Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph)
- This topic has 5 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 10 years, 3 months ago by
RamBill.
-
AuthorPosts
-
September 12, 2014 at 4:32 pm #7023
RamBillParticipantRams’ quarterback situation unresolved
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11611/rams-quarterback-situation-unresolved
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams wrapped up their work week Friday afternoon but coach Jeff Fisher isn’t ready to make a call on who his starting quarterback will be against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
That’s because presumptive starter Shaun Hill did not practice most of the week and was extremely limited in Friday’s practice because of a quad/thigh injury. The choice between Hill and Austin Davis might not be made until hours before kickoff.
“(Hill is) probably a game-time decision,” Fisher said. “We got Austin some reps and Austin is much better suited to play this game this week because of the starter reps he took this week, so we’ll see what happens.”
The Ram are confident in QB Austin Davis should starter Shaun Hill be unable to play.
Fisher indicated Friday that Hill had made progress on his injured leg throughout the week, but there wasn’t enough to go on to make a decision at this point. Hill was at least in uniform for Friday’s practice, but he really didn’t participate much as Davis took the bulk of the reps.Based on the week of practice, one would assume Davis is primed to make his first NFL start, but Fisher and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Hill is far enough along in the offense that he could start without any meaningful practice reps during the week.
“He’s been dialed in, doing everything,” Schottenheimer said. “We actually make him call the plays of the quarterbacks in a lot of the walk-thrus that we do. No, if he’s ready to go, we have no problems that he’d go out there and perform well.”
And if Hill is not ready to go, Davis will take his long-awaited turn as the starter. Davis got his first NFL game experience last week against Minnesota, going 16-of-23 for 192 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Those numbers weren’t too bad on the surface, but a closer look at the performance revealed plenty of rough patches.
Looking back at his debut, Davis pointed to communication and basic operation as “spotty,” pointing out he simply had not had a chance to huddle with the first-team offense before. He also took four sacks, some of which were the product of his inability to get rid of the ball or throw it away. Davis is hopeful that having a week’s worth of practice and his three years of knowledge in the offense should allow him to clean up some of those areas.
“There’s not a play call that I don’t know exactly what the read is and exactly where the ball is supposed to go,” Davis said. “It’s really just getting game experience. It was great last week to get in and play ball, but I feel very, very comfortable with what we’re doing.”
The Rams apparently share that sentiment. Schottenheimer said Davis’ knowledge of the scheme is such that he wouldn’t need to scale the offense back for him.
“He’s really grown, he’s really developed,” Schottenheimer said. “Coming from Southern Miss, it’s been a long process, he’s worked really, really hard. Very comfortable calling the game with him. Trust that he’s going to know what to do, do the right things. Again, I think that’s a credit to him.”
The other part of the equation is whether to keep two or three quarterbacks active against the Bucs. Third-team signal caller Case Keenum now has a total of six practices with the Rams, but has impressed coaches with his work ethic and desire to get up to speed as fast as possible.
If Keenum is active and does have to play, the Rams will have a much smaller set of plays to work with.
“He beats the coaches in here most days,” Schottenheimer said. “He really does. We’re here later than he is, but he’s here early working hard. By the looks of that he’s obviously got ability, and if he has to go for some reason, we’ll keep it simple.”
September 12, 2014 at 4:39 pm #7024RamBillParticipantHill still limited in practice; QB decision will be made on Sunday
• By Joe LyonsRams quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) was limited in practice Friday as backup Austin Davis worked with the starters.
“Obviously, Shaun didn’t do much today. It’ll probably be a game-time decision,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher, adding that Hill could start even though he hasn’t practiced all week. “He’s got a good enough feel for what we’re doing,” Fisher said. Hill is “improving. We’ll evaluate him tomorrow and probably again in pregame warmups.
“It’s all about risking additional injury and missing more play time. That’s what the decision will be based on.”
Davis, in his third season, made his NFL debut at the start of the second half and completed 16 of 23 passes for 192 yards. He was sacked four times and allowed a a pick-6 for the Vikings’ final touchdown in the 34-6 loss.
“Austin’s much better suited to play this game this week because of the starter reps that he took this week,” Fisher said. “He’s excited. He’s excited for the opportunity, if it happens.”
The other player listed on the injury report is defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (back), who sat out Friday’s practice and, like Hill, is questionable. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee) and center Barrett Jones (back) are still several weeks from returning to action.
WEBSTER GROVES’ CLAYBORN TO IR
Tampa Bay announced Friday morning that defensive end Adrian Clayborn, a Webster Groves High product, has been placed on injured reserve and is done for the season with a biceps injury.
Clayborn, a fourth-year pro from the University of Iowa, had a tackle in Tampa Bay’s 20-14 loss to visiting Carolina last week.
It’s the second season-ending injury in three seasons for the 6-foot-3, 280-pound Clayborn, who played just three games in 2012 before going down with a knee injury. The 20th overall draft pick in 2011, he recorded 42 tackles and 7 ½ sacks as a rookie and bounced back from the 2012 injury to post a career-best 64 tackles to go along with 5 ½ sacks a year ago.
Tampa Bay’s other starting defensive end, Michael Johnson (ankle), has been ruled out. So have reserve tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) and reserve corner Rashaan Melvin (ankle).
Listed as questionable are defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (abdomen), defensive end William Gholston (shoulder), guard London Mankins (knee), running back Doug Martin (knee) and safety Bradley McDougal (knee).
Tackle Demar Dotson (hamstring) is probable.
September 13, 2014 at 12:58 am #7069RamBillParticipantQB Davis ready if called upon vs. Bucs
• By Jim ThomasCoach Jeff Fisher said it will probably be a game-time decision Sunday afternoon, but all signs point to Austin Davis making his first NFL regular-season start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in place of the injured Shaun Hill.
After sitting out practice Wednesday and Thursday, Hill was officially listed as limited Friday. Call it extremely limited. Hill, who suffered a thigh injury in the first half of last week’s season opener against Minnesota, took some snaps and made some throws on the side. But he got no work in any 11-on-11 drills.
“Obviously, Shaun didn’t do much today,” Fisher said after Friday’s practice. “He’ll probably be a game-time decision, but we got Austin some reps. Austin’s much better suited to play this game this week because of the starter reps that he’s taken. We’ll see what happens.”
Physically, Fisher said Hill is making progress with the injury. He will be further evaluated today, and it may even come down to how he looks during warmups before Sunday’s 3:05 p.m. (St. Louis time) kickoff at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Fisher said it’s possible that Hill could start Sunday even without taking a single rep of 11-on-11, or 7-on-7 work all week.
“Yes, he can,” Fisher said. “He’s got a good enough feel for what we’re doing.”
But Fisher added: “It’s all about risking additional injury and missing more playing time. That’s what the decision will be based on.”
For his part, Davis says he’s excited about the chance to make his first NFL regular-season start. (He did start the preseason finale in Miami on Aug.28, a game in which Fisher rested all 22 starters.)
“I mean the opportunity to start in your first NFL game? Who doesn’t dream about that?” Davis said. “I’ve been here for a couple years, and definitely looking forward to this opportunity. Absolutely.
“We’ll see what we can do, and get Shaun healthy. But if not, I’ll be ready to go, and have a lot of confidence in myself and what we’re doing offensively.”
Getting a full week of work with the starting offense has been invaluable for Davis, 25, who was born in Ringgold, Ga., but grew up in Collinsville, Miss.
“A lot of help,” he said. “Just more comfortable with the operation in and out of the huddle with Scott (Wells) at center. Better timing with the receivers. And knowing exactly what we’re doing every play.”
After replacing Hill to start the second half against Minnesota, Davis completed 16 of 23 passes for 192 yards. He led the Rams on two field goal drives, accounting for the team’s only points in a 34-6 loss. But he also threw a fourth-quarter interception that was returned 81 yards by safety Harrison Smith for the Vikings’ final touchdown.
“Certainly, you can’t turn the ball over,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. “And then, there were a few time times he held on to the ball a little too long. Couple of those sacks late in the game were on him. The ball’s got to go someplace.
“All things considered, the situation he came into without any reps, I thought he did a nice job.”
Just in case, the Rams have a small package of plays ready for No. 3 QB Case Keenum, who was claimed off waivers from the Houston Texans less than two weeks ago and, obviously, is still learning the offense.
“We have a decision to make whether we keep two or three (quarterbacks) up right now,” Fisher said after Friday’s workout. “A lot can happen in the next 48 hours.”
September 13, 2014 at 1:55 am #7073RamBillParticipantJoseph returns to Tampa Bay as Rams starter
• By Jim ThomasDavin Joseph is all smiles when talking about his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even though they unceremoniously released him last March. Then again, he’s usually all smiles anyway.
“It’s a business, right?” Joseph said. “They all say that when they fire you. So it’s a business. I’m going to work. I’m going to do my job, and hopefully we’ll come away with a victory.”
After eight seasons, 100 games and two Pro Bowls with Tampa Bay, which drafted him in the first round in 2006, Joseph was “fired” by the Buccaneers and new coach Lovie Smith.
He wasn’t signed by the Rams until May 28, but a little over three months later finds himself in the starting lineup at right guard and facing his former team Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
The Rams “gave me a heck of an opportunity,” Joseph said. “They gave me all the support, specifically with the strength and conditioning staff, the trainers, coaches.
“And they helped me to be able to compete for a starting position because coming here I was playing off a couple injuries from the previous year. They helped me through that.”
After missing the entire 2012 season with a knee injury for Tampa Bay, Joseph suffered a staph infection in that knee in the summer of 2013. That setback impaired the rehab process. Although he started all 16 games for the Bucs, in looking at Joseph on tape the Rams felt he basically played on one leg last season.
But with the help from the Rams’ training and strength staffs, Joseph’s knee and overall level of conditioning were in top shape when training camp started. Slated for backup duty behind Rodger Saffold at right guard, Joseph found himself starting at right guard in the third preseason game, Aug. 23 at Cleveland.
Saffold was moved to left guard, and No. 2 overall draft pick Greg Robinson found himself on the bench.
“They gave me the reps,” Joseph said. “I tried to maximize them the best that I could. They gave me a chance and I’m running with it.”
Even with the bump up to the first unit midway through exhibition play, Joseph didn’t get a real sense that he was a bona fide starter until being held out of the preseason finale against Miami with the rest of the starters.
So shortly after one door closed in Tampa, another opened in St. Louis.
“Exactly,” Joseph said. “And that’s how the league works. Your time at one city may be done, but you can end up somewhere else and you can earn a job.”
Joseph played all 67 snaps in the opener against Minnesota but realizes he has to keep performing to stay in the lineup. You’ve got to figure Robinson will be starting at some point.
“For me to keep this job, it’s gonna take a lot,” Joseph said. “It’s gonna take a lot of focus, a lot of work, a lot of effort to continue being the starter and help this O-line grow.”
Like the rest of the offensive line, Joseph had some bumpy moments in the 34-6 loss to the Vikings. In the second quarter, Joseph couldn’t get to his block pulling left, resulting in a 3-yard loss by Tavon Austin on a carry out of the backfield.
He gave up a quarterback hit later in the quarter and was penalized for a false start in the third.
“I did OK,” Joseph said. “There’s some things I can do to help myself. There’s some things I can do to help my teammates. And so we’ll focus on that and get it cleaned up.”
As for playing his old team, Joseph said it’s about the Rams, not him. He’s certain to run into one of the Bucs’ top players — defensive tackle Gerald McCoy — frequently on Sunday.
If Joseph can neutralize his former teammate, it could be a successful day for the Rams against a Tampa defensive front that is missing both starting defensive ends because of injury.
As for seeing and facing many of his old friends on the Bucs, Joseph insists Sunday will be no stroll down memory lane.
“They’ll be friends of mine forever, so it’s not like because I’m playing them, they’re enemies,” he said. “But it doesn’t mean I’m not gonna try and kill ’em on Sunday.”
September 13, 2014 at 2:00 am #7074RamBillParticipantRams notes: Healthy again, McGee hopes to help on defense, special teams
• By Joe LyonsAfter dealing with an ankle injury through much of the preseason, Rams defensive back Brandon McGee had his patience tested.
“When you get hurt at a key time like that, it’s devastating,’’ the second-year pro from the University of Miami said. “You want to be out there, you want to compete, but you also have to be smart about it. If you go out there before you’re ready, you’re taking a chance on hurting the team and yourself.
“I tried to be positive, knowing it’s all part of God’s plan.’’
But McGee, a fifth-round draft pick in 2013, is healthy and “back to my normal self.’’
“Just trying to stay ready, staying on top of the game plan and ready to contribute in any way I’m needed,’’ he said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get back on the field and play and be effective.’’
The 5-foot-11, 193-pound McGee was in on 15 special-teams plays in the loss to Minnesota and could be in line for some defensive action this week with nickel back Lamarcus Joyner dealing with a back issue.
“I’m probably more comfortable outside,’’ he said. “But worked in the nickel during OTAs and I’ve also been part of the dime package, too. The time is here for me to step up and I’m ready to do whatever the coaches ask me to do.’’
McGee played in 15 games as a rookie, contributing 10 tackles on defense and tying for third on the squad with six special-teams tackles.
INJURY REPORT
Quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) was limited in practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers.
Also questionable is defensive back Joyner, who did not practice.
Tampa Bay placed defensive end and Webster Groves High product Adrian Clayborn on injured reserve Friday with a biceps injury. Clayborn, a first-round draft pick in 2011, missed all but three games of the 2012 season with a knee injury.
The Buccaneers also ruled out starting defensive end Michael Johnson (ankle) as well as tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) and cornerback Rashaan Melvin (ankle).
Listed as questionable are defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (abdomen), defensive end William Gholston (shoulder), guard London Mankins (knee), running back Doug Martin (knee) and safety Bradley McDougald (knee). Tackle Demar Dotson (hamstring) is probable.
TAKING A CHANCE
Down 20-3 early in the final quarter Sunday, the Rams took a chance with an all-out rush on a Vikings punt. But the Rams’ Chase Reynolds came up a bit short and was called for roughing the kicker.
Three plays later, Minnesota scored on a Matt Cassel-to-Kyle Rudloph pass to stretch its lead to 27-3.
“It was kind of a do-or-die situation,’’ said Reynolds, who led the Rams with a pair of special-teams tackles. “Coach called it and I had an opportunity to get through and get close, but all I could do was kind of try to spread out and hope to get it.
“Of course, it would’ve been better if I could’ve got there and stayed off the punter …”
Reynolds did make contact and Vikings punter Jeff Locke responded as expected, going down as if he’d been shot, to draw the 15-yard penalty and extend the drive.
But the Rams needed something — anything — in a game where the offense struggled mightily.
“I got there, I targeted the ball and I missed,’’ Reynolds said.
RAM-BLINGS
According to the NFL, the Rams are both the youngest (average age: 25.15) and least-experienced (3.26 years) team in the league this season. The Rams are tied with defending Super Bowl champion Seattle for the fewest players age 30 or over — quarterback Hill (34), center Scott Wells (33) and guard Davin Joseph (30).
• Rams receiver Brian Quick was fined $8,268 for grabbing the facemask of the Vikings’ Captain Munnerlyn. Quick later explained that his fingers got caught when he was stiff-arming Munnerlyn.
September 13, 2014 at 7:18 pm #7141RamBillParticipant
Game slowing down for Rams’ McDonald
Nate Latschhttp://stl.scout.com/story/1450684-game-slowing-down-for-rams-mcdonald
ST. LOUIS — Rams coach Jeff Fisher had strong praise for second-year safety T.J. McDonald at his press conference on Monday, the day after the team’s season-opening loss against the Vikings.
“T.J. made some plays, had a couple misses but everybody’s going to have misses in space with ‘AP’ (Adrian Peterson),” Fisher said. “But I thought T.J. played better than he played at any time last year.”
McDonald got the Vikings running back twice on Minnesota’s first series, dropping Peterson for a 5-yard loss on a first-down play and then holding him to a 1-yard run on a third-and-long play to force a punt.
It was just the start of a strong game for the 23-year-old safety, who was the Rams’ third-round draft pick (No. 71 overall) in 2013 out of USC. McDonald finished with a career-high eight tackles, just one behind safety Rodney McLeod for the team lead, and one pass defensed.
Not bad for just his 11th NFL game.
“The game slows down for me as I get older, but I’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said. “I feel like I’m just scratching the surface as far as getting into this defense and whatnot and getting into this league. So for me I just have to make sure I stay on it, keep working hard and get better every week.”
The 6-foot-2, 217-pounder has a bit of a different role this season in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ aggressive scheme.
“I do a little bit of everything,” McDonald said. “I line up everywhere in this defense. I line up a lot of different places. Last year I didn’t move around as much. I did some similar things, but it’s a different scheme, so I’m all over the place.”
There is also an increased emphasis on how McDonald and the rest of the Rams’ young secondary performs, a group that is considered a question mark in comparison to the more established defensive linemen and linebackers that make up the team’s front seven.
The young St. Louis defense got even younger with the preseason knee injury to cornerback Trumaine Johnson, a third-year player who has been replaced by rookie E.J. Gaines in the starting lineup.
But for as disappointing as the Rams’ 34-6 loss to the Vikings was, it would be unfair to place a majority of the blame on the secondary.
The returning starters, McDonald, McLeod and Janoris Jenkins (seven tackles), played well, particularly in run support. A sixth-round pick, Gaines (five tackles, two passes defensed) also performed well in his NFL regular season debut.
“The effort wasn’t bad,” McDonald said of the defense. “The effort was good and everything. It was just a few plays. Those few plays you have to eliminate, you can’t give them up, because it looks more lopsided than what it was. I feel like you contain a guy with Adrian Peterson, 75 yards, you’re happy with that. But then at the same time you let a guy like Cordarrelle Patterson go off. Those are things we can’t do as a great defense.”
That loss should motivate the Rams going into their Week 2 game at Tampa Bay on Sunday. They want to show that they are better than they looked in that disappointing season-opening defeat.
“I think we put together a good week of practice,” McDonald said. “Everybody is eager to get back and show that that first game isn’t indicative of who we are as a defense.”
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
