Rams ready to put offseason program into high gear

Rams ready to put offseason program into high gear

By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-ready-to-put-offseason-program-into-high-gear/article_c0240813-0206-56da-8a33-7f31058b318e.html

The Rams are ready to take the next step in preparation for the coming NFL season. On Tuesday, the team will hold the first of its 10 organized team activities.

These “OTAs” are not open to the public, but members of the media will be able to watch six of the onfield sessions over the next three weeks.

The Rams began their offseason workout program — weight training, meetings and skill development — on April 20. But OTAs mark the first time the offensive and defensive players can come together on the practice field.

“We started the journey when we came together for workouts, but (OTAs) take it to another level,” Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “Personally, I enjoy it. You can only do so many workouts before you get bored. So any time I get to play football or even do football stuff, it’s fun.

“It’s limited, of course, because we’re only in helmets. But you’ll see some competing between the offensive and defensive linemen, and we’ll get some work in the secondary and in pass defense. And the run game always looks good when you can’t tackle.’’

With Gregg Williams back for his second season as defensive coordinator and the majority of the starters and top reserves returning, the Rams are counting on the defense to pick up where it left off a year ago.

The Rams have talked about simplifying the defense during this offseason. Last year, despite dominating at times, the team finished 17th in total defense, 14th against the run and 19th vs. the pass. But it was a different unit during the second half of the season.

Over their last eight games, the Rams ranked fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (84.4), tied for fourth in sacks (26), fifth in points allowed (16.8) and tied for sixth in takeaways (15).

“It took some time for everyone to get familiar and learn what Gregg expected,” said Laurinaitis, who’s heading into his seventh NFL season. “But once we started to understand, things really started to click for us. Gregg knows us and we know him and there’s a great level of trust both ways.”

Key offseason additions to the defense included a pair of free agents — defensive tackle Nick Fairley, a first-round pick by Detroit in 2011, and linebacker Akeem Ayers, a second-round pick by Tennessee in 2011 who finished last season with Super Bowl champion New England.

While the defense appears set, questions abound for the Rams on offense. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer left shortly after last season ended to take the same position at the University of Georgia.

The Rams promoted from within, elevating Frank Cignetti to the job, then brought in Chris Weinke to take over as quarterbacks coach — Cignetti’s old job.

On March 10, the team swapped quarterbacks with Philadelphia, bringing in Nick Foles and sending Sam Bradford to the Eagles.

Then came the draft, in which the Rams added what coach Jeff Fisher called their “back of the future” by selecting former Georgia star Todd Gurley with the 10th pick.

Gurley, who had knee surgery in November, is not expected to do much, if anything, in OTAs.

The team followed in the draft by addressing its needs on the offensive line by selecting Wisconsin’s Rob Havenstein in Round 2, Louisville’s Jamon Brown in Round 3, Iowa’s Andrew Donnal in Round 4 and Fresno State’s Cody Wichmann in Round 6.

“We know something about Nick (Foles) because we faced him with Philly, but I think we’re all interested to see how things will come together for him here,” Laurinaitis said. “I know he’s been working hard, trying to develop some chemistry and timing with the receivers.”

Laurinaitis is especially intrigued by the development of the offensive line, which returns just two starters — left tackle Greg Robinson and left guard Rodger Saffold.

“We won’t have full contact, but there’ll be some mirroring drills and stuff like that against guys like Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn and Chris Long,’’ he said. “It’s a big step-up for the young guys and I’m looking forward to see if they’re ready to compete or if they’re going to shy away.’’

Laurinaitis said another key aspect of OTAs is the opportunity to re-learn the playbook and set a foundation for training camp, which is to begin in late July.

“You learn all this stuff in OTAs to establish the base you can build on,’’ he said. “That gives you something to study during the summer and then really get after it when camp starts.’’

Laurinaitis continued: “Something Gregg Williams has been stressing lately is starting fast. I think that may be our motto through OTAs. We have to have the mindset that we can’t waste any reps, especially knowing that we open at home against Seattle (on Sept. 13).

“We’ve gotta be able to start fast and get out of this 1-3 rut we’ve been in the last three years.”