{
  "id": 1609815,
  "title": "5 Rams questions I have after first preseason game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/5-rams-questions-i-have-after-first-preseason-game",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T01:48:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-rams-questions-first-preseason-014817762.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After the Los Angeles Rams' preseason match against the Kansas City Chiefs, a multitude of questions have arisen. There are still two exhibition games to gather more information before the regular season starts. Here are five key areas I would focus on to address these lingering questions:\n\n1. **Punt Returner Role**: The team has opted to keep Xavier Smith as their primary punt returner despite his fumble in last season's NFC Championship game. Smith didn't provide much benefit in the return role during the recent game. However, can the Rams justify retaining him by discovering a player who can outperform him both as a returner and in other positions? Receiver Brennan Presley and running back Dean Connors can be two options to evaluate.\n\n2. **Quarterback Competition**: Stetson Bennett was initially seen as the frontrunner to compete against rookie Ty Simpson for the starting quarterback position. However, Bennett's performance has been disappointing, receiving the lowest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade on offense. Was his early success exaggerated or is he currently going through a rough patch? The outcome could decide his future with the team.\n\n3. **Running Back Depth Chart**: The speed of running backs Jarquez Hunter and Dean Connors raises concerns about their place in the team's 53-man roster. Both players have shown impressive speed, but the Rams face a dilemma in deciding which one to prioritize, considering the limited spots available in the roster.\n\n4. **CJ Daniels' Training Camp Perception**: Rookie receiver CJ Daniels created a buzz during the training camp, but once the physicality of practices intensified, his early performance faded. However, Daniels is likely to retain his spot on the roster. To become a meaningful contributor, he needs to make more impactful plays. Otherwise, he is expected to play behind Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield in the depth chart.\n\n5. **Ty Simpson's Performance**: The rookie quarterback, Ty Simpson, failed to attempt any passes over 20 yards or make any big plays during the match. His skillset should be tested further, as he has the potential to be more than just a check-down artist. If Simpson fails to deliver, he risks developing a reputation as a quarterback who relies more on short and intermediate throws.",
  "summary": "Why not mix things up at punt returner? Is Jarquez Hunter in danger of getting cut? Plus other Rams questions.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}