The 2021 preseason has officially ended for the Los Angeles Rams, who finished 0-3 with losses to the Chargers, Raiders and Broncos. But there is no reason to stress or worry that Los Angeles will not live up to expectations.
Think, how many snapshots have you seen Matthew Stafford, Darrell Henderson, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald or Jalen Ramsey play? The answer is zero.
But on Saturday night against the Broncos, the Rams ’youngest players managed to prove themselves for the last time before making the final cuts to the roster before Tuesday afternoon. There were quite a few highlights despite the disappointing 17-12 defeat, including defender Michael Hoecht and striker Corey Bojorquez.
These are our tacos and doubts.
Hoecht made a couple of plays in the first half that really demonstrated his potential as a Morgan Fox type player. He burst into the backfield for an attack to lose in the running game, then a few plays later, fired Drew Lock and forced a rumble, which he recovered himself.
Hoecht had a good chance of forming the 53-man roster before Saturday night, but he certainly helped in that.
STRIP SACK! @ MHoecht96 arriving GREAT !! 💪 pic.twitter.com/9CTgAXUGJU
– Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 29, 2021
Anchrum has had problems on the right side tonight. He was in a difficult position at first to face Von Miller, who easily beat him by an attack on the beat line. Anchrum was also called up to stay in the first half in a play that would have placed the Rams in third and 1 instead of second and 13, stopping the unit in their own zone.
He suffered on the left guard later in the game, but it was still not a banner game for Clemson’s sophomore.
Bojorquez may have closed out the lead with an almost perfect performance against the Broncos. It had a 67-yard garden that traveled about 80 meters before bouncing back, placed another point inside the 1-yard line, and then bombarded a 70-yard garden that bounced off limits. at 1.
He was an absolute student against Denver and seems more and more like a first-rate pointer. With potential savings of $ 3.75 million marketing or cutting Hekker, the Rams appear to be going with Bojorquez this season.
Gervase has not looked good in his transition to the defensive line this summer. He was hit by a touchdown through the center, as the receiver easily lost him with a route inwards and, although the Rams seemed to be covered by zones, it was Gervase’s task that scored.
In his first game back …
TOUCHDOWN, @SuttonCourtland!
📺: My20 pic.twitter.com/Q7c57gaHAg
– Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 29, 2021
He won’t form the 53-man roster unless the Rams firmly consider the ability of their special teams, but even that is unlikely.
Gay was a big points provider for the Rams tonight, looking like he was in the middle of the season with his goal attempts against the Broncos. He punched a 53-yard player, the longest of the preseason, and also converted three chip shots with ease.
The Rams should feel good with Gay as their kicker this season, especially from long range. He has a strong leg and has shown constant accuracy during his time in Los Angeles.
Once again, Atwell was a bright spot on offense. He was attacked 12 times, getting eight passes for 62 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown at the end of the fourth quarter. It was a little surprising that he was still on the field until the fourth quarter, but Atwell has shown in recent weeks that he can win in several ways.
It would have been nice to see him take a deep pass or at least throw one. Almost everything was down for Bryce Perkins against Denver, who has an excellent secondary.