Tag: la rams news

Special teams woes continue to sink Rams’ stellar offensive performances

After a crushing overtime defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, it’s time to evaluate the continued failures within the Rams’ special teams unit.

When the Rams were listed as 7.5-point underdogs entering last week’s game against the Ravens, many were shocked at the disrespect given to Sean McVay’s men – disrespect that was quickly taken back in the back-and-forth battle in rainy Baltimore.

The Ravens do have a lot going for them. They’re the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Lamar Jackson is playing at an MVP level under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken and they were fully rested coming off of a bye. However, the Rams have been rolling since getting Matthew Stafford and Kyren Williams back. Winners of three straight, they looked to upset the bookies by putting in another excellent offensive display.

And that’s exactly what happened. The Rams offense clicked, so did the Ravens. Both teams had over 400 yards of offense with 47 combined first downs. In a war like this, the little things not only matter, they decide the outcome.

So when Tylan Wallace, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy, was set to field a Rams’ punt in overtime, the concern should’ve been if he would have properly secured the ball in such awful conditions.

I mean, Wallace has yet to live up to his expectations. He’s replacing All-Pro returner Devin Duvernay who was injured and he might try and do too much with this limited opportunity. Despite the pressure, it was Chase Blackburn’s special teams unit who dropped the ball and allowed Wallace to score the game-winning touchdown on a punt return in overtime.

This letdown was so egregious that McVay was quoted as saying, “there were some instances yesterday where we could have been better” when talking about his special teams unit, citing the six missed tackles on the game-winning punt return. The Rams looked out of place, displayed zero gap integrity and looked like me trying to grab Allen Verano in a third-grade game of tag: confused and sweaty.

In addition to letting Wallace score a touchdown, earlier in the game, they failed to down a punt inside the 5-yard line. They also let Duvernay get away with an early kick return that he mindlessly took out of the endzone.

However, this is a common theme for the Rams. According to FTN Fantasy, they rank dead last in special teams DVOA with a mark of -8.3% – significantly worse than the next-closest team, the Patriots (-4.3%). They simply can’t get their special teams in order. If it’s not the punting squad, it’s the kicking game. Fortunately, kicker Lucas Havrisik was perfect on the day, going 3-for-3 on field goals and hitting all his extra points. Havrisik has yet to gain the full trust of the coaching staff due to his prior erratic accuracy, and despite Mason Crosby being cut from the practice squad, Havrisik’s play forced the Rams to sign veteran him in the first place. Crosby, who is clearly years past his prime, at one point seemed like a viable option because Havrisik has yet to play at a high, consistent level.

Let’s also not forget that Havrisik only has the job because Brett Maher kicked his way out of the league. Quite frankly this special teams unit has not played at the elite level we once saw them at during the early days of McVay and there’s only one reason for this being the situation. John Fassel. Since Fassel left, the standards and play have dropped.

Despite winning a Super Bowl with the Rams, Fassel’s replacement, Joe DeCamillis, after the 2022 season due to poor performance and Blackburn might find a similar fate if he doesn’t get his house in order quickly.

Should the Rams move on, a proper replacement lies in the same city. The Chargers’ special teams coordinator, Ryan Ficken, might be looking for a job soon. Ficken has done an excellent job for the Bolts, most notably curing them from their kicking woes. Both Dustin Hopkins and Cameron Dicker have looked excellent under him while playing at a Pro Bowl level.

Special teams matter and if the Rams can’t right the ship, another losing season could be upon them.

Talking Big Ten draft prospects with Buckeyes Wire

We sat down with Josh Keatley of Buckeyes Wire to discuss the Big Ten and potential prospects for the Rams from the conference.

The Big Ten is historically known for their legendary coaches and the NFL factories that their programs have become. Since nearly the dawn of the NFL, the Big Ten has put playmakers at every position in the league and the 2024 draft will be no different.

Here to talk Big Ten football, prospects and potential coaching hires is Josh Keatley (@JoshKeatley16) from Buckeyes Wire.

Q: Tough ending to the year for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are about to lose major talent to the NFL Draft. Considering the Rams’ current drafting position and positional needs, which Buckeyes do you think would be a good fit in LA?

Keatley: Denzel Burke (CB) would be a fun fit in LA if he declares. Burke doesn’t have first-round tape, but may test his way there. Burke is a super physical, man-style corner who struggled as a sophomore, but regained to an elite form as a junior. J.T. Tuimoloau (DE) does have first-round tape and has an All-Pro ceiling. The former five-star recruit can be an instant starter in the NFL.

Q: Sean McVay is no stranger to hiring coaches from the collegiate ranks. Current assistant head coach Jimmy Lake came from Washington, former OC Liam Coen was brought back after his stint at Kentucky and McVay hired running backs coach Ron Gould in 2023 after a 30-plus year college coaching career amongst others. Which coaches at Ohio State and in the Big Ten would be a good fit for the Rams

Keatley: Jim Knowles is too old to make that transition now, but he has some fun concepts that would work well in today’s pass-happy NFL that may never reach its potential in the Big Ten. Tom Allen isn’t a dumb guy, he just needs a fresh start and despite his age, I do think he still has something to offer the game and would be an interesting addition.

Q: Outside of Ohio State, the Big Ten is filled with a bunch of talent that will be Day 1 or Day 2 picks. In the same breath, a bunch of talented players will fall through the cracks. Which Day 3/UDFA-graded players from the Big Ten would be instant contributors on the Rams?

Keatley: An underrated player is Nebraska corner, Quinton Newsome, who just declared for the draft today. Dude has the length and speed to be effective in the NFL and can play special teams. I don’t think this is necessarily a need, but Cade Stover is likely not going to test well, but has starting NFL potential and should fall in that day three range.

Q: With the future of Matthew Stafford unknown beyond 2023, should the Rams take a chance on Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy?

Keatley: J.J. McCarthy is a weird prospect. There are some fun traits and great athleticism, but lots of inconsistency. That is a guy I would take a chance on late, but it would not be surprising if he tested well and was drafted before he should be and I don’t want it to be my team.

Q: Big Ten title game was on Saturday. Michigan defeated Iowa 26-0. Pick one prospect from each team that would be a Day 1 starter on the Rams.

Keatley: Blake Corum (RB) would be a fun addition who is productive, reliable, and has the required long speed when healthy. Corum didn’t look as good this year as he was last season, but fully healthy the guy can be an impactful player. The dude for Iowa that I think is underrated is Erick All (TE), before going down with an ACL injury he was their leading receiver.

I would like to thank Josh for his time and efforts. Josh and his fellow Buckeyes Wire contributor Mike Chen host an Ohio State-centered podcast titled “Ohio State of Mind.” Listen for more Buckeyes content.

Talking Pac-12 draft prospects for the Rams with Trojans Wire

We sat down with Donovan James of Trojans Wire to discuss the Pac-12 title game, prospects for the Rams to look at and much more.

As the Pac-12 approaches its final contest of the season, a conference championship matchup between the 12-0 Washington Huskies and the 11-1 Oregon Ducks, I sat down with Trojans Wire contributor Donovan James (@DonJamesSports) to talk about the connection between the Rams and the conference, and how players from the Pac-12 could become playmakers for the Rams in 2024.

Q: Would it be realistic for the Rams to consider trading up for Caleb Williams?

James: Yes, it would be realistic. With a paring of McVay and Williams, they could be a playoff team and Super Bowl contender for a decade. I love Stafford but he’s past his prime as a top-tier quarterback

Q: Are there any USC prospects that the Rams should consider acquiring?

James: I think Brendan Rice (WR), Brett Neilon (OL), and Calen Bullock (S) would all be great fits for the Rams.

Q: Current Rams assistant head coach Jimmy Lake used to be the head coach of the Washington Huskies before he was fired due to allegations of getting physical with one of his players. Should Rams fans fear that a coach with such a past might be harming the team?

James: No, I think he is looking to move back up the coaching ranks so you shouldn’t have to worry about it that with Jimmy Lake again, at least you hope so because that can’t happen again.

Q: As the Pac-12 reaches its final conclusion with Washington playing Oregon in the championship game, what players do you think the Rams should consider drafting this coming offseason?

James: Players galore from the Oregon vs Washington game you could draft. Bo Nix (QB), Troy Franklin (WR), Tez Johnson (WR), and Mase Funa (LB) from Oregon and Washington’s Rome Odzune (WR), Michael Penix Jr (QB), Dillion Johnson (RB) and Dominque Hampton (CB).

Q: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr versus Oregon’s Bo Nix. Which quarterback is the better fit for the Sean McVay offense?

James: I think Nix is a great fit for McVay and the Rams offense. I think he could sit behind Matthew for another season and learn from him and play significant snaps if needed in Year 1.

I would like to thank Donovan for his time and efforts. His work, including his interview with me, are available at Trojans Wire. Both he and I, along with the Rams scouting department, will have all eyes on Allegiant Stadium on Friday as Vegas hosts the Pac-12 title game.

Rams’ balance, ball distribution lifted them to an easy win over Cardinals

We take an inside look as to how ball distribution from the Rams was the main force behind their best offensive performance of the season.

The Sean McVay offense is truly a thing of beauty when all its pieces are healthy and operating at a top level. Having his allotment of weapons, Matthew Stafford put together a masterclass performance on Sunday, going 25-for-33 with 229 passing yards, four touchdowns, and only one interception as the Rams cruised to a 37-14 victory over the Cardinals.

The Rams had 457 yards of total offense. They welcomed back Kyren Williams, who picked up right where he left off as the running back from Notre Dame put together an astonishing 143 rushing yards on just 16 carries. Royce Freeman, not wanting to lose out on his opportunities, put together 77 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown from 13 carries.

However, Williams proved his worth as he added six receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns to go with his already impressive stat line. Williams was one of eight pass catchers on the day as Stafford and company moved the ball with ease.

The Rams’ biggest targets on the season, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, were basically non-factors Sunday, combining for seven receptions and 45 yards. Previously, there was an argument that prioritizing Nacua would be the path to opening up the offense. Perhaps it is actually Williams if we look at the stats.

The emergence of Tyler Higbee also played a huge factor. The tight end had five receptions, 29 yards and two touchdowns. His size, ability to create his own space and the attention he requires helps open up the run and pass game.

It’s nice to see everyone healthy and playing at a high level. Yes, it was the fledging Cardinals but after the last two months of play, having back-to-back division wins after the bye was desperately needed.

The Rams play one of the best defenses in the NFL next week in the Cleveland Browns. They will provide an accurate picture of how effective this offense truly is, but with Williams back and Freeman performing at a high level, I have confidence that the Rams will produce another winning effort.

Twitter reacts: Patriots trade former Georgia RB Sony Michel to Rams

Michel joins former Georgia RB, Rams assistant head coach Thomas Brown and Georgia great Matthew Stafford in L.A.

Former Georgia running back Sony Michel is headed to Los Angeles. The Rams sent the New England Patriots a fifth and sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft for the former first round pick.

Michel spent three seasons with the Patriots, winning one Super bowl and racking up 535 attempts for 2,292 yards with 14 touchdowns and another 258 yards and 26 receptions through the air. The Plantation, Fla., native missed some time last season with a quad injury but has looked effective in the preseason so far.

Now, UGA’s third all-time leading rusher makes the trip to L.A., teaming up with former Georgia Bulldog running back, Rams’ assistant head coach and Michel’s position coach at UGA, Thomas Brown.

Michel also joins former Bulldogs Matthew Stafford, Leonard Floyd and J.R. Reed in L.A.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news:

Let us never forget this historic run from Michel in his final season at Georgia. One of the biggest carries in UGA football history.

 

“UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton” is back! In the podcast’s 2021 kickoff episode, J.C. is joined by former Georgia football greats Tavarres King, Kieth Marshall and Armarlo Herrera to talk about their time in Athens, the 2021 Bulldogs and Georgia vs. Clemson! Listen here:

Rams HC Sean McVay says QB Matthew Stafford is ‘even better than advertised’

Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay could not contain his excitement about former Georgia football and Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford.

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For the first time in his NFL career, former Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Matthew Stafford will not be suit up in a Detroit Lions jersey.

After being traded to the Rams, the former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick will look to start the second chapter of his career in Los Angeles after 12 years in Detroit.

So far, it appears Stafford is off to a really solid start in LA, impressing his new head coach Sean McVay.

McVay has had only positive things to say about the former Bulldog all offseason, but in an interview with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, McVay could not contain his excitement over his new quarterback.

“Bro, this dude’s a bad MF-er,” McVay told Breer.

“Whatever people say about him, as good as it can be, he’s even better than advertised. It makes sense to him. The guy’s ability to see the game, his ability to draw on his experiences, the feel that he has, it’s pretty special and unique. And, man, his feel for people, his authentic way of connecting with his teammates, his coaches, this guy, it’s great being around him.”

Stafford admitted it will be “an interesting opportunity and a challenge” for him to assimilate a new offense, especially due to the lack of on-field workouts players were able to do this offseason prior to training camp.

Stafford will be surrounded by serious talent in Los Angeles, so expectations will be through the roof. From what’s been reported, it sounds like the cool, calm and collected Stafford should have no problem living up to the hype.

Matthew Stafford and DeSean Jackson “dialed in” for LA Rams

Georgia football great Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles Rams WR DeSean Jackson are clicking in California.

This offseason, veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson signed to play with the Los Angeles Rams, joining former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was dealt to LA in one of the NFL’s biggest offseason trade this year.

Jackson has played with some serious talent at the quarterback position over his 13 year career, including Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb.

Stafford, known mostly for his incredible arm strength, might just have the biggest cannon out of all of the quarterbacks Jackson has played with.

There’s still chemistry that needs to be built between Stafford, Jackson and the other stud receivers on LA’s roster.

Add in Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, and Stafford is surrounded by some serious talent.

“You continue to be great and just throw the ball, and I’m going to continue to be great and just run past everybody and use my speed,” Jackson said, via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “I think that’s the good niche about us, we’re just going to be dialed in and just continuously just learn the plays — and once the season starts, we’ll be in rare . . . form.”

Stafford is one of the best deep passers in football. Which is nice seeing as how, when healthy, Jackson is one of the league’s best deep-ball threats of all time.

“For me, I couldn’t ask for a better situation to have at quarterback. And the timing is perfect because they’d just got the trade done before I came and they signed me, so it was perfect timing. It’s going to be special,” he said this offseason. “When we were talking, we were like we can’t wait to get out there and start working together. We don’t know how the offseason is going to play out, but we’re definitely going to get together and work. That dude, man, he’s a beast. His arm is out the world. So, I’m excited too. I’m going to say, ‘I’m going to run far, you just throw it far’ and hopefully we can beat everybody.”

Rams QB Matthew Stafford to begin training soon with WR Robert Woods

Former Georgia football QB Matthew Stafford, now with the Los Angeles Rams, is soon to begin training with star WR Robert Woods.

Former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, who spent his entire 12-year career with the Detroit Lions, was the talk of the pre-draft offseason after being traded to the Los Angeles Rams.

Stafford admitted that it will be “an interesting opportunity and a challenge” for him to become oriented into the new offense, especially due to the lack of on-field workouts players can do this offseason prior to training camp.

Stafford will be surrounded by serious talent in Los Angeles, and look for him and wide receiver Robert Woods to form a deadly combination, much like Woods was able to orchestrate with Jared Goff over the last few years.

Woods and Stafford are yet to workout on the field together, but they plan to do so soon to begin building the much-needed chemistry between quarterback and star receiver.

“Not yet, but I plan on getting with him soon,” Woods told CBS Sports. “We began our virtual training (recently). We’ll be in the same city soon within five or 10 miles, and I know I’m gonna be working out, he’s gonna be working out. So we’ll link up for sure and get our timing down.”

The only way to be the best is to train with the best. And although Stafford may not be the best in a literal sense, he’s still considered an upgrade over Goff.

But Stafford is pretty high up there when it comes to the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Look what he has done since 2010. He has a completion rate above 64% in each of the last six seasons. He had the second-highest passer rating under pressure in 2020. He has finished in the top 10 in passing yards seven times, and he has had a 100-yard rusher in 11 of 166 games played. 

And Woods is no joke either. In the last three seasons, the former USC Trojan has 266 catches for 3,289 yards and 18 total touchdowns.

Rams WR DeSean Jackson loving Matthew Stafford’s arm strength

NFL vet DeSean Jackson is ready to get to work with former UGA football QB Matthew Stafford.

Last week, veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson signed to play with the Los Angeles Rams, joining former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was dealt to LA in the NFL’s biggest offseason trade this year.

Jackson has played with some serious talent at the quarterback position over his 13 year career, including Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb.

Stafford, known mostly for his incredible arm strength, might just have the biggest cannon out of all of the quarterbacks Jackson has played with,.

“For me, I couldn’t ask for a better situation to have a quarterback. And the timing is perfect because they’d just got the trade done before I came and they signed me, so it was perfect timing. It’s going to be special,” he said Friday. “When we were talking, we were like we can’t wait to get out there and start working together. We don’t know how the offseason is going to play out, but we’re definitely going to get together and work. That dude, man, he’s a beast. His arm is out the world. So, I’m excited too. I’m going to say, ‘I’m going to run far, you just throw it far’ and hopefully we can beat everybody.”

According to Jackson, Stafford reached out to head coach Sean McVay to get Jackson’s number. The former No. 1 overall pick contacted Jackson and the two are ready to get to work.

“So, when I first signed, Matthew got my number from McVay and he sent me a text, so very excited to get with him, man,” he said. “He’s got a lot of respect and has accomplished a lot of great things in the NFL, so I can’t wait to get with a quarterback like him. I’m interested to see how that’s going to work out.”

DeSean Jackson on Matthew Stafford: ‘His arm is out of this world’

Rams DB excited about addition of former Georgia QB Matt Stafford

LA Rams DB Jordan Fuller is excited about the addition of former Georgia football and Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford.

The only way to be the best is to train with the best. And although new Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford may not be the best in a literal sense, he’s still considered an upgrade over Jared Goff.

But Stafford is pretty high up there when it comes to the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Look what he’s been able to do since 2010. He has a completion rate above 64% in each of the last six seasons, he had the 2nd-highest passer rating under pressure in 2020, he’s finished top 10 in passing yards seven times and he’s only had a 100-yard rusher in 11 of 166 games played. 

So it’s no wonder Rams defensive back Jordan Fuller is excited for Stafford’s arrival in Los Angeles.

Fuller, a second year pro out Ohio State, shared his excitement while on Good Morning Football.

Fuller is yet to go up against Stafford during his NFL career, but that’s about to change in a big way very soon.