Here’s what we learned from the Rams’ 29-22 preseason victory Saturday night against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium:
Lance McCutcheon is a playmaker
Rams coach Sean McVay turned to senior offensive assistant Greg Olson and told him he was right after one of McCutcheon’s dynamic plays.
McCutcheon, an undrafted rookie, put on a show versus the Chargers with five receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-3 wideout from Montana State connected with quarterback Bryce Perkins for a 60-yard touchdown in the second quarter that required McCutcheon to track the ball in tight space before breaking multiple tackles.
Later in the fourth quarter, McCutcheon had an 11-yard, jump-ball touchdown reception.
“We talked about it,” Perkins said. “He was adamant over and over. He’s like, ‘If they’re close, man, just give me the jump ball and I’ll make the play.’ He made great plays in camp and I felt comfortable giving him those opportunities.”
Olson didn’t need to see McCutcheon in training camp to know the Rams had a promising wide receiver. McVay said Olson predicted that he’s going to do well in the preseason after being around McCutcheon for one day in the offseason program.
“There are certain young guys that just have that right look in their eye where you can see they’re mature beyond their years,” McVay said of McCutcheon.
McCutcheon said star wide receivers Allen Robinson and Cooper Kupp have helped with his development. The rookie put it all together in his preseason debut with his mom in attendance from Montana.
“They’re geniuses when it comes to this game,” McCutcheon said about Kupp and Robinson. “I’m always trying to pick their brain, see what they’re doing.”
Lance McCutcheon said his phone is blowing up with messages after his two-touchdown performance. He went on do not disturb mode #Rams pic.twitter.com/psPpkRzQvh
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) August 14, 2022
What they said about Perkins
Perkins picked up where he left off last preseason by completing 10 of 17 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns along with 39 rushing yards and a 1-yard touchdown run.
“Really pleased with Bryce Perkins,” McVay said. “His ability to make plays off schedule, to be able to get in and out of the huddle … That was exciting. How the heck did he get out of a couple of those (scrambles), but he’s a playmaker. When things do break down … that’s an elite trait that he has, the ability to break tackles.”
Perkins again flashed his athleticism, something he did last summer, but he also displayed his improvements as a passer in the pocket. McVay credited offensive coordinator Liam Coen for calling plays that best suited Perkins’ skill set.
“I think he did a great job,” Perkins said of Coen. “I got to open up my ears a little bit more, because I was having a hard time hearing him on some of them. I think he did a great job. Liam is a great dude, great coach. Smart. I really enjoyed my first year with him and I am glad he’s back.”
Last summer, Perkins forced the Rams to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. He might force them to do it again after another dazzling preseason performance.
What comes next
The Rams return to Thousand Oaks to prepare for their second preseason game. They host the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium Friday night.
There will likely be no Tutu Atwell in that game because McVay said the wide receiver had done enough in training camp and wanted to keep him out of harm’s way.
“He’s going to be a part of what we’re doing this year,” McVay said of Atwell.
Perhaps McCutcheon joins Atwell on the sideline after his impressive debut, but the Rams prefer for their rookies to play in the preseason.
McVay said he was pleased with the debut performances of right guard Logan Bruss and cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Decobie Durant.
Those rookies will get another opportunity to impress against the Texans.
Bryce Perkins opens the locker room to reporters for first time in two years #Rams pic.twitter.com/ABmRFSMx4z
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) August 14, 2022
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