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5 Takeaways from Rams' 34-0 preseason Week 2 win over Saints: QB usage, OLB Wesley Bailey and DBs making plays, and more

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Rams' 34-0 home preseason win over the Saints on Saturday featured a different usage of quarterbacks Stetson Bennett IV and Ty Simpson, and plenty of plays made by their defense. Bennett had two rushing touchdowns and led Los Angeles on scoring drives on four of the the five series he played in the first half. Simpson took over in the second half, but with L.A. up 27-0 by that time.

Meanwhile, the Rams defense notched a pair of takeaways and was led by the individual efforts of outside linebacker Wesley Bailey, safety Alex Cook and others.

Here are five takeaways from the contest:

1) Quarterbacks each get a half, with Bennett starting the first and Simpson taking over in the second.

Bennett's first drive stalled because of a false start penalty against offensive lineman Blake Hance. On the second, Bennett nearly connected with wide receiver Tyler Scott for a touchdown, but just overthrew him deep (Scott could only get a hand on it after stretching out his right arm). Bennett still found Scott for a fourth-down conversion completion on an impressive catch by Scott. That second series also had a false start penalty, this time on offensive lineman Bill Murray, stalling it at Saints 8 forcing the Rams to settle for a 26-yard field goal by kicker Harrison Mevis. On his third series, Bennett scrambled and dove at pylon for a 1-yard touchdown run; he was originally ruled short of goal line but that call was overturned upon a successful challenge by the Rams.

Simpson entered midway through third quarter – the first time Rams offense took field in second half – but with a 27-0 lead behind him, so he wasn't asked to do much given circumstances. He did lead a scoring drive on his third series, capped by a 12-yard touchdown run by running back Jarquez Hunter. Simpson finished 8-for-12 passing for 73 yards.

2) Bailey's big day: The undrafted free agent signee out of the University of Louisville paced the Rams' defense with five total tackles (one for loss), one sack, three QB hits and one forced fumble.

3) Takeaways for days: Safety Alex Cook took a pick-six 100 yards to the house with 9:06 left in the third quarter to give the Rams a 27-point lead. Then late in the third quarter, Bailey's forced fumble inside the Saints 5-yard line was recovered by defensive lineman Payton Zdroik. While the ensuing drive after the fumble recovery didn't amount to points, it still kept New Orleans out of the endzone.

4) Cornerbacks shine: Al’zillion "AZ" Hamilton got a pick of his own at the beginning of the second quarter, while Cam Lampkin had an impressive 4th down pass breakup with 7:06 left in the first half. On the drive following the turnover on downs, Bennett rushed for second touchdown of the afternoon.

5) Keir Thomas II ruled out with groin injury, Daniel Rickert ruled out with knee injury. Thomas' injury is a tough blow to L.A.'s outside linebacker depth, given his experience and also how well he played well in its preseason opener last week. Rickert was a free agent signing on Aug. 7.

The Los Angeles Rams take on the New Orleans Saints for preseason Week 2 at SoFi Stadium. Take a look at photos from the matchup!

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