Los Angeles Rams training camp Week 1 recap

We’re in Week 2 of the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp and inching ever so closely to their first preseason matchup, which takes place this Saturday (8/10) against the Oakland Raiders.

In case you missed it last week, here are a few notable-s from Irvine:

The running backs are wide receivers!

NFL coaches have cracked the code on McVay! Let the offensive decline ensue, effective immediately!

I wish opposing defenses the best of luck (I do not) when they’re looking at an empty set, and working feverishly to figure out who’s responsible for WR4...Todd Gurley.

And in regards to the Rams’ rookie rusher - Darrell Henderson - fans may see him sooner (and potentially more often) than one might think. Here’s Rams’ insider Myles Simmons at the end of Day 1:

While head coach Sean McVay downplayed the notion of running back Darrell Henderson getting first-team snaps — the Rams are rotating in a lot of players, McVay said — Henderson looks the part. During one-on-one drills, Henderson caught a slant going from left to right and it’s easy to see why the Rams like him. McVay credited Henderson’s work ethic and running backs coach Skip Peete for getting the rookie RB up to speed.

A lil rest for Just Todd Gurley

Gurley was in attendance on day two of camp, but sat this one out. McVay and the coaching staff obviously have a plan in place to monitor his workload throughout the remainder of the offseason, but getting a breather on day 2 of camp might’ve been a little sooner than some expected.

His absence paved the way for rookie Darrell Henderson to garner a little more attention. And that he did. Let’s hear it from Myles:

Running back Darrell Henderson continues to impress over the first couple days. Again during on-on-ones, he tracked a deep ball down the right side from quarterback Brandon Allen, reeling it in over his shoulder. There are wide receivers who don’t have that kind of ability. It’s early and the Rams aren’t in pads, but he looks like a weapon.

The backup plan on O-line

A whole slew of starters got some rest on Day 3, including veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth. His health is obviously key to the Rams’ success this season, but if the unfortunate were to occur and Big Whit weren’t able to go, what’s the plan?

It appears second year tackle Joseph Noteboom fills in some incredibly large shoes as Goff’s blindside protector and Jamil Demby slides over to left guard.

Oh, the Rams signed a dude

Steven Jackson was, and probably still is, an absolute beast. And even though it was only for a day, it was nice to see that man in a Rams’ uni again.

AD99 is back and he’s still very good

This isn’t news. It’s just nice seeing Aaron Donald on the field at camp for once. This guy is in incredible shape and set to pick up wrecking where he left off last year.

One additional note on the defensive side of the ball was that Dante Fowler Jr. was also flashing last week and looks primed for a solid season. That’s great news considering EDGE was the defense’s weakest unit last season.

Rams-Chargers joint practice

Not a lot to note from the day, but the Rams squared off against their tenants on August 1. Cooper Kupp sat for precautionary reasons, but it was the tight ends that were making noise against the Chargers. Goff connected with Tyler Higbee on a couple occasions, and Gerald Everett on this toe tapper for six.

The battle for snaps at tight ends is one to monitor as we get closer to the regular season. Higbee was on the field for approximately 70% of the offensive plays in 2018, but Everett came on later in the year and looked sharp. It’s hard to see the Rams coming out of 11 personnel, so is this the year Everett starts to steal some snaps? Stay tuned.

Here were Sean McVay’s thoughts on young Gerald and how he’s progressing:

He really built on it (last season) with a great offseason program. I think he’s continuing to understand some of the little details. You know, the tight end position involves so many different things we’re moving them all over formation, run game, protection. Obviously, the past came with what he can do but he’s really giving himself a chance to be a big-time contributor.

Aaron Donald is the NFL’s best player

Not even remotely linked to training camp, but Aaron Donald did a thing.

Oh, and Todd Gurley finished No. 5. He’s pretty good too.

Injuries?

Not really.

Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp both sat at times, as did a number of veterans. But that was all planned rest and, you know, just smart.

Brandin Cooks did have some hamstring tightness in the Rams’ second practice with the Chargers on Thursday, so his day ended early, but there’s no concern going forward.

Full Circle

Going back to the running backs, one name that consistently was mentioned throughout the week was Darrell Henderson. Whether it was running or hauling in over the shoulder catches from Goff, his name just kept popping up.

We’ll soon find out just how healthy Todd Gurley is, but it’s fair to say the Rams did well by drafting a do-it-all type back to spell him when necessary. He should be a ton of fun to watch this preseason and could be a real factor in this offense come September.