Year 3 of the Sean McVay era officially gets underway today as the players get back to work for the first time since the Super Bowl.

A chance to see some new recruits in action as well as some familiar faces! And by action, we mean probably doing some stretching.

— Los Angeles Rams UK (@LARams_UK) April 15, 2019

Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay continues to confuse with answers on RB Todd Gurley on Rich Eisen Show

Confusing. Interesting, but confusing.

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/4/12/18308437/los-angeles-rams-head-coach-sean-mcvay-todd-gurley-rich-eisen-show

Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay went on the Rich Eisen Show today and spoke about a variety of topics.

Of course, one of the major lines of questioning pertained to RB Todd Gurley, the status of his knee and how much it impacted the Rams’ postseason.

McVay’s responses were…confusing.

Eisen: Was that kid hurt during the playoffs?

McVay: He was obviously banged up at the end of the year. And I think to his credit, he did everything to get himself ready to go. Had a great game against Dallas in the playoffs where you see the explosiveness for the 35-yard touchdown run. The New Orleans game really was more of a result of how the game played out, kind of the flow of the game. We weren’t able to get the run game going much and didn’t start out great. Couldn’t have been more impressed with what a stud and what a pro he was and how he handled that.

And then in the Super Bowl, he made some big time runs. Really when you look at the way that that second half started, Rich, he made a couple big time runs. Pops a wide zone that he levels it off, and then he breaks one out on the left sideline where [New England Patriots S Patrick] Chung ended up hurting his arm. There’s a couple plays here and there where it’s 3-3 in the fourth quarter. He breaks a run that ends up getting called back on holding that you just never know.

Really offensively as a whole because Todd has been so successful and done such a great job, people have the tendency to think something was wrong. Really it was more of I didn’t give ourselves a chance to get anything going. So, our offense didn’t produce. It wasn’t really Todd, and the opportunities were so limited. That’s where I’ve gotta do a better job of putting our players in situations to make those plays.

Eisen: Because this could be coming from a fantasy football lens of the world. He was so integral, it just seemed he touched the ball way much more in the first 13, 14 weeks and I know he got hurt toward the end of the year. And in the playoffs, he’s on a bike. He’s standing and his helmet underneath his arm.

It was just strange, to be very honest with you.

McVay: It was. And it was a weird deal where he’s so tough. He’s pushing through different things.

Eisen: Is he trying to get through…is he in your ear?

McVay: Oh no, Todd is a pro’s pro. And really, he is such a mentally and physically tough guy that he would never be like that at all.

It was unique, because C.J. [Anderson] comes in. Did such a good job those last couple weeks. And really, it’s, “Ok. How can we find a way to make sure that we’re smartly putting together gameplans and utilizing the guys?” Because he did miss those last couple of games. In an ideal scenario, it plays out like Dallas.

You can expect Todd to be the focal part of our offense again as we move forward. He’s feeling good. He’s in a good place. I just think the natural ebbs and flows when you play 19 games, and I know he missed a couple with the amount of work that he got, it just worked out that way at the end of the year.

He got a very similar workload in ‘17. The anticipation for us is he’s in a good place. He’s feeling good. He’s going to continue to be a central part of our offense going into the ‘19 season, and I don’t see that changing.

Eisen: Is there a possibility you put him on a little bit more of a limit in the first 12 weeks of the season?

McVay: You know, I wouldn’t say that.

I think we’ve just got to do a good job of monitoring how he’s feeling throughout the season. And again, it’s football. And things can occur in a game that maybe make you wake up more sore than you were before.

He’s always been so good about being able to communicate to us. I think what you really saw was a warrior pushing through the Philadelphia [Eagles] game, and then that led to missing a couple of games.

He’s the only one that can tell you exactly how he was feeling, but I know the way that guy goes about his business and I have all the confidence in the world that he’s gonna do a great job physically, mentally getting himself ready to go so that he’s peaking at the right time when our first game opens up.

Look. A lot of that simply doesn’t make sense. But it’s not necessarily new. It’s just strange to claim Todd Gurley had four carries against the Saints because the Rams “weren’t able to get the run game going much” in the same game that C.J. Anderson had 16 carries. And it’s confusing to now acknowledge that Gurley was “banged up at the end of the year” when back on February 1, McVay claimed Gurley was “100%.”

I totally understand the impetus to try to not play up the injury throughout the playoffs. There’s a professionalism to putting your head down and doing your job even with nagging injuries that won’t prevent you from playing regardless of whether you’re the highest-paid running back in the league or if you’re the 46th guy on the 46-man gameday active roster. And I certainly appreciate the gamesmanship that goes on with not disclosing the variety of issues guys are carrying physically throughout the season that don’t get reported until we learn they had surgery in the offseason.

But this was an injury that (a) clearly affected the Rams’ gameplay and (b) clearly affected Gurley’s availability. I don’t think it’s unfair to ask if either are going to continue to be the case even though the Rams opted not to bring back the guy that was so crucial to their plans that it left Gurley, as Eisen put it, standing on the sidelines holding his helmet in his hands. Instead, they decided to bring back a complement for Gurley that has never been anywhere near that crucial to their gameplans. Maybe Malcolm Brown will have a huge year. But it sure sounds like McVay’s not necessarily planning on it. And that’s just confusing if we’re taking him at his word.

As a fan, I understand the adherence to the competitive nature of the story.

I don’t understand why the Rams, McVay and Gurley himself opted to mislead instead of simply avoid the issue at all.

Aaron Donald teaching a technique that the Rams call ‘Power Pop’. Sell the Power Move outside and Pop back inside, also shows the move working inside and poping outside. He uses this move extremely effectively against the NFL’s best. pic.twitter.com/DM3N7PYgGc

— Matt Garfield (@CoachGarfield1) April 12, 2019

Male Scientist Claps Back at Trolls Who Tried to Discredit Female Colleague’s Role in Black Hole Photo

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/male-scientist-claps-back-trolls-001552668.html

After scientists released the first-ever image of a black hole on Wednesday, Katie Bouman, a 29-year-old computer scientist, quickly became a social media darling for her part in the historic event.

Bouman created the algorithm that made it possible to assemble the photo, according to the Washington Post, and is a postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. She had been working on the algorithm for almost six years, beginning when she was a graduate student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Watching in disbelief as the first image I ever made of a black hole was in the process of being reconstructed,” Bouman wrote on social media of the image, which shows a black hole outlined by emission from hot gas swirling near its event horizon.

But as Bouman’s role in the photograph became publicized, a group of Internet trolls tried to discredit her by pushing the narrative that Andrew Chael, a male scientist on the team, had more to do with the project, CNN reported. Chael should instead be receiving the praise instead of her, they believed.

According to the outlet, the trolls pushed social media posts that claimed Chael had solely written “850,000 of the 900,000 lines of code” that helped to create the image.

That’s when Chael fought back.

“So apparently some (I hope very few) people online are using the fact that I am the primary developer of the eht-imaging software library… to launch awful and sexist attacks on my colleague and friend Katie Bouman,” Chael wrote in a Twitter thread on Thursday, before adding, “Stop.”

“Our papers used three independent imaging software libraries (including one developed by my friend @sparse_k),” he continued. “While I wrote much of the code for one of these pipelines, Katie was a huge contributor to the software; it would have never worked without her contributions and the work of many others who wrote code, debugged, and figured out how to use the code on challenging EHT data.”

Chael continued to set the record straight — saying that the code for the image software only contained 68,000 lines and not “850,000,” as the trolls tried to assert.

“So while I appreciate the congratulations on a result that I worked hard on for years,” he added. “If you are congratulating me because you have a sexist vendetta against Katie, please go away and reconsider your priorities in life. Otherwise, stick around — I hope to start tweeting more about black holes and other subjects I am passionate about — including space, being a gay astronomer, Ursula K. Le Guin, architecture, and musicals.”

After putting the trolls in their place, Chael said he hoped all of the discussion around black holes and Bouman will inspire other women to take up studying fields encompassing science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

“I’m thrilled Katie is getting recognition for her work and that she’s inspiring people as an example of women’s leadership in STEM. I’m also thrilled she’s pointing out that this was a team effort including contributions from many junior scientists, including many women junior scientists,” he wrote. “Together, we all make each other’s work better; the number of commits doesn’t tell the full story of who was indispensable.”

==

(7/7) more about black holes and other subjects I am passionate about — including space, being a gay astronomer, Ursula K. Le Guin, architecture, and musicals. Thanks for following me, and let me know if you have any questions about the EHT! 😀📡🕳️ pic.twitter.com/mCWbNhfySl

— Andrew Chael (@thisgreyspirit) April 12, 2019

Social Media and sports and the problems/challenges it has created. Great discussion on #NFLLive on @espn today. pic.twitter.com/7R6gAPPKfT

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) April 12, 2019

Myles Simmons@MylesASimmons
On @RichEisenShow, #LARams HC Sean McVay says on RB Todd Gurley, “You can expect him to be the focal point of our offense” going forward, when asked about if Gurley will be on more of a pitch count in 2019.

Rich Hammond@Rich_Hammond
The problem here is, this basically is what he said before the Super Bowl. And then…

This issue still hasn’t fully been addressed on a transparent level.

(This is not directed at Myles, FYI.)

The thing is, from a competitive standpoint, the Rams probably don’t want to say how they will use Gurley in 2019. And they probably shouldn’t say it. But this little two-step that’s been going on since December is…eh.

Russell Okung@RussellOkung
Absolutely crazy to me that the @NFL will put on a Hall of Fame game, countless memorials, and numerous legacy events yet their actions in the court indicate a complete lack of respect for former players.

We’re far too captivated with the legacy of the player and not the person

The NFL concussion settlement in Jan 2017 was supposed to deliver justice in the form of financial compensation for retired players affected by hazardous work conditions. 2 yrs later, justice remains delayed. Let’s review how the NFL has avoided paying settlement claims.

1) The @NFL has demanded “audits” of more than HALF of claims submitted – sometimes demanding MULTIPLE audits of the same claim. This forces players and their families to endure an exhausting, opaque process more than once: https://bit.ly/2UfvYby

2) In one case the @NFL appealed an Alzheimer’s claim the day before check-writing because it discovered a 3-year-old video of the player “speaking publicly” in a lucid manner. The NFL can even audit a claim after it’s been paid: https://bit.ly/2Z4AqNY

3) Of the 1,479 dementia claims, which make up the majority of claims filed, only 11% have been paid. It’s no wonder players sued the League in 2017 for obstruction and delays.

4) The NFL is litigating just about every claim, despite having reached a settlement in court. The older a player, the less money he is eligible to receive. There is incentive to drag out payments. This behavior is similar to an insurance company trying to delay-and-deny claims.

5) Retiree George Andrie was diagnosed with dementia by 4 different doctors. His condition required 24-hour care. His claim was denied due to much stricter standards for evaluating dementia initiated by the league.

The reason that was cited for denying his claim, and the professional opinion of 4 medical professionals was quote: “his appearance was neat and well kempt.”

The @NFL got so much backlash for their appeal that they withdrew it the day before the hearing…

DAT@8390613
What’s so sad is that the fans are brainwashed into thinking like ownership because they don’t really care about players either. Just the product on the field at that point in time. I am an ex Union official so I understand.

SunTzu_vs_Camus

Wolford’s got a whip-release…kinda odd motion. I watched a little of the AAF stuff and especially his team cuz I liked the WR Ross…but came away liking the moxie of Wolford and I like his passing/throwing style..tho it’s kinda manic at times when pressured. Wolford throws a nice intermediate and deep ball and has good mobility. Scrappy competitor too….tho he’s smallish 6-1 200lbs. Wolford’s very young and it’s good if McVay could grow this kid. Wolford’s like Brandon Allen but BETTER. imo

However, I know nuthin of the behind the scenes stuff about his filmwork, ability to grasp an offense, etc…so much of that goes into playing QB and only McVay will know if he likes him or not. I’m glad he’s competing against BAllen cuz I think he takes his job this year and is our 3rd QB.

Downtown Rams@DowntownRams
#Rams interactions (visits/meet/workout) by the numbers:
QB-6
RB-5
WR-3
TE-4
OT-7
G-5
C-4
DL-9
EDGE-8
LB-17
CB-10
SAF-9

Among qualified cornerbacks – Nickell Robey-Coleman tied for 10th in terms of fewest yards allowed per coverage snap last season pic.twitter.com/6jbQ4xEOvp

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 12, 2019

Rams planned for future, now hope midround 2018 picks can produce

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/40178/rams-planned-for-future-now-hope-mid-round-2018-picks-can-produce

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The evidence was rarely seen on the field.

Yes, the Los Angeles Rams participated in the 2018 NFL draft. But no, none of the 11 players selected played a significant role in their Super Bowl run.

In fact, the Rams’ first-year players last season participated in the fewest offensive and defensive snaps among rookies across the league.

But as preparations begin for the 2019 season, with a roster capable of another deep playoff run, several of the Rams’ lesser-known prospects drafted a year ago will need to step up. Some, perhaps, in a major way.

“You try to stay ahead of the curve,” Rams general manager Les Snead said, as he reflected on the 2018 draft.

With five months, and still several transactions to be made — including the 31st overall pick on April 25, followed by six more selections — it appears the Rams have effectively done just that. Despite a few key departures on the offensive and defensive lines, the Rams won’t be left scrambling to fill those voids.

Among the Rams’ 11 selections last year, here’s a look at five players who could be significant contributors, if not starters, in 2019:

(Note: The Rams did not have a first-round pick in 2018 after they sent the 23rd overall selection to the New England Patriots in exchange for receiver Brandin Cooks. And they did not pick in the second round, after they sent the selection to the Buffalo Bills in 2017 in exchange for receiver Sammy Watkins.)

Round 3, No. 89 overall: Joe Noteboom, OT, TCU: The Rams selected Noteboom with the foresight that they could lose left guard Rodger Saffold or left tackle Andrew Whitworth in 2019. Saffold, the team’s longest-tenured player, signed a lucrative deal in free agency with the Tennessee Titans, and much to the Rams’ relief, Whitworth opted to forego retirement to return for a 14th season.

Noteboom’s development received rave reviews from the coaching staff throughout the season and he is penciled in as Saffold’s replacement, though that could change given an upcoming first-round pick.

“Joe would be the heir apparent at this particular time,” Snead said. “Now you could go into the draft and all of a sudden you draft a guard at 31, maybe that’s the starter and Joe’s the third tackle, which is still very valuable.”

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Noteboom played only 77 offensive snaps as a rookie, but started throughout the preseason and received significant practice reps because of the rest schedules of Saffold and Whitworth.

Round 4, No. 111 overall: Brian Allen, C, Michigan State: The Rams did not pick up the second-year option on veteran center John Sullivan’s contract, which leaves the position to Allen, who spent last season learning from the savvy vet.

Allen, 6-2 and 300 pounds, played 35 offensive snaps as a rookie, but like Noteboom, started throughout the preseason and received a significant amount of practice reps because of Sullivan’s rest schedule.

“When you do draft those two players it is eventually with the anticipation that they can become and ascend into a starting role,” coach Sean McVay said.

Round 4, No. 135 overall: John Franklin-Myers, DE, Stephen F. Austin: Franklin-Myers received the most playing time among rookies last season with 283 snaps on defense. He also produced a game-changing play when he forced quarterback Kirk Cousins to fumble late in the fourth quarter of a Week 4 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

“He got good minutes last year,” Snead said.

Franklin-Myers’ presence, coupled with the versatility of veteran defensive lineman Michael Brockers, could lessen the blow from the departure of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who is not expected to re-sign in free agency because of budgetary constraints.

It remains an option that Brockers moves to nose tackle, the role filled last season by Suh, while Franklin-Myers fills the void at five-technique.

Round 5, No. 147 overall: Micah Kiser, LB, Virginia: If the season were to begin tomorrow, Kiser would fill a starting role at inside linebacker after the Rams released veteran Mark Barron to save $6.33 million in their salary cap, though Snead has said that position remains in flux.

“We do like Micah a lot,” Snead said.

Kiser did not play on defense last season, though he was a significant contributor on special teams.

Round 6, No. 195 overall: Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT, Rutgers: Joseph-Day remains a work in progress and was inactive throughout the regular season and postseason. However, he remains in play to take over at nose tackle. “We do like Sebastian and would like to continue developing him,” Snead said.

Agamemnon wrote:

This is a list of names I am looking at. The comments are from PFF. It will probably change. A trade down is good too.

7. DI JERRY TILLERY, NOTRE DAME
Tillery tied Quinnen Williams for the highest pass-rushing grade among interior defenders in college football. Tillery’s sack totals don’t tell the whole story as he was a dominant week in and week out.

8. DI JEFFERY SIMMONS, MISSISSIPPI STATE
He tore his ACL but did it so early in the process that he could still play as a rookie. Simmons had a run-defense and pass-rushing grade over 90.0 this past season.

19. OT DALTON RISNER, KANSAS STATE
Risner started all four seasons at Kansas State and his career low grade was 87.9 overall.

26. C ELGTON JENKINS, MISSISSIPPI STATE
The Mississippi State center allowed all of five pressures this past season on 369 pass-blocking snaps.

28. S DARNELL SAVAGE, MARYLAND
Savage has back-to-back seasons with grades over 86.0 overall. He’s a missile around the line of scrimmage, laying some impressive hits in the flat.

29. EDGE CHASE WINOVICH, MICHIGAN
Winovich is coming off back to back seasons with grades over 90 overall – the only such qualifying power-5 player in the draft class that can boast that.

32. DI DEXTER LAWRENCE, CLEMSON
Nose tackles of 340-plus pounds are going the way of the Dodo in the NFL, but Lawrence is a pretty ridiculous athlete for his size. He had the 12th best pass-rushing grade among interior players in college football.

34. OT GREG LITTLE, OLE MISS
Over the past two seasons, Little allowed all of 26 total pressures on 993 pass-blocking snaps.

Downtown Rams@DowntownRams
#Rams have reportedly had 19 private visits so far. They get 11 more.

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
They also officially met with 60 players at the combine

Rams Talk@realLARamsTalk
@VinnyBonsignore How likely is it that the Rams spend the 31st pick on a player they haven’t met in person? How much can we read into the list of players they met at the Senior Bowl, combine, private meetings, etc? What if Lawrence or Bradbury are there but have not met w/ LAR?

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
It would be unusual for them to take a player at that point that they haven’t had interaction with

Rams Talk@realLARamsTalk
Thanks, Vinny. Do you have a feel for the Rams confidence level in Allen at C?

Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
There was consistent talk last year that he was being viewed as their next starting center. So high. It’s up to him to now validate that confidence