When you step into the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp, the energy is undeniable. Players can be heard cheering each other on with shouts of “Come on, babe!” and “Way to go, bud!” The buzz has carried over to the fans, too, with nearly 2,500 spectators showing up daily to watch the workouts.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
When you step into the Los Angeles Rams’ training camp, the energy is undeniable. Players can be heard cheering each other on with shouts of “Come on, babe!” and “Way to go, bud!” The buzz has carried over to the fans, too, with nearly 2,500 spectators showing up daily to watch the workouts.
Adams and Garoppolo reunited
One of the biggest storylines early in camp has been the connection between wide receiver Davante Adams and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The two were teammates with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and have picked up right where they left off. Garoppolo is filling in for injured starter Matthew Stafford, and the pair has been lighting up the Rams’ offense with deep pass connections throughout camp.
Adams spoke about the reunion during an interview with ESPN LA 710.
“I love Jimmy and it was never a personal thing,” Adams said. “It was just a dark moment in all of our lives over there , and we kind of caught up and laughed about it. We’ve been making plays since we’ve been out here, so it’s been fun.”
Defensive depth on display
On the defensive side, the Rams have bolstered their front with the addition of free agent defensive tackle Poona Ford and second-year defensive end Tyler Davis, who head coach Sean McVay said will be a “major factor” this season.
Defensive lineman Kobie Turner is also embracing the unit’s new depth after carrying a heavy load in 2024.
“For me, my journey last year, I started off taking basically every snap and once it got to third downs, I didn’t have as much juice,” Turner said after a recent practice. “Now we have guys that are able to take snaps on the early downs, keep us fresh for pass-rushing opportunities. We really have a great group of guys you can plug and play at any position.”
Turner’s numbers last season speak to his workload: 792 snaps played, sixth-most among defensive linemen, and 74.9% of the Rams’ defensive snaps overall. Even with less energy late in games, he still recorded eight sacks for the second straight year and posted a 15.2% pressure rate on third downs, according to Next Gen Stats — tied for 21st in the league among defensive linemen.
Strong linebacker play
Linebackers Troy Reeder and Nate Landman have been standouts early in camp, adding to the optimism surrounding the defense.
“There’s a lot of reason to be excited about the group we have,” McVay said.
Looking ahead
The Rams will continue camp this week before hosting a joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys next week. With Stafford’s return still uncertain, all eyes will remain on the chemistry between Adams and Garoppolo as the Rams aim to build momentum heading into the season.