Rich Hammond Q&A

Rams Q&A: Rich Hammond
https://theathletic.com/1429130/2019/12/03/live-qa-with-rams-writer-rich-hammond-on-tuesday-from-1-to-2-p-m-pt-2/?=twittered

Who do the Rams plan on using for returning duties moving forward?

Rich Hammond: They haven’t specified, and I think they’ll determine it after doing some trials in practice this week, but if I had to guess, it most likely would be Nsimba Webster on punts and Darrell Henderson on kickoffs.

does Rob take over LT after Whit rides off into the sunset or do we need to be on the hunt?

Rich Hammond: I’d be surprised if Havenstein moves over. That doesn’t feel like the move to me. I think, in an ideal world, they saw Noteboom thriving at left guard this year then sliding over. Well, obviously that went sideways, so if Whitworth does retire after this season (I don’t think that’s certain) then they have a big question to answer.

I’ve said all season that I think the OL is the biggest factor (positive or negative) for the offense this season, so if you see some stability and improvement in that area, I think that’s the best thing possible for the Rams’ offense in 2020. The decision at left tackle is going to be enormous.

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[Evans]: I’ve been very impressed by the way he’s been able to step in and play well. There’s room for improvement, to be sure, but he has exceeded expectations as far as I’m concerned, and he has a really good attitude.

[TE Blanton up from PS]: Blanton would be getting in the game for offensive reps. (Maybe special teams? Not sure.) I think they’d be fine with Higbee and Mundt, but we should learn a lot more tomorrow about Everett based on whether he participates in practice.Blanton would be getting in the game for offensive reps. (Maybe special teams? Not sure.) I think they’d be fine with Higbee and Mundt, but we should learn a lot more tomorrow about Everett based on whether he participates in practice.

[Playoffs?] Win at least 3 out of the last 4, hope the Vikings drop their game against the Packers and — wait for it — then cheer for the Chargers to beat the Vikings. Are you prepared to do that, Rams fans? It’s not a terribly wild scenario, but all that goes out the window if the Rams can’t beat the Seahawks on Sunday.

I’ve been ready, multiple times this season, to totally give up on their playoff chances, but then I watch a certain game and look at the standings and go…well, maybe. This Sunday’s game should provide all the answers we need.

Do I think the Rams COULD run the table? Sure. But I think the more likely best-case scenario is a 3-1 finish with a loss to either the Seahawks or 49ers (probably the 49ers).

[Gurley]: Cutting Gurley after this season would result in almost $35 million in dead-cap money. Doing it after next season would result in more than $25 million in dead-cap money. So, no. As for a trade, look at it this way. In a hypothetical scenario, if Gurley has value, the Rams will want to keep him. If he doesn’t, they’re highly unlikely to find a taker for his huge salary. There is a potential out after the 2021 season.

[Matthews]: I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by Clay Matthews. He seems to have found a real comfort zone here and there’s nothing to indicate he can’t keep it up. That was a solid signing.

[Obo] has a skill set that can’t be taught, and it’s exactly what you just mentioned. He’s going to have to refine some of the other skills in order to be an every-down linebacker, but I hope the Rams stick with him and help him develop those, because I like his game.

[Goff at ARZ]: What did Goff get in that game? He got run-game support. He got above-average play from the line. He got a play-caller who rolled him out at times and put him in position to succeed.

Hey, funny how Goff can look good when those things happen, right?

I’m not saying Goff is only a product of the things around him. He’s been bad, on his own merits, too often this season. And he, himself, was better against the Cardinals. He played with more confidence and it showed. But what I’m saying is, he doesn’t exist in a vacuum.