LA Rams: Stafford’s eyes highlight Week 1 Training camp recap

Offense

Okay, so that’s an impressive segue, isn’t it? After all, the LA Rams offense is going to sink or swim based on the play of Stafford, so early positive reports are a good thing.  And so far, that all seems like a healthy and impressive progression. But there are a few swapped parts and cogs to the offensive machinery so far. Let’s touch base on those.

So far, the Austin Corbett experiment at the offensive center is getting glowing reviews. Snapping the football under center and in shotgun formation appears to be going off without a hitch. Of course, we’ll revisit that when the pads go on. But while we are here, the entire offensive line configuration is still ‘To Be Determined”, as no true assessment can begin without football pads and contact.

Rising stars

While there is plenty to sort out, there are a couple of surprising stars showing up so far in training camp. The first rising star goes to the tight end, Kendall Blanton. This young man is frost-giant sized, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 262-pounds. He’s tried twice to make the 53-man roster but has found himself on the practice squad twice. Is the third time the charm?

He certainly looks the part so far, delivering impressive plays on successive days. He really has enjoyed a connection to backup quarterback John Wolford since 2019, and they continue to showcase it in 2021. With Brycen Hopkins struggling and Jacob Harris on the sidelines, Blanton is making his move to advance on the team’s depth chart.

Of course, the veteran wide receivers Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods,  tight end Tyler Higbee, and quarterback Matthew Stafford are all getting good press. But add Van Jefferson’s name to that list, as his name has shown up plenty so far. He was one of the wide receivers who worked out with Stafford before training camp opened, and it appears to have helped.