Rams Stock Up, Stock Down: Dominance in trenches stands out vs. Cowboys

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys in their preseason debut on Sunday. While positive overall results are nice to see at this time of year, it’s the individual performances that matter more in the big picture of things. The Rams had a few players that made their impact felt in the win while others will have to show more over the next two weeks. Here is this week’s stock up, stock down.

Stock Up: EDGE Nick Hampton

Coming into the game, I noted Hampton as a player that needed to step up and show that he can be a solid rotational piece at edge. Due to his size, he may not be a three-down player, but he can bring a lot to the table with his speed.

To say Hampton did that would be an understatement. The second-year edge rusher actually displayed good strength at the point of attack and his bull rush was quite effective. His just 21 snaps, he had five pressures and a win rate of 42.9 percent. He made his presence felt on the field which is something that McVay will notice.

Stock Down: QB Stetson Bennett

The expectations for Bennett coming into the game weren’t very high. Bennett needed to show that he could execute the offense and look comfortable in the pocket. When the Rams quarterback was able to stay on time and move around, he looked good. On the throws in which he had to throw over the middle of the field, disaster struck with four interceptions.

While Bennett may currently be the third quarterback on the depth chart, that’s not what he was drafted to be. We can be glad that Bennett was able to get in a better place mentally last year and there isn’t any shame in what he went through. Personal things aside, he isn’t a developmental 26-year old quarterback. The Rams drafted him because he was seen as a high floor, low ceiling prospect. He may currently be the third quarterback, but he was drafted to be the backup. It would be hard to have any confidence in Bennett as the backup following Sunday’s game.

Stock Up: Backup Offensive Line

The performance of the backup offensive line against the Cowboys was about as good as you’ll see for a preseason game. According to PFF, the Rams offensive line was the second-best in pass-blocking for the week and seventh in run-blocking. Stetson Bennett was under pressure on just 12.2 percent of his dropbacks which was the lowest rate in the NFL.

Players like Logan Bruss, Beaux Limmer, Zach Thomas, and AJ Arcuri all looked really good against the Cowboys defensive line. Warren McClendon also played well at right tackle. It’s hard to gauge how these players would look if called upon in the regular season, but their performance was a reason for optimism.

Stock Down: RB Zach Evans

For the most part, Boston Scott and Zach Evans ran behind the same offensive line. Evans averaged just 2.3 yards per carry. It’s become pretty clear that Evans is on the outside looking in when it comes to the Rams roster. He’s very clearly the fifth running back on the depth chart and it doesn’t seem likely that the Rams would keep five at the position.

Again, the offensive line blocked about as good as you can expect for a preseason game. For Evans not to take advantage of that and show some upside is disappointing considering that many thought he would be a good complementary running back at this time last year.

Stock Up: DL Ty Davis

Davis was a pleasant surprise on the Rams defense against the Cowboys. The rookie was stout in the run game and his hot motor was on display throughout the game. While Bobby Brown III may be the starting nose tackle in the defense, it’s easy to see someone like Davis in a rotational role that matches what Jonah Williams did last year or what Greg Gaines did early in his career. At the very least, the Rams may have found some depth along the defensive line which is something that teams can never have too much of in the NFL.