Turf Show Times - 2017 Los Angeles Rams Preseason: Week Four At Green Bay Packershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2017-09-01T13:45:02-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/159824592017-09-01T13:45:02-05:002017-09-01T13:45:02-05:002017 Rams Rookie Report: Preseason Week 4
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gd0xPlA9KiKAIYHarXfQOY4w9yQ=/0x130:2597x1861/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56480881/usa_today_10249576.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Many draft picks sat out the finale but some used this game to try and make the 53-man roster.</p> <p id="KHen40">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> ended the preseason finale with a <span>Dan Orlovsky</span> led offense. Without Cooper Kupp out there, the Rams virtually had no shot of posing a real threat (along with like 20 of the starters).</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rams are now 2-0 with Cooper Kupp, 0-2 without.</p>— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rich_Hammond/status/903439034747412480">September 1, 2017</a>
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<p id="fUScch">With massive cuts coming due to the new rules where there is one massive roster reformation instead of multiple “cutdown” days, many young players had to impress in the finale and make a case to be on the 53-man roster.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Snead echoes what McVay said Sunday. Team will first find its 46-man gameday roster, from 47-53 and 54-63 “it’s keeping the best players”</p>— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) <a href="https://twitter.com/vcsjoecurley/status/903427187851747328">September 1, 2017</a>
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<h4 id="lWKyta">Offense</h4>
<p id="8TLReb"><span>Justin Davis</span> has been involved in the highest of highs and lowest of lows with the Rams. The leading rusher for the Rams preseason, Davis also coughed up two fumbles in his preseason debut but shined most as an explosive runner in the finale.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Justin Davis has basically been the Rams preseason. The highs. The lows. It's been amazing.</p>— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) <a href="https://twitter.com/vcsjoecurley/status/903398869878300673">August 31, 2017</a>
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<p id="tdo44l">Up in the trenches, <span>Jake Eldrenkamp</span> seems to be the best of the undrafted rookie bunch, starting with experienced players in the finale.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rams starting OL at Lambeau is Murphy Wichmann Blythe Eldrenkamp Williams</p>— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) <a href="https://twitter.com/vcsjoecurley/status/903394190486257664">August 31, 2017</a>
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<h4 id="Z51WWH">Defense</h4>
<p id="xIlyTI">After battling some injuries, <span>Samson Ebukam</span> finally got a start while <span>Tanzel Smart</span>, <span>Ejuan Price</span>, and <span>John Johnson</span> continued to gain valuable game experience.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rams are starting Ethan Westbrooks, Mike Purcell, Tanzel Smart up front. Josh Forrest, Bryce Hagar at ILB. Samson Ebukam, Ejuan Price at OLB</p>— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) <a href="https://twitter.com/vcsjoecurley/status/903395639987277825">August 31, 2017</a>
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<p id="s6V6s6">Of all the defensive rookies, <span>Folarin Orimolade</span> led the way with six total tackles with John Johnson right behind him with five. Tanzel Smart’s impact was felt with a QB hit and TST favorite <span>Aarion Penton</span> finally got some limited action. </p>
<h4 id="2GOEFg">Overall</h4>
<p id="t8ygHP">Many of the mentioned above will likely not be in the two-deep. While it was encouraging to see such a great impact from the rookie class, the downside to having one large cut is that it may be harder for a player to get another long look (a game environment). </p>
<p id="K2ObzH">The Rams, and the rest of the league, will find an undrafted guy they like and it’ll be interesting to see what position the staff feels can benefit from that rookie. Most importantly, let’s hope Kupp can keep his undefeated streak into the regular season.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/9/1/16240940/la-rams-2017-rams-rookie-report-preseason-week-4Elijah Kim2017-08-31T21:27:11-05:002017-08-31T21:27:11-05:00Rams 10, Packers 24: Recap
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uD6ofKdP7Bco7ECgFnaamzzchzc=/0x0:4804x3203/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56468031/usa_today_10250082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay | Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The warmups are done. Bring on the action.</p> <p id="jaWPpk">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> lost to the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> tonight, 10-24.</p>
<p id="5vos3H"><span>It doesn’t matter</span>.</p>
<p id="rO7EHg">A few of the players on the Rams who saw action tonight will fill out the bottom of <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/1/11/14238282/2017-los-angeles-rams-the-53-man-roster">the 53-man roster</a>, due on Saturday. Most of them won’t. Instead, some will head to the Rams’ practice squad or other practice squads or the regular season free agent waters waiting for injury or other dilemmas to open up space to let the dream continue.</p>
<p id="QHl6dO">Tonight gave a bunch of guys some bullets from their NFL resumes, bullets they’re likely going to need this weekend and beyond.</p>
<p id="wHZS72">And yes, there could well be a few guys who sneak their way up the ladder over the coming years under Head Coach Sean McVay. Go back to the practice squad in 2012, the first year under former Head Coach Jeff Fisher, and you’ll see RB <span>Chase Reynolds</span>, TE <span>Cory Harkey</span> and C <span>Tim Barnes</span>. All of them climbed that ladder.</p>
<p id="184eFo">The regular season looms. Roster cuts are coming.</p>
<p id="7tBtnB">The preseason is over.</p>
<p id="KpaNAI">Sean McVay’s reign is about to begin...</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/31/16238156/la-rams-green-bay-packers-recap3k2017-08-31T17:37:11-05:002017-08-31T17:37:11-05:00Rams @ Packers: Live Open Thread
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let's finish out this preseason.</p> <p>Put quite simply, this is the most important game in the history of mankind.</p>
<p>Go <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a>!</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/31/16236932/la-rams-green-bay-packers-live-open-thread3k2017-08-31T17:21:53-05:002017-08-31T17:21:53-05:00Rams-Packers Game Info
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<img alt="Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/74xmqr3L9As6fJKkZ2PnApI-5gY=/0x0:5568x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56437671/usa_today_10241852.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers | Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s all the info you need for preseason game no. 4.</p> <p id="hsEKcA">Time to close this mug out.</p>
<p id="ZKufxD">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> are on the road to face the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> in the final game of the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017-los-angeles-rams-preseason?_ga=2.240969792.272481708.1503924580-720129573.1499691414">2017 preseason</a>. As the final warmup, this game is about assessing the roster battles and depth chart to compose <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/1/11/14238282/2017-los-angeles-rams-the-53-man-roster">the 53-man roster</a> due to league offices by 4pm ET on Saturday. With the practice squad able to be built on Sunday, the performances on Thursday night will be crucial for Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and his staff to determine who they want to keep as the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017-los-angeles-rams-regular-season?_ga=2.27190270.272481708.1503924580-720129573.1499691414">regular season</a> nears.</p>
<p id="P1D4w8">Here’s the major info for <span>the game</span>:</p>
<h4 id="paragraph6">Location</h4>
<p id="yBLsMZ"><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lambeau+Field/@44.5013406,-88.064397,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8802fa51d9541b0f:0x45828001c843dcdd!8m2!3d44.5013406!4d-88.0622083">Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI</a></p>
<h4 id="paragraph7">Date/Time</h4>
<p id="4V2nFm">Thursday, August 31, 7pm ET / 4pm PT</p>
<h4 id="paragraph8">TV</h4>
<p id="EjiPrm">National: NFL Network</p>
<p id="nMCyhr">Local: KCBS</p>
<p id="t5Pu8M"><em>Play-By-Play: Andrew Siciliano; Color Analysts: </em><span><em>Marshall Faulk</em></span><em>, Daniel Jeremiah; Sideline Reporters: Jill Arrington, Dani Klupenger</em></p>
<p id="J12u9L">Unimas</p>
<p id="q2yqyN"><em>Play-By-Play: Ramses Sandoval; Color Analysts: Pepe Segarra, Eduardo Blancas; Sideline Reporter: Diana Alvarado</em></p>
<h4 id="paragraph9">Online Streaming</h4>
<p id="LkQj1G"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/gamepass">NFL Game Pass</a></p>
<h4 id="paragraph10">Radio</h4>
<p id="9W23RY">ESPN 710 AM, 100.3, The Sound FM</p>
<p id="hopWIa"><em>Play-By-Play: J.B. Long; Color Analyst: Maurice Jones Drew; Sideline Reporter: D’Marco Farr</em></p>
<p id="UcKJ9y">ESPN Deportes, 1330 AM</p>
<p id="o08wpk"><em>Announcers: Troy Santiago, Ricardo Lopez</em></p>
<h4 id="paragraph11">Odds</h4>
<p id="kga0Jy"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds">Rams +3.5</a></p>
<h4 id="paragraph12">Head-To-Head History</h4>
<p id="paragraph13"><a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=ram&tm2=gnb&yr=all">45-45-2</a></p>
<h4 id="paragraph14">Opponent Site</h4>
<p id="nkmBlf"><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Acme Packing Company</a></p>
<h4 id="paragraph15">Twitter</h4>
<p id="RLIL5X"><a href="https://twitter.com/TurfShowTimes">@TurfShowTimes</a></p>
<h4 id="mePPPN">Facebook</h4>
<p id="XjtOGU"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TurfShowTimes">/TurfShowTimes</a></p>
<h4 id="JAISBc">Instagram</h4>
<p id="NijGg9"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/turfshowtimes/">@TurfShowTimes</a></p>
<h4 id="wEnBzM">Rams Preseason Schedule</h4>
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https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/30/16227378/preseason-week-4-los-angeles-rams-green-bay-packers-preview-game-time-tv-schedule-online-stream3k2017-08-31T14:04:39-05:002017-08-31T14:04:39-05:00Rams-Packers: Q&A Preview
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<img alt="St Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers in 2015" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6_jtbe8WbHwfbSGEmSHVySX7P94=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56460841/492295546.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>St Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers in 2015 | Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Getting the inside info from Acme Packing Company, the SB Nation community for Green Bay Packers fans.</p> <p id="GiJpQ0">Time to put the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017-los-angeles-rams-preseason?_ga=2.72164560.272481708.1503924580-720129573.1499691414">2017 preseason</a> to bed.</p>
<p id="4OYeOI">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> are facing off against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> in <span>the final game of the preseason</span> in which we’ll likely see not a single starter from <span>the Rams’ regular season Week 1 contest</span> against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. We might not even see much of the primary backups at this point either due to injury concerns or to give more time to the candidates either at the bottom of the projected 53-man roster or just outside of it.</p>
<p id="bWzbAz">Make no mistake. Tonight is one giant audition.</p>
<p id="fiOuV5">To get a better understanding of how the audition might go and who to pay attention to, I linked up with Jason Hirschhorn from <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Acme Packing Company</a>, the SB Nation community for Packers fans.</p>
<p id="4nvP28"><em><strong>1.) The Packers went heavy on the defensive side of the ball in the early rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft. How have the returns from their draft haul looked?</strong></em></p>
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<p id="1TLYcb">At least thus far, the Packers' defensive rookies have not made a major dent overall in the depth charts. <span>Kevin King</span>, the team's de facto first-round selection, remains behind <span>Davon House</span>, <span>Quinten Rollins</span>, and <span>Damarious Randall</span> at cornerback. King's athleticism has manifested at times during training camp and the preseason, but his lapses in coverage have kept him from earning a more significant role. Second-round pick <span>Josh Jones</span> has made a little more progress, finding playing time as an off-ball linebacker in the team's "nitro" look. Still, Jones has yet to become a regular in other defensive packages.</p>
<p id="hYhe7D">And despite their slow starts, both King and Jones remain miles ahead of <span>Montravius Adams</span> and <span>Vince Biegel</span>, both of which have dealt with injuries. Biegel seems closer to returning, but his lack of practice and live exposure should limit his impact as a rookie.</p>
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<p id="b1BbCb"><em><strong>2.) What about UDFAs - any surprise standouts to this point in the preseason?</strong></em></p>
<blockquote><p id="fzMCUP">The Packers generally find a useful undrafted free agent or two each year, and 2017 seems to be no exception. Former Marshall wideout <span>Michael Clark</span> has adjusted well to the NFL game, and his 6-foot-6 frame could land him a job in Green Bay or elsewhere should the team try to sneak him onto the practice squad. Cornerback Lenzy Pipkins has looked like the strongest of the undrafted free agents on defense. He seems less likely to remain on the active roster, but he should have a spot on the practice squad if no other team claims him during final cuts. Both should received significant playing time on Saturday.</p></blockquote>
<p id="bLRPXY"><em><strong>3.) What should Rams fans expect from the Packers in terms of play calling or personnel or game planning?</strong></em></p>
<blockquote><p id="7HWak0">The Packers probably won't utilize much of their playbook on offense, but the defense could show some interesting looks. The aforementioned Nitro package -- two defensive linemen, five traditional defensive backs, and a safety taking the place of an off-ball linebacker -- should make a few appearances. Several of the team's safeties have played the hybrid linebacker spot in that package, and more could find time there against the Rams.</p></blockquote>
<p id="5ROD7g"><em><strong>4.) What have you learned about the 2017 Packers from the season? Anything concrete?</strong></em></p>
<blockquote><p id="iJXjl9">The depth behind the Packers' starting offensive linemen looks extremely shaky. As of now, the team lacks a clear-cut No. 6 lineman at any of the five positions.</p></blockquote>
<p id="VZKn0y"><em><strong>5.) In the seven seasons since 2010, the Packers have finished with seven winning records and made the playoffs every year. </strong></em><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2013/8/15/4625280/st-louis-rams-green-bay-packers-sbnation-q-and-a"><em><strong>We did this in 2013</strong></em></a><em><strong>. </strong></em><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2014/8/15/6005519/st-louis-rams-green-bay-packers-preview"><em><strong>And in 2014</strong></em></a><em><strong>. </strong></em><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/10/10/9492813/st-louis-rams-green-bay-packers-preview"><em><strong>And in 2015</strong></em></a><em><strong>. Is it same as it ever was for the team this year? Is there any difference in expectations or approach? Is there any concern that </strong></em><span><em><strong>Aaron Rodgers</strong></em></span><em><strong> or Mike McCarthy are on the decline in any way?</strong></em></p>
<blockquote><p id="PjPYbN">Both then and now, the Packers have performed like one of the NFL's elite teams and a perennial title contender. As such, the Super Bowl remains a realistic goal so long as the team's main catalysts stay healthy. At some point in the future, Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy will experience some level of decline, but that time doesn't appear near. Rodgers finished the 2016 regular season hotter than any player in the league, and McCarthy led Green Bay to six straight wins to close out the regular season and pushed the team into the NFC title game. In an NFC that features no obvious favorite, the Packers have as good a chance as any to represent the conference.</p></blockquote>
<p id="o4FbFW">Thanks to Jason for the time.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/31/16235260/los-angeles-rams-green-bay-packers-preview-q-a3k2017-08-28T20:14:00-05:002017-08-28T20:14:00-05:00TRANSCRIPT: Rams HC McVay Monday Presser
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nJKEg4Vydvqz0wU31Cl5VShb30A=/0x0:4686x3124/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56407659/usa_today_10229369.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s what the Rams’ head coach had to say as the preseason comes to a final roster-focused tuneup.</p> <h3 id="5I57OV">
<a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/"></a><a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/"><strong>Los Angeles Rams</strong></a> HC Sean McVay</h3>
<p id="x2GYkM"><strong>(On why QB </strong><span><strong>Jared Goff</strong></span><strong> isn’t going to play at all against Green Bay)</strong></p>
<p id="entKjE">“We’ve made the decision that we were going to get a chance to evaluate the guys that we’re not projecting as starters and get them an opportunity to compete against Green Bay. That will offer an opportunity as well for our starters to kind of start getting in the mindset of preparing for that Indianapolis game. Where, we’ll get a chance to still compete against each other like we did, but then we’ll also start moving towards what we’re going to do against the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> on September 10<sup>th</sup>.”</p>
<p id="O3d7WP"><strong>(On Goff not playing against Green Bay even though he hasn’t played two full quarters in the preseason)</strong></p>
<p id="FhhMm5">“Yeah, it’s something that we’ve gone back and forth with about. And, certainly not undermining how important that experience is for him. But, that’s why we’ve made a real big emphasis – especially with some of those guys that we’re really counting on that haven’t gotten that work – that, we’ve got to understand the importance of when we ramp up the tempo of practice, let’s make sure that we get something out of it. Even though nothing is quite like a game and that’s what the decision that we felt like was going to be best for our team and for our offense and some of the guys that we’ll rest on defense as well.”</p>
<p id="E7Hukw"><strong>(On if WR </strong><span><strong>Tavon Austin</strong></span><strong> was a full participant in practice today)</strong></p>
<p id="VpDX5S">“He wasn’t a full participant. He might have been able to do that, but we’re going to be patient with him. He went through the individual drills. He feels good. In terms of letting him go full-speed where he’s getting into some of those competitive periods that you just saw, that might be something that we discuss about doing tomorrow with him. But, he’s in a good place right now and we feel like if we continue to take those steps, he’ll be in great shape to be ready to roll for that Indy game.”</p>
<p id="p5M4uo"><strong>(On if CB </strong><span><strong>Kayvon Webster</strong></span><strong>, LB </strong><span><strong>Mark Barron</strong></span><strong> and OLB </strong><span><strong>Robert Quinn</strong></span><strong> practiced today)</strong></p>
<p id="dhdvyD">“They did. With Mark right now, we’re just being smart where, with that maintenance program like you’ve seen where we rested (T) <span>Andrew Whitworth</span> today, Mark’s going to be a guy that has kind of the same type of plan just based on being smart and having that September 10<sup>th</sup> date in place. Robert’s gotten a lot of rest. He did a great job today. You certainly felt him out there rushing the passer and Kayvon was a full participant and did a nice job as well today.”</p>
<p id="DLn9pW"><strong>(On how he envisions using WR Tavon Austin)</strong></p>
<p id="SZavTE">“Well, that’s a good question. I think we’re going to put him a quarterback actually (laughs). No, I think that’s something that’s unique about what you can do with a player like him. So that’s one of the advantages that we do have, if you’re going to look at a positive of him not having played this preseason. Haven’t put that on tape and I think that’s a competitive advantage that we’re still figuring out as a staff. But one thing that we do know is, he’s a special player and we’ve got to find a way to get him touches and get him involved because in the past, when the ball is in his hands good things have happened. That’s what we’re going to look to continue to do with him moving forward into the season.”</p>
<p id="AadoKU"><strong>(On if not playing some of his key players in preseason puts the team behind the eight ball heading into the regular season)</strong></p>
<p id="b1hi1Q">“I think it’s certainly something that you always discuss because you have an appreciation for the importance of the preseason. But, I thought (Defensive Coordinator) Coach Wade (Phillips) said it best where, a lot of these guys that have played a lot of football, the important thing is being aware of allowing them to be at their best September 10<sup>th</sup> with their health, with everything else and trusting that they know how to prepare to the best of their ability. Not taking away from that, that’s definitely something that, in an ideal situation, we’d like to have all those guys having played together, getting ready, but just based on the circumstances that we’ve dealt with, we’ve made some of those decisions that the first time a lot of the guys will get an opportunity to play together is September 10<sup>th</sup>. We’re certainly not using that as an excuse to be rusty in any form or fashion. We just know that the level of urgency for these next 13 days has to be ramped up, especially for those guys that haven’t gotten a chance to play in the preseason.”</p>
<p id="P599h0"><strong>(On if he is going to take all 89 guys to Green Bay)</strong></p>
<p id="dgfsEw">“We’ll take those guys. The only guys that we’ve left behind are guys that would be out because of an injury. So, we’ll take all those guys unless it’s something where a (TE) <span>Temarrick Hemingway</span> situation, or somebody that wouldn’t be able to play because of an injury. So, right now that’s the plan and that’s what we’re going to do.”</p>
<p id="rFdZ60"><strong>(On if WR </strong><span><strong>Sammy Watkins</strong></span><strong> is going to play against Green Bay)</strong></p>
<p id="Alil4J">“He won’t. No – he’s not going to play this week. I think when you talk about Sammy I think it’s very important for us as a coaching staff, to do a good job of getting a game plan together, so that we can start to trim his focus as well. I think that will enable him to be able to play faster, where we can detail up the assignments in a better way, to put him in a good spot. Because, as of right now, you look at the last couple weeks, he’s kind of just been thrown into the fire. We haven’t game-planned like we normally will, so in terms of the attention to detail and having more of a singular focus on a game plan as opposed to the whole playbook being up. I think it’ll make it a little bit easier for him and that’s something that we want to do sooner than later to allow him to play fast and be the best version of Sammy Watkins that we’ve all seen before.”</p>
<p id="bOJNcg"><strong>(On how he thinks WR Tavon Austin took the news about the Rams acquiring Watkins)</strong></p>
<p id="cgHUwb">“He was great. I think the biggest thing…we always talk about clear communication with our players. Before it even happen we discussed that with the receiver room to let them know that we’re going to adding another good player to the room. That resulted in losing a great player in (CB) <span>E.J. Gaines</span>. I think as long as you deal with these guys upfront and honest – they’re great competitors. Tavon’s response was exactly like what you would expect. ‘I’m excited to have Sammy on this team. It makes our receiver room even better and it gives us the ability to utilize a variety of guys in a variety of ways and that’s where when you have a couple guys that can stretch the field or some intermediate underneath you always want to have complements. But, when you have guys that can do some of the same things, it gives you versatility as well.”</p>
<p id="ovXOHo"><strong>(On if there’s a specific area within the team that he’s going to focus on heading into the final preseason game)</strong></p>
<p id="XreB4m">“I think there’s specific players, but I think as far as just kind of looking at specific areas on the team every single position is so important. Right now, especially on offense and defense and some of those key guys that we’re trying to continue and figure out on special teams, it’s going to a great opportunity to evaluate some of those guys that fill will in those depth positions. Whether it be the inside linebacker position, some of those additional rushers that we’re looking at, guys that are going to be your back-up lineman, in addition to the five guys that we’re counting on being our starters. I think it’s going to offer a great opportunity to see a lot of players that, at some point just based on the way an NFL season goes, we’ll probably be relying on, where they’ll start out maybe providing depth but you never know what ends up happening. They’ll be a very important part of what we do so, that’s why this evaluation for us is very important over the next week.”</p>
<p id="dzVUnh"><strong>(On if there is anything that he needs to focus on in terms of his head coaching duties heading into the final preseason game)</strong></p>
<p id="FTvaKO">“I think really the first three weeks has offered us a great opportunity to get that figured out. What you feel really good about, and you’ll continue to hear me say, is when you’ve got great leaders in (special teams coordinator) John Fassel and (defensive coordinator) Wade Phillips running your defense and your special teams – you feel very comfortable to allow them to do their job. What that frees you up to do is, really as a guy that’s going to be heavily involved in the offense calling the plays, be focused on that similarly to the way that you would approach it as an offensive coordinator. The difference is just making sure that when you get inside two minutes, John Fassel and I will be in constant communication which will mostly be relevant when we’re mostly on defense. Because, when you’re on offense calling the plays you’re more involved in some of those game-like situations. We’ve told Wade that if there’s ever a time where when the defense has the possession which has kind of naturally occurred over the first three weeks anyways – if I was talking to the quarterbacks or going through some pictures where you’re still making sure that you can transition from series to series, then his experience trusting his judgement if there’s a defense penalty – whether there’s a decision to accept or decline that has to be made right there if I’m not there, then you have a guy like him that you can empower for those decisions. We discussed all of the mechanics of you look at something as simple as the challenge. We talked about that where the reason (assistant to head coach) Billy (Nayes) has that flag and we joke about it the other day, but if for whatever reason being involved in the offense, a defensive challenge has to occur – where I’m kind of moving on to the next series. He’s got to be ready on the sideline to throw it for the ref and that’s again where you trust your defensive coaches up top to be able to say, ‘Hey definitely want to challenge it. You trust your assistants and ultimately, I’m the one that responsible for it. When you have great coaches around you, it enables you to feel comfortable with the game-day dynamics knowing that you’re going to be involved in the offense. I know that’s kind of a long-winded answer, but I think it’s been a great way to figure that out and feel very comfortable going into the regular season with kind of the way that we have it laid out.”</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/28/16212878/transcript-la-rams-hc-sean-mcvay-los-angeles-chargers-green-bay-packers-preseason-jared-goff3k