The 2023 NFL preseason has come to a close, and no one is happier about that than Los Angeles Rams fans after the team got crushed by the Denver Broncos 41-0 on Saturday night. L.A. finishes the preseason winless at 0-3, falling to the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.
As has been the case every year since Sean McVay took over as head coach though, a majority of the Rams’ starters did not play in the preseason. In the finale against the Broncos that list of inactives expanded to some of the backups too, which led to the lopsided defeat.
It’s no secret that the Rams are in a transition period, having one of the youngest rosters in the NFL with no rookies. So even though they were beaten in every facet of the game by the Broncos, there were still some positives and a lot of learning to take away from the contest.
The play of rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett left much to be desired, however. He completed 4-of-9 passes for 14 yards in his third preseason game, also throwing two interceptions. He is in line to be the Rams’ primary backup quarterback although it is clear that the former Georgia star still has a lot of developing to do to play at this level.
Two of the positives for L.A. in this game though was the play of running back Ronnie Rivers and wide receiver Austin Trammell, who are both fighting to make the roster.
Rivers carried the ball six times for 32 yards, finishing the preseason with a solid 4.9 yards per carry average. Trammell was really the Rams’ only other source of offense as he hauled in five receptions for 55 yards on seven targets.
On the defensive side of the ball, Marquise Copeland and Quindell Johnson both had sacks although L.A. struggled to contain Denver’s offense for most of the night. Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham threw for 236 yards and a touchdown while backup Ben DiNucci had 117 yards and a touchdown of his own. The Broncos also rushed for three touchdowns in the blowout victory.
Up next for the Rams…
The next time the Rams take the field, it will be for real when they travel to take on the division rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 on Sept. 10.
Unlike the preseason though, the Rams will have all of their starters on the field, barring injury, which includes stars like Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford.
The Seahawks have a quality roster after making the postseason last year so it will be a good test for the Rams on the road in Week 1 on the 2023 NFL season.
