Sean McVay credits Giff Smith for Rams’ growth on defensive line

Brock Vierra

Sean McVay credits Giff Smith for Rams’ growth on defensive line

During Monday’s press conference, Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked about defensive line coach Giff Smith and how Smith has empowered veterans to take up leadership roles within the team.

Smith was hired by the Rams this offseason after spending eight years with the Chargers. Smith was the interim head coach for the Bolts during their last three games of 2023.

Here’s what McVay had to say.

“I’ve known Giff for a long time when he recruited me when I was in high school to Tulane. He was the one who recommended Eric Henderson to me. He’s a great coach. He’s a great mentor. I was even talking to Joey Bosa about it at the Chargers practice because he coached Joey for a handful of years and he was saying, ‘He’s this amazing guy.’ Sometimes you hear the word ‘players’ coach,’ and it can mean they’re not hard on guys. That’s the exact opposite. He loves these guys. He really invests in the relationships. That enables them to know that when he’s going to be challenging and demanding of them. ‘Hey, I’m going challenge you to be what you can be.’ They’re receptive to that. They respond. He has such a great feel for being able to empower guys. I can’t say enough good things about what I’ve witnessed and how grateful I am that he’s here. AC Carter’s another great coach who’s working alongside him. I think that’s why you’ve seen good growth from our young group. A lot of guys have progressed in the right direction, which is a real sign of great leadership from him.”

Relationships are everything in football and it seems the one Smith and McVay have has helped build new connections within the organization.

Los Angeles Rams@RamsNFL
Rookie Kam Kinchens believes he’s a do-it-all safety, and has the ability to showcase that in Chris Shula’s defense

Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Insight from pass game coordinator/assistant HC Aubrey Pleasant on how Kinchens has established himself as a contributor; Kinchens explains why he likes the defense.

Pleasant: “I think he’s grown a little faster than maybe what we would’ve expected, but that’s a good thing.”

Role obviously still TBD, but Kinchens is on the right track in terms of developing into someone the Rams can count on this year

Oldie but goodie. Baldinger on Rams in 2021 NFC title game.

…

How the Rams Took Down the 49ers in the NFC Championship | Baldy Breakdowns

from https://ramblinfan.com/posts/rams-backup-offensive-linemen-could-force-team-to-carry-10-on-roster-01j56hvsj1sy
.

the team addressed the depth of the offensive line in the 2024 NFL Draft. There were no indications that highly-regarded rookie prospects would fall to the Rams at a spot where their selection made sense. But in the case of Arkansas IOL Beaux Limmer, projected to be selected as early as Round 3, his plummet to Round 6 made his selection an easy decision. And per Rams reporter Stu Jackson, that suited Limmer just fine:

“Best case scenario. I mean, he played what I did at a super high level, and he’s gonna be able to catapult me into the next level I’m trying to go to, and teach me all the in and outs of the position. He knows it because he played it. Super blessed and super excited to be coached by Coach Wendell.””

Beaux Limmer

McVay: ‘Arrow is pointing up’ with Matthew Stafford (hamstring tightness); Kamren Kinchens will return to practice and be full go

Stu Jackson

https://www.therams.com/news/matthew-stafford-injury-update-hamstring-tightness-preseason-2024-kamren-kinchens-puka-nacua-alaric-jackson-rob-havenstein-jonah-jackson

The Rams haven’t decided yet if quarterback Matthew Stafford (hamstring tightness) will practice Monday, but head coach Sean McVay on Sunday said the “arrow is pointing up” with Stafford and he “isn’t concerned” about the injury.

“I’m not concerned based on what I understand the tightness is, and erring on the safe side of caution for this week if that’s what we end up having to do,” McVay said.

Los Angeles has withheld Stafford from practicing since the second half of last Wednesday’s joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys as a precautionary measure. McVay said Stafford “can throw and do some of those things,” but indicated the decision on Stafford practicing had to with “just some of the movement, if he’s feeling good.”

McVay also isn’t concerned because of Stafford’s experience accumulated over the course of his career.

“He’s going to be ready to be ready to go and to prepare against Detroit,” McVay said. “And if we miss a couple days this week, if that’s the approach that we take on the safer side, he’ll still have two and a half weeks of preparation for Detroit.”

Meanwhile, rookie defensive back Kamren Kinchens, who did not participate in last week’s joint practice the the Cowboys or play in Sunday’s preseason game, will return to practice this week and be a full participant, according to McVay. McVay did not specify what the injury was that kept Kinchens out, but said withholding him from practice was just a precautionary measure.

“He’s done a great job,” McVay said. “It was really one of those deals that we didn’t feel like it was necessary to expose him to possible injury. He’s going to be a guy that’s going to be a factor for us. And so, until he was feeling all the way back to health, that was why we erred on the side of caution, and we expect him to get a full workload with the two practices here, and then the one on Thursday against the Texans.”

As for the group of players currently week-to-week with their respective injuries – wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) and offensive linemen Alaric Jackson (ankle), Jonah Jackson (shoulder) and Rob Havenstein (ankle) – McVay said there’s “nothing finite as it relates to those guys,” but “they are looking more and more positive especially as it relates to starting to gear our focus toward Detroit in the near future.”

Rams preseason takeaways: Stetson Bennett bounces back in victory over Chargers

Gary Klein

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-08-17/stetson-bennett-easton-stick-rams-chargers-preseason

Here are five takeaways from the Rams’ 13-9 victory over the Chargers in Week 2 of the NFL preseason Saturday at SoFi Stadium.

Stetson Bennett comes through again

A week after delivering a game-tying touchdown pass in the final seconds against the Dallas Cowboys, Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett connected with receiver JJ Laap in the fourth quarter for a 47-yard touchdown that proved to be the game-winner.

Bennett had said he wanted to build on the positives and eliminate the miscues that plagued him during the 13-12 win over the Cowboys, including four interceptions. And for the most part, he achieved his goals. He completed 17 of 31 passes for 213 yards with an interception and a fumble.

“Overall the operation and the execution was better,” Bennett said.

Bennett clearly benefited from playing the entire game against the Cowboys and from taking second-team reps during a joint practice with the Cowboys last Wednesday.

Facing a Chargers defense without star edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James Jr., but one that included several starters early in the game, Bennett avoided most decision-making errors but could not avoid a costly interception.

After the Rams recovered a fumble in the third quarter, Bennett drove the offense to the one-yard line. But defensive back Deane Leonard intercepted a pass in the end zone.

Bennett, however, bounced back in the fourth quarter, finding Laap behind coverage to give the Rams a 13-9 lead.

Bennett, who did not play last season while on the nonfootball injury/illness list, said he continues to learn from mistakes.

“When you don’t play football for so long, you want it to be perfect,” he said. “But you kind of gotta make those mistakes to learn from it. As much as I don’t want to do that, it is good that some things like that happen.”

JJ Laap comes up big

Laap, an undrafted free agent from Division III Cortland, showed his speed and concentration to haul in Bennett’s long pass in the end zone.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like that, honestly, my entire life,” Laap said, “and I was just thinking, ‘Go make a play.’ And I came down with it so, man, that was awesome.”

Laap caught two passes for 50 yards on a day when rookie receiver Jordan Whittington once again showed he can contribute to the receiver rotation. The sixth-round draft pick from Texas caught five passes for 52 yards.

Xavier Smith also appears certain to make the roster. He had five catches for 45 yards and also returned two punts for 50 yards.

Defense remains stingy

The Rams’ defense, facing an offense that featured several starting receivers, did not give up a touchdown for the second consecutive game.

Safety Jason Taylor II had another strong performance, making two tackles and recovering quarterback Easton Stick’s fumble at the Rams’ one-yard line to end a first-half drive.

Taylor was slowed during training camp last year because of injury. So “it feels great” to be playing well.

“Last year, I remember I was fighting and struggling just to try to get back on the field,” he said, “and going into the season like this feels 1,000% better.”

Cornerback Jaylen McCollough intercepted a pass that tipped off the hands of a receiver in the second quarter. Lineman Carlos Watkins, signed last week, sacked Luis Perez and forced a fumble that was recovered by edge rusher Ochaun Mathis.

Kicker Joshua Karty nearly perfect

The Rams last week cut kicker Tanner Brown, meaning coach Sean McVay has complete confidence in Joshua Karty, a sixth-round pick from Stanford.

Karty, who kicked two field goals and the game-winning extra point against the Cowboys, on Saturday kicked a 48-yard field goal that put the Rams ahead, 3-0. His 43-yard field goal in the third quarter tied the score, 6-6.

But he missed wide right on a 52-yard attempt in the fourth quarter.

Aubrey Pleasant coaches Rams to victory

McVay turned over coach responsibilities to Pleasant, and the Rams’ assistant head coach delivered a win.

Pleasant, who oversees defensive backs, thanked McVay and the organization “for believing in me,” he said.

“You can’t underestimate what it means to be a head coach,” Pleasant said, citing his preparation for communication with officials, understanding challenge rules, sideline decisions and other elements.

Taylor and other defensive backs said Pleasant communicated well with every position group.

“It was amazing,” Taylor said. “Especially for the DBs, he’s our leader. So to see him lead and do a great job leading not just the DBs but the whole team, it was amazing.

“A great moment.”

From the Chargers game thread:

zn wrote:

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue

Impressed with WR Xavier Smith

…Xavier Smith continues making plays, as he has all camp.

On Smith:

from Deadpool, 2023: 

Xavier Smith – a 5′-9″ Return guy with a ton of speed. I think he was the MVP of the HBCU Bowl. Electric little jitterbug. He may be the return specialist.

from https://www.nfl.com/prospects/xavier-smith/3200534d-4982-6503-a392-dc0478d8bcb3

COLLEGE Florida A&M

HEIGHT 5’ 9’’

WEIGHT 174 lbs

Overview

Slender speedster with the potential to be used as a gadget option and return man. Smith has the burst and vision to handle jet sweep looks. Also, he has the athleticism and separation potential to become a better route runner. Finishing contested catches could be an issue and he might not offer as much deep-throw value as expected due to average ball skills. Whether he is drafted or not, Smith’s return ability and speed will gain him entry into a camp and give him a chance to find a home on a roster.

Strengths

• Blazing breakaway juice to separate from coverage.
• Gadget option who can catch, run jet sweeps and even throw it.
• Above-average combination of body control and explosiveness.
• Excellent footwork and focus catching near the sideline.
• Big burst gear once the ball is in his hands.
• Has experience as both a punt and kickoff returner.

From https://www.lafbnetwork.com/los-angeles-rams-newcomer-turns-tide-game/

[DL Carlos] Watkins was drafted by the Houston Texans. After playing out his rookie contract he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to a two-year $2.8 million deal. He spent last year with the Arizona Cardinals but was limited due to a bicep injury, playing in fewer than 10 games for just the second time in his seven-year career.

Midway through the 3rd quarter of the Rams’ preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers made his presence felt. Luis Perez dropped back to pass the ball from their own 36-yard line on a 3rd and 4. Watkins quickly flushed Perez from the pocket. Watkins caught the QB in a bear hug, pinning his arms to his waist which dislodged the ball. The fumble was recovered by Ochaun Mathis.

At the time the game was tied 6 to 6. With great field position, the Rams drove to the one-yard line, but an errant pass by Stetson Bennett was intercepted on a 4th and 1. Apart from the last-second mistake, Watkins set the Rams up perfectly.

from  https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/rams-chargers-whittington-bennett-best-worst-players/?taid=66c15bac76c56400017dbdc5&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=twitter

WR Jordan Whittington

Mike LaFleur made it sound like the Rams might rest Whittington this week but he ended up playing and playing well again. The rookie receiver caught five passes for 52 yards in the first half alone, including a 24-yarder over the middle on third-and-3. All he does is make plays and he’s seemingly carving out a role for himself in the receiving corps.

…

LB Omar Speights

Ramblin’ Fan@RamblinFan
Rams have the lead.
Rams have the football
2:00 minute warning

Rams 3rd down and 2 yards to go at 41-yard line

Rams 13
Chargers 9

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Boston Scott puts the game on ice with a 34-yarder on third-and-2!

LA Football Network@LAFBNetwork
Chargers QB depth chart is a NIGHTMARE! ?? With Herbert as the only reliable option, LA is in crisis mode.

Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Stetson Bennett with his 6th turnover of the preseason so far.

jak1998@jalexanderk2000
both turnovers today were avoidable with play calling.
1. 4th and 1 at 1 yard line- run the ball. also- no one was open so you take a chance. fine w it, bad call.
2. up 4 in the 4th after a td. bennett is done- good day. run the ball. DO NOT PASS. we drop back and he fumbles…

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Stetson Bennett’s last 3 drives:

– INT in the end zone
– Beautiful 47-yard TD pass
– Bad fumble while scrambling

we are on a roller coaster folks

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Impressed with WR Xavier Smith, ILBs Jake Hummel and Omar Speights, Jaylen McCollough and the OL twos today. There are definitely depth spots in competition at those positions. Also, Carlos Watkins looks (it’s early on) like he’ll be a solid reserve/rotation DL.

Xavier Smith continues making plays, as he has all camp.

Stetson Bennett takes his shot deep to JJ Laap, and it’s a great throw and catch for a 47-yard TD. Omar Speights with the ol’ “runaway train tackle” on special teams right there – good play by the ILB looking to have an impact in that phase
.
Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Omar Speights has 2 TFL on this series. He is having a really good day. Want him to make this roster badly.

Ramblin’ Fan@RamblinFan
After limping off the field, Xavier Smith has been going nuts on punt returns. 2 punts returned for 50 yards

Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Idk what the Rams’ plan is for Tutu Atwell on special teams, but Xavier Smith has looked really good as a returner. 19-yard and 34-yard returns today already.

Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
Xavier Smith: Brandon Powell 2.0