camp reports starting 7/28

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  • #131180
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    Rams24/7@Rams24_7
    Travin Howard with the most agile feet of any LB in shuffle drills. Great sign coming off the ACL. Currently penciled in as a starter

    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Terrell Burgess having a great day today. Had a pick-six during team drills earlier, just now had a pass breakup on a Matthew Stafford pass over the middle intended for DeSean Jackson.

    Pick-six was on a John Wolford pass attempt.

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Eric Banks and Michael Hoecht are the first two DL out to do extra work pre-practice with assistant DL coach Marcus Dixon and DL coach Eric Henderson. Will be keeping an eye on those two through next couple weeks.

    High praise from A’Shawn Robinson for second-year former UDFAs Eric Banks and Michael Hoecht, by the way – says he really has seen them grow and put the work in.

    Andrew Siciliano@AndrewSiciliano
    Stafford hits DeSean Jackson on a deep ball. Crowd goes wild.

    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Matthew Stafford with a deep completion to DeSean Jackson during 11-on-11s, drawing cheers from the crowd. Jackson’s speed on display – outran the secondary with a good amount of distance between him and the last defender.

    #131181
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    #131182
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    #131185
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    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Max Pircher said he was impressed with how patient the Rams veterans are with the rookies, and if they see something a younger player could do better, they teach them immediately.

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    So far behind coverage he was in his own space-time continuum, DeSean Jackson has the catch of the day so far on a long burn from Stafford. Big cheers after that one.

    Another long pass, aimed for Jackson over the top – this time Terrell Burgess gets vertical and stretches to tip it away. He told me he’d be 100% healthy by camp – seems about right. Great first day so far and it’s early yet.

    Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
    Terrell Burgess apparently wants to go to the pro-bowl this year. Exactly what we need from him.

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Wondered if they would bring this back – Rams are doing that quick mental stress 11/11 work w no throw, ones vs ones, that they did in the spring with good results. Point is to make it tough for Stafford within the structured stuff pre and post snap (as well as everyone else)

    Rams24/7@Rams24_7
    Noteboom/Brewer/Allen/Shelton/Anchrum 2nd team OL

    #131187
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    #131188
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    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    I saw a green dot on Jordan Fuller’s helmet Eyes And Aaron Donald confirmed it when I asked him just now – Fuller is calling signals so far this year.

    Tyler Higbee just ran into WRs coach Eric Yarber by accident during drills and it was a big one Flushed face Huge reaction from the crowd and applause when Yarbs walked it off. He’s back out there after a brief checkup from Reggie Scott.

    #131190
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    Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
    Ram Rams training camp Day 1
    No pads, shorts and t-shirts
    Matthew Stafford to Desean Jackson deep TD
    Stafford perfect placement to Cooper Kupp on far sideline
    Glowing star S Terrell Burgess PBU on Stafford, INT Wolford and returned for six

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Rams TE Jacob Harris suffered a minor core injury a few weeks ago, and had a minor procedure, according to a source w/ knowledge of the injury. Harris had a standout spring w/ the first team, and will be fully back in a few weeks. Nobody is on PUP so team is just being cautious.

    (Harris did some warmup/stretching but mostly worked on mental stuff on the side; he was present and accounted for, and dressed out.)

    Sean McVay added that they are “trying a few guys out” through camp in this role and that may be accurate or may be gamesmanship. But my money – and gut – says Fuller keeps it.

    Of new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Aaron Donald says, it’s been “great” working with him so far. Says Morris has a way of both motivating players, and making them laugh.

    Good question from @LindseyThiry on the absence of OL coach Kevin Carberry, who McVay confirms is recovering from Covid-19 but is fully vaccinated. On followup – He only needs two negative tests with a 24-hour window to return and will still run virtual meetings.

    Rams24/7@Rams24_7
    -Harder to tell w/o pads, but Hendo has some serious burst through the hole
    -Skowronek will make this team due to his prowess on ST
    -No verdict on the LS battle after day 1
    -Burgess gets my player of the day with multiple PBUs
    -DJax looks like he still has Fuel pump left in there tank & provides speed we’ve missed over the top since Cooks
    -#45 TE made some nice grabs. Not sure if he makes the 53, but a PS guy to watch

    #131192
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    Terrell Burgess having a great day today.

    if i remember correctly he was starting to come on right before his injury.

    Eric Banks and Michael Hoecht are the first two DL out to do extra work pre-practice with assistant DL coach Marcus Dixon and DL coach Eric Henderson. Will be keeping an eye on those two through next couple weeks.

    High praise from A’Shawn Robinson for second-year former UDFAs Eric Banks and Michael Hoecht, by the way – says he really has seen them grow and put the work in.

    i like both guys but especially hoecht. they have some serious athletes on the dline.

    #131195
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    #131197
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    Rams training camp: Terrell Burgess has a day, DeSean Jackson’s catch of the day and more

    Jourdan Rodrigue

    https://theathletic.com/2737924/2021/07/28/rams-training-camp-terrell-burgess-has-a-day-desean-jacksons-catch-of-the-day-and-more/

    IRVINE, Calif. — I suppose it still wasn’t real to me that we’d all be able to watch football together in person until I heard a young child screaming, “Matthew! Matthew!” at the Rams’ new quarterback as the Los Angeles Rams opened their 2021 training camp on Wednesday.

    Or maybe it hit me when receivers coach Eric Yarber took an accidental hit himself, from tight end Tyler Higbee during individuals, and when he hit the ground the crowd yelled, “Oooooooh” in unison and then applauded when Yarber popped back up, shaking it off and laughing at himself a bit (he also got checked out by head athletic trainer Reggie Scott, and seems to be fine). Maybe it was seeing a couple hundred fans lining up outside the gates at U.C. Irvine, decked out in Rams gear and champing to get to their seats.

    Maybe it was the first “Coooooooooop” as receiver Cooper Kupp secured a sideline catch. Or even something as simple as watching players pull on post-practice flip-flops, in person, and not in a little box on my computer screen, with the smell of grass and sweat and sunscreen and hope and high expectations filling my nose.

    Maybe it doesn’t matter when it hit me, but rather what we all see, hear and feel next. We’re back, we’re back together, and we’re watching football.

    Let’s get to observations of the first real day of camp:

    • Before practice officially began, second-year undrafted free agent tackles Eric Banks and Michael Hoecht were the first two out on the defensive lineman’s section of the field, joined shortly after by Jonah Williams and Marquise Copeland. All of these players will be ones to watch in a tough position competition, and they drew praise from more veteran teammate A’Shawn Robinson for their efforts to improve and develop this offseason.

    • Rookie tight end Jacob Harris, who flashed and impressed with the first team in the spring, did not practice but did go through some stretching and was fully dressed out. He suffered a minor core injury this spring, a source with knowledge of the injury told The Athletic, and had a procedure to get it fixed. He is expected to be fully cleared in a few weeks, and because nobody was put on the PUP list, it’s clear the Rams are just being extra careful with Harris – likely in anticipation of the role he’ll play down the stretch of the season.

    • Veteran receiver DeSean Jackson had the catch of the day on a long pass down the far sideline, during which he achieved such separation as to be in his very own space-time continuum. The separation was a little bit of Jackson’s speed, a little bit of the ball-fake from Stafford before the throw and a little bit of a coverage bust (the Rams were working their first-team offense against the second-team defense during this portion). Still, it was gorgeous all-around and got the crowd fired up.

    • One thing I had not previously seen in quarterback warmups: Stafford took a series of snaps in which he would spin/reverse in a few different directions before throwing a short pass to a coach/warmup receiver, as if he were avoiding pressure within a very confined space. Obviously, this was work that intended to get him ready for the out-of-structure work that he’s known to be able to do — and it’s little details like this that remind me how quickly things can change in this league.

    • Second-year safety Terrell Burgess told me in June that he expected to be 100 percent healthy by training camp, after suffering a nasty ankle injury last season. On Wednesday, he sure proved it. Burgess secured the first interception of the day on a quick pass over the middle from backup quarterback John Wolford, after diagnosing the play and jumping the intended route. Then, he tipped a pretty pass over the seam from Stafford, intended for Jackson, and drew praise from head coach Sean McVay after practice for his stellar day.

    • During second team and special teams periods, second-year receiver Van Jefferson got in extra work on the side with the JUGs machine.

    • Kupp hauled in an impressive acrobatic catch with cornerback Robert Rochell in tight coverage down the sideline — and appeared at first to be just slightly out of bounds by the back of his right heel. But the referee behind Kupp ruled the play a catch.

    • The Rams ended practice with the same “mental stress” period in 11-on-11s that they did in the spring, meaning they repped through most of the play at speed but did not actually throw the ball/extend through the play post-throw. This was by design; McVay and Stafford expanded that the period is supposed to test players’ minds when they’re at their most tired, without subjecting them to a dangerous physical situation from being mentally tired in the first place.

    • Long snapper Matt Orzech took the first rep of the live kick/special teams period, snapping to veteran punter Johnny Hekker as the holder, with Matt Gay kicking. However, the period’s intent was also to rotate through various combinations among holders, long snappers and kickers — and the Rams did so, even having three-way specialist Brandon Wright take a turn placekicking. Wright also punted and did kickoff work during the Rams’ live practices at SoFi Stadium this spring, and may be someone the Rams … kick around (sorry) … as a COVID/reserve emergency player, because he could fill three roles in a pinch and that would free space for other players to be protected.

    • Offensive line coach Kevin Carberry was absent from Wednesday’s practice as he recovers from COVID-19, McVay confirmed. Carberry is fully vaccinated, so only has to test negative twice with a 24-hour window in between in order to rejoin the team, and may conduct meetings virtually in the meantime.

    “I think we’re continuing to learn about this because he’s fully vaccinated. He has done everything the right way,” McVay said. “The good thing is with the parameters around the protocols, if he’s got two negative tests within 24 hours separated, then you can end up returning. And we’re hopeful that that’ll be sooner than later.

    “But you have guys like (offensive assistant) Nick Jones, (offensive assistant) Zak Kromer, have done a great job. We always collaborate as a coaching staff, so we’ve got a lot of great coaches that will pick up the slack. The good thing is (from) what we learned from last year, (Carberry) can still run a lot of the meetings from a virtual setting. There’s nothing like being physically present with guys, but he’s done an excellent job being able to adjust accordingly.”

    #131204
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    Jul 29, 2021

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Ernest Jones near-pick of Wolford in 7/7s. Beauty of a long ball from Stafford to D Jackson to start the period.

    Jones close on another one, this time Stafford. He’s gonna get one this week.

    Note on these – Rams are mixing up ones vs twos and twos vs ones a lot this period so don’t read too much into who is throwing for now

    I don’t know how many WRs the Rams will want to keep this fall, but I’ll say this: Trishton Jackson has really been taking advantage of his opportunity these last two days. He is getting more reps w Atwell on COVID/reserve.

    First team offense struck first in red zone with a Van Jefferson TD, but defense repaid on the next snap with a Darious Williams INT over the top.

    Good day for rookie CB Robert Rochell. Two pass-breakups today, latest was down the sideline vs Jefferson

    Cooper Kupp’s description of a no-look pass from Matthew Stafford to Robert Woods today in which he held the safety with his eyes? “Disgusting”.

    Rams24/7@Rams24_7
    One last note from yesterday’s practice: it’s hard to tell the full 1st string D as the Rams went almost exclusively base. So we didn’t really get to see who they have slotted at nickel (Long or Burgess?) or who the only ILB is when we go to 5 DBs (I’m hoping for Howard)

    #131205
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    from Rodrigue, 7/30: https://theathletic.com/2740351/2021/07/29/rams-camp-report-matthew-staffords-disgusting-throw-cooper-kupp-and-robert-woods-slick-snags/?source=emp_shared_article

    • Rookie tight end Jacob Harris again was dressed out fully and went through speed ladder drills during the first portion of practice. Harris, as a source told The Athletic earlier this week, is not going to be practicing for the next couple of weeks because he suffered a minor core injury and had a corresponding procedure. All Rams players passed their conditioning tests, and nobody went on PUP, so it’s pretty clear that the team is just exercising extra caution.

    • Second-year receiver Trishton Jackson is clearly making the most of the opportunity he has while Tutu Atwell spends substantial time on the COVID/reserve list. He lined up in the four and five spots during individual throwing periods, and worked into the offense at times as well, catching a pass through traffic from backup quarterback John Wolford near the end of the practice. Wolford also was “his quarterback” in individuals.

    • DeSean Jackson opened training camp with a gorgeous catch downfield, and did it again Thursday in 7-on-7s, although this time, there didn’t appear to be a coverage bust — just Jackson’s speed being what it is.

    • Rookie linebacker Ernest Jones was close on a couple of balls, nearly picking off both Wolford and Stafford at various times. Keep in mind that the Rams rotate first team versus second team in a variety of ways when they are in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods, so Jones (and all younger or non-starting players) has been getting reps against both levels of offense, just as the offensive players receive the same benefit from the defense.

    • Two Woods/Kupp highlights include: A tight sideline catch by Woods, after which he ran it back all the way to the opposite end zone amid loud cheers from the crowd, and Kupp’s red zone score in which he slipped through traffic — and, by the way, also looked to me to be a look-off pass from Stafford (but I don’t have the benefit of the film). Kupp also caught a nice ball at the far sideline with Jalen Ramsey in coverage.

    It wasn’t necessarily a specific reference to that play, but after practice, Ramsey complimented Stafford on his ball placement.

    “Sometimes, we may have really good coverage and he’ll throw a receiver open,” Ramsey said. “That’s been very impressive.”

    • Rookie cornerback Robert Rochell had a great practice, and tipped two passes — the second, a tight contest between him and second-year receiver Van Jefferson, drew the biggest reaction from teammates.

    • The Rams’ offense struck first in red-zone drills, with a touchdown pass from Stafford to Jefferson. But the defense had its say, too, with a Darious Williams pick of Stafford on a pass aimed over the middle and to the back of the end zone.

    • If it happened Wednesday, I simply didn’t hear it — but if not, Thursday featured the first “Mamba” period of training camp. The Rams installed these periods to pay tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, and they feature a game-like atmosphere with offense on one side and defense on the other. The first-team offense and defense are given a specific high-pressure situation and awarded points for either conversions or stops.

    • Punt returners worked with live legs on Thursday. Guys repping through the drill included Kupp, Raymond Calais, D. Jackson, JJ Koski, Jeremiah Haydel and Otis Anderson.

    • As previously reported here, the Rams are indeed working their linebackers in complementary tandems and that in turn is predicated by their personnel grouping on the defensive side — so, a guy with certain traits may pair with a guy who possesses complementary traits. A good example was the tandem of Micah Kiser and Kenny Young last season, in which Kiser (and then Troy Reeder) filled the every-down, perhaps a bit more downhill guy, while Young is slighter, perhaps quicker from sideline to sideline and would be used on blitz and certain pressure packages. That might point us to tandems such as Kiser and Young, Reeder and Young, Reeder and Howard, Rozeboom and Howard, Jones and Young or Jones and Howard.

    “I think one of the things we try to do defensively is stress people with a lot of personnel groupings,” coach Sean McVay said after practice on Thursday. “Sometimes, if a guy plays well in all of those (personnel groupings) and shows the versatile skill set, he might be on the grass for all of them. … We’ve got guys who have versatile skill sets, but that’s kind of predicated on the personnel, and what the intent is that we’re trying to get out of that personnel grouping.”

    #131207
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    BUBBARAMFAN CAMP REPORT

    Just got back from TC. Lots of fans, 85+ F.

    All players were good to go. Only TuTu and Cam Akers only players not suited up.
    We had players field from the punt machine first. Landon Akers 84, Tristen Jackson 83, JJ Koski 17,J erimiah Haydel 18, and Ben Skowronek 81 and Ray Calias 30 all took turns. Calais looked the most fluid and fielded all of his the cleanest. Haydel has good hands.
    Next had QB’s warming up. Stafford has lots of zip. Nice tight spiral. Wolford and Price too.

    All the different position groups were sectioned off at different parts of both fields. We had WR’s and QB’s doing short routes without DB’s. then later they did seen on sevens, then 11 on 11.

    OL, DL, and LB’s were never in front of us, so I can only comment on what we saw 11 on 11. Offense ones scrummed against Defense twos. O twos vs D ones.

    Here’s who we saw on 1st team O. LT Whitworth, LG Edwards, C Corbett, RG Evans, RT Havenstien. Corbett looked good snapping the ball, didn’t see any problem with exchanges with Stafford. O twos Noteboom Lt, Brewer LG, Allen C, Shelton RG, Anchrum RT. Was hard to get the D down. D ones- AShawn Robinson DL. SJD DL, AD Dl. Floyd, Hollins DE, Kenny Young ILB, Kiser ILB Obo and Howard in and out with ones and twos. Fuller S (wearing the green dot) Rapp S, Williams DB, Ramsey DB, Long Slot. Defense two’s Bobby Brown III DL, Gaines DL, Copeland DL, ( Hoecht and Silvanic also got snaps in with twos at DL) Lewis DE, Lawler DE, Jones ILB, Reeder ILB, Obo OLB, Rochell DB, Donte Deyon slot Burgess S, Nick Scott S. There were alot of substitutions with the second teams, not so much with first teams. I thin everyone got to play in 11 on 11.

    11 on 11 was really fun to watch. Stafford running the ones with Henderson, XJones Calais and Funk all getting reps. Looked like they targeted Funk the most. He got the most touches I think. ran the ball and went out for screens. He looks capable. Hendo only played with the ones. The other RB’s played with ones and twos.

    Stafford looked sharp. All the throws i saw were hitting them on the numbers and in stride. Quick release.

    WR’s looked sharp also. Catching everything. Kupp making a couple circus catches. Woods, Jefferson made good grabs.

    Then there’s new guy DeSean Jackson. He snagged a deep ball (maybe 45yarder?) after beating his guy. Jackson came out smiling and joking to begin the day while he was stretching with Kupp and Woods. Looks like these guys have been working together with Stafford this off season.

    Other guys worth noting, Burgess got a pick, Ramsey on his game knocking balls away from WR’s. Bobby Brown gave OL ones fits.

    Today was only the first day of TC, everything they did was just basic stuff to get back in rhythm. I expect them to go harder at it in the coming days.

    I’ll be keep tabs on this thread so if you have questions, ask here, you may jog my memory.

    More after tomorrow’s practice.

    #131208
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    the duke camp report

    In practice, it was mostly the ones against the twos. #1 Defense vs. the 2s on offense and vice versa. The lineup for the O-line, left to right was Whit-Evans-Corbett-Edwards-Havenstein. This may not necessarily be the final lineup. In past camps, they tried out different lines at different times to see what worked because the o-line really needs to gel and whatnot. However, I had the strong feeling that this is the line that will be protecting Matt Stafford.

    The #1 running back was Darrell Henderson, but I also saw a lot of Jake Funk with the ones on offense, and he looked good. I didn’t really pay attention to his pass blocking (it doesn’t really count when there are no pads), but he was catching everything and running pretty hard. Funk is MUCH faster than people think. He had breakaway speed at Maryland, and he still has it in the NFL. I think he will be a surprise to many. I did not see Otis or Xavier with the ones once, but I did leave a bit early, so maybe they got in there, but I didn’t see it. Funk runs like a runaway bowling ball. He is a compact, wide, muscular, and fast. I would not want to be a small corner trying to stop him one-on-one. Keep an eye on him. Remember, we had another heralded running back whose only deficits was ACL surgeries. I’m rooting for Jake Funk. As with all young running backs, it will be his ability to pick up blitzes, meaning he needs to be able to diagnose and to stop blitzes from affecting the quarterback.

    The wide receivers are all amazing. I’m pretty pissed that Tutu Atwell wasn’t there, as he has that 4.27 speed that the Rams have basically never had, but I can’t help but wonder if Tutu is going to be a Tavon Austin 2.0. I don’t think so, but he’s hurting not being here for ten days.

    Cooper Kupp looked fast. He was getting into and out of breaks very well. On one drill, he faked a deep route, hit the brakes, faked inside to his right, then suddenly juked outside to his left. Poor Robert Rochell didn’t bite on the deep route, but he bit hard on the inside fake and was left in the dust when Kupp went outside. Unfortunately, the ball was a bit off and Kupp couldn’t catch the low ball.

    Robert Woods looked very good. He had one one-on-one matchup at the end of one of the drill sessions where he was up against Ramsey. First of all, let me say that it is very weird to see #2 vs. #5 and remember that that is a Robert Woods-Jalen Ramsey matchup. They had that offseason kerfuffle over who gets #2 and Woods pulled rank, I guess. It looked like Robert had Jalen on a short hitch fake, and the ball from Stafford was right on point, but Jalen came out of nowhere and high-pointed the ball and knocked the ball away. Jalen still has it. It happened on the last drill of that series, but I saw Jalen jawing at Robert Woods, following him towards the offensive side, but I’m sure it was just competitive banter. What is the saying? Iron sharpens iron. Well, Jalen looked sharp as can be.

    Higbee looked like he had a pep in his step. I know that Higbee was Jared’s roommate during their rookie years in the dorms at UCI, but he looks like he knows that Stafford is going to find his ass if he works hard. He looks faster than he’s ever looked, and I’m hoping he becomes the safety blanket for Stafford that all QBs love in a big, fast tight end. I kinda missed Gerald Everett, but if we could get Jacob Harris going, I think it will be a difficult tandem.

    If Harris is used as a tight end, he will be annoying as hell for defenses. Do you try to run past him to get to the quarterback, or do you try to slow him down on a passing route? The answer will be different for every play, and it will come late after the snap. He will be a problem. I can’t wait to see him on offense with the ones.

    I want to give a quick shout out to Ben Skowronek. He didn’t get a ton of opportunities, but he looked good, especially on a play where he Mossed someone. It might’ve been David Long, Jr. We have an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side.

    Darrell Henderson looked fast, but gosh, he’s small. I don’t think he’ll end up being the answer at tailback, unfortunately. I think he’s a phenomenal player, but I just don’t see him lasting long enough. Oddly enough, I think Funk will start ahead of him by the end of the season, if he can stay healthy.

    Van Jefferson looked fast. He has good hands, but his and everyone’s route running was so crisp. All of wide receivers look good, to be honest. No one looked bad.

    This brings me to a quick aside. I was here for Jeff Fisher’s first year. I love Jeff Fisher. He made me proud to watch the Rams again. He had bravado and confidence, and the team had a joy and toughness when he was the coach. He brought us out of the dark ages. I used to watch the Rams in a small sports bar in North Carolina with the Rams game on a small tv in the corner, without any other Rams fans. Jeff Fisher made the Rams fun to watch again.

    Having said that, the first training camp with Fisher was a mess, at least at the beginning of training camp. Balls were dropping all over the goddamn place. It was terrible, but we’d say, “Well, this is just day one. They should get better as they get back into it.”

    Today’s practice was not that. Everything looked clean and efficient. There was nary a ball that was off target. I saw maybe one or two that were not catchable. Everything else was either caught or deflected. It was a stark difference from past years. It’s VERY encouraging.

    I’ve saved the best for last. I have never in my life seen anyone throw the ball as well as Matt Stafford. I’ve seen guys throw such nice and tight spirals that the ball just looks like a pinpoint at the throw, and the ball just looks like it’s growing in diameter as it flies towards you. Just, “ZOOM!” and a ball appears to magically appear.

    Matt Stafford’s throws surpass that.

    It’s shocking how different it is from Jared Goff’s throws. Here’s where it makes a difference. Goff was very good at anticipating a player becoming open. His connection with Kupp was so good because Kupp could predictably get open and Goff could often throw it before Kupp makes his break. That is Jared Goff at his best. The advantage that Matt’s ball speed offers is that he doesn’t NEED that anticipation–or at least, THAT much anticipation. Matt could watch someone get open and throw the ball “late”, and it’s still on time, in the perfect spot. That’s amazing. This is not to say that Matt doesn’t play with anticipation, but I would suspect that if you could test him compared to other, lesser QBs, his anticipation “muscle” is probably not as developed as someone with a slow arm who MUST use anticipation to make his throws (i.e., Goff).

    Think of that late throw to Cooks in the Super Bowl. Even if Matt recognized the pass as late as Goff did, the ball would’ve gotten there and changed the game. Matt’s ball speed is an absolute game changer.

    What about his accuracy? The ball was plenty accurate, and I want to say that his touch was very good as well. He does not throw the ball at one speed. He has a fastball, but he has a change up as well. I’m not worried whatsoever about his accuracy.

    The thing I was most impressed with when it comes to Matthew Stafford was the way he practiced. Jared would practice to get the ball in the right spot, to be accurate, to be on time. Matthew, even in no-defense, one-receiver drills, would practice looking the safety off! So, what does he do? Let’s say he’s throwing to Kupp, who’s split wide to his left. There’s no defender, no safety, no one. When he catches the snap or drops back, he’s looking to the right–for like the ENTIRE time. At the very last second, he’ll turn to Kupp and rifle it to him, just as he gets out of his break.

    That is SO “MESSED” UP to do to a safety. When you play against Stafford as a safety, you’re going to have to remind yourself that your eyes are LYING to you. He is throwing like that on ALMOST every practice rep. The only time he doesn’t is when he has to throw a quick out. So, as a safety, do you rush down to help on that quick out? Or do you remind yourself that your eyes are lying to you?

    I think this is what happened on a 7-on-7 play that you’ve surely already heard about. @VeteranRamFan has his eyes glued on Stafford. Stafford looked like he handed the ball off to Jake Funk, but I saw that it was a fake. I shouted, “Fake!” and saw that Stafford had already thrown it to his left. The ball was out of sight from our vantage point, but we saw DeSean Jackson streaking down the field. NO ONE was with him. Not a safety, not a corner. NO ONE. The ball had great touch. It fell gently down into Jackson’s hands, and I just knew that if that were a game, Jackson would’ve probably danced on the way in or something. It was a thing of absolute beauty.

    Stafford never seemed like he did not know what he was doing. It was impressive. Go to Vegas and make your bets now. The Rams have a good chance of winning the Super Bowl this year (provided that most people stay healthy).

    @bubbaramfan mentioned that part of the reason for Jackson’s lack of game action in the past two years may have been because his heart was not in it. If that’s the case, we should see a totally different Jackson. He’s in his hometown, in one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, with one of the largest cannons in the NFL throwing to him. Stafford could unlock Jackson in a way few quarterbacks can. I’d be pissed if I were tasked with stopping the Rams offense.

    I want to add one more thing about Stafford–he had guys like McVay and other random coaches running at him during drills to replicate the kind of chaos he could expect to see–a free rusher from the left with absolutely no warning, a free rusher from the right all of a sudden. He did a really great job of sidestepping or moving in the pocket to complete the throw on time and keep his eyes down the field. I want to see the Miami Dolphins try their @#$%& zero blitz against Stafford.

    This brings me to the defense. I liked seeing our guys out there. Terrell Burgess looked really good. He had a nice pick on a dumpoff pass in the middle of the field (off of John Wolford). I’m glad Burgess is healthy. (On a side note, I saw some 13 year old with a #26 Burgess jersey. Respect, kid!). We saw #4 Jordan Fuller at left safety and #24 Taylor Rapp at right safety. It seemed to me that they were playing Rapp as more of a free safety and Fuller as more of a strong safety, though my understanding is that the Rams scheme doesn’t really designate a SS vs. FS. The defense was already doing a good job of disguising their defense, often looking like cover-4 at the snap, but it was a cover-3 concept or sometimes Fuller would be a robber. The outside corners would play with outside leverage sometimes on cover-2 man concepts, which made it look like some sort of cover-3 zone presnap, so I liked what they were doing.

    Rochell looked like he couldn’t get a break, but he looked really good. Jalen looks like he’s in midseason form already. You can’t really judge the front seven without pads, so I won’t say anything there. David Long, Jr. is very disappointing to me. I thought he would become the type of player that Darious Williams has become, but he’s just in over his head or something. He’s constantly getting burned, it seemed. Speaking of which, I am glad not to see Troy Hill out there anymore. I know he’s had his moments, but as Jalen would say, “Every dog has his day.” I am NOT a Troy Hill fan.

    Finally, the last bit of news is a bit sad. I don’t see our defense repeating as the #1 defense.

    I just can’t see it.

    It’s not happening.

    Our offense is going to score so many goddamned points that opposing teams will be throwing all kinds of @#$%& and picking up random yardage and points. I don’t know if the Rams will go 17-0, but I know that as I look at the schedule, I see the Rams being favored in every single one.

    Go Rams! (Bless all the knees and ankles! Please accept our honorable sacrifice of Cam Akers’ Achilles and protect us from further harm. Amen!)

    Hope you guys enjoyed my report!

    P.S. The crowd was nuts. It took me 35 minutes to get in. Parking was a @#$%&. Luckily for me, I rode my bike there. Don’t bring any food and water in unless you have kids who need it. One poor guy had a nice looking Yeti Rambler, but they told him AT THE GATE that he couldn’t bring it. He was considering tossing it in the bushes or going back to his car. Couldn’t someone tell us the rules at SOME POINT of the 35 minute line? I was practically in the nearby preserve when I got to the back of the line. Come early, guys. This is NO LONGER the St. Louis Rams of Los Angeles. We are BIG TIME. Come early. Remember that the first 1.5 hours are like @#$%& stretching and calisthenics, so don’t worry if you’re in line for a long time. The fun stuff starts at 4 pm., and Sean McVay’s trains run on time.

    #131210
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    VeteranRamFan camp report

    It was great to see all the fans there. Had to be 1,000 strong. Big crowd! Meeting up again with my old buddy Sam ( @bubbaramfan ) and Andy ( @theduke ) was a treat in itself!

    I’ll do a quick summary here and then start editing all the pics I took.

    Let me tell you all something…WE HAVE A TEAM! These guys look like they could start playing this Sunday! They were sharp on both sides of the ball even though they were all in shorts and shells with helmets!

    QB1 – Stafford is really something to watch. Quick release, throws with determination and anticipation. The way he was throwing it around in all the various drills and hitting his receivers 99.9% of the time makes me think these guys have been doing a little side work. I think there was only one ball that fell short on an out route. All others were in a place where the receiver could make the catch.

    RB – Funk is for real. A real steal in the draft. Don’t now the exact count but it seemed he was in on a lot of the 1’s plays. Not always getting the ball but still in the mix. He is quick and I can’t wait to see him in pads as I’m sure he will pop some of our linebackers.

    WR – It was already posted about D. Jackson wide open catch from Stafford for a TD. On that play, there was a fake handoff to Funk. I stayed with Funk with my camera and watched him go out in the flat to the left while everyone else was rolling right. Then I heard the crowd. Put down the camera and Jackson is coming towards the end zone where we were sitting, running a deep post. Beautiful throw by Stafford. @theduke made a comment that we in the stands were closer to guarding Jackson than anyone on the defense! There was no one close to him for 20-30 yards! Wish I could have seen it all unfold.

    Other WR – The usual from Kupp and Woods. Ramsey had a great breakup on Woods on the right sideline on a go route (this was during passing drills, one on one). Ramsey actually intercepted (stole it from Woods) but came down out of bounds according the ref on the field. #84, Landon Akers fielding punts. Good hands! Good size. Good PS candidate.

    Long Snapper – Wirtel was getting some work during FG trys as was Orzech. It seemed IIRC that Orzech was with the 1’s with Hecker holding and Gay kicking. (that’s for you @den-the-coach ).

    DEF – That guy Rochelle? He’s a keeper. Playing everyone tight. I think it was Burgess who had an interception on Wolford (Wolford didn’t look too bad either!).

    That’s all I can recall from memory. On to my pictures and maybe I’ll be able to add a thing or two. @bubbaramfan will be posting his report later tonight.

    #131213
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    #131238
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    #131239
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    #131240
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    #131241
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    #131242
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    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    CB Robert Rochell hurt his wrist on a punch-out yesterday, and will have surgery per McVay. Timeline TBD but procedure is this week.

    Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
    Big picture with Matthew Stafford and his new receivers: Chemistry is there. Great connections so far with Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Desean Jackson.

    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Jalen Ramsey vs. DeSean Jackson during 1-on-1s provided an exciting matchup for the fans in attendance. Matthew Stafford launched a deep ball down the sideline for Jackson, Ramsey was there for the pass breakup.

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Jalen Ramsey vs Desean Jackson in one-on-ones on a deep ball was exactly the rep this crowd wanted to see. Ramsey PBU

    Matthew Stafford strikes Robert Woods on a long touchdown in “move the ball” period and McVay sprints downfield to celebrate – that one was enough to get the guys out a few minutes early. Fun, fun day – notes coming soon over at

    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Darrell Henderson Jr. looks explosive too.

    Henderson’s cuts looking smooth too.

    Running backs looking good during this period too. Like the agility I’ve seen from Jake Funk and Xavier Jones. Funk had a nice TD run where he ran outside and beat the defender to the pylon.

    is it looking like Jones then Funk behind Hendo??

    Want to emphasize this is not indicative of RB rotation/order, just making sure I make observations of others besides Henderson.

    #131243
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    #131254
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    Competitive redzone period delights crowd: 10 Observations from Day 4 of Rams 2021 Training Camp

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/competitive-redzone-period-10-observations-day-4-2021-training-camp

    IRVINE, Calif. – The Rams welcomed a big crowd to UC Irvine on Saturday for their fourth practice of 2021 Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, and the fans on hand for Family Day didn’t come away disappointed thanks to a competitive redzone period and other fun moments.

    Staff writer Stu Jackson shares 10 Observations from the session:

    1) Five goes for six: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey had one of the top plays of the day, intercepting a Matthew Stafford pass during red zone drills and returning it most of the distance toward the opposite endzone, with defensive lineman Aaron Donald somersaulting into the endzone to finish the play off. While it wasn’t clear how Donald got the ball, there was a similar play during last year’s training camp where Ramsey intercepted a pass and ran it most of the way back before lateraling the ball to Donald just before the goal line so Donald could score.

    2) Then 9 finds 10: Stafford’s response to the interception was equally impressive. The next play, he escaped the pocket and found wide receiver Cooper Kupp in the back corner of the endzone for a touchdown.

    3) No-look pass: The redzone period ended with Stafford firing a no-look pass to running back Darrell Henderson Jr. for a touchdown.

    4) Ramsey vs. DeSean Jackson: To the delight of the crowd, the final rep of one-on-one drills featured Ramsey lining up against DeSean Jackson. Stafford launched a deep ball down the right sideline, but Ramsey was there to break up the pass. The efforts of both the receiver and cornerback – and probably Stafford for the deep shot – garnered cheers from the crowd.

    5) Getting a look at the running backs: Henderson looked explosive, while Xavier Jones and Jake Funk showed good agility. All three had touchdowns during the redzone period. Funk specifically had a nice outside run where he beat the defender to the pylon for the score.

    6) Woods’ big day: During 11-on-11 drills, Stafford fired a tight-window throw to Woods near the sideline, and Woods was able to get both feet in down while making the catch. Then, in a separate team drill emphasizing moving the ball, Stafford ended that drill threading the ball between two defenders to find Woods for the touchdown. Woods also had a sideline catch during the quarterbacks and wide receivers’ preliminary throwing sessions on a sideline throw by Stafford that he juggled and successfully corralled with both feet in bounds, drawing cheers and applause from fans.

    7) Ben Skowronek’s strong hands: Rookie wide receiver Ben Skowronek had another good session, catching a deep ball from backup quarterback John Wolford over the middle. Later on, in redzone work, Skowronek made a catch in tight coverage near the pylon, but defensive back Kareem Orr was there in time to prevent Skowronek from reaching over or crossing the goal line.

    8) Denied by David Long Jr.: Cornerback David Long Jr. had a nice pass breakup on a Stafford pass intended for Kupp during 1-on-1s.

    9) Micah Kiser’s instincts: While linebacker Micah Kiser’s instincts are nothing new given his tackling production, on Saturday he showed it during the move the ball team drill by ripping the ball loose from a receiver after they made the catch on a Stafford pass.

    10) Family Day includes players, too: After Saturday’s practice concluded, several players were greeted by their families as they came off the field.

    #131255
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    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Running backs looking good during this period too. Like the agility I’ve seen from Jake Funk and Xavier Jones. Funk had a nice TD run where he ran outside and beat the defender to the pylon.

    #131257
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    Jalen Ramsey burns Matthew Stafford, who then gets on a roll

    By Ryan Kartje

    Jalen Ramsey watched the new quarterback’s eyes, ready to pounce.

    Matthew Stafford had earned only rave reviews over the first four days of Rams camp, flashing the kind of veteran savvy and pinpoint accuracy that inspired the franchise to trade significant assets for him in the offseason. But as Stafford laced a throw near the left sideline during a team portion of Saturday’s practice, the Rams’ top cornerback got the best of the new quarterback.

    A pass intended for wide receiver Cooper Kupp was stolen away by Ramsey, the cornerback was off to the races, and the veteran quarterback, forced to confront his first major mistake of camp, set about burning the Rams’ top-notch defense to a crisp.

    There was a no-look pass to running back Darrell Henderson, a sidearm slingshot to Kupp for a corner score, a laser to receiver Robert Woods over the middle. For the rest of the team period, an especially determined Stafford unleashed every weapon in his arsenal.

    On his final throw of practice, Stafford uncorked a deep ball to Woods for a session-ending touchdown, giving the offense the last word and sending Rams coach Sean McVay sprinting up the sideline.

    “The goal is being able to push one another,” McVay said. “When you get into those competitive situations, that’s exactly what we want to see.”

    It was also further proof of the strong early connection between Stafford and Woods, who had a standout performance Saturday.

    “I was able to send it off on a good note,” Woods said.

    Observations from Day 4:

    — The pads won’t come on until Tuesday, so the pecking order in the Rams’ backfield could look radically different a week from now. But through the first three days of camp, Xavier Jones has served as the No. 2 back behind Henderson, while seventh-round rookie Jake Funk has been close behind him. Funk, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee twice at Maryland, showed some nice acceleration on a touchdown run during the team period, shaking a defender in the backfield, then speeding up to pass another.

    — The competition at outside linebacker beyond Leonard Floyd is wide open, but Justin Hollins might have an inside track. Hollins was claimed off waivers by the Rams last season and still managed to tally three sacks. He could be in line for even more opportunity if he’s able to stave off the likes of Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. “Hollins showed me a lot last year,” Floyd said Saturday. “He’s building on that, taking it one practice at a time, and growing from rep to rep.”

    — Rookie tight end Jacob Harris is still working his way back from a minor injury suffered during the spring, but you wouldn’t know it judging by the first few days of camp. The fourth-round pick has proved himself to be a physical specimen. He dropped a few passes from Stafford during drills, but the raw skills are clearly there, even if he’s a bit lanky at 6 feet 5, 210 pounds.

    — Rookie cornerback Robert Rochell injured his wrist during Friday’s practice and will have surgery. His timeline to return is undetermined, but the injury is a setback for the fourth-round pick, who had a chance to earn a role in the Rams’ secondary rotation. Rookie defensive tackle Bobby Brown III suffered a thumb injury and also will have surgery. He’s expected back within a week.[/quote]

    #131269
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    bubbaramfan

    Day 4 I got there early, starting time was supposed to be 2pm, but they did even get on the field til 3, they all did stretching and warmups together. No Pads, they were all in shorts and shells.

    Rochell only player not there. Jacob Harris was out there and participated some today.

    Huge crowd as it was “family Day”, about 85F

    Had the punt return guys again. Same group, Landon Akers, JJ Koski, Ray Calias, Funk, Otis Anderson, Jerimiah Haydel. Calais fielded all his without any bobbles. Koski dropped one, Anderson bobbled 2. 4 days of watching these same guys fielding punts and the only one I have any confidence in is Calias.

    Special teams drill rushing the punter, two seperate squads, Hekker with one, #16 camp leg Brandon Wright on the other.

    Far field LB’s fumble recovery drill. Coach bounces the ball out on the field and they try to pick it up and run with it.

    Hekker did a fake punt again and threw it to Funk. There were no DB’s. Crowd went wild anyway. Hekker banged a couple 50 yder’s.

    They sent the D after the punt returner and 4 or 5 punts, Funk looked pretty good returning on a couple, Calais has better hands.

    Lots of punt coverage today.

    QB’s drilled taking snaps from trainer, then moving left and throwing accross their body 10 yds to a RB, Wolford and Hodges had trouble doing this. Perkins did pretty good, so did Stafford, but there were a lot of high and off passes. I hope the practice this drill more.

    Next had QB’s practicing handing off the RB’s. The RB order as they did this is telling. Henderson was first, X Jones second,
    Funk third, Calais then Anderson.

    Another rotation and we have the QB’s and WR’s in front of us again. Trainers snapping for all four QB’s and quick 10 yd slants as Wr’s rotate from QB to QB. Nice to see Jacob Harris in the WR rotation. He’s quick for a big guy. Kupp and Woods snagging balls one handed, wowing the crowd. Jefferson and Tristen Jackson look very good also. DeSean Jackson smiling and cutting it up with everyone and looks excellent out there. Hardly any dropped balls.

    Now passes going 20-25 yds as Wr’s go out (no DB’s), Wood with a one handed grab, First bad pass from Stafford to Mundt. then overthrows Blanton next pass. Jacob Harris with a nice catch, wow he has a long stride.

    Shortened it up to 5 yd quick zip over the middle passed. No one comes close to Kupp at snagging these, he makes it look easy.
    DeSean good at this too. Harris with couple good grabs.

    Finally 11 on 11’s

    OL the same with Whit back at LT, Edward LG, Corbett C (Allen did get snaps with the ones today), Evans RG, Havenstien RT.
    D ones Floyd DE, SJD DT, AShawn DT, AD DT, Hollins DE, ILB Kiser, Young, OLB Obo, Lawler, DB Ramsey Williams, S Fuller, Rapp or Burgess

    Green dot on fuller

    Stafford to woods, missed just over his head.
    Stafford to Skowronik for about 10
    Koski from Wolford drops a 30 yder
    Bobby Woods schooled Donte Daeyon with a good move to get open
    Wolford to Skoronik for 10
    DeSean from Stafford with Ramsey covering, Ramsey knocks it away30 yds deep! Ramsey and DJack having fun with that play.
    tristen Jackson nice deep fingertip catch from Wolford with Williams covering

    Running plays they are really getting after it, guys ending up in a dogpile several times. Really going hard at it today. McVay telling them to tone it down.

    Now doing Red Zone drill. Higbee with a catch over the middle, Kupp low catch right at the goal line. couple running plays that go nowhere.

    Ramsey with a pick six off Stafford! Stepped right in front of Jefferson(?) Donald running all the to the end zone with him doing flip at the goal line in celebration. Paly of the Day!
    Stafford makes up for it on the next snap finding Kupp in the back of the endzone..

    Funk gets in a good end around for a TD

    That pretty much did it for me today. All in all the offense got the best of the D today.

    Good to see Harris today. Funk continues to get a lot a touches. Both Jackson WR”s are looking good’

    Really bummed they weren’t in pads. Going 11 on 11 in shorts and shells is fun to watch, but you really can’t get good evaluations, especially OL and DL.

    My players of the day: Kupp, guy just makes it looks easy, catches everything thrown at him Ramsey: covered everyone, swatted away everything.

    Will be there Monday, and hopefully they will be in pads. Sorry for the late post, been a long day.

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