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Michael Sam proves a good backup for St Louis despite loss to New Orleans

Openly gay Ram defensive end makes solid NFL debut in defeat by Saints

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Drew Brees and Sam Bradford watched from the sidelines in street clothes, leaving the Saints-Rams preseason opener to the backup quarterbacks.

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However, St Louis' Michael Sam, got a lot of playing time.

The Rams wasted no time getting Sam in the game and the first openly gay player drafted in the NFL made a solid debut as a reserve defensive end in a 26-24 loss to New Orleans.

Wow this is the big stage. You know, I can play in this league
Michael Sam 

Sam was a seventh-round draft pick and he is attempting to launch his pro career just a two-hour drive from where he starred on a 12-win Missouri team that played in the SEC title game last season.

He dropped his weight to 257 pounds, so he would be a viable special option on a team who already have a strong pass rush, but got extended playing time at left defensive end.

Sam said being credited with one tackle and one quarterback hit against the Saints helped his confidence.

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"Wow this is the big stage. You know, I can play in this league," Sam said.

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