The LA Rams have concluded their 2022 preseason, finishing with a 1-2 record. This off-season has not been short of headlines for the defending champions as they prepare their roster for the upcoming season. With Week 1 and the Buffalo Bills looming in just over 10 days, the LA Rams are all in again and looking to roll it back.
Let’s take a look at the top five takeaways from their 2022 preseason.
1. Bryce Perkins could be QB2 in 2023
For the second consecutive outdoor season, QB Bryce Perkins has made it a tough decision for LA Rams head coach Sean McVay. During his tenure with the Rams, Coach McVay has often kept just two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. In 2021 Perkins pushed his way into the roster with a great preseason. In 2022 it will be much more of the same. This year, the decision may not be too difficult.
You see, Bryce Perkins brings a unique skill that none of the other quarterbacks on the Rams roster have shown. While still developing as a passer, Perkins has an excellent ability to escape pressure and expand the game with his athleticism. Too often we’ve seen him dodge and scramble too many times this preseason, with defenders just falling off him. His continued growth and clear favor with the coaching staff make you wonder, is he being groomed for the backup role in 2023?
Rams quarterback John Wolford was a breath of fresh air from former QB Jared Goff in 2020, but with the presence of veteran pitcher Matthew Stafford, the parameters of this offense have changed. Wolford doesn’t have the huge arm to make the throws that Stafford makes. Although he is mobile enough, he does not have the escape and play expansion ability that Perkins has. With John Wolford becoming a free agent at the end of this season, I think the transition to Perkins as QB2 will be much clearer.
2. WR Lance McCutcheon is more than a feel-good story
Every preseason, an NFL team seems to have a player who defies all odds on their way to the 53-man roster. This year it’s the LA Rams and WR Lance McCutcheon.
McCutcheon, an undrafted rookie from the state of Montana, has lightened it up for the Rams this preseason. He came on the scene in the Rams’ first preseason game against the Chargers, recording 5 receptions for 87 yards and TWO touchdowns, as well as a two-point conversion. In Week 2 against the Texans, he showed up for 5 catches to go along with 97 receiving yards. Last night against the Cincinnati Bengals, 5 catches for 76 yards. He netted 15 of his 20 goals this preseason. Yes, this man is on the list.
It could get even better than that for the young WR though. McCutcheon has a range of skills that translate to regular season Sundays, and he could potentially contribute sooner rather than later. He is a very smooth runner with strong hands to make aggressive catches at the catch point. He gets in and out of his breaks very well, while also not afraid to do the dirty work in the middle.
These are the qualities Coach McVay looks for in receivers in his attack. LA Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp and wide receiver Allen Robinson will be constants this year, but with the WR3 position in flux right now, it’s not hard to think we could see McCutcheon steal some snaps this season with the attack of the first team.
3. Ram’s rookie DBs will compete in Year 1
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the LA Rams drafted two young cornerbacks they hoped would be key pieces for the future. After training camp and preseason, it looks like both defensive backs: Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant; are ready for action in Year 1.
Let’s start with Kendrick. Derion Kendrick, a sixth-round roster from the University of Georgia, didn’t have the most conventional path to the NFL. Dealing with coaching staff changes and off-the-field challenges, Kendrick jumped from Clemson University to Georgia. Despite some of his problems, Kendrick is a true baller. With a height of 1.80 meters and 190 kilos, he is a big physical corner kick. However, as a former wide receiver, he also has excellent ball skills. His size and skill make him a good man-to-man cover angle, but his quick change of direction and ball skills also make him an asset in zone cover. He has looked good in training camp and preseason. Look for Kendrick to see some outside shots for the Rams this year.
When I came from the state of South Carolina, there wasn’t much hype around CB Decobie Durant. However, during the tenure of LA Rams GM Les Snead, the Rams have found a few diamonds in the rough in the late rounds of drafts. Durant, taken with the 142nd overall pick, seems to be another one of those steals.
While Durant is not a big angle, at 5 feet-10 tall and weighing 180 pounds, he more than makes up for his size in athletics. He has blazing speed, clocking in at 4.38 seconds for the 40-yard dash in the NFL combination. During the preseason, Durant has shown that he is capable of standing in the trench, but his jumping ability and speed also make him a valuable asset on the outside. He is slowly becoming a fan favorite and is clearly loved by the coaching staff.
Watch out for these two young corners to make an impact for the Rams in 2022.
4. Rams rookie Kyren Williams on lock RB3
In a very short space of time, it looks like rookie RB Kyren Williams has left his mark on the LA Rams coaching staff.
After sustaining a foot injury that left him out of action in OTAs, Williams returned to training camp during the final stages. In just a few weeks, the rookie RB has landed a role for the Rams in 2022. With the recent soft-tissue injuries to LA Rams veteran Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson, Kyren has received the majority of reps. with the first team attack along with Jake Funk and reportedly looks good while doing it.
I wanted to see Williams in the preseason, but the Rams already see him as too valuable to put out there. Kyren has a very patient running style that is powerful but also has the speed in play to bring it home. His biggest role with the Rams is arguably third with his blocking and pass catching skills, areas where he excelled while playing college football at Notre Dame.
5. The hype of Tutu Atwell may have some merit
The debate over LA Rams’ Tutu Atwell recipient is a fun one among Rams fans. Much of the Ramily has mixed feelings about him, given where he’s lined up. In 2021, the Rams selected Tutu Atwell in the second round of the NFL Draft. In a place where many fans wanted offensive line help, some weren’t happy to see the Rams take an “undersized” NFL-wide receiver.
His rookie year wasn’t promising, but Tutu Atwell lightened it up at a training camp this year. He was drafted to be a speed threat on the Rams offense and took the top of the defense for Matthew Stafford. So far this off-season, he has done just that. Consistently in training camp, we have heard that Matthew Stafford or John Wolford have unfurled another bomb over 50 yards towards Atwell.
Now the question is, can he perform that well against NFL secondaries in full contact?
He’s done so well that HC Sean McVay kept him out of the teams’ three preseason games. Atwell clearly has a part to play for the 2022 offense, and Rams fans should be excited to see what Atwell can bring to the team this year.
0 Comments