In the second quarter, Rams running back Zach Evansleapt across the goal line for his first touchdown of the game. His teammates rallied around the second-year running back after his four-yard score brought the Rams within one point of the Texans.
Two quarters later, he hit the "A" gap for the Rams' second score of the afternoon, and threw up two fingers to let the Houston fans know that he'd scored both touchdowns. The Houston defense sold out on the two-point attempt, however, and Evans was stopped short of the goal line.
The Rams fell to the Texans 17-15 in the preseason finale, but Evans was a bright spot. His 45 rushing yards led the team for a second-straight game, as he rushed for 62 yards in last week's win over the Chargers.
Evans racked up 135 yards in three preseason games, ranking sixth in the league, and his two rushing touchdowns are tied for first in the preseason as of the end of Saturday's game.
"It felt great, man, today I felt like the whole offense had an attacking mindset," Evans said. "Including the o-line. I want to give a huge shout out to them boys, just keeping them boys up front pushing."
General manager Les Snead selected Evans with the 215th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he got some snaps in his rookie season. Evans played in 10 games last season, tallying 19 yards on nine carries.
This preseason, Evans has been a staple of the Rams' offense. He's received the bulk of their running back carries and is currently top 10 in preseason rushing yards. Tough running is Evans' brand, as he's shown a proclivity for breaking tackles through three games. His five missed tackles forced entering the game ranked sixth in the league, per Pro Football Focus, and he added a few more in Houston.
Evans is a Houston native, so this game was extra special. And with the 53-man roster being announced on Tuesday, he was happy to get one last chance to prove he belongs.
"It's a blissful opportunity," Evans said. "I mean, sometimes I just got to sit back and just be grateful for the opportunity. I mean, obviously Tuesday's coming up, so let God handle that."
While Evans has averaged less than four yards per carry in each preseason game, that's not to say he doesn't have the potential. In college, Evans had a host breakaway runs, averaging at least 6.5 yards per carry every season. That success at TCU and Ole Miss indicates he can still rip off some big plays when the opportunity presents itself.
Evans has some tough competition in the running back room, though. Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum are cemented at the top of the depth chart, and veteran Boston Scott was a significant offseason addition. Still, Evans' preseason performance has displayed his value as a bruising back, which is a unique identity among the Rams' rushers.
