Rookie G Wichmann taking advantage of opportunity

Rams notes: Rookie G Wichmann taking advantage of opportunity

Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-rookie-g-wichmann-taking-advantage-of-opportunity/article_7e37e503-f580-5206-ba31-507f30669b52.html

With each game, Rams guard Cody Wichmann gets a little more comfortable.

“The more reps you get, the more situations you’re in, the more natural it feels,” said Wichmann, a rookie slated to make his sixth consecutive start at right guard Sunday when the Rams take on the Seahawks in Seattle. “I’m doing what I can, hustling to make some plays and to hopefully knock some people over.

“I love to run-block, but you have to be solid in all parts of your game. I have to get better at some pass-protection stuff, but I feel like it’s improved and I’m excited about getting even better next year. But this year’s not over, so we just have to keep grinding.”

Since the start of the season, the Rams have had five different starting combinations along the offensive line. The current pairing, with Greg Robinson and rookie Rob Havenstein at tackles, Wichmann and veteran Garrett Reynolds at guard and Tim Barnes at center, will look to make its fourth straight start on Sunday.

“Without a doubt,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras responded when asked if continuity makes a difference. “‘Bou’ (offensive line coach Paul Boudreau) has been doing this for 29 years (and) this might be the most frustrating just because of all the change that’s happened. … Any time you can have those guys (together), it’s that unspoken (connection), where guys know what’s going to happen before it happens. That’s what you build with reps and with time.”

In Thursday’s win over Tampa Bay, Robinson came up with a key downfield block on a 17-yard pass from Case Keenum to Tavon Austin to open the game’s scoring. In the third quarter, on a 21-yard scoring run from Austin, both players on the right side of the line, rookies Wichmann and Havenstein, threw important blocks.

A sixth-round draft pick from Fresno State, Wichmann missed the majority of training camp due to a nagging calf injury. He rotated between special teams and the inactive list with fellow rookies Andrew Donnal and Darrell Williams through the opening weeks of the season.

“It’s tough not being out there, so when you get your opportunity, you have to be ready to take advantage of it,” the 23-year-old said. “And that’s exactly what I’ve tried to do.’’

Rams coach Jeff Fisher likes the progress he’s seen from the 6-5, 319-pound Wichmann.

“He’s coming on, yeah,” Fisher said. “He’s a strong inside player. He’s smart. He’s been playing some good three-techniques and some good defensive tackles, so he’s hanging in there. He understands angles downfield and he’s getting to the second level. He and Rob (Havenstein) are doing a good job communicating. It’s valuable playing experience for him.”

After Sunday’s game in Seattle, the Rams will remain in California to train in Napa Valley to prepare for the season finale against San Francisco.

“I have some buddies there, but I don’t think I’ve been to Napa,” said Wichmann, who’s from Mariposa, Calif., which is about 2½ hours from Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers. “I’ll have a bunch of people at the game. It’ll be fun, being close to home and getting a chance to catch up with some family and friends.’’

But first, there’s the Sunday game in Seattle.

“Great team with a lot of great players,” Wichmann said of the Seahawks. “It’ll definitely be a challenge, but I’m excited to see how we do against them.”