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znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueI have to say, I have been impressed with Warren McClendon in 11-on-11 periods ever since the Rams flipped him to the left tackle spot while Alaric Jackson recovers. Getting a lot of valuable reps there even while playing through a mild ankle issue.znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueRams signed veteran DL Carlos Watkins, the team announced. A little rotational depth with Desjuan Johnson in a walking boot at yesterday’s practice. Has played a little DE/edge too..
Rams sign DL Carlos Watkins
Stu Jackson
https://www.therams.com/news/rams-sign-defensive-lineman-carlos-watkins
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Rams on Wednesday added to their defensive line room, signing veteran Carlos Watkins.
Watkins, 30, most recently played for the Arizona Cardinals. His 2023 season with them was cut short by a Week 2 bicep injury that landed him on Injured Reserve for the remainder of the year.
Prior to his time in Arizona, he played two seasons for the Dallas Cowboys.
Watkins originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson by the Houston Texans in 2017, where he played his first four NFL seasons. He has recorded 139 total tackles and 6 sacks across 71 career games (37 starts) in seven seasons.
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ME: his best year was 2021 with Dallas, where he started 14 games for them as a run-stopping DT in their 3/4+4/3 variable fronts defense.
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Carlos Watkins
Carlos Watkins
Position: DT
6-3, 305lb
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znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueThe Rams waived K Tanner Brown, who had been their second leg in camp alongside sixth-round rookie Josh Karty. Karty made quite a statement in Sunday’s preseason game (2/2 FG and game-winning XP), but he has also been consistent most of camp.znModerator69: Cooper Kupp (WR, Rams) | Top 100 Players of 2024
znModeratorKyren Williams (RB, Rams) | Top 100 Players of 2024
znModerator33: Puka Nakua (WR, Rams) | Top 100 Players of 2024
August 13, 2024 at 8:56 pm in reply to: Stafford. You know, that Mark Stafford guy, the quarterback #151718znModeratorMatthew Stafford (QB, Rams) | Top 100 Players of 2024
znModeratorthis draft class so far is looking like another hit. is it possible?
I don’t know what it is or why, but this draft class may be pound for pound one of the best Rams drafts ever. I don’t mean in terms of star quality by itself (though it could have that too), just the sheer number of productive “hits” they appear to have made.
znModeratorNFL Stats@NFL_Stats
Most passes defended since 2021:
James Bradberry – 47
Charvarius Ward – 44
Darious Williams – 44
Rasul Douglas – 40
Xavien Howard – 40
Jalen Ramsey – 39
Trevon Diggs – 38
Kendall Fuller – 38
Michael Davis – 37
Darius Slay – 37znModeratorAri Meirov@MySportsUpdate
Former #Rams WR and West Virginia star Tavon Austin is retiring from the NFL. One of the most electric college football players of all time.PFF LA Rams@PFF_Rams
Tavon Austin scored 7 touchdowns of 50+ yards from 2013 to 2015Only DeSean Jackson had more during that time period in the NFL.
Congrats on retirement
znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueOne note for all rightfully enthused by Whittington – it’s easy at the moment to see what his role could be bc Nacua (knee) is not practicing. Nacua will be back soon. Just to say, real role + load will unfold after that and *in practice* since Nacua + others won’t play preseason.LB Jake Hummel wore the green dot for his group today, he told me. He felt comfortable in that role. He was proud of how clean the defense played overall.znModeratorznModeratorHe seems to be able to hire the right guys. he is a leader like no one the rams have seen since vermeil himself. just the respect i hear come from players’ mouths. like aaron donald.[/quote
From https://www.lafbnetwork.com/jimmy-garoppolo-takes-shot-at-former-teams/
Garoppolo shared with Jeff Howe of The Athletic how much he appreciates playing for the Rams organization. According to Howe, Garoppolo was impressed by, head coach, Sean McVay after a pre-signing phone call. He also wanted to spend time learning Stafford’s process.
Since joining the team, apparently, he continues to be impressed;
“They do it in the right way here. They push you positively. There’s just a lot of good things going on, man. I’m enjoying every bit of it. Even the meetings are a good time.”
znModeratorOL Logan Bruss
According to Pro Football Focus, Bruss had the highest pass-blocking grade among all offensive linemen in Week 1 of the preseason. He simply looked dominant in pass protection with nobody able to gain much ground on him. In the run game, it was Bruss’ strength that really stood out. It may be too little too late for Bruss, but Sunday’s game against the Cowboys was a positive.
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OL Beaux Limmer
<p id=”aYL4pB”>Limmer played 44 snaps on Sunday and was the third-highest graded center in pass protection according to Pro Football Focus.</p>
However, he also displayed good strength and ability in the run game before he left due to an injury. The Rams need someone that they can rely on as a backup center on the depth chart behind Steve Avila. Limmer showed plenty of positive moments and it will be interesting to see if the Rams get him some work at guard over the next two weeks.znModeratorThen package him with a dozen 1st round draft picks to trade for Chris Massey.
Massey fell apart in the years when the Rams had multiple and extensive OL injuries.
For which I blame Massey.
Clearly he was not capable of rising above his circumstances. The geniuinely elite players raise the play of those around them.
znModeratorRams Bros.@RamsBrothersJordan Whittington’s day:• 6 receptions on 9 targets (74 yards total)• 4 first downs• 2 for 2 on contested catches• 36 yards after the catch (YAC)• 1 forced missed tackleznModeratorPFF LA Rams@PFF_Rams
Highest-graded Rams in the preseason opener:Nick Hampton – 87.0
Omar Speights – 85.5
Jordan Whittington – 84.8
Zach Thomas – 84.1
Logan Bruss – 81.5August 12, 2024 at 11:04 pm in reply to: Stafford. You know, that Mark Stafford guy, the quarterback #151699znModeratorMatthew Stafford Grades High In QB Expert’s New 7 Traits Rankings
Dan Orlovsky of ESPN recently ranked NFL quarterbacks by assessing seven different traits; Arm strength, ball placement, mechanics, decision-making, pocket presence, rushing ability, and their second reaction.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback, Matthew Stafford, unsurprisingly to you and shockingly to outsiders, ranked well inside the top 10 in most of the categories. Here is how Orlovsky ranked Stafford;
Matthew Stafford’s Trait-Based Rankings
Arm Strength: 4th
1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
2. Josh Allen, Bills
3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
4. Matthew Stafford, Rams
5. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
6. Will Levis, Titans
7. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
8. Anthony Richardson, Colts
9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
10. Lamar Jackson, RavensBall Placement: 4th
1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
2. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
4. Matthew Stafford, Rams
5. C.J. Stroud, Texans
6. Brock Purdy, 49ers
7. Geno Smith, Seahawks
8. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
9. Jared Goff, Lions
10. Josh Allen, BillsMechanics: 2nd
1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
2. Matthew Stafford, Rams
3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
4. C.J. Stroud, Texans
5. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
6. Jared Goff, Lions
7. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
8. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
9. Brock Purdy, 49ers
10. Trevor Lawrence, JaguarsDecision-making: 2nd
1. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
2. Matthew Stafford, Rams
3. Joe Burrow, Bengals
4. C.J. Stroud, Texans
5. Brock Purdy, 49ers
6. Jordan Love, Packers
7. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
8. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
9. Jared Goff, Lions
10. Kirk Cousins, FalconsPocket Presence: 4th
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
Joe Burrow, Bengals
C.J. Stroud, Texans
Matthew Stafford, Rams
Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Brock Purdy, 49ers
Jordan Love, Packers
Josh Allen, Bills
Geno Smith, Seahawks
Dak Prescott, CowboysRushing Ability: Unranked
1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
2. Josh Allen, Bills
3. Anthony Richardson, Colts
4. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
5. Justin Fields, Steelers
6. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
7. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
8. Joe Burrow, Bengals
9. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
10. Trevor Lawrence, JaguarsSecond Reaction: Unranked
1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
2. Josh Allen, Bills
3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
4. Brock Purdy, 49ers
5. Jordan Love, Packers
6. Caleb Williams, Bears
7. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
8. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
9. Gardner Minshew, Raiders
10. Justin Herbert, ChargersznModeratorSo 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.
.You know with dire reports about the OL coming out of the team scrimmages, it didn’t look like that (developing OL depth) was happening. Now after the Dallas game, it actually looks like it really might be happening.…JAKE ELLENBOGEN@JKBOGEN#Rams starting OL pass pro grades per PFF: RG Logan Bruss: 89.5 LG Zach Thomas: 86.9 C Beaux Limmer: 82.5 RT Warren McClendon Jr.: 74.3 LT AJ Arcuri: 65.1 Only 2 pressures were allowed from the starters both by Arcuri. An absolute unit last night..#Rams LG Zach Thomas was graded as the 3rd overall OL per PFF, RG Logan Bruss was graded at the 6th. In terms of pass protection grade Logan Bruss led the NFL, Zach Thomas finished 4th and Beaux Limmer cracked the top 10 at 9th. Wicked good stuff from the young Rams OL.ShadyOfWallStreet@JacobDa02299683
Rams O line starters and depth is very impressive. Noteboom may be overpaid but there’s arguably not a better backup swing tackle in the game. He can play both guard and tackle spots. Bruss and Limmer look to be viable backups as well as Leveston. McClendon has a future too.Anthony Saladino@Antoeknecch
I really think one of the brightest spots in yesterday’s game was Beaux Limmer at center. Having his depth will be great if Jonah can’t go at the start of the season. The more reps he gets, the better he’ll be. Impressive for his first pro game.znModeratorAaron Donald was a figurehead. Seriously, I’m surprised you and zn are so decisive about this. I could go either way. w v
Don’t argue with me about the Rams. I know the Rams better than anyone.
Faulk was okay until the thumb. That ruined his game. Later in Arizona he got his game back by wearing the glove.
znModeratorwhat are his strengths as an offensive coach?
You know, I have only a basic sense of that. I listen to and read good analysis of what Rams do on offense a lot, but I’m not fluent in repeating it. But basically, it’s designing an offensive system where the defense has trouble telling plays apart before the snap and the routes are designed to be mutually supporting in ways that always gets a guy open.
He’s self-aware enough to add new wrinkles, like using a lot of duo blocking in the run game and putting Stafford in the pistol, which he did a lot last year…and none of which he did before. Anothing thing he added last year was building all sorts of variations into using the TE as a blocker on the move (turning motion for example into a running head start into blocking assignments).
I sometimes think is less adept situationally, meaning he’s not always tactically adept at play calling in specific situations. For example, in spite of all their fire power, the Rams have only been top 10 in this stat–NFL Team Red Zone Scoring Percentage (TD only)–only 2 seasons out of 7 since McV took over (2019 and 2023).
But yes he and Vermeil rank at the top of Rams coaches since I first started following them back in the 70s. It’s culture. It’s communication. With Vermeil, it was team-building (McV inherited his team in 2017 though he and Snead are obviously catching up when it comes to their team-building chops). With McV, it’s offensive innovation and design.
On team building. One Vermeil hallmark, which Snead/McV are now doing too. It’s using to the max every single way to acquire players.
Drafting, low and high. Holt, but also Little and Hakim. Actually Sn/McV may have surpassed DV at this in the lower rounds.
Trades. Faulk.
High market free agents. Green, Timmerman, Wilkins.
Low market free agents. Nutten, Jones.
UDFAs. Fletcher, Jenkins, Horne.
“Ronin.” Warner, McCollum.
And then the player development to go along with that.
Sn/McV may be surpassing DV when it comes to combining all those things, all being done at a high level all at the same time. Look at their starting OL for example (when it’s healthy). 2 decently high picks (Avila, Hav). 1 tow round trade (Dotson). 1 high market FA (Jackson). 1 UDFA (Jackson). And their new guy, Limmer, already looks like a great low-round pick.
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znModeratorDonald.
My head just works that way. You don’t need one of the elite RBs of all time to field a good offense. Whereas adding Donald is a great start to building a good defense.
At RB, I would just settle for Dickerson.
znModeratorHas McVay ever ‘developed’ a rookie QB ? I guess he constructed Goff, but he also deconstructed Goff.
But with Goff there’s a “history.” McV was not the de facto qb coach in 2017 and 2018. He didn’t start taking over that role until 2019. In both 17 and 18 JG had legit, well-regarded qb coaches (1 each year) who among other things were buffers between the HC and the qb. In 2018 it was Greg Olson, who was a long-standing great qb coach (he was the coordinator for the Rams in 2006 and when he took over the play calling that year, it led to Bulger’s best games). Olson left to take an OC job, and then the qb coach was Zac Taylor, the now HC for the Bengals who developed Burrow.
Stafford and McV have a much more collaborative relationship.
So in fact McV didn’t develop Goff, and it’s not clear he has ever developed a young qb.
znModeratorJordan Whittington looks like a STUD already
August 12, 2024 at 12:54 pm in reply to: Stafford. You know, that Mark Stafford guy, the quarterback #151685znModeratorznModeratorBrian Baldinger@BaldyNFL.@RamsNFL #TylerDavis, DL from @ClemsonFB was pick #196 but he sure showed up and showed out in his first Varsity Action v the @dallascowboys . This effort is how you make a roster. #BaldysBreakdowns.link to vid: https://x.com/BaldyNFL/status/1823003059850760296znModeratorI’ve seen enough of Mr Bennett. If I’m a defensive coordinator, I LOVE facing Stetson. They can do better. w v
It’s simply a matter of coaching. They just sit him down and say okay Stetson, stop throwing interceptions…fair enough big guy?
Voila. Problem solved.
You’ve never really learned how to appreciate coaching.
znModeratornorcalramfan
Limmer got banged up and came out of the game, but when he played he looked good. Big dude with big ass shoulder pads. He just might be second on the depth chart at the OL Center position.
Logan Bruss and AJ Acuri played the entire game and both looked very good. Has Bruss finally turned the corner after a devastating knee injury in his rookie season. He also might be second on the depth chart at the OL Guard position.
Feeling better about the OL after some bad news after the Charger and Cowboy scrimmages.
znModeratorRodrigue, from https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5694672/2024/08/11/la-rams-53-man-roster-projection-depth-chart/?source=emp_shared_article
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — A preseason game with quite a bit of “bad” — four interceptions’ worth, and nearly a fifth that was called back due to a penalty — from third-string quarterback Stetson Bennett, also featured one great moment with just seconds to play and the Los Angeles Rams in a six-point deficit. Bennett flushed to his left at the 6-yard line, then slung a pass to reserve tight end Miller Forristall for the game-tying touchdown. Rookie kicker Josh Karty hit the game-winning extra point in the 13-12 victory (Karty was also 2-for-2 on field goals of 28 and 39 yards).
Bennett went 24-of-38 with 224 yards, the touchdown and the four interceptions for a 48.5 passer rating. While he made multiple bad choices with throws (and admitted as much postgame), he did look more confident getting in and out of the huddle and in setting up the actual offense in general. This was not at always the case in 2023, whether in training camp practices or the preseason.
“I thought I played well, and then just made a bunch of bad decisions if that’s possible,” Bennett said. “… I told myself today, ‘We’re gonna roll with the punches.’ My goal was to not make any mental errors, (it) was basically to run the offense correctly. I know the interceptions are different, but like, to run in and out of the huddle, execute. And I thought we did that for the majority of the day. There were some lapses, obviously. …
“Not overthinking it. You get a play in, you give a play, and then you do your job. I think last year I was kind of building it up to be more than that. I was trying to find the answer somewhere. The answer is, listen to (the coaches). They tell you what to do. Do it.”
The brightest moments of the day came from two rookies, receiver Jordan Whittington and Karty. Whittington looked at ease in coach Sean McVay’s offense, as “vanilla” as the preseason is, and showed his comfort with NFL contact (even backups) with a 31-yard catch-and-run slant during which he broke a tackle.
“He played like a grown man with the ball in his hands, (and) did a great job without it,” McVay said of Whittington. “He’s going to be a factor for us.”
Whittington has gotten a significant workload since spring OTAs, including with the first team and especially in the absence of Puka Nacua (knee).
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Also notable: the second- and third-team defensive units did not allow a touchdown, despite playing so much of the game in sudden-change after Bennett’s turnovers.
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Davis had a very good preseason debut, with six tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback hit.
znModeratorStetson Bennett comes through at right time; takeaways from Rams-Cowboys game
Gary Klein
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2024-08-11/rams-cowboys-takeaways
The Rams played the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason opener on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
Observations from a game the Rams won, 13-12, in dramatic fashion:
Quarterback Stetson Bennett comes through in the end
Four interceptions, several the direct result of his poor decisions. Bennett did not let the mistakes bother him. On fourth down, with 11 seconds left, he got flushed from the pocket, ran to his left and then twisted his hips to throw a pass across his body, finding tight end Miller Forristall for a six-yard touchdown that tied the score and set up Josh Karty’s game-winning conversion kick.
Bennett did not stop running after delivering the pass. He continued past the Rams sideline before turning and locking eyes with McVay and teammates.
“You’re kind of floating,” Bennett said of the immediate aftermath of his big play. “That was pretty cool.”
Yes, it was only a preseason game. But it was a triumphant finish for Bennett, playing for the first time since struggling in the final preseason game in 2023. He completed 24 of 38 passes for 224 yards. If not for a defensive holding penalty earlier in the game, he might have finished with five interceptions.
But when he needed to make the biggest play of the game, he came through. “I thought I played well — and then just made a bunch of bad decisions, if that’s possible, right?” he said. “But I think at the end, I’m proud that we fought back and were resilient in the end.”
Bennett was at his best when offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur had him rolling out for passes or running for a first down on a bootleg play.
The Rams drafted Bennett, who led Georgia to two national titles, in the fourth round in 2023 to back up and possibly succeed Matthew Stafford. But Bennett was sidelined last season and was away from the team after he was put on the nonfootball injury/illness list before the season opener. He returned for offseason workouts, acknowledged that he had worked through mental-health issues, and rejoined a quarterback room that now features Stafford, new backup Jimmy Garoppolo and Dresser Winn.
Bennett said last week that he was “excited about playing football again” and was looking forward to the opportunity against the Cowboys.
He wasted no time showing it. Bennett led a 61-yard scoring drive that ended with Joshua Karty’s field goal for a 3-0 lead. Bennett completed four of five passes, including two to rookie receiver Jordan Whittngton for 43 yards.
But on the second play of his second series, Bennett’s pass over the middle was intercepted by safety Marquese Bell. He bounced back and directed a 76-yard drive that Karty completed with a 39-yard field goal for a 6-3 lead.
Though the interceptions began to mount — “occupational hazards,” coach Sean McVay said of the first two — Bennett got the ball back with 2 minutes 49 seconds left.
He directed a 13-play, 70-yard drive that he finished with a flourish. “It’s just about, ‘Hey, how do you stay together? How do you respond in the midst of it,’” McVay said. “And how do you know that, ‘Hey, all I can do is the next right thing. And that’s exactly what he did that drive.’”
Whittington catches on fast
Whittington, a sixth-round draft pick from Texas, showed he can contribute to a receiving corps that includes stars Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, and veterans Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell.
Whittington caught six passes for 74 yards. He was particularly effective on crossing routes and came up big on fourth down.
During the first drive, Whittington caught a 13-yard pass on a crossing pattern. He also caught another pass over middle, broke a tackle and ran for a 30-yard gain to set up a field goal.
“I was just super grateful,” Whittington said of his thoughts before his first game as a pro. “I’ve dreamed of being here so to see my name on the back of an NFL jersey — it was a lot.
“I remember before the game, I was praying and I was like, ‘God, if this life only exists in my dreams, don’t wake me up.’”
Starters and top rookies sit
McVay held out established star players, other starters and projected major contributors. Likewise Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy.
Among Rams draft picks on the sideline were edge rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske, the Rams’ first- and second-round selections. They were joined by running back Blake Corum (third-round pick).
Rookie safety Kamren Kinchens (third round) started and made one tackle. Defensive lineman Tyler Davis (sixth round) made two tackles. Whittington and center Beaux Limmer (sixth round) also started.
Boston Scott makes an impression
Kyren Williams is the starting running back, Corum the probable backup and Ronnie Rivers is a dependable third option.
But the Rams learned last year with Royce Freeman that a veteran on the roster can contribute in the wake of injuries. Boston Scott has an opportunity to replace Freeman as that veteran.
Scott rushed for 68 yards in 15 carries.
Defensive rotational players get work
With starters such as Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown not playing, veteran Larrell Murchison and second-year pro Desjuan Johnson led a front that mostly neutralized backup quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Trey Lance.
Safety Jason Taylor II had a team-high six tackles. Linebacker Jacob Hummel called defensive signals and made three tackles.
Karty kick-starts special teams
The Rams drafted Karty in the sixth round, confident the former Stanford standout could help them overcome last season’s kicking woes.
Karty did not disappoint.
He kicked a 28-yard field goal in the first quarter to give the Rams a 3-0 lead. His 39-yard field goal in the second quarter put them ahead, 6-3.
And his conversion kick with four seconds left won the game.
“It was very loud after the touchdown,” Karty said. “I haven’t really experienced that … much in my career,” he said of preparing for the kick. “It was the same thing as normal though — just trying to rally the guys in, get them ready for the extra point instead of celebrating the touchdown. Make sure we don’t run out of time on the play clock and then, yeah, you know, same thing as always.”
Playing for the first time under the NFL’s new kickoff rules, Xavier Smith had two returns for 47 yards.
Ethan Evans averaged 46.5 yards for two punts.
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