What we learned from the Rams’ exhibition victory over the Kansas City Chiefs
Sam Farmer, Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry break down the performance of Jared Goff and Todd Gurley in the Rams’ 21-20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in an exhibition game on Aug. 20.
What we learned from the Rams’ 21-20 exhibition victory over the Kansas City Chiefs:
Jared Goff is a slow starter
That view could change, of course, because we only have a small sample size.
But for the second time in as many weeks, Goff committed a turnover on the second play of his first series.
Against the Dallas Cowboys, he had a pass intercepted after he was hit by a blitzing linebacker while throwing. On Saturday night, he tripped and fumbled.
Opponents turned both turnovers into points.
Goff also fumbled the ball out of bounds after he was sacked on his second series against the Chiefs.
Goff settled in a bit and made some good throws. But for his sake, and the Rams, Goff must eliminate those kinds of errors.
Statistically speaking, Case Keenum is not that far from perfect
After completing six of seven passes in the exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys, starting quarterback Keenum completed four of five against the Chiefs.
Keenum led the Rams on two scoring drives. He aired out one throw that resulted in a pass-interference penalty and led to a touchdown.
Another solid performance next week against the Denver Broncos will only improve the confidence of a quarterback already playing with plenty.
Todd Gurley will not cruise
Gurley carried the ball four times for 20 yards, including a touchdown, in his first exhibition appearance.
Gurley ran aggressively and fought his way into the end zone for a game-tying touchdown. He played with the intensity of a rookie trying to make the team.
Coach Jeff Fisher wisely held out Gurley the rest of the game.
The best thing the coaching staff can do for starting quarterback Case Keenum is to keep Gurley healthy and out of harm’s way until the results really count.
The offensive line appears to be coming along
Keenum has not been sacked, and some of Goff’s issues with pressure in the pocket might be the result of taking snaps under center for the first time in years.
Running backs Gurley, Benny Cunningham (four carries for 38 yards) and Malcolm Brown (12 carries for 68 yards) ran effectively.
It’s too early to judge whether the line has made a huge jump, especially with tackle Rob Havenstein still sidelined because of a foot issue.
But it does not appear to be a liability.
The tight end corps has depth
Rookie Tyler Higbee, who caught five passes against the Cowboys, did not play, so other tight ends got opportunities.
Veteran Lance Kendricks caught a 15-yard pass from Case Keenum to help set up a go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter.
Goff connected with rookie Temarrick Hemingway for a 26-yard reception, and Justice Cunningham made a seven-yard catch.
Cory Harkey is also in the rotation.
New defensive linemen could become factors
Dominique Easley and Quinton Coples both made plays.
Easley, a former first-round draft pick by the New England Patriots, was credited with two tackles, including one for a loss.
Coples, a former New York Jets first-round pick, had a sack and forced two fumbles.
The cornerback position remains an issue
The Rams gave up only one touchdown pass but the search continues for someone to effectively replace Janoris Jenkins.
Chiefs quarterbacks completed 32 of 43 passes for 328 yards, without an interception.
Coty Sensabaugh started, Lamarcus Joyner played but was ejected and E.J. Gaines played for the first time since the 2014 season.
Chiefs receiver Chris Conley beat Trumaine Johnson for a 37-yard reception from Alex Smith. The play helped set up a touchdown.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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