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August 7, 2015 at 12:06 am #28234
znModeratorFeisty Rams mix it up at Thursday night practice
Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams are not yet a full week into training camp but the time to hit someone else has already arrived. Or so it would seem from the events of the team’s practice Thursday night.
It’s common to see a scuffle or two break out in a regular training camp practice but the Rams had two or three that seemed to go on for a bit. At one point, tackle Greg Robinson got tied up with end Robert Quinn leading to a skirmish, though I couldn’t tell who Robinson was going after because of the scrum around them.
But the biggest involved a couple of usual culprits in linebacker Alec Ogletree and tight end Jared Cook. Ogletree delivered a hit to a running back and he and Cook started jawing. It eventually devolved into more trash talking before Ogletree and Cook went after each other. For the most part, they were held back by teammates but Cook put up quite a fight before he was finally restrained.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher doesn’t mind the physical approach but also has his limit on what’s OK and what’s not.
“You just want to make sure someone doesn’t get caught off guard,” Fisher said. “There were little things going on that they got worked out. They’re ready to go practice with somebody else, go play somebody else.”
The good news is the Rams don’t have much longer to wait. They’re a little more than a week from the preseason opener in Oakland and then get a couple of days with the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard, California.
The Rams had a trio of new additions to the injury list on Thursday, most notably running back Tre Mason. Mason did not practice because of hamstring tightness, according to Fisher. Defensive tackle Doug Worthington and linebacker Korey Toomer (ankle) also did not practice. That trio joined cornerbacks E.J. Gaines (foot) and Brandon McGee (knee) and guard Cody Wichmann (calf) as non-participants. On the positive injury front, safety Mark Barron participated in some team drills for the first time after coming back on a limited basis in Tuesday’s practice.
Barrett Jones took his turn at center with the first-team offense as the rotation there continues.
With no Mason and no Todd Gurley, Benny Cunningham took most of the reps with the first team at running back. Chase Reynolds also got some reps and scored a touchdown after a nice angle route out of the backfield in red zone work.
Speaking of the run game, Cook offered an excellent wham block to spring Cunningham for a touchdown on one run play.
On the next play, rookie guard Jamon Brown missed Ogletree on a screen to Cunningham as Ogletree blew the play up. Brown has been getting rave reviews for his work so far and has mostly held up well, especially since the pads came on. But he got an earful from line coach Paul Boudreau after the play.
It was a long day at the office for running back Isaiah Pead. Not only did he get mostly left behind on reps with the first-team offense, he also took a couple of pretty big hits in practice, one from Lamarcus Joyner and another from Daren Bates (or it looked like Bates from a long view). Pead is coming back from a season-ending injury and can’t even make it through practice without having it tested.
St. Louis Cardinals baseball players Jon Jay, Matt Adams and Jordan Walden took in the practice. So, too, did Scott Casterline, who represents defensive tackle Michael Brockers. Legendary offensive line coach Jim Hanifan was also in the house.
The Rams are back at it Friday night when they have their annual scrimmage at nearby Lindenwood University. It’s set for 6 p.m. ET.[
August 7, 2015 at 1:04 am #28236znModeratorPractice Report 8/6: High Defensive Expectations
Austin Lankford
The Rams completed their sixth training camp practice on Thursday and with the high expectations for this year’s defense, veteran linebacker James Laurinaitis likes the unit’s direction thus far.
“I’ve seen some really good things and I think today we saw a lot of guys trying to compete,” Laurinaitis said. “I think it’s a great thing for us and I think higher expectations forces higher accountability. Last year we had huge expectations and we came out of the gate slow like we have the last few years.”
The veteran linebacker added the defense talks about the slow starts every day and what can be done to improve in that regard this year.
“We know that all 11 players have to be on the same page to play great team defense,” Laurinaitis said. “To be where we want and where we expect — and that’s a top five defense — we have to go out there and really start putting what’s on paper onto the field. To be honest, that’s the big difference in a defense like Seattle who is up there over and over. They do it week in and week out. They’re consistent and we have to figure out how to be consistent.”
Consistency has been a big theme for the defense this offseason and many players have noted Gregg Williams’ return for a second season to be a key component.
“It’s really nice to have the same coordinator,” Laurinaitis said. “It allows you to play fast and the nice thing is we are correcting are little things. We aren’t installing a new defense that guys have never heard before. We’re installing the same stuff from OTAs and stuff we ran last year. It’s the first time in a while where we are able to do that.”
Laurinaitis is also impressed with the talent and depth St. Louis has assembled on defense, specifically noting the number of reliable safeties and corners on the team. He said Williams does a tremendous job of installing multiple packages to fully utilize the unit’s talent.
Head coach Jeff Fisher is also pleased with the overall progress of the team through six practices and is noticing specific improvements from last year.
“We haven’t played anybody else yet and I am not going to put a lot of stake in the first preseason game, but I am pleased with where we are,” Fisher said. “What’s interesting is our on the field practice full-speed penalties are way down compared to where we were last year. … And the discipline of things down the field like the contact, the holding, and the hands to the face — all those are things that we emphasize and that’s encouraging to me and that will carry over.”
The Rams’ next practice is set to take place at Lindenwood University, which Fisher said will be similar to what the team has done at the Edward Jones Dome in years past. Fisher said the practice traditionally ends in a 10 to 12 play rookie scrimmage.
“We will be in full pads,” Laurinaitis said. “And aside from the special teams practices, it’s where a lot of young guys can make a name. It’s a big opportunity for these kids and it’s their first chance to show who can tackle well, who’s not afraid to get hit, and who can take a hit.”
“I think the guys are excited about the change of venue and a little more intimate place,” Fisher said. “We went by there yesterday and took a tour and it’s a great stadium and it’s in great shape. Even though we are starting at five, the lights will be on. And when you put the lights on Friday night, it’s always a little different.”
ROOKIE OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Fisher also said on Tuesday that he’s pleased with the progression of rookies Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown.
“You can look at right tackle and the right guard right now and they look like they’ve been here for a while,” Fisher said. “It’s good to have that feeling inside that you have confidence in both Rob and Jamon that they can line up and play and it shows with the pads on that they’re doing it.”
For more on the rookie OLs, keep a look out for a feature on Havenstein and Brown and how they have the potential to grow together for years to come.
August 7, 2015 at 3:08 am #28245znModeratorRams notes: In top shape, Ogletree poised for big season
By Joe Lyons
Following a stellar rookie season in 2013, Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree reported to training camp a year ago in less than peak physical condition.
“I wasn’t totally out of shape,’’ he said after chuckling a bit. “But I was definitely heavier than I am now. I guess I learned from that first year how important it is to take care of your body to prepare for each season. I stayed here and did a lot of training.
“I wanted to drop a little weight and get in better shape, so that I can fly around and make plays. I’m ready to go.’’
A late first-round draft pick, Ogletree has led the Rams in tackles in each of his first two NFL seasons, finishing with 155 total tackles in 2013 and 169 a year ago. A starter in all 32 games over those two seasons, the 6-foot-2, 245-pounder from the University of Georgia also has three interceptions, one of which he returned for a 98-yard touchdown, 18 pass defenses, 11 forced fumbles and 1 ½ sacks.
But Ogletree admits there’s something missing.
“More wins,’’ he said. “It’s about the team and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. I always like to set personal goals, but most of those are tied to team success. We’re excited about this team and this season. We know that if we can start winning more, everything else will take care of itself.’’
Entering his third NFL season, the 23-year-old Ogletree would appear to be poised for the proverbial breakout season. But his focus, as always, is on steady improvement.
“Things are definitely slowing down for me out there,’’ he said. “I’m comfortable in the defense and have a pretty good idea what the coaches want and expect of me. I want to work hard every day and hopefully carry that into the games on Sunday.
“With this defense, it’s definitely going to be a fun year. We feel like we have a chance to be one of the best in the league. At least that’s what we’re working toward.’’
KICKERS LOVE SOCCER
Over the summer, punter Johnny Hekker and kicker Greg Zuerlein visited with St. Louis FC goalkeeper Mark Pais. The Rams’ duo also took in a game and spent some time with the STLFC super fans, the Saint Louligans.
“I had a great time,’’ Hekker said following a recent workout at Rams Park. Park. “That’s an amazing team. St. Louis soccer is very prevalent, has a big following here. Having a soccer team here is great for the community. They’re just working hard and trying to grind out some wins this season, which is fun to see for an expansion team.’’
Pais, a former Ladue High standout who also played at St. Louis University, took on the Rams in a punting contest and a penalty-kick shootout that was part of a YouTube video.
Hekker said he played soccer in a church league with his brothers and with his dad as coach until the fifth grade.
Soccer “definitely made my transition into kicking seamless,’’ he said. “The mechanics are different, but it definitely helped.’’
And Hekker’s impression of the Saint Louligans?
“They’re fanatics, which is awesome to see in the soccer world,’’ he said. “They’re a special breed of people, so they’re fun to hang out with, for sure.’’
STLFC hosts Montreal FC Saturday at the Soccer Park in Fenton. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
RAM-BLINGS
Things got a little feisty toward the end of the team’s second full day in pads. Tight end Jared Cook took exception following a hard hit by Ogletree after running back Chase Reynolds made a catch on a crossing route. It was one of three minor scuffles.
“We’re not entirely live – we’re not going to the ground – but up front, it’s much easier to evaluate your offensive and defensive linemen with the pads on,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “So yeah, we’re getting some results. I’m pleased with it.’’Asked about the feisty play, the coach said: “You just don’t want someone getting caught off guard. They need to be able to protect each other. There were little things that they got worked out.’’
Thursday evening’s practice drew a crowd of 955.
Second-year running back Tre Mason, the team’s leading rusher in 2014, left practice early Thursday due to hamstring tightness.
Not practicing were defensive tackle Doug Worthington and linebacker Korey Toomer, who’s wearing a boot with a high ankle sprain.
Cornerback E.J. Gaines is seeing foot/ankle specialist Dr. James Anderson in North Carolina. The team is concerned Gaines may have plantar fascia issues.
Safety Mark Barron (knee) continues to work his way back. On Thursday, he took some reps during 11-on-11.
• Another player on the mend, No. 10 overall draft pick Todd Gurley, spent time working on pass patterns after practice with fellow rookies Sean Mannion, Daniel Rodriguez, Tyler Slavin and Bradley Marquez. The group was working with first-year offensive assistant Jeff Garcia.
• The Rams will hold a scrimmage Friday beginning at 5 p.m. at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. The workout is free and open to the public.
• Three Cardinals on the disabled list – first baseman Matt Adams, center fielder Jon Jay and reliever Jordan Walden – took in Thursday’s workout at Rams Park.
• Also visiting were legendary NFL offensive line coach Jim Hanifan, Michael Brockers’ agent, Scott Casterline, and NFL Hall of Fame defensive tackle Randy White. A nine-time All-Pro and the co-MVP of the 1978 Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys, White worked with Brockers during the offseason.
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