Stafford-Adams Clicks, Ferguson Shines: 10 Must-See Rams Practice Notes
Rams Practice Report: Defense Dominates While Young Players Shine
What Happened at Practice Today?
The Los Angeles Rams held a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, and there was a lot to unpack. Think of a joint practice like a scrimmage against another team—but with more structure and coaching. Here’s the simple breakdown of what stood out.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
QUICK HITS
- TE Davis Ferguson is earning serious trust from coaches
- Backup QBs got limited work due to fewer practice reps
- Defensive line was the story of the day—constant pressure
- Young defenders (Turner, Stewart, Landman) made highlight plays
- Secondary shut down scramble drills completely
Section-by-Section Breakdown
1. Davis Ferguson: The "Swiss Army Knife" Tight End
Who is he? A second-year tight end (that’s a player who blocks and catches passes).
What happened: He caught two strong passes over the middle from starting QB Matthew Stafford. He didn’t just catch them—he stayed on his feet through contact.
Why coaches love him: Head coach Sean McVay basically gave him a standing ovation:
"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." — Sean McVay
In plain English: Ferguson lines up everywhere. Sometimes he’s a traditional tight end. Sometimes he lines up wide like a receiver. Sometimes he motions into the backfield like a running back. And he handles all of it.
Bonus points: McVay praised his football IQ, humility, and willingness to be coached. He’s learning from veterans like Tyler Higbee and coach Scott Huff ("Scooter").
2. Backup Quarterback Situation: Bennett vs. Simpson
The numbers: Second-team offense only got 25 total plays.
- Stetson Bennett IV: 13 plays
- Ty Simpson: 12 plays
Why so few? McVay said it wasn’t a competition thing—just math. Fewer total reps = fewer reps for everyone.
What’s next: The coaching staff will watch the film and decide how to handle the next preseason game. No depth chart decisions made yet.
3. Defensive Line: The Pocket Collapse Crew
The star of the show: The Rams’ defensive front (the big guys up front who rush the quarterback).
What they did to Saints QB Tyler Shough:
- Multiple "would-be sacks" (in practice, QBs wear red jerseys—you can’t actually hit them)
- Best play: Shough scrambled out of the pocket → Braden Fiske chased him down from behind
Context: Saints were missing top receivers Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson. Shough still threw two TD passes late—when his offensive line actually gave him time.
EXPLAINER: What’s a "Pocket"?
The "pocket" is the protected space the offensive line creates for the quarterback to throw from. When the defensive line "collapses the pocket," they’re pushing the blockers backward so the QB has nowhere to stand.
4. Defensive Linemen Playing Defense… on Passes?
Wait, big guys catching passes? Not catching—batting them down.
| Player | Play Made |
|---|---|
| Poona Ford | Swatted away a check-down pass (short throw to a running back) |
| Kobie Turner | Got a hand on a pass over the middle |
Why this matters: When 300-pounders get their hands up, quarterbacks have to throw over them. That changes trajectories, causes incompletions, and creates interceptions.
5. Run Game Stoppers: Turner & Stewart
Two tackles for loss (that’s tackling the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage—negative yards for the offense):
- Kobie Turner (defensive end) — blew up a run play
- Josaiah Stewart (outside linebacker) — shot a gap and stopped the runner cold
Both players celebrated—this is the energy coaches want to see.
6. Nate Landman: The "Everywhere" Linebacker
Position: Inside linebacker (the QB of the defense, calls plays, stops runs, covers passes).
His day:
- Run game: If a running back broke through the first line, Landman was there 1–2 yards downfield
- Pass game: When receivers caught short passes and made the first defender miss, Landman was the cleanup crew
Simple translation: He reads plays fast, runs to the ball, and tackles reliably. Exactly what you want in the middle of your defense.
7. Secondary: Scramble Drill Lockdown
The drill: Defensive line pressures QB → QB runs around (scrambles) → Receivers improvise routes → Secondary must cover.
The rule: Can’t touch the QB (red jersey).
The result: Rams defensive backs were blanketed on every receiver every single time. No open windows. No easy throws.
Important Points to Remember
KEY INSIGHTS
- Versatility = Value: Ferguson’s ability to play multiple positions makes him nearly impossible to take off the field
- Practice reps ≠ Depth chart: Limited QB reps were a math problem, not a talent evaluation
- Defensive identity forming: This Rams defense wants to win with pressure up front + smart coverage behind it
- Young core emerging: Turner, Stewart, Landman, Fiske—all early-career players making noise
- Joint practices reveal different things: You see how players compete against unfamiliar opponents, not just teammates
Summary
Today’s Rams practice told a clear story: The defense is ahead of the offense right now—and that’s normal for August. The defensive line consistently disrupted the Saints’ passing game, young playmakers flashed, and the secondary erased scramble drills.
On offense, Davis Ferguson continues to build trust as a do-everything weapon. The backup QB battle remains open, with both Bennett and Simpson getting roughly equal (but limited) work.
Bottom line: If you’re a Rams fan, you should feel good about the defensive foundation. If you’re a fantasy player, keep an eye on Ferguson—he’s sneaking up the depth chart fast.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What’s a "joint practice" and why do teams do it?
A joint practice is when two NFL teams practice together for 1–2 days before a preseason game. It gives players different looks than they see from their own teammates every day, and coaches can evaluate guys against unfamiliar competition. It’s more controlled than a game but more realistic than regular practice.
2. Why couldn’t the defense actually sack the quarterback?
In practice, quarterbacks wear red jerseys. That’s the universal NFL signal: "Do not hit this player." Defenders have to pull up or tag off. So "would-be sacks" means they would have gotten there in a real game.
3. What does "tackle for loss" mean?
It means the defender tackled the ball carrier behind the line of scrimmage—so the offense loses yards instead of gaining them. It’s one of the most disruptive plays a defense can make.
4. Is Davis Ferguson going to start?
He’s a second-year player behind veteran Tyler Higbee. But McVay’s comments suggest Ferguson will have a significant role—possibly on the field with Higbee in two-tight-end sets, or spelling him situationally. His versatility makes him valuable.
5. Should I worry about the backup QB situation?
Not yet. 25 total plays is tiny sample size. McVay explicitly said the split was due to lack of reps, not performance. The real evaluation happens in preseason games and film review.
Want more breakdowns like this? Follow along all preseason—we’ll translate the coach-speak so you don’t have to!