WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, defensive coordinator Chris Shula and special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn each held press conferences with local media following Tuesday's OTA workout. LaFleur discussed what they've seen from wide receiver Davante Adams, Shula spoke on how they're handling expectations for outside linebacker Jared Verse's second season and Blackburn described the team's emphasis on competition on special teams this offseason.
More on those top takeaways below:
Adams not looking like a 32-year old receiver
Between older brother Matt's experience coaching Adams as head coach of the Packers and LaFleur's own coaching career, LaFleur is very familiar with the veteran receiver.
It's a different perspective seeing it in person, even in an OTA setting. One observation from LaFleur: Adams doesn't look his age, in a good way.
"You know the guys that are just a little bit different when the ball's in the air, and how they contort their body and just go up and get it like basketball players," LaFleur said. "He's north of 30, but the way he's out there, it doesn't look like it. He's got a lot of juice in the tank, and it's been fun to watch."
Year 2 expectations for Verse: Be himself
Verse's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year performance in 2024 has set the bar high for his second season, but the Rams have been intentional about making those expectations impossible to clear.
"It's not really elevate," Shula said, when asked how he challenges Verse to elevate his game. "And we were just talking about it this morning. We don't want him to put any extra pressure on himself. Just like we talked about with (defensive end) Kobie Turner last year, you don't gotta replace Aaron Donald, you don't gotta do anything else, just be the best version of yourself."
Verse said Tuesday afternoon he felt like he left a lot of sacks and big plays on the field last season – he specifically felt like 10 sacks were left on the field based on mistakes he made, he told ESPN's Adam Schefter in a podcast appearance. But Shula emphasized they're not looking for any specific numbers or stats – just for Verse to understand his opportunities within the scheme of the defense and be the best version of himself.
Shula said he can see that Verse has a more complete understanding of the defense based on what he's observed in OTAs so far.
Covey signing example of special teams competition being created
It's big for Los Angeles having continuity at long snapper, punter and kicker, as well as the field goal operation. Blackburn also likes the depth and incoming youth on special teams, and the competition that has created.
"I think competition breeds success, so it's a good thing for us," Blackburn said.
Look no further than the signing of veteran wide receiver and punt returner Britain Covey, which Blackburn viewed as bringing in competition at the latter position. The role belonged to wide receiver Xavier Smith last season.
