Ahead of the Broncos’ preseason game against the Rams tonight, we asked Cameron DaSilva of The Rams Wire five questions about the L.A.-based team. Here are our questions and his answers:
1. Whatever happened to Kayvon Webster? He was a fan-favorite in Denver but didn’t last long in Los Angeles.
His unfortunate Achilles injury really cost him his job with the Rams. The team was uncertain when he’d be back last season, and after acquiring Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, he was made expendable. The fact that his contract allowed for the Rams to cut him and save money didn’t help his case, which led to his demise in Los Angeles. It was disappointing, too, because he was playing well before the injury in 2017.
2. Speaking of former Broncos cornerbacks, how has Aqib Talib looked for the Rams? Is he still playing at a Pro Bowl level?
He played really well when he was healthy last season, but he did miss eight games. Right now, the Rams are being careful with him because he did tweak his hamstring in practice a few weeks ago. His availability for Week 1 isn’t in any danger, but it is something to watch. He’ll be the Rams’ left cornerback, playing a lot of zone in Wade Phillips’ defense, surprisingly.
3. Aaron Donald was one of a handful of interior defensive linemen that attended Von Miller’s Pass Rush Summit in Las Vegas this summer. Is it exciting for Rams fans that despite being the back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year, Donald still feels that he can improve and learn from other players?
Oh yeah, absolutely. And the fact that now he’s going to be playing with the added benefit of attending training camp and not just showing up a day before Week 1 makes this upcoming season even more exciting. Donald has gotten off to slow starts the last two seasons, but he’s hoping to have his best season yet. It’s hard to imagine a defensive tackle having a better year than 20.5 sacks and a Defensive Player of the Year award, though.
4. The Broncos could use some more depth at inside linebacker and guard. Does L.A. have any roster bubble players at those positions that could potentially help Denver?
At inside linebacker, unfortunately, no. They’re thin themselves at that spot after losing Micah Kiser, who was a projected starter, to a pectoral injury. Guard is a different story, though. Jamil Demby has the potential to be a quality lineman with the versatility to play all five spots, but he’s been a weak link this preseason. He could be in danger of being cut, which would be the second time in two years for him.
5. Todd Gurley has some health uncertainty, so if we draft him in fantasy football, which Rams running back should we grab in the late rounds as a handcuff in case anything happens to Gurley?
Darrell Henderson is probably the guy. Malcolm Brown is technically the No. 2 running back, but he doesn’t offer much in fantasy because he’s not really a big-play threat. Henderson, on the other hand, can get seven touches a game and turn them into 70 or 80 total yards because of his explosiveness. It remains to be seen how the Rams will split touches in the backfield, but Henderson would be a good handcuff for Gurley this season.
