Quotes & Notes 5/28: McVay’s thoughts on CB Marcus Peters’ upcoming contract season
https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-5-28-mcvay-s-thoughts-on-cb-marcus-peters-upcoming-contract-season
“He’s always going to want to go above and beyond, but he’s done a great job following the specific rehab plan that we’ve implemented.”
-HC SEAN McVAY
Head coach Sean McVay was asked for an update on his rising third-year wideout Cooper Kupp on Tuesday.
The head coach said the long-term goal is for Kupp to return to the slot option that accounted for 566 yards receiving and six touchdowns in eight games before suffering an ACL tear last season. And although he’s stayed out of the majority of offense vs. defense situations in OTAs so far, Kupp can be seen working individually in rehab drills on campus at Cal Lutheran University. On Tuesday, Kupp spent significant time chasing down deep balls in his red practice jersey.
“He stayed the course, took accountability, and I thought he played his best ball toward the end of the year.”
-HC SEAN McVAY
Cornerback Marcus Peters is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and when asked what he expects out of his star CB in 2019, McVay said he hopes the Oakland native picks up where he left off.
Peters played one of his best games as a Ram in Super Bowl LIII. He finished his first season in L.A. with seven tackles and a pass defensed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
“I want to get to the Super Bowl and win it.”
-CB MARCUS PETERS
When asked about his upcoming contract season and second as a member of the Rams defense, Peters made it clear what’s on his mind with training camp still a couple months out.
Back in March, McVay said the club “absolutely” had interest in keeping Peters around for 2019 and beyond. The pesky defensive back has grabbed 22 interceptions since he was drafted No. 18 overall by the Chiefs in 2015.
“This is a big part that I definitely did miss and I’m happy I’m here now working with these guys.”
-DT AARON DONALD
The Rams reigning two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year took the podium following Tuesday’s OTA and said he’s enjoyed being on hand for the offseason program following his career season.
Donald, who previously spent offseasons working individually back in Pittsburgh, said his individual workouts in L.A. have resonated among his fellow D-linemen and that the group frequently gets in extra work in the facility’s weight room.
“I’ve been loving Coach ‘Henny,’ that’s one of the main reasons I’ve wanted to be here.”
-DT AARON DONALD
Donald was particularly enthused about the chance to work with the Rams new defensive line coach Eric Henderson, spending the offseason in L.A.
Henderson has quite literally taken a hands-on approach training his unit in OTAs, frequently posing as an offensive lineman and forcing Donald and Co. to swat their new coach out of the way.
“I think it made us better overall, just getting some more veteran leadership in here to come in and help the young guys to continue to learn and grow.”
-CB MARCUS PETERS
Rams veterans on the defensive side of the ball in Los Angeles combine for some a pretty impressive list of NFL accolades.
Between Peters Donald, cornerback Aqib Talib, safety Eric Weddle, and linebacker Clay Matthews, the group combines for 24 Pro Bowl nods, 10 First-Team All-Pro seasons, and two Super Bowl titles. In 2014 and 2015, Donald and Peters each took home the league’s AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honor, respectively.
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