Los Angeles Rams Defensive Energy Outmatches Run Heavy Offense in 1st Padded Session of Training Camp

The Los Angeles Rams kicked off their second week of training camp with a padded practice. Given the nature of this phase of the game, it was the perfect day to install the rushing concepts for the upcoming season. And because rushing the ball means a lighter day for the quarterback, it was also a great day to give 15-year veteran QB Matthew Stafford the day off.

But that didn’t mean it was any less exciting of a practice. It showcased some of the highest-profile rookies from 2024’s draft as well as a number of second-year players and big free agent additions.

Los Angeles Rams Offensive Highlights

With Stafford on a rest day, Jimmy Garoppolo was under center for much of the day with Stetson Bennett playing as well at Rams training camp

Head Coach Sean McVay was impressed with Garoppolo;

“I thought Jimmy did a really good job. He’s got great command. You can see he’s played a lot of football. Got through some progressions. I thought he made some really good decisions based on some different things that they had covered. I thought we got in and out of the huddle.”

It was also a day that highlighted the offensive and defensive lines, two of the most transformed units across the team. On the offensive side, Kevin Dotson was the standout. But the line as a whole was able to push open rushing lanes on several occasions. There were particularly some big plays getting to the outside.

Since there is no actual tackling allowed, it is hard to tell exactly how well inside rushes performed, but the Rams defense has had its issues setting the edge against Blake Corum and Kyren Williams .

Rams Defense Wins The Day After Challenge From Coaches

But the interior, today was stellar. Both Braden Fiske and Bobby Brown came up with huge run stuffing ‘tackles for loss.’ Safety Russ Yeast got in on the action when he sidled up to the line of scrimmage, reading the offense perfectly and closing off the outside run lane. Brennan Jackson was already in the backfield and cleaned up the play with a ‘TFL.’

The one that elicited the largest reaction from the defensive sideline was when linebacker Ernest Jones stepped up into the A gap and put a stop to that rushing play. He let out an intimidating yowl, warning any would-be rusher not to try him again, as he celebrated the stop.

After practice, Sean McVay recognized Braden Fiske’s efforts and energy from the day.

“I really felt Braden Fiske today. He showed up in a big way. I think we had some things in that were in alignment that fits his skill set to allow him to really thrive, and he took advantage of it. There will be learning opportunities, but I definitely felt like overall, you felt the defensive energy.”

McVay also said that the coaching staff challenged the defense to be the tone-setters for today’s Rams training camp. And by his admission, the offense didn’t answer their high energy and effort.

“We had challenged the defense to really come out the way that they did, and I was glad that they answered the bell.”

“There were some times that it was matched [by the offense], but I think overall, the standards that our guys have for themselves on offense, it’s not good enough, but that’s part of what’s great about campus. Tomorrow’s a new day. Let’s reset, and let’s try to do the right thing, and let’s see if defense can keep that same energy”

More must-reads:

• Exclusive: New Los Angeles Rams Safety Kam Curl Talks Chris Shula, Alternate Uniforms, and Facing Cooper Kupp in Practice
• Stetson Bennett Adds Unique Wrinkle To Help Los Angeles Rams Defense Prepare for 2024