​​​The Green Bay Packers are hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tonight’s game where you’ll see nearly all starters or veteran players not getting any action. However, you will see many players that are on the bubble or merely finishing out a dream to play at least once in an NFL game.

Games around the NFL tonight will be the final of the 2017 pre-season, which means that for many veteran players, it is a meaningful game. However, that doesn’t say much for almost 1,200 players who will be without jobs as 32 NFL teams have to release about 37 players each. The is light at the end of the tunnel for about 320 of those 1,200 players release, as the teams can add the players to their practice squads if cleared waivers.
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Rams Head Coach Sean McVay is hosting a talent show tonight that will feature nearly 35 contestants, who were seeking the grand prize. Unfortunately, under the new regime of the young head coach, there will be much talent, but, only a few will gain the award.

​Undrafted free agents Justin Davis (running back) and Dominique Hatfield (defensive back) are the two players that have impressed the most since signing contracts with the Rams after the 2017 NFL Draft.  

Of these two rookies, I’ll rather have to admit, that Davis has made a believer out of me since joining the Rams. In a recent article that I covered on Davis, there were concerns about him securing the football and issues to injuries.

In Davis first pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, he opened up many eyes with his very first carry by taking the handoff and darted through the right side for a 12 yard gain. Unfortunately, Davis would fumble on his first NFL carry, but fortunately, reserved center Austin Blythe recovered the fumble. His next run, he would dart through the left side for a 17-yard run, but on his very next carry, history would find him as he fumbled the ball inside the red zone for a two-yard run but recovered by the Cowboys.
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What has impressed me the most with Davis; he was able to put those turnovers behind him and continued to play desperate and hard. The first play of the second half he would explode right for a 30-yard run bringing the Ram fans to their feet. He protected the ball the conclusion of the night, as well as his two following games. With free agent Lance Dunbar on the PUP list, Davis very strongly should one of the four running backs on the team, Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, and Aaron Green.
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​The Rams days after the draft signed Dominique Hatfield; he wasn’t one of the first signings, as UCLA defensive back Ishmael Adams failed the team’s physical barring a release.

The Los Angeles native played prep football at the nearby Crenshaw High School, where he was a star receiver and return specialist. He played collegiately at the University of Utah, converting to a defensive back.

Since joining the Rams, Hatfield has been very impressive to the Rams coaching staff. Rams defensive back coach Aubrey Pleasant and Ejiro Evero faces seem to light up every great play Hatfield has made in camp. However, in the game against the Oakland Raiders, he showed the coaches that he belongs in the NFL on a 53-man roster.
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Hatfield pretty much solidified his mark on making this team last weekend against the San Diego Chargers while coming up with an unbelievable interception from the pass thrown by quarterback Cardale Jones. With very tight coverage against the Charger receiver, he was able to corral the ball with one arm and return it for 10 yards. The Rams were already down by 18 points, and that turnover sparked a Rams momentum change.

​The last of the UDFA's players to potentially make the 53-man roster will be offensive lineman Jake Eldrenkamp. Eldrenkamp is a player that has played all of the offensive lines in college. The coaching staff was very impressed with him as they kept an eye on him throughout the draft. He quickly signed after the selection is this what head coach Sean McVay had to say of the young lineman:

​​Eldrenkamp has looked very solid and very smooth in the games he played thus far in the pre-season. In his very first NFL pre-season game, his performance was good against the Cowboys. He opened up so great holes for running back Justin Davis to run through but also has looked great in his pass blocking schemes. The Rams released veteran center Demetrius Rhaney during the minicamp as Eldrenkamp continued to work hard and impress.

No doubt about this kids versatility, despite the Rams signing John Sullivan to play center this season, this kid may be the future at that position. At this point, I believe is a secure lock on the left guard behind seat behind veteran Roger Saffold. Concluding this article browsing the game against the Packers, Eldrenkamp looking fluent with his blocking assignments, pulling, and beautiful fake as a screen blocker.

 In my opinion, these three players have the highest chances of the all the UDFA's to make this Rams 53-man Roster. Getting the snub I feel will become a practice squad player, will be linebacker Kevin Davis, defensive back Kevin Peterson, defensive lineman Casey Sayles, and defensive back Aarion Penton. These four players have shown a lot, but unfortunately not enough to break through an already crowded position they played. 

​According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Aaron Donald may still be holding out in search of a new contract, but keeping himself in football shape by working out over at the University of Pittsburgh, his Alma Mater.

Donald has missed all of the Rams offseason programs, and that may affect his chemistry and familiarity with the new system that DC Wade Phillips is instituting since his arrival this year. However, again, we are talking about a top-tier disruptive DT, maybe the best in the league.

The Rams front office has about a week and a half to sign AD to a new deal. If they want their best player in both sides of the ball to take the field in week one at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum versus a decimated Indianapolis Colts in what will officially be the beginning of the new regime, headed by HC Sean McVay.

​The Los Angeles Rams rookie tight-end Gerald Everett has been just about everything as expected since being drafted 44th overall of the 2017 NFL Draft. Everett listed at 6'3", 245lbs, is hoping to be a matchup nightmare against the league defenders.

Entering the draft, head coach Sean McVay stated he had his eye on Everett because he was talented as Jordan Reed, the tight-end he coached while with the Washington Redskins. Yes, he spoke highly of the young rookie’s talent, because when Reed was healthy, he is a pro-bowler. 

The Rams front office made some necessary roster moves once the free agency market opened up. The Rams needed to clear some players for cap space, as they released veteran tight-end Lance Kendricks. Kendricks would sign with his hometown team the Green Bay Packers in which the Rams will see this upcoming Thursday night.

Everett played college football at South Alabama, where he was able to force 24 missed tackles in the 2016 season alone, an FBS record. Playing as an undersized tight end, Everett gave up only one sack and zero quarterback hits of 125 total pass-blocking downs between the 2014 and 2016 seasons. His two seasons at South Alabama, he recorded 90 receptions for 1,292 yards, 14.3 yards per catch, and 12 touchdowns.

Everett entered the Rams camp as the fourth tight end on the depth chart, which already has the likes of Tyler Higbee, Temarick Hemingway, and Corey Harkey already on the roster. Everett immediately was promoted to alternate with the number two tight end, early in camp. The Rams depth chart has him listed at the number two tight end, solely after losing Hemingway to an injury last week against the San Diego Chargers.

Everett saw his first NFL action against the Dallas Cowboys in the first pre-season game, where he was targeted three times catching two for 13 yards. 

Week two, Everett caught all four of his targets, including a play where he lined up at fullback, came out the backfield and shook a defender, something he has a knack for doing. (Video footage below.) 

Everett had four catches for 30 yards which was not much; however, his one reception for 24 yards, showed absolutely how talented this kid could be for years to come. 

Everett will need to practice a bit more on his pass blocking techniques, especially when he has the reigning 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack over him. Everett had about all he could handle with Mack, as Mack used his veteran skills to get by and sacked quarterback Jared Goff. It would be the only quarterback sack given for the night, but Everett was out-matched on that play. (Video footage below). It is a learning curve for him, and with further coaching, proper technique, Mack will have to earn getting passing Everett shortly, because this was early stages of the season.

​​Week three of the preseason, Rams played against the San Diego Chargers; where Everett would only have two receptions for six yards. He would be targeted a few times in the red zone, but twice underthrown as the defenders made a great play on the ball.

I am expecting Everett to find the end zone Thursday night against the Packers. Rookie receivers Josh Reynolds and Cooper Kupp both have two touchdowns each. Expect the second round selection Everett to find the end zone against the Packers. Hemingway injury will open up his chances this week, and we do believe he will get in the end zone with two touchdown receptions.

Early in the minicamps, Everett commenting on Tyler Higbee and himself:

​Catching McVay off guard, he would respond to the rookie comments: 

​In my opinion, I believe the rookie's vision and as many others know that he will be something special and a dying sight to watch on the field.

​ First, let me say that I don't attach too much importance to the preseason games in general.

There is a reason they don't count. Much of the time on the field is taken up by guys who either won't make the team or won't play much. Defenses are typically very "vanilla," offenses usually don't go too deep into the playbook. It's mostly about trying to see who can make the team, and not preserving the starters from injury. I have seen some positives and a couple of big negatives.

POSITIVES
-The receivers as a group have looked good. Cooper Kupp may end up being one of the steals of the draft. Josh Reynolds looked good Saturday against the Chargers (I started to write San Diego). Sammy Watkins hasn't played a whole lot, but as long as he stays healthy, I'm not concerned about him. The tight ends, both Everett and Higbee, have looked good as well.

-Goff has looked better and more confident. He hasn't been perfect, but he doesn't have the “deer in the headlights" look we saw last season. Sean Mannion has played very well. I'm not one of those calling for him to start--Goff is the guy, at least for now--but Mannion has played about as well as we could hope for under the circumstances.

-Maybe the biggest plus of all has been defense, especially considering Aaron Donald has yet to see the field. I'm concerned about his absence, especially with a new defense that's in place. Still, the D has mostly been outstanding. Maybe Wade is a genius.

-NEGATIVES
-The right side of the O-line is a huge concern. In my opinion, Brown and Havenstein have the talent to be at least adequate, maybe even good. Sadly, they haven't shown that so far, and the time is growing short.

​-TURNOVERS 
As any coach from Junior High School to the NFL will tell you, turnovers are critical. If the Rams do a better job of taking care of the ball against the Chargers, they probably would be 3-0. Some of this may be preseason jitters and learning a new system, let's remain optimistic.
Overall, if I had to give the Rams a preseason grade, it would be a solid B, especially considering the fact of a new coaching staff. There are serious problems that still need to be fixed if the Rams are going to be even a .500 team in 2017.

​The Los Angeles Rams second-year wide receiver Pharoh Cooper certainly has solidified a roster spot on the team. What may have seen to be a numbers game with the 2017 depth chart of the receivers, don't worry about Cooper. His last two pre-season games have shown that his play supports he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

For instance, last week contest against the Oakland Raiders, and 4:18 seconds left in the game, the Rams were trailing by the score of 21-17. Desperately with the game on the line, the Rams needed to convert a third down and seven to keep the drive going. Mannion rifle's a laser to Cooper on the slant route, in which the Raider's safety Anthony Cioffi levels him, but holds on to the ball to move the chains, (video footage below). Cooper's catch extended the Rams drive as a few plays later, Mannion locates Josh Reynolds for the game-winning touchdown.

Rams hosted the San Diego Chargers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on this past Saturday.

​​​The Rams quarterbacks have been able to find Cooper, as he caught ten passes for 114 yards for an average of 11.4 per reception. In addition to receiving, he has been returning kickoffs for the Rams average slightly over 20 yards per return.

Cooper has shown up to this year’s training camp with a mission to silence the doubters. As I may admit, I strongly felt that Cooper was going to be an odd man out in this deep receiver corps. I'm brave enough to say that he has made me into a believer that he will make this 53-man roster.  

The Rams will travel to Wisconsin to play the Green Bay Packers in its fourth and final pre-season game. Don't expect Cooper to play much, as it will give an opportunity for the other roster receivers to get some plays on film. Rams will have to trim the 90-man roster down to a 53-man roster. The preseason wraps up on September 1st, and teams will be required to get rosters down to 53 no later than 4 p.m. ET on September 3rd.

​​Los Angeles Rams rookie wide-receiver Josh Reynolds, was just as advertised in yesterday's article, watch for him to have a huge day. Reynolds extended his touchdown streak to nine straight games, dating back to college, after catching a touchdown pass late in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers, (video footage below). The Chargers held off the Rams offense on its final drive to defeat their cross-town rival 21-19.​

​​​The Rams dug themselves into a deep hole to the Chargers, trailing them 21-0 early in the first quarter. Starting quarterback Jared Goff did not fair to well, as he would throw an interception, and also sacked, fumbled, and the recovery for a touchdown by the Chargers defense. However, Sean Mannion would enter the game, and the offense seemly took a decisive turn get the Rams offense rolling.
 
Mannion, who ended up having a pretty good game passing, was able to distribute the ball to several receivers. Mannion and Reynolds tried to hook up twice on deep passes, but the quarterback seemed to overthrow the young receiver early.

Mannion threw a medium-range pass to Reynolds on an attempt to convert the first down, but Reynolds dropped the pass. Reynolds would drop another short yardage pass until his rhythm fell into place. 

On the Rams scoring drive, Mannion threw a quick post to Reynolds, where as soon as he caught the ball he was hammered by the Chargers safety, Dexter McCoil, drawing an unsportsmanlike penalty. The crew is so devastated by the hit did not realize how powerful Reynolds hands were. Despite the vicious hit, he managed to hold onto the ball that gave the Rams a first down, plus the additional yardage for the penalty. Three plays later, Reynolds would be matched up one-on-one with Chargers defensive back Randall Evans without safety help up top. Mannion looked right to freeze the safety, then threw a perfect 38-yard strike to Reynolds for the touchdown. 

The Rams selected Josh Reynolds in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. There were rumors that Reynolds probably should been selected in the late second or early third round of the draft. Rookie tight-end Gerald Everett, expectations were going to be a first-round draft choice but slipped into the second round. Rams front office jump on the chance to grab him. In the third round, the team used their two third-round picks to select wide-receiver Cooper Kupp and John Johnson.

The 10th pick of the fourth round, the Rams selected Reynolds with the 117th overall pick. Sliding back that far in the draft seemed to be deterred of the process. He receives a phone call from Rams General Manager Les Snead, and responds, "WHAT!"   Snead continued the conversation by asking was he pissed, we---(view the footage below).

By the Rams not drafting Reynolds any higher than they selected him, really pissed him off. Per the video, the question asked several times would that be his motivation and desire to work hard. We all can witness that much of them on the field production. 

Reynolds had three receptions for 71 yards, averaging 23.7 yards per catch. In two games, he has caught four passes for 91 yards, two downs, and averaging 22.7 yards per catch. 

This kid is going to be something special, as continues to shine on the field. The Rams now have to legitimate receivers that can play outside and stretch the field vertically. Watching Sammy Watkins and Reynolds on the outside, and Tavon Austin, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp, not to forget Gerald Everett, to play in the four and five receiver sets, this young Rams offense should be high powered very soon.

Being under the short time of Sean McVay's regime, this team has started its legacy since firing Jeff Fisher. If no one has not purchased season tickets yet, we advised everyone to stop procrastinating and get them. The direction of this team is rising high every day and proud to say that it will be a good season.

​In Oakland, California, the Los Angeles Rams rookie wide-receiver Josh Reynolds, continued a habit that he accustomed in Oakland, California last weekend. During his collegiate career at Texas A&M, Reynolds would catch touchdown passes in eight straight games his senior year.

​Reynolds extended that streak on last Saturday by hauling in a 20-yard touchdown reception against the Oakland Raiders that potentially was the one to win the game. The catch was Reynold’s first reception of the pre-season, and wouldn’t you know, it was for a touchdown.

​Cooper Kupp, the other phenomenon rookie receiver was reported to have a minor groin pull, and for precautionary measures, the training staff has Kupp inactive for this evening game. However, look for Reynolds to pick up the slack the Kupp will leave loose against the San Diego Chargers tonight. The young Ram receivers will have a great opportunity tonight to display their talent against a talented Charger’s secondary.

Indeed, the receivers tonight playing the first quarter will be Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, and perhaps Pharoh Cooper, playing the role of Kupp. However, the offensive line should be at its best, as they will face two excellent pass rushers as in Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa.

The offense has played pretty well considering the fact they only allowed three quarterback hits, and two sack the first of the two pre-season games. If the line can control and contain the Chargers pass rush, expect the Rams quarterbacks to once again be very efficient in the passing game.

​​Reynolds should be given the opportunity to show Jared Goff and Sean Mannion his skills and ability to run routes, make tough catches, and potentially extending his touchdown streak. We all recall from the draft, Reynolds was very displeased that he slipped so far in the draft as witnessed from the call from the war room by General Manager Les Snead. Reynolds can be heard telling Snead and wide-receiver coach Eric Yarbrough that he was “pissed!” The two asked him to come and play “pissed,” as Reynolds agreed that he could make happen. He showed us all on the beautifully ran fade route in which he beat the Raider’s defensive back Chris Humes.

Playing with the “pissed” chip on his shoulder, Reynolds has used it to motivate his players on the practice field and game. We can be optimistic that Reynolds continues with his touchdown streak and help light up the scoreboard tonight.

If you're a Los Angeles Rams fan who's waiting to see how well defensive-end Aaron Donald performs with the new three-four scheme under the guidance of NFL defensive guru Wade Phillips, and you don't have lungs the size of King Kong's, you may want to refrain from holding your breath while you wait.

According to at least one established NFL insider, Donald's rejection of a Rams contract-offer (which was offered just before the start of training-camp) could very well result in Donald missing not only the Rams home season-opener (versus the Indianapolis Colts), but also up to additional eight games.

Adam Schefter (established NFL insider I referred of earlier), told hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic of the soon-to-be-replaced, ESPN’s "Mike & Mike Show," "Now they're in No-Where Land, and Aaron Donald is going to miss the start of the regular season. He's going to miss multiple games into the season. And I think there's every chance that he misses about a half a season."

We're talking about the possibility of our best player missing up to HALF the season, folks.

Please note that I didn't say, "our best defensive player." I said, "our best player."

Cap that off in your mind with an explanation-point.

But before any of you Rams fans start to dig out the torches and pitchforks with tombstones bearing the name, "DONALD," on them in your eyes, you might want to try seeing this from Donald's point of view.

Donald is moving to DE in the Rams new 3-4 defense and if he were to go into the season making what he's scheduled to make he'd be the 31st best paid DE in the league.

Granted, he'll now be a defensive-end instead of a defensive-tackle and is unproven at that new position, but you gotta believe that there aren't 30 DE's in the league who are better than Donald will be at that position.

It isn't like the Rams don't need him.

They'll start off the season against the Indianapolis Colts who may be without the services of QB Andrew Luck (due to his recovery from shoulder surgery), followed by games versus the Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants.

I ask you, what do you think the Rams chances are of going 4-4 or 5-3 or better of those first eight games of the season without Aaron Donald on the field?

I'd put it at less than 50%, but remain optimistic they’ll do better.

Aaron Donald has EARNED a renegotiated contract that will (at the very least), make him one of the top-ten highest-paid DE's in the league.

​The Los Angeles Rams have found a gem in rookie wide receiver Cooper Kupp, after drafting him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Kupp's performance last Saturday night against the Oakland Raiders is just what the damsels ordered, a nice hot "Kupp of Tea D."

For the second consecutive week, Kupp has scored a touchdown, but this time its done in a more traditional fashion. Kupp split through two Raider defenders, and quarterback Jared Goff would find a wide open Kupp for a 23-yard touchdown pass. The Rams scored on their opening drive to take an early lead against the Raiders .(video below)

The Rams took the opening kickoff down the field with a balanced attack of run and pass to set up the 23-yard strike from Goff to Kupp. One play before the scoring strike, on a second and two, the Rams catches the Raiders guessing on a run and Goff delivers a pass to rookie tight-end Gerald Everett for a 24 gain. Kupp's touchdown capped off eight plays for an 85-yard scoring drive, but what was even more important the Rams offense managed to control the clock on a 4:46 scoring drive.

Kupp congratulated after scoring a touchdown by new Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins (left), and quarterback Jared Goff (center). Last weekend against the Cowboys, Kupp managed to score a touchdown in an unconventional way, but it came after Rams receiver Robert Woods, took a hard hit and then fumbled the ball into the end zone (right). Kupp ended the game with two receptions for 35 yards last week.

Kupp was the leading receiver of the game with the number of receptions and yardage. He finished the night with six receptions for seventy yards and one touchdown. Amazingly, he was targeted seven times and nearly had a perfect night.

If Kupp continues to play at this level, he'll become the receiver that defenses will game plan around his play. He's everything that's advertised before the NFL Draft and after graduating from Eastern Washington University.

The Rams will be back home next week hosting the San Diego Chargers, a team whom they are much familiar with the Rams from their inter squads scrimmages. Intend on the Rams having a packed house against the Chargers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, It may be just pre-season, but the Rams are doing something they haven't done since weeks two and three last season, win a game, win back to back games, and will try for number three.

Oh! It may become deafening from the Rams fans with chants of, "GO BACK HOME!" "WE RUN L.A.!" "PAY YOUR RENT!" Last but not least but one the fan favorites: 
"WHOSE HOUSE- OUR HOUSE!" "WHOSE HOUSE- RAMS HOUSE!"

​Rams General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay can now have a sigh of relief, as it displayed that they perfectly dialed in selecting in the draft. Have to admit, I was a bit afraid of the draft selections, but it has paid off thus far.

​​​The next player from my UDFA's series is a kid I’ve enjoyed the most evaluating who played at Ohio University. Casey Sayles, The 6-foot-3, and 288-pound defensive lineman have a very high hill to climb, to reach the Rams 53-man roster. His skills seem to emulate a current Ram defensive lineman, Louis Trinca-Pasat, who collegiately played at the University of Iowa.

After reviewing Sayles game film, his quickness and explosion stood out the most with the evaluation of his skill level. Being very agile, he can play the one-three-and-five technique on the defensive line, with a borage of counter moves.

The 2016 season, Sayles played in 14 games registering 32 tackles (six and a half for losses), five sacks and three passes defended, which all earned him third-team All-MAC (Mid-American Conference) player honors.

Sayles batted down five pass attempts over the last two seasons and tied him 10th amongst all interior defensive linemen last season, with 27 quarterback hurries.

Sayles career total of 37 total QB pressures, were higher than defensive linemen that were drafted such as Seattle Seahawk's Malik McDowell, Cleveland Browns Caleb Brantley, and Philadelphia Eagles Elijah Qualls. Sayles provoked 8.6 percent of his pressure on pass rushes, which was 24th best in the 2016 FBS season.

Sayles is considered to be my sleeper candidate to make some noise on the Rams practice field, to achieve a spot on the 53-man roster. Un-drafted by the 32 NFL teams has left nothing but venom in his veins, in which he is out to prove those organizations wrong, and will be the fuel that lights his fire. If Sayles is caught up in a numbers game, expect the Rams to reclaim him once he clears waivers to the teams practice squad. In my opinion, Sayles will have a career on an NFL 53-man roster soon.

​​The Rams played the Oakland Raiders last Saturday, as Sayles was able to provide his resume to 31 other teams in the NFL if it doesn't work for him in Los Angeles.  Rams were needing to protect the lead late in the fourth quarter; the Raiders need to convert on a fourth and ten yards to extend the game for the go-ahead score.

​Raiders quarterback, Conner Cook, dropped back to pass to attempt to locate an open receiver. Being pressured from his right side by defensive end Andy Molumba, he scrambled to his left to escape the pressure. Sayles lined up as the right defensive tackle, displayed great hands and arms strength by extending out denying the offensive lineman to divert his pass rush.  As Cook went left, Sayles beats his initial blocker, and Raiders tight-end Pharaoh Brown attempted to help, but it served as little too late, Sayles went by sacking Cook to seal the victory for the Rams. 

The Los Angeles Rams found a gem in rookie wide receiver Cooper Kupp, after drafting him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Kupp's performance last night against the Oakland Raiders was just what the ladies ordered, a nice hot "Kupp of Tea D."

For the second consecutive week, Kupp has scored a touchdown, but this time its done in a more traditional fashion. Kupp split through two Raiders defenders, and quarterback Jared Goff, would find a wide open Kupp for a 23 yard touchdown pass. The Rams scored on their opening drive to take a early lead against the Raiders .(video below)

The Rams took the opening kickoff down the field with a balanced attack of run and passes to set up the 23 yard strike from Goff to Kupp. One play before the scoring strike, second and two, the Rams catches the Raiders guessing on a run and Goff delivers a pass to rookie tight-end Gerald Everett for a 24 gain. Kupp's touchdown capped off eight plays for 85 yard scoring drive, but even more important the Rams was able to managed to control the clock on a 4:46 scoring drive.

Kupp is congratulated after scoring his touchdown by new Rams wide receiver Sammy Watkins (left), and quarterback Jared Goff. Last weekend against the Cowboys, Kupp managed to score a touchdown, but it came after Rams receiver Robert Woods, was hit and fumbled the ball into the end zone. Kupp ended the game with only two receptions for 35 yards last week.

Kupp managed to be the games leading receiver on receptions and yardage. He finished his night with six receptions for seventy yards, and one touchdown. Amazingly, he was targeted seven times and nearly had a perfect night.

If Kupp continues to play at this level he absolutely become the receiver that defenses will have to scout around him. He is everything advertised of him since graduating from Eastern Washington University.

The Rams are back home next week hosting the San Diego Chargers, a team who are already much familiar with the Rams as they had inter squads scrimmage. Intend on the Rams having a packed house against the Chargers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, It may be just pre-season, but the Rams are doing something they haven't done since weeks two and three last season, win a game, win back to back games, and will try for number three.

Rams General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Sean McVay, can now have a sigh of relief, as it was displayed that they were perfectly dialed in selecting in the draft. Have to admit, I was a bit afraid of the draft selections, but it has paid off thus far.

​The Los Angeles Rams have signed former Utah Utes cornerback Dominique Hatfield as an undrafted free agent. The signing comes days after the Rams released defensive back Ishmael Adams, who failed his team physical.

Hatfield, who is also a Los Angeles native, played football at Crenshaw High School, where he starred as a receiver, defensive back, and return specialist.

Hatfield initially participated in the Rams rookie mini-camp for the over the weekend. The Rams did not draft a cornerback in the 2017 NFL Draft; however, they signed cornerbacks Aarion Penton of the University of Missouri and the Jared Collins University of Arkansas, as UDFAs. However, the Rams would waive Collins on Monday afternoon to make room for other free agent signings.

The signing of Hatfield also comes with problematic issues as he was the same of Adams were arrested for an assault and misdemeanor robbery. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, initially would suspend Hatfield but, would later lift the suspension.

At 5-foot-10 inch and 175 pounds, he is the type of cornerback that can play tight coverage, bump-and-run, trail, man-to-man, as you can see his blanketing cover skills.

​Hatfield had been performing exceptionally well throughout the training camp which ended this past Thursday. During practice this week, Hatfield so impressive, he was able to make a few interceptions.

Expect to see Hatfield play significantly tonight against the Oakland Raiders on passing downs, a lot with two’s, and on special team. If the rookie plays early against the passing downs, it would be great to see how he would fair against the Raider’s starting receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper. The Raiders signed former Minnesota’s Vikings former 29th overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft Cordarrelle Patterson and also matched up against returning receiver Seth Roberts.

Hatfield will have to play his heart out tonight, be almost flawless when provided the opportunity to play. This game will test all of his skills, as the Rams defensive backfield is deep with defensive backs as the wide receivers. Tonight will be the Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips grading period on who will be there on opening day.

​The Los Angeles Rams traveled to Northern California to play their second preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. Expect to see a bit of controversy at the start of the game, in part to Marshawn "Beast-Mode" Lynch. Lynch will be more than likely will become the center of attraction with his stance against not standing for the National Anthem. Nonetheless, it will be a game that many eyes of the Ram Fans who are expecting to see a couple of new faces in the line-up against the Raiders defense.

Newly acquired Sammy Watkins will play in his first preseason game as a Ram, as well as Josh McReynolds, whom the Rams selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. McReynolds missed his first preseason action, after recovering from a minor leg injury.

Watkins, the actual number one receiver the Rams desperately had been searching for to replace the days of an Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, has merely found that in the young Watkins. However, wait, let's not halt the talent search with him, as a healthy McReynolds who has emerged this past week in practice, looks to contribute to the eyes of the fans too.

​​Rams head coach Sean McVay announced that both the offensive and defensive starters would play at least the first quarter. However, that could change based on how things are going, but the fans will get to see young Jared Goff, play some extensive time back in his home area. However, this will not be just a homecoming game for Goff, as teammates, Ethan Westbrook who grew up in nearby Oakland will play, Trumaine Johnson and Justin Davis both from Stockton, CA, and Sean Mannion from Pleasanton.

​SEAN MCVAY'S PLAY CALLING 
Rams rookie head coach McVay will have offense matched up against a Raider's defense that finished 26th last season. However, don't mislead the numbers as the Raider's defense is led by the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, linebacker Khalil Mack. Mack will apply enough pressure to the Rams offensive line as a solo rusher that the aggressive game plan needs to be quick.

On the hand, all eyes will be on the match-up between Mack and the Rams starting tackles Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein. Indeed, more concerns will be with the right tackle Havenstein, how he's able to absorb Mack's pressure because Whitworth has had success with Mack from past matchups.

It will be attractive on how the Rams offense will attempt to slow down Mack and watch if McVay's aggressive play calling set's up Jared Goff to have a perfect match in the passing game. The run game will much of a concern as well as the Raider's front seven is led by not only Mack, but Bruce Irving, Mario Edwards Jr., and rookie defensive tackle from UCLA Eddie Vanderdoes. The Rams offensive line is going to have to when the battle at the interior front so that running back Todd Gurley can make some positive yardage, to set up play-action in the passing game.

JACK DEL RIO / KEN NORTON JR DEFENSE
​The Raiders will try and scheme their defense of the fly against the Rams. The Rams offense relatively is new, and Ken Norton Jr. will have his hand full.  It will be amazing if the defense can somehow over match the Rams offense, especially in front of their home crowd. 

The Raiders defensive front seven may be a bit of handful for the Rams offensive line, but the Rams offensive lines coach Aaron Kromer certainly will have them prepared. The Rams offensive line already has done an immediate 180 turn from where it was last season. The offensive line was one of the worst previous season allowing more quarterback hurries, hits, and sacks.

The offensive line play last weekend played some of it better football, despite the fact it was mostly reserve players in the game. The Rams quarterbacks were only sacked twice last week against the Cowboys, but good enough to get the victory.

Biggest concern tonight will be how the Rams can slow down the pressure from linebacker Mack.  Mack didn't become the Defensive Player of the Year for nothing. His intensity level is meaner than the copperhead rattlesnake and will try any offense when afforded the opportunities. Bringing pressure from the opposite of Mack will be Bruce Irving, who will be licking his chops for some leftovers.

If the Rams can control the ball on the field this week like they did last weekend, look for them to squeeze out another close against the Raiders. So we will sit back and wait for what the outcome of the game will be. Horns Up!

Three weeks ago, the Los Angeles Rams Hall of Fame running back and all-time great Eric Dickerson appeared on “The Herd Live.” On the show, the Hall of Famer expressed why Jared Goff didn’t have a chance to win as a quarterback last season. He identified the issues that the offense wasn’t good, that it looked like a high school offense, the line wasn’t good, the offensive scheme was good, but the offensive coordinator wasn’t.

Dickerson continued and pointed out that this season the Rams have to give Goff a shot but, his guy that he would start would be backup quarterback Sean Mannion. Below is Dickerson’s quotes on the subject:

"My guy that I would start the season with would be Sean Mannion. I've been saying that since last year. Give him a shot."

He continued to say, "It's all about winning football games. You have a better chance of winning with Sean Mannion."

"I gave [Goff] a flat-out “D”. He just didn't perform well in the preseason. I am just being honest. You might not like it. I don't care if it comes from me. I just think it's true."

"He didn't look prepared. And I think he tried to prepare. It's just fast. It moves faster. He didn't do a lot under center in college, and here in the pros, the defenses move a lot more. I just don't think he's ready to play. That's not my call. It's just my opinion. You can't put him out there. You don't want to damage him."

​Journalists throughout the sports media world were critical to Dickerson and his opinions. One journalist hinted that Dickerson had no clue on coaching and should stick to what he does best, an NFL Analyst. 

However, the criticism didn't stop there, as the social media waves swirled with the negativity of Dickerson; as a result, he became the social media piñata to negative posting. There was one reader that ripped into Dickerson with these comments:

​Dickerson was never bright, but now that they let him think he got the coach fired, he is going to run off at the mouth every chance he gets. Remember this is the guy who would have crushed the all-time rushing record if he had stayed with the Rams back in the day. Instead, he took a contract negotiation to the ridiculous level and demanded a trade. That cost him Millions in endorsements deals alone. Move on Eric; you were an idiot than an idiot now. 

In my opinion, from the disturbance from that reader, his second statement pretty much supports why Dickerson demanded the trade. Dickerson set an all-time rookie rushing record of 1,808 yards with 18 touchdowns in 1983. The very next season Dickerson eclipsed the all-time single-season rushing record, which stills stands today for 2,105 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns that season. To include more to Dickerson success, he led the league three out of the first four seasons he played with the Rams.

Dickerson early success with the Rams, apparently he was being underpaid in my opinion. The Rams were paying him $682,000 that season, and the organization tried to low ball him with a deal of $975,000.  Can you blame him for wanting to be paid for service that he was providing, packing the stands every home game? Journalists throughout the sports media world were critical to Dickerson and his opinions. One journalist hinted that Dickerson had no clue on coaching and should stick to what he does best, an NFL Analyst. 

​Dickerson did what was in the best interest of him and family interest, when the owner at the time Georgia Frontiere, was controlling the finances. To this day, many would admit throughout the Rams organization as well as the league that Frontiere made a circus out of the negotiations with Dickerson's contract.

Dickerson's and his agent were negotiating a contract similar to the deal that Marcus Allen signed with the Los Angeles Raiders, a four-year $3.7 million contract. They were seeking a "good-faith" negotiation while he played under his rookie contract that he signed in 1983, $2.2 million for four years.

In my opinion, I believe it's much safer for fans or readers that have not ever played this game, or any other organized sports refrain from posting negative comments of Dickerson. Unknown to the reader, obviously failed to include that Dickerson was too much of an idiot when he agreed to return to the Rams when he first held out, and the Rams agreed to cover him under a $4-million disability insurance policy for the 1985 football season. Nor, that it was Dickerson who made it public that he was being fined $1,000 a day for holding out, and he intended to pay the fine for reporting late in "good faith." e.

In what was in the best interest of Dickerson and his family, as the owner at the time Georgia Frontiere, was controlling the finances, he consummated the trade. To this day, many would admit throughout the Rams organization, and throughout the league that Frontiere made a circus out of the negotiations with Dickerson.

​The Rams have something internally now with their young all-pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Negotiations while playing under your rookie contract, who holds all the cards, this is similar practice with Dickerson some 30 years ago.ons while playing under your rookie contract, who contains all the cards, this is same practice with Dickerson some 30 years ago.

​Getting back on track with Dickerson opinion of Sean Mannion, the news surfaced quickly as Alden Gonzalez, ESPN writer covering the Rams, asked Sean Mannion did he hear that Eric Dickerson lobbied that he should be the starting quarterback? Mannion was humbled and answered:

​Currently sitting at number two on the depth chart and following him is veteran quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Head Coach Sean McVay would play starting quarterback Jared Goff, for technically two series, after the Rams scored against the Dallas Cowboys, Mannion would substitute into the game. 

Second consecutive season, Mannion would play solid against the Cowboys and earn a pre-season opening win. Pro Football Focus rated Mannion as the quarterback with the highest passing rating last weekend as seen above of the article. He remained poised even after taking a huge sack which almost resulted in a safety. Many will question or use the term that this is pre-season, doesn't make a difference in my opinion, there are 22 professional athletes on the field playing under a professional contract.

Mannion statistics ended as he was 18-25 for 144 yards, completing passes to 12 different receivers, and also rushed the ball twice for eights yards. Another solid pre-season performance engineering a Rams victory, but what was more impressive of him, was how he stood tall in the pocket unfazed of the Cowboys defense, and continue to move the ball collecting 11 of 12 first downs. However, the bright side of Mannion leadership on the field, the Rams were able to control clock five minutes greater than the Cowboys.​

​Eric Dickerson quotes from over the years, reflects on his knowledge of the game, other than how he's perceived. Obviously, he has a great knack for talent for the game or Mannion's performance was from a cloned player. Many may call it luck, I'll say it's just wisdom from NFL Hall of Fame great.

​​Call him an idiot or any other negative name or opinion; however, he may help solve this situation with this current player who is holding out from camp.  

Jared Goff is the future of this organization, and if that's honestly the case, Sean Mannion is dealt before this pre-season is over. He's played well when given the opportunity and time, but rule out that he may be kept in Los Angeles, start and dealt later. Mannion comes with some value, how much, his continuance performance will dictate that answer.

​​Next up on deck with the Los Angeles Rams, UDFA's coverage is the University of Southern Cal running back Justin Davis. Davis signing doesn't make much sense, as where the Rams are pretty much already deep at the running back position. With returning players of Todd Gurley, Malcolm Brown, and Aaron Green, and free agent signing of Lance Dunbar, Davis seems to have his work cut out for him making this team. However, wait, I also failed to mention the kid who broke the SWAC's (South Western Athletic Conference), all-time rushing record, Lenard Tillery also signed last week.

Davis senior year at USC turned out to be a somewhat disappointing one. The first game of the season against the Crimson Tide of Alabama, he was held to only two rushing yards on seven carries. He would try and get back on track with back to back games of over one hundred yards but, he would suffer an ankle injury. He never seemed to be able to get back on track subsequently losing his starting job to Ronald Jones II.

Standing at 6-foot-one and 209 pounds, Davis has the physique of a wide receiver. Has excellent vision on the field and a very shifty ball carrier, whether he's running inside or outside the tackle box. As a former sprinter, his speed is deceptive when Davis carries the ball. He doesn't look too exciting until he's already wiggled himself through the gaps on the offensive line.

​He catches the ball well out the backfield with good soft hands and with the ability to elude the defenders. The knock on Davis is that he can't stay healthy as well as fumbling the ball became an issue too. He is not built to be an every-down back like the other running backs on the roster but provides a relief back if needed. 


In my opinion, I don't see any room on the already crowded depth chart for Davis making this team. If he can show the coaches that he can play well on special teams as a returner, that more than likely will be the way he’ll break the 53-man roster. If not, expect to see Davis stick around to after the first round of cuts after the start of pre-season play.