Rams-Baltimore recap

Backups ruled the day as the Rams won a 24-21 glorified scrimmage over the Ravens, many of whom were not even in St. Louis for the game, to finish their preseason 1-and-3. Yep, THAT was worth the sixty-seven bucks. Recap is finally up at ramview.com.

Positives: Possible breakout performance (8-76) by Benny Cunningham; Kellen Clemens looked sharper than he has all summer and won the QB2 job; Brian Quick stepped up; another breakout performance, by DE Gerald Rivers, who made the roster with a disruptive performance that included a sack and three tackles-for-loss; Chase Reynolds recovered an early fumble, scored a late TD and made the team; Matt Daniels picked off a pass, made a nice hit and also made the team; Drew Thomas saved the game late with a falling interception (but didn't make the team).

Negatives: THREE fumbles in the first five minutes by players the Rams are expected to rely on, Isaiah Pead, Brian Quick and Tavon Austin; SEVENTEEN freaking penalties for 123 yards; another lackluster rushing and returning performance from Pead; Greg Zuerlein missed a 53-yard FG attempt; ever having to pay full price for this ridiculous excuse for a National Football League game; Austin Davis failed to progress enough in his second training camp to make the final cut.

Out due to injury:
Sammy Brown, calf. Got cut after the game.
Matt Giordano, calf. Made the team despite not playing a snap in preseason. Supposedly close to returning. Nice timing.
Corey Harkey, leg fracture. Out another 2-3 weeks.
Sean Hooey, ankle. Status is currently up in the air; a waived/injured transaction is assumed.
Lance Kendricks, knee. Expected to be a go for week 1.
Chris Long, injury undisclosed, but he didn't practice all week and had his right leg wrapped.
Brandon McGee, injury undisclosed, believed to be minor leg injury.
Darian Stewart AGAIN, hamstring. Made the team anyway. Les Snead essentially called Rodney McLeod a starter during the TV broadcast of the game, so I don't think they're counting on Stewart any time soon.

Darren Woodard injured a hamstring late in the game. He has been cut, without an injury designation, and seems a good practice squad candidate if healthy. 

Jermelle Cudjo played and comes off the list.

The Rams open the regular season at home against the Big Dead next Sunday and are 4-1/2 point favorites. Wonder what the over/under for penalties will be.

-$-