Each weekday, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here's a look at what's out there for Thursday July 26th about your Los Angeles Rams:
QUESTIONS FOR CAMP
Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times listed five questions the Rams must answer as camp gets rolling:
WILL AARON DONALD SHOW UP?
"He is believed to be seeking a new deal that not only makes him the highest-paid defensive player but also one that puts him among the NFL's most highly compensated players. Donald demonstrated last season that he does not need training camp to dominate. He arrived on the eve of the season opener — avoiding the loss of a game check — and went on to win the NFL's defensive-player-of-the-year award."
Is Brandin Cooks a legitimate deep-ball threat for quarterback Jared Goff?
"That [contract extension], as much as anything, was an indication of how much confidence McVay has in the fifth-year pro's potential to take the Rams' offense to another level, be it with short, mid-range or longer routes, not to mention carrying the ball on reverses."
Can the offensive line maintain continuity without Jamon Brown?
"Austin Blythe could start in place of Brown, but offensive line coach and run-game coordinator Aaron Kromer is expected to evaluate rookies Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom, and second-year pro Aaron Neary as well."
Is the linebacker corps a weak link?
"Mark Barron returns as the most experienced linebacker for a group that will feature third-year pro Cory Littleton starting inside full-time for the first time. Second-year pro Samson Ebukam takes Quinn's edge-rushing spot and Matt Longacre could start at the other outside spot if he is at full strength after back surgery."
Has kicker Greg Zuerlein recovered from back surgery?
"Zuerlein led the NFL in scoring last season despite sitting out the final two regular-season games and the playoff game."
"During a June minicamp, despite the Rams limiting his activity, Zuerlein said he felt "great." Special teams coordinator John Fassel said at the time that it would not take Zuerlein long during training camp to be ready."
'SUPER BOWL OR BUST'
ESPN's Lindsey Thiry took a closer look at the Rams' roster on Wednesday and determined her top storyline for the Rams entering training camp:
Top Storyline: Super Bowl or bust. After a surprise turnaround in 2017 that included a playoff appearance for the first time since 2004, the Rams went all-in, bolstering their roster with the acquisitions of All-Pro cornerbacksMarcus PetersandAqib Taliband receiverBrandin Cooks, as well as All-Pro defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh. The time is now -- and the clock is ticking -- for the Rams to make a Super Bowl run with a loaded roster unlikely to stay intact for long, with big pay days awaitingTodd Gurley IIandJared Goffin the near future.
Thiry also selected a player on "bubble watch" ahead of roster trimming.
Bubble watch: Veteran defensive linemanDominique Easleyimpressed coaches during training camp last season before tearing his ACL, prompting the Rams to give him another chance and sign him to a one-year deal worth $1.85 million. But there's uncertainty how the former first-round pick will perform coming off a third significant knee injury dating back to college.
