Rams expecting a big boost from the return of defensive end Robert Quinn
RICH HAMMOND
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-732755-quinn-giants.html
LONDON – One major solution to the Rams’ defensive woes last week stood on the sideline in sweatpants, unable to do anything but hope for health.
Apparently it has arrived, at least enough for Rams defensive end Robert Quinn to return to the field Sunday against the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium. Quinn, by far the Rams’ most effective pass rusher, missed the previous two games because of a shoulder injury.
As the Rams prepare to face Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who can pick apart a defense when given time but sometimes is prone to mistakes when he faces pressure, Quinn’s return would be a major boost.
“It’s going to be a big difference,” defensive tackle Aaron Donald said after Thursday’s practice. “He’s a great pass-rusher who is going to help me. The protection can’t just be on one person, because you’ve got a guy like that coming off the edge. It’s going to be big-time having him back.”
Quinn said his availability for Sunday would be a game-time decision, but he was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, and Coach Jeff Fisher said he expects that Quinn will play against the Giants.
That’s good news for the Rams’ defense, which struggled to pressure Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford last week, when Stafford threw for 270 yards and four touchdowns.
Stafford excelled when he made quick reads and threw the ball before pressure could arrive. The presence of Quinn, who is known as one of the fastest rushers in the NFL around the end, likely would have disrupted Stafford and could give far less time to Manning.
“I don’t think he makes any quarterback comfortable in the pocket, period,” safety T.J. McDonald said of Quinn. “He makes a huge difference when he’s out there playing. He gets off the ball great. He’s a threat every single third down, to get to the quarterback. It makes life a lot easier.”
The difference is clear. Against Tampa Bay and Seattle, in the final two full games before Quinn hurt his shoulder, the Rams totaled 18 quarterback hits. In the past two weeks without Quinn, they had 10.
Quinn had a sack and a forced fumble against the Buccaneers and Seahawks, and his return also should free up Donald, arguably the NFL’s best interior lineman.
“I think I’ve got a lot of speed off the edge,” Quinn said, “so I think it pulls some double teams. With me not being there, I think the offense is focused more on Aaron, so he gets more double and triple teams. Hopefully if I’m out there, we can free up him and he can be real dominant, like we’re used to seeing him. If I’m out there, hopefully I can make some plays too.”
INJURY REPORT
Defensive end William Hayes, who played through an ankle injury last week, continues to practice. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle) and defensive tackle Michael Brockers (thigh) are on the trip but did not practice for a second consecutive day. Johnson’s status is considered week to week.
OLD FRIEND
The Rams’ offense needs to look out for Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who has recorded the Giants’ only two interceptions this season, but the Rams won’t need much film study.
Jenkins played the previous four seasons with the Rams, who were unable to sign him to a new contract. Instead, he signed a massive five-year, $62.5-million contract with the Giants.
“I’ve got great respect for some of the top corners in the league,” Fisher said, “but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone playing better than he is right now. He’s playing within the scheme. He’s challenging receivers. … They’re also, if need be, matching him up on the best guy, and he’s winning. He’s got a lot of pass breakups and he’s tackling well and he’s running well.”
Will there be some trash-talking among former teammates?
“I’m sure the receivers will have some words for him,” Rams tight end Lance Kendricks said, “as well as he will have words for us. That’s just the game. Janoris is a great guy. We respect him and everything. We don’t expect nothing less than some trash talk.”
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Agamemnon
