Fisher, 8/11 – transcript & vid

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – July 29, 2014

(On newly acquired TE Brad Smelley)
“We worked Brad out last fall, had a good work out. He was with the Texans after we worked him out, and with Mason (Brodine) going down we gave him a call. He came and worked out with us yesterday and he did a nice job. He’ll fill in, he’s a smart young man, talented, can play a couple different positions, so it’ll give him an opportunity to help us at the position. ”

(On if the team running drills during practice had meaning)
“Yeah, as a matter of fact, we had 14 penalties. Actually, the two are related. What happens is typically the first preseason games whoever’s the guilty party will have to run, his positional teammates will also join him. So you saw the offensive line running quite a bit down at the other end.”

(On if the same thing happened last preseason)
“We did. That’s something we do every year.”

(On if today was a sluggish practice)
“Yeah, it was not one of our best. We’re going to talk about it later, we were a little sloppy. That happens sometimes after a day off. But you can’t put two of those in a row together, so we’re not going to do that.”

(On if WR Kenny Britt has developed as a leader)
“Yeah, Kenny’s always had that type of personality he loves the game. He’s not afraid to voice his opinion and he’s pulling the young guys along with him. He practices one speed and that’s full.”

(On if OT’s Jake Long and Rodger Saffold will practice this week)
“They’ll have a chance. Right now we haven’t decided yet, but they’ll have a chance.”

(On the importance of LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar’s role on the defense)
“It works out good for us, particularly because he understands the responsibility of the position. You know with James (Laurinaitis) being out he’s just moved right over to the Mike and can get everybody lined up. He’s a valuable asset because he understands it. He’s got a really good feel for our defense, does a great job communicating what he’s trying to communicate. The flexibility of the middle linebacker and outside linebacker, the nickel and dime he understands the backfield and can pretty much stay on the field because of that.”

(On the Ferguson Mo. shooting)
“It’s very very tragic because of the loss of life, very very tragic. We don’t have any details or anything, but I just feel very very bad for the family and the loss. We hope that they can get things sorted out and get things settled down.”