LOS ANGELES – The second padded practice of Rams Training Camp presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union was fast and physical.
Afterward, head coach Sean McVay and safety Quentin Lake spoke with the media about the first two days in pads, injury updates and new additions. Both started their press conferences by sending prayers and condolences to all those affected by the shooting in New York City that took place in the NFL's office building.
Here are the most significant quotes and talking points from those press conferences.
"I think (Blake Corum has) done a really good job. I thought he had some excellent runs today. I think he's had a really good camp. He's one of those guys that, because of how conscientious he is, he's just going to improve into his second year." - McVay
Corum had a few nice runs into the secondary today, often using his signature jump cut to slice through or around defenders. He did that without offensive lineman Rob Havenstein, who had a scheduled rest day.
Still, McVay said the defense has had "two good days" in a row, and it's started up front with the defensive line, led by Kobie Turner. His understanding of the defense and the intent on each play is just one reason that McVay "loves" him. The third-year defensive end also loves to challenge his teammates, as well as himself, and he's surely been testing the offensive line and running back through two days in pads.
"I think (Pooh Paul Jr.) tried to do a couple things with Reggie and his group today, wasn't exactly where we had hoped right now, so I think the smart thing will be (seeing) when he is ready to go. And then, obviously we'll have our focus on some of those first preseason games, but I think we were hoping that he would be a little bit further along." - McVay
McVay gave injury updates on a variety of players. Paul and quarterback Matthew Stafford don't have set timelines for return, although McVay reiterated that Stafford is "week-to-week" and there is a plan to facilitate his return to the field. He was hesitant to give an expected date that Stafford will return, but said "this is the smartest plan for him" and they are "very confident" he will be ready for Week 1.
During Tuesday's practices, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. felt something in his hamstring during one-on-one drills. He tried to take the field with the first team for 11-on-11 drills, but McVay and defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant decided to "be smart" and hold him out, McVay said. Meanwhile, safety Kam Curl got his ankle stepped on during the team period, but VP of sports medicine and performance Reggie Scott "seemed to feel like there could be some positive things" with respect to Curl.
"I almost want to call him Peanut Punch Landman (referencing Nate Landman). He has just a knack for the ball. And, we see so many clips, Coach McVay shows them in the team meeting room of him doing it at Atlanta, and then you see it out here, you understand why he's able to cause those turnovers. He practices the right way, a great communicator, fantastic teammate. I mean, great addition for us." - Lake
The Rams' 10 forced fumbles last season were tied for the sixth-fewest in the NFL last season. Landman's proclivity for taking the ball away has the potential to increase that total in 2025.
Lake echoed his defensive coordinator Chris Shula when he said Landman's transition into the Rams' defense has been "flawless." That was aided by his familiarity with the Rams' defensive scheme, having played under former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris in Atlanta last year. But understanding plays and executing them and two different things, and Landman has done both during training camp. Landman also "communicates at an All-Pro level," he said.
On the other defensive addition, defensive tackle Poona Ford, Lake echoed Turner by saying he's disruptive, "as advertised." Lake said they wanted to get better agains the run this season and Ford is "a force to be reckoned with."
"Ability to line up in different spots, whether that is back deep, whether that is in the box, off the edge, blitzing, man zone. At the end of the day, I want to be as versatile as I can. Nothing has really changed from last year (in terms of my role)." - Lake
Lake played every defensive snap for the Rams during the first 16 games of the 2024 season, which totaled 1,070 snaps, including at least 220 in the box, in the slot and at free safety, according to Pro Football Focus. Lake is expecting more of the same this season.
He wants to add some playmaking to his game, as Lake has yet to register an NFL interception. He did pick a pass off in practice on Tuesday after running back Kyren Williams tipped it in the air, so that's a good start. Still, they don't push for interceptions or forced fumbles, because that's when mistakes happen.
"The story is if you're hustling to the ball or if you're in the right place at the right time, something good will happen eventually. That's exactly what happened there," Lake said.
