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August 28, 2016 at 10:03 am #51769
znModeratorFive Takeaways: Preseason at Denver
Myles Simmons
DENVER — The Rams could not recapture their second-half magic in the mile-high city, falling to the Broncos, 17-9.
But as is the case with all exhibition matchups, the final score rarely tells the whole story. With that in mind, here are five takeaways from Preseason Week 3.
1) Ones on defense accomplishing goals
The Rams’ first-team defense looked strong against the Broncos, forcing a pair of three-and-outs to start the game. Middle linebacker Alec Ogletree had said during the week a fast start would be the focus, and the club was able to do just that with Ogletree, defensive tackle Michael Brockers, defensive end Robert Quinn, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald registering tackles for loss in the first two series.
Defensive tackle Dominique Easley got in on the TFL action in the second quarter, with a drive-stopping tackle on 4th-and-inches. Plus, cornerback Trumaine Johnson tipped a pass into the hands of a diving safety Cody Davis to force the first unit’s first turnover of the preseason.
There are all aspects of the game members of the defense had mentioned as being goals for this week, and it’s a positive to see them accomplished.
2) First offense moves the ball
Denver’s defense was one of the primary reasons the club won Super Bowl 50, and should continue to be a strength in 2016. With starting quarterback Case Keenum, the Rams were able to move the ball effectively, scoring a pair of field goals with him in the game. Keenum finished 8-of-12 for 77 yards before Jared Goff came in. Starting in place of Todd Gurley, who was a healthy scratch, Benny Cunningham rushed six times for 22 yards.
Another indication of the way the Rams moved the ball well is time of possession. L.A. took a 18:08 to 11:52 lead in TOP into halftime.
3) Third down needs improvement
While there were positives, Los Angeles’ ability to sustain drives was hampered by struggles on third down. The Rams began 0-of-5 on third down, including 0-of-4 with Keenum in at quarterback. L.A. finished just 1-of-7 on third-down opportunities in the first half, and were only 1-of-10 in the situation after three quarters.
Third down was an issue for the Rams’ offense last year, and will likely continue to be a point of emphasis as the club heads into the regular season.
4) Keeping Austin around
While this happened prior to kickoff, it’s important all the same. The Rams announced wide receiver Tavon Austin has signed a four-year contract extension to keep him with the club through the 2021 season.
“Tavon has been an integral part of our offense and special teams since we drafted him in 2013,” head coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement. “It is important to our organization to retain players we’ve drafted and invested in, and Tavon is an example of that. We’re excited for him to continue his career with the Rams.”
In 2015, Austin became the first player since Gale Sayers in 1965 to record at least five receiving touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns, and a punt return for a touchdown. You can read more about Austin’s extension here.
5) Extra points
— Greg Zuerlein made three field goals in the game’s first half, from 29-, 38-, and 48-yards out. They were the first three field goals Zuerlein’s attempted in the 2016 preseason.
— The Rams committed 10 penalties for 72 yards.
— Tight end Lance Kendricks made a pair of nice catches down the seam in the first half. He finished with three receptions for 36 yards.
— Rookie wideout Pharoh Cooper did a nice job to haul in a 19-yard reception from Goff in the second quarter. The pass was a bit high and hot, so Cooper tipped the ball to himself, securing it as he fell to the ground.
August 28, 2016 at 10:04 am #51770znModeratorJared Goff rides highs and lows in Rams’ first preseason loss
Alden Gonzalez
DENVER — Star running back Todd Gurley sat against the Denver Broncos on Saturday and his Los Angeles Rams lost their first preseason game, a 17-9 defeat to the reigning Super Bowl champions at Sports Authority Field At Mile High.
The Rams’ first-team defense played well, but the entire offense was limited to only three field goals after going 7-for-7 in red-zone situations through the first two games.
Case Keenum was again efficient and Jared Goff again had his ups and downs on a night that featured at least a handful of drops by the Rams’ receivers. Leading 6-0, the Rams’ second-string defense surrendered a quick touchdown drive against quarterback Trevor Siemian, who ended it with a 1-yard pass to Virgil Green with four minutes left before halftime. The Broncos then added a 50-yard field goal by Brandon McManus and a seven-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Hillman, who gave his team an eight-point lead with 6:57 left in the third quarter.
Jared Goff
Jared Goff only completed 4 of 12 passes on Saturday against the Broncos.
QB depth chart: The Rams’ depth chart has pretty much already been set, with Keenum the starter and Goff the backup. Keenum ran with the first team for the third straight game, going 8-of-12 for 77 yards in four series, two of which ended in field goals. Goff went 4-of-12 for 45 yards and is now 16-of-33 for 165 yards in three preseason games, adding a touchdown, an interception, a lost fumble and four sacks. Keenum is 18-of-24 for 188 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and one sack in three games.Maybe that dude could start: Pharoh Cooper has already cemented himself as the Rams’ No. 3 receiver and turned in a very impressive catch to assist Goff. Seven days after scoring his first touchdown — by running an out and reaching for the pylon for an 11-yard score — Cooper came across the middle, extended with his left hand, tipped the ball to himself and secured a catch on third down. The rookie out of South Carolina will certainly contribute this season.
Who got hurt? Cornerback Troy Hill, seemingly vying for one of the last spots on the Rams’ roster, appeared to hurt himself while making a tackle on Hillman nearing the midway point of the third quarter. Hill walked off on his own power, but was escorted off the field by trainers.
A surprise player who impressed: Many have wondered when talented rookie tight end Tyler Higbee would eventually take over as the starter, but the man who currently has that job, Lance Kendricks, had a nice day with the first team, catching three passes for a team-leading 36 yards. Kendricks caught a 15-yard pass in the second drive and a 23-yard pass in the third drive.
When it was starters vs. starters, the Rams looked …: stout on defense. Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald recorded tackles for loss through the Broncos’ first two drives, both of them three-and-outs. On the third drive, the Rams forced a turnover on downs, with Dominique Easley coming up with a big tackle. And on the fourth one, Trumaine Johnson provided exceptional coverage of Cody Latimer on a deep ball up the sidelines, tipping it to Cody Davis for an interception.
One reason to be concerned: Goff doesn’t seem to have progressed to the level of an NFL starter just yet, though you must take into account that at least three balls were dropped while he was in the game. Goff slid awkwardly on third down in his first drive, falling just short of a first down with T.J. Ward closing in. In Goff’s second drive, he was bailed out by Cooper’s sensational play and also on a key drop by Broncos safety Darian Stewart, who would’ve had an easy interception and likely touchdown on Goff’s pass to the outside while deep in Broncos territory.On his third drive, Goff took a snap from the shotgun on third down and took a sack from his blind side.
August 28, 2016 at 10:05 am #51772znModeratorRams get a scare when Case Keenum is hit hard in loss to Broncos
By Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-broncos-20160827-snap-story.html
The Rams held their collective breath as quarterback Case Keenum dashed toward the far sideline at Sports Authority Field.
It was early in the second quarter of Saturday night’s exhibition against the Denver Broncos, and Keenum was hit late — and hard — by cornerback Aqib Talib as he ran out of bounds.
In what qualified as the final full dress rehearsal for the regular season, the Rams could not afford to lose Keenum.
“I didn’t see him at all,” Keenum said. “It all happened pretty fast. I was on the ground before I knew it.”
Not with No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff yet to take a major step forward.
Keenum got to his feet, the Broncos drew a personal foul penalty and Keenum led the Rams to one of Greg Zuerlein’s three field goals in a 17-9 loss to the Broncos.
It was the Rams’ first defeat after home victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.
Keenum played four series before he gave way to Goff. But it seems clear the fifth-year pro won’t be moved out of the starting role as the Rams eye their Sept. 12 opener against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”
“I’ve said that all along,” Coach Jeff Fisher said when asked if Keenum had done enough to lock down the starting job. “Case has been our starter since before the draft. I think he’s had a great preseason. He really has a good feel for what we’re doing. You see that in practice, too. Day after day he’s consistently making good decisions for us.”
Keenum is expected to remain on the bench with other starters Thursday night when the Rams play their final exhibition against the Minnesota Vikings at Minneapolis.
Through three exhibitions, Keenum appears the winner of a competition that never really materialized.
Rams and Broncos are not rushing rookie quarterbacks into action
Rams and Broncos are not rushing rookie quarterbacks into action
On Saturday, he completed eight of 12 passes for 77 yards and led the Rams on two scoring drives. In three exhibitions, he is 18 for 24 for 188 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.“I feel like I’m playing well. I feel like we’re moving the ball offensively,” he said, adding, “I feel comfortable in the offense, and the guys feel comfortable. Just got to keep doing what I’m doing.”
Goff completed four of 12 passes for 45 yards. Several of his passes once again were dropped. In three exhibitions he is 16 for 33 for 165 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.
Rams Coach Jeff Fisher said this week he was looking for Goff to take “that next step” against the Super Bowl champions. He wanted Goff to release the ball more quickly, play decisively and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
Goff looked sharp on several passes — including one that rookie receiver Pharoh Cooper turned into a spectacular catch — did not fumble and survived his own hold-your-breath moment early in the third quarter.
Goff was slammed to the ground by linebacker Shaquil Barrett as he was throwing what turned to out to be an incomplete pass. Goff remained on the turf for a few moments, looked shaky as he got to his feet and appeared to grab his right shoulder.
But he stayed in the game and completed a pass on the next play, before the Broncos broke up a fourth-down pass and ended his night.
“I didn’t feel the same way I felt the last two games,” he said. “I felt a little bit more under control and more comfortable.
Before the game, the Rams announced that they had signed receiver Tavon Austin to a four-year contract extension. Austin, the eighth pick in the 2013 draft, caught a team best 52 passes last season, but the Rams appear to be keeping the way they plan to use him under wraps. He was targeted only once Saturday and did not catch a pass.
That was a more active night than star running back Todd Gurley’s. After playing one series and scoring a touchdown last week against the Chiefs, Coach Jeff Fisher kept him safely on the sideline.
Defensive end Robert Quinn, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, played for the first time since undergoing back surgery and helped the first-team defense stifle an opponent on early drives for the first time in three exhibitions.
Middle linebacker Alec Ogletree was frustrated last week because the Rams gave up a touchdown drive for the second exhibition in a row.
Against the Broncos, Quinn, Ogletree and defensive lineman Aaron Donald all made plays that forced Denver to go three-and-out in its first two possessions. The Broncos wouldn’t score until four minutes before halftime.
Rams sign receiver Tavon Austin to four-year contract extension
Rams sign receiver Tavon Austin to four-year contract extension
“Letting teams score on the first drive is not us. We felt like we came out and played a tough first quarter,” Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson said after the game.Safety Cody Davis later intercepted a pass that Johnson batted into the air.
Fisher acknowledged he was concerned a series earlier and was “disappointed” to see Keenum absorb the shot from Talib.
“You don’t like to see that happen,” Fisher said, “especially in the preseason.”
The Rams led 9-7 at halftime thanks to Zuerlein, who struggled last season, making only 20 of 30 field-goal attempts, but was three for three Saturday.
On the Rams’ third possession, Keenum completed two passes to receiver Brian Quick and one each to tight ends Lance Kendricks and Tyler Higbee to set up Zuerlein’s 29-yard field goal with 1:05 left in the first quarter.
Zuerlein later connected from 38 and 48 yards.
August 28, 2016 at 10:06 am #51774znModeratorDefense shows up for first time in preseason
Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160827/bonsignore-defense-shows-up-for-first-time-in-preseason
DENVER >> It wasn’t like there was all-out panic going on, but it would be disingenuous to suggest there wasn’t some concern about the Rams’ defensive performance the first two weeks of the preseason.
Anger might be a better adjective — at least within the walls of the Rams training camp facility in Irvine.
And especially as it relates to the first-string defense.
A unit known for punching first, asking names later got out-muscled to start games against the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs.
It was a shock to the system and a blow to the egos.
“Letting teams score on the first drive, that’s not us,” said cornerback Trumaine Johnson.
It wasn’t a good look at all, not for a group that needs to perform if the Rams have any real chance of escaping the 7-9 purgatory they’ve been sentenced to the last few years.
And it certainly raised some red flags.
“We make stops, we force three-and-outs. that’s what we do. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to,” said defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
Inexplicably, that didn’t happen the first two weeks.
It’s only preseason, but the way the Rams got pushed around by the Cowboys and Chiefs on three long touchdown drives, there was concern.
The whoosh sound you just heard is the collective sigh of relief roaring across Santa Monica all the way to the Inland Empire after the Rams not only held their ground Saturday against the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, but darn near had their way with them during the first-team-against-first-team portion of the Broncos’ 17-9 win at Sports Authority Field.
The Rams made a loud and decisive statement by putting the clamp to the Broncos’ offense while allowing just 24 yards and one first down and forcing a pair of three-and-outs in the opening quarter.
And they finished their night with a fourth-down stand that pushed the Broncos back and gave the Rams’ offense the ball at the Bronco 45.
The starters were long gone by the time the Broncos pulled away for the win.
But by then, the message had been delivered and some order had been restored.
“That was our goal,” Johnson said. “The last two games, we started bad by letting them drive for touchdowns. We wanted to treat this like a regular game and compete. And we did that.”
After challenging themselves all week in practice to do better — bluntly, matter-of-factly and without regards to feelings or status — the Rams responded with a performance that should ease any concerns.
“For sure, we definitely stepped up as a unit,” Donald said. “Got some three-and-outs and got the offense the ball back right away.”
If you spend any time at all with the Rams defenders, you quickly understand they hold themselves and each other accountable.
And while the outsiders worried, the Rams themselves seethed.
“When we didn’t play to our expectations, it didn’t sit well with us.” Donald said.
They did something about it against the Broncos.
And just in the nick of time.
Saturday was the last real dress rehearsal before the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. If typical preseason protocol holds in Minnesota Thursday in the final preseason game against the Vikings, the Rams starters and key players will be bubble wrapped somewhere on the visiting sideline at US Bank Stadium.
They needed a bounce back performance in the worst way.
And they delivered one.
Buoyed by the return of defensive end Robert Quinn, who missed the last half of 2015 after undergoing back surgery and was held out of the first two preseason games for precautionary reasons, the defensive line was electric.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve played football, so it was great just to get out there and make some plays with the guys,” Quinn said. Quinn had 40 sacks between 2012 and 2014, and there’s every reason to believe he can be just as productive with the back injury now behind him. And now operating on a line that includes All-Pro Aaron Donald, fellow end William Hayes and underrated defensive tackle Michael Brockers, Quinn and the Rams have a chance to be special up front.
“I feel like we have the No. 1 defensive line in the league,” Johnson said.
They certainly played like it on Saturday, with Donald nearly unblockable while blowing up the Broncos’ interior line and Quinn playing fast and disruptive.
The Broncos managed just 13 first-quarter rushing yards, the seven times they challenged the Rams on the ground resulting in 1.9 yards per carry.
Hard to run when a brick wall is standing in front of you.
Behind them, the revamped starting secondary — even with safety Maurice Alexander sitting out his second straight game — played timely and productively.
E.J. Gaines — who missed all of last year with a foot injury — has worked and healed his way back into the starting lineup alongside Trumaine Johnson.
His return completes the Rams’ secondary puzzle, at least at cornerback, allowing Lamarcus Joyner to slide back to the slot, where he’s better suited against smaller, quicker receivers, and veteran Coty Sensabaugh to move across the field in various coverage packages.
The completeness and cohesiveness was evident Saturday, as the Rams pushed the Broncos around on a night they exorcised their demons against the Chiefs and Broncos.
It wasn’t like mass panic had broken out in Irvine, but for many reasons the Rams needed to redeem themselves against the Broncos.
“It was an improvement, and that’s encouraging,” Donald said. “We still have a lot of room for even more improvement, but this was a step in the right direction.”
It was only a preseason game, and Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian will never be mistaken for Peyton Manning, but for a unit that searched for answers all week and challenged itself to find them, the Rams left Denver late Saturday encouraged they were back on the right track.
August 28, 2016 at 10:07 am #51775znModeratorRams and Broncos are not rushing rookie quarterbacks into action
Sam Farmer
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-broncos-farmer-20160827-snap-story.html
Broncos in February: Eat our dust.
Broncos now: Pardon our dust.
While it’s an exaggeration to say Denver’s NFL team has gone from Super Bowl to Superfund site, the Broncos unquestionably are a franchise under construction. They will be the first team in 15 years to switch starting quarterbacks in the immediate aftermath of winning a Lombardi Trophy.
The Rams know the feeling — not the Super Bowl afterglow but the under-construction part. Los Angeles and Denver, who met in an exhibition game Saturday night, have two of the NFL’s most uncertain quarterback situations. Both teams have first-round rookies at the position who are teeming with talent but so far are adjusting to the step up to the NFL.
In his road debut, against an elite defense, the Rams’ Jared Goff had some highs and lows after replacing Case Keenum early in the second quarter. Goff slid awkwardly on a third-down scramble and came up short of the first, was late on a couple of his passes when his receivers took shots, and survived a near-pick-six that was dropped by safety Darian Stewart. But Goff also looked more comfortable and fluid than he did in the first two games, and completed a 19-yard pass down the middle to fellow rookie Pharoh Cooper, who made a highlight-reel catch.
On the Rams’ first possession of the second half, Goff was hit hard from behind by outside linebacker Dekoda Watson, who badly beat tackle Darrell Williams around the edge. Later in the third quarter, Goff was driven into the ground after throwing. Sean Mannion replaced Goff late in the third quarter.
Incidentally, lots of people are working through some early-season hiccups. The public address announcer in the Denver press box opened by informing the media: “The Broncos have won the toss and have chosen to defer. St. Louis will receive…”
Mistakes happen, and old habits die hard.
Rams sign receiver Tavon Austin to four-year contract extension
Rams sign receiver Tavon Austin to four-year contract extension
For the Rams and Broncos, the pressing issue is young quarterbacks. For different reasons, each team has the luxury of time to develop its first-year passer. They are not approaching this like a two-minute drill.The Broncos bought themselves time because of their immediate past. They are basking in the warmth of a Super Bowl victory, and a season built around a smothering defense and quarterback play that was well beneath Peyton Manning’s standard. Coach Gary Kubiak has some breathing room to start second-year quarterback Trevor Siemian, as he did Saturday night, while rookie Paxton Lynch gets up to speed. Veteran Mark Sanchez, whose turnover problems have resurfaced, is looking less like a starting option.
Siemian played the entire first half for the Broncos, and followed an interception and a touchdown. Lynch started the second half and led a 41-yard scoring drive on Denver’s opening possession.
Like the Broncos, the Rams have also bought breathing room by leaning on their past — but in a different way. They have returned to Southern California after two decades in St. Louis, and that fresh start ensures that fans are going to come to the games and fill the Coliseum, at least during this honeymoon period. The reported attendance for the exhibition opener against Dallas was 89,140, a preseason record for a game played in the U.S. (Multiple games played in Mexico have drawn more than 100,000 people.)
Although there is pressure on Coach Jeff Fisher to win — he’s never done better than 7-9 in his four seasons with the Rams — there’s also an understanding that he’s got a Goff, one still adjusting to the NFL, and is in the NFC West, which with Seattle and Arizona is the league’s toughest division. Even though Fisher would feel the heat if the Rams were to do a face plant out of the gate, there’s a strong likelihood he will get a contract extension before the Sept. 12 opener.
Before the Cowboys game, I argued in this space that the Rams should make Goff the starter, give him the reps with the first-team offense, and basically follow through on their bold move to trade up and get him. The jury is still out on that. While Goff showed flashes of being the player the Rams think he’ll be, he also had rough outings in the first two exhibition games, with an interception and two fumbles that ended three of his first four possessions.
Fifth-year veteran Keenum, meanwhile, has looked more solid than spectacular, but certainly good enough to win some games. He completed eight of 12 passes for 77 yards against the Broncos, and was knocked halfway to the Broncos bench while running out of bounds by Denver cornerback Aqib Talib, who was flagged for unnecessary roughness.
History says the Rams won’t be rushed to get Goff out there. They took their time with defensive tackle Aaron Donald two years ago, waiting six games before starting him, and he wound up the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year. And last season, running back Todd Gurley, rehabilitating a reconstructed knee, won offensive rookie-of-the-year honors despite not starting until Week 4.
Yes, the past five quarterbacks taken No. 1 overall started from Day 1 — Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Cam Newton, Andrew Luck and Jameis Winston — but their teams, respectively, were coming off seasons of 0-16, 1-15, 2-14, 2-14, and 2-14. The Rams were 7-9 last season, and made the biggest jump up to the top of the draft in NFL history. They swept Seattle last season and won at Arizona, so this isn’t a team starting from scratch.
Fisher and Rams General Manager Les Snead have repeatedly said they refuse to rush Goff onto the field before he’s ready, and they’re not going to live by artificial deadlines to force him into the starting lineup. The unusual story of the Rams’ return, and all the hype surrounding it, to some degree has afforded them the ability to take their time.
In L.A., as in Denver, fans are much more willing to tolerate a marginally satisfactory situation if they know a promising solution is in the works. For instance, there would be a lot more complaints about the Coliseum — insufficient and outdated when the Raiders left 22 years ago — absent the anticipation of a glistening new Hollywood Park stadium in 2019.
The Rams and Broncos have identified their quarterbacks of the future. But these are in-progress construction sites. Not just helmets, but hardhats, too.
Rest assured, Denver is still awash in orange. Only now it’s all traffic cones and caution tape.
August 28, 2016 at 4:18 pm #51791znModeratorWhat we learned from Rams’ exhibition loss to the Denver Broncos
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-what-we-learned-rams-broncos-20160827-snap-story.html
What we learned from the Rams’ 17-9 loss to the Denver Broncos:
The Rams are keeping Tavon Austin under wraps
Hours after announcing a four-year contract extension for Tavon Austin, the wide receiver was all but invisible again. He was targeted once and did not have a reception.
That is keeping with the trend of the exhibition season.
Austin, the eighth pick in the 2013 draft, last season caught a career-best 52 passes and scored 10 touchdowns after receptions, on carries and on a punt return.
Offensive coordinator Rob Boras will probably deploy Austin from all points and get the ball into his hands when the games start to count.
So check back Sept. 12 when the Rams play the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”
Case Keenum is tough
Denver linebacker Von Miller sacked quarterback Case Keenum on the Rams’ first possession, and cornerback Aqib Talib drilled Keenum as he ran out of bounds in the second quarter.
Keenum bounced up from both hits and played a third consecutive exhibition game without an interception or fumble.
Still, it would probably behoove Keenum to slide next time he scrambles into a situation that invites a violent hit.
Third down remains an issue
We understand it’s the exhibition season and multiple quarterbacks are playing with various offensive line combinations, but the Rams converted only two of 15 third downs against the Broncos. They are eight for 33 in three preseason games.
Yes, running back Todd Gurley did not play in two of those – including Saturday night – but the absence of a true go-to receiver is obvious.
Robert Quinn admires Von Miller
After playing in his first game since undergoing back surgery, Rams defensive end Robert Quinn had Denver All-Pro linebacker Von Miller sign a Broncos jersey.
Quinn only played briefly, but the two-time Pro Bowl end made a tackle for a loss. His presence in the lineup and his performance on the field portends well for a defensive line that wants to be considered elite.
Miller had two tackles, including a sack.
Jared Goff can avoid turnovers
Rookie quarterback Jared Goff eliminated the early mistakes that plagued him in the first two exhibition games.
For the first time, he got through his first series without an interception or fumble.
He got lucky later in the first half when Broncos safety Darian Stewart jumped a route and dropped the ball before taking off for what would have been a pick six.
Goff completed only four of 12 passes for 45 yards but receivers once again dropped multiple passes.
Trumaine Johnson is a playmaker
We knew that based on the seven passes the cornerback intercepted last season and the Rams’ decision to put the franchise tag on him.
But we hadn’t seen much evidence in the first two preseason games. Against Kansas City, Johnson got beat for a long gain.
But Johnson, who is earning about $14 million this season, showed his skills against the Broncos when he left his feet to break up a pass by quarterback Trevor Siemian and batted it to safety Cody Davis for an interception.
Brian Quick responded to a challenge
During the week, Coach Jeff Fisher all but dared veteran receiver Brian Quick to continue dropping passes.
The fifth-year pro was targeted three times against the Broncos and caught the ball each time.
That might not seem like a huge achievement for a receiver who signed a one-year, $1.75-million “prove-it” contract, but it had to be a confidence boost for Quick.
Greg Zuerlein is kicking with confidence
After not attempting a field goal in the first two exhibitions, kicker Greg Zuerlein converted from 29, 38 and 48 yards against the Broncos.
Zuerlein is coming off a 20-for-30 performance in 2015, and questions about whether the Rams were wise to re-sign him.
So far, he has made all of his extra-point kicks and field-goal attempts
August 28, 2016 at 5:14 pm #51792
AgamemnonParticipantJeff Fisher: "I'm not going to put someone out there that has a drop history and rely on them during a game."
Hmmmmmmmm.
— Jack Wang (@thejackwang) August 28, 2016
AgamemnonAugust 28, 2016 at 6:55 pm #51795znModeratoroff the net from Guard
Hey there sports fans, just wanted to give some impressions of our 3rd pre-season game, playing away at the Denver Broncos.
It was an absolutely beautiful night in Denver. Weather couldn’t have been any better. Broncos fans were in World Championship form. They packed the stadium, and were loud and boisterous for the entire 4 qtrs. They’re also pretty good people. I think they actually gave my son-in-law more of a chiding for wearing his Tim Tebow jersey than us for wearing our Rams jerseys. We went all RB’s for the game. My daughter and I in Dickerson jerseys, and Mrs. Guard in a Faulk jersey.
To the game…
I think two different mindsets between Fisher and Kubiak. Fisher looking to keep his star players in limited or no duty whatsoever. Don’t think our starters played much past the 1st quarter, either on O or D. Kubiak kept his 1’s in for the entire 1st half, and he’s dealing with basically a rookie at QB in Siemian.
Denver’s D is still pretty stout against the run and one of the best in the NFL. I didn’t see too many holes for our RB’s to get through. Yards were hard to come by. I think we know what we have behind Gurley, with two good tailbacks in Cunningham and Brown. Aaron Green and Terrance Magee saw a lot of action. Magee had a long run at the tail end of the game. Don’t think he makes the team though. We have very little depth at WR past Pharoah Cooper. Though Quick seem to have a couple of catches, don’t know if it’s enough to keep him on the roster. Most consistent receiver last night…. Lance Kendricks. I know there were quite a few people high on M. Thomas and Duke Williams…. don’t see it. Not even sure either would make it to PS. Frankly, McRoberts, and A. Hill show more. As for the TE’s, Higbee didn’t see a lot of throws his way, I believe he caught one and had one zip passed him… a little too high, and too much mustard. TE Hemingway had some regression last night. Missed some balls he should and needed to catch.
After our 1’s left the game, the only real players that stood out were DE Longacre and CB T. Hill. Hill went out with and injury… hope he’s going to be ok. He looks like a keeper. Longacre is really, really strong and quick. I think he could be an impact starter at DE. DT Cam Thomas is huge, takes up a lot of space and is hard to move, but somewhat slow. Akeem Ayers is not very good… that’s being nice. One play he got caught on his back hills, and just got absolutely trucked. And now playing in his 3rd year in this defense, he just looks lost. Trouble is, none of the LB’s behind him showed much.
Fun watching Johnny Hekker come out at half time and warm up in front of where we were sitting. He put 3 punts back to back to back on the 2 yard line, and then he did a coffin corner directional punt, and put it on the 5.
Zuerlein seems to have his confidence back. His FG kicks seem to come easy, and pretty much down the middle with no jittery-ness to them. That’s a good sign.
Not too many takeaways from this game, just the same feeling that I think the Defense will be somewhere between good to great again, and the Offense will struggle to find TD’s and not FG’s. Just my impression. Maybe when we see all of the pieces together it will click… TA, Gurley and a healthy and consistent O-Line. The QB situation is what it is… it’s Keenum for now, because Goff isn’t there yet. It’s easy to see that when you watch the game live… imo.
How does Fisher juggle between keeping his star players healthy, and not providing other teams anything to capture on film to game plan against… and getting this team ready to play, and not another slow roll out of the gate? One more Pre-season game, and we’ll find out.
August 28, 2016 at 11:06 pm #51807znModeratoroff the net from frequent camp reporter VeteranRamFan
Saffold at RT getting beat my Miller, not what I expected. They later gave him TE help on passing downs.
D. Williams…..next topic.
GRob has improved tremendously. No penalties and he provided very good pass protection.
Higbee was targeted about 6 times, made one catch. If I remember four of the six were not thrown well, out of reach, behind, over his head but he came off the field upset with what I think is he felt he should have caught some of them. Good for him.
Quick had a long of 8 yards, total 3 catches for 15 yards. What i want to know was his routes supposed to be 5 yards down and out because he was running 3 yards down and out. Film review by the coaches will be necessary. I like the fact he stepped up and made those catches.
Hemingway and Duke, both had opportunities and didn’t capitalize on them.
Kendricks was good in the passing game. Looked fluid. I liked it.
Britt also was looking good. Nice to see.
Kush was serviceable at center. I do recall one or maybe two high snaps from the shotgun.
Penalties – O line, none? D line a couple but much better than last week.
Goff – What I liked was his command of the huddle, his calling out of the defense alignment. I don’t recall any audibles, wish he would have but that may have been by design. He did take snaps under center and threw from that formation. His hand offs were spot on. I think his pocket presence was very good. Many a time I’m getting nervous as the pocket collapsed around him but he got the ball out. The hits and sack he took were breakdowns in blocking IMO. He sure did miss on a couple of throws and still was very accurate on others only to be denied by our WR’s.
Like I reported from Tuesday’s camp, he looked much better than the KC game. Wish we could see him with the complete first team.
I’m sure there is more but I just can’t recall them at this time.
August 29, 2016 at 8:20 pm #51867znModeratoroff the net from frequent camp reporter alyoshamucci
So … this was our first road game, and for the youngsters, it REALLY showed. I was getting angry about the poor play until I realized it was their first trip on the rtoad as an NFL hopeful for many of them. I relaxed a bit when I figured that part out.
Also? We were playing our 2 vs. their 1s and 3s vs. 2s … so I don’t take the loss as an issue at all.
The Good …
1) GZ nailing it. I prefer not having to worry about him, and his effort was on point.
2) Ogletree made a few plays out there that showed me why he’s playing MLB. His acceleration makes him tough to block … gotta run right at him to get him blocked, which means you have to run at Donald and Brockers.
3) Longacre should be activated on game day.
4) Easley and Cam T are gonna be well suited backups.
5) Troy HIll should be starting opposite Tru. Period. I can’t ignore his play and I’m done with “maybe” level playing. Gaines can get healthy and fight back and Sensabaugh can move around.
6) Our RBs are inspiring.
7) Our O line is cohesive. I LOVE our Guards.
8) Glad Coop reeled that one in.
9) Kendricks looks faster? Anyone else seeing that?
10) Keenum is a great starter prep for Goff. He’s clean and precise, and he knows his limitations. Goff will be forced to learn to play as clean … that’s awesome.
11) I trust Britt more now than ever. He’s playing savvy.
12) Forrest keeps flashing for me.
13) McRoberts making a case for the 53.
The Bad
14) Joyner, c’mon man, wrap up.
15) Goff’s pick … MT was open on the same side but he didn’t come off his primary. That’s sleepy QBing.
16) Roberson has not distinguished himself at all.
17) Drops .. seriously. Quick, MT, and then Duke. I can forgive Duke, it was his first opportunity at an away game with TJ Ward closing on him and we ended up getting the first because of the hit he took … but that’s his one.
18) Kush, goodness. Later.
This Thursday should give us a lot to work with. Goff and the kids will show up for a game of “who wants to catch the freaking ball.” I wouldn’t have thought a position battle would come down to a final PS game for so many kids.
Thoughts and comments welcome .. Ill start my collegiate stuff in the coming weeks too.
August 29, 2016 at 8:24 pm #51869AgamemnonParticipantGood report by alyoshamucci.
AgamemnonAugust 30, 2016 at 8:24 pm #51930znModeratoroff the net from Ramborumble
I was away all weekend so I missed the game live. So on Sunday I read the papers, listened some some “experts” on tv, and saw some comments online. I was thinking after reading and hearing all this that Goff looked lost, confused, and totally not ready. Then, last night, I caught the replay of the game on NFL network. After watching with my own eyes, THE REALITY is that Goff actually looked the best he’s looked yet this entire pre season, and this was a road game. He stood tall in the pocket, threw multiple times downfield, and one thing is for sure – THIS GUY HAS A GUN FOR AN ARM. His one problem in the game is the same problem that has plagued all Ram QB’s last few years – DROPS. Ram WR’s just can’t hold on to the ball. And this was even with Goff sticking it right on the numbers. Mike Thomas, hands of stone. Ditto Duke Williams. Had those two caught the balls Goff lasered to them, Goff’s stat line and the ensuing comments from the “experts” would be a lot different after that game. Those experts clearly just read the stat line and didn’t bother watching the actual game.
More observations I came away with – While Mike Thomas had some bad drops, he was excellent on kick coverage special teams. Was always first guy down the field. Now I know he is stepping in for Marquez there, but maybe Thomas sticks on the roster because of this? The release of Coples maybe signals they will keep another wr instead?
Rams starting defense dominated. Did you see Ogletree tackle CJ Anderson for a loss and Anderson left bleeding? DID YOU SEE OGLETREE’S CLOSING SPEED ON THAT PARTICUALR PLAY? That is a play that JL55 never made, he was not the athlete Ogletree is and never was. The violence of that tackle was Ray Lewis like and dare I say Mike Singletary, who is Tree’s new mentor. It may take Ogletree half the season to really get comfortable at middle linebacker but in second half of season this guy will dominate and become a household name like Donald has.
The Denver announcers loved the Rams defense and said if Keenum can continue to play well this team can be an 11 win team even in the NFC west. That’s their quote. Rams need a good start to season because as it wears on their defense will get better and better and like I said I think Alec Ogletree is the key to the whole thing and the defense making the leap from good to elite.
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