Rams Lose 2016 Preseason Final

The Los Angeles Rams preseason ended on a sober note on the road Thursday, September 1, as the team lost 27-25 to the Minnesota Vikings at their brand new impressive U.S. Bank Stadium. The Rams finish the 2016 exhibition season at 2-2 having won the first two games at home before losing the last two on the road.

L.A. rookie quarterback Jared Goff moved the team 62 yards in seven plays into the end zone on the game's opening drive capping it off with a short one-yard pass to wide-receiver Kenny Britt. Goff completed two passes to set up the score, a 22-yarder to running back Chase Reynolds and a 30-yard toss to wide-receiver Bradley Marquez.

The 7-0 lead lasted until 42 seconds remaining in the first half. Following two field goals the Vikings scored on a 28-yard short pass and run from quarterback Brad Sorenson to rookie running back Jhurrell Pressley. The offense under Goff suffered after the initial drive marked by his fumble and interception. He finished the first half 6/16 completions for 67 yards.

Sean Mannion started for L.A. in the third quarter, driving the team 75 yards in 14 plays ending with a Greg Zuerlein a 35-yard field goal. On the ensuing kickoff Pressley ran 106 yards from end zone to end zone. The Vikings made it 27-10 minutes into the fourth quarter as rookie running back C.J. Ham scored from the one yard-line with 11:41 left in the game.

The Rams responded as Mannion directed two touchdown drives. A 2-yard pass to rookie wide-receiver Paul McRoberts capped a 12-play drive followed by a seven-play 64-yard drive ending with a 26-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Aaron Green.

L.A. last chance died with two incomplete passes and two quarterback sacks on their last possession with seven seconds remaining.

Read the complete story in this week's coming edition of the Culver City Observer.