The Los Angeles Rams got off to a strong start to the preseason as they picked up a narrow victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Head coach Sean McVay continued the trend of resting his starters and veterans during the preseason, paving the way for the younger players on the roster to get reps. Stetson Bennett got the nod at quarterback and played the entire game, completing 24 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown. Bennett did get picked off four times, but it was to be expected after a long layoff from football.
While it was good to see Bennett back on the field, the story of the afternoon was rookie receiver Jordan Whittington. Without Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, Whittington served as the No. 1 option for the passing game and he delivered with game-highs of six receptions and 74 receiving yards.
Before the game against the Cowboys, Whittington admitted it was overwhelming for him to see his jersey in the locker room and get ready for his professional debut, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“I’ve dreamed of being here, so just seeing my name on the back of an NFL jersey, it was a lot,” Whittington said. “And I remember before the game, I was praying, and I was like, ‘God, if this life only exists in my dreams, don’t wake me up.’ The whole time, I was just enjoying it, man. That’s what it was about.”
Whittington had a strong first training camp with Los Angeles and he showed why the team is high on him as his game resembles that of Nacua. Whittington is a strong, physical receiver who can take contact and generate yards after the catch.
The rookie’s biggest play of the day came when he shook off a tackle to pick up 30 yards, showing his playmaking ability. He could have had a bigger day after coming up with an 18-yard grab, though it was called back on a penalty.
The Rams have a knack for being able to find productive players in the later rounds, and it’s looking like Whittington might be their latest gem. It’s good not to overreact to one preseason game, but it’s hard not to come away impressed with Whittington’s tape.
Sean McVay expects Puka Nacua to be ready for Rams’ Week 1 game against Lions
Sean McVay announced Puka Nacua would be held out for the Rams’ entire preseason due to his knee injury, but expects the star wideout to be available for Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.
