After rewatching last season, I came away with some observations. Some I anticipated, some I did not.

1) the Rams receivers are studs. Not only do they make a lotta tough grabs, but they're complete. They block exceptionally well and are pretty smart and tough players. If there is a better group in the league, I would like to argue!
2) Havs and Whitworth were an awesome pair of bookends. No telling how much gas Whit has left, but the Rams have to believe they have the best RT in football while he's peaking.
3) Saffold will be missed. He played his best ball the last 2 seasons but this is something we (fans) are gonna have to get used to--Rams will be coveted around the league and we simply cannot pay them all.
4) joyner will not be missed. The Weddle signing notwithstanding, joyner is not suited to play a deep safety. Admittedly, he surprised with such a good season in '17, but the guy I feared was moving to safety (and the reasons why) surfaced in '18.
5) barron will not be missed. Between a legit ILB and an extra safety/hybrid (Rapp?), he shouldn't be that hard to replace.
6) suh won't be missed--at least the week 2-16 suh won't be.
7) I know Higbee is a polarizing figure on this forum, but man, he has become a good blocker and a big play receiver. Everett is extremely athletic and made alotta pretty good plays himself, but it is Higbee's blocking that is keeping Everett on the bench. Lined up next to Havs, the Rams were very formidable on the right side. I used to wonder why the Rams didn't run to Whitworth and Saffold more, but now I know.
8) Gurley needs to be healthy and on the field. He's really something special. I agree that the Rams need to manage him to the point that he's around all year, but...
9) our kicking game is 2nd to nobody with GZ & JH.

Just reported by ESPN. As it’s only two games, I assume there wer mitigating circumstances?https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27348753/cowboys-de-quinn-suspended-2-games-peds

Included a fight it seems.

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Danny Trejo Helps to Save Trapped Baby From an Overturned Car
Scott Baumgartner‍,Entertainment Tonight 12 hours ago

• 
  
  

Actor Danny Trejo helps rescue baby from overturned car

Danny Trejo has become a real-life hero.

The veteran actor, known for roles in films like Heat and Machete, was in the Sylmar neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday when two cars collided at the intersection of Hubbard Street and Jackman Avenue. One of the cars was overturned as a result of the collision and Trejo, and a fellow bystander, jumped into action -- rescuing a child trapped inside, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.

The 75-year-old actor reportedly crawled into the wreckage, but was unable to get the seatbelt unbuckled on the child's car seat. The other citizen who helped, a young woman, crawled in the other side of the vehicle and was able to get the child free, ABC7 reports, then Trejo was able to pull the child from the car.

"And the only thing that saved that little kid was his car seat, honest to God," he told the local outlet. He also advised parents and motorists to "pay attention" to avoid similar situations.

The Los Angeles Fire Department shared with ABC7 that three people were taken to a hospital, though none have life-threatening injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. However, Trejo alleges one of the drivers ran a red light.

While at the scene, the actor also shared this touching statement: "Everything good that has happened to me has happened as a direct result of helping someone else. Everything."


https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/danny-trejo-helps-save-trapped-014406752.html

By: Steve Rebeiro | 21 minutes ago


Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

When you have 90 players on a roster to start the preseason, everybody is out there for a different reason. Some guys are looking to prove they deserve to start. Others are fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster. Star players will use it as a time to work themselves back into playing form. On the opposite end of the spectrum, camp bodies with no chance of making the roster will be trying to earn a look from other teams or a spot on the practice squad.

For the majority of the roster, the first preseason game is a big deal. It’s a time to shine against real NFL players. Even if the best of the best aren’t out there, this is where teams work out the fringes of their roster and get a feel for how the depth chart will play itself out.

The first preseason game doesn’t mean everything record-wise. But it certainly means a lot for plenty of players on the team. Here are five guys who need to prove themselves and shine in Oakland later this week.

WR KhaDarel Hodge
Injuries led to Hodge being called up from the practice squad to the main roster early last season. A big reason Hodge was even on the practice squad to begin with was his stellar play in the preseason. Hodge was easily the most impressive Ram on the offensive side of the football last August, and his incredible reception on a lofty Sean Mannion deep ball was the play of the summer for the Rams.

Unfortunately for Hodge, he didn’t get much of a chance to prove himself last season, and is right back on the roster bubble again. The Rams are loaded at receiver. With Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp, Josh Reynolds, and return specialist JoJo Natson locked into roster spots, it’s likely that the team only keeps one more receiver to round out a six-man core.

Fourth-year wideout Mike Thomas seems to be the early favorite after a stellar camp so far. Both Thomas and Hodge will be receivers to watch this preseason. Hodge needs to deliver another incredible summer to force the Rams into a tough decision.

It’s possible that the team would keep both guys, but it seems unlikely given how strong the top four receivers are.

ILB Micah Kiser

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports


Kiser became the de facto starting inside linebacker after the Rams cut Mark Barron last offseason. While it seemed unlikely that anybody would even challenge for the job, veteran reserve Bryce Hager has been making a push for the job. The Rams have been allowing the two to split first-team reps so far this offseason.

Why wouldn’t the team want to make it interesting? Kiser has yet to prove much of anything as a Ram. It makes sense to give Hager, a guy who’s been with the team since St. Louis, a fair shake at the starting job.

Still, the Rams have Kiser locked up for a few more years and it seems like it’s his job to lose. He needs to be a tackling machine this preseason. The Rams will be looking to Kiser to be a reliable run-stopping tackler if he’s named the starter come September. All he needs to do is prove that he can be. A nice start against Oakland would go a long way.

RB Justin Davis

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports


Davis was able to overcome the odds and make the Rams 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He did it yet again last year, sneaking onto the roster as the team’s fourth running back after a stellar preseason. Despite touching the ball just twice last season, Davis was still able to nearly triple the number of games he appeared in thanks to his role on special teams.

The odds are once again stacked against Davis to make the roster. The Rams have three stone-cold locks at the position with Darrell Henderson entering the mix. John Kelly seems much more likely to be the team’s fourth running back than Davis. If he wants to have a chance to make the roster, Davis is going to have to have one hell of a preseason.

His best shot to get work will be against the Raiders. It’s unlikely that Malcolm Brown will get much, if any, work in the team’s first preseason game, and they’re not going to rush right into it with Henderson. This will be Davis’s best chance to get a good amount of touches. He needs to, literally and figuratively, take the ball and run with it this week.

NT Sebastian Joseph-Day

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports


Out of the four second-year Rams taking over starting jobs in 2019, Joseph-Day feels like the unlikeliest of the bunch. The 2018 sixth-round pick is slated to fill the void on the defensive line left by Ndamukong Suh and start at nose tackle.

Unlike Kiser, who has a veteran special-teamer trying to take his job, Joseph-Day has fourth-round rookie waiting patiently behind him on the depth chart. Many expected Gaines to enter the season as the starting nose tackle. It’s still not out of the question.

Joseph-Day needs to prove that he deserves to be the starter. If Gaines impresses, the tide will shift quickly in his favor. Joseph-Day needs to show out and prove that he deserves to be the man in the middle on this defensive line. A hot start against Oakland could go a long way.

OL Jamil Demby

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports


Demby was a sixth-round pick for the Rams last season and had an impressive camp. He quickly became a favorite among Rams fans. So much that when he was unceremoniously cut early in the season, you would have thought the Rams season was over based on some of the Twitter reactions.

Demby was claimed off waivers by the Lions, who then signed him to the practice squad after waiving him in September. The Rams decided to sign him from Detroit’s practice squad, adding him to their active roster. Now, Demby has a chance to earn the role as the first man off the bench in a thin offensive line rotation. He’s currently listed as the backup LG on the team’s unofficial depth chart.

The Rams thought highly enough of Demby to bring him back into the fold, but that doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to make the roster. Last season proved that. Demby needs to assert himself with a strong preseason, especially out of the left guard spot. He needs to show the Rams that they made a mistake by cutting him.


https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/08/nfl-rams-raiders-preseason-players-shine/

Just curious if there are any late Round Picks or Free Agents that are looking good at camp that might surprise some people and make the Rams final roster. The Rams seem to be pretty solid in most positions so it might be a real challenge for late Round Picks and especially Undrafted players to make the Rams final roster this year but it does seem like there are usually at least 2-3 pleasant surprises every season!

By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago

The Los Angeles Rams and Oakland Raiders held their first of two joint practices on Wednesday in Napa Valley, squaring off ahead of their preseason matchup on Saturday. There were no notable absences for the Rams, though Antonio Brown remains sidelined with frostbite on his feet.

Here are some notes from the first practice of the week, as well as three takeaways.

• There were no notable injuries on the Rams’ side. Samson Ebukam was expected to be held out due to hamstring tightness, while Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was also not participating, according to Vincent Bonsignore of The Athletic.
• Dakota Allen returned to practice and went through individual drills, at the very least. He’s been nicked up recently.
• Practice did get chippy at one point, but it was nothing out of control. Jared Goff said it wasn’t anything unexpected for a joint practice like this one.
• Blake Bortles seemed to struggle with his accuracy in 7-on-7 drills. He missed a few underneath throws that fell incomplete, forcing them into tight windows.
• Darrell Henderson is listed as the fifth running back on the depth chart, but that’s a non-story. He got work with the second team on Wednesday and has practiced with the starters at times, too. Malcolm Brown was on the field plenty with the first-team offense.

Jared Goff had a great day

The biggest takeaway from Wednesday’s practice was the stellar play of Goff. In the live coverage shown on NFL Network, it didn’t look like Goff missed a single throw. And according to those in attendance at practice, Goff was as sharp as he’s been all offseason.

One of his best plays of the day came on a touchdown pass to Gerald Everett in the back of the end zone. Sean McVay said after practice that it had to be a perfect throw, and it was.

Goff and the offense were sluggish on Saturday and drew the ire of McVay, but the group was much better against the Raiders. That started with the play of Goff, who spread the ball around and was accurate no matter who he targeted.

Coverage was outstanding vs. Raiders WRs

The Rams have high hopes for their secondary this season with a star-studded group of defensive backs. Their coverage ability was on full display Wednesday, locking down Oakland’s wideouts and forcing Derek Carr to check down in 7-on-7 drills – never a good sign for a quarterback.

Carr was seen scrambling and dumping passes off to his running backs throughout the session, rarely pushing the ball downfield because the coverage was so good. Talib picked off Carr’s first pass of practice, too, taking it away on a deep throw.

Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp remain on schedule
Both players were on the field for practice Wednesday, looking like their normal selves against Oakland. Kupp made a nice grab in traffic between a few defenders and was almost sandwiched on the play, but there was no hesitation on his part to come down with the catch.

McVay said after practice that Gurley will probably sit out Thursday’s practice, keeping with the team’s every-other-day plan for the All-Pro back. There haven’t been any setbacks this offseason and he’s looked good every step of the way, but the Rams are still going to manage his workload.


https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/07/nfl-rams-raiders-notes-takeaways-practice/4/

While watching the vids up on the Rams' official site it occurred to me: why don't NFL teams produce more of their own shows? Sort of go, you know, Netflix or something and placate the needy streaming masses with two or three distinct type shows that stream on their official site?

Yeah I know, I suppose it's cost. That and what a pain it would be to oversee them and guarantee quality and all that. But it seems like the top teams would do something like this. Or maybe I'm nuts. Either way, here's a few that I believe we are MISSING OUT ON...

Second Runner Up
"Cheerleader 91320" Reality show that follows the LA Rams cheerleaders both at work and in their leisure time.

First Runner Up
"McVay's Weekly Matchup" Weekly show headed up by Coach where they preview the other team, cover injury reports, fantasy impact, some film study of opponent and matchup, etc., etc.

Winner
"Legends Roundtable" Get about 5+ legends and put them around a table to talk Rams' football, the weekly matchup, and of course a little reminiscing about the good ol' days.

Don't know about you dudes, but I'm gettin some Prince vibe...

By: Cameron DaSilva | 2 hours ago


Sean McVay came away disappointed with the way the Rams offense performed against the Chargers in their joint practice over the weekend. He called out the group for lacking energy, saying it was “not close to good enough.”

The team hasn’t had a regular practice since then, but McVay hopes to see an improved group against the Raiders on Wednesday. He wants players to clean up the mental aspects of the game, such as breaking the huddle and cadence at the line.

“The things we can control that take no talent – the way we get in and out of the huddle, the way we utilize cadence, the way that we play smart within the framework of the play,” McVay said Tuesday at his press conference. “Physical mistakes are to be expected. These are the best athletes in the world and the enemy has a say, too. Those are the things I don’t get upset about. It’s the things that we can control and to our players’ credit, I love the way they finished the other day and we expect kind of that same continuity, that same urgency and approach every single snap in every period.”

As for whether there’s anything specific McVay wants to see the offense improve against the Raiders, nothing stands out. He just thinks the entire group and process has to be cleaner with fewer mistakes this week.

“I think it’s just the overall operation,” he said. “To the guys’ credit, I can be hard on those guys, but I think that’s the expectations and I think they appreciate that because it’s a reflection of the confidence I have in our players and the operation that they’ve taken ownership on over the last couple years.”

As McVay said, the offense did finish Saturday’s practice on a high note and he hopes the group can carry that over into Wednesday’s practice with Oakland. There’s no reason to panic, but the Rams must be better than they were against the Chargers this past weekend.


https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/07/rams-sean-mcvay-mental-mistakes-raiders-practice/

Just letting you know that NFLn is covering before and during the practice of Ones vs Ones today. Maurice Jones Drew, Steve Smith and Andrew Siciliano.

They keep breaking to the above personalities to speak about the Raiders and the Rams. I believe they will show the scrimmage, which I like much better than actual Preseason Walmart employee tryouts....I just don't have much interest in watching this guy out there...

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...enderson-todd-gurley-cooper-kupp-aaron-donald
Los Angeles Rams training camp Week 1 recap

Things got under way for the Los Angeles Rams last week. Here’s a brief recap of what we saw in Week 1

By Brandon Bate@NoPlanB_ Aug 7, 2019, 9:11am CDT

We’re in Week 2 of the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp and inching ever so closely to their first preseason matchup, which takes place this Saturday (8/10) against the Oakland Raiders.

In case you missed it last week, here are a few notable-s from Irvine:

The running backs are wide receivers!
Henderson and Gurley both lined up as WR’s on a couple plays https://t.co/np8LXMayN0

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) July 27, 2019
NFL coaches have cracked the code on McVay! Let the offensive decline ensue, effective immediately!

I wish opposing defenses the best of luck (I do not) when they’re looking at an empty set, and working feverishly to figure out who’s responsible for WR4...Todd Gurley.

And in regards to the Rams’ rookie rusher - Darrell Henderson - fans may see him sooner (and potentially more often) than one might think. Here’s Rams’ insider Myles Simmons at the end of Day 1:

While head coach Sean McVay downplayed the notion of running back Darrell Henderson getting first-team snaps — the Rams are rotating in a lot of players, McVay said — Henderson looks the part. During one-on-one drills, Henderson caught a slant going from left to right and it’s easy to see why the Rams like him. McVay credited Henderson’s work ethic and running backs coach Skip Peete for getting the rookie RB up to speed.

A lil rest for Just Todd Gurley
Gurley was in attendance on day two of camp, but sat this one out. McVay and the coaching staff obviously have a plan in place to monitor his workload throughout the remainder of the offseason, but getting a breather on day 2 of camp might’ve been a little sooner than some expected.

His absence paved the way for rookie Darrell Henderson to garner a little more attention. And that he did. Let’s hear it from Myles:

Running back Darrell Henderson continues to impress over the first couple days. Again during on-on-ones, he tracked a deep ball down the right side from quarterback Brandon Allen, reeling it in over his shoulder. There are wide receivers who don’t have that kind of ability. It’s early and the Rams aren’t in pads, but he looks like a weapon.

The backup plan on O-line
A whole slew of starters got some rest on Day 3, including veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth. His health is obviously key to the Rams’ success this season, but if the unfortunate were to occur and Big Whit weren’t able to go, what’s the plan?

So looks like with Whitworth out, Noteboom slides to LT and Demby takes over for Noteboom at LG. So basically, for now, Noteboom is the swing tackle in case of injury.

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) July 29, 2019
It appears second year tackle Joseph Noteboom fills in some incredibly large shoes as Goff’s blindside protector and Jamil Demby slides over to left guard.

Oh, the Rams signed a dude
Steven Jackson was, and probably still is, an absolute beast. And even though it was only for a day, it was nice to see that man in a Rams’ uni again.

“I’m a Ram again!”

Yes you are, @sj39! pic.twitter.com/W46nJWlOqA

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) July 29, 2019
AD99 is back and he’s still very good
This isn’t news. It’s just nice seeing Aaron Donald on the field at camp for once. This guy is in incredible shape and set to pick up wrecking where he left off last year.

This is really not a slight to anyone else, but this is a drill where you can tell the difference with Aaron Donald’s speed from the DT position. pic.twitter.com/4VPj86hQoc

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) July 30, 2019
One additional note on the defensive side of the ball was that Dante Fowler Jr. was also flashing last week and looks primed for a solid season. That’s great news considering EDGE was the defense’s weakest unit last season.

Rams-Chargers joint practice
Not a lot to note from the day, but the Rams squared off against their tenants on August 1. Cooper Kupp sat for precautionary reasons, but it was the tight ends that were making noise against the Chargers. Goff connected with Tyler Higbee on a couple occasions, and Gerald Everett on this toe tapper for six.

YES SIR! @lightningstrk12 | #RamsCamp pic.twitter.com/EVVW9EBd7s

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 1, 2019
The battle for snaps at tight ends is one to monitor as we get closer to the regular season. Higbee was on the field for approximately 70% of the offensive plays in 2018, but Everett came on later in the year and looked sharp. It’s hard to see the Rams coming out of 11 personnel, so is this the year Everett starts to steal some snaps? Stay tuned.

Here were Sean McVay’s thoughts on young Gerald and how he’s progressing:

He really built on it (last season) with a great offseason program. I think he’s continuing to understand some of the little details. You know, the tight end position involves so many different things we’re moving them all over formation, run game, protection. Obviously, the past came with what he can do but he’s really giving himself a chance to be a big-time contributor.

Aaron Donald is the NFL’s best player
Not even remotely linked to training camp, but Aaron Donald did a thing.

“In my opinion, he’s the MVP of the league and I’m not just talking about defense.”

Glad @AaronDonald97 is on our side. #NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/XjECkRAg8d

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 1, 2019
Oh, and Todd Gurley finished No. 5. He’s pretty good too.

Injuries?
Not really.

Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp both sat at times, as did a number of veterans. But that was all planned rest and, you know, just smart.

Brandin Cooks did have some hamstring tightness in the Rams’ second practice with the Chargers on Thursday, so his day ended early, but there’s no concern going forward.

Full Circle
Going back to the running backs, one name that consistently was mentioned throughout the week was Darrell Henderson. Whether it was running or hauling in over the shoulder catches from Goff, his name just kept popping up.

We’ll soon find out just how healthy Todd Gurley is, but it’s fair to say the Rams did well by drafting a do-it-all type back to spell him when necessary. He should be a ton of fun to watch this preseason and could be a real factor in this offense come September.

I want to go to at least 1 game this year. I was thinking Cleveland since its only 4 hours from me , but the timing won't work

So its either Pittsburg or Atlanta, anyone have experience visiting either of these stadiums? I'm thinking Atlanta because I'd love to see the city and hang out for a few days, but Pitt is alot closer to home. Just worried about the crazy pitt fans running our time.

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https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-rams-preseason-practice-with-raiders

Quotes & Notes 8/6: Rams prepare for joint practices with Oakland Raiders, sign punter Brock Miller

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. 6.

“I feel confident our guys will handle it the right way.”
– HC Sean McVay

• HBO’s Hard Knocks docuseries chose to follow the Oakland Raiders for this year’s edition, which means Week 2 of the preseason will have more cameras than usual around.
• While that presence creates an atypical dynamic for this week’s joint practice with the Raiders in Napa, Calif., McVay’s message to the Rams is “continuing to handle things the right way.”
• McVay said the Rams are looking forward to making the most of the two days of joint practices with the Raiders just like they did

“There might be a couple of guys (out), but nobody of note.”
– HC Sean McVay

• With the exception of third-year outside linebacker Samson Ebukam, McVay expects to have almost all players make the trip to Napa and participate from an injury standpoint.
• McVay said Ebukam is dealing with tightness in his hamstring.
• Whether or not Ekubam participates in this week's joint practices with the Raiders “remains to be seen,” according to McVay, but the Rams will err on the side of caution when making that determination.
• Ekubam recorded 25 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception in 2018.

“That represents a step in that direction, to be able to have somebody that can do both punting and kicking.”
– HC Sean McVay

• The Rams on Tuesday announced the signing of free agent punter Brock Miller.
• According to McVay, the continuity and talent of veteran specialists Greg Zuerlein and Johnny Hekker afforded Los Angeles the opportunity to bring someone who can get reps at punter and kicker during the preseason, helping keep the legs of Zuerlein and Hekker fresh.
• Miller will be especially valuable to L.A.’s punt returners, who will now be gaining experience fielding punts from the left-footed Miller in addition to the right-footed Hekker.
• Beyond the preseason, it will also help punt returners prepare for Week 1 of the regular season at Carolina. Lefty Michael Palardy starts at punter for the Panthers.
• Miller, who went undrafted out of Southern Utah in 2014, most recently spent time on the New York Giants’ practice squad in December after a brief stint on a reserve/future contract with the San Francisco 49ers from January 2017 to May 2017. His 43.3 yards per punt during his final season with the Thunderbirds in 2012 ranked 11th in the FCS.

Business

JOE REEDY,Associated Press 2 hours 4 minutes ago

Construction workers continue work in the bowl of the NFL stadium rising in Inglewood, Calif., Tuesday, July 30, 2019. The multi-billion-dollar complex is on schedule to open in July 2020. Officials from the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers toured the stadium as part of early preparations for the Super Bowl in February 2022. (AP Photo/Greg Beacham)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The new stadium at Hollywood Park being built for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers has reached another milestone — its first corporate sponsor.

The LA Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park announced that American Airlines will be a founding partner. The airline will be the naming rights partner for American Airlines Plaza, which will be a 2½-acre, two-level open-air space that will serve as the main entrance into the 70,000-seat stadium and 6,000-seat performance venue.

The announcement took place Tuesday in front of the stadium, which is 75 percent complete and slated to open next July.

"Anytime you get to this point in the project you are having these sorts of announcements," said Jason Gannon, the managing director for the LA Stadium and Entertainment District. "It is also a moment when you can see how the stadium and vision is being put together."

The nearly $5 billion complex — which sits on 298 acres in Inglewood, is being built by Rams owner Stan Kroenke. It will also include retail and office space as well as apartments.

The stadium will also host the Super Bowl in 2022, the College Football Playoff championship in 2023 and the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2028 Olympics.

American Airlines president Robert Isom said the rights deal continues the company's investment in Los Angeles. American is one of the largest carriers out of Los Angeles International Airport and is investing $1.6 billion in renovating its terminals at the airport.


https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/american-airlines-first-sponsor-rams-010338517.html

Down 4, with 48 seconds to go in the 4th QTR in the Super Bowl on their 45 yard line, no timeouts. You can pick any QB from your team’s history to seal the win for your team. Who you taking?

By: Cameron DaSilva | 8 hours ago

No defensive player in the NFL has been better than Aaron Donald the last two years. He’s been borderline unstoppable, racking up 31.5 sacks, 68 quarterback hits and 40 tackles for loss. As a result, he’s won the last two Defensive Player of the Year awards and has a chance to become the first player ever to win it three years in a row.

It’s hard to imagine him getting any better than he was in 2018, but it’s not out of the question. With the benefit of attending his first training camp in three years, Donald could be poised for his best season yet.

He’s in excellent shape and is game-ready, so a slow start should be avoided.

“Being here now, getting to work now and getting myself in football shape now – ain’t gotta come a week before the game trying to get myself in football shape,” he said recently. “So going into the season, I’m in great shape, I’m going to be football-ready. So if anything, this should be my best year yet. So got to keep working, keep working on my technique and play my game.”

Last season, Donald had zero sacks or tackles for loss in the first three weeks. In 2017, he had just one sack in his first three games. He overcame both slow starts, but he’s hoping to avoid a third in 2019.

When asked how he’ll feel if he has zero sacks entering Week 4, Donald said “I’ll be real disappointed.

This should serve as a warning sign for opposing offensive linemen. Donald is in better shape than he’s been in the last two years, which is bad news for everyone in his way.


https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/06/nfl-rams-aaron-donald-best-year-yet-camp/

3k lays out his top five reasons he thinks the Rams will have a strong campaign and to what degree he has confidence in them.

By 3k@3k_ Aug 6, 2019, 2:15pm CDT

Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay celebrates with DT Michael Brockers after winning the NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints, Jan. 20, 2019.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

I was thinking of a doing “5 reasons for confidence/concern” pair of articles before ESPN’s Bill Barnwell including the Los Angeles Rams in his five teams he expects to regress in 2019. So I had to get one of em up today.

I’ll start with the optimistic side which, no surprise given how far the 2018 Rams went, looks very, very, very good.

With that said, here are my five biggest reasons for confidence in the 2019 Rams:

5.) An anti-Super Bowl hangover
Yes, the trope is relatively meaningless at worst and an empty game at best, but the idea of a team responding negatively to losing the Super Bowl permeates narratives around NFL media.

But what if the Rams experience the opposite? What if the team is more motivated having gotten so close only to come up short? What if the players headed into their final years as Rams and the two vets that came in to close their careers out are more eager to ensure they walk away with a ring?

Part of what I mentioned that explains how hollow the “Super Bowl hangover” phrase is is that there’s no conference championship hangover or divisional round hangover. The Rams certainly didn’t suffer from a wild card hangover last year after losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Atlanta Falcons after the 2017 season.
Confidence level: 2/10


4.) Aaron Donald
He’s my pick, and his peers’ pick, for the best player in the NFL and some people’s pick for the greatest player of all time.

This isn’t so much a reason for optimism as it is a reminder that we have Aaron Donald and he is very, very, very, very, very good.
Confidence level: 5/10


3.) Non-RB skill level
Running backs remain overvalued in the NFL. I know it’s somewhat ironic to say as a fan of the team that employs the highest-paid running back in the NFL who’s headed into a job share on the day that the Dallas Cowboys contractual feud with RB Ezekiel Elliott escalated into outright furor today. But the bottom line is that even with a very talented back in the right situation, you can get 90% of the production with 50% of the skill at 10% of the cost as the Rams did with C.J. Anderson late last year.

So Rams fans shouldn’t put much stock into pieces that call for a regression for the Rams in 2019 based on the well-being of RB Todd Gurley’s knee. It won’t matter as much especially now that the Rams have a talented, young 1B in Darrell Henderson.

Instead, Rams fans should be enthralled at the roster quality where it matters: on the offensive line and in the passing game.

Last year’s offensive line was probably the best Rams line of my lifetime and three of the five members return. We’ve got two promising prospects coming in for starting work; while they’re yet to prove anything at this level, Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Co-Offensive Coordinator Aaron Kromer has earned the benefit of any doubt that he won’t be able to get them into adequate shape this year.

And I’m not sure I need to go into much depth about how good our wide receivers are. PFF ranked them the third-best unit in the NFL, and that doesn’t even acknowledge the fact we’re four-deep.
Confidence level: 7.5/10


2.) Sean McVay
McBae is the best young head coach in the game. Did he get outcoached in the Super Bowl. Yes. By a mile. By the best head coach of the modern era.

But don’t let recency bias overwhelm you.

McVay has proven his capability since his arrival. I’m not expecting teams to have “figured out McVay” or anything along those lines. If anything, I’m expecting a response from McVay should teams try to employ the quarters defense that the Chicago Bears and New England Patriotsused to such success against the Rams last year.

We’re talking largely about a single defensive structure. Quarters, or Cover 4, drop four backs deep with each assigned a zone making up a quarter of the field. McVay saw immediately in Super Bowl LIII it was what the Patriots were using and what Chicago had used back in early December:

With the Pats’ front seven wreaking havoc on the Rams’ interior line, QB Jared Goff wasn’t put in many positions to succeed in getting the offense going.

I fully expect McVay to have a response for quarters coverage this year. That he already has guided the Rams’ offense to such ridiculous heights in pretty much every other look suggests he will.

And that it’ll be damn good.
Confidence level: 9/10


1.) Jared Goff
I’ve been higher on Goff that most since the jump.

When people were calling him a bust after a disastrous rookie season, I said he was still too young and inexperienced to make any declarations.

When people were suggesting he couldn’t win big games after losing a playoff game or that he couldn’t take over games late after his second year, I said he was still too young and inexperienced to make any declarations.

When people suggested he was a system QB...ok, that one I just laughed.

So here’s a little hyperbole I think most Rams fans will enjoy getting behind.

Jared Goff has the best trajectory of any quarterback in the NFL.

That’s not to say he’s the best QB in the NFL or that he’s going to become it this year.

It means he has improved more than any quarterback since 2017. And I don’t know why we should expect that improvement to have suddenly stopped at the end of the NFC Championship.

That he was given more responsibility and flexibility by McVay was an indication of his growth heading into the season. His performance overall throughout the year showed a heightened ability in situations that required him to make plays outside the structure of the offense and/or playcall. That he was able to do so late in games to get his first late, come-from-behind wins and that he was able to do so in games that mattered so much affirmed what Rams fans had been hoping for (and some had jumped the gun on...): a legitimate top-tier quarterback.

I know we’ve seen the rankings that have him outside the top 10, and I know that rankles some fans. But y’all just gotta let it go.

They’re arbitrary. They’re biased upon preconceived notions (see: system QB). And they’re a reflection of a larger body of work than 2018. And sometimes, though not always, they’re from pundits or analysts that have watched very few Rams games!

Here’s the bottom line. Jared Goff threw for 4,688 passing yards last year, the second-best total in franchise history and the 40th best total in NFL history.

In his third year.

There’s just not much reason to assume his development has stopped. And if Goff makes a jump as he did from 2016 to 2017 and as he did from 2017 to 2018, then we’re not talking about a top 10 quarterback. We’re talking about a top 5 quarterback in a league with Tom Brady and Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
Confidence level: 9.5/10

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...s-rams-success-confidence-super-bowl-hangover

By: Cameron DaSilva | 6 hours ago

The Los Angeles Rams had remained healthy throughout training camp, but they were dealt their first significant injury blow this week. Sean McVay announced on Tuesday that edge rusher Justin Lawler is undergoing foot surgery.

It’s unclear how long Lawler will be out, but any foot procedure typically comes with a fairly lengthy recovery period. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo broke his foot last spring and wasn’t activated until November.

Lawler was battling for one of the backup spots at outside linebacker, though he also has the size and length to play defensive end, too. His versatility gave him a good chance to make the 53-man roster.

The Rams selected Lawler in the seventh round in 2018. He dressed for all 16 games last year, making six tackles (one for a loss).


https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/06/nfl-rams-justin-lawler-foot-surgery-injury/

Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) Tweeted:
Would love to see who you all pick here. https://t.co/cliNYC16Ay

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/JHekker/status/1158841140604362752?s=17

Fellow Ram fans I am looking for some advice.

My wife and I went to a game last year - at Denver.

The bug must have bitten her because she came to me asking about going to a game this year.

We looked into @Atlanta, however earlier today my wife really turned up the heat by saying going to LA is far more affordable.

I'm a teacher and I noticed that 3 of our last 4 are primetime games and that just wouldn't work well for me - I'm planning to take a few days off in the spring and visit the draft in Vegas.

I scrolled through the schedule and mentioned the Saints at Rams game.

Long story short, I think we will be attending this game. PLease bestow upon me any knowledge that you have. . .

The main question is what is the best way of transport from Long Beach Airport to LA Coliseum? ( I think we'll be same day fly in and fly out)

I was watching a Cleveland Browns podcast about Aaron Donald's success before the 2018 MVP vote, with NFL great, OT Joe Thomas. He was asked about the effect of Suh with Aaron Donald, and whether that was fair to the rest of the NFL.
Suprisingly, Thomas wasn't that impressed by that combo as he would be with a DE having a quick get off. Robert Quinn at his best with the Rams, along with rookie Aaron Donald, was disruptive. But what we didn't have was a big lead in games so those guys could be optimized in the sack game. Thomas' point was that AD's insane sack total wasn't really due to Suh's presence next to him, just that AD is that good inside. Thomas explained with a DE with a very quick get off, would be unfair for teams, because it would take two extra players to deal with that kind of pressure versus a team that's behind on the scoreboard. QB holding the ball longer in order to make plays, is taillor made for AD and that DE...IS this guy Fowler? Fowler was rapidly improving at the end of last year, and he has been reportedly getting to the QB as quickly as Donald this offseason.
One solution that Thomas mentioned was to have a true Fullback in position but designated as a reciever? (don't quite get that), in order to aid against AD, instead of trying to use lighter players like a RB or even a TE as the second blocker, and also being able to get the edge guy with linemen.

A big, old school Full Back....Joe Thomas didn't know if it would work against AD and the quick twitch DE, but it might be worth a try.