OTAs general coverage thread starting 5/22…vids, highlights, audios, articles

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First Day OTA Highlight

Los Angeles Rams veterans and rookies took the field for their first organized team activity of the 2017 offse

http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/First_Day_OTA_Highlight/89e78584-893b-4f6c-b014-168ac917e711

[Agamemnon]

The #Rams drafted Mike Thomas to be a deep threat. That’s where he was most dangerous at Southern Miss. He ran in Austin’s place today.

— Ryan Kartje (@Ryan_Kartje) May 23, 2017

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link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/05/22/start-of-rams-ota-practices-gives-jared-goff-a-chance-to-work-with-new-targets/

Start of Rams’ OTA practices gives Jared Goff a chance to work with new targets

Rams quarterback Jared Goff has several new targets to get familiar with in practices leading up to the start of training camp.
By Rich Hammond | rhammond@scng.com | Orange County Register
May 22, 2017 at 4:47 pm

THOUSAND OAKS – A few things old, a few things new, nothing borrowed and a lot of blue. The Rams opened the final stage of their summer workouts Monday amid a bevy of changes.

For the first time, Coach Sean McVay was able to put the Rams’ veterans and rookies through a full-team, no-pads, no-tackling practice, the first of 10 such sessions the team will hold between now and mid-June. Not a lot can be be gleaned from the practices, but they’re important.

For instance, there’s no wasted time for quarterback Jared Goff, as he enters his second NFL season with a new coaching staff and some new targets at receiver and tight end.

Goff, on Monday at Cal Lutheran, threw passes to receiver Robert Woods, who signed with the Rams in March, and tight end Gerald Everett, the Rams’ second-round draft pick last month. Everett lined up with the Rams’ first-team offense for some drills Monday.

Most of the OTA drills are position-based, but there are 11-on-11 periods, chances for Goff to work with his new targets in non-pads, game-simulation situations.

“We’re just trying to get the timing down,” Woods said. “We’re connecting. The biggest thing is, we’re talking in meetings and then we’re coming out on the field and executing what we’ve been talking about.”

Woods signed a five-year, $34 million contract with the Rams in March, after four seasons with the Buffalo Bills in which he never exceeded 699 yards or five touchdowns.

More will be asked of Woods now. He is expected to be a good-hands, every-down receiver and the team’s best run-blocker. Woods and Goff already have worked together during throwing sessions in Westlake Village, and Goff said he is impressed with his new teammate.

“He’s been great, more than I could’ve expected,” Goff said. “His work ethic, you can tell how much it means to him and how bad he wants it. H’es just a competitor. He’s smart. He’s fast, and he’s strong. He wants to be the best he can be every day, and you can tell that.”

DEADLINE DAY

Aaron Donald’s absence isn’t the Rams’ only contract-related subplot of OTA practices. Their top cornerback, Trumaine Johnson, is is an even more immediate situation.

In March, the Rams applied their one-year franchise tag to Johnson, which kept him under contract for 2017. Johnson can still sign a new, long-term contract, one that would overside the franchise-tag contract, but the deadline for that new deal is in July.

“The 15th,” Johnson offered without being prompted.

So, clearly Johnson is keeping track, even though he said Monday that he is letting his agent handle the details, and that a possible new contract isn’t a distraction from offseason work.

Johnson, a Modesto native, said he would like to sign a long-term deal with the Rams, but either way, he won’t be hurting. The franchise-tag contract would pay Johnson $16.7 million in 2017, and he would command big money as one of the top free-agent cornerbacks next March.

“This is my sixth year in the league,” Johnson said, “so I understand that it’s a business at the end of the day. You’ve got to learn to separate the personal side from the business side, and control what you can control. At the end of the day, it’s football.”

General Manager Les Snead repeated earlier comments, that the Rams would wait until mid-June, after OTA practices, to resume talks about a possible extension.

“We will not take a summer vacation,” Snead said, “and then see if we can figure something out there.”

STILL OUT

The most notable absence from practice, other than Donald, was starting safety Maurice Alexander, who also did not participate in a veteran mini-camp last month. McVay said then that Alexander was dealing with an injury issue, but McVay did not give an update on Alexander’s status Monday.

John Johnson, a third-round draft pick last month, did not participate for unknown reasons. As expected, Austin did not practice. Austin underwent wrist surgery this month and did some running on the field during practice with his left wrist protected.

MINOR MOVES

The Rams signed two defensive linemen, Omarius Bryant and A.J. Jefferson. In corresponding roster moves, they waived offensive lineman Kwayde Miller, and defensive back Dravious Wright left the team for unknown reasons. The Rams have 89 players on their roster, one fewer than the allowable maximum.

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Vincent Bonsignore‏ @DailyNewsVinny
FYI on O-line: The whole group looks different with Andrew Whitworth at LT. He’s a commanding presence in multiple ways

Vincent Bonsignore‏ @DailyNewsVinny

1. McVay is not simplifying things specifically for Goff. It’s literally the main thrust of his offensive/QB philosophy.

2. That being: Making the toughest, most important position to play in football – QB – as easy as possible to play.

3. It’s a philosophy that traces back to Bill Walsh. And it’s predicated on scheme/teaching

Tre’‏ @JustA_Scrub
Got any favorites for the wide receiver corp this early?

Vincent Bonsignore‏ @DailyNewsVinny

1. Too early. A bunch of guys got reps/targets yesterday. It’s going to take awhile to sort it out. Gerald Everett looked explosive at TE

2. That said, Mike Thomas seems to have made strides. Hard not to notice Josh Reynolds. This is a good offense for Cooper Kupp’s skill set

Vincent Bonsignore‏ @DailyNewsVinny
A lot of WE/TE group mixing and matching with both quarterbacks

Richard Valenzuela‏ @DailyNewsVinny
What you say is probably true; however, point remains that the Rams/Goff are “behind schedule” year 2. Year 1 was almost completely wasted

Vincent Bonsignore‏ @DailyNewsVinny

1. I don’t get sense McVay is trying to “make up for lost time” He’s got a philosophy/system he believes in and is implenting.

2. Reality is, it’s way too early in Goff process to be worried about a schedule. He started 7 games last year.

Ty De’Juan @Ty_DeJuan
Spruce is was done whenever Fisher got fired.

Vincent Bonsignore‏ @DailyNewsVinny
I don’t believe that to be the case.

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5 Takeaways from Day 1 of OTAs

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/5-Takeaways-from-Day-1-of-OTAs/3ca82a9e-677f-4c92-b801-527e0dbea7ad

The Rams began Phase III of their offseason program on Monday with their first organized team activity practice. Here are five takeaways from the first session of OTAs.

1) Aaron Donald absent

The biggest story from Monday was the absence of All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald. General manager Les Snead confirmed following practice that it’s a contract-related issue with Donald, and that the club was aware he would not be in attendance at OTAs.

There have been discussions between the Rams and Donald’s representation, which Snead said have reached the serious stages.

“These things — it’s a process,” Snead said. “We like Aaron, there’s no doubt. He’s a really good player. We want him to be a Ram. That’s our goal. I think his goal is to be a Ram, and that’s what we’re working toward.”

“I’m very hopeful that this thing will get done,” Snead added.

2) Goff picking up offense well

While second-year quarterback Jared Goff is learning a new offense head coach Sean McVay, he said he’s picking up this scheme well.

“It’s a way different offense. But personally, from my brief experience with it, I’ve had a quicker time learning it — an easier time learning it,” Goff said. “I don’t know whether that’s scheme or the way it’s taught or what not. But I’ve enjoyed spending time with the coaches and picking it up pretty quickly.”

Offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur recently praised Goff for being a quick study.

“He’s really grasped the offense surprisingly fast, especially for a new guy,” offensive coordinator LaFleur said at rookie minicamp earlier this month. “When you get a new guy in an offense, there is a transition period with that, but he’s done a nice job at picking it up at a surprisingly quick pace.”

3) Goff has added weight

Last year, Goff came in sporting 215 pounds on his 6-foot-4 frame. Now, he’s added some weight as he begins OTAs in Year 2.

“I’ve probably put on five to 10 pounds,” Goff said. “I feel good. I feel strong. I feel like this is the best shape I’ve been in in a long time. But that’s kind of been every year. Every year I’ve kind of gotten bigger and stronger and I’m still growing. I don’t think I’m growing in height, as much as I’m getting a little bit wider.”

4) Woods developing chemistry with Goff

The Rams brought in free agent wide receiver Robert Woods to be a reliable target for Goff, and so far the two are doing well to get on the same page.

“We’ve been connecting,” Woods said. “The biggest thing is we’re talking in the meetings, and we’re coming out here and seeing it on the field. We’re seeing how the defense plays, and the biggest thing is we’re coming out here and executing what we’ve talked about.”

Woods brought up one play in particular from Monday, where conversations between the two paid off.

“Just coming out here when we work, he listens. We’re out here communicating,” Woods said. “The same pass we completed today, we had the same look a few weeks ago. And this time, he threw it and it was a perfect pass. He just puts the ball in perfect position for the receivers to make plays.”

5) What about a third quarterback?

Right now, the Rams have two quarterbacks on their roster in Goff and backup Sean Mannion. Teams typically carry three if not four quarterbacks during the offseason, but right now head coach Sean McVay appeared content with where the Rams are.

“I think something we’ve got to do a good job of monitoring the pitch count with Jared and with Sean Mannion, just making sure we’re not wearing them out,” McVay said. “I think we will look into [adding another quarterback] at some point. When that happens is in the offseason or for training camp — we’re kind of evaluating that right now. The way that we’ve got it set up with going two OTAs, then kind of a phase one day and then that last OTA for the week, we feel good about those two right now and we’ve got a couple of coaches that can throw it around if necessary as well.”

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FARR AUDIO. Farr starts at about 1:42 in.

Rams sideline reporter D’Marco Farr talks about Aaron Donald’s contract negotiations and how that may impact the team in the future. Plus, Farr comments on Jared Goff’s upcoming season and Todd Gurley’s comeback.

[sanbagger]

Vincent Bonsignore‏ @DailyNewsVinny
2. That said, Mike Thomas seems to have made strides. Hard not to notice Josh Reynolds. This is a good offense for Cooper Kupp’s skill set

I enjoyed that entire article but specifically wanted to discuss this point.

I have been a big fan of Thomas and have believed he was going to show up this year so this is encouraging news. If he can haul the ball in in, I love his fire and he seems to be the exact type of player McV covets.

Wonder what was meant by “hard not to notice JR”? Is that because of size or was he standing out on the field?

I think Kupp’s skill set translates to just about any offense.

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AUDIO
LINK BELOW

Turf Show Radio returns with a bang. Misone Adiasor (@MightyOrMisone) and Josh Webb (@FightOnTwist) are joined by Vinny Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) of the Southern California News Group to talk about the stadium delays, stadium delay conspiracies, and how the team is set to improve in 2017. It was Vinny’s first time on the show and he brought the house down with information.

On this week’s show, Vinny breaks down the new-look Rams offense and talks about the conversations he’s had with newcomers. Vinny believes the biggest asset the Rams acquired this offseason is Andrew Whitworth and this consensus opinion only seems to be growing as people see and talk to him in OTAs. Speaking of OTAs, Vinny has you covered on those as well.

Vinny also breaks down the new-look offensive line. How will it come together? Will Greg Robinson succeed at right tackle when he struggled so much at left tackle? Will he be replaced before the season is over? When it comes to the new receivers, how will their ability to run routes help quarterback Jared Goff succeed in this offense? Lastly, what is Goff doing to prepare for the new season? Is he taking accountability for last year and trying to improve? Only Vinny has the answers on this week’s Turf Show Radio.

Also on this week’s show: The guys look at key newcomers who could break out as the season gets going. Whether they’re a rookie or a new signing, which of these young starlets will have an impact on the squad?.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/turf-show-times/2017/05/25/tst-radio-vinny-bonsignore-5-24-17

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zn wrote:

AUDIO

Turf Show Radio returns with a bang. Misone Adiasor (@MightyOrMisone) and Josh Webb (@FightOnTwist) are joined by Vinny Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny)

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RockRam wrote:

This is just what I remember.

1) McVay has brought in a terrific staff and they are first and foremost teachers. Positive attitudes and styles; no running down the players. And for the first time in years, development is the goal. Whatever the potential is of the offensive players is going to be brought out by this staff.
2) In Fisher’s time, development was an afterthought.
3) In Fisher’s time, it was crazy how they brought Goff in and then did NOTHING to help him. First year OC who had NEVER worked with QBs. A QB coach who had extremely limited experience in coaching QBs. WRs who simply did not run good routes and didn’t catch the ball. Horrid Oline.
4) Other teams had no respect for the Rams passing game and so designed their D’s to stop #30. And they did.
5) McVay clearly was wise (and humble) in bringing in Phillips and simply turning over the D to him, because McVay had no usable experience in running Ds.
6) Whitworth just a huge addition. He changes the locker room culture, is a vocal leader, and is a guy who takes the Oline to another level all by himself.
7) Joe Sullivan is really smart and is good Center. The only thing will be if he can stay healthy. Big upgrade.
8) GRob’s biggest problem was lack of confidence. He has all the tools. RT is a chance to gain confidence. Wants to be good; really cares.
9) Enormous Oline. Positively scary huge.
10) Jamon Brown is also getting work at RT (they’re not moving Havenstein around).
11) Goff looks entirely different. He is bigger, more vocal, more in charge, confident body language.
12) Woods will help the running game as much as the passing game; a superb blocking WR. A precise route runner with excellent hands.
13) Don’t count out Spruce. He’s healthy. And he had the team made last year if not for the injury. McVays type of WR.
14) Higbee is going to be a big part of the offense.
15) Everett is as advertised; fast and sudden, can get open at any level.
16) Joyner is going to be a good fit at FS. Hits a ton for guy who looks too little to do that.
17) Vinny feels like the Rams found someone special in McVay; a young energetic guy, but an “old soul”. Mature and wise way beyond his years. Brings an entire new vibe to the team.
18) Thinks in the longer run Reynolds is going to be a dangerous and productive WR. Needs to get his body better, and just learn.
19) Lots of good RB candidates to back up Gurley.
20) Some question as to whether Gurley fits with McVay’s offense. But the drafting of a FB shows that the Rams are serious about giving Gurley every opportunity to shine. The type of FB has to be versatile in McVay’s offense, and that’s why this pick of Rogers who is good receiver out of the backfield.
21) McVay’s passing game all about timing, route running, being in the right place at the right time. Kupp, Woods, and Spruce perfectly fit that description. And, they have terrific hands…..ball won’t hit the ground very often.
22) The Stadium delay: Vinny said the whole conspiracy theory thing is kinda silly. Said that no owner he’s talked to is in the least bit upset. That it is what it is: they built in 30 days rain delay but had 60 days! Nothing in it but extra cost for Kroenke to delay it. No benefit at all. Nobody’s fault; it was just the weather as stated.

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zn wrote:

GRob’s biggest problem was lack of confidence

I have been saying this.

.

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Best Quotes from Week 1 of OTAs

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Best-Quotes-from-Week-1-of-OTAs/5d00f136-a20c-4db4-9397-c98f51b29ea5

Between coaches and players, the Rams had plenty to say from the first three OTA practices. Here are a few of the best press conference soundbites.

GENERAL MANAGER LES SNEAD

Is Aaron Donald’s absence from OTAs contract related? “Here’s what I’ll tell you — we were aware that he was not going to be here. So at the end of the day, it has something to do with the contract. I can tell you this, we’re definitely at the serious stages of renegotiating — going to keep all of the details in-house. But respect Aaron as a player, a person, respect his representation, and respect the process. … We’ll keep [the contract discussions] intimate, but we’re at the serious part of the discussions.”

HEAD COACH SEAN McVAY

Do you envision tight ends Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett being on the field at the same time? “Anytime that you get into some of those 12 personnel sets or however many times you want to play with more than one tight end, it does give you some flexibility. And we’ve seen good things from Temarrick Hemingway as well. I think we’re always just looking to find, what are the best ways we can create personnels? When you have some depth at the tight end position it gives you that ability.”

QUARTERBACK JARED GOFF

How would you describe this offense in comparison to last year? “It’s way different. It’s a way different offense. Personally, from my brief experience with it. I’ve had a quicker time learning it, easier time learning it. I don’t know whether that’s scheme or the way it’s taught or whatnot, but I’ve enjoyed spending time with the coaches and picking it up pretty quickly.”

Do you feel like the culture has changed? “Absolutely. It’s been a great change so far. I think Coach McVay and his staff have implemented that and I think everyone has bought in. Honestly, I think from the leaders on the offensive side and the leaders on the defensive side have raised expectations and raised the standard. With that everyone seems to follow and so far I believe it’s been a really good change.”

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/LINEBACKERS COACH JOE BARRY

What has impressed you about middle linebacker Alec Ogletree? “The thing I love about it is he grinds every single day. I walk through my meeting room every morning at 6:30 in the chow hall, and there’s ‘Tree in the meeting room watching film — every single day. We’ve talked about consistency as the truest measure of performance — he’s consistent every single day.”

MIDDLE LINEBACKER ALEC OGLETREE

Is it the energy defensive cooridnator Wade Phillips brings sort of surprising considering his age? “Oh no — I mean, he’s doing what he loves to do. And for somebody to do it for a long time has to be doing something right. And he has a top defense almost every year that he’s been coaching. So I guess you have to experience it just to know why. But once you get to know him and see how he moves about, you can tell that he’s a legend in this game.”

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN RODGER SAFFOLD

What kind of adjustment will Rob Havenstein and Greg Robinson have to make going to right guard and right tackle, respectively? “Well you know there’s challenges. You guys already know I went through that, having to switch sides. So it’s just, right handed is going to be different. It’s a different type of speed. Your hips are different. Setting back, you’re going to have to kind of get that feel to be like, ‘How can I go against a speed guy? How can I go against a bull rusher?’ These are the basics that you’re going to have to re-learn. And then it depends on how you look at the plays. If you look at the plays. If you look at the plays as left and right, you’re fine. If you look at the plays as frontside and backside and you switch to the other side of the line, it can almost mess you up a little bit. You’ll get a little bit dyslexic. So you really have to focus in on the calls.”

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