Turf Show Times - 2018 Los Angeles Rams Preseason Week 4: Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saintshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51333/tst-fav.png2018-08-30T22:27:21-05:00http://www.turfshowtimes.com/rss/stream/175490312018-08-30T22:27:21-05:002018-08-30T22:27:21-05:00Rams 0, Saints 28: Game recap
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<img alt="New Orleans Saints RB Boston Scott scores a touchdown, August 30, 2018." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qoqCEiJNnDIVcnaJ2cq36NMRPIU=/0x35:2301x1569/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61090135/usa_today_11157274.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>New Orleans Saints RB Boston Scott scores a touchdown, August 30, 2018. | Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The preseason is over. Let the games begin.</p> <p id="4EKPr5">Well, that’ll do it.</p>
<p id="4TRat2">The <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-preseason?_ga=2.177035557.101639432.1535569321-741442088.1533410653">2018 preseason</a> is over.</p>
<p id="hMZoNp">In terms of performance, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> were pretty overwhelmed by the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> throughout. The running game never got going with RB <span>Nick Holley</span> and RB <span>Larry Rose III</span>. The wideouts didn’t create much space for QB <span>Brandon Allen</span> or QB Luis Perez. And Saints QB <span>Taysom Hill</span> carved up the Rams’ secondary.</p>
<p id="EJNpjn">Does it matter? Not much.</p>
<p id="AtfIRw">The Rams didn’t play any of their starters meaning their Week 1 offense starting a week from Monday will have collectively played 0 preseason snaps save for whomever replaces suspended RG <span>Jamon Brown</span>. <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/27/17782912/los-angeles-rams-preseason-starters-sit-bench-no-snaps-zero-none-at-all-jared-goff-todd-gurley">That’s quite radical</a>.</p>
<p id="nuCg9S">But of course it will be validated or invalidated by what happens on Monday which likely will have little input from this evening’s events.</p>
<p id="p7uIZK">The Rams, like every other NFL franchise, are now staring down a deadline on Saturday at 4pm ET to reduce their 90-man roster to a 53-man roster. Practice squads can begin being formed on Sunday.</p>
<p id="gR1phR">And then it’s on to football.</p>
<p id="UzR8WI">Meaningful football.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/30/17803086/los-angeles-rams-new-orleans-saints-preseason-recap3k2018-08-30T18:30:01-05:002018-08-30T18:30:01-05:00Rams-Saints live gamethread
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<img alt="New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees before their preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, August 17, 2018." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FkvbdIjK4HmwYaoGelogY7ZYZ-g=/0x69:1889x1328/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61087403/usa_today_11105973.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees before their preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, August 17, 2018. | Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Time to bid adieu to the preseason.</p> <p id="womHd1">Yeah. Let’s just get through this.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/30/17802278/los-angeles-rams-new-orleans-saints-live-updates3k2018-08-30T17:04:52-05:002018-08-30T17:04:52-05:00Preseason week 4 storylines
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<img alt="NFL: Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dZBxPO5SZ5aQWu0DXOW_AEW0L9o=/0x0:2471x1647/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61086843/usa_today_11128975.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What positions and players should you look out for tonight? Check it out below.</p> <p id="Lq0Em9">As we enter week four of the preseason, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> have multiple spots up for grab on the 53-man roster. </p>
<p id="W6ZMKR">Let’s take a look below at some of the storylines to follow:</p>
<h3 id="K3PCXC">Quarterback</h3>
<p id="XituX7"><span>Brandon Allen</span> has had spurts of solid play and some not-so-good. Can he prove worthy of potentially jumping <span>Sean Mannion</span> on the depth chart tonight? Can he earn a roster spot? How will undrafted free agent QB <span>Luis Perez</span> perform? </p>
<p id="2joO1t">Watch out for both Allen and Perez to duke it out for a practice squad spot, though Allen may have bigger visions of sticking on the 53-man roster.</p>
<h3 id="XMLK2Z">Wide Receiver</h3>
<p id="LB8a0P">I presume the top-five spots are secured with <span>Brandin Cooks</span>, <span>Robert Woods</span>, <span>Cooper Kupp</span>, <span>Pharoh Cooper</span>, and Josh Reynolds. That leaves multiple guys vying for spots, including third-year WR <span>Mike Thomas</span>, preseason stud <span>KhaDarel Hodge</span>, and long shots in Steven Mitchell Jr, Jojo Natson, and <span>Fred Brown</span>.</p>
<p id="KKNWhB">My best guess is Hodge performs well enough for the Rams to consider a roster spot for him, and he likely edges out <span>Thomas</span> for the WR6 spot.</p>
<h3 id="dF2GLP">Inside Linebacker</h3>
<p id="zRqIPw">Three spots are likely locked up here with <span>Mark Barron</span>, <span>Cory Littleton</span>, and <span>Micah Kiser</span> fulfilling those. That leaves veterans in <span>Bryce Hager</span> and <span>Ramik Wilson</span>, battling with rookies <span>Tegray Scales</span> and <span>Travin Howard</span>.</p>
<p id="Fu7BFV">There’s a ton of talent at the ILB position, and all four battling for spots have a real shot to land on the roster or the practice squad (rookies).</p>
<p id="TTRVu5">Does anyone separate themselves tonight?</p>
<h3 id="nVj2hu">Outside Linebacker</h3>
<p id="AKDgxI"><span>Samson Ebukam</span> and <span>Matt Longacre</span> are the penciled-in starters here, with <span>Ejuan Price</span> and <span>Justin Lawler</span> looking like players primed for a role too. What can recently moved <span>Dominique Easley</span> do at this spot?</p>
<p id="3dz5HB">Can Trevon Young or <span>Ryan Davis</span> prove worthy of a roster spot? Or is Young destined for the practice squad with a ton of young players at the position already?</p>
<h3 id="r0iaCE">Safety</h3>
<p id="DS5rQw">The top-four spots are all locked in, in my opinion. Don’t expect to see <span>Lamarcus Joyner</span> and <span>John Johnson III</span> tonight. Backups Blake Countess and <span>Marqui Christian</span> have both proved to be spot-starter worthy and are highly valued on special teams. That leaves undrafted rookie free agents Steven Parker, Isaiah Johnson, <span>Afolabi Laguda,</span> and <span>Nate Holley.</span></p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/30/17802122/los-angeles-rams-preseason-week-4-storylines-khadarel-hodge-mike-thomas-brandon-allen-luis-perezSosa Kremenjas2018-08-30T16:27:27-05:002018-08-30T16:27:27-05:00Q&A with Canal Street Chronicles
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams CB Blake Countess breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints WR Ted Ginn in Week 12, November 26, 2017." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/acZiDZ0X7TbhbmqfOql9BmlBYc0=/0x0:5082x3388/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61086411/usa_today_10451780.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Los Angeles Rams CB Blake Countess breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints WR Ted Ginn in Week 12, November 26, 2017. | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Getting the inside info from Canal Street Chronicles, the SB Nation community for New Orleans Saints fans.</p> <p id="GfkBE3">Preseason game #4.</p>
<p id="aLO3H4">This should be a doozy...</p>
<p id="xfNjlf">To try to understand what we’re dealing with tonight, I linked up with Christopher Dunnels from <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Canal Street Chronicles</a>, the SB Nation community for <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> fans.</p>
<p id="4G6epj"><em><strong>What do you guys have left to figure out among the offensive depth in terms of what we’ll see in the game?</strong></em></p>
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<p id="j86jCv">The #4 WR spot and #3 RB (well, the #2 RB while <span>Mark Ingram</span> serves his 4-game suspension) are all still up in the air. There are favorites for both positions, but there is still plenty of battling going on.</p>
<p id="dVD52G">At running back, the Saints are still deciding between <span>Jonathan Williams</span>, <span>Boston Scott</span>, and <span>Shane Vereen</span>, with <span>Williams</span> the current frontrunner. If <span>Williams</span> struggles and <span>Vereen</span> has a good game, it’s not too late for <span>Vereen</span> to leapfrog the competition and steal the job.</p>
<p id="GdWrpW">At wide receiver, there are even more names in play: Tre’Quan Smith, <span>Austin Carr</span>, <span>Keith Kirkwood</span>, <span>Brandon Tate</span>, <span>Tommylee Lewis</span>, and <span>Michael Floyd</span> are all vying for roster spots. There are at least two spots to be had between that group of six, but one will be the primary WR4 and the other will see time in 5 WR sets and special teams.</p>
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<p id="X0DI0K"><em><strong>How about on the defensive side?</strong></em></p>
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<p id="ImFhDW">Honestly, most of the defensive side is set. The one spot that could be of interest would be linebacker, as AJ Klein has struggled in defending the run this year and could lose his job to a healthy Alex Anzalone. Both players are almost guaranteed to make the roster (absent any last-minute trades), but who starts and who subs in could change between now and Week 1.</p>
<p id="M2VnBv">Another piece in the secondary (primarily a bench piece and special teams ace) is also undecided, with guys like Marcus <span>Williams</span> (no, not that one - we have two), <span>Chris Banjo</span>, <span>Arthur Maulet</span>, and others are all fighting to make the final roster.</p>
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<p id="Zc384Q"><em><strong>We’re gonna see you guys in a little more than two months at yalls place in Week 9 right around the midpoint of the season. That’s a lot of football to come, but what are you expecting from the Saints between now and then?</strong></em></p>
<p id="OtmFXY">I’ll go on record saying the Saints will be 5-2 by the time these two teams meet again (with losses against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> and <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>). It is incredibly important for the Saints to at least be 4-3 at this point as the Saints still have the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>, <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, two with the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>, and another with the Falcons after the Saints get done with the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> in Week 9.</p>
<p id="S2jNnZ">Early season matchups against a Jameis Winston-less <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a>, a Tyrod Taylor-led <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>, and a questionable <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> team are huge chances for the Saints to pad the win column a bit. If the Saints lose those early games, the season could be lost before it even really gets started.</p>
<p id="RsH6VG"><em><strong>Which players are absolutely key for their roles for you guys this year? Obviously, everyone knows QB </strong></em><span><em><strong>Drew Brees</strong></em></span><em><strong>. And we know some of the bigger name guys on both sides of the ball. But are there any key role players or lesser heralded guys that are going to need to step up to meet fan expectations?</strong></em></p>
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<p id="CASowf">Hm. Guys like <span>Brees</span>, <span>Alvin Kamara</span>, <span>Michael Thomas</span>, Cam Jordan, and <span>Marshon Lattimore</span> (among plenty of others) are all firmly entrenched in their roles. But who are the lesser-heralded guys that need to meet expectations?</p>
<p id="pHMkN4">I’ll say the two players that will draw the most attention by fans are DE <span>Marcus Davenport</span> and WR <span>Cameron Meredith</span>.</p>
<p id="sDH8xH">Both were offseason acquisition, the former a player the Saints traded up for in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2018 NFL Draft</a> by trading away their 2019 1st Round pick. <span>Cameron Meredith</span> was the biggest name added on the offensive side of the ball, picked up in free agency from the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>.</p>
<p id="Kdu93h">Fans will likely be putting too much pressure on <span>Davenport</span> to perform immediately considering the high price the Saints paid to get him, but in all honesty, patience will be key with <span>Davenport</span> as he is still incredibly raw on the defensive line. The same patience will be needed for <span>Meredith</span>, but that won’t stop fans from looking at his 2016 stat line with the Bears and daydreaming about what could be with <span>Drew Brees</span>.</p>
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<p id="xAXHaY"><em><strong>Speaking of, what are the expectations? Before last year, yall were riding a three-year string of 7-9 seasons. Last year clearly has raised the bar. So what would satisfy fans in 2018?</strong></em></p>
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<p id="ioQedN">The Saints were one miraculous play away from competing in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship</a> Game. The Saints improved on both sides of the ball in the offseason, and sacrificed part of the future (the 2019 draft pick traded for <span>Davenport</span>) to try to improve chances of winning now. Missing the playoffs would be a major disappointment to say the least.</p>
<p id="qM8DNe">The Saints are ready. The fans are ready. <span>Drew Brees</span> needs another <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> before riding off into the sunset. 2018 is as good a year as any.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="DjGbtO">Thanks to Christopher for the time.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/30/17801658/los-angeles-rams-new-orleans-saints-preview-canal-street-chronicles3k2018-08-29T17:00:03-05:002018-08-29T17:00:03-05:00Turf Show Radio, S10E20
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<p>3k and Joey O talk with Deuce Windham from Canal Street Chronicles, the SB Nation community for Saints fans, to close out the preseason.</p> <p id="HifgOV">Joey (@<a href="https://twitter.com/LaRamsRamsRams">LaRamsRamsRams</a>) and Joe (@<a href="https://twitter.com/3k_">3k_</a>) are previewing the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>’ <span>final game</span> of <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-preseason?_ga=2.174011811.101639432.1535569321-741442088.1533410653">the 2018 preseason</a> against the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> in <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/turf-show-times/2018/08/29/season-10-episode-20-la-rams-v-new-orleans-saints-preview">a new episode</a> of <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/turf-show-radio">Turf Show Radio</a> at 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT.</p>
<p id="sO0L59">You can listen live at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/turf-show-times/2018/08/29/season-10-episode-20-la-rams-v-new-orleans-saints-preview">the show page</a> or by calling in at (347) 857-1022 and just listening in on your phone.</p>
<p id="y8MM40">Joining the TSR crew will be Deuce “Rev” Windham from <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Canal Street Chronicles</a>, the SB Nation community for Saints fans, to break down how the roster depth looks for the Saints and look ahead to Week 9 when the two teams meet again albeit with completely different players on the field.</p>
<p id="MRSDBJ">So tune in. You can always hit us <a href="https://twitter.com/turfshowtimes">on Twitter</a> if you have any questions for the pod using #<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TurfShowRadio">TurfShowRadio</a>.</p>
<p id="rKDuXJ">(Apple News readers will need to head to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/turf-show-times/2018/08/29/season-10-episode-20-la-rams-v-new-orleans-saints-preview">the show page</a> to listen to the episode; you can find <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fturf-show-times%2Fid687044403" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">the show in iTunes</a> too)</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/29/17797808/los-angeles-rams-podcast-turf-show-radio-s10e20-preseason-week-4-new-orleans-saints3k2018-08-29T16:25:07-05:002018-08-29T16:25:07-05:00Rams-Saints: The Professor’s Preview
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<img alt="Houston Texans v Los Angeles Rams" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1q3c5LwihTmd684Xb5TVuvWaw8I=/0x312:2067x1690/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61071899/1023445448.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Finally...the preseason comes to an end.</p> <h3 id="mmLq2m">Recapping the Preseason</h3>
<p id="hfgInk">The only concern <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> fans should have regarding <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-preseason?_ga=2.76560661.101639432.1535569321-741442088.1533410653">the preseason</a> is how the starters on offense, who haven’t played a down (and aren’t going to play in this game against the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>) perform when <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-regular-season?_ga=2.76560661.101639432.1535569321-741442088.1533410653">the regular season</a> starts.</p>
<p id="QvSevF">In today’s environment, protecting key players from injury during the preseason leads to success in the regular season. The Rams are leaders of this theory and have chosen not to play their offensive stars for a single down in preseason.</p>
<p id="fHnfdI">Should Ram fans be concerned?</p>
<p id="ExBHq4">The answer will have to wait until the 2018 Rams debut against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> on Monday Night Football in <span>Week 1</span>.</p>
<p id="KnnWQ7">So this game winds up being the last chance the coaches have to evaluate players on the bubble for the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/1/8/16865348/los-angeles-rams-53-man-roster-2018">53-man roster</a>. These players are apt to see extended playing time in a meaningless game and given one last long look.</p>
<p id="Zs9oHD">Thus far, from what we’ve seen the Rams have a solid roster. The more they played their rookie offensive lineman, edge rushers, linebackers, wide receivers and cornerbacks the better they got. It’s going to be tough on some of the non-starters to fulfill their dream of becoming a NFL player with the Rams roster having only so few spots to fill.</p>
<p id="Y68XZ7">Still the biggest concern coming out of the preseason is DL <span>Aaron Donald</span> <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/17/16163496/los-angeles-rams-aaron-donald-holdout-contract-extension">not being signed at this point</a>.</p>
<p id="MUkzyx">That and figuring out things at backup QB.</p>
<p id="O0Thpv">QB <span>Sean Mannion</span> has been better since his game against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in <span>week one of the preseason</span>, but still leaves a lot to be desired. QB3 <span>Brandon Allen</span> has also shown improvement, but he’s not that much better Mannion—just more mobile.</p>
<p id="RQkBNj">Hopefully, the Rams won’t have to worry about losing QB <span>Jared Goff</span> for any extended period of time during the regular season. </p>
<p id="yeRuIT">This could be the Rams year, but they have to prove it. </p>
<p id="9pgX5M">“Preseason doesn’t count, but it does matter.” </p>
<p id="bYahVI">If the Rams come out smoking on MNF, fans can safely say that “preseason is not about winning.” If they stumble out the of the gate, fans will be shaking their head, “Why didn’t the offensive starters get at least a series or two in the preseason?”</p>
<p id="EctxOO">Until then, we’ve got to close the preseason out.</p>
<h3 id="fv2x0F">What to look for</h3>
<p id="eQvpXb">One should just enjoy this game for what it is—the last preseason game.</p>
<p id="FxUyxD">Since the Rams and Saints will play in the Superdome later this year in the regular season, both Sean McVay and Sean Payton will be handing out the Vanilla ice cream to the fans, like it or not.</p>
<h3 id="0ibFtT">Observations on the 53-man roster</h3>
<p id="CEfHa7">From what Rams fans have observed thus far, RB <span>John Kelly</span> was a sleeper draft pick—he makes the squad and could see considerable playing time in the Rams offense during the regular season.</p>
<p id="2Z3efd">WR <span>KhaDarel Hodge</span> should make the squad—he’s caught every pass thrown to him and ranks as the biggest surprise of the preseason.</p>
<p id="xa4atB">Depending on how many wide receivers the Rams go with, WR <span>Fred Brown</span> and WR <span>JoJo Natson</span> could make the squad and match them with <span>Pharoh Cooper</span> as back-ups. Natson also return punts and kicks, so he becomes a double threat as the backup to Cooper.</p>
<p id="5yjhKF">The Rams’ edge rushers are fast, but their tackling at times leave a lot to be desired, but that will come with more playing time. One should expect ILB <span>Micah Kiser</span> to make the squad to back up ILB <span>Ramik Wilson</span> (a perfect first name for a Ram player) who has been impressive when he was out there. If the Rams decide to keep <span>Ogbonnia Okoronkwo</span>, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/27/17789184/los-angeles-rams-ogbonnia-okoronkwo-physically-unable-pup-list-injury-rookie-oklahoma-53-man-roster">he’ll start on the PUP list</a> and therefore won’t be able to see action until Week 7.</p>
<p id="lEC0FE">The Rams are loaded at cornerback. CB <span>Sam Shields</span> has been on fire throughout <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-training-camp?_ga=2.109517061.101639432.1535569321-741442088.1533410653">training camp</a> and the preseason. Rams fans should feel good about having him and CB <span>Nickell Robey-Coleman</span> as our nickel guys. We should just leave it up to Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips to choose his back-up corners but acknowledge that guys who can play in man coverage are coveted over zone players since the 3-4 requires a lot man-to-man coverage.</p>
<h3 id="8WVY1Y">How to watch the game</h3>
<p id="RZbX4b">Unless something dramatic happens like an unbelievable performance by a bubble player, the coaches have a pretty good idea on who they want on the 53-man roster even though they won’t say it publicly. </p>
<p id="K1fGgI">So get your pencil and paper ready to <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/27/17786988/2018-los-angeles-rams-53-man-roster-projection-preseason-position-battle-depth-chart">see if you guessed right</a>. </p>
<p id="HG60ZC">Ram fans know who 22 of the players are going to be. Add P <span>Johnny Hekker</span> and PK <span>Greg Zuerlein</span>, QB <span>Sean Mannion</span> and Brandon Allen (one of whom will be on practice squad) and your down to around 28 to 27 spots to fill out.</p>
<p id="ULXTks">Even if you get a few wrong, one of your picks might still be picked up by another team, as the Rams appear to have a loaded roster this year which will keep your dream of being a NFL scout, General Manager of Head Coach alive for another season.</p>
<p id="nV3iZX">Then get ready for a season, the likes of which Los Angeles Rams haven’t seen since 1951.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/29/17793102/los-angeles-rams-new-orleans-saints-the-professors-previewgo rams2018-08-27T19:29:30-05:002018-08-27T19:29:30-05:00TRANSCRIPT: McVay August 27 press conference
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<p>Here’s what McBae had to say to the media today.</p> <h3 id="5I57OV">
<a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> HC Sean McVay</h3>
<p id="jS4sYh"><strong>(</strong><strong>On if he still feels that C </strong><span><strong>Austin Blythe</strong></span><strong> will fill in for G </strong><span><strong>Jamon Brown</strong></span><strong> during the first two weeks of the regular season or if there is still an ongoing competition)</strong></p>
<p id="fqdCi3">“Yeah, I think (C) Austin (Blythe) has done a great job. Right now, you feel really good about him being able to step in at, really, any one of those three interior spots. As far as that position is concerned, we’re figuring those things out. But, he’s done a great job. We have so much confidence in Austin and we feel like he’s a starting-caliber player in this league.”</p>
<p id="Lw3fB3"><strong>(On if Blythe is someone he would hold out on Thursday night)</strong></p>
<p id="7c5MiO">“Yeah.”</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="USepOJ"><div data-anthem-component="aside:1567811"></div></div></div>
<p id="M3jFdv"><strong>(On DT </strong><span><strong>Dominique Easley</strong></span><strong> and OLB </strong><span><strong>Matt Longacre</strong></span><strong> playing on Thursday)</strong></p>
<p id="ouOszA">“Yeah, you know what, I think with those guys getting the work, where we felt like it was good that they got out there, kind of got their feet wet. Anticipating them being a big part of this thing moving forward, so those are guys that you probably won’t expect to see on Thursday either. I thought it was good, especially just kind of on a turf surface – really more for (DT) Dominique (Easley) than (OLB) Matt (<span>Longacre</span>) – being in the (Mercedes-Benz) Superdome and stuff like that. But, it was good for both those players to get some snaps and now we’ll kind of implement a program that we feel like is going to be sustainable throughout the course of the season, but we won’t expect to see them this week.”</p>
<p id="gKP0lg"><strong>(On if he has narrowed down the number of spots the team is really looking to evaluate for the roster)</strong></p>
<p id="l3EVj6">“We talk about it all the time. There’s some specific positions that do have a little bit more competition in terms of just who’s going to be in that 53 (man roster) and then who ends up being guys that we anticipate being part of that 46 (man roster). Unfortunately, like we talked about, injuries are an inevitable part of this thing and we’ve always got to have those contingency plans in place. But, we feel good about a lot of the spots right now. Nothing is ever finalized, but this week will provide us a chance to really get those final evaluations to hopefully kind of solidify what we’re looking at with our 53 (man roster) and our 46 (man roster) on game day.”</p>
<p id="Rfw4mZ"><strong>(On how comfortable he is with DL </strong><span><strong>Ethan Westbrooks</strong></span><strong> in the absence of DT </strong><span><strong>Aaron Donald</strong></span><strong>)</strong></p>
<p id="SqHAQR">“I feel really good. (DL) Ethan (Westbrooks) has done an excellent job. I think you see him show up, really all those preseason games. He’s doing a lot of great things in practice. I think he’s getting more and more comfortable with the scheme. (Defensive Line Coach) Billy Johnson and (Defensive Quality Control Coach) Thad (Bogardus) have done an excellent job and you see him just continue to make plays – whether that’s sacks, whether that’s making plays in the run with some different things that we’re doing specific to some pressures or just some of our base calls. Been really pleased with Ethan. He’s doing a good job.”</p>
<p id="vOmIGd"><strong>(On how TE </strong><span><strong>Gerald Everett</strong></span><strong> is recovering from his shoulder injury)</strong></p>
<p id="wnW9Uk">”He’s coming back good. He’s really getting out there, running around, being able to run some routes, things like that. It’s been unfortunate because he was doing such a great job before he had that shoulder injury. (Director of Strength Training and Performance) Ted (Rath) has done a nice job kind of keeping him in shape. We’ll get him up to speed as quickly as possible. Really the goal is to hopefully have him ready to go for that Oakland game.”</p>
<p id="8Mgtzz"><strong>(On how OLB </strong><span><strong>Ogbonnia Okoronkwo</strong></span><strong> is recovering and the possibility of him coming off the PUP prior to the season opener)</strong></p>
<p id="pa74tA">”I think right now, probably not. But nothing is finalized with that yet. He’s working hard with that rehab. I would say not anything that he can control, but I think just the way that the foot’s responded hasn’t been ideal. It doesn’t have anything to do with the way that he’s worked. He’s doing everything he can to control that. (Senior Director, Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie and his staff, you guys know what a great job those guys do. We’ll continue to monitor ‘Obo’ (Okoronkwo) one day at a time.”</p>
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<p id="X3wkCY"><strong>(On if he has discussed with the team how this is the last week for players to show what they’re about)</strong></p>
<p id="1TLEhe">”Yes, we’ll talk about that when we get a little bit closer to Thursday. Whether it’s with us or somebody else, you’re so appreciative. Unfortunately, so many of these guys won’t be with us as we move forward, but you have so much respect and appreciation for the work they put in. We as coaches want to do a good job, like you mentioned. Whether it’s with us in a practice squad role, whether it’s competing for one of those final spots, or whether it’s showcasing your skills for one of the other teams in this league – you want to try to do a good job of helping these guys out. Be positive with them, encouraging and that’s kind of really our goal as a coaching staff.”</p>
<p id="lA5dWR"><strong>(On if there’s anyone he’s worried about not being available Week 1 health-wise)</strong></p>
<p id="6BRKOM">”We feel pretty good about it right now. I think that we’re right on track with guys like (LB) <span>Mark Barron</span> that we’ve talked about. Everybody else we anticipate that we’re kind of projecting as a starter is ready to go. Obviously the big question is will (No.) 99 (DT Aaron Donald) be apart of that thing or not. We’re in a good place right now. Certainly, we’ve got a lot of work to do in the meantime. I thought we did get better today. I thought the defense was excellent. Just the play energy, the way they’re communicating. They’re doing some really good stuff, making it really difficult on the offense and it’s exciting.”</p>
<p id="DUItMv"><strong>(On if he has had an communication with Donald recently)</strong></p>
<p id="208j18">”I talked with him last week. Good dialogue. Nothing specific about the money, the contract. More just checking and seeing how he’s doing. He’s been working hard back at Pitt doing his thing, and hopefully we’ll see him sooner than later.”</p>
<p id="Ac9m0Z"><strong>(On what type of conversations he’s having with General Manager Les Snead in regard to roster construction)</strong></p>
<p id="gjpj8F">”It’s constant dialogue. Right now really our focus is specific to our active roster with those 53 guys. We’ve talked about some guys that are potential practice squad candidates for sure, but that dialogue is ongoing. Les and his staff do a great job staying up-to-date on things but that’s every single day. Unfortunately, you look at some of the injuries that occur and just have a pulse around the league. There might be some players that could be potentially available where if they end up hitting the waiver wire, do they end up giving us an upgrade or do we feel good about the spots. Fortunately most of the spots and situations and positions that we’re in, we feel good about the guys that we have in our building. Hopefully, we’ll stay healthy and be able to work with those guys.”</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/27/17789044/transcript-los-angeles-rams-sean-mcvay-august-27-press-conference-new-orleans-saints-53-man-roster3k2018-08-26T20:38:46-05:002018-08-26T20:38:46-05:00Starters to sit preseason finale
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams-OTA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1VTvvkZmzg5qNmki5kYALF3pNAA=/4x0:4900x3264/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61030069/usa_today_10847171.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Rams HC Sean McVay made his intentions clear today. The Rams’ starters are done for the preseason.</p> <p id="5d4nM5">While starters playing time is usually extremely limited in the final week of <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018-los-angeles-rams-preseason?_ga=2.105585219.1355395547.1535327359-1560546132.1534782914">the preseason</a>, <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> Head CoachSean McVay has taken things a step further to protect his 1st stringers in the Rams’ <span>preseason finale</span> vs the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">On conference call, McVay confirms no starters will play vs. New Orleans on Thursday Night. Also says <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LARams?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LARams</a> will have a kind of scrimmage in practice for starters.</p>— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) <a href="https://twitter.com/MylesASimmons/status/1033867698365591552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2018</a>
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<p id="MkIAxC">Given McVay’s approach with resting starters whenever possible, this isn’t a huge surprise to Rams fans. The scrimmage in practice is a bit more intriguing though. We all know what the Rams’ offense did last season and the hype that the defense is getting with the flurry of offseason acquisitions that General Manager Les Snead made.</p>
<p id="xSS9SS">It will be an interesting measuring stick for this Rams team. We know the offense will be a high-flying, high-octane unit.... but will the suddenly star-studded defense be able to keep up? Will DL <span>Aaron Donald</span>’s <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2017/8/17/16163496/los-angeles-rams-aaron-donald-holdout-contract-extension">contract situation</a> be resolved in time for him to partake in the festivities - giving Rams fans the first look at what the defense is <em>really</em> capable of?</p>
<p id="jCi7Pm">I seriously doubt that everyone will be playing at 110%, but fans are sure to be excited to see how intense the scrimmage will get given the fiery personalities that this team now contains.</p>
https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2018/8/26/17784938/los-angeles-rams-rest-starters-new-orleans-saints-practice-scrimmage-sean-mcvaySean Wilkinson