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znModeratorStu Jackson@StuJRamsRams DC Chris Shula on takeaways from joint practice w/ Chargers: Liked how defensive front showed up & competed against “really good” offensive line, physical run scheme and different stuff than they’re using to seeing compared to Rams offense.Also happy with secondary, noting the “excellent” job Cobie Durant and Tre’Davious White did playing “calm” on the outside at cornerznModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Got ?s about this (esp. from fantasy football community) so want to reiterate: When I say I expect an increase in 12 personnel, I am NOT at all saying the Rams will change their identity from an 11P team. They are very hard to defend. I am saying, all 3 TEs are playing at ahigh level here, they are rotating and combining frequently, and they are all doing a lot of things. I am saying, at some point – whether from a reaction to defensive scheme, injuries or simply continuing to be multiple on offense – there will be a point where they SHOULD run
more of that grouping, and they can with these guys, and I think they will. Fin
znModeratorStu Jackson@StuJRamsOn the Rams signing 3 offensive linemen today, McVay said KT Leveston and Warren McClendon both sustained ankle injuries in Sunday’s joint practice with the Chargers. McClendon was pushing through it.znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Sean McVay says Puka Nacua (knee) is week to week but anticipated him being ready for prep for the opener and for that opener.Landed on a bursa sac, per McVay.
Stu Jackson@StuJRamsMcVay on Nacua: “Really just had a little bit of a bursa sac, kind of burst it. And it’s just going to be week-to-week with him. Nothing serious, nothing structurally.” Expects him to be ready to prep for season opener.znModeratorJourdan 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.
…
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.znModeratorJourdan 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
znModeratorwe’ll see. in an ideal scenario, that’s what happens.
Well apparently it ain’t happening.
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.
znModeratorMike Garafolo@MikeGarafoloThe #Rams are expected to sign veteran OL Conor McDermottfrom the wiki
….
Personal information Born: October 19, 1992 (age 31)
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) Weight: 305 lb (138 kg) New England Patriots (first stint)
The New England Patriots selected McDermott in the sixth round (211th overall) of the 2017 NFL draft.[5] He was waived on September 2, 2017.
Buffalo Bills
On September 3, 2017, McDermott was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills.
On October 3, 2019, McDermott was waived by the Bills.
New York Jets
On October 4, 2019, McDermott was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets.
On November 20, 2020, McDermott signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets.
On September 1, 2021, McDermott was placed on injured reserve. He was activated on November 13. In a December 26 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, McDermott recorded the first touchdown of his career, catching a pass from Zach Wilson to extend the Jets’ lead in the game.
On March 9, 2022, McDermott re-signed with the Jets.
McDermott was waived during final roster cuts on August 30. He was released on October 17 and re-signed to the practice squad.
New England Patriots (second stint)
On November 22, 2022, McDermott was signed by the Patriots off the Jets practice squad. He was named the starting right tackle and started the final six games of the season.
On February 22, 2023, McDermott signed a two-year contract extension with the Patriots. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023. He was released on September 8. The Patriots re-signed him to the practice squad on October 17, 2023. He was signed to the active roster on November 25. On April 29, 2024, McDermott was released by the Patriots.
znModeratorMike Garafolo@MikeGarafoloThe #Rams are expected to sign veteran OL Conor McDermott, sources say. The former sixth-round pick of the #Patriots out of UCLA, who started five games last season in his second stint in New England, returns to SoCal to help provide depth to a banged-up offensive line..Rams Bros.@RamsBrothersThis makes sense. #Rams needed offensive line depth in light of the recent injuries and Conor McDermott has familiarity with Mike LaFleur from his time with the Jets..Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueAfter Sunday’s practice it’s unsurprising to see them bring in reinforcements while starters healAugust 6, 2024 at 1:11 pm in reply to: Stafford. You know, that Mark Stafford guy, the quarterback #151617znModeratorESPN’s Dan Orlovsky and Mina Kimes were discussing top quarterbacks in the NFC, and Matthew Stafford makes Orlovsky’s list as the number one quarterback. Mina Kimes agreed that Stafford is in fact the best quarterback in the conference as the rest of the list features Jordan Love, Brock Purdy, Kirk Cousins and lastly Jared Goff at five.
znModeratorJeff 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.znModeratorLA Football Network@LAFBNetworkEssay: Jim Harbaugh Demands Accountability From His Players But Refuses Responsibility For Michigan Violations: https://t.co/GpHIa9iZs0znModerator
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content:
Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueEpisode 1 of “The Playcallers: Bonus Batch” features a wide-ranging conversation with Rams OC Mike LaFleur– The playbook he always kept– His best (worst?) Matt LaFleur story– “Aha” coaching moments– Developing the run game with Sean McVay and more…
link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aQaAwEfQcQYG1rAOuXPQd
znModeratorAdam Schefter@AdamSchefterMore injuries in LA: Rams standout WR Puka Nacua is now considered week to week after suffering a knee injury this weekend that one source described as “not serious.”znModerator2022 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).
znModeratorArash Markazi@ArashMarkaziSean McVay said post practice he wasn’t sure why Puka Nakua left early and he said the new kickoff is unlike any play he has ever seen in football, and doesn’t think we will know the full impact until the regular season starts as teams hold back their plans during the preseason.znModeratorznModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Sean McVay said post-practice Rams have “way higher standards” than some of the things he saw on offense in a practice ft. a lot of tipped and batted passes. Brought up turnover-plenty Raiders joint practice in ‘21 and said he expects team to similarly respond the right way.Rams having some ball security issues in this team period (1s and 2s going against Chargers defense)
Much cleaner play this period from the Rams first team offense and a lot of concept diversity and skill player rotations
Both 1s sides (Rams O Chargers D) getting good work in
znModerator10 Observations from Rams’ first 2024 joint practice: Plenty of learning opportunities for offense vs. Chargers defense
Stu Jackson
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The Rams conducted their first joint practice of the 2024 preseason on Sunday, hosted by the Chargers at their facility. Overall, the day was characterized by a Rams offensive performance that head coach Sean McVay indicated wasn’t up to that unit’s standards, plus extensive work on the new kickoff format.
Before diving into those items, some important context:
For this first joint practice, I spent the majority of the time watching the Rams offense. Given the health situation with the Rams’ offensive line – starters Alaric Jackson (ankle), Jonah Jackson (shoulder) and Rob Havenstein (ankle) are all currently week-to-week – I was primarily interested in seeing how that unit would perform against a Chargers pass rush led by edges Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
The Chargers this past Thursday (Aug. 1) announced quarterback Justin Herbert was “diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot”; thus, he did not participate in Sunday’s joint practice. Backup Easton Stick instead led the Chargers’ first-team offense against the Rams’ first-team defense.
With that in mind, here are 10 things that stood out from the session:
1) Puka Nacua exits practice early with unspecified injury: McVay post-practice said he’s “not sure” what happened to the second-year wide receiver and didn’t have an update.
2) Braden Fiske also exits practice early and doesn’t return, but only for precautionary reasons: According to McVay, this was because the team wanted to play it safe with the rookie defensive tackle after Fiske got “a blister the size of his foot.”
3) Deflections and bat-downs: Both Rams quarterbacks passes that were deflected and batted down; Matthew Stafford had two interceptions that were caused by passes deflected by one Chargers defensive back and corralled by another.
On another play, Stafford completed a short pass to rookie running back Blake Corum, who fumbled the ball after making a move upfield and having the ball knocked loose by a Chargers defender.
“Our job is to be able to get this roster ready to go, and we’re going to continue to focus on that,” McVay said post-practice. “But make no mistake about it, some of the things I saw, particularly offensively, got way higher standards, all right, than what we looked like today, consistently down in and down out.”
4) Good test for McClendon: Warren McClendon Jr. has been filling in for Havenstein at right tackle, and he faced a stable of venerable pass-rushers between Bosa, Mack, Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu.
Given he’s watching all 22 players and usually focused on what the defense is doing, he said he’d be able to better evaluate McClendon after getting the chance to watch film. At first glance, though, McVay thought McClendon “did some good things when he was at the point of attack.”
“But anytime you go against premier players like that, and then bud Dupree and Tuli are also rotating on their edges, they got four guys that are legit players,” McVay said. “So I think that’s excellent. You know, I think Warren is continuing to mature, but I’ll go back and look at it. But there were some good things, and then there’ll be some things that when I’m just isolating on him, when you have a chance to slow it down – my eyes are sometimes in some different place.”
5) Extended look at the new kickoff format: A good chunk of time was understandably spent on the new hybrid kickoff format. The Rams kicked first in the first period of that work, then returned kicks in the second period of it. The Rams experimented with lots of different tandems at returner – up to two are allowed inside the 20.
McVay said post-practice that the preseason will not give teams an indication of what this kickoff looks like, given teams that may have some creative schematic things planned likely won’t show it.
6) One hand: While the offense had its challenges, there were still some good moments. Tight end Colby Parkinson and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson each made an impressive one-handed catch near the sideline during team drills.
7) Stafford to Nacua and Allen: One play that drew some “ooohhs” from the crowd was a laser Stafford fired over the middle to Nacua, who quickly snared the ball out of the air to make the catch during team drills.
Stafford also had an impressive completion to tight end Davis Allen in redzone work, fitting the ball through a tight window to get it to him. Allen got crunched by Chargers defenders but still held on.
8) Kinchens continues to string strong practices together: Rookie defensive back Kam Kinchens had a takeaway in each of the Rams’ final two training camp practices; on Sunday, he was in coverage denying a Stick deep ball down the sideline.
9) Intercepted by Curl: Defensive back Kamren Curl came up with an interception on a separate deep pass by Stick during team drills.
10) Redirecting: Corum did have a nice run during team drills where he initially went right, then cut back left for a big gain.
Stafford said overall he felt like the Rams’ running backs did a great job of finding creases when they got their opportunities on Sunday.
znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueRob Havenstein has an ankle injury per Sean McVay and is week to week; he says it is not season-ending..McVay also downgraded Alaric Jackson (ankle) from “day to day” to “week to week” Rams starting LT, LG and RT all “week to week” right now.znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueThe Rams are “five or six” days behind on their Woodland Hills facility, per COO Kevin Demoff so they will be back at CLU through the end of the preseason. They also have four upcoming joint practices at the other teams’ location..This had more to do with receiving certain permits than it did with field readiness, he added. Rams will be in Houston 4 days and that is when support staff can essentially pick up org and move it down to the valley. And for those wondering – McVay will have two windows.znModerator10 Observations from Rams’ August 3 training camp practice: Final day sees defense create three takeaways, but offense still has its moments too
Stu Jackson
LOS ANGELES – The eighth and final open practice of 2024 Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union took place Saturday, featuring a trio of turnovers caused by the defense.
Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:
1) Still no Alaric Jackson or Rob Havenstein: Head coach Sean McVay said after practice that the offensive linemen are both “week-to-week”; for Jackson, this was a downgrade from day-to-day. McVay also clarified that Havenstein has an ankle injury, but the injury is not season-ending.
Offensive lineman Jonah Jackson (shoulder) remained sidelined; McVay this week said Jackson is week-to-week.
2) First takeaway: The first of three turnovers caused by the defense came courtesy of defensive end Desjuan Johnson, who intercepted a Jimmy Garoppolo screen pass intended for running back Boston Scott, momentarily juggling the ball before gathering it and returning the pick for a touchdown.
3) Second takeaway: The second of three turnovers was caused by defensive back Quentin Lake, who punched the ball loose from wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s grasp after Kupp caught a pass from Matthew Stafford.
4) Third takeaway: The third of three turnovers was created by defensive back Kam Kinchens, who intercepted a Stafford pass that went a little too high above wide receiver Puka Nacua.
5) Stafford and Cooper Kupp in sync in team drills: Aside from the interception, Stafford had a strong connection and was in rhythm with Kupp throughout move the ball work in team drills.
6) Calm under pressure: At one point, Stafford fired a pass over the middle to Kupp while standing tall in the face of a six-man rush created by a blitz the Rams defense called. Kupp’s catch was equally impressive.
7) Another good day from Demarcus Robinson: The wide receiver was sharp early in practice, connecting on his first three targets of 11-on-11 action. One of Robinson’s best grabs came later in team drills, when he snagged the ball out of the air and held on tight to it to prevent the tightly-covering defensive back from knocking it loose.
8) Denied by the landshark: Defensive back Cobie Durant had a strong pass breakup on a Stafford pass intended for Kupp early in team drills.
9) Hochuli’s crew returns: NFL referee Shawn Hochuli and his officiating crew were once again on hand to officiate practice.
10) From LMU back to CLU: McVay post-practice said the Rams will return to their facility on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks next week and are now targeting moving into their Woodland Hills site after their preseason finale against the Texans in Houston.
Team president Kevin Demoff told reporters the Rams are “five or six days” behind schedule on the Woodland Hills facility, but he attributed the delay more to receiving certain permits than field readiness.
znModeratorznModeratorcolby parkinson is another signing who may be flying under the radar. he’s already graded as an above average blocker. but now’s the time to show his chops as a receiver. also only 25 years old. barely older than verse or fiske.
The take on Parkinson was that he never did much in the passing game in Seattle. Just guess-ulating, but, it seems to me that Seattle has long had very dire OL issues, so when he was even on the field, they would need a TE to be a 6th lineman who doesn’t go out as a receiver but instead stays in as a blocker. If any of that is remotely right, then, he arrives in LA full of untapped potential.
August 3, 2024 at 5:10 am in reply to: Stafford. You know, that Mark Stafford guy, the quarterback #151590znModeratorroberto clemente@rclemente2121
stafford – 2023 week 12-1614 tds, 1 int, 67% completion rate, 114.2 qb rtg
led rams to an avg of 32 offensive pts per game
5 consecutive 100+ qb rtg games
extrapolated over a 17 game season?
48 tds, 3 int, 4,719 yardsznModerator10 Observations from Rams’ August 1 Training Camp Practice: Interceptions by Kamren Kinchens and Charles Woods, touchdown catch by Cooper Kupp among standout plays
Stu Jackson
LOS ANGELES – The seventh open practice of 2024 Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union took place Thursday, headlined by defensive backs Kamren Kinchens and Charles Woods’ interceptions.
Here are 10 things that stood out from the session:
1) Rob Havenstein leaves practice with foot injury: The veteran offensive lineman walked gingerly off the field and did not return. Head coach Sean McVay didn’t have an immediate information on Havenstein’s status, other than saying Havenstein said he got stepped on.
2) Jonah Jackson and Alaric Jackson don’t participate: Jonah is week-to-week with a shoulder injury, per McVay, while Alaric is expected to be back “sooner than later” from an ankle injury sustained earlier this week. McVay also said they are hopeful Alaric can go for Sunday’s joint practice with the Chargers, though they won’t rush Alaric back.
3) Play of the day, Part I: One of the top plays of practice was Kinchens’ interception; the rookie defensive back got a under a Matthew Stafford pass that deflected off of tight end Colby Parkinson’s hands for the timely pick during team drills.
4) Play of the day, Part II: In the previous segment, Woods’ interception in the corner of the endzone ended the second team offense’s series against the second team offense led by Jimmy Garoppolo. It was emblematic of a strong practice overall for Woods.
5) Coop in the corner: Offensively, one of Stafford’s best passes was a touchdown to wide receiver Cooper Kupp in the corner of the endzone to cap off the first team offense’s mamba period series against the first team defense. To be fair to the defense, it subsequently denied the ensuing 2-point attempt, with Stafford’s pass intended for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson incomplete. Stafford was sharp overall though during the series in getting the offense in position to score.
6) Kobie Turner back in action: The second-year nose tackle participated in team drills Thursday, marking his first time doing so this training camp. He had been dealing with a groin injury sustained prior to camp.
7) Another pick: Defensive back Jaylen McCollough also came up with an interception on a Garoppolo deep ball in early 11-on-11 work.
8) Kevin Dotson remains difficult to get past: The offensive lineman once again performed very well in 1-on-1 drills.
9) Noteboom ready for spin move: Rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse had an impressive spin move in 1-on-1s against offensive lineman Joe Noteboom in Tuesday’s practice (embedded below), but learned Thursday how quickly pro offensive lineman learn to counter those moves. Noteboom was ready and held his own against it on Thursday.
10) NFL officiating crew on hand: The 9-man officiating crew led by referee Shawn Hochuli was on site to officiate Thursday’s practice.
znModeratorRams Fans United@RamsFansUnitedLMU more controlled, definitely closer in the bleachers, that’s the only viewing option. Irvine you could walk around, see pretty much anything and everything, stand at the fence watch Morris working out Jalen, etc. Irvine more controlled, you sit in bleachers and see what you see…znModeratorRams try not to panic as third starting offensive lineman is injured at camp
By Gary Klein
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-08-01/rams-three-offensive-lineman-hurt-training-camp
Sean McVay is going to have to wait awhile.
The offensive line that cost the Rams tens of millions of dollars to reconfigure is mired in injuries as McVay prepares his team for Sunday’s joint practice with the Chargers.
On Thursday, McVay said left guard Jonah Jackson would be “week to week” after suffering a shoulder injury Tuesday. Left tackle Alaric Jackson remained sidelined because of an ankle injury, and Thursday right tackle Rob Havenstein left practice because of an unspecified foot injury.
The Rams do not play their opener until Sept. 8 at Detroit, so the linemen have plenty of time to recover.
McVay, however, does not play starters in preseason games, making joint practices with other teams the best opportunity to measure the progress of the offense, defense and special teams.
When the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford visit El Segundo to practice with the Chargers — who feature pass rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack — they possibly could be without the three injured starting linemen.
Joe Noteboom has been playing left tackle, Zach Thomas left guard.
“We’ll be better when those guys are back, whenever that timetable is,” McVay said of the starters, “but in the meantime we owe it to ourselves and the other guys to be able to pour into them.”
After making the playoffs last season, the Rams poured millions into re-signing right guard Kevin Dotson (three years, $32 million guaranteed per Overthecap.com), and then signed free-agent left guard Jonah Jackson (three years, $34 million guaranteed), which enabled them to move second-year pro Steve Avila from left guard to center.
Alaric Jackson, a restricted free-agent, received a second-round tender that cost the Rams $4.9 million.
Jonah Jackson’s injury appears to be the most serious.
Last season with the Detroit Lions, Jackson was sidelined for four games because of wrist and ankle injuries. He did not play in the NFC championship game because of a knee injury suffered in the divisional round.
During offseason workouts, Jonah Jackson did not participate in most on-field drills while working back from knee surgery.
McVay said Jonah Jackson had his “best practice” before he suffered the shoulder injury.
“I know he wants to be out here more than anybody, and he played great the other day,” McVay said. “He’s got a body of work — there’s a reason why we felt so strongly about being able to add him here, and this is another little temporary setback.”
Etc.
Defensive tackle Kobie Turner, who has been limited since the start of training camp because of a groin issue, participated in team drills. “You felt his presence, his communication, his ability to disrupt,” McVay said. … The Rams are off Friday. They will practice Saturday and then practice with the Chargers on Sunday in El Segundo.August 2, 2024 at 9:34 am in reply to: Stafford. You know, that Mark Stafford guy, the quarterback #151584znModeratorFrom https://www.lafbnetwork.com/matthew-stafford-1st-ballot-hall-of-famer/
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is among the most hotly debated players at his position. This summer’s litany of rankings put him as high as 3rd and as low as the mid-teens. While the conversation about his Hall of Fame status is premature, as the top criteria for getting into Canton is to first be retired. But Bill Barnwell of ESPN didn’t let that stop him from speculating Stafford’s future in a gold jacket.
Barnwell makes several bold predictions to lift Stafford from the mired position he currently resides. He predicts the Rams will make a second Super Bowl in 2025 on the back of Stafford’s best throwing season since 2021.
“As it stands, even with his Super Bowl win, I’m not sure Matthew Stafford has quite enough on his résumé to ensure a trip to Canton.” Barnwell writes, “Three final years with the Rams would help his case. In my simulations for this piece, I have the Rams coming up a game short of the postseason in 2024, but a retooled Rams team then makes a surprising trip to the Super Bowl in 2025, with Stafford throwing for 4,600 yards and garnering the first serious MVP consideration of his career. Even with the Rams falling short of the Chargers in Santa Clara, Stafford will have done enough to get on the right side of history.
Perhaps he struggles through an injury-hit final 2026 season and retires, but without any other quarterbacks in line as serious challengers, Stafford would walk in as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.”
znModeratorCharles Woods had an awesome day. Climbed his way up the snap rotation during practice
from UDFA thread, here: https://theramshuddle.com/topic/2024-udfas/
HEIGHT…5′ 11″WEIGHT…191SPEED—COLLEGE …SMU MustangsTEAM…Los Angeles Rams…ME: Woods transferred to SMU from WVA. He had a great season in 2021 in his first year at WVA. More on that here:According to Pro Football Focus College, Woods allowed the lowest passer rating while in coverage among any Big 12 corner last season. Not only that, but Woods set the Big 12 record for the lowest passer rating allowed in coverage by any corner in the conference’s history. His 22.1 passer rating allowed was significantly better than the previous record, which was held by former Baylor corner Xavien Howard.Woods excels in coverage. He hauled in an attention-grabbing interception on the first day of spring practice in March. PFF College also gave the WVU corner the highest grade (90.3) of any player in the country in his position last year.
more on Woods:
from https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Charles-Woods-CB-WestVirginia
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptionally quick, with the feet and fluidity to mirror underneath, including in the slot against the two-way go. Woods stays low in his backpedal and explodes toward the ball, with an outstanding closing burst.
- Extremely aggressive to come up and put his body in traffic to make tackles.
- Has good foot quickness and short-area burst to work well in tight areas.
- He’ll line up in press at times, where Woods has a quick and powerful punch. His ball skills are good, and he plays with an extremely confident and competitive demeanor.
- A coordinated athlete with good footwork and balance. A heady cover player with above-average · feel and anticipation in space.
- Has at least adequate straight-line speed and good balance, fluidity to change direction.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
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Better in press coverage than in off coverage, when Woods can look shaky and unsure when transitioning out of his backpedal. He’ll give up throws underneath.
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Has poor recognition skills when facing the action in zone coverage.
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Has a high backpedal and loses a step in transition. Plays with adequate speed but there are concerns about his ability to handle the truly explosive speedsters of the NFL.
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