Shalise Manza Young,Yahoo Sports 2 hours 6 minutes ago
On Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco told reporters that veteran offensive tackle Russell Okung has been dealing with a “pretty serious medical issue” since early June.

He didn’t offer much more, though Okung was placed on the non-football injury list.

On Thursday morning, Okung offered some scary details.

‘The decision saved my life’

Los Angeles Chargers tackle Russell Okung revealed that he is recovering from a pulmonary embolism in June. (AP)
In a statement posted to Twitter, Okung wrote the following:


“We all know injuries are part of the game, but I wanted to share some current details about my current health status which is quite different than previous ‘injury’ scenarios I’ve experienced in my career.

“After experiencing unusual chest pain at practice on June 1st, I went to urgent care out of an abundance of caution. According to the doctors who treated me, the decision to do so likely saved my life.

“Thankfully, I’m okay now, but a few tests revealed that I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism caused by blood clots. When detected early, this condition is very treatable and I’m grateful to have access to the best available care as I continue on the path to full recovery.

“I’m very grateful to my teammates, coaches and the entire Chargers organization for their care, support and understanding during this challenging situation. Thanks to an incredible medical team and a very supportive family, I hope to be back on the field as quickly as possible.

“While near death type experiences are certainly a wake-up call, I’m feeling great physically. It’s not an ankle or shoulder. As soon as doctors clear me, my plans include blocking #17’s [Philip Rivers’] blind side all the way to Miami.”


What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs.

Via the Mayo Clinic, in most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs, though rarely the clots come from other parts of the body.

Because clots block blood flow to the lungs, they can be life-threatening. As Okung noted, getting treatment quickly may have saved his life – about one-third of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism die.

Treatments can include medications like blood thinners and clot-dissolvers or surgical clot removal.

At camp with teammates
Okung is at Chargers’ camp with his teammates, though he can’t practice yet. It’s unclear at this point when that will happen; Telesco indicated on Wednesday that the 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler could miss all of training camp.

Given the severity of what he experienced, Okung’s health is most important.

Third-year lineman Sam Tevi could flip from right tackle to left in Okung’s absence; the Chargers also drafted Trey Pipkins in the third round this year.

By: Cameron DaSilva | July 24, 2019 11:20 am ET

If the Los Angeles Rams aren’t confident in their current group of defensive linemen, there’s good news: A former Pro Bowler just came on the market thanks to the Green Bay Packers.

Mike Daniels is shockingly available after being cut by the Packers on Wednesday, a surprising move right before camp. A 2017 Pro Bowler, Daniels was set to make $10.7 million this season, the last year of his contract.

The Packers may not have seen much value in keeping the veteran defensive lineman around, but the Rams should absolutely consider signing him. Pairing him with Aaron Donald could be exactly what the Rams were looking for when they signed Ndamukong Suh last offseason.

If the Rams are indeed interested in bringing Daniels aboard, they’ll likely be on his short list of potential suitors, given his desire to play for a Super Bowl contender.

Daniels is best at 3-technique, which is where Donald plays. However, his versatility along the defensive line allows him to line up at several positions.

He can play directly over the center or line up across from the guard, rushing the passer from any of the interior defensive line spots. Suh brought similar positional flexibility to the table, but he clearly didn’t fit very well as a nose tackle.

Daniels definitely does. Look at this film package from the 2017 season that shows him playing a variety of different positions, the first of which is nose tackle.

Daniels’ numbers from last season are nothing to get excited about. He had 18 tackles, two sacks and only one tackle for loss in 10 games, missing the final six due to injury. Despite the lackluster stats, Daniels was still a highly effective pass rusher from the inside.

Take a look at these numbers from Pro Football Focus.

Furthermore, his 14.3% pass-rushing win rate ranks sixth among all interior defenders since 2013.

There are two questions that come with signing Daniels: How healthy is he after suffering a foot injury last season, and how much will he cost? With this being such a surprising move, one has to wonder whether the Packers released him because he isn’t healthy.

As for his price tag, that’s anyone’s guess. The fact that he’s seeking a Super Bowl contender helps the Rams’ case, potentially meaning he’ll take a discount to join a playoff team.

It doesn’t hurt Los Angeles that Clay Matthews is also on the team, presenting Daniels with the opportunity to reunite with a fellow ex-Packer. Matthews could even help with the recruiting pitch.

The Rams aren’t desperate for help on the defensive line with Donald, Michael Brockers and a combination of Greg Gaines and Sebastian Joseph-Day set to be Week 1 starters. Daniels, however, would take the D-line to another level thanks to his pass-rushing ability and experience in a 3-4 scheme.

With just over $6.1 million in cap space, the Rams might not have the money to sign Daniels right now, but it’s nothing a restructure or roster cut can’t fix. By restructuring Robert Woods’ contract, they could free up another $3.1 million.

At the very least, Les Snead should pick up the phone and give Daniels a call to gauge his interest. Who knows, dangling the idea of playing alongside Donald and reuniting with Matthews could be enough to get a deal done.

Thought this was one of the better done Ram previews.


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Loved the "Pony Package".
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tHTYzy5tfs

What is it about the beach?

It’s salty, sandy, dirty, hot, sunny, windy as can be, the shells hurt your feet, the sharks attack in knee deep water apparently which wigs my wife out. I friggen love it. I couldn’t live here but I can park my fat ass in front of the ocean in an umbrella city for a week every year until I die.

As I write this I have a cooler full, a morning rocktail, jazz playing, and teams are starting to report to camp.

Happy vacation everyone

https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-7-24-quarterbacks-rookies-check-in-for-2019-training-camp

Quotes & Notes 7/24: Quarterbacks, rookies check in for 2019 training camp

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.

“Excited to get back with a similar group of guys and get back to work.”
— QB Jared Goff

• QB Jared Goff checked into training camp for the fourth time on Wednesday, and during his media session he mentioned that the players on the Rams’ offense are similar to last year.
• Of Los Angeles’ 11 offensive starters, nine are expected to be the same as they were for Week 1 in 2018.
• That’s particularly significant for Goff, because each skill player is the same. So there isn’t a real need to start building chemistry with the running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers — it’s already established.
• Goff called that continuity “huge.”

“To me, [Cooper Kupp] looks really, really good. Throwing with him a few times over the last month, he looks strong, looks fast, looks physical.”
— QB Jared Goff

• NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reported on Tuesday evening that wide receiver Cooper Kupp will not be placed on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp.
• Asked about the third-year wide receiver, Goff deferred to head coach Sean McVay for a more medical diagnosis. But the QB did say that Kupp looks good on the field.
• Goff said he got together with Kupp and the rest of Los Angeles’ receivers to throw during the summer break, and that’s where his perception of the situation comes from.

“Time will take care of it. Just go out and play.”
— QB Jared Goff

• At this point, it’s fair to figure that a contract extension is coming for Goff. It’s more a matter of when than if.
• But as of now, there apparently hasn’t been much movement on that front.
• Nevertheless, Goff said he isn’t worried and is simply focused on going out and playing well.

“Just being a better corner from the neck up and just recognizing things and tendencies — those guys are really smart football players.”
— CB David Long Jr.

• Cornerback David Long Jr. hasn’t necessarily been with the Rams for a lengthy period of time, but he said on Wednesday that he has learned plenty from veteran corners Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib.
• As Long put it, both Talib and Peters have considerable physical skills. But it’s the way they process the mental aspects of the game that puts both of them over the top.
• Long essentially said that as he tries to earn his spot on the roster and his place in the league, his above-the-neck approach is one of the most critical aspects he has to master.

“I feel like I definitely need to show up on special teams this training camp. I also feel like I need to make a couple plays on defense.”
— LB Dakota Allen

• Linebacker Dakota Allen said on Wednesday that he feels like he has a lot to prove as he opens his first training camp.
• The seventh-round pick out of Texas Tech first mentioned making an impact on special teams before also noting that he feels he needs to make some plays on the defensive end in order to stick around for Week 1.
• Allen was a second-team All-Big 12 honoree in 2017, and a first-team All-Big 12 honoree in 2018 — so he can certainly make plays on defense.
• But as a seventh-round pick, the place where he can make the most impact in 2019 will almost certainly be on special teams. So he’s taking the right approach.

“Trimmed down a smidge — think I built up some muscle this offseason. I’m just trying to be in the best shape I can be and compete on the field.”
— DL Greg Gaines

• Rookie nose tackle out of Washington Greg Gaines said he lost a little weight over the summer in preparation for camp.
• Gaines said he was at about 315 pounds, but cut that down to about 307, noting that’s where he wants to be.
• How’d he trim down? Eating better and working out a lot, he said.
• But as the father of a four-month-old son, he would allow himself a cheat meal every now and then. Usually an In-n-Out burger, which is a great choice.

A very underrated actor in my book. Loved him in many many films.

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Tom Coughlin is doing wonders in Jax. Here's the latest example of "ME, not we".


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Rams are 12th-most valuable sports franchise in the world

By: Cameron DaSilva

If there’s any lingering doubt that the Rams moving to Los Angeles was the right decision for the franchise, the proof is in the numbers. Forbes released its annual list of the 50 most valuable franchises in sports and the Rams once again moved up the ranks.

They’re now the 12th-most valuable sports franchise in the world, up two spots from last year. They’re now worth $3.2 billion, a 7% rise from this time last year when they carried a value of $3 billion. The Rams’ operating income in the last year was $68 million, as well.

There are only three NFL teams worth more than the Rams now: the Cowboys (No. 1), Patriots (No. 7) and Giants (No. 10). The Redskins are close behind the Rams, tied for 14th with a value of $3.1 billion.

The NFL has 26 of the world’s 50 most valuable franchises in the world, though the top six consists of three soccer clubs.

Go to Full Article--
[theramswire.usatoday.com]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...l-history-playing-five-more-years/1806199001/

How Barry Sanders could have changed Lions and NFL history by playing five more seasons

What if Barry Sanders had played five more seasons, until age 35?

It's a tempting question, not least because in that alternate reality, this century of Detroit Lions football might have looked completely different.

He would be the NFL's all-time rushing yards leader. He'd be in the top five in rushing touchdowns and certainly have more of an argument for "Greatest Of All Time." (Sorry, Tom Brady.)

Oh, and most importantly, the Matt Millen era might have been completely avoided.

Sanders played 10 phenomenal years. The running back retired from his Hall of Fame career at age 30, seemingly with something left in the tank. So it begs the question: What would he have done if he'd stuck around?

Sanders now ranks third all-time with 15,269 rushing yards. His 99 rushing touchdowns are 10th all-time.

The Detroit Free Press used the following methodology for calculating a fair assumption for Sanders’ performance over the imaginary final five years of his career: Take the average of his last two seasons and subtract 10 percent from his rushing yards per year, and go down one score each year beginning with seven.

Here’s what could have (would have?) happened if Sanders played five more NFL seasons.

Barry! Barry! Barry!
Our projection for Barry Sanders' rushing and touchdown totals if he continued to play for the Lions for five more seasons.



1999
Still in his prime, Sanders’ 1,342 yards wouldn’t move him up the all-time yards leaderboard. He’d still be in third, 115 yards behind Walter Payton’s 16,726.

Seven rushing touchdowns, though, would jump Sanders to fifth all-time. Right now, Adrian Peterson and Jim Brown are tied at 106.

The Lions qualified for the playoffs at 8-8 in their first season without Sanders. They fell 27-13 to Washington in the wild-card round. In that game, Cory Schlesinger started at tailback. It's fair to say Sanders would have made a difference.

2000
A 32-year-old Sanders would have rushed for 1,208 yards, putting him at No. 1 all time. But the 17,819 yards is less than what Emmitt Smith finished his career with in 2004.

Six touchdowns puts him two scores ahead of Payton for sole possession of fourth place

The Lions went 9-7 in 2000, missing the playoffs by one game when Bears kicker Paul Edinger hit a 54-yard field goal with two seconds left. Coach Bobby Ross, often blamed for Sanders' departure, had quit midseason and was replaced with Gary Moeller. Three of the Lions' seven losses, including that finale, were decided by a single score. James Stewart put up a solid 1,184 rushing yards on the year, but it's tough not to think that Sanders couldn't have put the Lions over the top in one of those games and gotten them into the postseason.

If they make the playoffs, perhaps the team never hires Millen after the season.

2001
Sanders' final 1,000-yard rushing season would come here, but in his 13th year, his 1,087 yards would have been the 14th-best in the league. After beating Smith, who rushed for 1,021 yards, Sanders would have widened his hold on the NFL’s career rushing record.

The 2001 season was horrendous for Detroit under Millen and first-time head coach Marty Mornhinweg. The Lions started 0-12, including an NFL-record nine consecutive losses by eight points or less. Stewart managed just 685 yards on the ground. Sanders could have made a difference in a few of those games, but that collection of talent was still likely destined for the bottom of the NFC Central. Even a couple of Barry-powered wins probably wouldn't have stopped the Lions from taking Joey Harrington, considering the next QB taken in the 2002 draft (Patrick Ramsey) went 32nd to Washington.

2002
Even Sanders wouldn't have changed much for the '02 Lions. They were in rebuild mode with Harrington in his rookie year, and a 34-year-old Sanders is not the veteran star the Lions need to groom him. Sanders churns out 978 yards. Fans still flock to the new Ford Field, but also because it may be Sanders' final year. His status and Harrington’s struggles are the story of a 3-13 season. The bright spot comes in the offseason when Sanders gives plenty of notice, formally announcing that 2003 will be his final season.

2003
Detroit, still in rebuild mode, brought in former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci. What seemed like a smart decision was followed by a disastrous one: Drafting wide receiver Charles Rogers with the second overall pick. Expected to open up the offense, Rogers broke his collarbone five games into his rookie year and would later be suspended for drug use. Sanders, without his breakaway speed, is unable to reach 1,000 yards or get the Lions to the playoffs, but in his final game against the Rams, Sanders leads Detroit to a win after rushing for 880 yards in the season.

Sanders being carried into the locker room by teammates is the lasting image of the 5-11 season. And his 20,764 rushing yards is far and away the most in NFL history. Despite an ongoing Super Bowl drought, Lions fans are at least able to revel in their 15 years with the league's best running back, and their chance to say good-bye the right way.

https://www.therams.com/news/what-to-watch-for-at-rams-2019-training-camp

What to watch for at Rams 2019 Training Camp

It’s finally that time of year.

Rookies and quarterbacks report to Orange County on Wednesday, and the rest of the Rams veterans report on Friday for 2019 training camp. Los Angeles’ first practice will be on Saturday at 4 p.m.

The is the one opportunity to watch practice in its entirety for the whole of the 2019 season. So with that in mind, here are nine things to watch for at training camp.

1) HOW IS TODD GURLEY?

Everyone has been asking the question since the end of the 2018 season — how is Todd Gurley’s knee? We’ll finally start to get definitive answers with the beginning of training camp. Gurley did not participate in the on-field portions of the Rams’ offseason program, but head coach Sean McVay has said that Gurley is expected to be a big part of the team’s time in Irvine. We’ll all see how he looks starting on Saturday.

2) HOW IS COOPER KUPP?

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp tore his ACL in Week 10, but has made strong strides since to be ready for the start of the regular season. Kupp wore a red jersey during the offseason program to signify that he couldn’t go full speed, and couldn’t participate in 11-on-11 drills. Where is he in his recovery now? We’ll start to get the answer to that on Saturday.

3) NEW STARTERS ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE

The Rams have had exceptional continuity and health along the offensive line for the last two seasons. Now, the group will have to integrate two new starters in center Brian Allen and left guard Joe Noteboom. Training camp will be the first opportunity to see both in pads with the first group on a full-time basis. How they fare will have a lot to do with the overall offensive success in 2019.

4) WHAT’S THE CHEMISTRY LIKE IN THE SECONDARY?

The Rams’ defense was much better with the veteran presence of cornerback Aqib Talib than it was without him in 2018. So how does adding another strong veteran in safety Eric Weddle help that group? McVay raved about Weddle’s knowledge and skill during the offseason program, and now we’ll get to see how that translates against the Rams’ offense throughout camp.

5) WHO WILL START AT NOSE TACKLE?

Los Angeles drafted Greg Gaines out of Washington in the spring with the idea that the could come in and potentially make an immediate impact at nose tackle. It’s difficult to really evaluate defensive linemen without pads, but Gaines certainly looks the part when it comes to his size. But the Rams also have second-year lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said the Rutgers product had a strong offseason program. This could be one of the true position battles of camp.

6) WHO WILL START AT INSIDE LINEBACKER?

It’s safe to assume that linebacker Cory Littleton will continue as Los Angeles’ defensive signal-caller in 2019. But after the departure of linebacker Mark Barron, there now could be a battle at the second ILB spot. Second year linebacker Micah Kiser mainly manned that position during the offseason program, but fifth-year LB Bryce Hager could challenge for that spot as well.

7) MORE USAGE FROM THE TIGHT ENDS?

Third-year TE Gerald Everett had a strong offseason program, as he seemed to make a big play during each OTA practice. He’s flashed in spots throughout the first two years of his career, but the production hasn’t necessarily been consistent. But if he has a big training camp, that could bode well for potential success in 2019 as a whole.

8) HOW DO THE RAMS STACK UP AGAINST OTHER TEAMS?

Preseason games are one thing, but practices with controlled situations are often more telling when it comes to evaluating a team’s strengths and weaknesses in August. To that end, the Rams will have two practices against the Chargers — one in Costa Mesa at the Chargers’ place and the other at UC Irvine. Then the Rams will have two practices with the Raiders in Napa before the clubs square off in the first preseason game. Those will be good measuring sticks for L.A. heading into the regular season.

9) AARON DONALD!

For the first time since 2016, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is going to be at training camp. And any time you watch the back-to-back AP Defensive Player of the Year up close, it’s a treat. Donald might not be in many of the 11-on-11 drills — because he has a tendency to ruin them for the offense — but it’s the one-on-one situations where Donald will really shine. That goes especially for the joint practices. Be on the lookout for No. 99.

kind of messed up to do this right before training camp..

and I've been one of the biggest cheerleaders for Micah Kiser getting that shot inside..

but man Mason Foster can play..... He probably is gonna get a nice deal with someone..but man, we could use a guy like that..

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...shington-in-tackles-agent-rips-team-for-move/

I'm a foodie. I want to start a thread where we can share pics of food. I really enjoy seeing things others enjoy... especially if it's something I'm not familiar with.

So let's use this as a spot to share pics of any type of food. It doesn't matter if you cooked it or are eating out. Let's see what all of you are grubbing on!

Here's one of my favorite dishes. I love octopus. I had this on Sunday night. I had already eaten one of the tentacles before I thought to snap a quick pic. This was grilled....

https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2019/...12th-most-valuable-sports-franchise-worldwide

Los Angeles Rams now 12th-most valuable sports franchise worldwide

3k@3k_ Jul 22, 2019, 1:17pm CDT
Los Angeles Rams Owner Stan Kroenke walks with Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Kevin Demoff and Vice President of Football and Business Administration Tony Pastoors prior to Super Bowl LIII, Feb. 3, 2019. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images


Forbes has released their annual ranking of the 50 most valuable franchises in the world, and the Los Angeles Rams come in at 12th:

12 (tie) | Los Angeles Rams (NFL)

• Value: $3.2 billion
• 1-Year % Change: 7%
• Owner: Stanley Kroenke
• Operating Income: $68 million

The impressive part? The growth.

The Rams had the highest one-year change of any NFL team thanks likely due to the improved on-field product.

One other thing to note? The sheer power of the NFL as a whole.

The Dallas Cowboys remain atop the list for the fourth-straight year. Of the 50 franchises ranked, 26 are NFL teams all of which are worth more than $2b. The scope of the league’s financial impression and the width of the attention it commands is just hard to overstate.

As the Rams get ready to move into a new stadium next year that will serve as a symbol of the league’s power, they’re in fine standing financially to boot.

Started to post about me being a know it all. Remembering getting blasted by a core group of Old Schoolers. —Thinking of Dave53 right now. Always wanting to hook up at some point. Thinking of the fires & shooting last season. Whitworth is awesome & ONE OF THE GREATEST RAMS of ALL TIME.
—getting caught up in moments as a solo
Ram Fan.

Yeah... here’s what I found this morning of interest;

https://www.therams.com/news/countdown-to-camp-goff-s-growth-should-help-rams-offense-in-2019

Countdown to Camp Goff’s growth should help Rams offense in 2019

We’ve reached the end of our Countdown to Camp series with the game’s most important position at quarterback.

Rookies report to UC Irvine on Wednesday and veterans on Friday before the team’s first practice on July 27.

So without further ado, here’s a look at the Rams’ group behind center.

QUARTERBACKS

After years of the position being in flux, the Rams traded up for the No. 1 overall pick back in 2016 and used it to select Jared Goff. While his rookie year didn’t go how anyone would have liked, Goff has been one of the most productive signal-callers in the league over the last two seasons under head coach Sean McVay.

In 2017 and 2018 combined, Goff threw for 8,492 yards with 60 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions in the regular season — good for a 100.8 passer rating. Goff’s also averaged 8.2 yards per attempt and 12.9 yards per completion over both years, too, as Los Angeles finished No. 1 and No. 2 in scoring.

Those years, however, came with John Sullivan as Los Angeles’ center — and Goff frequently complimented Sullivan on the way the veteran would help set up the offense for success with his calls at the line of scrimmage. Sullivan is no longer with the team, as second-year center Brian Allen is expected to take over the starting duties. And that means Goff should have some expanded responsibility at the line with his young center.

But that’s an expected step for a quarterback progressing into his fourth season in the league. Training camp will be a good measuring stick for how both Goff and Allen will handle the change.

Behind Goff, Los Angeles brought in Blake Bortles as a backup this offseason in order to elevate the position. Bortles has known success in the NFL, particularly the 2017 season when he led Jacksonville to the AFC Championship Game. Bortles has 73 career starts and has thrown 103 touchdowns over five seasons as a pro. He’ll likely see plenty of action during the preseason.

Brandon Allen — another former Jaguars draft pick — has been with Los Angeles for the last two seasons as the club’s third quarterback. With Bortles on board, Brandon Allen likely slots into that role once again.

Los Angeles also singed quarterback John Wolford for depth. Wolford played his college ball at Wake Forest before signing with the Jets last year as an undrafted free agent. He then started seven games for the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football, completing 63.1 percent of his passes for 1,617 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Frank Clark was traded and Jarran Reed is suspended for 6 games in 2019. This accounts for half of all sacks in 2018 for the Seattle Seahawks this year...They will play high powered offenses like the Saints and the Rams during this stretch....

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https://www.sportsaldente.com/rams-training-camp-five-position-battles-to-watch/

Rams Training Camp: Five Position Battles To Watch
Ian Van Roy July 22, 2019


Most of the starting positions for the Los Angeles Rams are already solidified going into 2019, especially on offense. On the other hand, there are plenty of backup roles that could see new faces this season. Specifically, the roles of fourth wide receiver, third and fourth running back, starting tight end, and starting free safety are some of the more intriguing positions to watch in Rams Training Camp this year.

Rams Training Camp: Five Position Battles To Watch
1). Tight End: Tyler Higbee Vs Gerald Everett

Tyler Higbee comes into 2019 as the incumbent who has been the starter since 2017. He hasn’t impressed in his term, failing to earn more than 300 yards in a single season since being drafted in 2016.Higbee’s challenger, Gerald Everett, is a third-year player who was drafted by the Rams in the second round in 2017. He actually outperformed Higbee in 2018, earning 320 yards and three touchdowns. If Everett is ever going to take Higbee’s job, it will probably happen during the preseason or early in the regular season.

2). Third Running Back: Malcolm Brown Vs John Kelly And Justin Davis
The Rams have an as talented and deep roster at running back as any team in the NFL. Malcolm Brown was resigned after the Rams matched his offer sheet from the Detroit Lions. His 2-year extension worth $3.3 million should justify him being the backup behind Gurley, however, the Rams selected Darrell Henderson in the 3rd round of this year’s draft. While this draft position doesn’t necessarily lock Henderson into the number two spot, his running style, production in college, and overall buzz behind his addition certainly give him a slight edge, thus moving Brown to the 3rd spot.

Considering Brown was solid enough to be the second back last year, he is in the lead for the third running back position this year. However, he is not completely safe as John Kelly and Justin Davis could possibly be in striking distance if they have taken a step forward this year.

3). Fourth Running Back: Justin Davis Vs John Kelly Vs Matt Colburn
With Brown in the driver’s seat for the third running back position, that leaves the other three in contention for the last spot that will likely see snaps during the season. Davis and Kelly are the main competitors with Matt Colburn thrown in as a wild card. Kelly seems to be in the lead considering he was utilized the most during last season, compiling 74 yards on 27 rushes. However, as all three of these players are very young with the oldest being 23, it’ll be a question of who takes that next step first.

4). Fourth Wide Receiver: Josh Reynolds Vs Nsimba Webster
Josh Reynolds is the favorite to secure the role in 2019 as he just wrapped up a season that saw him catch 29 balls for 402 yards and five touchdowns. He also stepped in as a marginally useful backup for Cooper Kupp after he went down with a torn ACL later in the season.

Of course, proving that one can play as a third receiver should mean that he should be quite safe as a fourth receiver. However, Reynolds could be facing fierce competition from little-known unsigned rookie free-agent Nsimba Webster out of Eastern Washington University.

Webster is from the same school as Kupp and effectively served as his successor in college. He didn’t quite hit the record-breaking level of Kupp during his time there, but he did play in the 2018 championship (a feat that Kupp never accomplished). Webster finished his college career strong with 1,379 yards and 11 touchdowns despite a lingering foot injury and a quarterback change halfway through the season.

However, he comes from the FCS, seen by many as a step below the FBS. That being said, Cooper Kupp became an FCS success story so there’s pretty high expectations for Webster in spite of his draft position or lack thereof. If he plays to his potential, he should be a lock to make the team. Since this is the case, the next step would be to move up the depth chart. Since there is no chance that Webster can replace Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, or Brandin Cooks, his goal should be to challenge Reynolds for his job. Of course, the job is Reynolds’ to lose but Webster should be able to give him an intriguing run for his money.

5) Free Safety: Eric Weddle Vs Taylor Rapp
The Rams signed Weddle in March to replace LaMarcus Joyner, who the Rams were unable to work out a deal with. Weddle’s contract runs through 2020 and is valued at about ten million dollars. The 34-year-old veteran seemed to be an insurance signing for the Rams in case they couldn’t get the safety they wanted but just one month later, the Rams drafted Taylor Rapp in the second round and seemingly getting one of the top guys they wanted.

With both players now on the roster, the Rams seem to be in a position similar to the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles just before the emergence of Baker Mayfield and Carson Wentz. Just like those teams with their quarterbacks, the Rams have an older veteran and a talented but raw player at safety. It seems that, just like the Browns and Eagles, the Rams will keep the veteran Weddle in the starting role until the young gun Rapp shows that he is either ready to take over or the veteran becomes a liability on the field. Just like with the Browns and the Eagles back then, it seems to be only a matter of time until the rookie takes over. That leaves the possibility of the change happening during training camp, but, fairly unlikely.

That being said, Weddle was outright released by the Ravens after last season after failing to get an interception for the first time since 2015 and logged just three pass breakups all season long. If Weddle is indeed sliding and it shows in training camp, there is a real possibility of Rapp taking over before Week One. Will that be the case? One can only wait and see.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/rays-oliver-drake-drives-internet-160647979.html

Rays' Oliver Drake drives internet wild by throwing just another nasty pitch

Rays reliever Oliver Drake became internet famous Saturday after he struck out the White Sox's Leury Garcia on a nasty split changeup.

People couldn't comprehend the pitch's lateral movement across the plate.

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https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...medium=wasabi&utm_content=recirc-most-popular

Look: Jared Goff, Rams stars in hilarious old-age filter

The Los Angeles Rams have one of the youngest teams in the NFL, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at their stars through this photo filter.

FaceApp has captured the attention of social media users everywhere with its old-age filter, which allows you to easily see what a person will look like as an elder. Celebrities and athletes have shared photos of themselves with the filter and one Twitter user decided to give the Rams the old-age treatment.

Here’s a look at Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and Marcus Peters as elderly adults. Try not to laugh out of your chair

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My mother-in-law worked at this facility, in the office, for something like 30 years. Go Rams!


https://www.keyt.com/news/santa-bar...correctional-facility-in-camarillo/1097897802

and beyond !!!

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The last two years have been spectacular for LA fans of football and baseball. Winning regularly is only one of the elements that link the Rams and Dodgers. The following paragraphs list several more.

Both teams boast the best player in their respective sport. Aaron Donald and Cody Bellinger are the headliners and most dominant players in the world this past year.

Both teams made it to the championship game only to lose in heartbreaking fashion.

Both teams gain the headlines over their sister teams in opposing divisions (Chargers/Angels)

Both teams utilize the most advanced analytics to build, train, and coach their teams. Their drafts and personnel developed have them positioned to remain perennial powerhouses for years to come.

I encourage by Ram brethren to add to this list.

Cheers