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I'm going to post some pics from todays camp and I'll try to narrate what is going on with them. I may just make multiple posts so you can follow along a bit better.
This first series is of Goff's mechanics. Go ahead, discus what is good and what is bad, I have no idea!
This is the pass break up by #23 NR Colmen on Robert Woods. Beautiful pass and catch but couldn't hold onto the ball.
For those of us who don't live in the LA TV market, here's a handy guide to NFL Network's broadcast schedule for the Rams' preseason games (all times Eastern):
Aug 12 - Dallas Cowboys (LIVE) 9pm
Aug 20 - @Oakland (RE-AIR) 1am
Aug 26 - Chargers (LIVE on CBS, National broadcast) 8pm
Sep 02 - @Green Bay (RE-AIR) 8pm
So Kevin Demoff discussed uniforms the other day on the radio, and noted that they're listening to the fan base. They covered the Blue and Whites as throwbacks and didn't really give up too much but as always I personally find the topic fascinating. Also, I figured as we wait for today's camp (which I'll be attending weeeee) a poll would be nice:
Training Camp Report: Everything You Need To Know From Day 5
The Rams finished up their second day in pads on a cloudy Wednesday afternoon before the team gets ready to take a much-needed break Thursday. Wednesday marked the team’s second practice in full pads with no “live” tackling and featured a series of high-spirited drills and standout players.
Check out the top field-level observations from Rams Camp Day 5:
TOP TAKEAWAYS
1. A "next man up" mentality
Earlier today we reported that defensive lineman Dominique Easley would be out indefinitely after suffering a knee injury in yesterday’s practice. Easley was expected to start for the Rams defensive line alongside nose tackle Michael Brockers and left tackle Aaron Donald.
With Donald’s absence from camp and Easley’s season-ending injury, the team has been forced to reevaluate their depth at the position. Head coach Sean McVay will look within to fill these voids, pushing forth a “next-man up” mentality.
“We’ll find different ways to continue to develop that depth and being mindful of some of the things moving forward,” McVay said in regards to Easley’s injury. “But that certainly is a big loss for us. With the injuries, you have to be ready to move on and adjust to that adversity like we’ve talked about, so that is something that we will do.”
In today’s practice defensive tackles Ethan Westbrooks, Tanzel Smart and Louis Trinca-Pasat alternated reps with the first-team defense. Smart and Trinca-Pasat both spoke after practice about their new, increased roles during training camp.
“We’re competing out here every day and I’ve got to come out here and show them why they drafted me,” Smart said. “They took a chance on me and I’ve got to do good for them. Whatever my role is on the team, whatever they want me to do, I’m going to do it.”
“Nothing is given,” Trinca-Pasat added on. “Everybody has got to earn their spot, I’ve got to earn my spot. There’s guys competing for the same position so I am just going out there and trying to get as good as I can and improve every day.”
2. Injury Updates
There were three players noticeably absent from Wednesday’s practice: wideout Tavon Austin, rookie linebacker Samson Ebukam and outside linebacker Robert Quinn.
Though there is no need to worry about any injury on Quinn’s part, as he was pre-excused from Day 5 of camp, McVay was able to shed some light on Austin and Ebukam’s injuries.
“He’s [Austin] got a minor hamstring and that is something that we’re going to be monitoring day-to-day. You always want to be really careful, especially with guys that are explosive and those fast twitch guys like Tavon.”
“Samson had a hamstring tweak in our special teams drill and it might be a little bit different than Tavon in terms of how careful you are,” McVay went on. “But I think in terms of the severity, they are minor issues that we’ll monitor day-to-day. I expect those guys to do a good job with the rehab and we’ll kind of have updates as we go.”
With Austin out, wideouts Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp have stepped up over the last two practices, making for a pair of reliable receivers on the first-team offense. Both had several completions from quarterback Jared Goff in today’s practice and seem to be improving in their timing on various routes.
3. A glimpse at situational drills
Rather than working on one-on-ones or 7-on-7 drills, McVay chose to dedicate more time in this afternoon’s practice to red zone and situational drills. The new portions of practice gave Goff a chance to work on fresh routes from the playbook and build confidence in leading the offense through a variety of situations.
“We did some different things at the end of practice, where you emphasize some two-minute situations at the end of the first half and I think those are situations that are different from what he was doing at Cal,” McVay said. “But, similar in terms of the up-tempo, if you will, of what that two-minute offense dictates and he’s comfortable in those settings. I thought our guys did a good job communicating both sides of the football. I thought it was a good way to end practice for us.”
These drills also gave the defense a chance to showcase their physical attacking skills in the red zone.
“I think it gives our offense a great look,” he said. “We’ve got a bunch of great players on defense and Wade [Phillips] runs a system where guys can play fast and be confident and knowing what to do and how to do it and then being able to execute their assignment and that’s why I think he’s a great coach.”
FIELD-LEVEL OBSERVATIONS
Former Rams player and all-time leading tackler James Laurinaitis was on hand for practice today. You can catch his full interview on Rams Camp Live here.
Practice ended about 20 minutes early. The team will receive the day off from practice Thursday before returning to camp on Friday.
During the 11-on-11 portion, cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson and Lamarcus Joyner teamed up on a would-be interception off of Woods hands.
Cornerback Kevin Peterson had a near pick-six against the third team offense during team drills. Though he prevented the completion, the corner did pushups on the sidelines after missing the interception.
Goff impressed with several successful completions during red zone drills but struggled a bit with timing on a few routes downfield.
Wideout Pharoh Cooper had an impressive catch from quarterback Sean Mannion, eluding coverage for a would-be touchdown play.
Tight End Gerald Everett showcased his strength as a blocker on offense making way for running back Todd Gurley on several plays throughout the day.
Practice wrapped up with field goal drills putting kicker Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein on display. Much to no one's surprise, Zuerlein made all but one of his attempts.
PLAY OF THE DAY
Today’s play of the day once again came from the defense - this time starring Johnson.
During the 11-on-11 portion of practice the veteran corner had an impressive pass break-up on a second down play from Goff to Kupp. Though the receiver had the ball in his hands after a perfect pass from Goff, Johnson stripped the ball right out, eliciting a round of applause from a few excited fans.
PRESS POINTS
After practice Brockers spoke to the media about the impact of losing Easley for the season. Catch up on his best points from Day 5.
MICHAEL BROCKERS:
On how tough it was for him to see Easley go down: “It’s tough. You know I mean we work so hard, we push each other every day and you start missing a guy like that who drives you and drives that competitiveness in you and brings it out of you and you hate to lose that. That’s what we’ll miss about him. You kind of miss those guys’ character and the atmosphere that they bring, but the biggest thing for me is just pick up the guys behind them, influence them and encourage them to do the right things. ”
Boy, that title is click-bait if I ever saw it! But it's true in a way.
I have memories of a world that existed 40 years ago, which many of you remember because many fans who come here are in my age group. I have been a student of history for many years because I love it, but I am formalizing that love with a degree in December. In January, I start a Masters program and I am troubled by the thesis I will work on as far as the subject of it. Let's talk about the dead...
Many of you remember that great scene in Dead Poets Society, where Robin Williams plays Professor Keating. Keating brought his students into the hallway and there are pictures of previous classes, who looked very much like them: full of optimism about the future and full of hubris that all young people seem to have, which is that they act like they will live forever. He then tells them to look closely and know that most of those young boys had died in World War I. He asked them to lean in closely....Listen, he whispered.."Carpe Diem." Seize the day...Some say that the latin more accurately means "pluck the day, for it is ripe."
I was an adult when that movie was released, but it affected me deeply, because it resonated with an idea that had been haunting me previously. I too am fascinated by city scenes from the early days of photography, where people are going about their day. It is a study of motion. Perhaps delivery boys on bicycles, businessmen headed to an appointment, cars passing by...There is normally one person that notices the camera, like a deer caught in the headlight. In this case I am thinking it was a woman in early 1900's garb, with a large hat. She looks at every person in the eyes that sees the picture. I was struck by the idea that she not only was she dead, but so was everyone else that was passing by the camera, oblivious to the moment. That whole world is dead, and it's left to people that had never experienced it to describe it...like me.
There are other thoughts about more recent times if anyone is interested in the 40 years ago, comment. That is, if anyone besides me is reading this far! ha!
My traditional hate is against the Cowboys because we met and lost to them in so many playoff games. My more recent antipathy towards the historically pathetic Cardinals is somewhat more intense these days. I don't want want anyone hurt tonight...I wish Dak and Carson were playing so they hopefully played below expectations.
I'm so tired of hearing this dude mouth running! It's easy to just put something out there without any forethought.
I have nothing against Kaepernick and would even like to see him get another shot...
It's just a little more involved then just bringing him in to replace your current QB!
Furthermore, were are all held accountable for our action's, including NFL players! Employers have the right to hire who they feel best represents their organization. They go off the resume you build during the course of your life just like all of us!
How many of us could say well, I was more qualified for that position then some of the other candidates yet you were passed over?! Call it black ball if you will, but its something we all have had to deal with... welcome to the real world. Wait til your NFL career is over, it gets worse.
but hey, thanks Richie for the advice! Maybe he's worried about Jared seeking revenge for the hit on him last year! I hope Jared throws his way all game and burns his ass!
Well, was it dumb to cut him? Now that Tyrunn Walker has been cleared of any wrongdoing would it be even dumber NOT to sign him? Get him back in here. All is forgiven. lol
Last time Gurley was great was when the team was called the St Louis Rams. He started last season as the toast of LA with his own Hardy's/Carl Jr.'s Burger commercial...Videos on Hollywood and Vine and touted as the next bright star in the City of Angels.
Then 2016 happened.
As fast as he was celebrated, he became the punching dummy for a team that helped get a coach fired. He was getting hit three yards behind the LOS because the Oline wasn't doing it's job. But Gurley himself had opportunities that a year earlier would have taken advantage of with superior vision the 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year displayed. Those interviews morphed from happy go-lucky to embattled....optimistic to sullen. He disappointed all those who had glowingly predicted Gurley as the heir-apparent to Adrian Peterson as one suffering from a sophomore slump if they were being charitable. He was "just a fluke" if they weren't.
The 2017 season looms and no TV analysts are enthusiastically paying attention to Todd Gurley. He is not a top 10 fantasy player on anyone's list. Quietly, he has gotten bigger and stronger. In training camp he is showing the amazing cutting ability that marked the 2015 rookie campaign. He has a Pro Browl LT Andrew Whittworth leading the way and an actual Full Back to help. He has a more experienced QB that also has more weapons than last year. Weapons, one of which is Gurley himself, that run precise routes and catch the ball.
No more stacked boxes for Todd. If this isn't exciting you, you are dead.
“Yeah, you know it is really unfortunate because you talk about a guy that was doing things the right way, you really felt his presence. Really enjoyed being around him. You can see that he is one of the guys that the teammates really love and respect. It’s really unfortunate for us, but like we have talked about before, it is the next man up mentality. We’ve got some depth at that D-line like we’ve talked about – guys like (DT) Ethan Westbrooks will be asked to step up, (DT) Louis Trinca-Pasat, you are looking at (DT) Tanzel Smart, so we’ll find different ways to continue to develop that depth and being mindful of some of the things moving forward. But that certainly is a big loss for us.”
(On if Easley’s injury changes or alters the urgency to get DT Aaron Donald back into camp)
“I don’t think so because you are always urgent about wanting to get one of your best players around and when you lose one of your best players because of injury or one of your best players isn’t here because of some contract disputes, that is always something that you want to try to get resolved as quickly as possible. With the injuries, you have to be ready to move on and adjust to that adversity like we’ve talked about, so that is something that we will do. I thought the guys did a nice job stepping up in Dominque’s absence and just like the same thing had been with Aaron’s absence."
(On what it was about Trinca-Louis that made him confident to slide him into a bigger role)
“Well, I think when you talk about a guy that’s just doing things the right way, consistency, dependability, reliability – very physical player, hard to move, plays with a great low center of gravity, he uses his hands well even though he is a little bit stockier guy. So in the little bit that we’ve seen from him with the offseason program and then when you put the pads on, I think he has done a nice job for us.”
(On if Easley is lost for the season)
“He is. Yes. Unfortunately, and I was just telling these guys, it is really unfortunate for our team because of what he meant to our team on the field, but also in the locker room as a great presence. He always had a good smile on his face, great disposition and demeanor and he’ll be missed, but like we talked about with the team, we’ll put our arm around him and support him. But in sports, there is always opportunities for next man up mentality and it presents an opportunity for some guys to step up and fill that void.”
(On the play that Easley got hurt on)
“It was one of those things where a run got strung out to the right and he was kind of just chasing it and his knee just buckled funny. It was one of those noncontact deals where he was engaged, but then he was separated from somebody and as he was pursuing, it just kind of buckled awkwardly. It was unfortunate.”
“He’s got a minor hamstring and that is something that we’re going to be monitoring day-to-day. You always want to be really careful, especially with guys that explosive and those fast twitch guys like (WR) Tavon (Austin) with a hamstring and (Head Athletic Trainer) Reggie (Scott) and our training staff will do a good job. But that is what happened with him – he got a hamstring tweak.”
“Yeah, it was the same exact thing. He had a hamstring tweak in our special teams drill and it might be a little bit different than Tavon in terms of how careful you are, but I think in terms of the severity, they are minor issues that we’ll monitor day-to-day. I expect those guys to do a good job with the rehab and we’ll kind of have updates as we go day-to-day."
“He did. It was something that before camp we had previously scheduled and he had communicated that to us and that’s what’s going on. But nothing is wrong, everything is okay. Nothing injury related with (DT) Robert (Quinn).”
(On if he has any hope to see DT Aaron Donald around anytime soon)
“I’m hopeful to see Aaron Donald at any time. I think that’s something that we’re constantly striving to get a solution. With regards to the communication that’s going on between he and his agent, I’ll get those updates after practice in terms of what’s going on. But, I know our guys are tirelessly working to try to find a solution to this and we’d love to have Aaron back. But in the meantime, we can’t let it affect us and we’ve got to do a good job as a team moving forward. Hopeful that he’ll get back here sooner than later.”
(On at what point does his absence become a problem for him fitting into the defensive system)
“That’s a great question. I think when you really look at it, those special players kind of find a way. But I don’t want to take anything away from the importance of practice. Every single day is an opportunity for us to get better and it’s very important especially when you’re getting into a new system where you want your guys there. You’re kind of developing that chemistry and continuity on both offense, defense, and obviously special teams with what (Special Teams Coordinator, John Fassel) ‘Bones’ has done in the last handful of years. I don’t want to take away from the importance of training camp practices, but he is a special player. When that time becomes where you start to worry about that, it’s hard to put an exact date on it. The thing that we just would relay is that we would love to have him here and we’re constantly trying to figure out that solution every single day.”
(On the three-man offense with QB Jared Goff, whether he liked what he saw)
“Yeah, I think he did a nice job. We did some different things at the end of practice, where you emphasize some two-minute situations at the end of the first half and I think those are situations that are you know different from what he was doing at Cal. But, similar in terms of the up-tempo, if you will, of what that two-minute offense dictates and he’s comfortable in those settings. I thought our guys did a good job communicating both sides of the football. I thought it was a good way to end practice for us.”
(On what LT Andrew Whitworth has brought to the team out on the field and in the locker room)
“I think he’s brought a lot. When you look at free agency and kind of our priorities, he was the number one priority that we had. Our personnel staff, our coaching staff we were all in agreement on that. When we were able to get him, he’s been exactly what we thought and more. I think just in terms of the production; he’s playing at an extremely high level at that left tackle position. But what he’s meant to (G) Rodger Saffold, those other guys in the locker room. Just that leadership and knowing what it looks like to be a pro’s pro. How you go about your weekly rhythm if you will. I think he’s done an excellent job and he’s been a joy to be around. He’s a guy that I can lean on as well, just because of his experience. You want to make sure that you’re empowering those leaders on our team and he’s certainly one of those guys who you can trust his opinion and then move forward and implement some of those things that they think.”
(On memories of watching former QB Kurt Warner play)
“It’s funny, because I lived in Atlanta at the time and for my birthday, which is pretty cool, my grandfather got us Super Bowl tickets when they ended up beating the (Tennessee) Titans, so I was at that game. I can remember, I was young, but I remember early on in the year, (former Rams QB) Trent Green goes down, (former Chargers DB) Rodney Harrison rolls up on his knee and everybody’s kind of ready to push the panic button, except for everybody on that team. They found a way to rally around Kurt Warner just like (former Rams Head Coach) Dick Vermeil said and it leads to a Super Bowl. You look at the offense, defense and that’s what championship teams are like. They’re mentally though, they find a way to work through that adversity and that’s kind of what I remember, especially from that championship season.”
(On his thoughts of the road that Kurt Warner had to get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame)
“Well, I think it’s a great story of just overcoming the odds and you never know when your time is going to come, but when it does let’s be ready to deliver. We talk about those things all the time and he’s the epitome of it and it leads to a Hall of Fame career. I’m very proud of what he’s accomplished, especially being such an important part of this organization’s history and excited for him as he’s going to get inducted to the Hall (of Fame) this year.”
(On where he sat during the Rams Super Bowl victory over the Titans)
“You know what, I was sitting on the left side, I was on the Rams sideline probably about third section up on about the 45-yard line. You had to have me think about it. It was in the Georgia Dome and it was an icy day, bad weather, stuff like that, but fortunately it was indoors.”
(On who he went to that Super Bowl with)
“My dad.”
(On if he had a rooting interest)
“I didn’t. I think it was good just to see a competitive game. Obviously the Titans made it interesting at the end with a couple big-time plays, but I was a fan of the (San Francisco 49ers) Niners at the time, because my grandfather was still working for them and still involved, but I think just being a fan of the game, that was a great one to see.”
(On his thoughts of replacing the losing coach from that Super Bowl)
“You know what, I think you appreciate just what a small world this business is and you feel so humbled and blessed just to get in it when I did because of my grandfather’s history and to be here, it’s a blessing.”
(On coaching against Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips’ energetic defense)
“Yeah, I think they feed off of him. He’s got a great personality, great demeanor and anytime that you see a (Defensive Coordinator) Wade Phillips defense, you think about a physical attacking style and I think those guys have kind of embodied that and they’ve done a great job the last couple of years with that, but I think it gives our offense a great look. We’ve got a bunch of great players on defense and Wade runs a system where guys can play fast and be confident and knowing what to do and how to do it and then being able to execute their assignment and that’s why I think he’s a great coach.”
This is a composite camp report after he watched 4 practices through 8/2.
Here's OCRamRef68...
I live in the OC, so I'm going to try and make as many practices as possible. I went to 10 last year. Bummed I won't be there this weekend, I have a mini vacation planned. I will be back for Monday's practice and Wednesday's Scrimmage. Here are a few random observations:
Practices have a much different pace. Players hustle in and out of drills. Very little wasted time. They are shorter than last years as well.
Goff looks better. More confident. He's been a little inconsistent. He's missed some throws, but made his fair share of plays as well. Good today in the Hurry up. They put .50 seconds on the clock to simulate an end of half/game scenario. He was 4-4 and hit R. Woods for about 20 yards on the last play which would've put them in FG range. I like what I see. Still a work in progress.
Tight ends will defintely be a big part of the offense. Plenty of 12 personnel. As reported, Goff developing a rapport with both of them. Everett is really athletic. Looks like they are going to try and get him the ball in space and let him make plays.
Austin was participating in Running Back drills yesterday taking handoffs and pitches from the QB's. Could he be used as a RB in certain situations, especially with Dunbar's injury status? Thought that was interesting. I think they're going to find different ways to get him the ball.
Defense is way ahead of the offense at this point. The secondary has been really impressive!! I agree with Wade about our secondary being better than most people think. Tru has been great, Joyner is totally prospering from his new role, Webster looks to be solid, and Robey-Coleman has been all over the field making plays.
Ebukam has a burst. Can't wait to see him in game action.
Gurley's going to be used in the passing game. Caught a long pass yesterday and caught a TD from Goff today in a red zone drill. I like what I see from him. As reported, he's in great shape and looks to have that explosiveness back.
Kupp is the real deal. Great route runner with great hands. Doesn't have 4.4 speed but makes up for it with his precise routes. He's going to be a dependable target for Goff.
Whitworth may be the largest man I've seen in person.
Hard to Judge the offensive line. Only 2 padded practices, not a lot of one on one drills in pads.
Haven't seen a lot from Josh Reynolds. I had to ask my son after we got home if he practiced today.
Spruce and P. Cooper getting plenty of reps bouncing back and forth between the 1's and 2's
Don't tell Eric Dickerson, but Mannion's been very average. Strong arm but hasn't been very accurate.
Josh Forrest could have a tough time making this team. Consistently running with the 3rd team.
Hager stayed after practice and was working as a long snapper.
Troy Hill has had a good camp so far IMO.
M. Thomas was in shorts running sprints on his own today. Not sure what the deal with him is. I asked JB Long about it and he said he was "injured".
That's all I can remember for now. If anyone has a question, I'd be happy to answer it.
Some people are fans of the Los Angeles Rams. But many, many more people are NOT fans of the Los Angeles Rams. This 2017 Deadspin NFL team preview is for those in the latter group. Read all the previews so far here.
Your team: Los Angeles Rams.
Your 2016 record: 4-12. From Will Brinson at CBS, here is the drive chart from L.A.’s first two games of last season:
PUNT
PUNT
PUNT
INT
PUNT
PUNT
PUNT
PUNT
PUNT
PUNT
INT
PUNT
TURNOVER ON DOWNS
KNEE
FIELD GOAL
PUNT
PUNT
PUNT
FIELD GOAL
PUNT
FIELD GOAL
PUNT
PUNT
END OF GAME
God, that is so hot. I’m tweaking my nips just reading through it. Anyway, that list of war crimes above was merely the opening salvo to a long, miserable first season in LA, a turgid slog that led to the (televised!) firing of longtime coach and “guy who’s been at the office for years and years even though no one is quite sure what he does” Jeff Fisher. Remember when he went jacket-diving for his challenge flag and came up empty?
Neat. Please note that the Rams were somehow stupid enough to EXTEND Fisher before canning him, so you’ll excuse me if I don’t get terribly choked up over the co-losingest coach in NFL history getting his ass thrown out onto the pavement. This is the guy who trolled the Skins for the RGIII trade only to end up with one dude from that trade still on the roster. This is the guy who barred Eric Dickerson from the team sideline because Dickerson had the audacity to point out that the team is god awful. This is the guy who couldn’t name a single Patriots running back before his team had to go play them. This is “I’m not going fucking 7-9” guy. Jeff Fisher can get his mustache stuck in a paper shredder. I hope Vince Young DOES expose his ass.
Your coach: Sean McVay, pictured here!
DAWWWW LOOGIT THOSE CHEEKS! HE THINKS THE BLANKET IS A HAT! Adorable. Who likes quick reads to the tight end? Is it you? Is it you? IT ISYOU!!!
McVay, who in actuality looks like an Ed Sheeran tribute act, is now the youngest head coach in NFL history. Who would have guessed that such an honor would be bestowed upon the grandchild of a successful former NFL GM? Football is the last pure meritocracy, folks! Doogie Howser here spent the past three years as the Skins’ offensive coordinator and a lot of people in D.C. thought he was the brains of the outfit. One look at Jay Gruden and I can’t say I blame those truthers, but I’m not exactly wowed by McVay’s bold innovationof springing a pop quiz or two on unsuspecting veterans. What a crazy, totally newfound approach to alienating your personnel! Join us in training camp when the Boy Wonder invents a little something he calls the “Oklahoma Drill.”
If you four brave souls in RAMS NATION are concerned about McVay’s callowness, just know that he brought in some old fogey muscle to help balance out things:
Yessir, ol’ Wade’ll shape that defense right up, and then get heartlessly dismissed a year later for his trouble. God, he’s such a lovable chump. I want a Wade Phillips plush toy. I would sit on it and play Xbox all day.
Your quarterback: It’s Jared Goff. Jared Goff is an empty box. Even his name sucks. He was one of the most obvious reaches at No. 1 in modern history, a college stat-hound that got shoved up the draft board mostly because he looks the part. Meanwhile, Dakota Boy looked like Joe Montana next to poor Goffling last season. It’s entirely possible that McVay doesn’t care for Goff at all, and will spend next season trying to lure Kirk Cousins to California with a contract offer that will set your underpants on fire. Imagine trading away a shipping container full of draft picks for stupid Jared Goff. Somehow the Rams are always in the center of a big draft day deal, and somehow they always come out of it the same tired and shitty team they’ve always been.
Thankfully, the Rams handed a fatass contract extension to Tavon Austin last summer, who responded with a career-best 506 receiving yards. WHAT A WEAPON. Tavon Austin is like Percy Harvin after six migraines.
What’s new that sucks: Well, Todd Gurley is dead now. Somewhere between his glorious rookie year and the 2016 season, he died and was replaced by a Razor scooter with square wheels. Let’s rip off the scab and take a look at the numbers.
Jesus. JESUS. Look at those yards per attempt. You’re supposed to get more than ONE year out of running backs before they break down entirely, man. I haven’t seen a dropoff like that since True Detective. ZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! Can we still make True Detective jokes? Fuck it, this is the Rams preview. No one is gonna read it.
Elsewhere, your new stadium got flooded by rain and the NFL had to take the Super Bowl away from you. Bereft of notable draft picks after the Goff trade, the Rams brought in a handful of free agents to keep up appearances as they monkeyfart their way through an extra season or five in the L.A. Coliseum. Here’s Connor Barwin, who can get 11 sacks a year and do literally nothing else. Here’s Lance Dunbar, who will grab carries from Gurley once everyone accepts that Gurley’s regression is permanent. Here’s back-injury-in-waiting John Sullivan and former Bengal Andrew Whitworth, here to help out a line that allowed 49 sacks a year ago. Remember Greg Robinson, the bigass tackle they drafted at No. 2? They just traded him for a sixth rounder. The Rams’ line is a terminally shabby edifice that has all the structural integrity of a toilet paper dam.
Aaron Donald is extremely wisely holding out. Dominique Easley already tore his ACL.
What has always sucked: Les Snead! The John Wick villain who fucked up both the RGIII trade and the Goff trade is still lingering around the place. You listen to me, Rams and Jaguars and Bills and the rest of the NFL’s sewer-dwelling trash: If you’re gonna clean house, clean the WHOLE house. Don’t fire your coach and keep the GM, then sweep all the used syringes into the nearest available closet and tell me you’ve spruced up the joint. Les Snead. Another awful name. Fuck him. I need less of Les Snead, tell you what! (Again, no one is reading.)
Meanwhile, the Rams lost a series of lawsuits from PSL holders they fucked over by leaving St. Louis. And I want to believe between that, and the a recent ruling declaring that the Rams owe Missouri $350k in back taxes, and the drowning of the Inglewood stadium site, Stan Kroenke will finally have to eat the barest trace amount of shit for moving this team. No one deserves it more. But I know better. I know the bad guys win. I know Kroenke will get his megaplex, and his billions of dollars, and his endless, gushing revenue streams. I know he’ll be lighting hand-rolled Cubans with flaming gold ingots while the rest of us are swept away by the rising seas.
I know that, like so many other rich assholes who never have to answer for anything, Kroenke is the harbinger of our end times. Also, he looks like a guy in witness protection who doesn’t know how to disguise himself properly. He sucks now and forever and deserves to have nothing but the worst happen to him. The Rams are a nothing team. Somehow the most popular team in this town is the one that did NOT move here, and there’s nothing to indicate that will change while the Rams suck and are owned by a rat-haired fuckface.
What might not suck: The legit biggest thrill for Rams fans last season was when Bill Belichick complimented the punter. So there you go: you guys punt good.
HEAR IT FROM RAMS FANS!
Colin:
The owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Stan Kroenke, is a huge piece of shit. If he cares at all about the game of football or the Rams winning games, he does a very good job at hiding it. Our management thinks that marketing and making “splashy” draft choices are going to put butts in seats and generate revenue – which is their only priority – even while the product on the field is (and has been for a number of years) a sad circus that few want to stare at for 3+ hours every week.
If trading up in the 2016 draft to select frightened stick-boy Jared Goff with the top pick wasn’t evidence of our management’s failed approach at running this franchise, I don’t know what is. I remember the debate about the merits of drafting Goff after we traded up, which seemed monumentally stupid because we were going to take him 2-3 rounds ahead of where he should’ve gone. “But Goff is the hometown kid who could be the face of the franchise! He put up such impressive numbers in the air raid offense in college! It’s a flashier pick than an offensive lineman! We don’t really need to replace the defensive cogs we let walk!”
We fucking drafted him anyway and sent away a treasure trove of future draft picks to get our hands on a bottom-5 quarterback who is already gun-shy because he got continuously crushed last year behind a paper-thin offensive line. The 2017 draft was a good opportunity to amend this situation and complement a young quarterback with offensive lineman and skill-position players... which management just decided not to do. Okay. Why waste all of that draft capital on the dude when you’re not going to surround him with, well, anything?
Things haven’t been entirely bad, however. At least we have a talented running back in Todd Gurley, who is the centerpiece of the offense! Then again, after a brief first-year breakout, even he stopped looking like he gave a shit because the entire team was an absolute, middle-school mess from top to bottom. One year later, not much has changed, and I’d wager the roster is even worse going into the 2017 season. Actually, scratch that... now that I think of it, we did make one really good off-season move that will greatly benefit the team. The organization deserves big ups for dumping the monumental bust of an offensive lineman, Greg Robinson, on the Lions, who apparently are unhappy with Matt Stafford and want him sacked into oblivion. Oh, and some people are excited that we have a new head coach too. He’s, like, 22 years old or something, and chances are high that nobody is going to like him next year.
Hopefully the new stadium in Inglewood looks pretty when it’s finished, because the product on the field will most likely still be straight doodoo again. And again. For-ev-er. I’ve always kept my expectations realistic (on the floor) to avoid being disappointed, but I’m starting to realize maybe I just don’t care that much about this team. It’s obvious the owner and management really don’t give a damn, so why should any of the fans? To be honest, I guess the only reason I still root for the Rams is that I get to give a ton of shit to the insufferable Seahawks bandwagoners here in the Pacific Northwest when we beat them twice a year.
Paul:
Below is a Rams billboard in LA this summer being used to drum up interest in Rams season tickets. Do the brain-dead eyes of Jared Goff inspire you to open your wallet to go sit in the Coliseum?
Eric:
The scene is January 2002. I’d just moved to rural Pennsylvania from Washington, DC (my parents are evil). Do you recall the NFL landscape at that time? Ohhh boy, let me refresh your memory. Playoffs, baby. Conference Championship games on the horizon. The Eagles facing the Rams, as well as the Steelers playing the Patriots.
I’m stuck in the middle of Pennsylvania. I don’t know anyone, but the place sure is excited. Everyone seems happy. The Eagles and Steelers are in the midst of great seasons. Everyone around me is thrilled about an impending “Pennsylvania Super Bowl.” Gonna be a “Pennsylvania Super Bowl.” Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in a “Pennsylvania Super Bowl.”
Well, fuck you. Fuck Pennsylvania.
Fuck me.
I’m a miserable-fuck-teenager and I hate every damn one of these people.
Anyway, Sunday rolls around and wouldn’t you know it, the Patriots beat the Steelers. These scrappy, underdog Patriots. I’m saved! These nobody, Cinderella Pats have saved me from these morons and their stupid Pennsylvania Super Bowl. Remember, I’m like 12 years old. I just found out this team existed like two weeks ago. So, I’m about to jump aboard the Pats’ fledgling bandwagon, right? Wrong!
I get greedy. I think, man, if the Rams can pull this next game out, I don’t have to listen to any of this Steelers garbage nor any Eagles garbage. C’mon Rams! Well guess what, the Rams beat the Eagles. I, an idiot, decide that the Rams have saved me from any Pennsylvania Super Bowl representation and I am forever in their debt. (Pick the Patriots! You moron! SHIT!).
I was one logical second away from being a Patriots fan and I picked the Rams. The Rams! Instead of the Patriots. There could not be a greater divergence between two teams’ imminent futures. Games of Russian Roulette don’t include such disparate outcomes!
The last memory I have of a decent Rams team involves Steve Smith shitting on Jason Sehorn in playoff overtime. Live on television. Just destroys him and can’t be bothered to apologize. Asshole. Rams lose. Panthers go to the Super Bowl. They lose to the newly-dynastic Patriots. Because, of course.
The next ten years are shit-miserable. The Rams do nothing of note except lose more than the Browns (!) and make fun of Washington during a coin flip. That’s the highlight of the last decade. The Patriots roll over everyone. I literally sat down one day and picked the Rams over the Patriots.
Fast forward to present day, I think I’m finally ditching the Rams. Until now, I was willing to tolerate just about anything. Perennial losers? (Can’t quit on my team!) Players destroying their brains in pursuit of such futility? (At least it pays well.) Years and years of Jeff Fisher? (Out of my control.) Team/owner totally screwing their loyal home city? (Ha! I don’t live in St. Louis, who cares, right?)
A decade with the worst record ever. A total bullshit move away from their fans. And I’m still in. But, then. Theeennnn. Earlier this year, we get word that five NFL owners donated a million dollars, each, to Donald Trump’s inauguration. “Don’t let it be Kroenke, at least have him do something right,” I think to myself. Johnson, Snyder, Khan, McNair, Kraft. Phew.
But wait! Update: more owners, including, wait for it, Jones and . . . Kroenke. (Surprise!).
Roughly fifteen years of putrid Rams play coinciding with unprecedented Patriots success. The Patriots that some parallel-universe-me loves. I put up with all of it. But, I’m finally selling low. The entirety of my NFL fandom forever contained within the worst fifteen-or-so years of football ever produced.
So, yeah. Fuck the Rams with whatever’s left of the Gateway Arch in 4 years. And fuck Kroenke. And fuck Osama Bin Laden for scaring my parents into moving to that place. I hate football.
Now, let me tell you about my fantasy team . . .
Grippy:
I wrote you last year, when everyone in LA was giddy about the return of “our” LA Rams but I knew they’d be the same shit team that left town back in the 90s and finally broke me of any foolish childhood notion that words like “loyalty” and “community” mean anything when it comes to professional sports. If you’re an adult and still buy into that you probably proposed to a hooker at some point.
“Oh the Rams didn’t suck when they were in LA” you hear the old fools whine, “they were LEADING at halftime during Super Bowl 14!” Really? Atlanta had a bit of a lead recently too, and nobody with half a brain and steady employment thinks that wasn’t anything less than a seminal moment of fuckupery.
But I’m a dumbass and possibly nostalgic, so I bought two tickets to a game last season. Against Atlanta. You know, the game where the Falcons didn’t have their two starters at WR but didn’t need them because their most potent offensive weapon was Jared Goff. His stat lines for that game rival anything Buttfumble ever shat out on the turf. And there I am in the concrete toilet bowl called historic LA Colosseum, paying $14 for a Bud Light while the four Raider fans in front of us were doing spectacular business selling weed to the fans. The Raiders haven’t played there in a decade but their fans are like turtles who must return to their spawning grounds every year; either instinctively or to check in with their probation officers who are also dipshit goons who paid for PSLs.
Now we have the Boss Baby running the show and I’ll be shocked if he’s not sticking his jaw out like Gruden the first time he’s on camera to project his intensity and grit. Fuck the Rams and I’m going to preemptively say fuck the Chargers too...
Austin:
I’m a former Rams fan. I’m from St. Louis, (I know, spare me), and was 10 years old when they won the Super Bowl with the Greatest Show On Turf. The Rams were electrifying and I loved watching them tear up defenses every Sunday.
Then, they started to sputter. Nothing too terrible for a few years, but by the time I got to college, they’d won three games in two seasons. That’s 3 - 29. They still haven’t even made it back to .500.
But then 2015 comes along, and Stan Kroenke tries to up and move the team to Los Angeles so he can make some more money. Mind you, the city of St. Louis still has to pay for the Dome for another decade.
The city follows all of the NFL’s rules and guidelines to keep the team in St. Louis, spends millions of dollars doing so, and Kroenke still gets to move his team.
I’m rambling here, and don’t know the purpose of this email, but fuck the Rams, fuck Roger Goodell, and seriously, go fuck yourself Stan Kroenke.
Oh, Kevin Demoff, the Rams COO can go fuck himself, too. Go get bent, the lot of ya’s!!
Austen:
I grew up a Rams fan, but moved to St. Louis when I was nine, resulting in a profound deescalation of my passion for the NFL for a long time. As the years wore on I gained more interest, so once the team announced its move back to LA, I hit the shops to deck myself out in blue and gold and plant roots on the bandwagon. And then Hard Knocks premiered. My expectations plummeted, but my spirits remained high - WE HAD A TEAM!
I happened upon tickets for Dolphins at Rams, my first NFL game (at 31 no less)!
Here’s how my day went:
- Go to brunch (yes, LA brunches before football games, and yes we are assholes about it)
- Drink my weight in bottomless mimosas
- Drink a 40 oz. on the fancy new metro rail that goes from Santa Monica to the Coliseum and beyond. This isn’t allowed, but I went to New York once and I have learned how to be discrete.
- The forecast said 74 and sunny. I’m in a t-shirt. It’s raining. As we walk into the parking lot, someone at a tailgate asks my friend and I to shotgun a beer with them. At this point I can barely feel a buzz because of all the food and how much I’ve drank, but in about 20 minutes I’ll be approaching hammered at light speed. I’m also filled to the brim, so I say “No, it’s a guarantee I’ll barf right here and now.”
- Everyone calls me a pussy, so I give in, but not before I clear a landing pad for my inevitable sick.
- Shotgun beer.
- I am barfing. I am a fountain. I am a fire hose. I am Lardass from “Stand by Me,” except instead of blueberry pie, it’s Mickey’s, champagne, orange juice, and a smattering of breakfast pizza.
- Kind tailgate people give me a beer to “replace all the beer I lost” and we meander into the game.
- Barf in bush. Sip beer. Barf in trashcan. Sip beer. Barf in two bushes. At this point, I’ve given up. I’m walking and talking and barfing in between sentence fragments.
- Stop barfing and somehow keep my rain-soaked shirt free of my expulsions, so I bought an ugly Christmas sweater to get me through the game.
- Watch Jared Goff’s debut and subsequent bungling of a 10-point lead in the last 5 minutes of the game. He went 134 yards through the air that day. There is no way that man has a functioning brain up there. And who was he paired with? Jeff Fucking Fisher, who couldn’t keep track of his dick if it wasn’t attached to him.
I drank through the game and at home resulting in me getting so hammered that I went on a date that I didn’t know I went on until the girl reminded me TWO MONTHS LATER. I still had a better time barfing and the walls of LA’s sacred (lol) Coliseum and going on a phantom date than I did at the game.
Tyler:
After Stan Kroenke moved the team from St. Louis to LA and made sure to burn every bridge on the way out, most of St. Louis took great pleasure in watching the Rams lose week after week. Also, I should mention, a Dairy Queen in the St. Louis area offered $1 ice cream cones the day after each Rams lose. It was an Ice Cream lover’s paradise.
Fast Forward to December 11th, a home game against the Atlanta Falcons. With a loss Jeff Fisher would tie the all time record for most losses by an NFL head coach. As the St. Louis area knew a loss was imminent, most of the attention turned to the following Thursday Night. A tasty Rams vs. Seahawks match-up at CenturyLink Field in Prime Time. Bars began to plan watch parties and were going to bust out the champagne and toast Jeff Fisher for being the all time leader in losses.
BUT NO, the Rams had to F THIS UP like everything else they do! THEY FIRED HIM 3 DAYS BEFORE THE SEATTLE GAME, and ONCE AGAIN ROBBED ST LOUIS OF ANY ENJOYMENT OUT OF THIS EMBARRASSMENT OF A FRANCHISE! I HATE THIS ORGANIZATION AND HOPE THEY NEVER HAVE A WINNING SEASON AGAIN.
Luke:
Should I talk about how the Rams humiliated themselves on Hard Knocks last year by doing dumb shit like crashing golf carts and Goff not knowing where the sun rises and sets?
Should I talk about how the 49ers would have been the 2nd team to ever go 0-16 if it wasn’t for the Rams?
Should I talk about how in the first game of the Rams season they got shut out by said 49ers, led by Blaine “WOAH THERE MOTHERFUCKER” Gabbert on ESPN (did I also mention I’m a KU fan)?
Should I talk about how our owner decided to buy a six-county ranch in Texas, force people out that were already living in that area, and cause one person to commit suicide (whose suicide note read “You took my home Stan”)?
Should I talk about how only two players since the 2011 season are still on the team (Roger Saffold and Robert Quinn)?
Should I talk about how I can never find a solid answer anymore to the question “Why are you still a Rams fan”?
Should I talk about how I believe Kurt Warner and the ‘99 Rams made a deal with Mephistopheles and since then has been collecting on his end of the deal?
Should I talk about how this team has the longest active under .500 seasons streak at 10 years, currently tying the ‘01-’10 Lions for 3rd in all time, and are 5 seasons away from breaking the ‘83-’96 Buccaneers record?
Should I talk about how I hope they break said Buccaneers streak so that they will have accomplished SOMETHING in this timeframe and because Kroenke doesn’t deserve success?
Or should I talk about the RG3 trade where the players drafted either didn’t pan out (Isaiah Pead, Rokevious Watkins, Greg Robinson), were decent, but traded/let go to FA (Janoris Jenkins, Zac Stacy), are just mediocre (Michael Brockers), or were shot twice in the head, somehow still lived, but could never get medically cleared to play again and was let go in April (Stedman Bailey) with the only exception being Alec Ogletree?
Actually, I know what to talk about. Fuck Stan Kroenke. Watch this video
Robert Quinn nods his head in agreement as long as offensive holding is actually called. Btw the sack where Strahan broke the record should not count because Brett Favre laid down like a dog.
*********************************************************************************** http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-a...k-season/51c48738-4926-4af0-b6bf-1883cc43d368
Von Miller considers possibility of 30-sack season Aric DiLalla/Associate Editor/DenverBroncos.com
Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record has stood for 15 years. His 22.5-sack output may not be the standard forever, though, if you ask outside linebacker Von Miller.
Login to view embedded mediaView: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C2W62HNNsc
And if it does fall, Strahan’s mark could be left far behind. Following Wednesday’s practice, Miller entertained the thought that a player could reach 30 sacks, and he broke down the path to that number for a player of his or Oakland’s Khalil Mack’s caliber.
“Thirty? I think it is [attainable],” Miller said. “First off, you’ve got to come out -- let me think about it. You’ve got to get 10 in that first month. You’ve got to get 10 your first month, which is doable. You get two-and-a-half, you get two-and-a-half the next game, two-and-a-half the next game after that. You might miss one game, but then you get two-and-a-half [the next game].
“So then you’ve got 10 in five games right there. If you get three, two, three [in a stretch], it’s definitely doable.”
Miller, who is either quick on his feet or has previously thought about the 30-sack mark, has tailored his plan down to individual snaps. And while “the gospel” says teams will chip elite pass rushers, Miller has decided there’s a path if someone can perform with high efficiency.
“You’ve got to take advantage of your pass rush opportunities,” Miller said. “If you get five open rushes, you’ve got to win all five of those rushes. Out of those five rushes, you might get two or three sacks off those. That’s the math that I have on it.
“Out of those five plays — you’ve got to get home on those plays to make it happen.”
My family is moving from the Tampa area of Florida.
I broached the subject at a family meeting to see who might want to come, fully expecting it to take months to determine who and how many were going.
The IMMEDIATE consensus was that everyone is going. The lack of hesitation was so shocking that we had to have another meeting the very next day. That’s me, wife, 3 adult kids living at home, my mom and my daughter and her serious bf. Eight people. One big house (the logistics of moving to a colder climate would only make it harder to get together than now which we all agree is unacceptable. We really enjoy one another’s company and like the big family atmosphere).
The impetus began with my examination of climate (not trying to start a debate. It’s just a big reason for us). In 2015, Florida had an insurance crisis because the insurance companies redrew the flood lines as a result of climate data. That meant for a small time, homeowners couldn’t get flood insurance and some folks lost their homes for no reason than their note was foreclosed due to a lack of flood insurance. My concerns were bolstered just this week when I talked with my agent as I paid my flood insurance premium that just one more hurricane hitting Florida and they’re going to want to redraw the lines again. We already have homes that should be worth in excess of $300k that can’t sell for $200k like many along the Manatee River just south of Tampa because no one can afford the homeowners insurance which can be in excess of $8k per year NOT including the flood insurance premiums which can be way in excess of $2k per year.
So, between no one really vibing with Florida (and my two youngest basically grew up into consciousness here and barely remember CA), we wanted to look at cities that will fare better as Climate Change continues.
I also have to have a very good VA hospital and they are regional, which restricts where we can look. Experience dictates that I need to be within an hour of a VA Hospital, not just a clinic. I know what crappy VA care looks like and very good VA care looks like and I’ll NEVER, EVER go back to crappy care.
Colorado was a top option, from Fort Collins to south of Denver. Problem is that while many areas had extraordinary homes for our needs, the VA there is routinely rated as just awful, especially in areas that are most important to me. Finding this out was probably the most disappointing part of my research thus far. With my asthma, I dunno how I’d react to the altitude, but the VA caused this area to be nixed.
Seattle area was vetoed because of depression issues, especially among women. It’s already an issue for our family and we’re not signing up to make the fight tougher.
Oregon was a possibility, but the dearth of larger, affordable multi family homes (6+ BRs with mother-in-law suite) made that essentially moot.
Tennessee was a possibility, especially not near the Mississippi river, but there were some red flags in their VA Hospital surrounding the care I need, so that became a pass. Plus, the only homes that fit our needs seemed to be in rural places. We are restricting our searches to suburbs and exurbs. We live in an exurb now and love it, but we can’t really adjust to anything more rural than we’re living in now.
Pittsburgh, PA, and Burlington, VT were possibilities, but as Climate is a huge factor in moving, they were eliminated due to increasing lake effects and the expected increase in hurricane activity and Noreasters dropping even more precipitation on the entire Northeast region. 300″ of snow in a bad year would wreck some members of the family. Have to go with reality and everyone’s reality is important. Plus, Legionella was found in the water supply both at the Pittsburgh VA and another VA facility near there in Jan of 2017. Not signing up for Legionella, even if the Pittsburgh VA was excellent, which it isn’t.
So where does that leave us? Well, the possibility we’re really focused on is Minneapolis, MN. HUGE change from what we’re used to in Tampa, but we’re not only ready to be done with the humidity and constant heat (the nights here when I pick up my son from work at 11 pm are about 86 degrees with about 90% humidity. That’s at 11 pm, dammit!
So, obviously, with such a drastic potential change (still so many details to address to see if this is even viable), there are so many questions, especially about living in a very northern climate. We lived in Easton and Allentown, PA for 3.5 years so the adults have a clue about living in winter and my mom had to make several business trips to Minneapolis over the course of winter a few years ago (October to February), so she’s familiar with the area, a little and what Feb feels like in MN.
That said, living is a complicated thing. I mean in the 9 years we’ve lived in Florida, I’ve learned SO MUCH about living in a tropical climate that I had no clue about coming from the arid climate of SoCal.
So… is anyone from Minnesota? Can anyone give advice moving to a cold climate?
Btw, I’ve already done tons of research on jackets and boots and nothing would please me more than getting a Big Red Canada Goose Snow Parka, but I think I’ll have to settle for a really nice The North Face McMurdo II or Gotham (if jacket works better than a coat) which should be more than sufficient.
Also, if there are alternatives that I haven’t mentioned (I may have done the research, but the place isn’t on my mind. Or maybe I hadn’t considered it), feel free to bring it up. I’m planning a road trip to Minneapolis either mid-September or early October to do the initial scouting and if there’s a “break” or for some reason it becomes a no-go, then I’d sure like to hear about other possibilities. I expect we’ll love Minny and surrounding areas, but never can tell.
I know there are folks from all over, so any advice is greatly appreciated.
