Wagoner & others: Rams pleased with time in Oxnard

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  • #28957
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Despite fights, Rams pleased with time in Oxnard

    Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/20523/despite-fights-rams-pleased-with-time-in-oxnard

    Regardless of the ugly finish to the two days the St. Louis Rams spent with the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard, California, coach Jeff Fisher and his team had mostly positive reviews of what they were able to accomplish in two joint practices.

    “Competitive, productive, it was unique,” defensive end Chris Long said. “I haven’t done that in seven years. You know, it was good for me as a player. Well for one, I haven’t practiced in a while, but you practice against different guys than you see all camp and that’s what you’re going to see every week is different guys. Having to come here, hit the ground running and play different guys that have different sets and play things differently, it’s good for you.”

    From the outside, the Rams’ west coast trip to play the Oakland Raiders in the preseason and practice with the Cowboys likely won’t be remembered for football reasons. It will be remembered as the time the team practiced in front of a raucous group of Los Angeles Rams fans attempting to woo their favorite team back to the City of Angels. It will be remembered as the time Rams owner Stan Kroenke actually attended a training camp practice while trying to move the team to a new stadium he’s planning just a bit south. And, of course, it will be remembered as the time a practice between the Rams and Cowboys erupted into a full-scale brawl.

    “Fortunately, nobody got hurt,” Fisher said. “I think both teams came out of two good practice sessions healthy. We got a lot of good work and it’s unfortunate about the end. I’m not going to minimize it because we’re not going to focus on it. We’ll get it corrected. There’s no place for that in our game. There’s no place for that from the standpoint of being role models in this game and representing this game for kids. There’s no place. That’s not how this game goes, so we’re sorry about that and I know Jason [Garrett] will echo the same thing. I’ll talk about what we got done: we got some really good work. It was very, very competitive. We got to play a lot of people. Now we’ve got to move on.”

    From the football perspective, the joint practices were intended to be a way to help the Rams get off to a faster start. It’s been a point of emphasis for the team since the spring, and Fisher even acknowledged then that part of the reasoning for scheduling the practices was to give his team the equivalent of a fifth preseason game.

    In the past two years, the Rams have opened the season 1-3 and failed to dig out of the hole to playoff contention. And if you believe in historical trends, the Rams have even more motivation to start fast. The Rams have not made the playoffs with a 2-3 record or worse start in their first five games since 1952.

    This year, aside from a Week 2 trip to play at Washington, the Rams play four teams who had 11 or more wins in 2014. That five-game opening stretch is tied for the second-toughest in the league entering the season.

    “I really just relish this trip as a way for us to get better,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “Coach spoke to about it to us and said, ‘Hey, with the limited amount of hits we get in practice now and you don’t really get a whole lot of time in a lot of the preseason games, so when you practice against another team like this, it’s like trying to sneak in a fifth preseason game.’ This camp already, we’ve already had the pads on more than usual. I think that’s really good for our football team. I think we need that, because we’ve started slow the last three years. So, what better way to try to teach us to start fast against the NFC Champs coming to our place than to put the pads on and go on.”

    As for the outside distractions centering on relocation, the Rams continue to try to shift focus off of that and on to the game.

    “I mean we are appreciative of our fans wherever they are,” Long said. “Obviously they did a great job of coming to support us. We have great fans in St. Louis, too. We’re not here to choose sides. We’re here to play football. We’re appreciative of all of our fans.”

    Despite the circus atmosphere that accompanied the practices and the brawls that ended them early, Fisher didn’t hesitate to say he’d do it all over again.

    “It was extremely valuable,” Fisher said. “I’d be the first one to say I’d love to come back and practice against the Cowboys again because they’re a talented team. It’s a class organization.”

    #28961
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    Yeah, we got an extra preseason game in. 😉

    Or, we could just play the starters more in the regular preseason games.

    Agamemnon

    #28967
    rfl
    Participant

    Over 800 words.

    And not one word on how our guys did competing with theirs.

    How did the centers do?

    Crickets.

    By virtue of the absurd ...

    #28974
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Over 800 words.

    And not one word on how our guys did competing with theirs.

    I’m interested why you complain about the coverage so much this year (to the point where every post is a complaint), when the simple fact is, it’s no different from any summer before. I mean, tell me for example, in 99, where were the detailed breakdowns comparing how the 3 competitors were doing at MLB? I don’t mean to come across as countering you in any way—it’s an honest question from one friend and board mate to another.

    So why weren’t you complaining all the previous years? Because nothing is different in terms of the coverage this year, I promise. So from what I see, the difference this year isn’t the coverage itself. It’s what we’re asking of it.

    In terms of the centers, this is what I have gathered so far from watching and reading around. They have a competition in the first place because (as per Boudreau) the decision will be based on how they perform as leaders and captains of the offense in the heat of battle. We can’t tell about that, but we can make some observations about the physical stuff. In terms of that, Barnes is holding his own, Jones has struggled, and Rhaney has surprised. My guess is that since they’re trying Rhaney at guard too, they are trying to judge how much versatility he gives them, so it’s probably not Rhaney’s job—it looks to me, at this early date, like it’s Rhaney as the #2 and either Barnes or Jones as the #1, with Barnes in the lead so far.

    Personally? I have seen Boudreau field good OLs with the Rams with centers who were not better than Barnes (the details get boring as to what I base that on). So I am not worried about center, myself, though I get that me personally not being worried is not news from olympus for everyone else.

    #28989
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    In terms of the centers, this is what I have gathered so far from watching and reading around. They have a competition in the first place because (as per Boudreau) the decision will be based on how they perform as leaders and captains of the offense in the heat of battle. We can’t tell about that, but we can make some observations about the physical stuff. In terms of that, Barnes is holding his own, Jones has struggled,

    This may already be dated.

    From camp reports from yesterday:

    http://theramshuddle.com/topic/camp-reports-oxnard-day-2/#post-28987

    Safer
    August 20, 2015

    BARRETT JONES started at center on BOTH days. He seemed to play about 70% of the snaps. I don’t see the “we will rotate these three guys through” going on anymore. Barrett looked much better and did not give up as much ground in pass pro as he had been.

    ramsrams34
    August 20, 2015

    I am not so sure about B. Jones at center and will be watching him closely against Tenn. He did help open some nice holes in practice yesterday but got worked over against Oakland.

    #28995
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams Report: #RamsCamp Week 3
    Watch Dani Klupenger and Myles Simmons breakdown the third week of Training Camp.

    RAMBILL: Dani Klupenger and Myles Simmons breakdown the third week of Training Camp from Oxnard, CA. They talk about the loss of EJ Gaines, Tru Johnson’s strong camp so far, Claiborne a surprise rookie so far, Foles looking good in the Raider game, the rookie right side of the O-line held up pretty well in the Raider game, the injuries to Saffold and Bates, plus more. Includes some highlights from the Rams-Cowboys practices.

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/Rams-Report-RamsCamp-Week-3/28026219-610b-406e-bfb3-b709cf7dd6f1

    #29001
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams Notebook

    By Jim Thomas

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/fisher-rams-avoid-california-dreaming/article_61172264-a715-5864-b399-f98ac63c94f5.html

    VISIT FROM ROSEY

    Hall of Famer Rosey Grier, part of the famed Rams defensive line known as the Fearsome Foursome, took in Tuesday’s practice and spoke to the D-line unit.“He just had a really good message for us,” Long said. “You know, cherish the time. He really enjoyed his time with the Fearsome Foursome. And him being the last one left, it’s pretty special to get to meet a guy like that who’s a big part of our history.”Grier advised the players to take care of their finances and also emphasized the importance of good sportsmanship on the field.

    VISITING THE TROOPS

    Wednesday’s visit with the troops at Point Mugu Naval Air Station was planned all along, Fisher said, long before he decided to cancel the day’s practice.“Once we agreed to come here (to Oxnard), we kind of looked around and said: ‘Where are they?’ And found them.”The team also flew out of Point Mugu on their return to St. Louis, adding a convenience factor to the visit.

    “To be able to be with the military, any time we do it — when we do it back in St. Louis it’s one of my favorite things at the end of camp when we go over there (to Scott Air Force Base),” Laurinaitis said. “I mean, it just puts life in perspective. We’re out here playing a game that we love, and they’re the ones that are defending our country.”

    Laurinaitis said the players should be getting autographs from the troops instead of vice versa.

    LONG’S BACK

    After missing the preseason opener last week in Oakland, as well as most of the first two weeks of training camp because of back problems, Long returned to practice in Oxnard. He looked especially quick working against the Dallas offensive line Tuesday.“Thank you,” Long teased. “Put that in the paper. You know, I feel good. I dropped some weight this year to try to be quicker. I’m not 23 any more, so it’s helped me a lot. I feel like playing at that (lighter) weight I can be destructive and really get off the ball and cause problems.”Long, 30, is in the 260-pound area after being listed about five to 10 pounds heavier in previous seasons.

    #29003
    Avatar photoZooey
    Moderator

    Oxnard? Did you say…OXNARD?

    I don’t know how I remember this. But I can’t ever get it out of my head now.

    After Maclean Stevenson left MASH, he had his own sitcom that was terrible and got cancelled quickly. But I remember this ONE thing. Perhaps because I was a teenager. There was an episode where he was visiting somebody else’s house for dinner, or something, and the host had a trophy wife…big, beautiful blonde. And Stevenson just cannot wait to get out of this guy’s house, trying to make excuses to go home. And finally he reaches the front door and makes an exit line just as the guy says something like, “Too bad. I was just going to show our pictures of the volleyball tournament my trophy wife was in at the nudist camp in Oxnard.”

    And Maclean Stevenson shoots back into the house saying, “Oxnard? Did you say…OXNARD?”

    I had never heard of Oxnard before that, but every time I hear the name, or drive through the town, I can’t help but think of nude volleyball.

    And…there you go.

    I’m gone for 5 or 6 weeks, and when I come back, my first post makes an immediate contribution to understanding Training Camp.

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 4 months ago by Avatar photoZooey.
    #29009
    Avatar photonittany ram
    Moderator

    After Maclean Stevenson left MASH, he had his own sitcom that was terrible and got cancelled quickly. But I remember this ONE thing. Perhaps because I was a teenager.

    Ahh yes. You’re thinking of “Hello Larry”. It ran from 1953 – 1954 I believe.

    #29035
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Brawl against Cowboys puzzles Rams

    Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/brawl-against-cowboys-puzzles-rams/article_8e93487d-b1ae-5997-932d-33945da8d0e4.html

    To be honest, Rams running back Tre Mason isn’t sure how the brawl against the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard, Calif., started. The same is true for tackle Greg Robinson.

    “There was so much going on, it was almost impossible to know who or what started it,’’ Robinson said following practice Thursday at Rams Park. “Guys on both sides were going hard and I guess things just got out of hand. Just happy nobody got hurt.’’

    According to the account from the Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas, the first scrum was a result of Dallas’ Randy Gregory and then Jeff Heath taking down Mason — hard.

    “I’m not really sure how it started,’’ Mason said. “Football’s a game of emotion, it’s a contact sport. Things happen.’’

    Tempers flared and then, just when it appeared to be settling down, Robinson and Mason went after Gregory. There were a handful of scuffles before order was restored and the second day of the Rams’ stay in Oxnard was halted.

    Mason and Robinson, both in their second NFL seasons, were college teammates at Auburn.

    “Greg’s always had my back, on and off the field,’’ Mason said.

    Robinson added: “That’s my brother. If he needs me, or any of my teammates need me, I’m there for them.’’

    Despite the practice-ending brawls, Robinson and Mason feel the two days working against the Cowboys will benefit the Rams.

    “The game against Oakland (last Friday’s 18-3 road loss to open the preseason) was an eye-opener for me,’’ Robinson said. “It felt good to play again, but it also showed me that I had some things to work on. And having those two days practicing against Dallas gave me an opportunity to get in some quality work against some good competition. Now hopefully I can take that and build on it Sunday against Tennessee.’’

    Mason, who rushed for team-best 765 yards as a rookie a year ago, said that stop in Oxnard provided a welcome diversion for the Rams.

    “You get tired of going against the same guys all the time,’’ he said. “We got a chance to go against another top team and got in some good work. Whatever else happened is behind us now. We’re moving on and working to get ready for the Titans.’’

    In their second preseason game, the Rams will meet the Tennessee Titans at 7 p.m. Sunday in Nashville.

    RAMS GIVE BACK

    The Rams announced Thursday that they will provide $15,000 to the St. Louis Public Schools to fund a program to ensure certified athletic trainers are present at all of this season’s high school football games.

    The certified athletic trainers who will provided by Athletico Physical Therapy, will deliver game day coverage through the 2015 campaign and will be assisted by athletic training students from St. Louis University. The Athletico trainers will also be covering weekly follow-up checks during the season and providing ImPACT baseline concussion tests.

    “When we learned that SLPS didn’t have certified athletic trainer coverage at their high school games, we were committed to find a solution to that issue,’’ said Reggie Scott, the Rams director of sports medicine and performance. “While the game coverage was of paramount importance, it was also important to us that we provided necessary follow-up care as well. We’re extremely proud that we were able to create a unique partnership with Athletico and St. Louis University that will lead to a safer game for these student-athletes.’’

    Martin Jenkins, the SLPS athletics director, said he was “humbled’’ by the Rams’ generosity.

    “When I first heard from the Rams about the program, my first question was how much it cost, and they said absolutely nothing, I told them I was interested,’’ Jenkins said. “They’re going to do everything from ‘ouchies’ to emergencies to taping. It’s such a great thing for our school system because you look at the suburban districts and they have trainers readily available. We just didn’t have the funds for something like that.’’

    In previous years, Jenkins said, coaches had to fill the athletic trainer’s role.

    “We do have an emergency medical service on hand, but coaches were the nurses, the trainers, the everything,’’ Jenkins said. “But anything that happened before it became an emergency, it was the coaches who had to deal with it. So now the coaches can concentrate on the coaching aspect, leave the medical and feel safe that the young men are in good hands.

    “This adds a level of safety, along with our helmet program, to make sure our kids are safe.’’

    Rams coach Jeff Fisher added; “The (NFL) is all about player safety and improving in that area. The league has an initiative and we’re proud to be able to provide some help in that regard.’’

    By the end of the 2015 season, the Rams will have contributed more than $80,000 to local and high school football efforts.

    RAM-BLINGS

    The Rams returned to Earth City for practice Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s game vs. the Titans.The defense enjoyed a big day Thursday, getting interceptions from Alec Ogletree, Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Lamarcus Joyner (off a tip by James Laurinaitis).

    • Players not practicing on Thursday were G Rodger Saffold, DTs Michael Brockers and Doug Worthington, CBs Brandon McGee and E.J. Gaines, LBs Daren Bates (knee) and Korey Toomer and WR Isiah Ferguson,

    RB Todd Gurley (knee) continues to do individual work. Another rookie, G Cody Wichmann (calf), continues to work his way back. TE Brad Smelley, who has been practicing with a heavily taped hand, left practice early and appeared to be limping slightly.

    • Although he said Saffold (shoulder) is making progress, Fisher ruled Saffold out of Sunday’s game. Saffold later tweeted on his certified account: “I just want everyone to know that I’m OK and I’m just in no rush this preseason. Don’t worry I will be fighting for you all year!’’

    • Employees and their families from team sponsor Anheuser-Busch were on hand to watch Thursday’s workout.

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