Category: Latest Rams news

Rams’ schedule features two tough stretches that could decide their playoff fate

If the Rams can get through 2 tough stretches on their schedule, they should be a playoff team

When the NFL schedule is released, players and coaches look at a few things that probably catch fans’ eyes right away, too. Things like where the bye week is situated, how many prime-time games there are, how many short weeks they’ll have to play.

But after the initial wave of the schedule drop, we begin to see other elements that can’t be ignored – like the tough stretches that could decide a team’s season. For the Los Angeles Rams, there are two of those: one early in the year and one later on. In the middle, there’s a gettable portion of the schedule that should yield wins.

Weeks 1-3
at Lions (SNF)
at Cardinals
vs. 49ers

The first difficult stretch comes right at the beginning of the season in Weeks 1-3. The Rams open the year with back-to-back road games against the Lions and Cardinals. Admittedly, Arizona is one of the easier opponents on the Rams’ slate, but they also have a healthy Kyler Murray and he now has Marvin Harrison Jr., the first wideout drafted this year. James Conner is still there, as is Marquise Brown and Trey McBride. They could be a handful.

After what’s likely to be a slugfest against the Lions, the Rams will face those Cardinals and then finally return home in Week 3 where they’ll host the rival 49ers. If you’ve ever seen a Rams-49ers game at SoFi Stadium, you know there won’t be much of a home-field advantage for LA.

If the Rams can just get out of that opening three-game stretch at 2-1, that should be viewed as a win. While 0-3 is unlikely, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility. After all, the Rams are underdogs to the Lions and 49ers as of now, and only 2.5-point favorites over the Cardinals.

Weeks 12-15
vs. Eagles (SNF)
at Saints
vs. Bills
at 49ers (TNF)
at Jets

The second tough stretch comes later in the season from Weeks 12-15, a five-game span that includes two prime-time games, including a Thursday night showdown with those same 49ers again.

Things begin with the Eagles on Sunday Night Football in Week 12, followed by a road game against the Saints; the Superdome is always a brutal place to play for the road team. Then the Rams return home to face the Bills before hitting the road to face the 49ers in a Thursday night game. Only having three days to rest up and recover after facing the Bills will surely be a test.

After taking on the 49ers, the Rams will then have a road game against the Jets across the country, a 1 p.m. ET kickoff which West Coast teams typically hate. Assuming Aaron Rodgers is healthy at that point in the season, the Jets will be a hard team to beat.

Going 3-2 in these five games would be just fine but even that’s not guaranteed. The Eagles, Bills, 49ers and Jets all have better Super Bowl odds than the Rams, according to sportsbooks, so they’re viewed as better teams than Los Angeles.

The Rams have some easier games in the middle of their schedule against the likes of the Bears, Raiders, Vikings and maybe even the Seahawks. However, those stretches in Weeks 1-3 and 12-15 could decide their playoff fate because those are eight important games with no real let-ups.

Los Angeles Rams 2024 schedule: Downloadable wallpapers

Need a new wallpaper? Download the Rams’ schedule to use on desktop or your phone!

The Los Angeles Rams have a fairly tough road back to the postseason in 2024, facing six teams that made the playoffs a season ago. They’ll also go on the road to face the likes of the retooled Bears and now-healthy Jets, which could be two difficult matchups early and late in the year.

The Rams are equipped to win the NFC West and make a serious push toward the Super Bowl, but they’ll need to get through the regular season first. If you’re as excited about next season as we are, you’ll want to download the schedule wallpapers below for your desktop and phone.

That way you can stay updated on all of the Rams’ 17 games in 2024, from Week 1 against the Lions to Week 18 against Seattle.

Desktop

Mobile

Watch: Jared Goff can name every Rams and Lions player he’s thrown a TD pass to

Jared Goff apparently has a memory that rivals Sean McVay’s because he can name every Rams and Lions player he’s thrown a TD pass to

Sean McVay has one of the best football recalls we’ve ever seen. He can remember a specific play call in a meaningless game from seven years ago without even thinking for more than a second.

Jared Goff isn’t quite on that level, but his memory is pretty darn good, too. In a recent video shared by the Detroit Lions, the former Los Angeles Rams quarterback was asked to name every player he’s ever thrown a touchdown pass to.

He rattled off 28 names, including stars such as Amon-Ra St. Brown and Cooper Kupp, as well as role players like Jason Cabinda and Lance Kendricks. He has 185 career touchdown passes in his 117 starts, as well as eight touchdown passes in nine postseason games, so that’s quite a few scores he’s accounted for.

Photos: First look at Blake Corum in a Rams uniform

Blake Corum suited up in a Rams uniform for the first time and he looks great in No. 22

A lot of Los Angeles Rams fans are excited to see what Blake Corum can do alongside Kyren Williams in the backfield, giving the offense two dynamic runners who can also contribute in the passing game. Corum was the 83rd overall pick in Round 3 after a remarkable career at Michigan, which included 28 total touchdowns last season alone.

Corum was the Rams’ only invitee to the NFLPA’s Rookie Premiere and while attending the event in Los Angeles, he suited up in his new uniform for the first time. The Rams shared a couple of photos of Corum in a full Rams uniform and he looks great rocking the No. 22.

Corum shared a few shots on his own account, too, including a video from the Rookie Premiere.

Corum will have to earn playing time behind Williams, the incumbent starter, but after the numbers he put up for the Wolverines, it won’t be surprising to see him on the field sooner rather than later. He has the quickness and vision to become a very good running back in the NFL.

Highlighting Rams legends: Big bad Jackie Slater

Jackie Slater played 20 seasons for the Rams and will remain one of the greatest to ever put on the horns

Once upon a time, I had an opportunity to participate in an all-time mock draft featuring the game’s most legendary players. While many were picking quarterbacks, wide receivers, pass rushers, and corners with their early picks, I focused on the offensive line.

The line of scrimmage is where the game is won and I wasted no time building mine. The anchor of my offensive attack was none other than the seven-time Pro Bowler Jackie Slater.

Jackie Slater, also known as “Big Bad Jackie,” was a pillar of the Rams offensive line for 20 seasons. From 1976-1995, Slater played 259 games for the franchise, starting 211 of them.

On the football field, Slater did two things: Play the game with the physical and violent intent that it deserves to be played with and he fought for his teammates until the final whistle.

A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Slater played at Jackson State, an HBCU. Slater was critical in the success of the Jackson State rushing attack led by none other than Hall of Famer Walter Payton. Payton, a first-round pick, dominated in the NFL, leading to more eyes being placed on the program.

Slater would be drafted by the Rams in 1976. A third-round selection, Slater was named a starter during his fourth year in the league. At right tackle, Slater helped lead the Rams to Super Bowl XIV that season.

Slater would be a force to be dealt with over his career. Behind his blocking prowess, the Rams had one of the best offensive lines for years. Behind Slater, Eric Dickerson would put up four 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his four full years with the team. During Dickerson’s tenure, he broke the NFL rookie rushing record, single-season rushing record and playoff single-game rushing record. All three records still stand today.

Dickerson was also the leading rusher in the NFL in three of his four years with the team. Dickerson was Offensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and a three-time first-team All-Pro, in part due to the lanes created by Slater.

Rushing wasn’t the only aspect of football that Slater helped the Rams produce. Jim Everett, former Rams QB and teammate of Slater for eight years, led the league in touchdowns in 1988 and 1989.

Speaking of Everett, when asked about Jackie Slater, this is what he had to say.

“Jackie Slater was a leader on and off the field. As a rookie, Jackie took me in as his own. He didn’t have to, he just did as a leader. Jackie played at a high level for more years than anyone I have ever met. Being successful in the field was no accident for Jackie Ray – our nickname for him or now – Father Time! Jackie was so prepared each week and that preparation was contagious to not only his position group but to everyone on the team. He wasn’t serious all the time, the man knew how to loosen the locker room and that too made him special. Kind of a coach in kids’ clothes. Anyways, I love the man as much today as I did back in the day. Good people and 100 [percent] trustworthy!”

Universally beloved by his teammates, Slater’s legacy to the Rams and football is undeniable. Slater would play until 1995 when he was restricted to just one game due to injury. Hanging it up after Year 20, Slater wasn’t quite yet ready to walk away fully from the game.

Slater would serve as co-offensive line coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2006. After leaving the Raiders, Slater would return to coaching, serving Azusa Pacific, a D-II level collegiate program in Los Angeles County, in the same role. He held that position from 2011-2018.

Slater has also been an active member in the NFL’s Play 60 program, an initiative by the league to promote physical activity in kids.

Slater and his wife Annie have two sons, David and Matthew. Matthew played college ball at UCLA before embarking on his own historic career with the Patriots. Like his dad, Matthew played with one team throughout his entire career, winning three Super Bowl titles with the franchise. A special teams ace, Matthew has five first-team All-Pro selections, three second-team All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowl selections. He played 16 years in the league before retiring after the 2023 season.

Matthew and Jackie also have another thing in common. Both have won the Bart Starr Award, given to the player who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community,” this award serves as a reminder of the type of man Jackie Slater is and the values he instills to those under him.

Slater was a four-time second-team All-Pro selection. He would go on to be inducted into the Rams’ Hall of Fame and then would achieve football’s greatest honor in 2001, a place in Canton, Ohio.

Alongside legendary Ram and teammate Jack Youngblood, Slater would stand on football’s greatest stage to revel in a lifetime of work. Having been there two years earlier to induct Eric Dickerson into the Hall, the man who put all before himself finally has the chance to stand in the spotlight and in his shining moment, do you know what Jackie Slater did?

He gave love and admiration to the people that got him there. Slater, the biggest, baddest and one of the best to ever play for the Rams. One of the best men to ever represent the team, as well.

Watch: Maurice Jones-Drew shares valuable insight into Blake Corum’s fit with Rams

Maurice Jones-Drew was a shorter back behind a massive O-line in Jacksonville and he sees Blake Corum being in a similarly great situation

Blake Corum couldn’t have been drafted to a much better situation than the one he was added to when the Rams selected him in Round 3. Corum excelled in a similar blocking scheme to the one Los Angeles ran last season and doesn’t have to be the workhorse with Kyren Williams in the backfield, as well.

Not to mention, the Rams’ offensive line is expected to be one of the best in the league, particularly on the interior where Jonah Jackson, Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson reside.

Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew shared some insight into the fit of Corum with the Rams during a recent episode of “Between the Horns” and he mentioned the benefit of being a shorter back behind a big O-line as he was in Jacksonville during his playing days.

“When I played in Jacksonville, especially when I became the guy, they went huge on the offensive line,” Jones-Drew said. “Imagine the Dotson, Avila and Jackson double-teams, or Havenstein. All these guys, the big linemen, can you see him?”

Williams took full advantage of the Rams’ improved offensive line last season, leading the NFL in rushing yards per game. Corum won’t get the same number of opportunities at running back if Williams remains healthy, but when he does get his number called, he could be very productive for Los Angeles.

Puka Nacua not feeling any added pressure in 2024 after historic rookie year

Puka Nacua had statistically the best rookie season ever by a wide receiver, but he’s not feeling added pressure in Year 2

Puka Nacua came into the NFL without very high expectations but after putting together a remarkable rookie season in which he set multiple records, he’s now being talked about as one of the best wideouts in football. As a result, the bar has been raised quite a bit heading into Year 2.

Even with Cooper Kupp on the roster, Nacua could be Matthew Stafford’s go-to target again on offense. He nearly crossed 1,500 yards last season and could very well go over that mark in 2024 if he stays healthy and keeps getting better.

Entering his second season in the league, Nacua says he isn’t feeling any added pressure following the historic year he just had in 2023.

“No, not really,” Nacua said on NFL Network, via NFL.com. “Every week presented a different challenge and who we were playing against and also just trying to make sure I could prepare myself the best way to be able to be there on Sunday and perform my best. I think coming into this year, I think it definitely presents a challenge of just trying to reset the standard. Last year, from what I put on tape and tried to improve in the ways I know I’m capable of and then being there for my team in every which way coach [Sean] McVay asks a lot of us from the offensive side of the ball. I’m super excited for the challenges that come up this year.”

Just as it was for Kupp to follow up his triple crown season in 2021, it’ll be difficult for Nacua to put up better numbers than the ones he had last season. If he finishes with fewer than 1,486 yards, it shouldn’t be viewed as a letdown.

As long as he improves, cuts down on the drops and continues to make a significant impact on the Rams each week, Los Angeles should be thrilled – even if the stats don’t get better.

Look: Construction has begun on Rams’ new practice facility in Woodland Hills

Construction has begun on the Rams’ new (and temporary) practice facility in Woodland Hills

Sean McVay desperately wants a new office and soon enough, he’ll have one. The Los Angeles Rams are moving their headquarters from Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks to a new facility in Woodland Hills, which will also be a temporary setup initially.

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, construction on the new facility has begun. You can see in the photo below that the land has been cleared and right now, it’s a huge dirt lot that will eventually have two practice fields and modular trailers alongside them. The Daily News reached out to the Rams for comment on when the facility will be finished but the team did not respond.

The Rams are expected to move into the new facility before the start of the 2024 season, though it remains to be seen where they will hold training camp. The Saints are heading to UC Irvine for their camp, which is where the Rams used to set up shop in July, so Los Angeles is currently without a publicly announced location for training camp.

Rams sign two more draft picks, only Jared Verse left to sign

The Rams signed two more of the 2024 draft picks, leaving Jared Verse as the last one left to sign

The Los Angeles Rams got the majority of their 2024 draft class under contract earlier this week, inking seven of their 10 rookies to four-year deals. On Thursday, they signed two more players, Kamren Kinchens and Brennan Jackson, bringing the total to nine, according to ProFootballTalk.

That leaves just one rookie from the Rams’ draft class to sign: Jared Verse, their first-rounder. Verse has yet to sign his rookie contract, not that it’s anything to worry about. Some deals simply take longer to get done, especially when it comes to first- and second-rounders.

Verse was the 19th overall pick in Round 1 out of Florida State. Spotrac projects his contract will be for four years and worth a total of $15.13 million, with a signing bonus of $7.83 million.

Rams in top 15 of ESPN’s post-draft NFL power rankings

The Rams cracked the top 15 of ESPN’s post-draft power rankings, sitting 11 spots higher than they were this time last year

The outlook for the Los Angeles Rams is much better heading into the 2024 season than it was this time last year. Despite being viewed as one of the 10 worst teams in football last season, the Rams exceeded all expectations and made the playoffs as a wild-card team in the NFC.

Now, some are wondering if the Rams might be ready to contend for a Super Bowl again, even without Aaron Donald on defense. There’s a long way to go until they compete for another ring but it’s good to see Los Angeles back in the spotlight again.

In ESPN’s post-draft power rankings last year, the Rams were slotted in at No. 25. Coming out of the 2024 draft, the Rams are 14th in ESPN’s poll, the same position they were in after free agency.

ESPN picked the Rams’ most improved unit as the secondary, which isn’t wrong; the additions of Kamren Curl, Darious Williams, Tre’Davious White and even Kamren Kinchens will make a big difference in the defensive backfield.

The Rams did a lot to improve their defensive front in the draft, but they still had Aaron Donald on their roster at the end of the 2023 season. Last season, Los Angeles had 10 interceptions — tied for 23rd in the NFL. Improving the secondary was a focus during free agency and the draft, with the Rams signing cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams and safety Kamren Curl and selecting safety Kamren Kinchens in the fifth round.

The only NFC West team ranked higher than the Rams is the 49ers, who are No. 2 behind the top-ranked Chiefs. Of the teams in the top 10, the Rams will face six of them in 2024, which shows how difficult their schedule will be.

Even being ranked 14th is a sign of confidence in Los Angeles heading into the 2024 campaign.