Thanks to everyone who responded to the call on Twitter for questions for my first Rams mailbag. The response was great and I’m looking forward to making this a regular feature moving forward. That said, you asked and I answered.
How has rookie S Nick Scott been looking? He was drafted with his special teams talent in mind, but undrafted S Stephen Parker has been shining.
— Oakland Ram (@RamOakland) August 20, 2019
I agree that Steven Parker has been playing really well. By doing so, he has put himself in consideration for a roster spot. Nick Scott has looked good, too, although as a rookie his learning curve is obviously a bit steeper in his play at safety. That said, he was drafted primarily for his special-teams prowess and in that regard, he seems to be right where the Rams need him thus far.
Hey Vinny, can you let us know what you expect from Everett in his 3rd season? I’ve read reports of increased multi-tight end sets in camp. The return of Kupp and reliability of Josh Reynolds has me wondering if his increased snap count late last season carries on into this year
— Winky Christ 🇸🇾 (@WinkyChrist) August 19, 2019
Gerald Everett, to me, has taken positive steps every year and I suspect that will be the case again this season. He’s really turned himself into a valuable player, both as a blocker and as a target when called upon.
As far as whether or not he’ll get more touches, that’s hard to say because so much of the Rams’ offense is predicated on what coach Sean McVay is seeing from a defensive scheme/look perspective and what he believes is the most advantageous matchup/play to exploit that look. So while he’ll go into a game hoping to get certain players involved (or more involved), the ebb and flow of the game usually dictates where the ball ultimately goes.
What I do know is this: The Rams are at a point where they believe if Gerald’s number gets called he can deliver. And I think we’ve seen him show that more and more.
Will the Rams play the defensive starters for a couple series in preseason game 3 like they did against the Texans last year?
— Rams Fans United (@RamsFansUnited) August 19, 2019
I’m leaning against that happening, especially after what happened with Micah Kiser’s injury last week. I just think the risk far outweighs the reward. And so much of that is based on where the coaching staff believes players/units are, in terms of command of their responsibilities individually and as a unit.
If they’re feeling good from that standpoint — and thus far they have been — there’s no sense running guys out there in meaningless games. Granted, you’ll see guys like Sebastian Joseph-Day or Bryce Hager out there, but that isn’t necessarily a reflection on the quality of their play. It’s because they are in competitions for starting jobs and the fair thing to do is give them a chance to show what they can do in actual game conditions.
Any chance the coaches rotate, primarily, the RB group to play with the “preseason starters” Justin Davis only gets time with a group that will probably be cut.. He deserves a chance. Henderson “starts” and has never set foot on the field reg season. Odd.
— Clark Bloom (@utahclark75) August 19, 2019
I think the Rams know what they have in Justin Davis, pretty much, whereas Darrell Henderson and John Kelly appear to be locked in a battle for a specific role within the offense. I think Henderson ultimately will nudge Kelly out — and no disrespect to John, because I truly believe he can play in this league — but I think it’s important for both of them to be out there at least one more game to see who can separate from the other.
Hey Vin! Chances Dakota Allen gets a shot to start w/ Kiser injury? Loved him on Last Chance U but love him even more on the field. Seems like a great potential fit w Littleton.
— Nico Amantia (@Nicoamantia7) August 19, 2019
I’m with you on Dakota Allen’s potential. He was behind the 8-ball a little bit with injuries — going all the way back to OTAs — that set him back a little bit. But he’s been coming on recently and I know the Rams are extremely happy about that.
I think over time Allen will continue to put himself in consideration for more playing time, provided he continues to ascend. And as this coaching staff has shown, when a player shows that it’s time, they have no hesitation about making a change. For now, though, I think Bryce Hager holds onto the job in the base defense, with a heavy dose of nickel and dime packages usage.
When it comes to the bottom of the WR depth chart, is there a possibility that Webster makes the roster over Natson based on his ability as a receiver combined with his potential as a returner?
— Dev (@DPfister_13) August 19, 2019
Tough call, as JoJo Natson really delivered for them last year on special teams and there is a comfort level with him in that regard. I do expect a couple of the young Rams receivers to stick around on the practice squad, though, with a chance for bigger roles down the line. That is a loaded room now that Michael Thomas has re-emerged.
Also, SJD looked overmatched against the Cowboys first string OL.Any concerns that neither he or Gaines will be prepared to start week one?
— Vince N (@vincen0285) August 19, 2019
There definitely were some ups and downs for Sebastian Joseph-Day last week. In fact, I thought the whole defensive line really started slow against the Cowboys’ No. 1 unit.
The part of preseason games that I think gets missed, unfortunately, is that during practice — and into the regular season — a guy like SJD is playing alongside some tremendous players and that obviously changes the dynamics for him. He really showed up alongside the starters in joint practices against the Chargers and Raiders, and I think, for now, that outweighs what’s happened in games.
Joseph-Day is a guy who, first and foremost, needs to hold his ground as the base nose tackle and occupy blockers in order to plug up running holes and create space for linebackers to make plays. If he and Greg Gaines can be proficient in that area, that will add value to the Rams’ run defense.
In time, as they both get more settled and into a groove, they’ll add more playmaking ability. But for now, just being disciplined and playing their role is what the Rams are seeking from them.
Do the Rams go outside the building to look for inside backer help?
— Flipper’s Anderson (@dcfilmninja) August 19, 2019
It’s always a possibility. But for now, they want to give Hager and the young kids a chance to play and show what they can do.
Keep in mind, also, that they anticipate utilizing that position only about 30 percent of the time. More often than not, that ILB will come off the field in favor of another defensive back.
How is the wide receiver position competition behind Woods, Cooks, Kupp and Reynolds shaking out? Will the Rams prioritize special teams impact?
— Brennan Smith (@BrennanJSmith) August 20, 2019
No doubt, special teams plays a role. But also, who among that group can be counted on the most when called upon to play? And with Sean McVay never being shy about scheming plays for guys who have shown they can do damage, who among them can step into a package and flourish?
In that regard, I think Mike Thomas absolutely has opened eyes and checks off a bunch of boxes. He’s looked really good. Other youngsters are showing up as well — Nsimba Webster, Jalen Greene, etc. — but I think they are more likely to be practice-squad candidates at this point.
Hello Vinny, any chance we see a waiver claim or trade for O line & ILB depth?! #Rams
— 3️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ Dodger (@LAconfiDent1al) August 19, 2019
It’s always a possibility depending on how things shake out. I suspect there will be some interesting names hitting the market pretty soon.
Any word why the Rams changed equipment managers? Nice guy and last remaining guy from Anaheim days?
— Casenoteswh (@Casenoteswh) August 19, 2019
Aside from the proverbial “going in a different direction,” I haven’t heard anything on any the exact cause or reason for the change. And in those types of situations, there is no obligation on the team’s part to give a reason.
The rams glaring weakness is in the punt return game! This needs to be address immediately!
— John hughes (@Johnhug43323375) August 19, 2019
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a weakness. They were ranked 14th last year in average yards per punt return, so that’s within the top half of the league.
Their punt-return mantra involves ball security, first and foremost, and if the player is going to return it, try and get a first down by advancing the ball 10 yards. Don’t go messing around by getting cute and going backward. Turn it upfield and run. They averaged 8.7 yards per return, so they were close.
With the injury to Micah Kaiser any talk about moving Clay Matthews to ILB?
— Scott Robinson (@srobinson7177) August 20, 2019
Clay Matthews will move around. But as far as moving him there for any extended period of time, the answer is no.
Hey Vin, Prediction for who will be the starting ILB week one.
— Vince N (@vincen0285) August 19, 2019
Bryce Hager.
How is Greg Z.’s back doing? Any lingering issues there?
— Dustin Coleman (@dustincoleman86) August 19, 2019
He looks like the same ol’ Greg The Leg and that’s a good thing.
I have not heard anything about any lingering back issues for Greg Zuerlein.
Will the new stadium have natural grass?
— Victor Segovia (@segovia_vic) August 19, 2019
No, it will be turf.
Any updates on the location of the new permanent Rams training facility? Is Thousand Oaks the heavy favorite at this point? Is there a short-list of candidate cities?
— Negative Liberty (@i2ruminate) August 21, 2019
When I last checked, they were still looking around. I think it’s still pretty wide open, but I suspect the objective remains to end up somewhere close to the current location in Thousand Oaks. So I wouldn’t rule out, say, Moorpark or that general part of Ventura County.
I also wouldn’t rule out further east into the San Fernando Valley. I know they have looked in that area as well. The problem is finding the kind of flat acreage they need — and obviously, it has to be available — and as we all know, land prices are high in California. Then there is the political/environmental process to deal with as well.
Possible replacements for Micah Kiser? How big an impact for the Rams?Hope he has a complete recovery…
— Tim Hand (@thand) August 20, 2019
For now it’s Bryce Hager. Keep an eye on Dakota Allen further down the road.
Kiser’s injury is a loss for sure, but somewhat manageable in that they are in base defense only about 30 percent of the time. That position usually comes off the field in nickel and dime packages.
How do you see the Rams doing with run defense this year?
— Oakland Ram (@RamOakland) August 21, 2019
It’s definitely been a point of emphasis, and the way the Rams see it, much of the problem last year was a lack of discipline and guys getting themselves out of position, especially up front. In their eyes, more discipline will go a long way toward cleaning that up.
That said, a guy like Sebastian Joseph-Day — or now Bryce Hager — needs to perform. I also think Eric Weddle controlling and calling things from the back end, and being able to line up closer to the line of scrimmage, will help in terms of run defense.
Two questions.
1. Really love what I’ve seen from Jalen Greene. Watched him extensively in college. Feel like he’s more talented/polished than Thomas what are his chances?
2. Feels like we have several good DBs. Chances keeping extra at that group?
— Samuel Montgomery (@TrojanWarrior) August 20, 2019
I’m with you on that. The talent level has really been noticeable. A lot of credit goes to general manager Les Snead and his staff.
Given the status of Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, both of whom are going into the last year of their contracts, I think the Rams will do everything they can to create some extra cap space and keep control of one or two of the young corners. Even if they aren’t called upon this year, it creates coverage for next year.
How has the Rams improved on defense for their running game?
Who’s backing up Gurly or is it going to be running back by committee?
Will Kupp be 100% by week one?
— T Smith (@nightrain1103) August 21, 2019
As I mentioned earlier, I think a lot of it has to do with guys being more disciplined up front in their roles. Too often last year, some guys were so intent on getting to the quarterback that they neglected their run duties or got themselves out of position. And too often, opposing teams took advantage by running it right past them.
If you watch a guy like Sebastian Joseph-Day, yes, shedding blockers and making plays in the run game is super important. But so is holding your ground, or your gap, and occupying blockers to create space for linebackers to run downhill in their run fits and make tackles. It takes discipline to do that play after play after play, when you sometimes have little to show for it in stats like tackles, but it goes a long way in helping the overall run-stopping.
As for the running backs, Malcolm Brown is the primary backup, but expect Darrell Henderson to have a role in certain packages as a change-of-pace back in the run and pass game.
#Goff extension.
— John Joseph (@CAPolitics) August 20, 2019
This time next year.
Convince me that I should not be worried about Todd Gurley and that I shouldn’t hate his contract.
N.B. More a plea than question. Sorry.
— JM (@byjohnmartin) August 20, 2019
Todd Gurley has looked fabulous and healthy so far, and the Rams have a plan to help ensure that remains the case for the long haul.
Obviously injuries happen, but last year’s issue was more about the combination of heavy usage plus a couple of big hits on the knee. It’s the same one that underwent reconstructive surgery four years ago. That contributed to a situation in which the knee was slow to heal.
The Rams believe the plan they have in place will put Gurley in a better position to rebound or heal quicker if a similar incident happens.
What would you put the odds on John Kelly gets traded? If not traded, odds of him making the roster?
— Jordan McNamara (@McNamaraDynasty) August 20, 2019
I think John Kelly makes the team. It’s hard to imagine someone being willing to give up a pick at this point for an unproven player. But anything is possible.
Projected role for Henderson? (total touches per game?)
— Joey Meza (@BengalsLa) August 20, 2019
Out of the gate, I’m going to go with nine to 12 touches as a runner and receiver.
What’s the plan for ILB given Kiser’s injury?
— Bobby Stanley Jr. (@BStan6) August 21, 2019
Bryce Hager will get the first crack at the starting job. There is always the possibility of picking someone off waivers. The Rams also like the young players: Dakota Allen and Travin Howard.
(Photo of Hager: Kirby Lee / USA Today)
