joemad wrote:

damn east coast bias…. kick off is at 1:00 PM.

Not on the east coast though.

…

Out here I;m just further east than anyone (who is inside the continental USA).

Jared Goff accidentally gets hit and goes down during Rams simulated game, but quarterback is fine

Gary Klein

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-training-camp-20180815-story.html

During a prolonged scrimmage at UC Irvine, in the penultimate training-camp practice, linebacker Samson Ebukam had rushed on the outside and battled with left tackle Andrew Whitworth. The 6-foot-7, 330-pound Whitworth took a few steps back and accidentally collided with Goff, knocking the franchise’s most important player to the turf.
The anxiety was palpable.
A mass exhale ensued as Goff slowly got to his feet.
“To say I was holding my breath, I think it would be probably a little bit more than that,” coach Sean McVay said.
The bump that sent him sprawling might be the most contact Goff absorbs until the Sept. 10 opener against the Oakland Raiders on “Monday Night Football.”
Goff and other starters were held out of last week’s preseason opener at Baltimore to avoid injury and almost certainly will not play against the Raiders on Saturday at the Coliseum.
They might get snaps in the third preseason game against Houston but, in keeping with standard NFL practice, they are on track to sit out the final preseason game at New Orleans.
Rams quarterback Jared Goff prepares to make a pass at the Rams training camp at UC-Irvine on Monday.

So Whitworth’s contact with Goff qualified as dramatic.
“I literally just stepped back and tried to move out of the way and thought someone was at my feet,” Whitworth said. “And it was Jared behind me.
“In practice you’re always worried when you’re running into each other and guys are falling all over the place. But he’s fine. And, you know, at least now he’s got a hit for the preseason.”
McVay said the Rams ran about 100 plays during the scrimmage setting. Veteran center John Sullivan and rookie defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day briefly tangled, and tight end Temarrick Hemingway and a defensive player mixed it up for a moment during a workout that featured a trip to the locker room for a mock halftime.
“It was good just getting used to sitting down for 10-12 minutes and coming back out here and getting it going right away, like we do at halftime,” veteran cornerback Aqib Talib said. “It was a great situational day.”
The Rams will practice Thursday morning and then break camp. They will practice the next two weeks at their facility in Thousand Oaks.
Whitworth is completing his 13th NFL training camp.
“When you’re an older player, every one of these camps you really savor ’em and really enjoy the moment,” he said. “For me, it’s been fun and it’s been challenging.
“You’re out here every day with a young football team and, really, a group that’s just getting better and better.”

Kicking in

With kicker Greg Zuerlein coming off back surgery, the Rams re-signed Sam Ficken as an insurance policy.
Zuerlein appears physically sound — he kicked a 57-yard field goal Wednesday — but Ficken said he was glad to be in camp. Against the Ravens, Ficken converted an extra point, kicked off once and also punted once.
“Any time that a team retains your services, I think that’s a good thing,” said Ficken, who made two of three field-goal attempts last season. “I’ve been on the opposite side of that, so any time you’re signed with a team is a good opportunity for you.
“Regardless of the situation here, I’m going to go out there and try and prove myself and do the best I can. So far, so good, so we’ll see what happens.”
Ficken knows he is auditioning not only for the Rams but also for all NFL teams. If Zuerlein finishes the preseason soundly, the Rams would probably cut Ficken, giving him an opportunity to sign with another team.
“I don’t try and think too far ahead — it’s day to day,” he said. “I think that’s the best way to approach everything at this position in this situation.”

Etc.

Tight end Gerald Everett (shoulder) and receiver Josh Reynolds (ankle) remain sidelined. … Tailback Justin Davis is nursing a hamstring injury. If he does not play Saturday, rookie John Kelly will get extended opportunities. … The Rams announced that they are requiring mobile or physical hard-stock tickets for home games at the Coliseum. Print-at-home or PDF tickets will not be accepted at games because of new NFL policies, according to the team. Tickets will include a suggested gate for entry. Team and stadium officials are urging fans to use suggested gates to avoid problems accessing seats because of renovation construction.

Could third-string QB Brandon Allen play his way into a bigger role with the Rams, or will Sean Mannion rebound this week? https://t.co/u4BwxkVIfR

— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) August 16, 2018

8/15

bubbaramfan

SOME FOLLOW-UP

Allen, Noteboom and Demby keep improving. Lucas and DWilliams need to step up if they want to make the team. My biggest knock on Williams is he gets beat and sometimes badly by speed rushers. Lucas at least gets hands on them.

I also think Blythe will be at LG in Browns place to open the season.

8/15

So Cal

Demoff might have got upset with me a bit. Said The Rams need a TE that can catch. Hemmingway way is dropping to many passes. Higbee dropped a tough catch, but was in his hands. Demoff is more pigeon toed than myself.Snead was around watching as well.

Marquiss Christian, was the defensive player in the 1st half. Had a nice INT & Tackle on 3rd Dwn.

Talib looks like he is playing hurt with his ankle.Fighting through it. Peters has small hands & jammed his finger trying to make pick he should of made.

Ejuan Price looks like he might make the team.

Fassel has small players in on punt coverage ,which I never noticed before ?

OL notes

My take is John Sullivan played with a lot of nasty & confidence.

Whit & Goff talk a lot. All last season Goff would check in with Whit & Sullivan on the sideline.

Roger Saffold opened up a nice hole for a Gurley TD !! Was solid, but did give up a sack on a blitz.

Brown was running with the 1’s , but I’m making the CALL Noteboom will start at RG
Game 1 !

Big Rob is getting more physical. Looked like he is starting to put it in another gear.

Noteboom was taking most of the LT Reps & Williams at RT. Noteboom at LT has been jumping way to many times.I think he starts at RG.He got a rep with the 1’s in place of Brown.

Lucas— did not get a lot of reps s today. I like his spirit, but I think he gets cut.

Williams- IMO – will make the 53 man roster. He does have a couple lapses, but has a good feel for the plays.He was getting both RT & LT Reps today. I’ve watched him a lot. My feel is The Rams have him making the team. I watched the Ravens game as well.He missed 2 blocks bad.—If I thought otherwise I would say it. I was going down that path from some reports.Now I don’t agree with them at all.

Demby got personal work with Kromer JR. He kept working on his form for 5 minutes with a drill of grabbing & moving a DLman(shadow drill of form) to open a whole.He wanted him to keep his hands in tight with power & hands. Demby got a lot of reps. Lg,LT.,RT,RG.

Allen is looking good He is a baller. He comes out & plays. RG & Center.

Austin Blythe goes unnoticed a lot. C & RG .

I’ll stop there,because those are the player I think make the squad.

8/15

bubbaramfan

Good day of practice. Mid 80’s, not a very large crowd. Everyone in full pads, Longacre with LB’s limited participation. Barron and Easley on sidelines. Did not see Justin Davis on field.

Got LB’s in front of me. Joe Barry and his assistants had them doing strip drills, then tipped ball drill and return setup. Ryan Davis was with the LB’s. F-Meyers with the DE/DL. Hard to say any one player stood out in these drills.

McVay then did something I have not seen in camp until now. 2 minute drills with the whole team participating. No other drills going on. Players either participating or watching on the sideline. 1st team O vs 1st team D, then 2nd team D vs 2nd team O. This went real fast, no huddle,

1st team O- Whit, Saffold, Sully, Brown, Hav. Goff, Gurley(Brown), Woods Cook Kupp (Cooper couple snaps with ones). D–Suh, Brockers, Westbrooks DT, Myers, Ebukam DE Littleton, Wilson ILB, Talib Peters, Johnson III Joyner.

1st series–Goff to Cooks over middle for 7, Woods end around for 5, Talib int of Goff for pick six.

Quick sub 2nd teams O- Noteboom LT, Demby LG, Allen C, Blythe RG, DWilliams RT. (this would be switched around), the only guy that played the same position with the 2’s was Allen. Blythe got snaps at C later in Red Zone and 11 on 11 drills.

1st series 2’s on 2’s 2min– Mannion to Cooper,25yd TD Next series- Mannion to JoJo Natson for 11, Manion to Kelly out of the backfield for 8. Greg short FG.

Couple more series by both that had a lot of dropped passes and a couple sacks. Gurley, Brown and Kelly were often targeted on screens. Not many went to Higbee or Hemmingway in this drill. (Hemmingway had a bad day, dropped 5 or 6 that I saw during the whole practice)

After giving up early TD’s, defense won this drill,1’s and 2’s. 2’s did give up couple sacks.

Franklin-Meyers stood out. 2 sacks. Guy is quick and strong. Playing with the 1’s.

Red Zone drills now. Same as 2min drill, all players either involved or waiting on sideline to get involved.

1st team 3 plays and Zurilin FG. 2nd team Mannion to JoJo Natson again for TD This series Lucas at LT, DWilliams at RT, Demby RG, Allen C, Neary LG.

2nd series Goff to Kupp for 10, Goff int by Christian. (Christian almost had another on later)

2nd team Mannion to Hemmingway, Mannion to cooper, FG Zurlien

McVay then has the 1st vs 1st drill getting out deep in own end . Had the ball spotted on their own 2 or 3 yd line then hand of to Gurley with OL big epush into DL. This drill was the most physical I’ve seen all camp. You could hear the pad contact and hear the guys grunting. Both 1’s and 2’s di several series.

Next drill was punting from own endzone. Hekker crowded to the back of the endzone. Cooper back as PR. 1st play he barely gets it off, 2nd he hits one 60+, Cooper had to backpedal his ass off.

Pretty much it for the last full pads practice.

Other tidbits I saw today: Suh was a monster today, batting down passes, busting through the OL. Hemmingway with 2 catches over the middle from Mannion. But he also dropped some easy catches. Marquis Christian wa all over the field today a pick six, and broke up couple passes. Mannion putting the ball on the money.

Another odd thing today. McVay took the whole team off the field for a 15 minute break. Never did that before.

Well there it is. I tried to take notes seeing how this practice will be the last the public will be able to see. Tomorrow is an early walk through in shells.

I’ll be there.

It was a really good TC.

“It’s another really good opportunity for us to evaluate a lot of guys… continuing to have that long-term mindset of figuring out our 53.”#RamsCamp pic.twitter.com/HPvOr3Yi8V

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 16, 2018

Aqib Talib knew he needed to take a physical to complete a trade between the Broncos and 49ers. He didn't go take the physical. https://t.co/xeudlK6cTQ

— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 15, 2018

NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund breaks down by the numbers just how much Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald brings to the team, and how many season wins she believes he’s worth when he’s with the team.

https://sports.yahoo.com/game-theory-rams-miss-without-234500834.html

Brandin Cooks Offers Key Experience

Clarence Dennis

https://www.therams.com/news/brandin-cooks-offers-key-experience

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks has not played football on the West Coast since his college football days as an Oregon State Beaver.
While California and Los Angeles may offer bit of a change in lifestyle and climate than his two previous NFL stops, Cooks, selected as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, has accumulated a wealth of experiences that might make his football transition a bit easier.
Drafted by the Saints in 2014, Cooks spent three seasons in New Orleans. In his rookie season, Cooks averaged 10.5 yards per reception, on 550 yards receiving, with three touchdowns. Following his rookie season in The Big Easy, Cooks has recorded three consecutive seasons north of 1,000 yards receiving.
Cooks’ consistent production has proven valuable to both the Saints and Patriots. In 2017, Cooks was traded for New England’s first and third-round picks entering what would be the Patriots’ run at Super Bowl LII.
In 2017, Cooks finished his fourth season in the league with seven touchdowns and one AFC Championship title, playing alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.

After logging his first three career playoff games, Cooks was again included in a trade for a first-round pick, but this time to Hollywood.
Since his opening press conference as a Ram, Cooks seems to fit perfectly into head coach Sean McVay’s “We Not Me” system. One month ago, after signing a five-year contract extension before entering training camp, Cooks talked about his L.A. move.
“It was very easy to come in with my personality and make that fit, and to show others as well that it’s not about me, it’s about the team,” Cooks said.
Cooks is just one of the handful of noteworthy additions in L.A. this offseason. General manager Les Snead and McVay brought in a wealth of experienced and talented players in defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters.
The Rams’ big-name additions move to Los Angeles with truckloads of accolades, including All-Pro selections, Rookie of the Year awards, Super Bowl Championship rings, and more. Cooks however, has experience to offer — and not just any experience.
For the first four years of his career, Cooks has caught passes from two future Hall of Famers in Brady and Drew Brees, and played under Bill Belichick in New England and Sean Payton in New Orleans.
It is yet to be seen how Cooks will fair under McVay in his second season as an NFL head coach. But according to Cooks, playing under McVay and with quarterback Jared Goff might not be that far off from the head coach/quarterback tandems he is used to.
When asked if there are any similarities between McVay and Goff and his former co-workers, Cooks said “absolutely.”
“Their communication is at a high level,” Cooks said. “They see things and they talk about things and fix them out here. I think you got to have that, and they’ve been showing that type of ability day in and day out of camp.”
The iconic Belichick-Brady duo, and offensively dominant combination of Drew Brees’ arm and Payton’s play calling are not the only NFL experiences that have primed Cooks for 2018 in L.A.
Cooks is joining an offense that provides Goff with serious options. The highest-scoring offense in the NFL last season will now feature running back and 2017 Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley, receivers Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, a tight end corps which appears to be improving, led by Tyler Higbee, and last but not least No. 12, Brandin Cooks.
Cooks was asked about playing in McVay’s “You get a score! You get a score!” offense after practice on Monday and said he is pleased with his upcoming role.
“Last time I checked, I’ve played for two offenses that did the same thing and I was just fine. I’m happy about my role,” Cooks said.
Having played alongside weapons like tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, receivers Danny Amendola and Michael Thomas, and running back Mark Ingram means Cooks is no stranger to lining up with impressive playmakers on offense.
Meeting with media in the “dog days” of his fifth career training camp, questions flew regarding Cooks’ unique early NFL career. While many reporters looked back, Cooks looked forward — possibly providing the best recap of the Rams’ 2018 offseason to date.
“The more weapons you have, the better off as a team you’re going to be, and that’s, at the end of the day, what we are looking for.”

One word… READY😈
Rams nation, are y’all ready🐏🏈💪🏾 #mobsquad pic.twitter.com/n1Zza5Lvy6

— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) August 15, 2018

Warren Sharp@SharpFootball
run game in the red zone

—

8/13

bubbaramfan

Watched the QB’s warm up, then Fassel and ST on field 2. Cooper and JoJo Natson fielding punts and ST working on returns. We wanted to key on LB’s but its hard to tell them apart when they all have their jersies rolled up.

Practice pretty much followed the same routine. They seemed intense and McVay spent a lot of time with QB’s and recievers, both TE,RB and WR. A lot of instruction going on between snaps. McVay very animated.

Most of the starters didn’t do much, if anything at all. Brown and Havenstien got work, but Whit , Sully and Saffold were dressed but did nothing. Same on the DL Suh and Brockers dressed but did nothing. Noteboom, Lucas LT (mostly Noteboom), Blythe LG, Allen C Brown, Neary RG, Hav, DWilliams RT.

I met Mr. Westbrooks last season and had some short conversations. He remembered me from last camp and came over to say hello. I asked about the AD sitch, he just said that’s the business end and they are just getting ready to play ball. We both agree, with AD this DL is sick. Spoke with Dom Easley as he ran sprints (without the brace) and asked if he’s will be ready to go game one, gave me a wink and thumbs up. I yelled at Barron “you gonna lead the team in tackles again?” He gave us a big smile.

Aquib Talib was a full go in practice, picked off Mannion for a pick-six. Now don’t get your backs up on Mannion as he had a very good showing today. Granted he got the pick and he threw one into the ground, but he made some very good passes and did some scrambling and got the ball out on the run for completion.

11 on 11 was without Gurley. Goff, Woods, Cooks and Kupp all looked good. Higbee got a lot of work, went up over defender a couple time to use his height to snag a reception. Bout time!

I have to give Mannion another game or two before I lose confidence in him.

Short report, but I wanted to get something up on the board before dinner.

I once asked someone at Wisconsin — one of the most media-friendly programs — why they are the way they are.

His answer? “It’s just football, Matt. We’ve got kids trying to cure cancer on this campus.”

How refreshing. https://t.co/5wJKYlayif

— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) August 13, 2018