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August 1, 2016 at 9:05 am #49874
znModeratorPressure’s on Goff as Rams open camp
Jim Thomas
IRVINE, Calif. • It was just practice, as former NBA star Allen Iverson once infamously exclaimed.
But the butterflies were there nonetheless for Rams quarterback Jared Goff, just like they were at rookie minicamp and at the start of offseason practices in June.
Only this time it’s different.
“We’re starting the actual football season now,” Goff said. “We gotta play pretty soon. It’s exciting. I think everyone’s excited for it.”
The Rams are less than two weeks away from their exhibition opener, against Dallas, and are six weeks away from their regular-season opener, against San Francisco. In this age of shorter practices, no two-a-days and limited work in full pads, that’s not a lot of time.
Especially if you’re the No. 1 draft pick, someone the Rams gave up six draft picks to land from the Tennessee Titans.
There’s a lot of pressure on Goff. High expectations. If the Rams really are to make a splash in Los Angeles, end their decade-plus drought of winning records and playoff berths, Goff must prove worthy of all those picks.
As he enters the final year of his five-year contract with the Rams, coach Jeff Fisher said Saturday, “I plan on coaching here a long time.”
Whether that’s actually the case — for him and general manager Les Snead, who’s also entering a lame-duck season — could come down to how well Goff performs as a rookie.
Although Fisher has said repeatedly he won’t rush Goff into action, it’s difficult to imagine Goff not being under center Monday night, Sept. 12, against division rival San Francisco.
First things first.
As the Rams embark on their first training camp back in the LA area, Fisher just wants steady progress from Goff.
“He gets the huddle, he gets his teammates, he gets that stuff,” Fisher said. “He understands what’s ahead. It’s just the reps and getting the experience and completing balls and making decisions.
“And making mistakes. You can’t expect anybody to go through a mistake-free camp, and he’s not going to, either. Particularly because as you know, you learn from ’em. You need to experience those things. So there’s going to be mistakes, and they’re OK right now.”
Goff, out of the University of California, made some mistakes Saturday in his first NFL training camp practice. Working with the second-team offense, there were some center-exchange problems with Eric Kush.
“I’m not going to put it on Kush,” Fisher said. “But a couple of those snaps — it’s hard to catch a ball at your ankles, and get up and throw it when you have rushers in your face.”
A couple of plays after one of those exchange problems, Goff threw an interception on an intermediate pass over the middle. Surprisingly, the large “opening day” crowd at California-Irvine responded with boos.
Some fans expressed frustration over the repeated check-downs Goff threw, unaware that’s what the offensive installation called for Saturday.
“We just put some simple concepts in,” Fisher said. “The ball wasn’t designed to go down the field — it was underneath, short passing game, those kind of things. But I thought he was good. He’s much more comfortable now than he was when we left” offseason practices.
Goff concurred.
“I definitely feel 10 times more comfortable — much more comfortable with everything we do as far as daily stuff,’’ he said. “Just very comfortable on the field.”
During the nearly six-week break between the spring practices known as organized team activities (OTAs), Goff didn’t just work on his tan or golf game.
He gathered some receivers and worked with his Rams teammates, staying in Southern California.
“It’s my job now,” Goff said with a shrug. “I think myself and the rest of the 90 guys out here were doing a lot of work. So obviously, I was putting in a lot of work in the offseason and trying to get as ready as I could” for camp.
Not every NFL quarterback, rookie or veteran, takes the time during the break to work with teammates. Sam Bradford routinely gathered teammates for a few days in Norman, Okla. Nick Foles indicated to reporters last summer that he didn’t do so. Both now are former Rams QBs.
This group, and this quarterback, did get together.
“They made the commitment to each other to do it on their own, which was great,” Fisher said. “They picked dates and times, and locations, and they worked together and they threw.
“That’s how the league is right now. Good players, good football teams, commit themselves year-round to getting better.”
Veteran Case Keenum, who currently holds the No. 1 spot on the quarterback depth chart, took part in those informal workouts as well, and has quickly developed a bond with Goff.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming in, and it’s been far and away more than I could’ve ever expected from somebody like him,” Goff said. “The way he’s helped me, treated me, and brought me in, and kind of helped me with anything.
“If I’ve got a question I go to him, he’s going to help me. You know, he’ll ask me little things to keep me on my toes, just stuff like that. He’s been really good and really helpful, and one of the best teammates I think I’ve ever had.”
That relationship is important, because there’s not a ton of hands-on QB experience on the Rams’ coaching staff. Fisher’s background is on defense. Offensive coordinator Rob Boras’ area of expertise is the running game.
Quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke won the Heisman Trophy playing QB at Florida State and was a backup for most of an NFL career that spanned parts of seven seasons. But this marks only his second season coaching quarterbacks in the NFL.
The Rams did add Mike Groh from the Chicago Bears’ staff, a former college quarterback, to serve as passing game coordinator (as well as wide receivers coach).
August 1, 2016 at 9:06 am #49875znModeratorAs Jared Goff finds comfort level, Rams fans must learn to be patient
By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
IRVINE — The fed-up fan finally had enough of Jared Goff checking down to underneath receivers Saturday during the Rams opening training camp practice in Irvine.
So he let the rookie quarterback have it.
“Throw the damn ball down the field,” the fan screamed, over and over.
Never mind it was Goff’s first-ever National Football League training camp practice after being selected first overall in last April’s draft.
Or that the Rams were literally installing the underneath aspect of their passing game, which meant, well, all the quarterbacks were being instructed to look short not long.
“We just put some simple concepts in,” said Rams head coach Jeff Fisher. “Today, the ball wasn’t designed to go down the field — it was underneath, short passing game and those kind of things.”
It’s kind of what you do at this stage of camp.
None of that either dawned on or mattered to the frustrated fan, who apparently arrived in Irvine thinking the stage was set for Goff to unleash long ball after long ball.
You know, to justify his status as the first overall pick and future face of the Rams franchise.
“Throw the damn ball down the field!” he kept screaming.
Welcome to the NFL, rookie.
As for Jared Goff …
Seriously folks, it seems the former Cal star might have more to deal with than the accelerated speed, athleticism and savvy of the NFL game compared to what he saw the last three years in the Pac-12
Like a lack of nuance by over-eager fans demanding him to run while the Rams are still teaching him how to walk.
Two days into his first NFL camp, it looks like Goff and some Rams fans face a bit of a learning curve. L.A. is still re-adjusting to the pace and process of professional football while Goff is making the steep climb from college to the NFL.
To no one’s surprise, the initial steps for both have been a bit unsteady.
Goff was fairly sharp with his underneath throws on Saturday, and if side-session passing counts for anything he can certainly spin it at a high level.
But there were a couple of botched snaps from center, and on his one throw covering distance the ball didn’t come close to the intended target while sailing into the arms of Rams safety Cody Davis for an easy interception.
“I felt good about a lot of plays,” Goff said. “There’s some plays you want back.”
He looked better by Sunday, although his wide receivers didn’t exactly lend a helping hand by dropping a handful of passes. And though he made some nice throws toward the end of practice, he was intercepted on his final throw when he tried to cut loose across the middle only to be intercepted by rookie Jabriel Washington.
The two interceptions drew groans from many of the Rams fans on hand. More of out disappointment than anger. They badly want Goff to be great, and his emergence as a productive quarterback could be the difference in the Rams finally moving beyond the 7-9 teams they’ve been the last few years.
He’s the proverbial missing piece.
Understandable, then, they’ll be hanging on everything he does. Even through the first two days of practice.
Depending on the expectations, gleaning anything worthwhile thus far is a bit of a reach.
Goff hasn’t looked bad by any stretch of the imagination. But he also hasn’t jumped out at anyone as a no-doubt about it future NFL star.
That’s to be expected, of course, if not a tad bit disappointing.
To be expected because he’s barely three months into his professional career — counting organized team activities — and the Rams are day two into installation of a brand new offense under new coordinator Rob Boras,
Disappointing because the natural assumption is that quarterbacks drafted first overall will immediately flash something so obvious and distinctive they’ll leave no doubt about their future status.
That’s probably on us more than it is Goff. We should know better, especially at this stage.
For Goff, the focus is on incremental improvement. Getting better from day to day, then looking back at some point at the collective progress.
Like the distance he’s come from OTA’s to training camp, which he describes as substantial.
“I definitely feel 10 times more comfortable,” he said. “Much more comfortable with everything that we do, as far as daily stuff. Just very comfortable on the field, much more comfortable.”
Still, two days in you get the feeling everyone wants to see more already. A sign. A flash. Evidence that the Rams made the right decision trading up to No. 1 then drafting him first overall ahead of North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz.
That hasn’t happened yet, though.
It’s understandable, of course. It’s still so early in the process.
But with so much riding on the outcome, common sense has nothing on anxiety.
August 1, 2016 at 9:07 am #49876znModeratorWolfe: Front office impressed with first round pick
NFL Media’s Colleen Wolfe discusses Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff’s progress as a rookie quarterback.
August 1, 2016 at 9:09 am #49877znModeratorPractice Report 7/31: Making an Impact
Myles Simmons
Day 2 is in the books for Rams training camp at UC Irvine. Here are some of the biggest storylines from the last day in July.
MARQUEZ MAKING PLAYS
Wide receiver Bradley Marquez made the Rams’ initial 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2015 largely because of his special teams skills. But he’s always had a knack for getting his hands on the football.
As last season went along, Marquez worked his way into the offensive rotation, eventually finishing the year with 13 receptions for 88 yards. Now he looks as if he can have a more significant role as a wideout in Year 2 — an opportunity he relishes.
“Definitely want to play on offense — I’m working toward that,” Marquez said. “That’s my goal this year as well — one of my goals. And so, I just want to go out and help the team and I feel like I can do that on the offensive side as well.”
But with the type of player and person Marquez is, he’s willing to serve in any role.
“I want to do whatever I can to help the team — whether it’s special teams, offense, and anything else,” Marquez said. “Whatever they ask me to do, I want to be the guy who’s able to be flexible enough to do everything.”
Right now, simply having experience is helpful in trying to expand his opportunities. It breeds a comfort level with everything involved.
“Coming in as a rookie, you don’t know what to expect. You don’t know how the schedule works. You don’t know how the layout of training camp is,” Marquez said. But in Year 2, “[y]ou’ve got friendships, relationships. And, just, obviously, knowing the playbook a lot better as well as everything on the field. It’s just a little bit better, you know?”
Marquez noted he’s worked with Case Keenum, Jared Goff, and Sean Mannion during the offseason program and camp. But the Texas Tech product has spent a good amount of time running with the first-team offense. He’s shown that he has an ability to get open and reel in the ball, making him one to watch in the preseason.
MAKING A COMEBACK
About a year ago at this time, cornerback E.J. Gaines had a leg up in his position battle with Trumaine Johnson. A 2014 sixth-round pick, Gaines had started 15 games for the Rams in his rookie season and led the team with 14 passes defensed.
But Gaines’ promising sophomore campaign was not to be, as he suffered a season-ending foot injury during the first weekend of training camp.
The Mizzou product has been working his way back ever since, and now is in another competition to reclaim his starting role.
“He’s done fine. He got involved towards the end of the OTAs and was coming on, making progress. Worked hard, came back and he hasn’t missed a snap,” head coach Jeff Fisher said on Sunday.
Gaines has mostly been playing with the second group on defense, but that may change sooner than later.
“We’re not giving him the number of reps, for a week or so, that he ordinarily would get, but he gives us the opportunity to have him be in a position to win that job back and compete there,” Fisher said.
“It make take a couple weeks,” Gaines said of getting back to full speed, “but I’ll definitely be ready for Week 1 and I’m excited.”
As is well known, the Rams’ secondary will have a different look for the 2016 season without Janoris Jenkins and Rodney McLeod. But Gaines sees the silver lining when it comes to opportunities.
“I just think it leaves it open for competition,” Gaines said. “That’s one thing we all strive for is competition. I think it makes everyone better. And I’m excited to do that.”
For now, Gaines has mixed feelings of anxiousness and excitement to re-establish himself as his third training camp gets going.
“I’m not really concerned about where I start. You know, it’s more about where you finish,” Gaines said. “And I’m excited to get in the season and compete with everybody.”
PROUD NEW PAPA
Linebacker Alec Ogletree has gone through a number of changes this offseason, but one that may mean the most is becoming a father just a short week ago.
Welcome AUSTIN JOHNATHAN OGLETREE aka AJ !!! Thank you lord for this wonderful blessing you have giving us!! pic.twitter.com/ht1dN2pR1r
— Alec ogletree (@MROGLETREE52) July 25, 2016
“He’s getting bigger — changing a lot,” Ogletree said of his new son on Sunday. “I FaceTime a lot with my wife and stuff just to see him. And he’s changing every day. I hate that I’m missing him changing and stuff.”“It’s a life-changing experience,” Ogletree added. “It’s something that you really can’t explain until you have your own kids and just kind of go through the feeling of the birth and pregnancy. And once he’s born, it’s all worth it.”
EXTRA POINTS
— Los Angeles has been quick in integrating both tight end Tyler Higbee and wide receiver Pharoh Cooper into the offense. Cooper spent time in OTAs working with the first group, so it’s no surprise to see him there. Higbee, however, did a lot of work on the side during the offseason program as he was still recovering from knee surgery.
Now, both are looking like they belong as they take snaps with the first unit.
“We just plug them in and go,” Fisher said. “If you watch practice, they’re lining up with the ones. That should tell you something – they’re lining up and going. They have a good feel. We’re not going to put them in to fail, but they know what to do, they’re going to get their reps.”
— Tavon Austin was carted off the field during Sunday’s practice, but Fisher said the wide receiver should be just fine.
“He got a little dehydrated,” Fisher said. “He was cramping a little bit, so he’ll be fine. He’s not going to miss any practice, won’t miss any time.”
“Great lesson to be learned there — I heard that, for some reason, he didn’t eat lunch. Go figure,” Fisher added. “So anyway, a good message for the rest of the team. He’s doing fine, he’s having a great camp, he’s in great shape. No worries there.
— Wide receiver Kenny Britt was excused from Sunday’s practice and was not on the field. Again, no concerns there, according to Fisher.
“He’ll be back in the swing of things tonight in meetings and tomorrow,” the head coach said.
— Finally, the Rams released wide receiver Deon Long.
“We’ll probably bring some receivers in,” Fisher said. “We’re just trying to upgrade the bottom part of our roster.”
August 1, 2016 at 9:16 am #49880znModeratorAlec Ogletree has been the man in the middle of a lot of activity
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-training-camp-20160731-snap-story.html
Alec Ogletree spent the off-season preparing for his new role as the Rams’ middle linebacker, studying tape and getting into the best shape of his pro career.
He did it while moving with the franchise from St. Louis to Southern California and while readying for an even more important transition:
Ogletree became a father a week ago, he and his wife welcoming a son they named Austin.
“It’s definitely a lot,” he said after Sunday’s workout at UC Irvine. “With moving, changing positions to having a baby. It’s a lot.”
Ogletree, 24, thus far appears to have made a smooth move from weakside linebacker to the middle, where he has been entrusted with replacing veteran James Laurinaitis.
During off-season training, teammates and coaches lauded Ogletree for the work he put in to learn the entire defense and assume the main leadership role.
“It’s been seamless,” Coach Jeff Fisher said Sunday when asked about Ogletree’s transition.
Fisher added that despite a busy off-season, Ogletree posted the best overall times for defensive players in conditioning tests.
Of course, there is no way of knowing whether the Rams made a wise decision to turn the defense over to Ogletree until they start playing games. That’s when Ogletree will be forced to recognize other teams’ schemes, line up teammates and make plays.
Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry recap Rams training camp Day 2
Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry update Day 2 of Rams training camp: Tavon Austin leaves early, Alec Ogletree adjusts to new position, Jared Goff is a fan favorite and special teams practice starts Monday.
The Rams open the exhibition season Aug. 13 against the Dallas Cowboys at the Coliseum. They have three other exhibitions before the Sept. 12 opener against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”Ogletree, the 30th pick in the 2013 draft, appeared to be on his way to a breakout season in 2015 before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.
The Rams released Laurinaitis and defensive end Chris Long to clear salary-cap space and make room for younger leaders to emerge.
“A lot of people are just going to have to make a lot more plays to make up for those guys,” defensive tackle Aaron Donald said last week.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Ogletree will be flanked by Akeem Ayers on the strong side and Mark Barron on the weakside.
Ogletree credited teammates for easing his transition to the middle.
“It helps me out a lot that most of the guys have been here,” he said, adding, “so you don’t have to harp on learning the playbook all day and learning positions.”
But Ogletree sounded most excited about embracing fatherhood.
He has lately been limited to Facetime updates, and said his infant son already was outfitted with plenty of Rams and University of Georgia gear.
“It’s a life-changing experience,” he said of becoming a father. “It’s something that you really can’t explain until you have your own kids and go through the feeling.”
Notes
Receiver Tavon Austin was carted from the field after suffering what Fisher described as dehydration and cramps. Austin is not expected to miss any practices. “I heard for some reason he didn’t eat lunch,” Fisher said. … Receiver Kenny Britt was excused from practice but will return Monday, Fisher said. … The Rams released receiver Deon Long. … The Rams will hold a special-teams practice Monday, the first time players will be in shoulder pads. … Quarterback Case Keenum connected with receiver Bradley Marquez on a long pass play during a team drill. Quarterback Jared Goff avoided interceptions until the final portion of practice set aside for rookies. Jabriel Washington, who played at Alabama, picked off a Goff pass.
August 1, 2016 at 2:02 pm #49898znModeratorInside Training Camp: Catching On
Go inside day two of the LA Rams training camp where Rams Insider Myles Simmons reviews the Rams wide receivers.
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