Jamon Brown is giving a big lift to Giants’ offensive line

Associated Press

https://sports.yahoo.com/jamon-brown-giving-big-lift-giants-offensive-line-211441244–nfl.html

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A reclamation project off the waiver wire is galvanizing the New York Giants’ beleaguered offensive line.

Just two weeks ago, Jamon Brown thought he was without a job. He was released by the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 31 after spending the better part of four years with the team. Brown, a guard for the Rams who started all 16 games and a playoff game in 2017, was on the waiver wire.

“That was definitely disappointing,” Brown said. “I didn’t see it coming.”

Brown had signed a $2.5 million, four-year contract with the Rams after being selected in the third round by the team out of Louisville in 2015. He earned a starting spot as a right guard with the Rams in 2017 after missing most of his rookie season with a fractured right leg.

In July, however, Brown was suspended for the first two games of the 2018 season after violating the NFL’s policy for substance abuse. He would not comment on what banned substance he used.

When the season began, Brown was replaced by Austin Blythe as the starter at right guard for the Rams and he never regained his spot.

“It was all very disappointing, the way it went down,” Brown said. “I never got the opportunity to make things right.”

As part of a numbers crunch, after the Rams acquired defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Brown was released.

At the same time, the Giants’ offensive line was in turmoil. The problems began when former first-round pick Ereck Flowers was released after a move to right tackle from left tackle didn’t pan out.

One free-agent signing, tackle Nate Solder, hasn’t lived up to the four-year, $62 million contract he signed in the offseason. Center Jon Halapio broke his right ankle and lower leg in the second week of the season. Free agent Patrick Omameh didn’t perform well and was released.

Amid the upheaval, the Giants took a chance on Brown, a 6-foot, 340-pounder.

“We knew that he was a starter on a team that won 11 games last year,” Giants coach Pat Shurmur said. “He’s a big man, a really big man. We liked what we saw in Jamon.”

When the claim on Brown became official, the Giants were on their bye week. So Brown flew to New Jersey and met with Shurmur and team officials. He worked out for a couple of days, then headed back to Los Angeles to clean out his apartment.

“I got a lot of frequent flier miles,” Brown said.

The Giants resumed practice last week and Brown was learning the offense. He practiced as if he were going to play.

Sure enough, on Saturday before the game with the San Francisco 49ers, Omameh was let go. Brown slid in as the starter in the game in California. That meant Brown flew back and forth across the country four times in two weeks.

“It’s really crazy how that all turned out,” Brown said. “I’m still learning the Giants’ way. I’m learning everything I can. This is definitely a great opportunity for me.”

Brown was part of the line that gave Eli Manning time to throw, allowed only one sack provided room for sensational rookie Saquon Barkley to run. More important, the Giants won 27-23 on Monday night for their second win in nine games.

“I thought he did a good job,” Shurmur said of Brown. “I thought he did some of the things that we thought he could do. I think that’s a settling force for the quarterback when he’s pretty certain that the interior of the pocket’s going to be firm.”

Brown will start at right guard when the Giants host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. He tweaked his ankle during Friday’s practice, but the team did not list him on the injury report.

“I’m going to bring energy,” Brown said. “I think I can be reliable because I’ve been doing this awhile. I’ve experienced my times of success.”

Rams Begin Week 8 Leading the League in Rushing

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McVay Provides Updates on Talib, Cooper, Thomas, and Okoronkwo

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Daily Dose: Who is L.A.’s Unsung Hero Midway Through 2018?

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Injury Report 10/26: Kupp, Young Declared Doubtful for Week 8

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-10-26-kupp-young-declared-doubtful-for-week-8

When 39 isn’t enough: Rams concerned over lingering red zone woes

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/39159/when-39-isnt-enough-rams-concerned-over-lingering-redzone-woes

Social Roundup: Players React to Win Over the 49ers

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Daily Dose: Gurley On Pace for TD Record

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Troy Hill Bounces Back with Big Day vs. San Francisco

https://www.therams.com/news/troy-hill-bounces-back-with-big-day-vs-san-francisco

Quotes & Notes 10/22/18: McVay Reviews Week 7’s Best

https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-10-22-18-mcvay-reviews-week-7-s-best

Snap Count Analysis: Rams Able to Rest Starters in Fourth Quarter vs. 49ers

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Injury Report 10/22: Kupp Making Good Progress in Recovery from Knee Injury

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-10-22-kupp-making-good-progress-in-recovery-from-knee-injury

Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay, DC Wade Phillips, RB Todd Gurley October 18 press conference

Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay

(On WR Josh Reynolds being on the injury report on Wednesday)

”He’s okay. He just got his wrist banged up a little bit on the one where (QB) Jared (Goff) swung on kind of the pass near the sideline. It was kind of a bang-bang type play. He’s going to be okay. You’ve got to put all the little things on the injury report, but we expect (WR) Josh (Reynolds) to be good.”

(On the media interpreting K Greg Zuerlein potentially not being certain that he’s good to go after speaking to him on Wednesday)

”If so, then we’re going to see a very similar approach to Arizona. The only thing is, I’ll just know a little bit beforehand that we’re going for a lot of two-point conversions, hopefully, if that’s the case where we’re able to get in scoring positions. I’m going to have to go talk to (K) Greg (Zuerlein) right after this one because my interpretation is a little different than that. But in all seriousness though, most important thing is the health. He had a good workout – felt good – that was why we made the decision to release a really good player in (K) Cairo Santos. But if he does have a setback or something like that, there’s still time to be able to make adjustments.”

(On the reason they haven’t been going for two-point conversions after being successful with them in the Cardinals game)

”It’s really situational. I think a lot of times too, just being totally honest, that’s just what you’re comfortable with – you kick extra points. That wouldn’t have come up had we not had that injury right beforehand. It worked out for us that day because of the players ability to execute. I think there’s different circumstances and approaches. You look at the (Pittsburgh) Steelers over the last couple years. Couple years back, I remember they started going for two-point conversions a lot early on. When you feel like it’s going to be a high-percentage, you want to take every point that you get and that’s just kind of that approach. Whether it’s right or wrong, that’s what we’ve taken. But, you feel confident in the players’ ability to execute if you do change that at all.”

(On if he has to manage reps for RB Todd Gurley II after having such a big performance)

”Well, he’s always a guy that you’re going to be very careful with and want to make sure that you’re listening to (Senior Director, Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott) and (Director of Strength Training and Performance) Ted (Rath) and most importantly, (RB) Todd (Gurley II) and his feedback that he’s giving with regards to how he feels. I couldn’t speak for Todd, but I know that the way he’s running the football, what a physical player he is, I can only imagine that he’s sore. We try to do everything we can, but especially somebody like him that takes the pounding and has the amount of work that he’s getting right now. That’s something that we want to make sure that we’re, number one listening to Todd – how’s he feeling – but then also, we’ve got a lot of confidence in (RB) Malcolm Brown as well. If he needs to get some work and Todd’s not feeling great or want to just spell him throughout. He’s got a great play demeanor during the game. Seattle game – doesn’t really want to come out. He gets into a rhythm the other day. He’s a special player and for him to be able to play the way that he has. He kind of gets stronger as the game keeps going. But, you also do want to be mindful of the fact that we’re six games into a 16-game season. So, him getting stronger as the season progresses is something we talk about and that’s predicated on a lot of things, but most importantly, his feedback that he gives to us.”

(On if he thinks Gurley II is having an MVP caliber season)

”I think he’s having a great year. I think he’s been instrumental in having us have a lot of production on offense to this point. He can do everything. I think he’s a complete back. There’s really not anything that Todd can’t do in terms of what you ask him. The thing that I say over and over is, as special of a talent as he is, he’s an incredibly smart player. That’s one of the things that, in the short time I’ve been coaching, but just being around this game since you’re a little kid, when you’re around really unique types of players, there’s that talent, but then it also matches up with the special work ethic. Then, there’s also a feel and instincts and awareness that certain guys possess. He’s got a great feel for the game, just by the way he plays. I think the third-and-10 that we ended up hitting (WR) Robert Woods on a conversion, you look at the urgency that he has where it was kind of a late adjustment based on them – (Broncos S Darian) Stewart triggers through the front-side A-gap and how quickly he sells out, but his ability to recognize that, allowed Jared to be able to set his feet and make a throw versus a fire-zone (blitz). Those are the things that make him unbelievable. He’s doing an excellent job and really, I feel fortunate to work with players like Todd.”

(On if those are things you can learn or if they’re an internal instinct)

”I think certain guys have a feel, but I think they’re also very intuitive with regards to how they approach meetings – paying attention, watching the film. One of the things about Todd, too, is he’s got such an even keeled personality, but when you guys talk to him every single week, he knows every player on the defense that we’re going against. He’s aware of what goes on, really smart. He likes football and usually those guys that are really good players, they enjoy what they’re doing. He’s an elite competitor that’s at his best when the pressure situations are the highest and that’s exactly what you want from guys like him.”

(On if he makes a conscious decision to diversify how he uses Gurley by whether or not he incorporates screen passes into the gameplan)

”Well, you are delving into the gameplan (laughs). You know what, it’s really just a balance. Certain things we’re looking for when we do want to activate those screens. Sometimes the defense presents them, sometimes they don’t. Really, when we go into a game, there’s a certain feel and a flow for the game. Those are things that we always want to do is, really, get the ball in Todd’s hands in a variety of different ways. The screen game, some gameplans has been a good play for us and then others it’s the flip passes or just handing him the ball off or getting him outside and doing some different things. So, it’s kind of week-to-week based on what the defense presents, but that’s something that I think our guys have done a really good job of. You look at the one third-down-and-13 that we had at the end of the game when they end up all-out pressuring us. We get a perimeter screen off. It was just…Todd didn’t catch it, (WR) Robert Woods caught it. So, our screen game is definitely a part of what we want to do. When we activate those is a lot of times situationally driven or kind of just within the feel and the flow of a game.”

(On if he waits for Gurley to signal when he wants to come out of a game or if that’s something that coaches are deciding on the sideline)

”(Running Back Coach) Skip (Peete) does an excellent job. He’s got a great feel for kind of just the flow of a game and how Todd is feeling. He’s really in tune with, ‘Alright, what does he look like?’ Because Todd can go every play. He’s such a great player, but if it looks like he needs to be spelled or if Todd says, ‘Hey, (RB) Malcolm (Brown) go ahead and hop in there,’ he’s got the ability to be able to do that. But Skip’s got great command of that and he’s always watching those guys. That’s the thing that we say – Todd is a special player and, really, we’ve got a lot of confidence in Malcolm Brown. I think what he’s demonstrated when he’s gotten in there is what a good football player he is as well. That’s why you feel like you can kind of operate with your normal calls and your standard operating procedure with Todd or with Malcolm in the game.”

(On an update on if WR Nick Williams will be active this week and what he loves so much about Williams)

”I think there’s a chance he will be. A lot of this – (ESPN reporter) Lindsey (Thiry) tells me our kicker might not be going this week, too (laughs). So, we’ll find out about our 46 (man roster). But really with (WR) Nick (Williams), really smart football player. Can do a lot of the different things, specifically that we ask that slot role that (WR) Cooper Kupp has played for us. I just think any time that you get a chance to acquire a guy that – he’s played football. You look at what he did in Tennessee this preseason and the regular season. He’s put good stuff on tape. He’s got a little bit of familiarity in terms of some of the verbiage so that it’ll be a quick study. That’s really why we brought him in here. Got him in here yesterday. I know he’s going to do everything in his power to get himself up to speed as quickly as possible. I think there’s a chance that he will be part of that game on Sunday.”

***

DC Wade Phillips

(Opening statement)

”This team we’re playing, I know their record isn’t good but when you look at the offense the last two weeks they’re over 400 yards. They’re number three in rushing in the league, the young quarterback has come in and really played well. They scored 30 points last week in Green Bay, so I don’t see anything wrong with their offense for sure. They look strong in that area and the quarterback has filled in really well for them.”

(On how he thought the Rams did on run defense this past weekend)

”We played the run like we should, that was our goal in the game certainly. That was the top running team in the league as far as average. I think they were under four, I think they were 3.8 or something like that. We played the run tremendously well which helped us win the game. Obviously we were ahead 23-13 at the end of the game, we had three penalties in that drive that hurt us. I thought we played really well.”

(On playing well in the run defense and if part of that was due to players sticking to their assignments)

”We had a challenge. We didn’t play well the week before. I said last week, every game is its own entity. We played a team that could really run the ball well or we felt like could run the ball well, and we stopped the running game. And we didn’t give them many points either and that’s the big thing.”

(On if numbers seem skewed in passing game coverage due to a lot of big plays and if that seems normal or if it’s a concern)

”No, you always don’t want to give up big plays certainly — running game or passing game. Usually if you have too many yards in one area that’s what it is, it’s a big play. People aren’t being consistent against us passing game or running game wise. We just need to not give up big plays and we’ll be right where we want to be.”

(On where he thinks the team is regarding edge rushing)

”We get pressure on the quarterback. We haven’t had as many sacks certainly — but I think we can play real good pass defense. The third downs were 30 percent last game and they were doing well before that game. I think we’re going to be fine, we rush the passer pretty well. Obviously, we have a strong presence in the middle, but we have (DT Ndamukong) Suh outside some. We have different match-ups for different players and that seems to be working pretty well. (DL) John Franklin’s (-Myers) a rookie. He’s a work in progress but he’s also had some good rushes too. (OLB Matt) Longacre was banged up a little last game so we’re getting him back strength wise. I think (OLB) Samson (Ebukam) has done pretty well too really, just pressure wise. We’d like to see him hold a little bit longer and get more sacks. It depends on the team you’re playing sometimes and what their approach is.”

(On the combination of playing CBs Troy Hill and Sam Shields)

”(CB) Troy’s (Hill) playing first and second down basically and (CB) Sam’s (Shields) playing third down things. We’ve got to limit their strengths to what they do and what they do well. That’s the way we work it.”

(On if he’s pleased with the way that combination is working)

”Yes, I think we’re fine. Like I said, third downs we were really good. I know people are going to say – Troy – but I tell you, he made one of the big plays in the game. It was early in the game, when there was a taunting penalty and he didn’t retaliate. It showed me what kind of poise and what kind of person he is not to come back on that. Instead of getting the ball on the one (-yard line), they had it on the 16 (-yard line) and that was obviously a big difference in the game. He had a couple plays and then the last one they threw on him. The guy threw him down and caught the ball. We turned it into the league and we’ll see what they say. He was in great position. I trust him, he’s played and he’s played really well at times. I think he’ll do better and better.”

(On how it was for him returning to Denver and being welcomed back warmly by the fans)

”Yes, you know. I was there six years the first time I was there and two years the last time, so eight years out of my career have been in Denver. Going back and seeing the guys that won a Super Bowl, they were the biggest part, not me, but the biggest parts were those players and some of those coaches winning that Super Bowl. I know it’s football and you got to win games and all of that, and we’re going to try to win every game. But it’s still about people to me. It’s about relationships and that’s why I enjoy what I’m doing. Even though you play against some of the guys you love in certain instances, it’s a game and we’re trying to win and I was proud of our team winning.”

(On if he looks at 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense and sees similarities to concepts that Head Coach Sean McVay deploys)

”They’re both very innovate. They cause problems for defenses. They’re not exactly the same. They both get their teams to execute well. Like I said, this team they lost their quarterback which was a big deal for them. They lost their running back who they traded for and they’re averaging 400 yards a game the last two games, with a backup quarterback and basically the running backs they didn’t expect to have and they’re one of the top rushing teams. They teach their teams to execute well and I think that’s the real key to both of those guys.”

(On being the last undefeated team and at what point does being unbeaten or having a lot of success early in the season become a factor for a coach when a lot of motivation and teaching moments come from a loss)

”Anytime you’re on a run, whenever it is, if you win a lot of games in a row they realize this is how you prepare, this is how you do it every week to get ready to be able to win. I think that’s the key thing. They know what they did last week, they know what they did the week before. We try to keep them in that pattern of great focus, mentally getting into the ball game with the team you’re playing, not looking ahead – those kinds of things.”

(On OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo coming back to practice, what he wants to see from him and if he thinks there’s a role on the defense Okoronkwo can fill)

”Who’s coming back?”

(On Okoronkwo coming back and practicing)

”Oh, he is (laughs) OK. Yes, he’s practicing now. He’s got 21 days, I think, to see where he is. We haven’t seen him that much in practice yet. We’re hopeful that he’ll do well. He wouldn’t be ready to play this week for sure.”

(On if with Okoronkwo being a rookie and coming back in the second half of the season, if he’s able to play is there a place he can be inserted into on the defense)

”That’s what we’re proud of as far as our teaching progression. We’re going to play the best player, whoever he is. If it’s a rookie he’s going to know what to do when he plays. Have you won for me now – that’s the name of the business. We feel like that our teaching progression is good enough that we can play with a young player, old player, whatever. If he’s good enough and ready to play, then we’ll let him play.”

(On LB Cory Littleton and how he’s playing all over the field)

”We knew it last year. We had a lot of special defenses that we put him in. I mean, he started some games where we had an extra linebacker in the game because he was versatile and he could do a lot of things. I think he’s playing outstanding. I don’t know that any linebacker is playing as well as he is in both areas. He’s had a lot of PBUs (pass breakups) and interceptions, things like that that. You just don’t see a normal linebacker — I think he’s way ahead of everybody in the league as far as pass coverage. And obviously he’s playing well against the run and he’s having a really good year.”

***

RB Todd Gurley

(On how cool it is to be in the L.A. sports scene right now)

”I guess it’s an L.A. thing. I’ve been watching the playoffs. Need to get home and watch this (Houston) Astros and Boston (Red Sox) game. Couldn’t see the (Los Angeles) Dodgers game yesterday because we were still here, but it’s been pretty exciting. Been watching playoffs the last couple of years. It’s been cool.”

(On if his connection to Dodgers SS Manny Machado is from Baltimore)

”Yeah, for sure. Most definitely. Most definitely.”

(On if he liked Machado when he was coming up through the pros)

”Yeah, (Dodgers SS Manny) Machado. Probably going to be (Baltimore Orioles CF) Adam Jones last year with the Orioles. I guess I’ve got to rock with the Dodgers now, man.”

(On how he feels physically after last week’s game)

”I feel good. It was one of those weeks I just felt good. Obviously, the (offensive) line did a great job and everybody. Didn’t get – I had 28 carries, but they just did such a great job I didn’t take too many big hits. So, I felt pretty good.”

(On if 28 carries felt any different to him than when he receives fewer carries)

”Just depends on how hard you get hit or sometimes you might take an awkward fall, but for the most part it was a healthy game. Like I said, the linemen did a pretty good job. Didn’t really have too many free runners, taking too many crazy hits. It just varies. I don’t know what I had the first game at Oakland, but I felt like I couldn’t ever play football again and then the next week I felt fine. The last couple of weeks I’ve been feeling fine. So hopefully I can keep it up and keep feeling that way after the game.”

(On what it means to him to him to receive the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award)

”It means a lot. It just means a lot now, I feel like, because (K) Greg (Zuerlein) got it one time, (DB) Blake (Countess) got it, (QB Jared) Goff gets NFC Player of the Month. So, it’s just like – it’s good when it’s not just like one player just keeps getting it. It’s just like, ‘All right, I get it right now. (WR) Cooper Kupp or (WR) Robert Woods might get it next week.’ We’re out there having fun and hopefully – obviously, we don’t play for the accolades or whatever, but that’s what happens when you go out there and just ball out as a team. Whether it’s Goff playing lights out like he did on Thursday night or us running the ball like we did the other day. So, hopefully we can just keep it going no matter who it is.”

(On his blitz pickup of Broncos S Darian Stewart and what he saw on the play)

”Yeah, I remember. It was a third down. (Broncos S) Darian Stewart kind of – he was very high. He was probably about 15 yards, came down very late, they shift (No.) 34 over. (C John Sullivan) ‘Sully,’ they did a great job with just getting the call out real late. They kind of snapped the ball and it was just one of those quick reactions. Didn’t really want to cut him, but I just felt like that’s what I had to do at the time.”

(On if that play makes him proud)

”I’m just doing what the O-line do every play. It’s good when you can put stuff like that on film. If a team wants to blitz us, then at the end of the day, it’s our job to make them pay. If we didn’t pick that up, then they would keep doing it. So, the more good stuff you keep putting on film, hopefully we won’t have to deal with those situations.”

(On if he gave himself any time to reflect on his 200-yard performance in Denver)

”Yeah, very rare. I don’t know. I didn’t really think too much of it. I mean honestly, everybody did such a great job. I really didn’t have to do too much, to be real, because Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, the whole O-line, (TE Tyler) Higbee’s out there – everybody really just did a great job. It wasn’t an easy game, but it was really just like practice, honestly. We were out there and we got the tempo going and things were just working on all cylinders as far as the run. We just kind of stuck with running the ball and the rest took care of itself.”

(On Head Coach Sean McVay talking about his instincts and what he studies)

”Yeah, I don’t know. Honestly, the coaches – everybody helps. We all help each other out. (C John Sullivan) ‘Sully’ and (Run Game Coordinator) Coach (Aaron) Kromer does his meeting every Friday. It just helps us understand what we’re trying to do as a team. What we’re looking for on each run and why we’re running it. Once you get an understanding of why we’re doing stuff, it just makes everything so much simpler. I just kind of go out there and just react on the field. Just kind of play my rules and then go from there.”

(On McVay saying he knows every player on every defense he faces and if he knows all of the players from studying them or being a fan of the game)

”Yeah, studying. But, just kind of just being a fan of the game. Like obviously, I’ll go home and watch the game Thursday night, Monday night. Can’t watch too many Sunday night games. Then, just being in the league. One player goes on one team to another and then next thing you know, it’s just really the same player. But, just kind of being a fan of the game and just studying.”

(On if he’s a big football fan and it’s a part of his life)

”Yeah, just playing sports. Obviously, I’m always playing around when everybody else is playing, so you don’t really get a chance to watch everybody else. Like I said, I got a chance to. The Thursday night game, I got a chance to actually watch and watching (Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliot) ‘Zeke’ and I’m like, ‘Dang! No wonder why everybody loves Zeke’, because he’s a great player. He makes great plays. You see guys like (Chargers RB) Melvin (Gordon III) having a great game, so you just appreciate that. I just like seeing everybody ball out and go out there and have fun.”

(On what he notices from the 49ers defense with their second-year staff)

”They have (49ers S) Jimmy Ward, the veteran player who’s going to be very good. (49ers CB) Richard Sherman, everybody knows what type of player he is. (49ers LB) Reuben Foster’s coming on, second year in the league. Then up front, they’ve got some stop guys as in, (49ers DE) Solomon (Thomas), (49ers DT DeForest) Buckner – all those guys. Definitely looking forward to it. They’ve been out there making plays. Got a chance to watch the game Monday night. Those guys were definitely making some plays, but I feel like we can go out there and as long as we do, we do execute and the rest will take care of itself. Obviously, just coming off the game that we had, probably going to be the plan to stop the run, but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we have to go out there and win our one-on-ones and then just run the ball.”

(On if the Los Angeles sports landscape was what he envisioned)

”No, I was thinking more of the party life, not too much of other sports (laughs). I always knew the (Los Angeles) Lakers is always the Lakers. It’s been cool. It’s really, honestly, no other city that I would want to be in. Always, wanted to just live in L.A. and to be able to play out here. Like you said, the (Los Angeles) Dodgers are doing good – one game away from going to the World Series back-to-back. When you see stuff like, it’s more just like inspiration and you want that feeling as well. You don’t want to be the team that’s losing in the playoffs. It just brings that competitive greatness in me and whoever else on the team that feels that way. It’s exciting to be able to play in the same city as LeBron (James) and when I got here, same city as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and stuff like that. Obviously, it’s L.A. It’s one of the top markets and it’s a high standard to play here. No one wants to lose in the big city because you will hear about it all day. You’ll hear about it wherever you’re at if you’re losing, so you definitely don’t want to lose here because it’s no fun.”

(On if he’s been hearing from his fantasy football fans)

”Yeah, they’ve just been telling me how great I’ve been doing and how I’ve been winning them their leagues. Obviously, the people that couldn’t get me, they lost against fantasy. I appreciate everyone out there. Hopefully, they can get me again this week and we can go out there and put some points on the board for them.”

Rams HC McVay, DC Phillips and RB Gurley II – 10/4/18

***

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – October 4, 2018

(On the sacks that happened late in the game and if that’s important for players to get)

“Yeah, I think over time, like anything else, the more push you can get in the pocket, whether it shows up on the stats as a sack or anything like that. It’s influencing and affecting your ability to be in rhythm and stay on schedule as an offense. When you move the quarterback off his spot, especially when you’re talking about your drop-back passing game, eventually it does affect you. The other night was a great example, where it’s kind of just that over the time, they ended up playing their best when they needed to. I think that was kind of an evolving thing as the game kind of wore on – when you’ve got to drop back. You always want to try to finish those plays, but there certainly is a lot to be said for even just creating that push, moving the quarterback off of his spot and how that affects and influences an offenses ability to stay in rhythm and on schedule.”

(On TE Tyler Higbee and G Rodger Saffold III being on the injury report and if either of them is in danger of playing on Sunday)

“No, I don’t think so. Really, with (G Rodger) Saffold (III), it’s just being smart with his knee and kind of a maintenance type deal. Then, (TE) Tyler (Higbee) got his knee a little bit in the game, but he returned. We expect those guys to be ready to go. As we kind of get closer to the week, they’ll be able to get some more work in, maybe even tomorrow. But, we don’t expect to not have those guys.”

(On how LB Mark Barron recovered)

“Yeah, he did good. Really, we only had a handful of, not necessarily even live reps, but full-speed reps, where you’re going faster than a walk-thru tempo. Today will really serve as a great measuring stick more than anything because this is our most physical tolling practice that we’ll have. We’ll put the pads on today. How he responds and how he feels tomorrow will be a big indicator on whether we feel like he’s going to be ready to go or not.”

(On WR JoJo Natson’s status)

“(WR) JoJo Natson’s doing a nice job. As far as if we feel comfortable, I know (Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel) ‘Bones’ feels good about him. But if you’re going to put somebody back there, just having gotten that surgery, we want to make sure we’re making smart decisions. That’s something that’s probably going to be a little bit closer. We’ll make that after tomorrow as well. If the case is he doesn’t go, then you feel confident in (WR) Cooper’s (Kupp) ability to consistently be back there and do a good job.”

(On how having a new kicker will impact him as a play-caller)

“Really, until we get a little bit closer, those are things that Bones and I will sit down, we’ll kind of discuss where we feel like that range is at. Really, in those two-minute situations – end of the half, end of the game – and then, obviously, in some of those where, hopefully, if we get ourselves into scoring position, what would dictate what we feel like is maybe a chance to go for it or not. That’s something that I think – he’ll kick today. He had the workout the other day. We were going to kick him yesterday, but because of his workout that he had, today will serve as a good chance for him to get some kicks and our guys to get experience with him. I think that will allow us to figure out what we want to do.”

(On QB Jared Goff saying he’d like to have back the interception he threw in the red zone and if that’s something he likes to hear from his quarterback)

“Oh no, I think (QB) Jared (Goff) has a great ability to not be affected, but to certainly learn from his previous plays, whether that’s good or bad. I think, really, he’s hard on himself and that’s what you appreciate. You want your leader to be accountable, to have a certain standard for the way that he expects himself to play and to lead our team. I know he mentioned that and the (Cardinals CB Patrick) Peterson play. Those are the two ones that you remember. One of the things I’ve been really impressed with Jared, really from the time that we got here, was his ability as a quarterback to respond from negative plays. A lot of instances, I have been around people where that affects their ability to continue to compete, then where you almost operate where your fear and failure – he is fearless. You want your quarterback to be a fearless competitor that isn’t afraid to fail, that will let things go, let it ride, but then you also learn from those experiences, so that you don’t make the same mistakes twice. He’s doing everything to give himself a chance to do that.”

(On if DT Ndamukong Suh was everything he expected in terms of his versatility)

“Yeah, I think he’s been a little bit more. I’ve always had a lot of respect for his game, but I think his ability to really play across the line, really, at any interior spot. He can play off the edge and he’s made a lot of plays, really, at all those spots. So, continue to come away impressed with him. Really enjoy getting to know him as well, where you really can appreciate, not only is he a really talented player, but he’s extremely smart – understands the game, asks great questions and that seems to be a consistent thing that you find as you get a little bit more experience as a coach. When you’re around really good football players, there’s a level of talent, but there’s also an intellect and an appreciation for the work that takes place throughout the course of the week and certainly he fits that bill.”

***

Rams Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips – October 4, 2018

(On leading the league in quarterback hurries, pressures, the four sacks the defense had in the fourth quarter against the Vikings and how important it is to have their production reflect the kind of pressure they’re putting on the quarterback)

“Yes. You always want to get pressure on the quarterbacks, that’s the number one thing. It helps your pass defense, obviously. I just thought pressure situations, I thought we played well defensively. I saw the league last week and almost everybody that had the ball at the last drive scored a touchdown or made plays. I thought playing under pressure is a really key thing when the game is on the line, those kinds of things. We did a good job of that. We still need to improve. We’re working hard to do that. But, we do have some talented guys that can rush the passer.”

(On the outside linebacker position and how the position has come along since training camp and if he’s using the players a little bit differently than he has used outside linebackers before)

“You use different players differently, no matter what position they’re playing. We try to do the things that they do well. It sounds simple, but if there’s certain things guys do well then we try to let them do those things, and not do things they don’t do well.”

(On if LB Mark Barron is able to play on Sunday)

“Yes, that would be great if (LB) Mark (Barron) is able to play on Sunday. He’s worked so hard to try to get back. He’s practiced this week, which is a really good sign, and he’s a really good player. We hope he gets back — I’m sorry I interrupted the question. When you said Mark Barron I said, ‘Alright, let’s go!’ We hope he’s there (laughs).”

(On if Barron will be eased back in or will he be full go if he plays against the Seahawks)

“I think you’ll still have to watch him. He hadn’t played any preseason or regular season games this year. But, he’s in good shape. He’s worked hard, so we’ll just see where he is in the game. He could get tired. We’re not going to play him an extended, every play certainly. But again, the things he does well, we’re going to try to get him in there for those things.”

(On what he saw from CB Sam Shields against the Vikings)

“(CB) Sam (Shields) had to play every play, which was different — he had a limited role the first couple of games. I thought his effort was tremendous. Sam, I think he could’ve gotten down a little bit mentally during the game, but he didn’t. He kept fighting and I thought our whole team did the same thing.”

(On Shields background and what he thinks it means to Shields to be able to playing after being sidelined for nearly two seasons)

“I’m pretty sure I know how he feels, too, but it’s a great feeling that a kid or young man that’s had the things that happened to him is able to play football again. I know how much he appreciates that, and we’re really glad we have him.”

(On DT Ndamukong Suh playing on the edge a couple times and being able to get sacks from there and what he likes about Suh’s versatility)

“We thought it was good match-ups when we put him out there. He can play, obviously he can rush from inside or outside. Some of it’s match-ups, some of it are schemes that we want to do and certain calls and so forth. We want to move those guys around. I mean we move (DT) Aaron (Donald) over the center, over either guard and Ndamukong can go over either tackle, either guard or the center. He gives us some versatility. Their protections have to change, or we get one of those guys or two of those guys one-on-one. That’s what we’re looking for.”

(On how familiar he was with Suh’s versatility)

“Yeah, we knew that. We looked at all the plays – he played quite a few plays at defensive end at Miami. We were well aware of that, but we still had to work with him and make sure he could do those things we saw on film, but he did that.”

(On what he has seen from S Lamarcus Joyner this season)

“Yeah, he hasn’t had a lot of action. I mean, the one game we played – Arizona – he said, ‘I just watched the game.’ He was in the middle and nothing really happened. But, he’s the same guy. He’s an active player that we going to try to utilize him as much as we can on certain things. He’s a safety net back there that can overlap almost any play. We played a three-deep zone and I know they threw a touchdown – we were supposed to have a guy in deep zone and he almost made the play against the Chargers. We were supposed to have somebody in that deep third, he was in the middle. He made the tackle and I’m sure everybody, Pro Football Focus said he gave up a touchdown or something, but he was actually playing the middle of the field. So, he can make plays.”

(On if the versatility of this current defensive line is consistent with what he’s had in the past)

“That’s unique. It’s not usual that you have guys, number one, have those kind of caliber players – three of them. But, they can pretty much play almost every position or at least can give you matchup situations that you don’t normally have. Again, yeah, I’ve had some great players, but most times they played one position and obviously they played that position well. There’s not many players that you can move around like our guys.”

(On what DL John Franklin-Myers has shown him through training camp until now)

“Yeah, we’ve liked him all along. We’ve said all along he’s doing better and better as he goes. He beat his man several times in the game. It wasn’t the only time that he did. Obviously, that’s a big time – quarterback still had the ball. He’s a young player and we want to get him in the ball game with the things he does well and keep working on that. The thing he does well is rush the passer, so he’s been in those situations and we’re trying to hone in on that. Now, he did – he’s rushed either side which is – he’s not just tapped in to just rushing one side. He rushed on the left side quite a bit and then when he made the play at the end, he rushed on the right side. He’s a good, young player and we hope he keeps improving.”

(On what kind of challenge it is to defend Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and what specifically makes it difficult)

“Yeah, he’s a tremendous player. All you have to do is watch the film and watch him play. He makes plays out of nothing. He makes plays that nobody else makes. He’s fantastic. He’s obviously an elite quarterback that can win a game. He can beat you himself. Not many quarterbacks can do that and he can also – he can beat you running with it or throwing it. He’ll run for first downs to keep plays and then run around enough and find somebody open. You have to cover them for a long time, with him, and that makes it hard. He’s been doing it since he’s been in the league. So, I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s a great player. I think they’ve done a good job offensively. They’ve run the ball a lot better than they did last year. They’ve got three running backs who can really run with the football – that are strong runners and their running game is good. So, you’ve got a strong running game and a quarterback that makes you more dangerous. I think (Seahawks Offensive Line Coach) Mike Solari, the line coach, has done a really good job with their offensive line. They were talking before about how their offensive line was hurting, but now they block well and protect well. So, again, it’s always a challenge, but it’ll be a challenge up there. They’ve got good players and good coaches.”

***

Rams Running Back Todd Gurley II – October 4, 2018

(On Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott crediting Gurley’s success to teams being more willing to use first round draft picks for running backs)

“I appreciate it. I guess, I kind of did start the first-round thing again. Those guys are great players, so they put themselves in a great position – (Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott) him, (Jaguars RB Leonard) Fournette, (Panthers RB Christian) McCaffery, all those guys – they put themselves in great positions to be where they’re at today. You see why they’re having success in the NFL, just like me.”

(On the importance of running backs to the passing game and if yards per touch is a better measure than yards per carry)

“I don’t really care about any one of them, honestly. As long as we get the yards and win.”

(On if he enjoys playing in the Seahawks loud environment)

“It’s cool. It wasn’t loud last year. I forgot how loud it was. Hopefully, it won’t be loud again.”

(On if he recalls having a long run last year in Seattle where he broke free for more than 50 yards)

“It’s like 3rd-and-20, everybody was playing off. They probably thought we were just going to do a little screen or something like that. (Head) Coach (Sean) McVay called the outside-zone run, (G) Rodger (Saffold III) had a great block and just kind of ran free, honestly.”

(On when he gets into the situation of running free and what’s going through his mind)

“I’m just like, ‘Oh, snap!’ Kind of just look at the screen or look around and it’s kind of like too good to be true, honestly. Wish those came like once or twice a year. Don’t very often because teams are great. Teams put themselves in good positions. They get paid just like we do. It’s just one of those plays, honestly.”

(On if there is any other way to look at this game other than an NFC West matchup)

“Yeah, every game is a must win. We just started off pretty hot. Had a 10-day rest and divisional game, so definitely want to go out there and get this win. Can’t give them anything to feed off of and just go up there and try to dominate.”

(On if he likes to hear others calling the Rams the best team in the NFL or if he blocks it out)

“If I’m watching TV, you hear it, but it is what it is. We know we’re good. We don’t need anybody else to tell us that.”

(On being at the center of the offense and everything working based off of him)

“Yeah, I tell those guys they need me out there (laughs). I tell them, ‘Thank me all the time.’ When I go in motion and they get their little touchdowns (laughs). But no, man, obviously Coach McVay – we want to have a well-balanced offense. It starts with the run, then the play-action and then everything else is going to take care of itself. But, at the end of the day – like I said before – if they’re going to stop the run, they (expletive) sure not going to stop the pass. We’ve got some great receivers. The O-line is fantastic. They keep (QB Jared) Goff back there clean all the time. So, whether we run or pass the ball, or whether I’m in there or not, everybody’s in their doing their job. They’re just balling out.”

(On if he still feels like defenses are keying in on him a quarter of the way into the season)

“Yeah, I would hope so. That’s what a smart defensive coordinator would do (laughs). I mean, I know players on every team and we talk all the time. They’re like…man, they tell me during the game. ‘We’re not going to give you nothing. So, you’re going to have to earn it.’ You hear it throughout the week, press conferences, whatever it is. Even in the game, guys are like, ‘Uh, uh (No.) 30. You ain’t getting nothing.’ But at the end of the day, we’re going to line up, we’re going to run the ball and you’re still just going to have to stop us. O-line does a great job of blocking for me. Even the receivers, man. Those guys – tight ends, can’t forget about those guys – but the receivers are out there. (WR Robert) Woods is doggone – he’s the lead blocker. He’s doggone a fullback some plays. So, credit to those guys, the receivers, just wanting to be out there and blocking for me and vice versa.”

(On if last Thursday’s atmosphere at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was what he imagined when he envisioned football in L.A.)

“Oh yeah, it was great. It was just one of those moments, man. It was definitely a fun moment. Thursday night game, lot of high energy. It was like a dream come true. It felt like a night college game. You don’t get too many night games in the NFL, so it was definitely great energy. The Coliseum was rocking. Obviously, (celebrity hip hop artist) YG’s always there supporting at every game. It was just a good moment.”

(On if there are any celebrities in particular that he’d like to see come to a game)

“No, not really.”

(On Goff saying he’s confident in his pass protection skills and if he’s always been an enthusiastic blocker or if his blocking skills have evolved over his professional career)

“I mean, I’m just doing my job. One thing about this league is if you’re not going to block for the quarterback, then they don’t care who you are, you’re not going to be in the backfield. You know, that’s my job not to let my quarterback get hit. It’s not that hard, you just hold the guy up for two, three seconds, and then we got great receivers so they’re not getting shut down. Those guys are separating in the one-on-ones and doing their thing. He does a great job of just stepping up in the pocket and well awareness. But it doesn’t start with me, it starts with (C John Sullivan) ‘Sully’ up there making the right calls and everybody just really being on the same page. I’m a big guy so, hopefully, I can’t get ran over too much.”

(On having to take on players that are really fast and big while blocking and not being able to run past them)

“Yeah, especially when DBs come off from the slot or something. You just got to study guys honestly, because different guys are going do different stuff. Might get a spin move, you might get a fake and try to come underneath. You just try to do your job and stay grounded, not try to go for all the movement. Just study, and that’s why we practice. We deal with this stuff, do one-on-one stuff at camp and we always do fit drills with (Running backs) coach (Skip) Peete. That’s definitely a thing we pride ourselves on.”

(On what he’s seeing from Seattle’s defense this year)

“Obviously, definitely, a whole new change from years in the past. Still a lot of new guys figuring out the system. Like I said, they’re a simple defense anyways. They’re going to run what they run, line up, do their stunts and twists up front. Used to have (DE Michael) Bennett but now they have (DE Frank) Clark and (LB Barkevious) Mingo. Those guys are great — have a knack for just finding the ball. Like I said, starts with the protection up front, we all being on the same page and just taking care of the rest – winning on our one-on-ones. But great match-ups, very disciplined secondary. Got one of the best linebackers in (Bobby) Wagner. He’s always a great competitor to go against. Obviously (Seahawks LB) KJ Wright’s out right now, but hopefully we see whoever steps in for him. I’m pretty sure Bobby will have him in the right position to make plays.”

(On the barbecue at WR Brandin Cooks house and how great it is for them as a team to get together away from the field)

“It’s cool. I see these guys all the time. I appreciate (WR) Brandin (Cooks) inviting us to his house and catering food. The food was real good actually, put me to sleep for like — I woke up at like one o’clock. It’s just cool. Guys had their families there so you get to see the kids and the wives and just say hello and watch some football. It was pretty cool.”

Quotes & Notes 9/28/18: McVay Reviews Rams’ Hot Start

https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-9-28-18-mcvay-reviews-rams-hot-start

Injury Report 9/28: McVay Provides Updates on Talib, Easley

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-9-28-mcvay-provides-updates-on-talib-easley

Daily Dose: Todd Gurley Tops Offensive Rankings

https://www.therams.com/news/daily-dose-todd-gurley-tops-offensive-rankings

Kupp Ready for Double Duty vs. Vikings

https://www.therams.com/news/kupp-ready-for-double-duty-vs-vikings

Shields, Hill, Robey-Coleman Ready to Step Up at Corner

https://www.therams.com/news/shields-hill-robey-coleman-ready-to-step-up-at-corner

Goff, Offense Off to Hot Start in 2018

https://www.therams.com/news/goff-s-offense-off-to-hot-start-in-2018

Injury Report 9/26: Peters, Easley Listed as Questionable for Thursday

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-9-26-peters-easley-listed-as-questionable-for-thursday

Rich Hammond: Rams’’ Aqib Talib having ankle surgery puts pressure on defensive line

. https://www.pe.com/2018/09/26/rams-aqib-talib-having-ankle-surgery-puts-pressure-on-defensive-line/

The Coach McVay Show

With Coach McVay out, Rams GM Les Snead stepped in to talk about the hot 3-0 start with the LA Rams. Snead also recapped the win vs. the LA Chargers with JB Long and D’Marco Farr, plus, gave an injury report on Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters. Also, is Jared Goff getting better each game? Les, JB and D’Marco discussed. And, Safety Blake Countess came on to talk about scoring a TD on a blocked punt in the win vs. the Chargers.

Brown Returns, but Blythe Still Poised to Start at RG

https://www.therams.com/news/brown-returns-but-blythe-still-poised-to-start-at-rg

Injury Report 9/20: Brockers Returns to Practice

https://www.therams.com/news/injury-report-9-20-brockers-returns-to-practice