Rams near training camp needing to meet a standard set higher than ever

When Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay cancelled mandatory minicamp, some saw it as a mixed message. In reality, the reason for the irregular decision was likely quite simple. Facing a daunting schedule marathon of strong opponents and long travel, McVay is easing his team into the grind.

If Los Angeles were relying upon rookies, that decision would never be possible. But the roster is bursting with veterans, with many battle-tested leaders among them. Much like the 2021 Super Bowl team, the 2026 Rams are built around a handful of elite players complemented by above-average starters.

Still, this is a new cast of characters. Success is not determined by resumes and past glories. For the Horns to succeed this season, newcomers and familiar faces alike have their work cut out for them.

The consensus is that unless the Rams face an outbreak of injuries, they will be at least a serious playoff team. But at that floor, there is a much higher ceiling to reach. What must LA do to get there?

Rams must focus on three feats before real training camp work begins

The Rams are not immune to the challenges of getting back into football form. But they do take a unique approach to training camp. Veterans knock off the rust in joint practices and scrimmages, while inexperienced players and rookies feature in preseason games. The goal of forging a cohesive team remains the same.

Training camp challenge 1 - Creating better offensive chemistry

The chemistry between Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams did not truly peak until six games into last season. For rookies Terrance Ferguson and Konata Mumpfield, that chemistry never developed. Stafford sat out with a back injury until just days before the season started.

Armed with the knowledge that history repeats itself, the team is already managing Stafford's workload. In doing so, LA hopes to optimize his chemistry with the myriad receivers vying for targets in 2026.

Training camp challenge 2 - Fitting in all the defensive pieces

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula hit the mega jackpot this season. He could not have asked for more, as his defense landed three elite defenders at highly valued positions. Now, he faces a great deal of pressure to craft all those pieces into one stingy defense. If anyone can do it, Coach Shula can.

Cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson come with their own playbook of coverage strategies that worked in the Kansas City Chiefs' secondary. And Myles Garrett brings his Cleveland Browns experience to the trenches. Shula, the professor of NFL defenses, will love having so many new concepts at his disposal. This Rams unit is prepared to show up.

Training camp challenge 3 - Ensuring mistake-free special teams

While Rams fans may have ho-hummed Bubba Ventrone's hiring as the new Special Teams Coordinator, most would agree he is under tremendous pressure. With minor roster additions, the unit's success depends on Ventrone getting much better results in 2026.

LA was undisciplined on special teams in 2025. Whether it was botched blocking assignments, untimely penalties, or poor downfield coverage, the miscues were common and crippling. Ventrone instills discipline. The rest is up to the players.

The Rams are not clinging to a pipe dream. Both linebacker Grant Stuard and long snapper Joe Cardona are elite special teamers. And with the team expecting Shaun Dolac's healthy return, the Horns have every reason to expect far better coverage.

Summertime is when the work happens. LA knows that a successful season starts now. This is not a typical training camp, fellow fans. A rambunctious offseason has set the standard higher than ever.

As always, thanks for reading.

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