LOS ANGELES – Thursday represented another practice at Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union that tilted in favor of the defense, led by the pressure created by the defensive front and safety Kam Kinchens and cornerback Derion Kendrick both taking advantage. But the offense still had some highlight-worthy moments between the performances of quarterback Stetson Bennett IV and wide receivers Puka Nacua and Konata Mumpfield.
Senior staff writer Stu Jackson spent the afternoon watching the defense, while staff writer Wyatt Miller watched the offense. Notes on each unit below.
Offense
1) Nacua crazy touchdown grab. On an end zone fade, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon tipped the slightly underthrown ball up in the air as Nacua fell to the ground. Luckily, the ball spiraled gracefully into the receiver's hands for a touchdown, and the offensive sideline erupted. It was another good day of practice for Nacua.
2) Mumpfield continues to shine. First it was a slant and up route that completely lost the cornerback for a big completion down the sideline, then it was a falling grab over the middle between defenders. All day, Mumpfield continued to show a pronounced ability to both get open and complete difficult catches.
3) Bennett continues making strides. Bennett completed both the aforementioned passes to Mumpfield, along with various other impressive throws on Thursday. After practice, head coach Sean McVay said his confidence has improved noticeably.
"He's enjoying it," McVay said. "I think when you watched him play at Georgia and even some of the preseason games, when he gets into a rhythm and he's smiling, I think all these great competitors, there's an enjoyment."
4) Tyler Higbee hauls in tough touchdown grab. The veteran tight end took two quick steps out before cutting in, where quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo zipped it just above his head, but Higbee brought it down for a score with a defender on his back. Higbee looks as spry as ever going into his 10th NFL season.
5) Jarquez Hunter shows his speed. When Garoppolo was forced out of the pocket by a surging Kobie Turner, he checked it down to Hunter near the right hash. From a stop, Hunter sped to the sideline and beat safety Jaylen McCollough to the edge, where he cut upfield. There were a few plays where Hunter's 4.40-speed was on display in the open field.
Defense
6) Defensive front causing havoc. The front seven brought consistent pressure throughout team drills, especially from the interior. A more balanced approach in terms of passes and runs called presented more opportunities for that group to rush the passer compared to Tuesday's designed run-heavy day.
7) Play of the Day. That aforementioned pressure contributed to Kinchens' interception on a Garoppolo pass over the middle during team drills. Given Kinchens tied for the team lead with four interceptions as a rookie last year, the pick doesn't come as much of a surprise.
8) Play of the Day II. Kendrick later was a beneficiary of that pass rush himself, collecting a pick on a pressured Garoppolo in a separate 11-on-11 period. It's the second time this week Kendrick has made a play on the ball – he deflected a Bennett pass that safety Tanner Ingle corralled for the interception on Monday.
9) Emmanuel Forbes (hamstring) does not practice, expected to miss one-to-two weeks. The third-year cornerback "felt a little tweak in his hamstring" during Tuesday's practice, per McVay, though McVay also said you can't take a cautious-enough approach to soft tissue injuries, especially with skill position players.
10) Kam Curl (ankle) does not practice, is week-to-week. The sixth-year safety got his ankle stepped on during Tuesday's practice, but McVay said the Rams were "really fortunate" the outcome wasn't as bad as they initially feared.
