LA Rams training camp SoFi scrimmage: Quiet on the set. Action.

The LA Rams training camp scrimmage at SoFi Stadium is more than another practice. The team is testing out everything that goes into managing an NFL game

When the LA Rams announced scheduling two separate scrimmages, the first thoughts were about players, repetitions, and rookie opportunities. While we’re not about to rule any of those elements out, we may have misdirected the intentions for this first scrimmage. After all, with no preseason games, the entire production of managing a game from the Rams sidelines is new territory for players and coaches alike.

The only way to prepare for an NFL game without preseason is to simulate game-like conditions. So that is exactly what the LA Rams plan to do this Saturday at 5:20 pm PT.

While some details have been shared, there is much to learn.

What’s in store at SoFi Stadium?

Scrimmage is first and foremost about all of those logistics issues that everyone takes for granted but can disrupt the pre-game mental preparation of players, and derail the mental checklists each coach recites before the game.

The scrimmage will be a scripted version, as guessed.  The team will run eight-ten plays in a sequence. Then special teams will run some scripted plays. Then the offense and defense will retake the field for another chapter of 8-10 plays.   The goal is to get up to 70 plays completed. General details were made available by therams.com’s Stu Jackson, but there were many details undisclosed.

Reaching down into the depth chart

While we know that LA Rams head coach Sean McVay loves to “rest starters” in preseason games, we have few details about how the rotations will work in this initial scrimmage game. What we do know is that Coach McVay is committing to giving looks to some “developmental guys”. He called out both rookie quarterback Bryce Perkins and Josh Love and players who will get a chance to compete.

Kicker competition between drafted rookie Sam Sloman, ex-XFL Austin MacGinnis, and ex-CFL Lirim Hajrullahu will be included in the scrimmage.  That will likely include kickoffs and field goal attempts. While punts will be handled by veteran Johnny Hekker, I expect that punt and kick returns will get some looks as well.

The Rams are building a foundation for the starters now, and will gradually migrate to determine the final roster spots in days ahead. While it may seem rigid, the process must be disciplined to ensure no steps are missed, and no players overlooked.