[Elvis]

The Rams said screw it every time and booted the ball into the endzone for the touchback. Wonder what the strategy will be now, given the 5 extra yards of field position.

Right? A lot of the league did, still something like 70% touchback rate, down from 80% the year before but still, pretty much the status quo.

Is the 35 where teams cry uncle?

[rams74]

Right? A lot of the league did, still something like 70% touchback rate, down from 80% the year before but still, pretty much the status quo.

Is the 35 where teams cry uncle?

You have to believe that you can stop most runbacks short of the 35. And most of them you will.

I have to believe that the decision to kick it out of the end zone and take the touchback will be only a situational decision, rather than a default position.

[actionjack]

You have to believe that you can stop most runbacks short of the 35. And most of them you will.

I have to believe that the decision to kick it out of the end zone and take the touchback will be only a situational decision, rather than a default position.

Agreed, I think early in game they let them run it out and take there chances. If they get a lead later in game just kick it into the endzone to prevent chance of a quick TD. Glad the Rams special teams has improved a lot, it will be tested.

[Elvis]

https://www.therams.com/news/top-takeaw ... utu-atwell

Top Takeaways from Sean McVay at Annual League Meeting: Kyren Williams extension talks, decision to release Cooper Kupp, more opportunities for Tutu Atwell

Apr 01, 2025
Stu Jackson
Senior Staff Writer

PALM BEACH, Fla. – Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke with reporters Tuesday morning at the NFC coaches breakfast at the NFL Annual Meeting, discussing an injury update on offensive lineman Rob Havenstein, expanding on the decision to release wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the latest on extension talks with running back Kyren Williams and more.

More on those and other key takeaways below:

Decision to release Cooper Kupp
Earlier this offseason, McVay, general manager Les Snead, vice president of football and business administration Tony Pastoors and Rams president Kevin Demoff gathered for two days for an after-action review of the season, pending free agents and the short- and long-term visions for the team.

McVay said Kupp was someone they spent a lot of time talking about, and after that review, they all came to the conclusion that when they returned, he would sit down with Kupp and inform him that they would seek to trade him, and if they were not able to find a trade partner, grant his release.

"It was a challenging conversation, but he couldn't have been more classy, even just to watch the way he handled the Seattle press conference, the authenticity, the vulnerability," McVay said. "But that was a hard conversation for me, for him, but it was something that, at the end of the day, it was a football decision, and it doesn't change the legacy, all the great things that (he's done), more importantly, the great person that he is. But we do have a responsibility to the collective, and it was what we felt like was the best decision for our football team moving forward. And it was not easy, but that's what our responsibility is."

Rams to meet with Kyren Williams' agent today amid extension talks

McVay said the Rams are scheduled to meet with Williams' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, in Palm Beach today.

McVay wanted to keep the specifics of those extension conversations between him and Williams, but they've had dialogue with Rosenhaus and Williams.

Snead yesterday said the Rams and Williams aren't in agreement on a number yet.

"Obviously, he's got another year left on his contract, so we'll see if we can get something done," McVay said. "But he knows how important he is to us. As far as just bridging that gap, we'll see how far we have to go for that, but he is a very important part of what we want to be moving forward."

More opportunity for Tutu Atwell?
While wide receiver Tutu Atwell's usage through his first four seasons with the Rams varied and only spiked when a player was injured, that could change this season.

Atwell stayed with the Rams by signing a one-year deal before hitting free agency, and is in store for a bigger role.


"I think the fans are accurate in that I haven't done a good enough job of utilizing him," McVay said. "And when you look at the times when he's been able to play, whether that be because some people were out or not, he has produced and he's delivered, and we're looking forward to seeing more of that ascension. And he's going to be on the field a lot more, particularly in a lot of those three-receiver sets where, when he's been on the field, he's done a really good job."

[Dare]

https://www.therams.com/news/top-takeaways-from-rams-gm-les-snead-at-annual-league-meeting-latest-on-kyren-williams-extension-talks-possibility-of-drafting-a-qb-this-year-coleman-shelton-as-starting-center-and-more

What was interesting is the comment by Snead that they won't reach for a QB. So if TE Tyler Warren drops to them at 26 it would be hard for them not to pull the trigger on him. He projects as a game changing TE for years to come.

So I went back to my notes and looked at QBs projected to go in rounds 2-4. Outside of round one, the QB I liked most was Tyler Shough. at 6'5", timed at 4.63 electronically he can run, giving them a legit red zone QB threat. He's got good arm talent and has shown he can make good pre-snap reads and, given time, go through his progressions accurately. Speeding up progressions is a matter of good coaching and mentorship. He legitimately projects as a year two starter. If he's on the board in the third round, that certainly would not be a reach.

The Rams have been planning these drafts (i.e. 2023-2025) as their SB window rebuild. They've stuck to it and it's worked very well so far. If their plan was to take the best available player of need in the first round it's hard to argue with their success. It would also leave a trade back open as well. What Snead alluded to as well as their strategy of drafting a lot of players and allowing their process weed them out, keeping the cream of the group.

I still see them upgrading RB with a faster player who has the vision and agility to run between the tackles. But having a mobile pocket passer QB1 would be an asset simply increasing the threat level of the offense. McVay's recent comments in regards to Atwell, makes me believe this is Tutu's audition to get and hold a starting role, meaning they may not target a WR this year. But there is no question that the succession of the TE and RT position are important. Particularly TE as Higbee was sorely missed while he was out and IMO that is the biggest hole in the offense. I can see them being willing to move up to get Warren if the opportunity presents itself.

[Elvis]