The biggest news form the NFL standpoint was the crowd as over 89,000 fans where on hand for the teams first game back in Southern California, the largest preseason attendance in league history, but for the team, the play of last year’s third round pick was the biggest story.
Coming into the contest, this year’s top pick Jared Goff was the headliner, but Mannion stole the thunder by guiding the backups in the second half and leading the team to a win. The 24-year-old completed 18 of 25 passes for 147 yards and three scores. His play and poise could lead to a quarterback controversy, especially for a team that has struggled to score points for the last five years.
There were reports earlier in the week that team mates are impressed with the growth of the former Oregon State signal caller. His leadership on and off the field have taken a big leap forward and with Goff being injured against the Cowboys, the door is open for someone to takeover this franchise.
Starter Case Keenum didn’t do much wrong on Saturday night. The former Houston Cougars quarterback completed six of seven throws for 58 yards. His only incomplete pass was a dropped ball and he helped guild the offense to a first quarter score, but despite this solid play, nothing spectacular surrounded his performance, leading fans to hit social media in favor of Mannion.
This franchise has been led by a better than average defense, but the loss of a couple key veterans in the off season means the offensive unit will need to produce more. Second-year running back Todd Gurley is electric, but the NFL is about moving the football and finding the right leader is a must. Through the first preseason contest, fans might have got a taste of what the future holds with the play of all three signal callers under center.
