2012-2016- The Fisher Era

Hard Knocks Ep. 11.1 Recap: The L.A. Rams say hello to Southern California

“The future starts now.” That is the feeling that the Rams are going through as they return to Los Angeles after a 21-year absence in Southern California. As expected, the first episode of Hard Knocks dove deep into the inner workings of the Rams players, coaches and their families, both on and off the field with an emphasis on their new life in Los Angeles.

The episode begins with a beautiful backdrop set in rural Montana where head coach Jeff Fisher is enjoying his last few days of summer vacation, fishing near his summer home with his son and defensive backs coach Brandon Fisher. The serene backdrop could not have provided a better calm before the storm that would be taking place in a city as vibrant and energetic as Los Angeles.

The episode made little reference to the place they once called home, St. Louis. For a few seconds, “Hard Knocks” showed footage of the former Rams headquarters in St. Louis being emptied out to the song of “California Dreamin.” Very quickly the episode points to the players’ adjustment to moving to a new city. Rams quarterback Case Keenum talked about the unique situation about not just moving to a new city, but having the whole team moving as well. His wife, Kimberly, described the difficulties about unpacking quickly in a new city so they don’t feel like they live out of a suitcase.

Furthermore, the families of DE Robert Quinn and William Hayes gathered around a table at a beachfront house talking with each other about the adjustment of living in Los Angeles. “Hard Knocks” made a conscious effort to emphasize the players’ adjustment to life in the new city prior to camp.

Before camp began, Fisher made one personnel move that had been expected to take place for months after the Rams drafted Jared Goff. Coach Fisher made a phone call to Rams former starting quarterback Nick Foles telling him that he was going to be released. While it appeared to be a somewhat impersonal way of cutting a player, it was a move that had to be done.

Cutting Foles was not the only cut Fisher made on this episode. WR Deon Long was the next to be cut by Fisher for violating one of the team’s rules of not allowing any guests to the dorms during camp. Fisher described those types of actions as “7-9 bull****.” It is evident that the coach’s expectations are high for the Rams in their first season back in Los Angeles.

This episode put a major emphasis on rookie quarterback Jared Goff. From the first practice, the cameras followed the No. 1 overall 2016 NFL Draft pick taking snaps, adjusting to playcalling, and adjusting to NFL speed. As expected, he made several rookie mistakes from receiving the ball under center to having several passes picked off. Goff looked like a rookie in his first couple of practices of camp.

Todd Gurley is definitely not afraid of the cameras, at least not the “Hard Knocks” cameras. While he was not as prominently showcased in this episode, Gurley was as comfortable as ever being an electric personality with fans and teammates alike. With him talking trash to every person that could hear him, it is clear that Gurley is going to be one of the most charismatic members of this Rams team. He was even humble in letting his teammates know how well they sung happy birthday to him. Gurley is not just going to be a star on the football field, but he is going to be even better in front of the cameras and off the field.

The first episode of Hard Knocks was a reintroduction, a welcome back of sorts to the Los Angeles audience. Episode 1 wraps up that reintroduction by holding practice at their old and new home, the L.A. Memorial Coliseum in front of 25,000 Rams fans excited to see them just practice.

Sources: HBO

Martin Cruz is a staff writer for Rams Talk. You can follow him on twitter with the username @MCruz1988.

Most Popular

To Top