LA Rams Day 6 - Ty Simpson Flashes, New-Look Secondary Brings the Heat at LMU
Updated: Aug 21
LOS ANGELES, CA — Intensity peaked at Loyola Marymount University as the Los Angeles Rams buckled up for a crucial open practice session. With the five-day acclimation period in the rearview mirror and pads finally snapping, head coach Sean McVay threw his roster straight into competitive 11-on-11 drills. The afternoon was defined by highly contested wide receiver-defensive back battles, a showcase from the rookie class, and an escalating battle for the backup quarterback position. Here are the major takeaways from the Rams' August 1 training camp session:
Ty Simpson Airs It Out in the Backup QB Race
With the Rams managing veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford's training camp workload, extra reps have trickled down to the depth chart. Rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson made the play of the day, threading a beautiful, layered touchdown pass over two converging defensive backs in the back of the end zone.
Simpson, who recently finalized his rookie contract, is locked in a vital positional battle with Stetson Bennett IV. While Bennett continues to look comfortable executing the second-team offense, Simpson’s raw arm talent on Saturday proved exactly why the L.A. front office invested a premier draft pick in him.
Sixth-Round Gem CJ Daniels Keeps Rising
The connection of the day belonged to the rookies, as Simpson's spectacular end-zone throw found sixth-round wide receiver CJ Daniels. Daniels has been the undisputed darling of early camp, stack-building highlight-reel plays every afternoon.
Even more promising than his athletic catches is his willingness to learn. Following an 11-on-11 rep, Stafford pulled Daniels aside on the field to break down route adjustments and alignments.
"It's surreal to be on the field with players like Stafford," Daniels admitted to reporters after practice. "He's one of the greats. I definitely got my ears open for him."
The New Secondary Challenges Elite Targets
The Rams’ re-tooled secondary didn't back down from top-tier talent. All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and veteran Davante Adams provided a true heavyweight matchup, exchanging wins throughout the afternoon—including a spectacular over-the-shoulder touchdown catch by Adams against tight coverage.
Down the depth chart, cornerback Cam Lampkin continued his stellar first week of camp. Lampkin showcased his trademark physicality, tracking wideout Konata Mumpfield along the sideline to deliver a fierce pass breakup. If Lampkin maintains this level of press coverage as the pads stay on, he is rapidly tracking toward securing a definitive depth role behind McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Emmanuel Forbes.
Notes & Observations
The Ground Game: Running back Kyren Williams noted that the team is locking in on the smallest details in the run game, while sophomore Blake Corum continues to show an explosive burst in team drills after dedicated offseason work.
Trenches Rest: Defensive end Myles Garrett sat out his second consecutive practice session, though team spokespeople confirmed it was a purely scheduled rest day.
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