The first preseason game for the Los Angeles Rams against the Kansas City Chiefs on August 15 in Kansas City gave us some real head-scratchers, not just answers. With two more exhibition games to sort things out before the regular season kicks off, there are some burning questions that absolutely need sorting, especially after seeing what went down at Arrowhead.
Still Fumbling Around on Returns?
Seriously, are the Rams set in their ways at punt returner or what? They’re bringing back Xavier Smith as the primary guy, even after he quite literally fumbled away the NFC Championship game last season. You’d think after an entire offseason, they’d either bring in some real competition or, at the very least, look at other options. But nope, it seems like they’re just going to run it back with Smith. And why? The dude brings little upside to the return role, even if he did manage one longer return against the Chiefs. Can’t they use that roster spot better? Brennan Presley, a receiver, played great in 2025 exhibition games and actually led the Rams in receiving yards against the Chiefs. He’s got a similar build and skillset to Smith, seems like a more productive receiver overall, and he’s already returned kicks in the preseason opener. Why not push his limits and see what he can truly do? Or what about running back Dean Connors? He’s got an uphill battle to make the roster, but he could easily usurp Jarquez Hunter. Let’s see if that athleticism translates to the “third phase” of the game, right?
QB Battle Takes A Nosedive
Remember all that early training camp talk about Stetson Bennett being way ahead of rookie Ty Simpson in the QB battle? Yeah, that momentum definitely faded fast in the final days at Loyola Marymount and during those joint practices with the Cowboys. Bennett did little to impress against the Chiefs, and get this: he drew the lowest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade on offense. Lowest! So, was all that early camp success just overstated? Is he just in a massive lull right now? Whatever it is, he’s gotta prove these struggles are just temporary. If not, he could easily find himself looking for work in a matter of weeks. The pressure is on for those next two exhibition games.
The RB Room Squeeze
The running back room is another spot with some major questions. Jarquez Hunter and Dean Connors are apparently the fastest backs on the roster. Hunter broke an 11-yard outside run early in the Chiefs game but barely played after that. Meanwhile, veteran Ronnie Rivers sat out completely, which might be a signal that he’s already locked up a spot on the team. It’s going to be tough for the Rams to keep four running backs on the final 53-man roster, especially for Hunter, who honestly hasn’t shown a ton through two years. Connors, on the other hand, arguably could be a more useful player. These next two exhibition games are going to be crucial for these guys to prove their worth.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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