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znModeratorznModeratorSuspect in Portland double murder posted white supremacist material online
Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, reportedly slit the throats of two passengers who intervened to stop him hurling anti-Muslim slurs at two young womenPolice in Portland, Oregon, have charged a white supremacist with a double murder and hate crimes, after he allegedly cut the throats of two passengers and stabbed another on a commuter train late on Friday afternoon.
According to police, while riding the MAX train in suburban north-east Portland, Jeremy Joseph Christian, 35, began “yelling various remarks that would best be characterized as hate speech toward a variety of ethnicities and religions.”
When fellow passengers attempted to intervene, Christian stabbed three of them. One man, 53-year-old Ricky John Best of Happy Valley, Oregon, died at the scene. Another, 23-year-old Taliesin Myrddin Namkai Meche of south-east Portland, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. A third, 21 year old Micah Fletcher, was treated for injuries that police said “are not expected to be life-threatening”.
The targets of Christian’s reported abuse included two young women who left the scene. Police believe they may have been Muslim, and that one may have been wearing a hijab. Police have appealed for these women to come forward.
After the attack, Christian reportedly fled on foot from the Hollywood transit station to a nearby medical center, but was soon apprehended by police. An amateur video published by the Oregonian appeared to show Christian taunting police before his arrest.
Early on Saturday morning, Christian was booked into Multnomah County jail and charged with two counts each of aggravated murder and intimidation in the second degree, a hate crime offence. He was also charged with attempted murder and felon in possession of a restricted weapon. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Multnomah County court.
Christian had been a prominent and vocal participant in recent “alt-right” rallies in Portland. At a “free speech rally” in Montavilla City Park on 29 April he was captured on video wrapped in an American flag, giving Nazi salutes. Earlier that day, police reportedly confiscated a baseball bat from him. Local reporters captured him yelling racial slurs and threatening to shoot “anyone who tries to disarm me”.
Cat Davila, who was among counter-protesters at the free speech rally, said Christian “showed up part way through the event and came striding straight toward the counter-demonstrator crowd very purposefully waving a baseball bat by his side and staring us down.”
As he drew closer, Davila said, police “blocked him and took his bat and from then on he just yelled a lot.”
Christian’s Facebook page revealed obsessive concern with various far right themes. In recent weeks he posted memes and other material attacking “anti-fascist” protesters who have clashed with various “alt-right” rallies around the country. In the lead-up to the April free speech rally, he posted: “Looking for a couple guys or gals down to unmask anyone wear[ing] a mask at the upcoming Free Speech March”, referring to the antifascist practice of disguising protesters’ identities.
Christian also posted openly antisemitic and neo-Nazi material. On 9 May, he claimed to have challenged Nuremberg prosecutor Ben Ferencz to a debate, in which “I will defend the Nazis”. The same day, he posted “Hail Vinland!!! Hail Victory!!!”, combining a familiar catchphrase that was used at a post-election rally by the activist Richard Spencer with the far-right concept of “Vinland”.
Portland-based anti-fascist researcher Shane Burley, author of the forthcoming book Fascism Today, told the Guardian that “Vinland” refers to the area of eastern Canada that Leif Erikson supposedly settled from Iceland. On the far right, he said, it is used as a way of asserting that white nationalists “are Vikings in a new land continuing the ancient battle for the preservation of their people.”
Christian wrote several recent posts opposing male circumcision, writing “I want a job in Norway cutting off the heads of people that circumcize babies” and posting articles about recent attempts in Norway to ban on the practice. Circumcision, Burley said, “is a common men’s rights activist talking point to signify a culture-wide persecution of men.”
Christian also posted material from media outlets depicting his participation in the April free speech rally, referring to his use of an American flag as a cape as his “Lizard King Regalia”.
Christian’s engagement with far right politics may be relatively new. A person who knew him in Portland’s heavy metal scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that when he first encountered him eight years ago he was apolitical.
“Jeremy has always been an extremely damaged person since I’ve known him,” the person said. “He practically grew up in prison and his childhood was horrific but I’ve always known him to have a kind heart.”
Christian had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the person said, and “has an extremely obsessive personality. He gets fixed on a thing or an idea and flies off the edge of the world with it.”
According to records, Christian has a history of violence. In 2002, wearing a ski mask, he handcuffed a North Portland shopkeeper to the counter while stealing cash and cigarettes. Following the robbery, Christian was shot in the face by a Portland police officer.
Searches indicated 2002 convictions for kidnapping in the second degree, carrying and using a dangerous weapon, and robbery in the first degree. Records also indicated that Christian had been charged, but not convicted, with offenses ranging from felon in possession of a firearm to supplying contraband.
The attack on Friday came just a week before another “free speech rally” in downtown Portland, planned for 4 June. The event is being organized by Patriot Prayer, the group that organized the rally in April. The rally will feature a number of national “alt-right” celebrities. Anti-fascists are organizing a counter-protest.
One of the main antifascist groups organizing that counterprotest, Rose City Antifa, issued a rare press release late on Saturday. They said that Christian was “merely one of many white supremacists who attended a number of recent rallies organized by Vancouver, Washington video blogger Joey Gibson”. Gibson leads the Patriot Prayer group who has organised recent rallies, including the one that Christian attended.
Rose City Antifa recommitted to opposing the “free speech” rally next Saturday, saying that “on June 4th, the Portland community will say “No!” to fascism, as a warning to white supremacists that their organizing will not be tolerated in our communities”.
Broader reaction in Portland has ranged from shock to defiance. In a media conference on Saturday afternoon, city mayor Ted Wheeler called the attack “a horrific act of racist violence”. Wheeler also pointed to the current political climate as a factor in the crime, adding that “violent words lead to violent acts”.
Others on hand to speak included Oregon governor, Kate Brown, and Portland district attorney Rod Underhill. Underhill urged Portlanders to “stand up, not stand down” to racism, and reminded the gathered media that aggravated murder – one of the crimes that Christian has been charged with – is “a capital offense in Oregon”.
FBI special agent in charge, Loren Cannon, said that it was “too early to say” whether the attacks constituted domestic terrorism under federal law.
Another speaker, Wadji Said from the Interfaith Council of Portland, compared the attacks to the 1988 murder of Ethiopian immigrant Mulugeta Seraw by racist skinheads in Portland.
Later, at a candlelight vigil held on the lawn outside the Hollywood Transit Center where the attack happened, a number of impromptu speakers praised the heroism of the men who had died in defence of fellow citizens.
At least 2000 attendees joined the speakers, many carrying flowers to add to the impromptu memorial on the corner outside the Transit Center.
Two Muslim Portlanders attending the vigil, Keenan Davis and Amer Salam, said that the attacks had cast a pall over the beginning of Ramadan.
“The night before Ramadan, after prayer, usually it’s a hang out, especially for the dudes. You might talk about the Cavaliers and Celtics, or how hungry you are gonna be for the upcoming days. Just chilling.
“Last night there was extra security around prayers, and there’s fear. How many people would like to be told they can’t hang out after church on Sunday?”
He was saddened but not surprised by the attack. In recent months, he said, those with anti-Islamic prejudices had become “more confident” in their desire to “impose themselves on the rest of us”.May 28, 2017 at 3:12 am in reply to: Since so many of our draft picks played in the Senior Bowl…….. #69422znModeratorI still think Everett is an impressive interview. Even more than Kupp in a lot of ways. In terms of these interviews, the guy who surprised me was Smart. These guys are all pretty smart. (Reynolds is the only one who comes across as a kid.) I think this was a “McVay type player” draft and when it comes to that, it looks very promising.
znModeratorSpruce ready to bounce back
http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2017-05-26/Sports/Spruce_ready_to_bounce_back.html
Nelson Spruce had never suffered an injury playing football in high school or college.
That changed once he suited up for the Los Angeles Rams.
Spruce, an undrafted free agent wide receiver out of Westlake High, posted six receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown in a memorable preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys last year. He got hurt during the game, however.
The setback came at an inopportune moment for Spruce, a rookie at the time.
“It was a big blow,” he said.
Preseason games provide the best opportunities for unproven players—especially undrafted free agents—to showcase their talents.
Despite the untimely injury, the Rams saw enough to keep the receiver on board. Spruce missed the remaining three preseason games last year, but he made the final 53-man roster.
The injury bug, however, reared its ugly head again. While recovering from a sprained knee, he suffered a calf injury. The Rams shut him down for the rest of the season, placing him on injured reserve in November.“It was tough, mentally, just staying into it,” Spruce said. “The other guys on IR, we formed a close group, and that helped us get through our different injuries.”
The 2016 season was not kind to Spruce, but last year is in the rearview mirror.
He feels better than ever.
“Everything feels fine. I feel 100 percent, no issues,” Spruce said. “I haven’t felt like that in a year almost.”
Spruce stood out on a field of professional athletes during Rams’ organized team activities on May 22 at Cal Lutheran.
He was flying all over the field, running crisp routes and snaring every spiral tossed in his direction.
Spruce is no stranger to having the ball nestled securely in his hands.
During his time at the University of Colorado Boulder, Spruce set a record for most career receptions in the Pac-12 Conference with 294 catches.
Cooper Kupp, a Rams’ rookie wide receiver out of Eastern Washington, spoke highly of Spruce.
“He’s a great guy, a great competitor,” Kupp said. “I’m really excited to be on the same team as him.”
Getting to practice is never an issue for Spruce.
“It’s almost surreal just because it feels like I’m back in high school again,” Spruce said. “I’m still living at my parents’ place. I’ll wake up and drive over here to the facilities. It’s kind of like a high school routine almost. It’s a unique experience.”
Spruce enjoys playing close to home, but he wants to earn the fans’ respect. After battling his way back from injuries, he’s motivated to play well in the fall.
“It’s been humbling for me,” Spruce said. “The past few years at high school or in Colorado, I’m used to coming off a big season production-wise and actually playing. This is the first season that I didn’t really touch the field because of an injury.
“At first it was tough, but it lit a fire in me a little bit.”
Spruce is hoping Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff can help keep the flame burning.
Goff, who played at California, met Spruce when both toiled in the Pac-12. They had a quality relationship before becoming teammates with the Rams.
“We are friends,” Spruce said. “Off the field we do a lot of stuff together.”
The Rams will hope the friendship off the field will translate into success on the field.
Goff, a second-year pro, is now the unquestioned starter.
The QB is constantly evaluating his game while trying to find ways to improve.
“I’m growing as a person, as a player and as a leader,” Goff said. “Everything is always evolving.”
For Spruce, the new season presents a new opportunity. He will have to prove himself all over again with a new coaching staff and greater expectations.
He’s not afraid of the challenge.znModeratorHacksaw_64 wrote:
I know Woods was a target for the Patriots in FA. Might be why the Rams moved so fast and came in with a lucrative offer.
He was on a lot of Pat fans off-season wish lists as well.
Those guys would know. He turned a lot of heads last year in what was a low scoring game 13-0 where he got 7 catches out of 10 targets (top targeted receiver) for 87 yards.
I’ll have to go review it when I get a chance.
May 27, 2017 at 7:52 pm in reply to: JT NFL chat, selections (5/16 & 5/23) & Klein mailbag (5/27) #69415znModeratorRams mailbag
Gary KleinThe Rams last season were penalized 126 times, fifth most in the NFL, according to nflpenalties.com.
Offensive tackle Greg Robinson drew 11 penalties, tied for fourth most in the league.
The addition of Andrew Whitworth to play left tackle will take some of the onus — and perhaps officials’ attention — off Robinson, who is now playing right tackle.
McVay was offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, who committed 55 offensive penalties, three more than the Rams.
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips comes from the Denver Broncos, who were called for 48 defensive penalties last season, the same number as the Rams.
Well that was at least interesting to know anyway.
.
May 27, 2017 at 7:50 pm in reply to: JT NFL chat, selections (5/16 & 5/23) & Klein mailbag (5/27) #69412znModeratorRams mailbag: Aaron Donald’s contract situation, Tavon Austin’s status, Jared Goff’s weight gain and more
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-mailbag-20170526-story.html
Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald was absent because of a contract situation, but the Rams completed their first week of organized team activities.
They have seven workouts remaining over the next few weeks, and they also will hold a mandatory mini-camp June 13-15.
Now, on to your questions. Keep them coming at @latimesklein or gary.klein@latimes.com.
BlueBlood_Rams @Blueblood_Rams
What is the state of negotiations between @RamsNFL and @AaronDonald97 ?Aaron Donald did not participate in the first week of organized team activities, which are voluntary.
That means there is no financial penalty for being absent. If Donald skips the mandatory mini-camp next month, he could be fined more than $70,000.
But in the grand scheme of things — when we’re talking about deals that could guarantee more than $50 million or $60 million — that doesn’t cause much pain for an elite player.
I do not know the exact state of the negotiations, but it’s clear the Rams want to keep Donald happy and in the fold.
And Donald, in my experience being around him last season, is one player who does not enjoy missing team workouts.
So I would predict they get a deal done this summer either before or on the eve of the start of training camp.
Dave Shull @tattooer_dshull
@LATimesklein Do you see Tavon being phased out?Receiver Tavon Austin is not participating in OTA workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. But he is performing drills on other areas of the practice field and is expected to be ready for training camp.
Coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur have spoken about finding the best ways to utilize Austin, who signed a four-year, $42-million extension before last season.
The Rams added receiver Robert Woods and drafted receivers Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds. They also have second-year pros Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, among others.
Until it proves otherwise, that’s not a receiving corps that will necessarily strike fear into defensive coordinators.
So look for McVay to make Austin an integral part of the scheme.
Sly Gonzalez @ThinkBlue47
@LATimesklein Any word on scouting department hirings or people of interest?!A few weeks before the NFL draft, the Rams told Ran Carthon, director of pro personnel, and three scouts that they would not be retained.
Carthon was hired last week by the San Francisco 49ers.
The Rams have been interviewing candidates for various positions but have not announced any hires.
They reportedly had interest with Joe Hortiz, the Baltimore Ravens’ director of college scouting, but he is expected to remain with the Ravens.
Flipper Anderson @dcfilmninja
@LATimesklein Interested in the difference in penalties/discipline we can expect to see with new staff. Fishers teams never improved??penalties. #RamsThe Rams last season were penalized 126 times, fifth most in the NFL, according to nflpenalties.com.
Offensive tackle Greg Robinson drew 11 penalties, tied for fourth most in the league.
The addition of Andrew Whitworth to play left tackle will take some of the onus — and perhaps officials’ attention — off Robinson, who is now playing right tackle.
McVay was offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, who committed 55 offensive penalties, three more than the Rams.
New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips comes from the Denver Broncos, who were called for 48 defensive penalties last season, the same number as the Rams.
Calvin Ward @CalvinW92709090
@LATimesklein Heard a lot about the improvement of WR Mike Thomas did is it yr1 to yr2 maturation or what?Mike Thomas caught three passes for 37 yards as a rookie. But his most memorable play came when he dropped a long pass from Jared Goff in a Thursday night game at Seattle.
Thomas, however, made several outstanding special teams plays throughout the season.
After the first OTA workout last Monday, McVay noted that Thomas had made a couple of nice plays on offense.
So it’s reasonable to expect that Thomas has matured and grown.
Despite the success of some rookies, the initial transition to the NFL is difficult for most first-year players.
With a season behind him, perhaps Thomas will develop into a more reliable pass-catcher.
Doug Frierson @frierdo60
@LATimesklein Players seem upbeat, positive, not so laid back as Fisher era. Coach McVay seems 2 really have changed culture. Is it palpable so soon?Doug Frierson @frierdo60
@LATimesklein And myup! Was the Fisher staff filled with sons of coaches, friends, etc? It seemed that way from St. Louis days.There is a palpable sense of new energy at the Rams’ facility, and McVay and his staff are attempting to instill a new culture.
But let’s reserve judgment for awhile on how effectively it has been implemented and accepted.
When it comes to NFL staffs — and college football staffs for that matter — the head coach often surrounds himself with at least a few assistants he knows or that come recommended from friends and associates.
Jeff Fisher’s staff included one of his sons, Brandon, who coached defensive backs.
McVay’s staff includes offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and his son, Zack, an offensive assistant.
David Carpenter @carpy45
@LATimesklein How would you compare Goff and Mannion at this point for accuracy and knowledge of playbook and McVay’s system?The Rams have made only one practice open to reporters so far during OTAs, so it’s a small sample size.
Jared Goff and Sean Mannion both looked accurate at times. Both also made some poor throws.
I could not give you an accurate read on their knowledge of the playbook, though Goff did note that he has had an easier time learning this scheme.
Goff is getting the first-team reps so he will probably progress faster.
Robert Schaeffer @MynamesPierce
@LATimesklein #16 gained 5-10lbs. How high should he get? He needs much more muscle. Thoughts?Robert Schaeffer @MynamesPierce
@LATimesklein Maybe you #132 could give #16 some of your cookies.Quarterback Jared Goff said he added five to 10 pounds during the offseason and the Rams now list him at 6-feet-4 and 223 pounds.
I would not venture to designate his ideal weight. But it was clear last season that he needed a sturdier frame, especially if the offensive line does not improve.
Goff will almost certainly rely on the Rams’ strength and conditioning staff and, perhaps, a personal trainer to improve his physical condition and add weight.
The Christmas cookies that colleague Lindsey Thiry heroically brought to the Dec. 24 game against the 49ers last season would have no chance of ever leaving the press box uneaten.
Thanks, as usual, for the great questions. Let’s do it again next week..
znModeratorSnaders’s numbers against Trump were better, if I recall, than Clinton’s poll numbers against Trump.
A lot of people conclude, rightly I think, that Sanders would have beaten Trump. If nothing else it was very possible that Sanders would have taken votes from Trump that Clinton never would have. Plus there really is a national sense that Clinton was a machine candidate and too closely tied to the establishment, a taint Sanders never had.
,
znModeratorAndrew East (born September 17, 1991) is an American football long snapper who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Vanderbilt.
Kansas City Chiefs
After going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, he signed with the Chiefs in May 2015. He was released from the Chiefs on August 31, 2015.Seattle Seahawks
He signed a future free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks in January 2016. He was waived on March 24, 2016.Oakland Raiders
He was signed by the Oakland Raiders on April 5, 2016.[5] He was waived by the team on August 29, 2016.Los Angeles Rams
On March 13, 2017, East signed with the Los Angeles Rams. On May 3, 2017, he was waived by the Rams.znModeratorRobert Woods is looking out for No. 1 receiver role
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-robert-woods-20170526-story.html
Look at what Woods says in that article (which is back up in this thread) –>.
Last season, with McVay calling plays for the Redskins, Garcon and receiver DeSean Jackson each had at least 100 targets and amassed more than 1,000 yards receiving.
“They find ways to get receivers the ball and become a No. 1,” Woods said at his introductory news conference, “Or two No. 1s.”
Woods wants to be a #1. What does that mean?
Well that’s an old issue of mine, of course. The way it goes is, there’s 2 definitions of a #1 receiver.
1.) it’s an elite talent defenses have to account for at the gameplan level and is the guy the defense must stop and yet challenges them anyway…this is the “a #1 is an elite WR” definition
2.) it’s an receiver of any type and talent level who reaches a certain standard in terms of catches and yards
I like the 2nd definition better. And Woods is saying here that McVay set up both Garcon and DJ to get a certain number of catches and yards. So to me, when he says he wants to a #1 receiver, Woods is stating that he believes he is capable of meeting the standard in terms of completions + yards. He’s using the 2nd definition.
Some don’t like that definition because they are stuck on the 1st definition. For example according to the 2nd definition a guy could become a #1 WR after not being one, AND the list of #1 WRs could change from year to year.
Exactly.
And IMO according to definition #2…which is the definition I prefer…yes Woods could become a #1 WR.
All you have to do to reach that standard is to be so good at the things you DO do and CAN do, that you reach the point where you are reliably consistent game in and game out and therefore get the numbers (for me that’s 70 catches AND 1000 yards). You don’t have to be a dominant elite WR who challenges defenses the way the elite WRs do. You just have to be consistently good at the collection of routes and plays you do excel at, to the point where you just keep producing to the level of the standard.
The way I see it, most elite WRs are #1 WRs, but not all #1 WRs are elite.
znModeratorWoods v. Seattle in a game where Watkins was out so Woods WAS the passing game.
In that game Woods had 13 targets, 10 catches, 162 yards
znModeratorHow does Wade Phillips plan on improving Rams defense?
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips sits down with the “NFL Total Access” crew to discuss what makes a great coach, his greatest coaching influence, and plays “Who Tweeted That?”
http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/Who_is_Wade_Phillips_hero/be2fdc17-22ce-4e81-a2c1-3a9df86cd633
znModeratorThe rule of 14. You shall have 14 playmakers on your roster. Add you WRs, TEs, and RBs. They should equal 14.
It will be interesting to see what they do with the FB spot…does he subtract from the TEs? Or do they just have 3 RBs plus the FB and still 4 TEs?
znModeratorThey will probably keep 6.
11 Austin, Tavon WR 5-8 179 27 5 West Virginia
10 Cooper, Pharoh WR 5-11 207 22 2 South Carolina
18 Kupp, Cooper WR 6-2 205 23 R Eastern Washington
15 Marquez, Bradley WR 5-10 205 24 3 Texas Tech
19 McRoberts, Paul WR 6-2 197 24 1 Southeast Missouri State
13 North, Marquez WR 6-3 230 22 1 Tennessee
83 Reynolds, Josh WR 6-3 192 22 R Texas A&M
12 Ryan, Shakeir WR 5-8 169 21 R Northwestern State
82 Shippen, Brandon WR 5-11 196 23 1 Temple
86 Spruce, Nelson WR 6-1 210 24 1 Colorado
88 Thomas, Mike WR 6-1 195 22 2 Southern Miss
17 Woods, Robert WR 6-0 193 25 5 Southern California4 for sure…3 cause this regime brought them in (plus they’re good). IMO the next 2 spots are really up in the air because Fassel could push for Marquez or Thomas, McRoberts and North got a little buzz last year, and Spruce and Cooper could come through. So that’s 2 more out of 6. I don’t think any one of those 6 is a lock…though, in the end, it could be a good squad overall.
znModeratorRobert Woods is looking out for No. 1 receiver role
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-robert-woods-20170526-story.html
In a recent ceremony at his old high school, legendary status was bestowed upon Robert Woods.
Gardena Serra made the new Rams receiver the first recipient of “Serra Legend” recognition. In honor of his performance on the field, and the character he displays on and off it, a patch bearing Woods’ name will adorn the jerseys of all future players who wear No. 2 for the Cavaliers.
The Rams were not in search of a legend this offseason when they wooed Woods home with a five-year, $34-million free-agent contract.
New coach Sean McVay wanted a dependable, sure-handed route runner, a respected veteran to set an example for younger players in the locker room.
Woods, however, insists he can be more.
After four NFL seasons mainly playing a secondary role for the Buffalo Bills, there is no doubt in Woods’ mind that he can be a primary receiver.
“I feel like I definitely am a No. 1,” he said in March after an introductory news conference.
Woods, 25, this week repeated his intent to earn that profile when the Rams began organized team activity workouts at Cal Lutheran.
“I always come in attacking the season trying to be the No. 1 receiver,” he said.
The 6-foot, 193-pound Woods must increase his production to achieve that status among fans and NFL observers.
After an All-American career at USC — where he established a school record with 252 receptions in three seasons — he has averaged nearly 51 catches per season since his selection in the second round of the 2013 draft.
Woods has not amassed more than 699 yards receiving in a season, has only three 100-yard receiving games and no multi-touchdown games.
But that was playing in mostly run-based offenses that featured quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor and E.J. Manuel, running back LeSean McCoy and receiver Sammy Watkins.
Last season, the Bills led the NFL in rushing but ranked 30th in passing, one spot ahead of the Rams.
Woods caught 51 passes for 613 yards and a touchdown.
Woods, though, points to a November game against the Seattle Seahawks. He was targeted 13 times and responded with 10 catches for 162 yards, both career bests.
The Rams apparently took notice.
With McVay intent on instilling a new culture, the Rams let 1,000-yard receiver Kenny Britt leave as a free agent. They also did not re-sign receiver Brian Quick.
The Rams pursued receiver Pierre Garcon, who produced under McVay with the Washington Redskins. But when the price got too steep, they turned their attention to Woods.
“A pro’s pro,” McVay said after the first OTA workout.
Woods did not spend much time celebrating his new contract. A few days after signing with the Rams, he began working out with quarterback Jared Goff at a high school near the Rams’ training facility in Thousand Oaks.
“Just trying to get our timing down early,” Woods said, “just so our first impression with McVay and [offensive coordinator] Matt LaFleur was a good one.”
A connection is clearly forming.
During a workout a few weeks ago, Woods said, he and Goff missed on a play when the defense presented a certain look. On Tuesday, the first day of OTA practice, they got the same look.
“And this time, he threw it and it was a perfect pass,” Woods said. “He just puts the ball in perfect position for the receivers to make plays.”
Goff said Woods has been “more than I could have really expected,” noting his competitiveness and adding, “It’s really exciting for me to have a guy like that, multiple guys like that, but him in particular.”
Woods is part of a receiving corps that includes veteran Tavon Austin, second-year pros such as Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas and rookies Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds, among others.
Austin, who signed a four-year, $42-million extension before last season, is not participating in OTA workouts while recovering from wrist surgery. But McVay has spoken of making him one of the centerpieces of the offense.
Woods, in the meantime, is making an impression.
Rams receivers coach Eric Yarber was on college staffs at Washington and Arizona State when he began tracking Woods at Serra.
“I remember when he was in the ninth grade,” Yarber said. “I had friends on that [Serra] staff that were like, ‘That’s the one you need to be recruiting. Keep an eye on him.’”
Woods has already made an impact on the Rams, Yarber said.
“He sets an example for the room of how to be a pro,” Yarber said. “When you watch him prepare, he’s taking diligent notes, he’s asking very intelligent questions. He just knows how to prepare.
“He values the process over the prize. That’s what the really good ones do.”
Kupp, a third-round pick from Eastern Washington, sees a mentor in Woods.
“I’m just trying to soak up as much as I can and ask as many questions as I can,” Kupp said. “He’s a valuable source of knowledge and information for me.”
The Rams will conduct seven more OTA workouts and then hold a mandatory minicamp before breaking in mid-June. They will return for training camp in late July.
Woods is looking forward to the season and becoming a key component in McVay’s offense.
Last season, with McVay calling plays for the Redskins, Garcon and receiver DeSean Jackson each had at least 100 targets and amassed more than 1,000 yards receiving.
“They find ways to get receivers the ball and become a No. 1,” Woods said at his introductory news conference, “Or two No. 1s.”
znModeratorRams QB Jared Goff and WR Robert Woods have been spending extra time together at OTAs.
Woods was above average on a number of routes in '16 pic.twitter.com/yH6j0gCu1b
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 25, 2017
May 26, 2017 at 8:02 pm in reply to: Rams surprisingly signed former Pac-12 quarterback to play tight end #69379znModeratorBelow are all of the rushing touchdowns that Wilson recorded while in college, which shows off his versatile athleticism.
It would have helped if they left out the post-score celebrations and kicking of the extra point. The multiple replays I can handle.
May 26, 2017 at 5:25 pm in reply to: OTAs general coverage thread starting 5/22…vids, highlights, audios, articles #69373znModeratorBest Quotes from Week 1 of OTAs
Myles Simmons
Between coaches and players, the Rams had plenty to say from the first three OTA practices. Here are a few of the best press conference soundbites.
GENERAL MANAGER LES SNEAD
Is Aaron Donald’s absence from OTAs contract related? “Here’s what I’ll tell you — we were aware that he was not going to be here. So at the end of the day, it has something to do with the contract. I can tell you this, we’re definitely at the serious stages of renegotiating — going to keep all of the details in-house. But respect Aaron as a player, a person, respect his representation, and respect the process. … We’ll keep [the contract discussions] intimate, but we’re at the serious part of the discussions.”
HEAD COACH SEAN McVAY
Do you envision tight ends Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett being on the field at the same time? “Anytime that you get into some of those 12 personnel sets or however many times you want to play with more than one tight end, it does give you some flexibility. And we’ve seen good things from Temarrick Hemingway as well. I think we’re always just looking to find, what are the best ways we can create personnels? When you have some depth at the tight end position it gives you that ability.”
QUARTERBACK JARED GOFF
How would you describe this offense in comparison to last year? “It’s way different. It’s a way different offense. Personally, from my brief experience with it. I’ve had a quicker time learning it, easier time learning it. I don’t know whether that’s scheme or the way it’s taught or whatnot, but I’ve enjoyed spending time with the coaches and picking it up pretty quickly.”
Do you feel like the culture has changed? “Absolutely. It’s been a great change so far. I think Coach McVay and his staff have implemented that and I think everyone has bought in. Honestly, I think from the leaders on the offensive side and the leaders on the defensive side have raised expectations and raised the standard. With that everyone seems to follow and so far I believe it’s been a really good change.”
ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/LINEBACKERS COACH JOE BARRY
What has impressed you about middle linebacker Alec Ogletree? “The thing I love about it is he grinds every single day. I walk through my meeting room every morning at 6:30 in the chow hall, and there’s ‘Tree in the meeting room watching film — every single day. We’ve talked about consistency as the truest measure of performance — he’s consistent every single day.”
MIDDLE LINEBACKER ALEC OGLETREE
Is it the energy defensive cooridnator Wade Phillips brings sort of surprising considering his age? “Oh no — I mean, he’s doing what he loves to do. And for somebody to do it for a long time has to be doing something right. And he has a top defense almost every year that he’s been coaching. So I guess you have to experience it just to know why. But once you get to know him and see how he moves about, you can tell that he’s a legend in this game.”
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN RODGER SAFFOLD
What kind of adjustment will Rob Havenstein and Greg Robinson have to make going to right guard and right tackle, respectively? “Well you know there’s challenges. You guys already know I went through that, having to switch sides. So it’s just, right handed is going to be different. It’s a different type of speed. Your hips are different. Setting back, you’re going to have to kind of get that feel to be like, ‘How can I go against a speed guy? How can I go against a bull rusher?’ These are the basics that you’re going to have to re-learn. And then it depends on how you look at the plays. If you look at the plays. If you look at the plays as left and right, you’re fine. If you look at the plays as frontside and backside and you switch to the other side of the line, it can almost mess you up a little bit. You’ll get a little bit dyslexic. So you really have to focus in on the calls.”
znModeratorI’m not sure about that. Clinton won the popular vote but lost the electoral because of 3 important states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Because of the rust belt factor with loss of jobs, etc I don’t think Sanders message would have appealed to those people. He would have won the same states as Clinton and maybe by wider margins but that would not have mattered.
Sanders would have beaten Trump, according to the poll numbers…and that includes in the states you name.
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May 26, 2017 at 3:15 pm in reply to: Goff's ninth game? articles on Goff in OTAs & mini-camp & up to training camp #69363znModeratorI think his arm is plenty strong and he has a quick release
To quote Pirates of the Carribean (ie. the first and only good one…) … we have an accord.
May 26, 2017 at 2:20 pm in reply to: Goff's ninth game? articles on Goff in OTAs & mini-camp & up to training camp #69361znModeratorI haven’t seen the big giant arm these guys talk about. I have seen him make good throws, but never seen the Elway arm.
I’m not sure anyone is saying he has an Elway arm. He does have a decent arm but if anyone IS saying it’s an Elway arm they would be wrong, based on what I see.
I think he has decent arm strength PLUS a very nice quick release. I think it’s possible some people are mistaking that decent strength/quick release combination thing for “just arm strength” when it’s not, it’s a different thing.
Plus he has nice touch on longer throws.
One measure of of the “decent arm strength/quick release” thing is whether he can hit a longer pass with a lower trajectory throw. My example comes at 1:30 on this vid, the TD.
…
…That’s around a 32 yard pass, and it doesn’t have that much air under it, it’s a kind of touch throw right to the receiver on a gentle arc, not a lofted ball. So to me that says he has a decent arm + a very quick release (that is there is less time than slower qbs from when the ball is cocked and when it comes out, which is hand/wrist action together with the arm, and that puts some velocity on the ball in itself):
May 26, 2017 at 12:09 pm in reply to: OTAs general coverage thread starting 5/22…vids, highlights, audios, articles #69358May 26, 2017 at 12:07 pm in reply to: OTAs general coverage thread starting 5/22…vids, highlights, audios, articles #69357znModeratorAUDIO
Turf Show Radio returns with a bang. Misone Adiasor (@MightyOrMisone) and Josh Webb (@FightOnTwist) are joined by Vinny Bonsignore (@DailyNewsVinny)
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RockRam wrote:
This is just what I remember.
1) McVay has brought in a terrific staff and they are first and foremost teachers. Positive attitudes and styles; no running down the players. And for the first time in years, development is the goal. Whatever the potential is of the offensive players is going to be brought out by this staff.
2) In Fisher’s time, development was an afterthought.
3) In Fisher’s time, it was crazy how they brought Goff in and then did NOTHING to help him. First year OC who had NEVER worked with QBs. A QB coach who had extremely limited experience in coaching QBs. WRs who simply did not run good routes and didn’t catch the ball. Horrid Oline.
4) Other teams had no respect for the Rams passing game and so designed their D’s to stop #30. And they did.
5) McVay clearly was wise (and humble) in bringing in Phillips and simply turning over the D to him, because McVay had no usable experience in running Ds.
6) Whitworth just a huge addition. He changes the locker room culture, is a vocal leader, and is a guy who takes the Oline to another level all by himself.
7) Joe Sullivan is really smart and is good Center. The only thing will be if he can stay healthy. Big upgrade.
8) GRob’s biggest problem was lack of confidence. He has all the tools. RT is a chance to gain confidence. Wants to be good; really cares.
9) Enormous Oline. Positively scary huge.
10) Jamon Brown is also getting work at RT (they’re not moving Havenstein around).
11) Goff looks entirely different. He is bigger, more vocal, more in charge, confident body language.
12) Woods will help the running game as much as the passing game; a superb blocking WR. A precise route runner with excellent hands.
13) Don’t count out Spruce. He’s healthy. And he had the team made last year if not for the injury. McVays type of WR.
14) Higbee is going to be a big part of the offense.
15) Everett is as advertised; fast and sudden, can get open at any level.
16) Joyner is going to be a good fit at FS. Hits a ton for guy who looks too little to do that.
17) Vinny feels like the Rams found someone special in McVay; a young energetic guy, but an “old soul”. Mature and wise way beyond his years. Brings an entire new vibe to the team.
18) Thinks in the longer run Reynolds is going to be a dangerous and productive WR. Needs to get his body better, and just learn.
19) Lots of good RB candidates to back up Gurley.
20) Some question as to whether Gurley fits with McVay’s offense. But the drafting of a FB shows that the Rams are serious about giving Gurley every opportunity to shine. The type of FB has to be versatile in McVay’s offense, and that’s why this pick of Rogers who is good receiver out of the backfield.
21) McVay’s passing game all about timing, route running, being in the right place at the right time. Kupp, Woods, and Spruce perfectly fit that description. And, they have terrific hands…..ball won’t hit the ground very often.
22) The Stadium delay: Vinny said the whole conspiracy theory thing is kinda silly. Said that no owner he’s talked to is in the least bit upset. That it is what it is: they built in 30 days rain delay but had 60 days! Nothing in it but extra cost for Kroenke to delay it. No benefit at all. Nobody’s fault; it was just the weather as stated.znModeratorblueboys69 wrote:
If you have NFL rewind go watch Phillips in Denver in 2015 and you’ll see Joyner at FS in the WP defense will do a lot of the same stuff he did in the Rams defense last year.
Joyner played the toughest position in a 4-2-5 defense last year. That position has been essentially eliminated by their transition from a 4-2-5 to a 3-4.
It really depends on what you are doing in coverage, but a lot of teams will never ask the FS to be involved in the run fit. Yet as a nickel Joyner WAS asked to be involved in the run fit last year with Gregg Williams. So, that gives you an idea about what they thought about his tackling ability.
In fact I think Joyner is probably a better tackler than many give him credit for. Most free safeties are not great tackles. But they do have to be willing tacklers. And Joyner is certainly that. Give me a willing tackler with range and coverage ability any day of the week. And that is what Joyner is.
A free safety doesn’t have to be big. He has to be a runner. He has to be a guy that can be instinctive and cover a lot of ground. He has to be a ball-hawk.
znModerator"Game manager"?@KirkCousins8 had more deep passing yards than any NFL quarterback in 2016. pic.twitter.com/NSfZEU6h80
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 10, 2017
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Depends on how you mean that. If I recall PFF does deep attempts as 20 yards or more.
Last I looked at ESPN splits, they no longer listed attempts, which means you can’t do attempts per range of throw (1-10 yards, 11-20 yards), etc. Fortunately back when they still had those numbers, I did them then, so I can re-post that here.
So, if they follow the Washington model, will the McVay Rams throw deep a lot?
According to the numbers it depends on what you mean deep. Where Washington did throw more (in 2016 anyway) was the medium and deep medium ranges (11-20 + 21-30 yards). (I count 31+ yards as deep).
Percentage of total attempts thrown 31+ yards: %4.37.
That’s not a high percentage. It’s not low. It’s just not high. High gets you into 5% or more (and rarely as high as 6%).
Completion percentage on those? (31+ yards). 44%. That’s pretty good.
How about medium/deep medium? That is passes thrown 11-30 yards.
Percentage of total attempts thrown 11-30 yards: %25.9%.
That’s pretty high. Above the norm by a percent or 2.
Completion percentage on those? (11-30 yards). 52.7%. That’s also pretty good.
Now how about throwing short?
Percentage of total attempts thrown 10 yards or less: 69.7%.
Actually that’s fairly high by a percent or 2.
So they had a slightly higher than the norm percentage of attempts thrown short, and a not that high but decent percentage of attempts thrown deep (31+ yards). Why do they have a fairly high YPA then? (They were 3rd in YPA with 8.1). It looks to me like it’s the number of completions thrown in the 11-30 yard range. They both throw more of those (a bit above the norm) and complete them at a decent rate. I think it’s that, combined with aggressive yards after the catch numbers.
Another stat comes from a different source. How did the 2016 Washington team rank in terms of passing plays of 25 yards or more (problem with this “big play” stat is that it doesn’t distinguish between attempt in the air and yards after the catch).
According to that metric, Cousins ranked 1st in Big Play Passes with 44 (Ryan was 2nd with 42, Brees 3rd with 40).
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znModeratorRobert Quinn drawing inspiration from DeMarcus Ware
Alden Gonzalez
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — One of the first things you’ll notice about Robert Quinn’s locker now is an Instagram post, printed out and taped to one of the wood panels that hold his personal belongings. It came from the account of DeMarcus Ware, the retired former defensive end and outside linebacker who seems like a lock for the Hall of Fame. It’s a jersey graphic, half Dallas Cowboys and half Denver Broncos, with Ware’s career accomplishments highlighted along the bottom.
It keeps Quinn going.
“He kind of led a good path,” Quinn said from organized team activities earlier this week. “I’m just trying to either repeat it or do a little bit better. It’s just something to keep myself motivated.”
Ware’s name has come up a lot whenever somebody on the Los Angeles Rams talks about Quinn, and it has very little to do with them donning the same No. 94. Quinn spent his first five years playing out of a three-point stance in a 4-3 system, but new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is converting the unit to a 3-4, which will require Quinn to act as an outside linebacker when the Rams are not in subpackages.
In the words of new head coach Sean McVay, Quinn will “play a similar role to what DeMarcus Ware did in Denver for Wade the last couple of years,” which basically means he will still spend most of his time getting around the edge to rush the quarterback.
Quinn likes the link.
“Coming out of college, I actually heard some comparisons to DeMarcus Ware,” Quinn said. “This was early on. And now I’m hooked up in the same system that he played in. And really I’ve got his stats in there because once he’s eligible for the Hall of Fame — in five years, however many years — he’s instantly in there. He went from [defensive] end to playing outside linebacker. If he stayed in either system, he would’ve been a Hall of Famer at either position.”
Ware, voted first-team All-Pro on four occasions, was a star defensive end at Troy who became a rush linebacker on a Bill Parcells defense that was transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 in 2005. Ware’s best years coincided with Phillips’ time as the Cowboys’ head coach from 2007 to 2010. He later transitioned back to defensive end under Monte Kiffin and Jack Del Rio from 2013 to 2014. But Ware finished his career as an outside linebacker when he reunited with Phillips in Denver from 2015 to 2016, playing a pivotal role on a defense that was deemed the NFL’s best.
Under Wade Phillips new defensive scheme, the Rams will have Robert Quinn line up as an outside linebacker. Harry How/Getty Images
Quinn, the 14th overall pick out of North Carolina in 2011, is walking a slightly different path.The two-time Pro Bowler racked up 40 sacks from 2012 to 2014, third-most in the NFL during that time. But he has been limited to 15 starts the last couple years, the first of those seasons ending prematurely because of back surgery. Quinn, who benefited from a normal offseason this year, said he feels “great” now and that “my explosion, my strength is coming back.” He’s down about 15 pounds, to somewhere around 250, and hopes to stay right around there now that he will occasionally drop back into coverage.
“The tough part is just getting used to the two-point stance and getting used to dropping sometimes,” Quinn said. “It’s a little different. But a couple of practice days, you kind of become used to it. The less you can think about it, the faster you can play.”
Quinn needs a big year, to free up space in the interior for Aaron Donald and to secure his own future.
Quinn signed a six-year, $65.6 million extension heading into his fourth season, which Donald now aims to do. But he’s only got three more guaranteed years left. And less than $1 million in dead money will remain on the deal after 2017, which means the Rams can very easily cut ties with Quinn if he doesn’t prove to be a fit this season.
“I don’t feel the pressure from the outside world,” Quinn said. “I have pride in myself to want to be a productive player.”
Quinn has only really met Ware in passing, but he has long admired him, for obvious reasons.
Ware’s stats on the bottom of the printout in Quinn’s locker state that he was invited to the Pro Bowl nine times and made 657 tackles. That he accumulated 138 1/2 sacks, eighth most in history. And that he won a Super Bowl — as part of a defense that was led by the same coordinator who will now try to get the most out of Quinn.
“I look at it every day,” Quinn said. “I respect everything he’s done.”
znModeratorRegardless of his position, Rams need a healthy Robert Quinn
Alden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES — One of the early impressions of new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is that he likes to keep things simple, which isn’t surprising if you get to know him a bit. He wants his guys to play fast, to play with confidence, so the instructions are relatively straightforward, a refreshing development for a Los Angeles Rams defense that will convert from a 4-3 to a 3-4.
The biggest transition, it seems, will be made by Robert Quinn, the veteran defensive end who is now officially an outside linebacker.
His instructions, per Quinn himself: “Just go out and make plays. That’s what they say. From day one, that’s what they told me. So, I just wipe my hands and put a smile on my face. It’s time to get back to work.”
Quinn will in essence be the weakside linebacker, but, as rookie coach Sean McVay said, “He’s a rush player. He’ll play a similar role to what DeMarcus Ware did in Denver for Wade the last couple of years. He’s going to be an elite rusher in this league for years, and that’s what we’re hoping to do with him moving forward.”
The Rams just need Quinn to stay healthy.
The 14th overall pick out of North Carolina in 2011, Quinn racked up 40 sacks from 2012 to ’14, making it onto a couple of Pro Bowl rosters and being named first-team All-Pro. But the 26-year-old has been limited to 15 starts over the last two years. Back surgery forced him to miss the second half of the 2015 season. In 2016, he nursed a shoulder injury from Weeks 5 to 6. In the middle of November, he was admitted to a hospital for what was initially feared to be a seizure but that Quinn eventually chalked up to dehydration. He played in the next two games, then missed the final five with what the team listed as a concussion.
Quinn, speaking from the start of veteran minicamp on April 25, said he’s “feeling great” now.
“Of course, I hate missing a year,” Quinn added. “It’s been a rough couple of years for me. With the new coaching staff, I just kind of took a step back, took a deep breath. It’s like waking up every day. As long as you can wake up with a smile, you come to work with a positive energy, you just continue to work.”
Quinn has always played out of a three-point stance, though he said there were moments last year when he wore a neck roll that caused him to rush the quarterback from an upright position. He may need a big year. The dead money on Quinn’s extension will soon drop significantly, from $8,072,326 in 2017 to $955,354 in 2018. The Rams also selected a couple of outside linebackers in this year’s draft — Samson Ebukam in the fourth round, Ejuan Price in the seventh.
If Quinn doesn’t prove to be a fit in Phillips’ system, the Rams could simply let him go the following offseason. But they’re a much better unit when he’s on the field and healthy.
“He’s a game-changer,” Rams inside linebacker Alec Ogletree said. “When he’s on the field, you have to account for him.”
znModeratormoved by zn
Quinn is gonna be one of the more interesting topics of the new season. Personally, I think he’s gonna love the new D…I think he’s gonna have less responsibilities in the run game….essentially seal the end….and this will lead to more “pinning the ears back” rushing the passer, which is what he really wants to do.
I’ll also be interested to see him drop back if and when they rush Barwin from the other side….do they go to 5 rushers? Do they drop Quin? Maybe a tackle drops or end drops to essentially cover the middle and Tree moves outside as the play evolves? All gonna be fun to watch the options.
znModeratorfrom FootballOutsiders: post-draft 2017 NFL projections
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks: 11-5 (11.4 mean wins, SOS: 22)
Arizona Cardinals: 9-7 (8.6 mean wins, SOS: 20)
Los Angeles Rams: 8-8 (8.2 mean wins, SOS: 23)
San Francisco 49ers: 5-11 (5.2 mean wins, SOS: 5)Seattle’s run of four straight years on top of our DVOA ratings ended last season, but there’s plenty of reason to believe the Seahawks’ defense can rebound once Earl Thomas gets back on the field. We’ve tempered our offensive projection for Arizona since our April forecast after comparing Carson Palmer’s recent history to other quarterbacks who had one big season in their 30s. Nevertheless, Arizona should have a top defense and the offense should rebound a little bit and be at least average.
Our Rams forecast got a lot of surprised reaction when we published our projections in April. There are two big reasons for the positive prediction. First, it is almost impossible for the Rams’ offense to be as bad in 2017 as it was in 2016. Last year’s Rams had the fourth-worst offensive DVOA in the past 30 seasons. Improving that to just garden-variety bad, something akin to last year’s Texans, would be worth a win or two. Second, Wade Phillips has a phenomenal record of improving defenses in his first year as head coach or defensive coordinator.
znModeratorRams’ Lamarcus Joyner happy he pushed for move from cornerback to free safety
Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-lamarcus-joyner-20170524-story.html
The scene was among the most compelling in last year’s “Hard Knocks” series about the Rams.
Lamarcus Joyner, a slot cornerback, met with former coach Jeff Fisher to explain his absence from a training camp workout. The second-round pick in the 2014 draft was frustrated about his lack of a starting role.
“I wanted a chance at something I wanted to do that I felt like I worked for,” Joyner said this week, “but it wasn’t my time.”
It is now.
With a new defensive staff led by coordinator Wade Phillips, Joyner is working at free safety, the position he said he has longed to play.
“This is really a dream come true,” Joyner said after the Rams’ first organized team activity workout. “To get into that driver’s seat of being where you want to be is a great feeling for me.”
Joyner, 5-foot-8 and 190 pounds, played safety and cornerback in youth leagues and high school. He played cornerback as a freshman at Florida State, moved to safety for the next two seasons and then earned All-America recognition as a senior cornerback.
With the Rams, Joyner played as a hybrid corner and inside linebacker in former coordinator Gregg Williams’ 4-3 scheme. Last season, he made 50 tackles, forced a fumble and deflected five passes.
Joyner said Rams general manager Les Snead and Kevin Demoff, vice president of football operations, knew of his desire to play safety.
“It’s been something I’ve been working toward my whole career,” Joyner said. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t be put in this position with the old staff.”
When new coach Sean McVay and Phillips were hired in January, Joyner said he repeated his desire to play safety. Phillips is installing a 3-4 scheme.
“I’m more of a ‘find-ball-see-ball’ guy,” Joyner said, “and coach Wade Phillips’ philosophy is: ‘The ball is the most important thing: Get to the ball.’
“And that’s what I like doing. At safety, I can see the whole field. I’m not in man-to-man every play. I get to use my strengths to run and hit, or run and go get the ball out of the air, things that I like doing.”
Maurice Alexander, the starting free safety last season, is expected to move to strong safety as a replacement for T.J. McDonald, who signed with the Miami Dolphins. Alexander did not participate in an April minicamp because of an unspecified injury. He also sat out the first organized team activity workout.
Veteran Cody Davis and John Johnson, a third-round draft pick from Boston College, are among other safeties on the roster.
The Rams signed Nickell Robey-Coleman to play as a slot corner, but Joyner still could play as a cornerback in certain packages.
“You want to find as many ways to get him on the field as possible,” McVay said of Joyner. “Whether that’s him at nickel — which I think he’s one of the elite players at that spot in this league — or the safety, I think you see an instinctual player that has a great feel for the game.”
Joyner is happy for the new opportunity at safety.
“It’s been something I’ve been doing all my life, preparing to be a pro,” he said. “Now I actually have the opportunity to do it at the pro level, which is a blessing from God for me.”
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