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znModeratorSam Rogers, the Rams’ ‘nonstop ball of butcher knives,’ is putting in long hours at training camp
RICH HAMMOND
Yeah he can probably catch and block at this level, and play special teams too (both blocking on coverage units).
But, if he can run the ball at this level too?
That would make him a genuine real-deal “find.”
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znModeratorSam Rogers, the Rams’ ‘nonstop ball of butcher knives,’ is putting in long hours at training camp
RICH HAMMOND
IRVINE — If the Rams locked their practice field, rookie fullback Sam Rogers would need a key. What’s the football version of a gym rat? A gridiron gopher?
The Rams raised some eyebrows in April when they drafted Rogers in the sixth round out of Virginia Tech. A fullback? In a modern NFL offense? Rogers seems to have set out, through the quality and quantity of his work, to prove during this training camp that he can have a role with the Rams in 2017.
Rogers typically is the first Rams player on the field for practice – 45 minutes early – and also one of the last. A mention of that fact this week, though, drew a purposeful look from Rogers’ intense blue eyes.
“It’s not like a publicity stunt or anything like that,” Rogers said after a recent practice. “I just try to get out here and work on some things. It’s just my way of getting ready.”
It seems to be working. There’s still a month to go before the start of the regular season, but as of now, Rogers seems to be headed toward a spot on the 53-man roster. Rogers’ combination of special-teams intensity, blocking and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him an intriguing option.
There’s also a certain intangible about Rogers. A former college coach once referred to him as “a nonstop ball of butcher knives,” which is a bizarre but oddly accurate way to describe Rogers’ style of play.
Listed at 5-foot-10, 235 pounds, Rogers is neither the strongest nor fastest player on the field, but his straight-ahead, run-you-over intensity might make a defender think twice about standing in front of him.
It’s unlikely that the Rams will use Rogers as a lead blocker for Todd Gurley, but it’s possible that Rogers could emulate some of the roles filled by Benny Cunningham last year. Cunningham had only 21 carries last season but caught 16 passes.
In his four-year career at Virginia Tech, Rogers totaled 802 receiving yards (and seven touchdowns) compared to 692 rushing yards (and four touchdowns).
“I’ll do whatever they ask me to do,” Rogers said. “I’m here to help the team in any way I can, whether that’s special teams or blocking or catching or running. The goal for me is just to be as versatile as possible, so that they can use me in any way they see fit. So I try to be ready to do whatever.”
If there’s any question about Rogers’ spot on the roster at the end of the preseason schedule, special teams could tilt things in his favor. Coach Sean McVay retained assistant John Fassel, who since 2012 has overseen one of the NFL’s most aggressive and successful special-teams units.
Rogers is a natural at special teams. It’s inherent and not necessarily something he needs to improve in practice. But there is Rogers, on the field early every day, working on his ball skills.
“During camp,” Rogers said, “there’s not as many hours and not as much time where you can feel like you’re getting ahead, because everything is so scheduled. Any time I can feel like I’m getting ahead in any way, I try to do that. If I can come out here 45 minutes early and work on a few things.”
znModeratorI like the 2nd one but you would need a tractor or truck plow.
So either you do that or of course you contract someone. If you do it obviously you need the truck or tractor.
August 8, 2017 at 7:46 pm in reply to: Thomas Passes Physical, Marquez Waived, Rams lack vertical threat? Is it Thomas? #72115znModeratorReceiver Mike Thomas boosts playing chances in Rams’ new offense
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-report-20170807-story.html
For the first time since training camp began, Mike Thomas on Monday ran routes and caught passes with other receivers.
The second-year pro showed the speed that boosts his chances of contributing to the Rams’ new offense, and he said he was happy to be back on the field with teammates.
But Thomas, who had been sidelined because of a foot injury, will sit out the first four games of the regular season because of a suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. The suspension was announced in July, about two weeks before training camp began.
“I just knew it was coming so I had to take full responsibility of it and learn from my mistakes and move forward,” Thomas said.
Thomas declined to specify the circumstances that led to his suspension.
“I don’t want to talk about it because it’s in the past already,” he said. “Just got to watch what I take and be more responsible and be more observant and just learn from it.”
Thomas’ return to the field gives quarterback Jared Goff a potential deep threat, at least for practices and exhibition games.
Tavon Austin and rookie Josh Reynolds, also regarded as potential deep threats, remain sidelined because of injuries.
“You feel that vertical speed that he has,” coach Sean McVay said of Thomas, a sixth-round draft pick last year. “That gives us a nice option, an element in our pass game and looking forward to just kind of progressing and building with him as we move towards the season.”
Kayvon Webster works his way into starting cornerback role in Rams defense
McVay said Thomas would play in exhibition games even though he will sit out regular-season games against the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys.“You still want to get him that work knowing that he’s a part of our plans for the season if things go the way that we anticipate and getting him back Week 5,” McVay said. “So, it’s a delicate balance of making sure that he gets the work that he can, but you’re also mindful that you’re not going to have him for the first part of the season.”
Thomas caught only three passes and was a standout on special teams last season.
After he was cited, Thomas said he was worried about his status with the Rams. But he impressed McVay during offseason organized team activities workouts and minicamps.
“In OTAs, I knew I was still going through this thing, I just never let it get to me,” he said. “I still made plays during OTAs.
“I just couldn’t let it get to me mentally because … negative stuff is going to build on each other and then I was just going to overthink stuff and lose my mind.”
Thomas said it was “very disappointing” that he won’t be able to help or be around the team in the first four regular-season games.
“I’m going to just keep working like it’s another offseason for me, those four weeks, and when I come back just get ready to work when my number is called and make plays,” he said.
znModeratorShe’s good at nonverbal acting. Facial expressions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie_Turner
w
vShe was 15 when she started playing Sansa in season one.
I am not interested in the acting ability here on the next one, just the fun contrast betwee Bran as Bran, v. the actor who plays him:
znModeratorChargers Melvin Ingram vs #Rams LT Andrew Whitworth. #RamsCamp pic.twitter.com/mXguzMIb5W
— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) August 6, 2017
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Andrew Whitworth a big, big addition to Rams’ revamped offensive line
Lindsey Thiryhttp://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-rams-offensive-line-20170808-story.html
One by one, each child climbed aboard, and Andrew Whitworth kept walking.
Coaches and staff members turned to watch as Whitworth, a 6-foot-7, 333-pound behemoth of a man, carried his four young kids across the field at UC Irvine after a two-hour practice.
The Rams’ new left tackle never broke stride.
Whitworth is an imposing figure with a massive athletic frame and a large bald head. It’s easy to see how his kids play on him like a jungle gym … and why friends make a habit of walking behind him to watch curious onlookers stare.
The Rams made Whitworth, 35, a top priority in free agency and signed the three-time Pro Bowl selection to a three-year, $36-million contract, with $15-million guaranteed.
“He’s been exactly what we thought and more,” coach Sean McVay said after a week of training camp, adding, “He’s playing at an extremely high level.”
Whitworth, a 12-year pro, has the experience to protect quarterback Jared Goff, the top pick in the 2016 draft.
Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer said Whitworth was “like a coach on the field” and provided a steady presence.
“At the right time he will say something in the huddle to keep us going or to calm us down,” Kromer said. “He’s really good for all the youth on the offense.”
Offensive lineman Jamon Brown, a third-year pro, agreed.
“Since he’s gotten here and stepped in he’s been a huge help to kind of the development for all the young guys like myself,” Brown said.
Last season, the Rams’ offensive line struggled as the team stumbled to a 4-12 finish. Goff played under duress throughout most of his seven starts, and running back Todd Gurley was often hit in the backfield.
A new venture, Whitworth said, was what attracted him to the Rams after protecting quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton and making six playoff appearances in 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
“The opportunity to really do something that I thought was a challenge and to do something that I thought I could look back on my career and say, ‘You know what, I’m glad I accepted that challenge and I didn’t just take the easy route,’” Whitworth said, “To me it was that opportunity that really was intriguing.”
Whitworth joined a group that included Brown, third-year pro Rob Havenstein and seven-year veteran Rodger Saffold, and other young players. The Rams also signed veteran center John Sullivan, who played for McVay with the Washington Redskins last season.
Kromer, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line coach the last two seasons, said the addition of Whitworth and Sullivan would help the line improve.
“Our biggest thing is how can we get five guys to play as a group,” Kromer said.
Last Saturday, in a no-tackling practice with the Chargers at StubHub Center, Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram got to Goff twice and defensive end Joey Bosa stripped the ball out of the Rams quarterback’s ’s hands.
Gurley ran with relative ease.
The workout was an opportunity to “test some of our rules up front,” said McVay, who altered the lineup the next day.
During the offseason, coaches had moved Havenstein, a two-year starter at right tackle, to right guard. Brown moved from guard to tackle and then beat out Greg Robinson, who was traded to Detroit.
But after the workout with the Chargers, Havenstein returned to tackle, Brown to guard.
“We’re trying to just figure out what the best spot is for them,” McVay said.
Saffold, who has played every position on the line except center, is expected to stay at left guard, where he started 15 games last season.
Kromer said it would take several weeks to determine the lineup.
For Whitworth, it could take several more to answer the question of whether the offensive line has what it takes to be successful.
“When will you know if the chemistry is working?” a reporter asked.
“I’ve pondered that question for the last 12 years,” he said. “The reality is I don’t think you ever know.
“A lot of camps where we finished and I said, ‘You know what, we’re going to be really good,’ have been some of the worst years, and some of the years that I’m like, ‘Man we’ve got a ways to go,’ have been some of the best.’”
znModeratorSo Ram camp report Day 9
Well I went to practice yesterday. I watched the offensive line first. Pace Murray looks like a keeper. Didn’t see Donnal which has stood out at the lack of depth there.
Brown is not real strong with his legs. He has a heck of a left punch though. I seriously think he is a better fit at RT. The reason is he has quick feet. He has a good grip & won’t get called for holding. He is smart off the ball & won’t be bull rushed from outside. Brown doesn’t have the power, but has good balance.
I don’t like Big Rob as a tackle . He stands up too straight in his stance. He is better in a power position. He is a power guy that has a real nice stance at guard. McVay is just dotting his i’s & crossing his T’s . It was already in place as he says. Cross training as you could say.
These 5 guys are the starters. Sullivan can hit. He real can pack a punch. A veteran leader. Saffold & Whit are studs.
Saffold he was all business yesterday. Looks really good. He will do a lot better Wednesday against the Chargers.
Mannion is having a tough time right now. D’ pressure , good DB play. The 2nd string offensive line ?? Guys not getting open , or he just has trouble putting in on the numbers ?I’ve noticed Mannion having a tough time finding receivers, or just missing badly ? He threw a DART to Thomas. I did a double take seeing number 88 . He dropped it , but man he riffled it. All most frustrated like. He has thrown a lot of balls out of bounds. Maybe because of good coverage. The Rams back up DB’s are playing real well.
Cory Harkey means more to The Rams than Spruuuce. He brings a different element to the team. McVay is a TE’s coach. Seeing Cory Harkey working hard on his routes after practice was super cool. He was getting his reps in. When Corey was done he was walking off by himself sort of with a little limp.Just a great veteran. Going to be hard to cut him. He also is a key blocker on kick returns & as a key blocker on field goals.
Everett has man hands !! He caught a ball with a defender draped all over him. He kept in bounds as well. He was catching the ball all over the place. Everett is going to be a weapon for sure.
Saturday Higbee missed a couple passes. Truth though is he is working hard & getting better each day. He was making plays at the end of Saturday & again yesterday. He looks solid.
Pharoh is going to make the 53. He is looking real good. He is already lining up as a starter.
Price came off the edge from the left side opposite of where Quinn rushes from. He got to the QB in live drills super quick. He held up with both hands & still had time to make a play.
Tru lined up in the slot against Copper Kupp & held him up off the line of scrimmage. Freaking funny. All you saw was Copper doing a Fred Flintstone with just his feet moving.
Morgan Fox is a stud
Sam Rogers is just a baller. He is living in the moment. Real hard worker.
znModeratorMy wife said something like, ‘wow, Sansa looked upset’. I said that she was probably just mourning Arya’s lost innocence but my wife thought she looked more angry than sad. Then she said she wondered if Sansa was worried about being upstaged by her little sister. My wife is convinced that Sansa will slip into the dark side. It’s residue from the first episode when Sansa told Little Finger that she learned a lot from Cerci.
I didn’t see angry. More like just spooked out. I don’t think she’s sad, or is supposed to be sad, I just see her as freaked. I don’t see Sansa slipping into the Dark Side. None of the Starks will. That thing about learning from Cerci was just supposed to set her up as having some conflicts with Jon. And that’s just because it’s GOT and nothing is supposed to be easy.
znModeratorElvis camp report (from the RFU board): Day 9
Woods is the always the one catching passes from the QB’s in warm-ups, gotta think that familiarity is gonna pay off in the regular season. I think Woods is gonna see a lot of balls, may well be our #1. (Of course Tavon has been out.)
The 3’s are getting less reps now, usually goes 1,2,1,3 or something like that in scrimmages. Mannion still solidly #2.
After Kupp caught that TD from Goff, next play was Mannion to Kupp for about 5. Kupp is everywhere all the time.
Tried to look for John Johnson a little more. He had a nice break up/should’ve been INT with the 2’s. (Or was it the 3’s?)
The offense had a lot more moments today but i still think the defense is winning overall.
One play with the 2’s a rusher came free from the right as Mannion dumped left to a back for a long easy TD, totally schooled the defense, probably the only time i’ve seen the offense clearly outsmart the defense. Hopefully more of that to come, especially against real opponents.
K.D. didn’t look on a route where he was the target with the 3’s and it struck me how that never happens. And he’s only been here for like a day. It seems like everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing almost all the time.
A few thoughts on Trumaine:
i’ve noticed McVay pays special attention to him, i’ve seen it more than once. Yesterday he came over to where the DB’s were drilling and gave him a big hug, they chatted, shook hands. I just happened to be standing there at the time. McVay makes the rounds but is mostly with the offense and QB’s during practice.
Tru and Webster seem to be developing a bond and during scrimmage when the 2’s are out there, he’s like a coach yelling out coverages to the guys on the field.
It’s surreal considering the contract/fish out of water scenario we have going on but to my eyes he looks like he’s assuming a leadership role…But my take is McVay is really good a doing the people part of his job. Though he spends the great majority of his time with the QB’s and offense he’s making sure everyone feels included and valued, especially potential trouble spots.
August 8, 2017 at 11:36 am in reply to: Joe Curley & co. on new depth chart & different changes #72097znModeratorAlden Gonzalez
The Rams … play their first preseason contest against the Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Leading up to that game, the Rams released an unofficial depth chart.
Here’s a position-by-position look …
Quarterback: Jared Goff is the starter, Sean Mannion is the backup and Dan Orlovsky is third string, as expected. The question is whether the Rams will ultimately keep Orlovsky on the 53-man roster. They might, given the youth of their top two quarterbacks.
Running back: It’s Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, Lance Dunbar, Aaron Green and Justin Davis, respectively. Dunbar’s knee injury, which has basically kept him out of practice since signing with the Rams, has opened the door for Brown to be Gurley’s backup.
Wide receiver: In a three-receiver set, the Rams listed Tavon Austin, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, just like they did before training camp. Problem is, Austin is now dealing with a hamstring injury that has made the Rams very slot heavy. Mike Thomas, activated off the physically unable to perform list on Monday, was listed second in one of the receiver groups, but he is suspended for the first four regular-season games. Josh Reynolds, another vertical threat, was listed fourth in another, but he’s dealing with an injured quad.
Tight end: Tyler Higbee is the starter and Gerald Everett is his backup, though they might see a lot of time on the field together. Third is Temarrick Hemingway and fourth is veteran Cory Harkey. That doesn’t seem to bode well for Harkey’s chances of making the team, but McVay recently said he sees Harkey as both a tight end and a fullback. The only fullback currently listed on the Rams’ depth chart is rookie Sam Rogers.
Offensive line: McVay recently began experimenting with the right side of his offensive line, but Rob Havenstein is listed as the right guard and Jamon Brown is the starting right tackle here. Andrew Whitworth (left tackle), Rodger Saffold (left guard) and John Sullivan (center) are solidified. Pace Murphy and Darrell Williams are listed as the backup tackles. Cody Wichmann and Andrew Donnal are the backup guards, though Donnal has been dealing with a knee injury. Austin Blythe is listed as the backup center.
Defensive line: Dominique Easley tore his ACL and is out for the year, while Aaron Donald continues to hold out (a close look at his situation can be found here). Michael Brockers is the last man standing. He is flanked by Ethan Westbrooks and Louis Trinca-Pasat on this depth chart. Once Donald reports, it’ll probably be the more experienced Westbrooks who stays. But several others will get snaps, Trinca-Pasat included. Morgan Fox, Mike Purcell and Tanzel Smart are listed as backups.
Outside linebacker: Connor Barwin and Robert Quinn are the starters, as expected. Matt Longacre and Cassanova McKinzy are their backups. Samson Ebukam, a fourth-round pick out of Eastern Washington, is expected to play a significant role, but he has been among several nursing a soft-tissue injury.
Inside linebacker: No surprise with the starters here, either, with Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron. One mild surprise is that Josh Forrest is listed third string. Forrest was impressing as a rookie before a knee injury prematurely ended his season.
Cornerback: Johnson and Webster are the starters, while Gaines and Nickell Robey-Coleman, a standout slot corner who has impressed during training camp, are the backups. The Rams did a nice job over the offseason of replenishing some depth here. Mike Jordan and Troy Hill, suspended the first two games, are third string.
Safety: Maurice Alexander is the strong safety and Lamarcus Joyner is the free safety. That much has been established. But it’ll be interesting to see how much the Rams also use Joyner as a slot corner. John Johnson, a promising third-round pick out of Boston College, is currently third string, which is somewhat surprising. Isaiah Johnson and Cody Davis are listed as backups.
Specialists: The Rams are solid on special teams, with punter Johnny Hekker, kicker Greg Zuerlein and long snapper Jake McQuaide. Austin is currently listed as the only punt returner, but Kupp and Pharoh Cooper are under consideration there, too. Cooper is listed as the kick returner, and it seems safe to say he’ll play that role when the regular season begins.
znModeratorKayvon Webster locks down starting CB job for Rams
By Alden Gonzalez
Kayvon Webster spent four years buried in the depth chart of a Denver Broncos secondary that was among the game’s best. He started only two games during that stretch, both as a rookie.
From 2014 to ’16, Webster received a mere 247 defensive snaps, sitting behind the likes of Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and Bradley Roby while forced to make his mark almost exclusively on special teams.
The Los Angeles Rams see him differently.
“Unless something changes, he’s starting,” Rams coach Sean McVay said of Webster following Monday’s practice. “… He’s a starting corner that’s going to be very important for our defense moving forward.”
Heading into training camp, Webster appeared to be in competition with E.J. Gaines for a starting job on the outside opposite Trumaine Johnson. Gaines had a solid rookie year in 2014, then spent the entire 2015 season recovering from a foot injury and dealt with a few lesser ailments last season. But Webster’s play and his familiarity with Wade Phillips, also his defensive coordinator with the Broncos these last two years, ultimately gave him the edge.
The Rams will scale back Webster’s demands on special teams because they want him playing every snap for them on defense.
“He’s been a huge addition to our secondary,” McVay said. “You look at he and Trumaine Johnson, they offer a nice pair at the corner spot. I love the way that he works, and he’s been a joy to be around.”
znModeratorznModeratorWhy did Sansa seem upset at seeing how proficient Arya was with the sword?
Where did she learn it? Sansa has to wonder. And, there’s “the list.” Bran confirms the list is real.
Last she saw Arya she was a little girl. Now she’s this spooky trained assassin who can beat Brienne one on one.
It;s like you have a kid brother who was all innocence when you last saw him and he turns up years later with tattoos and a sports car, picks his teeth at lunch with a stilleto, and asks you if you like 9 MMs or regular 38s, then pulls out a fat roll of 100s to pay for lunch (“I’ll get this.”) When you complain about your mean district manager at work, he calmly lights a cigar and says “you know things like that can be fixed.”
..
August 8, 2017 at 9:24 am in reply to: Sy Hersh — DNC wasnt hacked, Seth Rich sold info to wiki #72088znModeratorEmails: Ed Butowsky Pleads With Sy Hersh to Go Public With What He Knows About Seth Rich
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The wealthy Republican donor at the center of explosive Fox News lawsuit
http://money.cnn.com/2017/08/01/media/ed-butowsky-fox-news-seth-rich/index.html
A stunning new lawsuit filed against Fox News has placed the spotlight on a wealthy Republican donor.
Ed Butowsky bills himself as an “internationally recognized expert in the wealth management industry” and a “leading voice on financial matters.” He’s also been a semi-regular guest on Fox News and its sister channel, Fox Business Network, as well as a number of other media outlets.
It’s those ties to Fox, as well as to the Trump White House, that helped thrust Butowsky to the center of a bizarre and explosive story involving a slain Democratic National Committee staffer and the Trump administration.
A federal lawsuit filed Tuesday accuses Butowsky of working with the White House on a false (and eventually retracted) Fox News story about the murder of DNC staffer Seth Rich.
According to the suit, the story was intended to undermine the public’s belief in the U.S. intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia hacked the DNC and obtained the emails ultimately released by Wikileaks.
The lawsuit, which was brought by Rod Wheeler, a private investigator who was quoted in the retracted Fox story represents the first tangible link between the fringe conspiracy theory surrounding Rich’s death and the White House.
Related: Lawsuit: Fox News concocted Seth Rich story with oversight from White House
Butowsky told CNN that the allegations are “bulls**t.”
He further detailed his side of the story in an appearance on CNN Tonight on Tuesday, claiming the lawsuit was just an attempt by Wheeler to make money.
“I’ve never talked to President Trump in my life,” Butowsky said, denying that the White House had “anything to do with any of this.”
In a statement, Jay Wallace, Fox News’ president of news, denied that the network published the story “to help detract from coverage of the Russia collusion issue.” Wallace also said that Fox has “no evidence that Rod Wheeler was misquoted.”
Though he is now more squarely in the public eye than ever before, Butowsky’s role in the saga has been known for some time. After Fox’s story lit up pro-Trump media in May, the Rich family revealed that Butowsky was subsidizing Wheeler’s investigation into the murder, which Washington, D.C. police have blamed on a botched robbery.
But the Rich family was, according to a spokesman representing them, taken aback when they learned that Butowsky has ties to Steve Bannon, the White House strategist and former chairman of Breitbart News.
Butowsky has appeared on Breitbart News Radio multiple times over the years and has described Bannon as “a friend and a very nice man.” But Butowsky later told BuzzFeed that he and Bannon are more like acquaintances.
“It’s not like I have a Steve Bannon teddy bear,” Butowsky said in May. “I’ve never eaten a meal with the guy.”
Butowsky’s website details a long career in business, including the 2005 launch of a private wealth management advisory firm in the Dallas area. He’s described as “a well-respected member” of the community, and “an accomplished speaker on a variety of topics.”
Beyond his business, Butowsky has also plied his trade as a go-to analyst for reporters and broadcasters, frequently popping up on television or in news articles.
His media hits include appearances with outlets outside the conservative media space occupied by Fox and Breitbart, including CNN, CNBC and CBS.
He’s also a close friend of “60 Minutes” correspondent Lara Logan, even serving as a spokesperson of sorts after Logan was hospitalized in 2015.
But on Tuesday, as the lawsuit reverberated throughout the media world that he’s traveled for years, Butowsky tried to make himself less visible. He appeared to remove videos of his cable news appearances from YouTube, and he deleted his Twitter account.znModeratorRams expecting big things from “violent runner” Todd Gurley
Josh Alper
Rams expecting big things from “violent runner” Todd Gurley
Rams running back Todd Gurley said recently that he’s seen improvement from quarterback Jared Goff as Goff prepares for his second NFL season and one of the ways the Rams can make the most of that improvement is by teaming Goff with a productive Gurley.
That Gurley wasn’t in evidence for most of the 2016 season as he slipped from 1,106 yards as a rookie to 885 yards despite carrying the ball 49 more times in his second NFL campaign. There were plenty of explanations for the drop, including poor offensive line play, but there’s little doubt that having Gurley run through and around defenders more often would energize the entire offense.
A weekend scrimmage with the Chargers didn’t offer a true game scenario, but it did provide some optimism on the Gurley rebound front. Coach Sean McVay said he was happy to see a “violent runner” coming out of his backfield.
“He did a great job of getting it out into the open field and there was a couple where he’s reading it one gap at a time on some of the schemes we have, and you can feel his speed once he gets to the corner,” McVay said, via ESPN.com. “He’s a guy that has been motivated and has been a standout throughout the offseason program, and it’s been the same throughout camp. We’re expecting big things from Todd.”
The Rams brought in left tackle Andrew Whitworth and center John Sullivan on the offensive line in hopes of providing better lanes for Gurley up front. If those moves work out, Goff should have a better run game to lean on than he did as a rookie and that should bode well for McVay’s chances of putting together a better offense in his first season with the team.
znModeratorThe Professor … some follow-up
I have not finished posting about Friday’s practice so I will add a bit here. Normally in camp, I tend to focus on the QB and WRs in 7 on 7s and 11 on 11s. Because of our oline’s weakness last year and the big changes in the offseason, I decided to focus on the line for about 1/3 of the plays when the first team was playing. Specifically, I keyed in Hav at RG. When I was watching, he tended to hold up. He was pushed back once or twice, but did not get in Goff’s way. He seemed to know who to block (an issue that Robinson had last year). Now Conner Barwin blew up one play rushing from the right side. Unfortunately, that was not one of the plays when I was watching the line, so I do not know whether it was Brown’s or Hav’s fault. If the rams are worried about the right side, I don’t think it is because they are worried about Hav. Two caveats – first I am basing my judgments on a very limited set of plays. Second, our D line has been thinned out. Two of our three starters are not playing. So even if the oline looks better this year than last, it may not be ready for an Arizona or Seattle front.
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znModeratorTraining Camp Report: Top Takeaways from Day 9
Kristen Lago
The Rams were back in full pads for Day 9 of their training camp today after a light walk-thru practice to cap the weekend. Monday afternoon marked the team’s last day on field before they practice with the Chargers on Wednesday, in the second of two joint practices. Tomorrow will be a players day off.
When addressing the media after Sunday’s practice, head coach Sean McVay said he hoped the mental focus and light nature of the afternoon would translate into a high intensity practice today — and for the most part he got exactly what he wanted. Check out our top takeaways from Day 9:
TOP TAKEAWAYS
1. The secondary continues to shine
In what is quickly becoming a familiar trend to this year’s training camp, the Rams’ secondary continued to be a bright spot on the defense with numerous pass deflections and almost picks.
Safety Cody Davis had two tipped passes throughout the day, skillfully reading the receiver’s routes and excelling in his man coverage. Rookie defensive back John Johnson also had a would-be pick, but was unable to hold on to the ball on a pass from quarterback Sean Mannion. Finally, after forcing an incomplete pass early on in the day, cornerback Mike Jordan was able to come up with an interception on the last play of the day. The whole defense huddled around Jordan congratulating him for his impressive grab.
After Friday’s practice, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips discussed the secondary’s improvement during camp, emphasizing its focus on giving up less points overall.
“We’ve still got to get some things done, but I’m pleased with where we are right now,” Phillips said. “Part of that is the passing game, stopping [and] slowing down the passing game. Nobody really stops that in this league, but, if you cut it down enough, you cut down on the number of points they score against you and that helps.”
Judging by today’s practice, Phillips’ technique seems to be working, as the secondary successfully challenged the offense on its passing game play after play.
2. The entire team amps up its energy
But the secondary was not the only position group to turn on the intensity in today’s practice. The entire team was in good spirits throughout the afternoon and the competition level was set high during each set of drills.
Throughout the last nine days of training camp, the Rams have moved on from simply learning the new systems to working more fully on their execution level and skillset. And by mastering the systems, McVay says they are able to give more energy and output when it comes to the various portions of practice.
“I think you’re seeing a lot of good, competitive work, really from top to bottom on our roster,” McVay said. “Now that we’ve gotten a little bit further into our installs, the nice thing is you can do a lot of unscripted work and kind of some situational stuff.”
On offense, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods along with tight ends Gerald Everett, Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway stood out with a number of solid receptions. While on defense, a variety of guys had some good looks throughout the day, including cornerbacks Kayvon Webster and Troy Hill.
“That’s the type of energy that you like to see from the team,” McVay added. “I think it raises the level of competition where there was some good back and forth.”
3. Wednesday’s joint practice with the Chargers
Monday’s practice also gave us a glimpse as to what we will see from the team on Wednesday.
In last Saturday’s practice at StubHub Center, we were able to get a really good look at how quarterback Jared Goff, along with the rest of his offensive line, would be able to handle themselves in a game-like situation. The line, led by veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth, looked impressive holding its own for the majority of the reps, even when faced with Chargers’ defensive end Melvin Ingram.
Goff also appeared to be comfortable controlling the offense as a leader, something he has continued to showcase throughout training camp.
However, going into Wednesday the offensive line will continue to experiment with some lineup changes. Although Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown are listed as the projected starters at right tackle and right guard respectively, over the past two days the linemen have switched positions.
“We know that Rob has played productive tackle in this league in his career and I feel like Jamon has put some good stuff on tape at guard,” McVay said. “Really, if we feel like those guys do well, then we’re trying to just figure out what the best spot is for them and that’s what this opportunity offers.”
As for Wednesday’s practice as a whole, McVay has referred to the joint practice as an “invaluable opportunity” to line up against a team other than your own.
“I think we’re always striving to improve and I think the games and playing against other teams are your best measuring stick to see where you’re at,” McVay said. “Going against the Chargers again on Wednesday, I think we are striving to just focus on one day at a time and if we do that, we feel like those incremental gains will lead to good things.”
FIELD-LEVEL OBSERVATIONS
– Earlier today the Rams announced several changes to their active roster taking wide receiver Mike Thomas off of the PUP list and waiving wideout Bradley Marquez with an injury designation. For the full story click here.
– On the injury front, wide receivers Tavon Austin and Josh Reynolds remained on the sidelines during today’s practice alongside linebacker Samson Ebukam. Safety LaMarcus Joyner also did not participate in the day’s drills.
– Actor Ty Burrell was on hand to watch Monday’s practice from the sidelines. The Modern Family star is a well-known fan of the Rams.
– On the defensive line, defensive ends Louis Trinca-Pasat and Ethan Westbrooks continued to take snaps with the first team defense. Both are listed as projected starters in Saturday’s game and have worked well alongside tackle Michael Brockers.
– In Tuesday’s practice wideout Pharoh Cooper took reps as the primary kick returner.
– During the 11-on-11 portion of practice, Everett had a great play catching the ball amid heavy coverage for about a 10-yard gain.
– Running back De’Mard Llorens had a nice run towards the tail end of the day, finding his hole quickly and bringing it all the way down field to the end zone.
PLAY OF THE DAY
During the full team portion of practice, Goff hit Kupp in the end zone for today’s play of the day. Goff stepped back in the pocket and delivered a beautiful pass downfield to hit his receiver perfectly in the back left corner. Although Kupp was heavily guarded by two defenders he managed to successfully pull it in for the touchdown.
🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌@JaredGoff16 ➡️ @CooperKupp for 6️⃣! #RamsCamp pic.twitter.com/ArUIS1yVaX
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 7, 2017
This was the last of a series of great grabs by the receiver who seemed to be catching almost everything today. He is a projected starter on the offense and has shown tremendous growth and reliability at his position throughout training camp.
PRESS POINTS
After practice McVay addressed the media to discuss how the team will be preparing for their preseason matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday. Catch up on his most interesting point from Day 9:
SEAN McVAY:
On his plan for how much work certain players will get in the first preseason game:
“When you go into training camp you always kind of have your plan set out, a good month, month and a half in advanced. I think the biggest thing is, is we’re going to keep our training camp mindset and mentality with the exception of when you get a couple days out, being mindful of, ‘Let’s still get some competitive work.’ But anytime you have that first preseason game with the exception of a few guys, usually those guys you’re counting on to start are playing anywhere between six to 12 plays.”
August 8, 2017 at 12:25 am in reply to: Thomas Passes Physical, Marquez Waived, Rams lack vertical threat? Is it Thomas? #72068znModeratorMike Thomas admits ‘mistakes,’ grateful for another chance with Rams
By RICH HAMMOND
IRVINE — No matter what happens going forward, the Rams paid their highest-possible compliment to receiver Mike Thomas in mid-July, when they didn’t cut him.
Thomas, a physically gifted but mistake-prone rookie in 2016, received a four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Thomas didn’t feign surprise about the positive test, which perhaps is one reason why the Rams gave him a second chance.
“I kind of knew it was coming,” Thomas said of the suspension. “I just knew it was coming, so I just had to take full responsibility for it and learn from my mistakes and move forward from it.”
Thomas only wanted to go so far with his mea culpa on Monday, shortly after he completed his first training-camp practice at UC Irvine. Thomas missed the first nine days of camp with a foot injury.
Thomas politely and patiently answered questions about the injury, about his potential role on a Rams team that is short on receivers and about the suspension, but Thomas hesitated and winced a bit when asked to elaborate on the “mistake” that led to the suspension.
“I don’t want to talk about it, because it’s in the past already,” Thomas said. “I just have to watch what I take and be more responsible and more observant and just learn from it.”
It seems as though the Rams will give him a chance to do so. To make room for Thomas on the active roster Monday, the Rams waived Bradley Marquez, who, with two years of NFL experience, had been one of their most veteran receivers and also was a special-teams contributor.
The subtext seemed clear. Even though Thomas must sit out the first four games of this season (without pay), the Rams still value Thomas and intend to keep him on their roster at the end of camp.
“I think you feel that vertical speed that he has,” Coach Sean McVay said. “That gives us a nice element and option in our pass game. We’re looking forward to progressing and building with him as we move toward the season, even knowing we won’t get him until Week 5, but it’s good to get Mike back out here.”
It’s already been quite a journey for Thomas, whom the Rams drafted in the sixth round in 2016 out of Southern Mississippi, because of his potential as a 6-foot-1, 195-pound speedster.
Thomas made the Rams’ roster out of camp last year and contributed on special teams, but totaled just three catches, and his two most notable plays were errors: a fumbled kickoff return against Atlanta and a wide-open drop against Seattle.
Thomas came into the Rams’ offseason program with a new number (88) and looked good in team workouts, even though he apparently was dealing with the foot injury. Thomas established himself as a possible deep target for quarterback Jared Goff, but then came the suspension.
Given that receivers Tavon Austin and Josh Reynolds, two of the Rams’ fastest receivers, are out with injuries, the Rams need Thomas, and McVay said he intends to play Thomas in the preseason, even though he can’t be a part of the offense again (even in practice) until Oct. 2.
“Knowing that I’m not going to be on the field and not going to be around the team, it’s very disappointing,” Thomas said. “I’m just going to keep working like it’s another offseason for me, those four weeks, and when I come back I’ll be ready to work when my number is called, and make plays.”
August 8, 2017 at 12:24 am in reply to: Thomas Passes Physical, Marquez Waived, Rams lack vertical threat? Is it Thomas? #72067znModeratorThey liked Thomas in OTAs and were praising him before the suspension was announced.
STUFF ON THOMAS FROM JUNE:
==
McVay on Mike Thomas from: http://theramshuddle.com/topic/mcvay-vid-65/#post-69740
think he’s getting more and more confident with his hands and just becoming a more polished player – with just his routes and increasing that route versatility. What we’ve seen from Mike so far has been encouraging and he’s made plays down the field. You can feel him, he’s got some speed that gives you the ability to stretch the top-shelf of the defense and that’s what he’s done so far….What we’ve seen from Mike has been good stuff and you really like his demeanor and his disposition. He’s been a joy to be around so far.
…
…Flipper336 wrote:
Thomas has a good shot for two reasons
1. He’s talented. One of my favorites in the draft last year.
2. Rams need an X receiver to show up. They are stacked at slot and have Woods basically locked in as the starter at Z, need someone to beat CBs at the line.
===
Thomas Feeling Confident Heading into Year 2
By Myles Simmons
For many NFL players, one of the most significant jumps comes between Year 1 and Year 2.
There are plenty of reasons for it. From a comfort standpoint, most rookies are just 21 or 22 years old and entering a high-stress, competitive workplace. Plus, through no fault of their own, these players are behind in learning the playbook because they don’t get drafted until teams’ offseason programs are well underway.
And so for someone like wide receiver Mike Thomas, there’s a much different feel to his second OTAs.
“Honestly, just the experience — the experience of how players move, how players play on the field, how the game speed is,” Thomas said on Tuesday. “I feel like I caught up with the tempo of practice and the game. And I’m just playing fast without thinking and just trying to seize every opportunity that comes my way.”
With wide receiver Tavon Austin unable to fully participate in OTAs after undergoing surgery, Thomas has received more practice snaps. And he’s taken advantage of them, having made a number of downfield and contested receptions. Head coach Sean McVay said this week he’s been impressed with Thomas’ speed.
“He’s a competitive player,” McVay said. “I think he’s getting more and more confident with his hands and just becoming a more polished player — with just his routes and increasing that route versatility.
“You can feel him,” McVay continued. “He’s got some speed that gives you the ability to stretch the top-shelf of the defense and that’s what he’s done so far.”
Thomas’ specialty was being a downfield threat at Southern Miss, where he averaged 19.6 yards per reception and caught 14 touchdowns in his senior season. But as a sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, Thomas was mainly a special teams contributor as a rookie, making only three receptions in his limited offensive snaps.
“Your rookie year is always a little hesitant coming off college — different speed, different tempo. You’re playing with grown men now and that’s a lot on this level,” Thomas said. “So coming in for Year 2, like I said, you adapt to it. You know what to expect. You know how to prepare for games. You know how to prepare for practice and training camp. So it’s only right that you come in confident knowing what to expect.”
Thomas spent a lot of time working on his craft in the offseason, he said, catching plenty of balls and running numerous of routes. And the wideout trained with quarterback Jared Goff to improve their rapport.
“This offseason we connected well. We were doing a lot of routes together — throwing, catching, learning together,” Thomas said. “At the end of the day, we both came in as rookies, and we’re learning a new offense together, so it’s only right that we all get better together.”
With a new playbook to learn, Thomas has been working with Goff to master it both on the field and in the classroom.
“We ask questions. I ask a lot of questions and when I have a question, I go right to Jared because at the end of the day he has to know it, too,” Thomas said. “We’ve just been trying to get the chemistry to 100 percent.”
What’s likely aided in that process is the way McVay and his staff have installed the offense. Thomas said he feels like the unit has picked it up quickly and well, in part because everyone has a complete picture of the scheme.
“The way they’re teaching it is incredible. Everybody’s getting it fast,” Thomas said. “It’s all about concepts. And when you know what everybody else is doing on the field, it makes you play way faster because you know what I have at the end of the day, and what the tight end and the other receivers have.”
Armed with that knowledge, Thomas has been working to take advantage of every opportunity during the offseason program. Given the way he’s performed on the field, combined with the feedback from his coaches, Thomas has reason to be confident heading into Year 2.
“What we’ve seen from Mike has been good stuff and you really like his demeanor and his disposition,” McVay said. “He’s been a joy to be around so far.”
“Now I know what to expect,” Thomas said. “I adapted to it — to the speed of the game, practice — and I’m coming out strong and confident.”
==
2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Southern Mississippi WR Mike Thomas
2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Southern Mississippi WR Mike Thomas
One of the more exciting and dynamic wide receivers in the country this past season, Southern Mississippi’s Mike Thomas was one of the bigger combine snubs in recent memory, and will look to showcase his athleticism during the Golden Eagles’ pro day on March 24.
WR Mike Thomas
College: Southern Mississippi
Year: Senior
Birth Year: 1994
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200
Arm Length: 33 3/8
Hand Size: 10 1/2Pro Day Results
40 Time: TBD
Bench: TBD
Vertical: TBD
Broad: TBD
3-Cone: TBD
Short Shuttle: TBD
60-yard Shuttle: TBDMike Thomas is one of the more underrated players in the 2016 class. Southern Mississippi’s Thomas is a little bit smaller and more raw than his Ohio State colleague, but offers tons of translatable tools and traits that should help him develop into a fine NFL receiver.
One of the first things I look at in small school receivers is how advanced their route tree and route running abilities are. Transitioning from a spread offense to a pro-style system has given plenty of receivers issues in the NFL, but Thomas ran a pretty complete tree at Southern Mississippi, showing the ability to create separation at all levels of the field.
He’s able to consistently create separation on post routes by selling vertically before stemming inside, giving his quarterback a suitable throwing window. Thomas isn’t Sterling Shepard in the short-intermediate game, but his short-area quickness is more than adequate enough to detach from man coverage on a regular basis.
One area of Thomas’ game that will need to improve (and will help his routes) is his releases off the line of scrimmage, especially against press coverage. They aren’t all bad, but Thomas tends to seek an outside release too late, allowing corners to set up comfortably to defend the sideline.
Thomas can also get crowded to the boundary due his lack of vertical explosiveness off the snap. Because he isn’t the quickest accelerator, Thomas will need to rely on deceptive footwork to get his opponent to drop his inside foot so Thomas can counter back to the perimeter. But there are reps where Thomas puts it all together and fights off jams flawlessly. He’s a well-built and physical receiver, but just needs to work on putting his technique and footwork to use consistently.
Which brings us to the most exciting part of Thomas’ skill set, his ability to make high degree of difficult catches on a regular basis with outstanding athleticism and body control. His ball skills are some of the finest in the entire draft, as Thomas knows how to use his body and time his adjustments to snag poorly thrown balls down the field.
Thomas’ my-ball mentality is evident in contested catch situations, as he shows the concentration and aggressiveness to hang on despite contact from defensive backs.
Thomas is absolutely fearless over the middle of the field too, willing to take a big shot to hang onto the football.
Thomas’ elusiveness with Corey Coleman’s, but the big receiver is fully capable of making an impact due to his vision and physicality in the open field. Thomas constantly fights for every possible yard after each reception, rarely going down without a struggle. elusiveness with Corey Coleman’s, but the big receiver is fully capable of making an impact due to his vision and physicality in the open field. Thomas constantly fights for every possible yard after each reception, rarely going down without a struggle.
The bottom line is that Thomas is an extremely aggressive playmaker who will attack the football in the air, win contested catches, and make plays vertically down the field and after the reception that not many receivers in the NFL can match. You want that on your team.
The question will be, how quickly and efficiently can Thomas put himself in position to make plays of that nature at the next level. I think the tools are there for him to create separation in his route stem and releases more consistently, but that will absolutely need to be the no. 1 area of concentration for Thomas at the next level. Physically he’s capable of defeating press coverage regularly, he just has to be taught how to speed up his process in taking on jams at the line of scrimmage.
Is he a burner deep? Probably not, but Thomas has enough speed to be able to get over the top of a defense at the next level, and can separate in the air when he doesn’t get a step on his defender. The Southern Miss receiver’s hands fail him on simple catches at times, but you’ll sacrifice a few drops for the ridiculousness he offers on plays where you think he has no chance, yet comes up with the football. Also, he’ll block the crap out of opponents in the run game, showing the willingness and physicality you want to see.
===
yeah. mike doesn’t have tremendous deep speed, but he’s got tremendous body control, very good explosion. that makes for a good catch radius and he makes some ridiculous catches.
he just needs to get some confidence and consistency. i think consistency is a big knock on him as he’d drop easy catches but make the difficult ones in college.
I watched Matt Waldman video on Thomas. They mentioned that Thomas can play both sides and the slot. Now we have 3, Woods, Kupp, and thomas that can play all 3 WR positions. Thomas seemed to play mostly on the left side of the formation, X-WR. Spruce can probably play all 3 positions too.[/color]
znModeratorRICH HAMMOND
MOVING DAY
As expected, Rob Havenstein practiced as the first-team right tackle and Jamon Brown worked at right guard, as the linemen flipped the positions they practiced at during the first week of camp.
Both players are back at their natural positions, but McVay said he hasn’t yet decided how the right side of the line will look in Saturday’s preseason opener against Dallas.
“I can’t wait to go back and look at this (practice) tape,” McVay said, “because we did do a lot of blitz work and things where you can evaluate them and our protection calls and the communication up front, and you can also see what they’re doing in the run game.”
znModeratorHighlights from Monday’s Rams practice
RICH HAMMOND
link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/07/highlights-from-mondays-rams-practice-2-2/
A brief look at the Rams’ training-camp practice on Monday:
BIG MOMENT
After more than a week of training camp, quarterback Jared Goff had his “wow” moment. During 11-on-11 drills, Goff spotted rookie receiver Cooper Kupp heading to the back corner of the end zone and perfectly dropped a ball over cornerback Trumaine Johnson and into Kupp’s hands for a 25-yard touchdown.
INJURY REPORT
Receiver Mike Thomas returned but did not participate in full-team drills, but receiver Tavon Austin (hamstring) remained out.
On the defensive side, linebacker Robert Quinn and defensive lineman Michael Brockers returned to most drills, but safety Lamarcus Joyner remained out.
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
“The team is looking good. The offense is looking good. Jared is looking good. I’m just looking forward to making plays when my name is called.”
— Thomas, who is suspended for the first four games of the regular season.DEPTH CHART
The Rams released an unofficial depth chart in advance of their preseason opener against Dallas on Saturday, and it contained no major surprises.
Louis Trinca-Pasat is listed as a defensive line starter, because of Aaron Donald’s contract holdout and Dominique Easley’s knee injury, and Kayvon Webster is listed as the starting cornerback opposite Johnson. Kupp appears to have held onto a starting job at receiver.
GETTING STARTED
McVay reiterated what he said over the weekend, that the Rams’ starters likely would play one or two series against the Cowboys on Saturday.
“We’ll sit down and talk, the coordinators and coaching staff,” McVay said, “but any time you have that first preseason game, with the exception of a few guys, usually the guys you’re counting on to start will play anywhere from six to 10 plays.”
August 7, 2017 at 11:34 pm in reply to: Thomas Passes Physical, Marquez Waived, Rams lack vertical threat? Is it Thomas? #72064znModeratorThey liked Thomas in OTAs and were praising him before the suspension was announced.
Thomas had a rough rookie season (as rookie WRs often will) and then got suspended. Maybe these things weigh too much in our minds? Maybe it’s all drowning out what McVay was actually saying about him before the suspension. And in fact some draft gurus singled him out as a steal and potential sleeper.
Now I ain’t sayin he’s the new DeSean Jackson.
But it SOUNDS like he could just turn out to be a better deep threat role player than Avery or Givens. Which isn’t saying that much but heck, the Rams got something out of those 2 for a bit. It’s just that they were not complete enough receivers to get over the one trick pony problem…and maybe Thomas is more than that.
Here’s Goff on Thomas from BEFORE when the suspension was announced:
from Rams rookie receivers could push second-year pros for playing time
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-receivers-20170619-story.html
Thomas impressed during offseason workouts. He avoided drops and made several difficult catches.
“It’s all about relaxing,” he said, adding, “Last year, I was a little hesitant. … In Year 2, you got to step up.”
Thomas has done that, Goff said.
Goff again:
(On how much WRs Mike Thomas and Pharoh Cooper have grown)
“Tremendously. It’s the same type of thing that I was talking about with Todd. Maturity and continuing to grow. In talking about Mike, he’s kind of found a role for himself. He’s one of our faster receivers and can stretch the defense. I think he enjoys that role and understands that he’s going to be an over the top guy. It’s just a perfect role for him.And McVay:
from Five Questions for Rams Minicamp
By Myles Simmons
McVay has spoken highly of second-year wideout Mike Thomas, saying he’s been impressed with Thomas’ speed.
August 7, 2017 at 11:06 pm in reply to: Joe Curley & co. on new depth chart & different changes #72062znModeratorAnalyzing the Rams’ First Unnoficial Depth Chart
Myles Simmons
With the Rams’ first preseason game of the 2017 season coming on Saturday against the Cowboys, the club released its first unofficial depth chart on Monday afternoon.
There weren’t many surprises, though there are some notable names off the list. Here are three notes on what stands out.
1) Starting defensive line: Westbrooks, Brockers, Trinca-Pasat
Perhaps the most notable item from the depth chart is who isn’t on it. Because he still has not reported to camp, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is not listed on the depth chart. And because he’s on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending knee injury, Dominique Easley is also not on this depth chart.
Nose tackle Michael Brockers, defensive end Ethan Westbrooks, and defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat are the three listed starters on the defensive line. Brockers has been a starter for a while, so there’s no surprise there. Westbrooks has played 35 games in his career — with two starts in the 2016 season — recording 4.0 sacks.
But Trinca-Pasat has yet to play a regular-season snap. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Trinca-Pasat was a member of the Rams’ practice squad for nearly all of that season. Though he was signed to the active roster in mid-December, he was inactive for the year’s remaining games.
Then in 2016, Trinca-Pasat suffered a season-ending injury during the offseason program and spent the year on injured reserve.
Head coach Sean McVay has been complimentary of Trinca-Pasat’s performance throughout camp, saying last week, “I think when you talk about a guy that’s just doing things the right way, consistency, dependability, reliability — very physical player, hard to move, plays with a great low center of gravity, he uses his hands well even though he is a little bit stockier guy. So in the little bit that we’ve seen from him with the offseason program and then when you put the pads on, I think he has done a nice job for us.”
2) Where are the draft picks?
Again, keeping in mind that this is an unofficial list, wide receiver Cooper Kupp is currently the only rookie listed in a starting role. He’s listed ahead of Pharaoh Cooper, Paul McRoberts, Josh Reynolds, and C.J. Germany in his particular wide receiver spot. Robert Woods and Tavon Austin are the other listed starters at wide receiver.
Gerald Everett is listed behind Tyler Higbee as the No. 2 tight end. Defensive tackle Tanzel Smart is also listed with the second-team defense.
Samson Ebukam is a third-string outside linebacker behind Connor Barwin and Cassanova McKinzy. On the other side at OLB, Ejuan Price is listed behind Robert Quinn and Matt Longacre. And safety John Johnson is listed on the third-team defense.
Finally, one is the loneliest number: Sam Rogers is listed as the only fullback under the second-team offense.
3) Who will be the returners?
If there’s one mystery on Los Angeles’ depth chart, it’s who the returners might be in the preseason contests.
Tavon Austin is the only listed punt returner and he’s second string at kick returner. Austin, however, is currently day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Pharoh Cooper is currently the only other returner listed, as the first-team kick returner.
But with Austin currently sidelined, who might be back there?
“I think when you look at what Tavon’s been able to do and guys like Pharoh Cooper, so he’s definitely in the mix with that. And I think you saw Cooper Kupp did a great job back there catching some in the practice against the Chargers,” McVay said on Sunday. “But [special teams coordinator John Fassel] is one of the best in the league for a reason. He’ll do a good job of finding that and we’ll figure out how those guys fit into the mix based on how the way that our final 53 and our active game day roster shapes out.”
znModerator“chaos is a ladder” — i think those were the words the Three-eyed-Raven said to Little Finger, yes? …did he say that because once Little Finger said those words?
w
vYes.
Oh I also wanted to add.
The reason the Lannisters and Tarleys didn’t look as good against the Dothraki is because they were in the process of moving.
Moving takes a lot out of an army. They just weren’t in sync.
Plus of course it was a road battle.
And Dickon Tarly was a rookie.
znModeratorNew drinking game.
Take a shot every time McVay says “mindful.”
znModeratorRams Head Coach Sean McVay – August 7, 2017
(On if it would be safe to say that guys are really scrambling for positions at this point in camp)
“Yeah, I think you’re seeing a lot of good, competitive work, really from top to bottom on our roster. Now that we’ve gotten a little bit further into our installs, the nice thing is you can do a lot of unscripted work and kind of some situational stuff and I think it raises the level of competition where there was some good back and forth today and that’s the type of energy that you like to see from the team.”
(On what he saw from WR Michael Thomas)
“I think we wanted to be smart with (WR) Mike (Thomas), just getting him back out here for the first time, so just kind of running him on some routes and getting him on individual. We’re hoping that Mike will pick up where he left off in the offseason program and that was continuing to improve and become a more complete receiver. Like we talked about, I think you feel that vertical speed that he has, that gives us a nice option, an element in our pass game and looking forward to just kind of progressing and building with him as we move towards the season and knowing that we won’t get him back until Week 5. But, it’s good to get Mike back out here.”
(On if he will use Thomas in the preseason)
“We will and it’s going to be an interesting plan there too because knowing that you’re not going to have him for those first four weeks, you still want to get him that work knowing that he’s a part of our plans for the season if things go the way that we anticipate and getting him back Week 5. So, it’s a delicate balance of making sure that he gets the work that he can, but you’re also mindful that you’re not going to have him for the first part of the season.”
(On how frustrating it is going into your first preseason game without one of your best player)
“I think it’s been great to have the guys that are out here. I love the way that this team has competed. I think certainly anytime that you don’t have all your players here, that’s something that you always strive to have, but this is something that occurs in the NFL. Whether it’s (DT) Aaron (Donald) not being because of the holdout or whether we lose (DT) Dominique Easley for the season because of an injury, it’s kind of that next man up mentality like we have and I think the guys have done a good job. That Aaron situation is something that, like I’ll continue to say, we’re striving to find a solution, it’s very important to us, but in the meantime guys are getting better and we’ve got to move forward.”
(On what he’s seen from WR Cooper Kupp thus far)
“I see a mature rookie. I think one of the things that really impressed us about (WR) Cooper (Kupp), just watching him in college is that one of those receivers that sees the game through the quarterback’s eyes. He always has a plan at the line of scrimmage, understands coverages and route concepts and I think that’s what enables him to be such a productive player and very advanced for a rookie. He’s one of the more mature rookies that I’ve ever been around and we’re expecting some good things from him moving forward.”
(On if he likes where his team is at this point in training camp)
“I think we’re always striving to improve and I think the games and playing against other teams are your best measuring stick to see where you’re at. Going against the Chargers again on Wednesday, we’re all for that and then when we play the Cowboys on Saturday. I think we always are striving to just focus on one day at a time and if we do that, we feel like those incremental gains will lead to good things and that’s kind of what our message is to the team and that’s what the guys are doing.”
(On if he is formulating a plan for how much work certain players will get in the first preseason game)
“Absolutely. When you go into training camp you always kind of have your plan set out, a good month, month and a half in advanced. I think the biggest thing is, is we’re going to keep our training camp mindset and mentality with the exception of when you get a couple days out, being mindful of, ‘Let’s still get some competitive work.’ But then maybe towards the end of practice, getting some guys some Cowboys’ looks, some of the downline guys that’ll play the majority of the game, so that you put them in a position to have success. That will be our goal, but I think we’ll sit down and talk with the coordinators and the coaching staff. But anytime you have that first preseason game with the exception of a few guys, usually those guys you’re counting on to start are playing anywhere between six to 12 plays.”
(On how Havenstein and Brown looked yesterday compared to today)
“Yesterday was tough because it was strictly just a mental practice, so to be able to evaluate the physical tools and different things like that – you’re more focusing on the above the neck. Now, today I can’t wait to go back and look at this tape because we did do a lot of blitz work, some different things where you can evaluate them and our protection calls and the communication up front and you can also see what they’re doing in the run game. We know that (OL) Rob (Havenstein) has played productive tackle in this league in his career and I feel like (OL) Jamon (Brown’s) put some good stuff on tape at guard and really, if we feel like those guys do well then we’re trying to just figure out what the best spot is for them and that’s what this opportunity offers.”
(On if he’s decided how that will look on Saturday)
“We haven’t gotten that far ahead. I do know that from the right tackle, right guard position we’re going to let those guys do that for the next couple days and I think we’ll come back and revisit it after the Chargers practice and figure out a plan moving forward.”
(On what CB Kayvon Webster has done well in this training camp)
“Well, I think when you talk about getting (CB) Kayvon (Webster), it was very fortunate that (defensive coordinator) Wade (Phillips) had some exposure to him because the depth that they had at corner – he was an elite special teams player and in the limited snaps he did play he put good stuff on tape. But, I think since the day that Kayvon’s got here he’s represented great work, great player on the field, I think he’s been a huge addition to our secondary and you look at he and (CB) Trumaine Johnson, they offer a nice pair at the corner spot. I love the way that he works and he’s been a joy to be around.”
(On if Webster does start, how will he balance his special teams snaps)
“Unless something changes, he’s starting. He’s been very important to us, so I think you want to be mindful of that because he is such an elite special teams player. I think ‘Bones’ (special teams coordinator John Fassel) will pick and choose his spots when to utilize him, but he’s a starting corner that’s going to be very important for our defense moving forward.”
(On what his impressions of LB Alec Ogletree are so far and with Aaron Donald and Dominique Easley going down, how does that affect Ogletree)
“I don’t think it’s affected him at all. I think it’s really just demonstrated his leadership. The more I’m around (LB) Alec (Ogletree), the more impressed I am with him. He’s got a great presence, a great demeanor – you can just see the way that he goes about every single day how important football is to him and you just watch the guys rally around him because of what he’s done on the field, but also because of the way he carries himself on the practice field and in the meeting room. The more that I’m around him, the more that you want to be around guys like that and you feel like your defense is in good hands when he’s one of your leaders and guys always rally around him.”
znModerator“chaos is a ladder” — i think those were the words the Three-eyed-Raven said to Little Finger, yes? …did he say that because once Little Finger said those words?
w
vYes.
znModerator11 on 11 just started Havenstien at RT Brown at RG
not quite sure what to make of it. i’m guessing if havenstein starts this saturday it’s more than just experimenting.
More on all that, in this thread (just fyi): http://theramshuddle.com/topic/rams-still-tweaking-right-side-of-offensive-line/
znModeratorTomorrow, an off day for the Rams, is the deadline for players under contract to report in order to earn an accrued season for free agency. So, Aaron Donald will technically lose an accrued season. But it isn’t a big deal for him. Players need four accrued seasons to be unrestricted free agents. Donald entered this year with three and already had his fifth-year option picked up. He would basically have to also hold out past that deadline next year, too, for it to really affect him.
Alden Gonzalez, ESPN Staff Writer: http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0686350300168065471-4
znModeratorDowntown Rams @DowntownRams
Jared Goff hits Robert woods for two first downs in 11-on-11. Very quick and accurate passes towards the right sideline.
Cooper Kupp breaks away from Trumaine Johnson and catches a beautiful bucket throw from Jared Goff in the corner of the end zone.
WR Nelson Spruce just caught a pass from Dan Orlovsky to convert on 4th and long.
E.J. Gaines just broke up a pass intended for Robert Woods on a comeback route.
UDFA Justin Davis has caught two passes in a row from Sean Mannion.
Sean Mannion picked off by Michael Jordan on a long pass down the right sideline to close a 2 minute drill at the end of practice.
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VeteranRamFan
Practice is over. Finished with a two minute drill for both 1’s and 2’s. 2’s oline beat a lot by 2nd def. couple o sacks for sure. 1’s oline better but allowed sacks also.
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