them OTAs is here

10 Observations from OTA No. 1

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/10-Observations-from-OTA-No-1/05f32527-89ef-41ae-b396-2c4753c162b1

1) The offense looked really sharp. Quarterback Jared Goff was accurate with his passes early and often, hitting receivers in stride on regular drops and off play-action. Goff said himself after practice that he felt sharp and comfortable on the field, and it showed. Overall, it didn’t look like a team playing an offense for the first time. And that should be the case, considering the club is in its second year under head coach Sean McVay.

2) Speaking of McVay, he was just as active as ever on the field — running around from drill to drill. If you’ve ever had a coach tell you, “If you’re walking, you’re wrong,” that is the essence of the Rams’ head coach. He’s never stationary and never walking. And he often encourages the players to jog from drill to drill, as well as on and off the sideline.

3) Even in the early, individual stages of practice, it was easy to see why Los Angeles wanted to add wide receiver Brandin Cooks. He has a very strong ability to snatch the ball out of the air and bring it to his body. There was a pass from a coach in warmups moderately off-target to Cooks and he nevertheless reeled it in. That was before he even put his gloves on during the group sessions. It’s not much, but it’s an indication of his considerable talent.

4) When the offense was going through routes against air, Goff connected with wide receiver Mike Thomas on a deep pass on the left side of the field. Thomas looked like he ran a solid route and Goff hit him in stride as Thomas ran into the end zone.

5) During team drills, Goff faked a handoff on the left, rolled to his right, threw on the run and hit wideout Josh Reynolds in stride on an intermediate pass toward the right sideline. It was a play that displayed Goff’s chemistry and timing with his receivers, even in this stage of the offseason program.

6) As it did during much of last season, the offense varied its tempo throughout much of the practice. That’s not necessarily a surprise, considering how the unit went about its business in 2017. However, doing it during the first OTA is an example of Los Angeles getting more comfortable in the scheme and mastering the system — rather than just learning it.

7) Cornerback Aqib Talib called McVay’s offense “crazy” because of the movement that goes into it. Cornerback Marcus Peters called the scheme “crazy unique” with the way the unit varies tempos. Both said they feel like going against the offense will end up making the defense better in the long run.

8) There are plenty of candidates, but Goff’s best pass of the day was probably a deep ball to Cooks during 7-on-7 drills. Cooks darted down the left side off the line of scrimmage, Goff fired the pass and hit the speedy Oregon State product in stride at about the five-yard line, allowing Cooks to easily make it into the end zone. Aside from Goff’s arm strength and Cooks’ speed, the pass illustrated Goff and Cooks have already established some chemistry.

9) On one play during 11-on-11 drills, cornerback Marcus Peters, cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, and safety Lamarcus Joyner all converged on a deep ball in the corner of the end zone. The trio pulled up in order to avoid contact and potential injury, but there’s clearly already some chemistry getting established in the secondary.

10) A pair of young defenders made impact plays during 11-on-11 drills. Rookie defensive lineman Justin Lawler — selected No. 244 overall in the 2018 draft — broke up a pass down the field on a seam route. And college free agent signee Curtis Mikell picked off a pass on the defense’s right, jumping a route to get his hands on the football.

10 Observations from OTA No. 2

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/10-Observations-from-OTA-No-2/9b3ff762-de4d-455c-9c1e-f83300917f7d

1) It’s just the second day of Phase III, but the offense began the day’s session with a ball security drill. It’s a small thing, but what a team practices during this early stage indicates what is a priority for the club.

2) Quarterback Jared Goff looked sharp early on once again, even during the early drills. On one throw he hit wideout Cooper Kupp with a really nice intermediate out route. In group drills, Goff also nailed a deep pass to Robert Woods off play action that ended with the wideout catching the ball as he crossed the goal line. Those are throws that should look that good against air, and they did.

3) During individual drills, the Rams mixed in receivers to work with multiple quarterbacks. That way, some of the younger players had an opportunity to catch passes from the QBs at the top of the depth chart like Goff and Sean Mannion.

4) On the second play of 11-on-11 drills, Goff uncorked a deep ball down the right side to wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The Oregon State product had already blown past the two scout-team defenders, but at first glance Goff appeared to have overthrown his receiver. But with Cooks’ speed, the ball was in just the right spot — he caught it and took it to the end zone for a (theoretical) touchdown.

5) It’s sometimes difficult to evaluate the execution of run plays during OTAs because players aren’t tackling, nor are they wearing pads. But running back Todd Gurley appears to be running well in practice, finding holes along the line of scrimmage. He also consistently finishes his runs all the way to the end zone.

6) After the first-team offense finished a series of plays, Goff went over to receivers to ostensibly talk over what happened on the field and what the receivers saw. Goff made a few different hand motions to indicate routes. It was a prime example of the quarterback growing more into a leader and taking more ownership of the offense.

7) The connection between Goff and Kupp appears to be picking up right where it left off in 2017. During 7-on-7 drills, Goff threaded the needle deep down the middle of the field to Kupp to fit a ball between a couple of defenders. And then Kupp made a leaping catch over the middle during team drills to show off that connection again.

8) Communication is always key on defense, and during the Rams 11-on-11 defensive drills, there was plenty of talking going on with players on the field. That’s important for the unit going against Los Angeles’ offense, which uses a ton of movement to try to throw things off for a defense.

9) There’s no real “down time” in practice for players, even during special teams drills. Players who aren’t participating in them — like quarterbacks, offensive linemen, top wide receivers — are off to the side doing drills with their position coaches. For instance, the four quarterbacks on the roster were working on different routes and ball placement with Gurley, Woods, Cooks, and Kupp.

10) Finally, safety Lamarcus Joyner made his mark in the second 11-on-11 period against the scout offense. Joyner broke up a deep pass on the defense’s right, leaping to knock a ball out of bounds out of the receiver’s reach. And a few plays later, Joyner jumped an out route, dove, and deflected the pass out of bounds on the right sideline. It’s a usual sight, but Joyner certainly had a good period.

10 Observations from OTA No. 3

Simmons is of course stressing the positive and he sees clear progress. Makes perfect sense. But to me, the Rams need to improve their “heart” and “clutch” levels in tough games with tough opponents. This has to do with coming through in big games.

Can they do that more this year? Sure. There’s a very good chance. But this is the kind of thing where you don’t know they have it until they actually do it.

Things like what Simmons writes this year tell me that Cooks is a good player, Goff is playing well in practice, and as expected the offensive approach is a good one. But we either knew all that or expected it.

So again I LIKE it–and it’s obviously way better than the opposite–but but I can’t get worked up about it. Too early.

Last year Rams played 5 teams that had both winning records and top 10 defenses. Jacksonville, Minnesota, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. They went 2-3 in those games. Can they do better?

The defense of course has something to do with this too.

…

10 Observations from OTA No. 4

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/10-Observations-from-OTA-No-4/58576fcf-6546-4021-a0d0-3c097e821c63

1) The Rams once again began practice in individual drills by working on ball security on offense, and creating takeaways on defense. The defensive groups were working on stripping the pigskin from a potential ballcarrier. Takeaways were a significant part of Los Angeles’ defensive success in 2017, and it’s setting up to be the same in 2018.

2) During individual drills, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips roams around to the different three defensive groups — defensive line, linebackers, and secondary. He may not be quite as active as head coach Sean McVay, but Phillips does make his way around to dispatch with coaching tips.

3) Continuing the emphasis on takeaways, the defense worked on an interception drill during the group portion of practice. The unit would run a particular play against air, then a member of the defense — usually in the secondary — would pick off a pass thrown by a coach. All other defensive players would then have to look to get a block in order to get to the end zone.

4) It’s a pretty minor detail, but the Rams switched things up a bit when going through 11-on-11 drills. Usually McVay has the first-team offense on the field against the scout-team defense to begin a period. But on this day, McVay put the ones on defense on the field first vs. the offensive twos.

5) Given the season-ending injury to defensive lineman Morgan Fox — who was working at outside linebacker during the offseason program — Justin Lawlernow has an opportunity to show what he can do. Lawlwer — a 2018 seventh-round pick — was lining up with the first-team defense at outside linebacker. Following the entire session, McVay said he’s flashed some good things at OLB.

6) Quarterback Jared Goff made his share of strong passes throughout the day, but perhaps his best came in an 11-on-11 period in the red zone. Goff tossed the ball to the back left corner of the end zone, where wide receiver Cooper Kuppcaught the pass for a touchdown. In some ways, it was reminiscent of the catch Kupp made for the go-ahead TD against the Titans in Week 16. But there was no need to dive and get a knee down this time.

7) During the same 11-on-11 period, the offense lined up inside the 10-yard line for a fourth-down situation. As the play was beginning, someone on the defensive sideline shouted, “It’s going to Todd!” — as in Gurley. Whoever it was diagnosed the play perfectly, as Goff attempted a pass to Gurley on the left, but linebacker Bryce Hager batted the ball away for an incomplete pass. The defensive sideline erupted with cheers.

8) Toward the end of practice, the Rams ran a nifty play on offense that got running back Malcolm Brown all the way to the end zone — easily. With a couple play-action fakes, Brown may have gotten lost in the backfield for the defense. But then Goff dumped the pass off to the running back, and there was a lot of green space in front of the RB, who also had a couple of lead blockers.

9) As practice ended, McVay walked off the field chatting with center John Sullivan. McVay has often said having veteran players like Sullivan and left tackle Andrew Whitworth on the roster is particularly valuable, given how much they’ve both seen and experienced during their time in the league.

10) Finally, cornerback Aqib Talib and wide receiver Brandin Cooks were non-participants in Tuesday’s session. McVay noted Talib had informed the team of his plans that he wouldn’t be there for the particular practice. And in Cooks’ case, the wideout was there, but was experiencing some groin soreness. Because of that, Los Angeles’ training staff and strength and conditioning staff thought it best that Cooks take it easy on Tuesday afternoon.

10 Observations from OTA No. 6

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/10-Observations-from-OTA-No-6/840dc4ec-e370-4e34-8dff-ba133e9dfd1d

1) The offense began practice with more quick passes on Thursday. Quarterbacks and receivers were working on rhythm and timing routes off of play action in the backfield. That continues through individual drills, where wideouts received more quick passes.

2) Later in individual drills, quarterbacks and wideouts worked on deep corner routes. The ball shouldn’t hit the ground in situations like this where the offense is going against air. And for the vast majority of throws, it didn’t. A few times, Head Coach Sean McVay mocked rushing the passer as the QB made his drop back.

3) In group offensive drills, the offense worked on red zone passes. One of the interesting aspects of these drills is that everyone in the play ends up catching a ball — even if the QB doesn’t look his way. Coaches and other quarterbacks behind the line of scrimmage help fill the gaps once the play’s signal-caller has let his pass fly.

4) Outside linebacker Justin Lawler seems to always be around the ball with a chance to get his hands on it. That was the case early in 11-on-11 drills when he got to a swing pass at the same time as a receiver. Lawler didn’t make the interception, but assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry praised Lawler’s timing on the sideline.

5) During the first 11-on-11 period, quarterback Jared Goff made a pair of nice downfield passes. The first went down the seam to wideout Cooper Kupp for what would’ve been a big gain. The next was deep down the middle for wide receiver Robert Woods, and it would have gone for a touchdown off play action.

6) The club finished the 11-on-11 period with red zone work. On one play, Goff didn’t initially have a receiver open, scrambled to his right, and hit Woods in the front corner of the end zone for a touchdown.

7) Los Angeles had two fields going for 7-on-7 work. The first and second units were on one field, with the rest of the club on the other. That’s one of the luxuries of having 90 players. Plus, McVay emphasizes being able to get the most out of every minute during the offseason program. That’s one way to do it.

8) During that 7-on-7 period, Goff fired a nice red-zone pass up the right sideline to tight end Gerald Everett. The offense was able to take advantage of a size mismatch on the Everett, who reached up and snatched the ball down on the run in the end zone for a touchdown.

9) The Rams used their next 11-on-11 period for the young players on the roster — those that might not usually receive regular reps. Rookie running back John Kelly took the first handoff of the period over to the right side for a nice run outside the tackles. Quarterback Luis Perez also made a nice pass to wide receiver LaQuivionte Gonzalez on the right side for what would have been first-down yardage.

10) The Rams finished practice with a jog through on both fields. The offense went against a scout defense and the defense a scout offense to close the second week of OTAs.

10 Observations from OTA No. 8

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/10-Observations-from-OTA-No-8/e09c6f5a-9495-40d5-92a7-53d89f510605

1) Tuesday’s session began with a catch-in-traffic drill. Wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs each caught passes from quarterbacks before running between a pair of coaches using blocking bags to try to jar the ball loose. Essentially, the receivers had to catch the ball then turn and cover it up running down the field.

2) Rams legendary wideout Torry Holt — in town and at practice as a coaching intern — actually participated in the catch-in-traffic drill. He caught a few passes from quarterback Jared Goff at the end of the line of wide receivers. He then stayed with the WRs during individual drills, giving tips to the current players as they went through a footwork drill.

3) Quarterbacks and running backs worked on screen plays during an individual period. Centers were also with them, having to run out in front of the running back in order to block for him. That’s a test of athleticism for centers in many ways, as it’s not really the easiest thing to get in front of someone as fast as Todd Gurley.

4) Goff continued to display his solid chemistry with his receivers on Tuesday. Early in the first 11-on-11 period, the quarterback faked a handoff to his right, rolled to his left, then flipped his hips, set his feet, and launched a deep ball down the left side of the field to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The Eastern Washington product got under the pass — which was perfectly thrown — and sailed into the end zone for what would have been a touchdown. It was a high degree-of-difficulty throw from Goff and he executed it well.

5) The signal-caller also connected on a long pass to wide receiver Brandin Cooks during 11-on-11. It was also a throw that came off of play action, but Goff stayed in the pocket for this one. It ended up as about a 60-yard completion for a touchdown.

6) Defensively, cornerback Sam Shields showed that he has a lot of speed in competing with Cooks. Shields nearly caught up with Cooks on the long touchdown, and stayed with him to deflect a shorter pass to the end zone on the left sideline during 7-on-7 a bit later in practice.

7) Wide receiver Josh Reynolds also made a nice catch during 7-on-7 drills, albeit on the scout offense. Reynolds used all of his 6-foot-3 frame to go up and catch a deep ball on the offense’s left from quarterback Brandon Allen. The wide receiver’s size is part of what could potentially make him an asset for Los Angeles in the red zone in 2018.

8) The Rams practiced kick returns with the new rules during their special teams period on Tuesday. With the new rules, only three players may be outside the 15-yard “setup zone,” which effectively means teams may only have one returner and two blockers for him set up deep. But in Thursday’s practice, L.A. displayed just how creative the club can be in utilizing those three athletes on a kickoff.

9) Running back Malcolm Brown made his mark in the latter stages of practice, making a number of catches in the red zone during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. One of Brown’s touchdown receptions came on a screen, which goes back to what quarterbacks and running backs were working on at the start of practice.

10) Finally, tight end Gerald Everett made a nice catch on a fade route on the right sideline in the end zone for a touchdown. Everett caught the pass over a defender and held on as he went to the ground. The tight end had a solid day, making a number of receptions.

They skipped #9 apparently.

-=–

10 Observations from OTA No. 10

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/10-Observations-from-OTA-No-10/0a35e842-8cbb-4b37-b354-02defb4253ba

Team insider Myles Simmons shares his top 10 observations from the last Rams OTA practice of the spring.

1) The Rams finished their OTAs with a lighter and shorter session on Thursday. The club began practice with special teams drills, specifically working on kick returns under the new league rules. As that was happening, quarterbacks were practicing handoffs with centers and running backs on the facility’s second field.

2) At the start of individual drills, quarterbacks made quick passes to skill players — wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends — who then had to sprint past a pair of tackling dummies.

3) On the other field, linebackers were working on deflecting passes with one hand while in one-on-one coverage. During the drill, Cory Littleton intercepted a throw with just one hand instead of deflecting it to the ground.

4) Legendary Rams wide receiver Torry Holt once again was on the field as a coaching intern, covering those in his position group during individual drills. He was playing the role of cornerback as receivers were running slant routes. At one point, head coach Sean McVay rushed the passer while Holt played the role of defensive back.

5) The first-team offense and defense went head to head in 7-on-7 for a move-the-ball drill in a two-minute situation. The offense started deep in its own territory needing just a field goal. In the first series, Los Angeles’ offense got in position to get three points with quarterback Jared Goff hitting wide receiver Brandin Cooks over the middle.

6) With the second-team offense in the same scenario, quarterback Sean Mannionalso put the team in position to kick a field goal with a bullet pass over the middle to wide receiver Pharoh Cooper.

7) In the second series for the first-team offense and defense, Goff connected with wide receiver Robert Woods over the middle to start, then wide receiver Cooper Kupp over the middle to continue marching down the field, and finally a short pass to Cooks on the right to advance into field-goal range. Goff spiked the ball to stop the clock and end the drill on a good note for the offense.

8) After three OTAs already this week — and mandatory minicamp coming up next week— McVay did not have the first-team offense or defense participating in 11-on-11 drills. Instead the second-team offense and defense participated in a move-the-ball drill. Safety Marqui Christian nearly had an interception on the first play, jumping a route.

9) Also in 11-on-11, Mannion connected with tight end Temarrick Hemingway on a shallow crossing route to the right. With the offense already inside the red zone, Hemingway caught the pass with a couple yards of the end zone then reached out and broke the plane for a touchdown.

10) As Holt was leaving the field, quarterback Luis Perez told Holt he would hit him with a pass at the back pylon. The ball went into the air, Holt went on the run, reached up to catch the pass one-handed, and got two feet in. It was a fitting end to a good week. And, yes, Holt’s still got it.