I went to Camp yesterday. However, I was hosting a fellow Ram fan from Italy and his family. So, I didn't have the usual attention to detail that I usually do. I first wanted to counter what was written by OP "Elvis" above. My intention is not to poo-poo his post but just say that what I saw was a little different.
- Offense looked good to a degree ; When it was 7 on 7 it really showed. None of the CB's could cover Woods, Cooks and Kupp. But, when it was 11-on-11, the defense made a few stops that the average Fan is unaware of. For example, the second team defense had the ROLB get past Whitworth on a play and ran right by Goff before he threw a nice pass down the middle to Woods. Most everyone cheered, but I shook my head saying, no, that was a sack. The second team defense made approx 3 stops like that against the first team offense in the first 12 minute session. ON another with some of the #1 DB's on the field..... Woods caught aan intermediate crossing route, almost a slant about 15 yards deep. Most of the crowd cheered for the completion, but what they didn't notice was Joyner coming to a complete stop bringing both feet together right in front of woods as he caught the ball. As the play breaks up and the offensive players go back to the huddle, about 3 other defensive players come and give Joyner a high five and 1 a hand shake, then McVay walks over and shakes Joyners hand, as if to say, thanks for not blowing up my starting WR. An example of why it is hard to tell who is ahead of who on the field.
- Mannion ; yes it's true that Mannion doesn't look as good as Goff. the OP states that the 1's go against the 2's primarily through each practice but he does not point out that Mannion goes against the starting defense mostly and Goff does not. With that being said, Mannion threw one of the nicest passes of the day ; a deep route down the left side to Reynolds who dropped the ball. I think Mannion is doing just fine considering who's protecting him and who is coming after him.
Other random notes:
DB Kevin Peterson - Kevin is now #25, previously #47 I believe ..... he was aggressive at anticipating throws. He made one pick by jumping a route and almost had a second. If he continues to improve, he will be in contention for the #4 spot.
Lamarcus Joyner - Joyner spent much of the early session, 1 on 1 drills, working with the QB'a and Centers getting the ball out quick off of 3 step drops. He played the role of the slot receiver running a quick slant. He also had the equipment guys throwing him passes from differing angles, up high, down low, over his head to work on his hands. The man is always working.
TE's - Higbee looks the same ; do not see any improvement yet from last year. He is still inconsistent stretching the field. I'ld say he's making the catch 50% of the time. Hemingway made a few catches, but his routes are usually shorter and near the sideline. WOuld like to see Hemingway get the same opportunities that HIgbee gets to see if he's more consistent. Cody McElroy caught some passes in 1-on1 drills what was non-existent the rest of the day. Same with Everett ; not many pays went to him today.
That's it for now. I hope to make it to one of the practices where they will be in pads so there will be more to talk about.
