HBO 'Hard Knocks' 2016: Best Rams Storylines, Moments, Reaction for Episode 3

Tuesday's episode of Hard Knocks with the Los Angeles Rams highlighted the emotional struggles of NFL training camp, the joy of a preseason victory, the demanding nature of the sport and the temporary distractions of days off.

It was fitting, then, that part of the episode included an actual roller coaster as the Rams go through the whirlwind of a transition from St. Louis to Los Angeles before the 2016 season begins.

While there have been plenty of light-hearted moments on this season of Hard Knocks, Tuesday's episode started with a serious tone. Rookie wide receiver Paul McRoberts' step brother was killed this offseason, and Hard Knocks captured coach Jeff Fisher comforting him in his office, especially since the pass-catcher said he found out on Facebook.

Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times reacted to the scene:

Things quickly turned back to the football, as Fisher addressed the team and players reviewed film following its preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Defensive coordinator Greg Williams in particular didn't hold back when pointing out mistakes during film study. 

The Rams also hit the weight room, which gave center Eric Kush a chance to show off in his tank tops, as NFL Films shared:

It wasn't all hard work, as linebacker Akeem Ayers and defensive end William Hayes hit Disneyland with their families. Hayes made headlines in episode two when he expressed his belief that mermaids exist, so it seemed appropriate that he went to the land of the Little Mermaid on his day off.

Hayes was rather skeptical about riding a roller coaster and had to ask an employee multiple times if his seat belt would actually keep him in the ride. He even let out some NFL-worthy screams, via the NFL:

Myles Simmons of the Rams' official website empathized with Hayes:

Hard Knocks and the Rams shifted into preparation mode for the second preseason game after the fun at Disneyland. One thing that stood out was the fact Fisher told his staff to make sure running back Todd Gurley was treated like a quarterback for portions of practice and didn't get tackled because he is so valuable to the team.

Fisher even joked with New York Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia not to hurt the players when he was at practice.

Sabathia wasn't the only notable name to make an appearance. Former San Francisco 49ers coach and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary showed up on the episode, but some of the Rams offensive players thought it was a good idea to mess around with him. Robby Kalland of CBS Sports and the Rams did not agree with that strategy, even if it was in good fun:

After the cameos, the quarterback competition between Case Keenum and Jared Goff took center stage. While Keenum received some help at home from his wife when it came to memorizing the playbook, Fisher did allow Goff the opportunity to work with the first string for some of practice (and in the preseason game).

Linebacker Brandon Chubb and tight end Benson Browne provided some comic relief from the football-heavy episode with a bowling trip, and Chubb earned the victory and made his fellow rookie do some push-ups as penance.

Hard Knocks also highlighted how difficult it was for linebacker Alec Ogletree and wide receiver Austin Hill to be apart from their families during training camp. Thiry underscored the emotion involved:

Being away from family was part of the preparation for that preseason showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Hard Knocks concluded with the Rams' second preseason game of the year, which was also at home, and captured the dramatic moments of the 21-20 Los Angeles victory. 

The Rams fell behind 7-0 for the second time in a row, but starting quarterback Keenum and Gurley responded. Keenum finished 4-of-5 for 53 yards and a score, while Gurley found the end zone on one of his four carries in his first preseason action. Keenum gave way to Goff with a 14-7 lead, and the rookie proceeded to fumble the ball away in some of his first-half action.

Goff ultimately responded and ended the day 8-of-12 for 82 yards and a touchdown. He didn't throw an interception either, and his 10-yard touchdown toss to Malcolm Brown in the fourth quarter gave the Rams the lead for good.

If the fourth-quarter dramatics continue during the regular season, the Rams' first year in Los Angeles will be a memorable one. For now, they can enjoy their 2-0 start in the preseason and the occasional trip to Disneyland until the games officially count in the standings.