Los Angeles Rams At Denver Broncos: 5 Veterans to Watch

We're almost there. It's week three of the preseason where normally veterans get the majority of their work in before the real games start. With that in mind here some players I will be looking at as they face off against Denver.

QB Case Keenum

Keenum is your Los Angeles Rams starting QB right now. He's been pretty solid and efficient through two weeks of the preseason. Jeff Fisher wants to give him a couple extra series to play before putting rookie QB Jared Goff in. This is an important game for Keenum to solidify his position as starer since, after all, it's only a matter of time before Goff takes over as the franchise's QB...right?

The Rams believe the can compete for the playoffs this year and the QB positon is the most important part of their potential playoff run. Can Keenum keep the offense moving and extend drives on 3rd downs? The defending Super Bowl Champions' starting defense will be an excellent test. It would not be ideal for him to lay a complete egg in his last significant preseason playing time while Goff is still learning the in's and out's of being an NFL QB.

WR Tavon Austin

The Rams' second-most important offensive weapon has been almost non-existent through the first two weeks of preseason. Its really nothing to get concerned about but for a struggling offense, though it would be a huge boost in confidence to get Austin in a rhythm this week. He's definitely a player that thrives off big plays and the momentum it brings. As he plays with more confidence, it permeates through the entire offense.

It's time for him to make a few plays.

CB E.J. Gaines

Last week vs the Chiefs marked Gaines' first game action in over a year, and the CB didn't disappoint. In his absence, the secondary has looked extremely vulnerable even with a vanilla defensive game plan. Gaines and Trumaine Johnson offer the best possible CB tandem for the Rams and its important for Gaines to get back in the groove in live action. Early on against Denver, look for Gaines to line up against Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders, two of the better WRs in the NFL.

OT Greg Robinson

Still just 23-years old, the third-year left tackle is looking to continue on his improved play vs the Broncos. Robinson has looked much better thus far in training camp than he ever has in years past. He plays one of the most important positions a football team has at left tackle, protecting the blindside of either Keenum or Goff and possibly gets a chance to face two of the best pass rushers the NFL has to offer this week in Von Miller and Demarcus Ware. Robinson has been much improved in the running game opening up holes for RBs but still isn't all the way there as a pass protector. Week 3 could be an enormous confidence booster for him as the Rams soon head into the regular season.

MLB Alec Ogletree

Ogletree was on this last week, but I'm putting him here again.

The Rams' first team defense struggled vs Kansas City last week, letting the Chiefs march all over them for a TD on the first drive. As the new leader of the defense, Ogletree was not happy with his unit's performance and it spilled over during practice this week when he got into scuffles with RBs Benny Cunningham and Todd Gurley. Look for Ogletree to take charge of the defense and get assignments corrected this week. The Rams backups and reserves have thrown shutouts vs the Cowboys and Chiefs but the first team defense has left a lot to be desired. This will be the best test yet before the regular season to work out the kinks.