fans reactions from 'round the net to the LIONS game

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  • December 15, 2015 at 2:03 pm #35669
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    junkman

    GREG ROBINSON IN THE LIONS GAME

    OK, so I re-watched the Lions game, just the Rams offensive plays, zeroing in on Robinson. I know that Wagoner was really down on Robinson after the game, and why not? 1 sack by Asnah, 1 hold on Robinson declined, one crackback block. Seems like a terrible game on the surface.

    I agree and disagree.

    Let’s do the bad stuff first. The crackback block, yeah, terrible. The hold, yep, did a do-se-do with the DE. There was also an a nice assortment of the usual Robinson complaints – lunging, off balance… where if he would just wall off the opponent, he’d do much better. At least one pass protect play where I’m not sure he understood his assignment and Reynolds popped out take on the DE (that couldn’t possibly have been the design, could it??)

    The “not as bad as it looks” plays – both of the Asnah sacks. The first sack I didn’t even think it was Robinson’s fault. Cunningham sorta blocked Robinson from blocking Asnah. Very strange. The 2nd sack looked worse than it was, Keenum was (as has seemed common for him) a good 10 yards behind the LoS, where Reynold’s guy had walked him a good 7 yards into the backfield where the pocket should have been. With a well formed pocked, Robinson would have pushed Ansah beyond the QB (a bit charitable but I’m sticking by this).

    Robinson does have his highlights. The drive after the crackback block (Robinson looked pissed), he stoned Asnah from a wide-9 rush and violently threw him straight to the ground. Legal and nasty. Didn’t hear anything from Asnah for the rest of the day. He did this a few times over the course of the game on both run and passing plays. When he actually connected on people, he did it with attitude which I believe had an impact later on… which takes us to…

    Gurley’s 49 yard run. This was right after planting Asnah the play before. There was literally nobody within 2 yards of Robinson or 4 yards in front of him, and Gurley ran it right through that gap. Was this the Robinson effect, defenders tired of getting violently planted?? Also worth noting, Robinson was running less than 10 yards behind Gurley, impressive for a 330lb guy.

    Phone booth stuff (like Gurley’s 2nd touchdown), Robinson was just in the middle of the pack mangling people. He’s definitely the guy you want with you in a dark alley.

    I’ve been tough on Robinson and I’m still frustrated as h3ll at the lapses which are typically all that anyone notices for OL. But the potential is there if he can get consistent. More prep? More game film? More technique? I just dunno. But he’s a heck of a talent – right size, right athleticism, right level of nasty – if only they can get him to refine his craft.

    December 17, 2015 at 2:03 pm #35760
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    Rams43

    I rewatched the Lion game last night… With special attention to GRob, Wichmann (in second half).

    I’ve gotta say that I think GRob has become something of a whipping boy. His play was far better than some commentary I’ve read. To hear some fans and maybe PFF, you would think GRob was the dumbest, laziest, and most ineffective LOT in the league. My eyes told me otherwise as I watched every single snap of his in this game. Is he perfect? Of course not. But he’s definitely improving right before our eyes.

    I encourage the detractors to rewatch the game and his snaps, if possible. And objectively, without a predetermined agenda. Plus remember that he was up against Ansah all game long. Certainly no day at the beach. I came away after rewatching with new confidence that GRob has a big future at LOT (not OG) in this league.

    Wichmann looks promising. His second half looked pretty danged good, if you ask me. We might have something there, especially after an offseason of NFL weight training.

    Something positive is going on on our OL. Is it less zone and more man blocking? Increased experience and confidence? Simple halftime adjustments? Play calling by Boras? Extra effort because of a stud RB in their backfield? More faith in Keenum? Maybe a little bit of all of these things? I dunno, but I’m encouraged by what I’m now seeing.

    Some other random thoughts…

    Our punt coverage team is very, very good. Just outstanding. Kekker is an All Pro, but it’s more than just him. Bryant’s play at the goal line was stellar. Constant downing the ball inside the 15 yard line. Forcing opponents to make fair catches. Nowhere for opponents to run if they don’t call for the fair catch. It’s a helluva punt coverage unit.

    We are watching greatness in this Gurley kid. The vision, the power to break tackles, the football smarts, the desire even after being throttled in the 1st half… And I don’t think he is quite 100% just yet. Just wait until next year. Lol.

    Keenum did not have an impressive game statistically. But he reportedly made numerous good calls changing us out of and into better plays at LOS. And that tells me he has at least a modest ability to read defenses. He may not be Tom Brady, but at least he doesn’t beat himself as Foles was doing. Kinda refreshing after what we’ve been seeing since mid ’13 season, huh? That’s gotta be a morale positive influence, don’t you think?

    TruJo is a “must have” for this D. We absolutely, positively must resign Tru for next year. It would be a sin to develop him for 4 years only to let him walk away when he’s playing at such a high level. I call this decision a no brainer.

    Kudos to a D playing without the following:

    Quinn
    Ogletree
    Jenkins
    Gaines
    McDonald

    And with Long at only half strength. Hats off to GW.

    .

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