RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Sean McVay joins fans getting fired up for the preseason (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The wait is over, Los Angeles Rams football is back. Time to box up those preseason thoughts, all the hype, speculation, and over-reaction. Don’t discard them, just shake them up and repurpose them as post-preseason game analysis.
Fortunes will rise and fall, but the stars won’t shine, this production will be left to the understudy’s. As expected, the Rams will sit as many as 40 players and the Chiefs are on the same platform . Simple schemes will be the rule. That doesn’t ensure the game will be boring, in last year’s three games, L.A. charted just under 1100 yards of total offense, 672 through the air and 418 on the ground.
Here’s what I will be watching for in Saturday’s opening game with the Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
Now that the word has come down that Stetson Bennett will start, it will offer a fans to view both Bennett and Ty Simpson in an enclosed sample. And offers a chance to create some QB controversy.
Bennett has shown improvement over his L.A. tenure and should have a solid command of the offensive principles, even as vanilla as they will likely be in an opening preseason game. His glaring problem, that appears to still persist to this day, is his decision making and the resulting lack of ball security.
Although Simpson will face media (and fans too) applied post-game pressure, comparing his play to other rookie QB’s without the draft pedigree, on-field pressure will be mostly self-inflicted. In his first NFL action, if Simpson can simply get the team in and out of the huddle, show he can make the proper reads, and put the ball where it belongs, we fans can mark it down as progress.
TRENDING: Ty Simpson has been FLASHING as of late at Rams training camp. Simpson’s processing skills and athletic instincts have reportedly “turned heads” since the pads came on. The Rams rookie QB is showing early signs of a PROMISING future 😳 pic.twitter.com/J7L5JkbBkO
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) August 6, 2026
Running back
There’s not a lot of rungs on the ladder for Jarquez Hunter to ascend. What he can do is to keep grinding and lock up RB#3. Ronnie Rivers could be vulnerable, last year his snaps were down substantially on both offense and special teams from past couple of seasons. He did fill a small role with 16 kickoff returns (2nd on team).
Jordan Waters and Dean Conners will battle for a practice squad berth. Waters offers a combination of size/athleticism and played well last preseason. Conners is a faster/twitchier version of Ronnie Rivers. Shows the base traits of a third down back, tough runner, willing blocker, and good receiver.
Wide receiver
So far, there is still no clear-cut WR#3. So, it will be about trying to get a read on who is making hay for that role. Of the three odds-on contenders, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpford, and Xavier Smith, I would expect Whittington to get the afternoon off. Mumpford might be locked in, but should probably play and Smith certainly should.
The good news is that the backup receivers played pretty well last preseason. It has been widely reported that the Rams rotated their wideouts between the first and second units all through camp. Tyler Scott had some run with the first team on a couple of occasions, he was highly thought of coming into the league and although he has yet to put it together, I think he has the skills to pressure those just ahead on the depth chart. Rookie CJ Daniels had some early-camp buzz, now gets to do it against live action. While reports were quiet about Brennan Presley and Tru Edwards, Mario Williams showed connection with Ty Simpson on more than a couple of occasions.
Tight end
To start the season, the cupboard is full, but there are some interesting traits amongst the the backups. Seeing how the Rams line them up, will they lean right into the multi-tight end sets or save it for the regular season? A 13 formation of Max Klare, Dan Villari, and Rohan Jones would be make for some fun mismatches, all have good hands and the potential for run after catch yards. Although Mark Redman is more of a traditional TE, a bit heavy-footed, he’s got hands and is a fine blocker.
Max Klare with the first team. pic.twitter.com/AFxTL5Ye0T
— Allen Sales (@AllenSales) August 7, 2026
Offensive line
As much as I would like to see Keagan Trost in live action, the offensive line depth, or rather the lack of it, may not allow it. Wyatt Bowles was, to my eye, the Rams best preseason lineman last year, showing at both guard and center. Be very cool to see him take another step forward and make the opening roster. With Justin Dedich still out, it is within striking distance. Austin Blaske and Bryce Henderson were interesting undrafted additions and it will be enlightening to see if they can bring something to the table. The remaining guys, AJ Arcuri, Dylan McMahon, Bill Murray, and Blake Hance are all veterans of some ilk and don’t really excite me.
Special teams
Like everyone else, just seeing an improved overall effort would be a start. Boring down a bit, who’s back for punt and kickoff returners could be interesting, I recall reading numerous names thrown into the returner hat. Hopefully the Rams don’t play it conservative and fair catch everything.
Defensive interior
It’s fair to want to see and expect a little more from Ty Hamilton, his snaps per game were up in the last year’s stretch drive and playoffs, but he needs to show some dominance against preseason opposition. I like Larrell Murchison, but I don’t see what he can prove by playing that he hasn’t already shown. Bill Norton had a nice 2026 preseason, maybe he can build on it. Tim Keenan is interesting, if he can return to his 2024 college form, he could be a real keeper. Have to admit, I’m indifferent towards the two undrafted rookies, Payton Zdroik and Jaxson Moi.
Edge
By most reportage, Josiah Stewart and De...
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