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June 10, 2019 at 10:07 pm in reply to: OTAs (including a great final write-up by VB, posted 6/10) #102042
znModeratorThe good and bad from Rams OTAs, before this week’s three-day minicamp
Vincent Bonsignore
Just a couple of comments that stood out to me from VB:
The team I watched the last few weeks looks much more decisive and purposeful than this time last year.
[according to] a recent text from a team insider, is that while there’s no guarantee they’ll match or exceed their 13-win total from a year ago, there is confidence that this year’s team has a chance to be better overall than the one that reached the Super Bowl last year.
June 10, 2019 at 9:59 pm in reply to: Eagles sign Carson Wentz to extension, could it affect Goff situation? #102041znModeratorI am very inclined to see it VB’s way on all this (from: https://theathletic.com/1018707/2019/06/10/the-good-and-bad-from-rams-otas-before-this-weeks-three-day-minicamp/ ). (The whole article is here, posted 6/10 in the OTAs thread).
Yes, keeping Goff will be expensive. And there will be salary-cap challenges when it comes to building a championship-caliber team around a highly paid quarterback. But Goff will be in the prime years of his career, with a master’s degree in this offense, and that will provide far more benefit than whatever savings an unproven, younger replacement might provide.
June 10, 2019 at 9:49 pm in reply to: OTAs (including a great final write-up by VB, posted 6/10) #102040znModeratorThe good and bad from Rams OTAs, before this week’s three-day minicamp
Vincent Bonsignore
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Rams have wrapped up the Organized Team Activity phase of their offseason program, and all that stands between them and the opening of training camp in late July is a mandatory three-day minicamp that begins Tuesday.
If recent history repeats, the minicamp likely will be condensed by a day or two, because coach Sean McVay typically cuts it short to reward players for the work they put in during the offseason program. And after observing the Rams during the open portions of OTAs, I suspect that will be the case this year.
Among the many observations from OTAs, one that stands out is how the Rams attacked the program with focus and energy. This isn’t your typical, positive-natured OTAs hyperbole, either. I sincerely wondered what sort of mindset the Rams would have, given the gut-wrenching manner in which their season ended, with a disappointing loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. Or whether the obvious disappointment would linger into this season.
That doesn’t appear to be the case, at least not yet. The team I watched the last few weeks looks much more decisive and purposeful than this time last year.
Some poking around behind the scenes revealed that the work ethic, demeanor and spirit has stood out within the Rams’ building. The resulting sentiment, as expressed in a recent text from a team insider, is that while there’s no guarantee they’ll match or exceed their 13-win total from a year ago, there is confidence that this year’s team has a chance to be better overall than the one that reached the Super Bowl last year.
That said, here are some specific observations from OTAs:
The absence of Todd Gurley lingers
No doubt the Rams are pleased with the work they’ve put in thus far, and even just from eyeballing it from the sidelines, it appears their content is warranted. But the notable absence of Todd Gurley, who was held out of on-field activities while adhering to a training program designed to get his left knee through an entire season, cast a definite shadow.
The murkiness surrounding Gurley’s health has been cause for boundless discussion, speculation, worry and frustration among pundits and fans. The manner in which he ended last season — he missed the final two regular-season games and appeared to be a shell of himself in the playoffs (save for a powerful performance in the divisional round against Dallas) – and the lack of clarity ever since has been an ominous stain on an otherwise positive offseason.
Nevertheless, I still believe it’s overly pessimistic to assume the worst about Gurley. Obviously something is up with the knee. All signs are pointing to a condition that needs to be managed, rather than an actual injury that needs to be fixed. Reading between the lines regarding the plan they have in place, it appears the days of Gurley being the undisputed, heavy-load bell cow running back are over.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t still be a hugely significant piece of the Rams’ offense. In fact, by altering his usage rate the Rams hope to avoid reaching a point of diminishing returns, which seemed to be the issue last year.
The Rams created cover for Gurley — no matter the severity of the situation — by re-signing Malcolm Brown and drafting dynamic Memphis running back Darrell Henderson. Brown is expected to reclaim his backup duties after he missed the last four regular-season games and all of the postseason with a knee injury, and Henderson showed in OTAs that his speed, explosiveness and versatility as a runner and pass catcher will add an exciting new element to the Rams’ offense.
The question is, will he do it more as a complement to Gurley or in place of him?
One thing that really stood out in OTAs is the obviousness that this is an offense going into its third year under the same coach.
That isn’t to suggest it has hit some type of plateau, either. In fact, with the foundation of McVay’s offense securely in place, the Rams are adding and building on it.
The face of that familiarity and decisiveness is fourth-year quarterback Jared Goff, who has looked completely in charge with his operation and leadership inside the huddle, at the line of scrimmage and in actual execution. Quite a bit of that has been against zone-coverage looks, which gave him trouble late last season and in particular against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
The blame for that is not exclusive to Goff, as the Rams’ coaching staff was slow to make adjustments to the defensive schemes the Patriots utilized. But if OTAs provided any evidence, the Rams seem more prepared, should teams deploy a similar game plan.
Circling back to Goff and the command he’s showing, it makes the idea of the Rams walking away from him at the end of his rookie contract seem all the more ludicrous. It makes no sense, after investing the resources it took to acquire Goff, then developing and grooming him, to simply part ways just as he’s hitting his prime years, in order to start over with a younger, cheaper replacement.
Yes, keeping Goff will be expensive. And there will be salary-cap challenges when it comes to building a championship-caliber team around a highly paid quarterback. But Goff will be in the prime years of his career, with a master’s degree in this offense, and that will provide far more benefit than whatever savings an unproven, younger replacement might provide.
Inside linebacker is still a question, but there are answers
The Rams took a huge leap of faith this time last year by anointing Cory Littleton as the replacement at inside linebacker for veteran Alec Ogletree, a fixture they surprisingly traded. Littleton delivered on the Rams’ faith with a Pro Bowl-caliber season while excelling against both the run and pass.
The Rams hope history repeats this year because they cut veteran Mark Barron in a salary-cap move, which left the linebacker spot opposite Littleton wide open.
Micah Kiser, now in his second year after spending most of his rookie year on special teams, got a bunch of snaps with the first-team defense during OTAs. And while he looks bigger and stronger from this time a year ago – he more than looked the starter’s part during practice – until he actually gets on the field for an extended period, he remains a question mark.
The depth behind Littleton and Kiser is mostly thin, save for Bryce Hager, a veteran backup who can provide capable work in short stints. It opens the door for youngsters such as Travin Howard, in whom the Rams invested a year of development last season, and rookie Dakota Allen, who they drafted in the seventh round this year out of Texas Tech.
The Rams were noticeably quiet on the ILB front during the offseason, which leads you to believe they’re comfortable that a combination of Kiser and others will adequately man the position. Keep in mind, also, the amount of time they spend in their base defense is not extensive. Whatever learning curve Kiser might experience in pass coverage can be mitigated by sub-package looks, in which he yields his spot to a defensive back.
It will be interesting to see how quickly rookie safety Taylor Rapp grasps the defense. You can certainly envision situations where he’s on the field in three-safety looks, in which either he or John Johnson drop down to linebacker. Rapp, much like Johnson, was utilized all over the field at Washington and his versatility was particularly attractive to the Rams.
Lots of numbers on the defensive line
One of the more intriguing positions to watch in OTAs — and into training camp — is the defensive line. Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers are back at tackle and end, respectively, but who lines up between them (in their base defense) and alongside them (in sub packages) remains in question.
The good news is, there are plenty of available options.
The most likely candidate to start at nose tackle in the base defense is rookie Greg Gaines, but don’t sleep on second-year tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, who put in a ton of work in the weight room this offseason and looks ready to earn a role. Joseph-Day was on the 53-man roster for all of last year after being selected in the sixth round out of Rutgers, a sign of the Rams’ confidence that he could deliver if called upon. As it turns out, he was able to take a virtual redshirt season and quietly develop behind the scenes. He has a huge opportunity to forge a role this year, and his work in OTAs shows he’s taken the necessary steps to compete for a job.
Tanzel Smart is also in the mix, but has some work ahead of him with the addition of Gaines and what appears to be an improved Joseph-Day.
On the outside, veteran Clay Matthews took some snaps as a hand-in-dirt defensive end, although he was much more prominent at outside linebacker — usually while rotating with Samson Ebukam — and (at times) at inside linebacker.
Matthews will likely rotate among all three positions during the season, as coordinator Wade Phillips wants to deploy him from various launch points and try to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
When the Rams do line up with four linemen, expect to see a lot of John Franklin-Myers, who showed natural pass-rush skill as a rookie while notching two sacks, and Morgan Fox, who is back at defensive end after missing all of last year with a knee injury.
Fox stood out during OTAs with his speed and athletic ability, which served to remind everyone why the Rams were so high on him before the injury. The combination of Fox, Franklin-Myers and Matthews has a chance to create enticing pass-rush pressure off the bench, and help supplement the heat created by Donald in the interior and Dante Fowler Jr. off the edge.
znModeratorThree storylines to watch with Rams set for mandatory minicamp
Clarence Dennis
https://www.therams.com/news/three-storylines-to-watch-with-rams-set-for-mandatory-minicamp
1. What’s the latest from Todd Gurley
The football world will hear from running back Todd Gurley when minicamp hits, as the back is scheduled for media availability following Tuesday’s practice.
It remains to be seen how much action Gurley will see on the practice field this week, but the league’s leader in touchdowns a season ago will certainly be in the building for sessions with the Rams strength and conditioning staff and meetings — much like he’s been for the offseason’s voluntary portion.
Head coach Sean McVay said late last month that his staff has a specialized plan for getting Gurley ready to roll for 2019, taking into account the heavy workload No. 30 carried in 2018’s march to Super Bowl LIII.
“[T]hat was really what we felt like, when we sat down at the end of the year, and [developed] a plan that’s best suited for Todd getting ready for the Carolina Panthers — but then also taking into consideration being ready to go when training camp rolls around,” McVay said.
“And I think some of that also had to do with us just playing a lot longer than we had in previous years. So, really, sitting down with [head trainer] Reggie [Scott], sitting down — most importantly — with Todd and talking through those things, that was a plan that we kind of laid out a while back. And that’s what’s been followed so far.”
2. A new-look defense
The Los Angeles Rams defense will look a bit different than it did featuring now-Buccaneer DT Ndamukong Suh, safety LaMarcus Joyner, and linebacker Mark Barron to close 2018.
Going forward, coordinator Wade Phillips’ defense will roll out big-name veterans in safety Eric Weddle and linebacker Clay Matthews. It could also welcome up-and-coming young players to a starting roles, like linebacker Micah Kiser and sophomore defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, who have each received reps with the top defensive unit depending on the package.
This week’s minicamp should provide some clarity as to which personnel will be called upon given the situation. In OTAs’ 11-on-11 drilling so far, it’s been mostly Joseph-Day lining up at the nose spot in Phillips’ base 3-4 defense — despite general manager Les Snead and McVay’s comments about sticking rookie defensive tackle Greg Gaines at nose following the draft.
In the middle of the defense, all indications point Kiser slotting into Barron’s vacated space, while Matthews has been working off the edge. As for Weddle, the veteran has been frequently working in and out of the dime linebacker spot — an offseason addition that safety John Johnson’s encouraged about moving forward.
“He puts everyone at ease and it’s funny because I used to say that’s what I try to do, so it’s kind of like two guys are back there working together to just make everybody comfortable, everyone play faster, and work together even better,” Johnson said last week. “It’s great having him with us, I’m glad. It’s a big difference from last year — no knock on last year’s crew — but we definitely took a step forward.”
3. How much to expect from Kupp
The Rams lost an offensive spark when wide receiver Cooper Kupp went down with a torn ACL in Week 10 of last season. Now past the six-month point in recovery, Kupp has been working with head athletic trainer Reggie Scott on-field throughout OTAs.
“He’s really doing an excellent job staying right on track, making good progress, and we want it this way, where we’ve got to pull him back because he’s so excited to get back out there,” McVay said last week.
The head coach also mentioned that the minicamp period should look like an extension of OTAs ahead of year three leading the Rams. If that is the case, expect Kupp to continue his individual attention on rehab, while steadily increasing the number of ‘jog-thru’ routes he runs as a member of Goff’s 11.
znModeratorGerald Everett: Eric Weddle is ‘almost like having a McVay on defense’
Cameron DaSilva
Gerald Everett: Eric Weddle is 'almost like having a McVay on defense'
Sean McVay is one of the brightest minds in the NFL, particularly when it comes to offense. But according to Gerald Everett, the Los Angeles Rams might have the defensive version of McVay, too.
Only, he’s not talking about Wade Phillips or any other coach on the staff. He’s comparing Eric Weddle to McVay.
In a recent interview, Everett was asked about facing Weddle in practice and how much it helps him develop into a better player. He was quick to offer praise for the veteran safety, marveling at his football intelligence and agreeing with Marcus Peters that Weddle is a “genius.”
“He is. He’s almost like having a McVay on defense,” Everett said. “He’s giving me some of the best looks I’ve ever seen. To see him out here and compete, I can’t say enough. I’m happy.
“I know for sure I won’t see guys like that on most game days, at least. He’s switching up his looks and giving me the best look I could possibly see and just letting me work around it.”
Weddle isn’t the best athlete in the world and is older than most safeties, but he has rare instincts and field vision, which makes him an elite defender. He’s quick to react to what he’s seeing, which makes up for his lack of speed at the age of 34.
He’s going to be an asset on defense for the Rams this season, but for now, he’s helping Everett become an even better tight end. The young tight end feels he progressed during OTAs, as did the entire team.
znModeratorQ&A: Vinny Bonsignore
https://theathletic.com/1012152/2019/06/05/live-qa-rams-writer-vinny-bonsignore-answers-your-questions-friday-from-noon-to-1-p-m-pt/I think there’s a ton of mis-reporting being done nationally on the Goff situation. I think some people made rash decisions about him based on his rookie season and have been unwilling to alter their position. I think many of them are mistaking the Rams decision to take care of some other FA/roster business before taking care of Goff as an indication they aren’t yet ready to commit to Jared. That’s completely inaccurate. They wan’t Jared around for the long haul. They are committed to him. They will re-sign him.
I think Kiser wins the job. But I think you’ll see the Rams playing a lot of three-safety looks in passing situations where Kiser comes off the field.
Makes sense to have Weddle calling the defense, he’s pretty much a master in that regard.
[Matthews is] lining up all over the place, so there really appears to be a plan in place to get him on the field a lot in various places. I think he can be an absolute help on the field and as a mentor for younger playrs
there does seem to be more of a willingness to move guys in and out on defense while trying to be much more consistent offensively. That’s probably a product of the importance of continuity on offense, whereas on defense, with so much sub-packaging going on, there seems to be more willingness to mix and match. That said, guys like John Johnson, Cory Littleton and Aaron are core pieces they want to keep around and build around
I’d be surprised if Todd was on the field in minicamp. I do believe there is some sort of condition that Todd is dealing with in the left knee, something that needs to be managed. And that certainly sounds like it could be some level of arthritis. But the hope is they have a plan to manage it to help get him through the season.
All depends on where Gurley is physically, but assuming he’s healthy I see Henderson as a change of pace guy who can line up all over the field and get 10 to 15 touches per game. I think Malcolm is the guy who plays when Todd needs a blow.
I certainly think what McVay has done has changed the way coaches approach preseason games. There is much more of a: why should I expose my key players to the maximum level of injury risk in games that are meaningless?
znModeratorJared Goff goes through progressions faster than your QB pic.twitter.com/oJBLKMzynI
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) June 10, 2019
znModeratorFirst look at Eric Weddle in a Rams uniform (from media day) pic.twitter.com/yJS0kc2YyW
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) June 10, 2019
znModerator#Rams WR Robert Woods was great all-around last season, especially from close range
Woods earned an 80.8 receiving grade on passes between 1 and 9 yards, proving to be a reliable option for Jared Goff when in a pinch pic.twitter.com/hcHrVlHMb5
— PFF LA Rams (@PFF_Rams) June 10, 2019
znModeratorHorny Mcbae
On the between the Horns podcast they start off with Gurley talk and D’Marco Farr had some interesting stuff to say. It’s too long to transcribe everything here but give it a listen.
It surprised me that he was little bit “open” regarding this issue as usually Myles and him don’t say anything about controversial issues as they are both paid employees. He didn’t drop any bombshell or anything like that but I found his remarks quite interesting especially in the context of all the Gurley talk in the media lately by Wyche and Rappaport and others.
Farr: “Obviously there is a concern about his knee……To say there is no concern coming out of the Rams camp is false.” He said this 2 or 3 times.
Talking about the Rappaport thing that Todd won’t be the bell cow back anymore he didn’t say that’s bullshit. He said that’s premature to say and that we should wait and see.
Todd has been working with a well known trainer this off season and apparently there has been discussion with Sean about Todd playing at 10lbs lighter to alleviate some stress off the knee. Sean acknowledged this Lindsey Thiry asked him about it. He said he would be OK with it if Todd is comfortable being 10lbs lighter.
znModeratorRanking the Top 10 Quarterbacks for 2019; why the NFL no longer has a QB crisis; Goff's next contract; Trubisky, Mariota and Winston on the brink; and much more. @Andy_Benoit and @GGramling_SI discuss on The Monday Morning NFL Podcast https://t.co/jEEcWr0078
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) June 5, 2019
znModeratorPFF LA Rams@PFF_Rams
#Rams CB Nickell Robey-Coleman ranked 3rd in 2-year slot coverage grades among slot corners and 4th in slot coverage grade last season—
The most unique, important thing about the @RamsNFL offense is…. pic.twitter.com/99FB3xFJHS
— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) June 9, 2019
znModerator“This is like the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.” 😱#LARams rookies react to the LA Stadium at Hollywood Park!
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 9, 2019
znModeratorHow's facing @weddlesbeard in practice helping @lightningstrk12? pic.twitter.com/KHFqFd4Tg6
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 9, 2019
znModeratorCan't do it alone.
After signing their first NFL contract, the #LARams draftees heard messages from those who mean the most. 💙 pic.twitter.com/1tejszpLUS
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 8, 2019
June 9, 2019 at 3:31 pm in reply to: Eagles sign Carson Wentz to extension, could it affect Goff situation? #102020znModeratorCarson Wentz’s contract extension does not change timetable for Jared Goff
GARY KLEIN
https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-jared-goff-contract-extension-20190607-story.html
Shortly before Kevin Demoff was due Friday to lead a tour of progress made on the Rams’ $5-billion Inglewood stadium, the team’s chief operating officer addressed an impending ancillary issue that will cost the team more than $30 million a year:
Jared Goff’s next contract.
The Rams quarterback is signed through the 2020 season, but his future compensation came into focus Thursday after the Philadelphia Eagles gave quarterback Carson Wentz a four-year extension that is reportedly worth $128 million, with $107 million guaranteed.
Goff was the first pick in the 2016 draft. Wentz was the second. They share the same representation firm.
The Eagles broke from recent NFL tradition by giving their quarterback an extension after his third NFL season. Most teams have waited until the completion of the fourth to reward quarterbacks.
“I’m sure Jared went to bed happy last night,” Demoff told reporters. “I don’t think he was disappointed to see Carson do that.”
But Wentz’s situation will not affect the timing of an extension for Goff, Demoff said.
“They seem to be on a different timetable than we are,” Demoff said of the Eagles. “I don’t think we’re naïve enough to say that Carson’s signing is not relevant. I just don’t think it changes the timing.
“The Eagles focused on what they thought was best for their organization. We’re going to focus on what’s best for our organization.”
Goff, 24, will carry a salary-cap number of $8.9 million during the upcoming season, according to overthecap.com. In April, the Rams exercised their fifth-year option on Goff, which would give him a salary of about $22 million in 2020 if he does not sign an extension before then.
Goff is 24-14 as a starter. He made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons, led the Rams to consecutive NFC West titles and to the Super Bowl last season. He has completed 62% of his passes, 65 for touchdowns, with 26 interceptions.
Demoff and general manager Les Snead previously have said that preliminary discussions about a possible extension might begin after the Rams complete their offseason program. The Rams finish next week with a mandatory minicamp Tuesday.
“He’s an important piece of our future,” Demoff said of Goff. “I don’t think the timing of when we sign Jared, or begin those talks, really is reflective of how we value him.”
Last summer, the Rams signed receiver Brandin Cooks to an extension that included more than $50 million in guarantees. They gave running back Todd Gurley, who was entering his fourth NFL season, $45 million in guarantees. They signed offensive lineman Rob Havenstein to a deal that includes $16 million in guarantees, and then finished by giving defensive lineman Aaron Donald a $135-million deal that includes $86 million in guarantees.
Cornerback Marcus Peters, middle linebacker Cory Littleton, tight end Tyler Higbee and offensive lineman Austin Blythe are among young players entering the final year of their contracts, making them candidates for extensions.
Veteran offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, who has a salary cap number of $16.7 million, and cornerback Aqib Talib ($8 million) are in the final year of their contracts.
“The numbers would be tough, quite frankly, if you look at where we’re at, doing a significant change to Jared’s contract this year,” Demoff said. “It would probably hamper our ability to take care of some of the guys that we’re looking at for 2020.”
But Demoff noted that “I would never mistake how we’re staggering our contracts based on how we feel about Jared or any player. … We loved Aaron Donald. We tried for 18 months to get an Aaron Donald deal done. … Aaron’s the best example of your love for a player, and how badly you want them, doesn’t always come down to how quickly they sign.”
znModeratorEveryone pointed to the fact that the Patriots would change their defense after Sean McVay was cut off from Goff’s headset.
The very definition of shallow reporting.
No not everyone “pointed to that” as the key to the loss. Essentially all that means is that the Patz D disguised its looks, which is just not a rare thing in the NFL (Wade did it to Brady too). Whether your qb talks on the headset first or not, the defense changing up from what it showed the qb in a pre-snap look is not this rare thing.
The credible people who did a good job analyzing the superbowl pointed to several things the Patz D did, including (among other things) attacking the OL in ways calculated to throw it off.
znModeratorThese 10 quarterbacks all have to prove something in 2019 https://t.co/Pdru8tqKwZ via @thenflwire
— RamsNewsNow (@RamsNewsNow) June 9, 2019
==
from that:
Jared Goff
Goff had a great year last season and played up to his top pick billing. The problem was that he ended up being a shell of himself in the Super Bowl. Saying he struggled would be an understatement. Everyone pointed to the fact that the Patriots would change their defense after Sean McVay was cut off from Goff’s headset. If Goff wants a new deal — and he will need one eventually — he has to show more growth this season. He has to show the Rams that he can play without McVay as a crutch. It’s time for Goff to prove he’s a star NFL quarterback.znModeratorMarshall Faulk: Rams are ‘the most complete team in the NFL’
Cameron DaSilva
Marshall Faulk: Rams are 'the most complete team in the NFL'
Building a truly complete team in the NFL is difficult, partly because of the presence of a salary cap. Rosters have to be a mix of talented young players on cheap contracts, as well as experienced veterans. The Rams have both of those things and it’s why they’re one of the best teams in the NFL.
After reaching the Super Bowl last season, Los Angeles still boasts a loaded roster capable of winning it all, paired with an outstanding coach in Sean McVay. Former Rams running back and NFL analyst Marshall Faulk knows a thing or two about talented teams, and he believes the most complete one resides in L.A.
He had some high praise for the Rams recently.
“I think that they are the most complete team in the NFL when you look at them top to bottom,” he said. “You throw in the experience of what they went through, you’ve got to go on the road in the NFC championship into New Orleans and win the football game – albeit, there was controversy. But to be in the position to win that game for a young team, that’s impossible, that’s a tough place to win.”
Faulk complimented the Rams for taking a chance on McVay, who’s “more innovative” than Jeff Fisher. He also loves the way they’ve built their roster in the draft and by bringing in veterans like Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters.
It’s hard to argue against any of his points and it’s easy to see why so many people believe the Rams could not only make it back to the Super Bowl, but potentially win it all.
June 8, 2019 at 11:28 pm in reply to: OTAs (including a great final write-up by VB, posted 6/10) #102014znModeratorFive Takeaways from the third week of OTAs
https://www.therams.com/news/five-takeaways-from-the-third-week-of-otas
The Rams have completed all 10 of their OTAs, which means there’s just one week of minicamp left in the offseason program before the team departs for summer break.
Here are five takeaways from Los Angeles’ third week of Phase III.
1) PLENTY OF SITUATIONAL WORK
One of the pillars of the program head coach Sean McVay has implemented in the last few years is that he wants the Rams to be situational masters.
To that end, Los Angeles has worked on plenty of specific situations throughout the course of OTAs. Two examples are third downs and red zone.
The Rams finished second in both yards and points last season, but there’s room for improvement in a number of different areas. L.A. did end the year No. 5 in third down conversion rate at 45 percent, but that number went down to 33 percent in the conference championship game and Super Bowl LIII.
And when it comes to the red zone, LA. ranked No. 18 in scoring touchdowns finished No. 22 scoring touchdowns in goal-to-go situations.
Because the Rams return the same offensive system and aren’t integrating any starters who weren’t on the team last year, the unit as a whole can focus on improving in these areas throughout the offseason program. It’s a luxury many teams around the league don’t have.
2) EVERETT STANDING OUT
It seemed like every day throughout OTAs, tight end Gerald Everett made an impressive catch. The third-year tight end has made an impacting spurts during his first couple of seasons, recording a total of 49 receptions for 564 yards with five touchdowns. He’s also taken three carries for 29 yards, displaying some versatility.
But as Everett enters his third year, there’s certainly room for growth in Los Angeles’ offense at the tight end position. And as a former second-round pick, it’s fair to expect Everett could fill it.
“Yeah I feel like I hold myself to even a higher standard not even referencing being a second-round [selection], but just trying to be an elite caliber player on the field and off the field as well,” Everett told therams.com this week. “Just trying to exceed expectations that they set for me and have those high standards for myself.”
If his performance during OTAs is any indication, Everett should be able to take a big step and meet those higher standards in 2019.
3) KUPP STILL ON TRACK
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp has made some impressive strides in his recovery from his torn ACL suffered last November. As McVay has said, the Rams often have to hold Kupp back from doing too much or pushing himself too far during workouts.
McVay confirmed this week that Kupp is on course to play Week 1 against the Panthers in September.
“He’s really doing an excellent job staying right on track, making good progress, and we want it this way, where we’ve got to pull him back because he’s so excited to get back out there,” McVay said. “He wants to return to the competition with his teammates.”
While Kupp has not done full-speed 11-on-11 work, he has been able to participate in Los Angeles’ walk-thru and jog-thru situations. He’s also done a bit in individual drills, but not too much. Mainly Kupp has been working with trainers on the side, but it’s clear that he’s running and able to do plenty coming off the surgery.
4) MORGAN FOX WORKING HIS WAY BACK
Defensive lineman Morgan Fox was on pace to play a significant role in Los Angeles’ defense last year, taking reps at outside linebacker during the offseason program. But then he tore his ACL in OTAs and missed the entire 2018 season.
Now, Fox is back on the defensive line and once again appears to have a chance to play a lot of snaps in the rotation. Back in 2017, Fox played just over 30 percent of snaps, making 2.5 sacks. And even as he’s getting those critical 11-on-11 snaps, he’s spent time after practice every day getting in some extra reps with the sled or a tackling dummy.
“Just trying to make up for lost time, get back in the swing of things,” Fox said of his method. “Some things feel really great, some things feel rusty, so just trying to make sure that I cross all the boxes off.”
If Fox is at his best come the regular season, he’s a player who could benefit from the attention offenses are certainly going to pay to two-time defending AP Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald.
5) DRAFT PICKS ARE SIGNED
As the club does every year, the Rams got all their draft picks signed on one day — this time that date was Friday, June 7. Los Angeles does it this way in order to first put the players through a rookie success program. The idea is to give them the information and tools to navigate through their first year in the league before they sign.
Now that it’s through, some of the draftees said the transition to the league felt even more official.
The rookies then got a tour of Rams’ future home, L.A. Stadium at Hollywood Park, and came away impressed.
“This is like the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” rookie offensive lineman David Edwards said of the scale and magnitude of the project.
The new stadium is scheduled to be completed for the 2020 NFL season.
June 8, 2019 at 11:04 pm in reply to: Eagles sign Carson Wentz to extension, could it affect Goff situation? #102011znModeratorCarson Wentz got paid, but it doesn't sound like Dak Prescott will be joining him anytime soon: https://t.co/JiKaNkJo0C
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 8, 2019
znModeratorRob Havenstein finished last season with the league's top run-block success rate among tackles. Here's where that ranked among the other positions on the offensive line:https://t.co/UIFdA0tzRU pic.twitter.com/ejdvMXDoiy
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) June 8, 2019
znModeratorI know Kromer has done good things, but my gut tells me the “Kromer-factor” is not gonna be enough.
I see Winter coming. I see body-parts all laid out in mysterious spirals. I dont see a wall that can hold up.
Darkly yours,
w
vWell you have some legit question marks.
IMO Noteboom isn’t one of them though. Noteboom (6’5 321) is the same dimensions as Saffold (6’5 323). In terms of guards and LOTs playing each others’s spots, Saffold played left OT before he was a guard, and Whitworth started his career at guard (2006-2008) before moving to tackle (in 2009). So I don’t see any issues there.
Question marks, one at a time.
Blythe. I have hesitations about Blythe myself. But at the very least, they have a couple of guys behind him in Demby and Evans. Demby is getting good buzz so far and we know Kromer likes him. In fact I bet they could start Demby at guard this season and do fine.
Allen. It’s hard to replace Sullivan’s knowledge and experience, though this year the center does not make all the line calls. Some of that falls to Goff. Sullivan, however, had turned into a physical liability at the position, and Allen doesn’t have that problem. Of note: going back years, Kromer has always had a good center. And as often as not, his centers didn’t do as much either before or after Kromer was their coach. AND unlike Hanifan and Boudreau, Kromer can pick guys in the draft. The two teams before the Rams (Chicago and Buffalo) his draft picks are 100% hits. So if he sees something in Allen, I am inclined to trust that until something happens that undermines that.
Whitworth. Age. It was already something of an issue last year. So that’s a legit question.
WORST CASE SCENARIO: Noteboom goes to LOT, Demby to LOG, Blythe to center, Evans to ROG. I actually think that would be a good line.
If it were ME, I woulda kept Saffold and not signed Hav (even as well as he’s playing) and replaced ROT and would have kept Noteboom in depth for both guard and tackle. I would have suggested that to them but they stopped taking my calls.
Out of all those questions my biggest is Blythe, but as I said I trust Demby to step in if it comes to that.
So mine is the more optimistic view.
Yours sincerely, the 3-eyed Ram
znModeratorAndrew Brandt@AndrewBrandt
Narratives about teams with top-paid QBs being restricted are cop-outs, excuses and, well, just wrong. 50-60% of team rosters are on fixed and low-cost rookie contracts; it is easier than ever to manage a Cap in the NFL.June 8, 2019 at 2:23 pm in reply to: Eagles sign Carson Wentz to extension, could it affect Goff situation? #102005znModerator"They made a mistake" — @JoeBanner13 on the @dallascowboys handling of @dak
Also, how does the @Eagles signing of @CJ_Wentz earlier than expected affect the @RamsNFL signing of Goff? Worth a listen: pic.twitter.com/EWRzyEv96w
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 8, 2019
znModerator
==
znModeratorfrom The NFL’s balanced offensive linemen by PFF Grade from 2018
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-the-nfls-balanced-offensive-linemen-by-pff-grade-from-2018
Note: they are looking at which linemen scored best in BOTH run and pass blocking. they choose one player for each general position (OT, OG, OC) and then add 1 honorable mention per position. So they name 6 players total.
Honorable Mention: Andrew Whitworth, Los Angeles Rams
Andrew Whitworth earned a 78.4 run-blocking grade and an 86.1 pass-blocking grade with Los Angeles in 2018, both fifth among offensive tackles. He’s been nothing short of outstanding throughout his career, earning 70.8 or higher overall grades in all but one season in the PFF era (2006-18), including an 83.1 overall grade last season.
June 8, 2019 at 12:30 am in reply to: Eagles sign Carson Wentz to extension, could it affect Goff situation? #102001znModeratorDemoff: Rams won’t rush Goff extension
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26922943/rams-rush-goff-extension
LOS ANGELES — The Rams intend to extend the contract of quarterback Jared Goff.
But they won’t be rushed into a deal just because the Philadelphia Eagles opted to sign quarterback Carson Wentz, who was selected second behind Goff in the 2016 NFL draft. Wentz this week agreed to a four-year, $128 million extension with Philly, with an NFL-record $107.9 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“I don’t want this to sound hollow, but I don’t think it affects our conversations that much,” Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ chief operating officer and executive vice president of football operations, said Friday. “It’s been reported for a few months that the Eagles and Carson were talking about a contract. We were well aware of that, and they seem to be on a different timetable.”
Demoff would not provide a timetable for Goff’s extension but said the organization wants to “get through the offseason” and evaluate the team before looking at contract extensions. Cornerback Marcus Peters and linebacker Cory Littleton are among several players seeking extensions.
“I think the numbers would be tough, quite frankly,” Demoff said when asked if Goff’s deal could be completed before the season.
The Rams are tight on salary-cap space following extensions last offseason for receiver Brandin Cooks and right tackle Rob Havenstein and record-breaking deals for running back Todd Gurley, who signed a four-year, $60 million extension, with $45 million guaranteed, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who signed a six-year, $135 million deal, with $87 million guaranteed.
Goff, 24, is set to earn $4.3 million this season and $22.8 million in 2020.
Demoff emphasized coach Sean McVay’s and general manager Les Snead’s commitment to Goff, who last season led the Rams to their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2001 season and has twice been named a Pro Bowl player.
“I think you’ve heard Sean and Les say throughout the offseason he’s an important piece of what we do, he’s an important piece of our future,” Demoff said. “And I don’t think the timing of when we sign Jared or begin those talks is reflective of how we value him.”
Goff is 24-14 as a starter and 24-7 in McVay’s two seasons as coach. He has passed for 9,581 yards and 65 touchdowns, with 26 interceptions, and has led the Rams to back-to-back division titles and an NFC Conference championship.
znModeratorPro Football Writers@PFWAwriters
The @RamsNFL PR staff led by @artistwyman, which was lauded for excelling in helping Southern California and national media cover the club during a season when the Rams advanced to Super Bowl LIII, has been selected as the 2019 Pete Rozelle Award winner by the PFWA.Steve Wyche@wyche89
This is so awesome and sooooo well earned. Props to @RamsNFL PR staff. There are some great media relations staffs around the league so this is a huge and properly deserved honor.znModerator🎶 Signed, sealed, delivered, they’re Rams! 🎶
Congratulations to our 2019 Draft Class! pic.twitter.com/gMLPGY90Qa
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 7, 2019
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