Los Angeles Rams Training Camp Underway at UCI

Los Angeles Rams Get Ready for First Season in LA at UCI

With the sun beaming down on fresh cut grass, Los Angeles Rams helmets crashing into each other, bodies aching from two-a-days, and defensive coaches yelling from the sidelines, “We are running Stick! Get your head out of your asses and c’mon!” you know it could only mean one thing: it’s football season. Los Angeles Rams Training

The Los Angeles Rams’ training camp at the University of California, Irvine was pivotal last week due to their first preseason game kicking-off on Saturday, August 13 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Rams came away with the victory, winning 28-24 in front of a crowd close to 90, 000. This was the first NFL football game to be played at the LA Coliseum since 1994.

To say that fans are amped is an understatement. The crowd at training camp were dressed in their LA Rams gear and treating a practice like the real deal with “oohs” and “ahhs” after big hits, nice passes, and perfectly-timed interceptions. There has been a build-up for the 2016-2017 season since the announcement in January. There is an appetite for NFL football, and LA is hungry.

Between the busy offseason of moving an entire franchise from St. Louis back to Los Angeles, filming this season of HBO Sports’ Hard Knocks while also filming an E! reality show Hollywood & Football, the LA Rams are ready to get to work on the gridiron.

All eyes (and cameras) were on rookie quarterback Jared Goff at Tuesday’s practice. The 2015 First Team Pac-12 shined in last week’s scrimmage at The Coliseum, earning head coach Jeff Fisher’s praise for his on-target passing in the two-minute drill. Goff continued his on-target passing at camp, making for a solid day. When practice moved to play action, he was picking up first downs like it was easy. But, despite how impressive Goff has been with his quick decisions and improvement working under center, Case Keenum is still the current starting quarterback, according to Fisher. The vet was quick in the pocket and oozed confidence like he’s been here before. But, in Saturday’s exhibition game against the Cowboys, QB Sean Mannion was the fourth quarter hero with a 74-yard scoring drive. He threw for three touchdowns in the comeback.

Even though the Rams have solid options at QB, the receiver position is still in question. Between injuries and early cuts, the position is dwindling. The 5’8” Tavon Austin has been labeled inconsistent and rookie Mike Thomas, who’s been Goff’s go-to, dropped two prime passes in practice that would have led to first downs or a touchdown. Other times it didn’t seem that QBs were even looking the receiver’s way. Nonetheless, running back Todd Gurley aims to finish where he left off last season, and it’s showing in his reps. The 2015 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year is the key person in this offense, and he was juking the defense left and right. He racked up 1, 106 yards last season and doesn’t look like he is slowing down anytime soon.

But, you know what they say, defense wins games.

The strength of the team this season is expected to be the defensive line, especially with standout Aaron Donald. Donald trained hard in the offseason, trimming down to 10 percent body fat and sharpening his already fierce skills. After last season’s 11 sacks and a Pro Bowl pick, he’s back with razor-sharp vision and relentless energy in practice. Cornerback E.J. Gaines may return after injuries sidelined him since 2014, adding to this already tough defensive squad.

Meanwhile, fans at camp debated if Goff will take the starting QB spot from Keenum for the opener against the 49ers. Some hope Goff starts, believing all No. 1 picks should. Others prefer patience in developing him for long-term success. After nine straight losing seasons, fans are just hoping this is finally the year they get a win.

Be sure to tune in on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. to Hard Knocks: Training Camp. It will feature the LA Rams on HBO Sports for the inside scoop on the team and their families.

LA Rams Gear-Up for Season at UCI Training Camp

Jordan Ligons

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Jordan is a storyteller with a creative passion for things LOCALE. She loves dogs, macaroni and cheese and buying shoes. This former student-athlete could always be found watching ESPN or actively engaged in a Kobe-verse-LeBron debate, with Kobe winning every time.