Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
#Rams DC Wade Phillips on rookie S Taylor Rapp: “He’s not John Johnson yet, but he’s got some similar traits.” (Rapp is expected to play Sunday)

Sean McVay said #Rams RB Todd Gurley is not on any pitch or snap count for Sunday’s season opener against the #Panthers. I still think there is a usage plan for Gurley that will be baked into the game plan.

Tyler kind of epitomizes one of the more popular sayings around the #Rams: “The people who know, know.” There’s a ton of nuance and unselfishness to his value and contribution that maybe people outside the building don’t understand or see. Inside the building, it’s unquestioned

Joe Curley@vcsjoecurley
Higbee was NFL’s No. 40 receiving tight end, No. 46 blocking TE in 2019, per
@PFF. He allowed the third most QB pressures in pass pro and had a rough postseason in the run game. Looks like Rams are paying for what they believe 89 will develop into.

Downtown Rams [DTR]@DowntownRams
Once the Jared Goff deal was agreed upon. The #Rams received long-term cap and dollar clarity. Why did the Higbee extension come today? Because the Rams have their QB locked up and team building got easier. Wouldn’t be shocked if another player got paid soon.

Louis Riddick@LRiddickESPN
Amount of pro-team/anti-player sentiment when discussing money/contracts continues to shock me when I shouldn’t be shocked. The unwillingness to see how the business of pro sports works from BOTH vantage points (player vs management) particularly with football, is mind numbing.

Lance Zierlein@LanceZierlein
2018: Rams gave up 2nd & 4th for All-Pro CB M.Peters
2018: Rams give 1st and 6th for Cooks and 4th
2017: 2nd for Sammy Watkins

Peters/Cooks were extremely accomplished already as pros. Watkins was thought highly of despite injury. They didn’t get pummeled in the trades either

J.B. Long@JB_Long
Using conservative averages (4k yards & 25 TDs per season) Jared Goff will become @RamsNFL all-time leader in both categories within 4 years. If the team can average better than 8 wins, he’d also have more victories than any QB in franchise history by the end of this contact.

==

.@SportsLine simulated the season schedule 10K times, and these are the Super Bowl probabilities for all 32 NFL teams.

1. Chiefs (18.4%)
2. Patriots (17.4%)
3. Saints (14.3%)
4. Rams (10.1%)
5. Chargers (6.7%)
6. Eagles (5.2%)
7. Seahawks (3.7%)
8. Bears (3.2%)
9. Browns (3.2%) pic.twitter.com/iv0UUiVPvX

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) September 5, 2019

aeneas1

last season the rams ranked league best in fewest drops per pass attempt, league best in fewest offensive penalties per play, and 8th best in fewest drives that ended in turnovers

Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay, Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Co-Offensive Coordinator Aaron Kromer, September 4 press conference

***

Rams HC Sean McVay

(On the decision to make QB Jared Goff the highest paid quarterback in the NFL)

“Really the same thing that you’ve heard us say all along – I think it’s great for him (QB Jared Goff), I think it’s something that demonstrates a commitment that we’ve always felt to him. I thought it was a great job by, really, (Vice President, Football & Business Administration) Tony Pastoors and (Goff’s Agent) Ryan Tollner, working it out and really, gets our quarterback, who we’ve been committed to all along. I think for Jared, too, it wouldn’t have been a distraction for him. I think anytime you start to get into those conversations, you can’t help but let your mind wander there. But, to put that to bed, to be able to know that he’s going to be able to take care of his family for a long time and maybe take me to dinner is a good thing (laughs). Really happy for him, but I think, more than anything, it just represents the start of hopefully something special this season and him continuing to grow and lead the way. I know it’s not going to change his approach at all, but I think it’s great for him and I think it’s an awesome representation, too, of (Owner/Chairman) Mr. (E. Stanley) Kroenke and how committed he is to taking care of our own, giving us all the necessary resources to be a competitive team. It makes you want to work that much harder for him and for this organization when you can do the things that we believe in, that help us take steps in the right direction and make commitments to the people we want to do this with for a while.”

(On what he saw during his interview process with the Rams that made him realize Goff was a quarterback he wanted to align his future with)

“I don’t know that you look at it like that, but, I think when you get a chance to spend a little bit of time with him (Goff) through the interview process, then you look at the tape, you see all the intangibles, the things that you’re looking for – the toughness where he’s taking shots, keeping his eyes down the field. I’ve referenced it when we’ve talked before, but the New Orleans game, I thought, really showed a lot of the things that you look at and you say, ‘That’s what a No. 1 overall pick looks like.’ Making big-time throws, moving, doesn’t necessarily need a clean platform to throw from – he was making checks in that game. And then, when you talk to him, what I loved more than anything is even though the season didn’t go the way they wanted it to as a team, all he did was look inward and took accountability for what he can do to be better. Everything that he’s done from an action standpoint from that point on has been indicative of why he earned the contract that he did. It’s just the start. This isn’t a finality, this is just the start of him continuing to grow, continuing to lead us. What he’s done over the last couple years, it’s been a blessing for me to be able to work with him and I think all of his teammates are excited about that. Our focus is solely on Carolina now and I know he feels the same way.”

(On what Goff took away from the Super Bowl and what his response has been from then until now)

“It’s really just been about everything you hear us talk about – let’s learn from the past. It’s really just another game. It was a big game, no doubt about it, but there were things that I think both he (Goff) and I would definitely say we expect to be better if those opportunities present themselves again. I think it mainly starts with me, but, for him, that mental fortitude is a great trait that he has. That mental toughness and that ability to say, ‘I’m going to learn from the past, but I’m not going to let it hinder my ability to move forward.’ I mentioned it the other day, but, we face it, we fix it and then, hopefully, when those opportunities present themselves again – really just in a game situation – we do it better next time. That’s what we’re excited about starting these games and starting this season in Carolina on Sunday.”

(On if he is concerned the financial commitments to DT Aaron Donald, RB Todd Gurley II and Goff will hinder the organization’s ability to surround them with talented players)

“No. I’ll tell you why – it’s because this decision is a reflection of the confidence we have in Jared, but it’s also a big picture perspective. How you take into account of all our resources and really, what does that mean in terms of you have to do a great job drafting and developing. You have to continue to bring guys in from the outside that want to be here. This was something that not only took into consideration taking care of Jared the way that we felt like he deserved to be taken care of, but then, also, what’s in the best interest and how that might potentially affect our ability to re-sign other guys, as crazy as that sounds. Every decision we make is always in the best interest of the team and we feel like this was one of those as well.”

(On his personal relationship with Goff)

“We have a great relationship. I think it’s like anything else – the more time you spend, the more that you get to know each other and it’s not exclusive to just football. His family, his friends, same thing with me – and I think, No. 1, he’s a great person. You can’t help but be excited about somebody like him leading the way and he’s also extremely talented. Our foundational thing – everything that it starts with – is with that relationship and we’ve got a great relationship that continues to grow as we continue to gain that experience with one another.”

(On where Goff is in terms of turning into a quarterback who can win games where things are not going as well as he would like)

“Well, I thought he did it in the Conference Championship game and we never say one game is really the determining factor. The Super Bowl is obviously a big game, it’s the only game and it’s the last game of the season, so it tends to be talked about – rightfully so. But, I think for him (Goff), when you talk about, ‘Is he capable of handling the big-time moments?’ Being able to carry his team, being able to make things right if they’re not always in alignment with what we want, I thought last year he demonstrated that. Now, the challenge is, ‘Can we consistently do it?’ Hopefully, it’s a collaboration of coaches, players, his teammates, himself – just continuing to play at a higher level, consistently make good decisions. We’re very confident in Jared’s ability to make big-time plays in big games and he’s done that.”

(On if he can remember the moment, he knew Goff was his guy)

“I would say it’s been an ongoing thing. I felt very confident and excited about the opportunity to work with him (Goff) from when I just met him the first time. For a lot of the things that I was mentioning, when you’re mentally tough like that, when you have the natural inclination to look inward, before you look to blame anybody else, I think that sets you up for success. You show me anybody that’s been successful, it’s somebody that’s persevered, that’s overcome some adversity and been able to stay the course and not let some of those adverse times alter your confidence. I think he’s got a steady confidence, he’s got a refreshing security about himself. I wouldn’t say there was really that, ‘Aha moment’. I think there is a bunch I could go to. I think it’s been a continued growth process as we’ve got to know each other over the last couple of years. He made an impact on me as soon as I met him, before we even played a snap together.”

(On if adversity is something a quarterback needs to have to mature)

“I don’t necessarily know you have to have it. I think it’s a great way of measuring the mental toughness that we talk about. I think he’s continued to demonstrate that and display that really when you go back to his college career, what he’s done so far in a short pro career. I think that inevitable, this game is so competitive that naturally those things are going to occur. Your ability to respond, in a lot of instances, is more important than staying humbled through the success. I think he’s handled it really well, so far.”

(On if the time QB Jared Goff has offered him more flexibility and ownership on play calling)

“It has, it’s like anything else. I know we’ve become monotonous, but the more that your quarterback can become an extension of the coaching staff, the more ownership he has, the better off you are. I think you always want to strive to have a situation where the players have the true ownership over what’s getting done, and the coaches work in unison with them to figure out the best ways to operate. That’s not exclusive to offense, that goes both ways. Naturally, the quarterback position is thrust into that leadership role where you’re running the communication, based on your command of the huddle and all those things. To really make a simple answer in what you asked, he does have a lot more control based on his ownership as he continues to gain confidence, and really, ownership of the system.”

(On If RB Todd Gurley II is where he wants him to be going into week one)

“Yeah, he is. This is the plan we had set out. I think (RB) Todd (Gurley II) would tell you, he’s feeling good, He’s ready to go. We are excited to play live football. It’s not exclusive to Todd, I know there is a lot of our starters that you’ve guys have talk to that haven’t played yet. I think they’re just chomping at the bit to get to play real football. When you’re playing tackle football and it’s not mimic and emulating these situations. It’s actually going and playing and competing against a really tough team in a tough road atmosphere.”

(On what are some examples of coaches and quarterbacks that have work together for a long time and what that allows you to do)

“Patriots are a great example when you look at the rapport that (Patriots Head Coach) Bill (Belichick) and (Patriots Quarteback) Tom (Brady) have. In some instances, you can look at how long (Patriots Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach) Josh McDaniels has been there and the continuity and comfort with what they do. I think you look at (Saints Quarterback) Drew Brees and (Saints Head Coach) Sean Payton and the success that they’ve be able to have over time. Unless you’re actually involved in the intricacies of their building, it’s hard for me to answer that question. I do know, over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of growth, a lot of good conversations and dialogue that can exist. between myself, our coaches and Jared, more and more, he gets more comfortable to be able to provide feedback to us. That’s the most important thing – is the ownership from him and I can only image if we continue on this pace. Hopefully, we’re having those conversations where we can be one of those groups that has that kind of continuity. But, you only do that by being able to sustain a level of success, which is easier said than done.”

(On what kind of challenges come to mind after having success on his previous two season openers)

“In a lot of instances, going on the road last year, starting out in Oakland, it’s kind of the same deal. We started out our first year against the Colts, but I think It’s really just getting off to a fast start. Being able to weather the storm. Inevitably, some good things are going to happen, some bad things are going to happen. Our ability to just stay even-keeled, stay the course, be elite with our communication. All those key things that you talk about to your team all the time, those are going to be the consistent themes. I think it’s making sure that starting today, that we have a great week of preparation. Really, it started already. We’ve got to stack three great days on top of one another, before we travel on Friday. Most importantly, I think that enables the players to go into competition against a great team with a quieted mind and let’s go play the best of our ability and then see what happens.”

(On if he has a restaurant, he wants QB Jared Goff to take him too)

“I’ve got a couple (laughs). A nice expensive one, that’s what I would say.”

(On being involved developing players that received big contracts like Vikings QBs Kirk Cousins and how he feels about it)

“I look at it as, (Vikings QB) Kirk (Cousins) was instrumental in me getting an opportunity to be sitting here as a head coach. Same instance, a lot of the success we’ve had is a reflection of Jared Goff’s leadership. I got rewarded with that this offseason as well. It’s been great. I think what it demonstrates is when you’ve got good players, you’re a lot better coach. Also, it’s about working together in unison to try to ultimately to achieve as much success as possible and everybody can benefit. I’ve been fortunate to work with two great quarterbacks.”

***

OL Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Co-OC Aaron Kromer

(On where OL Joseph Noteboom and C Brian Allen are at going into Week 1 with no preseason snaps)

“I think they’re ready to go. It’s going to be a work in progress throughout the year, I’m sure, like any offense. Even when we had veterans last year, it was still a work in progress from game one to the end. I’m sure that’ll be the same situation here, but I think (OL) Joe (Noteboom) and (C) Brian (Allen) working against our defense is very game-like. The players they have to play against, the intensity that our defense plays with, as well as practicing against the Chargers, practicing against Oakland gave them two different schemes and two different techniques they could work against. I think they got a lot of work and we’re looking forward to the game.”

(On how important it is for Allen to be confident and not be shy about speaking up)

“It’s no different from the quarterback or any leader in any organization. That person has to have confidence in himself and in what he’s doing. He studied enough and worked hard enough that he has confidence in what he’s seeing and what he’s calling. No one’s going to be 100 percent in exactly what happens out there, but that’s football. There’s mistakes, you learn, you move on and you make the next play or else we’d score every play. I think they’re in a good place. They’re in a good place mentally, both of them. Brian especially making the calls. He appears to be in a spot where he has confidence, he did it in college, he did it last year with the 1s all year during practice when (Former Rams C John) Sullivan wasn’t practicing, and that was quite often because we had our vet (veteran) days. So, he’s had a lot of work with the quarterback. Him and (QB) Jared (Goff) worked a ton last year in practice and so hopefully that pays off.”

(On if the Rams’ offseason/preseason plan for RB Todd Gurley II has impacted the offensive line)

“Everything affects something, but I don’t know that our exact work with him in the backfield, you know, he’s had a ton of reps with us the past two years. He knows how we’re trying to hit runs and where we’re trying to hit them and we continue to meet on that. So, we hope he’s ready and we think he’s ready. He’s looked good the last couple of days.”

(On foreseeing a day when an offensive linemen gets $110 million guaranteed)

“We sure hope so. All the lineman are hoping so (laughs). They are hoping for that guarantee.”

(On if there’s going to be a role for RB Darrell Henderson Jr.)

“There is going to be a role for all three of them to be quite honest. We feel like with three talented running backs including (RB) Malcolm (Brown) with the other two. All three of them are talented runners and talented receivers. In our offense they need to be able to do it all. But definitely (RB) Darrell (Henderson), you know, coming out of college averaging almost 10-yards a carry. Obviously, we are not playing those same teams, but he’s a very talented runner and we look forward to seeing what he can do this year.”

(On what he expects from the Panthers defense)

“Well, the first thing that you notice about their defense is how big they are. They have three starters inside including (DT Gerald) McCoy at the end, their nose and their two tackles let’s say. Those three guys are big. They’re over 300 pounds plus. Then (DT) Vernon Butler’s backing him up and they have a lot of size and a lot of talent. I think they brought those guys in to keep people off of (LB Luke) Keuchly as much as they can and let (LB Luke) Keuchly run. No matter where that ball goes you know one things for sure, is (LB Luke) Keuchly’s going to be there, and whether it’s his gap or not his gap he’ll pass guys if he has to make the tackle.”

“You’re just happy when you see a guy who does it the right way on and off the football field.” – Andrew Whitworth

Big Whit shares his excitement for Goff + talks week one prep! pic.twitter.com/lnNdU7FcBK

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 5, 2019

Sam Monson@PFF_Sam
My favorite ever draft quote was about Alex Barron:

“He’ll play in the NFL for 10 years…but you’ll be mad at him every day of those 10 years”.

Think he was one year shy of 100% nailing it

Rams24/7@Rams24_7
A thread of some of my thoughts ahead of week 1:
1. First-time starters Noteboom & Allen will be tested immediately blocking the likes of Kawann Short, Gerald McCoy, & Dontari Poe
2. I like the matchup of Rams WRs vs the Panthers secondary (which I think is average)
3. Curious to see how the snap breakdown between Todd and Brown is. I think Henderson sees 5 touches at most.
4. Excited to see AD for the first time since February and see how the NT rotation of SJD and Gaines play alongside him.
5. I like the Rams CBs to clamp down on the Panthers WRs.
6. McCaffrey & Olsen are the only weapons that concern me. I think JJ is the best matchup vs Olsen and McCaffrey will be a mix, as long as it isn’t Hager. Taylor Rapp may get some snaps in covering him

From NFL Now: Under the cover of darkness, the #Rams locked up QB Jared Goff for the next 6 years. A look at how it went down 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/FPBQZn5Wl1

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2019

Here are 5 things to know about the Rams-Panthers matchup in Week 1, including LA's dominance under Sean McVay in season openers https://t.co/BHeXymTYzJ

— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) September 4, 2019

D’Marco Farr@DMarcoFarr1
Goff’s extension says a few things IMO. Haters should let go of 2016. Snead & McVay are very very good together. Front office has learned a ton since taking over. Long term NFL economics say that it just became senior year for guys hoping to get new deals or extensions in the Future.

Ed Werder@WerderEdESPN
Now that Ezekiel Elliott has validated Todd Gurley’s contract, the future beneficiaries will be Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara and Saquon Barkley.

==

First thing that came to mind with this morning's news. In my recollection, one of the most consequential tackles of the #LARams 2018 season. pic.twitter.com/jPQ3wraR1W

— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) September 4, 2019

Kevin Seifert@SeifertESPN
Always amazed how many people take the side of billionaires over millionaires in sports contract debates.

Andrew Brandt@AndrewBrandt
Have seen it my whole career as agent, team exec, analyst.

@RGabriel4HOF to ❄️ #Rams#DeepThrowThread pic.twitter.com/MRq4It5NwG

— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) September 4, 2019

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
The record-breaking contract extension #Rams gave Jared Goff confirms what they know they have in him – even while others stubbornly cling to lazy narratives: Goff is a franchise quarterback.

Jared Goff agrees to a four-year contract extension with Rams

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-09-03/rams-sign-quarterback-jared-goff-to-contract-extension

At the start of training camp, Rams general manager Les Snead said signing quarterback Jared Goff to an extension was “not a matter of if, it’s just when.”

That day arrived Tuesday when the Rams agreed to terms with Goff on a four-year extension, the team announced. Contract terms were not immediately disclosed, but the deal keeps Goff under contract through the 2024 season.

Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, has helped lead the Rams to consecutive NFC West titles and a Super Bowl appearance last season.

Carson Wentz, the No. 2 pick in 2016, received a $128-million extension from the Philadelphia Eagles that includes $107 million in guarantees.

The signings broke with what had become recent NFL practice of waiting until the end of a quarterback’s fourth season before offering extensions. Goff and Wentz share the same representation firm, REP 1 Sports.

Goff, 24, became a star and Pro Bowl selection in the last two seasons under coach Sean McVay. Goff rebounded from going 0-7 as a rookie starter under former coach Jeff Fisher’s staff to compile a 24-7 record since. Goff has completed 62% of his passes, 65 for touchdowns, with 26 interceptions.

Goff was due to earn a base salary of $4.3 million this season and carries a salary-cap number of $8.9 million, according to the website overthecap.com. In April, the Rams exercised their fifth-year option on Goff, for a salary of more than $22 million in 2020.

On May 11, after the Rams’ final workout of the offseason, Goff said he was happy for Wentz and that he had contemplated what it might mean for him. But he said he was not worried about a timeline for an extension.

“You definitely think about it,” he said, “But at the same time, I know none of that is even possible without playing well on the field, and being available on the field.

“So just continue to do what I’ve been doing the last few years and be myself and let it take care of itself.”

McVay said at the time, “As long as I’m fortunate enough to be in this role, hopefully this guy is stuck with me for a long time.”

A week after Wentz signed his extension, Snead reiterated that the Rams regarded Goff as an important part of the future.

“If a quarterback can prove he can win in this league — win two division championships and get to a Super Bowl — I think it’s obvious that at some point he will get a long-term contract from the Rams,” Snead said.

At the start of training camp, McVay and Snead received contract extensions through the 2023 season.

Goff said throughout training camp that he was not worried about the contract status of a possible extension, and that as long as he played well and continued to win games, the situation would work out.