tweets & other bits … 8/21 & 8/22 … w/ Holt on NFL | FIRST THINGS FIRST

Rams hold highest single-season grades in PFF history at two positions https://t.co/JQ4brdrGec

— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) August 21, 2019

ProFootballTalk@ProFootballTalk
Sean McVay: Preseason not worth the risk for Rams

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Rams won’t play any of their starters in the “dress rehearsal” game Saturday night.

There’s a lot of talk about the preseason dying. Clearly teams don’t put much value in it for starters, but it does serve a purpose for reserves and players fighting for a roster spot.

I don’t think the NFL can just cut it altogether, but reducing it to two games is probably the best option. Coaches (even McVay) still like to see players in game settings for position battles and whatnot.

Rams Wire@TheRamsWire
Jared Goff: Josh Reynolds is ‘truly a fourth starter’ at WR

Chris Long@JOEL9ONE
As a Popeyes fan, I’m biased. But holy shit. And also, I mostly have a need for this type of meal on Sunday. So not only is the sandwich better, but the best ability is availability. Sorry Chick Fil A.

Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
The Rams held a 60 play scrimmage today for starters and key reserves who have not participated in the preseason.

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
#Rams Todd Gurley had a scheduled day off from practicing, so he did not participate in the scrimmage today

Rich Hammond@Rich_Hammond
In his Rams mailbag, @VinnyBonsignore talked about last year’s run defense and “some guys (who) were so intent on getting to the quarterback (that) they neglected their run duties or got themselves out of position.” Hmm, who could that have been?

Panthers quarterback (foot) hurt in first game back from shoulder surgery

This is less than ideal for Cam Newton and the Panthers.

The quarterback was removed from the Panthers’ matchup with the Patriots on Thursday with a foot injury, the team announced.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/cam-newton-injury-update-panthers-quarterback-suffers-foot-injury/ec5rloe2ovxl15crs7cn4yl4e?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Frank Schwab@YahooSchwab
If Cam Newton’s injury is even a little serious, it will be the new example for why teams shouldn’t play starters in the preseason. And the teams that sit their guys are right.

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Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
Checklist for building a championship foundation in today’s NFL
Role/Number of players
QB (1)
Pass rusher (2)
Off Playmaker (3)
Def Playmaker (3)
Quality OL (3)

Which teams hit every mark?

J.B. Long@JB_Long

✔️QB: Jean McGoff
✔️Pass Rusher: Donald, Fowler, Matthews
✔️Off Playmaker: Gurley + 3 WRs + Everett
✔️Def Playmaker: All 5 DBs, Littleton
✔️Quality OL: Whit, Havenstein, Blythe + 2 promising redshirt freshmen.

This really drives home the caliber of #LARams roster.

Ian Rapoport@RapSheet
The early word on #Panthers QB Cam Newton, who left the preseason game with a foot injury: It doesn’t appear to be serious, source said. Newton left in a walking boot, which can be used as a precaution. He may get tests tomorrow, regardless.

More on Cam Newton: X-Rays were negative. It’s characterized as just a sprain right now, I’m told. Tests coming tomorrow.