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LOS ANGELES — With the arrival of the guards for the first time Monday, the Rams defense had a chance to make an opening statement about what it might look like now, without Aaron Donald, with Chris Shula at the helm.
The defense made that point, especially in the running game. The defensive line and linebackers routinely got into the backfield, meeting running backs behind the line of scrimmage and generally disrupting the rhythm the Rams offense was trying to build.
“I feel like we had a really good day today,” safety Kamren Curl said. “I feel like it’s a good foundation we can build on and we need to keep moving forward.”
With Kobie Turner (groin) limited to individual drills, rookie defensive tackle Braden Fiske was at the center of that disruption. The second-round pick did a good job of standing out against the Rams’ first-team offensive line.
“I thought the energy on defense was outstanding,” head coach Sean McVay said. “I really felt Braden Fiske today. He had a great showing. I thought we had some pieces that fit his skill set to really allow him to thrive and he took advantage of that.”
The defense also had its moments in the passing game, with safety Russ Yeast diving in front of a pass to nearly intercept Stetson Bennett IV. The offense found a little more rhythm during the red zone portion of the drive, with Jimmy Garoppolo throwing the ball to Hunter Long for a touchdown.
Still, the defense came away encouraged, with an eye on how the energy carried over to Tuesday.
“Usually the second day of a protection session is when you learn something,” Curl said. “The first day, everyone is motivated, ready to go. The second day is really when you see who really wants to get out there physically, who wants to do it again.”
Eyes on Johnson
The Rams have a handful of players vying for the sixth receiver spot on the active roster. Second-year undrafted free agent Xavier Smith and five-year veteran Tyler Johnson each had moments where they made their case for the job.
Johnson had a good day Monday with several contested catches along the sideline during team drills.
“I think he’s been one of the bright spots in the overall improvement,” McVay said. “He’s got really good, aggressive hands at the point of contact.”
Day off
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was given a veteran’s day off Monday as part of the Rams’ plan to manage his throwing program.
“I think we have a better idea of where his career is,” McVay said. “We don’t want to have those elbow issues reoccur. He’s done a phenomenal job of dealing with them, but there’s a certain amount of work we want to do in a short period of time.”
Injury Report
Left tackle Alaric Jackson was not present for the team portion of practice Monday. The veteran lineman twisted his ankle early in practice, McVay said, adding that it is not expected to be a long-term issue for the starter.
Originally published:
California Daily Newspapers
