The Los Angeles Rams couldn’t complete the comeback against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night, suffering their second loss of the preseason.
It inspired more confidence than the preseason opener in Oakland, but there are still plenty of improvements to be made.
Here are the winners and losers from Los Angeles’ 14-10 loss to the Cowboys.
Winners
OLB Natrez Patrick
Patrick was recently transitioned to outside linebacker after Justin Lawler went down with a foot injury and it’s worked out wonderfully for the team and Patrick himself. He stood out in a big way on Saturday night, flashing throughout the game as a pass rusher. He finished with just a half-sack and three tackles, but he also hit the quarterback once, drew a holding penalty and made a run stop for a short gain. His stock is undeniably on the rise.
RB Darrell Henderson
Henderson’s rushing stat line doesn’t look great (six carries, 16 yards) but he looked extremely comfortable in the backfield and had an impact as a receiver. He caught six passes on six targets for 38 yards, including a 26-yarder on a wheel route. Jaylon Smith had no chance in coverage on that play, which made Henderson’s speed apparent right out of the gate. With more decisive cuts and a better burst through the line, Henderson is showing signs of being a real playmaker in L.A.
OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
This was Okoronkwo’s first game since January 2018, so it’s been a difficult road for the former Oklahoma Sooner. He’s battled back from multiple injuries since being drafted in the fifth round last year and it was worth the wait for fans. He showed off a good spin move, the ability to rush up the middle on stunts and an overall strong pass-rush repertoire. It took a while for Okoronkwo to get on the field, but a performance like this one pushed him further away from the bubble. Now he just needs to stay healthy.
ILB Dakota Allen
Allen played the majority of the defensive snaps for the Rams and he made his presence felt a few times. He dislodged a ball carrier’s helmet on one hit and stopped a receiver dead in his tracks on another, displaying good power in his tackles. Allen was a seventh-round pick so he’s not guaranteed a roster spot, yet he’s trending in that direction after making eight tackles (one for loss) against Dallas.
WRs Nsimba Webster and Jalen Greene
Webster looked good as both a receiver and in the return game, boosting his chances of making the team. Greene doesn’t contribute as a returner, but he displayed strong hands and the ability to get open on intermediate routes. He led the team with 43 yards on four catches, while Webster chipped in 38 yards on four receptions. It was a solid night for the undrafted rookies.
S Steven Parker
Parker had an interception in Week 1 of the preseason and added another pass breakup in this one, continuing a good (albeit brief) stretch of play. He recorded three tackles in the game Saturday night and didn’t have any lapses in coverage – something worth mentioning for a young safety.
CB Dont’e Deayon
He might not make the team, but Deayon sure is giving the Rams a lot to think about. He stood out for all the right reasons on Saturday night, picking off one pass and making a highlight-reel tackle behind the line of scrimmage. He’s picking up steam at the midway point of the preseason.
Losers
OL Jamil Demby
Demby continues to struggle with penalties this preseason, drawing three more flags on Sunday. He was called for holding twice and a facemask once, though the latter may have been incorrectly called on him. Regardless, it was not a good night for the second-year offensive lineman. While playing center, his snaps were shaky, including one that was way off the mark which Brandon Allen fortunately recovered and turned into a positive play.
WR Mike Thomas
Just as Thomas seemed to take a step forward in practice, he takes a step back in the preseason. He caught just two of five targets in the game and had an ugly drop on an out-breaking route – a ball he absolutely should’ve caught. He did bounce back with a nice grab along the sideline, but his impact was minimal considering the targets he saw.
WR/KR JoJo Natson
Natson could be playing his way off this team. He did score a 7-yard touchdown, but his muffed punt far outweighs finding the end zone. His clearest path to the 53-man roster is as a return specialist and botching punts is a quick way to land on the bubble. His speed and agility are always apparent, but so are his questionable hands.
DL Boogie Roberts
Defensive holding is rarely called on a D-lineman, but Roberts somehow found a way to get flagged for it twice on Saturday night. He did make two tackles, but once again, mental mistakes cost the Rams. If Roberts is going to make the team – which at this point seems doubtful – he’ll need to cut down on mistakes like the ones he made against Dallas.
