Sean Mannion led a late comeback and Jared Goff made his pro debut as the pair helped make the Rams’ return to Los Angeles a successful one in front of a record crowd on Saturday.
Mannion tossed three touchdown passes, including two in the fourth quarter, as Los Angeles defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-24 in the exhibition opener in front of a crowd of 89,140.
It was the largest crowd in history for an NFL pre-season game and the Rams’ first home game at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 36 years.
Photo: AFP
However, the Cowboys stunned the Coliseum fans right off the bat when Lucky Whitehead returned the opening kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 Dallas lead after just 13 seconds.
Later in the quarter, quarterback Dak Prescott hit wide receiver Dez Bryant for a 10-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.
The Rams, with quarterback Case Keenum getting the start, led the team on a drive that culminated with a 14-yard touchdown run by Benny Cunningham with 1 minute, 33 seconds left in the first quarter.
Prescott fired back, connecting with Terrance Williams on a 32-yard touchdown 1:32 into the second quarter. The Cowboys closed the first-half scoring when Dan Bailey nailed a 44-yard field goal for a 24-7 halftime lead.
First overall draft pick Goff made his pro debut with 9:45 remaining in the second quarter. Mannion replaced Goff to start the third quarter. Goff completed four-of-nine passes for 38 yards.
Mannion, a third-round pick last year, completed 18-of-25 passes for 147 yards and three touchdowns.
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