Rams Defeat Broncos 10-6

"We're ready to go and start attacking the season, where there's a singular focus on an opponent and I think we're getting closer and closer to that and I think people are ready for that," said L.A. Rams head coach Sean McVay on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles Rams play one final preseason game this week at the Houston Texans before preparing for the 2019 NFL regular season opener. The Rams beat the Denver Broncos, 10-6, on the new United Airlines Field at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum last Saturday for their first win of the preseason.

Both the Rams and Texans are expected to rest most starters this Thursday at NRG Stadium. However, the Texans will likely be reviewing the running back position as starter Lamar Miller tore his ACL last Saturday during a 34-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Duke Johnson is expected to fill Miller's role with Taiwan Jones and Buddy Howell getting consideration.

The Rams are looking healthy going into next weekend's season opener at the Carolina Panthers. "I don't know if you want to overanalyze sometimes, if you dive in a little early, but we've definitely shifted our mindset a little bit toward getting ready for that game," said Quarterback Jared Goff.

He also gave his thoughts on the Rams starters not playing during the preseason for the second consecutive year under McVay: "It works for us. It worked for us last year, it's part of Sean's philosophy and I enjoy it."

McVay said running back Todd Gurley did not participate in Tuesday's team scrimmage but stayed on the schedule the coaching staff had prepared for him. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald had the day off because "he earned it and would never ask for a day off." The staff wants to make sure he's as fresh as possible for the opener against Carolina.

Running back Todd Gurley appreciates not playing in preseason: "It's good. There's pros and cons. I honestly like it especially that we changed the rule from the 53 (man roster) and just keeping everybody and making that roster cuts after the final preseason game. It kind of felt like guys had to play back in the day because of numbers."

The Rams likely offensive starters against the Panthers: LT - Andrew Whitworth, LG - Joe Noteboom, C - Brian Allen, RG – Austin Blythe, RT – Rob Havenstein, TE – Tyler Higbee, Kupp, WR – Brandin Cooks, WR – Robert Woods, WR – Cooper, RB- Todd Gurley, QB – Jared Goff.

Defensive starters: DE – Michael Brockers, NT – Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT – Aaron Donald, OLB – Dante Fowler, OLB – Clay Matthews, ILB - Cory Littleton, ILB - Micah Kiser, CB – Agib Talib, CB – Marcus Peters, SS – John Johnson, FS – Eric Weddle.

Over 66,000 fans enjoyed the 80+ weather during their first test-run in the $315 million refurbished Coliseum. Their first impression included the state of the art media and operations facility dominating the south Tower and the historically restored Coliseum Peristyle to the east. On the field, the scoring was scarce as both teams combined for one touchdown and three field goals.

Kicker Greg Zuerlein gave the Rams a brief lead with a 37-yard field goal early in the second half. Bronco kicker Brandon McManus responded with a pair of field goals on Denver's next two drives for a 6-3 halftime lead. Los Angeles game backup quarterback John Wolford completed a short touchdown pass across the middle to wide receiver Jalen Greene early in the fourth quarter for the win.

With Goff and No. 2 quarterback Blake Bortles out for the game, both starter Brandon Allen and Wolford moved the ball respectively. Allen was 12/19 for 162 yards and Wolford was 6/12 for 64 yards. Neither quarterback threw an interception. The Rams had balanced running from John Kelly with 32 yards, rookie Darrell Henderson with 28 yards on 11 carries and Justin Davis with five carries for 22 yards.

"It seems like camp has gone for a while," said McVay. "We're ready to go and start attacking the season, where there's a singular focus on an opponent and I think we're getting closer and closer to that and I think people are ready for that."

The End