Rams defense brings the energy in productive joint practice with Cowboys

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5690359/2024/08/08/la-rams-practice-defense-cowboys/?source=emp_shared_article

OXNARD, Calif. — The fights didn’t escalate, the injuries seemed minor and the energy was very high on the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive field as they practiced against the Dallas Cowboys’ offense Thursday.

Though the sides clashed on multiple occasions after some post-play extracurriculars (and plenty of trash talk, especially from rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse, and from an injured Derion Kendrick on the sideline to the point where defensive coordinator Chris Shula walked over to talk to him), nothing too intense happened and the joint session was extremely productive.

“It was good to be able to get the work,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “We got a lot of reps for our first group(s), ended up on both sides of the football and didn’t have any sorts of issues, and that was the goal.”

The only potentially concerning moment for the Rams came when rookie defensive tackle Braden Fiske, a projected starter who has had an outstanding camp, left the field with an athletic trainer. McVay said he was informed by vice president of communications Artis Twyman that Fiske got poked in the eye, and did not seem concerned. Fiske did not return to practice.

I stayed on the Rams’ defensive field for the entire practice (after spending last week’s joint practice with the offense). The Cowboys have more lenient rules for credentialed media in that the practice is fully open to film and therefore more details can be shared (where usually I would not be able to share specifics about play-by-play, position rotations, etc. during team periods). Also, it’s important to keep in mind that coaches agree upon camp rules in that players can’t tackle to the ground (significant on run plays) so there were a lot of first-contact “thud” plays without full wrapping from defenders.

Here were my notable takeaways and plays, mostly from the first-team Cowboys offense against the first-team Rams defense:

• Running back Rico Dowdle opened the first 11-on-11 period with a run around the left side, and quarterback Dak Prescott hit a quick pass to tight end Jake Ferguson on the next play. Prescott (who is missing No. 1 receiver CeeDee Lamb due to an ongoing holdout) connected with Ferguson on underneath concepts or passes in the flat several times. Verse ended the first series by breaking up a short pass to the left side — which was almost an interception.

• Cornerback Jerry Jacobs, who was signed in late July because starting cornerback Darious Williams is recovering from a hamstring strain, is already getting work in with the second team and even took a few snaps with the first team. Similarly, rookie safety Kamren Kinchens would often take the last snap or two in a first-team defensive series, then play the full second-team series.

Kinchens had one of the best practices of any player. He had a deep pass breakup while with the first-team defense, and a physical stop near the goal line in the red zone 11-on-11 period (also with the first team). He tipped a pass in the same period, but with the second team, that inside linebacker Troy Reeder slid under for a takeaway.

“He’s a really conscientious player already,” McVay said, “you look at the amount of ball production he had at Miami, you look at what a tough player he is. He understands the game, he recognizes concepts.”

• Verse had an extremely active day. In the second “1s” period, he looped around to help the inside linebackers fit one run and then dug inside on another. Verse was also one of the more vocal players on the field.

“He talks, which I like,” Prescott said, smiling. “He can talk. But he was a great player, he was back there. To be able to talk, you better be getting back there and making plays — and he did that. A little exchange, (I) told him, ‘Good job, keep playing.’ Obviously, he’s a young player. Very talented — that jumps off the tape.”

Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott found a hole in the left side for a longer run, and then Prescott hit veteran receiver Brandin Cooks on a midrange crosser. Prescott and Cooks connected several times Thursday.

• More on the safety rotation: John Johnson III and Kam Curl started deep in one of the Rams’ typical/base looks. Safety Quentin Lake manned the “star” position, where he’s taken real ownership through camp (but has shifted back deeper at times as well). Kinchens and Russ Yeast appear to be the first two substitutions at safety and star. Yeast had a pass breakup from the slot on the second team but gave up a catch to receiver Ryan Flournoy.

• On the third “1s vs. 1s” series, the Rams’ defensive line stopped another Dowdle run at about 2 yards. Inside linebacker Ernest Jones made a savvy play on the next snap when he simulated a pressure, then dropped to where Prescott could see him in the middle of the field and moved laterally as Prescott moved his pocket to see if he could find a running lane (Jones’ positioning took this away). Prescott targeted Cooks again instead of scrambling, but the throw was incomplete.

• On the next play, tackle Chuma Edoga false-started and was pulled for a substitute, who was bulled by Fiske (the play was ultimately a run to the right side, away from Fiske). Prescott threw another incompletion after pressure flushed him right; his receivers were covered downfield.

• Johnson recovered a fumble by Elliott in the next series. Prescott connected with Cooks again as outside linebacker Byron Young got knocked down by a Dallas lineman. A few plays later, Rams defensive lineman Kobie Turner got into a light tussle with center Brock Hoffman. On the next snap, Prescott targeted receiver KaVontae Turpin down the right sideline with Lake in coverage, and the pass fell incomplete. Turner also batted a red zone pass.

• Prescott’s best throw of the day (to Cooks) was off a rollout to his left, and deep down the sideline with Cobie Durant in coverage. Durant also was very sticky in coverage against Cooks across the back of the end zone in a red zone period, but Prescott fitted the ball to Cooks for a touchdown. Jones got in the backfield on the next play but was flagged for a face mask foul on his run stop. Prescott hit receiver Jalen Tolbert on a quick underneath slant, then tried a deep shot to receiver David Durden that was a little long but might have been catchable had Curl not leaped high in the air with a hand outstretched to try to disrupt the ball. He didn’t touch it, but the movement blocked Durden’s vision on the ball. Elliott broke another run afterward.

• Overall, though it’s hard to completely tell without players being able to wrap completely on their tackles, the Rams had an up-and-down day against the run but were active and productive as a pass-rushing group as well as in their defensive backfield and didn’t allow many explosive pass plays. They are a better front with Fiske on the field and aligned next to Turner, but nose tackle Bobby Brown III has also had a really solid camp. Prescott also got the Rams’ defenders a couple of times on well-executed run fakes.

• In other news and notes, McVay said he would prefer that backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo not play in the preseason unless Garoppolo told him otherwise. McVay never risks injuries for starters or key backup players in the preseason. Third-string quarterback Stetson Bennett will get the bulk of the snaps.

Outside linebacker Brennan Jackson, left tackle Alaric Jackson, left guard Jonah Jackson and Williams did not practice though were present for the session. Right tackle Rob Havenstein, who is also injured, was not in attendance.

Tight end Hunter Long appeared to bang up his hand on a special teams play so I will keep an eye out for him at Friday’s practice.

Cornerback Tre Tomlinson and running back Boston Scott had good reps as return specialists in the new kickoff format. The Rams are trying a few players there, including Scott and Tomlinson, receivers Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson and Xavier Smith and running back Kyren Williams. There is a long way to go for every NFL team in figuring out that phase.

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Ten Rams takeaways after conclusion of training camp, first joint practice

Jourdan Rodrigue

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5685024/2024/08/07/la-rams-camp-takeaways-matthew-stafford-braden-fiske/?source=emp_shared_article

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Yes, you read that dateline correctly.

The Los Angeles Rams are back at their (former?) temporary (yet still lingering?) practice facilities for at least a little while longer since permitting delays have kept them out of their new (also semi-permanent) facilities in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Trudging up the snakehole-pockmarked front drive in 94-degree heat only reiterated the point: Training camp is over. The real “dog days” are here. This time last year was when head coach Sean McVay really built his 2023 team, which far exceeded the expectations placed upon it entering the season. Between grueling days at Cal Lutheran — importantly, away from fans’ cell phone videos and prying eyes — and upcoming joint practices with Dallas, Houston and again with the Chargers, these semi-nomadic Rams will get their most crucial schematic and conditioning work of the entire year throughout the next two weeks.

Training camp at Loyola Marymount, plus their first joint practice in El Segundo, Calif., against the Chargers, still provided a lot to chew on. Here are 10 things I think:

1. I think I’m more worried about ankle injuries to offensive linemen — and starting left guard Jonah Jackson’s shoulder — than I am about receiver Puka Nacua’s knee.

McVay confirmed that Nacua will be week-to-week after landing on a bursa sac (a small fluid pocket in the knee) and bursting it during Sunday’s joint practice. He expects Nacua to be ready not just for the season opener against Detroit, but also for the game prep beforehand.

“Nothing serious, nothing structurally — he’ll be in good shape and he’ll recover,” McVay said after Tuesday’s practice. “We’ll be ready to go, no threat of anything for Detroit.”

McVay was less definitive about the three injured starters on the offensive line — left tackle Alaric Jackson (ankle), right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) and Jonah Jackson.

“I’m going to take it a little bit at a time,” said McVay, when I asked him whether he believes all three linemen would be back by the opener. “I certainly am not ruling that out, so that’s a good thing.”

Backup right tackle Warren McClendon is playing through an ankle injury (also suffered Sunday). Depth guard KT Leveston has an ankle injury as well, and left Sunday’s practice in a walking boot after accidental contact from a teammate. The Rams signed tackles Conor McDermott and Matt Kaskey, and interior lineman Alec Lindstrom on Tuesday.

2. I think the Rams’ safeties are going to be very, very good.

Because Kam Curl has a huge range at the position, and because the Rams could field veteran John Johnson III or rookie Kam Kinchens (who really put things together in the final few days of camp) alongside him, they can deploy Quentin Lake in a variety of roles including where he showed major potential in 2023: dime linebacker and “Star.” They have depth here, too, because Johnson or Kinchens could back up a more traditional two-high look between Lake and Curl, while giving Lake position flexibility when they get on the field. All of the safeties have been making plays and covering a lot of ground in practice. That speaks to one of the strengths of defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who used to coach the position and help scouts with talent identification.

3. I think after this season quarterback Matthew Stafford will either come back to the table with the Rams, or work with them to explore his options elsewhere.

The recent adjustment to Stafford’s contract (which prevented a holdout), per Over the Cap, moved $5 million forward from 2025 and lowered the cap charge for 2024 by $3.33 million, although his cap number is $46.1 million. Stafford also received $40 million fully guaranteed at signing (which includes his $23.5 million salary in 2024), and a $4 million roster bonus in 2025.

Functionally, while the contract guarantees more guaranteed money this year, it leaves future years much more up in the air. If Stafford stays healthy and plays well in 2024, he could re-negotiate again with the Rams and I believe they would be open to that — although within reason in accordance with their own salary cap. The team will have multiple contracts coming due after the 2025 season, including starting center Steve Avila, starting defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young, and starting receiver Nacua. They will have to seriously consider how much they are willing to pay a quarterback who will be 38 years old entering the 2026 season.

However. I believe that Stafford’s camp leaking to NFL Network back in April that he wanted more guaranteed money on his deal (equating to more guaranteed years), which McVay confirmed was true at that time, was a signal to the Rams and 31 other teams that Stafford feels he will earn those guarantees for multiple seasons with his play. If he doesn’t stay healthy in 2024, that mindset could change. But if he feels good, I think he will want to play football — and he’ll be able to find a fit, whether in L.A. or elsewhere.

4. I think Braden Fiske had the best training camp of any Rams player (but that certainly doesn’t take away from a strong showing by rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse).

Camp obviously started with no pads. So I watched Fiske’s feet (ultra-fast) and hands (usually correct in their placement and leverage). When pads came on, Fiske was as-advertised and used a combination of speed, technical work and power to make multiple plays each day. Meanwhile, Verse’s size and speed make him look like a seasoned professional. The Rams have three outside linebackers who impressed in camp (Verse, Byron Young and Michael Hoecht) and on the inside, Fiske and Turner are playing well together while Bobby Brown III has also had a solid camp. Desjuan Johnson’s play energy also stands out, though he will always have a steep hill to climb as a former “Mr. Irrelevant” draft pick.

5. I think the Rams need to do what they can to keep Avila at center, despite health concerns along the line.

Avila has spent the entire offseason working at understanding the position as a professional player, though previously excelled there in college. McVay said the Rams aren’t afraid of potentially moving him back to left guard as needed, in light of injuries and depth concerns at multiple positions along the offensive line. Avila told me he has gotten a much better grasp of all of the calls and adjustments he needs to make as a center, and he and Stafford have not had any issues with the exchange overall.

But it’s one thing to get a handle on a position change that significant, and another to build confidence and even an edge at the position against live opponents. Avila will be a franchise offensive lineman for the Rams, but in my opinion consistency and sustainability at such a core position is good for both team and player. Just because they can move him, doesn’t mean they should.

6. I think inside linebacker is far too thin behind Ernest Jones.

Jones is backed up by Christian Rozeboom and Troy Reeder, both of whom have plenty of experience but in a vacuum would not be full-time players. Jake Hummel has a lot of speed, while Olakunle Fatukasi, the second-year linebacker out of Rutgers, has notable size at the position and has flashed potential more than once.

7. I think injuries elsewhere and a very strong tight ends room will continue to push McVay toward more 12 and 13 personnel.

The Rams have three versatile tight ends, all who were very active either in rotation or combination throughout camp. Even when the linemen return, helping them onboard back into active games may mean they get more help from capable blockers at tight end and receiver, and without Nacua on the field right now Stafford will look for other targets — he clearly trusts Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen.

8. I think I can handicap the wide receivers room, if the season started today:

Cooper Kupp, Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, Jordan Whittington, Tyler Johnson, Xavier Smith.

The Rams may only need to roster three tight ends for now, because Tyler Higbee (Physically Unable to Perform list) is expected to return middle-to-late season. For that reason, they potentially could get away with sneaking Smith onto the initial roster. He has had a great camp and could be a return specialist.

This is a crucial year for Atwell to make his presence more felt on the field in a consistent manner. The Rams received trade calls on Atwell ahead of last year’s deadline, multiple league sources said at the time.

9. I think the Rams could keep four running backs on the roster, because veteran Boston Scott and third-year player Ronnie Rivers are solid depth behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, and also because Scott and Rivers excel on special teams.

10. I think the Rams have found their kicker.

At LMU, the kicking unit was usually on the makeshift partial field behind the main field and out of the view of fans and reporters. Only Sunday and Tuesday (and moving forward, now that the Rams are back at CLU) could rookie Josh Karty truly be observed. He did not miss a kick on either of the two days — 7-of-7 from a variety of distances including 48-plus and 50-plus yards. Time will tell how he (or any kicker) will handle the new kickoff.

zn wrote:

Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue The Rams signed OL Conor McDermott and Matt Kaskey, the team announced. More depth as starters heal, and a push for those currently trying to compete in those depth spots after a tough Sunday. The Rams say they also signed OL Alec Lindstrom

from the wiki

MATT KASKEY, OT

Born:	March 17, 1997 (age 27) Winnetka, Illinois, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Weight:	325 lb (147 kg)

Professional career

Los Angeles Rams (first stint)

Kaskey signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft. On August 31, 2019, Kaskey was released by the Rams as part of final roster cuts.

Carolina Panthers

On September 24, 2019, Kaskey was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad. On November 12, Kaskey was released by the team, but re-signed on December 4. He was promoted to the active roster on December 21, 2019.

On September 6, 2020, Kaskey was waived by the Panthers and re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was elevated to the active roster on December 19 and 26 for the team’s weeks 15 and 16 games against the Green Bay Packers and Washington Football Team, and reverted to the practice squad after each game. He was promoted to the active roster on December 28, 2020.

On August 17, 2021, Kaskey was waived/injured and placed on injured reserve. He was released on December 21.

Birmingham Stallions (first stint)

Kaskey signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL on December 13, 2022.He was released from his contract on August 8, 2023, to sign with an NFL team.

Los Angeles Chargers

Kaskey signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on August 9, 2023. He was waived on August 29.

Birmingham Stallions (second stint)

Kaskey re-signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL on November 6, 2023. His contract was terminated on August 5, 2024.

Los Angeles Rams (second stint)

Kaskey signed with the Los Angeles Rams on August 6, 2024.

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ALEC LINDSTROM, OC

Born:	July 7, 1998 (age 26) Dudley, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	300 lb (136 kg)

Lindstrom signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He was waived on August 30, 2022, and signed to the practice squad the next day. On September 17, 2022, he was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad. On November 15, 2022, he was placed on the practice squad/injured list.

On January 23, 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys. He was waived on August 29.

Memphis Showboats
Lindstrom signed with the Memphis Showboats of the UFL on January 24, 2024. His contract was terminated on August 6, 2024.

Los Angeles Rams
Lindstrom signed with the Los Angeles Rams on August 6, 2024.

InvaderRam wrote:

we’ll see. in an ideal scenario, that’s what happens.

Well apparently it ain’t happening.

from https://ramblinfan.com/posts/les-snead-steps-up-as-the-la-rams-rumored-to-reinforce-roster-for-2nd-time-01j4jpz93r43

One player whose name stuck out as struggling to contain Chargers elite pass rushers like Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa was backup RT Warren McClendon. McClendon did see some action in 2023, but it seemed that he is not quite ready to step up and handle the starting role in the absence of Havenstein. That poor performance ignited rumors that Rams GM Les Snead would take immediate action.

Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT@jmthrivept
Puka Nacua injured. Looks like it could be a right PCL sprain or patella bone bruise if it’s strictly impact related with the ground. Seems minor. He jogged off after.

Rams Bros.@RamsBrothers
PCL sprain is a 10-day recovery time, bone bruise would probably put him in the “week to week” category. It’s encouraging to hear a) he jogged off after the play and b) stayed in uniform for the remainder of the practice.

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content:

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link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aQaAwEfQcQYG1rAOuXPQd

2022 wrecked the OL with massive injuries, as we know.

They started over in 2023, adding Avila and Dotson, and hiring Wendell.

We looked forward to a top OL in 2024, especially after they added Jackson.

But we forgot that the Rams new OL  is so new, it has no depth. Or, rather, the depth is so young that no one has a bead on them. Behind the starting 5 are rookies and 2nd year players, and low-round developmental players (and Noteboom, who has his own injury history).

So do this summer’s injuries hurt the OL? Well yes, on one side of the coin,  it does. But on the other side of the coin, it also allows them more time to develop the depth. Guys like McClendon, Limmer, and Bruss…and? who knows? Right now, we’re not even sure who it is.

But if you have to develop depth in a short time, better to do it during the summer. All 3 of the injured OL–A.Jackson, J.Jackson, and Havenstein–will be back during the season. And when they’re back, they will have more experienced depth behind them, guys who have more experience and are better known by the coaches.

I don’t think it’s a 2022 situation, where they started up to 16 different players. I think it’s the difference between a potentially great line (which it still can be when the starters are back) and a potentially solid line (which it could be up until the starters are back).