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  • #151497
    Avatar photozn
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    Gary Klein@LATimesklein
    QB Matthew Stafford was extremely sharp in workout and finished it with TD pass to TE Davis Allen.

    .

    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Brief thoughts from today’s practice: Matthew Stafford picked up where he left off with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, but best connections were on TD passes to TEs Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen. On defense, could hear and feel Ernest Jones IV’s energy. Had INT in team drills.

     

    #151502
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Adam Schefter@AdamSchefter
    Sources: Rams projected starting CB Derion Kendrick, the team’s 2022 sixth-round pick, is feared to have torn his ACL during practice. He will undergo additional testing to confirm the initial diagnosis.

    from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/7/25/24205941/rams-cb-injuries-derion-kendrick-tre-white?utm_medium=social&utm_content=turfshowtimes&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=socialflow

    On a positive note, Sean McVay announced Tre White is healthy and was a full participant in the team’s first practice. White did not participate in LA’s offseason minicamp as he recovers from an Achilles injury that occurred towards the end of his time with the Buffalo Bills. McVay also mentioned the Rams will “be smart” in managing his workload, which has been commonplace for them with veteran players.

    #151503
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator
    Sosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP
    Kam Curl is a baller. Most people probably never even heard of him, may be the most underrated player in the league. Curl is going to be a star. One of my fav additions in a while, especially at the cost. Can’t wait to see the new secondary.

    ***

    Blaine Grisak@bgrisakTST
    TE Colby Parkinson is going to have a big role. We’re gonna hear about more “highlight reel” plays from him.

    S Kam Curl looks the part. Seems like it’ll be him and Lake as main pairing.

    ***

    Charles Robinson@CharlesRobinson
    The staff is thrilled with free agent signing Kam Curl. A modest addition they think will pay major dividends.

    Robinson from https://sports.yahoo.com/awkward-contract-situation-resolved-the-rams-and-matthew-stafford-have-found-balance-again-183206034.html

    Watching Stafford and the Rams on Wednesday, you could see why there would be an effort to get everything square before camp opened. One interception aside, Stafford and the wideouts looked sharp immediately. Wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua look like they haven’t missed a beat, and running back Kyren Williams didn’t show any sign of a foot injury that forced him to miss a portion of the offseason. And not only did Kupp look healthy, too, Nacua appears to have a more finely tuned physique after spending the offseason in a workout program alongside Kupp. Add in a rebuilt interior of the offensive line, rookie running back Blake Corum behind Williams, and depth at tight end that might be better than initially thought, and the Rams’ offense might be as balanced as it has ever been during Stafford’s tenure in Los Angeles.

    Asked if he views the offensive spine as being run or pass dominant, McVay said the Rams have finally reached the kind of versatility that has eluded them in even some of their best years.

    “Both, hopefully — if we can be both, that’s been some of the best offenses we’ve ever had,” McVay said. “But I do think that if we can have the threat of being really good running it, it opens up other avenues in the passing game. … Steve Avila looks really good at center, [guards] Jonah Jackson and Kevin Dotson, really just the investment we’ve made in the interior parts of the offensive line [are exciting], to hopefully give us the ability to do everything, whether it’s solidify the pocket in protection or dictate the terms of the run game.”

    ***

    from https://www.lafbnetwork.com/5-keys-rams-training-camp-day-1/

    Despite Kobie Turner’s absence, the defensive line was buzzing with energy and intensity. With the absence of Aaron Donald, many across the league expect the Rams defensive line to decline. What happened today at practice showed that is hardly the case. Braden Fiske and Jared Verse proved their worth with some non-contact “sacks” leading to some erupting cheers from the rest of the defense at Rams training camp.

    Ronnie Rivers is already making a compelling case to secure the third running back spot on the roster. Rivers consistently showed the ability to find gaps and make significant gains, adding a dynamic element to the backfield. With Kyren Williams expected to handle the primary duties, Rivers’ emergence provides valuable depth and competition, enhancing the overall strength of the running back unit against Blake Corum and Boston Scott.

    ***
    from https://www.lafbnetwork.com/los-angeles-rams-tight-end-group-thrives-day-1/

    If forced to pick a winner of the day, the Rams defense got day one. Coverage was sticky and the pass rush was potent. But what that allowed was for quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo to seek Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson in the 11-on-11 sections of practice. Both were targeted at a high rate. And both put up plays in the red zone portion of those sections. Each caught touchdown passes, and both were impressive athletic spectacles.

    #151504
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    i keep seeing mentions of both tight ends.

     

    i like it.

     

    also. verse and fiske. i hope we keep hearing more and more about those two. maybe the two most critical players on defense right now?

    • This reply was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by Avatar photoInvaderRam.
    #151513
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
    Jordan Whittington is going to be SO much fun in this offense. Him getting to learn from Coop and Puka is going to expedite his onboarding process x10. He’ll be ready to go on week 1.

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Practice periods are mapped out (including play diagrams) and then “walked through” (hence the name) in the morning after meetings including installations, then the real thing goes fast in the afternoon. Lots of details.

    Starting CB Darious Williams pulled up limping after covering a deep sideline ball, which was the last play of practice. Trainers went to attend but he stayed standing. Walking slowly off under his own power.

    Holy hell, Kam Curl across the field, through the air, stretches out a hand and knocks away a mid-range ball from Stafford to Robinson – who btw was open right up until the catch point. Good player!

    Still some time left in practice but two of the best catches today in team drills: Jordan Whittington off a snappy ball from Matthew Stafford, and Ronnie Rivers on a deep sideline pass from Jimmy Garoppolo (beat two defenders!). Mike LaFleur was geeked for Rivers after the play.

    LA Rams camp observations and notes: Stafford speaks, tight ends impress

    By Jourdan Rodrigue

    https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5657437/2024/07/25/rams-training-camp-matthew-stafford-tight-ends/?source=emp_shared_article

    LOS ANGELES — The Rams may be practicing in a more intimate setting than usual while at Loyola Marymount University — a single field, plus a partial field converted from a baseball diamond across the sidewalk — but with quarterback Matthew Stafford slinging the ball around the energy was just as high as usual.

    Stafford, 36, agreed to adjusted terms on his existing contract right as the team reported to training camp Tuesday morning. The renegotiation will increase some of his guaranteed money, but seemed to be a compromise.

    “It was a good agreement, listen, I’m happy to be where I am,” Stafford said after Wednesday’s practice, the first of training camp and his first comments to reporters since the wild-card loss in Detroit. “I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be playing. I’m excited about playing football this year, and that’s what matters to me the most, to be honest with you.”

    Multiple team and league sources said as late as Tuesday morning that they weren’t sure whether Stafford would show up to camp if he and the team couldn’t reach an agreement, which happened a little frenetically in the few hours before the official player-report deadline at the university.

    Wednesday, nobody would have guessed that any contract dispute existed. Stafford trash-talked new quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone during drills, toe-tapped the sideline when getting the ball back after passes in individual reps and threaded some signature passes through (and over the top of) defenders. Highlights included a mid-range crosser to second-year receiver Puka Nacua, who looks a little leaner this summer after spending his offseason training with veteran receiver Cooper Kupp. Stafford also hit second-year tight end Davis Allen on a well-placed pass in the red zone, which Allen pulled in for a touchdown.

    Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s deal gets done — for many reasons

    Stafford will return all of his top receivers from 2023, including Kupp, Nacua, veteran Demarcus Robinson and fourth-year player Tutu Atwell. Both tight ends — Allen and free-agent acquisition Colby Parkinson — clearly figure to be a significant part of the offense as well.

    “In any part of a team, (continuity) is a great thing,” said Stafford, smiling. “It’s one thing to have continuity, it’s another thing to have continuity with a bunch of really good players. That’s a plus, too.”

    More notes from the Rams’ first practice day of training camp

    — remember, there are no pads yet and guidelines for credentialed media include restrictions on reporting of schemes or whether players are getting reps on the first or second team:

    • More on Allen and Parkinson … I mentioned a few times in the offseason that they will have a big role in this version of head coach Sean McVay’s offense. Wednesday, they each pulled in a red zone touchdown (opposite corners; Parkinson’s was from backup Jimmy Garoppolo) and drew praise from McVay after practice. Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee is on the Physically Unable to Perform list (though is present at the practice facilities) while he recovers from knee surgery, and Hunter Long has also returned from a variety of injuries suffered in 2023.

    While McVay has run more 11 personnel (three receivers, one tight end with few substitutions) than any NFL team since 2017, there is a sense among many analysts (including myself) that the usage of 12 personnel (two tight ends) by certain teams will increase in 2024. This is partially due to the number of teams that favor adding smaller defensive backs to counter all of the 11 personnel offenses run, plus to take away the deep passing game. Larger pass catchers could present mismatches for those players, plus lend support in the run game — which has also cycled back around to feature more heavy-personnel schemes as defenses remove extra linemen from the box and even inside linebackers from the middle of the field, to utilize more defensive backs. Anyway, it’s partially McVay’s fault that a lot of this has happened because of his 11 personnel trend-setting all of those years ago (joke, people, though not really) and so it’s no surprise to imagine he’s at least exploring what could be possible as new schematic cycles begin.

    • Second-year defensive tackle Kobie Turner is nursing a groin strain, according to McVay. He will not need to be designated to any inactive list and participated in the walk-through.

    • Veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White, who the Rams signed in free agency this spring, is considered a “full” participant in practice after recovering from last season’s Achilles tear. White will not take full reps just yet because the Rams want to be careful with his workload — but McVay voiced his happiness at having White on the field.

    • All players except the quarterbacks wore the puffy Guardian caps over their helmets, an increase from last summer where mostly linemen and outside linebackers used them.

    • Fourth-year inside linebacker Ernest Jones made his presence felt after missing OTAs with a leg injury. Jones intercepted Stafford — a high-flying effort across the middle of the field that drew a burst of cheering from his defensive teammates and the crowd of fans in the stands.

    “Guys love him,” McVay said. “I mean, when you’re around Ernest there is just this magnetism and charisma that he has. Made a couple plays out here and it was really good to see No. 53 out there leading the way today.”

    • The Rams generally have a good eye for safeties. Kam Curl, signed in free agency this spring, moves differently than most they have had. His fluidity, obvious handle on the defensive installation to this point and his athleticism stood out against Stafford and the rest of the offense during team drills, and drew some buzz from the scouts in town for their annual summit. Curl and Quentin Lake seem to be clear partners in the defensive backfield, and both are capable of playing a variety of positions.

    • I mentioned rookie receiver Jordan Whittington as one of my sleepers ahead of this season, and watching practice Wednesday re-affirmed that opinion. Whittington can clearly take on a variety of roles in McVay’s offense. It will be hard for him to legitimately crack the starting offense during the regular season unless there is an injury, but it’s apparent that the Rams are preparing him to take on more responsibility if needed.

    • On Thursday morning, it was reported that Rams defensive back Derion Kendrick suffered what could be a significant knee injury in practice Wednesday.

    #151515
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    After just a day, there’s some good buzz on Curl. Here’s a synopsis of things already said in this thread:

    S Kam Curl looks the part. Seems like it’ll be him and Lake as main pairing.

    The staff is thrilled with free agent signing Kam Curl. A modest addition they think will pay major dividends.

    Holy hell, Kam Curl across the field, through the air, stretches out a hand and knocks away a mid-range ball from Stafford to Robinson – who btw was open right up until the catch point. Good player

    The Rams generally have a good eye for safeties. Kam Curl, signed in free agency this spring, moves differently than most they have had. His fluidity, obvious handle on the defensive installation to this point and his athleticism stood out against Stafford and the rest of the offense during team drills, and drew some buzz from the scouts in town for their annual summit. Curl and Quentin Lake seem to be clear partners in the defensive backfield, and both are capable of playing a variety of positions.

    #151525
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    10 Observations from Rams’ July 24 Training Camp practice: Touchdowns by Davis Allen and

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-july-24-training-camp-practice-touchdowns-colby-parkinson-davis-allen-ernest-jones-iv-energy

    LOS ANGELES – The Rams held a closed training camp practice Wednesday, a session highlighted by the playmaking by a pair of tight ends and the return of linebacker Ernest Jones IV to practice.

    Here are 10 things that stood out:

    1) Seen and heard: After being sidelined in team drills during OTAs due to a knee issue, Jones was back out on the practice field Wednesday afternoon, and he was impossible to miss. His voice and overall energy was noticeable throughout, and he added an interception in team drills for good measure.

    2) Tight ends going up top: Two highlights of the day were quarterback Matthew Stafford’s touchdown pass to tight end Davis Allen, and backup Jimmy Garoppolo’s touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson, with each high-pointing the ball to make those plays. Parkinson’s range as a friendly target had been on display in OTAs, and that continued Wednesday. Allen’s touchdown finished off

    3) Kobie Turner non-participant in practice: According to head coach Sean McVay, Turner participated in the team’s walkthrough but not practice and is dealing with a groin strain sustained while training this summer. Turner won’t have any sort of designation, but McVay said they “will be smart with him.”

    4) Tre’Davious White “full-speed”: White participated in Wednesday’s practice, but McVay said they will “be modified with his workload.”

    “But when he’s out there, he is full speed,” McVay said. “But to say that he’s going to take 100% of the reps, we’ll be smart in terms of that work progression for him.”

    5) Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson doesn’t finish practice, but McVay not concerned: McVay said he knew Dotson “needed to take a little break there and didn’t finish out, but I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. Otherwise I’d probably know about it.”

    6) Kyren Williams’ speedy reminders: If Jones’ energy was noticeable on defense, Williams provided the same effect on offense, displaying the same burst he showed last season after missing most of OTAs this spring with a foot issue.

    “I said a on couple runs, ‘man, did I miss you in the offseason,'” McVay said.

    7) Picking up where they left off: Besides the touchdown pass to Allen, Stafford also was sharp connecting with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua multiple times.

    8) Welcome back JJIII: Signed on July 8, John Johnson III was back again, and McVay was pleased with what he saw, saying Johnson looked comfortable on the field.

    9) Another Stafford highlight: The no-look passes were back from Stafford, too, using his eyes to manipulate defenders before hitting a target underneath on a sidearmed-throw from the pocket.

    10) A competitive day on both sides of the ball: Both the offense and defense had strong moments overall, and McVay was pleased with the competitiveness and execution from each phase.

    #151526
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams’ Aaron Donald is officially done and troubled defense is officially short-handed

    Gary Klein

    https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-07-26/rams-aaron-donald-officially-retired-defense-injuries-chris-shula

    It’s been four months since Aaron Donald announced his retirement but the official transaction was not completed until Friday when the Rams placed the future Hall of Famer on the NFL’s reserve/retired list.

    Although Donald is not at training camp at Loyola Marymount, his influence is felt daily, defensive coordinator Chris Shula said.

    “We see him all the time on tape, and we talk about it a lot,” Shula said after a jog-through. “But obviously, we’re moving forward with the guys we have here and trying to build the best defense we can.”

    With an offense that features quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, running back Kyren Williams and an experienced and upgraded line, the offense is not a question mark for the Rams.

    The defense, however, is no longer a known quantity.

    Shula, 38, is in his first season as coordinator after working as a defensive position coach for seven seasons on coach Sean McVay’s staff.

    Shula worked under former Rams coordinators Wade Phillips, Brandon Staley and Raheem Morris, helping the Rams to five playoff appearances, two Super Bowls and one championship.

    McVay promoted Shula after Raheem Morris left to become coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

    “You’re always going to put your personality on the defense,” Shula said. “Obviously, I can’t be Raheem Morris. I couldn’t even try to be Raheem Morris, I don’t think anybody could.

    “But I’m going to try and take aspects just from my past and stuff I’ve believed in. … It’s about the players. It’s about finding out what these guys can do, and what these guys are good at, and then kind of molding it to that.”

    Less than a week into training camp, Shula and a defense led by linebacker Ernest Jones IV already is being tested.

    Los Angeles Rams cornerback Derion Kendrick (1) greets teammates as he is introduced.
    RAMS

    Derion Kendrick will need surgery for ACL injury and another Rams corner is injured
    July 25, 2024

    Reserve cornerback Derion Kendrick suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first day of practice, and starting cornerback Darious Williams suffered a hamstring injury Thursday.

    Williams did not participate in a jog-through Friday. Shula referred a question about his injury to McVay, who did not speak to reporters Friday but will address the issue Saturday.

    Cobie Durant, Tre Tomlinson, Josh Wallace and Charles Woods will get extended reps with starter Tre’Davious White, who appears ahead of schedule in his comeback from Achilles surgery.

    Tackle Kobie Turner participated in the jog-through on Friday, but the second-year pro has yet to take part in a full practice because of what McVay has described as a groin issue.

    Turner, who was voted to the NFL’s All-Rookie team last season, is regarded as a player who can lead the line.

    “He doesn’t have to replace Aaron Donald,” Shula said. “He doesn’t have to be Aaron Donald. He just needs to be Kobie Turner.”

    The Rams also are counting on young players to step up.

    They selected edge rusher Jared Verse in the first round of the NFL draft, and then traded up to select tackle Braden Fiske, Verse’s Florida State teammate, in the second round.

    The two rookies have “a long way to go” and “a lot to clean up,” Shula said. But they are demonstrating the characteristics that attracted the Rams.

    “You see a lot of the flashes,” Shula said. “You see the aggression, you see the attacking mindset, you see the style of play they had at Florida State and exactly why we picked them where we did.”

    McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur have proven players at nearly every position, most importantly Stafford.

    The Rams avoided a major distraction on the eve of camp by finally agreeing to adjust the 16th-year pro’s contract.

    Stafford has looked sharp.

    “He looks like No. 9,” LaFleur said. “He looks like he can go as long as he wants. Hopefully that’s a long time.”

    Unlike last year’s training camp, Kupp is at full speed. After a record-setting rookie season, Nacua knows the ins and outs of the offense. Veteran receiver Demarcus Robinson also has a full season of experience in McVay’s scheme.

    Williams sat out nearly all offseason workouts because of a foot injury, but he appears to be at full strength. Rookie running back Blake Corum also has impressed.

    Steve Avila is transitioning from left guard to center, and tight ends Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Hunter Long are attempting to show they can make up for the on-field absence of Tyler Higbee, who is recovering from knee surgery.

    #151528
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    10 Observations from Rams’ July 25 Training Camp Practice: Playmaking from Cooper Kupp and Kamren Curl, Blake Corum involvement among highlights

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-july-25-training-camp-practice-playmaking-cooper-kupp-kamren-curl-blake-corum-involvement

    LOS ANGELES RAMS – The first open practice of 2024 Rams Training Camp presented UNIFY Financial Credit Union was held Thursday evening, featuring standout plays from wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive back Kamren Curl, rookie running back Blake Corum’s involvement and more.

    Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

    1) Extended look at Corum: The third-round pick was mixed in quite a bit, but head coach Sean McVay emphasized after Thursday’s practice that running backs coach Ron Gould has autonomy over how often running backs rotate and who is involved. So, don’t draw sweeping conclusions from one practice.

    2) Going deep: One of the best passes of the day came on a quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo deep ball down the sideline to running back Ronnie Rivers, dropping it right into Rivers’ arms in stride.

    3) Williams appears to get hurt on last play of practice: Head coach Sean McVay said he’s not sure what happened to defensive back Darious Williams on the final play of practice, but that Williams felt his hamstring.

    4) Denied by Curl: One of the best defensive plays of the day came via Curl, who showed his range when he ran across the field to the sideline to deflect a mid-range pass by quarterback Matthew Stafford intended for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.

    5) With inches to spare: Kupp had one of the best catches of the day on a toe-tap grab in the back of the endzone on a pass from Stafford during redzone drills.

    6) Jared Verse, Braden Fiske continue to make presence felt: The defensive rookies have had a strong start to training camp. McVay noted feeling Verse in pass rush situations today, as well as yesterday, and also felt Fiske’s presence over the last two days. On one play, Verse applied pressure that helped defensive back Cobie Durant make a timely pass breakup on a Stafford mid-range pass down the sideline intended for Kupp.

    7) Stafford-Kupp connection: This was on display via timing and anticipation between both players throughout Thursday’s practice. On one play, Stafford timed the pass perfectly before Kupp made the break at the top of his route, and Kupp was there to make the sliding catch.

    8) Desai working in role similar to Jimmy Lake’s last season: While his title says senior defensive assistant/associate head coach, Desai spent time during Thursday’s practice on the offensive sideline.

    “In the first couple months of getting to know Sean, I’ve really enjoyed him,” McVay said of Desai. “He’s got an unbelievable capacity for the game and a great humility about himself, and so I’m glad we were able to talk him into coming and joining us in the spring.”

    9) Whittington catch impresses: Rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington also made an impressive catch on a pass from Stafford.

    10) One more Stafford pass for good measure: One of Stafford’s best traits is his ability to manipulate the defense with his eyes, and that came to life on a rifled deep completion over the middle to wide receiver Puka Nacua, holding the linebackers in order to create space around Nacua allowing Nacua to make the catch.

    #151531
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    you know i’ve heard mcvay, shula, and now ernest jones mention bobby brown as a guy they expect to step up this year. i don’t know if it means anything but it’s got me excited about the kind of season he could have. probably the most physically talented player on the dline. probably the entire defense.

    #151532
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    probably the most physically talented player on the dline. probably the entire defense.

    How so, I don;t know that much about him. Why do you say that.

    #151533
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    How so, I don;t know that much about him. Why do you say that.

     

    just physical attributes. size. strength. length. speed. i think i read somewhere that he scored top 30 among defensive tackles all time in ras at the combine. all the physical ability you’d want in a defensive tackle.

     

    another note. wow. just saw kay adams’ interview with tre white. watching him get emotional describing his last two years and what it means to get a second chance with the rams. i’ll be rooting for him the most of any player on the team.

    • This reply was modified 3 months, 2 weeks ago by Avatar photoInvaderRam.
    #151535
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams Training Camp Takeaways: Optimism Abounds Even After Aaron Donald Retirement
    Healthy veterans and a burgeoning crop of young players make Los Angeles a team that rolls into 2024 with massive upside.

    Albert Breer

    https://www.si.com/nfl/rams-training-camp-takeaways-aaron-donald-retirement-puka-nacua

    LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Rams have a new, unique training camp set on the idyllic campus of Loyola Marymount, with one practice field as center stage, and another in the outfield of a baseball diamond. The setup allows for efficiency, with everything centrally located, and brand-new dorms to stay in. Oh, and the team here should be pretty good, too …

    • The overall energy with the Rams is really, really good, and my sense is that’s the momentum they’re carrying over from last season’s surprise playoff appearance—a year in which they carried $75 million in dead cap money, dealt off Jalen Ramsey, and had bouts with injuries to Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford (though the injury issues weren’t nearly as bad as the year before). This team is younger, and faster, and optimism about its first three picks in this year’s draft only adds to all the excitement over last year’s bumper crop. The Rams should be really good in 2024. Stafford and Kupp, in particular, look healthy and ready to roll, perhaps energized by the renewal of the roster.

    • That, of course, brings you to the guy who’s not here, Aaron Donald, one of the greatest players of all-time. The harsh reality is that the Rams aren’t going to replace Donald with one guy. So the resources sunk into the defensive front are going to have to pay dividends. The good news is that Kobie Turner’s potential as an interior rusher was clear last year, Byron Young has had a really strong offseason coming back, and top-50 picks Jared Verse and Braden Fiske have hit the ground running. It’s early, of course. But the early signs are that, while there’s obviously no Donald, the pass rush should be a strength.

    • Another area where the Rams made a massive investment was the offensive line, with big-money guards Kevin Dotson and Jonah Jackson now on hand. But those additions did mean moving second-year man Steve Avila, the 36th pick in the 2023 draft, inside to center. And so far, so good on the move. Avila was one of the team’s strongest workers through the offseason program and, though the pads haven’t come on yet, has hit the ground running in camp.

    • Corner is a very real question for the defense, as new coordinator Chris Shula settles in as the play-caller. Derion Kendrick tore his ACL earlier in the week, and Darious Williams, who’s back in L.A. after two years in Jacksonville, suffered a hamstring injury when I was out there at practice on Thursday. I wouldn’t rule out the team bringing in reinforcements in the coming week. Conversely, the team’s feeling better about where it stands at safety with the emergence of third-year vet Quentin Lake, and his experience as a nickel corner should help the team patch the new holes.

    • Keep buying Puka Nacua stock. With Kupp healthier this offseason, Nacua really attacked this offseason, and slimmed down a bit (he’s got a naturally big build) to try and get a little faster and more agile. His rookie year (105 catches, 1,486 yards, six touchdowns) is a tough act to follow. But he’s improved over the past six months, for sure.

    #151536
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Darious Williams has a hamstring strain. Sean McVay says team will not rush him back but he sounds relatively optimistic this far ahead of the season

    A year ago at this time nobody in the stands at camp knew Puka Nacua’s name…now, coaches can’t get through a presser without shouting over the joyful bursts of crowd noise chanting Nacua’s name when he’s nearby. “Now he goes by one name!” said McVay, smiling.
    .
    No practice again for DL Kobie Turner, who has been able to participate in walkthroughs. Dealing with a groin strain. He has been out here with teammates talking through stuff between snaps.

    Gary Klein@LATimesklein
    Rams CB Darious Williams suffered a hamstring strain and will be monitored daily as the Rams prepare for their Sept. 8 opener at Detroit. “We’re definitely not going to rush him back,” McVay said

    .

    Los Angeles Rams@RamsNFL
    “We got some dawgs.” Ernest Jones on the progress of this year’s defense.
    #151538
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Watching special teams … Punter Ethan Evans still putting the fear of god into passing birds, I see.
    .
    A few interesting observations from today’s Rams practice – pads go on Monday.

    1. 1. ST opened the day. Kyren Williams, Tutu Atwell, Ronnie Rivers, Blake Corum, Mike Hoecht, Jake Hummel, Boston Scott, Troy Reeder all got a lot of core work here (don’t think Williams will be hugely involved during games but he could KR/PR in a pinch). The punting was impressive and saw a wider range of placement than this time last year. Josh Karty made his kicks on the skinny posts – 4/4 from what I saw, but I could have missed one or two.

    2. Puka Nacua vs. Tre White battles were really fun to watch. Nacua said today White is great at the mental chess match and can even eliminate certain routes pre-snap…Nacua did get him once on a high-flying leap to secure a Stafford pass deep down the right sideline.

    3. Jimmy G and Xavier Smith had a really good connection on second team and Woods can do just about everything (he also was on special teams work). Smith seems to be more involved in the blocking surface, too.

    4. Tutu Atwell made two of the best catches of the day, 1s and 2s. From Stafford: Left sideline, was off-balance because of really good coverage (White) but somehow still pulled in the ball. From Jimmy G: Deep pass on a long crosser toward front corner of EZ, dropped over the heads of two DBs and into Atwell’s lead shoulder. off-balance because of really good coverage (White) but somehow still pulled in the ball. From Jimmy G: Deep pass on a long crosser toward front corner of EZ, dropped over the heads of two DBs and into Atwell’s lead shoulder.

    5. Demarcus Robinson also had a fantastic day – his multi-catch practice (and connection w/ Stafford) was a highlight for McVay.

    6. Stafford’s most fun throw was out-of-structure, sidearm slung it underneath the linebackers to Cooper Kupp.

    7. Ernest Jones, White both getting some workload management after recent injuries.

    #151539
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    10 Observations from Rams’ July 27 training camp practice: Demarcus Robinson’s performance highlights strong day overall by wide receivers

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-july-27-training-camp-practice-demarcus-robinson-s-performance-highlights-strong-day-overall-by-wide-receivers

    LOS ANGELES – Sharp performances all around by the wide receivers characterized Saturday’s open practice at Rams training camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union. Demarcus Robinson had a strong day, with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua making their fair share of plays too.

    Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

    1) No Darious Williams: Williams did not practice Saturday after sustaining a hamstring strain at the end of Thursday’s practice. Rams head coach Sean McVay said they will take things “a week at a time” with the defensive back’s return.

    2) Welcome Jerry Jacobs: The new defensive back practiced Saturday after signing with the team, wearing the number 4.

    3) Demarcus’ big day: Robinson hauled back-to-back passes from quarterback Matthew Stafford early on in team drills, then later capitalized on a perfectly thrown ball for a deep touchdown catch. All three receptions were a reminded of the 6-foot-1, 202 receiver’s speed and size that made him a valuable target for Stafford over the second half of the 2023 season.

    4) Going up: One of the most impressive catches of the day was a leaping grab near the sideline by Puka Nacua, in which he pulled the ball toward his midsection in mid-air to secure and come down with it. There were lots of cheers from that. Nacua was also on the receiving end of a Stafford touchdown pass during redzone drills.

    5) The Stafford-Cooper Kupp connection: This shined especially in situational drills and the competitive “mamba” period, both being in rhythm with a few early completions to keep the chains moving.

    6) Going deep: Tutu Atwell had two impressive catches on Saturday, one deep toward the right sideline from Garoppolo, another mid-range from Stafford toward the left sideline in traffic.

    7) Xavier Smith productive: The second-year wide receiver continued the string of strong play by receivers on Saturday, connecting with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo multiple times during team drills.

    8) Helpful Higbee: Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee at one point during team drills was giving pointers to second-year tight end Davis Allen on the sideline after a run play.

    9) Jones, other defensive veterans’ workloads being managed: Linebacker Ernest Jones IV’s participation was scaled back some on Saturday by design. McVay said Jones practiced for the whole beginning of the session, and they structured the practice so that they were deloading Jones towards the latter half in order to get other players some snaps.

    “So you’ll see that kind of approach with some guys like him, John Johnson, Tre White, and some of our guys up front as well,” McVay said.

    10) Extended look at special teams, kickers: Special teams began Saturday’s practice. Punter Ethan Evans impressed with his hangtime and placement. Later on, kickers Joshua Karty and Tanner Brown were mixed in with field goal attempts at the end of series in the mamba period.

    #151548
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Steve Wyche@wyche89
    With most NFL teams fully padding up this week, many non-contact, OTA all pros will get to prove if they’re about that life. Keep in mind, it’s we in the media that glam a lot of players up before the pads come on because it’s all that’s on display. Now, it’s about to be real.

    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Facts. First week of camp is helpful for evaluating player movement, but also peak “take with a grain of salt” disclaimers, especially when it comes evaluating the trenches (OL/DL).

    This week will be the closest thing to real football we have in the spring and summer.

     

    #151550
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    yeah. want to see what verse and fiske are about with the pads on.

     

    allen. i’m almost certain that he can handle the receiving part. he was impressive in the limited time he got last year. but the blocking part is the question. looks like he may have added 10 pounds onto his frame.

    #151555
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Today is the first day of pads for the Rams; noticeable that QB Matthew Stafford is so far not dressed for any on-field work and instead has opened the day with a set of sprints on the sideline. He does not have on the red non-contact jersey QBs wear for any on-field work.

    Jimmy G working with starting C Steve Avila as practice begins

    Sean McVay says Matthew Stafford “is fine” and this was a planned rest day and run heavy day. He will fully practice tomorrow and onward, said McVay.

    Pass rush one on ones: lots of notes coming but instant reaction is that Kevin Dotson maybe moved one square foot and gave no other ground in his opps

    Alaric Jackson tweaked his ankle early in practice and did not finish the day; McVay had some early optimism on that front.

    defense had a good day in team drills, which favored the run install. Braden Fiske is the real deal. And more!

    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    McVay says Alaric will be fine.

    a run-heavy day for offense by design.

    Sarah Barshop@sarahbarshop
    Sean McVay said it was the plan all along to give QB Matthew Stafford the day off. “There’s nothing wrong with him,” McVay said. “…It was really more about just the amount of throws that he would get in a week’s time.”

     

    #151559
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams observations: QB Matthew Stafford is ‘good,’ held out of first padded practice

    Jul 29, 2024

    By Jourdan Rodrigue

    https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5667804/2024/07/30/la-rams-matthew-stafford-practice/?source=emp_shared_article

    LOS ANGELES — Move along, nothing to see here.

    Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was held out of Monday’s first padded practice for what head coach Sean McVay said was a veteran rest day.

    “This was part of the plan all along, to give Matthew the day off,” said McVay, “there’s nothing wrong with him. He’s good. This will be the only day that we will approach it like that.”

    Stafford’s bemused grin while watching reporters snap photos of him and type social media posts into their phones while the rest of the quarterbacks went through individual drills undercut any potential seriousness in the situation well before McVay spoke.

    The last few years — most of them good — with the 36-year-old quarterback have given reason for reporters to pry, though. Stafford has battled various injuries in each of his three seasons with the Rams, though in 2021 he didn’t miss any time and in 2023 he only missed one game with a sprained UCL in his right thumb. In 2022, he missed eight games with a concussion, then a spinal cord contusion. Stafford also recently agreed to an adjusted contract that will pay him an additional $9 million in guarantees over the next two seasons, a league source confirmed, and while the Rams feared he might hold out of at least part of training camp he never had to do so.

    McVay said Stafford will fully practice from Tuesday onward.

    “In pads, fully,” he said, smirking, “this isn’t a ‘hold-in’ if that’s what you’re insinuating. … No this was part of the plan all along.”

    Monday’s practice was a run-heavy day, but the Rams’ defense palpably brought more energy than the other side. McVay admitted this was the case, and called for more from his offense.

    “I think, like anything else, if you’re a good team there is some back and forth,” said McVay, choosing his words carefully. “We had challenged the defense to really come out the way that they did, and I was glad that they answered the bell. On the flip side, as a head coach there’s gonna be stuff — you can’t ever really be happy.

    “As long as it’s good, clean football and there are competitive downs; now, if we’re making egregious errors. … But hey, this is a physical game. These guys are the best in the world at what they do. … I definitely felt like, overall, you felt the defensive energy. There are some times that it was matched, but I think overall the standard that our guys have for themselves on offense is (that) it’s not good enough. That’s part of what is great about camp. Tomorrow is a new day, let’s reset and try to do the right thing and let’s see if defense can keep that same energy.”

    McVay seemed eager to get Stafford back into the mix. While backup Jimmy Garoppolo executes the overall plan well and his work on the second team allows the Rams to run much more efficient practices, the offense is simply different — with a certain tangible edge — with Stafford behind the center.

    Here are more notes, observations and takeaways from Monday’s practice — please remember that credentialed media are not allowed to report schemes, snap allocation or anything that reveals a competitive advantage in the Rams’ definition:

    • On the injury front, left tackle Alaric Jackson “tweaked” his ankle in the first half of practice, according to McVay, and did not return. Joe Noteboom filled in for Jackson but McVay said he believes Jackson will be OK. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner (groin strain) participated in individual drills with pads on but changed back to his base layer and stayed on the sideline for team drills and one-on-one pass-rush drills.

    • The Rams ran a drill at about the halfway point of the day that allowed defensive linemen and outside linebackers to pass rush at different players along the offensive line. Please keep in mind that one-on-one drills like this are generally set up to favor the defensive player (linemen often have help, etc.) but it was still illustrative of some impressive reps:

    Rookie defensive lineman Braden Fiske rushed well against Jonah Jackson in his first rep, and got some push. Center Steve Avila stood up against him on a later attempt. Fiske was pretty unblockable through team drills later in practice, blowing up a run play and getting deep into the backfield on one snap, and completely bowling over a backup right guard on another. There is a lot of camp left, but Fiske doesn’t look like a rookie second-round draft pick.

    Rob Havenstein managed outside linebacker Byron Young well on their first matchup, but Young pulled out a new dip-under move combined with a speed rush on the second and got by.

    Nobody … nobody … moved right guard Kevin Dotson.

    Rookie first-round pick Jared Verse threw a nice spin move against Noteboom but Noteboom generally held his own in the drills.

    Also, Verse and Young at one point were at opposite ends in a team period that featured the first-team defense against the second-team offense. The two outside linebackers got around their edges so fast, quarterback Stetson Bennett had not even completed his drop.

    Rookie outside linebacker Brennan Jackson’s speed-to-power combination was on full display, in rushing against fellow rookies K.T. Leveston and Blake Larson. Larson stayed late to get some coaching tips from Havenstein.

    • Veteran outside linebacker Michael Hoecht will not give up his snaps easily despite an infusion of youth and talent at his position. Hoecht has set a vocal and physical tone along the defensive line in practices so far this camp, and Monday had perhaps the best day of any player. He stopped a run early in 11-on-11s (the “team” period) that got the defense chattering, recorded multiple sacks and generally played with his hair on fire.

    • Bennett’s practice was mixed, as to be expected after missing all of last season while on the non-football/illness list. He nearly threw an interception to a high-flying Russ Yeast midway through team drills. But his best play of the day came under pressure, when he stepped up in the pocket and then went on the move, side-arming a throw to receiver Xavier Smith down the right sideline.

    • Among the receivers on the second team, Tyler Johnson is a backup quarterback’s best friend. Johnson secured multiple catches, including a red zone touchdown and a deep shot from Bennett that got great protection from Leveston on the left side.

    • Tight end Davis Allen continued his red zone highlight reel with a contested touchdown near the end of practice.

    • Puka Nacua’s top highlight came out of a broken play — the Rams’ defensive line got pressure on Garoppolo and he slung a high pass to the right sideline. Nacua went airborne and caught the ball with one hand, with his wrist and that hand flipped around backwards.

    • Former Rams players (and Super Bowl champions) Andrew Whitworth and Eric Weddle were in attendance; Weddle even grabbed a play card and went to help out the defensive line coaches.

    #151560
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    10 Observations from Rams’ July 29 training camp practice: First day in pads, Braden Fiske’s attention-getting performance, run-heavy day and more

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-july-29-training-camp-practice-first-day-in-pads-braden-fiske-run-heavy-day

    LOS ANGELES – The fourth open practice at Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union took place Monday, marking the first such practice in pads for players. Defensive lineman Braden Fiske had a strong day, one which was run-heavy for the offense and included a planned rest day for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

    Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

    1) Stafford rests: QB1 did not participate in Monday’s practice, but head coach Sean McVay said it was a planned rest day that also worked out well given the run-heavy day planned for the offense.

    2) Jackson tweaks ankle early in practice, but should be “fine”: Offensive lineman Alaric Jackson exited practice early with an ankle injury, but McVay said he thinks Jackson “is going to be fine.”

    3) Fiske shows out: The second-round pick found himself in the backfield often, his motor and footwork on full display.

    4) Jimmy G runs the offense: With Stafford resting, backup Jimmy Garoppolo helmed the first-team offense in Monday’s practice. While it was a run-heavy day, he still had some impressive completions, including one near the sideline to wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

    5) Toe-tap TD: One of Garoppolo’s best passes of the day came in redzone drills, firing a touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Long. Long’s catch in the back of the endzone was equally impressive, tapping both feet down for the score.

    6) Hoecht’s here: Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht’s presence could also be felt with his playmaking throughout the session.

    7) No getting past Dotson: Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson had perhaps the best performance of anyone in his position group during Monday’s 1-on-1s, anchoring well and not letting his defender past him.

    8) Backshoulder: Stetson Bennett also had a nice touchdown pass during redzone work, his going to wide receiver Tyler Johnson on a perfect backshoulder throw.

    9) Picked by Curl: Defensive back Kamren Curl came up with an interception during 1-on-1 drills between the wide receivers and defensive backs.

    10) Xavier Smith shines: The wide receiver made the most of his targets for the second-consecutive practice, connecting with Bennett multiple times during team drills.

    #151570
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    just physical attributes. size. strength. length. speed. i think i read somewhere that he scored top 30 among defensive tackles all time in ras at the combine. all the physical ability you’d want in a defensive tackle.

     

     

    he’s got all the ability in the world. i think donald has even commented on it.

     

    yesterday jourdan rodrigue asked mcvay if brown was dealing with an injury since he took his pads off early. mcvay looked annoyed but then laughed it off saying he was kidding. i don’t know how to read into that comment. not sure if it’s something to worry about or if it was just a joke. i know this defense really needs him to step up this year.

    #151575
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/8/1/24211255/nfl-peter-schrager-good-morning-football-gmfb-cooper-kupp-training-camp?utm_content=turfshowtimes&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=twitter
    .

    With the recent return of NFL Network’s Good Morning Football to the air, series regular Peter Schrager visited Rams training camp on Tuesday and gave a pretty glowing review of what he saw.

    “Stafford looks incredible, and Kupp and Nacua are dialed in,” Schrager said. “Cooper Kupp, coming off a little bit of an injury, wasn’t himself last year maybe, looks amazing. He is in the best shape he’s been in in years. And then Nacua, we’re talking about a guy who had a record-breaking rookie year. He was unbelievable at practice yesterday.”

    The Rams may have also found some additional help in sixth round selection Jordan Whittington out of Texas. The rookie WR has been making people take notice at practice, and could be another late round success at the position, much like Nacua last season. Whittington is expected to play a big role in the kick return game and was seen polishing his craft after practice by Schrager.

    >“After practice, everyone’s gone, there’s a JUGS machine out there,” Schrager said. “I’ve never seen this drill. Whittington is lying down on his back, the JUGS machine is behind him, and he’s catching balls like this while lying down on his back. I was like, ‘Is that for show?’ I was talking to a coach. And he’s like, ‘This guy does his own thing and he’s been awesome all practice.’”

    On the defensive side of the ball, there were many questions as to how LA would respond to the retirement of Aaron Donald but after watching the team, Schrager again seemed very confident in the players available, and brought in, to help fill the void left by #99.

    “Aaron Donald’s gone,” Schrager said. “You didn’t notice it yesterday. Chris Shula, he’s now the new defensive coordinator as Raheem Morris goes to Atlanta, this D looked good and Jared Verse is a rookie, going to be wearing No. 8, he was everywhere, flying all over the field. He was their first pick at 19 overall. He is the dude to watch and Braden Fiske, the other one, they were college teammates at Florida State, they’re both going to play a big role.”

    There’s some major hype building around the Los Angeles Rams this coming season

    #151576
    Avatar photocanadaram
    Participant

    I need one of you logical-types to tell me how ridiculous I’m being thinking that the training camp injuries along the offensive line are not harbinger of things to come.

    Scapula!? How often do players injure their shoulder blade?

    #151578
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    jared verse is the concentrate they make concentrate from.

     

    if he can play as good as he talks the rams are good.

     

    #151581
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    1. We don’t have real timelines yet but the Rams are currently missing 3 starters on OL after Havenstein (foot) left practice today. McVay thinks he heard him say he got stepped on. Warren McClendon, Joe Noteboom and Zach Thomas have seemed to be the go-to backups for missing RT

    LT and LG. It’s clear the Rams will NOT move Steve Avila from C unless there’s an emergency. That’s a good thing, IMO.

    2. Jerry Jacobs has good ball skills. Gets his hands where they need to be. Still onboarding into defense.

    3. Watched 1v1 indies…Davis Allen had a good rep where he had to strong-hand a bouncy catch because JJ3 was all over it. One of those where both sides do a great job. Tre White is sticky. Demarcus Robinson caught a TD ball from Stafford that the QB basically put in a thimble. It was great coverage. Asst. HC Aubrey Pleasant

    had to shake Robinson’s hand after that, nothing White could do. Cooper Kupp and Quentin Lake are making each other better. Lake has drawn the Kupp straw a lot because Lake has a lot of jobs. One over the shoulder catch in 1v1s was ruled out of bounds (only one foot in).

    4. Kupp’s details are illuminating to watch. One time in a split he moved like, an inch closer to Robinson pre-snap before re-setting. Even that inch moved the DB. Then Kupp sprang Robinson loose for a catch because of the way their routes ended up stacking over each other.

    And Kupp’s hamstring is feeling good, seems like, because he did like a Euro-step against his defender at the start of a route in RZ two-minute, then chopped his feet, then broadened back out. Hammies and glutes!

    5. Kobie Turner got in the backfield on a run stop in his first

    day back in 11-on-11s. He and Braden Fiske talk a lot between snaps.

    6. The offense felt a bit flat earlier this week, but when Matthew Stafford starts to play “F-you” ball you can actually see the shift on the field. He hit Kupp in a teeny tiny window between White and Russ

    Yeast in 11s and, well, it was on.

    7. Two-minute: Rams always practice situationals, such as playing from behind where a TD and two-point would tie. Noticed Stretch (who will help with rules and game management) talking constantly to the sideline official during this period.

    8. Kam Curl. Wow. Credential rules prohibit me telling you the situation but points were unable to be had.

    9. Byron Young was super active today – as a rusher, against the run and even in the flat where he stoned a checkdown (then apologized profusely to the RB).

    10. UDFA DB

    Charles Woods had an awesome day. Climbed his way up the snap rotation during practice. Hands on the ball, good spatial understanding, plays fast. Today – and we’ll see about the rest of August – he made the most of his opps with White on a pitch count, Williams, TT, DK out.

    ….

    #151582
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Charles Woods had an awesome day. Climbed his way up the snap rotation during practice

    from UDFA thread, here: https://theramshuddle.com/topic/2024-udfas/

    HEIGHT…5′ 11″
    WEIGHT…191
    SPEED
    COLLEGE …SMU Mustangs
    TEAM…Los Angeles Rams
    ME: Woods transferred to SMU from WVA. He had a great season in 2021 in his first year at WVA. More on that here:
    According to Pro Football Focus College, Woods allowed the lowest passer rating while in coverage among any Big 12 corner last season. Not only that, but Woods set the Big 12 record for the lowest passer rating allowed in coverage by any corner in the conference’s history. His 22.1 passer rating allowed was significantly better than the previous record, which was held by former Baylor corner Xavien Howard.

    Woods excels in coverage. He hauled in an attention-grabbing interception on the first day of spring practice in March. PFF College also gave the WVU corner the highest grade (90.3) of any player in the country in his position last year.

    more on Woods:

    from https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Charles-Woods-CB-WestVirginia

    Scouting Report: Strengths
    • Exceptionally quick, with the feet and fluidity to mirror underneath, including in the slot against the two-way go. Woods stays low in his backpedal and explodes toward the ball, with an outstanding closing burst.
    • Extremely aggressive to come up and put his body in traffic to make tackles.
    • Has good foot quickness and short-area burst to work well in tight areas.
    • He’ll line up in press at times, where Woods has a quick and powerful punch. His ball skills are good, and he plays with an extremely confident and competitive demeanor.
    • A coordinated athlete with good footwork and balance. A heady cover player with above-average · feel and anticipation in space.
    • Has at least adequate straight-line speed and good balance, fluidity to change direction.
    Scouting Report: Weaknesses
    • Better in press coverage than in off coverage, when Woods can look shaky and unsure when transitioning out of his backpedal. He’ll give up throws underneath.

    • Has poor recognition skills when facing the action in zone coverage.

    • Has a high backpedal and loses a step in transition. Plays with adequate speed but there are concerns about his ability to handle the truly explosive speedsters of the NFL.

    #151588
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    #151589
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    10 Observations from Rams’ August 1 Training Camp Practice: Interceptions by Kamren Kinchens and Charles Woods, touchdown catch by Cooper Kupp among standout plays

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-august-1-training-camp-practice-interceptions-kamren-kinchens-charles-woods-among-standout-plays

    LOS ANGELES – The seventh open practice of 2024 Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union took place Thursday, headlined by defensive backs Kamren Kinchens and Charles Woods’ interceptions.

    Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

    1) Rob Havenstein leaves practice with foot injury: The veteran offensive lineman walked gingerly off the field and did not return. Head coach Sean McVay didn’t have an immediate information on Havenstein’s status, other than saying Havenstein said he got stepped on.

    2) Jonah Jackson and Alaric Jackson don’t participate: Jonah is week-to-week with a shoulder injury, per McVay, while Alaric is expected to be back “sooner than later” from an ankle injury sustained earlier this week. McVay also said they are hopeful Alaric can go for Sunday’s joint practice with the Chargers, though they won’t rush Alaric back.

    3) Play of the day, Part I: One of the top plays of practice was Kinchens’ interception; the rookie defensive back got a under a Matthew Stafford pass that deflected off of tight end Colby Parkinson’s hands for the timely pick during team drills.

    4) Play of the day, Part II: In the previous segment, Woods’ interception in the corner of the endzone ended the second team offense’s series against the second team offense led by Jimmy Garoppolo. It was emblematic of a strong practice overall for Woods.

    5) Coop in the corner: Offensively, one of Stafford’s best passes was a touchdown to wide receiver Cooper Kupp in the corner of the endzone to cap off the first team offense’s mamba period series against the first team defense. To be fair to the defense, it subsequently denied the ensuing 2-point attempt, with Stafford’s pass intended for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson incomplete. Stafford was sharp overall though during the series in getting the offense in position to score.

    6) Kobie Turner back in action: The second-year nose tackle participated in team drills Thursday, marking his first time doing so this training camp. He had been dealing with a groin injury sustained prior to camp.

    7) Another pick: Defensive back Jaylen McCollough also came up with an interception on a Garoppolo deep ball in early 11-on-11 work.

    8) Kevin Dotson remains difficult to get past: The offensive lineman once again performed very well in 1-on-1 drills.

    9) Noteboom ready for spin move: Rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse had an impressive spin move in 1-on-1s against offensive lineman Joe Noteboom in Tuesday’s practice (embedded below), but learned Thursday how quickly pro offensive lineman learn to counter those moves. Noteboom was ready and held his own against it on Thursday.

    10) NFL officiating crew on hand: The 9-man officiating crew led by referee Shawn Hochuli was on site to officiate Thursday’s practice.

    #151597
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    10 Observations from Rams’ August 3 training camp practice: Final day sees defense create three takeaways, but offense still has its moments too

    Stu Jackson

    https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-rams-august-3-training-camp-practice-final-day-sees-defense-create-three-takeaways-offense-still-has-its-moments-too

    LOS ANGELES – The eighth and final open practice of 2024 Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union took place Saturday, featuring a trio of turnovers caused by the defense.

    Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:

    1) Still no Alaric Jackson or Rob Havenstein: Head coach Sean McVay said after practice that the offensive linemen are both “week-to-week”; for Jackson, this was a downgrade from day-to-day. McVay also clarified that Havenstein has an ankle injury, but the injury is not season-ending.

    Offensive lineman Jonah Jackson (shoulder) remained sidelined; McVay this week said Jackson is week-to-week.

    2) First takeaway: The first of three turnovers caused by the defense came courtesy of defensive end Desjuan Johnson, who intercepted a Jimmy Garoppolo screen pass intended for running back Boston Scott, momentarily juggling the ball before gathering it and returning the pick for a touchdown.

    3) Second takeaway: The second of three turnovers was caused by defensive back Quentin Lake, who punched the ball loose from wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s grasp after Kupp caught a pass from Matthew Stafford.

    4) Third takeaway: The third of three turnovers was created by defensive back Kam Kinchens, who intercepted a Stafford pass that went a little too high above wide receiver Puka Nacua.

    5) Stafford and Cooper Kupp in sync in team drills: Aside from the interception, Stafford had a strong connection and was in rhythm with Kupp throughout move the ball work in team drills.

    6) Calm under pressure: At one point, Stafford fired a pass over the middle to Kupp while standing tall in the face of a six-man rush created by a blitz the Rams defense called. Kupp’s catch was equally impressive.

    7) Another good day from Demarcus Robinson: The wide receiver was sharp early in practice, connecting on his first three targets of 11-on-11 action. One of Robinson’s best grabs came later in team drills, when he snagged the ball out of the air and held on tight to it to prevent the tightly-covering defensive back from knocking it loose.

    8) Denied by the landshark: Defensive back Cobie Durant had a strong pass breakup on a Stafford pass intended for Kupp early in team drills.

    9) Hochuli’s crew returns: NFL referee Shawn Hochuli and his officiating crew were once again on hand to officiate practice.

    10) From LMU back to CLU: McVay post-practice said the Rams will return to their facility on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks next week and are now targeting moving into their Woodland Hills site after their preseason finale against the Texans in Houston.

    Team president Kevin Demoff told reporters the Rams are “five or six days” behind schedule on the Woodland Hills facility, but he attributed the delay more to receiving certain permits than field readiness.

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