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August 7, 2014 at 3:50 pm #3502
RamBillParticipantWhat to watch in Rams’ preseason opener: Michael Sam and more
Howard Balzer
FOX Sports MidwestIt will be eye-opening to see where Michael Sam plays on special teams, particularly whether he is given a chance on coverage units.
ST. LOUIS — When the ball is kicked off Friday evening at the Edward Jones Dome for the first preseason game of the summer, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford will likely be in street clothes. As will left tackle Jake Long, center Scott Wells and several others among the walking wounded.
On the other sideline, Saints quarterback Drew Brees probably will take the night off thanks to a strained oblique muscle suffered last Saturday.
Bradford, Long and Wells would be playing if it were the regular season. But there are still three practice games after Friday, so fans will see a heavy dose of them in at least the next two games.
Still, the question remains: What will be worth watching Friday night? Glad you asked.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
OK, so it’s often not the most exciting aspect of the game to watch, but the first-unit special teams will often give a good clue to what the coaches are thinking when it comes to the battle for depth jobs on the roster. Almost anyone can name as many as 48 players who will be on the 53-man roster that opens the season. But the competition among 15 players vying for those final five spots can be fierce.
Last year, such players as linebackers Ray-Ray Armstrong and Daren Bates began making their mark on special teams. And that became their ticket to a job.
Coverage units are usually populated with a lot of linebackers and defensive backs, so watch linebackers Phillip Steward and Aaron Hill, cornerbacks Marcus Roberson and Greg Reid, and safeties Cody Davis and Matt Daniels to see if they are lining up on the coverage units.
It will also be eye-opening to see where defensive end Michael Sam plays on special teams. It is expected he will be in the kickoff and punt return groups. The question is whether, after losing 15 pounds heading to training camp, he will be given a chance on coverage units.
RUNNING TO DAYLIGHT
The current depth chart has, in order, Benny Cunningham, Isaiah Pead and rookie Tre Mason behind starter Zac Stacy. Mason should get a good number of carries Friday night and perhaps be the target of some passes. Pead probably is competing with special teams standout Chase Reynolds for the fourth running back spot.
See who’s doing what in workouts and throughout the preseason in our Rams training camp gallery.
Prior to the start of training camp, wide receiver Kenny Britt wasn’t listed as an expected starter or even a key contributor on the team’s training camp press release. Now, Britt is listed as a starter.
“You got to put somebody’s name down there,” coach Jeff Fisher said, then added, “I see both Kenny and Tavon (Austin) just rotating probably through the first quarter, getting them plenty of reps.”
While the quarterback will be Shaun Hill, it’s an opportunity for Britt to continue the quest to resurrect his career. Stedman Bailey has gotten a lot of play time in practice even though he will miss the first four games because of a league suspension, so we’ll see if he gets similar work in games.
With Brian Quick listed ahead of Chris Givens on the depth chart, Givens must start showing the promise he displayed as a rookie. Quick seems to have benefited from the example being set by Britt, and he appears close to proving the Rams right for selecting him with the first pick of the second round in 2012.
LINE ‘EM UP
With Long, Wells and possibly guard Rodger Saffold not playing, some care will be necessary at left tackle to make sure not to expose Mike Person or Sean Hooey if they are given the task of protecting the quarterback’s blind side. It wouldn’t be out of the question to see rookie left guard Greg Robinson get some reps at tackle, at least with the second unit.
Tim Barnes is expected to be at center; the question is whether second-year center Barrett Jones will play after missing practice this week with an undisclosed injury.
LIKING DONALD AND SAM
Rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald could be the marathon man Friday night with Michael Brockers and Kendall Langford not expected to play. This will also be a good opportunity for the forgotten Alex Carrington to show his worth.
Of course, there will be many eyes on Sam, who will be playing the first game in his quest to make the roster. He will likely get a lot of snaps to show his mettle as a pass rusher.
SECONDARY IS A PRIMARY CONCERN
On a very young roster, the secondary is as green as can be. Cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson are the experience in the group, and they’ve played just two seasons. This is where the competition for jobs is fiercest, with as many as 13 players battling for probably 10 jobs. Rookie safety Christian Bryant began practicing for the first time this week since injuring his foot during his senior season at Ohio State. He has a lot of catching up to do.
Rookies Lamarcus Joyner, E.J. Gaines, Roberson, Reid and Maurice Alexander will all have their opportunity and will be tested against the Saints’ passing offense, even when Brees isn’t on the field.
August 7, 2014 at 5:12 pm #3513RamBillParticipantRams likely to keep it simple against Saints
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10293/rams-likely-to-keep-it-simple-against-saints
EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher isn’t shy about revealing his plans for Friday night’s preseason opener against New Orleans.
This week, Fisher made it clear the plan for the Saints is there really is no plan.
“We’re not planning,” Fisher said. “We’re going to just do our stuff. I think that’s important in Game 1 to be able to adjust, let the players adjust, and they may take a look at some tape from last year on Friday, but beyond that we’re just going to keep installing.”
The Rams are 11 practices and nearly two weeks into this year’s training camp and still a ways away from actually game-planning for an opponent. While they will gradually build to do more things throughout the preseason, they won’t do much planning for any opponent other than the Minnesota Vikings, the team they open the regular season against in September.
For now, the Rams are going through installation of the playbook on both sides of the ball. That mostly means an extended refresher on what the team did in the spring, but with more emphasis placed on working with the starters.
So when it comes to the preseason, especially the first game, don’t expect to see much more than the fundamentals from the Rams, not that they’re known for being a wild, creative group in the first place.
“Typically, what we do is we keep things somewhat basic the first couple and just let them play,” Fisher said. “You don’t try to outscheme people. You understand that, hey we’re going to run and tackle and block and cover and do those kind of things.”
That the Rams plan to be basic in the preseason opener shouldn’t be a surprise since that has become common practice around the league. But the Rams do approach the rest of the preseason a little different. Instead of building toward a “dress rehearsal” in the third preseason game, Fisher likes a more gradual build which ends in playing his starters more in the fourth and final preseason game than most teams.
So, though quarterback Sam Bradford, left tackle Jake Long and center Scott Wells have essentially been ruled out for Friday, there are still three games for them to get work. Likewise, there is no need to push players like linebacker James Laurinaitis (ankle), tackle Michael Brockers (ankle) and cornerback Janoris Jenkins to return right away as they recover from minor injuries.
That will create plenty of opportunities for the rookies and backups who aren’t getting as many reps in practice. It’s a prime opportunity to begin making a case for a roster spot since the bulk of the work in practice goes toward getting the starters ready.
“I think it’s the same thing year after year in the first preseason game,” Fisher said. “You want to play as many people as you can that are able to play. You don’t want to play your starters too much. You want to get them in a flow, but we’re not out there to outsmart anybody.
“It’s preseason game number one, everybody that’s capable of playing for the most part will play.”
August 7, 2014 at 7:46 pm #3522RamBillParticipantRams vs. Saints – What to Watch
By D’Marco Farrhttp://www.101sports.com/2014/08/07/four-things-watch-vs-new-orleans/
It’s doubtful that Rams starting quarterback Sam Bradford will play this Friday. Several other starters, like left tackle Jake Long and guard Rodger Saffold will probably grab some pine against the visiting New Orleans Saints, too.
It’s all good, actually, since St. Louis will be looking for depth more so than front-line player as the preseason schedule kicks off. The goal for every team right now is to get ready for the regular season. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, the Rams appear to be right on course.
Here are some of the main things to which I will be paying attention tomorrow night at the Edward Jones Dome:
1. Greg Robinson and Aaron Donald’s debut.
The massive Robinson, 6-foot-5 and every bit of 332 pounds, has had one heck of a year. He helped pave the way to the national championship game for the Auburn Tigers, then was selected second overall by the Rams in May’s draft. He’s still settling in to his new home at guard, and there’s a lot riding on his quick development at the position.
Defensive tackle Donald has wowed just about everyone in OTAs and training camp with his initial quickness and power off the football. He’s going to be a big problem for most interior offensive linemen – run or pass, regardless of what sort of protection scheme they employ. And remember that defensive ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long will out there with him, too.
Donald could turn out to be the best pick to come out of the trade with Washington.
2. QB Shaun Hill’s first game in a Rams uniform.
Hill has had plenty of success as a starter when playing against the Rams (4-0 in his career), tossing nine TDs to just three interceptions. This time, though, we actually have a chance to feel good about it after.
No one wants to see Hill take the field in the regular season, but coach Jeff Fisher must make sure the veteran is ready just in case something happens to Bradford (again). So far, Bradford’s surgically repaired knee has held up in training camp.
My guess is, No. 8 will play next week against Green Bay at home.
3. Gregg Williams’ defense.
The Rams finished outside the top 10 defensively in 2013. In fact, the unit took a slight step backwards statistically from the previous year. Williams succeeds Tim Walton as Rams defensive coordinator and brings his Buddy Ryan-esque, ultra-aggressive style to a young and talented core group of defenders.
Preseason game No. 1 may be a tad bit early to go all blitz-crazy, but it is Gregg Williams we are talking about. Weakside linebacker Alec Ogletree and safety T.J. McDonald will be huge factors for Williams in trying to turn the Rams from darkhorse contenders into actual challengers for the NFC West title.
4. Michael Sam.
The defensive end from Mizzou makes tangible history the very second he takes the field in regulation. Now almost every American has a favorite football player. I think that’s cool.
I’m reminded, of course, that Sam is competing for a roster spot, the same as any other seventh-rounder, and not trying singlehandedly to disprove decades of prejudice.
But this isn’t just a meaningless preseason game when you consider Sam’s story.
August 8, 2014 at 1:09 am #3552RamBillParticipantRams rookies will take spotlight vs. Saints
• By Jim ThomasThere was a time when there appeared to be storylines aplenty for the Rams’ exhibition opener tonight against New Orleans.
1. • The first look at quarterback Sam Bradford and his surgically repaired left knee.
Wait till next week. This one’s a non-starter — literally. Barring an 11th-hour change of heart by coach Jeff Fisher, Bradford isn’t playing tonight.
2. • Gregg Williams vs. the Saints. Bountygate revisited?
This one’s been a yawner here in St. Louis. If it were a regular-season game, sure. But it’s preseason.
“We’re not out there to outsmart anybody,” Fisher said. “We’re not game-planning. We’re just going to do what we’ve done here (on the practice field).”
3. • Michael Sam’s game debut. Will the entire football world be watching as the first openly gay player takes part in an NFL contest, albeit bit one that doesn’t count?
Not exactly. The contest has attracted more national media than usual for an exhibition opener in St. Louis, but nothing that would qualify for the coveted “media circus” moniker.
USA Today, ESPN, Yahoo, Outsports and NFL Network will have correspondents on hand for the contest, which is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
So what we’re getting to a large degree will be a lot of young players trying to get noticed by the coaching staff and earn roster spots, Sam included.
Two-a-days are a thing of the past in training camps since the collective bargaining agreement of 2011. Camp rosters, meanwhile, have expanded to 90 players. So there isn’t a ton of time to evaluate fringe players based on what happens on the practice field. They simply don’t get many reps.
That makes it harder for, say, the next London Fletcher (out of John Carroll University in 1998) to get noticed.
“Well, that’s where the game comes into play,” Fisher said. “A lot of the college free agents on the roster that aren’t getting a lot of reps in practice are going to get game reps (in the preseason).
“As we all know, we build reps with the starters and the back-ups and you’re not playing three quarters worth of ball each week. So these (young) guys are going to get game reps, probably going to get more game reps than they did in practice, so we’ll find out if they’re paying attention.”
That’s especially true tonight because many starters are going to sit out for the Rams.
On offense, that includes Bradford, left tackle Jake Long, center Scott Wells and probably right guard Rodger Saffold.
Speaking on Bradford, Fisher said earlier in the week, “He’s done everything we needed to see right now in practice. So he’s going to play in the preseason, but it’s unlikely that he’s going to play this week. … It’s not because he can’t (play), it’s because it’s our choice.”
On the defensive side, several starters also are expected to sit out because of various bumps and bruises — none of which are thought to be serious.
That list includes defensive tackles Michael Brockers (ankle) and Kendall Langford; linebacker James Laurinaitis (ankle)and cornerback Janoris Jenkins. In addition, third defensive end William Hayes might not play as he works his way back from three offseason surgeries.
Those expected absences will mean more playing time for the backups and the fringe players.
As for Williams, the Rams’ new defensive coordinator, there were several stories in the New Orleans media this week speculating that Williams might do heavy blitzing against the Saints.
One column suggested that the Saints should rest their offensive starters so as not to risk injury.
In a reader poll on the New Orleans Times-Picayune website Nola.com, nearly 86 percent of respondents said star quarterback Drew Brees shouldn’t be exposed to the blitz-happy Williams defense.
The point appears moot because Brees has been slowed by an oblique muscle injury during training camp and isn’t expected to play anyway.
That means it almost certainly will be career backup Shaun Hill (Rams) vs. career backup Luke McCown (Saints) opening at quarterback.
The Saints spent time at their training camp site in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., looking at game film of their 2011 exhibition opener against San Francisco. Williams was in his last season as Saints defensive coordinator and called four all-out blitzes on the first nine plays against the 49ers.
“That’s who he is, and he brings it, so we have to be ready for that,” Saints Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham told the Baton Rouge Advocate.
Granted, you never know with Williams.
He just might try to slip in a blitz or two when Fisher’s not looking. But a blitz-heavy night for the Rams doesn’t seem to be in the offing.
“Typically, what we do is we keep things somewhat basic the first couple (exhibition games) and just let ’em play,” Fisher said. “You don’t try to out-scheme people. You understand that, hey we’re going to run and tackle and block and cover and do those kind of things.”
The safest bet of the night is that there will be no pre- or postgame hugs involving Williams and Saints coach Sean Payton, not after the “Bountygate” pay-for-punishment scandal that resulted in year-long suspensions for both Payton and Williams in 2012.
But this game still figures to be more about the 45 or 50 guys fighting for a half dozen or so roster spots up for grabs on the Rams. Or backups trying to solidify their spots. Or roster locks simply trying to hone their game in preparation for the regular season.
“I think it’s the same thing year after year in the first preseason game,” Fisher said. “You want to play as many people as you can that are able to play. … And everybody that’s capable of playing for the most part will play.”
Not the sexiest storyline. But that’s August football for you.
August 8, 2014 at 1:11 am #3553RamBillParticipantStrauss: How Rams fare in preseason means very little
• Joe StraussPlease, don’t call Friday night’s presentation at the Edward Jones Dome “exhibition football.” When you pay full price for a ticket it’s proper etiquette to call it “preseason.”
Sam Bradford will be on hand, back from last season’s shredded knee. The question is whether he’ll even be in pads since the Rams quarterback is among almost a dozen A-teamers out or highly doubtful to play against the New Orleans Saints, who just to make it fair won’t suit up QB Drew Brees (oblique). Give Rams coach Jeff Fisher credit. Even within this high-arousal summer at Earth City, ‘coach Fish’ has made clear tonight is for back-ups, younger players and avoiding injuries.
Fisher described his intended approach as “somewhat basic,” which is like saying it gets “somewhat humid” following a late-afternoon August downpour in Mound City.
Trivia Time: Identify the most notable conversation piece from last year’s exhibi… uh, preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. Extra credit goes to anyone who remembers the Browns won 27-19.
The obvious answer remains broadcaster Bernie Kosar’s bizarre screed against Rams backup quarterback Kellen Clemens and the Rams’ receiving corps.
“Bernie’s got his issues; they’re well-documented,” Fisher responded afterward.
The Browns looked good, the Rams shoddy that August Thursday night. Travis Benjamin returned a punt 91 yards for a score. The Rams trailed 17-0 and made it a one-possession game only due to a late touchdown. Right tackle Roger Saffold suffered a left shoulder injury that became more serious than any statistic.
The Browns, however, were the team that finished the season with seven consecutive losses. By now someone surely has reminded Bernie the Rams won four games with Clemens under center.
The New Orleans media has had a lay-up storyline for tonight: a reunion with former bad-boy defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who is out of Roger Goodell’s penalty box, on the Rams’ sideline and presumably ready to unleash every blitz package known to man against 33-year-old Saints backup Luke McCown and his seconds. (Not buying that one. Now if this was a regular-season tilt…)
The Rams no longer require outrage, manufactured or otherwise, to make this preseason something more than four weeks of tedium.
Folks beyond The 314, 636 and 618 think a winning record, perhaps even a playoff berth, attainable for Fisher’s third team.
The defense promises pass-rush sizzle — and potential soft spots in the secondary, a holdover concern from last summer.
Even with its advance billing as a ground-and-pound bunch, the offense has to be better with a healthy Bradford and a maturing group of receivers.
Few of those assumptions have anything to do with Friday night. Bradford should be joined on the sidelines by three starting linemen, including Saffold. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins is out, as is running back Isaiah Pead. Michael Brockers and iron man James Laurenaitis probably won’t play. Perhaps fans will get reacquainted with seventh-round draft pick Michael Sam, who should receive significant time in a budding competition with undrafted free agent Ethan Westbrooks.
The NFL doesn’t lend itself to advanced metrics as much as Major League Baseball. Divining blocking and coverage assignments from tape can be a challenge. There is no convenient Wins Above Replacement shorthand. Football is what Rams general manager Les Snead habitually calls “the ultimate team sport” while baseball is overwhelmingly an individual sport disguised as a team game.
That said, some in Earth City believe breakaways by skill-position players project, which makes a competition between incumbent feature back Zac Stacy, Bennie Cunningham and third-round draftee Tre Mason a fascinating study.
The Rams are going to pound the ball a lot this summer because they’re going to run it a lot once the games count.
Fisher insisted last August that a rash of penalties was a byproduct of playing guys who were gone by Week 1. Well, the tendency lingered into September and October, especially on special teams. Still at a talent deficit within the division, the Rams need to be rough and tumble without being free and easy with penalties.
Discipline counts.
Let’s see how Fisher prioritizes a holdover receiving corps. Chris Givens is no longer listed as a starter. Kenny Britt has been a camp sensation. Stedman Bailey has commanded attention but won’t be eligible until Week 5.
And if Kosar had issues with Clemens, what would he say about this year’s backup, Shaun Hill, who hasn’t thrown a total 15 regular-season passes the last three seasons?
The promise here is to neither hold the Rams’ preseason record against them nor to hoist it as confirmation of a pending breakout.
Who will ever forget local media stampeding to the blue-and-gold bandwagon in 2011 after an undefeated preseason compounded 2010’s 7-9 mirage?
Who has forgotten the Rams then waiting until Oct. 30 for their inaugural regular-season win within a 2-14 crash landing?
One is encouraged to judge the happiness of Bradford’s feet, the quickness of rookie interior pass rusher Aaron Donald or Greg Robinson’s adjustments in pass protection. Holding one’s breath for health is entirely appropriate. But let’s wait until September to go on full tilt.
Then again, it’s only 15 days until the Rams return to Cleveland, where Manziel-mania awaits. Tilt away.
August 8, 2014 at 1:47 am #3557RamBillParticipantFive things to watch at Rams preseason opener
• By Jim ThomasSam and Westbrooks: As the exhibition-game schedule begins, undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks could be the one roadblock to Michael Sam making the 53-man roster. After a good start in training camp, Sam’s play has leveled off over the last week. After missing the first several days of camp because of a hamstring issue, Westbrooks now has a few days of camp under his belt and looks quick and menacing.
Backfield stable: Ideally, coach Jeff Fisher would like to give each running back about six carries. But Isaiah Pead has been in and out of practice lately because of a bruised hand. Intriguing Trey Watts, an undrafted rookie from Tulsa, probably sits because of a hamstring injury. Zac Stacy could sit as well, so we could be in for a heavy dose of Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham and Chase Reynolds.
Line dancing: Left guard Greg Robinson and right tackle Joe Barksdale are the only starting offensive linemen expected to play, further reason to sit QB Sam Bradford. It’s possible Robinson, the No. 2 overall draft pick, sees time at left tackle with the starters then switches to left guard when the second unit plays. With Scott Wells and Barrett Jones out, it’s Tim Barnes and 7th-rounder Demetrius Rhaney at center.
Britt & Co.: No matter who’s blocking, or who’s playing QB, the receiving corps is healthy. Can camp standouts Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, and Brian Quick transfer their play from the practice field to the dome? Britt, Bailey, and Tavon Austin might have only limited duty, playing in the first quarter then calling it a night. Quick, Chris Givens, and Austin Pettis might go until halftime.
The longshots: Keep an eye on rookie free-agent Alex Bayer, who has been impressive early in camp and is challenging Justice Cunningham and Mason Brodine for the fourth tight end spot. Mizzou’s T.J. Moe hasn’t gotten many reps in “team” situations at Rams Park. Moe, Justin Veltung, Emory Blake, and Austin Franklin are among those trying to wedge their way into the picture at wide receiver.
August 8, 2014 at 10:51 am #3567
znModeratorWhat is the most important storyline heading into tomorrow’s game? NFL Network host Andrew Siciliano talks to Randy K. and D’Marco Farr.
August 8, 2014 at 1:26 pm #3580RamBillParticipantW2W4: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10288/w2w4-st-louis-rams
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints open the preseason Friday night at the Edward Jones Dome. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on the NFL Network. Here are three things to watch for from the Rams’ end:
1. An aggressive defensive approach? The preseason opener doubles as the first opportunity to see the highly-anticipated Rams’ defense under the guidance of coordinator Gregg Williams. To add to the intrigue, Williams is facing his former team, the Saints. Reunions happen all the time in the NFL but rarely do they come with the hard feelings that apparently still exist between Williams and the Saints. Williams, of course, was part of the Saints’ staff and the supposed ringleader of the bounty scandal which resulted in his yearlong suspension and similar punishments for Saints coach Sean Payton and assistant Joe Vitt. Williams is known for his aggressive, exotic blitzes and while it normally is common procedure to hold back on those things in the preseason, Williams is anything but conventional. He undoubtedly has plenty of schemes he’d like his charges to work on in the preseason, but it’ll be worth keeping an eye on the defensive approach to see if Williams goes a little above and beyond the usual vanilla preseason tactics.
2. Sorting out the running backs: It doesn’t look like there’s much competition for the Rams’ starting running back job as Zac Stacy has been largely handling those duties in camp. But the Rams have some things to figure out behind Stacy and coach Jeff Fisher said earlier this week he’d like to get each back about a half-dozen carries in this game. Benny Cunningham is the leader in the clubhouse to be Stacy’s primary backup, but preseason games present prime opportunities for players to make moves up the depth chart, especially at this position. Cunningham has been sharp in practice, but rookie Tre Mason has also had some good work, especially this week. Isaiah Pead and Chase Reynolds also remain in the mix. Each back will get his chance to make an early statement as the Rams work through building their depth chart at the position.
3. First glance at Sam: Rookie defensive end Michael Sam has had his share of ups and downs in training camp, starting off strong and leveling off of late. But Sam figures to get an extended opportunity to make a good impression Friday night. The Rams, under Fisher, have rarely played their starters much in the first preseason game and with valuable backup end William Hayes still working back from offseason surgeries, Sam should get a lot of snaps. It’s expected Sam will work at left end on defense but also keep an eye out for him on special teams, particularly on the return units where coach John Fassel believes Sam has major potential. Of course, Sam is going to get plenty of competition for a roster spot so the other backup ends are also worth watching, especially undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks.
August 8, 2014 at 1:35 pm #3581RamBillParticipantLatsch: Rams-Saints five things to watch
Nate Latschhttp://stl.scout.com/2/1431704.html
ST. LOUIS — We don’t figure to learn a lot from the Rams’ preseason opener tonight against the New Orleans Saints at the Edward Jones Dome, but there are no shortage of storylines to keep an eye on.
Here are five things I’ll be watching for on Friday night.
• Gregg Williams’ IMPACT
Everything we’ve heard about Williams in OTAs and training camp indicates that the Rams’ players are enjoying the scheme employed by their new defensive coordinator.
Some stories out of Saints training camp this week have showed that the players certainly haven’t forgotten about New Orleans’ former defensive coordinator and expect him to blitz early and often in the preseason opener.
Rams’ fans will be happy to see a more aggressive defense this season and this preseason schedule figures to give everyone a glimpse of that.
• Aaron Donald
The rookie first-round pick from Pittsburgh has been one of the Rams’ most impressive players during OTAs and early in training camp.
Now we will get to see what happens when Donald squares off with somebody else. There’s a good chance we’ll see plenty of Donald because starters Michael Brockers and Kendall Langford have both missed time with injuries in camp and there’s not much depth behind them.
Donald has already been mentioned as a defensive rookie of the year candidate. This is his first chance to show if he’s worthy of such talk.
• SECONDARY
Saints quarterback Drew Brees isn’t expected to play but that doesn’t mean the Rams’ young secondary won’t get tested.
Starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins missed the past few days of training camp with an undisclosed injury, but most of the players in the secondary have been healthy and participating in practices. That means we should get a good look at the entire group, which could turn into some interesting battles for roster spots in the next few weeks.
Second-year cornerback Brandon McGee will have a bigger role with Jenkins likely out and his improvement/development will go a long way towards helping out this secondary.
All eyes will be on feisty rookie second-round nickel cornerback Lamarcus Joyner. The diminutive DB has already proven in camp that he won’t back down from a challenge.
Other defensive backs I’ll be keeping an eye on our rookie fourth-round safety Maurice Alexander, rookie sixth-round cornerback E.J. Gaines and undrafted rookie corners Marcus Roberson and Greg Reid.
• FOURTH TIGHT END
No, this isn’t the sexiest of topics in training camp, but it’s one of the more interesting position battles going right now.
Undrafted rookie Alex Bayer and youngsters Justice Cunningham and Mason Brodine, the converted defensive end, have all shown flashes of their potential throughout OTAs and training camp and all three players fit the bill as tight ends who can block and catch.
None of them appear ready to unseat Jared Cook, Lance Kendricks or Cory Harkey among the top three tight ends, but Bayer, Cunningham and Brodine all look like guys who can contribute on special teams right away and develop for the future. Figuring out which guy to keep will be a difficult call for the coaches at the end of training camp.
• Michael Sam
The first openly gay football player in the NFL will make his preseason debut tonight, likely as a blocker or coverage guy on the kickoff team, before getting reps as one of the reserve defensive ends.
The rookie seventh-round pick from the University of Missouri has had his moments during camp, but he hasn’t looked like a guy who will definitely have a spot on the 53-man roster going into the regular season.
Sam hasn’t gotten as many reps since William Hayes returned from an injury, so these preseason games will be the best opportunity for the 2013 unanimous All-American to show what he’s capable of at this level.
August 8, 2014 at 1:55 pm #3584RamBillParticipantBernie Miklasz previews the Rams’ preseason matchup with the Saints, including what impact Gregg Williams will have against his former team. He wants to see Greg Robinson knock some people down. He wants to see Tre Mason run and see how all the new players in the secondary perform. Plus will the WR’s live up to the hype of training camp so far?
http://www.rams-news.com/bernies-rams-preseason-opener-preview-video/
August 8, 2014 at 2:04 pm #3585RamBillParticipantRams’ youngsters will get work vs. Saints
By Nate Latschhttp://stl.scout.com/2/1431685.html
ST. LOUIS — Rams coach Jeff Fisher said he will be looking for the same thing on Friday night in the preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints that he looks for in the first game of the preseason every year.
“You want to play as many people as you can that are able to play,” Fisher said. “You don’t want to play your starters too much. You want to get them in a flow, but we’re not out there to outsmart anybody. We’re not game planning. We’re just going to do what we’ve done here. You want to give your backs, obviously in a perfect world each running back is going to get about six carries in this game if things go the way we expect them and then the return game, you just don’t know how that’s going to go. But it’s preseason game number one, everybody that’s capable of playing for the most part will play.”
Fisher said Tuesday it was “unlikely” that quarterback Sam Bradford would play on Friday. Left tackle Jake Long, also recovering from an ACL injury that ended his 2013 season, will not play. Center Scott Wells may also be held out on Friday, the coach said.
Who’s left?
Well, just about everybody else on the 90-man training camp roster that remains healthy enough to play after 11 practice sessions.
There don’t seem to be a lot of roster spots up for grabs right now, but the competition for those few spots should be interesting and will likely be decided by the four preseason games.
“A lot of the college free agents on the roster that aren’t getting a lot of reps in practice are going to get game reps,” Fisher said. “As we all know we build reps with the starters and the back-ups and you’re not playing three quarters worth of ball each week. These guys are going to get game reps, probably going to get more game reps than they did practice, so we’ll find out if they’re paying attention.”
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