NFL Notes: Los Angeles, Kickers, 49ers & Packers

Los Angeles

According to Albert Breer, the Rams are open to and ready to have a second team in Los Angeles.

“Since the January resolution that allowed us to relocate passed, we’ve believed there would be a second team in the market,” Rams COO Kevin Demoff told Breer. “That approach has never changed. The focus for us is making sure we’re building an unbelievable stadium and entertainment district that showcases the best of the NFL—not just one team. The idea is that it benefits the whole league, it’s a 32-team sports and entertainment district.”

The Chargers are the team to watch for now, given that they have the exclusive option to join the Rams in Inglewood until January 15. However, this could be extended for another year to give the Chargers more time to try to get a stadium deal in place with San Diego.

Breer mentions that one issue for either the Chargers or Raiders to join the Rams is the fact that they may not have the capital to put up for the new $2 billion stadium.

Beyond that, there’s also the concern about the being the “other” team in L.A. much like the Clippers have been in the NBA.

Kickers

A special teams coach for an NFL team tells Albert Breer that he believes one of the issues for kickers following the extra point being moved back is that they can’t get into a rhythm with extra point attempts before kicking for a distance.

“The extra point was the quarterback throwing for a quick gain and getting a completion to get back in rhythm,” said the special teams coach. “A guy could say on one of those kicks, ‘OK, it went in, but on the next one, I gotta make sure I do this or I do that.’ It was his way to get back on rhythm. If you messed up an extra point, he could just say, ‘My plant foot is out too far,’ or ‘I can’t believe I hit the ground on that one,’ and say he won’t do it again, and come back and there’s no penalty for the team. They don’t have that anymore.”

49ers

• 49ers HC Chip Kelly said that CB Jimmie Ward has been cleared for non-contact football activity.
• Matt Maiocco mentions that Ward appears to be on pace to clear concussion protocol before Sunday’s game.

Packers

• Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com has spoken to people around the NFL who are pretty convinced that a talent issue for the Packers.
• Beyond that, Breer says that the Packers need more production from their big-money players like Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Clay Matthews, and Julius Peppers.
• The belief is that Packers GM Ted Thompson’s refusal to fix mistakes with free agents seems to hold them back, according to Breer.