Training Camp: Weekend Wrap Up

The Rams lost their preseason opener 27-19 to the Cleveland Browns and after some drama between the clubs the Rams were back to work again over the weekend as there is a lot of work to be done in preparation for the Cardinals week one. Let’s get right to it in this edition of training camp: weekend wrap up.

In the first practice on Saturday since the preseason game the Rams got back on the field focused and ready to get back to work. The Rams continue to tease the fans at home as Bradford was back to connecting with Cook in the red zone and Tavon Austin was back to making plays. Eventually we will get to see these guys, but it may just be a while before we do. Chris Givens also continues to make big plays on the outside and has been making nice catches running the intermediate routes.

At the running back “competition” Daryl Richardson continues to separate himself as he came up with a handful of big runs. Due to Zac Stacy and Terrance Ganaway taking some time off due to lagging injuries, Benny Cunningham and Chase Reynolds each got some reps running the ball and catching in the backfield. Ganaway better get back on the field soon, because if he doesnt, Cunningham may just take his spot on the roster.

The coaches obviously saw a problem with the defense getting off of the field on third downs as the Rams only made one third down stop against the Browns first team offense. Part of that could have been due to the defensive game plan, either way the Rams worked on third down situations on Saturday and the defense came up with some stops by creating pressure up front and having solid coverage. T.J. McDonald and Alec Ogletree also looked better in practice. Both had some mishaps during the preseason game, but if both players can transfer what they are doing in practice to the game, they should be just fine.

On the injury side of things, Matt Daniels was back practicing again on Saturday participating in 7 on 7’s. He even had a pass breakup. Jermelle Cudjo is also getting closer to a return. Jabara Williams and Andrew Helmick, the home town hero during the beginning days of camp,  both got back to the practice field. Rodger Saffold on the other hand will be out for a couple of weeks, it would be a surprise if he got any more action in the preseason. Taking over for Saffold is Joe Barksdale who didnt do too bad of a job replacing Saffold on the right side against the Browns. Barksdale did struggle a little moving over to the left side, but if he is with the first team offense, Jake Long will be on the left side anyway. Barrett Jones and Chris Williams both got some reps on the right side as well.

Week two of the preseason starts on Thursday, but the Rams will not play until Saturday when they will play against Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packers in the Edward Jones Dome. It will be the first time for a lot of the players playing in the dome for the first time in an actual game situation. Fisher will have his team ready to play and hopefully the quality of play will be a little better. Then again, it is only preseason…