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Rams News | Los Angeles Rams - therams.com

Quotes & Notes 9/12/18: JoJo Natson Steps in as Return Man

Following each practice, Quotes and Notes will bring you what was said, who said it, and what it means for your Los Angeles Rams.

“It’s always my dream to play in the NFL and when things don’t go my way, I just keep pushing on — I just stay positive that’s the main thing, staying positive and waiting for the next opportunity — and it came for me.” -WR JOJO NATSON
  • On Wednesday the Rams signed wide receiver and return man JoJo Natson to replace the injured All-Pro Pharoh Cooper. Natson entered the league last season as an undrafted free agent and appeared in seven games for the Jets. The Rams picked up Natson just ahead of training camp, but then cut him prior to the 53-man roster deadline.
  • Natson said that he is thankful for the opportunity to return to the Rams, but is sorry for the circumstance of his return — Cooper's injured ankle.
natson
“He’s a guy that we expect to take on those return opportunities.” -HC SEAN McVAY
  • McVay confirmed that Natson will replace Cooper as the primary return man on Wednesday. McVay cited Natson's experience in training camp and productive preseason play as reasons for his call-back.
  • Wide receiver Cooper Kupp temporarily took the reins as the punt returner after Cooper left Monday night's came. Kupp stepping in was only temporary, as McVay said he believes it is too risky to put Kupp as a returner on a full-time basis.

Check out in-game photos from the Rams' season opener against the Raiders in Oakland.

“I feel like I bring a bit of excitement — my quickness, my speed — just trying to help my team in any way possible.” -WR JOJO NATSON
  • Natson said that fans can expect athleticism from him as the primary return man.
  • Natson claimed to be in the 150-pound-range, standing 5-foot-7. When asked about his size as an NFL return man, Natson replied, "You can't hit what you can't catch".
  • In the preseason, Natson returned 14 kicks for 342 yards — averaging 24.4 yards per return.
“You want to do a good job playing well in front of our fans.” -HC SEAN McVAY
  • The Rams were better on the road than at home last season. The Rams lost five times at home in the L.A. Coliseum a year ago, including the playoff loss to the Falcons.
  • McVay didn't know exactly what to point to regarding his team's record at home, but said it could be partially dependent on the opponent.
  • The Rams will look to start 1-0 at home starting this Sunday against the Cardinals. Kickoff is slated for 1:05 p.m. PDT.
“He [Jared Goff] had a nice presence and a poise and confidence in the way that he played.” -HC SEAN McVAY
  • McVay complimented his starting quarterback a few days after his 2018 debut against the Raiders.
  • McVay specifically complimented Goff's command and control in the raucous environment on Monday night. He also took the blame once again on Wednesday — saying he put Goff in a few difficult positions, in which Goff still made "good throws."
  • Goff finished his night 18-of-33 passing with 233 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
“Didn’t really notice it until the end of the game, I looked down and there was nothing on my jersey — they kept me clean.” -QB JARED GOFF
  • Finally, quarterback Jared Goff gave props to his offensive line for their hard work protecting him against the pass rush of the Raiders.
  • Goff was sacked just once on Monday night, and said on Wednesday that he has no reason to not trust in his O-line.
  • Pro Football Focus selected four Rams offensive linemen to its team of the week following Monday night's near-perfect performance. The selections included left tackle Andrew Whitworth, left guard Rodger Saffold, right guard Austin Blythe, and right tackle Rob Havenstein.
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