It’s Game Day!

Oakland Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams – Saturday, Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. ET

https://www.therams.com/news/tune-in-rams-vs-raiders-in-preseason-week-2

Tune In: Rams vs. Raiders in Preseason Week 2

The Rams will take on the Raiders this Saturday in Week 2 of the preseason. The Rams and Raiders meet at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the Rams’ first home game of 2018. The game will be broadcast live on CBS 2 with a kickoff time set for 1:00 p.m. PDT. Check below for all the information you need to watch Saturday’s game.

BROADCAST INFO

TELEVISION: Saturday’s game and all Rams preseason games will be broadcast locally on CBS 2 and Univision’s UniMás 46/KFTR station. The game will also be re-aired by KCAL-TV at 6 p.m. PDT. Play-by-play commentator Andrew Siciliano is joined by hosts of NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, Nate Burleson and Peter Schrager, serving as color commentators. Jill Arrington will be reporting from the sidelines.

In addition to the Los Angeles local broadcast on CBS 2 and UniMás 46/KFTR, Rams preseason football will extend to households throughout California, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. Below is a comprehensive list of affiliate stations airing Rams preseason football. Please check your local listings in these markets for complete game coverage.

Local TV info (via 506 Sports):

• KCBS (CBS/2 – Los Angeles)
• KSWB (FOX/5 – San Diego)
• KMYU (My/12 – Salt Lake City)
• KBFX (FOX/58 – Bakersfield)
• KMPH (FOX/26 – Fresno)
• KKFX (FOX/24 – Santa Barbara)
• KDFX (FOX/33 – Palm Springs)
• KSNV (NBC/3 – Las Vegas)
• KRXI (FOX/11 – Reno)
• KYUR (CW/13.2 – Anchorage AK)

Live stream: fuboTV

RADIO: Saturday’s contest will be broadcast on ESPNLA 710 AM and ESPN Deportes/KWKW 1330 AM. Both stations will once again bring Rams fans the full season (preseason and regular season) of games. The English broadcast will feature Voice of the Rams J.B. Long on play-by-play, with Maurice Jones-Drew as color analysts, 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.

ONLINE: The Los Angeles Rams will offer a free stream of their preseason games on therams.com in Los Angeles, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. In addition, the stream will be available in all markets receiving CBS or UniMás’ broadcast across California, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Fans in Los Angeles, any secondary US markets, and the United Kingdom will receive CBS’ feed, while fans in Mexico will receive UniMás’ broadcast. Live streams can be accessed via desktop, mobile web, and the Rams Mobile app.


https://www.therams.com/news/how-much-will-los-angeles-starters-play-vs-oakland-on-saturday

How Much will Los Angeles' Starters Play vs. Oakland on Saturday?

As we all know, Los Angeles elected to rest its starters against Baltimore for the preseason opener. Much of that decision likely stemmed from the work the Rams’ starters were able to get against the Ravens’ starters during their two days of joint practices.

Saturday’s upcoming game against Oakland, however, presents different challenges. More than once, head coach Sean McVay has referred to the game as a unique situation, since the Rams will again take on the Raiders for the regular-season opener on Sept. 10.

“It’s definitely a very different scenario than anything that I’ve dealt with as a coach and a lot of guys on our staff that we’ve talked about,” McVay said Wednesday. “It’s going to be an interesting way just to kind of see how the rest of the week unfolds for how we approach Saturday, but we’ll figure that out a little bit later on in the week and it’s definitely a different scenario for sure.”

Parsing McVay’s words a bit, it seems like the Rams will not play many — if any — starters once again on Saturday afternoon. Last week, right guard Jamon Brown and outside linebacker Samson Ebukam were the only starters who participated. They may or may not suit up to play the Raiders.

Otherwise, McVay indicated that Los Angeles will not do much game planning for the contest.

“It’s going to be a very different approach than what we’d take in the regular season as far as the game plan is concerned, specifically just because we open with this team,” McVay said. "So, I think it’s another really good opportunity for us to evaluate a lot of guys, kind of continuing to have that long-term mindset of figuring out our 53[-man roster] and who those guys will potentially be as far as out active roster on game day. But, it’ll be a great opportunity for us to evaluate guys and we’ll see how that goes.”

Also notable for this preseason matchup, McVay will be coaching against his mentor, in Raiders head coach Jon Gruden. A longtime friend of the McVay family, Gruden hired the Rams’ head coach for his first NFL coaching job as an offensive assistant back in 2008.

“Oh, I’m looking forward to it. I think everybody that knows coach Gruden knows what a great thing it is to have him back in coaching and what he’s meant to me and how influential he’s been,” McVay said. “It’s certainly a special experience just because of what that family and specifically Jon’s meant for me.”

Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at the Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast on KCBS and ESPN LA locally, and simulcast for a national audience on NFL Network.

Anyone catch the game tonight between Georgia and Hawaii? A real pitcher’s duel. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a little league game go tied 0-0 into the eleventh. Hawaii wins it with a walk off 2 run homer by their starting pitcher. Great game and fun to watch these kids play their hearts out.

Besides us - who is gonna be who in the NFC this year?

In order, these are the NFC teams that really concern me.

Green Bay
Carolina
New Orleans
Philly
Minnesota

I could see scenarios where Atlanta and the Giants are a threat but they are a full tier beneath this group in my mind.

So the wife finally talked me into getting another dog .She has been walking this guy at the shelter for a while now, and he will be coming home next week. His current name is Viver...which is too close to Beiber, so he needs a new name. He is short with a big ol head. I suggested Napoleon, and Chrissy said Ramses or Ramsay.

I think I lost this battle also.

Any other suggestions?

https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/08/17/r...vay-brandin-cooks-ndamukong-suh-training-camp

From Top to Bottom, Rams Have Very Few Flaws
By ROBERT KLEMKO

WHO: Los Angeles Rams
WHERE: Irvine, Calif.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 15
HOW: Drove from Chargers camp to UC Irvine (about 15 minutes in midday L.A. traffic)

After a uniquely competitive practice, let me just state the obvious: The Rams are a very, very good football team.

On Wednesday we were treated to very minimal individual drills, and lots of game scenarios and first-team offense vs. first-team defense. From watching practice and talking to people in the Rams’ circle, I get the sense that Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters are as good as advertised, and the same goes for Ndamukong Suh.

The collective presence of the newcomers seems to bring out the best in two guys on the brink of stardom: safeties John Johnson III and Lamarcus Joyner. While Todd Gurley flashed, the defense ruled the day, with several of Jared Goff's passes being intercepted or broken up.

Some of that may be attributed to the offensive playcaller: Head coach Sean McVay asked passing game coordinator Shane Waldron to call the offense Wednesday because McVay knows defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’s defense to the extent that he’d rather not call plays that exploit its few deficiencies. (Nothing against Waldron, but I think we can all agree McVay is the better-equipped playcaller.)

Suh looks like his usual dominant self, which makes the prospect of Aaron Donald joining the show all the more enticing. Whether or not the Rams get a deal done for the franchise-tagged interior lineman is anyone’s guess, but once the two get on the field together, the Rams figure to be one of the few teams—if not the only team—in the NFL to get constant interior pressure without stunts or blitzes.

One thing that stuck out after conversations with McVay and a handful of his players: This training camp has featured less position work and more one-on-one game scenarios—a shift from last year’s camp, which is by design. After Los Angeles finished 4-12 in 2016, the team spent the following training camp figuring out its identity at every position.

Now the team that went 11-5 last season is mapping a path to the Super Bowl, one practice at a time. “I think, anytime you’re going into Year 2 you’ve got more continuity,” McVay says. “You say, O.K., now that we know exactly who your players are, you try to create more competitive situations.”

“We’re not soul-searching anymore. ... We’ve got our feet in the dirt,” defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman says. “Now we’re trying to get that good work.”

There weren’t many weak spots, but I do worry about these linebackers. Suh and Donald should take some pressure off converted safety Mark Barron and Corey Littleton, but I could see pass catching running backs and agile tight ends exploiting this defense in the short passing game. Utilizing a box safety to support Barron and Littleton should be an early-season go-to.

OH, I DIDN’T KNOW THAT: The Rams have a beer garden for fans next to their practice field. I swear I did not partake. Also: The UC Irvine mascot is the Anteaters. As the bartender at the beer garden informed me, “The football team is undefeated.” (They don’t have one)

STORYLINE TO WATCH: I’m excited to witness Goff’s third season, this time with the reliable deep threat of Brandin Cooks in the fold. Cooks slides into the No. 1 receiver spot in Los Angeles, so expect his impact to create better opportunities for short and intermediate threats like second-year tight end Tyler Higbee, and of course, Gurley, who caught a career high 64 passes last season.

McVay is expecting Goff to take that next step into becoming an extension of the coaching staff—the player who understands the intent behind every play design, and the myriad problems that can arise in with protection and coverage.

“There are so many endless things that go into being a quarterback,” McVay says. “There has to be a constant evolution, and we all have to be on the same page. I need him to feel comfortable communicating things he likes and doesn’t like.”

TOP POSITION BATTLE: The Rams know who they are, but there’s an outside linebacker spot seemingly up for grabs. The top contender, Matt Longacre, has missed time with a biceps injury.

OFFBEAT OBSERVATION: The Rams are the first team I’ve ever seen take a halftime break during a training camp practice. In the middle of an 11-on-11 session the team abruptly broke and headed for the UC Irvine locker rooms, where McVay said they sat and rested for 10 or 15 minutes and talked amongst themselves before returning to the field. The rationale: Starters on both sides of the ball needed to get their bodies accustomed to the halftime cooldown and subsequent warmup they’ll experience in game.

“The biggest thing is, regardless of how we approach the last three games in the preseason, we know we’re not going to be in a situation where we play our starters before and after halftime,” McVay said. “We know we’re gonna have to do that Sept. 10 against the Raiders so we wanted to have them get a bunch of work in, simulate halftime, then you have to get back out there, get yourself loose and get rolling again.”

PARTING THOUGHTS: These guys are scary. The talent Les Snead has accumulated on defense while sacrificing draft capital could shift the thinking of contending NFL teams for years to come if it works.

https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-8-15-18-rams-close-camp-in-irvine

Quotes & Notes 8/15/18: Rams Close Camp in Irvine

• Head coach Sean McVay and the Rams will look to improve on their preseason showing in Week 2 against the Raiders.

• Saturday’s preseason game will provide the opportunity for McVay’s offense to put up some points, following a one-touchdown outing against the Ravens last week.

• Despite a poor performance by backup quarterback Sean Mannion, McVay emphasised again on Thursday that the entire team is responsible for underperforming in Baltimore, including himself.

• Thursday’s final training camp practice ended with an exciting showing from undrafted rookie quarterback Luis Perez, who received high-fives from fellow QBs, and broke down the final huddle of camp.

• Perez picked apart the Rams’ reserve defensive unit, stringing together a handful of nice completions, including one touchdown pass.

• Perez might have had the play of the day, floating a beautiful pass over the shoulder of fellow undrafted rookie, running back Nick Holley, on a wheel route out of the backfield.

• Perez did not see any action in preseason Week 1 and has received minimal full-squad reps in practice in Irvine.

• McVay commented on the Rams’ receiver situation heading into Saturday’s game in the Coliseum.

• Considering recent injuries, McVay and pass game coordinator Shane Waldron might get a look at some of the names further down the depth chart.

• Rams fans will more than likely not see names like Kupp, Woods, and Cooks on the field on Saturday, but rather wide receivers looking to make a statement in the preseason, like KhaDarel Hodge, Kendal Thompson, Fred Brown, and JoJo Natson.

• Hodge reeled in the Rams’ only touchdown last week against the Ravens.

“You want to see more sharp, crisp execution — doing a good job recognizing what they are doing, and then just being able to play sound football.”-HEAD COACH SEAN McVAY

“He was balling. He did a great job right there, hitting spots, making a play off schedule, so he got to break it down for the team. You can see how much his teammates enjoy him and they are happy for him anytime he is able to have success.”-HEAD COACH SEAN McVAY

“Looking forward to seeing when we get [wide receiver] Josh Reynolds back. Mike Thomas will be a gametime decision, and Pharoh Cooper has done really a lot of nice things. So I think we’ve got some good depth, but we are always striving to reach our highest potential collectively together.”-HEAD COACH SEAN McVAY

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so i was watching nfl live today and they showed the espn preseason rankings.

they had the rams at 6. they were the 4th nfc team.

why? after every move they've made in the offseason, why?

they have the offensive player of the year, the defensive player of the year, coach of the year, they are the top scoring team, they added 3 all pros to their defense, they added cooks to their already potent offense, their special teams is still the best in the league. why?

the patriots added cooks last year and the media didn't just have them as favourites, they said they would go through the season undefeated. the rams added all this talent and they have them at 6th.

they've taken the "personality"angle to create doubt but we all know why they have them so low. such an insult to goff.

disclaimer - i don't care where the rams are ranked. when idiots insult our qb i get angry.

.

Well shit....i'm sure most of us will remember a few of these.
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So I got a series of shots of each QB throwing an out route. Just happen to be in the right place and they were throwing to my side.

Interesting to see similarities and slight differences. Slow motion video would be better but this is what I have to work with.

First is Goff, then Mannion, Allen and last is Perez. Interesting to see with Perez (if you click on the photo to get a larger view) his eyes follow the ball when he releases it. All the others keep their eyes on the target.

If any of you have experience with throwing the football (player or coach) please share what you see that is noteworthy.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RdQYnnhzBroM2bSA6

Sooo I came and went, and this isn't a traditional camp report, because a.) I'm not a scout/coach and b.) this is more for fun and me taking advantage of living in an NFL city and just documented what I observed.

First things first, from now on, ANYONE that tells me or tries to tell me the NFL is "dying" or losing fans, etc etc; that argument will be completely ignored and/or shot down by me. Practice today was PACKED. And that means all those people willingly signed up to get tickets and got them. And they were rowdy and loud, for a team that finished 4-12. Who knows how many tried to get tickets and didn't get any? Remember the whole Bob McNair "inmates" statement? No one cared about that today; only PFT and ESPN Radio did. No one can convince me that people are giving up on the NFL.

Anyway, let's get to the stuff we care about, how the 40 shitters looked to me.

In a word....mediocre.

- Texans 1st and 2nd string offense were continuously owning shitter DBs. In fact, Will Fuller burned them TWICE on go-routes, but Deshaun Watson overthrew them both times. That happened right in front of me.

-During the 7 on 7s (I think it was 7 on 7s), Deshaun and DeAndre Hopkins were on fire. DeAndre especially had a crazy circus catch against some shitter defender. DeAndre Hopkins is a freakin stud, especially in real life. Dude is OP.

-Jimmy Garawhatever's first pass on 7 on 7s was........intercepted by Kareem Jackson. LOL.

-The one place where the shitters looked somewhat decent was their DL, going one on one with Texans tackles. And in team drills the RBs couldn't get anything going. Of course, Houston's OL ain't that good, so I wouldn't read too much into that. Haha.

-Dick Sherman was suited up and didn't participate. Well actually he went on a couple one-on-ones with DeAndre. But ehh. The rest of times I did see him, he was mouthing off or whining. Typical.

-Some shitter defender wanted to play dirty and went for Brandon Weeden's legs. Lame.

-Matt Lengel (Texans TE) had some sickkk cut moves on a route that led a shitter defender grabbing air LMAO.

And for the rest of the Texans, this is a pretty good looking squad. Aside from their superstars, got some promising rookies like Justin Reid, Jordan Thomas (TE), Keke Coutee (WR). DeAndre Hopkins...man I can't get over him. Holy hell he's good.

I couldn't really tell otherwise who "looked good" or didn't. The team came out and did their drills...boom boom and rotated. It was direct and to the point.

Other stuff...I'm shocked at how many grown ass adults were freaking out over obtaining an autograph. J J Watt is one thing, but Alfred Blue? Chris Covington? I'm not saying I wouldn't try to get one, but I'm not screaming at the player and shoving crap in their faces.

They had a bunch of booths set up with sponsors hocking crap. I did obtain a free official size football from one of them too...and not to brag, but I also got a passing accuracy challenge completion.

Here's some pics for your viewing pleasure. I know, I know, what y'all are thinking. Where the fuck is your pic with the cheer squad? Wellll....they came and went DURING practice. And it was only 2 girls...which were the ones that looked like they were right out of high school. Not the ones I crush on. So some other time. Although, some blonde came and purposely sat next to me....like shoulder to shoulder. I could tell she had shampooed that morning, as the breeze was kickin that scent to me. So there's that...lol.



"Man, the Texans are really owning us right now. How the FUCK are we gonna take on the Rams?!"

Aug.16th 2018

By Vincent Bonsignore via www.theathletic.com

Early observations of the Rams as they conclude camp in Orange County


By Vincent Bonsignore 47m ago
IRVINE, Calif. — A pair of moving trucks were parked adjacent to the Rams’ weight room and locker room on Thursday morning here on the campus of UC Irvine. It was the surest sign that the conclusion of their Orange County-based training camp was imminent.

The Rams ended camp with a mid-morning workout before hopping on the 405 Freeway to make the 82-mile trek back to homebase in Thousand Oaks. The quicker they could shower and climb into their cars, the better. When it comes to Southern California traffic, every second counts.

Over the last month, the Rams laid down 15 practices, two of which unfolded in the grueling humidity of Owings Mills, Md., while working alongside the Baltimore Ravens. As they continue to lay the foundation for what they hope is a Super Bowl contending season, the Rams have utilized the first month productively.

The first four weeks have helped reaffirm original thoughts and shed light on some pressing questions. Other issues remain inconclusive. Here are some observations.

Jared Goff appears poised for another big season

It’s hard to believe that this time last year so many people were worried the top pick in the 2016 draft might be a bust. The concern was based off Goff’s rookie-year struggles, but 12 months later it’s fair to say he has shut down all that talk after producing a Pro Bowl season in 2017 in which he threw for 3,804 yards and 24 touchdowns. The rebound campaign was equal parts Goff, the impact of first-year head coach Sean McVay and a much better supporting cast.

Still, it’s fair to wonder if Goff will build on last year’s success, stand pat or even take a step back. Such is the life of a high-profile NFL quarterback, especially someone who struggled as much as Goff did as a rookie. The power to completely eliminate that narrative rests solely in the former Cal star’s hands, and that means stacking together a string of productive seasons.

Aside from a rough day on Tuesday, Goff looked spectacular in training camp while displaying total command of the offense, vision, a deft touch delivering balls in tight windows and growing confidence on long balls. And there is an obvious chemistry with holdover wide receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp and newcomer Brandin Cooks.

By all accounts, Goff looks very much poised to take his game to another level.

“I think as time goes on, you just continue to get more comfortable,” Goff said. ‘We’re starting to rep the same plays over and over again, and our good plays over and over again — starting to figure out what we like, what we’re good at.

“When that happens, I think you become more comfortable with it, and stuff starts to roll a little bit better.”

Competition at inside linebacker is heating up

To make room for Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters as cornerback upgrades, the Rams had to part ways with veteran inside linebacker Alec Ogletree. He wasn’t the best fit inside Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme, but he represented productivity and a level of dependability.

For now, third-year Washington product Cory Littleton is the replacement for Ogletree alongside fellow starter Mark Barron. But Barron’s on-going health issues — he hasn’t practiced yet in camp and rarely practices during the regular season — and Littleton’s inexperience could create instability as Phillips goes about building his depth chart.

Ramik Wilson has looked solid filling in for Barron in practice and could easily slide over to replace Littleton if he struggles. Bryce Hager has yet to crack the rotation four years into his career, and with rookies Micah Kisar and Tegray Scales collecting significant reps in practice, they could challenge him for a roster spot and playing time.

Littleton has looked comfortable in camp both as the defensive play caller and run stuffer. If he carries that into the season, the Rams should be fine inside.

The need to see more from the tight ends

Gerald Everett’s shoulder injury severely set back the tight end assessment. The second-year South Alabama product represents the Rams’ best hope for a dynamic playmaker at a position Sean McVay used heavily in Washington.

McVay’s plans to elevate Everett into a more prominent role are on hold. Also, Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway have not stood out in camp, as both have struggled making themselves available targets for Goff. Hemingway also has had trouble consistently holding onto the ball.

The Rams’ offensive success is not predicated on big-time production from their tight ends. But in the ever-challenging world of staying one step ahead of the NFL, they could certainly benefit from diversifying themselves by adding a consistent playmaker there. The injury to Everett slowed that process, and Higbee and Hemingway not stepping up seems to have grinded it to a halt.

Samson Ebukam, the outside linebackers and pass rush off the edge

Finances and scheme fit drove the Rams to revamp their starting outside linebacker unit, and while there is confidence that Ebukam, a second-year player from Eastern Washington, can fill one of those spots, he’s only occasionally stood out in camp. That could be more the product of modern-day NFL practice habits and the no-touch rule on quarterbacks.

However, Ebukam represents the Rams’ primary heat generator off the edge and he hasn’t consistently brought the pressure. He will eliminate any concern if he’s creating havoc once the games count, and he certainly has the size, speed and athletic ability to do just that.

More problematic is the uncertainty opposite Ebukam. A season-ending knee injury to Morgan Fox, the nagging back and leg injuries of Matt Longacre and a broken foot suffered by rookie Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has created concern off the other edge. For now, time is the Rams’ best ally in sorting it all out. But at some point, Ebukam and his fellow starter have to prove they can produce at an acceptable level.

Good luck throwing against this secondary

Peters and Talib have been as good as advertised as a dynamic pair of shutdown corners. And while Goff will benefit from working against them every day in practice, you get the feeling opposing quarterbacks aren’t going to value the experience quite the same way.

That goes for the rest of the Rams’ secondary, too. Starting safeties Lamarcus Joyner and John Johnson III are rising players in run support and pass coverage, and backups Nickell Robey-Coleman, Sam Shields, Troy Hill and Marqui Christian offer tremendous depth. The entire group has been flying around the field at camp.

If and when Aaron Donald gets back and lines up opposite Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers, the Rams’ front and back lines will be a devastating tandem to work against. That will help mitigate any inexperience issues at OLB and ILB. And if those two spots are adequately addressed, the Rams’ defense has a chance to be spectacular.

Taken at camp this morning. Brokers really takes his stretching exercises seriously!

Dancing with the Stars, here I come!

If he plays well, probably Joyner again but case could be made for Suh or Saffold.

Got here early and had a chance to talk to a couple of players, Brian Allen exudes confidence and comes across to me as just what you want in a football player. Says he's learning so much from coaches and veterans his head is spinning. Appreciates the chance they are giving him with the amount of reps he's getting.

Spoke briefly with Westbrooks and Suh (Ethan has taken a liking to me, and makes a point to come over and say hi when he sees me, I have no idea why). I asked Suh how he likes not being the center of attention, gave me a big knuckle bump. I asked if they'd like to hear a Raider joke since they play them Saturday, "shoot" ""How do Raider fans teach their kids to count?" Oh and one, oh and two, oh and three...." Both got a big laugh.

I met up with VeteranRamFan and his friend Rocky. Players in shorts and shells. McVay had them doing walk throughs. He had the defense wear jersey's with Raider #'s. they ran though a lot of basic plays, with 1st and 2nd team alternating. McVay had the 1's O vs the 1's D, then the 2's O vs the 2'sD. Goff was sharp and putting the ball in tight windows. Cooks, and Woods were also very good today. Higbee had some drops, but he also made excellent catches at the back of the end zone going up and getting it over Talib and Christian.

Mannion with the 2's had a good day, especially with Pharoh Cooper.

On defense, Suh is just having his way whenever he wants. Westbrooks, Myers also having good camp.

Talib with another pick.

More walk through with 2's, McVay stopping plays and making them go back in slo-mo to point out mistakes.

OL, nothing new, still sub-in guys all around, Neary was getting snaps at C. Noteboom snaps at LG and RG, Lucas and William at LT and RT. Since they weren't in pad and not much contact, no way to say who was better.

Mannion looked much better. We'll see if he translates that to Raider game.

Hemmingway needs to spend time with the jugs machine.



Well that's it for novice reporting. We have to rely on the expert talking heads from now on.

I enjoyed TC and I feel confident the Rams will have a winning season.

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I don't even think that Bob Gibson would've done that.

Disgusting play, and I'm not even close to a Braves fan.

I’ve read every beat writer piece and every camp report that I could get my hands on. Plus, I’ve watched and re-watched that Ravens game.

And, although it’s obviously early, I must say that I’m cautiously optimistic at this point.

First, the OL. We do seem to have a small nucleus of youngsters that Kromer can mold into possible future starters.

Noteboom. Looks like a solid future starter, maybe even at the all-important LOT position.
Demby. Looking like “den” may have been right. Looks kinda like he “belongs”, you know?
Brian Allen. Love his attitude, but I’m still not quite convinced. Hopefully, he will take some big steps forward in these next 3 games.

Gotta say that that looks like a darned good job addressing OL by S&M.

Kelly and Davis. Each is looking like a very good 3rd RB. Heck, maybe even a backup for Gurley. Zero RB worries at this point for me.

No dramatic “Cooper Kupp” type obvious steals among the above, mind you, but certainly worthy of some cautious optimism.


Next, the LB’s and “DE’s”. Not seeing any Bobby Wagners, but I am seeing a lot of kids that are diagnosing and making plays.

Myers. So good that he’s playing with the ones? Wow! Yeah, AD is absent, but still. McVay sat him with the starters vs the Ravens.

Kiser. Might be a classic so-so practice player that becomes a gamer when the lights come on. Liked him on draft day and like him even more after the Raven game. This kid can play. Solid pick.

Lawler, Scales, and Young. Gonna lump these guys together here. All have flashed at times and all have given reason to make me believe that they might become quality backups this year and even possible starters one day.

Christian and Countess. Both looking like very capable backups at S to me. I’m certainly not worried at this point, anyway.


All in all, it sure looks like S&M have done a workmanlike job of building quality depth in multiple positions with limited premium draft picks. Don’t know how much more we could have expected from them, tbh.

Now, here are a few things that trouble me and one that really worries me. Just so you know that I’m not blinded by sheer optimism. Lol.

First, my real worry. Backup QB is a ticking time bomb. Mannion has disappointed (to be polite) and Brandon Allen hasn’t yet looked like a capable replacement if Goff goes down, at least to me. That might change in these next 3 PS games. Sure hope so. Perez? We haven’t seen a snap on TV and camp reports haven’t exactly been glowing. So... Gulp!

My “troubles”?

Reynolds and Hemingway need to step it up. This is their golden opportunity to shine and they’re stumbling, instead. Maybe I had too high of hopes, but I don’t think so. Both will almost certainly make the 53 THIS year, but Snead might be drafting their respective replacements next year unless they really step it up. C’mon, fellas!

Not too many things to be concerned about at this point, huh?

No injuries, please! (Knocks on wood).

What (or whom) did I miss?

https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/08/15/arizona-cardinals-2018-preview

10 Thoughts on the 2018 Cardinals, Who Are Talented But Face a Transition Year
By Andy Benoit


Washington Times

1. Just one NFC defense blitzed more than Arizona's last year: Carolina’s … which was led by new Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks. It was Wilks’s only season as a coordinator; prior to that, he spent 11 years as a defensive backs coach for the Panthers, Chargers and Bears. He puts unique pressure on his defensive backs, as many of his blitzes involve single-high zone coverage, not man-to-man.

By converting a pass defender into a pass rusher, you become one body short in coverage, enlarging the voids in your zones. Wilks was comfortable with this in Carolina because he had outstanding linebackers in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis. His Arizona linebackers, recent first-round picks Deone Bucannon and Haason Reddick, have comparable speed to those Panthers, but not yet nearly as much on-field awareness.

What Wilks didn’t have in Carolina was a shutdown corner, which he now has in Patrick Peterson. Don’t be surprised if many of his Arizona zones deploy Peterson in iso-man coverage outside. Wilks also didn’t have a dynamic slot defender. Second-year safety Budda Baker might not be a true slot corner, but considering that’s where many of Wilks’s blitzes derive, Baker's athletic burst could ultimately make him a cornerstone there.

2. What might keep Baker out of the slot is Arizona’s lack of depth at safety. The options behind him consist of last year’s sixth-rounder Rudy Ford, undrafted rookies or, perhaps, yet-to-be converted corners. Depth is not a concern only at safety. Arizona has a strong starting defense but the NFL’s weakest bench.

3. No defender has created more negative plays for offenses over the last two years than Chandler Jones. He has the right side defensive end spot locked down. At left defensive end are two intriguing talents. First is Markus Golden, coming off an October ACL injury. Second is Reddick, who spent most of training camp at linebacker but should inevitably get a crack at rushing the passer, which was his forte in college. If either fully emerges, Arizona’s edge rushing will be outstanding. If both emerge, it could be unstoppable.

4. If third-year pro Robert Nkemdiche doesn’t hone some of his extensive raw talent in 2018, he never will. Nkemdiche’s athletic frame and initial quickness are a purer stylistic fit in Wilks’s 4-3 than they were in departed defensive coordinator James Bettcher’s hybrid 3-4.

5. Keep an eye on Olsen Pierre. The undrafted fourth-year defensive lineman jumps out on film. He’s proficient on the stunts and twists that Wilks features and has the tenacity to consistently make plays late in the down.

6. Sam Bradford has orchestrated a variety of offenses. During his brief stint as Minnesota’s starter last season he flourished on the type of quicker underneath throws that define much of Cardinals offensive coordinator Mike McCoy’s system.

That said … the Cardinals, though talented enough to harbor a win-now mentality, are likely in a rebuilding season. And, notably, Josh Rosen was the most pro-ready quarterback in this year’s draft. At UCLA he worked many of the route combinations McCoy will feature.Expect Rosen to take over before season’s end.

7. Larry Fitzgerald is the only known entity of this young receiving corps. At nearly 35, he’s as productive as ever, but through different means than early in his career. He’s no longer swift enough to consistently win on the perimeter, but his patience and route running mechanics have translated remarkably well to the slot. It’s a great reminder that speed can be overrated; as a receiver, defenders have to react to YOUR tempo. Super savvy technique can be enough to create separation.

8. He’d never say this, but last year’s broken wrist was a financial blessing in disguise for David Johnson. He saved a year on his legs and got closer to the end of a rookie contract that pays just under $2 million this season, making him the best bargain in pro football (if not pro sports). Johnson’s combination of lateral strength and agility is unparalleled. A play called “just give David the ball” would constitute smart, not lazy, coaching.

9. It’ll be interesting to see how much fullback Derrick Coleman plays.Johnson’s running style might not be conducive to a lead-blocker.

10. Yes, it’s a retooled offensive line, but not necessarily a better one.Left tackle D.J. Humphries is gifted, but injuries have cost him 14 games in two years. Left guard Mike Iupati is too prone to mental mistakes and physical breakdowns. Center A.Q. Shipley is out with a torn ACL, so the Cards are counting on third-round rookie Mason Cole.

At right guard, Justin Pugh’s $15.75 million guaranteed free agent contract makes it easy to forget that he was wildly up and down for the Giants last year. And thanks to a weird mix of injuries, great plays and execution gaffes, 10th-year right tackle Andre Smith remains unofficially the NFL’s biggest enigma.

BOTTOM LINE: Once injuries start hitting, this team will crumble. Expect a trying transition year in Arizona.

Died today at age 76.

The Queen of Soul. It wasn't just her voice, but the phrasings she used. This is my personal fave song of hers

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https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-from-day-12-of-training-camp

10 Observations from Day 12 of Training Camp

1) The Rams were in pads for their penultimate session at UC Irvine. Head coach Sean McVay staged a pretty competitive practice, with a lot of starters vs. starters in 11-on-11 in order to better simulate a game-like experience.

2) Generally, the first-team defense had a strong day against the first-team offense. While quarterback Jared Goff threw a nice pass over the middle to wide receiver Brandin Cooks early in the first 11-on-11 period, he also threw an interception to safety Marqui Christian on the right side a couple plays later. Christian made an athletic dive to secure the ball before it hit the ground. The defensive sideline was pretty excited for him.

3) Christian continued his excellent day with consecutive plays in a red-zone period. He nearly intercepted his second pass of the afternoon, cutting in front of tight end Tyler Higbee on a shallow crossing route. Then he blitzed for what would have been a sack on Goff had he been able to hit the quarterback on the next play.

McVay said following practice that Christian has been working in the Rams’ ‘Dime’ defensive package alongside safeties Lamarcus Joyner and John Johnson.

4) With right guard Jamon Brown’s two-game suspension looming at the start of the regular season, the Rams worked in a pair of players at right guard during select periods on Wednesday. Austin Blythe — who filled in at center for John Sullivan a few times and started at left guard in Week 17 last year — was one such Ram. The other was rookie lineman Joe Noteboom, who has been repping at left tackle and right guard during training camp.

5) During one of the compete periods, the defense stopped the offense at the 41-yard line on third down. Kicker Greg Zuerlein then walked onto the field to attempt a 59-yard field goal. He nailed the attempt with room to spare for his second-most impressive field goal of camp. Zuerlein previously nailed a 63-yard field goal back on Day 6.

6) Wide receiver Pharoh Cooper flashed a bitduring 11-on-11 with the second offense. With Brian Allen at quarterback, Cooper had to go up to get a pass over the middle and made a nice catch deep down the right hash for a significant gain. A couple plays later, Cooper caught another pass down the seam from Allen.

7) There was one “hold-your-breath” momentduring a later 11-on-11 drill with the starters. Outside linebacker Samson Ebukam was pass rushing against left tackle Andrew Whitworth and accidentally pushed him into Goff. The quarterback fell over, but was fine.

“To say I was holding my breath, I think it would be probably a little bit more than that,” McVay said with a laugh after practice.

8) Defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh and inside linebacker Cory Littleton blew up a pair of first-team offensive plays in the same segment late in practice. First, Littleton came in on a delayed blitz for a theoretical sack of Goff. A few plays later, Suh made his way into the backfield at nose tackle to tag running back Todd Gurley for what would’ve been a tackle for loss. The defense was simply executing at a high level on Wednesday.

9) On a positive note for the offense, Goff found wideout Cooper Kupp on an intermediate crossing route late in practice. Kupp was able to get just enough separation from cornerback Aqib Talib to get open over the middle, and Goff found him with a sharp pass to Kupp’s hands.

10) Quarterback Sean Mannion also had a nice pass late in practice, hitting Pharoh Cooper on the right side of the field on a deep out route. The ball placement allowed Cooper to keep running down the field for extra yards.

one of the best episodes I ever saw with browns tonight. Cajuste, njoku, callaway and baker good stuff

Good day of practice. Mid 80's, not a very large crowd. Everyone in full pads, Longacre with LB's limited participation. Barron and Easley on sidelines. Did not see Justin Davis on field.

Got LB's in front of me. Joe Barry and his assistants had them doing strip drills, then tipped ball drill and return setup. Ryan Davis was with the LB's. F-Meyers with the DE/DL. Hard to say any one player stood out in these drills.

McVay then did something I have not seen in camp until now. 2 minute drills with the whole team participating. No other drills going on. Players either participating or watching on the sideline. 1st team O vs 1st team D, then 2nd team D vs 2nd team O. This went real fast, no huddle,

1st team O- Whit, Saffold, Sully, Brown, Hav. Goff, Gurley(Brown), Woods Cook Kupp (Cooper couple snaps with ones). D--Suh, Brockers, Westbrooks DT, Myers, Ebukam DE Littleton, Wilson ILB, Talib Peters, Johnson III Joyner.

1st series--Goff to Cooks over middle for 7, Woods end around for 5, Talib int of Goff for pick six.

Quick sub 2nd teams O- Noteboom LT, Demby LG, Allen C, Blythe RG, DWilliams RT. (this would be switched around), the only guy that played the same position with the 2's was Allen. Blythe got snaps at C later in Red Zone and 11 on 11 drills.

1st series 2's on 2's 2min-- Mannion to Cooper,25yd TD Next series- Mannion to JoJo Natson for 11, Manion to Kelly out of the backfield for 8. Greg short FG.

Couple more series by both that had a lot of dropped passes and a couple sacks. Gurley, Brown and Kelly were often targeted on screens. Not many went to Higbee or Hemmingway in this drill. (Hemmingway had a bad day, dropped 5 or 6 that I saw during the whole practice)

After giving up early TD's, defense won this drill,1's and 2's. 2's did give up couple sacks.

Franklin-Meyers stood out. 2 sacks. Guy is quick and strong. Playing with the 1's.

Red Zone drills now. Same as 2min drill, all players either involved or waiting on sideline to get involved.

1st team 3 plays and Zurilin FG. 2nd team Mannion to JoJo Natson again for TD This series Lucas at LT, DWilliams at RT, Demby RG, Allen C, Neary LG.

2nd series Goff to Kupp for 10, Goff int by Christian. (Christian almost had another on later)

2nd team Mannion to Hemmingway, Mannion to cooper, FG Zurlien

McVay then has the 1st vs 1st drill getting out deep in own end . Had the ball spotted on their own 2 or 3 yd line then hand of to Gurley with OL big epush into DL. This drill was the most physical I've seen all camp. You could hear the pad contact and hear the guys grunting. Both 1's and 2's di several series.

Next drill was punting from own endzone. Hekker crowded to the back of the endzone. Cooper back as PR. 1st play he barely gets it off, 2nd he hits one 60+, Cooper had to backpedal his ass off.

Pretty much it for the last full pads practice.

Other tidbits I saw today: Suh batted a couple Goff passed down. Hemmingway with 2 catches over the middle from Mannion. But he also dropped some easy catches. Marquis Christian wa all over the field today a pick six, and broke up couple passes. Mannion putting the ball on the money.

Another odd thing today. McVay took the whole team off the field for a 15 minute break. Never did that before.

Well there it is. I tried to take notes seeing how this practice will be the last the public will be able to see. Tomorrow is an early walk through in shells.

I'll be there.

Yeah, we know, or thought we knew, the story would always be Goff vs Wentz. I know there are are a lot of Wentz guys who still would have picked Wentz over Goff in their draft, but have settled on Goff because he's a Ram.

There is trouble in Philly....

It has been assumed and stated authoritatively that Wentz would come back and be the Iggles QB of the future. There have been schizophrenic stories that say "Yes, Wentz is ready" and also "Wentz is limping." Wentz himself says he's ready, but the medical prognosis for surgery recovery for an MCL injury as serious as Wentz's is about 12 months....That would be like, December 2018? Wouldn't it be wise to make Wentz wait for 4 weeks at lest to ensure the injury is healed, instead of risking his future?

Meanwhile, Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is waiting on the bench. What if Foles goes 4-0 when Carson is supposedly ready to go? Can you buck a stacked deck like that if you're the HC? What if Wentz is rusty and throws 3 INTS in Week 5? Will Foles chants begins to ring out as Wentz struggles?

The real competition will be between two Rams QB's..one a former starter, and the other the hope of the Rams franchise....