5 Things to Watch as Rams Take on Saints in Preseason Week 2

The Los Angeles Rams are set to play the New Orleans Saints in the preseason on Saturday. Following a win against the Kansas City Chiefs with several standout performances, there will be plenty to watch on Saturday. Here are five things to watch as the Rams take on the Saints in Week 2 of the preseason.

Ty Simpson Has a Chance to Strengthen His Case for QB2

Last week against the Chiefs, rookie quarterback Ty Simpson impressed to say the least. He went 21-for-25 for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Simpson looked sharp and gained confidence with every throw. Now, against the Saints on Saturday, Simpson will need to show that he can follow that up with another strong performance.

If Simpson plays well against the Saints, it’s going to be difficult for the Rams to continue to justify having Stetson Bennett ahead of Simpson. If Simpson once again looks sharp, there’s a chance he overtakes Bennett for the backup quarterback role.

Dean Connors Looks to Follow Up Two Touchdown Performance

Following last week’s game against the Chiefs, running back Dean Connors instantly became a fan favorite. Connors caught two touchdowns and looks like someone who could push for the fourth running back spot on the depth chart.

While Connors was good as a pass catcher out of the backfield, he only averaged 3.7 yards per carry and needs to improve in pass protection if he’s going to push for a roster spot. Jarquez Hunter also looked good when he was on the field. Connors is likely a candidate for the practice squad, but many will be intrigued to see how he follows up last week’s performance.

Special Teams Aim to Carry Over Strong Start

The Rams got a good performance from their special teams unit last week. Harrison Mevis went 2-for-2 while Ethan Evans started to find his rhythm. The turning point in the game was arguably Xavier Smith’s 40-yard punt return to set the offense up with good field position. It may only be the preseason, but it will be nice to see some special teams consistency. If the Rams can carry that into the regular season, it will be a positive.

Rams Defense Still Searching for a Preseason Standout

It’s never a bad thing when the head coach names you specifically in their press conference and that’s exactly what happened with safety Nick Andersen. McVay mentioned Andersen as someone who stood out on tape. Still, the defense was relatively quiet last week.

The Rams are looking for their “Dean Connors” on defense. Is that Wesley Bailey on the edge or Nikhai Hill-Green at linebacker? Al’Zillion Hamilton had a pass breakup last week, but an interception would go a long way. Fans are still waiting for their ‘preseason darling’ on defense, and the Rams need someone to step up.

Offensive Line Depth Gets Another Important Test

It’s unlikely that the Rams play any of their key offensive line depth in this game. Keagen Trost strained his hamstring last week. However, the Rams still need to find some developmental options for the practice squad, especially if Alaric Jackson is suspended early in the season. That’s not to say that anybody playing on Saturday will eventually start this season, but finding some developmental options for the practice squad is needed.

Last week, this was a group that played well. Austin Blaske was a standout at guard and tackle. The Rams also got good tackle play out of Bryce Henderson. Things can typically get messy with the third and fourth-string offensive line, but they opened up lanes in the run game and kept Simpson clean against the Chiefs. If Blaske plays well again, the Rams may have found a developmental option at tackle.

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