Tag: rams news

Every award and accolade Aaron Donald achieved in the NFL

Aaron Donald had quite the decorated career with the Rams.

Aaron Donald retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, but there’s no doubt he paved a clear path to Canton. As one of the best defensive tackles in league history, he was always one of the top players in the NFL.

Given his production and impact on the game, he’s unsurprisingly racked up an abundance of awards, honors and accolades as a pro. He’s won AP Defensive Player of the Year three times now, has been a Pro Bowl selection 10 times and led the league in sacks once.

Here’s a full list of every major award and accolade Donald has achieved in the NFL up to this point.

New DL coach Giff Smith is a perfect fit for Rams’ young defense

With the Rams hiring former Chargers assistant Giff Smith, here’s a deeper look at the excellent hire.

The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms with former Los Angeles Chargers assistant coach Giff Smith to be Sean McVay’s new defensive line coach/run game coordinator. Smith, a longtime NFL veteran, spent the last eight years with the Chargers, serving the franchise in multiple capacities including defensive line coach, outside linebackers coach and a short stint as interim head coach after the organization fired Brandon Staley last season.

A respected voice, Smith was crucial in the development of Joey Bosa. However, Smith’s best work came with Day 3 and undrafted players. Under Smith, Darius Philon (6th round), Damion Square (UDFA), Issac Rochell (7th round) and Breiden Fehoko (UDFA) have spent a combined 26 years in the league.

Smith served the Chargers through the coaching regimes of Mike McCoy, Anthony Lynn, and Staley. During that time, he oversaw the transition from Gus Bradley’s 4-3 defense to Brandon Staley’s 3-4 defense, converting Joey Bosa from DE to OLB while assisting Uchenna Nwosu as he ascended into the starting OLB role in 2021.

Nwosu would sign a two-year, $19 million contract with the Seahawks in 2022 and a three-year, $45 million extension in 2023. Bosa signed a record-breaking five-year, $135 million extension in 2020.

With a young defensive line and a draft strategy that emphasizes project players in the later rounds, Smith is a perfect fit for the organization. Smith builds up young players, improves team defensive play and he gets players paid.

McVay found himself a gem.

Rams should interview Texas’ Johnny Nansen for vacant DC position

Gearing up for the future, the Rams are searching for their next DC. Perhaps an unknown name from the college ranks is the perfect fit.

With Raheem Morris gone to the Falcons, Sean McVay has started his search for his next defensive coordinator. Despite a long history with Brandon Staley, a new voice in the defensive meeting rooms could be what the young Rams defense needs to take their game to the next level.

In recent years, McVay has aligned his staff with coaches whose resumes are filled with college jobs. It may be time his defensive play caller reflects those same values.

Johnny Nansen is a hot commodity in the world of college football right now. Nansen worked under longtime NFL assistant Jedd Fisch at Arizona from 2022-2023 and the results are as clear as day. Arizona was 1-11 in 2021 and they’ve gone 15-10 with a 10-3 season in 2023 since Nansen’s arrival.

Nansen’s “no name” defense was a force to be reckoned with. He employed creative tactics and formations that stifled the high-flying passing attack of the Pac-12. His defense averaged 21 points surrendered per game at the collegiate level. That’s absurd. This was capped off in a 38-24 win over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl where his defense forced six turnovers.

Nansen’s stats are impressive but what’s even more impressive is the attitude of his defense. I am not exaggerating when I say his defense took zero plays off in 2023. Even in blowouts. Check the Utah game where they’re up by over three touchdown in the fourth and they’re flying to the ball.

Nansen was hired by Texas this offseason but perhaps a move to the NFL would suit him even better. He’s only 49 years old, his defensive philosophy is ahead of the curve and let’s not disregard that Mike Macdonald, someone who got their stripes as a defensive play caller in college, didn’t just scheme up one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Nansen deserves an interview and the Rams, a forward-facing franchise, should be the one to give it to him.

With trade deadline approaching, Rams should make a move for LT Garett Bolles

We explore the players up for grabs in the impending Broncos fire sale and why Garrett Bowles is the best purchase.

It is no secret that the Denver Broncos are in the midst of a full rebuild and many of the old guard seem to be irritated with Sean Payton and his ego. Whenever a new coach comes in, there seems to be a desire to bring in his “own guys” and thus, a fire sale begins. As the rest of the NFL descends on the cheap eats, the Rams need to grab LT Garett Bolles.

Bolles is a monster among men. The second-team All-Pro has anchored the Denver offensive line for seven years. The unsung hero of a terrible position group, Bolles has grown tired of the lack of success in Denver. Yet to play in a playoff game, let alone win one, Bolles reminds me of a legendary left tackle: Andrew Whitworth.

Big Whit played 11 years in Cincinnati before moving to LA in 2017. He also didn’t win a playoff game in his time with the Bengals. Yet he went on to win a Super Bowl. Bolles has that potential and no offense to Alaric Jackson or Joe Noteboom, but there are levels to this and theirs isn’t producing meaningful results.

Now, let’s talk turkey. Bolles is going to be a massive cap hit with around $20 million in 2024. With the lack of cap space, you will have to give him a small extension with an increased AAV to restructure an already restructured contract. It is a large commitment, but when you look at Trent Williams, who signed his big extension in 2021, his AAV is averaging nearly $21 million so an expected $17-18 million for Bolles is not that big of a deal. With an expected $5 million in cap savings if you cut Joe Noteboom in a pre-6/1 deal, it’s doable without having to break the bank.

From a schematic standpoint, you might as well extend Matthew Stafford for a few more years. Despite the blindside being on the left for Stafford, he loves throwing the ball left. Sean McVay goes trips left, he loves hitting Cooper Kupp over the top with him running left and he makes quicker decisions going left. Maybe it’s an angle thing, who knows? That’s why Rob Havenstein is paid so much money. However, what Garret Bolles does is give the Rams offense a tackle that is freakishly athletic and highly aggressive. Perfect for the McVay short passing game.

Let’s not mince words, McVay loves the wide receiver screen. He ran several with Puka Nacua, mostly because the other receivers’ blocking assignments can be disguised as short routes. The one blocker that has to haul his behind is the left tackle. Since he has to go into pass protection, he’s kickstepping into a full-out sprint to take out the linebacker squeezing down if Nacua cuts to the inside. Not many people can do that. Bolles can. When you look at Alaric Jackson’s 5.40 40 time and 4.92 20-yard shuttle compared to Bolles’ 4.95 and 4.55, the numbers speak for themselves.

Bolles is also a mover of men. His run-blocking ability is both underrated and underutilized. Best when setting the edge of stretch runs, Bolles might be the key to unlocking the poor Rams running game.

Bolles is going to be on the market and his value shouldn’t be high. He’s worth taking a gamble on because high-level tackles are a rarity in this league and it’s even more rare to grab a veteran that’s playing at a star level. The Rams got one and won a Super Bowl. It’s time to solidify the left side again.

Chargers RB Elijah Dotson among ‘Secret Superstars’ of preseason Week 1

Elijah Dotson raised some eyebrows in his NFL debut.

The Chargers ran wild in their preseason victory over the Rams on Saturday, finishing with 214 yards on the ground.

A key piece of their rushing attack was undrafted free agent Elijah Dotson. Dotson had 92 yards on six carries, including two long touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Dotson was one of Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar’s “Secret Superstars” from the first week of the preseason for his efforts.

Talk about an under-the-radar guy… Dotson spent four seasons as a secondary factor at Sacramento before moving to Northern Colorado and rushing for 935 yards and six touchdowns on 204 carries. That got him a shot with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent, and against the Rams on Saturday night, Dotson made more of that opportunity than anybody had a right to expect. He rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns… on just six carries and seven total snaps.

Dotson began his career at Sacramento State and was a two-time, first-team All-Big Sky selection. He was a graduate transfer to Northern Colorado last year, where he had 933 yards on the ground, led the team with 48 catches and had an 82-yard punt return touchdown.

As the Bolts build out their backfield, Dotson’s performance helped his cause. It remains to be seen if Los Angeles will roster three or four running backs, but if they’re to have four, Dotson could very well be in consideration for a spot if it keeps stacking up solid showings. At the very least, he should warrant a practice squad spot.

PFF: Chargers’ worst offensive players in preseason win vs. Rams

Here are the worst-graded players on the offensive side of the ball, per Pro Football Focus.

The Chargers defeated the Rams in the preseason opener on Saturday, 34-17.

Along the way, they had some key contributors on offense, but there were some who did not help as much. Here are the worst-graded players on that side of the ball, per Pro Football Focus.

PFF: Chargers’ top defensive players in preseason win vs. Rams

Here are the top 10 Chargers defensive players and what their grades were.

The Chargers defeated the Rams in the preseason opener on Saturday, 34-17.

Along the way, they had some key contributors on defense. Here are the top players on that side of the ball, per Pro Football Focus.

PFF: Chargers’ top offensive players in preseason win vs. Rams

Here are the top 10 Chargers offensive players and what their grades were.

The Chargers defeated the Rams in the preseason opener on Saturday, 34-17.

Along the way, they had some key contributors on offense. Here are the top players on that side of the ball, per Pro Football Focus.

Best photos from Chargers’ preseason win over Rams

Here are some of the best pictures from the Chargers’ win over the Rams.

The Chargers took care of business in their preseason opener, defeating the Rams by the score of 34-17.

To relive some of the action, here are the top photos taken at SoFi Stadium on Saturday.

How Chargers’ rookies fared in preseason debut

Evaluating Los Angeles Chargers rookies after first week of 2023 NFL preseason.

The preseason is meant to evaluate players, and for a handful of them, this past week marked their first time playing in an NFL game, including the Chargers with their seven draft picks in their win over the Rams on Saturday.

Los Angeles was headlined by first-round pick wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who had an uneven performance. He was targeted early but couldn’t hang onto two passes, including one deep down the right sideline. Johnston was knocked in the draft process for his hands, which is clearly still a work in progress. But right before the half, Johnston came back in the game and hauled in a pass for an 8-yard touchdown, beating Rams defensive back Richard LeCounte from the slot with a smooth route.

“It was alright,” Johnston said about his debut. “Not the best start, it was kind of rough but I bounced back with it at the end with the touchdown.

“At the end of the day, I’m not satisfied,” Johnston added. “Hopefully I’ll come back next week and do better.”

Edge defender Tuli Tuipulotu brought some pressure early on the Rams’ first drive. Tuipulotu displayed high effort, acceleration and closing speed to cover ground and bring down quarterback Brett Rypien, who barely managed to get the pass off. Tuipulotu also looked good at defending the run, setting some firm edges.

Linebacker Daiyan Henley made some key plays on defense and special teams. Henley, the former defensive back and wide receiver, recorded a pass deflection and was always around the football against the run. He wore the green dot and called the plays in the second half. On Derius Davis’ 81-yard punt return touchdown, Henley made a vital block to open up a big hole for him.

Davis, the Chargers’ fourth-round pick, showed why they drafted him: to be their return specialist, with his 81-yard punt return for a score, making it look effortless with his speed and quickness. He also had two catches on two targets for 21 yards.

Jordan McFadden logged all of his snaps at left guard. McFadden was dinged for holding a couple of times, including on running back Isaiah Spiller’s 70+ yard touchdown, which negated it. Aside from that, he performed well, making some key blocks in the run game and looking comfortable out in space as a puller. In pass protection, McFadden was credited for one pressure on 21 pass-blocking snaps.

Defensive tackle Scott Matlock made his presence known with a rush where he got pressure on Stetson Bennett, showcasing his athleticism for a man of his size and up-field urgency to force him out of the pocket, leading to an incompletion. Matlock was also stout at taking on blocks at the point of attack in the run game.

Quarterback Max Duggan took over in the second half following a solid performance from Easton Stick. There wasn’t much to write home about Duggan on Saturday. He completed two of three passes for 19 yards and added a 19-yard run.