RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesLOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los Angeles Rams resumed their training camp activities after having a day off on Tuesday and the welcomed return of Myles Garrett had many ready to watch this team in game action.
With Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams having the day off, the team was able to take a closer look at their backup situation. Here are five observations from practice.
Strong on the right
Kevin Dotson and Warren McClendon once again put on a display. Yes, it was practice, but they were putting their hands on defenders, and taking them for a drive. They were exposed here and there, but nothing beyond the scope of NFL football and considering the talent on the line, Dotson and McClendon did more than enough to get the job done, had this been a real game.
McClendon has a natural, stout presence about him, absorbing pressure, without surrendering his placement. Dotson's ability to advance to the second level and rake out linebackers continues to impress, with one rep earning Dotson some congratulations from offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
Depth of defense
The talk revolving around Garrett and his impact has been mauled over. However, it the impact of others than I'm excited about. Braden Fiske has grown as an every-down player, who constantly got into the backfield and blew up plays all day long.
Desjuan Johnson looks even better as a run stopper, making plays of his own, while Byron Young looks fast and balenced. The defensive line was phenomenal, with the secondary giving the offense little room to move the ball. Even the linebackers were on their game, with Omar Speights breaking up a pass intended for Puka Nacua.
The team does not have a clear QB2
The offense in general was abysmal, with a multitude of pre-snap penalties. That’s not good considering there isn't an actual play clock. Both Bennett and Simpson were pedestrian at best, failing to put together a strong sequence of passes, while being off-target all day long. To be fair, it's one practice, and one man can only do so much.
Bennett likely has the edge due to his pocket composure and overall understanding of the offense. Simpson also doesn't have the arm to push the ball downfield in the way the Rams need to at this point. This is not a critique of Simpson, but highlighting that he needs time to put all the pieces together. Bennett has had that time. However, I wouldn't feel confident in either starting week one at this time.
Cam Lampkin is making a final push for the roster
The Rams best job opening on their roster, if that even exists, is the WR3 position. The only truly open battle, except on special teams, is the CB4 role. Lampkin has been a solid riser for a few years now and is inching towards making the 53-man roster. He still has a long way to go, but he's a natural fit for the secondary, and has some potential that has yet to be unlocked.
Grant Stuard is a wild man
It appears that Stuard has only one speed and that's full speed. Stuard was flying around the field and while his addition was meant to bolster the special teams, he's quickly emerging as a competent backup that could provide the depth and relief at the off-ball linebacker position.
He's one of those "love to have him, hate to play him" players because regardless of jersey color, Stuard wants to eliminate the opposition, even if it's a practice. While the team can not wait until he starts to inflict punishment on others, the franchise may have finally found their "wild man" who could finally bring some consistent competency to their special teams' failures of the past.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 observations from Day 9 of Rams training camp: Off day for offense
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