The Los Angeles Rams (1-2) travel to Houston face the Texans (1-2) on Thursday in the fourth and final week of the preseason. Kickoff from NRG Stadium is set for 5 p.m. PT.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Rams
With starter Jared Goff and backup Blake Bortles expected to rest, all eyes will be on reserves Brandon Allen and John Wolford.
Allen has completed 32 of 52 pass attempts for 311 yards through L.A.'s first three preseason games, while Wolford is 17 of 29 for 144 yards and one touchdown. Both have made strong cases for the Rams' QB3 job, especially with how they fared last week against the Broncos.
Pay close attention to the offensive line too. McVay said earlier this week that position is one they're still evaluating and seeking clarity on when it comes to the group's depth.
On Offense for the Texans
Houston has produced one of the most consistent rushing attacks of the preseason, spearheaded by rookies Karan Higdon and Damarea Crockett.
Higdon has carried the ball a team-high 28 times for 78 yards, while Crockett has collected 17 carries for 83 yards. The Texans as a team have rushed for 130.3 yards per game through the first three games, good for the fifth-highest average.
The Texans' offense also claims one of the top passers of the preseason in Joe Webb III. His 534 total passing yards are second among all preseason signal-callers. The former 2010 sixth-round pick also has two touchdowns and five interceptions to his stat line and could be on his way to carving out a role as the backup to starter Deshaun Watson.
The Rams practice in Thousand Oaks, Calif. before the team departs to face the Houston Texans in the final preseason game of 2019.
On Defense for the Rams
Much like the offensive line, the defensive line will also be under close evaluation.
Projected starting nose tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day is not expected to play because he has already established himself as someone the defense will be counting on according to Rams coach Sean McVay. As a result, it's likely rookie DT Greg Gaines will see lots of snaps unless McVay also feels the same way about him.
McVay and the coaching staff are also still seeking clarity on the inside linebacker position for depth and special teams purposes, which means players like Dakota Allen and Troy Reeder should get opportunities as well.
On Defense for the Texans
The entire unit. How will it respond after giving up 34 points in a shutout loss to Dallas last week?
From an individual standpoint, veteran DB Johnson Bademosi has been active for the Rams with a team-high 13 tackles.
Connections
Los Angeles has several players on its 90-man roster originally from the Houston area.
- DL Michael Brockers is a native of Houston and attended Chavez High School.
- Rookie TE Romello Brooker is a Houston native and went on to play collegiately at the University of Houston.
- TE Keenen Brown is a Houston native and attended Alief Taylor High School where he caught nine touchdowns as a senior.
- OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is a Houston native who also attended Alief Taylor High School.
- LB Dakota Allen is a native of Humble, Texas, a suburb of Houston.
- S Marqui Christian is a native of Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston.
