Stu Jackson
@stujrams
Senior Staff Writer for the Los Angeles Rams (views are my own and do not represent the team’s). Fan of well-written movies and TV shows. IU alum.
Today was the most comfortable rookie QB Ty Simpson has looked so far. Mechanically, his release looked quicker. Best throw deep completion to TE Terrance Ferguson. Sean McVay on where he's seen improvement in Simpson between when he arrived to where he's at now (@nateatkins.bsky.social question)
When Davante Adams first joined the Rams last year, he described the camaraderie amongst teammates as a college-like atmosphere. I asked Myles Garrett today if he sees it the same way:
Asked Rams OC Nate Scheelhaase yesterday how his evolving responsibilities over the last two years have changed not only the way he teaches this offense as a coach, but also how he learns it himself. Lots of disciplined note-taking, reviewing, studying so he was prepared to add value Full quote:
Good morning from this year’s annual league meeting in Phoenix. NFC head coaches breakfast/media availability getting underway soon, where we will be hearing from Rams HC Sean McVay. Updates and coverage to come
Two days before the Rams signed Jaylen Watson, Trent McDuffie called him and told him they might sign him and to keep an open mind. To hear Watson tell it, he wasn't so certain 😂 Full quote from Watson on that conversation and how everything unfolded:
Sean McVay said he's studied Ben Johnson "really closely" going back to Johnson's time w/ the Lions, praised both his philosophy and flexibility in applying those foundational principles to different types of QBs, as well as "a timely feel for wanting to be able to mix in some things." Full quote:
On becoming 15th HC-GM duo to reach 100 wins (reg season + postseason), Sean McVay said the coolest part about his & Les Snead's relationship is that it's "gotten stronger over the years," which McVay said is "rare in this business," as well as the ability to have "comfort in some of the conflict."
As Rams enter playoffs, Jared Verse postgame said Quentin Lake came up to him earlier this week and told him he remembered what Verse said in his interview in Philly after that game (below). "He told me he's gonna hold me to it, so I'm gonna make sure I hold myself to it, too."
Rainy weather has the Rams practicing under the cover of SoFi Stadium today. Sean McVay said they’ll most likely do the same Friday as well.
Sean McVay on Terrance Ferguson's growth this season: “I think it's been steady and I think it's been something that you're really excited about how bright his future is because all he’s doing is getting better." More on what McVay had to say about the rookie TE on Monday:
Sean McVay on his seventh 10-win season in 9 years as Rams HC: "I think the first thing that comes to mind is gratitude and appreciation for being surrounded by a lot of people that do a phenomenal job in their roles and push you to want to be better for them." Full quote:
Very efficient days for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum so far. Averaging a combined 7.6 yards per carry
One of the things Sean McVay cherishes most about his relationship with Aaron Donald was how Donald let him into his personal life. Asked about that today, Donald talked about going through personal challenges at one point and how conversations with McVay helped get him through that. Full quote:
Working on a story on the Rams' tight ends. Some of the ways QB Matthew Stafford described them? "Bring their own edge to the game." "Conscientious." "Athletic." "Relentless." "Fun to be around." "Bring a great energy to the huddle."
With four passing TDs and 0 INTs today, the Rams' Matthew Stafford became the fourth QB ever (fifth instance) with 20+ passing TD and 2-or-fewer INT in their team’s first 8 games of a season, joining Tom Brady (2007 MVP season and 2015), Aaron Rodgers (2020 MVP season) and Patrick Mahomes (2020)
Matthew Stafford's no-look TD pass to Konata Mumpfield. Watch him use his eyes to redirect & hold the safety (29) and create the window to hit Mumpfield
Asked Sean McVay postgame yesterday about activating the TEs and Davante Adams in the redzone as part of gameplan. Personnel availability for both sides had a say (no Puka for LA, no Devin Lloyd for JAX), but McVay still thinks "this is an exciting thing for us to be able to build on."
Jaguars HC Liam Coen on drawing pass plays and the way it allowed him to see the 'why' & finite details that go into each one, after being asked if there was a project/coaching point Rams HC Sean McVay gave him where he never thought about that, but it was going to help his progress as a coach:
Some high praise from Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula today on rookie OLB Josaiah Stewart: "For an edge guy going into his third game, he's playing at a really, really high level, and we're excited by what we've seen." Full quote: