Turf Show Times
Surprises abound as roster starts coming onto focus
As Week 2 of Los Angeles Rams training camp winds down, the roster is slowly coming into focus. There have certainly been surprises, both positive and negative. Time to inch up the depth chart or hold onto current position is running short.
Next week, There’s a live scrimmage/practice with the Dallas Cowboys and next Saturday the preseason slate starts. Although these games are not very high on Head coach Sean McVay’s importance list, the tilt must game planned for and recuperated from. He does value the live scrimmages though, and the same rules of installations and recovery apply, cutting into practice time to make ground.
How are things after two weeks? Here’s an opinionated overview of the positional units thus far and how important positional battles are laying out.
The Rams offense will certainly be different if Jimmy Garappolo sees extended starts. If so, expect the Rams to re-visit the early Sean McVay days, more of a system style. Short to intermediate passing game with quick reads to set up the run, and then attack with play action.
No battles
The roles are clearly delineated. The injury to Matthew Stafford, whether over or under stated, stands as the only possible glitch.
With a set starter and two recently drafted backups, it’s a tough row to hoe for Ronnie Rivers, Cody Schrader, and Jordan Waters. It has to be tough knowing that a practice squad berth will likely be your ultimate reward.
Battle: RB#2 Blake Corum vs Jarquez Hunter
Both have shown an explosive element in camp, that missing piece of the Rams run offense. The edge right now would go to Corum, he came into a little lighter and it really shows. His jump cuts and his explosion off them have been stellar. The Rams coaches have been raving about Hunter and I think that his menacing style will best show in full contact situations. L.A. will get a taste of that physicality in the Cowboys scrimmage.
A very deep group from top to bottom. Watching drills, they all show good technique in/out of breaks and soft hands. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams leading this group, a case could be made for most, if not all of them to make the roster.
Battle: WR#3 Tutu Atwell vs Jordan Whittington
Whittington is the player on the come with his consistently solid work, so much that Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur hinted that Whit may be too important to the offense to risk on special teams. Reports are that Atwell worked better with Stafford and has not built the same rapport with Garappolo. Maybe Konata Mumpfield should be included in this battle discussion, he’s getting some first team reps when Adams is off and drawing raves.
With Stafford out, no unit has been reaping the benefits of Garappolo’s presence more than the tight ends. JimmyG has an extended history of working his tight...
