Preseason a Matter of Trust

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"In practice and OTAs, you're trying to buy into what's going on and you're trying to work new techniques, but there's something about when the lights come on, some guys tend to get away from what they've been taught. You just want to make sure you're fundamentally sound, and I think that's what we're going to look for Friday, making sure guys are competing, making sure guys are staying true what they've been taught around here now."--Steven Jackson

As Jackson noted above, the preseason is more than just getting reps or securing a roster spot--it's about proving to your teammates that you are someone they can trust.

Jackson isn't the only veteran to intimate this thought. Everyone has been on board and bought into Steve Spagnuolo's message since his arrival. The new schemes, new workout programs, live drills, etc.

But Friday night will be the first opportunity for the team to show that it can exercise this new way of the Ram against someone other than themselves.

Jason Brown gets to see what it's truly like to have Jacob Bell and Richie Incognito on his sides, and vice versa. Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado get to break real tackles--and Hollis Thomas gets to show if there is enough left in the tank to clog the line.

The trio of Chris Draft, James Laurinaitis, and Will Witherspoon get to show off what is expected to be a tougher run defense. Tim Carter, Ronald Curry, and Laurent Robinson get to show why the Rams added them to the receiving corps.

Yes, it is just a preseason game--the first of four and not everything will be decided with these snaps. But it is a chance to see the beginning of the rewards of the work of the last few months.

Notes from today's practices:

-Darell Scott has inflammation in his knee and was held out of both practices. Ron Bartell has soreness in his hamstring and was also sidelined.

-No live sessions today as it was mainly preparation for Friday's game in New York and work on special teams.

-Jason Smith got a few reps in at left tackle with the second unit, but primarily remained on the right side.

-Quincy Butler had yet another interception (off Kyle Boller) and continues to be noticed.

-Quote of the day, "Out of the way 53, I can't stop moving"--Hollis Thomas as he lumbered off the field between drills. Reminds me I need to check how close he has gotten down to his "fighting weight" of 340lbs.

-Former Rams Arlen Harris and Grant Williams watched the morning practice, while Aeneas Williams brought a youth group out for the afternoon session.