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The Los Angeles Rams put the ball on the ground several times in their first preseason game last Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys. Now, if you played on Jeff Fisher’s team, you would have been asked to put the past in the past and abide by his 24-hour rule.
But that’s not Sean McVay’s style. Here’s what went down at practice on Wednesday...
Ball Security
McVay and the coaching staff clearly noted that fumbles were an issue last week, and they’re not taking it lightly.
Rams offense has started practice with ball security circuit Monday, Tuesday, and now again on Wednesday.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 16, 2017
Emphasis today, for the third straight day: ball protection. Defenders are continually trying to poke the ball out even after the whistle.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 16, 2017
On Offense
The storylines these days are about how quickly the Rams can get their newest weapon - Sammy Watkins - up to speed. How’s he fairing in practice? I’d say he’s looking pretty darn good.
Jared Goff to Sammy Watkins. Almost. pic.twitter.com/lcm0rfVYdO
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 16, 2017
Rams CB Trumaine Johnson on why he seeks out Sammy Watkins to defend: "He's not a regular receiver, that's Sammy Watkins!"
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 17, 2017
Jared Goff said he took a moment to admire Sammy Watkins' first strong catch today: "I did kind of turn around, like, `Everyone see that?’"
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) August 17, 2017
After struggling some the last few days, Rams QB Jared Goff looked much better. Sammy Watkins helped.
— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) August 17, 2017
The Rams are working on scoring touchdowns in the red zone...something I’m not sure they’ve practiced in ages.
1. Highlight of #Rams camp might have just happened. Hotly contested Goal line QB/WR/DB drill. Some really impressive QB/WR work.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 16, 2017
...and there’s Cooper Kupp impressing again.
2. Among highlights: Cooper Kupp turning Trumaine Johnson around on a TD catch. Even Tru clapped in appreciation https://t.co/r7OaNKslAp
— Vincent Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny) August 16, 2017
And Mike Thomas, who’ll be sidelined for the first four games of 2017 due to suspension is celebrating his birthday in style. Go up and get it, big fella.
Birthday boy getting himself one @_MikeTeee | #RamsCamp pic.twitter.com/TWcDtmRm4D
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 16, 2017
On Defense
Well, I don’t know just yet. It sounded, however, that there were two goals today:
- Don’t give up six
- Get the ball back by causing a turnover
...and interestingly enough, at least by the sounds of it, the offense faired very well.
Rams’ LB Mark Barron stuck around for a bit after practice to catch up with Dani and D’Marco
#RamsCamp LIVE With Mark Barron https://t.co/8Mfu6Xphs0
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 16, 2017
No, there were no Aaron Donald sightings.
I’ll continue to update the recap as notes roll in regarding today’s practice. As it stands, it appears the short session focused walking away from a long drive with a touchdown, and not simply hoping to punch it in. It goes without saying that last year this team would’ve gladly handed it off to Gurley three straight times before gladly settling for a field goal.
Not in Sean McVay’s offense. Thanks Coach!