Rams HC McVay and DC Phillips – September 13, 2018

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Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – September 13, 2018

(On if he’ll be able to go anywhere anymore without somebody asking him about a specific play and when it happened)

“You know what, (Senior Director, Communications) Artis (Twyman) just told me about that. That was like a month ago, which seems like an eternity with training camp and everything else. We did that out at (University of California) Irvine. So, it is not a joke when I say I really do not remember anything else. You’re going through things all the time. I have no life other than I love football and that’s a good thing because that’s what you do. But, it’s not like I’m just recalling it and that’s the only time you’ve ever done it from, ‘Okay, that play happened’ and you never go back. These are things that we as coaches always go back through. So, it’s kind of something that you’re always re-visiting, especially when it’s relevant plays.”

(On the growth and development of S John Johnson III since last year)

“I’ve been really impressed with him. I think even just last year when he started playing and makes a big play against Dallas in Week 4 and then really starts the rest of the year. He’s got a really good feel for the game – great instincts, great communication, great awareness and he’s an excellent tackler. He does a great job with close-quarter tackles, wrap tackles. You see him make the pick the other night where he’s in a lot of good situations against an excellent player in (Raiders TE) Jared Cook. I think he’s a complete safety and I think he’s really started to take leadership role, especially with just his command of the defense, the understanding. There’s a lot of different things that that safety position entails in terms of the understanding above the neck. He’s playing a lot of different spots for us and his versatility gives us some different things that we can present to offenses which make it really difficult. (S) John (Johnson III) is doing an excellent job. I think (Safeties) Coach Ejiro Evero has done great with him.”

(On how it doesn’t appear that Johnson is intimidated by what’s around him)

“Yeah, and I think that’s a credit to the way that that group operates. I think (CB) Aqib (Talib) being the veteran presence and one of the leaders. I think they all know that they have an important role and their communication and them all being on the same page is instrumental to our success. So, I think we talk about communication as one of the most important things we do in everything that we do and those guys embody that, especially with all the calls, the communication and the different things that are required, whether it be between the nickel and the safeties, the corners and the safeties and then working with the linebackers in unison as well. So, those guys have really done a great job and (S) John (Johnson III) especially.

(On how much it adds to the offense having three wide receivers who can run a jet sweep)

“Well, I think it’s a credit to those guys and the versatility. Being able to present a variety of looks is something that we try to do from an offensive standpoint. It’s definitely a valuable weapon. Really, that’s something that all of our receivers can do. So, that’s something that we work. It might be something that some weeks we like, some weeks we don’t, but it’s not really a specialty for us. It’s kind of a part of that running game for us and those guys enable us to be a little bit more versatile because of them being versatile as players.”

(On what he saw from the offensive line in Week 1, particularly from OL Austin Blythe)

“I thought they were excellent. I thought, starting with (C) John Sullivan’s communication and command up front, handling the noise, the different cadences, the communication in the run game. We had a lot of things where there’s a lot of plays called at the line of scrimmage and they’re adjusting and adapting based on whatever that defensive front structure is. I thought our two guards were excellent. I thought (G) Rodger (Saffold III) and both (OL) Austin (Blythe) played very well. They were productive in both phases, and (T) Rob (Havenstein) and (T) Andrew (Whitworth) alike. I thought it was a tough call on John. It looked like he has pretty good position on the one where we ended up getting that penalty, but I thought they played a clean game. Really, it’s as complete of a game as I’ve been around in terms of an offensive line just playing in unison – their communication, run game, pass game production, keeping the quarterback clean. They did a great job and let’s see if we can stack another good performance on top of each other against a great front this week.”

(On whether there is room for Blythe to be more of a contributor following G Jamon Brown’s return if he plays well)

“Yeah, I think we’re really pleased with Austin right now and those are things that we’ll discuss when the time comes. Right now, he’s done a great job. We do feel like he’s a starting-caliber player in this league. I think last week’s performance definitely indicated that and we’re hoping that he’ll play well again this week and that’s the expectation we have for him.”

(On the lack of involvement in the pass game from the tight end position in Week 1)

“Well, I think a large part of that was, fortunately with the exception of being in the red zone, we avoided a lot of those tougher third down situations. So, a lot of our first and second down passes were exclusively where you’re kind of the play action, some of the boots, different things like that, some of your screens where they’re more in the protection mindset than anything else. But, that’s definitely not something that we want to make a habit of. We always talk about using all five eligibles – spreading the field, making sure that everybody has got to be accounted for. Those are things that, I think if the flow of the game was a little bit different or if we were in some different situations, you definitely would’ve seen that occur and come up. But, just because of the way the game played out and some of the play selections. Then, when we were in those third downs, really it was just kind of where they fit in the progression. But, they’re certainly part of it. I think it was just more of a result of the way the game played out than anything else.”

(On his thought process on the sequence where he called back-to-back screen passes for RB Todd Gurley II)

“I think really, that play, they were two screens. They were a little bit different look. They pressured us on the second one and (QB) Jared (Goff) did an excellent job being able to get the ball off and then (RB) Todd (Gurley II) had a good lane down the sideline where he got 17 yards there. But, it was similar. Sometimes I can’t really explain it more than you just say, ‘Alright, let’s feel like getting another screen off’ or if kind of the rhythm and the flow of the game dictates. But, you kind of always go into it as a coaching staff having a plan of some of your priority calls within the framework of the game or the different situations. Then, as that dialogue is existing between the coaches during the game, we sometimes just get a feel and that was the case there.”

(On how he comes up with new ways to mix it up with Gurley when he’s evaluating in the offseason)

“Well, I think it’s an effort that’s done by our offensive staff as a whole. Really, it starts with, let’s look at ourselves first from a self-scout standpoint. Let’s see what did we do at a pretty decent level and then what are the things that we can improve on. How can we coach it better from the fundamentals, the techniques? Then, there’s the scheme analysis where you’re studying teams around the league. Even when you study some of these guys in the draft there’s always some, ‘That’s a pretty good idea.’ So, certainly we’ve stolen a lot of ideas or like I’ve said, we’ve got a great coaching staff that comes from a variety of different backgrounds that allow us to collaborate and figure things out. The nice thing about (RB) Todd (Gurley II) is that when you talk about a player that really has the ability to play all over the formation, in the backfield, can compete coming out of the backfield in the pass game, can run all the different types of run schemes that you want to implement, it’s our job as a coaching staff to maximize a special player like him. That’s where we’re fortunate to be able to work with him and try to use him in a variety of ways, whether that be through the run or the pass or kind of all over the formation.”

(On if it’s rare for NFL running backs to be able to do all those different things)

“Yeah, I mean he’s as complete a back as I – he’s the most complete back I’ve ever been around and it’s not even close and I’ve been around some really good backs that I feel really fortunate to have worked with. But, his versatility and the one thing too, as I continue to spend more time with him and you get around him, you realize how smart he is too. That’s one of the things that I think stands out just whether it be being exposed to special players or getting a chance to work with them as a coach, those really special players are unbelievably talented, but they’re also extremely instinctual and they’ve got an innate understanding and feel for the game that allows them to play at such a high level. I think that’s why you see Todd doing some of the things he does. His ability to articulate why he did what he did is pretty impressive. That’s where those special players just kind of have a feel and I think he’s one of those guys.”

(On the process of trying to be creative in finding ways to use the 11 personnel grouping is similar to finding new ways to involve Gurley)

“Yeah, it is. I think what allows us to be more versatile in that personnel grouping is the demeanor in what our receivers are able to do in terms of their contribution, whether it be in the run game or even in some of the protections or running routes or as a ball carrier. They can do a variety of different things and that gives us some flexibility. But, it also has a large part due to the fact that we want to get some other personnels going. (TE) Gerald (Everett) had the shoulder injury where he’s going to get himself back into a rhythm, but he was playing at a really high level this offseason program. We had big plans to be a lot more versatile in terms of some of our personnel groupings. I think you’ll see that as we go forward and some of these guys that enable us to do those different personnel groupings are available and are getting that practice time and they’re ready to go.”

(On any differences with S Lamarcus Joyner from last season to this season in terms of approach and confidence)

“Yeah, I think playing his second year, really, at the safety again, I think he’s extremely comfortable. He’s very confident. One of the things about (S) Lamarcus (Joyner) that you don’t have to know anything – you just watch him – he’s got a great play demeanor and a great energy where he kind of brings people with him. He’s got a good understanding. I think one of the things that stood out initially – and it goes back to his history playing the position at Florida State – but he’s got a great feel for being able to recognize certain things the quarterback is doing and when he’s as that post safety, taking great exit angles where he’s got great range. I think when you talk about those elite safeties, you talk about those guys that have the ability – some people say numbers to numbers and then the special ones can go red line to red line or sideline to sideline. We feel like Lamarcus is one of those players and I think that’s because of the urgency, that’s because of his concept trigger and recognition and then that’s also because he can run. When he goes, he goes. He’s done an excellent job, but I think just like anything else, conscientious, smart players that it means something to them get better and he certainly has done that.”

(On the first time he saw the play that they used for Gurley’s 19-yard touchdown against the Raiders)

“I think there’s college teams and different teams in the pros – (WR) Brandin Cooks had a couple touchdowns on something similar for the (New England) Patriots last year as well. So, I can’t remember specifically when I saw it for the first time, but there’s always when you’re just watching the game and you’re saying, ‘Okay, this is a certain scheme. Does it fit within the framework of our offense?’ You mentioned Kansas City (Chiefs), they do an excellent job mixing it up, but I think it’s also predicated on them having some special players like a (WR) Tyreek Hill. They use (TE Travis) Kelce in a variety of ways with some shovels, different things like that. Then, I think (WR) De’Anthony Thomas also had a touchdown on that same play. He had two touchdown passes, both from one yard out on that same type of deal. It was a cool, little play and you always enjoy and appreciate seeing good things like that around the league.”

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Rams Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips – September 13, 2018

(Opening remarks)

“From the game, I think I was pleased. I know everybody else was. But, (LB) Cory Littleton played a great game. People were worried whether he could play mike linebacker and so forth. He had what? Thirteen tackles and a big interception in the game – played every play. So, I thought he did a heck of a job and showed that he can play. I mean, he made some plays across the field. He can really run, tackled well – the whole thing. We were pleased with our whole group overall through the second half, but I thought he showed up as much as anybody.”

(On DT Aaron Donald being hard on himself and how he thinks Donald performed)

“I feel the way he did somewhat. But, you watch the film and he’s playing against an All-Pro guy. I thought he did well against him as far as the rush is concerned. The quarterback got rid of the ball – I think it was 2.4 (seconds) or something like that. But, I thought (DT) Aaron (Donald) was past his – whoever he was rushing against, a lot of the time. So, that’s what you look at. He had a sack, but it was too low. For the first game back, I feel like him. I want him to do better, he wants to do better, but he’s still a great football player. They had a rough time trying to keep him out of there.”

(On how Donald looked in combination with DL Michael Brockers and DT Ndamukong Suh)

“Yeah, I thought our front was good. They’ve got a really good offensive line, really big offensive line. They’ve got a power running game for a while – they’ve got a power running back. To hold him under 100 yards rushing was due to those guys. The quarterback – I think the last two years, they’ve been sacked 25 times each year. I mean one of the lowest sacked teams in the league. Part of it, the quarterback gets rid of it, but they’ve got a really good offensive line. I thought we held up well overall.”

(On LB Mark Barron not playing in the game against the Raiders and being on the injury report yesterday and if that will be a week-to-week thing)

“Yeah, I think so. There’s going to be a point when he can, I hope. We hope it’s this week. We’ll just see.”

(On if he feels like there’s progress with Barron)

“Yeah, it’s hard to tell on our end too. They’re working with him. Our athletic trainers do a great job. He’ll get better with them working with him for sure.”

(On if he thinks more teams will try to use tight ends against their defense to try to have a better match-up with the linebackers)

“Well, it wasn’t all the linebackers. We took out the wide receivers in the running game. That’s what we were trying to do in the ball game, especially (Raiders WR) Amari Cooper. We wanted to stop the running game and Cooper. We had to make some adjustments because the big tight end was obviously a force that we didn’t realize they had. We knew they had him, but we didn’t know he’d be that big of a force. We changed up some things and put cornerbacks on him later on, and we got ahead. When you get ahead, they’re going to make some yardage in the passing game because you’re playing a little softer, so you don’t lose the game. I know people say prevent defense, but you don’t want to prevent yourself from winning the game. We had the game in hand, so we played it that way.”

(On CB Marcus Peters making the interception in the fourth quarter and if that was him making an off scheduled play)

“No, that was his man. We had him on the tight end and they tried to run a crossing route and he knew – he’s a smart player – he knew on the backside they’d been running that. Even though he wasn’t on him earlier, (CB Aqib) Talib was on him in the second half some time, too. But, he knew there were three receivers on one side and the tight end was there, he was going to run a crossing route and he took it away from him. So, it’s just him being a smart player and instinctive player.”

(On how LB Ramik Wilson did stepping in for Barron)

“Yeah, I thought he did all right. Like I said, I thought the running game – he showed up in the running game, which we needed him to do. Then, the passing game was really their low-end personnel stuff, so he wasn’t in there on that. But, he did fine.”

(On how OLB Matt Longacre and OLB Dominique Easley did)

“Yeah, I thought both (OLB Matt) Longacre and (OLB Dominique) Easley coming back off of injuries, I thought both of them showed, similar to what they’d been previously. Both of them moved pretty well in the ball game. Easley got a holding penalty early in the game, just showed all his power. Matt made a good play from the backside one time and caught him from the backside on a running play. So, they’re still coming back from injury, but I think they played pretty well.”

(On if he’d like to settle on either Longacre or Easley to play most of those snaps or if he’s comfortable with playing both)

“Matt split time with (Former Rams Robert) Quinn last year. So, it’s something we’ve done before. They’re still two different looks as far as a player. I think it’s hard on offensive guys sometimes to play against two different players. They’re both, I think, going to be good players for us. So, that’s what you want.”

(On if the Arizona Cardinals offense presents any particular match-up problems)

“Yeah, their running back (David Johnson) has been one of the top running backs in the league and he didn’t play last year. I know they want to give him more touches this game, so we expect David Johnson to be a big part of their game plan. We know (Cardinals QB) Sam Bradford is a great, accurate quarterback. One of the most accurate quarterbacks of all-time there for a while. And they’ve got weapons with (Cardinals WR Larry) Fitzgerald – he’s the guy. He catches 10 catches his first game this year. He’s a phenomenal player. They’ve got a tight end that can run, so we’ve got to be careful of that because we did get hurt with the tight ends. They’ve got a lot of good players and it’s going to be a challenge.”

(On if he saw the viral video of Head Coach Sean McVay recalling plays from years ago)

“Let me see, I forgot whether I did or not (laughs). Oh yeah, I think I did. Yeah.”

(On if McVay does that in meetings and if it’s a common thing for football coaches)

“I think it’s a common between savants, but I don’t know that football coaches. He has got tremendous recall, but he has got great people skills too and that’s the difference in him and some real smart guy. He’s way above my head that’s for sure. I think, I forgot (laughs).”

stlramz

As fans (and fantasy players) try to navigate the weekly injury reports, they should be aware how differently teams assign the injury designations.

In 2016, the “probable” designation was eliminated. That left “questionable,” “doubtful” and “out” as the categories in which teams could designate players.

What we have seen over the past two seasons is an evolution, or a coming to center.

The first seasons without the “probable” category, 78 percent of players listed as “questionable” were active.

Last season, that dipped down to 68 percent.

More significant to note, there was wide range between teams.

For example, almost all (96 percent) of the Bucaneers’ “questionable” players were active while only a little over a quarter (29 percent) of Steelers deemed “questionable” suited up.

Regarding doubtful, there is less disparity.

Essentially, it can be considered “out.”

Last year, just 2.5 percent (4 of 161) “doubtful” players ended up active. In 2016, it was 4 percent (eight of 207).

Of the four players who were active after being listed as “doubtful,” only one did not play at all. The other three played no more than half their typical number of snaps.

The system inherently allows for vagueness.

Besides the body part, the injury designation is all the team needs to say.

A team does not need to say right or left knee, nor identify the exact structure (i.e., MCL), just generically say “knee.” Add to this nebulous injury report how teams differ in their listings and you have what can be a confusing picture.

However, the data from 2017 can help guide what “questionable” might mean for every team.

Of course, teams can change how they use the reporting, as there is very little policing, and it is rare that a team is fined for an injury reporting violation.

Keep in mind that a team with the same head coach and GM like the Bucs might stay consistent in how they report while the Colts, with a new head coach and general manager, may not stay at 85 percent of their “questionable” players being active.

Similarly, the stable Steelers organization may stay near 29%. But new head coach Matt Nagy of the Bears may not continue at the John Fox rate of 40% of “questionable” players being active.

The process by which teams arrive at their designation also varies, as far as how much input there is from the head coach, general manager and medical/training staff.

For your fandom or fantasy use, here is the full season ending 2017 statistics for all teams, with number of active players in parentheses:

Team Questionable Doubtful
1. Buccaneers 96% (53 of 55) 0% (0 of 11)
2. Ravens 87% (77 of 89) 0% (0 of 12)
3. Colts 85% (23 of 27) 0% (0 of 2)
4. Jets 84% (27 of 32) 0% (0 of 7)
5. Chiefs 81% (21 of 26) 0% (0 of 6)
6. Dolphins 80% (55 of 69) 0% (0 of 13)
7. Seahawks 78% (40 of 51) 0% (0 of 13)
8. Redskins 76% (82 of 106) 20% (1 of 5)
9. 49ers 75% (30 of 40) 0% (0 of 2)
10. Giants 73% (33 of 45) 20% (1 of 5)
11. Titans 72% (13 of 18) None
12. Cardinals 70% (45 of 64) None
t13. Broncos 69% (25 of 36) None
t13. Packers 69% (40 of 58) 5% (1 of 20)
t15. Panthers 67% (28 of 42) 0% (0 of 1)
t15. Bills 67% (29 of 43) None
t17. Raiders 66% (41 of 62) 0% (0 of 7)
t17. Chargers 66% (35 of 53) 0% (0 of 3)
t19. Lions 65% (37 of 57) 0% (0 of 3)
t19. Bengals 65% (17 of 26) 0% (0 of 5)
t21. Patriots 64% (65 of 101) 0% (0 of 3)
t21. Saints 64% (18 of 28) None
t23. Cowboys 61% (42 of 69) None
t23. Vikings 61% (19 of 31) 50% (1 of 2)
25. Texans 59% (11 of 19) None
t26. Jaguars 56% (24 of 43) None
t26. Browns 56% (19 of 34) 0% (0 of 10)
28. Falcons 44% (4 of 9) None
29. Rams 43% (9 of 21) 0% (0 of 5)
30. Eagles 42% (14 of 33) None
31. Bears 40% (23 of 58) 0% (0 of 23)
32. Steelers 29% (7 of 24) 0% (0 of 3)

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
The McVay/Gruden families goes way back. At times, each has extended a hand to the other to pull the next generation up the coaching ladder. The bond comes full circle when Sean McVay’s #Rams play Jon Gruden’s #Raiders. My story for ⁦@TheAthleticLA⁩

How close are the Grudens and McVays? When John McVay – Sean’s grandad – was director of pro personnel for #49ers & assessing a player in 3rd rd of ’79 draft, he called Jon Gruden’s dad Jim, a coach at Notre Dame, for insight. On Jim’s recommendation 49ers took Joe Montana

—

The MMQB@theMMQB
Some players believe the dismantling of the Seahawks this offseason was a way for management to “take the power back” and make Russell Wilson the unquestioned centerpiece of the team. @GregBishopSI and @RobertKlemko’s story:
https://trib.al/h7bCn5n

—

Downtown Rams@DowntownRams
It sounds like Austin Blythe will start the season at RG for the #Rams in Jamon Brown’s absense. Brown is eligible to return week 3 vs. the Chargers.

==

Joe Curley@vcsjoecurley
Rams injury report: Barron, DNP (ankle), Justin Davis, limited (hamstring) @CVRamsClub @DowntownRams

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The Rams’ offense reached amazing heights last year, but now it must evolve. Here’s why: https://t.co/gkoOpptGqD

— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) September 7, 2018

Rams HC Sean McVay — 8/10

(On the status of any injuries and if DB Blake Countess and DL Ethan Westbrooks got injured)

“He was fine, (DL) Ethan (Westbrooks) came out of the injury report clean. I think it looked like he was coming off – whether it was his shoulder – I think the ref might’ve said to check him for his head just because of a collision, but he came out good. Didn’t think (DB) Blake (Countess) had anything with his shoulder. (WR) Josh Reynolds got his ankle that we’re waiting to figure out – whether that’s a sprain and how long that’ll keep him out. (CB) Kevin Peterson had his – he kind of tweaked his knee and we’re waiting on the final results from that as far as when he was coming on a nickel pressure early on in the game.”

(On his thoughts of QB Sean Mannion’s performance after watching the tape)

“I thought it was a combination of a lot of tough things. I thought most certainly (QB) Sean (Mannion) missed some throws and some things that are uncharacteristic of him. But the protection – there were a couple times he didn’t really have a chance to let things develop. He had a couple drops. So, I think it was kind of a perfect storm of really, a lot of things didn’t work out in his favor. He certainly had a part, but I think everybody that was involved, from an offensive standpoint, could’ve done a little bit better. There’s a reason why they’re such a good defense. There’s definitely some good things that we can learn from – a lot of different structures that you see on that tape as far as Baltimore’s (Ravens) defense is concerned. Like everything else, you get a chance from some of those tough circumstances to learn from and move forward and that’s what we’re looking forward to do as soon as tomorrow when we get practicing again.”

(On if anyone stood out during the game)

“I thought, really, when you go back and look at the tape, I thought on defense, Ethan definitely flashed some really good things. I think you just see good effort overall and good energy from the defensive side as a whole. (OLB) Samson (Ebukam) had some good rushes. I think from an offensive standpoint – kind of like what we mentioned – I think both those backs showed some really good things when you look at (RB) Justin Davis and you look at (RB) John Kelly. Thought (T) Joe Noteboom had a couple good series where he was able to demonstrate some good removal in the run game. Did a good job with his pass protection, his techniques, got a couple good jump sets in there. So, those were some encouraging things that you saw from those guys.”

(On if he would consider not playing starters at all in the preseason)

“No, it’s certainly something that, if you feel like – that was a big reason why you ended up wanting to play Baltimore in practice because if you can try to create and mimic and emulate those game-like situations while limiting the risk for injury that naturally occurs when you get into these live game situations, that’s always something worth exploring. You have so much respect and appreciation for the value of those live repetitions that you get in the four preseason games. But, at the same time, you talk to (Redskins Head Coach) Jay Gruden today and he’s losing a guy (RB Derrius Guice) that he was really counting on. On the (August) seventh here I think he mentioned to me that he wanted to get him a few carries, get him some touches and he ends up tearing his ACL and now he’s out for the year. So, it’s a really delicate balance of measuring the importance of getting some experience before that game, but then also making sure that you don’t put guys in harm’s way and at the risk of losing them for the season. You certainly don’t ever want to play scared, but you also do want to try to balance how can you do it in a smart way and getting guys ready to go, especially those guys that you know you’re counting on when the regular season kicks off.”

(On if there is a possible scenario where players such as QB Jared Goff, RB Todd Gurley and DT Ndamukong Suh wouldn’t play a snap during the preseason)

“I wouldn’t go that far yet just because there’s still so much time in between. But, like we mentioned, it’s not certainly out of the question, how we would approach the Oakland game. We talk about taking things kind of a day at a time. Those are things that inevitably, they kind of just – you have a better feel as you accumulate some experience and certainly some injuries – or hopefully if we avoid them – then you’re able to have those conversations. But, I wouldn’t go that far yet. But, there’s definitely going to be some good dialogue between our coaching staff with regards to how we want to handle, really, this next week if you will before we lead into that Saturday game. Also, in particular, because that’s the team we open with and that adds another layer to it as well.”

(On how he would evaluate the outside linebacker position opposite of Samson Ebukam)

“Yeah, I think (DE) Ryan Davis is doing some good things. He’s a guy that we had mentioned had shown some bright spots. I thought (DL) Justin Lawler came in and made some nice plays as well. Then, really, you’re counting on a (OLB) Matt Longacre when he gets back from injury – you look at the production that he’s had for us. Then, there’s some different things that we can do in some specific packages where you might see some other guys lined up in those spots. But, a lot of younger players playing in those outside spots. (OLB Trevon) ‘T’ Young is another guy that showed some different things last night where you see his length show up. But, I thought for the most part, you felt (No.) 50 and (No.) 98 coming off the edges. I thought Justin Lawler, (No.) 53, came in and did some nice things as well. He has kind of been a little bit hobbled with a hamstring, but he looked healthy and he did some nice stuff.”

(On if he discussed the National Anthem with the team before the Baltimore game)

“Yeah, we spoke about it, we talked about it as a team. Kind of consistent in what you guys have heard us say before, where we mentioned this was the approach that we felt like we wanted to take. If anybody felt differently, certainly open it to hearing your opinion or your perspective, and let’s talk it through. Nobody came up to me and had any issues. Everybody was out there as a team last night right in front, and then the staff was behind them kind of like what you’ve seen since (former Head Coach) Coach (Jeff) Fisher has been here. That’s something that we’re going to continue to do, and felt good about everybody being on board with that.”

(On if there’s anything in particular he wants to get achieved in the final five training camp practices or if it is more of a day-to-day, week-to-week)

“I think, really, for us last night served as a great opportunity. Say what you want, you don’t really scheme or different things like that, but I think just performing some of the elementary fundamentals and techniques of what leads to good football are things that we can focus on. Getting lined up, alignment, assignment, our technique, our effort defensively. Our communications in terms of just making sure we got our right matches, keeping our gap integrity in the run game. Then offensively, just simple, let’s use the right protection calls, let’s make sure that we’re going to the right people and then let’s throw and catch. Being able to separate, then being able to deliver the ball with accuracy and anticipation and then be able to consistently catch the football. Those are some things that for the confidence we have in a lot of the guys last night, things that we didn’t see, that we expect to see in terms of just executing where it’s just sound, crisp football are things that you’re going to see a point of emphasis made for our team. I thought last night served as a good opportunity to just make sure that you wake up. We have a renewed sense of urgency going into it, and it doesn’t really matter who it is. We just all go to do a little bit better job, but last night was a good learning opportunity for us. I think that’s some of the things you’ll see us emphasize as we move forward into these practices this week.”

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/12177/cooper-kupp

Cooper Kupp (knee) has been ruled out for Week 17.

Tavon Austin and Pharoh Cooper should alternate slot receiver run in Los Angeles’ regular season finale. Josh Reynolds and Mike Thomas should also play a lot.

==

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/rams-cooper-kupp-misses-practice-with-knee-soreness/

Kupp missed Wednesday’s practice with a sore knee, Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Though he wasn’t listed on the injury report until this week, Kupp apparently has been bothered by his knee for a while. He aggravated it on a touchdown catch in Sunday’s 27-23 win over the Titans, yet still managed to play a season-high 94 percent of the snaps on offense. Rams head coach Sean McVay didn’t mention Kupp when listing the players who will be held out for Sunday’s game against the 49ers, but it’s safe to assume the rookie wideout is in some danger of missing the contest. Given that Jared Goff and Todd Gurley already have been ruled out, Kupp figures to handle a limited workload even if he ends up playing. McVay clearly doesn’t care about the difference between the Nos. 3 and 4 seeds.

Prime Time did this:

What Seahawks Fans Are Saying Before The Game

————
Age, injuries, lack of discipline, failure to address the o-line, questionable personnel decisions & unfriendly cap math have all but rendered the Hawks a middle of the pack team, at best, for the foreseeable future.
———–
What a disappointment this season has been, truly. We really need to fix attitudes of players and do an overhaul in all areas. RW has his worst game but when he tried to come back he didn’t had the support he deserved. Still I believe in Russ…not Walsh or the O Line or Bevell
———–
You guys are still pathetic and embarrassing. It hurts that I’m a fan.
———-
And if our real defense weren’t injured jags wouldn’t have stood a chance. Y’all need to quit acting like you the crap when y’all just kicked them while they were down (injured)

———–
Get rid of Germain Ifedi/O-line and Darrell Bevell
———-
In general, our o-line is pretty crap minus Duane Brown. Russell Wilson should not have to scramble for his life every play of the game
———-
In Russell I will always trust, win or lose. This man has heart, even when he’s not at his absolute best I know we will always have a chance to win with him. Now go get the Rams next week and win out.
———-
We continue to play from behind … we sugar coat our performance too often
———-
penalties, drops & interceptions…… oh my!
———-
This loss makes next week’s game incredible important. Injuried guys need to get healthy and backups need to find the fight and fire of the guys they are replacing. Hawks season depends on getting W next game. Take control of your future and make history…

———-
Need Wagner and Wright to be healthy somehow someway.
———-
We win and I’ll say we are in. Lose? Done.
———-
Go Hawks! Beat the hell out of the Rams (somehow)!
———-
Yes, oh my, we need Bobby Wagner….would have won today with him in there.
———-
With no Richardson, bennet, bobby, wright, Sherman, avril, or Kam.
LoL
———-
Actually it all will come down to titans/rams because we will lay an egg against Dallas
———-
If we have Bobby and KJ I feel confident in a win. Without them I don’t think so.
———-
I said something similar a couple weeks ago. This team is a pretender. Has been for some time.
———-
Seahawks win this easily.

I think the Rams are gonna choke their next 3 games.
————
Game of the Season next week. Agree with the OP.

Win and we likely win the division. Lose and well…Good luck.
———
I also believe I saw that Whitworth got hurt for the Rams, he is a big part of that offensive line.

Rams lost Kayvon Webster for the season to a ruptured achillies. Their top corner Trumaine Johnson is also in the concussion protocol. Could be a big hit for the Rams this weekend.

It doesn’t look like we are the only team that sustained some big injuries this week.
———–
I honestly think we beat the rams and fall to Dallas.
————
I said last week that the Eagles need to take their frustrations out on the RAMS. They Did. Seahawks need to do the same. They beat the RAMS next Sunday, the division is theirs for the taking.
———-
I could see us beating the Rams next week but losing at Dallas and ultimately losing the division despite sweeping the Rams. That’s just the kind of infuriating, inconsistent crap this team had been doing all year.
———–
Rams are a grass team. Seahawks always struggle on grass fields. Cue the first Rams game in LA. We barely won.
————
this will not be your typical rams seahawks low score slugfest. With these offenses and pedestrian defenses there will be fireworks.
———-
And the Rams could lose at Tennessee. That’s a 10 a.m. game, and the Titans have played well at home.

Ain’t over till it’s over.
————-
Yeah I still think the Rams lose to the Titans. Which is why I think this game next week is huge. Rams aren’t an unstoppable force, like us, they can lose to any decent opponent.

Keep an eye on the injury reports, Rams could be without both their starting corners.
———–
Rams D sucks. Other than that D Line, they have nothing. Teams are putting up 30 burgers on them all the time, and the Hawks will do the same. Gotta’ watch the cheap shots though. Take a look at the replay of the Wentz injury, that guy was flat out going for the knees, period.
———-
If Wagner plays at 75% or better we win. If not, we lose.

Pretty simple, IMHO.

If Wagner is out, Gurley will DESTROY.
———–
Should be a hell of a game, by far the best 2 teams in the division.

They gave up:
27 to Washington
39 to the Niners, yes the Niners
30 to the Cowboys
43 to the Eagles (well, minus the Defensive TD for Philly)
———
The Rams are dangerous. It’s going to be a challenging game.

The things working in our favor are improved play by the Seahawks offensive line, particularly by Duane Brown, and some fairly weak play by the Rams’ cornerbacks (at least in comparison to the blanket coverage we witnessed against Jacksonville).

Their rookie SS John John Johnson III is actually a very good player. The play from both of their safeties has been pretty strong in terms of their cover skills. Not hard hitting, downhill guys, but they have good instincts.

We also need to attack the middle of the field in the passing game. Their LBs are pretty weak in coverage.
————
Can the Seahawks establish a running game and make the Rams pay for overaggressive pursuit into the backfield?

The Rams are ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed per carry and 28th in rushing yards allowed per game.

Practice Report: What’s Changed for the Cardinals since Week 7?

Kristen Lago

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-What%E2%80%99s-Changed-for-the-Cardinals-since-Week-7/78fcd3ab-a0e6-434c-867a-527975792c88

The Rams were back to work on Wednesday for their first session of the week at Cal Lutheran.
Los Angeles will face off against the Cardinals for the second time this season on Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Here are the top three observations from Wednesday:

Who’s Practicing, Who’s Not

Returning to the field were running backs Malcolm Brown (knee) and Lance Dunbar (knee), as well as cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman (thigh) who participated in a limited capacity.

Outside linebacker Connor Barwin (arm) was also a non-participant. Barwin had surgery for a broken forearm on Monday morning and will be absent from the practice field for the next couple of weeks.

Tight end Tyler Higbee (illness), wide receiver Josh Reynolds (ankle), cornerback Kayvon Webster(ankle), and wide receiver Robert Woods (shoulder) rounded out the Rams injury report as non-participants in Wednesday’s practice.

Andrew Whitworth, linebacker Mark Barron, and center John Sullivan were given their weekly rest day and did not participate in the session.

What’s changed since Week 7?

On Sunday afternoon, the Rams will face an NFC West division rival in Arizona for the second time this year. Last time around, Los Angeles handedly defeated the Cardinals, shutting them out 33-0. But this time around the matchup should look a little different.

Arizona’s starting quarterback Carson Palmer is out with a season-ending arm injury — one he sustained in the Week 7 matchup with the Rams. Drew Stanton, Palmer’s primary backup is also out after sustaining a knee injury in Arizona’s Week 9 matchup with the Seahawks. With both sidelined, quarterback Blaine Gabbert has stepped in as the primary signal-caller.

Last week, Gabbert led the Cardinals to a win over the Jaguars, throwing for 241 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

“He’s definitely more athletic than the other two,” middle linebacker Alec Ogletree said. “He’s able to get out of the pocket and extend plays a lot more.”

And though Ogletree said the offense still runs similarly with Gabbert at the helm, he and cornerback Nickell-Robey Coleman both acknowledged that the defense will have to adjust to “the different nuances” that come along with a new quarterback.

“Blaine is a really good quarterback. He does a lot of good things in the pocket, can step up and throw,” Robey-Coleman said. “He’s a good quarterback and we can’t sleep on him.”

On defense, head coach Bruce Arians has named a new starting strong safety — rookie Budda Baker. Baker took over the full-time role in Week 10 after Tyvon Branch went down with a season-ending injury.

The Washington product made a splash in his first start, recording 13 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakups — catching the attention of several Rams players and coaches.

“He’s actually pretty good [and] he’s doing a lot of special things,” wide receiver Sammy Watkins said. “That’s a guy that coach kind of highlighted during the meetings. So we just have to play fast and know he’s there — him and Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu — a lot of guys they have that are special on defense.”

In all, Sunday’s matchup between the Cardinals and Rams should be more competitive than the last. As outside linebacker Samson Ebukam put it, “even though we have faced the Cardinals, I know that they are going to come back with something different because what they did the first time obviously didn’t work.”

“They are going to come up with a different game plan,” he continued, “so we have to be ready for anything.

My Cause, My Cleats

At the end of every practice report this week, theRams.com will highlight one Rams player participating in the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleats campaign. The initiative is the culmination of collaborative work between the NFL and players across the league — allowing them to showcase personal causes on field in Week 13.

One of the 28 Rams participating in Sunday’s campaign is Robey-Coleman.

The USC product has chosen to support the American Heart Association as a tribute to his late mother, Maxine, who lost her life to heart failure while he was still in high school.

“She had a heart attack back in 2010, right after I signed at USC,” he said. “So I just try to live by her memory and keep it going. I know she’s looking down on me and all that good stuff, but that’s why I did it, just in remembrance of her.”

Robey-Coleman says that by wearing the personalized cleats he will be “doing what I do every game — playing for her.” But he did express his excitement at getting to showcase his cause in a tangible way.

“This time it’s on my cleats,” he said. “When I’m playing, I’m [always] playing for my family, I’m playing for my mom, so, that’s just in my mind. But to have it on my cleats and not get fined? That’s awesome.”

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-rams-health-20171124-story.html

Rams have their health, and a shot at their first playoff berth since 2004
Lindsey Thiry

Ted Rath paces with unbridled energy as Rams players file out of the locker room and line up on the goal line and at the back of the end zone.

Rath, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, checks his watch and blows his whistle.

“All right. Let’s go!” Rath yells, before blowing the whistle to commence stretching. “Let’s take care of these bodies!”

Across the field, first-year coach Sean McVay huddles with trainer Reggie Scott for an up-to-the-minute injury report.

McVay, Scott and Rath have followed the daily regimen since training camp, and it has played a role in the Rams’ surprising — and surprisingly healthy — start.

The Rams are 7-3 and atop the NFC West going into Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints at the Coliseum.

It’s a dramatic turnaround from last season, when five starters sat out at least two of the first 10 games.

Each opponent the Rams have faced list at least 11 players, and as many as 33, on their current injury report.

The Rams have avoided similar devastation.
Rams injuries might mean Lamarcus Joyner becomes more than safety valve against Saints

During training camp, defensive lineman Dominique Easley and tight end Temarrick Hemingway, both rotation players, suffered season-ending injuries. Reserve safety Cody Davis and backup running back Malcolm Brown suffered injuries during the season and are currently sidelined.

Through 10 games, nearly every starter was available for a team that is in playoff contention for the first time since 2004.

During last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Rams suffered their first significant injuries in the starting lineup.

Leading receiver Robert Woods suffered a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined for a couple of weeks, McVay says.

Cornerback Kayvon Webster entered concussion protocol and Nickell Robey-Coleman injured his thigh. Webster will be available Sunday, Robey-Coleman is listed as doubtful.

As they prepare to play the Saints, five players are listed on their injury report.

Rath and Scott are quick to acknowledge that luck plays a role in maintaining a healthy roster, but players say the Rams’ good fortune has much to do with Rath’s and Scott’s communication and planning.

“They’re player-friendly,” cornerback Trumaine Johnson says. “If you go to them, they will listen.”

Andrew Whitworth, a 12th-year pro, says he worked with “great people” during his 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, but that the difference between organizations is apparent.

“In Cincinnati unless you really went in the training room and asked for some help, or for somebody to be involved in something you do, there really wouldn’t be any conversation with anybody about anything,” Whitworth says. “So these guys, though, every single day they have a plan for each individual.”

Scott has worked for the Rams for eight of his 15 seasons in the NFL. Rath, like McVay, is in his first season with the franchise.

Scott says it has been the most cohesive relationship of his career.

“We are absolutely on the same page in our thought process,” Scott says, “And it really has made for a pretty good program.”

McVay entrusted Scott, with a deep knowledge of the Rams’ personnel, to help shape the roster and assist in hiring a strength coach.

Rath joined the Rams after eight seasons as a Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions assistant.

“They’ve got a very deliberate plan,” McVay says of Scott and Rath. “Very intentional, where everything that we try to do is geared toward helping our players be healthy mentally, physically, so that they can be at their best on Sundays.”

Communication and trust, Scott and Rath say, are combined with analytics, wellness checks and recovery plans to keep players healthy.

Upon arrival at the team’s Thousand Oaks facility, players answer a digital questionnaire — similar to a short quiz — about how their body feels.

“It only takes one minute,” linebacker Mark Barron says, adding that it’s an easy way to communicate about soreness and other issues. “Just little things like that where I feel like it helps them a lot and it helps us a lot.”

Scott and Rath study the data, then implement the findings in the weight room and at practice, running back Todd Gurley says.

“If we feel bad, there ain’t no reason having us out there going full speed when you really can’t,” Gurley says. “As long as we communicate with those guys, they’ve been doing a great job of taking care of us as far as our body, limiting the reps or doing different exercises or different lifts.”

Scott relays information to McVay, who adjusts the practice plan accordingly.

“The big thing with us is guys who can participate but they’re still a little injured,” Scott says. “How do you monitor them? How do you modify them? Because you still want them to get their looks but you also want to be very careful not to re-aggravate injuries.”

Players wear a Zebra Technologies chip in their jersey during practice, the same device the NFL uses during games to track their movements.
Podcast | Fearsome Twosome: The Rams are 7-3 and prepare to host the New Orleans Saints

The radio-frequency identification device provides real-time feedback and measures speed, including acceleration and deceleration, and distance covered. Recently, the device clocked three Rams players running faster than 20 mph during a game.

“We measure a lot,” Scott says, adding, “Ten years ago it was our gut. ‘The team feels like they’re slow.’ Now we can confirm our gut with true data.”

Individual practice plans are altered based on the analytics and a player’s feedback. Players are pulled out of practice when they reach a prescribed workload.

“It’s all pre-communicated,” Rath says. “We all know that going in, the position coach knows that, so we’re all on the same page and then there’s no issue.”

Veteran players, including Whitworth, center John Sullivan and linebacker Connor Barwin, rest during Wednesday and Thursday practices.

Receiver Sammy Watkins, prone to injuries during three seasons in Buffalo, says he’s never felt healthier this late in a season.

Rath and Scott met with Watkins when he arrived at training camp in August to review his training and injury history.

“I’ve never been around a program that honestly cares about your legs, your body and correcting your movements,” Watkins says.

Scott is cautious not to reveal strategy, but emphasizes that players are educated about recovery plans that suit their body, position and any special needs.

Six games remain in the regular season. There’s no guarantee each injured starter will return, or that every starter will be available as the Rams attempt a run to the playoffs.

Injuries are inevitable.

But so far the Rams are executing their plan to avoid them.

Etc.

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald was limited because of illness but is expected to play Sunday. Running back Lance Dunbar (knee) was limited and is questionable. If Dunbar is not available, rookie running back Justin Davis would be asked to step up, McVay said. Davis, who signed as an undrafted free agent from USC, had one carry for one yard in the opener against Indianapolis. He has been active for only two games…. Quarterback Jared Goff faced the Saints last season in his second game as the starter. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns, with an interception, in a 49-21 loss. McVay studied that tape when he was hired by the Rams in January. Among other plays, Goff passed for a touchdown against a maximum blitz. “Those are the things that you’re encouraged about,” McVay said, “is his ability to change his arm angle, make all the throws, but then also the toughness to stand in there, not watch the rush, keep your eyes down the field and deliver the ball in the face of pressure.”

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-Dunbar-Likely-to-be-Activated-Rams-Return-to-Coliseum/3f213f6e-97b2-43fa-9fc2-f8c6d89b919f

Practice Report: Dunbar Likely to be Activated, Rams Return to Coliseum

Posted 1 hour ago

Kristen Lago Rams Writer/Reporter @kristennlago

The Rams held their last practice of the week on Friday morning at Cal Lutheran in preparation for the Texans. Los Angeles will hold a final walk-thru session on Saturday before heading to the Coliseum for its Week 10 matchup.

INJURY REPORT

L.A. released its official injury report after practice on Friday. After being limited for non-injury related reasons on Thursday, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, center John Sullivan and linebacker Mark Barron were back to full participants Friday morning.

Running back Malcolm Brown will be out for Sunday’s contest as he continues to rehab a sprained MCL. Tight end Derek Carrier and outside linebacker Robert Quinn are doubtful for this weekend with a hamstring injury and an illness, respectively.

In Houston, the Texans will be without three of their primary starters including defensive end J.J. Watt, outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, and quarterback Deshaun Watson who will be out for the remainder of the year with season-ending injuries.

On Friday, the Texans also announced that their starting right defensive end Joel Heath will be out on Sunday with a knee injury. Rookie Carlos Watkins is expected to start in his place. Rounding out the injury report in Houston is inside linebacker Dylan Cole, who is out with a hamstring issue.

DUNBAR LIKELY TO BE ACTIVATED

With Brown out for at least the next couple of weeks, head coach Sean McVay has spent the last few days evaluating both Justin Davis and Lance Dunbar to be the No. 2 running back behind Todd Gurley.

Dunbar, who has been on the physically unable to perform list after suffering a knee injury before training camp, is expected to be activated this weekend. McVay said the former North Texas standout “had a good week” of practice and will “be the guy we’re counting on on Sunday, unless something changes in the meantime.”

“It looks like right we’re going to try to find a way to get Lance up and activate him,” McVay said after Friday’s session. “It was good to get Lance back out there. He’s been practicing for the last couple weeks and now this will offer and opportunity for us to see him on Sunday.”

The running back returned to practice last Monday and didn’t need long to adjust back to the speed of the game. Dunbar said he is “feeling great” and is “excited to get back out there with my teammates.”

“You’re anxious until it’s time to get out there and then you get a little nervous, but it’s a good thing,” he said. “I feel healthy and I’ve been doing everything, playing football, so I’m excited. It’s going to be a fun day on Sunday.”

RAMS RETURN HOME

At 6-2, the Rams are off to their best start since 2001. But with 34 days away from the Coliseum, much of that
View Gallery | 115 Photos
PHOTOS: Week 10 Practice
success has taken place away from the team’s home crowd.

This weekend, however, the Rams will return to their home stadium for just the fourth time this season — something many players expressed excitement over.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve been home,” middle linebacker Alec Ogletree said. “It definitely feels good to get back and hopefully we can get a win this weekend at home. It will be great to see all the fans there and I know they are excited. We’ll definitely be excited to be there.”

L.A. began its road series with two back-to-back contests against the Jaguars in Jacksonville, followed by a trip to London to face the Cardinals. After the team’s bye in Week 8, the Rams were back on the road travelling to the East Coast to face the Giants.

“Thirty-four days, really? Wow,” cornerback Trumaine Johnson said with a laugh. “It’s going to be big. We’ve been on the road for a long time, [so] it’s going to be fun though to have our crowd back and behind us.”

With only one win at the Coliseum under their belts in 2017, the Rams are eager to translate the success they’ve had on the road into a big victory at home. Plus wide receiver Sammy Watkins is hopeful that by “competing at the highest level,” they can convince fans to believe in the team’s potential.

“I can’t wait to fill that stadium up with more fans and get more people coming to watch us,” he said. “But right now like I said, we’re only eight games in and we can do better, we can be better. We just have to keep the focus that we had the first game and I think we have the chance to be a great team.”

They already moved Isaiah Johnson back to the Practice Squad, do they don’t need an extra roster space for Dunbar,

Link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/11/10/robert-quinn-is-doubtful-for-sunday-in-a-rare-bit-of-bad-injury-news-for-rams/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

For most of this season, the Rams have been like action-movie heroes, those who deftly and narrowly dodge disaster even though they’re surrounded by explosions.

So many teams, including the Rams’ closest competitors in the NFC West, have suffered devastating injuries this season. Meanwhile, each Friday, the Rams issue an injury report that is as short as the menu of a trendy bistro. Not since training camp have the Rams dealt with a significant season-ending injury.

Every week, it seems, the Rams are healthier than the opposition, which won’t change this Sunday when they host the Houston Texans. Credit good training, or luck, but don’t underestimate the significance.

“You don’t lose a lot of players, normally,” said Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who has worked in the NFL since 1976. “The years we’ve lost a lot of players, we didn’t do well.”

Thus it’s no coincidence that the Rams take a 6-2 record into Sunday’s home game against the Houston Texans, who are 3-5 and already have suffered season-ending injuries to their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, and defensive end J.J. Watt, one of the NFL’s most dominant players.

The Rams issued a rare bit of bad news after Friday’s practice at Cal Lutheran, when Coach Sean McVay told reporters that linebacker Robert Quinn would be “doubtful” for Sunday because of an illness.

Quinn’s absence would hurt, particularly since he’s a strong pass-rusher and the Rams would like to get after Watson’s replacement, Tom Savage, but the Rams have good depth at linebacker.

Beyond that, the most substantial injuries the Rams have sustained during this season came to safety Cody Davis, a part-time starter, and to backup running back Malcolm Brown. Even Brown’s injury was tempered by the fact that he will be replaced by Lance Dunbar, who has overcome knee problems.

So now, halfway through the season, the Rams have a completely healthy starting offense and a defense that has dealt only with minor setbacks. Knock on wood?

“No, we’re not superstitious,” McVay said. “I think when you look around the league, you feel very fortunate to have such a good training staff that has put the guys in positions to try to prevent some of the things that are preventable. Then there is always going to be things that are going to occur, that might be those freak-type accidents that just you don’t know what you can do to really avoid them.”

That’s what happened in training camp, when Rams starting defensive lineman Dominique Easley tore his ACL during a run-coverage drill that he probably had executed hundreds of times before without incident.

But the Rams have taken many preventative measures. Each week, four veterans — linebackers Quinn and Connor Barwin and offensive linemen John Sullivan and Andrew Whitworth — sit out the Wednesday practice, which gives them three full days to recover after each Sunday game.

Rams coaches and players consistently have praise for trainer Reggie Scott, who is in his eighth season with the Rams, and first-year strength and conditioning coach Ted Rath.

“They’re outstanding and they do a good job with monitoring those guys and keeping on top of it,” Phillips said. “There’s certain injuries you can’t prevent, but I think they do a good job of getting them where we don’t have some soft tissue things and things some people have.”

HE’S BACK

McVay indicated Friday that Dunbar not only will be added to the Rams’ 53-man roster but will be active Sunday and serve as a backup for running back Todd Gurley.

The Rams, in search of a replacement for Brown, who will miss multiple weeks with a knee injury, also looked at rookie Justin Davis but apparently have decided on Dunbar, who would make his season debut.

Dunbar signed with the Rams in March but never even made it to the field for offseason workouts because of knee problems. The Rams put him on the “physically unable to perform” list, which made Dunbar ineligible to return to the active roster until last week.

Dunbar, who spent the previous five seasons with Dallas, has more receiving yards (646) than rushing yards (422) during his career. Dunbar, seemingly, can fill a role similar to that of Tavon Austin, a receiver who has been used both as a traditional running back and as a receiver.

“I think part of the reason we brought (Dunbar) here is he’s a pretty versatile guy out the backfield,” offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur said. “He’s got very good receiving skills. He’s a guy that’s been in the league for six years, so he’s got that veteran experience as well.”

• This topic was modified 8 years, 3 months ago by nittany ram.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-offense-20171108-story.html

They were such a prolific offense, fans came out to watch them during pregame warmups. Opposing defensive players frantically tried different pairs of cleats to gauge whether one could help neutralize the threat better than another.

Those are a few things Torry Holt remembers from his years as a star receiver for the St. Louis Rams’ record-setting “Greatest Show on Turf” offense.

In 1999 and 2001, the historically high-powered unit — featuring Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk and Pro Bowl receivers Holt and Isaac Bruce — propelled the Rams to the Super Bowl.

Holt sees similarities in this season’s Rams offense.

“I’m not saying that’s where they are now,” Holt said Wednesday in a phone interview, “but that’s where this offense is trending.”

The Rams lead the NFL in scoring and with a 6-2 record are positioned for a run at their first playoff appearance since 2004.

Under first-year coach Sean McVay, they have been transformed from the NFL’s worst scoring team in 2016 to one so productive it is making a push toward history.

Last season, the Rams scored 224 points. Through eight games this season, they’ve scored 263.

That puts them on pace to become the first team in league history to go from last in scoring one season to first the next, according to the NFL. Their 18.9 points-per-game improvement over last season, if maintained, would be the greatest in NFL history.

“We’re pleased with the progress that we made,” McVay said Wednesday, when asked if he was surprised by how many points his team has produced. “We’ll see if we can continue that.”

With second-year quarterback Jared Goff at the controls, the Rams could finish among the top 10 scoring offenses in NFL history.

If they match their eight-game point total in the second half of the season, they’ll finish with 526, tying the 1999 Rams team that won the Super Bowl.

That was Holt’s rookie season.

After catching 920 passes during an 11-year NFL career, 74 for touchdowns, Holt watched for nearly a decade as the Rams fell far short of even flirting with his era’s production.

The arrival of McVay changed everything.

“He’s a shot in the arm for that organization, a shot in the arm for that offense and shot in the arm for Jared Goff’s development,” Holt said.

Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, went 0-7 as starter last season but has blossomed under McVay, offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur and quarterbacks coach Greg Olson.

He has completed 60% of his passes for 2,030 yards and 13 touchdowns, with four interceptions.

Goff passed for a career-best four touchdowns and 311 yards in Sunday’s 51-17 victory over the New York Giants — the most points surrendered at home by the Giants since 1964 — and is the first Rams quarterback in 10 years to earn recognition as NFC offensive player of the week.

He completed 14 of 22 passes, four covering 44 yards or more, as the Rams scored more than 40 points for the third time.

“I didn’t get hit all day and that’s a testament to the O-line,” Goff said Wednesday. “We threw a bunch of screens for a bunch of yards. It’s not me doing the work — it’s those guys.”

The offensive proficiency — running back Todd Gurley has scored an NFL-best 10 touchdowns — has taken the onus off a defense that had grown accustomed the last few seasons to short stints on the sideline and fatigue in the closing minutes of games.

“When I know, pretty much, when they go out there they’re going to score and I can pretty much sit on the bench and relax, it’s a great feeling,” veteran linebacker Robert Quinn said of the Rams offense.

Then he laughed.

“When they don’t score,” Quinn said, “you kind of get upset because we expect them to.”

It’s not just the offense that is contributing to the scoring onslaught.

The defense has returned two interceptions for touchdowns and also produced a safety. Kicker Greg Zuerlein has made 24 of 25 field-goal attempts and leads the NFL with 99 points. Pharoh Cooper returned a kickoff for a touchdown, Malcolm Brown a blocked punt for another.

But it is the Rams offense that has turned heads.

Against the Giants, receiver Robert Woods caught a pass behind the line of scrimmage and dashed 52 yards for a touchdown. Goff connected with receiver Sammy Watkins on a 67-yard touchdown pass play.

“There was some resemblance to the ‘The Greatest Show on Turf,’” Holt said. “I saw some of that flash, particularly on those two plays.”

Rams cornerback Kayvon Webster also has witnessed similarities to the 2013 Denver Broncos team he played for as a rookie.

That Broncos team, with future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning at quarterback, produced an NFL record 606 points during the regular season en route to the Super Bowl.

But this Rams team is different, Webster said.

Goff is “coming up,” he said, while Manning was “proven year-in and year-out.”

“This is a young team — we didn’t have a young team in Denver — so that’s a difference too,” he said. “And we’ve got the youngest coach in [pro] football.”

That seems to be working in the Rams’ favor.

Holt would like fans in Los Angeles to see McVay orchestrate another dynamic Rams performance Sunday against the Houston Texans in their first game at the Coliseum in more than a month.

The attitude adopted by the “Greatest Show on Turf” offenses appears to have returned, Holt said.

“We felt like we could outscore anybody in the NFL,” he said. “Going into games like that week after week gives you a tremendous amount of confidence.”

Etc.

Running back Malcolm Brown suffered a left knee injury against the Giants and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, McVay said. A decision has not been made on whether the injury requires surgery. The Rams could activate running back Lance Dunbar, but that decision will not be made until later this week, McVay said. … Quinn did not practice because of illness and tight end Derek Carrier did not participate because of a hamstring injury, according to the Rams’ injury report.

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Report-Thomas-Returns-Offense-Eager-to-Put-More-Points-on-Board/40a0e43c-c914-46f1-80cc-d6fc65e9f499

Practice Report: Thomas Returns, Offense Eager to Put More Points on Board

Posted 1 hour ago

Kristen Lago Rams Writer/Reporter @kristennlago

The Rams began on-field preparations for the Seahawks on Wednesday afternoon at Cal Lutheran. After two road games against the 49ers and Cowboys, Los Angeles will be back at the L.A. Coliseum in Week 5 to face its second divisional opponent of the season.

INJURY UPDATE

The Rams released their official injury report on Wednesday after practice.

Six players did not participate in the afternoon session, including left tackle Andrew Whitworth, center John Sullivan, and outside linebacker Connor Barwin. The three veteran players have consistently been held out of Wednesday practices in a long-term effort to keep them healthy on game days.

On the injury front, safety Lamarcus Joyner — who was inactive in Week 4’s contest against the Cowboys — did not participate as he continues to rehab a hamstring injury. Right guard Jamon Brown was limited on Wednesday with a groin injury, while wide receiver Sammy Watkins has an illness and did not take the field.

Head coach Sean McVay told reporters that Watkins would be fine for gameday.

“We expect him to be ready to go, but we held him out today because of that,” McVay said.

MIKE THOMAS RETURNS

Wide receiver Mike Thomas returned to the field on Wednesday for the first time since the preseason, after serving a league-mandated four game suspension. The second-year wideout said he was “excited to be back with the guys” after a long four weeks, and shared his experiences having to watch his team from afar.

“At the end of the day to just watch what I put in my body and don’t make the same mistakes again,” Thomas said. “Just watching on the sidelines, watching from home, that’s not a good feeling and I didn’t like that, it didn’t sit too well. I was just at home pulling my hair out.”

“It’s very difficult knowing that you’re supposed to be on the field,” he continued. “I did some careless things to make me [have to be] on the sidelines and that’s not a good feeling at all for four games straight. I just had to get over it at the end of the day and it’s behind me. So now I’m moving forward.”

On Monday, McVay said there’s a chance for Thomas to make an immediate impact on special teams, though it has yet to be determined whether the wide receiver will suit up for Sunday’s contest. And though the former Southern Miss standout understands it will take some time to get back into the swing of things, he is excited to begin contributing as soon as he can.

“I have been studying while I’ve been gone for the four games,” Thomas said. “A little rusty, but I didn’t lose too much and still remember most of the plays and all that. I’m going to hit the ground running.”

“Whatever it is that my role is coming back I just want to continue to help the team win and do whatever I have to do,” he continued. “I want to put myself in a position to win games, on special teams, offense, or wherever.”

GETTING INTO THE END ZONE

There has been a lot of excitement surrounding the Rams offense this season. Entering Week 5, the team ranks No. 1 in points scored at 142, which is a significant reason why L.A. sits atop the NFC West.

And while putting points on the scoreboard hasn’t been an issue for Los Angeles thus far, the offense did struggle to get into the endzone in last week’s contest against the Cowboys. The Rams scored just two touchdowns on Sunday, with kicker Greg Zuerlein providing 23 of the team’s 35 points.

“I think we did a great job of being able to execute and our rhythm was really good,” left guard Rodger Saffold said of the team’s performance. “But of course, looking back at it we want to score more. We want to be able to get into the end zone a bit more. I believe we were 1-for-5 in the red zone, so we need to pick it up a bit.”

“There’s a lot still to clean up,” wide receiver Cooper Kupp said. “As much as you want to look at how many points we were able to put up, at the end of the day there was a lot of points that we left off the board.”

Saffold and Kupp, however, did not see the offense’s red zone struggles as a long-term problem.

“It’s just little mistakes,” Kupp said. “As you get down into the red zone things become that much closer, that much tighter and you just can’t have those little things. We have to tighten up the screws.”

“I think that was just for that game,” Saffold said. “Of course, the closer that you get to the red zone in an away game, the tougher it is to score. We were able to make plays some times, but calls got reversed and sometimes the penalties put us in a bad position. So, I think eliminating those small mistakes we’ll get us to optimize our touchdown efficiency.”

This week the Rams will embark on a tough four game stretch that includes three road games and a divisional matchup at home against the Seahawks. Last year, Los Angeles split two games against Seattle, winning a close game 9-3 at the Coliseum before losing 24-3 at Centurylink Field.

In both games, Zuerlein was the only Rams’ player to post any points on the board, a trend Saffold said he hopes to change this Sunday at home.

“Ultimately, in previous games we have been able to score more in the red zones, but when you’re in that type of environment, which we will be once again going down to Seattle and those types of places, it’s going to be tougher to score,” he said. “If we’re going to be able to score points, then we’re going to have to be effective with everybody on field, minimize mistakes with no penalties, just all of the basic things that you’re supposed to do as an offense.”

From some guy at CBS who mentions he is a millennial every other paragraph.

Seattle (2-2) at L.A. Rams (3-1)
4:05 p.m. ET (CBS)
If you watched the Seattle Seahawks beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, then you probably already know that they won the game 46-18. However, what you may not know is that 46 is also the amount of Seahawks players who got injured in that game. Although I lost count late in the second half, I’m pretty sure the the Seahawks lost their starting running back ( Chris Carson ), a starting defensive lineman ( Cliff Avril ), a starting cornerback ( Jeremy Lane ) and their starting left tackle (Rees Odihambo), who was only starting this year because their original starting left tackle tore his ACL during the preseason.

I was thinking about picking the Seahawks to lose in a blowout, but the Seahawks never get blown out. Since Russell Wilson’s rookie year in 2012, they’ve only lost ONE regular season game by more than 10 points. By the way, Pete Carroll (66) is basically two millennials in one because he’s more than double McVay’s age (31) .
The pick: Rams 26-23 over Seahawks

I didn’t know they had that many injuries. That’s terrible. I feel bad for them. Really, really bad.