Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
August 16, 2023 at 9:12 pm in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144899
znModeratorRodrigue, from her article in this thread: https://theramshuddle.com/topic/rams-preseason-8-15-8-19-including-saturday-game/#post-144898
• Rookie offensive lineman Warren McClendon missed OTAs with a knee issue, but his workload has gradually increased through training camp. After making his preseason debut, he’s now fully in the mix with the second team and playing both tackle spots with the reserves (one of his best reps of the day came in pass protection as a left tackle).
McClendon also played well in the Chargers pre-season game.
That’s amazing, he’s a 4th round pick who is now depth at both tackle spots.
August 16, 2023 at 9:03 pm in reply to: Rams preseason 8/15 – 8/19, practicing w/ the Raiders #144898znModerator10 Observations from Rams’ first joint practice with Raiders: Tre Tomlinson tested at outside CB, Tutu Atwell making plays, and more
Stu Jackson
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Rams held their first of two joint practices with the Raiders on Wednesday, a session highlighted by defensive back Tre Tomlinson, wide receiver Tutu Atwell and linebacker Ernest Jones’ performances.
Here are 10 things that stood out from it:
1) Rest day for Donald: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald had a veteran rest day and did not participate in today’s joint practice. McVay said the team doesn’t go back-to-back days with him in terms of managing him, and they also thought tomorrow would be a better day for Donald to go because of the work and schedule they have for tomorrow.
2) Noteboom only does some individual drills: Offensive lineman Joe Noteboom did not participate in team drills during today’s joint practice because he’s “dealing with a little something” right now, per McVay. Noteboom will not be practicing the rest of this week, according to McVay, who also said he didn’t have any details beyond that.
3) More trial by fire for Tomlinson: Just as the Rams did in the preseason opener, rookie defensive back Tre Tomlinson was getting reps at outside cornerback and tested. Matched up with all-pro receiver Davante Adams during 11-on-11 drills, Tomlinson pushed Adams out of bounds before he could complete a catch. Adams got Tomlinson back a few plays later on a nice catch deep down the left sideline, then Tomlinson responded not long after with a pass breakup in the corner of the endzone.
4) Tutu making plays: Wide receiver Tutu Atwell had a couple of impressive catches during Wednesday’s practice, hauling in a deep ball from quarterback Matthew Stafford near the sideline and also connecting with Stafford on contested catch in traffic off a play-action fake.
5) Byron bringing the heat: The were a few instances of rookie outside linebacker Byron Young putting his speed on display and generating pressure against the Raiders offensive line and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
6) Jones making his presence felt: It was hard to miss Rams linebacker Ernest Jones, especially during 11-on-11 drills. At one point, he blew up a Raiders run play to the outside. Shortly thereafter, he charged up the middle for another run stop. He also got very good pressure on Garoppolo, but Garopollo – who, like all quarterbacks, was wearing a red non-contact jersey – got the ball out just in time to deliver a deep completion down the left sideline to Adams.
7) Ahkello says hello: Defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon during 11-on-11 had a strong pass breakup on a Garoppolo pass intended for Adams.
8) Rookies team up for stop: In 11-on-11, defensive end Desjuan Johnson brought the pressure on Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell, and defensive back Tanner Ingle quickly took advantage with a timely pass breakup that got the Rams defense fired up.
9) More pressure: Nose tackle Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Michael Hoecht worked together to generate pressure on Garoppolo that would’ve resulted in a sack.
10) Akers, Crosby removed from practice: McVay didn’t see what happened between Rams running back Cam Akers and Raiders outside linebacker Max Crosby during one part of 11-on-11, but the altercation after a play resulted in both being removed from practice before it finished – Crosby returning to the Raiders sideline and Akers going back into the Rams’ facility. McVay said that’s the rule if that happens.
“If you’re involved in it, you know, we’re just kind of no tolerance,” McVay said.
After both players were separated and removed, practice proceeded without any issue, and McVay said they were able to get accomplished what they needed to.
August 16, 2023 at 8:38 pm in reply to: Rams preseason 8/15 – 8/19, practicing w/ the Raiders #144897znModeratorStetson 🎯 Skowronek pic.twitter.com/t9Im7L7p8K
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 16, 2023
August 16, 2023 at 8:38 pm in reply to: Rams preseason 8/15 – 8/19, practicing w/ the Raiders #144896znModeratorThe rook makin' a play against the vet.👀 pic.twitter.com/BARZFkr8ck
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 16, 2023
August 16, 2023 at 8:35 pm in reply to: Rams preseason 8/15 – 8/19, practicing w/ the Raiders #144895znModeratorTutu. Too Fast.💨 pic.twitter.com/V0rSd10WfL
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 16, 2023
August 16, 2023 at 8:34 pm in reply to: Rams preseason 8/15 – 8/19, practicing w/ the Raiders #144894znModeratorRams host Raiders: Byron Young’s best days yet and more from joint practice
Jourdan Rodrigue
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Midway through training camp, Los Angeles Rams rookie outside linebacker Byron Young moved into the starting defensive rotation.
Now, Young is doing what he can to stay there — and the coaching staff is both testing his physical readiness and mental toughness, and encouraging him to try new things.
Young played a little more than 20 snaps in their first preseason game Saturday, which was “strategic,” said defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who wanted to assess Young’s situational awareness when he was tired.
“When he was fresh and healthy and ready to go, he looked awesome,” Morris said Monday, smiling. “When he was tired, he looked tired.”
“Just consistency,” coach Sean McVay added Wednesday, of what he’s hoping to see from Young as he gets his “NFL legs” under him. “Consistent get-off, being aligned right. Getting in the proper stance to be able to execute your technique within the framework of the call, based on the situations.”
Young, who was a third-round pick, responded to those snaps (and the clear challenge from the coaches) with his best two days of practice yet: Monday, and Wednesday’s joint session with the Raiders. On Wednesday, his speed popped a couple of times with multiple pressures in 11-on-11 drills, and it also seemed like Young’s energy stayed high even with a heavy workload on a hot day.
“I felt great,” Young said after practice, “felt like I had some good rushes and (was) getting off the ball well. … The preseason game, that conditioning, I liked the way they did that. I need to prepare my body for the regular season. The way they do that conditioning, I loved it. Next game I hope they do the same thing.”
Further, Young was working on several different types of pass rush moves Wednesday, including speed-to-power combinations, speed-and-leverage combinations and spins.
“In OTAs, I was kind of using the same moves,” Young said. “My coach (Joe Coniglio) challenged me over the break we had for a month. He said, ‘Byron, I want to challenge you to bring some more moves to the table. Don’t keep doing the same thing, change it up a little bit.’ … So since we’ve started camp, I’ve just tried new moves.”
Young’s favorite pass rush move is the ghost rush, where he fakes a long-arm against the lineman and then drops the arm and dips low without contact while bending around the outside. It takes a lot of speed and craftiness to execute well. Young tried it a little in the spring and at the beginning of camp, but over the last couple of weeks has been working on the move more so behind the scenes. He hopes to re-enter a better (and more well-conditioned) version of it into his arsenal in the coming weeks.
“I think that’s the best part about these things,” McVay said. “When you look at anybody that is successful at their craft, these are the times, without being reckless, to try some techniques and fundamentals to add to your tool belt. … That’s exactly what we want. We want guys who aren’t afraid to try that stuff.”
More notes and observations from the first of two Rams/Raiders joint practices:
• A light skirmish broke out in the latter third of the day, during 11-on-11s. Rams running back Cam Akers was finishing a run after the play was whistled to a stop, as the running backs are instructed to do. Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby chased Akers down and tried to swat the ball out of his hands, and the two players exchanged swings at each other as teammates rushed to intervene. Akers was kicked out of practice by McVay, while Crosby remained on the sideline but out of the scrimmage for the rest of the day (there would have been nowhere for him to go except the boiling-temperature buses sitting in the parking lot).
“I’ve never gotten that far down the field, to be honest, so, um, I’m not really sure what the rules are down there,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said dryly. “I’m usually sliding way before that. I don’t know what happened there, but joint practices get that way a little sometimes. I don’t have much experience in that area.
“I thought everybody did a great job today, the rest of the day was fine (and) event-free. I don’t have enough energy for all of that, to be honest with you,” he added, laughing. “But more power to those guys.”
• Receiver Tutu Atwell again stood out Wednesday. He had a long catch over his shoulder but also caught a tough ball amid some contact on an out-breaking route and drew a flag in the process.
Atwell has expanded what he’s able to do within the Rams’ offense through this spring and summer. McVay went so far as to say that he is “playing big” — a significant compliment toward the smaller-framed, third-year wideout.
“He is super smart. … I think he’s playing physical at the catch point, too,” McVay said.
Stafford looked sharp in 11-on-11s, including a long period where he did not miss a throw except for a drop by Brycen Hopkins. He also threw a nice ball to tight end Tyler Higbee down the right sideline and hit Van Jefferson on a tough crosser through traffic (that usually goes to teammate Cooper Kupp) over the course of the practice.
• Rams offensive lineman Joe Noteboom, who was competing at left tackle before moving into the competition at right guard late in the week, went through individual drills but did not fully practice Wednesday.
“He’s dealing with a little something right now,” McVay said, declining when pressed to share more details. “He won’t be practicing the rest of the week.
Noteboom tore his Achilles last season and was still rehabbing into OTAs but went through a full training camp. He did not play in Saturday’s preseason game. The Rams have still not publicly determined what their “best five” offensive line combination will be, but Alaric Jackson has taken over the bulk of the left tackle reps, and Tremayne Anchrum was back at right guard, where he started camp before Noteboom eventually began rotating with him.
“It’s a constant learning thing, we’re trying to figure out what we’re gonna be good at, what our certain guys are good at,” Stafford said. “I thought they did a nice job setting their pads in the run game, had some nice creases in there.”
The offensive linemen had a pretty mixed day overall. They were not consistently winning one-on-one drills against the Raiders’ defensive linemen and pass rushers early in practice, and there were some clear misses in pass protection in team drills. Stafford did get pressured some around the right side when Crosby was still participating pre-skirmish (right tackle Rob Havenstein and Crosby spent some extra time together after practice). Stafford joked that it might not always be what it looks like … or sounds like.
“For the most part, I had some time back there. Now, Crosby is a heck of a player and was in the backfield a few times,” he said, “I’ve got to go watch the tape. Anytime he gets within five feet of me he’s yelling ‘SACK’ in my face, so I have no idea if those are real. I mean, I’m not just an absolute statue back there, I can move a little bit. But, so I’ve got to go check it out and look at it. … Fun guy to practice against.” (For the record, Crosby would have sacked Stafford twice, by that math).
• Rookie cornerback Tre Tomlinson was thrown into the fire often against star Raiders receiver Davante Adams, who was back practicing fully after missing a little time, among other cornerbacks who had the tough matchup. Adams, for the most part, looked every bit of his elite status.
But Tomlinson, who is 5-foot-9 yet plays mostly on the outside for the Rams, kept attacking. In the full-field, two-minute period at the end of the day, Adams smoothly won a long catch down the left sideline with Tomlinson in coverage. But a few plays later, Tomlinson broke up a would-be touchdown attempt to Adams in the back left corner of the end zone.
“In these types of settings, it’s great for us as coaches and our players to go out and compete,” McVay said. “One of my favorite things was, they were going to make a couple plays, but I liked the way (Tomlinson) finished.”
There was also a scary collision on a deep throw by Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo early in the day, between Adams, Tomlinson and safety Jordan Fuller. The pass was incomplete, and Adams’ helmet popped off from the contact, but he was able to return to practice. Garoppolo hit Phillip Dorsett for a touchdown on a similar concept a few moments later.
• Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett was challenged frequently by the Raiders’ defense, and his play continues to fluctuate. Bennett did have two excellent throws in separate 11-on-11 periods. The first was an off-platform missile to Demarcus Robinson up the middle of the field, but it was followed by a botched snap and then an interception. The second was a precision throw down the left sideline to Ben Skowronek.
• Rookie offensive lineman Warren McClendon missed OTAs with a knee issue, but his workload has gradually increased through training camp. After making his preseason debut, he’s now fully in the mix with the second team and playing both tackle spots with the reserves (one of his best reps of the day came in pass protection as a left tackle).
• The Rams’ defensive line is under scrutiny after a less-than-ideal first preseason game against the Chargers. On Wednesday, Kobie Turner and Michael Hoecht (who was playing outside linebacker) combined to “sack” (no contact allowed) Garoppolo and drew a lot of praise from coaches on the sideline.
• A couple of the second-team defensive backs made splash plays late in the day: Cornerback Cameron McCutcheon and safety Tanner Ingle broke up consecutive passes by Raiders backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell. However, O’Connell got a nice ball to receiver Kristian Wilkerson, which, in a live game, would have been a catch-and-run touchdown, and had time in the pocket later in the series against the reserve defensive line and pass rushers to get a throw downfield to receiver Cam Sims.
• Rookie kicker Tanner Brown was kicking on the “skinny poles” Wednesday, meaning the portable field goal setup that is much narrower than the official posts. At the end of the two-minute period, Brown missed a kick wide left that would also have been missed on a regulation-size set of goal posts. He then hit a kick over the top of the left pole and barely missed a third kick left (both would have been good in a game).
• Aaron Donald had a rest day but will be back Thursday. Tight end Davis Allen (hamstring) got back onto the field after missing training camp, but Hunter Long (groin) is still out. Cornerback Derion Kendrick (hamstring) is still out. Kupp (hamstring) could be back next week for joint practices against the Broncos. Safety John Johnson III, who is getting onboarded gradually after not having OTAs while unsigned, got more reps in team drills with the second group.
August 16, 2023 at 8:27 pm in reply to: Rams preseason 8/15 – 8/19, practicing w/ the Raiders #144893znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Good morning from the first day of Rams/Raiders joint practices, which begin at 10AM. The field is set, and the Rams players who are lifting beforehand are blasting pop punk. None of these things are connected, but the caffeine has hit my system.I see TE Davis Allen out there for the first time since camp started. Was dealing with a hamstring.
Gary Klein@LATimesklein
Matthew Stafford said Maxx Crosby is “a heck of a player” and fun to practice against: “Any time he gets within five feet of me he’s yelling, “Sack!” in my face, so I have no idea if those are real. I mean, I’m not just an absolute statue back there. I can move a little bit”Levi Damien@LeviDamienMatt Stafford out here making a bunch of “there’s no defense for a perfect pass” passes.Ted Nguyen@FB_FilmAnalysis
Main takeaway from today’s practice is that the Rams played a lot more aggressive coverage than they regularly do and the Raiders really struggled to connect deep. D. Adams drew a couple of deep DPIs and Jimmy finally connected deep on a sideline pass in 2-minute. But mostly a lot of holding the ball and incompletions today.Important to note: Rams gave the Raiders a very different look than the 49ers which Josh McDaniels noted would happen before practice.
49ers even attacking front, zone
Rams odd front, 2-gap
Tashan Reed@tashanreed
During 11-on-11, #Raiders DE Maxx Crosby chased down Cam Akers on a run play and tried to punch the ball loose. The play was basically dead, so Akers took offense and punches were thrown. Both sides got involved and it eventually got broken up.Akers got kicked out of practice, assumedly since he bumped Crosby first after he tried to knock the ball loose. Crosby is still on the sideline but was held out of the rest of the drill.
Crosby: “I do what I do. He didn’t like it, and he got what he got.”
Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
Sean McVay said the Rams have a no-tolerance policy for fighting in practice: “If you do that, you’re out.”So that’s why Cam Akers was kicked out of practice
Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Throwing Tomlinson right into the fire on the outside. Adams matched up a lot vs Tomlinson during these 11/11s (full field drives). Adams got him on a long left sideline catch. Tomlinson had a PBU intended for Adams in the back left end zone corner.Stu Jackson@StuJRams
Tre Tomlinson getting tested at outside CB in 11 v 11 today but doing solid job overall. Pushed Davante Adams out of bounds before Adams could complete catch. Adams hauled in deep pass down left sideline later on, but Tomlinson bounced back with PBU on Adams in corner of endzoneJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
Can’t hit anybody but Byron Young gotten a couple of good pressures so far in 11s today.Tutu Atwell had a really solid day, and drew praise from McVay and Stafford. McVay went so far as to say he’s “playing big” ….Atwell is doing way more in this offense this year
Matthew Stafford with a little “old guy” joke on dustups during practice: “I don’t have enough energy for all of that, to be honest with you.” Added everyone settled back down quickly.
Logan Reever@loganreever
The #Raiders D-line is obliterating the #Rams O-line in 1-on-1sButler, Rochell, and Plant all bulldozing and dominating their reps right before Crosby here #RaiderNatio
Levi Edwards@theleviedwards
Raiders offensive line is, for lack of better words, bullying the Rams defensive line on 1-on-1’s.znModeratorIs there any Rams player who was more screwed than Steven Jackson? A great player on a terrible team.
+1
znModeratorRunnin’ MEAN!
Rewatchin’ @sj39 highlights to celebrate his special day! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/v1qjjNMH2i
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) July 22, 2023
August 16, 2023 at 12:59 am in reply to: the 2023 OL thread (w/ definitive article posted on 5/30) #144887znModerator69RamFan
on the preseason telecast, big Whit said Hav would love to have Noteboom’s size next to him…
With the run game, those two big guys could clear up some space for our RBs
Our OL with:
AJ/6-6, 330, Avila/6-3, 332, Shelton/6-4, 300, NB/6-5, 321, RHav/6-8,330This would be a powerful OL to clear up some running lanes for the RBs
All three inside linemen can pull for trap plays.
I have faith in our OL this year.
If we stay injury free, this OL can build on cohesiveness & contiunity to be a dominant OL, IMO
znModeratorThis incredible Maui rescue story…
Lahaina resident Jubee Bedoya was trying to escape the incredibly fast moving fire by making a desperate run for the ocean when he encountered a family of five from California. The father handed him his two year-old son, and they waited into… pic.twitter.com/GaYbyfq6hE
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) August 16, 2023
znModeratorESPN: NFL Quarterback Council 2023: Ranking top 10 QBs by trait
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38151402/nfl-quarterback-council-2023-ranking-top-10-traits
Today’s NFL quarterbacks are asked to do so much every Sunday, and the best ones are often elite in multiple traits. Reading the field and finding weaknesses in the defense. Airing out deep shots for huge gains. Making precision passes on the move outside the pocket. Driving their teams downfield when the game is on the line. Picking up first downs on the ground when plays break down. But how do the top signal-callers in the league compare in each skill area? How do the NFL’s best of the best stack up by specific traits and abilities?
For a third straight year, we asked ESPN’s NFL analysts — Matt Bowen, Tim Hasselbeck, Matt Miller, Dan Orlovsky, Jason Reid, Jordan Reid, Mike Tannenbaum, Seth Walder and Field Yates — to rank their personal top 10 NFL quarterbacks entering the 2023 season in 10 distinct categories, from arm strength to pocket presence. We combined those lists with a points-based system to generate final rankings in each area, all 10 of which are below.
Our analysts then reacted to each list, explaining why the quarterbacks at or near the top of each group belong there and discussing what surprised them most about the final top-10s. We also gave a big stat to know, spun it forward with a young rising QB to watch for each trait and pointed out snubs who probably should have cracked each ranking. Let’s start with the best downfield throwers in the league, but you can jump to each category to see how the top quarterbacks rank in the other nine skills.
Arm strength | Accuracy | Touch
Mechanics | Field vision | Decision-making
Compete level and toughness | In the pocket
Rushing ability | Second reactionArm strength
This category is all about the biggest arms in the NFL. Pass velocity and the amount of zip a QB can put on a throw were factors in the ranking, as was the ability to hit the deep ball. Who are the best quarterbacks throwing the ball vertically and driving it into tight windows with authority? Here’s how we voted …
1. Josh Allen, Bills
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
4. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
5. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
6. Anthony Richardson, Colts
7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
8. Matthew Stafford, Rams
9. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
10. Kyler Murray, CardinalsAccuracy
Arm strength doesn’t mean much if you can’t place the ball where it needs to go. Who can hit the tightest windows? Who locates their passes in the perfect spots? And who is never off target with their throws, displaying pinpoint precision?
1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
2. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
4. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
T-5. Justin Herbert, Chargers
T-5. Geno Smith, Seahawks
7. Kirk Cousins, Vikings
8. Matthew Stafford, Rams
9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
10. Jalen Hurts, EaglesMechanics
In today’s NFL, quarterbacks have so many different throwing motions. But mechanics are still a big part of success. That includes a QB’s throwing motion, arm slot, release, follow-through and footwork, among other traits. Who are the most technically sound signal-callers in the league?
1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
2. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
4. Justin Herbert, Chargers
T-5. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
T-5. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
T-7. Josh Allen, Bills
T-7. Kirk Cousins, Vikings
9. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
T-10. Matthew Stafford, Rams
T-10. Jared Goff, LionsField vision
Here we’re looking at the ability to read the field. Included in that are awareness and recognition when it comes to seeing defensive schemes or coverages, along with the fast eyes to identify blitzers, breaking defensive backs and open targets. Will a QB audible out when he needs to, diagnosing and understanding different defensive looks? And how quickly can he get through his progressions? Does he get stuck on his first read too often and stare down receivers, making it easy for the defense? Or can he scan the field, make the defense bite with his eyes and then find the open receiver?
1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
2. Joe Burrow, Bengals
3. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
4. Josh Allen, Bills
5. Justin Herbert, Chargers
6. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
7. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
8. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins
9. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
10. Matthew Stafford, RamsCompete level and toughness
Who has the most desire to win? Toughness rolls into it, and our analysts looked at each quarterback’s bounce-back ability and resilience here, along with how well they can take a hit. Physicality is a big trait in this section, too. Compete level also speaks to a quarterback’s command of his offense, leadership qualities and ability to deliver in the clutch. Simply put, you can never count out the players who made this top 10.
2. Josh Allen, Bills
3. Joe Burrow, Bengals
4. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
5. Justin Herbert, Chargers
6. Matthew Stafford, Rams
7. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
8. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
9. Justin Fields, Bears
T-10. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
T-10. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars…
from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2023/8/15/23832439/rams-matthew-stafford-qb-ranking-espn
Stafford was notably snubbed in touch and pocket presence. On pocket presence, former New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum came to the quarterback’s defense:
“Matthew Stafford’s movement traits and instincts in the pocket have allowed him to play at a high level for a long time, so I would have expected him to make the top 10.” per Tannenbaum of ESPN
As for his touch, Stafford has proven that he can throw more than darts with his cannon of a right arm as NFL analyst Matt Bowen notes:
“I was shocked to see Matthew Stafford missing here. Yes, he can throw absolute lasers, but let’s not forgot about his ability to deliver the ball with both touch and pace. It allows Stafford to layer throws over the second level of the defense or drop the ball into a bucket downfield.” per Bowen of ESPN
znModerator🚨Sack Leader🚨
With 1.5 sacks during the Rams’ first preseason contest, OLB Keir Thomas is t-3rd in the NFL in preseason sacks and t-2nd in TFLs (2). Thomas is 1.5 sacks shy of becoming the Rams’ preseason all-time sack leader. pic.twitter.com/SqMKUzKB96— Los Angeles Rams PR (@TheLARamsPR) August 15, 2023
znModeratorThe QB carousel continues to be the talk of the town in 49ers country.
Is a 'good enough QB option' actually good enough to win a championship?
📺: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams | @StatsOnFire pic.twitter.com/yhSu0RA7k7
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 14, 2023
znModeratorHall of Famer Mike Munchak was present during Rams’ practice session on Monday. https://t.co/j0NdsK5Cvw
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) August 15, 2023
znModeratorJohn Eastman, the guy who orchestrated the idea of the Jan 6 coup by rejecting the Electoral College vote was the Dean of Law at Chapman University. These So Cal / Orange County schools have administrations with this ideology. My middle kid recently graduated from Chapman and my niece graduated from Harvey Mudd (Clairmont School).
Fyi and fwiw the wikipedia entry on Eastman is long and detailed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Eastman
znModeratorLos Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams | 2023 Preseason Week 1 Game Highlights
znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueExtremely impressed with how Quentin Lake is taking to dime backer when Rams are in that subpackage. They have needed a short-area boost and he always seems to be around the ball..Fun standing behind Wendell and Munchak some of the day, as they worked with the OL. Lot of combined knowledge there..Still seeing rotation at center and right guard. Not seeing much rotation anymore at left tackle. McVay noted sealing guys into spots will be important in the next few weeks.znModeratorStu Jackson@StuJRams
DC Raheem Morris was pleased w/ the way DB Tre Tomlinson learned from teachable moments in camp while playing outside CB vs. LAC:“I was really impressed with the way he was able to bounce up and make some of the correctable mistakes from practice and apply them to the game.”
znModeratorAn entire small-town police department in Kansas raided a newspaper's offices and its reporters' homes because the paper got a tip about a well-connected person's DUIhttps://t.co/nsfmsVBwfX
— Jason Hancock (@J_Hancock) August 11, 2023
znModeratorZach Evans ran well and I see him really being the “real” backup to Akers if anything happens to Cam. Kyren is a pass catching back but Evans size and ability to hit the A and B gaps gives him that 2DR that Akers will have . 34 rushing yards Saturday and showed some solid vision… pic.twitter.com/K8zB2zVLLQ
— Ramsoholic (@ShayTweetedThat) August 14, 2023
…
Cornell@gqscholarEvans will be number 3 or 4 on the depth chart, but if Cam were to get hurt, Evans would be his replacement as the main ball carrier. Kyren is the 3rd down back, much like James White was for the Patriots, and Rodgers is a play specific guy bc of his skillset.znModeratorZach Evans rides the wave of this cutback for nine and nice little micro movement with outside shoulder to get through the crease. #Rams pic.twitter.com/c57gverDYG
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) August 14, 2023
znModeratorThe pads, leverage reads, and downhill cut you want to see from a pro, even if we’re just talking about a four-yard gain. Zach Evans #Rams pic.twitter.com/WObiMyCLHH
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) August 14, 2023
znModeratorMature decision vs defense by Zach Evans on this 2nd&5 #Rams pic.twitter.com/JOZV0EUFPI
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) August 14, 2023
znModeratorRams Tapes@RamsTapesTyler Johnson 5 receptions (with 7 targets) for 70 yards with an average of 14.0 yards per catch… he had himself a day.Gary Klein@LATimeskleinCooper Kupp, who is recovering from hamstring injury, probably won’t participate in joint practices with Raiders, McVay said. Practices with Broncos “probably a more realistic goal,” McVay said.znModeratorSean McVay said…as poorly as the Rams played in some aspects, he sees their mistakes as being “very correctable.”
“A lot of things we can learn from. A lot of guys getting their feet wet for the first time, and that’s exactly what we kind of expected,” he said. “I thought there was some positives, I thought there was some things that are very correctable that we can clean up but when you’ve got that many new things – and really, this is a good chance for us to get our ducks in a row as far as our operation on game day. We’ll look at the film, we’ll clean it up and we’ll continue to keep it moving.”
znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueDoesn’t sound like Sean McVay is ruling out possibility of adding a veteran on the iDL or at OLB (asked specifically about both/either). He also reiterated the limitations Rams have in cash/cap balance this season and also that young guys have so far been coachable.znModeratorBlaine Grisak @bgrisakTSTPFF Grades are out! Tremayne Ancrhum was the Rams’ highest-graded offensive lineman in pass protection. Had 85.0 Pass-block grade and gave up 0 pressures in 42 snaps. Lowest graded in pass pro was Bruss. Credited with four pressures. Logan Bruss seems to be aware that he needs to improve in pass pro. However, he was the Rams’ highest graded offensive linemen in run-blocking. Had a 75.2 run-blocking grade..Tanner Ingle was the Rams’ highest graded defender according to PFF. Had an overall defense grade of 80.2. Really impressive performance from the UDFA. Tre Tomlinson gave up just 1 reception on 5 targets..Rams OL PFF Grades: Anchrum: 75.3 Thomas: 66.4 Miller: 65.1 Maginn: 63.3 Avila: 60 (79.1 PBLK) Jackson: 55.1 McAllister: 50.8 Bruss: 45.6 McClendon: 42.7.On defense, Earnest Brown and Keir Thomas led the Rams with two pressures each. Nick Hampton led Rams edge rushers with 11.1% win percentage. Thomas had 18.2% pressure percentage..JAKE ELLENBOGEN@JKBOGENWant to point out how much of a mack truck Warren McClendon looked earlier on that long Ronnie Rivers run. I’m excited to watch him develop.Gary Klein@LATimeskleinDuring camp, Bennett had some big plays with Nacua and Robinson..roberto clemente@rclemente2121bennett has an impressive release…znModeratorESPN ranked the Rams’ roster as the worst in the NFL for the 2023 season, largely because of the shaky defense https://t.co/t9RnExf7t7
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) August 12, 2023
…
from link above
ESPN’s Mike Clay went position by position and ranked every team accordingly, weighing each position based on importance; quarterback is clearly more valuable than running back. In the overall rankings, no team finished lower than the Rams. Not even the Arizona Cardinals, who are widely viewed as the worst team in the NFL for 2023.
Here’s where the Rams ranked at each position:
QB: 15
RB: 29
WR: 25
TE: 21
OL: 30
Interior DL: 11
EDGE: 32
Off-ball LB: 32
CB: 32
Safety: 29…
Shakiest roster: Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have no regrets in how they managed to win the Lombardi Trophy, but the check has come due for all the picks they traded away for short-term boosts. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this defense is the shakiest and most unproven I’ve seen on paper since entering this industry.
Six defenders played 700-plus (67%) snaps for this team last season and none remain on the roster. In fact, Jones (693) and Donald (593) are the only players remaining who played more than half the snaps. Incredibly, the Rams didn’t sign a notable veteran replacement until August (safety John Johnson III) and will rely on rookies and recent Day 3 fliers for a majority of their defensive snaps. It’s hard to imagine this not being the league’s worst defense … and that’s with superstar Donald in the fold.
The offensive line is also problematic, which means big rebound seasons from 35-year-old QB Matthew Stafford and 30-year-old WR Cooper Kupp and a historic coaching job from Sean McVay will be what this team needs to compete for a wild-card spot. If not, there’s a good chance Los Angeles will be locking down its QB of the future with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft.
But luckily for the Rams, they aren’t the only team with an underwhelming roster, as divisional foe Arizona Cardinals nearly tie them for this spot.
znModeratoroldnotdead
Can’t tell much from the game for some of the positions.
What was clear:
Tomlinson is as good as I thought he is. He can play inside and outside.
Bennett is QB2 and an upgrade. Probably plays the entire game next week. Then they can shut him down on the final game.
Puka probably won’t play in preseason again. He’s got nothing to prove.
McAllister is a keeper.
Jackson is LT and Noteboom RG this year.
Zach Thomas has made the transition to OG making him valuable as a swing for OT and OG.
Wendell’s coaching impact is clear.
Freeman bumps Rivers off the team. Royce becomes #3 or #4 RB.
Ethan Evans is a stud and will be a Ram for a long time, maybe until he retires.
With McAllister looking good does it make Allen expendable and they go with Shelton, with McAllister as their swing and Maginn on the PS?
Less clear need to see more:
McClendon’s feet are heavy but that would be less of an issue inside. I think he would struggle against starting edges.
Young is a work in progress and probably will move to the strongside.
Perimeter run defense sucked they need a WIL and SAM to lock it down.
Bruss was very inconsistent but it’s only the first game he’s played in a very long time.
The secondary looked better, i.e. more aggressive. (Thank you Aubrey) But hard to say how good they will be with all the backups and vanilla coverages.
Smith apparently is hoped to be the returner. I have no problem with it and expected it since the day he was signed. But he needs to clean things up.
Hope it gets better or it’s a problem:
ST sucked. Let’s see how coach Blackburn responds for the rest of preseason.
Tanner Brown gets a pass in game one.
Relying on your edge as the only perimeter run defender is a glaring problem is scheme design. No SAM or WIL? Mobile QBs will kill this scheme.
Bobby Brown can’t play a 1T. They can’t play a mixed 1 & 2 gap front with this personnel. They need to return to a one gap DL. Because they play a 1T NT both ILB are over the A gaps and the perimeters are wide open. This is a scheme design failure as much as players failing to set a hard edge. But expecting the edge to be the primary edge defender slows them down when trying to penetrate. It limits them and gives the advantage to the OL. I’ve been saying it for months and it was on full display. Read/React 2 gap doesn’t work that has been proven for years and why the vast majority of defenses play a one gap DL.
The Bottom Line:
The Rams have time to turn it around. It was clear that the problem isn’t talent but a combination of experience, and scheme. Experience will resolve itself as the season plays out. Scheme fixes need to be done now so they can practice them. McAllister is a pure center and as he gains experience he makes Allen expendable because they also have Maginn who can play both OG and C.
-
AuthorPosts
