Rams vs Packers GDT

[Legatron4]

http://m.therams.com/s/30854/409?itemUri=40892409/5263144549141516135151414715

Game Preview: Rams Finish Off Preseason Against the Packers

What to Watch: Rams vs. Packers

The NFL preseason is officially coming to a close. For their fourth exhibition game, the Rams will travel to Green Bay to face the Packers on Thursday night. This trip will represent the team's last game action before they open up the regular season on Sept. 10 against the Colts.

Head coach Sean McVay announced earlier this week that the starters on offense and defense would not take the field for Thursday's game.

"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," McVay said on Monday.

This year the NFL made a rule change allowing teams to carry a full 90-man roster all the way through the preseason. And while that allows many players who, in the past, might have been cut after Week 3 an extra opportunity to participate, it also means the Rams will have to cut down nearly half of their active roster to 53 men.

As such, Thursday night will provide one final opportunity for many of the players vying for a roster spot to showcase their skills to both Los Angeles' coaching staff and the rest of the leagu.

"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," McVay said. "[And] I think it offers the unique opportunity for a handful of guys that would've been cut, to be able to put some good game film on tape. If it doesn't work out for us, hopefully it will work out for one of the other 31 teams."

McVay has reiterated throughout the week that he is looking forward to evaluating a variety of different players on both sides of the ball, as well as on special teams.

"Every single position is so important. It's going to a great opportunity to evaluate some of those guys that fill will in those depth positions," he said. "Whether it be the inside linebacker position, some of those additional rushers that we're looking at, guys that are going to be your backup lineman, in addition to the five guys that we're counting on being our starters."

On offense, quarterback Sean Mannion has gotten a lot of preseason reps this year behind projected starter Jared Goff. Mannion completed 49-of-76 passes for 490 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions throughout three games. But instead of Mannion at the helm this week, expect to see Dan Orlovsky taking the majority of snaps in the preseason finale.

As far as wide receivers go, the Rams have a lot of depth. And while receivers like Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Tavon Austin, and Sammy Watkins have solidified roles in McVay's offense, Thursday should give the other six receivers a chance to showcase their own set of unique skills.

Rotational options like Pharoh Cooper and Josh Reynolds bring a lot of athleticism to the table. These two along with Brandon Shippen and Paul McRoberts should provide a challenge for the Packers' secondary. In addition, it will be exciting to watch wide receiver Shakeir Ryan on both offense and special teams as he looks to carve out a roster spot for himself.

The Rams' tight end group will be another to keep an eye on in Thursday night's game. Last week against the chargers, tight end Temarrick Hemingway went down with a fractured fibula which will keep him sidelined for an extended time. McVay characterized Hemingway as a player who has done "a lot of really good things on the line of scrimmage [and] especially in the run game." Although losing Hemingway before the regular season is "a big loss" for the team, the Rams do have a few other tight ends who will be looking to step up in his absence.

"I think the immediate guys that are going to be asked more of them in the run game are Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett and then obviously what Cory Harkey has been to this organization over the last couple years, offers him an opportunity to step up," McVay said earlier this week. "I think we'll get a chance to see Johnny Mundt and Travis Wilson looking forward to this Green Bay game where they'll get a lot of snaps and it will be a great opportunity for us to evaluate them as well."

Finally, on defense the Rams will be looking to add players to fill the bottom of their roster and add necessary depth on the line and in the secondary. On the D-Line look for defensive tackles Tanzel Smart and Mike Purcell to step up alongside defensive end Morgan Fox. While defensive backs like Marqui Christian and Blake Countess will be battling for a free safety role.

 

[Psycho_X]

Have they given a timetable on Hemingway yet? He hadn't been put on IR yet which is encouraging. All though I suspect that'll be a week to week thing depending on other injuries and how we need to adjust the roster.

 

[dolphinlover123]

Have they given a timetable on Hemingway yet? He hadn't been put on IR yet which is encouraging. All though I suspect that'll be a week to week thing depending on other injuries and how we need to adjust the roster.

All I know is that he had surgery and he is going to be out for a long time. I doubt he makes it back

 

[Legatron4]

Have they given a timetable on Hemingway yet? He hadn't been put on IR yet which is encouraging. All though I suspect that'll be a week to week thing depending on other injuries and how we need to adjust the roster.

I think he had his surgery on Tuesday. 8-10 weeks probably.

 

[Merlin]

Guys who will be given every opportunity tonight:

1. RB Davis. They're going to feed him early and often I think, and we'll see if he can hold onto the ball. If he shows well and doesn't put the ball on the ground he will make this roster.

2. TE Wilson. He has been heavily involved through camp for a guy as low on that depth chart as he seems to be, and while he lacks the athleticism McVay wants he is big with very good hands. If he wants to make this team here's his chance.

3. WR Ryan. You could make a case for a number of wideouts on this type of list. But Ryan's the guy I'd most want to see if I were making the cuts. There's something about that little MFer, he's going to stick on a roster somewhere I think.

4. S Christian. I have been a little underwhelmed by the safety play for the most part this preseason, however I am sure they're looking hard at the depth roles and who fits where. IMO he is going to get a long look tonight.

 

[SteezyEndo]

Guys who will be given every opportunity tonight:

1. RB Davis. They're going to feed him early and often I think, and we'll see if he can hold onto the ball. If he shows well and doesn't put the ball on the ground he will make this roster.

2. TE Wilson. He has been heavily involved through camp for a guy as low on that depth chart as he seems to be, and while he lacks the athleticism McVay wants he is big with very good hands. If he wants to make this team here's his chance.

3. WR Ryan. You could make a case for a number of wideouts on this type of list. But Ryan's the guy I'd most want to see if I were making the cuts. There's something about that little MFer, he's going to stick on a roster somewhere I think.

4. S Christian. I have been a little underwhelmed by the safety play for the most part this preseason, however I am sure they're looking hard at the depth roles and who fits where. IMO he is going to get a long look tonight.

I'd like to add McRoberts and Shippen to your list they have had limited action but have shown progress.

 

[BonifayRam]

Have they given a timetable on Hemingway yet? He hadn't been put on IR yet which is encouraging. All though I suspect that'll be a week to week thing depending on other injuries and how we need to adjust the roster.

I would expect to see Temarrick Hemingway name to show up some time on 9/2/2017 around 4 p.m. ET, when teams must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/ Inactive List. At the same date simultaneously with the above mandates that when we will see Ram players in the categories of Active/ Physically Unable to Perform or Active/ Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/ Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/ NonFootball Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.

 

[Prime Time]

View: https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/903029582936260608

 

[Prime Time]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-preseason-week-4-preview-rams-at-packers/

Preseason Week 4 Preview: Rams at Packers
BY PFF ANALYSIS TEAM

The final week of the preseason continues with the Los Angeles Rams at the Green Bay Packers. This is the last chance for many players to make their case to be on the opening season roster, whether it be as a role player, as part of a position rotation, or as a special teams player. Our team of PFF analysts have all the most important position battles and players to watch for each team:

Coverage by: Mike Cahill

POSITION BATTLE: ISAIAH A. JOHNSON/BLAKE COUNTESS, FS

Johnson and Countess are currently battling for a backup role to teammate Lamarcus Joyner. As Joyner is playing his first NFL season at free safety and missing some time in the preseason, the role could lead to more opportunities. Currently, through three preseason games, both Johnson and Christian are deadlocked as the ninth-overall graded safety with 83.3 a piece, respectively.

Currently, Countess averages ten tackle attempts in between missed tackles with one missed tackle overall in the passing game, whereas, Johnson averages 4.5 tackle attempts in between missed tackles with two missed tackles (one run game, one pass game).

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Darrell Williams, LT – Backup left tackle Darrell Williams earned an overall game grade of 76.1 against the Chargers, which ranked 16th among tackles for Week 3 of the preseason. He has seen the fourth-most pass-blocking snaps and has allowed only two pressures this preseason for a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.3 (fifth out of 67 tackles). Williams’ pass-blocking grade through three preseason games is at 80.9, which ranks third among all tackles while having 20 and 56 more pass blocking snaps than the two players ahead of him.

Cassanova McKinzy, ED- After playing only one snap in preseason in 2016, outside linebacker Cassanova McKinzy has been the most versatile edge defender for the Rams this preseason. His 79.8 game grade ranked 41st among all edge defenders. Through the first three preseason games, McKinzy leads or is tied for the team lead among outside linebackers in defensive stops (four), quarterback hurries (two), targets in coverage (four), and yards per coverage snap allowed with 0.68.

Casey Sayles, DI- Undrafted free agent Casey Sayles was the 20th overall interior defender in Week 3 of the preseason with an 82.4. His presence was felt when he blew up two run plays on the same drive to generate two stops across. His two stops across 11 run plays resulted in a stop percentage of 18.2, which was tied for 15th among 115 interior defenders. Sayles is currently the Rams’ highest graded interior defender in the preseason with an 80.4.

Coverage by: Sam McGaw

POSITION BATTLE: REGGIE GILBERT/JOHNATHAN CALVIN, ED

With injuries hitting a handful of the Packers’ outside linebackers this preseason, Gilbert has an opportunity to stick to the 53-man roster. He has been the team’s top-graded edge defender in every preseason game, and he hasn’t earned a PFF grade lower than 80.5 during that span. His 11 total pressures rank fourth among all edge defenders. His pass-rushing productivity of 13.2 against the Broncos ranked 10th for 3-4 outside linebackers.

Calvin has applied four pressures in 47 pass rush snaps this preseason, while earning a run-stop percentage of 6.9. His PFF overall grade of 74.7 against the Broncos this past week ranked 90th among edge defenders.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Taysom Hill, QB – Hill, who didn’t take a snap last week, is in the running to unseat Joe Callahan to be the team’s No. 3 quarterback. The undrafted free agent out of Brigham Young University has an adjusted completion percentage of 73.3 this preseason. Most of his success comes when he throws the ball in 2.5 seconds or less. In that time frame, he’s completed 7 of 10 passes for a touchdown and a passer rating of 115.8. Conversely, he’s completed 3 of 6 passes with a passer rating of 88.9 when he throws in 2.6 seconds or later.

Ladarius Gunter, CB – Gunter’s PFF overall grade of 41.9 last season ranked 97th among qualifying cornerbacks. This year, he’s fighting for a roster spot after starting nearly every game of 2016. He hasn’t allowed a catch on four passes thrown into his coverage this preseason. His grades of 82.9 in Week 1 and 83.9 in Week 2 of the preseason ranked eighth and ninth, respectively, for his position.

Christian Ringo, DI – Ringo continued his solid preseason against the Broncos, earning a PFF overall grade of 83.8. He posted a 28.6 run-stop percentage in the match up, which ranked third among 3-4 defensive ends. He enters this week with a 10.0 run-stop percentage and a pass rush productivity of 7.5.

 

[Ram65]

Guys who will be given every opportunity tonight:

1. RB Davis. They're going to feed him early and often I think, and we'll see if he can hold onto the ball. If he shows well and doesn't put the ball on the ground he will make this roster.

2. TE Wilson. He has been heavily involved through camp for a guy as low on that depth chart as he seems to be, and while he lacks the athleticism McVay wants he is big with very good hands. If he wants to make this team here's his chance.

3. WR Ryan. You could make a case for a number of wideouts on this type of list. But Ryan's the guy I'd most want to see if I were making the cuts. There's something about that little MFer, he's going to stick on a roster somewhere I think.

4. S Christian. I have been a little underwhelmed by the safety play for the most part this preseason, however I am sure they're looking hard at the depth roles and who fits where. IMO he is going to get a long look tonight.

Davis looks smooth. Agree he has to hold on to the ball.

Wilson at least makes the PS. Hope to see him get some targets.

Ryan hasn't impressed on punt returns IMO.

Christian has been flying around. He looks like a keeper.

 

[Dxmissile]

I like McRoberts I think he has real upside. He's shifty, tall and rangy.

 

[Picked4td]

I would expect to see Temarrick Hemingway name to show up some time on 9/2/2017 around 4 p.m. ET, when teams must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/ Inactive List. At the same date simultaneously with the above mandates that when we will see Ram players in the categories of Active/ Physically Unable to Perform or Active/ Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/ Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/ NonFootball Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.

can he be put on Pup or can that only be used if a player didnt play in preseason?

 

[Ram65]

Darrell Williams, LT – Backup left tackle Darrell Williams earned an overall game grade of 76.1 against the Chargers, which ranked 16th among tackles for Week 3 of the preseason. He has seen the fourth-most pass-blocking snaps and has allowed only two pressures this preseason for a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.3 (fifth out of 67 tackles). Williams’ pass-blocking grade through three preseason games is at 80.9, which ranks third among all tackles while having 20 and 56 more pass blocking snaps than the two players ahead of him.

Great news. He has looked good.

Cassanova McKinzy, ED- After playing only one snap in preseason in 2016, outside linebacker Cassanova McKinzy has been the most versatile edge defender for the Rams this preseason. His 79.8 game grade ranked 41st among all edge defenders. Through the first three preseason games, McKinzy leads or is tied for the team lead among outside linebackers in defensive stops (four), quarterback hurries (two), targets in coverage (four), and yards per coverage snap allowed with 0.68.

Hard to keep up with all the Lber changes in games. He's made some plays.

Casey Sayles, DI- Undrafted free agent Casey Sayles was the 20th overall interior defender in Week 3 of the preseason with an 82.4. His presence was felt when he blew up two run plays on the same drive to generate two stops across. His two stops across 11 run plays resulted in a stop percentage of 18.2, which was tied for 15th among 115 interior defenders. Sayles is currently the Rams’ highest graded interior defender in the preseason with an 80.4.

He has stood out late in games. Exploded last week. It's against less players but, I on board for BS or more.

 

[Afro Ram]

This all purely theory. BUT I'm pretty sure the coaches already know who is and who isn't going to make the team before even going into this game barring injuries .
I just don't see how a bunch of backups competing against backups in one meaningless game is going to change anyones mind after they already been evaluated in training camp, otas and three other preseason games.
This game is basically one last chance for a lot of these players to try to extend their short NFL careers.
Don't get me wrong teams need depth and there's always injuries but bring on the regular season.

 

[snackdaddy]

Yeah, I'm sure a lot of these guys know if they're not gonna make the 53. Tonight its more of an audition to either make the PS or for other teams to pick them up.

 

[Mick]

Guys who will be given every opportunity tonight:

...

2. TE Wilson. He has been heavily involved through camp for a guy as low on that depth chart as he seems to be, and while he lacks the athleticism McVay wants he is big with very good hands. If he wants to make this team here's his chance.
...

How did you come by this assessment of Wilson? I see a dude who is very athletic..


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzRqq_i2SnM



View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8aKRFlCz_E

 

[Snaz]

I disagree. Sometimes it is difficult to evaluate players in practice especially those that are 2nd and 3rd stringers. They get minimal reps in practice.

This gives a final audition for them to make final evaluations in a true game experience, which is better than in practice.

 

[RAMBUSH]

I would have liked to see a little bit of Mannion tonight .

 

[SteezyEndo]

I would have liked to see a little bit of Mannion tonight .

I thought he was playing? Dan-O is playing all 4 qtrs?

 

[DaveFan'51]

I convinced my Doctor/Wife I had to go on line, for just a moment, to wish you all will, and say " I'll be watching from my bed at Home!"( W/ a Cold one!) " Thanks to all for you Best wishes!!"
GO RAMS!!