UDFA waived by the Chiefs last week. Not sure what it means for us in the immediate future.

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Many of the Rams’ starters will likely sit once again heading into preseason game No. 4, which means several reserves will see lots of snaps. However, with depth at offensive line, defensive line, inside linebacker and cornerback still being evaluated, the preseason finale will still have plenty to pay attention to.
Here are five players to watch against the Texans on Thursday.
View attachment 29873

1. OL VITAS HRYNKIEWICZ
Among reserves, Vitas Hrynkiewicz is the only true center on the 90-man roster, with an ankle injury sidelining Aaron Neary indefinitely. The Rams cross-train their offensive linemen, so there’s a chance someone else could start at the position in the preseason finale, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the first crack at it since it’s his natural position. Hrynkiewicz was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Youngstown State in May.

2. QB JOHN WOLFORD
A free agency addition in April, John Wolford is making a case to be the Rams’ QB3. He has completed 17 of 29 pass attempts for 134 yards with one touchdown and zero interceptions, most recently going 6 for 12 for a preseason-high 64 yards in addition to throwing for his first score of the preseason. Wolford also engineered what would be the game-winning touchdown drive that secured Los Angeles’ first victory of the preseason.

3. QB BRANDON ALLEN
Brandon Allen's performances have also made him a strong candidate to QB3 for L.A. The former Arkansas star has completed 32 of 52 pass attempts for 311 yards with one interception so far. While he hasn’t thrown for a touchdown yet, he’s shown a comfort with the offense one would come expect from someone who is entering his third season with a franchise. Allen played 52 percent of the offensive snaps compared to Wolford’s 48, and that will likely be the case again on Thursday.

4. LB OGBONNIA OKORONKWO
After logging 46 percent of the defensive snaps in his Rams debut, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo saw his playing time jump to 84 percent in Week 3 against the Broncos. The University of Oklahoma alum has earned a reputation as a strong pass rusher with three QB hits through the first three games and should be in line for more snaps against the Texans unless McVay determines he has already established a role and decides to rest him.

5. CB KEVIN PETERSON
Kevin Peterson’s preseason has been memorable so far, recording two interceptions after missing the entire 2018 campaign because of a season-ending injury in last year’s preseason opener. The former Oklahoma State standout has developed a knack for making plays, and similar to Okoronkwo, may have already done enough to establish a role for himself. If not, it will add another level of interest to Thursday's game.

By
Trebor Tracy
-
August 28, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 24: Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson #27 runs the ball for a gain during the preseason football game between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Rams on August 24, 2019 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)


Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has been one of several coaches bucking the trend this preseason. He has held out his starters, and some key veterans, from action in all games. While this makes for an even more uneventful lead-up into the new season, there is simply no need for Los Angeles to take the risk. However, even without the star power of the first team, one position has made for an entertaining preseason, the battle for backup among the Los Angeles Rams running back corps.

Los Angeles Rams Running Back Battle Heating Up Heading Into Preseason Finale

While there may still be some lingering questions in regards to his health, there are no doubts about his position on the team. Todd Gurley is the starting running back for the Rams, for the duration of his time in Los Angeles. He has more than earned that distinction. However, the questions regarding his health still remain, and even a healthy Todd Gurley may fall into the latest LA trend of “load management.” In addition, the performance of C.J. Anderson at such a critical time for the Rams really highlighted the need for a talented and consistent back-up to Gurley.
This is what makes the Rams current situation at the position fascinating. In addition to Gurley, the Rams boast a backfield with three potential suitors for the RB2 role. Typically, back-ups, unless the quarterback, hardly get talked about. However, with the Rams taking a more cautious approach with Gurley, this year’s back-up running back will likely find himself with significant snaps throughout the season.

The Forgotten Man
The most overlooked man at the position is the incumbent, Malcolm Brown. An injury late in 2018 cost Brown a chance to showcase his talents, opening the door for Anderson. However, entering his fourth year with Los Angeles, Brown remains a favorite of Sean McVay’s. There is no doubt Brown knows what is expected of him in the Rams offense. More importantly, McVay knows what to expect from his veteran running back. Which is likely the reason why Brown, like the other starters, has been held out during the preseason. That itself speaks volumes to the faith he has built up among the coaching staff.
If there is a knock on Brown, it would be his receiving. In this offense, the running back is asked to catch the ball just as well as running it. Brown has 18 catches with a total of 149 yards and one touchdown, over the course of his career. This hasn’t seemed to cost him any snaps so far, so it’s likely he enters the season as the favorite to be Gurley’s understudy.

The Rookie
The player who has generated the most buzz has been third-round pick, Darrell Henderson. In a draft where the Rams traded down several times, they actually moved up in the third round to select the Memphis alum. Henderson, at least so far, has ticked all of the boxes, and looks the most primed to handle the load should Gurley need the rest.
In his last year at Memphis, Henderson rushed for 1,909 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also showed off his hands, hauling in 19 catches for 295 yards and three touchdowns. His versatility is what has caught the attention of many who have attended a Rams training camp. While he hasn’t had the flashiest preseason, his 57 yards on 23 carries, especially against stiff competition, has impressed. Henderson may be the talk of camp, but he will be looking to get on the field, and open eyes in 2019.

The Odd-Man Out?
Having the best preseason out of them all, second-year running back John Kelly still faces an uphill climb. Kelly failed to seize his opportunity late last season, with mediocre games, leading to the Rams opting for Anderson. McVay and his staff have remained high on his potential, but with the arrival of Henderson, and a now-healthy Brown to contend with, it is likely Kelly is the one on the outside looking in. There is hope for Kelly, though. Given the Rams’ history at the position it’s likely they keep four on the roster.

Predicted Running Back Depth Chart
It goes without saying that Todd Gurley is the number one running back on the Rams. However, Rams fans can rest easy knowing they have several solid options waiting in the wings. They showed last year that they don’t need a herculean effort at the position. All they need for success is the consistency to keep the defense honest, and someone healthy enough to stay on the field. Malcolm Brown will be given the early nod at RB2. The trust that he has earned with McVay almost assures his place to start. While at RB3, Henderson should still be given opportunities early. It’s unlikely the Rams traded up for him just to watch him sit. If he can impress, he could leapfrog Brown earlier than many expect. Kelly will round out what should be a solid group of running backs. The hope, of course, is that Gurley remains healthy, but it is nice to know you have options.

By: Cameron DaSilva | 2 hours ago

The Los Angeles Rams are expected to put up some big numbers in 2019, just as they have the last two years. With a high-powered offense led by Jared Goff, Todd Gurley and a trio of outstanding receivers, few teams in the NFL can touch the talent Los Angeles has.

But just how impressive will the stats be for the Rams’ top players? The oddsmakers took their best guess with BetOnline releasing over/under prop bets for Goff, Gurley and several other stars.

Jared Goff
Total passing yards
Over/under: 4,300
Total TD passes
Over/under: 30.5
Total interceptions
Over/under: 10.5

Todd Gurley
Total rushing yards
Over/under: 1,000
Total receiving yards
Over/under: 475
Total rushing and receiving TDs
Over/under: 12
How many games will Todd Gurley miss in the 2019 regular season?
Over/under: 1.5

Brandin Cooks
Total receiving yards
Over/under: 1,100
Total receiving TDs
Over/under: 6.5

Cooper Kupp
Total receiving yards
Over/under: 850
Total receiving TDs
Over/under: 5

Robert Woods
Total receiving yards
Over/under: 950
Total Receiving TDs
Over/under: 5

Aaron Donald
Total sacks
Over/under: 13

Clay Matthews
Total sacks
Over/under: 6.5

Marcus Peters
Total interceptions
Over/under: 3.5


It’s somewhat surprising to see Cooks’ yardage total set so much higher than both Woods’ and Kupp’s. If not for Kupp’s injury last season, all three likely would’ve gone over 1,000 yards receiving. Betting the over on Kupp is especially enticing.
As for Gurley’s totals, 1,475 total yards with 12 touchdowns would be a great year for a running back. However, given the way Gurley has played the last two seasons, it would be disappointing in many fans’ eyes.
Donald had 20.5 sacks last season, so 13 seems a bit low for him. And with the help of Dante Fowler Jr. and Matthews, he should get more one-on-one opportunities. He should easily surpass 13, potentially reaching 18-20.
Goff’s projections feel accurate, though Gurley’s lightened workload could lead to more pass attempts by Goff. He’s an All-Pro candidate heading into 2019 and if everyone stays healthy, he’ll have a shot at NFL MVP.

Yeah, we’re good.


By EddieP@iAmEddieP_ Aug 28, 2019, 10:00am CDT



Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports


The Los Angeles Rams are atop another preseason power ranking list. What’s new?
A few NFL analysts over at ESPN ranked nearly everything in the 2019 NFL season in a bunch of top 10 lists – from the coaches, coordinators, down to the mascot and even the top 10 referees.
Unfortunately for the Rams fans, La Ramilia, Rampage did not make the cut for best mascot. They just do not know how cool that fury two-legged ram is. Oh well, their loss. We gotta be underrated in some aspect, right?
However, the Rams made the list where it counts. Head Coach Sean McVay came in at No. 5 among head coaches:

He’s the future. McVay is just a really brilliant football mind, and he’s showing that he can be a passionate quarterback developer.

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McVay was also praised as the top “offensive coordinator“ in the entire NFL for his chain-moving, score-piling prowess:

McVay serves as both the head coach and OC in L.A. His last four offenses have finished top 12 in points scored (his last two finished top two), and his 2018 Rams unit ranked top five in both rushing and passing yards.

Click to expand...

Grandpa Wade Phillips, not to be EVER outdone (don’t leave yo girl ‘round him, he’s a playa, just ask S Eric Weddle, forreal) came in at a hot No. 3 among all defenfive coordinators:

While the Rams’ defense wasn’t always perfect during the regular season, Phillips put on a clinic vs. Tom Brady in the Super Bowl that was under appreciated because of the outcome.

Click to expand...

The team’s front office led by General Manager Les Snead ranked in just outside the top 5, coming in at numero 7.
The Rams’ esteemed blue & yellow throwback unis checked in eighth overall.
It is hard not to like these sort of rankings. One could argue the order of some of the rankings, but they are pretty on point with their recognition that, collectively, have the Rams as one of the best teams overall in the NFL.
All in all, not too shabby LA Rams. Not too shabby.

By: Cameron DaSilva | 2 hours ago


The Los Angeles Rams didn’t leave themselves much room to improve from last year to this upcoming season after reaching Super Bowl LIII. The only way to have a more successful year is to win the Super Bowl, finishing as the last team standing.
Of course, it’s possible to have a better team in 2019 than the squad that went 13-3 last season, especially considering the additions Los Angeles made and the added experience of its younger players. Aaron Donald thinks he could have his best season ever this year and from what he’s seen in practice and the preseason, he believes the Rams look much better than the past two years.

He was asked on ESPN’s “First Take” why he thinks the Rams will improve in 2019.
“You live and you learn from mistakes last year. I feel like the ups and downs we had made us that much of a stronger team and obviously, going to the Super Bowl and falling short, if that doesn’t light a fire under you, I don’t know what will. I feel like everybody’s got a different type of mindset having that experience and going through what we went through last year and adding pieces to the defense like Weddle and Clay. What I’ve been seeing at practice, I just feel like we’re looking much better than what I’ve seen last year and the past year, so I’m excited about the upcoming season.”
The Rams’ schedule is more difficult than it was last season, having to face teams such as the Saints, Browns, Cowboys, Ravens and Bears, among others. The 49ers and Cardinals should also be much better, too.
It shouldn’t be surprising if the Rams do make the Super Bowl, but the path to the big game is littered with tough matchups.

Anyone else extremely worried about who is lining up next to Littleton? Is Hager a capable starter or are we in trouble?

Lindsey Thiry
ESPN


THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- He knew he wouldn't be the starter, and the temporary practice facilities certainly did not lure him.
Blake Bortles signed with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency because he saw the same thing the rest of the NFL saw the past two seasons: Rams coach Sean McVay has ignited the league with a prolific offense, helped spring players to MVP-caliber seasons and propelled assistant coaches to head jobs.
"Everybody kind of wants a piece of what he's doing," Bortles said.
Bortles isn't interested in coaching yet. He also isn't interested in sticking around L.A. for the long term. The plan is to soak up everything McVay can offer, back up Jared Goff as he leads the pursuit of another trip to the Super Bowl and then find a job as a starting quarterback somewhere else.
"I want to get an opportunity to start in this league and go do that again, and I think in order to do that, this is the best step," Bortles said. "Being here around McVay and helping Jared, kind of taking a year to do whatever I can to better myself."

For the Rams, signing Bortles to a one-year, $1 million deal was a no-brainer after they let backup Sean Mannion walk in free agency.
"When you're kind of in the phase that we are, we do want to continue winning and having a quarterback who's been there, done that," general manager Les Snead said. "Definitely helps if you ever have to go to the bullpen."
The third overall pick in 2014, Bortles played five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and led them to the 2017 AFC Championship Game, in which they fell to the New England Patriots.
After the season, Bortles signed a three-year, $54 million contract extension that was expected to keep him with the team through the 2020 season. But he experienced an uneven season last year and was benched as the Jaguars finished 5-11. The organization signed quarterback Nick Foles in free agency and released Bortles while owing him $6.5 million on his contract.
In five seasons, Bortles finished 24-49 as a starter. He passed for 103 touchdowns, with 75 interceptions, and completed 59.3% of his passes.
"When you look at the production over the course of his career, a guy that has played in some big-time games, has some athleticism and some different things that we like," McVay said. "To be able to get a player of his caliber to be able to come in and be willing to be a backup ... he's kind of got that charisma and presence that you expect from a quarterback, where you can't help but say, 'I like this guy.'"
Goff, who is entering his fourth NFL season, had an established relationship with Bortles before he signed with the Rams. The two share an agent and have spent previous offseasons working out together in Orange County. Now they live across the 101 freeway from each other, often grab dinner and enjoy golf outings together.
"I'm excited to continue to grow with him and work together," Goff said.
Bortles said he and Goff are able to discuss their NFL experiences and share ideas.
"It's good back-and-forth banter on, 'What do you think here? Have you seen it before? What did you do in the past?' type stuff," Bortles said.
In his preseason debut, Bortles completed three of eight passes for 50 yards in a loss to the Oakland Raiders. McVay said the numbers were skewed by several dropped passes by receivers. A week later against the Dallas Cowboys, Bortles finished 7-of-11 for 62 yards and a touchdown.
"He's been making great decisions," McVay said. "I think he's getting a great command on what we're trying to do offensively. Then I think some of the things that show up that's been really one of his great traits is just his overall athleticism. In some of these practice settings, you can't tackle the quarterback, and I think his ability to use his legs and be able to create off schedule, whether it's throwing the football or running it, using him in some instances as a runner."

Bortles did not play in the Rams' third preseason game and is not expected to play in the fourth.
"We felt like he has done a good job of really establishing himself as the clear No. 2," McVay said. "If it was a situation where he hasn't played a lot of football -- but when you look at it, all right, what's really to gain?"
Since Goff became the starter with seven games remaining in his rookie season, he has not missed a game because of injury, though he did not play in Week 17 of 2017, as McVay chose to sit starters with a playoff berth secured.

It's possible that Bortles' two brief preseason appearances are the only ones he'll make as a Ram. For now, it remains uncertain whether his decision to sign as a backup will result in another chance to start.
But Bortles isn't second-guessing the move.
"I thought from the time I made the decision, until now, and all the way through, that it was the best choice for me and my career and I think gives me the best opportunity to get back to being a starting quarterback in the NFL," Bortles said. "So right now my role is to do what I can to help this team win, help Jared, better myself as much as possible.
"If I get a chance to play again, great. If not, then I'm gaining experience in that role at practice as a backup."

Quotes & Notes 8/27: Scrimmages helping starters prepare for regular season

After each media session, Quotes and Notes will bring you what was said, who said it, and what it means for your Los Angeles Rams. Here’s what you should know from Tuesday, Aug. 27.

“It’s as close to live as we can get without really tackling, especially against our own one defense. It’s good.”
– QB Jared Goff

• With Rams head coach Sean McVay choosing to rest the majority of L.A.’s starters like Goff for the second straight preseason, joint practices against the Chargers and Raiders and intra-squad scrimmages are serving as their tune-up before the regular season.
• The team did a similar scrimmage last week, only Tuesday’s scrimmage was more controlled with competition created situationally, according to McVay.
• Goff said the goal is to make these scrimmages against the defense as difficult as possible so that the regular season games are easier.

“He’s a guy that – unless something changes over the next 48 hours – is not going to play in this game.”
– HC Sean McVay

• DT Sebastian Joseph-Day will not play in Thursday’s preseason finale at Houston because of how well he’s performed to this point in the preseason.
• McVay said Joseph-Day has had a good camp and already established himself as someone who will be a key contributor to the defense.
• The former 2018 sixth-round pick is slated to start at nose tackle based on the team’s unofficial depth chart.

“I trust and have full confidence that there’s not going to be any – people talk about a ‘Super Bowl hangover’ or anything like that.”
– HC Sean McVay

• History has not been kind to the losing team in the Super Bowl in the subsequent year, but McVay doesn’t believe his team will be part of that trend end in 2019.
• In the 16-game era, teams defeated in the Super Bowl have averaged 9.57 wins in the following season (since 1978; excluding the 1982 lockout-shortened season).13 of those 40 NFL runners-up failed to qualify for the postseason the following year.
• One thing working in Los Angeles’ favor to avoid that fate is the return of several starters from last year’s squad, something McVay mentioned last week.

Three Keys: Rams at Texans, preseason week 4

The Los Angeles Rams close out the preseason Thursday evening against the Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. pacific time.

Ahead of the game, theRams.com examines three keys for L.A.

1. How will the defense contain Joe Webb and the Texans’ offense?

A strong candidate to win the Houston’s backup quarterback job, Joe Webb has had a strong preseason so far.

The former sixth-round pick has been the preseason’s second-leading passer with 534 yards through three games. He has also tallied 12 carries for 84 yards on the ground.

At the same time, Webb has also been mistaken prone, throwing five interceptions with only two touchdowns. He’s been picked off at least once in each of the Texans’ preseason contests so far, which means there will likely be opportunities for members of the Rams secondary to make more plays.

As indicated by Webb’s seven yards per carry, Houston has had one of the preseason’s most productive ground games. RBs Karan Higdon and Damarea Crockett have helped the Texans average 130.3 rushing yards per contest, fifth-best among the league’s 32 teams.

2. Who can establish roles for themselves?

Rams head coach Sean McVay said he would discuss further with the coaching staff about potentially playing key contributors against the Texans. However, if last week’s game against the Broncos served as any indication, there’s a strong chance they will sit out again later this week.

Should that come to fruition, several players should get a chance to show what they’re capable of, especially on defense.

The coaching staff is starting to get clarity on most of the skill positions, according to McVay, but they will still be closely evaluating the linebackers, cornerbacks, defensive line and offensive line for depth purposes. Those will be positions groups to play the closest attention to as a result.

3. How will the battle for QB3 shake out?

Given Blake Bortles has established himself as the Rams’ No. 2 quarterback – the reason McVay cited for resting him against the Broncos – this week should feature reserves Brandon Allen and John Wolford sharing snaps at the position once again.

Both players showed a comfortable command of the offense last week. Allen completed 12 of 19 passes for 162 yards, while Wolford was 6 of 12 for 64 yards and one touchdown, leading Los Angeles on what would be its game-winning drive.

Like other positions, Allen and Wolford’s play has presented Los Angeles with a positive problem to have, one that will come down to Thursday’s preseason finale for a solution to be found.

Jared Scherl with concerns on the NFL’s new sliding rule and the ability of it to protect quarterbacks (HINT, Sam Darnold)

Will NFL's New Sliding Rule Help? - Turn On The Jets

Jared Scherl with concerns on the NFL's new sliding rule and the ability of it to protect quarterbacks (HINT, Sam Darnold)

turnonthejets.com

Much has been made of the NFL’s new helmet rule, but another rule change (or “point of emphasis” as the league calls it) will have a great effect on the game– and not in the way it’s intended to. This season, the NFL is instituting a new slide rule hoping to reduce hits to quarterbacks. In practice though, the new rule will likely increase them, and potentially expose quarterbacks to more violent hits.

The new rule is as follows: both a head-first dive and feet-first slide by a quarterback will be treated as the player giving himself up, and the ball will be spotted where he first made contact with the ground. Previously, only a feet-first slide was treated as such. When a quarterback dove head-first, the ball was placed at the spot where he was touched, usually 3-4 yards after he started the dive. The goal of the rule change is to further protect quarterbacks, as well as to eliminate confusion for defenders not knowing whether a quarterback was about to dive head or feet first, and therefore whether he was allowed to be hit or not.
The problem with the rule is that head-first and feet-first dives are not the same, and should not be treated as such. Feet-first slides are used in situations where the quarterback has progressed past his necessary mark, and is safely sliding before contact with a defender. Head-first dives are primarily used in more risky situations such as when the quarterback is stretching for the first down marker, or reaching for the goal line. In most cases, head-first dives occur when defenders are bearing down. Usually in these instances, the quarterback does not want to give himself up–or else he would have simply slid with his feet. The rule change, however, mandates that he is giving himself up, and marks the ball where he first slides, taking off an important few yards to the final spot of the ball.
There’s a good chance this rule does the opposite of its intention, and actually exposes quarterbacks to more violent hits. The quarterback, knowing that he can no longer slide to advance the ball, will have to remain upright in order to gain those valuable final yards for a first down or touchdown–leaving him unprotected and vulnerable to defenders in his path.
The new rule essentially gives quarterbacks a choice when faced with the first down marker within distance, and a defender closing in–he can either stay on his feet and take the hit while fighting for the yards, or slide in order to avoid contact and lose the first down. In the heat of the game, few quarterbacks will voluntarily surrender the extra yards–leaving them susceptible to the exact hits the league is hoping to avoid.

Welcome to our new league year! Going on 5 years I believe with all ROD members. The draft is scheduled for this Sunday at 8:30 PM eastern time,

So this year we have a problem, Only 5 of our 14 managers have checked into the league page since everyone was auto renewed on July 27th.

I'm asking each manager to somehow get word to me that you will be participating. That can be in the league message board, or by responding to this thread. Those that do not respond, that's cool if you have other interests or less time or whatever. However we will be removing all those this year and opening the spots to others that may be interested or who might want to play for the first time, etc

Friday is cut day. On Saturday we'll offer up the free spots.

This is about the time to start see some names getting released. Decent GMs will give their vets a head start rather than waiting til final cutdown.

So far, TJ McDonald is out there and now Malcom Smith of the 9ers just got cut.

With one preseason game left to play, which rookies have stood out for the Los Angeles Rams?

By Brandon Bate@NoPlanB_ Aug 27, 2019, 9:48am CDT



Pro Football Focus

With only one preseason game remaining, NFL teams will soon face the tough decision of who stays and who goes as they whittle their rosters down to 53. If you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Rams, you’ve gotten a good long look at the rookies and undrafted free agents, as head coach Sean McVay has once again opted to protect his starters.

Several players have stepped up and made their case for surviving the cut. Over at Pro Football Focus they’ve identified the Top 25 rookies through preseason Week 3 and they’ve pegged a pair of Rams players as standouts.

25. DI GREG GAINES, LOS ANGELES RAMS – 79.5
While playing for the Washington Huskies in college, Greg Gaines was one of the top run defenders in all of college football. And through three weeks of preseason play, it’s easy to see that his stout play against the run is translating well to the NFL. Gaines has obliterated his opponent in run defense thus far, and when lined up at nose tackle, he has recorded an 82.1 run-defense grade and has also yet to lose to his blocker at that alignment.

Click to expand...

Gaines, a 4th round selection, is vying for the starting spot at nose tackle; a vacancy left by Ndamukong Suh this offseason. The Rams oftentimes struggled against the run last year - allowing 122 yards per game on the ground (23rd) - so early returns from the young run-stuffer are promising.

9. WR NSIMBA WEBSTER, LOS ANGELES RAMS – 86.5
With Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, the Los Angeles Rams already have a top-three receiving unit, so the preseason success of undrafted free agent Nsimba Webster is just an added bonus. Webster has hauled in every single one of his eleven targets so far and has been incredibly productive on a per route basis, with an average of 2.73 yards per route run. His average depth of target thus far has been 5.2 yards downfield, and with three explosive plays and three broken tackles, Webster is showing to be a solid after-the-catch receiver at the NFL level.

Click to expand...

It’s been hard not to be impressed with Webster (UDFA), who has consistently shown up each week this preseason. The issue, however, is the Rams are so deep at the position. 3k released his updated 53-man predictions this morning and, despite the strong showing, Webster still finds himself on the outside looking in.

very interesting stuff, new Pack leadership is lookin stupider and stupider
train

Is it strictly a money thing or what.

NFL changes visor rule after Oakley sponsorship

For years, the NFL has banned tinted visors. Then someone got the bright idea to turn visors into a lucrative sponsorship. Now the NFL will allow lightly tinted visors that are provided by Oakley.

Although the dark sunglasses-style visors that became popular in the 1980s and 1990s are still banned (other than for players with a medical exemption), Oakley visors that are lightly tinted with a pinkish hue will now be allowed.

“We really just got excited about a brand that’s so endemic to sports, but also one that’s a leader in their category from an optical standpoint,” Nana-Yaw Asamoah, the NFL’s VP of business development, told SI.com. “We’ve had rules around visors and what players are allowed to wear on the field, but we haven’t had any relationships there. Through conversations what became uncovered was that from both a performance and safety standpoint, there was a lot more that could be done in this space and working with a brand like Oakley could really take us to the next level on that.”

Visors featuring the Oakley logo have already been worn by players like Kyler Murray during the preseason, and those logos will be commonplace during the regular season, in another way for the NFL to make money.

Quotes & Notes 8/26: Talib expected to be full participant in practice this week

After each media session, Quotes and Notes will bring you what was said, who said it, and what it means for your Los Angeles Rams. Here’s what you should know from Monday, Aug. 26.

“We’re slowly building him back in.”
– HC Sean McVay

• CB Aqib Talib will be cleared for full participation in practice at some point this week after dealing with a “little twinge” in his hamstring since joint practices with the Raiders, according to McVay.
• When McVay first discussed this on Aug. 13, he indicated Talib was being limited for precautionary reasons due to it being a soft-tissue injury.
• McVay said Talib worked out before last Saturday’s preseason game against the Broncos and is feeling good.

“It’s good. There’s pros and cons.”
– RB Todd Gurley II

• The Rams chose to rest Gurley and many other starters for the second consecutive preseason, and he is happy with the decision.
• One of the benefits to the approach, according to Gurley, is how well it works with the new NFL roster deadlines. Since clubs no longer have to trim their rosters from 90 to 75 to 53 – now it’s just 90 to 53 – it gives several players opportunities to make an impression whenever starters sit.
• Among the reserves expected to play against Houston, Gurley said he was excited to see RBs Matt Colburn, Justin Davis and John Kelly take the field.

“Those are two very important players to us as we move forward this season.”
– HC Sean McVay

• Asked if there was any progress on contract extension talks with QB Jared Goff and CB Marcus Peters, McVay indicated there is no update at this time.
• While McVay understands how critical both are to the team’s success in 2019, things like training camp have kept the team preoccupied when it comes to discussions about their futures.
• The Rams exercised the fifth-year option in Goff’s rookie deal back in April, which will keep in under contract through the 2020 season. They did the same for Peters last season to keep him under contract through this season.

Joey O explains there is a method to McBae’s madness as the starters stand on the sidelines.

By Joey The Jerk@LaRamsRamsRams Aug 26, 2019, 10:56am CDT




Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images

More and more, NFL teams are following in Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay’s steps.

Last week, several coaches sat their starters while teams like the Carolina Panthers paid a hefty price with injuries to star players such as QB Cam Newton. That led Riley McAtee (editor’s note: no relation to TST Managing Editor Joe McAtee aka 3k) to declare over at the Ringer that Sean McVay has ruined the preseason and it’s now time to cut it.

That’s high praise for those like me who find the preseason a big frustrating waste of time.

The obvious reason for sitting players in preseason games and in practice is to prevent them from getting hurt. Makes sense. Football is a violent game, and an injury can strike at any moment, so it makes sense to be safe, right? Just this weekend, the Rams lost EDGE Josh Carraway and OL Aaron Neary to injuries. However, McVay’s trend of sitting players isn’t just injury prevention — he’s giving his depth players valuable reps that wouldn’t happen in traditional scenarios.

Let’s take a look at last season with the Rams aging offensive line.

The Rams had two significant departures in the offseason: C John Sullivan and RT Rodger Saffold III, but there hasn’t been too much panic in the Ramily. Rookie linemen Joseph Noteboom and C Brian Allen were basically redshirt guys in 2018 not seeing the field much.

How do we know that Noteboom and Allen are ready for such a promotion? Practice.
In at least one of the three practices during each week last season, LT Andrew Whitworth and C John Sullivan sat out, allowing Allen and Noteboom to take their reps. What was great about this move last season was that it allowed two linemen, both in their 30s, to take a rest during the week, but also gave the opportunity for the young guys to get a feel for the offense. In nearly every case, Whitworth and Saffold weren’t hurt. They just didn’t want to push it.

That’s the revolutionary idea that McVay is bringing to the NFL — “Don’t push it.” It seems contrary to natural instincts of football coaches which is usually a strategy that’s more along the lines of pushing a player so hard that they break down. The problem with that case is that you never know when it will happen.

Instead, the Rams prepared for the transition on the offensive line. That’s most likely why the LA Rams are feeling confident about Noteboom and Allen fitting into the O-line this season. So much so, that they are being treated like veterans.

Now in 2019, newly-drafted offensive linemen like OL David Edwards and OL Bobby Evans are getting their reps in preseason games which will come in handy later in the season if any injuries happen but likely pay the real dividends in the future with further attrition on the line.

Is McVay playing things too safe? Will the starters be rusty in week 1?

Maybe.

But you know what? At least they’ll healthy and well-rested.

And the future will look brighter for it.

By: Cameron DaSilva | 4 hours ago


Andrew Whitworth has been one of the best left tackles in the NFL the last four years. He’s been the model of consistency in that span, too, missing just one game in 2017 when the Los Angeles Rams rested their starters in the season finale.
With four Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors, Whitworth has more than proved his worth as a starting left tackle – which is one of the toughest positions to play in football.

He was deserving of a Pro Bowl selection last season, too, earning an overall grade of 83.1 from Pro Football Focus, allowing only four sacks all year.
Yet, the man himself doesn’t think he’ll make it to Canton one day. Whitworth said on “Pardon My Take” that he doesn’t believe he’ll be a Hall of Famer when it’s all said and done.

“No, I don’t think so. I don’t know, I’m not popular enough,” Whitworth said.
Offensive linemen don’t necessarily have stats to compare like players at other positions do. Wide receivers have yardage totals, quarterbacks have touchdown passes, pass rushers have sacks and tackles. Judging linemen is far less statistical and based more on voters’ observations.
What might hurt Whitworth’s chances of making it to Canton is his lack of playoff wins. He has two on his resume, both of which came last season. His four Pro Bowl selections, which he mentioned in the interview, are not exactly eye-popping, either.
When discussing with Big Cat and PFT what he can do to boost his resume, Whitworth suggested he should post on Instagram how well he plays each week.
“Be like the Instagram posts where I just keep talking about how good I am constantly,” Whitworth joked. “Like ‘I dominated this week’ with the pictures. I love those guys. No matter if their team lost by 40 or not, like, ‘I had a great day.’”
Whitworth may never make it to Canton, but if he plays a few more years, makes a couple more Pro Bowls and wins a Super Bowl with the Rams, it might give voters something to think about.




I don't think Big Whit knows his ROD fans very well. Someone get this guy a ROD cap and an interview. Dude, we want you to extend your contract, ... do I have to put it in CAPS for you to hear ?

Clay Matthews always imagined he’d play out his career with the Green Bay Packers. Even though he was set to hit free agency for the first time, it was his expectation to stay in green and gold.
That made the Packers’ lack of interest all the more painful when the only team he’s ever played for declined to make him an offer.
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“I was kind of taken aback because I thought I’d always be back there, whether it was at a cheaper price [or not],” Matthews said in an interview with NFL.com’s Michael Silver. “So that was kind of a shock, because [my family] stayed out there and had our third child in the offseason, and I was hanging in town training there and everything. And yeah, that was kind of a surprise to me because I just figured I would be out there a few more years.”


Clay Matthews signed a two-year deal with the Rams after spending 10 seasons with the Packers. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)

Matthews was willing to take a discount
The 10-year veteran was coming off a solid year with 7.5 sacks, 43 total tackles and one forced fumble. He knew he wouldn't command the $13 million annual salary he had on his last contract, but he never pictured that they wouldn’t want him back at any price.
Matthews said that there was some discussion between his agent, Ryan Williams, and Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst before free agency started. They mutually agreed that he could figure out his value on the open market, and hopefully something would be worked out later.
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But days later, Matthews said he got a call from Gutekunst saying that there was no money available for him.
“I always felt like I would probably end up back there; we just needed to figure out what the going rate was. But that wasn't the case,” Matthews said. “They told me there was no room for me.”

Packers were quick to replace Matthews
That call particularly stings because the Packers did have money to spend — just not on him. They made a rare splurge in free agency with outside linebackers Za’Darius Smith (four years, $66 million with $20 million guaranteed) and Preston Smith (four years, $52 million with $16 million guaranteed).
Matthews eventually worked out a two-year, $9.25 million deal with his hometown Los Angeles Rams that can reach as high as $16.75 million, but he made one last effort to return to Wisconsin. He said he reached out to to Gutekunst to see if he would take the same deal, but the GM again declined.
Matthews already felt bad enough that his team didn’t want him anymore, but then there was an added layer of disrespect when the Packers immediately gave away his No. 52 jersey to rookie first-rounder Rashan Gary.
“You just sometimes wish they would be a little more honest and up front as far as how they see it,” Matthews said. “But, I mean, why should I get preferential treatment? Nobody is going to say, ‘Hey, this is how we actually feel about you.’”

I haven’t played in years. But I’ve started a league.

It’s NFL.com and live draft tomorrow at 5pm CST.

It’s Marvel/DC themed. All team are gonna be after villains.

If interested, hit me up.

By: Cameron DaSilva | 39 minutes ago


Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder was ejected in Week 2 of the preseason for a late hit to the helmet of Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush. That play cost Reeder more than just playing time against Dallas, too.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Reeder was fined $10,527 for his hit on Rush. That’s a significant chunk of change for an undrafted free agent, who doesn’t have the financial security of a draft pick or someone on the 53-man roster.

It was an indefensible play by Reeder and a clear mistake on his part. Rush had already gone to the ground in his slide when he put his shoulder in the quarterback’s head area. Rush was fortunate to have escaped without a concussion.
Here’s a look at the play that cost Reeder more than $10,000.

Reeder is not expected to make the Rams’ 53-man roster and is likely to be cut when teams trim their rosters on Saturday afternoon.