https://www.therams.com/news/10-observations-from-day-1-of-training-camp

10 Observations from Day 1 of Training Camp
Throughout training camp, team insider Myles Simmons will share his top observations from each practice.

1) First observation is uniform related: The Rams got new practice jerseys. Gone are the royal blue practice jerseys the offense has been wearing for the last few years. In are darker navy blue jerseys with white numerals. The defense is still wearing white.

2) There’s also a new feature at camp — a small video board on the far end zones closest to the biergarten. It displays a high view of the plays just after they’re completed for on-field review.

3) After beginning with a special teams period — where the club appeared to be working on kickoff drills — Los Angeles’ offense began the session with ball security work. Head coach Sean McVay often began offensive sessions this way during the offseason program, too, signifying the importance of keeping possessions.

4) A McVay practice doesn’t seem to really start until the head coach gets on the field and starts covering receivers when they’re running routes against air. McVay did that early in the season on Thursday afternoon, seeming to work against crossing routes in particular to get his steps in.

5) Another staple of a McVay practice is tempo. The head coach was encouraging the quarterbacks and wide receivers to keep moving quickly in order to make the most of the allotted time in each drill.

6) For the first one-on-one drills of the year, Los Angeles’ quarterbacks and wideouts seemed to get the better of the secondary. Jared Goff completed passes short passes to Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods against Marcus Peters, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Aqib Talib, respectively. Each time, Goff had to fit the ball into a tight window, and he did.

7) Also in one-on-one drills, wide receiver Mike Thomas went up and snagged a pass over cornerback Sam Shields down the left sideline. It was a nice play for the third-year wide receiver out of Southern Miss.

8) It’s a small detail, but in 7-on-7 drills, Peters tried to rip the ball out of Cooks’ hands after a pass that would have moved the chains for a first down. It was a short throw — the offense needed only three or four yards — and Cooks had enough for it and had secured the ball. But it’s that kind of effort on the first day of camp in 7-on-7 that makes Peters such an elite defender. He does have five career forced fumbles — including three in 2017.

9) Also during 7-on-7 drills, linebacker Ramik Wilson made an athletic, juggling interception on a pass from Goff to tight end Tyler Higbee down the seam. The ball was well thrown, but safety Lamarcus Joyner, Wilson, and Higbee all converged toward the ball at the same time. With the ball tipped, Wilson nearly picked it off, couldn’t secure it, fell to the ground, and still couldn’t quite secure it. Though Talib almost picked up the still-live ball and ran with it, Wilson finally secured the pick.

10) It’s difficult to evaluate the run game when the team doesn’t have on pads. But there were a couple runs in 11-on-11 drills where Gurley burst through a solid hole from the offensive line and sped down the field for big gains. Goff joked in his press conference that there’s maybe a reason Gurley’s had a touch more pep in his step over the last couple days.

https://www.spreaker.com/user/downtownrams/dtr107

Jake brings on Charles Davis to talk about the NFL, the NFC conference and the Los Angeles Rams. In this episode, Davis breaks down the Rams roster, some potential playoff contenders in the league, his thoughts on Brandin Cooks and talks a little Madden NFL 19.

Well let me first say it was a very exciting Thursday and first day of training camp. Got to meet up with @LARams_1963 after a brief error in communication on my part. Enjoyed his company and he has got to have one of the coolest cameras I have ever seen. Hope he posts some vids and stills for us all.

I got there at 1:30. Went in through the new Fan Experience center. I wasn't going to but I'm glad the staff talked me into it. Got to meet Mike Lansford and Dave Hill. Pictures taken and printed out AND emailed on the spot. NO CHARGE! I was like a 12 year old kid being next to those two. I didn't know what to say! I must say the Rams are really catering to their fans. Every bleacher was under a tent this time. Not a big crowd at all today. Maybe 1/3 capacity. It allowed us to walk around anywhere and get right up to the fence line without some security person telling us to move back.

Also got to meet a couple of the cheerleaders. Very nice young ladies, both veterans of the squad.

Walked around the practice fields. Stopped by to say hi to Myles Simmons. We chatted for a bit and he told me that last year the Rams wanted to trade for Cooks but they didn't have the draft capital that NE wanted so they signed Watkins instead. Now we know why Sammy was such a late add. Snead working his phones.

Now I took a ton of pictures, like I usually do but somehow my camera settings were set wrong and they all came out far too dark. I'm working on cleaning them up and will post them later, like maybe tomorrow.

Question for you all, would you rather have real time updates and photos or a super wordy camp report later? I'm asking because I felt you all would like the real time stuff but it is difficult for me to do so effectively and still get the still photos with my camera.

Now for the camp report you all want. I'm going to make this short and sweet.

Brandin Cooks is fast and runs great routes. Can cut on a dime. It was fun to watch Peters cover him for he is just as good sticking to Cooks. Except...didn't see it develop but Cooks went down the left sideline and some how shook Peters, gained 3 steps on him but had to wait for the ball from Goff. Peters caught up and broke it up.

Talib and Peters are worth every cent we are paying them. Not many balls thrown their way during 7x7 and 11x11.

Sam Shields collided solidly another receiver during 7x7. It was a hard hit for no pads. Both players got up with no signs of injury. I guess Sam isn't worried about another concussion.

Watched Brocker and Suh pull a stunt that really put pressure on the QB.

Littleton and Hager were alternating in the middle.

Greg the Leg was not kicking field goals but doing a little punting with Hecker and McQuaid (the beard of consistency)

Sean McVay is everywhere! Always talking, coaching and at times playing cornerback. I missed one time when Sean was covering Cooks. I was trying to post an update to our board and I am just not very fast doing that. Missed a few things trying to update you guys.

Higbee is looking real good. He is a big, strong dude. Of course he looked good in previous camps to me and then we all saw him disappoint during the season. I sure hope this TE group can make a big contribution this season. Hemingway is back and looks just fine, no hesitation running his routes.

Nickell Robey-Coleman was looking good, nothing that stood out as bad, just glad to see him out there.

Could not see too much of the O-line or D-line.

Luis Perez is intriguing. He was at the opposite side of the field when the 3 vet QB's were throwing to wide receivers. Couldn't tell what the purpose of him having basically some one on one coaching. He was throwing to a couple of RB's and TE's as best I could tell. Out routes and slants, short stuff mostly.

John Kelly is very quick. Good cuts on screen passes. I think he is an easy upgrade over Lance Dunbar.

Malcom Brown looks much thinner, in a good way. Very toned.

Cooper Kupp is still the same. Great moves and good hands.

Robert Woods took Talib to school a couple of times. I feel he really is the best receiver on the team...at least until Cooks shows us something better.

Mike Thomas is a big dude! I thought he was a tight end because of his size and had to keep checking my roster. Him and Josh Reynolds, if they take the next step will be redzone demons.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something. When I get my pictures processed I sure there will be some memory recall. Tomorrow, Friday, is season ticket holders only (not me...insert sad face emoji). I'm planning on going back on Saturday.

It's getting late and I have to get up real early so for now, I hope you enjoy what I have provided and will strive to do better next time.

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Dieter Brock joins Jake Ellenbogen for Throwback Thursday:

https://www.spreaker.com/user/downtownrams/dtr106tbt

It seemed to work well last year to create a single thread for general camp updates and reports.

I know @VeteranRamFan is attending camp today and I know there are others as well.

Look forward to anything shared!


————

https://www.ocregister.com/2018/07/25/what-rams-fans-can-expect-at-training-camp-at-uc-irvine/

What Rams fans can expect at training camp at UC Irvine

IRVINE — As Les Snead and Sean McVay addressed the opening of Rams training camp Tuesday at UC Irvine, a popular topic was the new faces they’ll welcome Thursday to kick off camp and the need to successfully work them into the fold of an already loaded roster.

It helps that newcomers like Brandin Cooks and Ndamukong Suh and Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters arrive with impressive NFL resumés and track records.

Looking around the Rams training camp facility at UC Irvine, it’s obvious a handful of key offseason personnel additions won’t be the only new camp features.

UC Irvine is now in year three of serving as the Rams’ summer camp home, and much like the team itself, the facility has been under constant construction almost from the day the club returned to Southern California from St. Louis in 2016. And while the team-specific features come with an obvious objective – to create the best possible training environment from which a championship caliber team will emerge – another eye is laser-focused on accommodating the needs of another important group.

That would be the fans, many of whom devote entire weekends or, in some cases, burn through work vacation days to make their way to Orange County to get a glimpse of their favorite team.

Often on some of the hottest days of the year.

Making sure they’re happy and comfortable and entertained is a quest that, much like the process of improving the on-field product, is continually ongoing.

Which is why fans attending camp this year will be greeted by fully covered grandstands throughout the facility to protect them from the typically unforgiving late July and early August heat, along with a handful of other new features intended to make their experience as pleasant as possible.

“We took a hard listen to our fans last year and wanted to deliver on an elevated fan experience this year,” Rams Chief Marketing Officer Ronalee Zarate-Bayani said. “And we wanted to make sure they could enjoy the entire experience with their families in a comfortable way and really take it all in.”

Rams camp at UC Irvine opens Thursday and runs through Aug. 16. They will open 12 practices to the general public. Friday’s practice will be exclusive to their current season-ticket holders and fans who have already purchased season tickets to their new stadium in Inglewood scheduled to open in 2020.

So, essentially, the Rams have two weeks to put their best foot forward. On the field and off it. Once camp concludes, the club returns to its practice facility in Thousand Oaks, where regular-season workouts are closed to the public.

Sign up for Home Turf and get exclusive stories every SoCal sports fan must read, sent daily. Subscribe here.
As a result, the chance to intimately connect with fans during training camp is not taken lightly.

Said Zarate-Bayani: “We have these 12, 13 days for the fans and we just want to make the experience is as good and comfortable as possible so they can enjoy what they’re there for: Having a good time with their families. Enjoy the start of the football. To see the coach and players in action for the first time.”

Among the features this year:

Expanded Fan Zone and Kid Zone: This opens two hours before practice starts – the area begins when fans first walk in with giant RAMS letters, a DJ, face painting and a virtual reality gaming tent. The Rams Fan Zone will occupy an expanded footprint allowing more fans to access the space. Fan Zone will feature interactive photo experiences, enter-to-win opportunities and more. Children ages 5-14 who visit the Rams Kid Zone will have an opportunity to be selected for post-practice autographs from Rams players as well as participation in Helpful Rams Rookie experiences. Those selected for the Rams Rookies program will receive a Rams Rookies shirt and will be paired with a player during that day’s autograph signing. Following the signing, the Helpful Rams Rookies will be able to receive autographs and help their paired player carry his equipment off the field.

Shaded bleachers: All bleachers surrounding the practice fields will be shaded so fans can stay cool throughout the duration of practice. Seats will be occupied on a first-come, first served basis, so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Expanded beer garden: Double the size of last year, the new Beer Garden will span both practice fields.

Fan Tunnel: For the second consecutive year, fans will have the opportunity to form a Fan Tunnel when the players take the field for practice. Each practice, 20 fans along with a guest of their choosing will be selected to form the tunnel. Fans must pre-register for the chance to take part in the Fan Tunnel and will be notified by the Rams 48 hours in advance of their respective date. To register, visit TheRams.com/trainingcamp.

Among the dedicated giveaway and special days:

Season-Ticket Members and SSL Holders only day: The Rams are opening practice Friday to Season Ticket Members and Seat License Holders. All Season Ticket Members and Seat License Holders in attendance will receive an exclusive members-only T-shirt giveaway.

Opening Weekend Kickoff Festival: Saturday’s festivities will feature interactive games, music, giveaways, and appearances from Rams legends, cheerleaders and Rampage. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to receive a Rams’ backpack.

Military Appreciation Day: All veterans, active military members, and their families on Monday will receive a Rams-branded Salute to Service flag.

Youth & Community Day: Various community groups will be in attendance Saturday, Aug. 4, to enjoy practice from a hospitality tent. Fans in attendance also will have the opportunity to receive a Rams-branded mini football.

Vamos Rams Day: Fans can enjoy a day of entertainment and activities Saturday, Aug. 11, to celebrate the rich Latino culture of the Los Angeles region. Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to receive a “Vamos Rams” flag giveaway.

Never listened to mason and Ireland but I like this Steve Mason guy . He made really good points about the Rams and truly believes in this team.

I was hoping Steven A would be there today but dominique foxworth was there and he believes Jared Goff was good last year because of the screen pass.....lol wow

Foxworth says Goff was good last year because of the weapons around him.
Mason says Goff is developing into one of the best QBs and he is playing better than Jimmy G.
Foxworth says
"it's not like Goff is throwing the ball down field"
" Any QB could throw a screen, credit to Mcvay for the long pases "

Foxworth is talking crazy, has no stats or proof just says Goff is mediocre .
Watch this clip if you want a laugh

https://www.therams.com/news/rams-place-joyner-on-nfi

The Rams have placed safety Lamarcus Joyner on the non-football injury list.

Los Angeles had its annual conditioning test before the start of training camp on Wednesday.

Joyner will be eligible to come off NFI and practice whenever he is medically cleared.

Entering his fifth NFL season, Joyner has three career interceptions, 4.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Los Angeles moved him from slot corner to safety in 2017 - Joyner's first season under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

https://www.therams.com/news/ebukam-enters-camp-poised-for-starting-role

Ebukam Enters Camp Poised for Starting Role

Second-year linebacker Samson Ebukam addressed the media upon arriving at UC Irvine for training camp on Tuesday. Ebukam, shaded from the Southern California sunshine by a large L.A. Rams straw hat, took a variety of questions surrounding L.A.’s defensive additions and his upcoming season as a first-time starter.

Last year, Ebukam contributed from lower on the depth chart, recording 31 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and one forced fumble, appearing in all 16 games of his rookie season.

Approaching his sophomore season and opportunity as a starter, Ebukam is ready for the spotlight. When asked if he felt any pressure facing a starting role, the Eastern Washington product and former fourth-round pick said, “no, not really.”

"I try not to put any stress on myself,” Ebukam said. “You know, I just try to handle what I can handle and trust the coaches.”


Ebukam responded in an equally cool manner to questions regarding the Rams’ strength at linebacker compared to the defensive line or secondary, which both received special attention this offseason with the additions of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib.

“I don’t see it [the linebacker position] as a question mark — we just restart. It’s a business, but you have to have that ‘next man up’ mentality and that’s what we’re taking,” Ebukam said.

Ebukam is indeed the ‘next man up’ for the Rams’ defensive unit and will share his first year as a Rams starter with the All-Pros who have created a non-stop buzz in L.A. Ebukam beamed for the cameras when asked about playing alongside Talib, Suh, and Peters, and then sympathised with Rams’ opponents.

“I wouldn’t want to go up against our defense,” Ebukam said, earning a laugh from those in attendance. “You know, I feel really good. I feel like if everything comes together, just like coach [Wade] Phillips has been talking about, then it’s going just to be a great defense.”

How great?

“It’s going to be one of the best defenses that he’s ever coached,” Ebukam finished.

Ebukam’s high hopes for the latest edition of Phillips’ defense comes just over a month after the defensive coordinator expressed high praise of Ebukam’s work ethic and ability. In June, Phillips said his outside linebacker had “a tremendous spring” and all but penciled in Ebukam as a starter in his defense.

This mutual confidence between Ebukam and Phillips entering training camp should sit well with head coach Sean McVay’s “We not me” mantra. McVay is well aware of his players’ confidence and spoke about just that in Tuesday’s opening press conference.

“We have a confident team...you like that confident swagger,” McVay said. “But you also want to make sure that there’s a humility that exists where you understand you got to earn it every single day with how competitive this league is with great players and coaches.”

Despite expressing great confidence in his ability, defensive counterparts, and legendary defensive coordinator, Ebukam confirmed feeling butterflies entering his second NFL training camp — some combination of nerves and excitement.

“Oh yeah, it’s going to take a few days to calm the nerves and all that,” Ebukam said. “I’m more excited this year than last year.”

Sorry I havent been on awhile. I hope everyone is having a good summer. This is the first offseason where I kinda could chill out and not think about football 24/7 because I was truly pissed off with the past year results. I hope we can repeat what we did last year and have more success.

Now we are at Training Camp and I cannot wait for the season to start. Who's house?

We can expect them to start piling up over the next few weeks ....

And they have already begun ....

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/nfltrade_rumors/status/1022152983570735105

I have a feeling there will be more than a few of these so just going to start this up. Here's the guy slated to succeed Robert Quinn.

https://www.therams.com/video/samson-ebukam-training-camp-arrival-press-conference

Tonight, McVay will be featured in HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. By now, most of you fanatics who scour the internet for everything Rams, will have seen the clips with McVay's phenomenal recall on display.

It amazing how he can recall/analyze past plays from years ago, that may inspire offensive ideas today. The system McVay uses seems to be hard for any DC to breakdown and predict how to counteract. Even with a whole summer, how does a MLB on the opposing side analyze formations in a few seconds, from which several different plays can be run? McVay has a mind that can recall almost every play he has called, and also every play that he has admired which other teams have run. How can we improve over McVay?

Sign Sean McVay to 10 year contract, Mr. Kroenke.

Jake and Joe Curley break down the re-signing of Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald's potential contract and who could be next after Donald to get a big bag of cash with the Rams. https://www.spreaker.com/user/downtownrams/dtr105

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...kings-afc-east-ranks-last-even-with-patriots/

2018 NFL Divisional Power Rankings: AFC East ranks last even with Patriots
The Patriots are a part of the NFL's worst division

If you were hoping that this would be finally be the year where the Patriots' stranglehold on the AFC East came to a crashing end, you might want to just go ahead and give up on that hope, because it doesn't look like it's going to happen, and that's because the Patriots are likely going to have zero competition in 2018, thanks to the fact that they'll be playing in the worst division in the NFL.

That's right, the AFC East has officially reached rock bottom, at least according to the 2018 version of our divisional power rankings. Although the Patriots are expected to contend for a third straight AFC title, it's hard to picture anyone else in the division doing any damage in the NFL.

For every step forward the Patriots took this offseason, it seems like the Jets, Dolphins and Bills took three steps back. The biggest and most glaring difference between the Patriots and the other three teams in the AFC East is that New England actually knows who its starting quarterback is going to be this year. With less than six weeks to go until the start of the regular season, it's still a total mystery about who will be under center in New York or Buffalo. Although the Dolphins know who their quarterback will be (Ryan Tannehill), there's still some mystery surrounding him and that's because it's been more than a year and a half since Tannehill has taken a regular season snap.

Basically, it's good thing the Patriots gave us all this offseason drama, because when it comes to the AFC East and who's going to win it, there's rarely ever any in-season drama.

So where did every other division end up in our rankings this year?

Let's find out.

8. AFC East
It's a good thing Tom Brady's Facebook documentary was called "Tom vs. Time," because if it had been called "Tom vs. the AFC East," it would've been boring and predictable and no one would have watched it. The Patriots have won an NFL-record nine straight division titles, and at this point, it seems that the only thing that might end that reign is if Brady or Bill Belichick decides to retire.

A big reason the AFC East is ranked dead last in our division rankings is because it feels like the Patriots are the only team with a shot at the playoffs. So yes, that means six weeks before the season starts, we are totally writing off the Bills, Jets and Dolphins.

Although the Bills made the playoffs last season, it's hard to see them getting back in 2018 after losing their starting quarterback (Tyrod Taylor) and 60 percent of their starting offensive line (Richie Incognito, Cordy Glenn, Eric Wood). Not to mention, there's still a chance that this LeSean McCoy situation could end up with him missing a game or two. Those losses are ugly, but the Dolphins might have actually lost more talent, with Ndamukong Suh, Mike Pouncey and Jarvis Landry all leaving Miami through free agency or trade. Surprisingly, the Jets might be the most improved team in the division, but when you're as bad as the Jets were last year, it's almost impossible not to improve.

The NFL loves the idea of parity, but unfortunately for the league, the AFC East is the division where parity comes to die. RIP parity.

By the way, we'll find out pretty quickly if the AFC East is as bad as we think it is, because the division is matched up against the AFC South (ranked as the second worst division) this year.

AFC East out-of-division record in 2017: 21-19 (6-10 vs. NFC South, 9-7 vs. AFC West, 2-2 vs. AFC North, 4-0 vs. AFC South)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC North and AFC South

7. AFC South
If there's any part of this ranking that's going to be thrown back in my face multiple times by the end of the 2018 season, it's probably the fact that the AFC South is this low. However, there are several reasons why a division that sent two teams to the playoffs last year is ranked as the second worst division in the NFL.

For one, this is a divisional ranking and the AFC South has been absolutely atrocious when playing against other divisions over the past few years. In 2017, the four teams in the AFC South combined to go 15-25 in non-divisional games, which was the worst record of any division in the NFL. It wasn't just 2017 either, the AFC South has had a losing record in non-divisional games nearly every year for the past decade. The last time the AFC South had a winning record in non-divisional games came all the way back in 2009 when Peyton Manning was still playing for the Colts. To put that in perspective, since 2014, every other division has had at least one winning record against non-divisional opponents.

The AFC South has also more question marks than pretty much every other division this season. If the Texans are good this year, their training staff should win the team MVP award and that's because Houston's success is going to depend on the health of guys like Deshaun Watson and J.J. Watt. Although Watson looked good last year, he's only started six career games, so there's no guarantee he's going to be a star in 2018. As for Watt, he's coming off his second serious injury in two years and hasn't played a full season since 2015. Of course, Watt now looks like the Incredible Hulk, so it won't be surprising at all if he makes it through the season and destroys everyone in his path.

As for the other three teams, the Jaguars are going to have a target on their back after getting to the AFC title game last year and both the Colts and Titanswill be dealing with the learning curve that comes with hiring a new coach. Not to mention, the Colts will likely be starting a quarterback who hasn't played a regular season game since the 2016 season.

That's a lot of question marks for a division that always seems to struggle. Basically, for the AFC South to be great this year, everything is going to have to go right, and everything never goes right in the NFL.

AFC South out-of-division record in 2017: 15-25 (10-6 vs. AFC North, 4-12 vs. NFC West, 0-4 vs. AFC East, 1-3 vs. AFC West)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC East and AFC East

6. AFC North
If these rankings were based on the top-three teams in each division -- or if the Browns didn't exist -- the AFC North would probably be ranked a lot higher here. However, the Browns do exist (if going 0-16 counts as existing), which means we have to punish the AFC North accordingly.

The Browns were literally the only reason the AFC North struggled in non-divisional games last year. As a division, the four teams combined to go 17-23 in non-divisional games, and the Browns definitely didn't help things by going 0-10 (The Steelers, Ravens and Bengals combined to go 17-13).

Although the Browns seem to get better on paper every year, someone seems to be throwing that piece of paper into a giant bonfire, because the improvements never seem to translate to the field. However, maybe this year will be different. The Browns have added a quarterback (Tyrod Taylor), a receiver (Jarvis Landry) and a running back (Carlos Hyde). Although those moves were impressive, this "Office" spoof is still the Browns' best move of 2018.

Of course, even if the Browns are bad again, the rest of the division should be good. In Baltimore, Joe Flacco will be playing for his job, which is good news for the Ravens, because the only time he seems to play well is when he's under an absurd amount of pressure (See: 2012 playoffs). As for the Bengals, someone finally talked Marvin Lewis into adding some offensive linemen, which means Andy Dalton is actually going to have some protection. On the Steelers' end, with Le'Veon Bell likely done in Pittsburgh after this season, everyone there is well aware that the Super Bowl window is closing fast. After struggling through 2017, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see the AFC North produce three playoff teams in 2018.

AFC North out-of-division record in 2017: 17-23 (6-10 vs. AFC South, 6-10 vs. NFC North, 2-2 vs. AFC East, 3-1 vs. AFC West)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC South and AFC West

5. NFC West
The NFC West might be the hardest division to rank and that's because you could make a strong argument for putting it almost anywhere in these rankings. Want to put it higher? Well, you have a whiz-kid head coach who went 11-5 in his first year (Sean McVay), you have a quarterback who's never lost a start in his career (Jimmy Garoppolo) and you have a QB-Coach combination in Seattle that's been to two Super Bowls together over the past five years. The NFC West also went an insane 12-4 against the AFC South last season.

Of course, the argument for putting them lower is that the 49ers defense will be taking plenty of question marks into 2018 and Jimmy Garoppolo can't go undefeated forever, no matter how handsome he is. The Seahawks have been losing players left and right. As a matter of fact, if you were to call Seattle's defense a shell of its former self, that would arguably be an insult to shells. In Arizona, the head coach and quarterback both retired, which isn't an ideal situation for any team.

On the other hand, the Rams built an all-star team this offseason, they have no weaknesses and after they win the Super Bowl, we'll probably have to move the NFC West up in the rankings next year. For now, the NFC West is in the fifth spot, and that's mostly by principle: The division didn't have a winning record against any other NFC division in 2017.

NFC West out-of-division record in 2017: 22-18 (7-9 vs. NFC East, 12-4 vs. AFC South, 1-3 vs. NFC North, 2-2 vs. NFC South)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC North and AFC West

4. AFC West
The AFC West is the highest-ranked division in the AFC and that's because it feels like the one division in the conference where any team could finish .500 or above, or even win it, and yes, that includes the Broncos, who went just 5-11 last year.

Every team in the division seemed to add at least one major upgrade. The Raiders added Jon Gruden, the Broncos signed Case Keenum and the Chargersseemed to make all the right moves this offseason, even if star receiver Keenan Allen seemed to hate some of them.

The two biggest moves from the Chargers came in the form of signing offensive lineman Mike Pouncey and drafting defensive back Derwin James.

Ironically, the team with the biggest question marks heading into 2018 is the team that won the division last season. If you're scoring at home, the Chiefstraded away their starting quarterback (Alex Smith), their best defensive back (Marcus Peters) and lost their offensive coordinator to the Bears (Matt Nagy). You could also argue that they overpaid for Sammy Watkins. Of course, the Chiefs have made the playoffs in four of the past five seasons, so we're going to give Andy Reid the benefit of the doubt in all of this and pretend that he knows what he's doing.

AFC West out-of-division record in 2017: 18-22 (7-9 vs. AFC East, 7-9 vs. NFC East, 1-3 vs. AFC North, 3-1 vs. AFC South)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC West and AFC North

3. NFC East
If you want to start a debate that might turn into a bar fight this weekend, just go up to a group of people and ask them who the best quarterback in the NFC East is. The one reason we're ranking this division so high is because it feels like the NFC East has the best group of quarterbacks of any division in the NFL, behind only the NFC South.

Although Eli Manning has struggled over the past few years, the Giants have been him in a position to succeed in 2018 by drafting a running back and beefing up their offensive line. If Manning can't figure things out this year, that probably means it's time to retire.

On the Redskins' end, they added Alex Smith, which is good news for coach Jay Gruden because Smith is basically a more talented version of Andy Dalton. That's only notable because Gruden spent three years with Dalton in Cincinnati (2011-13) and turned him into a serviceable quarterback. If Gruden can turn Dalton into a playoff quarterback, there's no telling what he'll be able to do with Smith.

As for Dak Prescott, he's in the most tenuous position this year, and that's because he doesn't really have anyone to throw the ball to. Although the Cowboys have added Allen Hurns and Tavon Austin, they definitely still don't have a true No. 1 receiver, which isn't good news for Prescott.

With Carson Wentz, the guy just won a Super Bowl and the Eagles rewarded him by adding Mike Wallace. Of course, Wentz isn't completely healthy yet, which is why it's hard to decide who the best NFC East quarterback is going into 2018 (We could also throw Nick Foles into the conversation, but we won't).

Although the NFC East didn't take the top spot in our rankings, it does feel like the only division in the NFC that could legitimately be won by any team. (Sorry Bears, we're not giving you a chance in the NFC North. Sorry, Bucs, we're not giving you a chance in the NFC South and sorry Cardinals, we're not giving you a chance in the NFC West).

NFC East out-of-division record in 2017: 20-20 (9-7 vs. NFC West, 9-7 vs. AFC West, 1-3 vs. NFC North, 1-3 vs. NFC South)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC South and AFC South

2. NFC North
The NFC North arguably has the best quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) and the best defense in the NFL (Minnesota), which instantly puts it into the conversation for best division.

The only thing holding this division down over the past few years has been the Bears, and for once, it looks like they might be ready to turn things around. Not only did the Bears hire an offensive-minded mad scientist as their coach (Matt Nagy), but he hired another mad scientist to help him run the offense (former Oregon coach Mark Helfrich). This would basically be the same thing as putting Guy Fieri and Gordon Ramsay on the same cooking show. I have no idea what would happen in that situation, but I would definitely want to watch.

As for the Lions, although you can't buy a Super Bowl, they did the next closest thing: They signed LeGarrette Blount. Blount has won two Super Bowls in a row -- with New England (2016) and Philadelphia (2017) -- and probably wouldn't have signed with the Lions if he didn't at least think they were playoff contenders. The hiring of Matt Patricia also brings some serious Super Bowl experience to Detroit.

On the Packers' end, they also made some pretty high profile additions. Not only did the Packers sign Jimmy Graham, but they finally made a switch at defensive coordinator by hiring Mike Pettine. And then we have the Vikings, who signed Kirk Cousins and Sheldon Richardson.

If we were ranking divisions based on who had the best offseason, the NFC North probably would've taken the top spot. Unfortunately, that's not how we're ranking things here, so they'll have to settle for the second spot.

NFC North out-of-division record in 2017: 22-18 (6-10 vs. NFC South, 10-6 vs. AFC North, 3-1 vs. NFC East, 3-1 vs. NFC West)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC West and AFC East

1. NFC South
After sending three teams to the playoffs in 2017, the NFC South basically gets the top spot by default. Sending three teams to the playoffs is almost unheard of in the NFC: Before last year, no NFC division had pulled off the feat since 2007 (NFC East).

The crazy thing about the NFC South's performance last season is that the division basically came two plays away from sending two teams to the NFC Championship. If the "Minneapolis Miracle" doesn't happen in the Saints-Vikings game and if the Falcons convert a fourth-and-goal from the Eagles' two-yard line in the final minute of that game, then we get the Saints hosting the Falcons for the NFC title.

Let's also not forget that this division has produced the NFC's Super Bowl team in two of the past three years. Oh, and this division also features two of the past three MVPs (Matt Ryan and Cam Newton) and one quarterback (Drew Brees) who's finished as runner-up for the MVP more times than anyone else this century (three times).

Although it's going to be hard to top what this division did last season, it might actually happen, and that's because you could argue all three of these teams got better. The Saints finally added a pass-rusher (Marcus Davenport). Cam Newton finally has a receiver to throw to (Torrey Smith) and the Falcons are finally starting to look comfortable in the system that was implemented last year by new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Of course, if Julio Jones misses any extended time at training camp, then you can just forget all the nice things we said about the Falcons and go ahead and write them off.

You may or may not have noticed that we have yet to mention the Buccaneers, and that's by design. With an impossible early schedule and a suspended quarterback, it's probably going to be Tampa's fault if the NFC South doesn't finish the 2018 season as the best division in football.

NFC East out-of-division record in 2017: 25-15 (10-6 vs. NFC North, 10-6 vs. AFC East, 3-1 vs. NFC East, 2-2 vs. NFC West)

2018 out-of-division schedule: vs. NFC East and AFC North

So a 2 months ago I fell off my staging about 7-8'..landed on my ass. Only thing hurt was my ego at the time. After a few days I was right as rain. But last month I started getting some shooting pains from my right butt cheek all the way down to my right foot. Now I dont trust doctors (long story, no need to go into it) so it was basically self-diagnosed as sciatica.

I started out just taking some Motrin to deal with the pain whenever it flared up. I have adopted a new stretching routine every morning that seems to help a lot, and have gone for some massage therapy ( no happy endings ya pervs) but I still am in pain on a regular basis. Wife wants me to go to an acupuncturist to see if that helps but I am hesitant on that.

The good thing about it is it flares up when I sit down for too long, so I have been extremely active, from running at least a few miles a day, taking the pups on hikes, and basically getting stuff done around the house. I just hope it goes away by football season so I can sit my ass on the couch for 10 hours on Sundays Lol


Thats it, just thought I would vent a little bit

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...Dominique-Easley-ogbonnia-okoronkwo-pup-list/


Knew Oko-octane would be on the PUP and Easley makes sense coming off an ACL and as many guys they have to evaluate in camp.

In Easley tweets he's said his knees are stronger than coming into camp last year and he's ready to go now. McVay being "smart" about it.

it simply amazes me how ESPN broadcasts today five tier levels for QB’s and lists Goff in the fourth category. There’s NOTHING statistically from last year to support such an evaluation. There can only be a slow witted bias from the Fisher era to support this thinking. They claim it was a culmination of 50 talent evaluators that produced this drivel. I suppose they credit everyone BUT Jared for leading the league in scoring last year but these same baffoons simultaneously claim the QB position is the most impactful player on any team. To me, this is as accurate as my weather app that says 0% chance of rain for the day as it’s storming outside. There is no accountability in sports journalism or weather forecasting.

Rant complete

Just heard it from Cowherd on 570am here in LA

We had 6 captains last year.

Johnny Hekker, Andrew Whitworth, Alec Ogletree, Connor Barwin, Trumaine Johnson and Todd Gurley.

Three of those guys no longer play for us.

With camp beginning this week. Who do you believe exits with the captain role?

I think the 6 I'd guess with are. . .

Hekker
Whitworth
Gurley
Goff
Talib
Donald (assuming he's in camp relatively early)

Dark horse would be Suh or one of Barron and Littleton

Don't be a pussy, let's hear what you got! Here's mine:

Rookies...
1. C/OG Brian Allen wins the RG job for the first two games.
2. DE Franklin cements himself at 2 on the depth chart at DE.
3. TE McElroy makes the cut by the skin of his ass.

Vets...
1. TE Hemingway doesn't make the cut.
2. RB Brown fends off competition to keep the 2 spot.
3. CB Shields doesn't make the cut.
4. QB Allen wins the backup job.

https://www.therams.com/news/rams-rookies-arrive-for-their-first-training-camp

In a few weeks, college campuses across the country will be milling with freshman, eager to start their college career. On Monday, the University of California Irvine welcomed an entirely different group of newcomers: the Los Angeles Rams’ rookie class.

The Rams’ rookies reported to their first NFL training camp throughout the day, zipping through UC Irvine’s Campus Village on golf carts packed with luggage. Among the group of newcomers is center Brian Allen, defensive end John Franklin-Myers, both fourth round picks in this year’s draft, as well as running back John Kelly and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day.

Here is what they had to say ahead of their first NFL training camp:

https://www.therams.com/video/brian-allen-training-camp-arrival-press-conference

BRIAN ALLEN


What did you take from mini-camp and OTAs? “Digesting the playbook — that whole first wave of being here — that was the biggest thing that had to happen. You know, then being away and having that time to reflect on it. I think I’ll be better now that I’m here and have that under my belt, repping the playbook and being around the guys in the o-line room.”

JOHN FRANKLIN-MYERS

What's it like coming into camp after all the big additions? “It's just a learning curve. You get a chance to learn from Michael Brockers, from Aaron Donald, from [Ndamukong] Suh. And you just learn so much, it's kind of hard to grasp it all. But I think that's the point of being here, is the chance to work with those guys and learn from them, and make my game that much better so I can help the team.”

Any jitters, nervousness for the first day of camp? “I don't think I'm nervous. I think I'm more excited and anxious for the opportunity. That's all you can ask for is an opportunity, and I try to make the most of mine.”

https://www.therams.com/video/sebastian-joseph-day-training-camp-arrival-presser

SEBASTIAN JOSEPH-DAY

Does it feel different approaching your first pro camp vs. a college camp? “Oh yeah, for sure. Being in college, you're so used to that kind of lifestyle. And now, this is going to be a complete different ballgame. So I'm going to be a sponge, I'm going to learn as much as I can. I'm going to stick around the vets, stick around the guys who do it right — guys like Suh, like Brockers. Just soak up as much information as I can to give myself the best opportunity to perform.”

Gotten any advice/words of wisdom from guys? “It's a grind, man. It's a grind each and every day. Get ready to bring your lunch bucket and get to work. So I'm excited. I feel like Rutgers did a good job preparing me in that kind of aspect, that every day is a grind. So, obviously, the NFL is a whole different ball game. But I'm excited, man. I'm excited to get to work.”

JOHN KELLY


What do you think you can add to practices, whether it's personality wise or skillset? “Oh, enthusiasm. I feel like consistently every day, I go in with the same attitude, with a positive attitude to bring up anybody that's kind of feeling drowsy or whatever before practice. So I feel like I'm going to bring a great, positive attitude every day.”

Are you looking forward to working with Todd Gurley? “Oh yeah. TG's going to be... I can't wait. I like competing with TG. We've got some good running backs in our room so I'm excited to get back with these guys and get to work.”

https://www.therams.com/news/jared-goff-arrives-for-2018-training-camp

This isn’t Jared Goff’s first rodeo.

The Rams’ starting quarterback checked into training camp at UC Irvine for the third time on Monday, comfortable with his surroundings and looking forward to the upcoming year.

“I’m very excited to get down here,” Goff said on Monday. "I love it down here in Irvine. I think all the guys are very excited to get going again.”

There’s certainly a difference with Goff entering 2018 than in years past. He’s no longer a rookie, or a young quarterback with a new coach and a new system. Instead, he’s a leader for a team that has high aspirations and expectations.



But that doesn’t mean he’s all of a sudden going to change his daily approach.

“I think you see every year there are teams that get that type of label and often fall short, and you wonder why. I think that’s something we can’t really focus on,” Goff said, adding L.A. must “[t]ake every day like we have the past year and build off of what we did in the spring.”

“We've got all the pieces we need, we just need to put it together and continue to work hard every day and put all the pieces together,” Goff added. “Like I said, every year there’s teams with talent, we have talent, but what are we going to do to separate ourselves from the other teams? Continue to prepare and be the best we can be throughout this training camp and this season.”

Similarly, he expects to see an unchanged Sean McVay in his second season as head coach.

“I think he’s going to continue to grow as a coach and as a play-caller and as a leader of our team,” Goff said. “But I think he’s going to be the same guy that he’s been.”


The 23-year-old quarterback described a fairly low-key summer break, spending a week at home in the Bay Area and a little time in Lake Tahoe. But he was around L.A. last week when the club signed wide receiver Brandin Cooks to a five-year contract extension, as Goff made his way to the organization’s business headquarters for the occasion.

“Excited for Brandin, excited for our team, and he deserves it,” Goff said. “He’s put a few 1,000-yard years together, and I know we’re excited about what he did in the spring for us. His addition with Robert [Woods] and Cooper [Kupp] — I feel good about where we’re at with the receiver position.”

While Cooks was slated to be the only new starter on Los Angeles’ offense, right guard Jamon Brown’s suspension means the club will have at least two new faces when Goff lines up behind center for Week 1. Goff addressed the news about Brown, saying it’s something the club has been preparing for.


“Not concerned. I think Jamon — that was a mistake he made years ago. Obviously, he publicly feels bad about it, but he’ll be OK,” Goff said. “He’s a big piece of our offense, a big piece for our success. And we’ll miss him for those first two games, but someone will step up and step in there just fine.”



As for Goff personally, the signal-caller mentioned getting the ball out quicker and taking fewer sacks as a pair of his objectives for training camp.

“Just to continue to grow, continue to get better,” Goff said. “Continue to get the ball in the playmakers' hands and let them run with it, distribute.”

And being more of a veteran means he does have a better idea of how to best use his time during camp.


“You can kind of figure that stuff out throughout the schedule,” Goff said. “Just time management. When it’s time for a nap and 30 minutes of film or something like that. You just figure out little pockets of time that you can use to your advantage.”

Goff and the rest of the Rams will take the field for the first time in camp on Thursday at 3 p.m.