Rams Camp Buzz: Stafford-Adams Perfection, Ferguson Emerges, D-Line Feasts
Rams Practice Report: Young Stars Shine and Defense Dominates in Joint Session
Quick Note: This report comes from a joint practice between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. Think of it like a scrimmage where two teams practice against each other instead of just their own teammates!
Ferguson Impresses with Confidence and Smarts
Second-year tight end Davis Ferguson had a standout practice that caught everyone’s attention.
What He Did Well
- Two strong catches over the middle on short passes from quarterback Matthew Stafford
- Stayed grounded through the catch point (meaning he kept his balance and didn’t get knocked off course)
- Showed the confidence and playmaking ability that head coach Sean McVay has noticed all training camp
Why McVay Is Excited
Coach McVay had high praise for Ferguson’s football IQ and versatility:
"He’s so smart… He plays every single skill position except for halfback for us. Some of the things we ask of him, he does some of the roles we ask of our backs."
In simple terms: Ferguson can line up almost anywhere on offense—tight end, wide receiver, even in the backfield—and know exactly what to do. That’s rare for a young player!
His Secret Advantage
Ferguson has great mentors in the tight end room:
- Scott Huff (tight ends coach, nicknamed "Scooter")
- Tyler Higbee (veteran starter)
- Colby Parkinson (experienced backup)
IMPORTANT POINT: McVay emphasized Ferguson’s maturity—he’s "conscientious," "able to be coached," "accountable for where you can grow," and "humble when things go well." That’s coach-speak for: he works hard, listens, owns his mistakes, and doesn’t get a big head.
Quarterback Rotation: Bennett and Simpson Split Reps
The second-team offense got fewer practice plays than usual (only 25 total), so the Rams split them between two young quarterbacks:
| Quarterback | Practice Reps |
|---|---|
| Stetson Bennett IV | 13 |
| Ty Simpson | 12 |
Why the Uneven Split?
It wasn’t a competition thing! McVay explained: "That allocation of reps was exclusively just because there were so many less reps."
Translation: With only 25 plays to go around, they just divided them roughly in half. The coaching staff (including quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone) will review the film and decide how to handle the upcoming preseason game.
Defensive Line Causes Chaos
The Rams’ defensive front made life very uncomfortable for Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (running the first-team offense).
Pass Rush Highlights
- Multiple "would-have-been sacks" — In practice, quarterbacks wear red jerseys meaning "don’t touch me," but the pressure was real
- Standout play: Defensive end Braden Fiske chased Shough out of the pocket and tracked him down
- Shough’s day: Two touchdown passes late in practice when his offensive line gave him enough time (note: Saints’ top receivers Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson didn’t play)
Bat Downs at the Line
Two defensive ends got their hands on passes:
- Poona Ford batted down a check-down pass (short throw to a running back)
- Kobie Turner deflected a pass over the middle
IMPORTANT POINT: When defensive linemen get their hands up, it disrupts the quarterback’s vision and throwing lanes—even if they don’t get the sack!
Run Defense Stands Tall
Two defenders made big plays behind the line of scrimmage (tackles for loss):
- Kobie Turner (defensive end) — notable tackle for loss in the run game
- Josaiah Stewart (outside linebacker) — also had a tackle for loss
Both players celebrated their plays—showing the energy and confidence this defense is playing with!
Nate Landman: Everywhere at Once
Inside linebacker Nate Landman had one of those practices where you look up and he’s making every play.
In the Run Game
- Whenever a running back reached the second level (past the defensive line), Landman was there
- Made stops 1-2 yards into the run—not letting backs gain extra yards
In the Pass Game
- On short completions where the receiver made the first defender miss
- Landman was the cleanup guy, wrapping up the tackle immediately
Think of him like a safety net—the last line of defense who rarely misses.
Secondary Shuts Down Scramble Drills
Even though they couldn’t hit the quarterback (red jersey rules), the Rams’ defensive backs covered everyone downfield whenever Shough was forced to scramble.
Every single time the defensive line pushed Shough out of the pocket, the secondary was right there on the receivers—no one got open.
Summary: Key Takeaways from Practice
| Area | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Offense | Ferguson emerging as versatile, smart weapon |
| QB Room | Bennett/Simpson split due to limited reps, not performance |
| D-Line | Consistent pressure, pass breakups, run stops |
| Linebackers | Landman dominant; Stewart flashing playmaking |
| Secondary | Tight coverage even on scramble drills |
| Team Vibe | Energy, celebrations, confidence building |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Who is Davis Ferguson and why does he matter?
He’s a second-year tight end who’s showing he can line up anywhere, knows the playbook cold, and has earned the trust of the coaching staff. Versatile tight ends are gold in modern NFL offenses.
2. Does the Bennett/Simpson rep split mean one is ahead?
No! McVay was clear: it was purely because the second team got fewer total plays (25). They’ll evaluate film before the next game to decide the rotation.
3. What’s a "would-have-been sack"?
In joint practices, QBs wear red jerseys = no contact allowed. Defenders rush but pull up. If they would’ve tackled the QB in a real game, coaches count it as a "would-have-been sack."
4. Why are pass breakups by defensive linemen a big deal?
Big guys (300+ lbs) usually just rush the passer. When they get hands up and bat passes down, it shows elite awareness and athleticism—plus it kills drives!
5. What does "second level" mean in run defense?
- First level = offensive line vs. defensive line
- Second level = linebackers and safeties
- If a running back reaches the second level, linebackers like Landman have to make the tackle in open space. Doing it consistently 1-2 yards downfield is elite.
Bottom Line: The Rams’ defense looked fast, physical, and smart. Young offensive players like Ferguson are stepping up. And the quarterback competition? Still very much alive—stay tuned for the preseason game!