10 Observations from Rams' second open 2025 OTA practice: Tutu Atwell capitalizing on opportunities, Emmanuel Forbes' playmaking and Terrance Ferguson's touchdown catch
Jun 03, 2025 at 05:27 PM
Stu Jackson
Senior Staff Writer
Here are some of the notes and observations from it:
1) Foundational context: As mentioned in the first 10 observations of the spring, Los Angeles mixes it up in team drills with the projected first-team offense facing the projected second-team defense, the projected second-team offense facing the projected first-team defense, and so on.
2) Atwell's reliable hands: The fifth-year wide receiver made noise in the first OTA practice for hauling in a deep touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford, but today it was for his success on the other end of Stafford's short and intermediate throws, catching the first four passes thrown his way.
3) Forbes continues to shine: A pass breakup early in team drills on a Jimmy Garoppolo pass intended for rookie wide receiver Mario Williams drew praise from head coach Sean McVay afterward. Between that moment and Forbes' interception in the first OTA practice, the third-year cornerback has impressed this spring.
4) Stafford sharp: What you'd expect from a 17-year veteran quarterback, but the biggest example of this was the way he threaded the needed between multiple defenders for his first completion to Atwell. He later had a pinpoint throw to wide receiver Britain Covey in team drills.
5) Play of the day: Stafford connecting with tight end Terrance Ferguson on a back-shoulder throw in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown during the team's competitive "mamba" period during red zone drills.
6) Play of the day, Part II: After misconnecting with running back Kyren Williams on a potential touchdown, Stafford zipped the ball through a tight window over the middle to tight end Tyler Higbee for the touchdown the very next play in that same mamba period.
7) Almost: Veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon nearly came up with an interception on the very first play of team drills when Garoppolo's pass went through wide receiver Britain Covey's hands and almost into his.
8) Almost, Part II: Forbes was also active in the mamba period, nearly picking off a juggled pass.
9) Fiske in action: Defensive end Braden Fiske was an active participant in Tuesday's workout.
"He's been awesome, he's gotten out there on the grass, taken a few reps these last few days, and he just looks like himself," defensive coordinator Chris Shula said.
10) Another special guest in attendance: Rams legend and former left tackle Andrew Whitworth was on hand for Tuesday's workout, taking some time to give pointers to the offensive linemen before watching practice from the sidelines.
