5 keys to a Rams victory against the Chargers on Thursday

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5 keys to a Rams victory against the Chargers on Thursday

Brock Vierra, Rams Wire · Rams Wire

Thu, Aug 27, 2026 ·

3 min read

Bench Bennett, start Caldwell, finish with Simpson

There is nothing Stetson Bennett can do on Thursday to change the opinion of the franchise. He's had four years, and whatever the coaching staff thinks of him should be just that. He should be the QB2, and his playing provides no value for the team long-term.

Matthew Caldwell has worked his tail off in practice and deserves the start. He won't make the roster; we really do not know what football looks like for him after Thursday, and he should get his moment, and then the chance to put solid film out there.

For Simpson, let's see him in a close game. If Caldwell somehow puts the Rams up big, then there's that. But if the game is close or the Rams are trailing, let's put Simpson in a real game situation and expose him to that environment. If the team waits for the regular season to expose Simpson to the elements that can only be created in a game situation, that would be coaching malpractice.

Let Presley take flight

The preseason has been the Brennan Presley show, as he has starred in the same way Xavier Smith did one year ago. Presley is a playmaker who has real potential if placed in the right offense. Considering the lack of targets that players like Smith and Presley receive in the McVay offense, perhaps this game could be used as a test for some of the concepts the team would like to incorporate with their smaller, speedy pass catchers.

Regardless, Presley has been incredible, and we need to see exactly where he is because the perceived notion surrounding him is that there's a lot more to the Oklahoma State product than has been witnessed.

Constant targeting of tight ends

On top of Presley, the tight ends have been excellent for the Rams. Max Klare has been a real star, while potential practice squad talent could be lurking nearby. The team has league-high tight end usage, and the position places a lot of wear-and-tear on the body.

Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen have noted injury histories, so the more depth available, the better. Plus, they have played important roles in the Rams' excellent passing attack in Kansas City , and in their ground-and-pound destruction of New Orleans . Plus, their usage allows the quarterback to avoid hits via quick throws.

Let the Chargers run themselves out of steam

Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has a brilliant offensive system that can, at times, outscheme the ability of his players, especially once fatigue sets in. Make McDaniel pass by loading the box when possible, trust the Rams' secondary, and if all else fails, the Chargers do not have a backup that is better than what the Saints and Chiefs put on the field. Plus, their quarterbacks can be baited fairly easily with disguised coverages that counter any timing route that's meant to get the ball out in under two seconds. McDaniel calls those plays a lot.

Bench Bailey

This is more a key to a long-term victory than one that will help the Rams beat the Chargers. Wesley Bailey has earned his roster spot. Do not risk an injury to an exciting prospect. There is no point.