Let’s see...

These are in no particular order, and I’m not counting the obvious previous Ram star players such as Goff, Gurley, Joyner, Brockers, etc.

Cooks
Kelly
Malcolm Brown
Noteboom
Myers
Ebukam
Littleton
Shields
Talib
Peters

Zuerlein might be the best news of all, although he’s certainly not “new”.

Some of those names were stars on other teams, but they are new Rams that are exceeding already high expectations, so I included them as pleasant camp surprises.

As an aside, I was hoping for more positives on Demby. Sigh...

So, who did I miss?

Hall of Fame Game;
Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens
8 p.m. Eastern!
Broadcast on NBC.

See!
Backup players that won't make the roster battle it out at Canton, Ohio!

See!
The Rams get bypassed for this game again as other teams play two or three times in a decade.

See!
Henry Ellard get passed over for the Hall of Fame again.

See!
Grown men in Gold jackets cry.

See!
Los Angelenos stuck in traffic rush to get home in time to see the kickoff.

I honestly don't see a better team in the NFL, with the additions this season. The only caveat to this prediction is that it assumes the continued health of key players. I believe that Jared Goff will take that next step in development and become elite. Team will try to stop Gurley, but Goff's connections deep to Cooks and the regular great play of Woods and the improved play of Cooper Kupp will make this offense better than last year. Gurley will be a monster, two years in a row. The Oline is a concern due to age, but I am gaining confidence in rookies like Noteboom and Denby, and Blythe is still there as a good back up. I would not be surprised to see Noteboom fill in for JB, and if he does well, JB may be on the outside looking in by Week 3.

Special Teams was a great strength last year, but we found out how important Greg the Leg truly was/is. When the replacement kicker (his name shall not be fickin mentioned!:redcard started looking like OldSchool after a couple of beers, trying/failing on easy kicks...Man, it seemed the confidence went out of the entire special teams squad, barring Johnny Hekker. Pharoh started having trouble with the ball??? Anyway, Legatron, Hekker, and Cooper will resume greatness in 2018.

The Defense, my Lord. Assuming AD's contract is worked out, our defense line may be the best in the NFL with Suh, Donald, and Brockers. Ebukam is doing WELL in camp and hopefully Longacre improved. John Franklin Meyers is also acting studly....Our LBers just need to be adequate for this defense to rock, but I think they will be better than adequate!. Talib, Peters, Johnson, and Joyner is the best Secondary in the NFL!

The Rams will have homefield throughout the playoffs, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host the NFC Championship Game, with long suffering LA Rams fans finally seeing a victory there after all of these years. Beating Jacksonville in the Super Bowl will almost be anti-climactic.

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-from-day-6-of-training-camp

10 Observations from Day 6 of Training Camp

1) The offense began Wednesday’s session running through a few screen plays as a group. Los Angeles performed them against air, and head coach Sean McVay wanted the pace to be quick as the offense got through each play. McVay seems pretty demanding when it comes to how quickly he wants to get each snap off in practice.

2) Back before practice started, Los Angeles’ quarterbacks were working on throws into the end zone. Once the offensive unit went into individual drills, the QBs threw those same routes to wide receivers in preparation for the one-on-one matchups with the cornerbacks.

3) Meanwhile, run game coordinator Aaron Kromer had the offensive line and tight ends practicing half-line drills. From the center over, Los Angeles’ line would have to run block different defensive fronts for particular plays — many of which they’d use during 11-on-11 drills later in practice.

4) One way Los Angeles maximizes the time available in practice is to have three quarterbacks throw to three receivers who are in on the same play. This only works during offense-only periods, as the offense is performing against air. But it allows each receiver to experience the rhythm and timing of the play and where they would catch a pass.

5) Notably during one-on-one passing drills with quarterbacks, wideouts, and cornerbacks…

• Wide receiver Josh Reynolds made a nice snag over cornerback Troy Hill in the back left corner of the end zone.
• Wide receiver Cooper Kupp used a move off the line to beat cornerback Nickell Robby-Coleman on the right side, then stretched to catch a pass before going out of bounds in the back of the end zone.

6) Kicker Greg Zuerlein had a banner day, nailing all of his attempted field goals during practice. During a special teams period, he sent 6-of-6 attempts through the uprights — including a long of 52 yards. That bested his previous long of 50 yards during open practice at training camp.

7) Zuerlein, however, wasn’t done. McVay set up a scenario where the offense needed to drive down the field at the end of the game for three points with just 57 seconds left and only one timeout. The first-team offense executed to get Zuerlein in position for a 52-yard field goal, which he hit perfectly. The second-team offense didn’t fare quite as well, ending up on the opponent’s 45-yard line. But Zuerlein came on and nevertheless nailed a 63-yard field goal.

It was a great moment for the kicker, in many ways signaling that he’s truly recovered from the back injury that sidelined him at the end of 2017.

8) Cornerback Marcus Peters has made his share of impressive plays throughout training camp, but sometimes even the plays he doesn’t make still turn heads. In 11-on-11 drills with the offense backed up, the cornerback was very close to making an interception and taking it back for six. But likely because it was practice, Peters pulled up just a bit so as to not make contact with the intended receiver. As McVay often says, the offense definitely feels Peters’ presence.

9) Following practice, quarterback Jared Goff joked that running back Todd Gurley has been happier since signing his contract extension and that the Georgia product has maybe looked a little faster, too. Gurley downplayed the notion he's faster, but he’s still clearly putting a lot of effort into practice. During an 11-on-11 period on Wednesday, Gurley ripped off a run to the left side and kept running all the way to the end zone — despite the whistle blowing to signal the end of the play. Throughout his career, Gurley has stressed the importance of finishing runs in practice. As what was probably a 90-yard run illustrated, he feels no different now.

10) Finally, once again, McVay had an extra period at the end of practice for some of the younger players to get more reps. Many of those third- and fourth-string players will be featured in preseason games. This was an opportunity for all of them to get more comfortable with the playbook, since many do not get to take snaps with the first and second string.

Will update with more info when available.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/Rich_Hammond/status/1024812508111024128?s=19

Another beautiful day at camp. Not many people today. Smallest crowd I've seen in the four camp days I've been to.

Bubbaram showed up, we perform our usual ritual and head to the beer vendors. Got to start camp off right! Walking to the beer vendors I hear someone calling my name. It's one of my former technicians whom I haven't seen in like 8 years! He's an avid Rams fan so we chat for awhile but I can tell Bubba is chomping at the bit to get that beer. So our journey continues.

While we're drinking in the designated drinking area, three of Bubba's friends from other boards show up. So the five of us head over to the bleachers at the 20 yard line anticipating the action will be heading our direction. When the 11x11 commence, they are going the opposite direction! So much for getting your seats early so as not to miss any action.

Practice was very purposeful, efficiently ran. All groups doing something at all times. Now that doesn't mean each playing is doing something, just different groups are doing their assigned drills. The feeling I get from this team is that they know what they are doing. They are going about their work like professionals. You can just tell this team is special and that feeling can be attributed to the head coach, Sean McVay. I sure hope he doesn't get himself burnt out!

I was trying to focus on the linebackers and I was able to see a couple of things. Scales has some work ahead of him. On more than one occasion, he is watching the play develop in front of him and it seems that he is unsure of what to do. I did watch him drop in coverage on a recognized pass play and started to move to his right and backpedal to cover a TE going up the seam. Then he changes his mind and moves forward and left to pick up a RB that is coming out on a screen at about the slot position. The play was a pass play that went to the opposite side of the field where the receiver makes the catch and is covered by the CB. I don't know what his responsibilities were on this play but that TE he started to cover was left wide open when Scales didn't stay with him as the help on the backend (safety) was really deep.

On another play, a run off the left side this time, Scales stayed in what I assume is his zone, read the play well, positioned himself to make a tackle but really on made token attempt to engage the RB. Now maybe that is because they are not supposed to tackle but I feel he should have charged forward towards the line of scrimmage to engage the runner. I may be wrong on this thinking but it just seemed not right to sit back and let the RB come to you.

So after some of these 11x11, the players broke off again for some drills. We had the OL and some DL players in front of us. They started doing single rushing/blocking techniques. Both lines would line up for the snap of the ball. When the ball was snapped to one of the coaches, a D lineman would rush a selected O lineman. They would continue with each position and player. This would give each O and D player an chance to engage in rushing and blocking. It was a full speed drill. The vets each got a chance and did their thing. The second string O line got more reps in and they all did very well keeping the defender from getting to the "QB" (coach). Those to take note of on defense was Tanzel Smart, Justin Lawyer, John Franklin-Myers. They worked hard.

On the offensive side centers Blyth and Allen looked good. BTW, Allen looks like a fireplug compared to the other linemen. Noteboom is the real deal. Good footwork and use of his hands. Lucas and Williams are servesable just not very agile.

The team went back to 11x11 with Mannion at QB. They ran a hurry up or 2 minute drill starting at the far 20 yard line. First two passes were to Higgbe on an out route. He caught them both and turned upfield. Of course, no one was around him to challenge him but it did look good. Everett also caught a couple for some gains. They move the ball down to around their own 40 (hard to tell as we were in the endzone seats drinking another beer at this point). GZ came in and hit the field goal with plenty of leg.

Now the first team comes on the field and they do the same drill. Todd Gurley broke through the left side of the line and ran full speed once he was open all the way to the end zone even though the whistles were blown to stop the play. That got the crowd all excited, cheering and clapping as he ran into the end zone. It was around this time that GZ came on the field and hit his 63 yard FG. Bubba said that was at least 55 yards. I just kept counting the yard lines to try and figure out how far it was. I all I knew at the time is that it was a long ways away and it cleared the cross bar by at least seven yards.

The last seven or eight minutes was the ones running plays going away from us. This was done at a fast pace, not a hurry up but quickly getting plays called and lined up. Just as in a game, there was no time to rest. It was a good series.

That's all I can recall for now. Maybe BubbaRam can offer up other tid bites as he was taking notes.

I'll be at practice tomorrow. I think I want to have some fun and follow the WR group.

Till next time,

Dale

Howdy Folks! Hot and humid today. Met VetRamFan and we decided to try and focus on OL and DL. We were joined by 69RamFan and PhoenixRising from RFU.

Rams came out and spent about 20 min stretching, then they all went to different areas in their groups, LB's on field 2 north end, DB's field 2 south end . DL field one north end.We had OL.

Kromer and his assistants were doing a lot of teaching. Looked like they worked on technique, hand placement, footwork, etc. Wished I could hear. Guys were going one on one with each other at a whistle while the rest watched. Nothing really stood out, but nice to see hands on teaching. TE's joined the OL and they all worked on blocking.

They spent a good part of practice 11 on 11. A lot of short passes and running plays. they rotated players. Offense 1's vs Defense 2's, O 2's vs D1's. O 2's vs D1's. 1st offense seemed to take the majority of snaps. Only players that didn't dress, Barron and Easley, who they had on the sideline hooked to a rubber bunji dragging an assistant back and forth for most of the practice. Mannion was back with the 2's DWilliams with the 2's.

Other than the starting OL of Whit, Saffold, Sully, Brown and Havenstien, they mixed and substituted a lot on both sides of the ball.. Lucas, DWilliams and NoteBoom took snaps at LT. Demby Noteboom and Neary took snap at LG. Blythe, Allen and Eldrencamp took snaps at C. Demby, Kolone and Neary took snaps at RG. DWilliams, Lucas and Noteboom took snaps at RT. Looks to me like Kromer was trying backups at a lot of different spots.

They worked on 2 minute drill about 20 minutes, 1st and 2nd teams got drives with good results. Goff looks sharp. Mannion moved the ball, Hit Cooper and Hemingway and Reynolds. A lot of TE ands RB targets. Greg the Leg shows no sign of having been on IR. He kept putting the ball right between the uprights and hit one over 63. that was with the D rushing.

After 1st 11 on 11 session we watched OL again. New drill. 5 OL, vs 1 DL 1st team OL and DL rotates guys against a different O lineman every snap. Whit, Saffold, Sully, Brown and Hav got a workout! First up DL participating: Bryant, Smart, Longacre, Franklin-Myers, Young, Lawler, and some others I couldn't see their # (they have their jersies rolled up. Sully would snap and take on a rush, next DL up would line up against Saffold and he would take the rush, and on and on. Guys that stood out were Franklin-Myers and Lawler. Most of them got stood up, But Myers got by Sully and Brown ands gave Whit all he could handle. Myers is Quick and strong.

2nd 11 on 11. More of the same, very intense, some good htting, DB's and WR's really trying to outdo each other. Great competition

Some observations VRF thought I should include that I missed: Mannion to Everett twice, Higbee 2x for Goff over the middle in traffic. Cooks delay crossing pattern from Goff. Gurley big yds on sweeps.

I have to confess We missed some because we got to yaking and weren't paying attention all the time. I stayed mostly by the OL and DL so I didn't see the other positions, only during the 11 on 11.

I reall haven't seen enough to make any kind of prediction or formulate an opinion on who is ahead of who. Just too early to make any determinations.

All in all, a very good high energy practice.

Hopefully VetRamFan will follow this up with some observations of his own.

We'll be back out there tomorrow.

NO INJURIES!

https://sports.yahoo.com/2018-nfl-preview-dream-team-rams-load-win-super-bowl-133348251.html

2018 NFL Preview: Dream team? Rams load up to win a Super Bowl

Frank Schwab
Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2018 6:33

It’s amazing how one throwaway comment from Vince Young stuck.

The 2011 Philadelphia Eagles spent big in free agency, Young called them a “dream team,” and every team from now on that gets aggressive in the offseason gets that label. Go search how many articles on the 2018 Los Angeles Rams use the term “dream team.”

Of course, those Eagles flopped so every future “dream team” will be met with skepticism. But good luck finding a major flaw for these Rams on paper.

The Rams had a remarkable 2017 season. Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and Sean McVay swept the offensive, defensive and coach of the year awards. Jared Goff, freed from a horrendous coaching staff, blossomed. The Rams were a strong team across the board. Even though the season ended with a playoff upset to the Atlanta Falcons, it was a fine season.

And if the Rams decided to run it back with basically the same young core, that would have been fine. That’s what most teams would have done. Instead, the Rams had one of the most aggressive offseasons in history.

They traded for cornerback Marcus Peters. Then they traded for cornerback Aqib Talib. That’s seven Pro Bowls combined. They traded for receiver Brandin Cooks, who has three straight 1,000-yard seasons. And then they signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a one-year, $14 million contract. Five more Pro Bowls.

Dream team it is.

Will it work? I’m not going to take the example of one Eagles team that failed and say it’s a bad idea to add four blue-chip players. Football Perspective found that the last team to add four players with a career approximate value of 12 or more (approximate value is a stat used by Pro-Football-Reference, like WAR for baseball) was the 1994 San Francisco 49ers. They won a Super Bowl. Another good example of a team hitting free agency hard and having it pay off is the Denver Broncos, who spent big under general manager John Elway and won four division titles and a Super Bowl with Peyton Manning. The Seattle Seahawks, like the Rams with Goff, took advantage of Russell Wilson’s rookie contract and loaded up for two straight Super Bowl appearances and one title.

Just because the Eagles failed doesn’t mean spending big in free agency is a bad thing. It doesn’t guarantee the Rams a Super Bowl, but it’s not accurate to invoke the 2011 Eagles, derisively stick “dream team” to them and drop the mic. The Rams have played this the right way: They saw an opportunity to chase a Super Bowl, and they didn’t wait to see what happened. They attacked.

Maybe it doesn’t work out. The Rams had a tremendous amount of injury luck last season and that might not repeat. Their schedule is tougher. Goff could regress after a tremendous breakout, and it’ll be hard for Gurley to repeat as well. Regression could even hit McVay, especially since the league had an offseason to scout his work with the Rams. The Aaron Donald holdout is troubling, and there’s no guarantee all the shiny new pieces fit. The Rams took on a few players who aren’t the easiest to deal with in the locker room.

If the Rams fail, it won’t be because they had a bad plan and it definitely won’t be from lack of trying. They’ve done everything they possibly could to maximize their chances of winning a championship, and that’s all you can do. The results will be fascinating to watch.

The poster is known as stlramz from the Herd board, a long time consistent quality poster, I might add.

Here’s stlramz...

So I made an unexpected family trip to LA so my 5 year old, who is a huge King Tut fanatic, can see the exhibit at the Science Center. Of course, since I was there . . . .I convinced everyone that a trip to the padded practice was both necessary and appropriate family time.

I will echo other comments about the facilities and the set up. I attended school at UCSD in the early 90s and the Chargers practiced at our school. I used to routinely attend practices to watch the chargers practice. That was like a high school practice (and kind of cool in that way) compared to the set up the Rams have.

Stan (who was in attendance at the practice) has a beautiful set up at UCI including a fan shop, a stage with music cranking and practice fields with fully covered bleachers. The fields span quite a distance so it would essentially be difficult if not impossible to observe all of practice because the units are broken up at different parts of the field.

I posted up in an endzone and watched the QBs work out, the OL work and then focused on the DBs. My take on the QBs differs a bit from the other posters. From my vantage point and because Mannion was apparently out on family leave, Brandon Allen got a lot of work. I was TOTALLY UNIMPRESSED by Mr. Allen. I would be surprised at the end of the day if he is kept around over L. Perez. Perez is raw but he has something. A confidence, a way he carries himself that just stood out to me versus Brandon Allen.

The QBs did quite a bit of work basically coming off an imaginary center, opening up their gate and flinging the ball to the perimeter. You can see how this type of play, where the QB basically just takes the snap turns and fires to the outside guy will take advantage of DBs playing off of Cooks et al.

Goff has definitely grown a bit simply in demeanor and confidence. I saw no hesitation. He appeared to be in complete command and while he attempted to throw balls in tighter windows, I wonder how much of this is a product of our DBs being OFF THE HOOK.

We are deep at DB. I completely forgot about Sam Shields and I was watching #37 move smoothly and quickly as if he was a seasoned veteran. Who T.F is that? I look at the roster, oh yeah, Shields. We are deep. KP had a pick, NRC locked down the slot, Hill looked fantastic and Peters and Talib when the season starts will be the best duo we had since Rod Perry and Pat Thomas patrolled the backfield.

I'll say it now, Wade is going to do real damage with this Defense.

On offense, I still think our TE's are underwhelming. I heard good things about Higs coming in but he still looks stiff to me. Tamarack Hemmingway is huge and looks healthy but he doesn't look at all like a natural pass catcher. G. Everett is our hope and he continues to show flash though he looks very lanky and basically a big WR.

Todd Gurley -- may have his new contract but that is a player that absolutely set the tone on offense. The rams ran numerous plays up the middle and though there was really no tackling, Gurley always made a point to run hard, run through the traffic and sprint the distance. It was clear he was setting the tone and tempo for the offensive guys. Malcolm Brown looks noticeably thinner and quicker but I think he will have some problems from Kelly, he appears to have "it" and I think will unseat brown before seasons out as the go-to back up.

The WRs and DB groups really appeared to be tight within their own groups. Kupp, Woods and the Archer all appeared to be genuine buddies along with Cooper and the rest of the unit. Same with the DBs with Talib being the Godfather and holding center court.

As practice broke, people headed over to the ropes where the players went back to the dorms. Many of the players stopped by to sign. I spoke with Johnny Hekker and told him that he was the only player I have ever seen on this team that has a real chance of matching / breaking Jackie Slater's team record for years with the club. Hekker immediately went into a full speech about how impressive it was for Jackie to do all those years from a tackle position versus a punter. Called Slater and absolute beast. I love that type of stuff -- knowledge of the past and respect for the studs that came before.

Brockers, Westbrooks, McQuaide, came by and chatted and then . . . . I spot Kevin Demoff slowly strolling through. No one says anything and finally, I call him over because no one is saying anything. He was very personable and I was making small talk with him as he was looking down signing people's hats etc and I say to him --- in full BS mode--: "I have a good source that says the final number is 6 years $22,555,522 per year" "The palindrome made me know it was legitimate".

His head literally snapped up and he turns to me and holds a stare for just a second. It was like he looked at me like "how the @#$%& does this guy have this information?"

Maybe it was just him running the figure I threw out to confirm it was, indeed, a palindrome -- one of his signature trademarks -- but his look was like I just guessed his social security number.

I add "the 6th year is voidable right? allows you to stretch out the cap hit?" He kind of chuckles.

Of course, I could be misreading him but I have seen that look before when you bust someone on the witness stand. So, my new prediction is Aaron Donald $22,555,522 per year for 6 years - 6th year voidable

I did ask if August 7th "was still the date" and he just walked away from me.

All in all an enjoyable day and well worth the trip.

... The more excited I become.

I’ve recently seen new camp reports that re-triggered me on this subject.

Think about it...

A DL of AD, Suh, and Brockers.

A secondary of Peters, Talib, Joyner, and JJ. With NRC in the nickel and Shields in at dime.

A few questions at LB beyond Barron, but apparently not really big questions, according to reports.

All directed by the Mad Scientist Wade Phillips!

Hot Damn!

And assuming that the Rams will frequently be playing with a lead? Geez...

This D could become a truly dominating unit that leaves opposing O’s few choices other than to pick their poison. Might need to be R rated viewing. Lol.

https://www.therams.com/news/8-questions-with-defensive-lineman-michael-brockers

8 Questions with Defensive Lineman Michael Brockers

Entering his seventh season, defensive lineman Michael Brockers is now one of the longest-tenured Rams. In fact, no one on the defense has been around longer than the LSU product, who was selected No. 14 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

After starting 2017 as a nose tackle, Brockers slid over to 3-4 defensive end during the Week 4 victory over the Cowboys. He excelled playing as a five technique for the first time since high school, finishing fifth on the team with 65 total tackles. He also racked up eight tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and four pass breakups in his first year under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

A veteran leader of the defense, head coach Sean McVay said this week that Brockers is, “a natural leader where guys kind of want to follow him. He’s got something about him that’s special.”

After the Rams’ first practice in pads, Brockers answered eight questions for therams.com.

1) How has 2018 training camp gone so far?

It’s going good, going good. We’ve been having some good battles back and forth. You like to see what we did today — hard-fought practices, battling. Offense wins some periods, defense wins some periods. So it’s a good camp so far.

2) What is the biggest difference between where you were last year and where you are this year at this point?

Last year we were learning the system, now we know the system and we’re grinding and learning the final details. That’s what we’re doing for the most part. A lot of the new additions — Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib — they’re catching on fast. So it’s just about learning the finer details within each and every play.

3) Fellow lineman Ndamukong Suh said the other day that defensive coordinator Wade Philips plans on moving all of you defensive lineman around a lot. How comfortable are you feeling with that?

Really comfortable because that’s what you prepare for when you play left and right, and you’ve been playing nose, and three-[technique], and five-[technique] over these seven years — you’re kind of prepared for everything. So for us, it’s a challenge learning both sides, learning to rush from both sides. So I think it’ll help us in the long run. People won’t know what packages we’re in.

4) You’re going to get more opportunities to rush the passer this year than you have in the past based on the position you’re now playing. Are you looking to really take advantage of that?

Yeah, for the most part, because I’ve been putting a lot of stress on myself, just critiquing my rushes, using my hands, so I can be a better pass rusher for this defense. If I know I’m going to get those one-on-ones, I have to win them. So I’ve been putting stress on myself, getting better.

5) When you say “putting stress" on yourself, do you mean losing weight? Or just working on technique?

A little bit, but for the most where I was last year is where they want me. So just staying around where I’m at — about 305, 300 — and just going. Just learning how to use my hands better, learning how to get upfield. In the five, it’s a little bit more space. So you have a little bit more freedom. So learning how to work in space, because you’re getting so close in the ‘three’ you get used to being in a box. So learning to rush with space.

6) Has that been much of an adjustment, working in space? How much do you like it?

This is my first time being in a five-technique since high school. So it almost feels new to me. I’ve just got to keep working at it, keep getting back into it, working my moves, stuff like that. But I like working in the phone booth. It’s what I’ve been doing for the last six years. So it’s newer, but it’s coming.

7) One of the aspects of training camp is building chemistry. Given your role as a defensive leader, how much do you feel like you’re a part of making the team jell?

I don’t know, man. Just lead by example, no let offs. Just bring everybody else in. We try not to make it, “This is my team, this is his team.” This is our team. You know? We’re all putting in the work to win games. So as long as we’re doing that, that’s all we can ask for. It’s the “We not me.”

8) What are your goals for the rest of camp?

Focusing on my little details. Learning the playbook a little bit finer, understanding how Suh plays — understanding how they want me to play. Now that I’m starting in this position, I know what I’m doing. So it’s just going out there, learning the finer details within each play, and being productive.

https://www.therams.com/news/the-sam-shields-story

The Sam Shields Story

The Rams have plenty of storylines to follow entering 2018.

There’s quarterback Jared Goff’s third year (second in McVay’s system), the new offensive option and deep-ball threat in Brandin Cooks, as well as the newly extended 2017 Offensive Player of the Year, running back Todd Gurley to watch.

And that’s just on offense.

The most anticipated show in Los Angeles this season is certainly the Rams’ defense, which features a cast of All-Pros in corners Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, plus defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald.

And the director? Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

With showtime approaching, one defensive storyline is beginning to take shape at training camp in Irvine. It’s the story of supporting cast member, veteran corner Sam Shields.

A mob of media members surrounded Shields following the much-anticipated first padded practice on Sunday. With players in pads, coaches are able to better evaluate the defense, work on the run game more realistically, and generally experience a more energetic session.

Sunday’s practice was of special significance for Shields, who the Rams picked up after he was released by Green Bay in February of last year.

The former Pro Bowler last wore football pads on Sept. 11, 2016.

That day, Shields suffered a concussion in a Week 1 contest against Jacksonville that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Due to the severity of the injury and a history of prior concussions, Shields elected to sit out the entire 2017 season in order to fully recover.

“Man it’s a blessing,” Shields said of his return to football. “I mean two, almost two-and-a-half years out and you know — it’s hard mentally for anyone to come back and put these pads on.”

Shields is currently slotted behind veteran Talib and former Chief Peters in the Rams’ secondary. While defensive stars like Talib and Peters show up in headlines, Shields offers an experienced professional resume and impressive skill set that may be overlooked according to head coach Sean McVay.

“He’s doing a great job,” McVay said of Shields. “He’s one of those guys — you talk about a lot of the big-time guys that we’ve signed, but I think people forget what a productive player Sam’s been in this league.”

To serve as a reminder: Shields won Super Bowl XLV as a rookie with Green Bay in 2010. In the NFC Championship en route to earning a ring, Shields was a nightmare for Chicago, recording four solo tackles, two deflected passes, two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble in a 21-14 victory.

Over the next five seasons, Shields routinely battled for a starting role and largely succeeded, serving as Green Bay’s No. 1 corner for much of his career… when healthy.

Injuries have plagued the 2014 Pro-Bowler throughout his career. In the Super Bowl, Shields injured his shoulder. In 2011, a concussion forced Shields to miss Week 7, and from 2012 to 2014 Shields missed games due to ankle, knee, and hamstring injuries.

In a “what have you done for me lately” business, Shield joins the Rams likely facing questions as to whether or not he will No. 1, return to the field with the same production before his time off, and No. 2, stay healthy.

Shield’s isn’t thinking about all of that. When asked if he is able to eliminate the fear of suffering another injury, Shield responded confidently.

“You have to,” Shields said. “Mentally you have to be strong and if you had those thoughts, you would be behind. So there’s no way I could have those thoughts — I just have to keep pushing.”

“Injury-prone” athletes fall under microscopes and even receive criticism. They can be written off completely, labeled as busts, and are often showered with “what ifs” and “if onlys.” While nothing is guaranteed in Shields’ return to football, he seems poised to excell, equally devoting his mind to a patient long-term recovery and the physical daily grind of playing in the NFL.

“I have a tough mind, I’m not going to lie — I guess that’s just a gift that I have,” Shields said. “I’ve been through a lot, I took time off and now I’m here and I’m doing a hell of a job.”

Coach agrees. In the first week of training camp, McVay said Shields has made an impression and has worked well with his staff.

“He’s doing a great job,” Mcvay said. “Elite man-to-man skills, unbelievable lateral agility and just short space quickness. He’s a great guy. Really been impressed with the way he’s been receptive to [cornerbacks coach] Aubrey [Pleasant] and [safeties coach] ‘E’ [Ejiro Evero] in terms of coaching him up on some nuances and maybe some fundamentals that he hasn’t worked on when he was in Green Bay.”

Shields’ mental strength is well supplemented by the physical abilities McVay called “elite.”

Just ask fellow “ball-hawk” in Phillips’ defense, Marcus Peters.

“Ball-skills Shields, man — cat-like movements,” Peters said on Saturday. “He’s an amazing ball player.”

“Ball-skills Shields,” a University of Miami product entered the NFL by beating the odds. Shields played wide receiver for the majority of his college career, switching to corner before his senior year at “The U,” after an underwhelming tenure as a wideout. In good time, the position change paid off and Shields was signed as an undrafted free agent in Green Bay.

Now with the Rams, Shields is facing an entirely new beginning with a different brand of odds stacked against him.

Joining the likes of fellow Super Bowl champion Talib and top corner Peters, Shields is expected to play an entirely different role than in Green Bay, providing support to the Rams’ talented secondary duo.

This fall, the time will come when one of Phillips’ All-Pro corners checks out of the game and slaps Shields’ hand as he steps on the field for the first time in nearly two years.

When that day comes, Sam Shields will begin to write the next chapter of his story. It’s the story of football player who forced his way in the league, shined in the spotlight, pushed his body to its limits, rested when he needed it most, and is wound up aligned with the stars in L.A.

Hiya.
So here's my donation to all of you Rams fans who didn't / couldn't / cannot get to the Rams training camp.
If a picture is worth a 1000 words then video is worth more?
Here's my footage from Saturday's Rams camp in Irvine, CA.

In it you'll hear me:

1. Remind Josh Reynolds how he's talented and appreciated.
2. Get a high five from Westbrook, after telling him my sleeping habits.
3. Tell Malcolm Brown he will have at least 4 TDs this season.
4. Get Hemmingway's attention.
5. Put up with a pretty annoying kid that kept calling the players by the wrong names and just saying "please...please."

Enjoy. Let me know how you liked it please.
You can see it here:

Login to view embedded media View: https://youtu.be/RWhs1FecAsE

I know some of you are still pi$$ed at him. But I was discussing this today at work with some other rabid fans (non-Rams fans but hey you gotta settle sometimes) and the difference in ownership is so profound that it deserves some conversation IMO.

Some of you don't remember this, but I recall clearly the team that Georgia mismanaged, or rather allowed her non-football cronies to mismanage. Shaw was a smart dude, not taking anything away from him, but he was too much beancounter and not enough football exec. And Ziggy, well, let's just say that words alone cannot explain how relieved I am to have an owner for my favorite team who is willing to build a knowledgeable front office that can hopefully sustain a nice window of success.

Even worse was the way she FIRED the son of the man who passed the team to her. What a damn joke that whole thing was holy F. I mean honestly, if I knew then what I know now (irt how important owners are) I would have found a new team.

Fast forward to now and we have an owner who immediately upgraded this franchise by hiring a good leader of men in Fish. Like him or hate him, he's at least an average head coach and that's saying something given what Stan inherited. Stan then allowed him just about a full term to install his team before moving on to one of the most brilliant and franchise-changing hires of all time for this team IMO.

I've given Kevin some flak here (before he actually started signing some of our top players) but it's pretty clear now that he and Les Snead make a good team in support of Sean & Wade. The franchise really is set up for long term success and it's in large part to the man who also solved the LA stadium issue for the league.

We are incredibly fortunate dudes. Our Rams are an elite franchise now. Hopefully big playoff wins that accompany and prove teams to be elite will follow sooner than later.

Hey what's up everyone.

I haven't been able to post too much due to my schedule and I hope this already hasn't been discussed.

ROD normally does a fantasy football league and I'm ready to redeem myself after last years dreadful outing.

Is there plans to start one in the next few weeks? Who's going to commiss and who is interested in playing?

I apologise if I'm jumping the gun on this, but I'm ready for some football!

I remember loving the offseason because we could go out and make our team better. And after Martz we rarely did... I remember signing a 3rd string linebacker to start for us on the strong side or a 43 year old tight end who went to 7 probowls back in the eighties when he was in his prime. I could be wrong but it always seemed like we'd miss on the homeruns and take the guys no one else wanted. and then BAM! this was fun to see! #! and 2 more in the top 5 (and then there's Suh). One year my 8 year old (then 5 or 6) asked me why we root for the Rams when they always lose and I told him it's because men don't quit and because it's important to be loyal. I'll be wearing my Bulger jersey to watch the Rams beat the Vikings this year just to show we always stayed loyal!

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...ctful-trade-acquisitions-rams-browns-power-up

1) Sounds like the timing on deep passes from Goff to Cooks is going well but a work in progress (some completions, some misses).

2) John Franklin-Meyers name is popping up a lot, already. That could be awesome for DL depth. Question though: Where will most of his reps come from through camp, OLB or DL??

3) Notebroom and Demby seem to be getting a number of reps. (Not surprising, in-of-itself) At this point, I guess all one can say is that they don't look lost and that they look the part... how will this evolve?

4) Not much word on how OLBs are looking yet. Only that Longacre is back. No real word on how Ebukam looks.

5) Has Barron practiced at all yet?? Sounds like Littleton has the Mike spot locked up. Wilson and Hager platooning at the other spot? (Wilson sounds like a great bargain pickup). Scales and Kiser sound like they'll have to show more when pads go on for them to dent the 1st string.

6) Secondary is as advertised. Lock Angeles. But oh, that depth! I can totally see why someone mentioned we might want that special dime personnel on the field more (3-2-6). Peterson could be the heir apparent to Talib if he ends up being a one year rental. Hill's no slouch. Joyner will earn himself a fat contract from some other team this year.

7) John Kelly looks like a find and an excellent option for 3rd RB. Bye-bye Davis.
'
8) Tight ends... Everett has improved, but by how much. Hemmingway quite so far seemingly. Highbee gets talked up by coaches but sounds like the same issues remain with catching the ball.

9) Depth at receiver is pretty good! Reynolds sounds like he needs to work on juggs machine tho.

Did I miss any observations?

.

https://sports.yahoo.com/pairing-nd...ance-theyre-not-ready-two-guys-220812867.html

Pairing of Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald have Rams thinking 'Ndominance' – 'They're not ready for those two guys'

Charles Robinson
NFL columnist
Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2018, 8:08 AM
IRVINE, Calif. – At one point this week in Los Angeles Rams training camp, as players trickled onto the field for workouts, three alphas moved in a cluster. Chatting, smiling and jabbing, the mini caravan of Ndamukong Suh, Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib – the newest jewels in a sudden influx of All-Pro defensive riches – arrived for work with most eyes fixed on them.

“We got some corners,” defensive coordinator Wade Phillips would say later, looking upon the group. “Not that we didn’t have some before, but we definitely got some No. 1 corners that can play. And obviously, Suh.”

Phillips paused for a moment and shook his head after a visitor asked whether the 31-year-old Suh might be entering the winter of his career.

“No, no, no,” Phillips said. “He’s still a great player.”


View photos
Ndamukong Suh (93) landed unexpectedly in Los Angeles this offseason. (AP)
Phillips is relatively low-key and unexcitable, but he accentuated that point about Suh. Not just a good player. Not just a big addition. But a great player. One whose pairing next to reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald will likely be the key to unleashing this Rams defense. Moreso than the addition of a pair of shutdown corners in Peters and Talib. While those corners will be vital to triggering Phillips’ defense this season, allowing for unparalleled aggression in the scheme, it’s Suh and Donald who will become the juggernauts used to batter offensive fronts this season. Like J.J. Watt in Phillips’ previous defenses with the Houston Texans, Phillips is counting on Suh to be an agent of destruction, both in flexibility of position and brute force of will.

“We’re gonna do him the same as we do Donald,” Phillips said of Suh. “When you get a great player, that’s what you do. He’s a good matchup in most situations and he’s smart, too. Like J.J. [Watt], it was the same thing with him. We could move J.J. around a lot, but he was also smart enough to know how to play it when he was moved around. Ndamukong, we’re going to move him around, sure. Middle pressure [on the quarterback] – we’re going to be No. 1 there with him and Donald. They’re not ready for those two guys.”

It’s a welcome proclamation for the Rams, after postseason meetings produced a very high bullet point on their list: find another big, disruptive defensive body. That was something the coaching staff and personnel department agreed upon after digesting film of the 26-13 playoff loss to the Atlanta Falcons. In that defeat, defensive end Michael Brockers went down with a knee injury and it deflated L.A.’s run defense. Ultimately, the film didn’t lie: The Rams needed more disruptive talent and depth on the line.

What they didn’t know was that Suh would become available in March. After piecing together a free-agent list of targets and some backup options in the NFL draft, general manager Les Snead’s heart leapt when he heard news that Miami was considering releasing Suh. It was the kind of gift from the heavens that rarely happens in team planning – and it quickly altered the course of some well-laid plans.

As Snead put it this week, “There’s a quote I like. Something like: ‘As the wind changes, you must adjust your sails.’ ”

It didn’t come without some thought, of course. The Rams had heard the same echoes as other teams – that Suh was (take your pick) quiet or finicky or moody … or just a loner who often went his way. His game? Like everyone else, the Rams went to the film to see if Suh had lost any of the tools that once made him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

And what did they see?

“Still a dominant player,” Phillips said this week. “He still dominates the people he plays. Let’s just say he Ndominates people.”

It was a corny joke. But deep down, it’s not a punch line. That’s what the Rams believed when they made their pitch in free agency, that they were trying to land Ndominant Suh. A guy with more elite seasons in the tank, who can create quarterback pressure from a nose tackle spot and be moved tactically along lines to wreak havoc. Not to mention be the missing piece that helps fine-tune the offseason additions of Peters and Talib, while also energizing the massive salary the team intends to (eventually) lavish on Donald, who hasn’t reported to camp yet because of a salary dispute.

Suh is buying that sales pitch – along with the idea of playing in the postseason for years to come, as he feathers his eventual Hall of Fame nest. What he isn’t buying is the idea that Miami let him go due to something skills-related. Or that he’s going into decline at 31.

“By no means do I think I’ve fallen off,” Suh told Yahoo Sports. “Nobody outside of myself will define where I’m at in my playing career. The one thing I will say is people look at age and ability through other people’s lenses – whether that’s media or other people’s opinions – rather than looking at the tape. If you look at the tape, I’ve been consistent. Consistently beating people, being successful.”

Now he’s part of what could be one of the most exciting defenses in the league this season, and if Phillips and the Rams see their wishes materialize, something more special: a unit of alphas that create a locker room environment and standard that sets a foundation for years to come. Much like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs did in their heyday with theBaltimore Ravens. Or Michael Bennett, Kam Chancellor and Bruce Irvin did during the recent peak years of the Seattle Seahawks’ defense.

Those were locker rooms where the standard and attitude was set high and competition was wound unbelievably tight – in the best possible way. If Suh, Talib and Peters can slide in with Donald and create a similar atmosphere, it promises to be something far different than what the Rams have fielded since returning to Los Angeles. Maybe championship-worthy. Maybe historical.

“We’ve got the talent,” Phillips said. “I don’t know. I’ve been a lot of really good defenses with a lot of players. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware in Denver. That was special. Reggie White and Jerome Brown with the Philadelphia Eagles. I don’t know. We’ll see.”

.

https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-from-day-5-of-training-camp

10 Observations from Day 5 of Training Camp

1) Before the first whistle of practice officially blew, punter Johnny Hekker was on the field practicing working on directional kicks to both the right and left sideline. The accuracy and precision with which he was punting the ball to equipment assistants 40-to-50 yards downfield was fairly remarkable — though not entirely surprising from the four-time first-team All-Pro.

2) Center John Sullivan was back in pads for Monday’s practice. He left Sunday’s session with trainers after sustaining a minor arm injury. Head coach Sean McVay did say following Sunday’s practice that he thought Sullivan would be OK. Sullivan’s presence on the line is a key factor in Los Angeles’ offensive success.

3) During individual drills, linebackers worked on securing tipped passes for interceptions. Linebackers coach Joe Barry would toss a pass for assistant linebackers coach Chris Shula to tip in the air about five-to-six-yards away. After the deflection, each linebacker would have to catch the pass for a pick.

4) Also in individual drills, cornerbacks worked on jamming receivers in the red zone. Each corner would line up opposite another in his group posing as a wide receiver. The corner would then have to get his hands on the receiver off the line and react to where a popular goal-line route was going. As one might expect, veteran cornerback Aqib Talib excelled at this particular drill — expertly reading the movements of younger DBs.

5) That particular cornerbacks drill is relevant because Los Angeles practiced red zone one-on-ones with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and cornerbacks. Notably from the period…

• Talib performed well covering wide receiver Robert Woods, blanketing him in coverage to force quarterback Jared Goff into some uncomfortable throws.
• Wide receiver Mike Thomas made an outstanding catch on the offense’s left. Goff delivered a back-shoulder throw, Thomas went up, secured the ball, and maintained possession and he hit the ground.
• Cornerback Troy Hill and wide receiver Josh Reynolds had two decent battles. On their first rep, Hill batted away a fade route. On their second, Reynolds got the best of the matchup with

6) In a later 11-on-11 period, Goff and Woods connected for what would’ve been a touchdown pass down the seam on the left. Woods was wide open on the play, as there may have been a miscommunication from the scout-team defense.

7) Talib and fellow cornerback Marcus Peters are always communicating on the field. During one play in 11-on-11 drills against the first-team offense, wide receiver Brandin Cooks got behind the secondary and was open for what would’ve been a long touchdown reception. However, the pass was just a bit overthrown and ended up incomplete. Nevertheless, Talib and Peters stayed in conversation all the way to the sideline to dissect exactly what went wrong, correcting it for the next play.

8) In a red-zone 11-on-11 period, Goff hit running back Todd Gurley over the middle for a touchdown pass. Not that there was any reason to expect something different, but it’s clear that Gurley will once again be a significant part of Los Angeles’ passing game in 2018.

9) Kicker Greg Zuerlein nailed all six of his attempted field goals on Monday, with the longest coming from 50-yards out. Special teams coordinator John Fassel said following practice that Zuerlein is “full go” after the back injury that landed him on injured reserve late in 2017. Fassel added that Zuerlein is likely “feeling as good as he has in years.”

10) After five straight days of practices, McVay shortened the length of Monday’s session and used the day’s last period to give younger players time for more 11-on-11 work. These plays didn’t quite feature “live” tackling, but the thudding was noticeable as players were probably trying to make a strong impression before the preseason games even begin.

@bubbaramfan posted this report in the camp day thread. I was a little concerned it might not get the exposure it needs so I'm copying it and posting it here for him.

Mods, if you feel the need to delete due to duplication, please do.

It's a very good write-up of today's activities. Enjoy.

bubbaramfan TC report 7-30-18

Howdy folks! Let me preface this report by letting you all know I have no background in journalism and am a Neanderthal and self taught on computers. Please forgive mis-spellings, bad sentence structure and punctuation.

Great day at Irvine, upper 80's and not a very large crowd. Hooked up with VetRamFan, had a beer (and no more) and sat on the south side of 2nd field. half way through Elvis from RamsFans United joined us. The team came out and stretched for about 15 min. then boke off into groups. OL and DL on south end of field 1 away from our vision. We had Coach Fassell and ST doing punts and kickoff coverage in front of us. Lots of players, mostly bottom tier, interchanging reps. Hekker focusing on directional punts, Cooper, Fred Brown and Kendal Thompson stayed back to field punts.
Most punters keep both hands on the ball until the foot comes up and hits it. Hekker is unusual in that he releases the ball from his grip about shoulder height, letting drop, putting either back or forward spin on the bal lwith his hands before it hits his foot, giving the ball direction when it comes down on the field. Was fun to watch him do this in practice.

Whistle at 15 min and group rotation. We get LB's for tip drills. One coach throw a ball about 10yds, another then tips in up, and players then try and recover while the other set up return. good drill.

whistle rotation. TE's and RB's short passes over middle w/ no D from #9 Perez #86 Mitchell is slow. Hemingway and Everrett quickest. Higbee biggest.

Whistle, rotation. 11 on 11. 1st team OL Whitworth, Saffold, Sullivan, (yes, Sullivan is OK and took a lot of snaps today), Brown and Havenstien. Gurley, Goff. WR's alternated between Woods, Cooks, Kupp, Reynolds, Cooper and Thompson. Defense 1st team rotated a lot of players in and out, with Bockers and Suh getting snaps at first then being pulled and Westbrooks, Joseph-Day and Omairus Bryant getting work with the ones. I saw a lot of switching around and different guys getting reps at different positions. Trevon Young, and John Franklin Myers saw a lot of work at DE. Franklin-Myers impressed me. He is quick off the snap and gets around the edge. Mixed up the LB's but Littleton, Hagar and Ebukam played with the ones.
Good pass rush but Goff gets the ball out quick. Good timing with wr's. Gurley is fast. Several deep balls Cooks got a TD, Reynolds dropping balls, at least three he should have caught. Thompson never even got a look.
Woods clearly the best WR today.

2nd team 11 on 11 started off with an OL of Demby LT, Noteboom LG (next play they switched and continued switching for several plays), Blythe C, (several plays , then Allen), Neary, Womac LG, and Corneilius Lucas at RT. Lucas played exclusively at RT. I didn't see anyone else but Hav and Lucas at RT. I don't think D Williams dressed, injury? Demby, Noteboom and Lucas looked to hold their own. Allen at QB, Brown, Davis and Kelly rotating snaps. Brown looks leaner and caught pass out of backfield, Davis has good lateral movement and is quick, but Kelly is fast and fights through traffic, got a TD. Going to be a battle between Davis and Kelly. TE's Higbee, Everett and Hemmingway all took snaps with ones. All got targets and all had receptions. Higbee a drop he should have had.

DB's Peters and Talib are the real deal. Great competition with WR's. they feed off each other. Hill and Peterson looked very good. Peterson getting in and getting his hands on the ball had an INT.

LB's, I think every one of them get in with ones or twos. this is getting sorted out still. Longacre got reps and then got sat. He looks fine.
11 on 11 over 40 minutes

Whistle, group rotation. 2minute drill. they did this in a kind of slow motion, with McVay jumping around on the field yelling instructions and pointing at people. , Clearly trying to get something across. Wished I could have heard what he was saying.

whistle, rotation. FG attempts with a D rush. I think this was a first for TC and Zuelien. Ball snapped at 35, making it a 45-7 yd FG attempt. GGreg nails the 1st three, putting the ball on the roof of the endzone bleachers. Greg's back is "back".

Whistle rotation. We didn't get to see much of the OL or DL. they were on the other field furthest from our view. We walked around to the endzone where McVay was in serious teaching mode of Goff, Allen QB, Kupp, Cooks, Woods and Gurley. He had Goff and Allen taking long snaps and getting it out of their hands as fast as possible, flinging it sidearm to one of the four. Curious drill.

That's all for now from my notes. There will be much more and VetRamFan and I decided we get more out by posting back and forth. Vet and I can't remember everything, but by posting we remember bits and pieces later so I'll be adding more later as it comes to me.

They have an off day tomorrow, and I intend to go again on Wednesday.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hv7joV9ufQfyYQyX6

Here are a few pics from today.

Met up with @bubbaramfan, had a beer (yes only one because when we went back to get another they stopped serving). He was taking notes and is going to post a review of today's activities. We both agreed that it would be better if we fed off of each others posts to allow some "total recall".

Most of these photos are of single plays with notable players being featured. Look closely to find your favorite and see how they performed.

GZ was kicking field goals today. Started at the 30, then the 35 and one last one at the 40. He made all of them except for the last one from the 40 (50 yards total). It hit the upright, would have been good if it went straight.

More to follow in our camp reports.

Take care.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oKsNd9DBgi2Xwz5y7

Here are a few pics from Sundays camp.

Let me know if the link works.

Thanks.

Behind Enemy Lines: NFC West Training Camp Preview
July 30, 2018 | By:Jake Ellenbogen

We have been following Rams camp consistently but the rest of the NFC West needs to be spied on. In this piece we go "behind enemy lines" and talk about the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals training camp buzz.


Arizona Cardinals


The Cardinals made some serious power moves this off-season. One of which was acquiring QB Sam Bradford via free agency. Bradford has since been named the starter by first-year Head coach Steve Wilks. The Cardinals also have 1st-round pick Josh Rosen and free agent signing Mike Glennon at their disposal as well. Arizona gets one of the best RB's in football back in David Johnson and just recently made a steal of a move picking up young stud safety Tre Boston. The team placed EDGE Markus Golden, TE Jermaine Gresham and CB Christian Campbell on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. Campbell, the rookie from Penn State has since been activated from the PUP list.


- WR Brice Butler is winning the starting gig at the moment next to Larry Fitzgerald. As far as reps go the depth chart would show Fitzgerald, Butler, J.J. Nelson, Chad Williams and Christian Kirk in that order.


- Newly-acquired CB Jamar Taylor has taken over as the starting CB alongside Patrick Peterson. Brandon Williams has practically been phased out in camp which leads Bene Benwikere and Lou Young to be the beneficiaries in what appears to be a souring on the part of the Cardinals organization on the former starter.


- Cardinals offense trying new formations and personnel. Most notably moving David Johnson to the receiver position in sub packages and bringing Fordham RB draft pick Chase Edmunds into the backfield.


Seattle Seahawks


Seattle saw the fall of Rome firsthand when the Los Angeles Rams ripped the NFC Championship out of their hands with authority last season. Now, the Seahawks seem to be trying to pull the parachute instead of trying to figure a way back up onto the private jet they they continue to free fall from. The Seahawks had a questionable draft which included drafting a 1st round RB that other teams had as a day 2 or 3 pick and trading up to draft a punter high. They added intriguing talents in Shaquem Griffin and Jamarco Jones but aside from that they just lost more than they gained. It doesn't help when All-Pro players like Kam Chancellor retire, Cliff Avril retires, Richard Sherman is released, Earl Thomas wants to be traded and the team loses Michael Bennett in free agency.


- WR David Moore is a camp standout so far. Seattle lost Paul Richardson to the Redskins in free agency and added veteran WR Brandon Marshall but they will certainly need consistency and perhaps Moore is the start of something exciting.


- S Bradley McDougald is the favorite to start next to Earl Thomas. McDougald has been lining up as the team's primary strong safety and will have a big hole to fill in replacing Chancellor. Another safety that has really emerged in camp is second-year safety Tedric Thompson who has made a couple of stellar plays in the secondary. Seattle also just signed Lorenzo Jerome and they have Mo Alexander as well.


- RB Chris Carson broke out last year and was the talk of camp, then he broke out during the regular season until a leg fracture ended his campaign early. Now, he's back and it's deja vu. Carson is by multiple reports "tearing up" training camp. C.J. Prosise appears to be the next back in line and then 1st-round pick Rashaad Penny, Mike Davis and J.D. McKissic round out the RB room. If Carson turns into an elite RB like he could do, it really makes you wonder what the point of drafting Penny was for.


- LB Shaquem Griffin has made some nice splash plays including and interception of Russell Wilson. He's definitely someone to watch for as someone to blow up in this defense.


- DE Jacob Martin, the rookie out of Temple has really showed his versatility and will give the Seahawks options to move him around as a pass rusher and run stopper.


San Francisco 49ers


The 49ers are coming off an outstanding end to the season. They caught fire after switching to franchise QB Jimmy Garoppolo. But here's the thing. The Niners still finished as a top 10 picking team in the draft. While they improved and have a great coaching staff, they aren't there yet. Playoff potential? Yes, but Super Bowl? Pump the breaks. Here's what has been said about the 49ers this camp season.


- CB Ahkello Witherspoon is getting destroyed. The second-year CB is just having a hard time and while these drills are often advantageous for the WR's, it still doesn't mean you should be getting destroyed by seemingly every one of them on the roster. Victor Bolden Jr.? Torched him. Richie James? Burned him. Dante Pettis? Dominated him. He's having a rough time, it's to be expected, he's still raw but not a good look.


- Speaking of Pettis, it appears he has sealed the deal as the return man going forward and has looked great fighting through contact off the line of scrimmage. Pretty much everything that had me calling him the top receiver is being displayed in camp. His flexibility and acceleration make it nearly impossible for cornerbacks to get the best of him.


- CB Richard Sherman is still obviously recovering. He's lost speed, he's not as young he used to be so that was obvious. Sherman was seen being blown away by WR Marquise Goodwin but then again most CB's are.


- RB Joe Williams in his second season has coaches and fans turning heads. The rest of the RB's look good as well which includes the addition of Jerrick McKinnon and Matt Breida but Williams has the potential to be really good and we pretty much already know how good McKinnon is.


- QB Jimmy Garoppolo struggled in his first padded practice with the deep ball. He still excels in the short and intermediate game which should leave 49ers fans with hardly anything to worry about. Garoppolo is in for a nice year if everything stays intact.


- LB Brock Coyle is standing out in camp. An unusual breakout in camp award would likely go to Coyle. Someone that many Niners fans would rather replace with newly-drafted Fred Warner. That's fine, Warner is very talented and I saw that first hand at the Senior Bowl but Coyle is not about to go down without a fight.


- RB Jerrick McKinnon we talked about earlier. McKinnon has essentially become Garoppolo's security blanket and could be in for a monster dual-threat season depending on how much he's leaned on. The 49ers love what he's done to the passing game.


- The Niners pass rush is struggling. Due to the fact Garoppolo has such a quick release, it makes it look even worse for the defense. The 49ers pass rushers are simply not flashing at all and look to be getting dominated by the offensive front.


So that's what has been said about camp so far for these teams. We will continue to monitor our NFC West foes some more down the line but for all Los Angeles Rams training camp coverage be sure to stay tuned to Downtown Rams.