Sean McVay doesn’t use the preseason the way a lot of coaches do, and that makes these August games matter in a different way for the Rams. The starters stay on the sideline, the snaps get handed to the backups and fringe guys, and the real drama comes from the roster fights that still need answers before final cuts on Aug. 30.
Saturday’s preseason matchup with the Saints should help sort through several of those decisions. The most interesting battles are scattered across the depth chart, and a few of them got a little clearer after last week’s opener against the Chiefs and Thursday’s joint work with New Orleans.
At quarterback, the backup job looked settled before camp turned it into a real question. Ty Simpson changed the feel of the competition with a clean outing against the Chiefs, and then he essentially split snaps with Stetson Bennett on Thursday after not getting any reps in the first joint practice.
That sets up an interesting decision for McVay in Saturday’s game. Will he give both quarterbacks close to a half, or keep Bennett on a limited workload if he’s already secured the QB2 role?
The backfield has also started to take shape, though there’s still one spot worth watching. Early in camp, Ronnie Rivers was viewed as the player most likely to battle Jarquez Hunter for the No. 3 job.
But Rivers sitting out the preseason opener while Hunter handled a heavy load pointed toward Rivers being ahead of him. Now the more relevant competition appears to be Hunter against undrafted rookie Dean Connors.
Connors brings value as a receiver, while Hunter runs with power and downhill force. Hunter remains the clear favorite to make the roster over Connors, especially as a fourth-round pick last year, but Connors made a strong first impression.
Outside linebacker is another spot with a real sorting process still underway. Desjuan Johnson, Keir Thomas, Wesley Bailey and Darryl Peterson all logged between 32 and 43 snaps in the first preseason game, and Sean McVay had positive things to say about all four this week after their work against Kansas City.
Johnson and Thomas look like the two leading candidates for the No. 4 edge rusher role and a spot on the roster, while Bailey and Peterson may be trying to work their way onto the practice squad. Of the group, Johnson and Thomas are the key names to track, and both should see plenty of action again.
The cornerback group has a few players trying to force their way into the conversation, even if one spot already feels spoken for. Josh Wallace appeared to have his roster place secured when he didn’t play in the preseason opener.
Cam Lampkin is the outside candidate who could make the biggest push and sneak onto the 53-man roster. Al'zillion Hamilton and Zech McPhearson also turned in solid showings against the Chiefs, and while their paths are steeper, neither is going away quietly.
Safety rounds out the list, where the top of the depth chart isn’t really the issue. The focus is on the lesser-known players trying to make enough noise over the final two preseason games to stick.
Nick Andersen was the standout last week, finishing with a team-high eight tackles and a pass breakup down the field. Tanner Ingle brings value on special teams and could make the 53-man roster for that alone, and Nate Valcarcel is still trying to catch the coaches’ and front office’s attention.
In Other News...
Saints Got An Early Warning Against A Serious NFC Contender
The joint practice in Los Angeles offered the Saints an early look at just how sharp the Rams can be when their offense is clicking. Matthew Stafford looked comfortable and efficient, with Davante Adams emerging as a clear problem for New Orleans to sort through, while tight end Terrance Ferguson and receivers Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington also found ways to make plays. Puka Nacua was out, but the rest of the Rams' passing group still gave the Saints plenty to process.
There was some unevenness behind Stafford, with backup quarterbacks Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson both working through rough stretches before settling in a bit, and Bennett appearing slightly ahead of Simpson. On the other side of the ball, Josaiah Stewart made his presence felt as a disruptive defender, while punter Ethan Evans had some accuracy concerns that stood out. For the Saints, it was the kind of practice that can be useful not just because of what was done well, but because it showed where a contender can still expose openings. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Suddenly Need More From Bryce Lance Than Expected
Bryce Lance did a little more than just take advantage of a busy joint practice against the Rams. The rookie receiver caught all five of his targets and hauled in two touchdown passes from Tyler Shough, a showing that stood out in a session where New Orleans was looking for signs of depth and reliability from its younger pass-catchers. Head coach Kellen Moore singled out Lances contested catches against talented defenders, a notable compliment for a player trying to carve out a larger role early.
The opportunity may be arriving sooner than the Saints expected. With Jordyn Tyson dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for about two months, Lance suddenly looks like someone New Orleans may need to lean on in games, not just in practice. For a rookie, that shifts the conversation from development to responsibility, and it gives the Saints another reason to keep watching whether the flashes he showed against Los Angeles can carry over when the stakes rise. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Fans Will Recognize Plenty In Devin Neals New Number
As the Saints head toward their Sept. 13 opener against the Lions, Devin Neal is already carrying a number that will look familiar to long-time fans. The rookie running back, battling for the third spot in New Orleans backfield, will wear No. 24, a jersey that has had plenty of life in black and gold over the years.
It is a number with a traceable Saints history, worn by 25 other players before Neal. For fans who like connecting new names to old ones, it offers an easy little bridge between eras, especially with training camp roster battles still unfolding and the season opener still just ahead. [Read more 🡒]