Relax Fans, the Rams Aren’t as Bad as They Looked

By Nic Moody | Aug 16, 2015

Last night may not have ended the way most St Louis Rams fans had hoped it would, but fans need not worry. Yes the loss to the Oakland Raiders doesn’t matter on paper, and certainly doesn’t mean much as the first preseason game, but the Rams didn’t play well at all, which is concerning for a team that hasn’t had a winning season.

The reason fans shouldn’t worry is because the Rams have a lot of undrafted talent fighting for roster spots. There is a reason the Rams couldn’t muster any points in the second half, because the depth isn’t there. This is still one of the youngest teams in the league, most who are undrafted fighting for the finals roster spots.

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Take the first couple of series though, and you can tell this Rams team can play. Quarterback Nick Foles delivered a strike to tight end Lance Kendricks on the first offensive play, and followed it up by throwing a screen to Tavon Austin, who returned to his college form for a few seconds to gain 35 yards.

The offense still needs plenty of work, but remember it’s the first preseason game. Nick Foles struggled in the second series by holding on to the ball for too long and backpedaling his way for two sacks, but still plenty of time to work that out. Foles still showed great poise by standing in the pocket and delivering strikes, he will only get better.

The defense struggled to finish tackles, but that happens every year for St Louis. They will get better as the preseason goes on, they always do. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson looked to be in top form, making an athletic deflection and getting a red zone interception all in the first quarter.

The defense did a great job getting to the quarterback. The Rams front pressure made Oakland quarterback Derek Carr get rid of the ball quickly, and the same goes for run plays, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, because it left massive holes for the Raiders to run through.

Rams fans shouldn’t worry. It’s a new system, with a new quarterback, who only played two series. There are plenty more practices and preseason games to go before anyone needs to even think about hitting the panic button.

The St Louis Rams will practice in Oxnard California this week, then will travel to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans and their newly acquired quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Next: St. Louis Rams Lose Cornerback E.J. Gaines for Season

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