The Los Angeles Rams’ preseason slate rolls on today with a matchup against the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium. After coming back to beat the Kansas City Chiefs last week, the Rams are looking to make it two wins in a row.
The Rams and Saints practiced together on Thursday, giving their starters plenty of work against each other, but this game will be about the backups and reserves. With several position battles still to sort out, there’s a lot to keep an eye on today.
We’ll be providing live updates throughout the game, so be sure to check back all afternoon.
Rams tack on 3 points before halftime
Bennett put together a perfect two-minute drill just before halftime, marching the Rams down the field and getting them in position for a short field goal by Harrison Mevis. He made the 26-yarder once again, putting the Rams up 20-0 at the break.
The Rams went 77 yards in 10 plays to get into field goal range.
Rams 20, Saints 0
Stetson Bennett rushes for his second touchdown
For the second time, Bennett saw an opening and took off, using his mobility and speed to rush for another touchdown. This one was from 8 yards out, dodging one defender en route to the end zone.
It capped off an 11-play, 56-yard drive by the offense to go up three scores.
Rams 17, Saints 0
Cam Lampkin breaks up the fourth-down pass
On the drive after the Rams’ touchdown, the defense stepped up and forced a turnover on downs. Lampkin broke on the ball on fourth down and deflected the pass, preventing a conversion by the Saints. He got there a little early, but it wasn’t egregious enough to warrant a pass interference penalty.
Stetson Bennett runs it in for the 1-yard touchdown
After rolling out to his right and finding no one open, Bennett took matters into his own hands. He took off to the far pylon and beat the defender to the corner, diving for the 1-yard touchdown after it was initially ruled short of the end zone.
Sean McVay had to challenge the play in order for it to be reviewed and overturned.
Rams 10, Saints 0
Al’zillion Hamilton picks off Zach Wilson
Undrafted rookie Al’zillion Hamilton came up with the third-and-long interception on Wilson, picking off the inaccurate throw and securing it as he went to the ground.
Hamilton had a nice pass breakup last week against the Chiefs, too, so it’s the second straight week he’s made a standout play.
Undrafted rookie Wesley Bailey making an early impact
Bailey is trying to make the 53-man roster and for the second straight week, he’s having an impact. In the first quarter alone, he had four tackles, one sack and two tackles for a loss.
Harrison Mevis and the Rams strike first
After Stetson Bennett hit CJ Daniels on third down short of the sticks, Harrison Mevis put the Rams on the board with a 26-yard field goal. It was a 14-play, 63-yard drive by the Rams.
Rams 3, Saints 0
Bennett floats one to Scott on fourth down
After missing Scott on the deep shot, Bennett came right back and layered one perfectly to his receiver on fourth down. Scott laid out for the catch, making a big play for the offense.
Stetson Bennett just barely overthrows Tyler Scott on a deep ball
Bennett took a shot deep to Scott on the post route but he slightly overthrew the receiver, who attempted to dive for the reception.
False start on fourth down leads to a punt
Blake Hance at left tackle was called for a false start on fourth-and-3 when the Rams were planning to go for it. However, after the penalty, Ethan Evans came out for the punt, ending the Rams’ first possession.
Stetson Bennett gets the start at QB
Just like last week, Bennett got the start at quarterback for the Rams. Ty Simpson will come in as a backup at some point in the game.
Saints win the toss and defer
The Rams got the ball first after the Saints won the toss and deferred to the second half.
Saints starting Zach Wilson, not Spencer Rattler
Like the Rams, the Saints also have a competition brewing at QB2. They’re reportedly expected to start Wilson against the Rams instead of Rattler, making a switch behind Tyler Shough. Rattler had been viewed as the QB2, but Wilson is staking his claim for the job.
The scene for today’s game
What time does Rams vs. Saints start?
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams vs. Saints live updates: Preseason Week 2 score, highlights
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
