INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Stetson Bennett IV threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Tru Edwards with five seconds remaining, lifting the Los Angeles Rams to a 23-22 preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium.
Bennett redeemed himself after a dramatic mistake minutes earlier, when Chargers defensive tackle TeRah Edwards intercepted him and rumbled into Rams territory before stumbling near midfield. The second-year quarterback shook off the turnover and engineered a composed final drive, highlighted by a 40-yard leaping catch from Brennan Presley with 11 seconds left that set up the winning score.
Bennett finished 28 of 40 for 324 yards, three touchdowns and the one interception in a performance that underscored his growth in Sean McVay’s system. Rookie running back Jarquez Hunter also impressed, carrying 15 times for 55 yards as the Rams leaned on young depth throughout the night.
On defense, rookie outside linebacker Brennan Jackson recorded two first-half sacks, including one against Justin Herbert on the Chargers’ opening drive. Los Angeles’ defense held Herbert and the first-team offense to a field goal in limited action before both sides turned to reserves. Rookie linebacker Shaun Dolac again served as the Rams’ on-field defensive signal-caller, relaying plays for the second straight week.
The Chargers rested several starters and leaned heavily on backups after Herbert’s series. Cameron Dicker converted two field goals, and the Bolts appeared to have sealed the win with Edwards’ interception before Bennett’s late rally.
Attendance was announced at 71,249 for the all-Los Angeles matchup, which ended in dramatic fashion as the Rams improved to 2-0 in the preseason while the Chargers fell to 2-1.