7 takeaways from Rams' narrow win vs. Chargers: Tough roster decisions loom

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Aug 17, 2025 - 09:30
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7 takeaways from Rams' narrow win vs. Chargers: Tough roster decisions loom

It didn't matter that the Los Angeles Chargers played some of their starters in the first quarter. The Los Angeles Rams more than held their own on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium. In fact, the Rams' backups played from start to finish and took down the Chargers, 23-22.

Stetson Bennett led the offense with 324 yards passing and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with 5 seconds left. Brennan Presley went over 100 yards receiving on six catches and the defense held the Chargers to only 291 yards of total offense.

It was an impressive win by the Rams against a team that was 2-0 this preseason, making a statement with Bennett at quarterback once again. Here are our seven biggest takeaways from the Rams' victory.

Stetson Bennett shines once again

Bennett had the “it” factor at Georgia when he led the Bulldogs to consecutive national championships, and it seems he hasn’t lost that trait. He showed he has the clutch gene by driving the Rams 75 yards in 10 plays with just 1:28 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, scoring the game-winning touchdown with a 5-yard pass to Tru Edwards.

His performance was terrific on Saturday, with the exception of one near-interception and one interception on back-to-back plays. He was confident, decisive, threw well from the pocket and off-platform and used his legs when he needed to.

He’s making it impossible for the Rams to cut him, especially with Matthew Stafford’s future uncertain. This was arguably the best game he’s ever played in the NFL, looking like someone who has a future as a QB2 for the Rams.

Rams’ running back room is as deep as ever

Los Angeles has never been this deep at running back under Sean McVay. Kyren Williams hasn’t played at all this preseason but the Rams have had no trouble running the ball, rushing for 134 yards on Saturday – their second straight game with 100-plus yards on the ground.

Jarquez Hunter led the way with 55 yards on 15 carries, Cody Schrader had 48 yards on his 13 rushes and Blake Corum looked quick with 22 yards on four carries. They have a legitimate three-headed monster with Williams, Corum and Hunter, and Schrader is making a strong case for a roster spot, too.

The Rams should feel really good about their depth in that group because it’s undeniably excellent.

Impossible decisions loom at cornerback

Good luck to the Rams when it comes to deciding which cornerbacks will make the 53-man roster. We know the starters are locked in and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is just about a sure bet, too. But after that, it’s wide open.

A.J. Green staked his claim for a roster spot on Saturday with two pass breakups. Cam Lampkin wasn’t perfect but he was great in the opener last week. Charles Woods had a nice deflection on a deep ball over the middle and even Derion Kendrick had tight coverage on an incompletion where he got a hand on it, too.

Shaun Jolly seems to be falling behind a bit but regardless, the Rams have so many tough calls at this position.

Brennan Jackson finally arrives

Jackson barely played last preseason and was mostly a non-factor a week ago against the Cowboys, raising concerns about whether he’ll even make the 53-man roster. He hasn’t secured a spot yet but there’s no question he helped himself on Saturday.

Jackson had two sacks in the win, both coming with a little bit of help from Desjuan Johnson – another standout player for the Rams. Jackson has the size and strength to be a good backup edge defender, especially in run situations, but he showed he can rush the passer a bit on Saturday, too.

Xavier Smith has nothing left to prove

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rams choose to rest Smith in the final preseason game. That’s how good he’s been and how secure he should be as a contributor this season. Purely as a wide receiver, he can help in several ways with his speed and physicality, as evidenced on Saturday when he went over the middle and caught a 25-yard deep dig before taking a shot from a defender.

He can also return kickoffs and punts, something the Rams haven’t even asked him to do this preseason. Smith has nothing left to prove and should get next weekend off. He’s making this team.

Young receivers are giving coaches a lot to think about

It’s easy to get caught up in preseason hype when it comes to receivers, but this summer has shown how deep the Rams are at that position. Brennan Presley had 102 yards on six catches, Smith had 49 yards on four catches, Mario Williams caught a 38-yard touchdown pass on a post route and Tru Edwards caught the game-winner – one of several tough grabs by the rookie.

There’s a chance none of the young guys like Presley, Williams or Edwards will make the team, but they’re at least giving the coaching staff something to think about. You just never know what will happen after the top six receivers on the roster.

Lack of a Matthew Stafford update is concerning

Unrelated to the game, the Rams had no update on Stafford. A spokesperson declined to comment on whether Stafford worked out Saturday, while acting head coach Aubrey Pleasant also deferred all questions about the quarterback to Sean McVay.

Pleasant wouldn’t even say whether Stafford was at the game.

After last Saturday’s workout, McVay was excited about the way Stafford looked, saying in-game and after the game that he looked “awesome.” This time around, there’s been nothing on that workout from the Rams – if it happened in the first place.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams vs. Chargers: 7 key takeaways from preseason win

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