Rams win preseason opener, Chargers up next

Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett struggled early, throwing four interceptions but finished strong by throwing the game-winning touchdown with four seconds remaining to knock off the Dallas Cowboys 13-12 in the preseason opener for both teams last Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Bennett found tight end Miller Forristall for the six-yard touchdown pass play capping off a 13-play, 70-yard drive. Bennett scrambled left out of the passing pocket and threw the game winning pass back to his right to Forristall. It was a great play for a quarterback that had struggled most of the game.

Bennett played the entire game for the Rams completing 24 of 38 for 224 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions. Rookie kicker Joshua Karty was perfect on the day with a pair of field goals and the game-winning extra point.

"That was probably the weirdest game that I have been a part of," said Bennett, in the press conference after the game. "But I told myself today we're going to roll with the punches. There were some lapses, obviously, but in the end, it was get the ball in the end zone or you lose, and I think everybody fought to do it."

Other than rookie kicker Karty another Rams rookie stood out in the eyes of coach Sean McVay. Wide receiver Jordan Whittington finished the game with six receptions for 74 yards. Whittington's play could add another weapon to a potent Rams offense.

"He's just a mature rookie," McVay said. "He's so conscientious. You don't see guys on game day until you get to game day and just the look in his eyes. He's a grown man and he played like a grown man with the ball in his hands. Did a great job without it."

"I just really like him. He's going to be a factor for us," McVay said. "I thought today was a good start for him and he's the type of guy that's only going to continue to grow from that."

The Rams are back in action Saturday when they face their city rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:05 p.m.