I rewatched the game and I'm even more impressed with Mannion, he got hit he faced pressure but he didn't get rattled. A lot of people have issue with his lack of foot speed but one thing he could always do is move around in the pocket and that was evident. He went 90 yards in 4 plays. Earlier in the game he was overthrowing Reynolds but he kept taking those shots I haven't seen that many deep passes in a game in a long time and then finally they connected, the ball just dropped out the sky right into Reynolds arm. Mannion is improving every year some people even said he wasn't a NFL qb but all he is doing is taking care of the ball and scoring touchdowns

Goff had a few bright moments, but it's fair to say that he did not take another step up from his play vs the Raiders. Hope he gets a few snaps with the ones vs the Packers. He needs it.

I had hoped for more from Watkins thus far. Where is the chemistry with Goff?

Mannion is coming along. Hope we don't need him this year, but if we do I don't think all is lost.

Hope McVay knows what he's doing in resting so many starters last night. Very unconventional and contrary to what he had earlier proclaimed that he would do. Last minute decision by coaching staff? And if so, why? Head scratcher for me.

I really like our RB position corps. Don't think Green now makes it.

I'm not yet comfortable with our OL right side. Step back from vs the Raiders, don't you think? Two steps forward then one step back for right side starters? Kromer's decisions on OL backup keepers will be interesting, too. One of the most important position groups to follow. Honestly, I don't know how to handicap these backup player prospects. Gotta trust in Kromer.

Too bad about Hemingway, but I still like our TE position. Really like it. And I like the idea of keeping Harkey on the 53, too.

What can I say about the WR corps? Top 3 are solid and Cooper and Reynolds have really impressed me. Thomas had a good game vs Raiders. We're beyond okay at WR now, y'all. Reynolds, in particular, really stood out last night to me. Great pick in the 4th round. I think he's gonna be a future star, tbh. Tavon who? Lol.

Yeah, our backup DL was overmatched. But what should we have expected vs the Charger ones? I think Wade wanted to see his backups throughout his D last night. Gave him good film to study before final cuts are here. More about that in a moment.

We seem deep at LB to me. A pleasant surprise from my OTA expectations. Are we gonna keep 8 or 9? So many LB's have flashed this preseason. Love it.

CB will be fine. Lots of options for backups. Almost too many, huh?

Same thing at S. Lots of options.

Couple of things that I suspect...

Wade likes his projected starters. I mean, he likes them a LOT. So much so that he chose to rest so many of them all preseason so that he could get looooog looks at the many quality backup candidates for the 53. A very nice position for an elite DC to be in, don't you think? I predict a top 5 D under Wade this year (I'm assuming a healthy Quinn and AD getting his extension handled soon).

McVay has the weapons in place for Goff. Absolutely no remaining doubt in my mind, anymore.

Watkins (star quality)
Woods
Kupp (gonna be a star this year)
Reynolds (gonna be a star)
Cooper
Everett (potentially a star quality TE weapon)
Higbee
Gurley

It all depends on Goff and the right side of the OL. There will be ups and downs, but I'm fairly confident about Hav and JB. By game 6, if not sooner, they should be really clicking.

Goff can play in this league. He can make plays that few other QB's can make. But he simply has to go through the learning process as he masters the intricacies of QB play at this level. But I'll say this. He will not lack for quality coaching and quality O weapons. The Rams are loaded in both areas. No excuses allowed in either area. None.

Color me optimistic about our overall prospects for this season. I stand by my 10-6 prediction.

I'm saying 3500yds 31td's 17ints and silencing all the doubters along the way.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...osen-deshone-kizer-as-qb-will-announce-today/

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Report: Browns have chosen DeShone Kizer as QB, will announce today
Posted by Michael David Smith on August 27, 2017


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DeShone Kizer appeared to do enough to win the Browns’ starting quarterback job on Saturday night, and Browns coach Hue Jackson is set to make it official on Sunday.

Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports that Jackson has chosen Kizer over Brock Osweiler and Cody Kessler, and Kizer will start the season against the Steelers on September 10. Jackson will inform the team today and then announce the decision publicly, according to the report.

The rest of the Browns’ quarterback depth chart remains unclear. Cabot reports that fourth-stringer Kevin Hogan, who played well on Saturday night, may not only make the roster but even leapfrog Kessler on the depth chart. Also unclear is whether Osweiler will be on the team at all, or whether the Browns will move on from the former Bronco and Texan who started Cleveland’s first two preseason games.

A second-round rookie, Kizer has undeniable physical talent and has shown flashes of brilliance, although he’s also struggled to throw accurately consistently in the preseason. But the Browns are a team building for the future, and they’re hoping Kizer can prove he’s the quarterback of the future.

3rd preseason game and he goes 5-8 what the hell is the plan?

I don't want them stinking up the first half of the season figuring out the offense. Why wasn't this a full game for the 1's? At this point Mannion has gotten the majority of the preseason and is more game ready than Goff.

I don't like it.

I watched the fight shortcut style on YouTube. The fight starts just short of 10 minutes in.

McGregor got away with way more that a typical boxer would have. If this wasn't the spectacle that it was and was a typical boxing match he may have been DQ'd, he would have at least had points taken away in two rounds.

A lot of writers are giving him credit for "landing punches" but IMO that's an insult to punches. They were taps and slaps pretty often. He did land some good shots, no doubt about it, but he's getting credit for way more than he should IMO. And a lot of the punches in the last few rounds had nothing at all behind them anyway.

Mayweather had the right plan, go back and forth a few rounds to see how McGregor was going to approach the match. Once he got him pegged it was just a matter of time, though I thought the ref would have let Mayweather finish him since it was only a matter of a couple or few more shots before McGregor was going down.

Both of these guys are so dis-likable it's no wonder the PPV was so huge. Everyone was tuning in to see one of them get knocked out.

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The play that I really didn't like was the one right before the Bosa hit. We had second and seven from the eight yard line. Goff's primary receiver (Higbee) was covered so he threw it over his head. Fouts even commented that it was a smart throw. Judging by Goff's body language after the pass though, I'm not convinced he was throwing it away. I think he just missed him.

When I first watched the play live, I thought he was throwing the ball away. That's what I didn't like. He had a wide open running lane to his right where he could have bought some time and found an open receiver. It also appear that Woods was open around the two yard line on a slant. If he was throwing it away, he needs to learn to scramble and wait for a receiver to get open. Throwing it away just because your primary receiver is covered doesn't cut it, especially when you're down in the Red Zone. You never know what's going to happen on the next play. Goff's pocket presence concerns me. I hope McVay has drills in mind that can work on that. Thoughts?

Most football stadiums run north-south (hence the term "north-south runner" for power backs), but the Coliseum is actually an Olympic Track stadium that faces east-west.

That means in the late afternoons, whichever team is driving to the west will have the sun directly in the QB and O-Line's faces. Not to mention in the faces of the special teams guys on punt and kickoff returns.

And whichever team is driving east will have the sun in their receivers' eyes when they turn back to locate the ball.

Which is worse? Is there a way the Rams can factor in sun into their coin toss game plan?

Obviously we didn't have a lot of key starters, particularly on defense. Lot of matchups were basically doomed to fail and it showed in the way we were dominated early on. That said, this is game 3 of preseason and the first half tends to be a bit of a litmus test for what to expect and from that perspective there are definitely concerns still for myself at least:

OL. Right side got manhandled in pass pro. They got manhandled in some run plays too vs the Chargers starting front (Chargers DL was pulled before the LBs). Not a surprise for anyone who has been paying attention, but after how they looked vs Oakland it's a little disappointing. Murphy needs to be cut, the guy has absolutely no business playing on the edge at this level. I'd like to go further, but want to be sure before I call guys out. And I'm sure some others here can comment on those types with more certainty.

WR. It didn't seem like guys were getting the instant separation we saw vs Oakland. Before this game I was interested in seeing who was going to step up into that go-to void in Kupp's absence, and it seemed like we had some good options from Woods, to Watkins, to even the TEs. Watkins, in fact, was a key for me, since I felt like his talent would allow him to show well after his self proclaimed week and a half learning the system, but he was a complete non-factor.

What irks me too is that Spruce couldn't take advantage of the opportunity to get on the field because he was injured again. And of course Tavon is poised to ride in on his white horse and make a big impact right?

No. My take on WR is pretty simple at this juncture: if they don't have Kupp it's going to hurt. With Kupp they have a guy who can make it all work, who brings size and quick route separation to open things up on key downs/distances. Kupp is absolutely critical to this offense, at least up until we see Watkins begin to flex his ability in this scheme.

TE. Expected to see Higs and Everett shine, and the two did make their presence felt, Higs with the PI after he had to slow up for the pass when he had clearly beaten his man and Everett in some short stuff. But neither really looked like security blanket type options just yet. I think the world of Everett, but he is a rook so IMO we still do need Higs to step it up. Hemingway injury was unfortunate, real bummer there. Still waiting on TE to step it up.

QB. Not going to go all nuts about Goff's outing as there will be plenty of it here and elsewhere. He did some good things, but that was not the demonstration I wanted to see. And I did not like the way McVay avoided going back to him and allowing him to put that ball back up and redeem himself. It's a concern for me. Mannion looks like a solid backup.

Defense. So many guys out that all I'm going to say is they'd better improve in their run defense. Guys were out, understood, but man. That was an ugly showing and it compounded the way the game unfolded early on.

Special teams. Our returns haven't looked too good, right now that's my main concern with the ST. A lot of guys getting trucked or run by and very little lane availability. I have faith in Bones, but it's not just him as his teams are dependent upon depth cuts prioritizing teams. So gonna wait and see and hope it improves.

As disappointed as I am about tonight's performance by the Ones, I can't say how impressed I was watching this old man run after Ingram's AND ALMOST CATCHING HIM near the end zone. Whit has no quit in him.

I might get his jersey.

The Rams are definitely lacking a pass rush. Sure, Quinn & Barwin sat this game out, and Donald is out for however long, but if there has been one thing missing in every pre-season game, it's a consistent pass rush, whether from the interior or from outside. And yes, i'm concerned. Quinn could be the key to this whole thing, so his health & conditioning must be back to 2013/14 levels or we may be in some trouble defensively. Phillips will coach his heart out, but you still need those specialists who mess with the QB's timing. Whoever returns or however healthy they may be going forward, pretty sure the Rams will be shopping for a premier pass rusher in next years draft. jmo.

I live in South Florida and not only watched the Eagle Dolphin game Thursday night but listened to the buzz all week about how great Wentz looked during the joint practices.
The word was the ball never hit the ground and then he looked very good in the game.

Then I watch tonight and can't help but wonder what could have been. This is on Fisher to me and now it's up to McVay to make Goff better. Don't want to hear about his age or the line, the bottom line was Wentz looked better in every aspect leading up to the draft and Fisher blew it big time.

Here's hoping that McVay can work wonders and this isn't another long season.

Our defense seems to be more a back up defense, more and more every week in preseason. If we see essentially this same personnel grouping in the regular season, a disaster has struck the team. This 2nd team defense is going against Phillip Rivers, a borderline Hall of Famer that is coming to this game with a game plan. DMarco Farr said it well when discussing how the Dline should be composed if Donald is gone week one in the regular season. He said that Brockers should be moved from nose tackle to 3-tech, because he is the best remaining lineman and shouldn't be the guy just tying up the Olinemen...Let some other guy do that, unitl AD returns..Now, we don't have Donald or Brockers, so I expect a big game by Gordon (sadly) gashing us up the gut. WHICH of course opens us up for a big day against our improved secondary...In addition, Ogletree is out. I'm just hoping to see a calm Jared Goff stepping into the pocket and making good decisions without his reliable go-to guy in Cooper Kupp...

I'm hoping to see Goff/Gurley rack up the points, in keeping up with the Chargers offense.

• 2017 LOS ANGELES RAMS PRESEASON

Five Bold Predictions for the Rams’ Future Preseason Victory Against the Chargers

Get ready for a big spoonful of spoilers as I triumphantly return to my Los Angeles Rams guessing game.
by joeyaucoin Aug 26, 2017, 4:30pm CDT


Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images
So, after last week’s preseason victory against the Oakland Raiders, I’m feeling a bit cocky about my bold predictions. Let’s take a look back, shall we?

Jamon Brown is going to keep his job in a triumphant effort.

Maybe that wasn’t so bold because of the lack of depth, but whatever. Brown wasn’t a garbage fire and some would argue that he was pretty OK. See? I’m great at this.

I see Watkins with two targets and one reception for 8 yards.

That is some Scooby-Doo level of spooky. Seriously. Check the box score. Ok, I only got the yards and not the number of catches. Minor detail.

The rangy wideout is going to make the plays of the game, making a spectacular diving catch in the end zone — twice.

That was my prediction for Josh Reynolds getting two touchdowns, which he got one. You know what? Typing this out, it’s not as impressive as it was in my brain. Still bold, though.

Justin Davis will not fumble the ball and he will turn heads, break ankles, and prove to the coaching staff that he should be the backup to Todd Gurley

OK, so he didn’t turn heads or break ankles, but Davis didn’t have any fumbles. Baby steps.

I am now done with my insufferable bragging. On with the boldness for the preseason matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers:

1. RB Malcolm Brown is going to be the star of the game, breaking several runs in an impressive showing that will place him as the clear backup to Todd Gurley. 95 yards on 13 carries and 2 touchdowns.
2. LB Corey Littleton is going to get a sack and a half in a dominant performance. This guy is hungry to prove himself and tonight is going to be a persuasive argument that he belongs on this roster. Speaking of Corey, that’s kind of a rough name for a football player. You know what’s a great name? Matt Longacre. But Corey? Littleton? Not intimidating. However, I feel that Littleton is going to get over that massive obstacle by smacking Phillip Rivers into the turf one and half times.
3. And how about 2 interceptions for everyone’s favorite 3rd round safety, John Johnson? Number 43 has looked good in practice as of late and it’s time for the rookie to shine. This guy also has a lot of personality, so look for him to talk a lot of trash to the Chargers receivers (before their inevitable limping off to the locker room to get examined).
4. Sadly, my boldness doesn’t always go positive for the Rams. I feel that QB Jared Goff is going to sling it a little too aggressively tonight, tossing 3 interceptions to the other team. But he’s still going to make some great plays because he’s my favorite player on the Rams and I can’t go too negative on the guy. #GoffProBowl2018
5. And lastly, TE Tyler Higbee is going to prove me wrong that he’s the most overrated player on the Rams. He’s going to light it up tonight, especially with his blocking (he probably got yelled at for his terrible blocking all week by his coaches this past week). Higbee has a lot of potential and I feel that he’s going to put it together tonight with a spectacular touchdown reception from Sean Mannion in the second half.

Those are my five bold predictions. Do you agree or disagree?

Let’s scream our heads off for the Rams tonight as they destroy the Chargers in a beautiful display of dominance. And remember, rent is due on the 1st.


https://www.yahoo.com/sports/m/2ed5...98f893a/ss_five-bold-predictions-for-the.html

I'm listening to the ESPNA LA pre-game show with Eric Davis and other guys whose names are not memorable. Sideline reporter Dmarco Farr is on with them and all of a sudden the opinionated ex-49er is no longer the cocky ex-football playing know-it-all. It was like a power shift that you could feel, because Dmarco takes second pace to no one, when it comes to analyzing a team that he has intimately known for 11 years. I have to admit that Farr used to annoy me, especially when they pushed Jim Hannifan out covering the St Louis game broadcast to make room for him..But the guy is razor sharp on comebacks and isn't intimidated by Davis. Farr should be in the booth and not in the lesser on-the-field role of sideline reporter.

ttp://www.therams.com/videos/videos/Everett-Makes-Nice-24-Yard-Reception/7816078c-b681-4aa0-994b-dc9832684e4b

Everett Making Early Offensive Impact
On 2nd-and-2 from the Oakland 47 Saturday night, quarterback Jared Goff dropped back, went through his progressions, and dumped a pass off to tight end Gerald Everett.

Everett had lined up in the backfield, but had made his way into the left flat after Goff’s play-action fake to running back Todd Gurley. Everett caught the pass at about the line of scrimmage, but then the rookie turned on the jets, darting down the left side. Then he put on the brakes with a juke, inducing a defender to fall out of his path. The rookie then gained about 10 more yards before being tackled for a 24-yard gain.

It was the second example of Everett creating extra yards with his evasive moves in two weeks. In Everett’s debut against the Cowboys, he shook off two defenders on his way to a nine-yard gain for his first professional reception.

“That’s just what I was really coached to do in college,” Everett said after Saturday’s game. “And [tight ends] coach Shane Waldron, [head coach Sean] McVay did a great job of illustrating the importance to me of tight turning and knifing up the field because you never know who’s behind you.”


In two preseason games, Everett has made six receptions for 42 yards — including four receptions on four targets against Oakland. The rookie looks like he’s feeling comfortable in the offense, and said as much on Saturday.

“A couple more games under my belt and I’ll feel, probably, more fluid,” Everett said. “But I felt like I had no hesitation tonight — came out, got the play call, and I was confident in what we were doing.”

Everett will have two more exhibition contests to get acclimated before the regular season begins on Sept. 10. But for now, Everett looks like he’s making the progress needed to play a significant role in Los Angeles’ offense this year.

“It’s still early in the preseason so the game will get much faster in the regular season, I’m pretty sure,” Everett said. “But as a rookie, I’m just trying to get better. But I feel like I'm pretty comfortable in the offense and the flow of the game.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think Everett has more to give than just going on short routes and gaining YAC like he did here. This play put Everett in a nice position against a Lber in space. I think Everett can be moved around the formation even, out wide. Here he was offset in the backfield. I'm surprised he hasn't been sent down the seem on a deeper route yet. He is the fastest TE and has the best hands. He should be a great red zone target too.
Tonights game with out Kupp could give Everett the opportunity to show more than a short pass option.
Thoughts.

It's a sign from the heavens I tell ya! Did you see the face? Can you see Harvey's Hurricane eye looking west, while wearing his heavy hitting Ram's hurricane helmet. Havey's eye is the eye of a Ram's Hurricane. It's a sign! In 2017, the Rams will Rock you like a Hurricane!*

Name your reason or logic...Why the Rams will Rock "2017" like a Hurricane. My reason, my take?

After "Rams 2017" win NFC West behind Goff's arm, NFL pundits will wax poetically for years, "Why a head coach makes such a huge difference." Fishing for a junior high offense vs McVay's modern machine! The Ram resurrection rejuvenation revolution will be talked about for years

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There will be Thunder!
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* I know folks will die and suffer from Hurricane Harvey. In no way do I mean to minimize their pain and suffering. So please don't virtue signal at me that you are aghast that I had the unmitigated gull to squeeze upbeat lemonade from mother nature's lemons. Sometimes we got to be amazed that something so destructive looks beautiful and awe inspiring from outer space. SuperNova's nebulas are gorgeous too. We are made of SuperNova Star Dust.

By Rich Hammond | rhammond@scng.com | Orange County Register
PUBLISHED: August 25, 2017 at 6:13 pm | UPDATED: August 25, 2017 at 6:42 pm http://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/2...uation/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
The Rams and Chargers brawled three times when the teams practiced together this month, but when they meet in Saturday’s preseason game at the Coliseum, the true battle for the Rams will be internal.

This is the third of four preseason games, and at the conclusion, the Rams’ roster will be cut from 90 to its season-opening limit of 53. Next week’s game, though, is window dressing, the very definition of “exhibition.” For players on the roster bubble, Saturday’s game could be the last chance to shine.

“It just seems like I’ve been a part of teams every single year,” Coach Sean McVay said, “where a few guys you never expect to, they end up finding a way to make a contribution and give themselves some value, whether that be through special teams, or showing up on offense or defense.”

So who is off the bubble? Only McVay and Rams executives know, but here’s a reasonable guess:

Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Sean Mannion are safe, as are running backs Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown, receivers Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, Cooper Kupp, Pharoh Cooper and Tavon Austin, tight ends Tyler Higbee, Gerald Everett and Temarrick Hemingway, and offensive linemen Andrew Whitworth, Rob Havenstein, Cody Wichmann, Rodger Saffold, Jamon Brown and John Sullivan.

On defense, linemen Michael Brockers, Ethan Westbrooks, Matt Longacre, Tanzel Smart and Louis Trinca-Pasat seem set, as do linebackers Robert Quinn, Connor Barwin, Alec Ogletree, Mark Barron, Ejuan Price and Samson Ebukam, and defensive backs Trumaine Johnson, Mike Jordan, Lamarcus Joyner, Kayvon Webster, Nickell Robey-Coleman, Mo Alexander and Cody Davis.

Finally, kicker Greg Zuerlein, punter Johnny Hekker and long snapper Jake McQuaide are locks.

That’s 39 players. Recent playing time indicates that fullback Sam Rogers, receiver Josh Reynolds, offensive linemen Jake Eldrenkamp and Darrell Williams, defensive linemen Mike Purcell, linebacker Josh Forrest and defensive backs John Johnson and Marqui Christian also will make the cut.

Then there’s Aaron Donald, who presumably will end his holdout one way or another and become No. 48. Remember also that receiver Mike Thomas and Troy Hill will be suspended for the start of the season and running back Lance Dunbar will start on the injured list, meaning none of them will occupy a roster spot.

That leaves perhaps five spots, and how will they be broken down?

The Rams figure to keep either running back Justin Davis or Aaron Green, and one of three offensive linemen: Austin Blythe, Andrew Donnal (whose current injury status makes this murky) and Pace Murphy.

Four linebackers – Nic Grigsby, Bryce Hager, Cory Littleton and Cassanova McKinzy – could be competing for one spot, as could defensive backs Blake Countess, Isaiah Johnson and Kevin Peterson.

The last spot? Could the Rams consider keeping Dan Orlovsky as a third quarterback? Could underdog hero receiver Nelson Spruce make the cut for a second consecutive year? Or will one of the previously listed bubble players make enough of a late impression to earn a spot?

Then there’s the wild card. Call it the ghost of Akeem Ayers.

A year ago, Ayers was one of the Rams’ final cuts. He was a five-year veteran who had been slotted as a starter at linebacker, and nothing in preseason games or practice reps indicated Ayers was about to be a cut-day casualty. Yet it happened, as a stark reminder that few roster spots are safe.

There’s been a change. In previous years, teams would cut down from 90 players to 75 after the third preseason game. Now it will be a dramatic drop, from 90 to 53 on Labor Day weekend. Up to 10 other players will have a chance to land on the Rams’ practice squad.

“I think the next couple weeks offers us a great opportunity to really find those last handful of spots that we will have,” McVay said. “I think being able to have 90 guys for that fourth preseason game will be a great opportunity for a lot of those playe

Have 2 free tix to the Rams vs. Chargers game for the first person to get a hold of me. You're also welcome to join our tailgate, just bring your drinks and we can ice them down. Also bring whatever you want BBQ'd and we'll cook it up!

11H row 92 109-110

first one to text me wins

Greg
714 510-7693

It looks like the Patriots aren't impressed with him. Didn't they trade a fifth for him? If we go out and offer a seventh, would it be worthwhile? Would he fit in our defense? We could use the depth.

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Video: What to Watch: Rams vs. Chargers

The Rams will take the field at the Coliseum for the last time this preseason when they face off against the Chargers on Saturday. This game marks the first contest between two Los Angeles teams since Nov. 13, 1994. And while it is just preseason, the third exhibition often holds more importance than most.

Saturday’s contest may be the last for many of the Rams’ starters, who are likely to sit out of Week 4 in preparation for the regular season opener. After showing steady improvement in the first two exhibition matchups, the Rams’ offense will be put to the test against a strong Chargers’ defense.

“I think being able to practice against them twice, you have a little bit of a feel,” McVay said after practice on Wednesday. “[But] they’re an excellent defense and I expect them to do really good things...They’ve got weapons all around, so it’s going to be a great opportunity for us.”

In the Chargers, the Rams’ offensive line led by veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth and center John Sullivan will be up against the dynamic pass-rushing duo of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Bosa was named Defensive Rookie of the Year last season after recording 10.5 sacks in 12 games, while Ingram has 18.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

With these two coming after him, quarterback Jared Goff will need to hold his own in the pocket as he did last week against the Raiders, making good decisions as a passer. In two preseason starts, Goff has completed 19-of-24 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown. This week, he will look to remain consistent.


Photo Gallery: PHOTOS: Rams vs. Chargers Week Practice

“If you can string together good decisions, throw the ball with great timing and rhythm and accuracy, [then] that’s going to give yourself a chance to play the quarterback position at a high level,” McVay said, “and I thought he did a good job of that last week. I want to see the same type of thing moving into this week against an excellent defense in the Chargers.”

While wide receiver Cooper Kupp will not play on Saturday because he is out with what McVay referred to as a “sore groin,” Goff will still have a solid arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Expect wide receivers Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, and Pharoh Cooper to take the majority of first-team reps alongside tight ends Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett.

The Rams’ defense, under the direction of Wade Phillips, will be challenged by a seasoned Chargers’ offense led by quarterback Philip Rivers. Rivers and company are expected to see their most extensive action yet in Saturday’s game and will test the abilities of the Rams’ defense with their strong run and passing attack.

Last season Rivers completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 4,386 yards and 33 touchdowns. His primary targets include wide receivers Keenan Allen and Antonio Gates as well as running back Melvin Gordon who rushed for 997 yards last year.

The Rams’ defense will be without linebacker Mark Barron as well as cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman. Outside linebacker Robert Quinn and cornerback Kayvon Webster did practice on Thursday, but their statuses have not been determined for Saturday’s game. McVay reiterated that the goal is keeping the starters healthy for the Sept. 10 game against the Colts.

But, the defense will still include the likes of veteran defensive tackle Michael Brockers and middle linebacker Alec Ogletree, as well as a variety of rotational options in the secondary, including cornerback Trumaine Johnson and safety Lamarcus Joyner.

Overall, McVay says the preseason contest with the Chargers will provide him with one last opportunity to evaluate his projected starters.

“I think it’s just looking to see good, productive football from our team as a whole, but especially those guys that we’re really counting on,” he said, “knowing that it probably will be the last time we see them with the approach we’ll take with the Green Bay game.”

And though there has been much made of a budding rivalry between the two neighboring teams, McVay is just hoping to present the fans with a good product that they “can be proud of.”

“I think what it does is it offers a great opportunity for two teams in a great market to try to put a sound product out there,” McVay said. “I think it would be a little bit different if we were both in the NFC. But, being that we’re AFC-NFC, have a lot of respect for them and what they represent. I’m hoping for nothing but the best for Coach Anthony Lynn and his team this year.”

They can chalk up another milestone for the history of pro football in Los Angeles this weekend, when the Rams and Chargers clash at the L.A. Coliseum on Saturday night. It will be the first game in 23 years, preseason or otherwise, pitting two NFL franchises representing L.A.

To the winner goes temporary bragging rights.

Sure, it’s just an exhibition. But in the race to capture the hearts of L.A. fans, optics are to be claimed.

Fight for L.A.?

That’s the marketing slogan the newest entrant to the nation’s second-largest market, the Chargers, have adopted upon their transplant from San Diego. And it could be interpreted as an in-your-face affront to the Rams, who staked a claim upon returning to L.A. last year.
Naturally, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, like his Rams counterpart, Sean McVay, downplays any competition against the Rams. When the Chargers opened training camp a few weeks ago in Costa Mesa, five miles from the Rams’ training site, Lynn even insisted that he didn’t notice the "Fight For L.A." signage around the camp, which means he might not catch the digital billboards that have gone up blaring that message.

No matter. There’s competition, whether they want to admit it or not. Competition that extends beyond the actual fights that occurred earlier this month when the teams practiced together.

“We need to put a good product on the field,” Chargers chairman Dean Spanos told USA TODAY Sports. “That’s a major portion of what we need to do.”

Of course it is. The Chargers, rebuilding with a new coach, were 5-11 last season. Same for the Rams, rebuilding with a new coach after a 4-12 finish in 2016.

As if trying to win over fans with one floundering franchise wasn’t enough. The NFL has doubled down and given the L.A. market two rebuilding projects.

Ok, it’s a long-term proposition, which will get a boost from the immaculate stadium that Rams owner Stan Kroenke is constructing in Inglewood, set to open in 2020. The Chargers (0-2 in preseason) may be better equipped at the moment, bolstered a proven quarterback, Philip Rivers. The Rams (2-0 in preseason) are building with Jared Goff, the quarterback drafted No. 1 overall last year.

“To succeed here, you’ve got to win,” Jim Hill, the legendary sports anchor for KCBS-TV, told USA TODAY Sports. “Al Davis said it best. Just win, baby.”

Hill knows. It’s a crowded market. In addition to the many non-sports attractions competing for attention and entertainment dollars, there are two major league baseball, two NBA and two NHL franchises in tow. And two colleges, UCLA and Southern Cal, generating pro-level buzz and revenues.

It’s striking that Hill mentioned Davis, the late Raiders icon, whose franchise spent 13 years in Los Angeles until moving back to Oakland in 1995. The Raiders still have such a strong foothold in the market that Davis’ son, Mark, now owning the franchise poised for a move to Las Vegas, wasn’t completely kidding when he trolled the Rams and Chargers this week and contended that they are actually jockeying to become the second-most popular NFL franchise in L.A. Ouch.

No, the Rams and Chargers can hardly view the other as their biggest rival.

“Usually, you’re relocating to a market that’s underrepresented and it welcomes you with open arms,” sports consultant Marc Ganis told USA TODAY Sports. “This is a different situation.”

Ganis contends that the NFL can ultimately be successful in L.A., pointing to the palace that Kroenke is building as a game-changer. “It will have ‘wow factor’ oozing out of every slab of concrete,” he says.

Yet Ganis also grasps the challenges ahead. Kroenke’s stadium project includes an arena that will compete against the Staples Center, a new arena on tap for the NBA Clippers and the Stub Hub Center that is the Chargers’ temporary home, for smaller-venue events.

Then there are the Summer Games, awarded to L.A. for 2028.

While the Olympics add juice and stature, Ganis realizes that in this case that they will also compete against the NFL entities for sponsorships, media coverage and the public’s attention.

“It’s not a zero-sum game,” Ganis said of NFL prospects, “but it’s a limited-sum game.”

In the meantime, the Rams and Chargers are pressed to inspire a new generation of fans that never knew football in Los Angeles – while reclaiming older fans.

“There’s plenty of fans to go around for every team here,” Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ chief operating officer, told USA TODAY Sports.

Demoff maintains that even without teams in the market, L.A. didn’t lose all of its passion for the NFL. Maybe not. But a large portion of those fans follow other teams (like the Raiders) and have become used to getting the best games the NFL offered on TV each weekend. Now they’ll be saturated with the Rams and Chargers.

Still, he was inspired recently by the sight of three generations of Rams fans together – wearing jerseys bearing the names of Deacon Jones, Eric Dickerson and Todd Gurley, representing three eras of the franchise’s history. Now go win over new fans with no attachment to the team. That’s the essence of the competition.

“The bottom line,” Demoff said, “is that we have to establish an emotional connection.”

Which is precisely why winning consistently is so crucial in settling the battle for L.A.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...rams-not-each-others-biggest-rival/601534001/

Consistency — and improvement — is what the Rams hope to get in exhibition against Chargers
Gary KleinContact Reporter


The first-game performance against the Dallas Cowboys was brief, lasting only eight plays, and offered a few glimpses of development.

The next game against the Oakland Raiders was an extended opportunity, four series that resulted in three scoring drives.

On Saturday, Rams quarterback Jared Goff will have what is expected to be his final tuneup for the regular season when he faces the San Diego Chargers in a preseason game at the Coliseum.

Coach Sean McVay is looking for one thing from Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft.
“You want to just see consistency,” McVay said.

Goff, 22, appeared to make great strides last week in a 24-21 victory at Oakland.

He played nearly the entire first half and connected with receivers, tight ends and running backs from the pocket and on rollouts. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown, but earned his highest praise from McVay for throwing away a pass rather than forcing the attempt and inviting a turnover or sack.

McVay wants more of the same from Goff against a Chargers team that held two joint practices with the Rams during training camp.


“If you can string together good decisions, throw the ball with great timing and rhythm and accuracy, that’s going to give yourself a chance to play the quarterback position at a high level,” McVay said.


Goff was not the only player on offense who performed well against the Raiders. Running back Todd Gurley ran with purpose and caught a pass. The offensive line opened holes and protected Goff.

Receivers also stepped up.

Robert Woods caught an early pass over the middle, rookies Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds caught touchdown passes and Sammy Watkins continued to work into the scheme.

Goff just missed connecting with Watkins on a pass in the end zone.

“The more reps you get with him, the more he can trust you and the more comfortable he is with throwing the ball to you,” Watkins said. “[It’s great] to have a guy that doesn’t even look your way, just look the safety off and throw you the ball, because he depends on you to be at the right spot.

“So that’s the page that I’m trying to build, and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

McVay is encouraged by Watkins’ progress — and also by that of the entire offense.

“Last week was positive, but by no means does that mean we’ve arrived,” McVay said.

It is difficult to gauge where the Rams defense is at — and where it might be headed — because so many projected starters have not played during the preseason.



Star lineman Aaron Donald remains absent because of a contract dispute. Linebacker Mark Barron will not play against the Chargers or next week against the Green Bay Packers so that he will be sound for the Sept. 10 season opener, McVay said. Linebacker Robert Quinn and cornerback Kayvon Webster also have not taken a preseason snap.

The first-team defense, which has included a line consisting of tackle Michael Brockersand ends Ethan Westbrooks and Louis Trinca-Pasat, gave up two touchdowns against the Raiders. But cornerback Trumaine Johnson intercepted a pass to set up a Rams touchdown.

The last time the Rams and Chargers were on the field together — for the second of the two joint workouts — three fights broke out. Rams cornerbacks started all of them.

Johnson started the first when he took off his helmet and punched Chargers receiver Dontrelle Inman after they got tangled going for a ball in a one-on-one drill. Nickell Robey-Coleman then pushed Inman, inciting Chargers receiver Keenan Allen to body slam Robey-Coleman to the ground.

Johnson was among the Rams players who said they did not expect a reprise of the fights on Saturday.

“You’ve got to love competing,” he said. “What I hope is that it brings out the best in us, so we’ll see.”


http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-chargers-20170825-story.html

The Letter L caries with it several legendary Ram defensive standouts, including the third of four members of the Fearsome Foursome, our all-time tackle leader, a guy who made a bigger name for himself in the ring, a couple more recent edge rushers, and...a man you don't want to face coming down the track...

1. Dick "Night Train" Lane (shout out to @nighttrain !)
2. Lamar Lundy
3. James Laurinaitis
4. Leonard Little
5. Todd Lyght
6. Chris Long
7. Gene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb :boxing:
8. Keith Lyle
9. Duval Love
10. Mike Lansford

Honorable mention: Sean Landetta, Dane L:notsure::notsure:ker, Kendall Langford, Tim Lester, David Lang, Mike Lazetich, Woodley Lewis, Matt Longacre, Brandon Lloyd

Notable: Brian Leonard, Chip Lohmiller, Jake Long, Chuck Long, Bob Lee, Amp Lee

No: Damione Lewis