Doug Gottlieb made his annual pilgrimage to Los Angeles' two football teams that are hard at work at training camp in preparation for a season where the vibes of each are very different.
LA Rams Training Camp
Outside looking in, the LA Rams come from a previous season of struggle as they continue to pick up the pieces from their Super Bowl win in 2022 over the Cincinnati Bengals. Gottlieb asked Rams General Manager Les Snead what it feels like to go from a season of valuing talent over draft picks to now needing to develop and rely on young players. Gottlieb also got a chance to speak with Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson who enters a season where he has to learn to gel with so many new faces.
Les Snead: “You could see in OTA’s, wow, that’s why Matthew Stafford probably was a 5 star...why he was a (number) one overall pick...but the health is the number one (thing).”
Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead sets the expectations for Matthew Stafford coming off of his injury-plagued 2022 season. Snead provides an update for Cooper Kupp and gives insight on Sean McVay's decision to continue his tenure in Los Angeles. Snead breaks down how the team's mindset has shifted from dealing draft picks to hoarding draft picks. Plus, Snead explains why Baker Mayfield's short stay with the Rams will be discussed for years to come!
Van Jefferson: “We got a lot of young guys, we got a lot of young talent around us that’s going to come in and make an impact for us, and so I think it’s just a new energy that we have just to come up and prove everybody wrong.”
Los Angeles Rams WR Van Jefferson discusses the team's mentality coming into the season, as the Rams are ready to prove doubters wrong after a rough 2022. Jefferson reflects on making the game-winning catch in Baker Mayfield's incredible comeback victory last season. Plus, Jefferson gives insight on Matthew Stafford's leadership abilities!
LA Chargers Training Camp
LA Chargers contrast their LA Rams neighbors by remaining that team full of hope and potential. Their squad always seems to be hurt by injuries, coaching decisions, or sheer bad luck when you consider how their previous season ended against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs. Chargers' General Manager Tom Telesco gave us the blueprint for the season, from how the team handled taking that loss to what's expected of quarterback Justin Herbert regarding his growth. Telesco also talks about how the offense changes under former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. We caught up and had a few laughs with the Chargers' wide receiver tandem, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, aka Salt & Pepper! And finally, we spoke with defensive end Joey Bosa, who we learned is not the guy to ask about documentaries starring his rival Patrick Mahomes.
Tom Telesco, on the next steps for Justin Herbert: "We are seeing a lot more growth from him as far as taking ownership of the offense. He's being more vocal about it. He's being more vocal with the coaches as far as what he likes and doesn't like as we install the offense. Kellen (Moore) is flexible. You're going to see him use the whole field."
Chargers GM Tom Telesco talks about an incredibly active offseason, after locking down Justin Herbert to a long-term extension and retaining Austin Ekeler for the upcoming season. Telesco discusses the expectations of the offense under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Plus, Telesco reacts to the return of Rashawn Slater from injury and explains what he anticipates to see for the rest of the preseason!
LA Chargers wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen discuss their mindsets entering a new season, working with Justin Herbert, what to make of the team's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and most importantly, what would be their WWE tag team name.
Joey Bosa, on Quarterback on Netflix: "You think I'm going to watch that? Are you kidding me? I'm going to watch a documentary on Mahomes... for what? Are you crazy?! There's 8 billion shows on TV, you think I'm going to go home and watch that? Do you just watch famous interviews when you get home from work? Nothing against Mahomes, but I mean, you think I'm going to watch my rival and see how great he is?!"
Chargers DE Joey Bosa reflects on the disappointing end to the 2022 season but looks toward 2023 with confidence in his squad. Bosa talks about the impact of the new members of the coaching staff. Plus, Bosa can't help but cringe at the thought of spending his free time watching a documentary about one of his team's biggest rivals!