The Jeff Fisher era began in earnest Sunday as the Rams opened training camp with two-plus hours of practice. Fisher didn't deliver any big speeches. The coach with a 147-126 record as an NFL head man already has his players' attention.
"He doesn't say much but when he speaks, everyone listens because if he is saying something, it's for a reason and it's extremely important," quarterback Sam Bradford told ESPN.com. "His natural vibe, his calmness, his confidence just rubs off on everyone."
After practice, Fisher said simply that "it was good to get everybody on the field running around at the same time. We're trying to monitor reps, but we had no issues. I thought we had a good first day."
About 1,600 fans showed up at Rams Park, an impressive crowd given the cramped layout.
Who’s here: A sharp franchise QB. Bradford, who dealt with flimsy protection and a bad ankle last year, zipped pinpoint throws in team drills and 7-on-7 as the ball rarely hit the ground. RB Steven Jackson looked svelte at 234 pounds, and said he's happy about the signing of FB Ovie Mughelli. Seven wideouts rotated frequently. Quinn Ojinnaka worked as the starting left guard in what will be an ongoing camp battle. Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggan were the first-team OLBs alongside MLB James Laurinaitis, who could get a contract extension soon. Rookie Janoris Jenkins and free-agent signee Cortland Finnegan worked as starting corners. All told, 85 of 89 players practiced.
Who’s not: Pro Bowl C Scott Wells, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the spring, has not been medically cleared and did not participate. Fisher says the team will play it safe with their $24 million free-agent acquisition. WR Danario Alexander (hamstring), RB Darryl Richardson (leg) and G Rokevious Watkins (conditioning) also did not practice, but they’re expected back soon. Watkins is listed at 6-3, 338 but looks heavier. According to Fisher, "He had a little trouble pushing himself away from the dinner table.”
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSSportsNFLSTL.