Practice Report 11/9: Working to Increase the Points

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-119-Working-to-Increase-the-Points/ff97807a-2c77-4bc0-a05c-8293ca854a42

It’s no secret — the Rams have struggled offensively this season, particularly over the last two games. And so while it’s a team game and Los Angeles is looking for more takeaways from its defense, and perhaps a significant special teams play, the club needs its offense to score more points.

“It’s our job to score points, and it’s frustrating for all of us,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras said. “We believe in what we’re doing. We believe in one another. I’ve said before, what this team has gone through since leaving St. Louis and as much time as we’ve spent together — these guys genuinely like, and I’d use the word love, each other. And I know as men, that’s not a word used very often.

“So they’ve got to look each other in the eye, and we’re all frustrated, but they understand that the guys in the room can get it done,” Boras added. “And that’s the challenge that we have, and these guys are willing to accept that challenge.”

Los Angeles is currently No. 32, scoring just 16.3 points per game. Boras said one of the keys to the club’s improvement will be to resist the urge to press and keep focusing what should bring the team success.

“What we always talk about is that you have one play to play,” Boras said. “If something good or bad happened on the previous play, you get about 12 to 13 seconds between the end of the play and the huddle to let it go and move on to the next play. And that’s part of the mental toughness we’re always challenging the guys to play with.”

“You just can’t press and panic — just play,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “We’re making the plays on the practice field. Granted, it’s different than on Sundays. But just go out and just play. Relax and play. But don’t hurt ourselves.”

Boras also said the club has been trying to be as creative as possible in order to try to get explosive plays — the kinds of plays that usually lead to points.

“We’ve lined up with Todd [Gurley] in the backfield last week a couple times, just trying to do some things that way to take advantage of our talent, to maybe give the defense some un-scouted looks, and try to put our guys in the best position as possible,” Boras said.

It’s clear from the team’s attitude in and around practice the despite the recent results, players are in good spirits and believe a turnaround is imminent.

“It’s the guys I come to work with each and every day that makes me feel this way because these guys know that we can go out there and win every week,” wide receiver Kenny Britt said. “That’s a confidence builder in each other. And you don’t see anybody moping around because we know we’re always an inch away from taking a W home. And it’s always us. So we realize it’s us — and that’s the only thing we ned to change, is how we execute.”

If the Rams’ offense is to get going this week, quarterback Case Keenum will more likely than not be a significant part of the reason why. In Los Angeles’ four-game skid, the signal-caller has completed 66 percent of his passes for 1,179 yards with five touchdowns and eight interceptions.

But that doesn’t mean Fisher has lost faith in his starting quarterback. Indeed, he’s been making sure Keenum is in a good place mentally throughout the week.

“He’s fine. We’ve had several conversations this week about it, and he’s fine,” Fisher said. “That defense, Carolina’s defense, is a good defense. And we made some plays, we just didn’t finish them. Case is fine mentally.”

“We don’t have to be anything other than who we are,” Keenum said of his talks with Fisher. “We all have got enough talent, we all have got enough drive, enough will, enough intelligence to get the job done. It’s just a matter of executing and getting it done. We’ve got to flip the switch, and execute, and move the ball.”

One element of his game Keenum said he’s been working on is his pocket presence. The quarterback said there were a few moments he might have been able to avoid a few hits had it been better in last Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

“I think my pocket presence was where it needed to be. I think I could’ve prevented a few sacks, a few batted balls just trusting my protections. Stepping up when I need to,” Keenum said. “Sometimes, I make it tough on my tackles. So, definitely worked on that this week.”

This Sunday will bring another significant challenge in the Jets, who boast a solid defense that uses multiple fronts. Their top defensive linemen — Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, and USC product Leonard Williams — are tough matchups from both a run and pass standpoint. And then New York has cornerback Darrelle Revis with his 28 career interceptions on the outside.

“They’ve got a great front,” Keenum said. “Their D-line — again — is one of the best in the league. So we’ve got our work cut out for us up front. Revis has been doing this a long time. He sees a lot of stuff, so [have to] know where he’s at. And their defense is good. They disguise pressures they do well.”

INJURY REPORT

The Rams have five players listed on their first injury report of the week.

Running back Todd Gurley (thigh), defensive tackle Michael Brockers (groin), cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle), defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (back), and wide receiver Nelson Spruce(calf) did not participate in today’s session.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – November 1, 2016

(Opening Remarks)
“The players took advantage of the break. We didn’t have any issues. A lot of guys stayed behind. As I said, where else would you go – it was great. We got some guys back, guys who stayed behind, that needed treatment, and we’re close. ‘Tru’ (CB Trumaine Johnson) was on the field today, and ‘Brock’s’ (DT Michael Brockers) close – it was a productive weekend. As you say, they always come at the right time. We got a good start on the plan and we’re playing an outstanding opponent. We have a big week ahead of us. ”

(On whether the players were anxious to get back on the field)
“They are excited about getting back on the field. We got back together yesterday, had some meetings, and jogged around, got loose, got stretched out for today and particularly for tomorrow. They’re excited.”

(On Panthers QB Cam Newton and Head Coach Ron Rivera saying Newton may be subject to illegal hits and what he has seen on tape regarding that)
“Well, first off, what head coach is not going to support his quarterback, number one? Secondly, there are hits – illegal hits – that are missed in every game on a quarterback. We’ve got, probably, a half dozen or so on (QB) Case (Keenum) – and I have my own theory on that. They’re doing the best they can to officiate the game. Cam’s a great player, he’s a physical player. I know he understands the difference between being hit in the pocket as a passer and pulling the ball down and running as a runner, because he does run the football quite a bit, I mean, he’s a big man. When you go into a pile or go into the line of scrimmage on a called run, where the quarterback’s purpose is to run the football, then there’s going to be some contact. But those aren’t the things, I don’t think, Cam was complaining about – I think he overreacted to the low hit from (Cardinals DE) Calais (Campbell), which, I’ve heard different things, should have been called, should not have been called. Not that Calais did it on purpose, you just can’t have people on the knees of any quarterback, for that matter. Calais found himself unblocked, stumbled and went in, so I can see Cam’s frustration on that. Across the league, it happens all the time. The league’s priority, from a safety standpoint, starts at the quarterback position. I’ve done a lot of work, through the (competition) committee over the years, protecting the quarterback – there’s going to be things that just aren’t called. At the same time, there are hits on quarterbacks that are legal that are called fouls. The league’s doing the best they can to protect them.”

(On if he’s concerned being the next team to play Carolina after all the attention being paid to this issue)
“I’m not concerned about it, because there’s no rule changes, and our players understand the rules – as do their players understand the rules. So I’m not concerned about it at all. I’m more concerned about him extending plays with his legs and making plays with his arm. He was an MVP for a lot of reasons last year.”

(On what concerns him the most about getting the team back in rhythm after the bye week)
“There are statistics associated with the week off, penalties tend to increase a little bit after a week off. You have a tendency over the years, at times, to start a little slower. But I don’t anticipate that with our guys, they’ve played hard, they know how to practice. I’m kind of excited to get back on the field, it seems like we’ve been out of the Coliseum forever right now.”

(On how QB Jared Goff came out today with his extra work over the bye)
“He was good. He’s good and he benefitted from it, no doubt. We’ll continue to give him the same reps we’ve given him the last few weeks, work him in with the 1s during the preparation week.”

(On if he is happy with the offensive line’s performance)
“I think anytime we’re allowing pressure on the quarterback – although we’ve played some good defenses – and not run the football, all attention goes there. But we’re just going to get better up front. You look around the league, there are some teams that are really hurting up front on the offensive line, from a health standpoint, and we’re in good shape. We’re just going to get better.”

(On what he did to relax over the bye week)
“I worked.”

(On if he senses if the opportunity to win the division is still present)
“Yeah, we do. Obviously, that’s our goal, as is the rest of the teams in the division. But, this thing just becomes one at a time now, it really does. November is an important month to make a move if you’re going to have a chance to plan in January, but you can’t look ahead. You can’t look ahead to December. You just got to focus on each opponent. We got a challenge. This is a good football team. It’s hard to look at the tape and see that they only won two games, but it’s a good football team. We get a sense for watching them match-up against Arizona, because we know Arizona very well, and it’s a dominating game. It was a great effort by them, and a much needed win for them.”

(On if he sees any similar tendencies with Carolina that he also sees within NFC West opponents)
“Yeah, they’re built to run the football and they play outstanding defense and their really talented front seven. They’re hard to run the football against they don’t give up a lot of big plays and they can collapse the pocket. You get behind there, and they make it hard on you. Our focus and our goal going into this week is we’re going to have to play the best run defense we’ve played all year, just because of the way they’re built, and the way they commit to it. That puts a lot of pressure on your secondary, but we’re going to have to commit there.”

(On how has LB Alec Ogletree’s role developed since the start of the season)
“This is his first year as our starting ‘Mike’ and he’s taken it by the horns, and he’s running with it. He’s running the show. He’s the guy in the room right now. He came out with his football pants on today. This thing is important to him, and it’s also important to him that everybody does everything right. From a leadership standpoint and an ability standpoint, I think he’s off to a great start.”

(On the health status of CB Trumaine Johnson and DT Michael Brockers)
“They were out today, so they’re coming on. Probably will be a game-time decision. We’ll have an injury report for you at the end of the week.”

(On if he dressed up for Halloween)
“You know, I did not, actually. I’m probably wearing the same thing tonight that I wore last night (laughter). I missed it unfortunately. We extended an invitation to the players’ and staff’s kids, and we made the rookies sit out in that lounge out there and hand out candy. It was kind of cute last night.”

Injury Report: Rams Getting Healthier Just In Time For Key Stretch Of Schedule

October 28, 2016

Sam McPherson

Filed Under: Injury Report, Jamon Brown, Los Angeles Rams, Michael Brockers, Nelson Spruce, NFL, Trumaine Johnson

Injury Report: Rams Getting Healthier Just In Time For Key Stretch Of Schedule

Perhaps the football deities are on the side of the Los Angeles Rams in 2016, now that the team has moved back to the proverbial City of Angels. The team’s bye week is affording several injured players extra time to heal and recover in order to be ready for a soft stretch of the schedule coming up for Los Angeles.

The Rams have only four active players with injury concerns right now, and three of them could be ready in Week 9 to face the slumping Carolina Panthers in Los Angeles. Defensive tackle Michael Brockers (thigh), offensive guard Jamon Brown (hand) and wide receiver Nelson Spruce (knee) are all questionable right now, and the extra week can only help each player get better.

Defensive Strength Sapped

Los Angeles has struggled on defense this year, unlike any prior year under Head Coach Jeff Fisher. Although the Rams are currently ranked 10th in yards allowed and 14th in points allowed, it’s been a grind with all the injuries, especially to the defensive line. L.A. has posted just 10 sacks so far this year, which ranks 27th in the league.

Since Fisher took over in 2012, the Rams have ranked second, third, 13th and 11th in the league in sacks, respectively. With the rest of the line healthy now and Brockers on the way back into the fold, the L.A. pass rush could return to its previous heights just in time to face the soft part of the schedule.

After registering 14.5 sacks in his first four years in the league, Brockers has now missed two games this year with injuries and has zero sacks. Getting him healthy and ready to attack from the defensive line’s interior really makes a difference for the outside pass rushers on the L.A. roster.

Offensive Depth Challenged

The Rams offense during Fisher’s tenure has always been mediocre, if not just outright bad. This season is no different, sadly, with inconsistent quarterback and running back production. Brown has started 10 games since the start of 2015, although he’s only played in five games this season. Whether he starts or not, his injury has impacted the depth on the offensive line, and that always hurts QB and RB effectiveness.

Likewise with Spruce: The undrafted rookie wideout has yet to see the field in 2016, but his dynamic abilities can only help the offense diversify itself, this opening up more running lanes for star RB Todd Gurley. Remember, Spruce caught six passes in his first preseason game, so the staff is very aware of what he’s capable of doing on the field.

Only One Serious Injury

Cornerback Trumaine Johnson’s ankle injury is expected to keep him out at least three more weeks, so he will not be ready to play against the Panthers and their solid WR corps in Week 9. With a little good fortune and healing recovery, Johnson possibly be ready in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins.

For sure, though, the team will need his presence in the secondary when the Rams travel to New Orleans in Week 12 to face the Saints on the road. The Dolphins don’t possess the offensive personnel that the Saints do, so perhaps the team would be wise to give Johnson that extra week off in order to have him at full strength (or closer to it) for the New Orleans matchup.

Questionable:
Michael Brockers, DT (thigh)
Jamon Brown, G (hand)
Nelson Spruce, WR (knee)

Out:
Trumaine Johnson, CB (ankle)

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/goff-731988-rams-every.html

INJURY REPORT

Coach Jeff Fisher said the Rams are getting healthier, even if the on-field activity didn’t reflect it.

Starting defensive linemen Michael Brockers (hip), William Hayes (ankle) and Robert Quinn (shoulder) all missed practice, as did cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle) and guard Cody Wichmann (ankle).

The defensive linemen all missed Sunday’s game against Buffalo, but Fisher said Brockers had been close to playing. Johnson is not likely to play against Detroit, while the status of the other injured players probably won’t be determined until Friday.

Cornerback Dwayne Gratz, signed by the Rams on Tuesday, participated in his first practice. Defensive lineman Morgan Fox, waived to make room for Gratz, will be added to the Rams’ practice squad.

Rams Notes: One way or another, Tavon Austin getting the ball

RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/austin-731846-rams-yards.html

THOUSAND OAKS – In search of ways to get the ball in the hands into receiver Tavon Austin, the Rams have taken the direct approach: They’re handing it to him.

Austin, typically the Rams’ big-play passing threat, often has been stifled this season, but the Rams turned creative Sunday against Buffalo and twice lined up Austin in the backfield. He gained 17 yards on two carries, and later picked up nine yards on a fly sweep.

“You’ve just go to move him around,” Coach Jeff Fisher said after Tuesday’s practice at Cal Lutheran. “They know where he’s at. You watch defenses against us, and they’re pointing across the field (at Austin) to alert.”

There’s a fine line between incorporating a player such as Austin into the offense but not force-feeding him, and the Rams have tip-toed that line this season. Austin is tied for the team lead with 23 receptions (for 218 yards), but his average of 9.5 yards per reception ranks fourth among the Rams’ top four targets.

Opposing defenses have clamped down on Austin, and it started early. In the season opener against San Francisco, the Rams targeted Austin on 13 passes but he caught only four for 13 yards.

Two weeks ago at Arizona, the Rams won but Austin had only six targets and two receptions for 14 yards. So against the Bills, the Rams mixed up things.

Austin caught passes on three of the Rams’ first five plays, and on the seventh play, he shifted into the backfield, into a I formation behind fullback Cory Harkey, and rushed for eight yards. In the second quarter, Austin lined up as the Rams’ single man in the backfield and ran for eight yards.

Austin nearly got to the end zone on that run, but his dive for the corner pylon came up short, so Austin remains stuck on one (receiving) touchdown for the season, which he recorded at Tampa Bay.

“I love to be in that end zone,” Austin said. “I’m just struggling a little bit. I keep getting right there but I just haven’t busted through. It’s all good. The time will come eventually.”

Being in the backfield is nothing new for Austin, who was a running back throughout youth football and until his freshman year at West Virginia in 2009. Austin ran for more than 2,000 yards as a high school senior in Maryland.

“That’s something I’ve done my whole life,” Austin said. “That’s still my first position. It’s all about whatever the coaches need. Running back is still in my heart.”

MAKING MOVES

Starting cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who hurt his ankle Sunday, is considered “week to week,” Fisher said Tuesday, a few hours after the Rams claimed cornerback Dwayne Gratz off waivers from Jacksonville.

Gratz, a third-round pick in 2013, played in the Jaguars’ first three games this season but was inactive in their last game. Gratz has never started an NFL game but played 12 games last season on defense and on special teams. He played collegiately at Connecticut and is listed at 5-foot-11, 199 pounds.

Gratz gives the Rams a bit of depth at cornerback and makes up for the loss of Coty Sensabaugh, whom the Rams cut last week (Sensabaugh signed with the New York Giants on Tuesday). Besides Johnson, the Rams’ only cornerbacks are E.J. Gaines, Troy Hill, Lamarcus Joyner and Marqui Christian.

To make room for Gratz, the Rams put defensive lineman Morgan Fox on waivers. Fox made the Rams’ practice squad coming out of training camp and was promoted to the main roster last week.

The Rams do not issue an injury report on Tuesday, but Fisher previously said he hoped injured defensive linemen Michael Brockers, William Hayes and Robert Quinn could return to the practice field.

Bills RB McCoy, DL Dareus both hurt in practice

http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/59112/Bills-RB-McCoy–DL-Dareus-both-hurt-in-practice/Default.aspx

Buffalo Bills star running back LeSean McCoy and defensive lineman Marcell Dareus both suffered injuries in practice Friday and have been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, Mike Rodak of ESPN.com reports.

McCoy injured his hand in practice while Dareus, who is returning from a four-game suspension, injured his hamstring.

Bills coach Rex Ryan declined to elaborate on either injury, simply smiling and replying “questionable” when asked whether McCoy would play Sunday.

McCoy, however, said during an interview later Friday with ESPN’s SportsCenter that he jammed his hand but vowed that he “won’t miss the game.” McCoy also described the injury as “something small” and said, “I’ll be fine.”

Dareus remains on the exempt list, meaning the Bills have until 4 p.m. ET Saturday to activate him to their 53-man roster if they want him to play against the Rams. Otherwise, Buffalo has until Monday afternoon to clear a roster spot for Dareus.

“We’ll see how it is,” Ryan said of Dareus’ injury. “We’ll find out later how he responds.”

Injuries.

Quinn (shoulder), Hayes (ankle), Britt (Thigh), and Davis (Groin) did not practice.

Brockers (hip) was limited.

http://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,503730,503730#msg-503730

Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt active for Rams

Josh Alper

Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt active for Rams

The Rams listed both of their leading receivers as questionable to play against the Cardinals this Sunday, but both will be in the lineup.

Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt are both in the lineup for the Rams this afternoon. Austin was limited by a shoulder injury at practice during the week and Britt made a Friday appearance on the injury report with a thigh issue that kept him from full participation.

Austin and Britt each had 14 catches on the season. Britt has 199 yards to Austin’s 145, but Austin has a touchdown and 30 rushing yards in his column.

Defensive end William Hayes was listed as doubtful due to an ankle injury and he is inactive. Wide receiver Pharoh Cooper, quarterback Sean Mannion, cornerback Coty Sensabaugh, offensive lineman Jamon Brown, tackle Pace Murphy and wide receiver Nelson Spruce are also inactive.

Punter Drew Butler and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker were ruled out by the Cardinals on Friday. They’re joined on the inactive list by defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, cornerback Brandon Williams, guard Cole Toner, defensive tackle Olsen Pierre and defensive tackle Xavier Williams.

Pharoh Cooper, Nelson Spruce ready to return for Rams

Alden Gonzalez

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/30989/pharoh-cooper-nelson-spruce-ready-to-return-for-rams

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher was asked what Pharoh Cooper can bring to the offense when he’s finally able to suit up.

“Hopefully some first downs,” Fisher said. “That’s the big thing.”

Cooper and fellow rookie receiver Nelson Spruce finally appear set to debut in Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals from University of Phoenix Stadium. The “probable” classification was eliminated from injury reports this year and neither was given any designation for Week 4, be it “questionable,” “doubtful” or “out.” It’s as good a sign as any that they’ll be on the field, there to help an offense that put up the NFL’s second-fewest passing yards through the first three weeks.

Pharoh Cooper
Pharoh Cooper says he was “born ready” for game action.
Cooper was expected to begin the season as the No. 3 receiver, until injuring his left shoulder while making an acrobatic catch on a Jared Goff throw in the third preseason game.

“I can still feel it,” Cooper said after Friday’s practice. “I’m going to always feel it. That’s part of fracturing a bone. It’s nothing that serious. It’s pain free when I run. It’s fine.”

Cooper called last week his “rehab week.” He spent it trying to get over the mental hurdle of not re-injuring that shoulder and was able to go full speed over the last few days, running with the practice squad while mimicking Cardinals receivers. He is expected to be a big contributor in the offense moving forward, even though Brian Quick has done reasonably well while lining up mostly as the slot receiver in his absence.

“I’ve been going hard all week,” Cooper said, “just trying to get back to my old self.”

Asked if he was ready for game action, the Rams’ fourth-round pick smiled.

“Born ready.”

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/keenum-730481-rams-yards.html

INJURY REPORT

Defensive end William Hayes, who suffered an ankle injury early in the Tampa Bay game but attempted to play through it, did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (toe) and defensive tackle Dominique Easley (illness) also didn’t practice.

Receiver Tavon Austin (shoulder) was listed as limited. Receivers Pharoh Cooper (shoulder) and Nelson Spruce (knee) and cornerback E.J. Gaines (thigh) were full participants.

Practice Report 9/28: Offense Striving for Improvement, Consistency

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Report-928-Offense-Striving-for-Improvement-Consistency/6f7bb905-0787-469f-a40a-e2de02e6e740

Los Angeles’ offense took some steps forward during Sunday’s 37-32 victory over the Buccaneers. The unit broke the ice by getting its first touchdown, then scored three more over the course of the game in Tampa Bay.

“It was another step. I think it was a step in the right direction,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras said on Tuesday. “There’s a lot of positives that we’re going to try to build on. And just like any time you play a game, there’s a lot of things there that were mistakes or things that we left out there that we know we can do better. It was, again, a step, probably a bigger step than it was the week before and we’re going to continue to get better.”

Wide receiver Brian Quick was the first to cross the goal line on a 44-yard reception from quarterback Case Keenum. The long ball was a result of good preparation for the coverage Los Angeles received in the situation.

“I saw the coverage — we practiced it so I was just alert, which I am every play,” Quick said Wednesday. “I know [Kenum] saw the coverage — that’s all it was. He’s going to give me a chance to make the play regardless. He made a hell of a throw. We made a great play.”

For Keenum, scoring the Rams’ first touchdown on a long ball like that wasn’t everything, but it also wasn’t nothing.

“Anytime you score touchdowns, I tend to get pretty juiced up — especially when you throw them,” Keenum said. “On a third-down conversion to have my guy Quick make a big play down the field — it felt really good.”

The same goes for adding more touchdowns as the game went on.

“It’s a step. I think each week is. We’re trying to get better. I think for us, it’s not something that we dwell on, not scoring touchdowns,” Keenum added. “That’s something we came here to do, and we’re all used to doing, everybody in that meeting room, we’re used to scoring touchdowns. It felt normal, felt right, felt good.”

L.A. was also able to accomplish more on the ground with running back Todd Gurley. He gained 85 yards on 27 carries, but the way he was able to gain chunks in certain situations helped set up multiple play-action passes for the offense.

As head coach Jeff Fisher said in his press conference on Monday, Boras noted just how impressive Gurley’s 15-yard run in the red zone was on Saturday.

“That one run he had down in the low red zone that he took from the 16 down to the one was about as good of a 15-yard run as I think you’re ever going to see,” Boras said. “I think, again, as effective as he was, it’s going to continue to get better for us.”

Plus, Gurley was able to get two touchdowns on one-yard runs, which is important to do that deep in opponent territory.

“Getting down to the red zone — even with negative plays, you know, we overcame those things,” Keenum said. “Got in goal-line situations, and let ‘30’ do what ‘30’ does.”

Still, the offense knows there is much work to be done. Right tackle Rob Havenstein said the Rams have to do a better job at getting the run game going earlier in games.

“We want to get them at least a little crease early, because with those guys back there, they’re going to take a little crease and make it into a big crease,” Havenstein said, adding the Rams must improve “staying on your guys, making sure you’re on the right assignment, using the right technique, and just not letting guys fall off.”

Wide receiver Kenny Britt pointed out his own fumble as the kind of turnover that must be eliminated. But with the chemistry the club has built on offense, players have shown resiliency and an ability to still make plays.

“We came back and Case believed in me and I caught a couple,” Britt said. “And regardless of what happens out on the field, we know we can overcome it.”

That’s part of what is encouraging about the team at this point. There have been mistakes, the offense has not yet fired on all cylinders, but Los Angeles is still carrying a 2-1 record into Week 4.

“You can tell guys are getting excited about the offense. It took a while for us to get it going in the first two weeks, and you can see it all coming together and what we can really be like,” Britt said. “We still made mistakes out there — it wasn’t a perfect game — [but] we put up points.

“Now, if we go out there and have a perfect game,” Britt added, “imagine what we could do.”

SCORE ONE FOR QUICK

Wide receiver Brian Quick went through an intense rehab process to come back from his season-ending shoulder injury in 2014. Working extensively with Rams physical therapist/assistant athletic trainer Byron Cunningham, Quick was able to get on the field in 2015 and see some game action.

But Sunday’s first touchdown was not only the first for the 2016 L.A. Rams, it was also Quick’s first since Week 5 of the 2014 season.

Quick said he didn’t take too much time to reflect on that, but it was meaningful for both him and Cunningham.

“It kind of went through my mind after the play with Byron,” Quick said, adding that the rehab process gave the pair a bond. “I told him I was going to give him the ball when I scored.”

“It meant a lot to me,” Quick continued. “He has it right now and he feels special right now.”

INJURY REPORT

The Rams have six players listed for their Wednesday injury report, adn there is some good news for potential returning players on it.

First, though, defensive tackle Dominique Easley (illness), defensive end William Hayes (ankle), and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (toe) all did not particiapte.

Wide receiver Tavon Austin (shoulder) was limited.

And wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (shoulder), cornerback E.J. Gaines (thigh), and wide receiver Nelson Spruce (knee) were all full participants.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher September 21, 2016

(Opening remarks)
“It was a good today. Today is a significant day in a game plan week because we get a lot in and we did. It was really good that we got some players back. It was good to see ‘Nels’ (WR Nelson Spruce) run around a little bit, the same with ‘Coop’ (WR Pharoh Cooper). We had some guys who were banged up a little bit from the game who were able to practice. We had a few guys limited on the injury report, but that was it. We’re in good shape, so they’ll take advantage of tomorrow’s day off and come in on their own, study, and then we’ll finish up strong Friday morning and be on our way.

“A great challenge, a good football team. The more you look at them, the more impressed you are with them – especially up front. We kind of mirror each other, from strengths up front – O-line, D-line, things like that, playmakers. Unfortunately, they’ll be without their running back, but the way they ran the ball against us last year, it really didn’t matter which running back was playing. We have to play good run defense.”

(On if traveling three time zones affects the team’s approach)
“Yeah, we addressed it yesterday. We’ll address it each day. Unfortunately, we get in there late, but we’ll let them sleep and let them adjust. That’s the most important thing – is the sleep and adjust and a little bit of exercise on Saturday.”

(On if the 4 PM Eastern Time start changed anything for them)
“No. That would be 1:00 our time, right? That one’s a little easier than the 10:00 AM, the central time – noon central, 10:00 our time. It doesn’t really affect it. We have to deal with the elements, as well. It will be 90 degrees, it’s going to be humid, so we have got to address that.”

(On if having Spruce and Cooper back opens up the offense)
“Yeah, it gives us a chance to create some other match-ups, different match-ups than we’ve been creating. We’ll see, we’ll have a better idea later in the week.”

(On if LB/S Mark Barron has changed since the team first acquired him)
“In our defense, we’ve traditionally had the ‘box’ safety – we’ve had the free safety and sometimes the down safety. We felt like Mark was better suited for that than what they asked him to do there. Although, I thought he played really well in Tampa while he was there. He was surprised about the move. We’ve kind of morphed into more of a down-safety/linebacker position. He can still do the things in space, if you need, but he’s so talented and so instinctive around the line of scrimmage that, just let him play.”

(On if the safety position has changed since he played)
“It depends on the system. Tampa, under (Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator) Mike Smith’s system, now the safeties are a little more conventional safeties where they’re playing quarters or halves, playing more in space than the down guys. But they have a designated down guy. It has changed, just because the offenses are just so much more wide open now.”

(On the problems Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston can present)
“It’s the vision, the quick release, the accuracy. He’s got big targets, he uses the heights of his targets. He runs the play-action game really well, you can’t find anything there. And then, if he gets a shot or gets a chance, he’ll pull it down and run it. He’s not a Russell Wilson, but he’s not somebody that you don’t worry about pulling the ball down, because he can extend drives with his legs. We didn’t sack him last year as a rookie, and that says a lot. We put a lot of pressure on him, hit him a bunch, but he kept bouncing right back and put the ball down the field. I thought he played really well against us last year.”

(On what percentage of players come in on their days off and what they can learn on those days)
“With the Thursday program that we’ve been on now for a year, maybe 100 percent of them. But they’re on their own, they’re going to come in and take care of themselves – massage and stretch and recover. And they usually get together as position groups and just continue to study.”

(On if he agrees with offensive coordinator Rob Boras that QB Jared Goff is making big strides, especially in the classroom)
“That’s a collective feeling, we feel good about where he’s at.”

(On how he makes sure the team stays united with the defense performing well and the offense having not scored a touchdown)
“It’s very easily put to the team from the standpoint of the defense is going to need the offense at some point. They’re going to need the offense to score points. You just kind of reflect back to Sunday’s game, this was a three-phase win, we won together. Sometimes special teams will have a mishap, most of the time we’re making the big play to help contribute, but it’s not hard with the personalities that you have. I told them this morning, I was running around the building with the move and everything, looking for some things that I hadn’t been able to find yet for my office. I found a box and I showed it to them – it was full of touchdowns. So we watched some touchdowns today. The defense got a kick out of it.”

(On keeping things light)
“It has to be fun, this business has to be fun. Tough losses, you have to get them behind you and you have to have fun or you can’t bounce back. As long as they’re doing the work and focused and executing and doing the things we ask them, it’s okay to have some fun here and there.”

(On if that particular issue was to take the pressure off and not press so much)
“That’s what it was, yeah. It happened to be against Tampa Bay last year, too.”

(On what he thought of the throwback uniforms on Sunday)
“All around the league, at this time of the year, the early games, the home teams elect to wear, during day games, they elect to wear the lighter uniforms because they’re not quite as hot or warm. We had to take advantage of the home opener and the throwbacks. It was a little additional challenge, but it didn’t affect us. The guys loved them, they love that. Hopefully we’ll break them out again sometime.”

(On if he liked the way they looked)
“Oh yeah. I like them better than the uniforms that we wore in the Thursday Night against Tampa.”

(On the uniforms the team wore against Tampa Bay last year)
“The hard part is you couldn’t tell jersey numbers of your opponent. They’re substituting on and off the field and you couldn’t see the numbers, couldn’t tell who was coming on and off the field. We won’t have any trouble with that.”

***

Rams Offensive Coordinator Rob Boras –September 21, 2016

(On his thoughts regarding the offense in Week 2)
“It was a step in the right direction. Obviously, it’s just a step. We need to take bigger strides. The thing we challenged everybody with is making some plays down the field, and I think you saw a combination of (QB) Case (Keenum) and (TE) Lance (Kendricks), and Case and (WR) Kenny (Britt). It’s hard to drive and score points four yards at a time, and the fact that we pushed the ball down the field, I thought was a good thing. Even if it was defensive pass interference, we’re gaining chunks of yards. You see the run-game starting to come. Obviously, that’s a hard defense to run against…personnel, and then also their scheme. But, you see it’s right on the verge. There were a couple ones…(Running back) Todd (Gurley) had 11, 12, (yard runs) that are potential explosives coming up right there. Again, it was a step in the right direction. We know we need to take some bigger strides, but we’re going to focus on the positives.”

(On how concerned he is that the offense hasn’t scored a touchdown)

“Well it’s concerning, that’s our job, so I’d be ignorant to say otherwise. Again, we see it; the guys are going to trust the process that we’re going. Obviously, the more plays that we have, that means converting on third down and, in the first game, eliminating turnovers. The more plays that we have, the more opportunities we’re going to have to score points. This week is a new challenge with Tampa Bay and the guys have accepted it, they recognize that we’ve fallen short. We’re going to see what happens.”

(On if the team throwing on running downs early on Sunday was because of how the defense was lining up)

“Obviously you want to start fast. Our opening series, we went down and got points – I understand it was only a field goal and we wanted a touchdown. But after what we had done the week before, starting that game with a field goal was good for us, was good for everybody’s mentality and for them to understand that we can go there and go toe-to-toe with them. Whether it was run or pass, obviously we’re going to try to take advantage of what they have and we’re going to try to break tendencies. But at the end of the day, we’re wanted our quarterback to start fast and we were determined to get the ball to some guys early and that’s what happened. It’s not away from the running game – again, we can start the game with four run eventually, but that was just what we decided to do that game. Again, we finished with points, which is always a good thing on that opening drive.”

(On whether he takes the experience of scoring no touchdowns in the opening two weeks personally)
“We all take it personal – players and coaches. We understand that’s our responsibility – that’s why we’re here, that’s why we came back. Today’s Wednesday, that was probably one of the better Wednesday practices I’ve been around. Guys were in full pads, they worked hard, we were in and out – I thought we were efficient in practice. We understand the challenges and we all accept that responsibility and we’re ready to move forward with it.

(On not being able to get RB Todd Gurley unleashed yet)
“It’s a combination, right, it’s the ultimate team game, it takes 11 guys to protect the quarterback, it takes 11 guys to be able to run the football. It’s just like anything, when things aren’t going well in business or in football, it’s not always the same guy. It’s one guy has a break down here, one guy might have a break down there. When we’re going to hit on 11 cylinders, which we’ve done in the past and we’re going to continue to do, you’ll see the success that we’re going to have.”

(On what QB Case Keenum has to do to take the next step)
“I thought it was a really good step for him. Again, the ability to push the ball down the field, our completion percentage will get higher – there were some that we all saw – probably three or four others that we complete right there and we love our completion percentage. It’s for all of us, not just the quarterback, not just Todd, just for all of us coaches and players, just keep going in that direction and keep working. Again, I thought it was a very positive step for Case . He started against that team twice, which is a really good defense and he’s got to victories. Again, it’s a team game and we recognize how good our special teams and defense played. That’s why it takes all three phases.”

(On the benefits of having WR Nelson Spruce and WR Pharoh Cooper coming back from injury)
“Obviously those are two young guys that were having a bunch of success through training camp and the preseason while they were able to play. It’s just adding two more weapons to the offense. It’s going to take them awhile to get their legs underneath them. But I think those are two guys that both through college and then the limited exposure that we’ve had with them can produce for us. The more weapons you have, now instead of having a four wide receiver rotation, you get maybe some fresher legs and some other guys playing. It’s exciting to see those guys back out there.”

(On how to judge whether QB Jared Goff is getting better when he is not playing in games)
“Again, you have to trust your eyes with what you see out here. He’s getting the scout team reps, he’s getting reps with the offense. Again, it’s as much the classroom as it is out here on the field. Again, through your experience of coaching and just being around football, you have to trust what you’re seeing and how fast his feet are moving and his brain is processing information. We all recognize that it isn’t game reps and game speed, but these are still reps against a really good defense that he’s practicing against – you just have to trust it that way.

(On whether he’s seeing that progression in Goff)
“Yes. It’s definitely going in the right direction – without a doubt. He’s accepting everything, he’s going the right way. It’s fun to see the maturation process right there.

(On the Buccaneers defense under defensive Coordinator Mike Smith)
“Obviously, it’s a new coordinator that hasn’t coordinated for a while. He was out of football last year, and then the Head Coach of Atlanta. Going back to Baltimore, he was running the defense. Again, it’s very sound. He’s going to put his players in good position. They’re a talented group on defense. I’ve always thought the world of Coach Smith and what he does. The two regular season games, you see it there with what they’ve done and then those four preseason. There is obviously a lot of wrinkles that he still has that he hasn’t shown yet – that’s part of why we just have to believe in what we’re doing – our rules and our process.”

(On how important WR Kenny Britt is to stretching the field on offense)
“Kenny’s one of many guys that we’d like to keep stretching the field with Kenny has played really well the first two games. I think Kenny’s game has elevated and it’s just like anything, when your quarterback, whom ever that is, starts to have confidence in a player he’s going to continually look that way. When the quarterback has looked in Kenny’s direction, he’s produced for us and he’s created separation and made even contested catches. That’s why he’s having success right now. Obviously it’s exciting to see the direction that he’s going – just the relationship that he and Case have created or built over these first two games and hopefully it continues to go in that direction.”

(On how Britt has elevated his game this year)
“He’s playing fast, he’s being decisive. I think his technique and everything is really good at the top of the route. Ultimately, it’s just competing every play – you see that in practice, as well as what’s happening on either Monday or Sunday nights.

(On getting the ball in RB Todd Gurley’s hands)
“Todd’s a special player. Obviously, it’s easy to turn around and hand him the ball – those are easy. But there’s other times we’re trying to get him the ball in space in the pass game. But he’s such a creative playmaker that any time we can get him the ball in space, it’s good things for the Rams. We’re going to take what the defense gives us, but obviously we need to get him as many touches as we can.”

***

Rams QB Case Keenum – September 21, 2016

(On the transition from Week 1 and Week 2)
“Obviously, I think we moved the ball a lot better, really, in key situations when we needed to move the ball. We didn’t punch it in, at times, but we flipped the field. We had them starting inside the 20 (-yard line) quite a bit. Obviously, it helps when you have an All-Pro punter, like Johnny (Hekker). But, we gave him a shot to do that. It was some situational stuff we did well, and did enough. That’s the name of the ballgame sometimes.”

(On the team’s need to do to score touchdowns)
“Negative plays in the red zone, whether its penalties, negative runs, sacks, those are all really big mistakes that you can’t make. You have to have a really good play to make up for those. We’ve got to get better at that, we got to get better at red zone, explosive plays, and then stringing together those plays. We had some good plays, but we couldn’t string enough together to put a drive in the end zone.”

(On how does the Buccaneers head coaching change alter the team’s preparation or game plan)
“They’re the same, but different. They’ve got some of the same players, but have made some additions on defense, secondary wise, a couple of guys up-front. Obviously, a different scheme, so we got our work cut out for us in that aspect. A little bit different than, say, watching the film last year. Personnel, you can watch the film from last year. But really, you got to focus on them this year, because they have a new defensive coordinator with Coach (Mike) Smith there. A little different too, is he hasn’t been a defensive coordinator for a while too. Preparation wise, we got to do a good job.”

(On if he bears the burden of the team not scoring a touchdown)
“I wouldn’t say it’s a burden. The burden for me is winning, and if you were to tell me right now that we’re not going to score another touchdown, but we’ll win every game, I’d be ok with that. I like throwing touchdowns, I like touchdowns, I love winning. I think that’s quite a bit more important, but I believe we’ve got to score touchdown to win in this league. They kind of go hand-in-hand, most of the time. Our defense did a great job last week. Moving forward, we really do…we need to execute on third downs, and in the red zone…crucial areas. I think giving guys chances; they’re a couple of passes that I’d like back, where guys are going to have a chance to score. The one to (WR) Kenny (Britt) there, when (Seahawks CB Richard) Sherman is guarding him, I got to give him a chance. He did a great job winning; throwing it off my back foot. But, I got to give him a chance to make that play.”

(On what he likes about WR Kenny Britt)
“He’s got a great mindset during the week. He’s working during the week, and it shows up on Sundays. It’s been really cool to see. I’ve been around Kenny now two-and-a-half seasons, kind of. To really see him turn it on, from this offseason, from us throwing during the summertime, to him getting back healthy, to being the dominant player that I know he can be, it’s been fun to watch.”

(On if the time he’s spent with WR Kenny Britt in the offseason is starting to pay off for him)
“Yeah, and I hope it continues to grow that way, too. I think that he’s a guy that is one that continues to show up on film, getting open. As a quarterback, you tend to look towards those guys a little bit more. I think we’re gaining chemistry. It’s like I’ve said all along, the more you do this, the more you see, the more I can watch those guys getting out of breaks, and that non-verbal communication, where I see what he’s doing with his body, and I can know this is where the ball needs to go before he gets there.”