7 excerpts from the Rams ’latest press conference from Aaron Donald, coaches

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The LA Rams will hold their usual post con press conference on Thursday afternoon, while Aaron Donald, offensive coordinator Kevin OConnell, and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris spoke to the media about their expectations during the season. this and how they prepare for the Chicago Bears.

The Rams open their season at home on Sunday Night Football, and they will deliver the Bears by 5:20 PM on NBC. Here are 7 excerpts from what the coaches and Donald said before the game.

The Rams could be on the verge of a running back committee strategy again

Offensive coordinator Kevin OConnell said he wanted all three options running back.

(00:13) I think what makes that group a real positive for us today is the fact that we think we’ve got three guys with similar skill sets who are versatile. It can help us in the pass game, help us with protection, but also if it’s time to hit the rock and get off and run behind their pads, they can do that.

OConnell praised Darrell Henderson, stating the Rams think he could be a feature back but the skill of several groups, including recently acquired Sony Michel and rookie Jake Funk, will allow LA to go hot hand or rely on specific runs in certain situations.

To Matthew Stafford’s expectations in his first game leading up to LA

(2:55) I expect him to be the same solid force that he has always been as a starting quarterback since the first day in this league. He’s got a lot of experience to really call, but at the same time it’s going to be his first time running as our man and I don’t think there’s anyone in the locker room who isn’t excited to see him do that and lead us.

Although 2021 will be Matthew Staffords first year as a Ram, OConnell stressed that he is recognized by both sides of the ball as the leader of the offense, among other players. The second-year magnet organizer cited one reason why Stafford will have a gold C on his jersey, indicating at least four previous seasons serving as a team captain.

In Staffords impact on core acceptance

(12:45) I think that’s the coolest part But at the same time, the growth I’ve seen from Van Jefferson, because of that dialogue with Matthew every day, and really our whole core acceptance .

I don’t think it was a coincidence that OConnell first mentioned Kupp. Most of the reports and highlights since training camp began with the Rams have featured Stafford’s connection to Kupp. It could be a career year for Kupp.

OConnell added that all five eligible receivers should work as if they were the primary recipients in every play and it’s the quarterbacks job to be right.

Raheem Morris with Allen Robinson was a focus of the defensive game plan

(18:35) You’re talking about Allen Robinson, a premiere receiver in this league for a long time. He does some things very well. He has a great separation player. He has a great player in the third down. He has been a great player for a long time on two different teams today. It’s nice to have a player like a Jalen Ramsey, to have a necessary defensive player that you can be with him.

Morris clarified that Ramsey will not travel with Robinson every play, adding that both Darious Williams and David Long, Jr. will get their chances to cover the Bears ’top receiver.

One of the sneaky tidbits here is the mention of Long as the third corner. Many assume (including me) that safety Terrell Burgess will get the first crack in covering the gap, but Long appears to be the man by now.

If the defense doesn’t catch up with the surprise look from Justin Fields

(20:40) I think about it a lot, especially because of my relationship with (Bears offensive coordinator) Bill Lazor We were together at Cornell University and Ricky Ronnie was our starting quarterback and we used a guy named, come Keith Ferguson of. He was able to get out and run some of our wildcat gear. He can throw the ball a little bit and I know Bill Lazor very well, and I’m sure the guys are ready to do some of the things he did back at Cornell.

If the Bears decide to use rookie quarterback Justin Fields in any special packages, the Rams defense will be prepared.

Morris cited defenders like Justin Hollins, Leonard Floyd, and Aaron Donald as the kind of athletes who should be able to limit certain zone reads and designed quarterback runs.

Aaron Donald has a Super Bowl trip on his mind

(01:55) I’m having the opportunity to go to a Super Bowl and experience that motivates me, you know, wanting to get there and win one. That’s the only thing I chased, the only thing I wanted to achieve that I don’t think I haven’t done yet.

The three -time NFL Defensive Player of the Year already has a career in the Hall of Fame. Watching the interview, it’s easy to see Donalds shift focus once he asks about a Super Bowl. It’s clear how important it is for him to get back into the big game, especially remembering him in tears after losing to the Packers in the second round of the 2020 playoffs, where he clearly played injured.

Dealing with mobile quarterbacks is nothing new for the Rams

(03:35) Many of the quarterbacks now [are] mobile in this league still. If anything, you’ve just got one more mobile guy who can move a little better, when it’s time to run it

Echoing Coach Morris’ statement, Donald indicated that the Rams trained and studied as if the Fields were in the game at one point. After hearing Morris and Donald talk about being prepared for whatever Chicago might bring to the table, they clearly expect Fields to play. Hopefully, Fields will play in the fourth quarter, facing an insurmountable lead.

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