This is great to see after us winning the SB. There haven't been many Rams on this list for a while, let alone 3 of the top 6 and overall 4 of the top 20 (including OBJ).

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@bubbaramfan is already there. I’m leaving in about 10 minutes. Hopefully I can remember how to post here with my phone.

Stay tuned!!!

I can hardly believe I’m typing this since I’ve been down on Atwell after last year’s fiasco, but there have been so many positives reported on Atwell that maybe he is legit.

So I’m gonna pose a ‘what if’…

IF he proves to be a weapon this year schemed by McVay then that’s the best of all possible worlds for the Rams in terms of timing (available from September on), threat to stress opposing D, and cap cost.

If Atwell really proves himself beyond doubt then OBJ then becomes unnecessary, don’t you think? The standard here for really proving himself is that he could claim that #3 WR position, or at least share it with Jefferson in some kind of a McVay designed rotation. IOW, a modest #4 WR performance won’t do the trick of making OBJ unnecessary. Those cap dollars can go elsewhere or maybe be rolled over for next year.

Maybe Rams have been dragging their feet on an OBJ signing because of optimism about Atwell and have adopted a wait-and-see strategy?

Just spitballing here, but it is somewhat logical IF they are genuinely impressed with Atwell at this point.

We’ll be getting some great feedback on Atwell from beat reporters and numerous camp reporters plus the preseason games, that’s for sure. I know we’re all pulling for him but it always comes down to on-field production.

Is Atwell gonna be another Ram Cinderella story or just a tease? Stay tuned.

What do y’all think?

3 for 72

Just kills yah to hear such things.

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At Practice today. Potentially Serious

The Rams are, of course, contenders once again, as they are bringing back the bulk of the key contributors from last year and have added a couple of nice new pieces.

So... what (other than staying healthy) could happen in 2022 that would turn the Rams from an upper-tier contender to a dominant juggernaut in 2022?

1. Cam Akers is truly back.
While Cam Akers' return at the end of last year was one of the great stories of the Rams' title run, I think its fair to say that the Cam we saw last year was not the same Cam who ran for 221 yards on 46 carries (plus 51 yards receiving) in two playoff games in 2020. Cam has now had a full offseason to continue to get back to 100%, so perhaps he can pick up where he left off before the injury. If he can (and gets some support from Darrell Henderson and Kyren Williams), the Rams run game, which was pretty much a non-factor after the Wild Card round, could become a strength that makes defending against the Rams that much more difficult.

2. OBJ returns and is still himself.
If the Rams enter the playoffs with a healthy WR corps of Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Odell Beckham, Jr. and Van Jefferson, Matthew Stafford will be a kid in a candy store. There is not a DB corps in the NFL that can handle that much talent.

3. An edge rusher emerges.
Plan A, it would seem, is to hope that Terrell Lewis, Chris Garrett, Daniel Hardy, or some combination of those players, emerges to provide a consistent pass rush threat behind Aaron Donald and opposite Leonard Floyd. Plan B could be to find another Von Miller-like midseason addition (Robert Quinn, maybe?). If either plan works, opposing QBs will be in trouble.

4. The Run D becomes impenetrable.
The addition of Bobby Wagner, development of Ernest Jones, and late season play of Greg Gaines and A'Shawn Robinson are all factors that make me think that the Rams could have a top 3 run defense. As great as the top opposing QBs may be, if you take away their running game entirely, they're all beatable.

5. There's a diamond-in-the-rough at CB.
What if... among the young CBs vying for a spot, there is a future Pro Bowl player? The competition between Robert Rochell, Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick should be intense and intriguing. If one of them emerges as a true bookend for Jalen Ramsey, the Rams D can go to another level.

Check out the list. Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford and Bobby Wagner are on the list.

How Rams' Derion Kendrick caught corner of Allen Robinson's eye​

New Rams receiver Allen Robinson is one of the NFL’s best at beating defenders to catch so-called “50-50” balls. The eight-year veteran routinely out-leaps, out-muscles or out-finesses cornerbacks.

But rookie Derion Kendrick apparently is not intimidated by any receiver’s reputation and resume.

After four training camp practices, Kendrick has established himself as a player to watch, making numerous plays, several while covering Robinson.

The trend continued Wednesday during a full-squad drill when Kendrick broke up a laser pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to Robinson in the front of the end zone. Later, he knocked away a 50-50 ball intended for Robinson in the back corner of the end zone.

“He’s playing hard and he’s a good competitor — and that’s what you want a far as young guys, veterans, whoever,” Robinson said. “You want that competition in training camp. That’s what gets you ready for the season.”

The real test for Kendrick and other rookies begins Friday when, after a day off Thursday, the Rams are expected to don pads for the first time.

But Kendrick already has impressed coaches and teammates.

“He’s got kind of a nice play-swagger,” coach Sean McVay said, “and he’s an excitable personality.”

Kendrick, a sixth-round pick, is competing for a role in a secondary that includes star Jalen Ramsey, veteran Troy Hill, David Long and second-year pro Robert Rochell.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Kendrick played as a reserve receiver for Clemson’s 2018 national championship team before switching to cornerback.

After the 2020 season, he was removed from the program, reportedly for repeated violations of team rules. Kendrick transferred to Georgia before the 2021 season, and intercepted four passes for a team that won the College Football Playoff and produced 15 NFL draft picks.

Kendrick probably slipped in the draft because of the circumstances surrounding his departure from Clemson, and because of what was reported as a 4.77-second, 40-yard-dash time at Georgia’s pro day workout.

“People had doubts about whether I can run or not, but by my film you should know that,” he said this week. “I’ve never been a 40 guy. ... I don’t run track — I try to play football the best I can.”

Kendrick aims to demonstrate that he was undervalued in the draft.

“It’s time to prove my point,” he said, “and keep my head down and keep working.”

Kendrick said his experience blending into a new team at Georgia has helped him acclimate to another new situation. He seeks advice from veterans on the field and in the defensive backs meeting room.

“I just try to play my role, just do what I can try to learn off everybody and just gain the trust of everybody,” he said.

Kendrick is building his case.

This week, he broke up a long pass near the goal line that was intended for receiver Tutu Atwell. The play set off a celebration among defensive backs, including Kendrick.

“When I met him, he was already out of his shell,” safety Nick Scott said, laughing. “That’s the thing you love about him. Playing that DB position, you got to have a level of confidence and he came right on the field. He was confident. That’s just kind of his personality and it only helps him on the field.”

Apprised of Scott’s comments, Kendrick chuckled.

“Off the field, I’m a little more quiet. ... joke around a little bit,” Kendrick said. “But on the field, everything comes out.”

One of my all time favorite players.
Thx for the memories Danny!

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We are special...

Bobby Wagner praises closeness of Rams players and coaches

TC starts Friday and because I'm lucky enough to live close and have the time, I intend to be there for all of them and post some of my observations after each, the evening after I get home. Like a lot of you, I couldn't wait for Rev's and Coach-O's TC reports when the Rams were still in St. Louis. A lot of the reason I do this is for them.

I've been a Ram fan all my life and attended my first game in 1959, where Popa and I watched the Rams beat the Bears 41-35 in the Colesium. (Only thing I remember is the Goodyear Blimp circling over the field) .Since then I've been to many more Ram games and watched a hell of a lot on TV. Most of the time I can tell what's going on. Keep in mind I've no jounalistic background (I got a "C" in high school English)

Anyway I've been to every TC, my first when Jeff Fisher was HC. This post is to give folks an idea of the layout and how TC progresses.

There are two fields, north and south, with covered stands alongside each. Also covered stands on the west endzone, east endzone is blocked off. When we enter we look to see where the big TV screens between the two fields are pointed as this will tell us which field will have 7 on 7 and 11 on 11 drills (usually the last drills of practice and the most fun to watch). Because of the crowd , ( I expect a big one like last TC so we gotta get there early. This limits what position groups we can see up close. They move about every 15 minutes and rotate between the two fields so we never know what position group will be in front of us.

There are some exceptions. Right after stretching exercises by everyone, the KO and punt return group usually practice fielding from the punt machine and the west endzone. and the OL group start working and the opposite end. The QB's and WR's then do short passes.

There's a lot the coaching staff have to sort out, returners, RG, DB and depth at each. VeteranRamFan and I will do our best to put out relevant info, and looking forward to another great TC.

Any questions post away.

I saw this question posed on Twitter, and there are many I haven't seen.
1. Top Gun: Maverick
2. Toy Story
3. Jack Reacher
4. Brokeback Mountain

I intend to see a couple of the movies listed here, but won't be watching the others, even when on free tv. What are yours? One of these movies is @Merlin 's favorite, which will go unnamed.....

@Memento You okay?

Curious what you guys think of it. I'm finding it kind of vague and not sure whether they'll be using the same vid software so will be passing on it and streaming on gameday. But I have to admit I'm intrigued.

I just read a report that the Rams are possibly interested in trading for Kareem Hunt for a 3rd rounder. Cleveland has a bunch of RBs and Hunt is in his last year of his deal, but he was hurt most of last year and was the league leading RB in 2017.

It isn't like I don't like Hunt, but we have just under 10m in cap space we need to spend our money and draft picks wisely and not now. We need to see how the season progresses in terms of strengths and weaknesses and most obviously injuries. We needed Sony Michele last year, because we lost Akers at the bg of the season and Henderson was in and out of the lineup, Calais/Funk got hurt etc.

Personally there are 4 areas of more concern but none critical imo.

1. OLB + CB
2. IOL
3. Back up QB

There are only so many footballs to go around. When there is no need at this time to sign a RB why think about it.

Caveat - maybe it is just click bait but it didn't read like it.

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No one made you chase the money...

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1. Its been a great five months.

2. A lot of hard work truly paid off, and the players have really enjoyed the spoils, including the coveted rings awarded last week.

3. We fans have had a great offseason as well. I know that I feel rejuvenated as a fan, and so eager for more.

4. Now... this shit gets real again!

5. From a roster standpoint, there's so much to like about the 2022 Los Angeles Rams.

6. Few teams can match what we have at QB and receiver. Matthew Stafford is now a proven elite player. Cooper Kupp had a year for the ages. Allen Robinson is a perfect addition. Van Jefferson is still a player on the rise. There's still hope (at least from me) for Tutu Atwell. And we have RBs and TEs who can catch the ball and contribute.

7. The OL is definitely a bit of a question mark, as we'll have two new starters. I feel pretty confident, though, that it will come together fairly seamlessly.

8. The running game is a question mark. Though Sean McVay did not abandon the run until the second half of the Super Bowl, it was a non-factor for most of the playoffs. Will a healthy Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson (with, perhaps, a contribution from Jake Funk and/or Kyren Williams) make a significant difference? I'm eager to see.

9. The addition of Bobby Wagner, return of Jordan Fuller and Troy Hill, and development of Ernest Jones make me very optimistic about the defense.

10. Of all the camp/preseason things to watch, the EDGE position will be among the most intriguing. If someone like Chris Garrett or Daniel Hardy can emerge... look out!

11. The CB battle (behind Jalen Ramsey) should also be interesting. I'm glad to have the young depth.

12. Last year, the Rams won the NFC West despite a 3-3 record within the division. I'm expecting at least 5 wins in the division games this year, which will go a long way towards repeating (and ensuring at least one SoFi playoff game).

13. While certain aspects of the Rams' schedule are difficult, the schedule-makers actually did us some favors with respect to the division schedule. For example, our two games against the 49ers fall within the first 8 weeks of the season, meaning we get Trey Lance early when he still may be finding his way. Our second meeting is also at a favorable time, as we will be coming off a bye, while the 49ers will be coming off a tough game against the Chiefs. We also get the Cardinals in the first six weeks, when Deandre Hopkins will be under suspension.

14. On a personal note, if all goes as planned, I'll be in Tampa and Green Bay cheering on our road warriors.

15. While we won it all, there are some returning players who I still think are ascending, including Akers, Jefferson, Kendall Blanton and/or Brycen Hopkins, A'Shawn Robinson and Ernest Jones.

16. Though some of the alternate helmets are okay, the only alternate I'd want to see is a throwback.

17. When you look at OBJ on social media and at celebrations (including his crashing of McVay's wedding!), its clear he wants to be a Ram. Its also clear that the players and McVay want him back. I've got to believe that the team will find the money to make it happen. Its just too tempting to think of a playoff run with Kupp/OBJ/Robinson/Jefferson as the four WR set.

18. How great is it to be a Rams fan right now? I feel supremely confident that I'll be writing 20 thoughts that point towards another year of title contender status 12 months from now. This is truly a golden age for us.

19. Its been 17 years since a team has repeated, so many will point out that the odds are against us.

20. NEVER TELL ME THE ODDS!!!!!!!

Sean McVay explains why he returned to Rams instead of TV job - Sports Illustrated

Some good tidbits. Staff and Kupp DEMANDED he stay.
Allen Robinson had a verbal commitment with another team before we swooped in.

To run it back, Rams must forget the recent past
IRVINE – When last we saw the Rams on the field – those of us, anyway, with enough seniority to bypass OTAs and mini-camps – Aaron Donald was running around SoFi Stadium pointing to his ring finger, signifying the championship adornment he had just earned.

I hope he’s got a secure enough vault for that thing. Championship rings keep getting bigger and more complex, and by all accounts the ones that Rams personnel received a few days before Sunday’s start of training camp are the size of a small condo and almost as expensive.

The ring banquet was the appropriate closure to 2021. As training camp workouts began at UC Irvine Sunday, the idea of turning the page may seem like a cliché but it’s also the only way the champs can operate if they’re serious about repeating. And it’s only fair to those who missed out – like Tyler Higbee and Jordan Fuller, who missed the Super Bowl because of injury, or newcomers like Allen Robinson II and Bobby Wagner, who would like their own shot at that ring.

It starts with individuals. Players might act like they take it for granted that everyone in the locker room will put 2021 on the shelf and focus squarely on 2022, but don’t some guys need to be reminded occasionally?

“I hope not,” Donald said after Sunday’s first training camp session. “I think we’ve got great leadership on this team, great coaches, and guys tend to feed off what their leaders are doing, how they’re moving. (When) we’ve got a bunch of guys like we got on this team, you don’t have to worry about that. We’re focused on what we need to focus on this year.”

But the veterans and leaders are instrumental in making sure that message resonates. Coach Sean McVay remembered asking his grandfather, John, who was one of the architects of the 49ers’ 1980s dynasty, what one of the keys was.

“He said, ‘When your best players are the standard, that’s kind of what everybody falls in line with,’ ” McVay said Sunday. “And I feel like that’s very similar to what we have going right now.”

It starts with the leaders on each side of the ball, Donald for the defense and Matthew Stafford for the offense.

“Those guys that have done it at a high level for a long period of time, they know that every year is a new year,” McVay said. “There’s so many changes from year to year. And to stay at the top, you can never let complacency set in. And so I think it’s a huge deal to be able to have that kind of leadership. I thought that was one of the things that was right about last year. And then you add some other guys into the mix. You expect some guys to be able to step up. But when you talk about Matthew and Aaron in particular, those are great examples of guys that just go to work, (who) don’t let complacency set in.”

Stafford’s answer to the question Sunday might have been not only a variant of the message he spreads in the locker room, but one that could be applicable to any team on any level with championship aspirations, repeater or not.

“Those opportunities that we got to play in those (postseason) games last year were earned,” he said. “Ask yourself, what kind of opportunities are you willing to earn? It comes with sacrifice and hard work and being a great teammate and all that kind of stuff. You ask yourself that before you step out onto the field (and that) motivates you, gets you ready to go … Everything that we achieved as a team was earned last year. We’re going to have to go out there and earn it again this year.”

Or, as Donald put it in simpler terms: “It motivates you that much more because you got to experience that. You know how it feels. So, my thing, I want to do everything in my ability to try to relive that all over again.”

Any chance of being able to “run it back,” the chant in which Donald led the crowd at the Super Bowl celebration at the Coliseum – the one he specifically directed at McVay, in fact – likely hinged on the return of both. Remember, in the days immediately after the Super Bowl, neither possibility was 100 percent certain if the insiders and the rumor-chasers were to be believed, but Donald got his contract extension and McVay’s is said to be coming.

How did the coach respond when it became apparent No. 99 would return?

“Pure joy?” he said, his voice rising slightly at the end.

The two kept in touch through the offseason, McVay said, and had “great dialogue.” In the immediate aftermath of a long season, and the emotions of working so hard and finally reaching that career-long goal, it was only natural that Donald – and McVay, too – would want to step back, take a deep breath and ponder the commitment required for another year.

Once Donald decided he did, evidently, the pondering process was a moot point. Asked if he’d given any thought to what he might be doing in the last week of July besides being in training camp, he answered: “Oh, no, because I’m here now. That’s all that matters, full football mode. I’m locked in and all that matters right now is trying to do everything I can to get myself ready for a football season.”

Donald also said he thought it was a long off-season, and even though the Rams were the last ones standing at the end – and the break, from Feb. 13 to July 24, was exactly 161 days – maybe the decision (and negotiation) process made it seem longer than it was.

“When you reach that, and he had been working so hard to try to get to that goal, there’s an exhale,” McVay said. “I think you want to be able to let the dust settle, figure out what’s important, what can we do to accommodate that if you still want to be able to play football.”

If any external motivation beyond just the hunger to win is needed, try this: No NFL team has won back-to-back Super Bowls since New England in the Februarys of 2004 and ’05. And the seven franchises that have done it in the Super Bowl era represent the sport’s true bluebloods: the Vince Lombardi Packers, the Don Shula Dolphins, the Chuck Noll Steelers (twice), the Bill Walsh/George Seifert 49ers, the Jimmie Johnson Cowboys and the Bill Belichick Patriots.

You want to make history, Rams? It starts here.

Rams WR Van Jefferson Looking To 'Prove Himself Right' In Training Camp​

Van Jefferson has an early wake-up call. How early? That depends on when his newborn, Champ, elects to need a feeding or diaper change.

"Yeah he keeps us up," Jefferson joked with reporters Saturday. "But, we try to find some sleep in there.”

There's plenty of news in Jefferson's life entering his third season with the Los Angeles Rams. He and his wife, Samaria, have a new son to add to their family. He also is new to terms of winning a championship.

The biggest — and perhaps most under the radar — the move is working with new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. With Kevin O'Connell leaving for the Minnesota Vikings, Rams coach Sean McVay made a phone call to Lexington, Kentucky, hoping to add his former quarterbacks coach.

The offense is similar since McVay designs it, but certain play calls, audibles and other tidbits might be different.

"He's familiar with the offense," Jefferson said. "I think it's not going to lose a beat with him being here and he's an awesome guy and we're excited to have him. I can't wait to get to practice with him.”

Jefferson hopes to expand his role on offense with the departures of receiver Robert Woods and Odell Beckham Jr. Currently, he still is projected to be the team's No. 3 receiver with the addition Pro Bowler Allen Robinson likely filling in as Woods' initial replacement.

Robinson, who signed a three-year deal this offseason, is looking to rebound with quarterback Matthew Stafford after a down year in Chicago. Multiple analysts consider the former Bears star a top 20 receiver, but a lackluster season under the franchise tag puts pressure on him to live up to expectations.

While Robinson trained in Miami this offseason, Jefferson stayed in Los Angeles to care for his family. The two didn't need to connect as both attended the same high school in Detroit before Jefferson moved to Brentwood, Tennessee.

"He's a true pro. I'm glad he's on the team," Jefferson said of Robinson. "He has come in and taken a great mindset to just do the right things. You can see that in his play and the way he goes about his practice habits. I'm excited to have him. I’m excited to play with him.”

Like most Rams players, Jefferson is holding himself to a different standard this year. Carrying the title of champion means there's pressure to duplicate the same results. There hasn't been a back-to-back Super Bowl champion since 2004 when Tom Brady and the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Rams are in prime contention to be the first to end the streak.

Jefferson views the new season as a "fresh start" to correct the mistakes during his second year in the pros. Most of the players feel the same. Jefferson also isn't trying to impress the coaches for more reps.

His top priority is living up to his standard. Perhaps it correlates with McVay's as well.

"[I'm] really just honing in on myself, staying constant, staying consistent and being confident in my ability," said Jefferson. "I think it's just more about just me proving myself right than me proving other people wrong.”

I was surprised that the Rams were so high. If I counted right they’ve got the fifth most.

Mine has to be FF #112. Good story line too where the Thing is kicking the Hulk’s azz until the very end when he looks the wrong way while the Hulk punches him. Thing does survive though.

Artwork done by John Buscema.