LOS ANGELES -- “Well, I think repetition is the mother of learning,” Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said after the team's sixth day of training camp.
That philosophy was on full display as the Rams held their first padded practice of camp, with players embracing what many described as the return of "real football."
From top to bottom, the energy and attention to detail were evident. Every position group attacked drills with purpose, as coaches emphasized technique and execution while players competed with increased physicality.
Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and the rest of the secondary focused on precise footwork, preparing to change direction quickly while defending routes. Running backs Blake Corum and Kyren Williams led their group through ball-security drills, protecting the football while tight ends coach Scott Huff, game management coordinator and assistant tight ends coach Dan Shamash, and vice president of facilities and equipment Brendan Burger tried to punch it loose. Meanwhile, wide receivers Puka Nacua and Jordan Whittington showcased crisp route-running, smooth hands and impressive body control along the sideline, drawing cheers from the fans in attendance.
Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, who is entering his 11th NFL season after re-signing with the Rams on a two-year deal during the offseason, also drew praise from McVay.
"Tyler is, I mean, you look at it, he's the greatest tight end in Rams history," McVay said.
Higbee has experienced every phase of the Rams' recent history, from championship seasons to roster turnover, and has established himself as one of the team's steady veteran leaders. His confidence is balanced by a willingness to continue improving, something he believes defines the culture of this year's team.
One week into training camp, Higbee said the offense still has plenty of work to do despite the lofty expectations surrounding the Rams entering the season.
"We expect to be great," Higbee said. "So coming in and working, nobody's complacent. Even after having some success last year, we want to be better."
He added, "Everybody just comes ready to work."
Defensive end Kobie Turner continues to emerge as another leader despite entering just his fourth NFL season. Known for his football intelligence, upbeat personality and musical talents away from the field, Turner has become one of the emotional leaders of the Rams' defense.
He believes the unit has already shown glimpses of what it can become.
"Yeah, I think we have a lot of really great flashes of our potential," Turner said. "It's about continuing to stack days. It's camp, so there are going to be a lot of ups and downs, but when we're playing all together and all as one, we're a scary front. We're a scary defense."
Turner believes every level of the defense has the talent to be among the league's best.
"Front end, back end, at the second level, we have a complete package of a defense," Turner said. "So it's about putting it together, coming together, being on the same page, and we're going to go ball out this year."
With the pads finally on, the intensity has increased, but so has the optimism. The Rams know expectations outside the building are high. Inside it, however, the focus remains much simpler: keep stacking productive days until those expectations become reality.