Rams vs. Saints – What to Watch
By D’Marco Farr

http://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.

Greg Reid talks about playing in his first NFL game, his experience at Florida State and playing alongside former teammate Lamarcus Joyner. (1:06)

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-rookie-db-greg-reid-this-is-big-for-me-video/

Morning Ram-blings: QB prices soar
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10255/morning-ram-blings-qb-prices-soar

EARTH CITY, Mo. — In a direct sense, the lucrative contract extension the Cincinnati Bengals handed to quarterback Andy Dalton this week has no bearing on the St. Louis Rams.

The Rams’ quarterback situation with Sam Bradford really isn’t all that similar to Dalton and the Bengals. While there might be a few statistical similarities, the Rams under Bradford haven’t enjoyed anywhere near the success of the Bengals under Dalton. Now, there are plenty of reasons for that which we don’t have to get into here, but there is something to take away from the Dalton contract when it comes to Bradford and other quarterbacks who are mostly unproven in the postseason.

Quarterback prices are soaring to the point where even mediocre or middle-of-the-road signal callers are landing big-money deals. ESPN columnist Jim Trotter explored the new market for quarterbacks and while Bradford is only mentioned in passing (pun unmercifully intended), Dalton’s contract does have the potential to serve as a baseline for Bradford’s next deal.

In reality, Dalton’s contract doesn’t look as rich as it was when the initial numbers were announced. With $35 million coming in the first three years, the Bengals will pay him the going rate for a mid-level quarterback without breaking the bank. If he continues to ascend and perform, Dalton can earn the rest of what’s on the deal.

Quarterbacks who are even just functional starters have become such a valued and difficult-to-find commodity that the price has gone up. It’s something akin to pitching in baseball where the aces make obscene amounts of money and average pitchers make mildly obscene amounts of money. Bradford isn’t going to be able to do enough in 2014 to elevate to the level of an “ace” quarterback, but he could do enough to get on Dalton’s level. Add in the fact that Bradford is coming off a huge rookie contract and it’s easy to see where his next deal could land.

But once again, even having that discussion at this point doesn’t mean much until Bradford proves worthy of such an extension.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Wednesday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … In the Ram-blings, we opened the day with a look at the Rams’ chances of going from worst to first in the NFC West division. … In this week’s NFL Nation Buzz video, we looked at the Rams’ approach to the preseason with Bradford. … Speaking of which, Rams coach Jeff Fisher all but ruled Bradford out for Friday night’s preseason opener along with left tackle Jake Long and center Scott Wells. … Finally, we closed the day with the usual practice report from the team’s Wednesday special teams session.

Elsewhere:

Saints reporter Mike Triplett writes that quarterback Drew Brees hasn’t been officially ruled out for Friday but did sit out practice again Wednesday.

At stltoday.com, Jeff Gordon discusses the challenge the offense gets facing the top defense every day.

Jim Thomas covers the approach of veteran quarterback Shaun Hill.

101sports.com offers a photo gallery from training camp for those that can’t make it out to practice.

The Associated Press caught up with Rams receivers and West Virginia teammates Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey.

Rams Day 11 camp report
Nate Latsch

http://stl.scout.com/2/1430366.html

ST. LOUIS — The Rams went through their final practice before the preseason opener against the Saints on Friday, but it was a special teams practice with no pads.
The good news, if there was any news, was that running back Zac Stacy participated after leaving Tuesday’s practice early because of an issue.

Stacy said he’s gone into his second training camp with a mindset that he’s got to prove himself to earn a roster spot.

“My mentality going into this season, this training camp, was to be an undrafted free agent trying to compete for a job,” Stacy said. “There’s no guaranteed spots. There’s no doubt about that. So it all goes back to productivity and consistency.”

The 23 year old showed both of those traits in his rookie season.

The fifth-round pick from Vanderbilt turned out to be one of the steals of the draft when he accounted for 1,114 yards (973 rushing, 141 receiving) and a team-high eight touchdowns in 14 games.

Stacy knows one of the keys to another production campaign in 2014 will be staying healthy, which was something he focused on during the offseason.

“Stay on top of body maintenance stuff, try to stay ahead of the curve in the playbook, which will allow me to play faster, smarter,” he said. “Just doing all the little things.”

That he was back out on the practice field Wednesday was a good sign.

• Wednesday’s practice was one of the least interesting of training camp, considering the players weren’t in pads and it was just for some special teams work, but the session drew some big name onlookers.

Former Rams wide receiver Torry Holt, defensive end Grant Wistrom and offensive lineman Andy McCollum were among the visitors.

Holt played 10 seasons with the Rams, with the last coming in 2008 when he caught 64 passes for 796 yards and three touchdowns. He played one more season in the NFL, in 2009 with Jacksonville.

He finished his career with 920 receptions for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns.

Wistrom was a first-round pick in 1998 out of Nebraska and spent six seasons with the Rams and three with the Seahawks before calling it a career, at age 30. He finished with 53 career sacks in 132 games.

McCollum played 14 seasons in the NFL, including nine with the Rams. He retired after playing his one and only season with the Lions in 2008.

• The Rams will not practice Thursday in preparation for Friday’s game.

Rams Camp Report: Day 11
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10250/rams-camp-report-day-11

EARTH CITY, Mo. — A daily review of the hot topics coming out of St. Louis Rams training camp:

Wednesday’s practice was a special teams only workout with no pads, which also meant very little excitement or activity. On the bright side, running back Zac Stacy did go through the practice after limping off during Tuesday’s practice. The injury didn’t seem serious at the time and it appears there is nothing to it as he was back to go through special teams drills Wednesday. Stacy said after the practice that he’s feeling good and though he’s unsure if he’ll play in the preseason opener, made it clear he’s ready to go if called upon.

In the absence of pads, the Rams didn’t have their usual contact drills and one-on-ones near the end of the practice like they usually do. Defensive end Michael Sam is still getting a lot of work as a blocker on the respective return units and that appears to be his best shot to make the roster. I’d be surprised if Sam didn’t get a lot of work on both special teams and defense against the Saints on Friday night.

Punter Johnny Hekker is unfazed by the lack of attention that came with the punt team’s record-setting performance in 2013 and told me after he spent the morning booming punts that he’s looking to get better in 2014. In addition to breaking the record again, Hekker offered left directional punting as an area he’d like to improve going into the season. There are other personal goals he has in store but he preferred to keep those to himself.

It’s hard to take roll in special teams practices because you never know exactly who is and isn’t supposed to be there. But there were a few sideline observers who have been missing practice all week. Running back Trey Watts and fullback Kadeem Jones were among those watching from the sideline.

Although there wasn’t much happening on the field Wednesday, there were some special visitors to the practice. Super Bowl XXXIV winners Torry Holt, Andy McCollum, Grant Wistrom and D’Marco Farr took in the practice. Farr is a regular at practice in his role as the team’s radio color analyst. But Holt dropped by in advance of resuming his color analyst duties for the Rams’ preseason games. McCollum and Wistrom were just stopping by to visit. The quartet took the opportunity to catch up. They’ll get another chance later this year when the Rams celebrate the 15th anniversary of that championship season before the Monday night game against San Francisco on Oct. 13.

The Rams are entering final preparations for the preseason opener Friday night against New Orleans. They’ll have their usual day before game walk-through Thursday before Friday’s game.

Rams notebook: Special-teams standout Reynolds hopes to inspire others
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-special-teams-standout-reynolds-hopes-to-inspire-others/article_72f1e0c9-63f7-5c4f-a750-5b299cd6e2da.html

Rams running back and special teams standout Chase Reynolds has a story to tell and recently launched a motivational brand — The Promise Line — to help deliver the message.

“In a sense, it would be great if it turned into a post-career type of thing. But for now, it’s something I’m using to motivate myself and maybe others,’’ he said. “I’m just trying to reach out to people and let them know your dreams, they’re not optional. If you work for them and you want something bad enough, you’re the only one who stands in your way.’’

The Promise Line website notes that a promise is a goal, and features a number of inspirational T-shirts and wristbands featuring the following slogans: Promise to Never Give Up; Promise to Challenge Yourself; Promise to Seize the Moment; and Promise to Train Hard.

“It’s for people who have goals in their lives but don’t necessarily know how to achieve them,’’ the 26-year-old Reynolds said. “Growing up, I can remember people telling me that I wasn’t good enough or fast enough or strong enough. And coming from a town of 300, playing eight-man football and being part of a graduating class of 24, it would’ve been real easy for me to listen to them.’’

But all that changed after his father asked: “How are you going to know that you weren’t good enough if you don’t try?’’

Reynolds, who led Drummond High to three straight state titles and set a Montana prep rushing record, turned down full offers from smaller schools to accept a half-scholarship to the University of Montana.

“To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I could play at the BCS level, but I stuck with it and just kept battling,’’ he said. “After a couple of position changes, I ended up starting at running back for 2½ years.’’

Reynolds, who finished just 3 yards short of becoming the Grizzlies’ career rushing leader, signed as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks shortly after the 2011 NFL draft. After getting cut, he signed with the Rams.

After two seasons on the practice squad, the 6-foot, 205-pound Reynolds became a core special teams contributor in 2013, playing in all 16 games and tied for third on the team with six special-teams tackles.

Reynolds is sporting a Mohawk these days — “Just decided to change it up a little bit.’’ — and is back on the practice field after sitting out OTAs following surgery for a sports hernia.

“It killed me to miss the OTAs,’’ he recalled. “But I talked it over with Coach and this was the best way to go. What I bring to special teams is that full-speed mentality and I’m feeling great now.’’

Reynolds is looking forward to the team’s second full special teams workout today.

“Those practices are like game day for me because guys like me really don’t get a ton of reps,’’ Reynolds said. “You look at all the guys here, 70 or so of them, and they’re all athletes and they’re all fighting for a job.

“All I can do is just focus on giving my best at all times.’’

RAM-BLINGS

• Not surprising, but Rams coach Jeff Fisher said that quarterback Sam Bradford, tackle Jake Long and center Scott Wells are unlikely to play Friday when the Rams host the Saints in a 7 p.m. preseason game at the Edward Jones Dome.

• The pass rush continues to apply lots of pressure. Brian Quick, back after sitting out a couple of practices with an abdominal strain, made a nice sliding catch on a pass from Bradford, who also connected on quality deep balls to Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin.

• Running back Zac Stacy left practice early with an undisclosed injury.

• Tuesday’s practice, the last open-to-the-public workout of the week, drew a crowd of 789, the first sub-1,000 crowd of camp. Tuesday’s not-practicing list included linebacker James Laurinaitis, guard Rodger Saffold, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, defensive tackle Michael Brockers, defensive tackle Kendall Langford, running back Isaiah Pead, running back Trey Watts, fullback Kadeem Jones, receiver Justin Veltung, guard Brandon Washington, guard-center Barrett Jones and safety Avery Cunningham.

• Longtime Rams security chief Dan Linza, now retired, attended Tuesday evening’s workout.

Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Rams QB Shaun Hill spoke about learning the Rams offense, playing against the Saints on Friday, the amount of talent/depth the Rams have at the skill positions, and his role in the locker room after practice on Tuesday. He also says Sam Bradford is “an unbelievable talent” and a nice guy. (3:20)

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-qb-shaun-hill-theres-a-lot-of-talent-at-the-skill-positions-video/

Casey Phillips talked to E.J. Gaines about the benefits of staying in Missouri, what he is looking forward to at Friday’s preseason game, and what he’s learning from Gregg Williams. (1:42)

http://www.rams-news.com/one-on-one-with-rams-rookie-cb-e-j-gaines-video/

Burwell: Rams have ability, experience to match expectations
• By BRYAN BURWELL

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bryan-burwell/burwell-rams-have-ability-experience-to-match-expectations/article_c1d6173b-7c8b-5a22-b72f-f8d44187832d.html

Three years ago when he arrived here with the heady title of “franchise savior” of the St. Louis Rams, it felt as though the biggest part of Jeff Fisher’s new job was far more that of a persuasive salesman than an ingenious football coach.

The Rams — and for that matter, the city’s desperate football fan base — needed a voice that sold them on hope that the worst finally was over for this struggling franchise.

And for two years, that’s what Fisher did. As he and general manager Les Snead carefully churned the roster, drafting speed, size and athletic talent, the coach tried to convince anyone who would listen that this green-but-growing rehab project was good enough to challenge for a playoff run even if he knew better.

For two years Fisher was the slick pitchman, offering faith, hope and a low-bar dream that what we were seeing was infinitely better than what we already had seen. He would scoff at any question that suggested the Rams couldn’t compete for a playoff berth in the challenging NFC West. He used to repeat over and over that his young team was good enough to hang in the toughest division in football.

But the hope phase of the Rams’ reconstruction project officially is over now. Hopes and wishes have been replaced by something a bit more substantial.

“It’s all about expectations now,” Fisher said as he stood on the edge of the Rams Park practice field early Monday night. “Yes, we have youth, but now there’s skill at every position. There’s experience there, too.”

Fisher’s previous positive sales pitches were a necessary distraction from the harsh reality that this was a rebuilding franchise on training wheels, growing through the draft but stumbling along with the mistakes of youth and inexperience.

Now, you can feel the different mood at training camp. You can listen to the coaches, the front-office types. You can hear it in the tone of Fisher’s words. He thinks Year Three will be the breakout season that will move the Rams off that sub-.500 plateau they have rested on for the last two seasons (back-to-back, nearly-identical seasons of 7-8-1 and 7-9), and catapult into a 10- or 11-win season.

This is the first of many very big weeks in the 2014 preseason. After spending the entire offseason practicing against themselves, the Rams begin the exhibition season Friday night in the dome against the New Orleans Saints. Sam Bradford and his surgically repaired knee will get a first real test against a defense that can and will bring him to the ground. Every exhibition game will allow a glimpse into the possibilities that this season could bring.

Will they be faster, stronger, quicker, smarter? Will the wide receivers make plays? Will the offensive line protect Bradford? Will the quarterback continue to show the elevated play we’ve seen in training camp’s early days against opposing defenses? Will new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ imaginative schemes turn this already dangerous defense into the sort of unit that can carry the Rams to championship dreams?

It’s always so easy to become infatuated with a football team in training camp. Fisher was almost giddy about Bradford’s progress in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 passing drills, the way he has shown so much big-arm strength and accuracy on deep routes every day.

“The quarterback is looking as good now as I’ve ever seen him since I’ve been here,” the coach volunteered after watching Bradford gun a deep rocket to Austin Pettis in tight coverage. “What you saw him do (on Monday) looked even better last Saturday.”

So is this the season of the Big Tease or the Great Fulfillment? Is Bradford ready to make his breakthrough and show the pro football world that he deserved all the money and respect as a No. 1 overall draft pick? Are the Rams ready to put it all together and fill the dome with an excitable playoff edge that we haven’t seen around here since the turn of the century?

A year ago at training camp, there was a scene that played out that was so full of high hopes and turned into realized expectations. Early in camp, a rather excitable fan shouted from across the end-zone barricade his vision of what he hoped would be the story of the 2013 season.

“Hey Robert (Quinn), you gotta get 40 sacks this year. You gotta get 40!” the man bellowed in a voice loud enough that it caused the Rams’ gifted defensive end to do a quick double take and give him an “Are you crazy?” stare.

“Forty is a little crazy,” Quinn joked at the time.

Of course a few months later, Quinn did have a breakthrough season, threatening Deacon Jones’ unofficial club record of 26 sacks, finishing with an NFC-leading 19 sacks, became a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro and finished a half sack shy of NFL leader Robert Mathis.

On Monday at camp, there was another energetic fan — this one a kid probably 8 or 9 years old — who wanted to up the ante for Quinn.

“Little guy said he wanted 2,000 sacks,” Quinn chuckled.

For the season or for your career?

“Either way, that’s a bit much, don’t you think?” Quinn asked smiling.

Instead, Quinn has taken a bit more pragmatic approach to what he and his teammates need to do to make this season the success everyone is expecting.

“Small steps,” Quinn said. “Gotta take small steps. Just try to take small steps every day and get better. Remember, we’re just kids playing in the dirt. OK, maybe we’re a little bigger than the rest of the kids, but if we can approach every day with that spirit— little boys playing in the dirt — we’ll be just fine.”

Practice Recap: Plenty of Pops
By Myles Simmons Rams Insider

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Recap-Plenty-of-Pops/ee5fd031-cc08-4a9c-bf4d-ebca7c7377eb

The first game week of the season is upon us, and the Rams looked like they were ready to hit another team on Monday. Yes, it’s only preseason, but St. Louis will take on New Orleans Friday night for the team’s first live action of 2014.

YOU COULD HEAR IT

Practice wasn’t just about what you could see at Rams Park this afternoon — it was what you could hear.

The Rams got after each other on offense and defense, providing a soundtrack of pops and thuds for the assembled crowd of over 1,000 fans.

“We needed to get out of them what we got out of them today,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “We worked on the run game early in practice, which was good. They’re protecting each other. They’re using their pads.”

There was plenty of chatter on the field as well — and not just from the usual suspect, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Plenty of players were whooping it up, mustering some enthusiasm on a pretty warm day.

“When it’s hot, it’s hot,” Fisher said. “But they got used to it. They had a little breeze, so they’re fine.”

Tempers did boil over at one point in practice, though. Wide receiver Austin Pettis and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner got into a minor scrap after Pettis caught a pass and Joyner tried to rip the ball away when the play was over. Pettis flung the ball at Joyner, and members of the team came over to join in the excitement. But there was really nothing more to it than that.

“That’s brotherhood out there,” Joyner told Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “We’re not playing for paychecks out there. We’re playing for championships.”

“I think those guys are just trying to transition themselves into game-like situations,” rookie Greg Robinson said to our Casey Phillips. “That’s why we turned it up a little bit, put on the pads, going full speed a little bit and making contact, getting the feel of it. I think that’s just to prepare ourselves for Friday.”

Even with the nature of Monday’s practice, Fisher said Tuesday could bring even more sound effects.

“We’re probably going to do a little bit more probably from the physical standpoint than we did today,” Fisher said.

It’ll be plenty more fun to hear those pads continue to pop.

OGLETREE’S PROGRESS

With his 117 tackles, 10 pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks, linebacker Alec Ogletree undoubtedly had one of the best rookie seasons of 2013. And according to Fisher, he’s been taking steps to get better.

“We expect more production out of him,” Fisher said. “He’s been working on it. We’re pleased with where he is right now.”

Fisher said Williams has done a nice job with moving Ogletree around defensive alignments in order to maximize his skillset.

“We’ll create some matchups and might be doing a little bit more pressure than he’s done before,” Fisher said. “But from a cover standpoint, he can do it.”

As someone who Fisher said has “made the big plays and he’s got the big-play potential,” Ogletree told our Casey Phillips on at #RamsFanFest on Saturday that his goals start with mastering his craft in meetings.

“Just being fundamental with all my stuff,” Ogletree said. “Make sure I own the playbook, and make sure I’ll be able to take what I’ve learned in the classroom onto the field.”

As long as he’s progressing, the Rams will have another stout player for their front seven.

TWITTER QUESTION OF THE DAY

If you missed it a few days ago, I’m new around these parts as your Rams Insider. (http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Recap-Defense-Gets-Aggressive/f618a58a-26d2-46b5-b14a-5bfba2d6e8f6) So given my title, I figured it might not be a bad idea to try something new by taking a Twitter question and using it here. Tweet it to me at any time @MylesASimmons (https://twitter.com/mylesasimmons), and it might make it here. And even if it doesn’t, I’ll do my best to Tweet you an answer.

The inaugural question comes from @CasualMook, who asks:

Donald looks like he fits right in with the first team. As all of you know, there is a whole lot of talent on the Rams defensive line, and it definitely looks like Donald has the tools to be another strong piece. Of course, you never really know until the games start and he’s played some snaps against a live opponent. But it sure looks so far like Donald could be the real deal.

Thanks for the question, @CasualMook.

LEFTOVERS

…Fisher complimented the backup quarterbacks on Monday, saying Shaun Hill, Austin Davis, and rookie Garrett Gilbert all have a pretty good feel for what’s been going on in camp.

“[Hill] traditionally has played very well in preseason games over the last few years, so we expect him to do so,” Fisher said. “They’ll all get a chance to play.”

…Hill, a 13-year veteran who has seen his share of quarterbacks, had some pretty nice words about the starter at his position.

“I’ve been very impressed with Sam,” Hill said. “What an unbelievable talent — great guy, too. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time together so far.”

UP NEXT

The Rams will have their last open practice of the week on Tuesday at Rams Park. The session starts at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free.

Gregg Williams still sorting through options
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10178/gregg-williams-still-sorting-through-options

EARTH CITY, Mo. — Much is expected of the St. Louis Rams’ defense in 2014.

The Rams have spent the past three offseasons bolstering the talent on that side of the ball, regularly spending premium picks to keep building. Coach Jeff Fisher is defensive minded and he has an experienced coaching staff capable of leading the group.

In the offseason, Fisher finally got the man he wants to lead it all when he brought in Gregg Williams to be defensive coordinator after a series of stops and starts.

Now, Williams’ greatest task is figuring out how best to use the talent that’s in place so he can take a group that has been solid, if unspectacular, and make it the foundation upon which winning is built.

At the top of the to-do list is paramount for any coach worth his salt when he works with new players: Figuring out what their skills are so they can be best utilized.

And though the Rams offer great defensive promise in 2014, that process is still a work in progress.

“Improving, but it’s not there yet,” Williams said. “One of the things, in the spring, I let the assistant coaches set all the depth charts. Obviously they set them the way I like them to set. I let them. I didn’t have any discussion with them.”

In the time since the players and coaches departed for summer hiatus, Williams had plenty of conversations with himself. While most of the coaching offices were empty as the rest of the staff took a much-needed vacation, Williams remained in St. Louis. Aside from a quick stop at his annual charity golf tournament, Williams stayed in the laboratory cooking up schemes and options for his charges.

“I was here every day,” Williams said. “I was here Saturday, Sunday, Fourth of July, going back through and getting ahead of a lot of things. Watching films and studying people that I don’t have time to study once the season starts. But the big thing, I went back and re-watched every single practice, every single drill. I’m a lot more familiar with these guys, but until the pads came on, that was the next step. And until we play a preseason game, that’ll be the next step. It’s ever changing. It’s moving on, but I’m getting a lot more familiar with them.”

That familiarity is the key to how fast the defense will coalesce. The best coaches find ways to tailor their schemes to the players rather than attempting to shoehorn players who might not fit into a hard and fast scheme. So while many expect Williams to play nothing but press coverage with a physical approach from the corners, he may ultimately decide that’s not how they’re best deployed.

That isn’t to say he’s leaning that way, just that making broad assumptions about what the defense will look like at this point is getting ahead of ourselves a bit. The Rams are still about only halfway through camp’s version of defensive installation so there’s plenty of room and time for tweaking.

At this point, the one thing we do know for sure is that Williams wants to be aggressive. That means a greater emphasis on takeaways and continued attempts to get after the quarterback. And with a defensive line he calls the best he’s coached, Williams has more creative freedom to concoct schemes he’s never used before.

“I tell the players all the time, and I’ll tell you guys: There’s not going to be any magic dust,” Williams said. “There’s not going to be any LeBron James magic dust. That’s not going to happen. What’s going to happen is these players are going to play aggressively. They’re playing for somebody and with somebody that’s on the same page as them. Nobody’s going to hold them back. We’re going to go and we’re going to play aggressive.

“If you want to make sure that you always have a fail-safe excuse about making a mistake, make it aggressively. That’s been the fun part of seeing them all of the sudden be so robotic. They’re a talented group of players, but I want them to play instinctively. I want the coaches to coach instinctively. Jeff’s allowing that to happen, and I’m happy that he’s allowing that to happen because that’s the way I’ve always been.”

Gordon: So far, so good in Rams camp
By Jeff Gordon

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/gordon-so-far-so-good-in-rams-camp/article_2f8b265f-c91e-5875-ba4a-1b786f0c2594.html

The Rams spent their first full week of training camp blending rookies with veterans on the practice field.

Myriad minor injuries contributed to some of that shuffling, but coach Jeff Fisher is stressing player development again this summer. Several rookies will fill key roles this season and many young guys will provide depth.

How far this team goes will depend on how quickly the young players learn and grow.

“This game is not too big for any of our rookies,” Fisher said after Saturday’s session at the Edward Jones Dome. “They’ve all accepted their responsibilities very well. They’re practicing well and again we’re mixing them in with the veterans.

“We had a young period there at the end (Saturday), it was predominantly young players, but for the most part on the practice field the ‘rooks’ are mixing in with the ‘vets’ and doing just fine.”

Here is an overview of where the team stands heading toward its first preseason game:

QUARTERBACK

Sam Bradford is firing the ball all over the field, reminding folks why he was a top NFL Draft pick. His comeback from knee injury is going about as well as possible. All that extra weight room work allowed him to add even more zip on this throws.

It will be interesting to see if this improvement translates into performance this season, which could define his career for better or worse.

Veteran back-up Shaun Hill is a much better passer than Kellen Clemens, so the Rams should be able to keep the full offensive playbook if Bradford gets hurt again.

Rookie Garrett Gilbert is getting every chance to stick around as a developmental player. He, too, can make most of the throws on the practice field. But what can do under duress during preseason action?

As for Austin Davis . . . well, Saturday’s session wasn’t pretty for him. He took a step back in the 2013 training camp and he hasn’t taken a step forward this time around.

RUNNING BACK

With Daryl Richardson hobbled by a toe injury last season, the Rams ground game became the Zac Stacy Show. But rookie Tre Mason figures to be a major factor this season, as fans saw Saturday afternoon. That should create a better two-back tandem.

But how much damage can he do between the tackles? Richardson — who was miscast as the lead back to start last season — struggled on inside runs last season even before he got hurt. Mason did plenty of north-sound running at Auburn, but he also had some massive holes behind Greg Robinson and Co.

Richardson’s departure created one more opportunity for Isaiah Pead, who has been relegated to special teams duty in his first two NFL seasons. Then there are Benny Cunningham, a poor man’s Mason, and handyman Chase Reynolds.

Those three could compete for two spots in preseason play.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Bradford’s connection with Stedman Bailey has been strong throughout training camp. They played a lot of pitch and catch against Saturday afternoon.

“He knows how to get open and knows how to make the plays,” Fisher observed. So it is a shame Bailey will miss the first four games of the season while serving a NFL suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.

In his absence, reclamation project Kenny Britt could be Bradford’s go-to guy. Saturday they hooked up on a home-run ball that excited the crowd at the Dome. Britt is showing no ill-effects from previous injuries and he is providing some desperately needed leadership to the passing game.

Tavon Austin’s greatest value could be on crossing patterns where can use his quickness to get open and then turn the play up field. As fans saw Saturday, Austin will get some hand-offs in the Brian Schottenheimer offense as well as many crowd-pleasing wide receiver screen passes.

But can he get separation on deep passes down the field? Or will he continue doing his damage by trying to turn little passes into big plays?

Brian Quick has been noticeable when healthy in camp, but he was among the inactive players Saturday. Maybe, just maybe, he is finally ready to factor into the passing game. Like Britt, he could benefit from Bailey’s absence during the season’s first month.

Chris Givens is still fast and Austin Pettis is still a decent possession receiver. Both have been with Bradford for a while now. Both are overdue to become difference makers. But both have been second-teamers this summer.

TIGHT ENDS

Jared Cook still adds freakish physical skills to the passing game. And he still has some work to do, as Saturday’s session underscores. Can he run every pass route with conviction? Can he catch everything thrown within his considerable range?

Lance Kendricks had a tough 2013 season, missing time with a broken finger and losing prominence due to Cook’s presence in the offense. He caught five passes in the season finale, reminding that he could still be key weapon. He has the best all-around skill set among the Rams at this position.

The Cory Harkey Package remains in the offense, as we saw Saturday. The man can block and he usually catches what comes to him — although he is seldom far downfield when the ball arrives.

Former Colts fringe player Justice Cunningham looks like a possible developmental player. He is a big, big man. Also keep an eye on Alex Bayer, who has stood out in Saturday’s blocking drills.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Jake Long seems right on schedule to return to his left tackle post after suffering a catastrophic knee injury last season. But like a lot of these players, he is missing time during training camp team drills.

The group seems largely set: Long at left tackle, rookie Greg Robinson at left guard, Scott Wells at center, Rodger Saffold at right guard and Joe Barksdale at right tackle. Free agent David Joseph looks like a terrific free agent addition at guard and Barrett Jones should offer quality center/guard depth after his redshirt year.

With Robinson and Saffold able to play guard and tackle, the Rams should have admirable flexibility to deal with injuries.

Beyond that, the Rams have some raw rookies battling players (Tim Barnes, Mike Person and Brandon Washington) with some limited NFL experience.

DEFENSIVE LINE

This unit is much deeper than the offensive line. That showed Saturday as the defensive tackles and ends had lots of fun in pass rushing/pass blocking drills. Their physical ability, combined with a renewed emphasis on blitzing, allowed them to penetrate again and again.

During one stretch, poor Austin Davis would have been sacked six times in a row had tackling the quarterback been allowed.

Rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald is a very hard man to block. Several teams will regret passing on this young man.

His presence could make defensive tackle Michael Brockers an even greater force. Brockers aggravated an ankle injury in Saturday’s session, but he was able to walk off the field without help.

The playing rotation is largely set for this season, so most of the media attention will focus on rookie defensive end Michael Sam’s bid to land one of the final spots. He will get his chance to make plays (or not) in preseason play.

LINEBACKERS

With the D-line capable of overwhelming many O-lines, this could have a lot of fun this season. Gregg Williams’ blitz calls will also create big play opportunities.

OLB Alec Ogletree could be a game-wrecker in this scheme and MLB James Laurinaitis (currently shelved by an ankle sprain) could make more plays at the point of attack. Run-stopper Jon-Lon Dunbar could also benefit from a better line push.

The guy to watch is Ray-Ray Armstrong, a terrific athlete Williams may deploy in special packages. Among the long shots, rookie Aaron Hill was by far the most visible linebacker Saturday.

SECONDARY

This is a tough group to figure due to its collective youth and the various minor injuries costing players practice time.

Starting cornerback Trumaine Johnson has missed work in camp. Starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins was on the sidelines Saturday, as was rookie Lamarcus Joyner — the likely nickel back this season.

Fourth cornerback Brandon McGee could establish himself with a strong preseason, since his competition is coming from a small army of rookie hopefuls. Mizzou fans will be pulling for rookie E.J. Gaines during the preseason action.

Rookie Maurice Alexander looks like a good bet to fit in behind safeties T.J. McDonald and Rodney McLeod, but the lack of experience at the back end of this defense leaves experts wondering about a potential veteran addition later this summer.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Greg Zuerlein failed to convert a couple of field goals from 65 yards Saturday, leaving the balls short and to the right. But he didn’t rattle one home from 63 yards earlier in the session.

The Rams could have an elite kicking game if they can find some players capable of blocking in the return game WITHOUT TAKING PENALTIES. The Rams failed miserably in that area last season

Monday, August 4, 2014
St. Louis Rams’ projected roster
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/9992/st-louis-rams-projected-roster-2

Examining the St. Louis Rams’ roster:

(Note: WR Stedman Bailey is expected to make the team but is suspended for the first four games of the season and will not count on the initial 53-man roster)

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Sam Bradford
Shaun Hill
Garrett Gilbert

Bradford and Hill are locks. Gilbert is already taking reps with the second team. It doesn’t appear he’ll have much competition from Austin Davis for a potential third spot. The only question is whether the Rams keep three.

RUNNING BACKS (4)

Zac Stacy
Benny Cunningham
Tre Mason
Isaiah Pead

The Rams went heavy on running backs last year, keeping five, but with Pead handling more special teams duties, it could make Chase Reynolds expendable and allow them to keep an extra body elsewhere.

RECEIVERS (5)

Chris Givens
Tavon Austin
Kenny Britt
Brian Quick
Austin Pettis

With Bailey suspended the first four weeks, the Rams could take a longer look at another wideout for the first quarter of the season, but Bailey plus the five listed here seem to be in pretty good shape. It will be more interesting to see how this group shakes out in terms of playing time.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Jared Cook
Lance Kendricks
Cory Harkey
Justice Cunningham

The first three are probably pretty safe, but the Rams could have an intriguing competition for a potential fourth tight end if they opt to keep one. Cunningham intrigues them, but undrafted rookie Alex Bayer continues to show promise. I’m not ready to elevate him past Cunningham but it’s going to be close if they keep four.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Jake Long
Joe Barksdale
Scott Wells
Greg Robinson
Rodger Saffold
Davin Joseph
Barrett Jones
Tim Barnes
Mike Person

The Rams could easily go heavy here and keep another lineman or even two as they did in 2013. The first seven listed here should be in good shape, but beyond that, the competition is wide open. Players like Sean Hooey, Brandon Washington, Mitchell Van Dyk and Demetrius Rhaney could be heard from before preseason is finished.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)

Chris Long
Robert Quinn
William Hayes
Eugene Sims
Michael Brockers
Kendall Langford
Aaron Donald
Alex Carrington
Michael Sam

The first eight listed are all but locks barring injury, but the Rams have kept a ninth defensive lineman each of the past two seasons. The battle for that spot should be fierce with Sam trying to fend off the likes of Sammy Brown, Matt Conrath and undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks. Sam’s ability to emerge on special teams will likely determine his fate.

LINEBACKERS (6)

James Laurinaitis
Alec Ogletree
Jo-Lonn Dunbar
Ray-Ray Armstrong
Daren Bates
Phillip Steward

Don’t be surprised if the final tally here looks different than the above. Beyond the first four listed, there could be plenty of room for change, including the potential for a veteran to provide depth. Bates is a strong special teams player and should stick, but Steward will face plenty of competition from an eager group of undrafted rookies.

CORNERBACKS (5)

Janoris Jenkins
Trumaine Johnson
Lamarcus Joyner
Brandon McGee
E.J. Gaines

Jenkins, Johnson and Joyner should be set, but there could be some good battles in camp for the spots behind that trio. McGee has a year under his belt and an inherent advantage that goes with it, but he will face competition from the likes of Gaines, Greg Reid and Marcus Roberson. It also wouldn’t surprise if the Rams kept a sixth cornerback instead of a fifth safety.

SAFETIES (5)

T.J. McDonald
Rodney McLeod
Maurice Alexander
Cody Davis
Matt Daniels

There is plenty to sort out at this position with Alexander, Daniels and rookie Christian Bryant coming off injury. Bryant didn’t participate in the spring, so he is difficult to project at this point. Davis should stick for his special-teams contribution, but there is little guaranteed here.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Johnny Hekker
Greg Zuerlein
Jake McQuaide

It would take a serious injury to disturb this strong trio.

Bailey shines but will disappear in September
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/bailey-shines-but-will-disappear-in-september/article_0d6d1e28-169e-54c2-899c-84b88838c97b.html

Stedman Bailey learned to be patient last season as a rookie, and the start of this season will be no different.

Despite a stellar college career at West Virginia, Bailey participated in only four plays at wide receiver through his first eight NFL games in 2013. He didn’t have a pass thrown his way by a quarterback until Game 9 against Tennessee.

(Punter Johnny Hekker missed connections on a throw Bailey’s way on a fake punt in Game 3.)

It wasn’t until the final five games that Bailey saw appreciable playing time at wide receiver, including starts at Arizona and Seattle. He had 15 catches for 195 yards over that five-game stretch, showing enough promise that he figured to be a starter — or at least a strong contender for a starting position in 2014.

Then came that four-game NFL suspension for violating league policy on performance-enhancing substances. Once the preseason ends, Bailey won’t be seen again until mid-October — the Rams’ Monday night home game against San Francisco on the 13th to be exact.

Which is a shame for the Rams because Bailey looks like he’s poised for a breakout season based on his practice performance in the first week and a half of training camp.

“Yes, we’ll miss him,” coach Jeff Fisher said following Saturday’s FanFest practice at the Edward Jones Dome. “But he’s gonna push right through camp and will get through his ordeal, and we’ll get him right back in the lineup.”

Along with Kenny Britt and Brian Quick, Bailey has been the most impressive pass-catcher thus far in camp. Saturday in the dome was no different, when he was quarterback Sam Bradford’s favorite target during 11-on-11, 2-minute, and red zone periods.

“Sted made a lot of plays,” Fisher said. “He knows how to get open and knows how to make the plays.”

Despite the suspension, Bailey is allowed to practice and play in all four preseason games. But that all stops once the preseason ends. The leaves will be turning and folks will be shopping for their Halloween pumpkins by the time Bailey returns.

“It’s something that kills me every time I think about it,” Bailey said. “But my job is to compete, work hard, keep giving my all to the team, and when I come back just be looking for a show.”

He put on a show Saturday, showcasing his separation skills and good hands before 15,723 spectators.

During the first 11-on-11 period, Bailey caught intermediate-range passes from Bradford over the middle and down the sideline. Later in practice, he had a gain of 20-plus yards on a deep out, and then another during 2-minute drill when he split two defenders down the left sideline. His day ended with a touchdown catch, also during the 2-minute.

“Stedman’s been great all camp, all spring,” Bradford said. “I think he’s gonna be a big part of what we do when he gets back.

“Obviously, it’s a bummer that he’s not gonna be with us the first four (games), but when he comes back the timing and everything that we’re doing right now is to make sure we’re ready when he does get back.”

Which explains why Bradford keeps throwing the ball Bailey’s way, and why Bailey keeps getting reps with the first-string offense in camp.

“It actually makes me feel really good that they have the confidence in me to keep me out there, keep me getting reps with the ‘1s,’ “ Bailey said. “Once I come back, hopefully I can get back in the rotation and help this team out.”

But why not work Bailey less during camp and the preseason since he won’t be around in September, letting others get more work?

For one, the Rams are thinking long-term on this, namely the 12 games Bailey will be on the field after the suspension. Even more important is the need to build chemistry with Bradford.

Keep in mind, Bailey didn’t have one pass thrown his way by Bradford during the 2013 regular season. By the time Bailey started playing, Bradford was gone for the year with his knee injury in Game 7 at Carolina.

Even in practice, Bailey barely worked with Bradford before the injury because Bailey was so far down the depth chart. So the two were basically a blank page until workouts this June.

All of which explains why Bailey was among a handful of pass-catchers Bradford invited to his home in Norman, Okla., to work for a couple of days during the Rams’ summer break.

Having Bailey in Norman “was huge,” Bradford said. “Especially knowing that we were gonna spend (four) weeks without him. I think those two days with him in Norman were probably even more valuable than with some of the other guys, making sure that we had everything down before he’s gonna leave the building.”

For the most part, Bradford and Bailey look very much in sync, but a couple of plays Saturday showed there’s still room for improvement.

On one play, Bailey didn’t adjust to a blitz on a deep route. Hoping Bailey recognized the pressure and cut short his route, Bradford threw an underneath ball that landed harmlessly on the turf with nobody near.

On another deep sideline pattern, Bailey was bracketed by two defenders to his inside. Seeing that, Bradford threw the ball to the open spaces outside, but Bailey recognized where the ball was going too late to get there.

Even so, Bailey says, “The game’s slowed down a whole lot for me. I know what I’m doing, whereas I don’t have to think and then go play. I know exactly what I’m doing, so I can just showcase my talents and just go play ball.”