Five Takeaways from Day 1 of Training Camp

Myles Simmons

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Five-Takeaways-from-Day-1-of-Training-Camp/db031a2d-0a09-4db8-ba28-f5dab964df70

The Rams began training camp with a lively practice on Saturday afternoon. Here are five takeaways from the session.

1) Everyone was amped

It might be obvious to say, but there was a lot of energy for the first training camp practice of Sean McVay’s tenure as Rams head coach. Because the players were not yet in pads, McVay said the session felt comparable to what the club was doing during OTAs and minicamp. But the fans provided a different energy to the action.

“I thought it was a great atmosphere out here,” McVay said.

“First day out here, however many fans we had, it was awesome,” quarterback Jared Goff said. “I think I speak for a lot of guys, everyone was a little bit anxious, everybody’s going a little bit fast. It was a good first day of camp.”

It wasn’t the first time McVay’s been on the field with the team as its head coach, but the first day of training camp did represent a checkpoint on the calendar as the regular season gets closer.

“I think going back to the team meeting last night and thinking back to our first team meeting in the offseason program, it feels like it is a little bit closer to reality,” McVay said. “That September 10th date and then getting to play the Cowboys in the preseason opener is really what you do this for and I think everybody has got a little bit more excitement.”

2) Johnson aiming to help the Rams win

Cornerback Trumaine Johnson will be playing the 2017 season under the franchise tag for the second year in a row. Once the July negotiating deadline passed, that became official.

Speaking to the media for the first time since, Johnson was asked about his contract situation. While he acknowledged being disappointed about not receiving a long-term deal, he said his mindset hasn’t changed.

“I’m here, still playing football. I’m still lacing up my cleats. I’m still putting my 22 jersey on,” Johnson said. “I’m blessed. I’m here to win games — that’s my goal. Point, simple, blank — I’m here to win games. I’m not worried about after the season. I’m here right now and my focus is on winning games.”

“Any player would want a long-term deal. I just didn’t get one,” Johnson added. “I’m not about to feel sorry for myself, be mad at it, and be selfish about it. It’s not about me — it’s about this team and winning games. And that’s what I’m here for.”

Wide receiver Tavon Austin went against Johnson in a few one-on-one drills during Saturday’s practice and said he hadn’t noticed any difference in the cornerback.

“Tru’s always going to be solid,” Austin said. “I feel like he doesn’t let anything else get to him when he’s on the field. We just play football, just like everybody else out there. That’s the main thing I like about Tru.”

3) Goff opening it up early

One noticeable element of practice was Goff throwing a number of deep passes. As one reporter pointed out during the quarterback’s press conference, that wasn’t really the case early on during last year’s training camp.

“We did a bunch in one-on-ones and I threw, I think, a couple during team [drills],” Goff said. “It’s a big part of my game and part of my game I like to think I’m pretty good at. I enjoy throwing the ball deep.”

Still, Goff acknowledged he’ll have to get the timing down with his receivers on those deep throws. He noted that with the first day of camp, his adrenaline was running and that may have been a factor for a couple of overthrows.

Nevertheless, there was one deep crossing route to wideout Robert Woods where Goff put just enough touch on it to get the ball over the defense and into the hands of his target. That play was likely a product of the time Goff and Woods put in during the summer, working out together in order to build chemistry.

4) Changing the terminology

Running back Todd Gurley kept it simple on Saturday when asked to take stock of what’s gone on in his first two seasons.

“It’s football. Everybody that’s been playing football [in the NFL], we’ve been playing our whole lives,” Gurley said. “It’s football — you catch it, you don’t turn it over, you score points, and you stop people from scoring points. That’s about it, honestly.”

True as that may be, when there’s a new head coach implementing a new offense, there’s plenty to learn — the different terminology being one example.

“Yeah, obviously this is a whole new system. We just had that five or six weeks off, so obviously things are rusty to everybody,” Gurley said. “That’s why we are having training camp and we are in meetings all day every day and on the field. We all made mistakes today. We’re going to learn from them and come back out here and make sure that we don’t make the same mistakes that we did yesterday and just keep getting better.”

It’s early and players are not in pads, so take the following with a grain of salt. But the offensive line created what appeared to be a few solid holes for the running back to rush through during the first practice on Saturday afternoon.

5) No update on Donald

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald remains absent from training camp as the Rams negotiate with his representatives on a contract extension. McVay said after Saturday’s session that there was no update as to when Donald may be back.

“I’m sure that when I go back and talk to [general manager) Les [Snead], [E.V.P of football operations] Kevin [Demoff], and [senior assistant] Tony [Pastoors] they’ve probably been in contact with [Donald’s representatives,” McVay said. “As of right now, we’re keeping those things in house and we’re optimistic and we’re really striving to find a solution to this.”

Even after adding camp arm, Ravens could still sign Kaepernick

Mike Florio

Even after adding camp arm, Ravens could still sign Kaepernick

On Thursday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh suggested that the team could sign quarterback Colin Kaepernick. And then the Ravens signed a player no one has heard from a team no one has heard of in a league no one has heard of.

On Friday, the brother of Kaepernick’s former coach in San Francisco confirmed that the door remains open for the free agent.

“It has to do with our need,” Harbaugh said Friday, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com. “Joe [Flacco] is day-to-day. Do we really need to make that move or not? That’s the decision that really has to be made. I think there are a lot of layers to it, just from a football stndpoint.”

Although many would say Kaepernick would be an instant upgrade over backup Ryan Mallett, Harbaugh seems to be committed to the one-time (for not a very long time) Texans starter.

“We like Ryan Mallett as the backup quarterback and he fits the offense,” Harbaugh said. “You just got to figure all that stuff out and see what’s best for your team. . . . [Kaepernick’s] body of work speaks for itself. From what I understand, he tells me he’s in first-rate shape and he’s been throwing. We’ll see how it plays out.”

It’s safe to assume that Kaepernick wasn’t offered the “camp arm” gig because he wouldn’t have accepted a minimum-salary deal and bottom-of-roster status. But it’s unclear whether the offer was made, and whether it would have been accepted.

Training Camp Report: Everything You Need to Know from Day 1

By Kristen Lago

http://www.therams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Training-Camp-Report-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-from-Day-1/00847163-3b6e-49c5-93a7-154666fb13ed
At long last, training camp is here.

The Rams opened up their 2017 training camp with their first official practice on Saturday afternoon at UC Irvine.

Though the team did not suit up in full pads, if Saturday’s practice was any indication, it should be an exciting month of football here in Orange County. Here are the biggest takeaways from Day 1.

TOP TAKEAWAYS

1. The Phillips’ era of defense is here

For the first time, the Rams’ defense publicly showcased its transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme under coordinator Wade Phillips.

The front line, led by Michael Brockers and Dominique Easley, looked strong up front, causing a few would-be sacks throughout practice. McVay praised the defense as a whole, anticipating the unit’s progression under Phillips’ instruction.

“When you’re able to get a great defensive look like what our defense created today it can only make you better offensively,” he said. “I think that’s great work. I think until you really put the pads on is when the true evaluations can take place with some of the things that occur upfront. But, I thought it was a good start for the defense as a whole.”

In addition to the line, the Rams’ secondary had a solid day. At one point cornerbacks coach Aubrey Pleasant physically and verbally expressed his excitement for the group’s progress, tossing his hat into the air and hugging cornerback Troy Hill after a pass deflection.

2. McVay makes a point to bond with players

Head coach Sean McVay has reiterated that one of his main goals throughout training camp is to build team chemistry and establish a new identity as an organization. And judging from Saturday’s practice, McVay is bringing that point to the grass.

He was not only out on field moving from the offense to the defense, but he even stepped in as a player at one point, lining up at outside linebacker to cover running back Todd Gurley.

“I like to get out and be active, otherwise I’ll probably gain a lot of weight,” McVay said with a laugh. “Then I had an injured quad in the offseason, so I have been rehabbing in my time off and I’m ready to run and play some DB for us now.”

“Today, he came out here healthy,” Goff said after acknowledging his head coach’s previous injury. “I was like, ‘Man, you’re moving around.’ He said, ‘Oh yeah.’ He’s back.”

3. Goff embracing leadership role

Goff was met with a series of chants and energetic applause as he took the field for his second training camp. The young quarterback looked composed throughout practice, communicating verbally with his team of receivers and running backs, while appearing more secure behind his offensive line.

“It’s night and day. I feel good. I feel comfortable,” Goff said of his first day. “Obviously, I have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do this year and I felt good today. I think you just grow, you get older, you have more experiences and you know how to carry yourself a little bit differently.”

Though there were still a few signs of Goff’s room for improvement as a young quarterback, including a couple of missed passes and miscommunications downfield, he did look more in command as the leader on offense. That’s a factor his teammates have noticed.

“On and off the field, he took more control of how we were working,” receiver Tavon Austin said. “Even when we’re in the huddle, he’s pulling it together. He’s talking to us, he’s pointing towards us on certain concepts when he’s telling us on certain [plays] to be ready. I like how he’s taking control of the huddle.”

FIELD-LEVEL OBSERVATIONS

– Austin, who was not involved in offseason workouts for the Rams after undergoing offseason wrist surgery was back for training camp today. He worked with the first-team offense and connected on a few deep routes from Goff.

– With Aaron Donald absent, Ethan Westbrooks was one of the players filling in at defensive end.

– Defensive back Lamarcus Joyner and safety Maurice Alexander, along with five other players were placed back on the active roster after being put on the PUP and NFIN lists last night.

– The first interception of training camp came from defensive back Aarion Penton, an undrafted free agent out of Missouri. The pick six came off of a pass from Dan Orlovsky.

– The cutest moment of today’s practice goes to McVay, who stopped to meet with a little boy on his way to the field.

During 11-on-11 drills, Goff connected with wide receiver Robert Woods on a deep crossing route downfield.

Goff later praised the receiver, calling him a “pleasant surprise” as an addition to the team.

“I knew he was a good player,” Goff said, “but I think the way he’s come out here and worked and the way he goes about his business has been a really cool thing to see.”

The two showed good chemistry for their first practice back on field, having worked out together during the break between the offseason program and training camp.

PRESS POINTS

After practice, Goff, Gurley, and McVay took the time to address the media. Catch up on three of their most interesting points after Day 1, and click here to find the full transcript.

JARED GOFF

On heading into his second season with the Rams: “I feel like you should feel going into year two. Ready to go. I think a lot of guys are ready to make the past the past and I think you just grow. Just knowing I’m the guy that they’re going to look to, It is my team to lead and my team to direct and control and command. I don’t take that lightly.”

TODD GURLEY

On if he thinks the new offense will make it easier on him: “I trust in the coaches. They have been doing a great job with putting in the offense and then obviously you have seen Coach McVay’s work in Washington,so I don’t understand why it wouldn’t be able to work here on this level. It is the same game, NFC. So, like I said, we are just coming out here every day trying to get better. We are trying to learn the system and make sure we master our technique.”

SEAN McVAY

On whether it’s a sigh of relief to get going with training camp: “I think we’re all excited to get out there and get going. I was really pleased with the walk-thru and the guys ability to retain some of the information from the offseason program. The installs go a little bit faster than they do in the offseason. So, we’re going to be on to day two tomorrow and it’ll be good to get out there and we’ll look at this tape tonight and make some corrections and be ready to move forward.”

With less drama and more to lose than McCain, two GOP women cast equally crucial votes on health bill

https://www.yahoo.com/news/less-drama-lose-mccain-two-gop-women-cast-equally-crucial-votes-health-bill-203951438.html

In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., cast the decisive vote against the Senate health care bill after midnight Thursday, telling reporters to “watch the show” to see where he stood on the bill. His vivid thumbs-down as he intoned his no overshadowed two of his Republican colleagues, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who had consistently opposed the Obamacare repeal in the face of pressure from the Trump administration and a (presumably jocular) threat of a duel from a congressman from Texas.

The three were joined by every Senate Democrat to sink the “skinny repeal,” the Republicans’ last-ditch effort to undo the Affordable Care Act. One Republican had to join Collins and Murkowski to avoid a tie that would have been broken with a yes from Vice President Pence. In the normal course, McCain would have voted before Murkowski, making hers the decisive third no, but when his name was called, the Arizonan was absent from the chamber. When he reappeared on the Senate floor, he strode directly to the clerk with his arm raised before casting the vote that elicited gasps from Republicans and applause from Democrats.

McCain, 80, recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with brain cancer, had returned to Washington at the beginning of the week and cast an equally decisive vote in the other direction, allowing a version of the Republican bill to proceed, before delivering a stirring speech calling for an end to the hyperpartisan and irregular manner in which the bill had been fashioned.

Collins and Murkowski have more quietly and more consistently opposed the various iterations of health care reform put forward by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and have been targeted as a result.

Last week, Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas, said in an interview, “Listen, the fact that the Senate does not have the courage to do some of the things that every Republican in the Senate promised to do is just absolutely repugnant to me.”

“Some of the people that are opposed to this — there are some female senators from the Northeast — if it was a guy from South Texas, I might ask him to step outside and settle this Aaron Burr-style,” he continued, apparently challenging Collins while referencing the 1804 shootout in which Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton. Collins said Farenthold later apologized.

Murkowski was called out by President Trump directly, on the commander in chief’s favorite platform. After she voted no on the motion to proceed Tuesday, Trump tweeted she had “really let the Republicans, and our country, down.”

26 Jul
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
The crowd in Ohio was amazing last night – broke all records. We all had a great time in a great State. Will be back soon!

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
Senator @lisamurkowski of the Great State of Alaska really let the Republicans, and our country, down yesterday. Too bad!

In the canon of Trump criticism, the tweet was mild. However, another member of the administration went further. Alaska Dispatch News reported that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke threatened to punish Murkowski’s state over her rejection of health care reform.

When Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., was asked about Trump singling out Murkowski, he said it was “perfectly fair,” before advocating a different approach to the matter.

“Somebody needs to go over there to that Senate and snatch a knot in their ass,” Carter said. The regional term “snatch a knot in” means “hit.”

Still, Collins and Murkowski broke with the majority of their party and with McCain defeated “skinny repeal,” ending — for now — the GOP’s effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. McCain’s vote received outsize attention partly because it was unexpected, but it still led many to argue the Republican women were being overlooked.

Jenny Yang @jennyyangtv
Giving McCain the credit for defeating this repeal when female Senators Murkowski & Collins were early NOs is EVERY WORK MEETING EVER.

Collins, Murkowski, and McCain have all released statements on health care reform, advocating for a more transparent and bipartisan process in addressing Obamacare’s flaws.

After the vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was visibly emotional while speaking about McCain on the floor of the chambers. Later, he told reporters, “Given his stature, his remarks at the beginning when he came in, moved everybody and I think that helped. He’s a hero. He’s a hero of mine.”

At a press conference this morning, he reiterated McCain was on “the top of the list” of people he credited with beating back Obamacare repeal, before referring to the less showy, but equally important, votes cast by Collins and Murkowski: “Certainly not to be forgotten, of equal praise, are Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. They were amazing and women are in so many instances stronger than men. They brag less about it, but they are. And last night sort of proved that.”

Rams second-year quarterback Jared Goff embraces his role as a leader

By Gary Klein

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-training-camp-20170729-story.html

He was one of the first players on the field, a solitary figure in a red No. 16 jersey stretching and loosening up as Rams teammates made their way out of the locker room at UC Irvine.

He took his place at the front of a line for team warmups, and then assumed control of the huddle under the watchful eye of a new head coach, who playfully lined up as a defensive back during a few drills.

Quarterback Jared Goff completed some throws and missed on others Saturday as the Rams opened training camp. But for the second-year pro, the first practice was really about asserting himself as a team leader from the outset.

“That’s a big deal,” he said, “just knowing I’m the guy that they’re going to look to. It is my team to lead and my team to direct and control and command.

don’t take that lightly.”

Goff’s mental state was a stark contrast from last year, when he arrived at camp as the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft but was relegated to second- or third-team reps and was brought along slowly by then-coach Jeff Fisher.

There is no debate this year. Goff, with seven games of experience and a stronger physical frame, is the starter.

“Night and day,” he said of the difference from last year’s camp. “I feel good. Feel comfortable.”

Much of the credit, Goff said, goes to his new head coach, Sean McVay.

Rams training camp
The best photographs from the first day of Rams training camp at UC Irvine.
“Anyone going from Year 1 to Year 2 has that natural jump,” Goff said, “but I think he’s done a great job so far of implementing the offense with myself and the rest of the team.”

McVay, 31, is the NFL’s youngest coach. He directed Rams practices during organized team activities and minicamps. But overseeing Saturday’s workout apparently felt a bit different.

“It feels like it’s a little bit closer to reality,” he said.

McVay’s success will be tied, in large part, to Goff.

Aaron Donald doesn’t show up, and remains the topic of conversation at Rams camp
On Saturday, Goff completed impressive passes to Robert Woods, Tavon Austin and rookie Cooper Kupp. He also connected several times with tight end Tyler Higbee. But “a little bit of adrenaline” caused him to overthrow some open receivers, he said.

“Up and down,” he said of his performance.

“The timing was probably a little bit off on a couple things,” he added, “but I thought it was good first day.”

Said McVay: “There was some good and some bad. I thought the defense created some pressure. The ultimate goal for the quarterback is we’ve got to find completions…. We’ll get it cleaned up.”

Last hurrah

Cornerback Trumaine Johnson shook off barbs from a couple of fans in the beer garden area of the facility, smiling as he approached them.

The Rams decided not to give Johnson a long-term contract this offseason, so he will earn nearly $17 million on the franchise tag and then become a free agent.

“I wanted it — I wanted it big-time,” Johnson said of an extension. “I believe the Rams are going in a different direction at the end of the season, and that’s out of my control.

“So I’m here, and I’m putting my jersey on, and I’m still lacing up my cleats. I’m happy. I’m here to win games and help this team win games.”

Johnson intercepted seven passes in 2015, but only one last season. The sixth-year pro is expected to start opposite either Kayvon Webster or E.J. Gaines.

“Any player would want a long term deal — I just didn’t get one,” Johnson said, but assured that it would not adversely affect his play.

“I’m not about to feel sorry for myself and be mad at it, and be selfish about it,” he said. “It’s not about me. It’s about this team and winning, and that’s what I’m here for.”

Former Eastern Washington star Samson Ebukam ready for the next step with Rams

Jim Allen

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jul/29/former-eastern-washington-star-samson-ebukam-ready/

IRVINE, Calif. – Eastern Washington fans have known it for years.

Now the Los Angeles Rams understand what made Samson Ebukam such a special player for the Eagles.

“He’s a freak, man,” said Rams assistant Chris Shula, who’s seen more than a few of them as a linebackers coach and the grandson of Hall of Famer Don Shula.

The occasion was Wednesday’s rookie move-in last week on the campus of UC Irvine. Practice opened on Saturday – another chance for Ebukam to prove himself despite being a surprise fourth-round draft pick at outside linebacker.

“All the work I’ve put in has finally paid off,” said Ebukam, freshly arrived from LAX and wearing a bright-red EWU visor. “If you really want something you have to go out and get it – there’s no silver spoon.”

Few know that better than Ebukam, who immigrated to America from Nigeria as a child and has been playing catch-up ever since. Now he’s catching quarterbacks and earning $751,000 per year.

That money is part of a four-year, $3 million contract, but only $495,000 is guaranteed, assuming Ebukam makes the Rams’ 53-man opening-day roster.

That much seems certain, or the Rams wouldn’t have moved up in the draft to snag him.

Asked what he liked about Ebukam, Shula replied, “What’s not to like? He’s a great athlete, a great guy, a smart guy. We’re excited to get to work with him.”

However, Ebukam isn’t exactly splashing his money around. Since rookie camp, he’s been training in Seattle to save expenses and is only now moving to L.A.

His biggest indulgence is a 2017 Dodge Challenger. It cost $25,000 and is the first new car the Ebukam family has ever owned.

His mom is getting a new car as well. “I just told her, ‘relax and let me take care of it,’” Ebukam said.

Now it’s time to take care of business.

There’s hard work ahead for a player that some experts foresee as a project. Eagles fans remember Ebukam as a consummate sack master at defensive end. Now he’ll have more ground to cover, starting with the Rams’ massive playbook.

“That’s what the coaches are telling me: Get into the playbook so you don’t have to think out on the field,” Ebukam said.

“If you think too much you get slowed down,” Ebukam said.

“I’m excited to get out there,” said Ebukam, who figures to start camp third on the depth chart at outside ‘backer in the Rams’ 3-4 scheme.

More than most positions, Ebukam’s demands instant reaction. “Players are telling me to get into the playbook, because that’s what they did. I just want to be like Peyton Manning, calling the blitzes before they happened.

PHOTOS: Rams Training Camp Day 1

http://www.therams.com/photos/photo-gallery/PHOTOS-Rams-Training-Camp-Day-1/e3c4f39d-ac47-4316-b4b6-1ada084f992f

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – July 29, 2017

(On how he thinks today’s practice went)

“Until you really go back and watch the tape, it’s always a little bit more difficult to tell. But, I thought the defense did a nice job creating some pressure on the quarterbacks and on the back end, they were all contested throws. I thought it was a good day by the defense, but until you go back and look at the tapes, it’s always hard to say exactly how it went.”

(On whether it’s a sigh of a relieve to finally get going)

“Yeah, I think we’re all excited to get out there and get going. I was really pleased with the walk-thru and the guys ability to retain some of the information from the offseason program. The installs go a little bit faster than they do in the offseason. So, we’re going to be on to day two tomorrow and it’ll be good to get out there and we’ll look at this tape tonight and make some corrections and be ready to move forward.”

(On Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips not scaling back with defense and if the offense benefits from seeing that kind of pressure)

“Absolutely, when you’re able to get a great defensive look like what our defense created today it can only make you better offensively. I think that’s great work. I think until you really put the pads on is when the true evaluations can really take place with some of the things that occur upfront. But, I thought it was a good start for the defense as a whole.”

(On WR Tavon Austin’s health and how Austin looked to him)

“I thought he looked good. He is fully healthy right now. I think there’s still just a little bit…he’s still working to get full range motion on that wrist. I thought it was good to see him out there competing. He made some tough catches and you like the way you see him finish on a consistent basis.”

(On how Austin looked running his routes today)

“He did good. Again, until you really go back and look at the tape, it’s hard to get a true evaluation. But just from looking at it from afar, I thought there was some good things from him and we know that we’re always going to strive for that continuous improvement.”

(On his evaluation of QB Jared Goff on his first day)

“I think there was some good and some bad. I thought that the defense created some pressure. I think the ultimate goal for the quarterback is we’ve got to find completions. I think the defense did a nice job make of making things tough on him today. We’ll look at it. We’ll get it cleaned up, but it was some good and some bad.”

(On his first training camp practice as a head coach and if it was any different than OTAs)

“I thought it was a great atmosphere out here. It was very similar to what our OTAs were. The only thing we were able to do was a little bit of matchup drills kind of in the individual period. But in terms of the format, it was exactly like we had done in OTAs. So, it felt similar with the guys competing. I thought having the fans out here and just being out here in Irvine, it’s been a great atmosphere.”

(On if DL Aaron Donald not being there took away from opening day of camp)

“I think anytime your best player’s not there you always would feel better if he was. But, I don’t the players were affected by it. We certainly would love to have Aaron here. That’s something we’re constantly working on to try to resolve and find a solution. But, I don’t think him (not) being here affected guys’ ability to compete and try to be their best today.”

(On if there are any updates regarding Donald’s situation)

“There’s not. I’m sure that when I go back and talk to (General Manager) Les (Snead), (Chief Operating Officer) Kevin (Demoff), and (Senior Assistant) Tony (Pastoors) they’ve probably been in contact with them. As of right now, we’re keeping those things in house and we’re optimistic and we’re really striving to find a solution to this.”

(On the difficulties of evaluating when the players don’t have pads on)

“I think especially when you just talk about some of the movement upfront. Being able to fit when you can strike those pads and get your hands inside from a lineman. Being able to do some different things and carrying those pads especially when you’re throwing the football or catching it. It creates a different reaction and guys have to get comfortable doing that because that’s how we play on Sundays.”

(On if there was added excitement for him today knowing that this is the run up to his first regular season as a head coach)

“Yeah, I think there was. I think going back to the team meeting last night and thinking back to our first team meeting in the offseason program, it feels like it is a little bit closer to reality. That September 10th date and then getting to play the Cowboys in the preseason opener is really what you do this for and I think everybody has got a little bit more excitement.”

(On if he’s always played DB with the wide receivers at the beginning of practice)

“Yeah, I think it is good. I like to get out and be active, otherwise I’ll probably gain a lot of weight. Then I had an injured quad in the offseason, so I have been rehabbing in my time off and I’m ready to run and play some DB for us now.”

(On if he has a timetable on RB Lance Dunbar getting on the field)

“You know what? That is a good question. Right now, Lance is on PUP (Physically Unable to Perform list). We’re continuing to monitor him. It is a specific situation with the injury that he did have on that knee a couple years ago. We want to be smart with that. But in terms of a timetable, we don’t have one right now.”

(On if he is uncertain if Dunbar will be available during training camp)

“We’re not exactly sure. We’re optimistic. But again, we don’t have an exact timetable. We’re kind of monitoring him day-to-day. (Director of Sports Performance) Reggie (Scott) and his staff are kind of giving us updates and Lance is doing exactly what he’s asked of.”

(On what he makes of the pace of practice and if that’s how he likes it)

“Yeah, I think so. I thought guys were running on and off the field. I thought that we did a good job of protecting ourselves, but playing smart. There’s always going to be a couple things where there is a little bit of contact on the back end or up front that you want to avoid, especially without the pads on. But overall, it felt like it was a good tempo and going back to look at the tape will ultimately tell us that.”

(On if he has any contact rules for RB Todd Gurley or anyone else on the team)

“I think we do a good job with our tracking systems of kind of monitoring the amount of distance that these guys are covering and especially with guys like Todd, we will be aware of that. But in terms of the restrictions, I think it is good for him to be out there with his teammates, getting that work. He is a guy that is motivated and doing all of the things the right way. I think that having one of our leaders out there competing with his teammates is what we want right now.”

***

Rams QB Jared Goff – July 29, 2017

(On his feeling of this year’s first day of training camp compared to last year’s first day)

“It’s night and day. I feel good. I feel comfortable. Obviously, I have a really good idea of what we’re trying to do this year and I felt good today. There’s a lot of things we need to clean up, but I think it’s mainly just timing-wise. When you get back on the field with the guys you want to get that timing back and I think that’s what we saw, was a little bit off on the timing, but besides that, I thought it was a good day. Really no mental errors that I saw when I was out there with my guys. Yeah it was great.”

(On how difficult it is to transition into learning the terminology)

“It’s just different words. I think they do a good job of setting it up in a way that they keep it easy for us to remember, easy for everyone. It’s been a joy learning. It’s been a lot of fun.”

(On his relationship with Head Coach Sean McVay)

“It’s been great. I first met him in the interview and ever since it’s been better and better. I have a really good relationship with him – very good open communication with him about how I’m feeling, how he’s feeling, plays I like plays I don’t like, same back with him, plays he likes. We communicate very well and that’s my favorite part about him probably, is the way he’s able to communicate with not only me, but everyone else on the team.”

(On Coach Sean McVay being the reason he feels more comfortable this year)

“Yeah, he’s definitely a big part. I think anyone going from year one to year two has that natural jump. I think he’s done a great job so far of running the offense with myself and the rest of the team.”

(On how he feels about his performance today)

“It was up and down. I felt okay, like I said there were no mental errors. I had some good throws, I had some bad throws. There was a little adrenaline, I led some of those guys for a couple of yards. Besides that it was good. Like I said, the timing was probably off on a couple of things, but I thought it was a good first day.”

(On throwing a lot of deep routes today)

“They did a bunch of one-on-ones and I threw a couple during team (drills). It’s a big part of my game and part of my game I like to think I’m pretty good at. I enjoy throwing the ball deep.”

(On getting ramped up for training camp)

“Yeah of course, first day out here, however many fans we had. It was awesome. I think I speak for a lot of guys, everyone was a little bit anxious, everybody’s going a little bit fast. It was a good first day of camp.”

(On how the pace that Coach McVay coaches with compares to what he’s used to)

“Like I said, I think he’s done a great job. I think all of the way through OTAs up until now he’s done a tremendous job not only running the offense, but managing us on the field. He continues to do a good job with us. It’s been fun.”

(On Coach McVay being efficient)

“He’s very efficient. Very efficient, very smart, great communicator and he’s a lot of fun to work with.”

(On Coach McVay dropping into coverage covering the running backs in practice)

“He probably won’t tell you guys, but he had a bum quad early on in OTAs, so he couldn’t move too much. Today, he came out here healthy. I was like, ‘Man, you’re moving around’. He said, ‘Oh yeah’. He’s back, he’s back.”

(On having a head coach that is also going to call plays)

“I think so. I think that’s definitely a good thing to have as a quarterback. He’s obviously the leader of the team and for him to be the guy calling the plays is very helpful for myself and the offense.”

(On what to work on over the next couple of weeks)

“I’ll say it again, I think the timing. Just being sharp on timing, staying on time and getting rid of the ball when you need to and the receivers and myself continue to get on the same page.”

On how he likes the new receivers)

“Great, real good. I think Robert (Woods), and Cooper (Kupp) and Josh (Reynolds), forgive me if I’m forgetting anybody, have done a great job. I think Robert has been a pleasant surprise. I knew he was a good player, but I think the way he’s come out here and worked and the way he goes about his business has been a really cool thing to see. It’s good to see and same thing as Cooper, he’s a tremendous player who works his ass off and smart as hell.”

(On how he feels after offseason lifting)

“Growing, more mature, stronger, more confident and everything in between. I feel good. I feel like you should feel that in year two and I’m ready to go. I think a lot of guys are ready to make the past the past and is a new trend this year.”

(On how he matured)

“I think you just grow, you get older, you have more experiences and you know how to carry yourself a little bit differently. I don’t know if there’s any examples. Just as you get older, I can tell that with myself and the way I’m able to communicate with my teammates a lot better.”

(On knowing that this is his team from the beginning)

“Yeah, that’s a big deal. Just knowing I’m the guy that they’re going to look to, It is my team to lead and my team to direct and control and command. I don’t take that lightly. I’m trying to put a lot of pride into that and try to do my best.”

(On how much different the team is this year)

“We’ll have to wait and see, excited to get the season going, but right now I feel really good. We have a new team this year with new energy, new culture and a new perspective. Like I said, excited to make the past the past, and start a new future.”

(On DT Aaron Donald not being out there with the defense)

“Yeah, it makes our job a little easier.

(On how he thinks Donald not being here impacts the team)

“That is something that Aaron is dealing with. We obviously support Aaron fully and he is dealing with that and I know the front office is dealing with it as well, hope to get that done at some point and Aaron will be excited to get back. I know that he wants to be nowhere but here, but he is dealing with that right now and get that done.”

(On if he has communicated with Donald at all)

“I haven’t personally. But the guys have said that he is excited and ready to go.”

***

Rams RB Todd Gurley – July 29, 2017

(On the enthusiasm surrounding the team under new Head Coach Sean McVay)

“I’m excited. It is the first day back at football, so there are no more breaks from here on. We are all excited. It is going to be a long year, so we take it day-by-day and get better.”

(On what is different for him heading into year three)

“Nothing, just trying to get better every day – learn this offense as much as possible and try to make everybody better around me, including myself.”

(On what he learned from his first two NFL seasons)

“It’s football, everybody that has been playing football has been playing our whole lives. It is football – you catch it, you don’t turn it over, you score points and you stop people from scoring points. That’s about it, honestly.”

(On if the rules of contact that were placed on him last training camp are the same this training camp)

“I don’t make the rules, I just go out there and play football.”

(On if he heard anything about players not hitting him or touching him)

“Oh, they know better. They better not touch me – nah, I’m just kidding (laughs). Like I said, I am on this team and I have played football my whole life. I play running back – I can’t cry about not getting hit.”

(On if he goes back and looks at tape on previous years or if he always just looks ahead)

“Obviously you need to go back and critique yourself and see the things that you do good and see the things that you need to work on. That is just watching film, period, game film, so that always helps out a lot. But particularly that helps out more if you are playing Seattle and I need to go look at what I did last year against Seattle or the year before. Just studying tendencies like that.”

(On if he thinks this offense will make it easier on him)

“I don’t really guess. I trust in the coaches. They have been doing a great job with putting in the offense and then obviously you have seen Coach McVay’s work in Washington, so I don’t understand why it wouldn’t be able to work here on this level. It is the same game, NFC. So, like I said, we are just coming out here every day trying to get better. We are trying to learn the system and make sure we master our technique.”

(On if he has seen a noticeable difference in the offensive line with the additions of T Andrew Whitworth and C John Sullivan)

“Obviously, (Andrew) Whitworth is a great guy. He has been in this league for a while and there is a reason why he has been in this league. ‘Sully’ (John Sullivan) was with Coach McVay a little bit last year. They are all good. Like I said, we all have a lot to get better on. It is just the first day and we will watch film today and just keep getting better every day.”

(On how long it can take to learn the tendencies of some of the new offensive linemen)

“Most of it is reactions. A lot of time in football you know what you want to do, but it doesn’t go that way. As a running back, for us it’s more just instincts and reaction. But like you said, just knowing what those guys are going to do from the beginning is a major help, so obviously understanding that and being able to be on the same page as those guys is just going to help everybody together.”

(On the biggest difference between QB Jared Goff now and the Goff from last training camp)

“It is only the first day of training camp, so I really can’t tell you much. I haven’t really watched the film of practice yet. But I know he has been working his tail off every day, everybody has. Like I said, we are just going to keep trying to get better every day.”

(On terminology being one of the biggest adjustments he has to make from last year to this year)

“Yeah, obviously this is a whole new system. We just had that five or six weeks off, so obviously things are rusty to everybody. That is why we are having training camp and we are in meetings all day every day and on the field. We all made mistakes today, we are going to learn from them and come back out here and make sure that we don’t make the same mistakes that we did yesterday and just keep getting better.”

(On his relationship with Coach McVay and Coach McVay’s relationship with Goff)

“Yeah, he has been doing a great job of just communicating, making sure that we all know our stuff. Just knowing that it is a process – we learn something today and he is not expecting us to go out there and be the greatest of all-time at it, so he works with us. He has a great relationship with us and we respect him as a coach and we trust him. That is all we can do, is just go out there and listen to the coaches and put our work on film.”

(On Goff’s confidence this year being different than last year)

“He has always been the same guy – a cool, chill, mellow guy. He doesn’t say too much, but he just goes out there and works. He is always going to be the same guy.

As camp opens, Trumaine Johnson knows the end is near between him and Rams

By RICH HAMMOND

link: http://www.ocregister.com/2017/07/29/as-camp-opens-trumaine-johnson-knows-the-end-is-near-between-him-and-rams/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

IRVINE — Trumaine Johnson wore a Rams jersey Saturday. He talked about winning games for the Rams. He signed a couple hundred autographs for Rams fans, and even greeted one who heckled him.

Yet there’s a subtext now clear to everyone. Johnson won’t be with the Rams after this season.

The Rams, for a second consecutive offseason, tagged Johnson as their franchise player, a designation that included a guaranteed one-year contract worth almost $17 million. Johnson often said he hoped to sign a long-term contract with the Rams, but that deadline quietly passed on July 17.

“I wanted it. I wanted it big-time,” Johnson said. “I believe the Rams are going in a different direction at the end of the season, and that’s out of my control. So I’m here, and I’m putting my jersey on, and I’m still lacing up my cleats. I’m happy. I’m here to win games and help this team win games.”

On a day when star defensive tackle Aaron Donald officially began his training-camp holdout, as his agent negotiates a new, massive contract, the Rams welcomed Johnson, even if things are a bit awkward.

A divorce between the Rams and Johnson, their top cornerback, is imminent, but the first day of camp at UC Irvine showed that the sides seemed to have reached an understanding. The Rams will pay Johnson well — nearly $17 million — and he be a good teammate and won’t verbally snipe at the team.

That’s not to say Johnson is thrilled. Asked, in several different ways, about his mindset, Johnson said, “I’m here to win games,” a phrase he repeated eight times in a four-minute interview.

“Overall, any player would want a long-term deal,” Johnson said. “I just didn’t get one. I’m not about to feel sorry for myself or be mad at it and be selfish about it. It’s not about me. It’s about this team and winning games. That’s what I’m here for.”

Johnson could have become a free agent after the 2015 season, but the Rams used their franchise tag on him then, and again in 2016. In the process, the Rams lost starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins to free agency, but made it clear they hoped to sign Johnson, a Stockton native, to a new contract.

It appears that never got close. Rams officials said, during the offseason, that they wanted to wait to see how Johnson “fit” in the team’s new defense before they made a long-term commitment, and no deal got done after OTA practices ended in June.

The Rams technically could resume contract talks with Johnson after the final game of this season, but that seems unlikely, especially to Johnson. Asked why he believed, so firmly that the Rams are going in a different direction, Johnson told a reporter, “You’re smart. You’re very smart, man. I mean, come on.”

The disappointment didn’t seem to impact Johnson on the field Saturday. He celebrated with teammates during what was a strong practice for the Rams’ defensive backs, and at one point, during a break of practice, Johnson caught ear of a fan who heckled him to “earn his money.”

Johnson walked over to the fan and shook his hand, then spent nearly 30 minutes after practice signing autographs for fans who lined the field.

“I like playing with the fans,” Johnson said. “I don’t mind it at all. I like interaction, bad or good. I don’t let that phase me at all. I smile and give them a handshake. `God bless you.’ It’s all good.”

NO SHOW

As expected, Donald did not attend Saturday’s practice and officially has been listed by the Rams as “active/did not report.” Coach Sean McVay said he did not have any update on the Rams’ negotiations with Donald.

“Any time your best player is not there, you always would feel better if he was,” McVay said, “but I don’t think the players were affected by it. We certainly would love to have Aaron here. That’s something we’re constantly working on to try to resolve and find a solution, but I don’t think him (not) being here affected guys’ ability to compete and try to be their best today.”

This is a very good article and McVay comes up in it.

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