As long-awaited sequels go, “Episode 50: Return of the Rams” opened in blockbuster fashion, even if the script didn’t quite go the way the live audience of almost 90,000 probably anticipated. Whitehead caught the kick by Greg Zuerlein in the end zone, broke free through the middle and ran away from the Rams’ coverage.
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Oh, what an ending though.
Mannion, a third-round pick previous year, completed 18 of 25 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter in the victory. “It would have been great, but I have a lot of football ahead of me”, Goff said. “You couldn’t have made this up in a movie”. Murray averaged 3.6 yards per carry and was benched late in the season.
Mannion threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Aaron Green with 1:54 remaining for the winning points.
“I had to remind them (in the locker room) that it was a preseason game, ” said coach Jeff Fisher. “So that was fun”.
Playing at their temporary home for the first time, the Rams were greeted by an announced crowd of 89,140.
The Rams had their moments, but majority were in the backup-heavy second half.
Cowboys: Running back Darius Jackson showed some nice burst, rushing for 47 yards on 13 carries. “I’ve played through much worse”.
In Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys, Jared Goff’s start was not so stellar to say the least. “I just basically want to do what I’ve been doing at practice”, Prescott said.
The Rams’ first touchdown in their new-old town, a 14-yard run by Benny Cunningham, brought the day’s biggest roar, as though it finally made the move official. During his first series, on his second pass attempt Goff was intercepted by Cowboys linebacker Mark Nzeocha. The Rams continued their woes through out the first half as they quickly fell behind 21-7 to the Cowboys going into halftime.
On his next possession, Goff almost put the Rams in position to pick up points before halftime but rookie Pharoh Cooper dropped a pass in the red zone.
Surprisingly, that did it for Goff. Mannion replaced Goff to start the third quarter. Goff completed four-of-nine passes for 38 yards. After taking a hit Goff did injure his non-throwing shoulder, but he should be good to go when next week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs rolls around. “The second drive, I was able to get my bearings and get settled in”.
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota played three series and went 5 of 5 for 45 yards, including a 31-yarder to rookie Tajae Sharpe.
Jones, who led Ohio State to the 2015 national championship, threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jarrett Boykin as time expired. Joyner seems to be a better fit at nickel back, while Sensabaugh’s issues mean a starting cornerback job is nearly certainly E.J. Gaines’ to lose. “He was fine”, Fisher said.
Guys like Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt will be expected to carry most of the weight in the wide receiver department this year, but Highbee could turn out to be more of a reliable option as an effective pass-catching tight end.
Dallas’ Dez Bryant had two receptions for 28 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown pass.
The Rams have been looking for a cornerback to play opposite Trumaine Johnson, but both Coty Sensabaugh and Lamarcus Joyner were beaten badly by Dallas’ tall receivers.
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Todd Gurley, the Rams’ star running back, and defensive end Robert Quinn were held out of the game to avoid injury.
