Ernest Jones: Tutu Atwell has 'really taken the next step'​

Is this the year Tutu Atwell finally breaks out for the Los Angeles Rams? He’s entering his third NFL season after being a second-round pick in 2021, catching only 18 passes in 21 games played thus far.

It seemed like last year would be Atwell’s time to break out, especially after Van Jefferson began the year on injured reserve. And while he showed signs of improvement, he still wasn’t a consistent factor on offense.

Now with Allen Robinson gone, Atwell once again has a clear path to playing time. Ernest Jones, for one, has seen progress from the third-year receiver and is impressed with the way he’s played in OTAs this spring.

“The matchups that the DBs get against Tutu,” Jones said when asked about the best matchups he’s seen this spring. “The O-line’s really communicating well, but that matchup with Tutu – Tutu’s really taken the next step. I’m super impressed with the way he’s attacking the ball right now. His ability is showing right now and he has some great ability.”

We heard a lot of good things about Atwell last offseason, too, only for him to finish the year with just 18 catches. He really didn’t get much playing time until Robinson and Cooper Kupp went down with injuries, essentially forcing Atwell into a more prominent role. Prior to Week 12, Atwell hadn’t played more than nine snaps in a single game.

The Rams could use a No. 3 receiver this season to start alongside Kupp and Jefferson, which is great news for Atwell. But he’ll need to beat out Ben Skowronek, Puka Nacua and now Tyler Johnson, among others.

As encouraging as Jones’ analysis is, Atwell still has a lot to prove in Year 3.

Tyler Higbee to step up this season.. hopefully he can become Staffords secondary security blanket behind Kupp.. look for it! Peace.

Thread got closed,so opening another one. He has done well.
As Rams Fans we know a little bit of the History. Will his son win a championship?
Glad Stan owns The Rams & thankful for SOFI!!

Living in rural PA, I rarely got Rams info before the GSOT, when the Rams became popular. They went through a few GMs before that, iirc.

So who gets the most credit for building that team in your mind? Martz, Vermeil, current or previous GM?

I know all about how it was torn apart.

The 49ers have one of the strongest rosters in the league. That was true last year as well.

But they should have been better.

If (a) Trey Lance was the player they thought he’d be when they traded up to draft him, or (b) they didn’t make the trade and, instead, used their premium draft picks to further bolster the roster, they might already have a title, and they’d likely be prohibitive favorites entering this season.

But they blew it, and now there are no guarantees that their current squad will ever even make a Super Bowl.

Remember that the next team me a Whiner fan or media dipshit condemns the Rams’ approach.

Our bold moves brought a Lombardi.

Their big move may prevent them from getting another.

I think we all hate "automated assistants." Nine years ago, my wife and I submitted paperwork to get my adopted daughter a hearing to become a US citizen. She was an exchange student as a Senior in High School in Kansas and we assisted her in getting accepted to a local University, in which she earned a BA and MA in Business. She is somewhat of a star in her own country (Republic of Georgia) and is often on the news there for humanitarian/business exploits. She speaks English, Russian, German fluently and would be an asset in our country. Many of the foreign students at University urged her to not go back to Georgia after graduation and to stay here illegally. She listened to us, because we told her she should go back to Georgia and do it the right way

Boy, were we wrong.

Russia invaded and now controls part of Georgia as of a few years ago. The danger is ever present that they will invade and conquer the rest of Georgia . She fears that she will become trapped there. Anyway, that's the urgency as to why we are trying get her and her family (she's married now with 4 kids) out of there.

Going back to the automated assistant for the government, when do they really answer the questions that you have? We have learned to say over and over, "talk to human being." Normally after multiple attempts you are put on hold to talk to somebody. Half the time, your call is dropped and so you have to call back to start the whole process again. We called this morning to talk to someone about this 9 year old application whose status is still classified as being "received" after all of these years.

My wife asked to talk to human being and the automated assistant said, "You can't be helped by a human being. Can I help you with anything else?"
My wife continued to ask for a human being.
It responded, "If you continue to ask for a human being, I will have to disconnect this call. Can I help you with anything else?"
My wife responded, "No you cannot, I need to talk to a human being."
It then said, "You were warned, goodbye"...and the damned thing disconnected.

My wife relayed what it was saying in real time and was frustrated and I couldn't help myself. I started laughing uncontrollably. It hit me that programmers realized that people had been trained to bypass similar automated assistants by asking for a human being in similar situations and were nominally successful. It was so common that they programmed the damn thing to say what it did to my wife. It's an admission that their customer service is an abject failure and the assistant is a buffer against its customers. Demoralizing and discouraging people who question governmental incompetence seems to be its true purpose.

The cynicism of it all made me laugh. Do you have any similar experiences that reveal the present day cynical nature of our society?

Below are the final 2022 Standings… who are the 7 teams to make the playoffs, this year?

The Jets made a splash with Rodgers and the Broncos with Asshole Face. But in order for those teams to make the playoffs, you need to pull two out.

The AFC is STACKED.

Who are your top 7?

Andrew Whitworth’s favorite game as a member of the Rams​

For those unaware, D’Marco Farr is has been hosting a podcast for the L.A. Rams YouTube channel called “Rams Iconic” in which he talks to former members of the team about their greatest moments with the team. Last week, Farr sat down with Andrew Whitworth to discuss reaching two Super Bowls and winning one during his five years with the franchise.

He also goes into how life has been better since retiring last offseason, so we can probably put return rumors to rest.

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As far as what Whitworth’s favorite play was during his time with the Rams, Whitworth immediately points to 2018’s win over the Dallas Cowboys, the first playoff victory of his career. In that 30-22 win, Whitworth helped block for 123 rushing yards by C.J. Anderson, 115 yards by Todd Gurley, and zero sacks on Jared Goff. He points directly to the last rushing touchdown scored in that game to secure the win.

The Rams would beat the Saints the next week before losing to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. It would be a few more years until L.A. and Whitworth made it back to the Super Bowl, but with Matthew Stafford they were able to seal the deal against his former team.

As far as his favorite play when with the Cincinnati Bengals, he likes a blocking play from earlier in his career.

Rams Rookie Defender Immediately Embracing ‘Contagious Energy’ From Coaches​

Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Thousand Oaks has been nothing along the lines of slow and boring for one newcomer on the Los Angeles Rams.

As Kobie Turner has noticed, the tempo is a lot higher and faster than what he got accustomed to at Winston-Salem, North Carolina with Wake Forest, especially pre-shoulder pads. Regardless if the new interior defensive tackle is performing a “punch” drill on the sleds or competing in 11-on-11 team drills, nothing is done is slow motion from what he’s seen. And his newest coaches demand the energy levels to stay up.

Turner, however, has embraced the full speed approach before he officially puts the shoulder pads and helmet on — plus is loving the fiery energy from his newest coaches from Sean McVay to Raheem Morris.

“Just all over the coaching staff, there’s this contagious energy. I love it,” Turner told Heavy in a one-on-one interview following the Rams’ Wednesday, May 31 practice near Cal Lutheran. “The game of football is a fun game and it’s a business up here, for sure. But they bring the energy to these meetings and practices. And that makes me a better player. I’m able to play with that energy and understand more so the passion of football.”

Were the Demon Deacons Near Similar in Tempo?

Turner rose from Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) star at Richmond to third round selection — showing he can adjust to the speed and rigors of Power 5 conference football with the Demon Deacons.

But during his Wake Forest practices, Turner noticed the intensity volume crank up once the full football armor came on. The practices in shorts and helmet were more on the chill and laid back side. Are the Rams the same from what he got used to?

“It’s different. There’s more intensity without having pads on,” Turner admits. “So like, when we’re going full on practices with pads on, it’s a little bit different [at WF]. But you can already feel the intensity and you can already feel the competition and the edge everybody brings to even these practices [in Thousand Oaks] before everyone throws on pads. I’m excited to see what it’s going to be.”

Already, he’s loving the “Dawg Work” motto that became popularized by Rams defensive line coach Eric Henderson.

“I’m embracing it a lot,” Turner said. “And I’m soaking it all up because he has so much to teach me about the game. NFL football is different from college football and I’m here to get my PHD in NFL football to truly understand the game that’s going to help me play a lot faster. Being able to learn from him and get that experience and that wealth of knowledge that he already has is already effecting my game.”

Turner Feels Different Vibe With the 2023 Rams

The 2022 Rams went from reigning Super Bowl champions to taking a historic fall. Following a 5-win season, the belief from analysts and fans are skepticism inside the practice facility or that team doing a slow build back to winning.

Turner, however, doesn’t feel that notion at all in being around the Rams.

“For sure. We’re not striving to win eight or nine games,” Turner said. “The mindset is to go all the way. Whatever it takes in putting in whatever we need to be the best team we can be, at the end of the day it’s all going to work itself out.”

What is the ceiling Turner feels out of this Rams group?

“We’re not looking to win a certain amount of games. We’re looking to go all the way,” Turner said.

I stumbled on this video and it recaps our week 15 loss to the Jets in 2020, and how that one game effected the Jets and the NFL today.

In summary…

Week 15 the Jets were 0-13 and Jaguars were 1-12 heading in. The Jets holding the #1 pick in the NFL draft.

But the Jets stun our Rams with a victory and ultimately fall to the #2 overall pick.

The Jaguars go on to select Trevor Lawrence… and the Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers in 2023.

As this video summarizes, the Rams were making a comeback and likely win if not for a game saving tackle by the punter at the end of the game.

If we go on to win that game, the Jets likely draft Trevor Lawrence. Aaron Rodgers would still be in Green Bay or traded elsewhere.



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It might have been on Ramswire but in an article about replacing Ramsey as the #1 guy.... Raheem mentioned Durant and Jolley as being guys who could be the #1 guy...

Jolley has a solid skillset and ball skills... I would say it's interesting to me that Robert Rochell doesn't seem to be in the serious running yet to Crack the starting lineup... with Rochell being our only taller CB.. that means we may have 2 sub 6 foot CBs out wide. But we'll see

From what I remember Rochell has played well when give the chance.. particularly the Covid game at Arizona 2 years ago...and his size and speed are more than decent

But guys coming in are passing him on the depth chart

Looking forward to the preseason position battles

If we already have a place for these please move, if not could be cool to have all the OTA's together

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Good news guys, We are rated 31 out of 32 NFL teams by That Franchise Guy.

It's a long video but worth it.

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Hear me out, please. Lol.

Here are improved areas over last years starters in no particular order:

Backup QB (not a starter, technically, but such a huge contingency upgrade)
RB
OL (the importance here cannot be overstated)
TE
WR (Nacua and Johnson additions give this year the edge)
S (I honestly like the potential of this ‘23 room over the ‘22 version)
P

Moreover, I like the new coaching hires over their ‘22 counterparts by a country mile.

This is projecting, I know, but I like Blackburn a ton over DeCamillis. I expect to see vast improvement in ST overall this year.

Last, but by no means least, the ‘23 version of McVay reminds me of his first 5 year version. That ‘22 imposter was distracted and made far too many inexplicable decisions. Welcome back, Sean!

Thoughts?

Consider this image:


What does this image have to do with the Rams franchise?

Below are some clues (hidden). Honor system in place... how many clues will it take to solve this cryptic puzzle?

CLUE #1
Consult a cartographer.

CLUE #2
Some clues are more subtle than others. I'm halfway serious.

CLUE #3
I wonder if they had enough seating for the team in 2016.

If you think you have the answer, use the spoiler feature to keep it hidden, and let me know how many clues you viewed.

Good luck!

In the last two years, the Rams have pivoted from a "F them picks," "all in" championship run, to a two-year story arc consisting of a purge, infusion of youth, and (in all likelihood) major push in 2024.

This wasn't the only option. The Rams could have held on to guys like Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Floyd, Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner for another season. They could have kicked the can down the road to create space for guys like Greg Gaines, or even OBJ. With aging stars like Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald, and Sean McVay being pursued by the networks, there had to be a strong impulse to go full throttle for one more year.

Instead, the Rams are being patient, fiscally responsible, and, in my opinion, smart.

There are certainly no guarantees in sports, but if the Rams can find 3-4 above average starters from the 2022 and 2023 draft (and undrafted FA) classes, they will be poised to contend again in 2024, and to do so with a solid base that can be sustained for multiple seasons.

Are you ready for this long game, and do you think it will pay off?

I am sure many of you are into the live music scene and have your favorite local bands that will play on a Friday or Saturday night at some night club, bar or gin mill. This thread is to share some videos of them for the rest of us who may not get the chance to hear the local talent.

Let's try to keep in off mainstream bands. I.E. my wifes best friend lives next door to John Cafferty ( you might remember him from his hit On the Dark Side from the movie Eddie and The Cruisers) and we are over his house at least once a month for a back yard party. I wont be sharing that since we've all probably heard it.

Does anyone know when the second episode of "Behind the Grind" come out? It's already been a month. I was hoping it would be a biweekly thing at leat. Just lookin forward to it. Thanks Ramily.

Observations from Rams' second open OTA session: Playmaking on both offense and defense highlights session​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Rams held their second OTA session open to the media on Wednesday, and there was not shortage of plays made on both sides of the ball on the practice field.

Here are some of the notes and and observations from it:

1) A chance to be vocal: Linebacker Ernest Jones was an audible presence during practice and continues to back up his words about being a vocal leader with his actions during OTA sessions.

2) Going deep: One of quarterback Matthew Stafford's best passes of the day came on a deep completion to wide receiver Tutu Atwell, who had two defenders right behind him as he made the tough catch.

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3) Stafford sharp in mamba period: Along those lines, Stafford connected with tight end Tyler Higbee twice for touchdowns during the team's competitive "mamba" period. Stafford also connected with wide receiver Austin Trammell for a touchdown during the period.

4) Don't forget about the defense: Prior to the mamba period, defensive back Cobie Durant made an impressive pass breakup on a Stafford pass intended for Atwell at the goal line, stretching out his right arm to deflect the pass.

5) Applying pressure: The effort and pressure put forth by rookie defensive linemen Kobie Turner on one play during 11-on-11 work in Wednesday's session drew cheers from the defense and especially vocal reactions from his position group.

6) One more play from a quarterback: Rolling out to his left, rookie Stetson Bennett made a throw across his body to tight end Hunter Long for a touchdown during the mamba period.

7) Rookie playmaker: Safety Jason Taylor II snagged an interception against Bennett during 11-on-11 work Wednesday.

In no particular order…

Boom, if healthy, will be starting LOT come September. They’re committed to him contractually and he’s among ‘best 5’ of Boom, Jackson, Avila, Bruss or Anchrum or McClendon at RG, and Hav.

Allen, despite his knee will not only be kept but probably start until his inevitable injury.

This will be Higbee’s last year as a Ram. I think McVay has finally decided to develop TE prominently into his O. Probably will draft a pass catching TE next year, too.

The battle for WR’s 3 through 6 will be fierce. Impossible to handicap at this point.

Rams overall Edge play will be superior to the ‘22 version, even though Floyd is now gone. This will make Morris’ job a lot easier.

Wagner will be missed but not by all that much. Jones will fill in nicely.

Both Durant and Tomlinson will start at CB. Not sure exactly where Morris will deploy them, but they will be on the field and be ballhawks.

Kendrick will be a reserve despite Morris’ happy coachspeak. Rams can do better. They MUST do better.

I think our ST are gonna shine. The Blackburn hire is looking like a HR.

This assistant coach corps will prove to be one of McVay’s best, maybe even best ever overall.

I’m so optimistic about this revived OL that I think both Stafford and Akers could have career years. I think McVay has learned his lesson about importance of strong OL and will never again allow it to slip behind.

If McVay can pull all this together and somehow win 9 games I think he might be in the conversation for COTY.

Thoughts?