Solid Starts for Passers as Packers Top Rams
Aaron Rodgers and Sam Bradford each threw a touchdown pass in their preseason debuts and played into the second quarter in the Green Bay Packers' 21-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Saturday.
The Rams' Michael Sam played in the second half and got his first sack of the preseason, dropping Matt Flynn for a 10-yard loss in the fourth quarter to force a 49-yard field goal by Mason Crosby. Sam had a tackle earlier in that series and totaled two quarterback hits.
Rodgers was 11 for 13 for 128 yards and a 3-yard score to Randall Cobb in a no-huddle offense on the opening series.
Bradford, who said weeks ago that the left knee was no longer a concern, was 9 for 12 for 101 yards for the Rams with an 11-yard touchdown to Lance Kendricks.
'It was nothing new, I've been here before,' Bradford said. 'I think for everyone else it's probably a bigger deal for me to get back out on the field.'
Eddie Lacy had five carries for 25 yards on the Packers' 12-play, 86-yard drive to start the game.
Sam, a seventh-round pick, is very likely competing with undrafted Ethan Westbrooks for a backup spot. Westbrooks was the second-team left defensive end behind Chris Long and had a sack with four total tackles, while Sam got work at both defensive end spots.
Rodgers had plenty of time to operate and he looked sharp, going 6 for 6 for 47 yards and scrambling 14 yards on the opening drive. He ended the quarter with a 35-yard pass to Andrew Quarless to the St. Louis 12 that led to a short field goal and a 10-0 lead.
'The offense got off to a great start,' Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said. 'I really liked the production that we were able to get done in the first two series.'
Scott Tolzien was 10 for 15 for 107 yards behind Rodgers and Flynn, who started the opener, was effective as the third quarterback. Flynn threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jeff Janis, a seventh-round pick, and added a 2-point conversion pass to Davante Adams that made it 18-7 late in the third.
Most of Bradford's passes were underneath, with most of Brian Quick's 41-yard gain coming after the catch. He just missed connecting with Kenny Britt on a 35-yarder in the first quarter and converted on fourth-and-3 from the Packers' 43 with a 5-yard pass to Jared Cook.
The Rams backup quarterback Shaun Hill was 1 for 4 for 14 yards. He threw two touchdown passes as the starter last week when Bradford was held out.
Jordy Nelson started for the Packers after returning from a hamstring injury last week, but had no catches in limited action.
St. Louis backup running back Isaiah Pead left the game with a left knee injury after returning a kickoff in the first quarter.
NEWTON READY FOR RETURN Cam Newton will play his first game since having ankle surgery in March when the Panthers host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Panthers Coach Ron Rivera said he expected Newton to play at least a quarter, but he could see additional playing time.
JAGUARS SIGN TWO The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed fullback Harvey Unga and offensive tackle Cody Booth.
The team also waived receiver Chad Hall and fullback Bradie Ewing was waived because of a wrist injury.
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