Sammy Watkins gives the Rams the vertical threat they’ve been starving for, if healthy. Sean McVay finally has that DeSean Jackson type for his offense to stretch the field, opening up so much for Todd Gurley and his bevy of slot receivers. They didn’t have that guy. They wanted it to be Tavon Austin, but he had wrist surgery in the offseason, has been bothered by a hamstring injury during training camp and has never proven capable of that. Mike Thomas is suspended the first four games and Josh Reynolds is a rookie, so they couldn’t count on either. Giving up a second-round pick hurts, but EJ Gaines had already lost the starting job to Kayvon Webster as the second outside corner.

Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer: http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0687721419819193436-4

Word from Rams camp was that receivers just weren’t open on outside. Sammy Watkins should help that

— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) August 11, 2017

==

It absolutely changes the dynamic of #Rams passing game. Watkins/Woods/Kupp/Higbee/Everett has potential to be a problem for opponents https://t.co/CUtry5c9lU

— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 11, 2017

==

More on new #Rams WR Sammy Watkins: The trade came together quickly on Thursday, but Rams had been monitoring him/availability all offseason

— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 11, 2017

1. One thing about new #Rams WR Sammy Watkins: His last two seasons were under defensive-minded HC Rex Ryan.

— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 11, 2017

2. Should be interesting now that he's playing for offensive-minded Sean McVay. And with a month remaining before season to get acclimated https://t.co/KKurozBBYc

— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 11, 2017

1. On #Rams Sammy Watkins deal: He's 24, #Rams not looking at this as a 1-year deal. Plenty of cap room to sign him long term…

— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 11, 2017

2. #Rams confident in CB depth, and still have 8 picks in 2018 draft. Opportunity to add much-needed No. 1 WR too good to pass up https://t.co/UzEJGrSe86

— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 11, 2017

==

Watkins was targeted on BUF's first three offensive plays and caught all three passes. Report from @MatthewFairburn https://t.co/SF9JGUT0cs

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 11, 2017

==

The Milky Way’s Supermassive Black Hole is Proving Einstein Correct

https://www.yahoo.com/news/milky-way-supermassive-black-hole-121900474.html

Scientists have applied new analytical techniques to data gleaned from the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO’s) Very Large Telescope (VLT) and other telescopes over the past twenty years. This new analysis of the stars orbiting the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way reveals movement that deviates from what classical physics would predict, supporting instead the subtle effects predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

The closest supermassive black hole to Earth is the one that rests 26,000 light-years away at the center of the Milky Way, and is four million times more massive than the Sun. This giant is surrounded by a cluster of stars orbiting in the strong gravitational field of the black hole — the ideal proving ground for Einstein’s general theory of relativity and, more generally, gravitational physics. This is why a team of astronomers has recently applied a new technique to observational data of the stars, comparing the star orbits actually measured with those predicted by both classical Newtonian gravity and general relativity.

The research team, hailing from Germany and the Czech Republic, used VLT observations from the last 20 years to compare star orbit predictions made through Newtonian gravity techniques, with predictions made through general relativity. What they found was that a star known as S2 exhibited movements consistently predicted by general relativity.

The team uncovered hints towards a slight change in the motion of S2. The change is small, only about one-sixth of a degree in the orbit’s orientation, and a few percent in the orbit’s shape, but those changes are consistent with predicted relativistic effects. This marks the first time that the strength of the general relativistic effects has been measured for stars orbiting a supermassive black hole.

That doesn’t mean astrophysicists are finally finished. These new results may just be a soft introduction to much more invigorating data to be collected by GRAVITY, a new instrument helmed by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany. That instrument may be able to track the passage of S2 along Sgr A* in 2018 and unveil an even more tantalizing trove of data relevant to general relativity’s and modern physics’ biggest questions. This should reveal not only relativistic effects with more clarity, but perhaps even new physics, as astronomers detect deviations from general relativity.

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay– – August 10, 2017

(On practice being a little less spirited today)

“Yeah. We had the highest volume, most intensity yesterday in any of the practices that we had this training camp and I want to be mindful that we’re a couple days out from our first preseason game so, really the focus was on kind of getting these guys loose, more of an activation flush type deal and then we had one competitive period and then finished up with just kind of a jog through mindset and mentality with some cards and then two-minute. The guys came in, there was some good stuff. I thought yesterday provided a great opportunity to get what we wanted out of it and there’s a lot of good and there’s a lot of things that we have to clean up, so it was beneficial for us as a team.”

(On how anxious he is to get on the field and experience his first preseason game as Head Coach)

“I’m excited. I’m excited to watch these guys compete. I think they’ve done a good job throughout the course of training camp of putting themselves in position to have success, and that’s what it’s about is allowing these guys to go play with a quieted mind and just play to the best of their ability and hopefully good things happen for them. I think it offers a great opportunity for us to play in front of our home fans for the first time this season. I know as a coaching staff and our players, we’re excited about it.”

(On his staff’s perspective going into the first preseason game)

“That’s what I think the preseason offers, a great opportunity really for us as coaches – especially like you mentioned, being a new staff – kind of get everything in order so that you feel like you’ve really got these four preseason games, so that by the time the Indianapolis Colts game rolls around, we feel good about our process and how we want to handle things throughout the course of the game.”

(On him having fun out there with the players before practice)

“Yeah. We were just putting in some end of the game situations, keeping the ball alive and just trying to get a little – try to steal a workout, I guess.”

(On if he got a good workout)

“I did. I thought my hamstrings were going to cramp up there.”

(On what stood out to him from yesterday’s film)

“I thought our team as a whole, I thought there were some good times where we played physical and then as a whole, I think what I liked was the way that we responded after a little bit of stuff – after some of the things that occurred early on in practice and I thought we were able to get good work. Any time that you have that many reps there’s always going to be some good and some bad. Like I mentioned after the practice, I think you talk about some of the specific situations. I thought our defense in the two-minute drill did a really nice job. Then special teams, you just look at the consistent effort displayed with our coverage units, with our punt unit. I thought it was really a job well done by them as a whole.”

(On running some scout team drills during preseason)

“Really what it was, we just did a couple carded periods. Because we’re so accustomed to going against a three-down front with our defense and some of the things schematically that Dallas does offensively, just wanted to put these guys in a position, at least see a couple of the plays that we expect them to see and a couple of the defensive structures. We’ll get a little walk-thru tomorrow, but it was more of an introduction to those guys. Then, tomorrow will be kind of a mental walk-thru and then we’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”

(On his decision to keep Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel)

“I’ve always had a lot of respect for what he’s done and his career from afar. I’ve met him a couple times and as soon as you meet him, you realize what a special person he is. It was more along the lines of feeling fortunate to be able to have somebody to work with like him, so if that was something that he wanted to continue to do, be a part of this organization, that was something that we had in the plans, but I feel very fortunate to have him. He’s been a great resource for me and obviously a great coach that the players love.”

(On Coach Fassel being a good resource in terms of knowing the players)

“That, and just I think when you look at the experience that he has as a coach, but also as a leader of this team for the last handful of weeks. I think one of the things that stands out to me is how committed those players are to playing to the best of their ability for him and how hard they play because they can see he’s all about the right stuff in terms of building and developing those relationships. Then he’s a great coach with substance, and I think that’s what you’re ultimately looking for is caring about these guys, but helping them reach their highest potential. I think he’s done that over the last handful of years with these guys.”

(On if he’s concerned about his team’s discipline after yesterday’s practice)

“No, I wouldn’t say so. I think that if those things carry over into the game, then that’s when it becomes a concern. You always want to just be mindful of it, like we said, afterwards of making sure that we always do things that protect the team and certainly we want to make sure that we do our talking in between the whistles. I think that’s something that we’ll be mindful of moving forward.”

(On if he remembers any touchdown celebrations being outlawed while he was coming up as a coach)

“I remember a couple last year where (Redskins TE) Vernon Davis shot one and just shot a ball through the field goal post and he got penalized for that, so I guess he’ll be able to do that this year. I think it’s good. It’s about having fun and enjoying the competition and ultimately, it is a great entertainment sport and I think that offers a unique opportunity for the players to be able to enjoy when they’re having some success and the fans can get a kick out of some of the things they can do.”

(On if anything has stood out to him about WR Shakeir Ryan)

“I think probably the same thing that stood out to you yesterday – he had a great punt return, he’s got that speed and I think when he’s gotten his opportunity just based on some guys going down he’s gotten a few more reps than he’s been accustomed to and I think when his opportunities have come he’s done a nice job making plays. He’ll get an opportunity in the preseason to be able to do the same thing. But certainly you feel his speed as a returner and when he was able to hit the one yesterday, even though it was kind of a smaller level deal without the gunners and the perimeter players, but you can definitely feel his speed.”

(On if the Rams signed another kicker)

“We did. We added another kicker and really, I think the thing is being mindful of how good you feel about your specialists you have in place and offering an opportunity to be able to have somebody play in the second half that can both punt and kick because you feel so good about (K) Greg (Zuerlein) and (P) Johnny (Hekker) and that’s what that’ll provide for us.”

(On if there are any updates on WR Tavon Austin’s injury or DT Aaron Donald’s contract situation)

“No updates on those. (WR) Tavon (Austin) continues to be day-to-day – with those hamstrings, like we had mentioned it’s really tricky especially, with a skill player that his game is so much predicated on explosive type movements. As far as (DT) Aaron (Donald), I’ll get an opportunity to talk to (Executive Vice President of Football Operations/Chief Operating Officer) Kevin (Demoff) and (General Manager) Les (Snead) like I do kind of at the end of every single day. Sometimes there’s discussions, sometimes there’s not, but it’s kind of the same where we’re trying to find a solution to this and we’re hopeful that he’ll end up being here sooner than later.”

(On what his job duties were in 2010 as an offensive assistant)

“2010, that’s a great question. When I first got hired there I was really like an assistant receivers coach and breaking down the film, kind of helping (Former Redskins offensive coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan) out with just some of the organizational things and then really helping out all of the different position coaches – anything from making reports and creating call sheets. So, doing all of the little things that you can kind of be of help to help the position coaches and the coordinators do their work throughout the course of the week.”

(On how he conducts himself on the field and seems to have fun out there)

“I think that’s exactly right. I think the thing that you feel fortunate about is that we’ve got a bunch of great coaches with good energy and this is something that we love to do. Being out here and just kind of being engaging with the players and proactive about how we interact from drill to drill or from team drill to team drill is part of what makes this job so enjoyable.”

(On if there’s a big difference between being a quality control coach and a head coach)

“I would say coaching is coaching in general. You’re trying to help these players reach their highest potential. Now certainly, this job dictates a different way of handling yourself with having to address the team and the platform that you have, but I think what’s special about coaching is first and foremost, especially at the pro level, these are grown men. It’s about developing and building relationships with these guys, them knowing that you have their best interests and you’re trying to help them succeed because when they have success we all succeed together and I think that’s what makes football in general so special – is that team element and that’s what we’re striving to create, is a connected team and I think we’re on the right track right now.”

Highlights from Thursday’s Rams practice

RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/10/highlights-from-thursdays-rams-practice/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

BIG MOMENT

Rookie receiver Cooper Kupp looked to be headed toward another highlight practice catch. Kupp extended near the sideline to get his hands on a pass from quarterback Jared Goff, but just as Kupp was about to pull the ball in, cornerback E.J. Gaines knocked it away and drew loud praise from Coach Sean McVay.

INJURY REPORT

Linebacker Robert Quinn has been in and out of drills throughout training camp, and Quinn sat out Thursday, even though the Rams did not practice in full pads. Lamarcus Joyner, who also has been in and out with a mild back injury, participated in team drills.

McVay said he did not have an update on receiver Tavon Austin, who remains out with a hamstring injury.

Running back Lance Dunbar, offensive lineman Andrew Donnal tight end Johnny Mundt, linebacker Samson Ebukam and receiver Josh Reynolds also remain out.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“That was a funny play. I did have to watch that. I saw that on social media more than anything.”
— Gaines, on the practice fights with the Chargers on Wednesday, and whether the Rams watched cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman get body-slammed by the Chargers’ Keenan Allen.

DEPTH CHART

First-string cornerback Kayvon Webster missed practice for unknown reasons, so Gaines took most of his reps. Matt Longacre continued to take Quinn’s first-team reps at linebacker.

ON THE MOVE

The highlight of practice might have been 31-year-old McVay chasing his offensive players around the field as they lateraled the ball during a drill that simulated the final play of a game.

“We were just putting in some end-of-game situations, keeping the ball alive and I was trying to steal a workout, I guess,” McVay said with a gin. “I thought my hamstrings were going to cramp up a little bit.”

With the regular season now just a month away, contract talks between the Rams and defensive lineman Aaron Donald remain stalled.

Vincent Bonsignore

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/10/bonsignore-with-preseason-games-upon-us-and-aaron-donalds-holdout-lingering-what-is-his-end-game/

IRVINE – The Rams will play their first preseason game of 2017 Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys at the Coliseum. Barring a major development between now and kickoff, their best player won’t even be in the same area code, let alone in uniform and on the field with the rest of his teammates.

The contract holdout of All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald continues to linger, hovering over the Rams like a thick morning marine layer off the Pacific Ocean.

On and on it goes, now officially two weeks in length and months in execution if you go all the way back to the Rams’ organized offseason team activities. Donald was a no-show throughout OTA’s, firmly planting his feet in the ground in protest of a contract that doesn’t reflect his stature as the NFL’s best interior defensive lineman and the internal fortitude to fight for a new deal that does.

The last time we actually saw Donald and the Rams in the same vicinity was at a mandatory minicamp June 13. But whatever positive vibes his appearance created in Thousand Oaks that day soon faded amid contract talks that yielded no resolution, an official training camp report date that passed without Donald reporting and the 13 days that have followed in which Donald has conspicuously remained AWOL.

Donald and his camp have been eerily quiet throughout, but we can safely surmise they are seeking a deal that makes him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL and surpasses in annual salary the $19,062,500 that Ndamukong Suh makes and the $60 million in guaranteed money his six-year contract with the Dolphins pays him.

We can also safely assume the Rams have pushed a life-changing pile of money to the middle of the table for Donald to accept, an amount that will grant the 26-year-old Pittsburgh native his wish to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league.

They are wise enough to understand what they uncovered when they drafted Donald 13th overall in 2014, and that, three years into his original rookie deal he is wildly underpaid and deserves a contract worthy of his current stature.

In that respect, the two sides share mutual ground. Donald wants his just due and the Rams want to do right by him.

On the other hand, months of contract talks have yielded no resolution. For all the mutual motivation they share, they just aren’t connecting on the key elements of a mutually satisfactory contract.

The reasons for that could vary:

The Rams aren’t willing to go as high over the Suh market as Donald is demanding;
The two sides can’t find common ground on how much money is guaranteed;
Donald’s camp is seeking a deal flexible enough to account for any future upward spike of the salary cap, or one he can maneuver out of sooner rather than later if someone comes along to surpass him as the highest-paid defensive player.
And you can bet someone will.

Those are all valid negotiating points. And Donald and his camp have every right to fight and scratch for every desirable dynamic.

But here’s the thing.

Donald may want all of the above, but aside from doing right by him on a worthy pay bump and the kind of guaranteed money that will comfortably take care of him and his family for generations to come, what is the Rams’ incentive to give in on everything, including how much Donald wants to soar over the Suh benchmark?

The answer, frankly, is very little.

Holdout or no holdout.

Donald still has two years remaining on his original deal. And if you take it a step further, he’s under the Rams’ control through the 2020 season when factoring in the franchise tag tool.

They hold all the leverage. And while they want Donald back in camp like yesterday, they’ll hold firm in their position because there’s no reason not to.

Which brings us to the real crux of this holdout and what will ultimately determine how long it lasts.

Safely assuming the Rams have pushed a life-changing amount of money for Donald to the middle of the table – an amount that, when divvied up, will perch him at the top of defensive player salaries – is he so entrenched in his demands he’s willing to continue to turn that kind of coin down?

And do what?

Come back and play this year and next year before, maybe, hitting free agency in 2019? In the meantime, risk getting hurt and throwing away $70 million or more in guarantees?

Donald has $8 million, total, coming to him over the next two years. That’s a lot of money, relatively speaking. But it ain’t $70 million, now is it?

Or maybe he continues to hold out and start missing paychecks he’ll never recoup.

Do either of those options seem appealing, giving the amount of money we can safely assume the Rams are offering?

The regular season is still a month away. There’s plenty of time for Donald to think all this out and, when the time comes, make a sound decision.

But you get the sense the Rams have gone pretty much as far as they’re willing to go on his demands. There’s really no incentive go any further.

That points the spotlight directly on Donald and his camp.

The question is, what, exactly, is their end game?

Rams-Chargers Joint Practice Highlights

Check out the best action from the Rams’ joint practice with the Chargers during Training Camp in Irvine, Calif.

http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/Rams-Chargers-Joint-Practice-Highlights/a75be3a0-0f3a-4805-9357-070d311693e3

Thanks for all the additions ag.

There’s a lot of info in this thread.

These are really piling up. I added 5 so far today alone.