While the Los Angeles Rams suffered a forgettable loss to the Buffalo Bills, the National Football League requires a short memory. Each week presents an entirely different challenge, as the Los Angeles Rams embrace for their 16 games.
The different road trips during the season have present different scenarios. While the Rams are in agreement for a “home” game next week in London, they also have their Week 6 matchup to worry about.
The Rams are gearing up for their first 10:00 A.M. Pacific Time start this season. Playing against the Detriot Lions on the East coast, the team has to adjust their schedules accordingly.
For example, head coach Jeff Fisher has pushed meetings and practices early into the day, so that his players get exposure to waking up earlier. He addressed the difficulties West coast teams have had in the transition and how his team is preparing, via Myles Simmons of TheRams.com:
“The statistics over the last five years — they don’t reflect a great deal of success when the West Coast teams are playing the 1 o’clock games on the East Coast,” Fisher said. “Those are things you talk to them about. So, we adjust our schedules a little bit. Not that that can be an excuse, but hey, you know, the approach needs to be, and it is with us, is whenever they tell us show up and play, we’re going to play.”
The key, for Fisher, lies in the moderation of it. Instead of springing sudden change to his entire roster, he is doing it in increments in order to expose them.
Although the physical aspect requires getting proper adjustment in terms of rest, the mental aspect also involves being focused with their preparation.
Quarterback Case Keenum addressed the time change and stated the entire team is preparing for any circumstance:
“I think for me and I think for our guys, we’re of the mindset that no matter where we’re at, we’re going to show up and play,” Keenum said. “It doesn’t matter what time, what place, if there’s an hour rain delay, if it’s an early game, if it’s a late game, if it’s a night game, if it’s on grass, turf, if it’s indoors, outdoors, we’re going to show up and play.
Keenum has his team prepared for a battle against the Lions, which he hopes to benefit from. Coming into this game, the Rams are tied with the Dallas Cowboys for least amount of passing touchdowns (four).
With the receiving core of Tavon Austin and Brian Quick hoping to emerge, Keenum should see increased opportunities in a potentially high scoring game.
Although the Rams take on the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium in Week 7, the team has yet to make any preparations for their next opponent.
