Tag: rams training camp

Previewing Rams’ QB room for 2024 season

Taking a look at the Rams’ QB room, which is led by Matthew Stafford for the 4th straight season

There are not many surprises regarding the Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback room. Jimmy Garoppolo was signed to back up Matthew Stafford after Carson Wentz moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs, Stetson Bennett is back with the team after a year-long sabbatical and Stafford returns for his 16th NFL season.

Stafford, the gunslinger, is looking for his first 4,000-yard passing season since his Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2021. It would be the 10th in his career after coming up just 35 yards short last season. Stafford is also two wins away from the 100-win mark. He is also on pace to break the 5,000 career completions and 60,000 passing yards mark.

Garoppolo finds his way to Los Angeles after stops with New England, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. This is Garoppolo’s 11th season in the NFL and the sixth in which he’ll serve in a backup role. Garoppolo’s career record is 14-3 when starting the season as a backup. Garoppolo is also 4-2 in the playoffs with two NFC championship game appearances. He starts the season by serving a two-game suspension, so he’s not officially on the 53-man roster.

Bennett rounds out the room as the team’s emergency quarterback. He had five interceptions in two games played this preseason but he also led the team on two game-winning drives filled with NFL-level throws. He’s raw but he’s displayed an ability to perform in pressure situations.

The reality of the situation is that the team will go as far as Stafford will take it. Though Garoppolo has a track record of performing well when brought in as a backup, his performance as a member of the Raiders last season casts some doubt on his effectiveness. But in the same breath, his performances have been directly correlated to the effectiveness of the run game.

When a Jimmy G offense is able to run the ball, he’s a brilliant passer. Regardless, let’s hope it never comes to the point of finding out.

Sean McVay says trading Ernest Jones was ‘best for the football team’

Sean McVay says the Rams won’t add a veteran linebacker after trading Ernest Jones, a move that was “best for the football team”

As the Rams settle into their new reality, a reality without linebacker Ernest Jones, head coach Sean McVay shared his thoughts on the trade.

Speaking to the media, McVay cited a “football decision” as the reason for the trade, seemingly ruling out any animosity or personal issues between Jones and the team.

Jones was traded Tuesday to the Titans after contract negotiations stalled this offseason. The Rams also sent a 2025 sixth-round pick to Tennessee in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick.

 

Despite the massive void left by Jones, the team has no immediate plans to sign a veteran linebacker. McVay says the Rams feel good about their group and will move forward with Christian Rozeboom, Troy Reeder, Jacob Hummel and Omar Speights.

The Rams currently have five inside linebackers on their 53-man roster, with Elias Neal being the fifth.

 

Why the Rams should only keep three running backs on the 53-man roster

The Rams could go light at running back this year by only keeping three on the 53-man roster, which would open up spots at other positions

As teams across the NFL are set to trim down their rosters to 53 players, the Rams are left with a bunch of difficult decisions to make. As always, there were some surprise standouts in this year’s training camp, and with clear needs, certain position groups will have to be a bit light entering this year.

One of those groups for the Los Angeles Rams should be running back. As much of a luxury it would be to have four running backs available to use, it is not a requirement and the reality is that unless there are specific special teams responsibilities attached to a player, the team should only keep three ball carriers.

Obviously, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum will be the team’s one-two punch. They will take a majority of the carries and Ronnie Rivers’ usage will be minimal at best.

Honestly, Rivers is there in case of injury or for periodic rotation. As unfair as it is to Zach Evans, he’s an unnecessary addition to a team looking to contend. Despite his two-touchdown performance against Houston, his 2024 season should start on the practice squad.

Last season, only five running backs took a carry for the Rams. Outside of Williams, none of them ran for over 320 yards on the year. In fact, the only reason there were even five ball carriers was due to midseason injuries to Williams and Rivers.

Keep things simple. Three running backs are more than enough to sustain a winning effort. Use the additional roster spot somewhere else.

Matthew Stafford praises Rams’ young receiving corps

During a recent press conference, Matthew Stafford shared some positive words regarding the team’s younger receivers.

During Thursday’s press conference after a joint practice with the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had some positive words to share regarding some of the young wide receivers on the roster.

When asked about the progress of the wide receiver room, Stafford had this to say about Tyler Johnson, Xavier Smith and Jordan Whittington.

“Tyler was here last year and ‘Zay’ was too,” Stafford said. “Those guys kind of picked up where they came off. ‘J-Whitt’ does a great job of just being a sponge out there, trying to soak up as much as he can from those guys that have been there before him. All of them are physically talented in their own way and play to those strengths. That’s what you want to be as a football player. Know what you’re good at, do that, and work on the things that maybe you need to work on. Those guys come to work every single day with that attitude and it’s going to make our team better.”

Considering that the Rams will have to make crucial cuts to the receiver room, Stafford’s words could provide insight into who makes the 53-man roster.

Jaylen McCollough is a sleeper to make Rams’ roster entering preseason finale

Jaylen McCollough could secure a spot on the Rams’ 53-man roster with a strong showing on Saturday

Undrafted rookie Jaylen McCollough has had himself a special preseason so far. He’s shined in his two appearances for the Rams, recording five solo tackles, two pass deflections and an interception.

When talking about McCollough’s performance against the Chargers, Sean McVay had high praise for the rookie defensive back.

“I think I’m just not surprised anymore. He’s consistent. He’s a man, got a great demeanor,” McVay said. “I think we’ve got some really impressive young rookies that – I think the best way I can describe it, they’re men. They’ve got a mature, grown demeanor. There’s an ability to communicate with them because of the way they understand this game and some of the things that we’re asking within the scheme. He plays with a physical toughness. He’s got a mental toughness. I’m a big fan of Jaylen McCollough and it only continues to grow just by the way he handles himself. You guys have heard me talk about feeling certain defensive players when you’re out there. You feel him and he’s continued to show up. I was happy for him. He’d better have made that pick though, right? I mean, come on. That’s more on the tip there, but he’s done a lot of good stuff. The pick wasn’t the most impressive thing he did last night by any stretch. I’d crush him if he didn’t catch that one.”

With a public backing from his head coach, combined with needs in the DB room, a strong performance against the Texans in the preseason finale could guarantee at least a practice squad spot. But an outstanding game could propel McCollough onto the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie – an accomplishment worth applauding.

DeSean Jackson regrets asking Rams to trade him in 2021

In a recent media appearance, former Rams WR DeSean Jackson spoke about his departure from Los Angeles and the regret he has over the move.

DeSean Jackson, one of the greatest speedsters that the NFL has ever seen, spent a little under nine months with the Rams in 2021.

Jackson played in seven games for Los Angeles before requesting a trade and eventually a release. The team obliged and Jackson was let go on November 2, 2021.

Jackson would sign with the Raiders and the Rams would go on to win Super Bowl LVI that season. Appearing on FS1’s show “Speak”, Jackson expressed regret over leaving, saying he wishes he would’ve accepted his limited role and stayed with the Rams.

“For me, it was like the role I was presented almost didn’t hold up,” Jackson said. “And you got Cooper Kupp, he’s going down the field and catching passes. So it’s like my role in LA almost wasn’t needed. … For me, it was like I wasn’t used to not being that guy. I was always that guy. So for me, I do regret it because I could’ve humbled myself and said, ‘You know what, let me sit back. Let me play when they need me.'”

While in Los Angeles, Jackson was used sparingly. He did put up a three-reception, 120-yard game against Tampa Bay where he connected with Matthew Stafford for a 75-yard touchdown.

Other than that, he was mostly a non-factor, catching only eight passes for 221 yards with the Rams.

 

Rams waive DB Jerry Jacobs with injury settlement

The Rams made a roster move Tuesday, waiving veteran cornerback Jerry Jacobs.

The Rams announced that defensive back Jerry Jacobs was waived on Tuesday with an injury settlement.

The team signed Jacobs on July 27th after Derion Kendrick was lost for the season due to a torn ACL.

Before joining the Rams, Jacobs previously spent the last three seasons in Detroit. Jacobs played one preseason game, recording no stats.

The Rams did not announce what injury Jacobs suffered, so it’s unclear when he got hurt or how severe it is. With Jacobs out of the picture, it makes it more like that the Rams will keep someone such as Tre Tomlinson, Charles Woods, Josh Wallace or Shaun Jolly.

 

 

Sean McVay credits Giff Smith for Rams’ growth on defensive line

Head coach Sean McVay took time to show Rams defensive line coach Giff Smith some love on Monday.

During Monday’s press conference, Rams head coach Sean McVay was asked about defensive line coach Giff Smith and how Smith has empowered veterans to take up leadership roles within the team.

Smith was hired by the Rams this offseason after spending eight years with the Chargers. Smith was the interim head coach for the Bolts during their last three games of 2023.

Here’s what McVay had to say.

“I’ve known Giff for a long time when he recruited me when I was in high school to Tulane. He was the one who recommended Eric Henderson to me. He’s a great coach. He’s a great mentor. I was even talking to Joey Bosa about it at the Chargers practice because he coached Joey for a handful of years and he was saying, ‘He’s this amazing guy.’ Sometimes you hear the word ‘players’ coach,’ and it can mean they’re not hard on guys. That’s the exact opposite. He loves these guys. He really invests in the relationships. That enables them to know that when he’s going to be challenging and demanding of them. ‘Hey, I’m going challenge you to be what you can be.’ They’re receptive to that. They respond. He has such a great feel for being able to empower guys. I can’t say enough good things about what I’ve witnessed and how grateful I am that he’s here. AC Carter’s another great coach who’s working alongside him. I think that’s why you’ve seen good growth from our young group. A lot of guys have progressed in the right direction, which is a real sign of great leadership from him.”

Relationships are everything in football and it seems the one Smith and McVay have has helped build new connections within the organization.

Predicting which receivers will make the Rams’ 53-man roster

There’s still a lot to be sorted out at wide receiver for the Rams this summer

It’s pretty much determined that Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Jordan Whittington will be on the 53-man roster come Week 1.

However, who will make the final two or three spots is still a mystery. It’s expected that the team will keep six or seven receivers on the roster as one should serve as the team’s returner.

I’m going out on a limb to say that Tutu Atwell will not be on the roster this season. While the Rams have refused to move Atwell, trade rumors exist for a reason, and in Atwell’s three seasons, he has been both injury-prone and inconsistent.

While many expected Atwell to be a returner, Xavier Smith has stepped up in preseason. Smith has averaged nearly 24 yards per punt return while hauling in nine receptions for 67 yards.

To fill out that last roster spot, the Rams want a reliable talent with experience. Tyler Johnson checks those boxes. Johnson is entering his fifth year in the NFL and his second with the Rams. He’s taller, more healthy and more consistent than Atwell.

He’s also a Super Bowl champion with the Buccaneers and he’s a perfect locker room guy.

Drake Stoops, Sam Wiglusz and JJ Laap will battle for practice squad spots. In my opinion, Wiglusz will win out.

Jordan Whittington is making a case to be the Rams’ WR3

Jordan Whittington has produced in the preseason and is making a case to be a Day 1 starter.

The NFL is a cruel, cutthroat business and as much as I love Demarcus Robinson, it’s time for the Rams to once again turn to the youth.

Jordan Whittington’s emergence has confirmed a belief that many have had in the Texas Longhorn – the belief that he’s NFL-ready. In the last two preseason games, Whittington has turned in 11 catches for 126 yards from 18 targets.

Robinson can and should be a productive player but Whittington’s youth, physicality, and desire can not be quantified into numerical metrics but those factors lead to wins.

Teams wither late in games and Whittington has all the tools to punish defensive backs over four quarters.

Whittington’s work as a pass catcher is impressive enough but what he has over Robinson is a bigger frame, better blocking ability, and the mindset of running through a player’s face every time he has the ball in his hands.

By establishing Whittington as the team’s WR3, he will get critical reps early in his career, he’ll be a massive headache for defensive coordinators and it will keep Robinson fresh so the vet can utilize his blistering pace without getting fatigued.

The best way to prepare someone for the big time is to throw them into the fire. If the Rams are to make a deep postseason run, they’re gonna need Whittington.

And the team is going to need Robinson too. Less wear and tear on a vet is never a bad thing. Most importantly, if anything should happen to Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, having a receiver ready to step up is the difference between success and an early exit.

Sean McVay has always been a believer in youth, especially at the receiver position. Why fix something that isn’t broken?