The Los Angeles Rams went into their second preseason game of 2024 with a new face at the helm of the ship. Head coach Sean McVay handed all his responsibilities over to assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant for the game, saying that he’s earned the right to lead a team. And he helped lead the Rams to a 13-9 victory over the L.A. Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Stetson Bennett put together a much cleaner outing than his preseason opener, tossing for 213 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He had the game-winning touchdown, a 47-yard bomb to J.J. Laap with 9:48 to go in the game. Joshua Karty knocked in two field goals as well.
And after the game, McVay gave a shoutout to Pleasant for his work as the head coach for the game, rewarding him with the game ball for his efforts:
"Man, we can do something special this year."
🗣️ Assistant HC Aubrey Pleasant breaks us down after our second preseason dub! pic.twitter.com/ShKJSaIbiN
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 18, 2024
Preseason football does not include the star power of the regular season or the pressure of the playoffs, but it does provide unique opportunities for all types of people in the football world. It gives players an opportunity to prove they belong on the big stage and it gives coaches the opportunity to show what they can do if given the responsibility.
Pleasant being able to coach the Rams’ second and third-string players to a victory shows what he can do as a leader and with a little bit of preparation. He also gave Bennett a great chance to improve on his uneven performance from last weekend with great results.
McVay will take back the head coaching duties, but now knows even more so that he has a trustworthy figure beside him in Pleasant.
Rams expect Matthew Stafford to return to practice next week
Matthew Stafford’s hamstring injury has been among the most concerning of training camp thus far as he was forced to leave the joint practice during the Dallas Cowboys this week.
At 36 years of age, the Rams will surely be cautious with their quarterback to ensure Stafford doesn’t suffer a setback where he is forced to miss regular season games.
McVay revealed on Thursday that Stafford’s removal from the practice was precautionary and he is dealing with “Just hamstring tightness.”
McVay would add: “He just felt a little something so we’re just being smart with him. That’s really what it came to.”
