St. Louis Rams Preseason 2014: 5 Takeaways From Loss In Week 2

By Timothy Downs

St. Louis Rams Preseason 2014: 5 Takeaways From Week 2 Loss

St. Louis Rams — The St. Louis Rams put on a below-average show in their 21-7 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers. However, St. Louis can take solace in the fact that quarterback Sam Bradford looked healthy and a few other players stood out individually.

Here's a look at five takeaways from the game.

5. Tre Mason Still Has A Lot To Learn

St Louis Rams Tre Mason

5. Tre Mason Still Has A Lot To Learn

St Louis Rams Tre Mason — The rookie RB was underwhelming against the Packers. He only accumulated 30 yards on 12 carries for a dismal 2.2 YPC. Mason also completely missed adjusting his protection against the pass rush on one occasion, which led to a devastating sack. He undoubtedly has talent, but still has a lot to learn during the preseason.

4. Michael Sam Recorded His First Sack

St Louis Rams Michael Sam

4. Michael Sam Recorded His First Sack

St Louis Rams Michael Sam — There was a lot of doubt over whether or not Sam could handle the transition from college to the pros, but he was solid in his debut and took a step forward against the Packers as he beat protection and sacked quarterback Matt Flynn. He also added two tackles. Sam seems to increase his chances of making the 53-man roster each week.

3. Ethan Westbrooks Is Making An Impression

St Louis Rams

3. Ethan Westbrooks Is Making An Impression

St Louis Rams Ethan Westbrooks — Fourth-string LDE Ethan Westbrooks is competing with Sam for one of the last spots on the Rams' defensive line depth chart, and also impressed against the Packers as he recorded a sack and four tackles. He's been giving opposing offensive lines fits thus far during the preseason.

2. Rams' Offensive Line Needs To Improve

St Louis Rams

2. Rams' Offensive Line Needs To Improve

St Louis Rams — The No. 2 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, LG Greg Robinson, has a ton of talent, but also plenty of work to do adjusting to the NFL game. St. Louis would benefit greatly from LT Jake Long's presence in Week 3, which is historically when the first-team plays the most time together. The Rams have allowed 11 sacks in just two games, which needs to change in a hurry if they intend on keeping Bradford healthy this season.

1. Sam Bradford Looked Healthy And Played Well

St Louis Rams Sam Bradford

1. Sam Bradford Looked Healthy And Played Well

St Louis Rams Sam Bradford — Bradford played his first live game action in 300 days and didn't seem to skip a beat, which has to be an incredibly huge relief to head coach Jeff Fisher and the Rams' brass. He went 9-of-12 with 101 yards passing and threw one TD to TE Lance Kendricks in a quarter and a half of play. St. Louis desperately needs Bradford to stay healthy in 2014, and his solid showing against Green Bay suggests he will be ready for the regular season opener.

Timothy Downs is a St. Louis Rams/NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. You can add him on Google or follow on Twitter @Tidow1212.

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