LA Rams training camp post-scrimmage recap and update

The LA Rams post scrimmage recap:  Training camp Winners, Losers, Rotationas w depth chart details, and I hope he heals up injury updates

The LA Rams created a preseason game scenario with a scripted preseason game scrimmage, played at 5:20 pm PT at SoFi Stadium. What was at stake? For many players, they were looking to capture lightning in a bottle.  For some players, they were looking to get into a rhythm. For other players, they were fighting hard to get onto the coaches’ radar.

It was the first of two scrimmages. Lessons to learn, troublespots to fix, and roster spots to earn.  In the end, it was a glorious return of LA Rams football, and in the glorious confines of SoFi Stadium. It was electrifying to finally have football back, even if it was limited to social media updates and quips about game action.  In the end, we did get some great tidbits to recap for you.

Winners

While training camp is still young, some LA Rams players put on a great show.

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald looks ready for a monster season. He was all over the defensive line, and all around the ball. He had a forced fumble, a sack, and countless tackles (although no tackles occurred)

Backup quarterback John Wolford showed a lot of poise and confidence as he ran the 2’s offense for a quick TD against the 1’s defense. He had a solid connection to WR Nsimba Webster for that touchdown, a connection that would last all game.

Speaking of WR/KR Nsimba Webster, he practically cemented his spot on the 53-man roster with a strong showing as both a receiver and as a kick returner.

Kicker Lirim Hajrullahu was a perfect five for five on field goals in the game.  He made field goals of 38 yards, 43 yards, 50 yards, 48 yards, and an extra point conversion. While it may be too early to call the kicker competition over, the fact is that the ex-CFL star kicker was our projected kicker three weeks ago. He has enough leg to kick a 70-yard field goal.

Rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson was decimating the 2’s defense, actually looking like he could not be stopped. So he was upgraded to the 1’s where the competition was much stiffer. He still put on a great display of body control, speed, excellent routes, and good hands.

Both left guard Joseph Noteboom and right tackle Rob Havenstein, both off 2019’s injured reserve, had good games.  Unless, of course, they faced Aaron Donald.

Jordan Fuller got the start beside John Johnson III with Taylor Rapp out. He had a good game, playing all over the field. He even had a great pass defense when he closed rapidly on a receiver with the ball in the air.

Losers

Cam Akers had a mixed night. While he found some success running the ball, particularly in yards after the first contact, he did have a fumble.  Ball security will likely be part of his upcoming drills in training camp.

Rookie kicker Sam Sloman missed two field goals. That will create problems for him moving forward, as the Rams insist on FG accuracy now.

The Rams’ first-team offense seemed out of synch. It was reported later that the coaches’ headsets were malfunctioning. Still, it bears monitoring.

While the offensive line could not ensure a clean pocket, Jared Goff did show much more mobility and ability to throw off-balance.

Depth Chart/rotation notes

The Rams starting ILBs were Micah Kiser/Travin Howard. The second ILB unit was Kenny Young/Troy Reeder.

The Rams starting OLBs were Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam, but the rotation of Terrell Lewis and Ogbo Okoronkwo was fairly rapid.

The Rams starting defensive line was Michael Brockers, Sebastian Joseph Day, and Aaron Donald. Donald floated around, even playing on the outside for a play or two.

The Rams offensive line starters and backups played in this game, and we’ll talk more about that in a separate article.

Injury report updates

Running back Darrell Henderson left the field on his own, with noticeable discomfort, in the first half. He did not return to the game, nor was he present on the sidelines. Head coach Sean McVay reported after the scrimmage that the Darrell Henderson’s injury was soft tissue related. He has no further details to share at that time.  No other player was injured during the scrimmage.

All in all, we’ve learned quite a bit about the LA Rams team, and plan to learn a great deal more in the coming days. Stay tuned!