The Los Angeles Rams started off the season with an impressive record of 3-1, but have since faltered with a three-game losing streak. Head coach Jeff Fisher and the roster now head into a bye week, with two weeks to prepare before their Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
The team uses the bye week to not only rest their players, but to reset the outlook on the season and regroup as a unit moving forward.
After going through 10 or 12-hour days constantly during the first seven weeks of the season, the bye week is a welcomed gift for the entire roster.
Los Angeles Rams insider Dani Klupenger interviewed punter Johnny Hekker about the importance of the bye week and he stated it provides a refreshed outlook, via TheRams.com:
“It does a lot of good for your body,” Hekker said. “It’s just like a person taking a vacation from work. You’re working long, long hours and to get away and recharge and kind of renew that focus and energy.”
He would go on to say that it provides an opportunity for players to sidetrack from football and work on some of their hobbies and interests. The time away from football allows them to also miss the football grind, in order to return with an anxiousness to succeed.
Hekker stated he plans to spend Halloween weekend with his family in Washington, enjoying the sights and sounds of his relatives. Hekker has turned into quite the personality, even appearing in a Rams cooking show with their media department.
Some changes may be made regarding the quarterback dilemma, as No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff was seen taking first team reps. The Rams remain behind the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West.
