LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Rams closed out their 2025 training camp with a final open practice on Sunday, showcasing a defense that generated several key turnovers and an offense that delivered impressive plays. The session highlighted Quentin Lake’s second interception of the week, reinforcing the team’s focus on defensive ball control as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Offensive Standouts Display Vision and Agility During Final Practice
Running back Blake Corum impressed with multiple explosive runs, including a remarkable long breakout where he slipped past defenders and nearly scored in simulated game conditions. Corum’s ability to quickly adjust, seen in a sharp cutback following a pitch play and a screen reception where he followed blockers downfield, demonstrated why his vision and agility remain vital for the Rams’ offense.
Tight end Davis Allen made the play of the day by running a precise seam route and securing a difficult back-shoulder catch from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, ultimately jogging into the end zone for a touchdown. This play drew loud cheers from the sidelines, emphasizing Allen’s growing role in the passing game.
Running back Kyren Williams also caught attention by navigating swiftly through holes created in the defense, showcasing increased explosiveness noted by running backs coach Ron Gould earlier this offseason. Williams ended a two-minute drill with an acrobatic somersault over the goal line, signaling both strength and determination.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua maintained his streak of productive performances without any standout catches like his prior falling touchdowns, but by consistently hauling in every pass thrown his way—including contested catches over the middle and routine sideline grabs—he proved to be a reliable target throughout practice.
The offensive line played a crucial role by effectively opening running lanes for backs such as Corum, Williams, Jarquez Hunter, and Ronnie Rivers. Their ability to pull to the outside and create openings through a strong defensive front contributed to the backs’ ability to gain significant yardage during runs.
Defensive Efforts Highlight Turnovers and Physical Plays
Safety Quentin Lake continued his impressive week by intercepting a Jimmy Garoppolo pass intended for Davis Allen, marking his second interception in team drills this week. This play underlined Lake’s alertness and ball skills as a key component of the Rams’ secondary.
Joining Lake in creating defensive turnovers was undrafted rookie safety Nate Valcarcel from Northern Illinois, who returned an interception on a deep pass from Stetson Bennett aimed at wide receiver Konata Mumpfield. Valcarcel’s contribution highlighted the impact of new additions trying to make their mark during camp.
Inside linebacker Shaun Dolac, another undrafted free agent from Buffalo, forced a fumble using a one-handed “peanut punch” technique during team drills, adding to the defense’s growing list of takeaways. This energetic play demonstrated his potential as a disruptive force in run defense and pass coverage.
Veteran linebacker Troy Reeder delivered one of the most physical tackles of practice, executing a controlled “thud” tackle to keep both sides on their feet while stopping receiver Jordan Whittington after a catch. Reeder’s physicality remains a key element on defense, especially in limiting yards after catch.
Rookie inside linebacker Pooh Paul Jr. returned to practice after missing several sessions due to a calf injury. Head coach Sean McVay noted the cautious approach in easing Paul back into full participation.
“It’s hard to say (where he’s at in the process), because he just got out here,”
McVay said.
“He has done a nice job. We’re kind of just easing him back in because he did have a calf (injury).”
—Sean McVay, Head Coach
Significance of Defensive Takeaways for Rams’ Season Outlook
The surge in turnovers, particularly Quentin Lake’s multiple interceptions, signals strong defensive preparedness as the Rams look to tighten their coverage and force more game-changing plays in the regular season. These defensive successes complement an offense that showed readiness through dynamic running backs and reliable pass catchers. As the team moves forward from training camp, maintaining this balance between opportunistic defense and effective offense will be crucial for their performance in 2025.