Looking back on three things discussed here before St. Louis' preseason home opener Saturday night against Kansas City, a game the Rams led 31-10 as I filed this in the fourth quarter and ended up winning 31-17: 1. First-team execution. The Rams scored touchdowns on their first two drives, marked improvement from their performance against Indianapolis last week.
Sam Bradford found his favorite receiver,
Danny Amendola, for a 35-yard gain off play-action on the first play.
Steven Jackson powered through a huge hole for an 18-yard gain on the next play. Bradford soon found
Lance Kendricks over the middle for a 23-yard touchdown. Bradford and Amendola connected for a touchdown on the Rams’ second drive. Bradford beat pressure and Amendola made an impressive adjustment on the ball. The Rams’ first-team offense accomplished its goals in this game.
2. Rookie RB rebound. Rookie running back
Isaiah Pead was looking to bounce back from a couple miscues suffered in the opener. He scored a touchdown with a high leap over the Chiefs’ defense at the goal line. Pead also lost nine yards with an ill-advised reversal of course. Pead probably should have cut his losses on that run. He carried six times for minus-5 yards.
3. Pass defense. The Rams made progress in this area after a rough game against
Andrew Luck.
Chris Long batted down a pass early.
Craig Dahl quickly brought down the elusive
Dexter McCluster after a short gain. The Rams made
Matt Cassel and McCluster work for a short completion on third-and-5. Cornerback
Janoris Jenkins was right there. Later, rookie corner
Trumaine Johnson broke up a pass, leading to an interception for defensive lineman
Matt Conrath.
