Read LAFB’s Rams Training Camp: Defense Edition
IRVINE, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams growing pains continue to rear their ugly heads. Between pre-snap miscues, false starts, miscommunications, and just plain old poor execution, the Sean McVay offense could not find a rhythm to save its life. It may or may not be a coincidence that these struggles came when Matthew Stafford’s favorite target, Cooper Kupp, remained injured on the sidelines. Either way, it certainly didn’t help.
Neither the first nor the second team could seem to move the ball efficiently until the very end of practice when Matthew Stafford put together a few plays and finally punched in a touchdown. It wasn’t celebrated too excitedly by the offense, except with maybe a sigh of relief. That drive started with a tricky play in which Stafford flipped the ball off to Cam Akers.
But this is what Ram training camp is for.
Rams Training Camp Positional Breakdown
Pass-Catchers
Without Kupp in the lineup at Rams training camp, Puka Nacua was bumped up to the first team. Nacua got plenty of attention from Stafford in Kupp’s stead. He also looked good in run blocking. Early in the 11-on-11’s he executed a textbook block with a thud! Nacua made several impressive catches including a 20-yarder along the sidelines that showed off his body control and contested-catch ability.
Ben Skowronek was back in action after missing a few days of Rams training camp with a back injury. He made a very adept catch near the sidelines that was perfectly placed by Stafford and was defended as well as could be by Cobie Durant.
Brycen Hopkins got work in with both the first and second teams, making plays for both. The most impressive was a catch and run that picked up a large chunk of yardage in the 2nd team’s two-minute drill. He was a go-to for Bennett on that drive.
Toward the end of the session, Xavier Smith made several catches for the 2nd team. The undrafted free agent rookie out of FAMU wears #19 and stands 5’9″, weighing 174 lbs. The most impressive play he made was hanging on to a touchdown pass while taking a bruising hit. He could be a name to watch, although the wide receiver’s room is very competitive.
Quarterbacks
It’s tough to be the offense’s Captain on a day like today. Matthew Stafford wasn’t the problem but certainly wasn’t happy with all the mistakes. Some of the early mistakes came while installing play-action boot concepts. He also was off-target on a few passes.
Stetson Bennett and Brett Rypien continue to rotate as the 2nd team quarterback. Bennett made some great throws. Tyler Johnson was his preferred receiver today. In the past, Demarcus Robinson was his go-to.
Running Backs
Both Cam Akers and Kyren Williams scored touchdowns in 11-on-11s. Akers also picked up 30 yards on an outside zone run. The play got the offensive sidelines excited and Sean McVay personally congratulated Akers on the run.
Offensive Line
Alaric Jackson and Joseph Noteboom continue to rotate at left tackle and both are getting plenty of reps, as they play on the 2nd team as well.
Tremayne Anchrum and Steve Avila seem to be locking down the guard spots. While center still seems up for grabs. Brian Allen played all first-team snaps, but in past practice Coleman Shelton did.
Logan Bruss played right tackle for the second team. He has always been a guard, but the Rams do like versatile offensive linemen.