Rams camp, 2020 … including “At Camp Live” vids w/ Long, Farr, & MJ-D

Go get it, @j_fuller4!

Back-to-back days with picks for the rook! pic.twitter.com/9SFsYhLMV7

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 18, 2020

Rams Training camp, Day 1: Jared Goff spins it

Eric D. Williams

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/rams-goff-spins-it

A recap of Tuesday’s practice at Rams training camp:

PLAYER OF THE DAY

Reporters got their first chance to see all the work Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff has been putting in on display in his team’s fully padded practice.

Goff shined. He showed good accuracy and anticipation in the pocket and on the run. And if he didn’t have anything, Goff pulled the ball down and scrambled for big games.

Head coach Sean McVay also said he liked how his starting quarterback got his team quickly in and out of the huddle. The only hiccup for Goff was an interception by rookie safety Terrell Burgess on a deep ball.

“He made completions, made good decisions and took what the defense gave him consistently,” McVay said. “I thought we got in and out of the huddle the right way. It was on track for doing things with the standards that we have set, and I thought it started with his performance today.”

PLAY OF THE DAY

There were a handful to chose from, but we will go with Darious Williams’ interception of John Wolford on a deep ball intended for Trishton Jackson.

Williams’ pick was the first of back-to-back interceptions by the Rams’ defense, with the second one the Burgess takeaway.

“At this point of the season to see the secondary as on point as they are is definitely a good sight,” defensive lineman Michael Brockers said.

Rookie Van Jefferson also was impressive on Tuesday, running polished routes and creating consistent separation during 1-on-1 drills. Jefferson also caught a nice deep ball for a touchdown from Wolford behind Williams.

MATCHUP OF THE DAY

Rookie Cam Akers squared up with Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey after a decent gain, and the two Florida State products had a big collision along the sideline.

Both Akers and Ramsey playfully talked smack as the two made their way back to the huddle.

Akers looked the part during practice. He showed that he’s a natural hands catcher in individual route running drills and also displayed good patience, with an ability to burst through the hole once he found a seam in the defense.

Akers, Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson Jr. all got reps with the starters during team drills.

ROLL CALL

McVay said second-year safety Taylor Rapp has a knee issue that kept him out of practice on Tuesday, but he feels good about the University of Washington product being on the right track to getting out on the field soon.

McVay also said outside linebacker Justin Lawler got his foot stepped on and is being evaluated.

Brockers said a high ankle injury he suffered last year is good to go, and he’s able to go full speed. Defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, on reserve/non-football injury list with an undisclosed health issue, was at practice watching today with his position group.

The five offensive lineman working with the starters included Andrew Whitworth at left tackle, Joe Noteboom at left guard, Austin Blythe at center, Austin Corbett at right guard and Rob Havenstein at right tackle.

10 Observations from the Rams’ first 2020 training camp practice in pads

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-first-training-camp-practice-pads

After each practice of Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, Rams staff writer Stu Jackson will share 10 observations from the session. Here are his notes from Tuesday, Aug. 18.

1) Our first look at the first team offensive line in a pads-on setting saw Joe Noteboom getting first-team reps at left guard, with Austin Corbett holding down right guard. This, of course, is the first glimpse of the combination since the two never got a chance to play together during the 2019 season: Noteboom was the team’s starting left guard in 2019 until sustaining a season-ending left knee injury in the sixth game; Corbett took over at left guard late in the season after Los Angeles moved Austin Blythe over to center as the replacement to Brian Allen (season-ending knee injury in Week 10). That guard combination was also different from what Episode 1 of Hard Knocks showed us. In that episode, Corbett was at left guard and David Edwards at right guard.

2) At outside linebacker, Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam handled first team duties. Like Lewis, both players looked the part physically, especially Floyd and his 6-5, 240-pound frame. Of course, Ebukam at 6-3 and 245 deserves credit too, given how hard he was working this offseason with the opportunity in front of him.

3) This hasn’t been the first time rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson’s route-running and separation skills have been touted, but if a reminder is needed, both were on full display at Tuesday’s practice. He hauled in a deep touchdown pass from quarterback John Wolford during 11-on-11 work, and had a nice over-the-shoulder catch for a score during 1-on-1 drills against cornerback Adonis Alexander.

4) Second-year safety Taylor Rapp’s non-participation – which Rams head coach Sean McVay attributed to “a little knee” issue – created ample opportunities for rookies Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess to show what they could do, and they delivered. During 11-on-11 drills, they each had an interception.

5) On that note about the safeties, there were other defensive backs who made plays too. Cornerback Darious Williams’ interception of quarterback John Wolford came after Burgess’ pick, giving the defense interceptions on back-to-back plays. Cornerback Dont’e Deayon also had a nice pass breakup in coverage against Robert Woods.

6) The running backs rotated often, though this was to be expected based on what McVay has told reporters about the committee approach to the position as well as what running backs coach Thomas Brown told me earlier this month about how he planned to approach training camp reps.

7) The team drills also provided a look at the kicking competition. CFL product Lirim Hajrullahu and XFL product Austin MacGinnis each drilled a 42-yard field goal during that stretch.

8) It was great to see inside linebacker Micah Kiser full-go after last year’s setback with the preseason pectoral injury that forced him to miss the rest of the year. “I know we have high regard for Micah Kiser in our building,” defensive coordinator Brandon Staley told reporters in May, and that was reflected Tuesday with Kiser getting reps with the first-team defense alongside Travin Howard.

9) Fourth-year pro Josh Reynolds was regularly the third wide receiver alongside Woods and Cooper Kupp on the first-team offense. Again, this development also doesn’t come as too much of a surprise given how McVay said in the spring that he expected Reynolds to have a bigger role in the offense in 2020.

10) Tight end Tyler Higbee seems to be picking up where he left off in December, hauling in consecutive passes from Goff during one point during 11-on-11 drills to help move the chains.

6 takeaways from Rams’ 2nd padded practice of training camp

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/rams-camp-takeaways-notes-news-2020/ 89 shares

The Rams held their second of 14 padded practices on Wednesday, which was also open to members of the media. Information coming out of training camp is limited this year due to team restrictions on what can and can’t be reported, but we can still draw some conclusions from each day of practice.

Here are six takeaways from Day 2 of padded practices, based on reports out of camp and comments made by both players and coaches afterwards in their media sessions.

1 Offensive line taking shape

It seemed at first that Austin Corbett would be the starting left guard with David Edwards at right guard. That’s not the case, however. In back-to-back days, Corbett has been at right guard with Joseph Noteboom at left guard.

Noteboom seems to have pulled ahead of Edwards in the guard pecking order, and he’s more comfortable on the left side than the right, which causes Corbett to flip to Austin Blythe’s right.

Sean McVay said after practice that both Noteboom and Rob Havenstein – who is working with the first-team offense – have both performed well in practice. It’s an encouraging sign because Noteboom and Havenstein a critical pieces of the line.

2 Whitworth plays mediator
Things apparently got heated in practice Wednesday with a minor scuffle breaking out, but Andrew Whitworth was there to break things up. He said on a conference call with reporters that he told his teammates it’s not worth expending so much energy because of the fatigue they’ll feel in practice later on.

Whitworth is 39 years old and has seen it all in the NFL, so he knows a thing or two about making smart decisions on the field. Him playing the role of mediator is no surprise.

3 Rapp still out of practice

Once again, Taylor Rapp missed practice with a knee injury, which McVay suggested wasn’t very serious after Tuesday’s practice. McVay shared an update on Rapp Wednesday, but he isn’t sure when the young safety will be back.

He’s hoping to have more information next week, with Rapp’s return potentially coming soon.

4 Defensive line wins one-on-one sessions

The defensive line is going to be a strength of the Rams this season, even with A’Shawn Robinson missing time due to a cardiovascular condition. Sebastian Joseph-Day and Greg Gaines are capable fill-ins, while there are no concerns about Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers.

In one-on-one pass-rush drills, the defense got the better of Los Angeles’ offensive line. Terrell Lewis beat Bobby Evans twice, Aaron Donald made a rep against Austin Corbett look easy, and even Gaines beat his man with a powerful move up the middle.

5 Wolford throws 2 TDs but draws ire of McVay

Wolford is clearly the favorite to be Jared Goff’s backup this season, and according to those who have watched him in camp, he’s looked pretty good thus far. He continued to play well Wednesday, finding Nsimba Webster twice for touchdowns during team drills.

However, it wasn’t all high-fives and praise for Wolford. After scrambling on one play, he collided with Dont’e Deayon, which McVay wasn’t happy about afterwards. Defenders aren’t supposed to hit ball-carriers, so Wolford initiating contact with Deayon wasn’t something McVay wanted to see.

6 Rams rotating kickers

The kicking competition in L.A. is an important one, and the Rams are taking an unorthodox approach to the battle. With three kickers to evaluate, the team is rotating guys in and out of practice sessions.

According to J.B. Long, today was Lirim Hajrullahu’s turn to sit out, with Austin MacGinnis and Sam Sloman getting all of the opportunities.

MacGinnis went 4-for-6, while Sloman made half of his six attempts on the day.

10 Observations from the Rams’ second 2020 training camp practice in pads

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-second-2020-training-camp-practice-pads

After each practice of Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, Rams staff writer Stu Jackson will share 10 observations from the session. Here are his notes from Wednesday, Aug. 19.

1) The loudest pop of the pads came during 11-on-11 drills, when cornerback Jalen Ramsey collided with running back and fellow Florida State product Cam Akers. Don’t read too much into it, though: It’s merely just one Seminole looking after another by helping him get used to the physicality of the NFL. “I think Jalen cares a lot about Cam, and he’s welcoming him into the NFL, if you will,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said after practice. Ramsey echoed similar sentiments on Twitter afterward, too.

2) The first team offensive line had Joe Noteboom at left guard and Austin Corbett at right guard for the second consecutive day. McVay praised both afterward, saying Noteboom “picked up where he left off” and “looks very comfortable, looks healthy, looks explosive and strong” while complimenting Corbett’s positional versatility.

3) The defensive backs continue to make plays. A couple of near-interceptions, but perhaps most impressive was Troy Hill’s third-down pass breakup covering Cooper Kupp on a goal-line slant.

4) Baptism by fire for rookie offensive lineman Treymane Anchrum Jr., who went one-on-one against outside linebacker Leonard Floyd at left tackle and later Ogbo Okoronkwo. In fairness, Floyd and Okoronkwo’s speed and physicality present a tough test for any offensive lineman, let alone a first-year NFL player.

5) Kickers were put in pressure situations again during team drills, called upon to hypothetical game-winning field goals. Austin MacGinnis and Sam Sloman each converted a pair near the 40-yard line.

6) On days like Wednesday, it is easy to see why offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell is as confident as he is in John Wolford. Manning the second team offense against the second team defense, Wolford fired back-to-back touchdown passes to wide receiver Nsimba Webster during 11-on-11 work near the goal line.

7) Taylor Rapp did not participate in practice for the second consecutive day, but McVay later said he’s hopeful to get the safety back on the practice field “in the next week or so.” This meant that, for the second consecutive day, rookies Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess were afforded more opportunities.

8) Besides that hit against Akers, Ramsey had a nice pass breakup against wide receiver Josh Reynolds in the endzone during one-on-one drills.

9) Cornerback Darious Williams, who had an interception during team drills yesterday, continued his impressive play with a pass breakup against wide receiver Robert Woods in one-on-one drills.

10) Rookie running back Cam Akers had a nice moment against the second team defense, displaying patience and vision on a touchdown run to the right during 11-on-11 goal line work. “He’s got great natural ability as a runner, I think he sees things,” McVay said after practice. “He’s got a great feel and tempo to his game.”

InvaderRam wrote:

rams camp live day 2 in pads from 8/19/2020. towards the end. lewis goes 1 on 1 with evans. wow. he looks good. lewis that is.

That starts at 15:59 in for those who are interested.

7 Rams standouts from first week of padded practices

Cameron DaSilva

link https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/rams-camp-practice-standouts-rookies/

The Rams wrapped up their third of 14 padded practices on Friday, their last session before Saturday night’s scrimmage at SoFi Stadium. The team has to take advantage of every practice it can get because of how limited the offseason work has been, and it seems to be doing just that.

To put a bow on the first week of padded practices, we selected seven standouts for the Rams – led by a bunch of impressive rookies who have stepped up in a big way.

1 S Jordan Fuller

Fuller is only a sixth-round pick but he’s not playing like one in practice. The rookie safety has made a strong first impression on the coaches and his teammates, with Sean McVay specifically name-dropping him for the plays he’s made on the field.

“You know, I’ve been really impressed with all these guys, but those two young safeties, when you look at (Terrell) Burgess and Fuller have really been standouts the last couple of days,” McVay said.

He picked off three passes in the first week of padded practices and on Friday alone, he made two huge plays on defense. He has a legitimate chance to contribute at some point this season behind John Johnson and Taylor Rapp.

2 WR Van Jefferson

Jefferson has also caught the eye of McVay early in camp for his strong hands, route running and physical play in practice. He caught a nice touchdown pass from John Wolford in the end zone, coming down in bounds with good awareness.

Jared Goff loves the way he’s played so far, too, saying Jefferson reminds him of Cooper Kupp’s rookie year in 2017, getting up to speed quicker than expected.

“Van has been really good, man. He’s been really good. I say that cautiously because you never want these young guys to get too far ahead of themselves,” Goff said. “But he’s been really impressive and done a good job. It reminds me a lot of when Cooper was a rookie, and he was just so far ahead of where a rookie kind of should be.”

3 OLB Terrell Lewis

Lewis just looks different than most rookies. He’s tall, long, fast and powerful, which is a deadly combination for an edge rusher. Michael Brockers even thought the Rams brought him in to take his job at first before realizing he was a linebacker.

Lewis dominated individual pass-rush drills against Bobby Evans on Wednesday, showing off his power and speed on the edge.

4 S Terrell Burgess

Burgess is right there with Fuller as a standout in the secondary, showing good range and versatility on the back end. He too has picked off at least one pass in practice thus far, which McVay recognized his hands for.

“He’s done a really good job. Smart player, great athleticism for a safety,” McVay said. “He has some flexibility to be able to play at the nickel position at the star for us. Really, very conscientious, made some big plays. When he gets his hands on the ball, he’s catching it. That’s one of the things I’ve been really impressed with. Our DB group as a whole, if they’ve gotten their hands on the ball, they’ve pretty much caught it.”

Burgess has to earn a role as a rookie, but he’s off to a good start, especially with the increased opportunities due to Taylor Rapp’s injury.

5 LG Joseph Noteboom

Noteboom is coming off a knee injury suffered last season but he appears to be 100% healthy – or at least healthy enough to participate in all aspects of camp. He’s grabbed hold of the starting left guard spot, which wasn’t expected after Austin Corbett and David Edwards were originally with the first-team offense to start “Hard Knocks.”

McVay has been impressed with Noteboom’s play thus far, highlighting his performance in practice.

“I’ve been particularly impressed with Austin Corbett and Joe Noteboom,” McVay said. “Joe was really playing good football before he ended up getting injured against the Niners early on in the (2019) season. I think he picked up where he left off. Looks very comfortable, looks healthy, looks explosive and strong.”

6 RG Austin Corbett

Corbett has shifted to right guard with Noteboom on the left side and hasn’t missed a beat. Like Noteboom, Corbett also received some nice compliments from McVay for how he has stepped up in practice.

McVay said Corbett has “done a really nice job,” and “really has some position flexibility” – a valuable trait for an interior offensive lineman. At this point, it seems Corbett will be one of the starting guards, depending on whether the Rams go with Edwards or Noteboom at the other spot.

7 WR Nsimba Webster

Webster’s roster spot will most likely be tied to his return ability, but he’s impressing on offense in practice, which will only help his stock. He caught two touchdown passes from John Wolford on Wednesday and continued his strong week with a good finish on Friday.

Webster is buried on the wide receiver depth chart behind the top four pass-catchers, but anything he can do on offense will help his chances of making the team as a return specialist.

Rams training camp, Day 3: LB Micah Kiser next man up

https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/la-rams-micah-kiser-next-man-up

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A recap of Friday’s practice at Rams training camp:

PLAYER OF THE DAY

Around this time last year, Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Micah Kiser suffered a torn pectoral muscle that cut short his 2019 season before it ever got started.

Kiser showed toughness, staying in the game four plays after he suffered the injury.

Projected as a starter last season, the University of Virginia product endured a grueling, five-month rehab to get back on the field. Kiser said he stayed mentally focused during his rehab, taking 10,000 mental reps during that time he could not practice.

Now, with Rams leading tackler from last season Cory Littleton signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, Kiser is part of a four-man competition for two spots at inside linebacker that includes Travin Howard, Troy Reeder and Kenny Young.

“I spent a lot of time this season working on my change of direction,” Kiser said. “Being able to play better in space and make plays on the ball, being able to pass rush – all kinds of things. I really want to be a complete linebacker.

“With Cory being gone, that’s one place where we can’t really have any slippage, being a complete linebacker and being able to do things on first, second and third down.”

So far, Kiser has looked like he belongs, and certainly has the pedigree to man the position. Selected in the fifth round of the 2018 draft by the Rams, Kiser finished his time at Virginia ranked fifth all-time with 411 career tackles.

Also, Kiser finished as the second player in ACC history to lead the league in tackles in three straight seasons, joining Boston College’s Luke Kuechly.

“Micah has been a guy that’s done a lot of nice things,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “You see the instincts and you see the awareness. He’s got great communication ability, and he’s been attacking the football, forcing a couple out. … He’s just got an innate feel for the game. Football makes sense to him. It’s been good to see him out here healthy, and we’re optimistic he’s going to be big contributor this year.”

PLAY OF THE DAY

Playing in the middle of the field at deep safety, rookie Jordan Fuller made a pretty interception along the sideline tracking a ball intended for receiver Trishton Jackson on a post-corner route and hauling it in for the turnover.

The Rams have talented, young depth at safety, with Fuller, Terrell Burgess and Nick Scott all consistently making plays.

Scott caused a fumble by punching the ball out of the hands of Robert Woods on an outside run.

Another young defensive back to watch for is Adonis Alexander. At 6-3 and 205 pounds, Alexander has the frame of a lanky cornerback like Richard Sherman; Alexander made a nice pass breakup in team drills on Friday.

MATCHUP OF THE DAY

Jalen Ramsey continues to make plays. He played sticky coverage against Woods on a go route, going up high and picking off a pass that Jared Goff probably shouldn’t have thrown due to the tight coverage provided by the Florida State product.

McShay said it was a bad day for the offense overall, but a good day for the defense.

“It was the way that it ended,” McVay said. “In the two-minute situation we were playing for a touchdown and we turned it over. And then we ended up not really knowing how to handle it wit the second group. … We had a lot of guys that panicked, frankly.

“Those are situations that you never want to see on one side of the football, guys have to learn from it and that’s part of why you practice. But those things will not be tolerated from us. It’s not good enough.”

McVay said there’s no update on Ramsey’s contract negotiations.

I also enjoyed watching one-on-one pass rush drills. Seventh-round selection offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum Jr. showed good feet and hand placement working against outside linebacker Natrez Patrick.

Anchrum also played at left guard during team drills, so he has some versatility.

ROLL CALL

Safety Taylor Rapp remains out due to a knee issue, and defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson remains on the reserve/non-football injury list due to an unspecified health issue.

After taking a day off on Thursday, the Rams returned to the practice field on Friday in preparation for the team’s first scrimmage of training camp at the newly completed, $5 billion SoFi Stadium.

McVay said the scrimmage will take place Saturday at 5 p.m., allowing the players to get used to playing that time for the first game of the season on Sept. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys in a nationally televised game.

Players will get an opportunity to get used to the new, artificial turf and overall surrounding at the facility. McVay said the scrimmage will include 1-on-1, 7-on-7 and live team drills for developmental players on the cusp of making the roster.

YOU DON’T SAY

“I am surprised, just because he’s played a lot of good football in this league, and you hope for the best. I have not had much dialogue with anybody else about him, but I am surprised he’s not on a team right now.” – McVay, when asked if he was surprised quarterback Blake Bortles is not currently on an NFL roster.

10 Observations from the Rams’ Aug. 25 training camp practice

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-aug-25-training-camp-practice

After each practice of Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, Rams staff writer Stu Jackson will share 10 observations from the session. Here are his notes from Tuesday, Aug. 25.

1) Another clutch play from cornerback Jalen Ramsey in training camp. The former Florida State star nabbed a one-handed interception off a Jared Goff pass intended for rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson in the endzone and ran it all the way back, tossing the ball to defensive tackle Aaron Donald just before the goal line. Donald then somersaulted into the endzone to celebrate.

2) Speaking of Jefferson, he picked up where he left off from Saturday’s scrimmage, getting more reps with the first team offense. He made a nice play during the 2-minute drill portion of practice, hauling in a first down catch from Goff inside the 15 after Goff escaped pressure in the pocket.

3) Goff’s ability to maneuver a collapsing pocket is something he has been working in practice with offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, today included.

4) Defensive back Nick Scott had another strong moment in practice today, recording an interception during 11-on-11 drills on a John Wolford pass attempt. Unofficially, it’s his second takeaway of training camp after posting a forced fumble last week.

5) Practice ended with another takeaway by the secondary, as rookie defensive back Tyrique McGhee intercepted a pass in the endzone on the ensuing series after Ramsey’s pick. It was the group’s fourth overall – in addition to Ramsey, McGhee and Scott’s picks, cornerback Adonis Alexander had a fumble recovery at the end of 11-on-11 drills.

6) On a positive note for the offense, Goff and wide receiver Robert Woods were clicking during earlier portions of 11-on-11 work. The two connected for a pair of completions into tight windows, giving Goff enough confidence to try a deep sideline pass to Woods with Ramsey in coverage, though the pass fell incomplete.

7) Overall, it was a good day for the defensive reserves, as indicated by takeaways from Scott, Alexander and McGhee.

8) As some of the observations may indicate, Wolford got quite a bit of work during 11-on-11 drills against starters and reserves. It makes sense, though, as O’Connell said earlier this month that he will get a lot of those types of opportunities.

9) Outside linebacker Terrell Lewis showed off the length of his 6-foot-5 frame, breaking up a Goff pass near the line of scrimmage. during 11-on-11 work.

10) Running back Darrell Henderson Jr. (hamstring) did not participate in practice today. McVay said after practice that he had “no update” on Henderson’s status.

Rams training camp, Day 6: Taylor Rapp on the mend

Eric D. Williams
https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/news/la-rams-safety-taylor-rapp-on-the-mend

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A recap of Wednesday’s practice at Rams training camp:

PLAYER OF THE DAY

For the first time during training camp, Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp suited up in pads and a jersey.

The University of Washington product did not get a chance to practice with his teammates, instead running through agility drills with the training staff.

Still, Rapp appeared to move pain free and seems closer to returning from a knee issue that has sidelined him since the start of camp.

With Rapp unavailable, rookies Terrell Burgess and Jordan Fuller have been getting more reps with the starters.

“It was a positive sign seeing him out there moving around,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said. “That was exactly what we hoped. And I think we’ll just see a progressive build from here on out.”

PLAY OF THE DAY

Undrafted rookie receiver Earnest Edwards out of Maine flashed on back-to-back plays, the second with one shoe on.

Edwards caught a bubble screen on the perimeter and darted upfield for a 20-yard gain, but had his shoe pulled off by a defender.

No matter. The offense went quick and Edwards lined up with just his sock on, running an out route and hauling in a catch for a 7-yard completion.

Running back John Kelly had a couple explosive runs during team drills.

MATCHUP OF THE DAY

Rookie Van Jefferson has struggled at times matching up against cornerback Jalen Ramsey in practice, but he got the best of him on Wednesday.

Twice down near the goal line, Jefferson shook loose from Ramsey off the line of scrimmage and beat him inside for touchdowns on slant routes during one-on-one drills, to the delight of the offense.

The wins against Ramsey are the latest example of the blossoming confidence from the rookie out of Florida.

As far as Ramsey’s contract status, McVay had no update on the ongoing negotiations.

“Obviously, Jalen is focused on playing football, McVay said. “Those are things that we’re trying to handle behind the scenes, but the one thing I think we all know is Jalen is so refreshingly secure in himself and confident that it would be great if it gets done, but you also know this guy is not going to be distracted by whether it is, or isn’t done.

“He’s going to go out and try and demonstrate why he’s one of the best in the league at what he does.”

Ramsey also pledged to donate $1 million to Purpose Academy in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. to purchase more resources to expand its programming.

ROLL CALL
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald did not practice on Wednesday, as McVay said he got a maintenance rest day.

Running back Darrell Henderson Jr., out since suffering a minor hamstring strain in last week’s scrimmage, also worked with trainers on the field at the start of practice.

10 Observations from the Rams’ Aug. 27 training camp practice

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-aug-27-training-camp-practice

1) Following the team’s stretching period, Rams head coach Sean McVay paused practice to address the team about continuing to have important conversations regarding social justice and give players a chance to say what’s on their mind. While McVay wanted to keep the specifics “in-house,” he said after practice that those types of conversations are “always about being able to connect with our guys, make sure we understand their perspectives and really be able to figure out a way to put some tangible things in place to try and move the needle in the right direction.”

2) Rams players wore helmets but no pads today, though this was likely by design. While the current contact integration period that began Aug. 18 encompasses 20 calendar days, the modified Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates a maximum of 14 practices in pads.

3) Safety Taylor Rapp (helmet) and running back Darrell Henderson (no helmet) were once again doing work off to the side.

4) Left tackle Andrew Whitworth and cornerback Jalen Ramsey each had a veteran’s day off, per McVay. This naturally created more opportunities for younger offensive linemen and defensive backs, especially during 1-on-1 and 11-on-11 work.

5) With Whitworth getting a veteran’s day off, rookie offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum Jr. saw some reps with the first team offensive line during 11-on-11 drills.

6) As for the defensive backs, cornerback Dont’e Deayon, rookie safety Terrell Burgess and cornerback Darious Williams each had some nice moments during 1-on-1 drills. Deayon had a pass breakup against rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson, Williams against wide receiver Robert Woods and Burgess against wide receiver Nsimba Webster.

7) Toe-drag/tap swag. For as much as these observations have discussed Jefferson’s separation and footwork, we can’t forget about fourth-year wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s, either. During 1-on-1 redzone work, Kupp hauled in an over-the-shoulder touchdown catch in the back corner of the endzone on a pass from quarterback Jared Goff. Kupp displayed his footwork again during 7-on-7 drills by getting both feet in for a tight back-of-the-endzone touchdown catch on another Goff pass.

8) John Wolford keeps looking sharp. The second-year reserve quarterback had touchdown passes to Webster, Jefferson and rookie wide receiver J.J. Koski during 7-on-7 drills.

9) Lots of near-interceptions. Deayon nearly picked off Goff during 11-on-11 work, and rookie safety Jordan Fuller nearly jumped in front of a Wolford pass for rookie wide receiver Trishton Jackson during the same period. In 7-on-7 work, inside linebacker Micah Kiser nearly intercepted a Goff pass that turned into a touchdown to tight end Gerald Everett. In fairness to the offense, this anticipation from the defense shouldn’t be surprising since they’ve been going against the same offense for two weeks. Meanwhile, the offense is practicing against a new defense after seeing the same one in practice for three years.

10) Kickers Austin MacGinnis and Lirim Hajrullahu both got work during the 11-on-11 portion of practice, with each attempting a pair field goals from about 49 yards. MacGinnis went 1 for 2, while Hajrullahu converted both.