The Los Angeles Rams converted fumbles by Oakland Raiders quarterbacks into 10 first-half points in a 19-15 victory Saturday in a preseason game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Rookie running back John Kelly recovered his own fumble in the end zone for a touchdown and Greg Zuerlein kicked 42- and 28-yard field goals later in the second quarter for the Rams (1-1).
The Raiders (1-1) scored 15 unanswered points on Chris Warren’s three-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, Mike Nugent’s 31-yard field goal with 11 minutes, 58 seconds left in the fourth quarter, and EJ Manuel’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Griff Whalen with 9:52 to play.
Oakland missed two-point conversion attempts after both touchdowns.
Sam Ficken kicked a 32-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining for the Rams for the game’s final points.
In a game both teams did not use the quarterbacks and many other players expected to start when the teams meet Sept. 10 in Oakland to open the regular season, the Rams were outgained the Raiders, 221 yards to 215, but led 33:33-26:27 in time of possession and 13-12 in first downs, including a 7-1 advantage in the first half.
The Rams converted two of 14 third-down opportunities. Oakland converted one of 10.
Following a scoreless first quarter that included a missed 48-yard field goal attempt by Zuerlein, Kelly scored the Rams lone touchdown six plays after rookie defensive lineman Justin Lawler was credited with a sack and forced fumble of Oakland quarterback Connor Cook on what appeared to be a pass, recovered the loose ball and returned it 16 yards to the Raiders 15-yard line.
The Rams increased their lead to 10-0 two possessions later when they drove 59 yards on five plays, including Sean Mannion’s 47-yard pass to undrafted rookie free agent KhaDarel Hodge on the first play of the drive, to set up Zuerlein’s 42-yard field goal.
Zuerlein kicked a 28-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, six plays after Ethan Westbrooks sacked quarterback EJ Manuel, forcing a fumble that Bryce Hager recovered at Oakland’s 26-yard line and returned 16 yards.
Ficken kicked a 35-yard field goal on the Rams second possession of the second half, increasing their lead to 16-0.
Mannion completed 10 of 16 passes for 84 yards in the first half. Brandon Allen completed six of 11 passes for 68 yards and had a pass in the fourth quarterback intercepted which the Raiders converted into Manuel’s touchdown pass to Whalen.
Cook, Oakland’s starting quarterback, completed six of 12 passes for 49 yards. Manuel completed 10 of 16 passes for 89 yards and one touchdown.
The game was the Raiders first at the Coliseum since they returned to Oakland in 1995 following 13 seasons in Los Angeles.