Los Angeles Rams Lose To Eagles, Sean McVay After Loss, The Coach McVay Show on ESPN LA, Robert Woods Returns This Week, Johnny Hekker Shirts to Benefit United Way's Wildfire Relief Fund, Rams Build Christmas Tree Made of Canned Foods, Gurley, Johnson & Hekker PFF Team of the Week, Between The Horns & Rams vs. Seahawks!
The Rams can clinch the first playoff spot since 2004 if they win of course and if the Saints, Falcons lose but also, the Packers and Lions have to also lose or tie.
Johnny Hekker Launches T-Shirt Campaign to Benefit United Way's Wildfire Relief Fund
Los Angeles Rams punter JOHNNY HEKKER has co-designed a T-shirt to help raise funds for Southern California wildfire relief efforts. The Navy-Blue T-shirts read “Together LA United” on the front and “LA Fire Relief” on the back can be purchased at https://athletesbrand.com/products/together-la-united-by-johnny-hekker. 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit United Way’s Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund.
In the wake of the Southern California Fires that displaced thousands of people, Hekker has made it a priority to help fellow Californians affected by their devastation, while giving proper recognition to those firefighters, aid workers, and volunteers who have been invaluable in recent weeks. His relief efforts began with immediate action, and his T-shirt campaign aims to build support for those affected and unite our community as the victims and businesses get back on their feet.
“Partnering with United Way of Greater Los Angeles and Athletes Brand is a great opportunity to bring relief and unified support to the communities affected by the recent wildfires,” said Hekker. “I hope that these combined efforts can help the families, businesses, firefighters and all those affected by this tragedy as they protect and restore their community.”
United Way of Greater Los Angeles has set up the Southern California Wildfire Fund to help victims of these fires rebuild their lives. 100% of the proceeds and donations collected through this designated fund will support long-term recovery and re-building efforts for low-income families affected by the fires. Donations can also be made online at www.unitedwayla.org. Checks may be sent to the United Way office at 1150 S. Olive Street, Suite T500, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Please write “SoCal Wildfire Fund” in the memo line.
“We’re devastated for the communities who have lost their homes to these wildfires in Southern California and we know that it’s going to hit especially hard for low-income families and individuals,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “It’s going to take the entire community to provide the long-term support needed to help them rebuild and recover in the aftermath. We’re so thankful to Johnny Hekker and the Los Angeles Rams for stepping up in a big way.”
Funds from the United Way Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund will be allocated based on need to vetted organizations throughout Southern California that will focus on rebuilding and recovery efforts for victims affected by the fires, including United Way of Greater Los Angeles, United Way of Ventura County and United Way of San Diego.
“It was a big surprise,” said Bayer. “I was volunteering and they showed up with the award, and I wasn’t really sure what it was until I noticed the check. It’s awesome and I’m proud to represent FOOD Share. Because we’re part of Feeding America, we’re able to turn the money into five times as much. So the check was for $5,000, so it’ll be $25,000 worth of food. We feed 74,000 people a month with a million pounds of food, so it’ll go a long way towards helping the 1 and 6 (who are food insecure) in Ventura County.”
SoCal Honda Helper Belle Cordero has been providing random acts of helpfulness for the Southern California Community for nearly five years. She enjoys seeing firsthand the benefits she provides to others through the work Honda and their partners do to give back. With the CAN-tree Drive in particular, Cordero enjoyed working with the Rams to honor their final Community QB winner and support FOOD Share’s cause as they worked in unison to organize thousands of Rams-branded food cans into the shape of a large Christmas tree.
“We were honored to provide a special RAMdom Act of Helpfulness,” said Cordero. “We’re excited to be a part this event with the final winner David Bayer and FOOD Share. We appreciate being able to give back to others and recognize individuals who are also helpful in their own community and we’re honored to be working with the LA Rams.”
“The Community Quarterback program is special to the Rams,” said Molly Higgins, Vice President of Community Affairs and Engagement for the Rams. “In the game of football, we all know how critical the quarterback position is to the success of the team. A great quarterback makes everyone else around him better. With the Community Quarterback Award, we are recognizing amazing citizens who contribute to the success of our community and make our society better. David is a great example of a “community quarterback” — a long time public servant as a firefighter, who is now an outstanding non-profit volunteer – still benefiting our community.”
FOOD Share is a 501©3 not for profit dedicated to feeding, nourishing and educating the hungry of Ventura County and the community about those who are hungry and why, as well as advocating a reduction of the root causes of hunger. The organization distributes millions of pounds of healthy food every year both through their own programs as well as through distribution via their partner agencies.
The Community Quarterback Award celebrates outstanding individuals who display strong leadership abilities, and a passion for bettering his or her community. Individuals above the age of 13 may be nominated as long as they serve in a volunteer role and are not compensated for their efforts.
Since the program’s inception, the Rams have donated more than $330,000 to community organizations through this initiative. The program is presented with the SoCal Honda Dealers.
For more information about the Rams Community Quarterback program, please visit therams.com/community.
The wideout injured his shoulder late in the Rams’ Week 11 loss to the Vikings and has been sidelined ever since. And while Los Angeles has averaged 246 yards passing and 31 points over the last three games, there’s no doubt Woods’ return will provide a lift to the Rams’ offense.
“Getting Robert back out there just with what he provides from a leadership standpoint, obviously the production that he was having before he went out with the injury — so that’s a big boost for us,” head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday. “We’re on track to have him back and that will be good.”
“Long process trying to get healthy, trying to get back,” Woods said. “Guys did well prepping up to this, getting wins and everything. And now I’m finally back and trying to finish it off with the team.”
Woods said he felt fortunate his injury wasn’t worse, since he knows it could have been. But because it didn’t require surgery, he’s now able to play in the final stretch of the regular season.
“Just being able to bounce back and being able to recover quick enough to come back for the season I think is a big testament to our training staff and to our coaches,” he added.
Woods did a bit of work in practice last week, but not much. The wide receiver said he was mainly running routes and trying to keep his chemistry and timing with quarterback Jared Goff in tact. Woods was listed as questionable for last Sunday’s contest against Philadelphia, but said he didn’t play because the club was being particularly cautious.
“It felt good, just going out there running routes and everything,” Woods said of his shoulder. “It’s a long season. We’re looking forward to extra games — [though] you’ve got to win some. Just trying to make sure I’m healthy and make sure I’m full go to last.”
That’s where Woods is now, as he said he doesn’t feel like there are any mental hurdles to clear in order to feel comfortable with his shoulder not only in practice, but also in the game. The Rams pared down Wednesday's practice to only a walk-thru, and Woods was listed as taking a limited number of reps.
“I feel like the movement, everything is there. Everything’s good and ready, so I feel like there’s no [sense of] not trusting it,” Woods said. “I’ve been in practice a little bit last week, and then starting to go this week — I’m confident, very confident in it.”
While the Rams have continued to score plenty of points in Woods’ absence, both McVay and Goff noted that the wide receiver’s presence adds a lot for the stretch run.
“I think the fortunate thing is we’ve got good depth at that position. I think what it offered was an opportunity for a variety of guys to kind of step up as opposed to just really one person filling that void,” McVay said.” I think when you just look at what Robert has provided for our team, he’s been such a great player for us, great person, all the things that you’re looking for. Certainly, we have a lot of confidence in our receiving group, but getting Robert back gives us a boost and we’re a better team when Robert is on the field.”
“I think he’s just such a good example every day,” Goff said. “He sets a great example for the guys. As far as in the game, he does so much stuff that you can’t really see. I think just his feel for the game and his understanding for leverages and coverages and everything. He sees the game the right way and that’ll be nice to have back, for sure.”
Those factors can make a significant difference, particularly on the road against a division rival. While Woods caught five passes for 66 yards against the Seahawks in Week 5, he had a monster game at CenturyLink Field for the Bills in 2016. On Monday Night Football in a hostile environment, Woods caught 10 passes for 162 yards, marking one of the best games in his career.
“The environment helped — loud environment, fun environment, competitive game, competitive team,” Woods said. “Just go out there and want to go against good competitors, good opponents. And when they play well, you play well, and the team plays well.”
Seattle’s secondary looks significantly different than it did back in Week 5. Cornerback Richard Sherman is on injured reserve after rupturing his Achilles. And safety Kam Chancellor is expected to be out for the remainder of the season with a neck injury.
But the Seahawks have still been productive, bringing back corner Byron Maxwell. And they still have the safety often called the catalyst of the “Legion of Boom,” Earl Thomas.
“Earl is pretty much their heart,” Woods said. “We know Kam and Sherman are big contributors to that as well, but Earl is really their heart. He’s controlling the whole secondary, flying over, getting guys in place — making plays, making other people’s play. But that’s just how he plays. He’s been their heart, he still is their heart. Got a lot of different guys stepping in — Maxwell coming back. But I would say Earl is still pretty much their heart. He’s still back there.”
And with Woods back, the Rams will now have their full slate of offensive weapons to attack that strong secondary. The wide receiver sounded eager to put the injury behind him and just on to football.
“I’m good. I’m ready for Sunday,” Woods said. “I’ve been waiting on this.”
Gurley, Johnson & Hekker Named to PFF (Pro Football Focus Team of the Week) Team of the Week.
The Rams may have lost to the Eagles in Week 14, but the team still did an impressive job matching up with one of the best clubs in the NFC.
On offense, running back Todd Gurley recorded his 10th game with at least 100 yards from scrimmage, rushing for two touchdowns. Defensively, safety John Johnson IIIhad a team high 10 tackles. And on special teams, punter Johnny Hekker had another dominant game, averaging 56.4 yards per punt.
Gurley, Johnson, and Hekker were both named to the Week 14 Pro Football Focus Team of the Week for their performances. Each week, the popular football grading site delivers a play-by-play grade of every NFL game and player, putting together a comprehensive team of the week made up of the best players at each position on field.
Gurley was given the highest grade of any offensive player, with 94.2 overall. While he only carried the ball 13 times on Sunday, he rattled off 96 yards rushing and broke seven tackles along the way. The Georgia product also continued his dominance as a receiver, adding 39 yards on three catches.
Johnson was the only rookie named to the “Team of the Week” in Week 14, with an overall grade of 87.8. On Sunday, the former Boston College standout had a run stop percentage of 25.0 — the best among all safeties that week. In total, Johnson recorded seven solo tackles, three assists, and two passes defensed.
Hekker's 56.4 yards per punt and net of 50.2 yards per punt led the NFL this past week. Additionally, three of his five punts landed inside the 20 yard line and he posted a long punt of 64 yards on Sunday against the Eagles.
Yesterday's game was hell. It was absolute hell.
This happened in the Minnesota game and it happened yesterday.
Granted, the Ram cornerback should NOT have even tempted that fate but setting that aside, it was awful to go from it being 4th and 9 with the Eagles not having the ability to go on 4th down (i.e.: the eagles would have had to punt the ball away) this time, to handing them 7 points.
Have 7 points please.
Just take it.
Here ya go.
We do not want the ball back.
That is essentially what happened.
It was a joke.
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TRANSCRIPT: McVay, Goff Press Conference 12/13
Head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff addressed the media on Wednesday after practice.
How to Watch: Rams vs. Seahawks
The Rams will travel to CenturyLink Field in Washington to face their division rival, the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. The game holds a lot of importance for both teams in the race to control the NFC West. It will be broadcast live on FOX with a kickoff time set for 1:05 p.m. PT. Check below for all the information you need to watch Sunday’s game:
BROADCAST INFO
— TELEVISION: The game will be available live on Fox with play-by-play provided by Kevin Burkhardt and color analysis from Charles Davis. Pam Oliver will be the sideline reporter.
— RADIO: Sunday’s contest will be broadcast on Sports USA National Radio with play-by-play and analysis from Larry Kahn, John Robinson and Troy West. It will also be available on ESPN LA English Radio on ESPN 710 AM and 93.1 Jack FM (Play-by-play provided by: J.B. Long, Maurice Jones-Drew and D’Marco Farr). Plus, tune into 1330 AM for ESPN Deportes' live Spanish broadcast of the game with Troy Santiago and Ricardo Lopez on the call.
— SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Rams on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchatfor live updates and behind-the-scenes content before, during, and after the game.
— ONLINE: The game will not be available live via NFL Game Pass*. However, fans will still be able to watch replays of every game and so much more! Click here to sign up for your FREE 7-day trial and start getting unprecedented access to every game, all year long.
*For domestic subscribers NFL Game Pass does not include live regular season, playoff, or Super Bowl game broadcasts, as well as some preseason games broadcasts. Access to these games is available within NFL Game Pass on an on-demand basis in the NFL Game Pass archives. International subscribers are able to watch both preseason and regular season games as they happen with certain restrictions. Audio feeds may be subject to availability. 2009-2011 games are temporarily unavailable. For a full description of features, requirement, limitations, and other information, visit our FAQ at NFL.com/help/GamePass.
Diary Of A Ram Fan. A satirical look at more than 75 years of Football's Rams history, combined with discussions of American Exceptionalism and almost 50 years of personal experience in the life of a Rams Fan. The history parallels and intertwines life to form a humorous, yet serious look at American History, World History, an American Football team, and Political Science.
