My view of the team so far

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  • #54540
    Winnbrad
    Participant

    Two Sunday’s ago I had a stroke. I’m not dead (obviously), but lets just say I’ve had some free time. I’ll be fine. Prognosis is good. I’m doing my rehab. Yada yada…

    Anyway, the downtime has given me a chance to watch, and rewatch, three of the Rams games. I’m embarrassed to say how many times…

    I have a few observations I’d like to share. Plus I’m bored. And I kinda want to vent my strokey frustrations from being cooped up inside for so long. Please keep in mind these are merely my opinions on a few things. **They mean diddly squat**.

    Let’s start with the QB the media loves to hate, Case Keenum. Case is not good. He just isn’t. But that’s comparing him to the sleek and shiny quarterbacks we see today. He misses a lot of easy throws, then he stands in the pocket, guns the ball downfield, and gets the crap knocked out of him. I don’t know what he is. He’s like a Safety from the 1960’s playing QB. He’s tough, smart, and the players on O seem to constantly support him between plays. He really is a leader on the field. I think his maturity is his strength. All I know for sure is that he can beat Seattle.

    #73. Greg Robinson. I used his jersey number because I assume you’re all familiar with hearing it often during the game. I believe he is the 2nd most penalized lineman in the league right now. As he was last year as well. I know almost nothing about O-line play, but Robinson looks like a good pass and run blocker to me. Unfortunately, he has this weird knack for some really stupid penalties. I don’t know why, but they keep happening. One of these days, his 4th quarter knuckleheadedness is gonna lose a game.

    Gurley. There’s nothing wrong with Gurley. When I go back and watch the coaches tape of the game (thanks Apple TV!) I get two views of every play. One from the side, and one from behind the offense. There is nowhere for Gurley to run. I’ve never coached, and I didn’t play football past junior high, so take everything I say with a barrel of salt. I don’t know. Maybe Barry Sanders could find a few more yards on those plays, but no one else would. Every defense so far has keyed on Gurley on first and second down. They are desperate to prevent Gurley from breaking a big run. Somehow the Rams need to change that.

    Kendricks. He’s the toughest receiver on the team. Yeah, I know he’s a TE, but he catches balls in
    traffic, gets hit a lot, and always seems to go forward to get a few more yards. Plus he wraps the ball up with both hands when he gets contact. He looks better than he ever has.

    Britt. Well, he’s moving the chains. He’s still below average in my opinion, but he’s making catches in traffic, he’s taking the hits, and he’s only fumbled once. Britt wouldn’t be a starter on a LOT of teams in the NFL right now, but he’s gutsy and tough. He seems to be a leader on the team, too. He talks to a lot of the guys on the bench and between plays on the field. I think most of the players really like him and look up to him. That’s just the vibe I get from watching the inbetween stuff.

    Austin. Bad hands. He drops too many easy ones in every game. It seems the play calls are designed to get him more opportunities than last year, which I love, but between Keenum’s misfires and Austin’s bad hands, the plays miss as often as they hit. They gotta correct that. Austin can move the chains if he gets some space. Gotta give him props for punt returns, though. He’s scary.

    Quick. I’m not convinced. 2 good games after 4 years of almost nothing doesn’t impress me. If he does it for a whole season, then yeah, I’m in. He’s got speed, he’s got size, but he’s gotta make the catches and keep making plays.

    Cunningham. He’s hurt right now, but where the hell has he been? If they work Gurley into the passing game more often then I can live without Benny, but this team can’t afford to lose any decent O player. Benny can move chains. We need him.

    Harkey. Ummm… he blocks? I wasn’t sure he was still on the team, but yep, there he is.

    Donald. Insane.

    Quinn. Looks like the old Quinn to me. He gets held on almost every play. Usually an arm bar/jersey grab/collar grab/twisty thingy. Somehow he gets past all of that and still applies pressure. When you have time, take a couple of pass plays in a row and just watch Quinn. It’s amazing the number of gyrations he has to go through to get free of a blocker.

    The rest of the D line. They’re all good. Sims, Hayes, Longacre, etc. They rotate in and out of the game, a lot, and seem to always apply pressure on every run and pass play. Every once in a while they blow by the runner and leave a hole big enough to float a raft through, but usually the D line gets the job done.

    Barron. He’s everywhere. He seems to have a knack for being around the ball and whoever has it. He’s like a poor man’s Polamalu. He’s a ball hawk. A play sniffer. One of those guys that’s involved in everything. He stops a lot of big plays from happening.

    Ogletree. A larger version of Barron. Same thing. Always in the middle of something. Both guys, Barron and Ogletree, are tackling machines. I’m pretty sure this defense doesn’t work without them. They play the run and the pass really well.

    None of the other LBs stand out. Nothing special that I’ve seen yet.

    Tru. Best corner on the team, by far. Seems to hate getting beaten. Even for a dinky slant or out route. I like that.

    Gaines. He’s looking okay since coming back. A little slow to react, maybe? I don’t know. I know it helps having him back.

    McDonald. Snot knocker. I miss Mcleod for that reason. But ol’ McDonald can hit with the best of’em. Great tackler from what I’ve seen.

    Joyner. Probably the most fired up guy on the field. He is intense. He’s also really “handsy” with receivers. Constantly grabbing, holding, slapping. He gets called for it every now and then. But he can cover. His dedication to being good is not in doubt. This guy is giving 100% on every play.

    Hill. Scares the crap out of me. He’s kinda like Davis. He seems to be ok, then suddenly he’s one step behind the action. I don’t know why, but I don’t like him. I don’t trust him yet, that’s why.

    Davis. Worst defender in the secondary in my opinion. He tackles well, he plays hard, he seems to have a nose for the ball, but he’s always a step late. Just that one split-second behind everything that’s happening. I don’t like him. Now I know why he’s always a half-mile off the line of scrimmage. He truly is the last hope of stopping a big play from back there. To be fair, I did see him break up a pass in the redzone in the Cards game. He seems like the kind of guy that gives everything he’s got, then still gets beaten for a big play at a crucial moment. I know, he’s great on special teams. Sigh…

    Alexander and Sensabaugh. I haven’t seen them do anything that stands out. To me, their placeholders.

    Hekker. Excellent. I’m still waiting for a TD pass this year.

    Zuerlien. Hasn’t missed yet. And I just cursed him. Prepare for a 35 yarder to be clanked off the upright against Buffalo.

    Coaching. I love Williams’ D. But if my team played against it, I’d hate him. QBs really take a beating against us. Winston, Wilson, and Palmer looked like they’d gone 15 rounds by the 4th quarter. Palmer didn’t even finish. I actually felt a little bad for Wilson at the end of the game. He’s beaten up, and he’s been hit so often, but he just keeps giving it everything he’s got. I gotta admire him. QBs seem to struggle with the speed of the Rams rush. Well, except future Hall of Famer, Blain Gabbert. But nobody stops Gabbert. I mean, come on!?!?

    This D forces turnovers. The constant heavy htting knocks balls loose, forces dropped passes, and punishes people for 3 hours. I’m not sure how long the Rams D can keep this pace, but it’s fun to watch. I wish they’d force more 3 and outs, though. The D has a habit of teams marching downfield, and then tightening up in Rams territory. So far, it’s working, but I don’t know how long that will continue. Kinda worries me.

    The offense is bad. Been bad for years. They’re still at the bottom of the league in every meaningful offensive category. The one good thing I can say is they don’t turn the ball over a lot. And I probably just cursed them, too. Somehow, they have to establish a running game. For a whole lot of reasons…

    Anyway, those are my observations. I’ve enjoyed having the free time to watch and rewatch all of the games. I have NOT watched the SF game. I should, but it’s too painful. I’m gonna call that game an anomaly, and move on. Plus I’m afraid I’ll have another stroke. My wife doesn’t want me yelling at the TV.

    • This topic was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Winnbrad.
    #54543
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Two Sunday’s ago I had a stroke. I’m not dead (obviously), but lets just say I’ve had some free time. I’ll be fine. Prognosis is good. I’m doing my rehab. Yada yada…

    I am sorry to hear that happened but very glad you’re doing well. Keep us updated.

    And great post. Good read. Lots of interesting observations.

    .

    #54544
    Avatar photoEternal Ramnation
    Participant

    Glad you’re okay Winnbrad, some good observation there. I don’t see all of it the same but for the most part I agree. I haven’t had the time you have either so there is that as well. Hill is in there because Sensabaugh was so bad he got benched. Alexander has made some plays hes got a sack and Davis saved a TD with a pass defended swatting it away in the endzone plus he’s a special teams ace

    #54546
    Avatar photowv
    Participant

    First off, did Fisher cause the stroke? Or just the Rams offense in general? 🙂

    …I’ll actually read your post later. Gotta go to work. Just wanted to say, you have always been one of our best posters. One of my personal faves.

    Take some aspirin. And..um….drink plenty of fluids. And eat plenty of
    carrots and peas. And try not to have any more strokes. Ok?

    w
    v

    “In order to rise
    From its own ashes
    A phoenix
    First
    Must
    Burn.”
    – Octavia Butler

    #54548
    Avatar photoZooey
    Moderator

    I’m glad you’re okay.

    And this:

    I’m not sure how long the Rams D can keep this pace, but it’s fun to watch. I wish they’d force more 3 and outs, though. The D has a habit of teams marching downfield, and then tightening up in Rams territory. So far, it’s working, but I don’t know how long that will continue. Kinda worries me.

    Yes.

    #54552
    bnw
    Blocked

    That is an awesome post Winnbrad. Very sorry to learn of your stroke but glad you’re recovering. So you still remember the $100 you owe me, right? 🙂

    The upside to being a Rams fan is heartbreak.

    Sprinkles are for winners.

    #54560
    Winnbrad
    Participant

    That is an awesome post Winnbrad. Very sorry to learn of your stroke but glad you’re recovering. So you still remember the $100 you owe me, right?

    LOL! Um… yeah. You take a check? 🙂

    • This reply was modified 8 years, 2 months ago by Winnbrad.
    #54562
    bnw
    Blocked

    That is an awesome post Winnbrad. Very sorry to learn of your stroke but glad you’re recovering. So you still remember the $100 you owe me, right?

    LOL! Um… yeah. You take a check?

    In lieu of the check how about your prediction for best Rams player on offense and defense against the Bills?

    The upside to being a Rams fan is heartbreak.

    Sprinkles are for winners.

    #54571
    Winnbrad
    Participant

    In lieu of the check how about your prediction for best Rams player on offense and defense against the Bills?

    I’ll take Gurley on the O. He’s long overdue for a big play, and I’m thinking it’s a pass play. A wheel route or something, like Faulk used to run.

    I’ll take Barron on the D. Offenses don’t seem to know what to do with him. I’m guessing a pick six or a strip six.

    Let’s hope all of that happens!

    #54578
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    He’s like a Safety from the 1960’s playing QB. He’s tough, smart, and the players on O seem to constantly support him between plays. He really is a leader on the field. I think his maturity is his strength. All I know for sure is that he can beat Seattle.

    love that description.

    glad you’re doing better. stay around a little longer.

    #54607
    Avatar photojoemad
    Participant

    Get well soon and stay active.

    I think Brit and Quick are just beginning to click.

    Take care of yourself….

    #54624
    Winnbrad
    Participant

    Thanks guys. I’m getting better every day.

    #54627
    PA Ram
    Participant

    I’m glad you’re doing well. That has to be a terrifying thing.

    I just wanted to comment on the Gurley thing. I don’t believe the blocking or scheme is working right now–but what did they change from last year? I just don’t understand what the big difference is. Just not getting it done up front?

    Having said that–I really do think that Gurley shares at least SOME of the blame. He used to get through some of these holes but now he seems to lose his balance easier as he’s tripping through the line. I think there may be some pressing on his part–some impatience with the line. He may need that second for the hole to open and he’s already buried into the pile.

    I’m sure they’re working with him.

    I know this isn’t exactly a fair comparison but Tavon has 6 rushes for 24 yards(4.0 yards a carry) and Cunningham has 4 carries for 32 yards(8 yards a carry–although his long is 22 to be fair).

    Gurley has a 2.6 yards per carry average.

    Even if he can’t break the big one–it’s still surprising he doesn’t have a better average–at least something near 4 yards would be nice.

    So yes–I am questioning Gurley himself–at least a little bit. I think this combination of things needs to be solved. It all has to work together and right now it isn’t. Try something different with him. I know they’re doing a lot of running into the middle this year. That clearly ain’t working,.

    "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. " Philip K. Dick

    #54629
    NERam
    Participant

    Glad your doing better, WB. I was cooped up myself this past summer recovering from a motorcycle accident, and yes, you do tend to watch unbelievable amounts of whatever is on TV. There wasnt much football going on, so I resorted to watching the Olympics. Nothing like a good cup of coffee and some synchronized swimming at 5:00 AM…

    “He’s like a Safety from the 1960’s playing QB.”

    For some reason, that made me think of Joe Kapp, Vikings QB back in the late 60’s.

    #54630
    Winnbrad
    Participant

    I’m glad you’re doing well. That has to be a terrifying thing.

    I just wanted to comment on the Gurley thing. I don’t believe the blocking or scheme is working right now–but what did they change from last year? I just don’t understand what the big difference is. Just not getting it done up front?

    Having said that–I really do think that Gurley shares at least SOME of the blame. He used to get through some of these holes but now he seems to lose his balance easier as he’s tripping through the line. I think there may be some pressing on his part–some impatience with the line. He may need that second for the hole to open and he’s already buried into the pile.

    I’m sure they’re working with him.

    I know this isn’t exactly a fair comparison but Tavon has 6 rushes for 24 yards(4.0 yards a carry) and Cunningham has 4 carries for 32 yards(8 yards a carry–although his long is 22 to be fair).

    Gurley has a 2.6 yards per carry average.

    Even if he can’t break the big one–it’s still surprising he doesn’t have a better average–at least something near 4 yards would be nice.

    So yes–I am questioning Gurley himself–at least a little bit. I think this combination of things needs to be solved. It all has to work together and right now it isn’t. Try something different with him. I know they’re doing a lot of running into the middle this year. That clearly ain’t working,.

    Thanks PA. Yeah, I’m doing better.

    RE: Gurley. To my very untrained eye, it looks like defenses are geared up to stop Gurley from hitting a big play. Everybody crashes down on him as soon as he gets near a football.

    Last year Gurley would chug along getting 2-3 yards per carry for a long stretch of the game. Then he’d break a big one. His YPC would skyrocket after that. Sometimes he’d break 2 big runs in one game.

    But there was a stretch of games last year where Gurley didn’t have a big run. Teams were focusing solely on stopping him, and forcing the rest of the Rams offense to make a play. It’s a good strategy. The Rams still won a few of those games, but Gurley wasn’t breaking off highlight reel runs.

    I think every team has adopted that strategy this year. They will not let Gurley beat them, no matter what.

    So the Rams have to answer that. I think we’re seeing that with Britt and Quick having more room to operate downfield.

    #54669
    sanbagger
    Participant

    That was a detailed and good read. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your thoughts.

    Good to hear your thoughts on GRob and watching the film confirmed, to you, that he’s making good progress. I have to admit, I’m keeping an eye on that situation because I expect to see some growth this year from him.

    I agree with regards to the O-line and room for Gurley. The blocking has been bad and it seems, to me, most of the pressure is straight up the middle.

    #54682
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    That was a detailed and good read. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your thoughts.

    Good to hear your thoughts on GRob and watching the film confirmed, to you, that he’s making good progress. I have to admit, I’m keeping an eye on that situation because I expect to see some growth this year from him.

    I agree with regards to the O-line and room for Gurley. The blocking has been bad and it seems, to me, most of the pressure is straight up the middle.

    Welcome aboard SB. The “pending moderation” thing is a spam filter and you only get it once. Once I cleared you, you;re in. If you can, join us in the chat room during games.

    .

    #54692
    Winnbrad
    Participant

    That was a detailed and good read. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your thoughts.

    Good to hear your thoughts on GRob and watching the film confirmed, to you, that he’s making good progress. I have to admit, I’m keeping an eye on that situation because I expect to see some growth this year from him.

    I agree with regards to the O-line and room for Gurley. The blocking has been bad and it seems, to me, most of the pressure is straight up the middle.

    Hey SB, welcome! And thanks!

    #54693
    Avatar photonittany ram
    Moderator

    Keep on keepin’ on, Winnbrad. I hope you continue to get better.

    That’s a pretty good analysis of the state of the Rams too.

    #54703
    sanbagger
    Participant

    That was a detailed and good read. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your thoughts.

    Good to hear your thoughts on GRob and watching the film confirmed, to you, that he’s making good progress. I have to admit, I’m keeping an eye on that situation because I expect to see some growth this year from him.

    I agree with regards to the O-line and room for Gurley. The blocking has been bad and it seems, to me, most of the pressure is straight up the middle.

    Welcome aboard SB. The “pending moderation” thing is a spam filter and you only get it once. Once I cleared you, you;re in. If you can, join us in the chat room during games.

    .

    Thanks Zn for letting me know about this board. Been lurking for a while, so felt like the time was right to jump in. Looking forward to participating with you guys.

    Might be tough this weekend I think I’ll be doing battle with Mathew and getting ready to catch a plane out West Monday…If I’m not on during the game I’ll be sure to pop in some time and share my thoughts.

    #54708
    Avatar photosnowman
    Participant

    Winnbrad, I am glad that you are OK. Take care of yourself, health problems can happen to anyone.

    #54737
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Might be tough this weekend I think I’ll be doing battle with Mathew and getting ready to catch a plane out West Monday…If I’m not on during the game I’ll be sure to pop in some time and share my thoughts.

    Anytime. Good luck with all your activities there, including the storm.

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