• To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

Preseason Post-Game Two Depth Chart (Offense)

QB
2018 Roster Count: 3
QB1 Goff
QB2 Bortles
-Allen
-Wolford

QB Notes: McVay kept 2 QBs in 2017 so there is no guarantee we'll see 3 again. Allen played better in game 2 but Wolford had little to no time behind that OL he was given. I have to think the Rams opt for Wolford if they keep 3. Neither allows for upside really with both Allen and Wolford contracts being up after the season. How does QB3 stack up against the other position groups? Not too well so hard to say there will be a QB3.

RB
2018 Roster Count: 4
RB1 Gurley
RB2 Brown
RB3 Henderson
RB4 Kelly
-Davis
Colburn

RB Notes: stacked group and guaranteed full roster complement of 4. Kelly beat out Davis last year and this year it's more of the same. Set group IMO.

WR
2018 Roster Count: 6
WR1 Cooks
WR2 Woods
WR3 Kupp
WR4 Reynolds
-Hodge
-Thomas
-Webster
-Natson
-Bachman
-Greene
Proehl
Lloyd

WR Notes: Thomas was doing really well until last game, but that drop he had demonstrates how guys with iffy hands rarely develop hands at the NFL level. It's hard to say the team trusts that he can show up in games, let alone stay healthy. Still a big competition going on for 2 jobs but that said I think Hodge is in as WR5 just don't feel it's clear enough to count it just yet. Why? Well even when he's not targeted he blocks very well and had special teams impact. Web seems like a better Natson with some upside and club control. Bachman and Greene are extreme longshots. WR group vs the others does very, very well though so will they keep 7? I think that is a strong possibility. The 7th wideout is probably markedly better than the 9th OL for example.

TE
2018 Roster Count: 3
TE1 Higbee
TE2 Everett
-Mundt
-Blanton
Brooker
Brown

TE Notes. Mundt seems to have the TE3 job locked up. Blanton is too raw to be counted on, but his length and talent are evident so he does seem like a PS candidate. Brooker and Brown are just there to eat snaps, neither has a chance.

OL
2018 Roster Count: 9
OL1 Whit
OL2 Havenstein
OL3 Boom
OL4 Allen
OL5 Blythe
OL6 Edwards
OL7 Neary
OL8 Evans
-Kolone
-Demby
-Kaskey
-Hrynk
-Brewer
-Hitner

OL Notes. Complication with these guys is the "who can play where" question. That said wrt depth Kromer seems to favor the OT types with the thinking they can slide inside. Evans is really raw and I assume he makes the cut on the back of his upside/draft status because the guys below him haven't pushed hard enough. Bottom of the OL group is wide open and along with WR is the biggest undecided roster spot. Re: roster count I think they will go with 9 again (they kept 10 in 2017) with that last guy being a good mix of special teams & upside. OL vs the other position groups is bad. The 9th OL being filled is more about depth of options than that player deserving a roster spot so I won't be shocked if they elect to keep 8 with a heavy PS.

Overall: in closing my guess after 2 preseason games is the wideout group will be elevated to 7 based on the relative strength of that part of the roster to the rest of the offense. Whether it comes out of hide from the QB or OL group I don't know, but it's going to be hard to cut that 7th wideout when he's better than the 9th OL or 3rd QB. And yes, I know there's 2 more preseason games ahead just fun to look at where we're at.

Honestly, this Cowboy game was a real eye opener for me...

In terms of gems in Rams depth calculations, anyway.

Unlike the Raider game, this Cowboy game revealed maybe a dozen kids that look like they have a possible NFL future, some as potential starters.

It seems certain that the Rams will have excruciating cuts at the following positions:

OLB
ILB
CB
S

I’ll bet that Wade can’t stop smiling today. The only fly in his ointment seems to be JFM and Joseph-Day underwhelming. Gaines is looking quite promising and will probably look more so once playing next to AD.

The O has fewer new gems, but there will be excruciating cuts at WR. The 4th RB is still tbd. Edwards is the lone bright spot on OL depth chart so far, leaving me both mildly surprised and disappointed since I had expected more from Kromer’s boys. The TE backups have been underwhelming so far, to put it mildly.

My personal biggest surprises through two preseason games?

Pleasant surprise is a tie between OLB and ILB candidates among the youngsters. A solid handful of youngsters that are looking like gems, tbh.

Disappointing surprise is another tie between OL (except for Edwards, of course) and the TE kids. I really, really expected a lot more in both areas and I’m sure that the problem isn’t the coaching.

All in all, I’m feeling pretty darned good about Ram prospects for ‘19.

Sean McVay liked what he saw from Okoronkwo, Patrick vs. Cowboys

usatsi_13227784.jpg



By: Cameron DaSilva | 1 hour ago

There’s no doubt about who the Los Angeles Rams’ top three pass rushers are this season: Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews and Samson Ebukam. They’re going to get the most playing time of any outside linebackers, but injuries do occur.
It’s important to have a deep pass-rush rotation, especially with Matthews having the ability to play inside linebacker. The Rams have been waiting for role players to step up since last season, and on Saturday night, two may have emerged as formidable backups.

Natrez Patrick and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo were two young players who stood out in somewhat limited playing time against the Cowboys. Patrick was seemingly around the ball on every snap he played, while Dallas’ offensive linemen had trouble slowing Okoronkwo down without holding. Together, they drew three holding penalties and hit the quarterback once each; Patrick had a half-sack, too.
After the game, Sean McVay was asked what he saw from both players and it was all positive from the head coach.

“Natrez has done a nice job. Really, we just transitioned him to outside linebacker a couple weeks ago almost by necessity as a result of Justin Lawler’s injury and (Trevon Young) being banged up. He’s really done a good job,” McVay said. “I think (outside linebackers coach) Chris Shula’s been outstanding, in terms of helping him develop and progress quickly. Then, getting Obo out there, it’s been great to see him. You see some of the flashes of why we liked him so much, why he was such a productive player at Oklahoma. He drew a couple holdings tonight and made his presence felt. Like we said, we’ll look back at the film, but you definitely felt those guys and that was a positive for sure.”
This is a positive development for the Rams, who don’t have much proven talent behind their starters at outside linebacker. Okoronkwo’s sample size has been as limited as any since being drafted in the fifth round last year, but he’s finally healthy and his ability was evident on Saturday night.
Patrick is only an undrafted rookie, and one who’s switched between inside and outside linebacker. It seems his more natural fit is at edge rusher and he’s certainly taking advantage of the opportunity with a couple players injured at the moment.
Patrick and Okoronkwo are trending in the right direction after two preseason games and will make things interesting at outside linebacker in the coming weeks.


Cowherd; if Aaron Rodgers gets hurt again, the Packers must move on


Colin Cowherd says if Aaron Rodgers gets hurt again, the Packers must move on

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers played all 16 games in 2018, but he is no stranger to being injured, as a broken collarbone limited him to just seven games in 2017, and back in 2013, he missed nine contests due to another broken collarbone.

Not only that, but Rodgers played through a sprained MCL this past season.

So, the fact that Rodgers is apparently dealing with a back issue right now has to be somewhat concerning for a Packers team with Super Bowl hopes, and Fox Sports talk-show host Colin Cowherd thinks that if Rodgers misses significant time yet again, Green Bay will need to move on and draft his replacement.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/TheHerd/status/1162403205247934464?s=20


Of course, with Rodgers being 35 years old, it may be time for the Packers to begin thinking about his replacement regardless of whether or not he makes it through the 2019 campaign healthy.

Rodgers had what was arguably his worst season in quite some time this past year. Well, for his standards, anyway. He threw for 4,442 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, but he completed only 62.3 percent of his passes, his second-lowest mark since becoming a full-time starter all the way back in 2008.

While it could have been just an “off” year for Rodgers in what was a terrible season for Green Bay as a whole, it could also be an indication that he is beginning to decline.

Rodgers has made seven Pro Bowl appearances while earning a pair of First-Team All-Pro selections during his NFL tenure. He is also a two-time MVP award winner and a Super Bowl champion.

Las Vegas SportsBooks; Bears are now co-favorites to win the NFC

The Bears are now co-favorites to win the NFC at multiple major Las Vegas sportsbooks

The Chicago Bears have yet to win a game through two weeks of the 2019 preseason, but that's not stopping Las Vegas from boosting their chances of an NFC title ahead of the real games in September.

A year after winning the NFC North with a 12-4 record and making their first playoff appearance in eight years, the Bears are now co-favorites not only to repeat as division champions but to claim the entire conference, according to multiple major Vegas sportsbooks.

Listed below are the latest NFC title odds from MGM and Westgate, with odds indicating how much bettors stand to win for a $100 bet. For example, +400 odds indicate a potential $400 win with a $100 bet and therefore represent 4/1 odds.

MGM odds
Saints +400
Bears +400
Packers +500
Rams +600
Eagles +600
Cowboys +600
Vikings +800


Westgate
Saints +500
Bears +500
Rams +500
Eagles +500
Cowboys +800
Packers +900
Vikings +900

The Bears aren't necessarily a bad bet to make a run at an NFC title, especially when you consider the other co-favorites at MGM, the New Orleans Saints and an aging Drew Brees, might also be due for regression. But Chicago's preseason rise is perhaps just as notable because of the teams listed with worse odds to win the conference.

Take the Philadelphia Eagles, for example, who own 6-to-1 odds at Westgate but are arguably even deeper and more talented than their Super Bowl-winning team from two years ago -- after knocking off the Bears in the 2018 playoffs. The Los Angeles Rams are another team with surprisingly low odds in comparison to the Bears considering they're fresh off their own Super Bowl trip and, like the Eagles, arguably boast an all-around better roster from top to bottom.

Is this Bears optimism a sign of good things to come? Or are the 2018 darlings headed for regression? We'll get our first indication in a few short weeks.

Post Game Reactions; Rams / Cowboys

Five Takeaways from the Rams’ second preseason game against the Cowboys

HONOLULU, Hawaii — On the road for their second straight preseason game, the Rams fell to the Cowboys 14-10 Saturday evening. The vast majority of Los Angeles’ starters didn’t make the trip, so those in reserve roles saw heavy action in a good showing for the Hawaiians in attendance.
Here are five instant takeaways from the exhibition matchup at Aloha Stadium.

1) COSTLY DEFENSIVE PENALTIES ON GAME-DEFINING DRIVE

Flags against the Rams for a late hit, defensive pass interference and roughing the passer accounted for 34 of the Cowboys’ 72 yards on their go-ahead scoring drive late in the third quarter, with quarterback Cooper Rush connecting with wide receiver Devin Smith from eight yards out for the touchdown.

On a larger scale, the mistakes contributed to 18 total penalties for Los Angeles, six more than it had in its preseason opener at Oakland last weekend.

2) OFFENSE LOOKS SHARPER

Backup quarterback Blake Bortles adjusted well from his first game as a Ram, completing 7 of 11 passes for 62 yards and one touchdown against the Cowboys. Brandon Allen took over for Bortles at the beginning of the first offensive series in the second quarter.

Even when the execution didn’t look as smooth, the Rams adapted mostly well. Allen recovered a botched snap and hit wide receiver Nsimba Webster for a 16-yard gain on 3rd and 6 to keep a late first half drive alive.

Wide receiver Mike Thomas also had a nice showing. After dropping a pass from Bortles on the Rams' first scoring drive, who overcame a drop by catching his next two passes from Bortles to help set up that scoring opportunity. He finished with two receptions for 23 yards in the loss.

3) DARRELL HENDERSON MORE INVOLVED

Rams coach Sean McVay said the plan was to increase running back Darrell Henderson’s touches, and true to his word he kept Henderson quite busy Saturday evening.

Henderson got the start and rushed six times for 16 yards, both team-highs. He also led all Rams in receiving with six receptions on six targets for 38 yards. While his carries matched what he got in the preseason opener at Oakland, he had five more receptions and targets in the passing game.

Los Angeles got pinned inside the five late in the first half but his carries on that series helped them out of it. His longest reception was a 26-yard gain via Bortles on L.A.'s first offensive series.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/ramsnfl/status/1162911736040546304?s=21


4) JOJO NATSON CHIPS IN ON OFFENSE

Los Angeles' primary return specialist, JoJo Natson caught two passes on two targets for 12 yards and secured the Rams’ lone touchdown of the game.

On special teams, he muffed a punt on a fair catch attempt that was recovered by Dallas at Los Angeles’ 32-yard line, but a missed 52-yard field goal attempt by Cowboys kicker Brett Maher effectively prevented any harm from coming out of it.

In fairness, it was an atypical mistake by Natson, who lost only two fumbles during the 2018 regular season.

4) NATREZ PATRICK SHINES

Signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent in May, Natrez Patrick was a bright spot at outside linebacker against the Cowboys.

He combined with linebacker Micah Kiser for a sack early in the first quarter, then drew a holding call later that same quarter on the Cowboys’ third offensive series. Patrick also added three total tackles and one quarterback hit.

5) SPECIAL TEAMS CONTRIBUTIONS

Johnny Hekker’s coffin corner punt that set up Dallas at its own 3 should be noted, even though the Cowboys still marched all the way downfield and scored. Greg Zuerlein’s 29-yard field goal attempt gave the Rams the lead with 3:45 left in the second quarter. Special teams also contributed to Maher’s missed field goal. Zuerlein uncharacteristically missed a 56-yarder toward the end of the first half, but it was an otherwise solid day for this unit.

Whoa! Let's tap brakes on expectations for Browns


Whoa! Let's tap brakes on expectations for Browns

Although there is not much competition, the 2019 Browns come equipped with the franchise’s best roster since the 1999 reboot. The Browns' metamorphosis from historic futility to this unusual position -– in barely 18 months -– represents one of the quickest resurrections in NFL history.

General manager John Dorsey's roster augmentations after the 0-16 conclusion illustrate the importance of front-office talent. Baker Mayfield, Myles Garrett, Odell Beckham Jr. and Co. have a realistic chance to book the franchise’s first home playoff game in 25 years and are seemingly poised for long-term relevance.

This may be the most-hyped Browns team since the 1980s. Some of it is deserved. But key concerns exist that could derail this operation -– or at least delay the expected ascent.

Teams aggressively chased offensive coaches to keep up in 2019. The Cardinals bore the brunt of the criticism of this cycle producing some arguably unqualified hires. Their Kliff Kingsbury choice overshadowed the risk the Browns took. Freddie Kitchensentered October 2018 as the Browns’ running backs coach, with zero minutes spent as the top offensive voice for a team at any level. Cleveland’s new coach logged 12 pre-Browns NFL years, but at no point from Kitchens’ 1999 coaching debut to Hue Jackson’s firing did he have final say about a game plan. Dorsey made a hire nearly as radical as the Cardinals’ choice.

The first-year NFL head coaches who have thrived had more experience. Two won a Super Bowl: Don McCafferty with the Colts in 1970 and George Seifert in 1989 with the 49ers, perhaps the NFL's greatest team. Twenty-two years later, Jim Harbaugh guided San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game. More recently, Sean McVay ignited the Rams. The difference: These coaches held more responsibility than Kitchens prior to their promotions. Little precedent exists for this type of coach authoring a championship-level climb.

Mike Tomlin was a one-year coordinator who won a title in his second head-coaching season in Pittsburgh, but he inherited a stacked defense, a Super Bowl champion quarterback and a stable franchise. Peak Peyton Manning helped Jim Caldwell (seven seasons as the Colts’ quarterbacks coach) to Super Bowl XLIV in the coach's first season. The Browns (five head coaches and five GMs in Jimmy Haslam’s six-plus years as owner) do not have a similar infrastructure. Green-lighting this hire based on Kitchens' nine-week offensive coordinator trial run, which did ignite Mayfield, did not receive sufficient scrutiny.

Expectations surrounding a job involving a brash quarterback, a mercurial superstar wideout (who spent the summer burnishing those credentials), and a host of veterans will put Kitchens in a spotlight unlike any previous Browns coach. (Marty Schottenheimer, Blanton Collier and Paul Brown did not exactly have similarly paced news cycles during their tenures.)

This is an unusual job for a first-time head coach. Dorsey can praise Kitchens’ straightforward style, but when adversity hits, the longtime position instructor will not have much leadership experience on which to lean. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has more relevant seasoning on this front. Will that pose a problem?

For all the Browns’ on-field enhancements, their offensive line could undercut them. Greg Robinson did not beat out rookie undrafted free agent Desmond Harrison to open last season and has not remotely justified his No. 2 overall draft slot by the Rams in 2014. He is the Browns’ left tackle. After trading reliable left guard Kevin Zeitler to the Giants, the Browns have yet to see 2018 second-round pick Austin Corbett seize the reins. Sixth-year right tackle Chris Hubbard has not yet shown himself to be an upper-echelon blocker.

Carrying $35 million-plus in cap space, the Browns, 7-8-1 last season, boast a worse-looking front than the one Football Outsiders ranked 18th in 2018 adjusted line yards. Protecting Mayfield is rather critical. If Robinson stumbles, Cleveland’s tackle depth chart looks scary. This could be a landing spot for Trent Williams, the disgruntled Redskins tackle.

Dorsey has done well to ward off Haslam meddling, but this ownership regime has provided the NFL’s most dysfunctional environment since taking over. Haslam stumped for Johnny Manziel over staff objections, installed Sashi Brown as de facto GM (one of four front-office bosses Haslam fired from 2013-17) and overruled the front office by hiring Jackson over now-Bills coach Sean McDermott. Browns fans should need more time to feel remotely comfortable with this owner.

With Dorsey draft choices thriving in Kansas City and Cleveland, he's provided vital stability. Brown set up Dorsey with cap space and increased draft capital. But the “martyr” label is excessive; his lacking football acumen would have prevented the caliber of roster his proven replacement assembled. Haslam allowing Dorsey to operate without constraints will be vital to a Browns emergence.

The Steelers losing future Hall of Famer/drama maven Antonio Brown and the Ravens seeing cornerstone defenders defect amid a radical quarterback experiment has destabilized the AFC North. But the Browns still ranked 30th defensively last season and have not beaten the Steelers since 2014. New Browns defensive coordinator Steve Wilks' one season as an organization's top defensive voice led to Kingsbury in Arizona.

Like the bulk of the fast-emerging contenders this decade, the Browns have the advantage of a quarterback on a rookie contract. So do the Chiefs. The Chargers feature a more proven roster, and the Patriots still employ Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and have a cozy route to playoff byes.

The Browns look better set up for 2020. The Chiefs’ math -– extensions for Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones and perhaps Tyreek Hill -– will change next year, and the Patriots may or may not have a 43-year-old quarterback. Either option looks less imposing than their 2019 plan. Both Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers will creep closer to 40, while Mayfield will still be on a rookie deal with a more developed roster.

Browns 2019 expectations should be toned down. Even a 10-win season would establish Dorsey's roster and Kitchens. That legitimacy would enhance this blueprint's long-term viability. Based on just about everything that’s happened since 1999, the Browns are still in unfathomable position. But history and the AFC’s current landscape point to aspirations of a deep playoff run this season being a bit much.

Josh McCown’s deal suggests that he’s No. 2 behind Wentz


Josh McCown’s deal suggests that he’s supplanting Nate Sudfeld as No. 2 behind Carson Wentz

Well, it looks like unretired quarterback Josh McCown won’t be a short-time member of the Eagles.

McCown’s one-year deal pays him $2 million fully guaranteed at signing and up to $5.4 million for the season, according to for-now-former colleague Adam Schefter of ESPN.

This makes McCown much more than a camp arm or a temporary preseason rep-taker. It likely puts him at No. 2 on the depth chart, indefinitely. Current backup Nate Sudfeld has a broken wrist that won’t heal until after the regular season begins.

Coach Doug Pederson has said that Sudfeld has done enough to be the No. 2 quarterback, but that was before McCown’s arrival.

It’s a valuable position for any quarterback, given Carson Wentz‘s propensity to play with the kind of reckless abandon that results in various portions of the human body breaking or tearing. Nick Folesreceived opportunities in consecutive Decembers to take over, leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl win in 2017 and nearly to a final-four appearance in 2018.

The addition of McCown also raises significant questions about whether Sudfeld will even be on the opening-day roster. With Wentz, McCown, Sudfeld, Cody Kesller, and rookie fifth-rounder Thornton Melon Clayton Thorson, Kessler and Sudfeld or Thorson will be the odd men out — unless the Eagles plan to carry four quarterbacks on the active roster.

The Eagles could cut Sudfeld or Thorson and hope that whoever gets the short straw passes through waivers before trying to sign him to the practice squad. But there will be a risk of permanently losing whoever ends up off the first official 53-man roster, which will be set two weeks from today.

Rams vs. Cowboys: 5 keys to the game for Los Angeles

usatsi_11307369.jpg



By: Cameron DaSilva | 5 hours ago
The Los Angeles Rams are back in action on Saturday night, taking on the Dallas Cowboys in Honolulu. It’s a later kickoff than normal (10 p.m. ET) because of the time difference, which players and coaches will have to adjust to.
After a disappointing performance in the first preseason game, the Rams need to focus on a few areas of improvement against Dallas. Here are five keys to the game for their second exhibition matchup of the year.

Cut down on penalties
This was a major issue for the Rams last week against the Raiders. They were flagged for 12 penalties (95) yards, many of which came on offense and were procedural. That doesn’t include the infractions that were declined by Oakland, either.
Holding penalties have to be reduced on Saturday because of how quickly they set the offense back and kill drives. It’s difficult to get anything going when you’re consistently moving backwards. Penalties are common in the preseason because of the inexperience of the players on the field, but the Rams have to reduce the number of mistakes made.

Pave the way up front
Sacks weren’t a huge problem for the Rams in the opener, allowing just one to the Raiders, but Los Angeles’ quarterbacks were under constant pressure and there was little running room on the ground. Oakland had eight tackles for loss as defenders slipped through to hit running backs behind the line of scrimmage.

Bobby Evans and David Edwards struggled the most, while Jamil Demby had his troubles, too. The Rams’ second-string offensive line is young and inexperienced, but it has to be better than it was a week ago if they want to win this game.

Eliminate dropped passes
In addition to penalties, drops plagued the Rams offense in the first preseason game. JoJo Natson, Johnny Mundt and KhaDarel Hodge all dropped passes, and that was just with Blake Bortles at quarterback. It’s difficult to evaluate how a quarterback is playing when his receivers aren’t giving him any help.

Not to mention, drops are the easiest way for a wide receiver to end up in the dog house – and for these players fighting for roster spots, potentially off the team. This will be a big point of emphasis against Dallas.

Pressure Dallas’ quarterbacks
It took more than three full quarters for the Rams to record their first sack of the game against the Raiders, of which they had two total. No one expects six sacks in a game, but it was the fact that the Rams rarely got pressure on Mike Glennon or Nathan Peterman. They were comfortable in the pocket and had time to pick apart the secondary.

There are question marks behind the starters at outside linebacker with no one truly stepping up in a big way. Landis Durham and Josh Carraway looked the best in preseason Week 1, but Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Trevon Young and Natrez Patrick are also lurking.

Escape without injury
The biggest of all “keys” to this game. The Rams are keeping their starters on the sideline (and also back home in Los Angeles) so there are no concerns about the top players getting hurt, but preseason injuries are crushing. Potential starters such as Sebastian Joseph-Day and Micah Kiser must stay healthy and come out of this one unscathed.

The No. 1 goal of the preseason is to avoid injury whenever possible – hence Sean McVay’s reluctance to play his starters.


Look: Aaron Donald filming 'Magnum P.I.' cameo while in Hawaii

usatsi_13127072.jpg



By: Cameron DaSilva | 5 hours ago

Aaron Donald’s rise in the NFL has been a steady one, going from Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014 to arguably the best player in football the last two seasons. His popularity has grown exponentially, too, earning the respect of his peers and fans.
He’s a big enough star now to the point where he’s making cameos in network TV shows. While in Hawaii for the Rams’ preseason game against Dallas, Donald was seen filming a scene for CBS’ “Magnum P.I.”

Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network was on-scene and snapped a photo of Donald in a No. 99 T-shirt.

After practice, Sean McVay was asked how Donald would be as an actor. Not surprisingly, the coach expects him to do well.
“I think he’s probably pretty good at whatever he wants to do,” McVay said. “I’ll have to see if you guys give him some good lines, how smooth he looks on camera. I know he looks pretty good with a helmet on on camera, but it will be fun. It’s a good experience for him and it’s something that he is deserving of.”

Donald attended training camp and traveled with the team for its preseason games for the first time since 2016 after holding out for a new contract the last two years. He won’t play in the game on Saturday night, but he’ll be on the sideline pulling for his teammates and coaching them up between series.



[B]Andrew Siciliano[/B]‏Verified account @AndrewSiciliano
FollowFollow @AndrewSiciliano
More
Coming soon to a television near you... @AaronDonald97 on @MagnumPICBS #magnumpi
ECIn5DiVAAAxSdV.jpg

6:24 PM - 16 Aug 2019

Kyler Murray's clapping a greater concern than his poor preseason performances


Kyler Murray's clapping has now become a greater concern than his poor preseason performances

Kyler Murray didn't exactly look like a No. 1 overall pick during the Arizona Cardinals' 33-26 loss to the Oakland Raiders in their second preseason gameon Thursday.

While that's hardly anything to write home about, one could simply throw their hands in the air and say, "Well, it's just preseason." What is a bit concerning (or at least something to monitor throughout the rest of the preseason and throughout Murray's rookie season), is the fact that the quarterback was called for two false starts in his short time on the field.

Murray was called for the infractions due to him clapping for the snap. As Josh Weinfuss of ESPN relays, Murray said officials told him that his clap was "too abrupt" and "not smooth enough as far as bringing my hands together."

Last season, quarterbacks were flagged for false starts just eight times, so this is a pretty rare occurrence.

This was apparently on the mind of the Cardinals prior to the start of Thursday's contest as ESPN cameras caught head coach Kliff Kingsbury talking to officials and seemingly explaining the hand clapping of Murray.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/kococarson/status/1162159960123412480?s=21


A clap out of the shotgun is legal for a quarterback, but Murray is entering a gray area with how sudden those movements become. Per league rules: "A player who is in position to receive the snap in shotgun formation is permitted to shift his feet prior to the snap, but any quick and abrupt movement that draws a reaction from the defense is a False Start."

"To me, it's like any other hard count," Murray said of his clapping after the game. "It's the defense's job to watch the ball. So it really doesn't make sense to me, but we're trying to fix things out right now."

Kingsbury did note that the team has been in contact with the league about how his offense is orchestrated and believes repetition will smooth things over with all sides.

"It's the first time for certain officials to see it," Kingsbury said. "We've been in contact with the league and have had great conversations on it. We're going to work through that and make sure everybody is on the same page. We want to be on the same page with them, and make sure we're doing things that they deem legal."

Aside from the false start penalties, Murray struggled mightily. The rookie went 3-for-8 for just 12 passing yards on the night despite getting four offensive possesions for the Cardinals. Those four drives totaled 15 players, traveled negative 13 yards, and resulted in three punts. Murray was also taken down in the end zone for a safety in his final moment on the field for the game.

Yuck.

While Kingsbury and the Cardinals are being forthcoming with their offensive style, Arizona may run into a few speed bumps as various officials across the league have yet to put them under the microscope.

And soon enough, those false starts could be called in regular-season games.

Times: Is Rams’ Jared Goff a championship-caliber quarterback?

A bit of a tired topic in this neck of the woods, but a good piece.


Is Rams’ Jared Goff a championship-caliber quarterback? No one seems to know

The Rams have a quarterback controversy.

Nobody can seem to agree on whether Jared Goff is a championship quarterback.

The smartest young mind in football loves him, Rams coach Sean McVay raving about him as if he were Tom Brady.

But the national pundits do not love him, in some cases even ranking him below Baker Mayfield.

The regular season loves him, as he has been voted to two Pro Bowls while improving in each of his three seasons, capped by last year’s top 10 finishes in passing yards and touchdown passes.

The postseason does not love him, as his last two winters ended in stink bomb losses to the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs and the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

“I think the world of him,” McVay says. “I know I don’t want anybody else to be our quarterback.”

Yet according to the national narrative, he’s just a system quarterback, benefiting greatly from masterful play-calling.

“I see a quarterback who makes the reads, makes the throws, stands in the pocket … doing all these things to lead his team, to be a great quarterback, to be a Super Bowl contending quarterback,” receiver Robert Woods says .

Yet the narrative says it was really Todd Gurley’s team, and when Gurley crumbled at the end of last season, so did the Rams.

Back and forth the debate rages, the only certainty being the date and place of its conclusion.

This season. Right now. This is when we’ll find out exactly what resides under the No. 16 jersey and whether or not it can shoulder the Rams to a championship.

Gurley is hobbled. McVay is trusting. Teammates are buying. For the first time since the Rams emptied their pockets to move up a record 14 spots to pick the lanky blond dude with the top pick in the 2016 draft, this is clearly Goff’s team.

The most important story line of the season will be, what will he do with it?

The last time most folks around here saw Goff, he was banging his hands against his helmet after throwing a wobbly, off-balance pass to the Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore deep in Patriots territory. It essentially clinched New England’s 13-3 Super Bowl victory and made Goff one of the authors of arguably the worst offensive performance in Super Bowl history.

Six months later, during practice Wednesday in Thousand Oaks, he looked like a different person, joking with lineman, shouting audibles, and finding receivers in the tightest of spots.

“He has seamlessly and naturally become a leader,” McVay says.

A stilted and uncomfortable demeanor in Goff’s rookie year has morphed into a confident ease. Where once he projected uncertainty, now he carries himself with a sort of genial gravitas. Unlike some other NFL stars, Goff isn’t even making an issue about a seemingly inevitable contract extension that could be the richest in Rams history.

“It’s starting to become that even more and more every day as I get more comfortable, my leadership continues to grow, I continue to be the best teammate I can be,” Goff says.

He adds, “I enjoy it, I think it’s the way it’s supposed to be, something I don’t take lightly … when a quarterback grows older, it should become their team and I’m hoping I’m putting the right foot forward every day to make that happen.”

More specifically, this summer Goff is owning this team by taking more control of its offense, changing his plays with McVay’s blessing, the “system quarterback” making this system his own.

“Some plays, McVay is pretending his [helmet] mic went out, and says, ‘OK Jared, call your favorite play here,’ and he’s doing it,’’ Woods says . “It’s a great to see.”

One of his linemen said sometimes he’s calling plays that even they don’t see.
He’s a special player. I think his production kind of speaks for itself.
“Some of the checks, the audibles, are coming more natural to him now,” tackle Rob Havenstein tells T he Times’ Jack Harris. “Sometimes it comes out and we’re like, ‘Huh? I guess he sees something.’ Turns out, he’s right.”

Asked about this newfound control, Goff smiles. He understands his increased responsibilities. He clearly relishes it.

“It’s been great, man,” Goff says. “As time goes on you continue to grow and continue to learn.

“This offseason in particular, I feel like I’ve taken a big jump in that regard. Just continuing to understand the intricacies of our offense, just trying to become more and more of an extension of Sean. The best I can do that, the better we’ll be.”

McVay echoes that last statement, noting that the Rams will be better as Goff is more empowered.

“We’re able to do a lot more because of his comfort level, his ownership with the operation,” McVay says. “When you have a player that is, in essence, an extension of the coaching staff, you can operate in a lot of special ways.”

The Rams surely are hoping one of these special ways will be more confidence and better decisions by Goff in the postseason.

Goff has completed just 55% of his postseason passes, and has a 73.6 career postseason passer rating. Compare that with his regular-season 62.1 % completion rating and 94.7 quarterback rating, and some have seen a system quarterback who struggles when forced to make pressure decisions outside the system. This has led to the various rankings that have left Goff out of the top 10 with some strange choices in front of him. In one poll, Goff is ranked 12th behind Carson Wentz and Mayfield. In another poll he’s 13th behind Dak Prescott and Des haun Watson.

“Whose rankings?” Goff asks with a laugh before getting serious.

“I don’t have a feeling on it honestly,” he says. “I understand where that narrative started from and it doesn’t bother me because I know what these people in this building are thinking. The only thing I’m concerned about is the team, coaches, close family and friends. Anyone else, it doesn’t matter to me.”

He then pulls out the pocket ace that beats the likes of Wentz and Mayfield and Prescott and Watson. In three years, he’s already quarterbacked a team to the Super Bowl. They haven’t.

“They can say that all they want, as long as we keep winning games, I’ll be happy,” he says.

Not only doesn’t McVay buy the rankings, but also he bristles at those who continue to call Goff a system quarterback.

“Everybody wants to talk about that, he makes the system what it is … we’re able to do the things we are because we have the right trigger man that can really do anything that we ask,” he says. “He’s a special player. I think his production kind of speaks for itself.”

This season, it certainly will.

Rams / Cowboys Preseason week 2

How to watch: Rams vs. Cowboys – preseason week 2

The Rams (0-1) will take on the Cowboys (0-1) on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The game will be broadcast on both NFL Network and KCBS2 as a simulcast, with a kickoff time set for 7 p.m. PT. Check below for all the information you need to know whether you’re watching from Aloha Stadium’s stands or from your own television or device.

BROADCAST INFO…
TELEVISION: Saturday’s game will be a live simulcast on both NFL Network and KCBS2. Play-by-play commentator Andrew Siciliano will be joined by color-commentators Nate Burleson and Mina Kimes. Jaime Maggio will be reporting from the sidelines.

RADIO: Saturday’s contest will be broadcast on ESPNLA 710 AM. The English broadcast will feature Voice of the Rams J.B. Long on play-by-play, with Maurice Jones-Drew as color analyst, and D’Marco Farr on the sidelines. Plus, tune into 1330 AM for ESPN Deportes' live Spanish broadcast of the game with Troy Santiago and Ricardo Lopez on the call.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Rams on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat for live updates and behind-the-scenes content before, during, and after the game.

RAMS MOBILE APP AND WEBSITE: You can also watch live local games if you are within market on the Rams Mobile App and on the team’s website at www.therams.com on all phones and tablets, regardless of your mobile provider.

IF YOU’RE HEADED TO THE GAME…
Be sure to check out this comprehensive guide from Aloha Stadium for all parking, tailgating, and entry policies as well as directions to the stadium if you’re headed to Aloha Stadium on Saturday.
For live updates regarding traffic and parking, follow @AlohaStadiumHawaii on Facebook and @AlohaStadiumHI on Twitter.

Stadium parking will open at 11 a.m. local time. Cost is $16 for cars, $31 for buses and limos, cash-only, and you must show your game ticket in order to enter. The guide above also provides alternate parking options if you wish to park off-site.

Stadium gates open at 1 p.m. local time. Because this is a sold-out event, expect longer lines to enter the game closer to kickoff. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to arrive at least one hour early.
This game will require mobile or physical hard stock tickets for entry.Print-at-home or PDF tickets are not accepted at games due to NFL policies. To learn how to download your tickets to your mobile device, click here.

Clear Bag: The NFL’s Clear Bag Policy is in effect and any bags brought to the game must be compliant. Clear bags for this game are presented by Rams in Hawaii Partner, American Savings Bank. Visit NFL.com/allclear for more information.

Rams Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson and Rams and University of Hawaii Legend Pisa Tinoisamoa, along with Rams cheerleaders, will be signing autographs and taking photos with fans from 1pm to 3pm near Gate 5.

Pepsi will be issuing team color leis, commemorative koozies and cups as well as mobile phone fans in the North Makai Courtyard, next to the autograph tent.

There will be live bands playing from 1:30 to 3:30 in the North and South Plaza.
For fans of age, there will also be Happy Hour specials in the North and South Plaza: Hot Dogs for $5 and 24 oz domestic beer for $11, while supplies last.

IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THE REPLAY…
Domestic fans can watch games after they air with NFL Game Pass*. Click here to sign up for your FREE 7-day trial and start getting unprecedented access to every game, all year long.

Draft Pick Delusion

Ok, this has been bothering me for some time. I follow a guy who has expanded his podcast in a few different directions. It's amazing, really.
But he is also driving me crazy with his obscure late round picks (or UDFA's) and is talking as though I know know who they are.

He is a Rams fan, butI think he is more of a Draft fan and building draft boards well in advance. I don't care man, knock yourself out if you like that. While I enjoy his podcasts about the team, he totally loses me when he starts talking of his favorite UDFA's playing on other teams. They are "his" guys, mostly because these nobodies went on his podcast and that sealed the deal with him. He'll be constantly critical if the Rams didn't sign his guys (UDFA's, mind you) if our crop of Walmart empolyees aren't doing so well.

I think his passion is being a pro-draftnik, or maybe even an NFL scout. But know draftniks, we don't know about the UDFA's beyond the ones we select, and even they are somewhat of a mystery when they come and go...unless they stand out. I don't care if some UDFA crush of yours went to the Broncos (or elsewhere), and might get a practice squad spot. If you are reading this in this forum, I'm not being critical of you unless you are sprinkling names into conversation that no one knows but you, and then you expect me to know them.

Key Dallas storylines with Cowboys team insider David Helman


Key Dallas storylines with Cowboys team insider David Helman

The Rams head to Honolulu, Hawaii to take on the Dallas Cowboys at Aloha Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. PT Saturday on KCBS2 and NFL Network. It marks Los Angeles’ first neutral site preseason game since 2001, when they took on the Cleveland Browns in the annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.

For more on Los Angeles' next 2019 preseason opponent, theRams.com caught up with Cowboys team insider David Helman for Dallas’ perspective on this matchup. We then explain how it will impact the Rams.

TheRams.com: Generally speaking, how are the Cowboys approaching this preseason when it comes to starters’ involvement?

David Helman: “I would probably classify it as the “traditional” method. Jason Garrett is a big believer in giving guys reps, so he’s not going to shut his starters down completely — but he’s also not crazy. The starting offense got nine plays in the opener, while the defense got two series. I think it’ll be slightly more on Saturday night. Maybe 2-3 series for the offense, maybe a bit more for the defense.

The ever-popular “dress rehearsal” will be next weekend when the team returns to Texas. Jason Garrett is an old school guy, so it fits that he’d follow an old school schedule.”

*TheRams.com: What are some notable position battles taking place? Has training camp plus the first preseason game provided any clarity on that competition? *

DH: “Honestly, considering this team reached the divisional round of the playoffs last year, there aren’t a ton of starting jobs up for grabs. The position battles are mainly for depth chart purposes. There’s a pretty fierce battle to see who’s going to round out the wide receiver depth chart behind the trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and Randall Cobb. There are also roughly 8,000 talented defensive linemen on this roster, and the Cowboys can only keep about 10 of them. Right now, it’s anybody’s guess how those two spots shake out.”

TheRams.com: Along those same lines, who are some key Cowboys players to watch – offense, defense and/or special teams – on Saturday?

DH: “My best advice would be to keep a close eye on Tony Pollard, the fourth-round rookie running back out of Memphis. The Cowboys drafted him to be a third-down, scat back to help complement Ezekiel Elliott — but that was before Elliott decided not to report to camp. With Elliott going through a holdout, the Cowboys are clearly trying to get Pollard ready to carry a larger role. To this point, he’s handling it well. He ran with the starters last weekend, and he has shown some impressive ability through three weeks of practice. Hopefully we get to see a bit more of what he can do in Honolulu.”
TheRams.com: Dallas is dealing with quite a few injuries following its preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Which younger players could see some opportunities against the Rams as a result?

DH: “This game is going to be a challenge for the Dallas offensive line. The starters obviously aren’t going to play much, and several young players are injured. Guys like Joe Looney and Xavier Su’a-Filo are going to have to play a ton of snaps, and hopefully they can hold up. The same goes for the linebacker corps. The starters probably won’t play a ton, and several young guys are dealing with injuries. You’re probably going to hear names like Chris Covington, Justin Phillips and Nate Hall a lot, because they’re probably going to play most of this game.”

TheRams.com: Finally, based on what you observed from the Cowboys’ first preseason game, what will you be watching for against the Rams?

DH: “I want to see if the Cowboys’ youngsters can put forth a better effort, to be perfectly blunt. The starters looked great against the 49ers, but everything fell apart once they left. Wide receivers were dropping balls, quarterbacks were holding the ball too long, offensive linemen were missing blocks and defensive backs were missing assignments. In the second half, when it was primarily young players on the field, the Cowboys’ offense only managed 96 yards. The defense allowed 177 yards and 10 points. It just wasn’t a very pretty display, even by preseason standards. Hopefully they can put something better on tape on Saturday.”

What it all means for the Rams:

Regardless of how much Dallas plays its starters, those series are going to be valuable for L.A.’s rookies and other players fighting to make the 53-man roster. Los Angeles is in a similar situation when it comes to position battles with several starters returning, so if Rams coach Sean McVay chooses to rest the starters again this week, a lot of reserves will be featured on both sides. Still, you never know which of these players could end up having big roles down the road.
Any participation from the Cowboys’ starting offensive line would’ve been beneficial for Los Angeles’ defensive line, considering it was ranked second in the NFL heading into 2019 by the scouting service Pro Football Focus. Pollard, a former teammate of Rams rookie running back Darrell Henderson at Memphis, should have L.A.’s full attention as a threat as both a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Overall, despite the limited involvement of key players, this should still be a good test for the Rams.

Five players to watch, preseason game against the Cowboys


Five players to watch in the second preseason game against the Cowboys

Many of the Rams’ starters did not travel to Hawaii for this week’s preseason game against the Cowboys, which means several reserves will be in action.
With that in mind, here are five players to watch against Dallas on Saturday.

1. RB DARRELL HENDERSON
Head coach Sean McVay said the plan is to gradually increase Darrell Henderson’s touches as the preseason progresses. How big of a jump Henderson experiences with his workload remains unclear, but an uptick wouldn’t be surprising since starting running back Todd Gurley was one of of the starters who did not make the trip to Hawaii. The floor was set with seven touches – six carries for 13 yards, plus one catch for minus-five yards – while playing 20 of the team’s 59 offensive snaps at Oakland last week.

2. CB DAVID LONG JR.
A third-round pick, cornerback David Long Jr. has earned praise for his efforts through the first two weeks of the preseason from McVay. If the Rams choose to include a sixth cornerback on the 53-man roster, the Michigan product is among the many names who will be in the conversation. He played 34 snaps against the Raiders on Saturday, so it will be interesting to see what kind of playing time he gets this week against the Cowboys.

3. RT BOBBY EVANS
Rookie offensive lineman Bobby Evans is poised for a big role in his first year with Los Angeles. The third-round pick and 97thoverall selection was kept busy during the preseason opener, playing all 59 of team’s offensive snaps. Slated as starting right tackle Rob Havenstein’s backup according to the team’s unofficial depth chart, every rep Evans gets in the preseason will be valuable experience for him.

4. WR KHADAREL HODGE
The second-year NFL veteran joined Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent during training camp last year. After getting signed to the practice squad on Sept. 2, his hard work was rewarded with a promotion to the active roster on Sept. 19. Hodge has continued to show how much progress he’s made after posting three receptions for 48 yards on six targets in the preseason opener – the receptions sharing for the team lead, with the yards and targets most among all Rams receivers against Oakland – and will have more opportunities to show what he’s capable of on Saturday.

5. DT GREG GAINES
The former Washington standout is among the candidates vying for the starting nose tackle spot. Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day is projected as the No. 1 guy based on the team’s unofficial depth chart, but Gaines and defensive tackle Tanzel Smart are also making their case with what they’ve shown to this point in the preseason. Gaines played 25 percent of the team’s defensive snaps at Oakland.

Around the NFL: which non-Rams team do you find most intriguing?

There are a lot of interesting storylines and situations around the league right now wrt the "lesser" teams. Since I dislike anyone not wearing Rams horns, it's tough to look around at them, however it does give us something else to discuss around these parts. I have two...

1. Titans. Not only did they sign Saff away from us and stick him into a power run scheme where he's going to make them a lot of money, but they have a head coach who has all the trappings of Patriots Way without the production when he was a DC. Is he a Fish type, who got that first job too fast and it's going to stunt his growth? And then you have their OC, who jumped from the Rams at the promise of playcalling responsibilities. Can he elevate that offense? When I look at that roster, they have some good talent they're just not impressive at QB. Going to be fun to see what happens to them in that division this year.

2. Jets. I'm a big fan of Darnold. I admit it. So that's part of it. But also you have the head coach who failed in Miami then moved to NY to win a power struggle and basically call the shots. And while he's not the best OC, I do think he's in that top half of the league in gameplanning. But what really elevates them to an interesting level for myself is Greg Williams at DC. So yeah, I'm a big fan of GDub as well. The roster has holes all over, but they also have some plus players at key positions, meaning if enough of those holes have guys play so-so they can make some noise.

Who are your non-Rams teams to watch? ;)

Rams haven't named starting NT yet, but battle is 'really sorting itself out'

usatsi_10847044.jpg



By: Cameron DaSilva | 2 minutes ago
The Los Angeles Rams entered this offseason knowing Ndamukong Suh likely wasn’t going to return. They prepared for his eventual departure by drafting Sebastian Joseph-Day in 2018 and Greg Gaines this year, while also keeping Tanzel Smart around.
Those three are competing to replace Suh at nose tackle with no true clarity who will be in the starting lineup against the Panthers come Sept. 8. Joseph-Day appears to be the front-runner, but if Gaines steps up consistently like he did against the Raiders last week, he could overtake the second-year player out of Rutgers.

It remains to be seen when the Rams will name a true starter at that spot, but it sounds like things are winding down in that competition.
“I think it’s really sorting itself out. That’s something that we’re closely monitoring and evaluating,” McVay said on Thursday. “I think Coach Henderson and Coach Bogardus are doing a really nice job with that group as a whole. But those three in particular, I think Sebastian has been a really big-time bright spot for us going back to the offseason. He’s picked up where he left off in training camp. Greg Gaines continues to gain confidence and understanding of what we’re trying to get done, playing more and more comfortable within the framework of the system. Tanzel Smart is one of those guys that can play the nose, he can play the three-technique. His versatility, his dependability is extremely valuable to us.”
Smart is likelier to play defensive tackle behind Aaron Donald than he is to start at nose tackle, which is why Joseph-Day and Gaines are the top candidates to earn the starting job. That doesn’t mean Smart hasn’t stood out, he’s just a better fit at three-technique than he is over the center at nose tackle.
It does sound like all three will make the 53-man roster, though, which is good news for Smart.

“Those are three guys that have definitely made a name for themselves and we’re closely looking at to see what kind of role they shape and carve out for themselves come regular season,” he continued.
This is one of the most important position battles on the roster, considering how big a role the nose tackle plays in run defense and eating up blocks. Without a quality starter there, the Rams could struggle to stop the run again.

Sean McVay: We have a “positive problem” with cornerback depth


Sean McVay: We have a “positive problem” with cornerback depth

Posted by Josh Alper on August 15, 2019, 7:33 AM EDT

The next couple of weeks will see teams making decisions about which players will wind up on their 53-man rosters for the first week of the regular season and we’ll likely see trades as teams with good depth at one position hook up for deals with those lacking the same strength in numbers.
One such trade may involve the Rams dealing a cornerback. The team brought back their top four corners from last season and drafted David Long in the third round, which gives them a pretty clear framework for the group. They also have seen good things from Darious Williams, Kevin Peterson and others, which leaves head coach Sean McVay feeling good about how things are shaping up.

“I think it’s a positive problem for us with the depth that we do have,” McVay said, via TheAthletic.com.

Teams are always in the market for cornerback help and some — like the Jets — will be feeling the need more acutely than others. Should one of the players down the depth chart for the Rams strike the fancy of a team in that latter group, the abundance of depth could lead to an asset that helps the team down the road.

Revitalized Mike Thomas hopes to catch on with Rams receiving corps


Revitalized Mike Thomas hopes to catch on with Rams receiving corps

The description included one word, repeated quickly three times.

“Tough, tough, tough,” Mike Thomas said.

The Rams receiver was reflecting on what it was like to sit out nearly the entire 2018 season because of a groin injury that required three surgeries.

Thomas, who turns 25 on Friday, appears fully recovered, and the special teams standout also could have a role in the Rams high-powered passing attack this season.

Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks and Cooper Kupp are the starting receivers, and Josh Reynolds last season produced as a rotational player and starter. The speedy Thomas, a fourth-year pro with only eight career receptions, might add depth and perhaps another dimension as the Rams attempt to return to the Super Bowl.

With coach Sean McVay holding starters out of preseason games, Thomas will get another opportunity Saturday to showcase his development when the Rams play the Dallas Cowboys at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.

“I’m feeling 100% me out there,” said Thomas, who caught a 12-yard pass for a first down in last week’s preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders. “I’m just feeling good, running around, catching balls, doing my thing.”

The Rams selected the 6-foot-1, 189-pound Thomas in the sixth round of the 2016 draft, but injuries and other issues have prevented him from fully demonstrating his skills.
Thomas played on special teams and caught three passes his rookie season under former coach Jeff Fisher’s staff. After McVay was hired in January 2017, Thomas appeared to raise his profile during offseason workouts, but he was suspended for the first four games of the 2017 season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

When Thomas returned, he once again asserted himself on special teams. He also caught five passes and appeared poised for a larger role in the receiving corps last season. But in the Sept. 10 opener against the Raiders, Thomas was injured on a special teams play. He underwent surgery a few days later. And again in December.
“Nothing seemed to get right,” Thomas said.

The Rams, meanwhile, overcame a season-ending knee injury suffered by Kupp, finished 13-3 and advanced to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

“It was eating me up, honestly, just knowing I could have been out there making plays, doing whatever I can to help my team win games,” Thomas said.

Woods had groin surgery in 2015 when he played for the Buffalo Bills. So Thomas relied on him for advice and encouragement as he worked to get back. Cooks, Kupp and Reynolds also kept Thomas positive. And Thomas said Reggie Scott, the Rams’ senior director of sports medicine and performance, kept him focused throughout an ordeal that finally seemed to end with surgery in March.

“That third time was the charm,” Thomas said.

Thomas was limited during offseason workouts but arrived at training camp last month in top shape. McVay said Thomas has “separated himself as one of those guys that stands out” in the competition for a spot in the receiver corps.

“It’s really never been an issue about talent,” McVay said. “He’s kind of had some unfortunate issues that have kept him out of the lineup due to injury. ... He’s a guy that we’re hoping can stay healthy because he can definitely help us at that receiver position.”

Quarterback Jared Goff has watched Thomas develop.

“He’s always been a guy, since my first year we came in together, that when healthy is a tremendous player and a guy that can help us,” Goff said. “It’s been great to see him finally get healthy and get his chance, and he looks great.”

Woods, Cooks, Kupp and Reynolds have established themselves as a reliable and sometimes spectacular quartet, but Thomas still senses opportunity.

“I just try to feed off those guys,” he said. “Whenever they’re tired or need a break, I’m ready to go in and make plays.”

In last week’s game against the Raiders — his first in nearly a year — Thomas said he felt great.

“It was good to get the jitters out,” he said. “I just can’t wait for the next one.”

Etc.

Quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley and nearly every other starter on offense and defense were not scheduled to travel to Hawaii. McVay, with an eye toward the Sept. 8 opener against the Carolina Panthers, apparently did not want to subject them to a nearly six-hour flight. “For the most part, the guys that will not be participating in that game, to have them make that travel, things of that nature, is in the best interest of those guys” to stay home, McVay said Thursday after practice. Defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who said he has business interests as part of the trip, was scheduled to travel, as was cornerback Marcus Peters. ... Running back Justin Davis, who suffered a concussion last week during a joint practice with the Raiders, practiced Thursday and will play Saturday, McVay said.

Filter