Puka and the other Youngins are renewing my fandom!

[AvengerRam]

I've been a Rams fan for four and a half decades. And yet, I'm feeling like a kid again!

I have guys like Puka Nacua, Byron Young, Kyren Williams, Kobie Turner, Tutu Atwell and Ronnie Rivers to thank.

You have to love the underdogs. Guys who weren't Blue Chip prospects (Nacua, Williams), took the scenic route to the NFL (Young, Turner, Rivers), or were viewed by many as just too small (Atwell). They're playing with infectious passion and an outward expression of their appreciation of the opportunity to be pro football players.

This is a team that is easy to like, and I, as a fan, feel renewed by their energy.

Can't wait to see how this young core grows and, playing along side of some great players in the twilight of their careers (and some players to add in the next year or two), reaches its potential.

I'm in, 100%!!!

 

[Merlin]

For myself this is one of the more likeable rosters I can recall.

 

[Memento]

I want to see more of Desjuan Johnson. I want him to sack Brock Purdy to prove that he's the best Mr. Irrelevant ever.

Also want to see more of Zach Evans. No offense meant to Royce Freeman.

Ethan Evans, despite his bad punt, is a flat-out stud.

Lake and Yeast look like solid safeties who will anchor our defensive backfield for the next two years.

I still have faith in Cobie Durant, and Kendrick is playing out of his mind. I want to see more of THT, but I understand why the Rams are sticking with Witherspoon thus far.

Davis Allen over Hopkins. I'll say it again.

And then add in the ones you mentioned. And that's just the rookie and second year players.

 

[CanadaRam]

It is fantastic!!!!

My only question is will Kupp's return prevent Puka from winning OROY?

What a fabulous worry to have!

 

[fanotodd]

Also want to see more of Zach Evans. No offense meant to Royce Freeman.

He must be too raw right now. If you don’t block, you can’t play. That’s what seems to keep young players on the bench on this team. He will be a welcome sight at some point. KW is gonna wear down if the load isn’t spread around.

Ethan Evans, despite his bad punt, is a flat-out stud.

A little more polish and he becomes a game changer. He’s not there yet, but he’s looking better each week. What great weapon that becomes.

Lake and Yeast look like solid safeties who will anchor our defensive backfield for the next two years.

Color me impressed. Actually, I’m kinda blown away at how good the secondary is playing. A little more pass rush and these guys are gonna be tough to beat.

Davis Allen over Hopkins. I'll say it again.

Yes! Now that Higbee has been extended, the starting TE is established. TE2 is the only question. Are the Rams really going to give a 2nd contract to Hopkins for backing up Higbee? Start getting DA some action. The sooner the better.

 

[ottoman89]

I agree.. we got so used to ring chasers and vets who just went through the motions.. and now have a young, hungry core.

It's so exciting!

 

[thirteen28]

You know, I don't want to rush this season because I want to enjoy watching these guys grow, particularly this incredible draft class and a few other young'ins growing up like Kyren and TuTu. But damn, I can't stop thinking about this offseason either when we have a fuck-ton of cap space and (at least for now) a 1st round draft pick. All of these young'ins are going to get a lot of real good seasoning this year and then this roster has a real chance to get supplemented with a serious infusion of talent going into 2024. We could end up with a seriously good mix of older veterans, mid-career talent, and very talented (but experienced) youngsters.

 

[jap]

It is fantastic!!!!

My only question is will Kupp's return prevent Puka from winning OROY?

What a fabulous worry to have!

 I would be more concerned that Cooper's return hurts Puka's chances to win offensive player of the year or MVP.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

Anybody else trippin out on Ahkello Witherspoon’s interviews?

 

[Neil039]

View: https://x.com/book1rx4uller/status/1708669942248149288?s=61

 

[Merlin]

Part of it is how sneaky Stafford is with his eyes. He puts on a clinic with moving guys in their drops. I suspect it gets him in trouble at times too but boy when he is on he is on.

 

[fanotodd]

1) not gonna spend a lotta time on Nacua. We all see it. The kid is polished and tough. Steal of the draft.

2) how many of you rewatch plays, focusing on Avila? He’s a wall. He stopped hargraves in his tracks all day vs the 9ers. I didn’t hear buckner’s name until the game was practically over. On passing plays, Avila doubles, switches off to help double somebody else, and picks up stunts relatively easily. On run plays he just picks a guy and moves him. He already looks like a seasoned vet. Has he committed a penalty or given up a sack yet?

3) I know there are mixed feelings on Kendrick, but he’s playing his guts out taking on some big time WRs. He’s holding his own, getting more stops than not. He’s been burned and he’s committed a couple untimely penalties, but it’s easier to tolerate those than the occasional 15 yarder for taunting by a seasoned, high profile, top CB who should know better.

The young secondary in general has been impressive. 2nd year Safety Yeast is another who has impressed. I thought without a pass rush, they were toast, but that hasn’t been the case.

3) Atwell has great hands. Between him, Nacua, and Kupp, I don’t see a whole lot of catchable passes hitting the ground. I’ve already seen Atwell and Nacua make some Stafford saving catches. Atwell just looks completely different out there this season. I really like his game.

4) “The Conductor” is coming along. So is Young. These two defensive rookies get better each week. Great attitudes and high motors. Teams unfamiliar with the Rams are more likely to try more 5-7 step drops. Good luck.

5) Let’s not forget our young punter, Mr Evans. More hang time! He’s doing OK on the shorter kicks, but those long ones when he gets to show off his leg…MORE HANG TIME! Once he gets that down, teams will always be looking at a long field against this sneaky good defense.

6) KW. Not only is he running tough with good vision (always falling forward), but he has been EXCELLENT in pass protection. He’s a complete back, making the defense have to honor the whole playbook when he’s in. Methinks akers might have been an unwilling blocker, forcing him to be used solely in the run game.
KW is the type of back required to play in this offense. He’s tough in the red zone, has a burst through the line when it’s there, and then there’s the passing game where he blocks and catches. He’s gonna be an underrated weapon for the Rams this year.

7) Lastly, a quick review of this draft shows 3 day one starters in Avila, Young, and Nacua. Evans is entrenched at Punter. That’s FOUR hits without a 1rst rounder! Turner is in the DL rotation, getting enough reps to be considered our 5th draft hit.
…and we haven’t even seen ZEvans and are probably just gonna start seeing Allen getting reps at TE.

I don’t see the Rams going through a dark period after Stafford, Kupp, and Donald take their TWO rings and go home.
(See what I did there?)

 

[OnceARam]

Anybody else trippin out on Ahkello Witherspoon’s interviews?

I hadn't until I read your post. Then I watched it, and yes it was a trip. Or perhaps the onset of a trip.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq2TfFFlx1o

 

[PARAM]

My only question is will Kupp's return prevent Puka from winning OROY?

He's won OROY with his first 4 weeks of play!!!
39 rec (#1), 501 yds (#2).
If he plays the next 13 games and averages 3 rec, 36 yards, he'll end up with 78 catches for 969 yards. That'll win OROY!!!

 

[Mackeyser]

He's won OROY with his first 4 weeks of play!!!
39 rec (#1), 501 yds (#2).
If he plays the next 13 games and averages 3 rec, 36 yards, he'll end up with 78 catches for 969 yards. That'll win OROY!!!

And even with KUPP back, there’s no way he only has 3 catches a game

 

[jjab360]

For myself this is one of the more likeable rosters I can recall.

Personality wise, for sure. Obviously a huge fan of the SuperBowl roster but Ramsey and OBJ's egos were grating and I just don't think they're likable people.

Personalities like Puka, Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Avila, etc. are a breath of fresh air.

 

[Kupped]

Puka is incredible, but if Stroud keeps up what he’s doing, he’ll get the award.
QBs always get weighted heavier.

 

[Loyal]

I've been a Rams fan for four and a half decades. And yet, I'm feeling like a kid again!

I have guys like Puka Nacua, Byron Young, Kyren Williams, Kobie Turner, Tutu Atwell and Ronnie Rivers to thank.

You have to love the underdogs. Guys who weren't Blue Chip prospects (Nacua, Williams), took the scenic route to the NFL (Young, Turner, Rivers), or were viewed by many as just too small (Atwell). They're playing with infectious passion and an outward expression of their appreciation of the opportunity to be pro football players.

This is a team that is easy to like, and I, as a fan, feel renewed by their energy.

Can't wait to see how this young core grows and, playing along side of some great players in the twilight of their careers (and some players to add in the next year or two), reaches its potential.

I'm in, 100%!!!

youngster...

 

[RamFanWA]

Oddly - and maybe not - one can only vote for specific pre-determined players of the week....
So for week #4 - there is no Stafford or Puca selections available....
I get it that it may be to avoid ballot stuffing but Mathew had as many yards as Allen and Hurts... and while I can't speak to the others passing accuracy - or passing stones - Stafford had a helluva game.

FedEx Air and Ground players of the week | NFL.com

 

[fanotodd]

Puka is incredible, but if Stroud keeps up what he’s doing, he’ll get the award.
QBs always get weighted heavier.

Sadly, you are correct.
Rogers getting the MVP over Kupp in ‘21 is all the proof you need.