• To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

Siemian out? Paxton Lynch to start

So Jared Goff is the last rookie to start from this years draft class. Seriously, nobody guessed that.

Connor Cook hasn't started yet. But given the trends, Derek Carr should increase his insurance policy :)

Still, nobody guessed injuries would strike in such a manner that just about every other rookie would start. I want to see Goff play too, and soon ... but the fact that Keenum is doing enough at this point can be viewed as a glass half full.

6 teams that missed playoffs, primed to make it

The criticisms are of the nay sayers are fair - how unusual our record is despite our point differential, how poor our QB play is, etc. We Rams fans can scoff at them and dismiss their points but the reality is it is still early in the season. This team falling back down to earth is a real possibility. We can't get over-confident in this group just yet.

At the same time, those that propose the Rams are ready to really explode also have merit. We're 3-1 despite a poor offense, our #1 pick at QB not starting, having no run game to speak out, and our biggest playmaker in Gurley being neutralized. Once we fix some or all of that the potential of this group is huge.

It'll be interesting to see how things play out. Go Rams!
  • Like
Reactions: CGI_Ram

Practice Report 10/7: Getting Gurley on Track; A McDonald Family Affair

It’s safe to say no one expected the 2015 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year to have only 216 yards rushing through four games. And it’s probably safer to assume if someone told you that would be Todd Gurley’s total in the season’s first quarter, you wouldn’t think Los Angeles was carrying a 3-1 record into Week 5.

But that’s the case from both standpoints. And everyone would like the second-year running back’s production to increase, which is why it’s a team issue that the club is working to solve.

“It’s life. Sometimes you kind of wonder what’s going on,” Gurley said after Friday’s practice. “But you’ve got to look at the bigger picture. At the end of the day, we’re still winning. We’re 3-1, and the running game hasn’t been going good. So you always know there’s room for improvement, so you just kind of have got to stay positive about everything.”

“It’s an ongoing process. We’re taking a look at everything,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras said this week. “Schematically, play calls, our technique at the point of attack, our decisions — we’re taking a look at everything right now. Obviously, we’re determined to get it right and get better.”

Head coach Jeff Fisher described last week’s line of scrimmage as being “full of Cardinals” in the Rams’ 17-13 victory, which is one reason Gurley had a tough time getting going on the ground. That’s a reality of what teams are going to do in order to limit Los Angeles’ effectiveness as an offense.

But there are some advantages to that, as it can open up plays for tight end Lance Kendricks and wide receivers like Kenny Britt, Brian Quick, and Tavon Austin.

“I think we’re seeing happen right now in our run-actions and obviously guys are loaded up and stacking the box to stop the run and we’ve been able to try to take advantage of that in other areas,” Boras said. “Part of being balanced is being able to take advantage of what the defense is giving you. And that’s part of being a balanced offense. Right now, in the run-action game, we’re able to make those plays and then, hopefully, that will loosen up and the runs will start coming as well.”


And it’s gratifying for Gurley to see his teammates cash in on those opportunities.

“Quick, KB, Tavon, Lance — all of those guys have been doing good,” Gurley said. “So I know just having all those guys down in the box, that’s just going to give those receivers a good chance to win those one-on-ones. And that’s what we talk about every week, win your one-on-ones. That’s all football is, beating the man across from you. As long as we do that and keep executing, we’ll be just fine.”

Both Fisher and Boras noted Gurley made two outstanding plays in the passing game against Arizona last week. When reporters brought up the receiving skills in the running back’s Friday media session, he just laughed.

“Man, I only caught like three balls and I guess I’m the best receiver now,” Gurley said.



Joking aside, Gurley’s prowess as a receiver can be a boost to the Rams’ offense.


“Since he’s been here, we’ve always said that Todd has unbelievable ball skills,” Boras said. “He’s like any young player, he’s getting better because it’s not something he was asked to do a whole lot at Georgia, but he has natural athletic ability and natural skills. Any time we can get him in space, he can make things happen, so it’s obviously something we want to continue to build on.”

“Just going out there, being consistent, just putting the same thing on film every week. Just showing that you can be a threat somewhere else,” Gurley said. “I think that can definitely help us out a lot.”

But when it comes down to it, the Rams will continue to do their best to ensure Gurley gets back to being the ground threat they know he can be. And that involves much more than just the second-year RB.

“The big thing for us, it’s all tied together — it’s defense getting off the field on third down and getting another possession or offense converting a third down or moving the ball,” Fisher said. “Then of course, as of late — actually since the season’s started — we got everybody jammed in there and they don’t want to let him get going. So, we have to make our plays down the field. But it has nothing to do with Todd, whatsoever. It’s just a matter of getting him some opportunities.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR

In every NFL matchup, there are connections abound between the personnel of the two teams. Players might have attended the same college, coaches might have worked together at different stops — there’s any number of possibilities.

But there will be one that’s a bit unique on opposite sidelines of the Coliseum this Sunday, as Rams safetyT.J. McDonald will be lining up against his father.

Well, one could say that’s technically not the case. McDonald’s father, Tim McDonald, will be with the visitors as Buffalo’s defensive backs coach. As you might expect, that’s going to bring out the competitor in both father and son.

“Of course you want bragging rights and what not. But we haven’t been talking at all this week,” the Rams’ safety said on Friday. “We’ll talk after the game. It’s all love there. We’re just both competitors and we want to go out there and get the win.”

The two talk pretty regularly, so the silence between them has been a change.

“We’re just going to chop it up after the game,” T.J. said. “And that will be a good one in the Coliseum.”

In many ways, the younger McDonald has followed in his father’s footsteps on the gridiron. Hard-hitting safeties, T.J. attended the same high school as his father before going down the same path to USC.

Now, they’ll meet at the stadium where they both played their college ball.

“We’re not on the field at the same [time],” said No. 25. “He’s coaching their defensive backs, I’m on the field with [ours]. I just want to go on the field and put on my best display. I’m going to have a lot of family there — want to go out there and put on a good show.”

It certainly will be a family affair on Sunday.

INJURY REPORT

Los Angeles has six players listed on its injury report for Sunday’s matchup against the Bills.

Wide receiver Kenny Brit (thigh), defensive tackle Michael Brockers (hip), safety Cody Davis (groin), defensive end William Hayes (ankle), defensive end Robert Quinn (shoulder), and running backBenny Cunningham (thigh) are all listed as questionable. Cunningham was limited in practice on Friday, as was Davis. Britt was a full participant.

Brockers was a limited participant in Wednesday’s session, but was listed as DNP for Thursday’s estimate and for Friday’s session. Hayes and Quinn did not practice all week.

“We have a tendency of healing up. We still have some time,” Fisher said of the injured defensive linemen. “It’s about being smart. It’s [less] about the lack of practice reps for Rob and Will and Michael [and more] just trying to get them ready for Sunday right now. If they could practice, they would. But we’re concerned about Sunday, [No.] 1.”

Notably for the Bills, running back LeSean McCoy apparently injured his hand in practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. McCoy, however, told ESPN the injury is “something small” and that he “won’t miss the game.”

Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, who is returning from a four-game suspension, is also listed as questionable with a thigh injury on the Friday report.

[www.therams.com]

What to think of that '16 draft class?

I think the Rams could get the most from him by simply putting him in the pattern. He's good on the short routes because he's so damn big and has a nice catch radius. Also would be good in trips using him as an obstacle to shake Tavon or whomever loose.

Then go back to the standard TE stuff next year.

Oh and that reminds me though... He was open across the middle I think on that pass that Keenum threw to Quick for the short TD. Going by memory but will go back and check to make sure. So some of it might indeed be QB trust.

Don’t Let Their Record Fool You: These Are the Same Old Rams

15.8 ppg is a futile, uphill battle and puts far too much pressure on all three phases to play a near perfect game every week. We all know this so that's nothing Earth shattering....but i would say that anyone expecting at any point, no matter who the QB is, for this team be a team to be able to regularly score 28-35 ppg is delusional and naive.

Please go rewatch the offense against the panthers in 2013, while Sam was still in the game. This is what I imagine the Rams will look like with Goff fully in control. Don't shatter the dream.

.

Kenny Britt, a go-to Rams receiver, especially wants to go to the playoffs

Gary Klein


He is the most experienced player on the Rams’ offense, an eighth-year pro seeking what thus far has proved to be an unattainable goal.

“Hopefully,” receiver Kenny Britt said. “I’ll get to the playoffs this year.”

Britt has helped the Rams to a promising start.

They are 3-1 and in first place in the NFC West heading into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills at the Coliseum.


Inspiration Is All Around Us
A Message from Thrivent

Thrivent Racing is driven by inspiration and wants to know what inspires you and how you inspire others! Visit our site to share inspiration and check out other fan submissions as well.”

See More

It’s the first of nine games against non-division opponents before the Rams finish the season against the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers andArizona Cardinals.

Like Britt, the Rams are experiencing a postseason drought. They have not been to the playoffs since 2004.

Britt, 28, is determined to end the streak.

“I have responsibilities and try to be a leader,” he said, adding, “The guys are doing everything correct. Everyone is coming in on off days, looking at film, taking care of their bodies.

“You can tell there’s determination on this team to get to the playoffs.”

The Rams began the season with major questions about a receiving corps that did not undergo a significant upgrade from 2015, when the Rams ranked last in the NFL in offense and passing offense.

They drafted receivers Pharoh Cooper in the fourth round andMichael Thomas in the sixth. Cooper has not played because of a shoulder injury and Thomas has played mainly on special teams.

Through four games, the Rams rank last in offense and 30th in passing offense.

But there have been bright spots.

Brian Quick has been the biggest surprise, catching three touchdown passes. Tavon Austin has one.

But Britt has a team-best 18 receptions and is averaging 15.6 yards per catch.

He also has been a go-to receiver on third downs.

“He’s been productive. Made some big plays for us,” Coach Jeff Fishersaid. “He has overcome some drops, like the whole group has, but he’s been productive.

“He pushed through — he’s fighting through some nagging little injury things. But he shows up. He shows up and he’s emotional and he plays hard.”

In last weekend’s 17-13 victory at Arizona, Britt was targeted four times, had four receptions and averaged 20.5 yards per catch.

Tennessee Titans when they selected Britt with the 30th pick in the 2009 draft out of Rutgers. In his second season, Britt caught 42 passes, nine for touchdowns.

But in 2011 he suffered torn ligaments in his right knee.

He had surgery again on the same knee before the 2012 season and also had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee.

He caught 45 passes and scored four touchdowns in 2012 but caught only 11 passes and did not score a touchdown in 2013.

The Rams signed him in 2014 and, reunited with Fisher, Britt responded with a career-best 48 catches, three for touchdowns. Last season, he averaged 18.9 yards a catch and scored three touchdowns.

Britt sat out off-season workouts after undergoing shoulder and knee surgeries, but he said he has not lost speed and still feels young.

“I’ve been taking care of my body a lot better,” said Britt, who is earning about $4.5 million in the final year of his contract. “The first two or three years in the NFL, you don’t really know what to do off the field to take care of your body.

“This is my eighth year and I’m doing better than before.”

During training camp, quarterback Case Keenum said that he and Britt had developed “non-verbal communication” that enabled him to anticipate the receiver’s moves. Keenum said this week that they remained on the same wavelength.

Britt concurred.

“Case trusts me out there,” he said. “When we need a first down, he trusts me to do it.”

With opponents crowding the line of scrimmage to stop running back Todd Gurley, the Rams have been unable to run effectively. But if Austin’s production increases and Britt continues his pace, defenses will have to adjust, Boras said.

“We’re going to continue to run the ball and we’re going to get better running the ball,” Boras said. “When they’re loading the box, we’re going to try to take advantage of it and get the ball out in the perimeter in the pass game and let those guys make some plays.”

Like all receivers, Britt said, he wants to score touchdowns.

But a run to the postseason would be even better.

“We’re winning,” he said, “so it really doesn’t matter who gets them as long as we’re putting points on the board.”

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATimesklein