IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Rams' quest for a 3rd NFC West division title since moving back to Los Angeles starts now as training camp kicks off in Irvine.
Preparation is key during the early stages of training camp, which opened Wednesday afternoon at University of California Irvine.
"You set the standard for yourself and the way you prepare and take care of yourself," says Rams linebacker Kenny Young.
Coach Sean McVay will have a new quarterback under center this season as the team acquired veteran Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions in exchange for former first-round pick Jared Goff.
The team is loaded with plenty of wide receiver talent, giving Stafford multiple options and setting up some competition on the roster.
"I think we're just going into camp preparing for the season - when the touches come, just catch it," says wide receiver Van Jefferson.
The team suffered a major blow as second-year running back Cam Akers tore his achilles and will miss the entire upcoming season. Darrell Henderson Jr. is expected to get the bulk of responsibility at the running back position.
Veteran Andrew Whitworth provided some insight on the benefits of training camp. The big offensive tackle suffered a torn MCL last year against the Seattle Seahawks that kept him sidelined for a majority of the season.
The ability to isolate yourself from the outside world in training camp and just focus on the team is a big help to start the season, Whitworth says.
"When you're in this little bit of a pocket and you're all staying right here, it's easier to really have that '24 hours a day I'm always focused and locked into what it is in the next three to four weeks I'm going to be really able to make some strides and steps of where I need to get to,'" he said.
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