(Brevin Townsell/LA Rams)
The Los Angeles Rams lost their final preseason game to the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-7. Both teams rested their starters in this preseason finale. Bryce Perkins, returning as starting quarterback, ran for a 3-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter off a 32-yard pass to wide receiver Lance McCutcheon to set up the score. Perkins had eight carries for 33 yards and completed 14 of 19 passes for 143 yards. The Rams finished the preseason with a 1-2 record.
The Rams were sluggish during first-half play, picking up one first down and gaining a total of 75 yards. Rams wide receiver Lance McCutcheon continued to shine in preseason play despite losing to the Bengals. McCutcheon had five catches for 76 yards. He was the team leader for a third straight week. A favorite target of Perkins, who called him a “baller said, “I feel like we have great chemistry. I’m excited about his future”. Rams Trey Ragas and Jake Funk did not have great nights. Both fumbled, and the Bengals recovered each time. Funk finished the night with 32 yards, and Ragas rushed 11 times for 52 yards.
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On the defensive side of the ball, the Rams were not efficient in stopping the Bengals. As expected, Quarterback Joe Burrow did not play; backup quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Jake Browning combined to complete 30 of 39 passes for one touchdown and 279 yards.
(Brevin Townsell/LA Rams)
This loss comes on the heels of a massive brawl following the teams’ second joint practice. While the origin of the fight is unknown, Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald was seen on video swinging two helmets at Bengals players. Speaking to the media after the incident, Coach Sean McVay said, “I don’t know exactly what instigated it. I think in some instances, its teams defending each other. Fortunately, my understanding is nobody got hurt, and we’ll move on from it. Not going to make a bigger deal than what it is”.
On Tuesday, the Rams will make final roster cuts to 53 players on the active/inactive list by 4 PM ET. The first two rounds of cuts took place on August 16 (85-man) and August 23 (80-man). Teams have been allowed to hold up to 90 players during the preseason. The Rams will face the Buffalo Bills in their regular season opener on Thursday, September 8, at SoFi Stadium.
