NO HUDDLE: 3 Quick Notes from Day 2 from Rams Training Camp
With Stafford at the helm, practice was a show for fans in attendance
Loyola Marymount University — While Sunday was the first official training camp practice, it really was just an appetizer for Monday’s main course. Fans in attendance were served a four-course meal of the league’s reigning MVP wasting no time looking like, well, an MVP.
Before even diving into the day’s observation notes, I really have to hammer home how awe-inspiring it felt watching Matthew Stafford run the offense. Even for someone as talented as Stafford is, it was mindblowing watching the caliber of throws he was making from the very first play.
There are easily five throws from Stafford’s day that you could create a viral clip from. The one that caused me to realize I don’t understand football anymore, was his throw to Puka Nacua midway through team period.
With the flick of a wrist, and adjusted arm angle, Stafford layered a throw right over the hook/curl depth defenders. It was Trent McDuffie leaping in the air — I was impressed with how vertical he got — but the throw was still too tall for the defensive back. Catching the ball in stride behind him, Puka Nacua is now running with the ball as the packed bleachers of Rams fans celebrate.
That was just our biggest highlight of the day. Let’s take a quick peek under the hood of what stood out to us the most from day two:
Best vs. best is a SHOW for fans
The first day with fans in attendance means there’s always creates an electric atmosphere at Rams training camp. Superfans, families of all ages and a packed sideline of media were in attendance for the show.
And a show it was for Rams House sitting in the sun.
When team period began, we witnessed some great action when both starting units faced off. Seeing Myles Garrett and the new-look secondary square off against Stafford for the day’s “chess match” reminded you who really is the best player on this roster.
Early on, Stafford looked to Puka Nacua to get into rhythm. Shortly after, he’s hitting the superstar receiver deep down the left sideline as he separates from Jaylen Watson for a score.
The secondary was constantly in great position. It’s not like guys were just running wide open every play.
But the connection from Stafford to both Puka and Davante Adams is just on another level of comfortability at this point in their time playing together. Defenders with outstretched hands were just out of reach from passes whizzing by, with each receiver expecting each ball’s placement as they ran in stride.
Not that we needed the reminder, but it was good to see Stafford firing out the gates in year 18.
Special teams mentality has been upgraded
I know, not the greatest photo, sorry Harrison.
Over the last two days we spoke after practice with both Mevis and newcomer Grant Stuard about the special teams mentality heading into the season.
Mevis talked to us about his personal chip on his shoulder allowing him to keep a “me vs. me” competitive edge, so he can be the best version of himself to help the team win games.
Our key takeaway from Grant Stuard is him looking forward to being a tone-setter early on. Grant was speaking Rams House language as well when he told us how special teams plays are often the biggest momentum shifts any given week.
Rams fans know all about that from last year. Stuard was brought in to be a special teams ace for a unit that had it’s share of game-deciding woes.
It also sounds like the special teams unit is operating with a higher level of attention to detail and intesity under Bubba Ventrone. Will look forward to seeing more from that unit as camp continues.
Cam Lampkin having a great start to camp
Lampkin’s name has been buzzing amongst fans online for good reason.
On Sunday he made a high-flying pass breakup against Ty Simpson, on Monday he picked off an errant Stetson Bennett throw.
There’s room for spots to be earned behind Watson and McDuffie on the cornerback depth chart. If Lampkin is able to continue to stack on top of the first two days he’s excelled at, he very well could be in coversation not just to make the roster, but I think potentially a regular part of the rotation during the season.
I always have to add the caveat, they have not practiced with pads in training camp publicly yet. We’ll see if Cam can continue this hot streak once the physicality ramps up in camp.
Great read!!
LETS GOOO 🔥🔥