Each weekday, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here's a look at what's out there for Thursday August 2nd about your Los Angeles Rams:
MADDEN SIMULATION
While many are picking the Rams to perform well in 2018 following an incredible turnaround last season, EA's 'Madden 19' believes otherwise.
Will Brinson of CBS.com posted his third annual 'Madden' review and simulation for the newest version of the game. Brinson's simulation correctly predicted the Falcons to make it to the Super Bowl two years ago, but Rams' fans may hope 2018's simulation doesn't play out IRL.
According to the simulation, the Rams won't make the playoffs.
"So you're probably guessing that the Rams and the 49ers made the playoffs. WRONG. TheSeahawks(12-4) andCardinals(11-4-1) were the two reps out of the NFC West. That would blow some people's minds."
Your NFC playoff seeds:
1. Saints 14-2
2. Seahawks 12-4
3. Falcons 9-6-1
4. Eagles 9-7
5. Cardinals 11-4-1
6. Lions 9-7
RAMS PROJECT PLAYER
Inside linebacker Corey Littleton was a contributor for the Rams defense last season. However, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport labeled Littleton as the Rams' 'Most Intriguing Project Player' on Thursday.
Here's what he had to say about the Rams' new play caller on defense:
Over the past two seasons, Littleton has done what every project player needs in order to succeed: He's steadily improved. According toLindsey Thiry of ESPN, Littleton's work ethic is what put him in position to assume such an important role.
"Cory has unbelievable awareness and instincts," linebackers coach Joe Barry said. "The things that Cory has been able to work on, and as a coach you can coach a player into doing things better, you can get him to use his hands better, you can get him to get in the weight room and get bigger, fast and stronger ... he's worked on those things."
An undrafted free agent leading a star-studded Rams defense should serve as an example of what project players can accomplish when it all comes together.
Davenport also named Ravens' rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson in his list. The Rams will travel to Baltimore on Sunday for a series of combined practices leading up to next Thursday's first preseason game.
WILL NOTEBOOM START?
ESPN.com made its best guess at who will fill in for suspended offensive lineman Jamon Brown in Weeks 1 and 2 of the regular season. The search for Brown's replacement is one of the few position battles in Rams training camp.
ESPN's NFL Nation made its bold prediction for Rams' camp, focused on the temporary gap in the offensive line:
Rookie Joseph Noteboom will break camp as the starting right guard.
Fourth-year proJamon Brownis suspended for the first two games of the season, creating an opportunity for younger players to compete for a job on a veteran line. Noteboom, a third-round pick, played tackle at TCU and was drafted to learn at the elbow ofAndrew Whitworth, but Rams coach Sean McVay said Noteboom is versatile enough to play inside. Noteboom will compete for the spot against third-year pro Austin Blythe, a reliable backup last season. -- Lindsey Thiry
