LA Rams News: More than ever, “slow but steady” path leads to victories

LA Rams News: Team’s slow methodical pace at training camp could reap huge rewards this season

It’s begun. Slap on the pads, guys, it’s time to mix it up! The LA Rams are about to elevate the competition at training camp once more. And yet, with the pads and contact, comes the inevitable spike in injury reports.  Dallas Cowboys DT Gerald McCoy suffered a leg injury today. San Francisco 49ers WR Jalen Hurd reported suffered a torn ACL.  Philadelphia Eagles DT Javon Hargrave suffered a back injury. The New York Jets are suffering a wave of player injuries. Cleveland Browns’ feature running back Nick Chubb may be injured.

This happened once before after the 2011 lockout season.  The NFL dove into the football season headfirst, in a massive rush to get games underway.  The result?  NFL players suffered a huge spike of crippling injuries. The lesson learned from that season is the recommendation of a 48-day training camp to acclimate players bodies to the intense strain and exertion required to play professional football.

What’s the big deal, anyway?

The NFL supposedly learned its lesson during the 2011 lockout. Supposedly, because the science is irrefutable. Yet, look above, and you see how many of the NFL teams “rush to put on the pads” is impacting their team.

The key to avoiding injuries in the NFL is gradually adding to the workload. Now more than ever, NFL teams intent on succeeding in 2020 must exhibit incredible patience to ensure the health of their players. If you want to know which teams are failing? Just check the constant stream of injury reports.

When do the Rams lock horns?

The LA Rams are set up to begin full pads and contact drills tomorrow, August 18. While that is fairly late compared to other NFL teams, it’s still a bit rushed compared to the recommendations. Fortunately, the LA Rams suffered an elevated number of injuries a year ago, which has made the entire organization far more receptive to the recommendations of new Strength and Conditioning coach Justin Lovett.

While many think that the role of Strength and Conditioning programs in the NFL are ranked as I – Performance, II- Rehabilitative, and III-All other, the reality is that NFL teams rank the priority as I – Preventative,  II- Performance, III- Rehabilitative, and IV-All other.  Preventing injuries is likely one of the most important contributing factors for an NFL team’s chances of earning a berth in post-season play. Stay healthy often means staying successful.

Coaches cannot truly begin to evaluate players until the pads come on.  The outcome of just 80 players on the training camp roster is that the team will likely waive no more than a dozen players to make the final 53-man cut. That’s thanks to the additional four players added to the practice squad this season.  In effect, if the Rams go with just one kicker, the current roster will waive two kickers, plus nine additional players.

It’s not an ideal situation, but as long as the team remains healthy, it will be enough to return to the playoffs.