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May 23, 2018 at 7:16 pm in reply to: Teams Will be Fined if Players Kneel During National Anthem #86504
znModeratorfrom NFLPA issues statement in response to NFL’s new national anthem policy
The player’s union plans to make sure the CBA isn’t violated under these new rules…
In response, the NFLPA complained that the union or its players were not consulted ahead of the rules changed, and that the union will monitor and “challenge” any inconsistencies in the application of the new rules as it pertains to the CBA.
The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new “policy.” NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.
The vote by NFL club CEOs today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Chairman of the NFL’s Management Council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our League.
Our union will review the new “policy” and challenge any aspect of it that is inconsistent with the collective bargaining agreement.May 23, 2018 at 6:44 pm in reply to: Teams Will be Fined if Players Kneel During National Anthem #86498znModeratorManagement has chosen to quash the same freedom of speech that protects someone who wants to salute the flag in an effort to prevent someone who does not wish to do so.
— DeMaurice Smith (@DeSmithNFLPA) May 23, 2018
znModeratorSpeed_Kills sez:
Polian was on Sirius the other day and was amazed at what Goff did in his first year in a new offense….You don’t often see a QB drafted like Goff was in their second season throw for over 3,800 yards, 28tds, 62% completions, and only 7ints and regress in their third year.
Goff may regress sure its possible… but I have been watching football a long long time. When QBs that were drafted where Goff was have those kinds of years they normal explode the following season. My expectations are that in year 3…we will see exactly why he was drafted #1 and yes rated more highly than Carson Wentz by just about everybody.
1) Goff is a talented thrower
2) The Rams are absolutely loaded offensively
3) Last year they had minimal contributions from a very young TE group
4) Sean McVay knows what he is doing and is well respected, look what he did for Cousins
5) Goff in year three – things will slow down for him and become more natural
6) The Rams defense could be downright nasty and Goff could be getting a ton of opportunities to thriveThese things are obvious – These are things we would all recognize and acknowledge if we were talking about the Cowboys or NFC East team.
The Rams and Goff simply haven’t convinced everyone just yet… but hang tight
Its coming!
znModeratorznModeratorTwo ACL tears in one day prove Aaron Donald’s holdout is warranted
Cameron DaSilva
Two ACL tears in one day prove Aaron Donald's holdout is warranted
When the 2018 season begins, both the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles will be without key players due to injuries suffered in OTAs. Unfortunately, both of those injuries were of the ACL variety and just happened to occur on the same exact day.
In a matter of hours, tight end Hunter Henry and linebacker Paul Worrilow of the Chargers and Eagles, respectively, tore their ACLs, sidelining them for the 2018 season. It’s an unfortunate occurrence that happens just about every year with players suffering injuries during voluntary workouts on an astonishingly regular basis, but it’s the reality.
And while Henry’s injury will undoubtedly prove to be one of the most devastating of 2018, both send the same message: injuries are unavoidable … unless you avoid practicing altogether.
That’s exactly why Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack and Zack Martin have stayed away from voluntary OTAs up to this point and are unlikely to participate in any capacity. You could make the same argument for Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, who’s ongoing disputes with the Patriots have been well documented this offseason.
Donald, for one, has been holding out for a new contract since last year. He skipped OTAs last offseason, too, only showing up for mandatory minicamp in June. And we all know that he skipped not only training camp, but the preseason, as well. His holdout ended just before the 2018 season began, forcing him to miss the season opener against the Colts.
He can’t stay away from the team as long as he did last year because he only has three accrued seasons toward free agency, but there’s no telling when he’ll be back in a Rams uniform. Mandatory minicamp? Training camp? August 7? Who knows.
What we do know is that Donald won’t risk injury until he gets some financial security. After seeing Henry and Worrilow go down with torn ACLs, can you blame him? If Donald were to show up for OTAs and blow out his Achilles (*knocks on wood*), he’d dramatically hurt his value as a player.
The Rams would be reluctant to hand him $20 million per year for five years, considering how significant of an injury that would be. At least with a long-term extension in his back pocket, he wouldn’t have to worry about being paid after suffering a devastating injury.
Regardless of when he reports to the Rams, no one in their right mind can blame him for staying away as long as he has. Football is a physical sport with big humans pushing, shoving and tackling other big humans. Injuries are bound to happen, and when you’re arguably the best player in the sport, why risk injury with no financial security? That’s Donald’s line of thinking.
znModeratorHappy Birthday @AaronDonald97! We’re all hoping the @RamsNFL give you a record breaking present. I’m really proud of you for handling yourself in a 1st class manner throughout this entire process. The players and fans are 100% behind you. We really appreciate you#Rambassador
— Eric Dickerson (@EricDickerson) May 23, 2018
znModeratorSimmons on Goff in OTAs. From this thread: http://theramshuddle.com/topic/them-otas-is-here/#post-86472
Day 1
Goff feels more comfortable, and it shows
The offense looked really sharp. Quarterback Jared Goff was accurate with his passes early and often, hitting receivers in stride on regular drops and off play-action.
During team drills, Goff faked a handoff on the left, rolled to his right, threw on the run and hit wideout Josh Reynolds in stride on an intermediate pass toward the right sideline. It was a play that displayed Goff’s chemistry and timing with his receivers, even in this stage of the offseason program.
Goff’s best pass of the day was probably a deep ball to Cooks during 7-on-7 drills. Cooks darted down the left side off the line of scrimmage, Goff fired the pass and hit the speedy Oregon State product in stride at about the five-yard line, allowing Cooks to easily make it into the end zone. Aside from Goff’s arm strength and Cooks’ speed, the pass illustrated Goff and Cooks have already established some chemistry.
Day 2
Quarterback Jared Goff looked sharp early on once again, even during the early drills. On one throw he hit wideout Cooper Kupp with a really nice intermediate out route. In group drills, Goff also nailed a deep pass to Robert Woods off play action that ended with the wideout catching the ball as he crossed the goal line. Those are throws that should look that good against air, and they did.
On the second play of 11-on-11 drills, Goff uncorked a deep ball down the right side to wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The Oregon State product had already blown past the two scout-team defenders, but at first glance Goff appeared to have overthrown his receiver. But with Cooks’ speed, the ball was in just the right spot — he caught it and took it to the end zone for a (theoretical) touchdown.
After the first-team offense finished a series of plays, Goff went over to receivers to ostensibly talk over what happened on the field and what the receivers saw. Goff made a few different hand motions to indicate routes. It was a prime example of the quarterback growing more into a leader and taking more ownership of the offense.
The connection between Goff and Kupp appears to be picking up right where it left off in 2017. During 7-on-7 drills, Goff threaded the needle deep down the middle of the field to Kupp to fit a ball between a couple of defenders. And then Kupp made a leaping catch over the middle during team drills to show off that connection again.
znModerator10 Observations from OTA No. 2
Myles Simmons
1) It’s just the second day of Phase III, but the offense began the day’s session with a ball security drill. It’s a small thing, but what a team practices during this early stage indicates what is a priority for the club.
2) Quarterback Jared Goff looked sharp early on once again, even during the early drills. On one throw he hit wideout Cooper Kupp with a really nice intermediate out route. In group drills, Goff also nailed a deep pass to Robert Woods off play action that ended with the wideout catching the ball as he crossed the goal line. Those are throws that should look that good against air, and they did.
3) During individual drills, the Rams mixed in receivers to work with multiple quarterbacks. That way, some of the younger players had an opportunity to catch passes from the QBs at the top of the depth chart like Goff and Sean Mannion.
4) On the second play of 11-on-11 drills, Goff uncorked a deep ball down the right side to wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The Oregon State product had already blown past the two scout-team defenders, but at first glance Goff appeared to have overthrown his receiver. But with Cooks’ speed, the ball was in just the right spot — he caught it and took it to the end zone for a (theoretical) touchdown.
5) It’s sometimes difficult to evaluate the execution of run plays during OTAs because players aren’t tackling, nor are they wearing pads. But running back Todd Gurley appears to be running well in practice, finding holes along the line of scrimmage. He also consistently finishes his runs all the way to the end zone.
6) After the first-team offense finished a series of plays, Goff went over to receivers to ostensibly talk over what happened on the field and what the receivers saw. Goff made a few different hand motions to indicate routes. It was a prime example of the quarterback growing more into a leader and taking more ownership of the offense.
7) The connection between Goff and Kupp appears to be picking up right where it left off in 2017. During 7-on-7 drills, Goff threaded the needle deep down the middle of the field to Kupp to fit a ball between a couple of defenders. And then Kupp made a leaping catch over the middle during team drills to show off that connection again.
8) Communication is always key on defense, and during the Rams 11-on-11 defensive drills, there was plenty of talking going on with players on the field. That’s important for the unit going against Los Angeles’ offense, which uses a ton of movement to try to throw things off for a defense.
9) There’s no real “down time” in practice for players, even during special teams drills. Players who aren’t participating in them — like quarterbacks, offensive linemen, top wide receivers — are off to the side doing drills with their position coaches. For instance, the four quarterbacks on the roster were working on different routes and ball placement with Gurley, Woods, Cooks, and Kupp.
10) Finally, safety Lamarcus Joyner made his mark in the second 11-on-11 period against the scout offense. Joyner broke up a deep pass on the defense’s right, leaping to knock a ball out of bounds out of the receiver’s reach. And a few plays later, Joyner jumped an out route, dove, and deflected the pass out of bounds on the right sideline. It’s a usual sight, but Joyner certainly had a good period.
znModeratorGood finds.
znModeratorFive Takeaways from OTA No. 1
Myles Simmons
Los Angeles began Phase III of the offseason program on Monday with the club’s first OTA practice. With head coach Sean McVay and multiple players addressing the media following the session, here are five takeaways from the first of 10 OTAs.
1) The offense looked sharp — especially Cooks
If there’s one easy takeaway from the first OTA it’s that the offense looked like it was picking up right where it left off from last season. Quarterback Jared Goff was accurate with the vast majority of this throws, hooking up with the usual suspects like wideouts Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp.
But even though it’s still in the early stages of the offseason, Goff clearly has established some chemistry with new wide receiver Brandin Cooks. There was one throw in particular that showed off the connection, with Goff hitting Cooks deep on the left sideline in 7-on-7 drills for what would’ve been a clear touchdown.
“He’s a sponge, he wants to learn, he wants to be great,” Goff said of Cooks. “It’s a great guy to have in the room with those other guys. I think you can’t ask for much more than what I have with Brandin, Robert, and Cooper, they kind of all mesh with each other so well. They all work so hard and are just really true professionals everyday. It’s awesome to have all three of them.”
2) Talib and Peters are fitting in well
As is well known, the Rams overhauled their cornerback position during the offseason, bringing in star players like Aqib Talib — who was named No. 53 on the 2018 NFL Top 100 Monday evening — and Marcus Peters. Both players appear to be fitting in well in Los Angeles, with McVay noting Peters got his hands on a couple balls during the first practice session.
“It’s been exciting. It’s fun to see those corners out there, guys you have a lot of respect for, and just watching them. I think you just see great instincts, great awareness, natural movement, the short space quicks, the lateral agilities,” McVay said. “You certainly feel those guys out there. I know they’re excited about just continuing to get more and more familiar with some of the things with the terminology of the system.”
As for the partnership between them, Talib said he’s willing to answer any questions Peters might have about coordinator Wade Phillips’ scheme, given he won Super Bowl 50 playing it in Denver. And Peters seems more than willing to ask a question when he needs to.
“For sure, he won a Super Bowl with this defense so why not? Why not take what he does and his knowledge of the defense? Peters said. “Our play style is similar so why not listen and learn from him?
“I think I learn fast, so it’s just me taking on as much as I can take on,” Peters added. “When I don’t know, I ask questions and keep it going like that. But I think I learn fast.”
3) Goff feels more comfortable, and it shows
We’ve already gone over how the offense looked sharp, and clearly that starts with the quarterback. Goff is in his third season since the Rams traded up to take him at the top of the first round back in 2016. But he’s also now in his second year with McVay, and having the continuity with the same playbook makes a significant difference.
“It just continues to get more comfortable. Comfortable is the best word,” Goff said. “Stuff begins to slow down a bit more. It seems like it does every year all the way through high school, through college and now into the NFL. It’s every year you kinda start seeing more. You’re not seeing it moving so fast, but you’re more actually comprehending what’s going on and seeing the defenses better.”
And with comfort comes an ability to take a larger ownership over the offense.
“I think as time goes on that will continue to build,” Goff said. “Through last year and this offseason, it has already. Today was a good example of that, kind of [McVay and I] bouncing stuff off each other — me asking him questions, him asking me questions and continuing to grow together.”
4) Opportunity at linebacker
McVay had previously told the media that there are a lot of linebackers who will receiver plenty of opportunity as the offseason program goes on. But given his experience, it seems likely that Mark Barron will be a significant part of the team’s plans for 2018.
That’s also probably part of why even though Barron is at the team facility, he probably won’t do much on the field for OTAs.
“Yeah, Barron was out there today. He’s a guy that he’s has a couple things in this offseason where he’s recovering,” McVay said. “We’re going to be smart with Mark, so don’t expect him to participate in the offseason program, but we expect him to be ready to go at some point for camp.”
That, however, does mean other inside linebackers will have an opportunity to show how they can be effective in the scheme. Cory Littleton, free agent signee Ramik Wilson, and Bryce Hager are the veterans expected to compete at that spot. Plus, there are first-year players like Micah Kiser and Travin Howard who could potentially make some noise.
5) Aaron Donald?
Unfortunately, there’s no true update. McVay said he’s been in communication with the defensive tackle and the club expected him to stay back in Pittsburgh for this voluntary portion of the offseason program.
“It is something that we want to get resolved,” McVay said. “As far as a timetable, don’t really have any dates on that. I don’t expect Aaron to be here until we get a resolution to that.”
“That” being Donald’s contract situation. As you likely know, Donald is seeking a contract extension from the team.
“He and I have had good dialogue. I spoke to him last week,” McVay said. “Kind of like we’ve talked about, this feels a lot different than last year. Certainly any time you have something where the team comes together, to have a player that’s as important as he is here, you would prefer that. But it is voluntary. We understand that and we have a lot of respect for kinda what’s going on.
“We’re proactively pursuing that resolution and we’re hopeful to come to that at some point,” McVay added.
znModeratorVincent Bonsignore@DailyNewsVinny
If you’re wondering about recently released ILB Mychal Kendricks and #Rams: Sense is #Rams will let the young guys battle for Alec Ogletree’s open spot. But that could change if, say, Wade Phillips expresses a legit interest in Kendricks.#Rams QB Jared Goff was sneaky good on deep ball throws last year. And that was without Sammy Watkins developing into a home run hitter. It’s early, but Brandin Cooks has the skill set to elevate Goff’s long ball production to another level.
FYI: I spoke recently to an #NFL owner about the possibility of a code of conduct penalty for the national anthem (I.e. 15-yard penalty for a player who kneels etc)- as some owners are talking about it. The owner I spoke to called it “the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard”
McVay’s next level, I don’t care how old he is. Too many people I respect give it up to him schematicaly/playcalling etc..etc.
znModeratorRams rookie RB John Kelly, a sixth-round pick, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge. The charge will be dropped if he avoids trouble for a year. https://t.co/IDbt8SpoPi
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) May 22, 2018
znModeratorAdam Schein
Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams
Some of these situations are complicated. This one is not.
PAY. THE. MAN. HIS. MONEY.
I ranted in this space that Donald deserved to be the highest-paid defensive player in the league … LAST YEAR! Les Snead recently told me on my SiriusXM Radio show, “Schein On Sports,” that there is a time frame to get it done. Do it now. Don’t derail what could be a special season for the Rams.
Donald is a gem, an unstoppable force. He’s worth every penny. Do it by mid-July. If I’m Donald, I don’t report this year until I get paid. He has the leverage. L.A. is a leading Super Bowl contender with him fronting the defense. Donald has paid his dues. Now it’s time to get paid.
znModeratorShe — Sarina Morales — the new Dani, is controversial.
I wonder what people think of her as the new Dani, ie. player interviewer.
.
znModeratorWell Z I sooooo hope you are right. However, my faith in the American public is at a low level today. IMO there are three major forces that support this idiot. 1) Business ( he is doing what he promised -getting rid of all the “political correct” regulations, and putting more money in their pockets, etc. ) 2 ignorant people. Those are people either too stupid or smart but not interested in how the government actually runs (i.e. how does a bill become law) 3) Racists and bigots
And again, that’s not a majority.
So it’s not “the public” in total.
You’re talking about groups and factions. Not a majority.
May 22, 2018 at 9:34 am in reply to: Top 100: Whitworth, Peters, Suh, Talib, Goff, Gurley, Donald #86413znModeratorCB Aqib Talib Makes Third-Straight Appearance on NFL’s Top 100 List
Kristen Lago
Cornerback Aqib Talib was voted by his peers as the No. 53 player on the NFL’s 2018 Top 100 — becoming the fourth Rams player to appear on the list this year.
Highly regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, the Kansas product continues to play at an elite level even headed into his 11th NFL season. Talib’s 34 career interceptions are the most by any cornerback since he was drafted in 2008. Plus, his 10 career pick-sixes are the most among any active defensive back and the third-most in NFL history.
Before joining Los Angeles this offseason, the dynamic corner had an impressive four-year run with the Broncos — consisting of four Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl Championship in the 2015 season.
This year, he is expected to join Marcus Peters in the Rams’ secondary to form one of the most elite cornerback tandems in the NFL.
The 2018 Top 100 List marks Talib’s fourth-career and third-straight appearance. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and Peters were also named Top 100 players earlier this month.
The NFL Network will continue to air its “Top 100 Players of 2018” series every week, leading up to the final 10 athletes on Monday, June 25. Episodes will air live on NFL Network every Monday at 5 p.m. PT.
Fans can see the full list as it is revealed week-by-week, and can read the full analysis of each ranking at NFL.com/top100.
znModeratorJoe Curley@vcsjoecurley
Most of the team work was 1s against 2s. So you had Goff/Gurley/Cooks/ect going after the 2s and Mannion/Brown/Reynolds going after the 1s.Couple rooks made some defensive plays in the team portions of practice. OLB Justin Lawler, the seventh-round pick from SMU, dropped into coverage in the red zone and made a diving breakup of a wobbly Goff ball down the right sideline. Huge cheer from the defense.
On the other side of the field, in the same drill I think, cornerback Curtis Mikell, the UDFA from Southern Miss, picked off Mannion in traffic.
To me, Higbee and Reynolds were offense standouts in the 7 on 7. Both made a couple plays. I took PBP in the 11 on 11 and the offense didn’t do much there. Lot of run plays. Gurley got all three touches on first series. Brown and Davis on first series for 2s.
Also, Temarrick Hemingway was moving really well when I saw him in drills. He looks to be well over last year’s injury.
Without Whit and Sully, Cornelius Lucas and Austin Blythe joined the first OL at LT and C. Second OL was Noteboom-Demby-Neary-Eldrenkamp-Williams. Demby was hustling. Or he’s pretty quick. Liked the way he moved.
I had the DL as Suh-Westbrooks-Fox and FranklinMyers-Smart-Bryant. LBs as Littleton-Wilson-Ebukam and Lawler-Kiser-Howard-Young. Missing a first-team edge because I wrote down 52 (Wilson) twice. Maybe he moved around.
And the secondary seemed as you’d expect. Talib-Joyner-JJohnson-Peters and Shields-Countess-IJohnson-Hill. With NRC at nickel. Didn’t make note of a nickel on the 2s.
Should point out that in order to see some of this stuff, you have to stand at an angle from like 50 yards and a find a number through a maze of limbs, so I’m sure I didn’t catch everything. But at least it’s a framework.
znModeratorWell Z I sooooo hope you are right. However, my faith in the American public is at a low level today. IMO there are three major forces that support this idiot. 1) Business ( he is doing what he promised -getting rid of all the “political correct” regulations, and putting more money in their pockets, etc. ) 2 ignorant people. Those are people either too stupid or smart but not interested in how the government actually runs (i.e. how does a bill become law) 3) Racists and bigots who like the way the guy talks (i.e. he talks like they do) We need a sea change in how people “think”. That may take more than your one year. I only wish we had the same Republicans in office that we had during Nixon. Instead we now have the Freedom Caucus who run the party. The real question is how did they get there. I blame TV reality shows and video games. We are a society with no attention span to speak of.
Is it “people”? He was not elected by a majority.
znModerator10 Observations from OTA No. 1
Myles Simmons
1) The offense looked really sharp. Quarterback Jared Goff was accurate with his passes early and often, hitting receivers in stride on regular drops and off play-action. Goff said himself after practice that he felt sharp and comfortable on the field, and it showed. Overall, it didn’t look like a team playing an offense for the first time. And that should be the case, considering the club is in its second year under head coach Sean McVay.
2) Speaking of McVay, he was just as active as ever on the field — running around from drill to drill. If you’ve ever had a coach tell you, “If you’re walking, you’re wrong,” that is the essence of the Rams’ head coach. He’s never stationary and never walking. And he often encourages the players to jog from drill to drill, as well as on and off the sideline.
3) Even in the early, individual stages of practice, it was easy to see why Los Angeles wanted to add wide receiver Brandin Cooks. He has a very strong ability to snatch the ball out of the air and bring it to his body. There was a pass from a coach in warmups moderately off-target to Cooks and he nevertheless reeled it in. That was before he even put his gloves on during the group sessions. It’s not much, but it’s an indication of his considerable talent.
4) When the offense was going through routes against air, Goff connected with wide receiver Mike Thomas on a deep pass on the left side of the field. Thomas looked like he ran a solid route and Goff hit him in stride as Thomas ran into the end zone.
5) During team drills, Goff faked a handoff on the left, rolled to his right, threw on the run and hit wideout Josh Reynolds in stride on an intermediate pass toward the right sideline. It was a play that displayed Goff’s chemistry and timing with his receivers, even in this stage of the offseason program.
6) As it did during much of last season, the offense varied its tempo throughout much of the practice. That’s not necessarily a surprise, considering how the unit went about its business in 2017. However, doing it during the first OTA is an example of Los Angeles getting more comfortable in the scheme and mastering the system — rather than just learning it.
7) Cornerback Aqib Talib called McVay’s offense “crazy” because of the movement that goes into it. Cornerback Marcus Peters called the scheme “crazy unique” with the way the unit varies tempos. Both said they feel like going against the offense will end up making the defense better in the long run.
8) There are plenty of candidates, but Goff’s best pass of the day was probably a deep ball to Cooks during 7-on-7 drills. Cooks darted down the left side off the line of scrimmage, Goff fired the pass and hit the speedy Oregon State product in stride at about the five-yard line, allowing Cooks to easily make it into the end zone. Aside from Goff’s arm strength and Cooks’ speed, the pass illustrated Goff and Cooks have already established some chemistry.
9) On one play during 11-on-11 drills, cornerback Marcus Peters, cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, and safety Lamarcus Joyner all converged on a deep ball in the corner of the end zone. The trio pulled up in order to avoid contact and potential injury, but there’s clearly already some chemistry getting established in the secondary.
10) A pair of young defenders made impact plays during 11-on-11 drills. Rookie defensive lineman Justin Lawler — selected No. 244 overall in the 2018 draft — broke up a pass down the field on a seam route. And college free agent signee Curtis Mikell picked off a pass on the defense’s right, jumping a route to get his hands on the football.
znModeratorRICH HAMMOND
…the Rams went 10-6 last season
There we go.
Professional Rams reporter.
Doesn’t remember they went 11-5.
znModeratorRams search for leadership on defense after offseason changes
RICH HAMMOND
link: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/05/21/rams-search-for-leadership-on-defense-after-offseason-changes/
THOUSAND OAKS – The locker stalls have been occupied, but the roles might be tougher to fill.
In a span of two weeks in March, the Rams said farewell, via trades or free agency, to four of their former defensive team captains. That’s the type of roster-cleansing one might expect after a dismal year, but the Rams went 10-6 last season and won their division for the first time since 2003.
Don’t panic. In all, the Rams’ defense should be improved in 2018, perhaps dramatically so. Offseason upgrades have given them arguably the best defensive line and the best secondary in the NFL.
Still, there’s the matter of chemistry, made more complicated by the absence of Aaron Donald, who wants a new contract and did not report Monday for the start of optional offseason practices at Cal Lutheran.
Life goes on, and leaders must rise. Who will step up – in the locker room, in practice, during important in-game moments — to replace Alec Ogletree, Robert Quinn, Trumaine Johnson and Conner Barwin? Leadership works best when it is claimed, not awarded, but there are some names to watch.
“I have to be me, man,” veteran cornerback Aqib Talib said after practice Monday. “I just go play football. I’ll be me. I’ll be vocal and energetic out there. If that’s a leadership role, then that’s what it is.”
The Rams’ dizzying series of transactions two months ago sent away three players – Johnson, Ogletree and Quinn – who played a combined total of 18 seasons and 247 games for the Rams.
Ogletree gave spirited pep talks in pregame huddles. Quinn, with his old-soul personality, projected calm and steadiness. Johnson sparked emotion on the field with his ability to conduct world-class trash talk.
There are some candidates. Two of the Rams’ top additions since the end of last season, defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh and cornerback Aqib Talib, are veterans who served as captains of their respective teams last season, but Coach Sean McVay said nothing would be forced.
“I think the best way that happens is organically,” McVay said. “I think it’s about guys collaborating and playing together. … There are vocal leaders, but I think what our players would tell you resonates more than anything is going about your work and being consistent in your approach.”
The Rams’ OTA practices, which are held three days a week until early June, present an opportunity to see which players naturally gravitate toward others. It’s complicated by the fact that Donald, arguably the NFL’s top defensive player and a team leader, isn’t in OTAs because of a contract holdout.
Donald was a captain in 2016 but didn’t get selected last year, almost certainly because of that holdout. The Rams now find themselves in a similar situation, but must progress without Donald.
That’s because there’s a lot to learn, particularly for new defensive players such as Talib, Suh, Marcus Peters and Sam Shields.
“We got an introduction to that McVay offense,” Talib said. “It’s crazy. There’s a bunch of movement and a bunch of speed on it. You’ve got to have your eyes in the right places.”
It seems that Talib already is stepping up to help. He has prior experience, having played under Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips when the two were together in Denver.
Talib said Peters has been sitting next to him in defensive meetings and asking questions, and Peters said he Talib has been important in helping him learn the defense.
“For sure,” Peters said. “He won a Super Bowl in this defense, so why not take his knowledge of this defense? Our styles are similar, so why not watch and learn from him?”
DONALD NO-SHOW
As expected, Donald informed the Rams that he would not attend this week’s practices, and Donald is not expected to join the optional offseason program unless he gets a new contract. Donald’s deal is set to expire after this season, and on-and-off negotiations with his agent have taken place for the past year.
McVay said he anticipated that Donald would stay away from the offseason program unless he signs a new deal.
“We’re in constant dialogue and communication with his representation,” McVay said. “It is something we want to get resolved. As far as a timetable, I don’t really have any dates on that.”Rams players who spoke to reporters Monday were supportive of Donald.
“Pay the man,” Peters said. “I mean, (shoot). I mean, you win the MVP, man, come on.”
OBO OKORONKWO OUT
Rookie linebacker Obo Okoronkwo recently underwent foot surgery, and McVay said he expects the fifth-round draft choice to return sometime during training camp, which starts in late July.
Some veteran players were held out of drills Monday for precautionary reasons, including linebacker Mark Barron and offensive linemen Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan.
May 21, 2018 at 11:06 pm in reply to: Top 100: Whitworth, Peters, Suh, Talib, Goff, Gurley, Donald #86393znModeratorTalib is 53.
Will post stuff when it’s out there.
As promised.
.
==
And here’s the one from 2017
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May 21, 2018 at 9:39 pm in reply to: Top 100: Whitworth, Peters, Suh, Talib, Goff, Gurley, Donald #86391znModeratorTalib is 53.
Will post stuff when it’s out there.
,
znModeratorSo there was no working link in what I posted? or just the image didn’t work? Your image works as a link for me. I don’t understand the problem.
Well, I guess it doesn’t matter then.
Though this incident has been noted.
znModeratorDidn’t Brockers start out his first season with a foot injury?
High ankle sprain.
But you were close!
..
znModeratorSean McVay on Aaron Donald’s contract negotiations: “I don’t expect Aaron to be here until we get a resolution to that.”
He’s also optimistic: “This feels a lot different than last year.” pic.twitter.com/FTqOacEj2G
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) May 21, 2018
znModeratorThe 60’s style were the quintessential
I didn’t like 1961.
Black and white was just not a good combo for them.
Then again it wasn’t that good for the Lions either back then.
Though I do like the way every single member of the crowd dresses in team colors. Shows spirit.
…
znModeratorCrazylegs sez:
To be quite honest, I would prefer the Rams go back to the home & away uniforms that they wore the year they won the Super Bowl. I would ask Nike to copy those Puma uniforms to a “T”.
I would also copy to the best of my ability the Blue & Whites for the throwback uniform or as an alternate. Including the gray face mask and black shoes.
Of course all uniform helmets require the horn adjustment. The 60’s style were the quintessentialPersonally speaking, I like tradition not flash. Why fix what’s not broken?
The Rams used to have the best uniforms in the NFL. It can be that way again.
znModeratorKristen Lago@kristenmlago
WR Brandin Cooks on what makes the #LaRams offense so unique: “Coach McVay does such a great job putting players in a great spot. There’s no selfishness and we really believe that whole ‘We Not Me’ process.”Sarina@sarina
“Going against @marcuspeters and @AqibTalib21 in practice everyday is a dream.” @brandincooks -
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