NFL
By: George Lopez
The Los Angeles Rams begin training camp for the upcoming 2024 season looking to build on their 2023 season that saw the team finish with a record of 10-7 and a wildcard appearance in the playoffs.
All eyes will be on the defense in training camp. With Raheem Morris leaving to become the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams needed a new defensive coordinator. Rather than bringing in a new coach, the Rams chose to remain in-house and promoted Chris Shula to defensive coordinator. By choosing to promote a coach already with the team, the defense will be able to run the same scheme they ran under Morris. Look for Shula to add a few new wrinkles to the defensive scheme the team will run.
The Rams will have big shoes to fill with the retirement of Aaron Donald. Rather than looking for one player to replace Donald, the Rams will look to multiple players to make up Donald’s production. During OTA’s, stated the Rams approach this season “…it’s going to be a committee approach in emphasizing those guys’ strengths and having those guys rush as a unit and rush together.” To help address the absence of Donald, the Rams went with defensive players for their first 2 picks in the draft, selecting defensive end Jared Verse in the first round and defensive tackle Braden Fiske in the 2nd round. Donald is looking to become a mentor to Fiske by working out together to help get Fiske ready for the upcoming season.
The Rams will be looking for second-year defensive lineman Kobie Turner to take another step forward and be an anchor on the defensive line. Turner led rookies in sacks last season and will look to improve on those numbers as well as being a force in stopping the run. Verse will be looked upon to play opposite edge rusher Byron Young and not only provide a consistent outside pass rush, but also keep outside containment on run defense.
In the secondary, the Rams signed free agent Tre’Davious White, Kamren Kurl, and John Johnson III to bolster their pass defense. White is coming off a right Achilles injury but the Rams feel comfortable that the reward will outweigh the risk with White’s injury. The Rams also brought back free agent Darious Williams, who played with the team from 2018-2021. Bringing back both Williams and Johnson adds depth to the Rams secondary and will give Shula different options in his pass coverage scheme.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Rams introduce a new offensive line. RT tackle Rob Havenstein returns to anchor the offensive line. In the offseason we signed free agent Jonah Jackson to 3 year deal. Jackson is expected to be the starting left guard. With the signing of Jackson, the Rams are able to move 2nd year player Steve Avila to center, a position he played while at TCU. The Rams resigned Kevin Dotson who will enter camp as the starting right guard. Alaric Jackson will enter camp as the starting left tackle.
The moves made on the offensive line were designed to help protect quarterback Matthew Stafford. As Stafford enters his age 36 season, keeping him healthy for the season was the priority. The Rams signed free agent Jimmy Garoppolo to be the backup quarterback to Stafford. Garoppolo brings a veterans experience in the quarterback room. 2nd year quarterback Stetson Bennett returns after being from the team last season for personal reasons. Having Stafford and Garoppolo in the quarterback room will allow Bennett the opportunity to learn from two veteran quarterbacks.
The moves on the offensive line will also give the Rams the opportunity to emphasize the running game. 2nd year RB Kyren Williams will look to improve on an impressive rookie season that saw him rush for 1144 yards and 12 touchdowns, all while not playing the entire season. In what could be a steal in the draft, they drafted Michigan RB Blake Corum, who is expected to be the primary backup to Williams. Look for Coach McVay to fine tune his running game scheme during training camp.
Cooper Kupp enters training camp extremely motivated as he looks to bounce back from an injury plagued 2023 season. Kupp enters camp in tremendous shape and will look to remain healthy for the entire season. 2nd year receiver Puka Nacua will look to build of his rookie season that saw set rookie records for receptions and receiving yards. A healthy Kupp and Nacua gives Stattford a dangerous 1-2 punch at the receiver position. Demarcus Robinson enters camp expected to be the #3 receive in McVay’s 3 receiver offensive scheme.
As training camp progresses, there are questions on both sides of the ball the team will look to answer. What new looks will Shula add to the defensive scheme. Will the offensive line find a consistent pass protection scheme as well as opening up running lanes for the running backs? Can Cooper Kupp remain heathly and will 2nd year players, Nacua, Williams and Turner improve on their rookie seasons? Ram fans eagerly await the answers to these questions.
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