. Players unlikely to make the active roster squared off admirably against Chargers starters. While the refrain "it's only the preseason" certainly applies, the game was enough to rally enthusiastic Rams fans as we ready for the regular season.

The only true blemish was allowing Chargers RB Greg Desrosiers Jr. to gash the run defense for 118 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries.

Nothing from preseason carries over to the regular season. But players who competed in this one walk away knowing that as a whole, they outplayed another team's starters.

While that may not land them an NFL contract immediately, it's something to hold onto as they seek their next opportunities. And to any Rams player handed a pink slip in the coming days, thanks for your effort and best of luck.

As always, thanks for reading.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow