Written by Rich Hammond at OcRegister.com
As long-awaited sequels go, “Episode 50: Return of the Rams” opened in blockbuster fashion, even if the script didn’t quite go the way the live audience of nearly 90,000 probably anticipated.
Moments after the stadium erupted in cheers as the Rams took the field in Southern California for the first time since 1994, it fell into groans when Dallas returned the opening kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown. Anxiety increased when hoped-for franchise quarterback Jared Goff was intercepted on his third play.
Oh, what an ending though. The Rams’ 50th season in Los Angeles – after a 7,903-day St. Louis detour – unofficially opened with a dramatic 28-24 win over the Cowboys in both teams’ preseason opener Saturday night.
“I just felt like the atmosphere was crazy,’’ running back Benny Cunningham said. “You couldn’t have made this up in a movie.’’
The Rams trailed 24-7 at halftime but staged a backup-fueled comeback led by third-string quarterback Sean Mannion, who took over earlier than expected after Goff suffered a mild shoulder injury. Mannion threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to running back Aaron Green with 1:54 remaining for the winning points.
“I had to remind them (in the locker room) that it was a preseason game,’’ said coach Jeff Fisher. “It was like they clinched the playoffs, as far as they were concerned. So that was fun.’’
The visuals were strong, even if the play – at least for the starters – looked quite ragged.
Playing at their temporary home for the first time, the Rams were greeted by an announced crowd of 89,140. At kickoff time, many remained outside, still attempting to get through security, and by the time they got inside, it seemed as though others had headed for the exits.
The Rams had their moments, but most of them were in the backup-heavy second half.
Star running back Todd Gurley was held out of the game, and the long-awaited debut of Goff was an abbreviated bust. Goff, expected to play as much as two quarters, got only 13 plays.
Fisher said Goff has a sore non-throwing shoulder after the hit he took on the second-quarter interception, but that Goff is fine.
“I talked to him and he was getting a little stiff so I said, `I’m not going to mess with this,’’’ Fisher said.
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