The Los Angeles Rams emerged victorious once again in their second consecutive preseason game, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers with a score of 13-9. While the outcome of preseason games may not hold significant implications, this matchup was significant for assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant, who gained valuable experience stepping in for head coach Sean McVay. McVay observed the game from the coaches' booth, providing guidance and support.

The Rams' offensive attack was led by the impressive play of wide receiver Jordan Whittington. Whittington's performance over the past two preseason games has made him stand out as the best player on the field. With his electrifying speed and ability to break tackles, he consistently proved to be a reliable target for quarterback Stetson Bennett. Whittington showcased his skills by catching five out of eight targets for 52 yards, including an impressive catch and run of 24 yards. Throughout the preseason, he has accumulated 11 receptions for 126 yards, establishing a strong connection with Bennett.

Following Whittington's time on the field, the Rams shifted their focus to second-year wide receiver Xavier Smith. The team made a concerted effort to get Smith involved in the offense, utilizing him in both receiving and rushing plays. Smith displayed his versatility by garnering nine yards with an end-around rushing attempt. Bennett targeted him eight times, resulting in five receptions for a total of 45 yards. Additionally, Smith made significant contributions on special teams with two notable punt returns, totaling 50 yards. His impressive performance may solidify his case for a spot on the roster, either with the Rams or another team.

While Whittington and Smith stood out during the game, the rest of the preseason receiving corps struggled to make an impact. The lackluster performance from the remaining receivers raises concerns about the depth and overall strength of the position group. The Rams will need to address this issue going forward, especially considering the challenges it poses for Bennett, who had a solid but not exceptional game, completing 17 of 31 passes for 213 yards. Despite an interception and a lost fumble, Bennett showcased improvement compared to his previous game. However, the limited separation from his receivers added difficulty to his task.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Cory McCullough turned heads with his impressive play. The third-highest graded Rams defender in the previous game against the Dallas Cowboys, McCullough continued his strong performance by intercepting Chargers quarterback Easton Stick's pass, thus halting a potentially dangerous drive. McCullough's consistent impact on special teams further strengthens his case for a spot on the team's roster or practice squad.

Linebacker Omar Speights also impressed in this game. He showcased his skills on defense in the second half and proved to be a reliable presence in special teams. Though currently behind other linebackers on the depth chart, Speights has demonstrated his potential to earn a spot among the Rams' linebacking corps.

However, not all players had a successful outing. Cornerback Tre Tomlinson struggled with penalties and mental lapses once again, raising concerns about his ability to secure a spot on the roster. The season-ending injury to Derion Kendrick initially provided an opportunity for Tomlinson to shine, but he has yet to fully capitalize on it.

The offensive line saw a notable change in performance when sixth-round pick Beaux Limmer replaced Mike McAlister. Limmer's presence seemed to make the line more porous, potentially impacting McAlister's chances of making the initial 53-man roster due to his lack of position flexibility.

Special teams also faced some challenges, primarily evident through the struggles of punter Ethan Evans. With an average punt of just 25.3 yards, he failed to provide favorable field position for the Rams. These issues need to be rectified before the regular season, as maintaining field position against formidable opponents like the Detroit Lions will be crucial.

As the Rams continue their preseason preparations, these performances and areas of improvement will be carefully evaluated. While preseason wins hold minimal importance in the grand scheme, they provide valuable opportunities for players to showcase their skills and fight for roster spots. The Rams are determined to build a strong and competitive team for the upcoming season, and these preseason games serve as stepping stones towards achieving that goal.