The Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns put a cap on the 2025 preseason on Saturday afternoon. The Browns came out on top 19-17, sending LA to 2-1 on their exhibition schedule.
The regular season is almost here. First things first, let’s recap the top individual performers against the Browns and highlight those who did not perform well or may find themselves off the roster over the next week.
Winners
Terrance Ferguson, TE
Ferguson looked head and shoulders better than any player on the Rams’ offense, and maybe the entire field for his 21 snaps. This should make fans excited about when he finally plays alongside Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams. Ferguson made an impressive catch along the left sideline in what may be one of the more athletic, downfield plays we’ve seen from a Rams’ TE in years.
Ferguson finished with two receptions on three targets for 48 yards. He was open deep on the lone incompletion but there was a miscommunication with Dresser Winn.
Those who didn’t play
There were several notable names and rookies that did not participate in this game, which likely marks them safe ahead of cutdown day:
- Konata Mumfield, WR
- Ty Hamilton, DT
- Shaun Dolac, MLB
- Josh Wallace, CB
- Nick Hampton, EDGE
- Stetson Bennett, QB
- Xavier Smith, WR
- Davis Allen, TE
- Beaux Limmer, C
- Justin Dedich, G
While this news is likely positive for the listed individuals, it could be more nuanced for veterans who did not make an appearance. The Rams did them favors to prevent injuries; however, it could also mean they’ve seen enough over a longer period of time and could instead opt for keeping younger players:
- Larrell Murchison, DT
- David Quessenberry, OT
- Troy Reeder, MLB
Losers
Brennan Jackson, ED
It’s not positive that Jackson played in this game while Nick Hampton sat out; however, Jackson recorded his third sack in the last two exhibition games. If you are going to be on the field, you want to prove the Rams wrong in their decision making process.
But the reality was his sack was more of a cleanup on a ill-advised scramble by Shedeur Sanders. Jackson struggled against the run and was not a sure-handed tackler.
Derion Kendrick, CB
Derion Kendrick was on the field late and played 61 of 67 snaps, which signals that his tenure with in Los Angeles may be coming to a close. He could be a favorite to land back on the practice squad as a veteran or a team with a need at corner may look to him as someone with notable starting experience.
Pooh Paul, MLB
While Dolac did not play and appears safe, Paul was on the field for 50 of 67 defensive reps. It’s unlikely that the Ole Miss product misses the roster but entirely possible. Paul battled a calf injury for most of the preseason, so this could simply mean the Rams wanted to get him ample game action. Even if Paul makes the roster, it seems he’s safely behind Dolac on the depth chart and he likely won’t play much during the regular season.
Jarquez Hunter, RB
The Rams threw Jarquez Hunter to the wolves. The rookie didn’t have much room for production against the Browns’ starting defense (LA had very little going early). Hunter carried the ball seven times for 14 years. Did we rush to judgement to assume that Hunter would have a role on the first-string offense this season? Why else would he see extended work in a meaningless game where most key players did not suit up?
