Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
znModeratorBonsignore: Case Keenum, Jeff Fisher just the start of Rams’ opening night woes
VINCENT BONSIGNORE
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-728809-keenum-austin.html
SANTA CLARA – Case Keenum took the snap at the end of the Rams’ 28-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, planted a humble knee into the turf at Levi’s Stadium and figuratively screamed: “We give up.”
On an embarrassing night in the Bay Area, it was a fitting, symbolic gesture of the Rams’ ineptness. Sadly, it might have been the only play the Rams perfectly executed from beginning to end.
It was that kind of night in Santa Clara, as the Rams feebly stumbled about offensively in their opening night as the Los Angeles Rams and pretty much surrendered all the positive vibes and momentum of their return to Southern California.
The question is, will it be that kind of season?
This much is certain: The honeymoon is over.
All that heartwarming nostalgia flew right out the window.
If the Rams thought they could float their way through their first season back in L.A. atop a magic carpet ride of sentimentality, reality delivered a vicious right cross.
That’s not going to happen in Los Angeles.
Here is another dose of harsh truth.
It doesn’t get any easier.
The schedule gets tougher, the quality of opponent improves and the travel harsher.
The Rams better get their act together, and in a hurry.
Where to start is the question, because Monday night exposed a litany of issues.
Here are a few observations:
KEENUM GOT EXPOSED
The undrafted quarterback out of Houston has worked hard to play himself into a starting position in the NFL. But as Monday night showed, the Rams might be the only team in the league for which he’d be a starter. Had No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff played better in training camp, Keenum would be right back where he belonged: on the bench as a backup you can trust – somewhat – in short stints as the emergency starter.
Keenum started 16 games over his first four seasons, but never as his team’s opening-day No. 1 and certainly not as a prolonged answer.
He’s essentially keeping the seat warm for Goff, but after looking overwhelmed while throwing for 130 yards and two interceptions on 17-of-35 passing for a putrid 34.2 quarterback rating, his leash just got a whole lot shorter.
Keenum stands barely over 6 feet and has a low release point – which reared its ugly head on a tipped ball that landed in the hands of the 49ers for an interception. He is also limited by a below-average throwing arm, which was exposed when he tried to deliver downfield. On pass attempts 5 yards or longer, Keenum was 5 of 18 for 74 yards and a pair of picks.
Rams coach Jeff Fisher acknowledged afterward he contemplated bringing in backup Sean Mannion, but decided to stick with Keenum.
But if this keeps up?
“Well, I’ll adjust,” Fisher said, “But I don’t expect it to continue.”
Give Keenum credit for accepting responsibility.
“Well, I’m not happy. It’s not something that I’ll go out and think about, but this team deserves better plays from its quarterback and I intend on doing that,” Keenum said.
But it’s hard to have hope he’ll get significantly better anytime soon.
SHORTAGE OF LINEBACKERS
The Rams released veteran starting outside linebacker Akeem Ayers in a money move, and while they hoped to bring him back on a reworked contract, the Buffalo Bills beat them to the punch. The Rams shrugged it off, believing they could get by against the 49ers’ spread offense by operating out of base nickel and dime packages in which only two linebackers were on the field.
That proved to be a big mistake, as the 49ers continually exposed the Rams’ lack of strength in the middle of the field with big-chunk power runs and scrambles by quarterback Blaine Gabbert. On many plays, Rams cornerbacks got overwhelmed at the point of attack by bigger blockers.
Up next is the Seattle Seahawks, who pose a big-time power running threat.
Something has to give at linebacker – and barring adding a newcomer, the Rams must turn to youngsters such as Cory Littleton and Josh Forrest. That doesn’t bode well against the Seahawks.
AUSTIN HAS TO DO BETTER
The Rams rewarded Tavon Austin with a four-year contract extension at $42 million, and spent the entire offseason devising and implementing new ways to get Austin the ball.
Give them credit for following through on the plan, as Austin was targeted a reasonable 12 times Monday night.
The problem is, Austin made little use of the chances, catching four balls for a meager 13 yards and rushing one time for 2 yards.
Austin dropped a few catchable passes, Keenum missed on a few targets, and when the ball was secured, Austin did little with it.
As one of the Rams’ few playmakers, it’s up to Austin to figure out better ways to do more with the opportunities. The 12-target ratio is more than enough. Now Austin needs to back it up with production.
“We’re going to go back to work this week and I guarantee we won’t look like this again.” Austin said.
PENALTIES REMAIN AN ISSUE
The Rams were the ninth-most penalized team last year and vowed to make improvements. If you caught any of training camp, many Tuesday practices ended with wind sprints as Fisher tried to discipline the previous games’ infractions.
A lot of good it did.
The Rams reverted to their old mistakes against the 49ers, getting flagged an excruciating 10 times for 102 yards. In doing so, they sabotaged potential scoring drives and aided touchdown drives by San Francisco.
HORRIBLE START FOR FISHER
Fisher is on the last year of his contract, and while there was talk this offseason about a contract extension, nothing came to fruition. At this point, the Rams might want to let this season play out a little longer before giving him more years and money.
The Rams looked overwhelmed and unprepared Monday behind an offense that couldn’t move the ball and a defense that was bit on the backside by some curious personnel decisions.
They also looked undisciplined with the 10 penalties – culminating in Aaron Donald getting thrown out of the game after pushing off the helmet of a 49ers player.
That goes straight to the head coach, and it’s obvious Fisher didn’t have his team mentally or physically ready to play.
Worse, he went “there” after the game by pointing to the team’s move from St. Louis as a possible excuse for the bad performance.
In fact, he actually threw in an extra “move” by saying the Rams have moved four times over the past eight months, when in reality it’s been three: St. Louis to Oxnard for OTAs, then to Irvine for training camp and onto Thousand Oaks as their home base.
After pretty much resisting the move as a potential crutch through the entire offseason, Fisher conveniently reached for it on opening night.
And that’s unacceptable.
znModeratorwell keenum did not look good yesterday. i think a starting caliber qb does not look that bad against that defense. but maybe you’re right and the niners end up having a good defense capable of completely shutting down an nfl offense.
I think both things are right. He’s not starting caliber, though they can do better than that with him.
And it is possible that the 9ers defense is just much better than many assumed.
But I don’t know precisely what went wrong yesterday. I would have to watch it again.
znModeratorlack of any sort of vertical passing attack
Here’s the thing about that. Last year Keenum DID demonstrate the ability to hit long passes in a vertical attack. Numbers back that btw. So it can’t be that they don’t believe they have that with him…they DO have that with him.
then what is it?
I would have to watch the entire game again. My impression is that the SF defense is far better than people wanted to believe.
Here’s some Keenum throws from last year btw.
znModeratorlack of any sort of vertical passing attack
Here’s the thing about that. Last year Keenum DID demonstrate the ability to hit long passes in a vertical attack. Numbers back that btw. So it can’t be that they don’t believe they have that with him…they DO have that with him.
znModeratorCan we move this to the SF Game thread? I brain farted again.
“Move” is malfunctioning at the moment. So here’s what we can do. You can copy it and then paste it in a new post in the game thread. Once that’s done I delete it here.Deal?
EDIT: see below, newer response to you.
-
This reply was modified 9 years, 8 months ago by
zn.
znModeratorWhicker: The LA Rams took 22 years to come back and weren’t ready when the bell rang
Mark Whicker, LA Daily News
SANTA CLARA — The San Francisco 49ers played their 2015 season opener on a Monday night, too. They had a new coach, Jim Tomsula, and a boatload of apprehension. But somehow they drew courage from their night on stage and beat up on Minnesota, 20-3.
At season’s end the Vikings were in the playoffs and the 49ers were 4-12 and Tomsula was asked to surrender his parking pass.
In 2013 the Chargers played a Monday Night opener at home against the Houston Texans, who were feeling postseason vibes. San Diego rolled to a 28-7 lead. Then Matt Schaub and the Texans sensed how uncomfortable San Diego can be under those circumstances and roared back to win, 31-28.
Houston beat Tennessee the next week in overtime and lost every one of the remaining 14. Schaub became such a pick-6 dispenser that he nearly got hired by Powerball, and then got hurt. The Chargers picked themselves up, won four of their last five games, and even won a playoff game in Cincinnati.
So Week One is no fortune teller. But some truiths are self-evident.
The Rams strutted back into Los Angeles this year, sold uniforms and T-shirts by the truckload, bared their souls and their vocabulary on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” Given their first chance to validate that with some football that counts, they whiffed.
They did almost nothing right in this loss to San Francisco, 28-0. If they don’t find their way soon, like on Sunday against Seattle, the honeymoon will be more contentious than the divorce.
They did their best to remind us how placid and fulfilling these past 22 years have been.
Their first half could not have been more brutal. Their deepest penetration was to the San Francisco 33-yard line, which is where Todd Gurley decided to fling the ball at the 49ers’ Tremaine Brock to earn an unsportsmanlike conduct call. Otherwise they had five first downs, seven completions and six punts, a department in which they led the NFL last season.
There will be kneejerk criticism of Case Keenum, who was never going to make the fantasy-league participants happy, and, no, he wasn’t very good. In the third quarter he stopped the Rams’ most serious drive with an interception to Ray-Ray Armstrong. But the offensive line was outquicked all night, and the 49ers went all-out to stop Gurley, whose longest run in the first half was five yards.
More worrisome was a defense that has been living on tomorrow for several years now. It rarely even endangered Blaine Gabbert in the first half, and gave up 40 yards rushing to the former Jaguar when it kept vacating the middle of the field. By then the Rams were snake-charmed by Carlos Hyde, one of the better make-you-miss guys in the NFL. Hyde got sublime blocking from Zane Beadles and tight end Garrett Celek on his first touchdown of the half, and then Shawn Draughn darted around end for his second. There were no edges being set by anybody on the Rams’ defense.
San Francisco, which doesn’t care about time of possession in Chip Kelly’s drag-race football, ran 10 more plays than did the Rams in the first half and rushed for 123 yards, at 5.3 per attempt. The 49ers also had 16 first downs to the Rams five.
Maybe the defensive players that the Rams shed, for economic reasons, were hard to replace after all. Chris Long looked fine at New England Sunday night, and Jim Laurinaitis was the Saints’ second-leading tackler. Rodney McLeod is in Philadelphia, Janoris Jenkins with the Giants.
Los Angeles’ ineffectiveness was matched only by its distemper. Joyner picked up a defensive holding penalty right before Draughn’s touchdown, and later dropped a football that Gabbert absolutely stamped and delivered right into his hands. Aaron Donald had a roughing-the-passer penalty. Trumaine Johnson recovered a fumble by Draughn, then got into it with the 49ers’ Torrey Smith and was lucky he wasn’t flagged for that.
It underlined how crucial Johnny Hekker is to the operation. He led the NFL in punts last year, with 96, and had nine in the Rams’ first 10 possessions Monday night.
But it won’t tamp down the tension and controversy about the quarterback position, an old story with the Rams, going back to Bob Waterfield and Jim Hardy. They must have known how unprepared Jared Goff would be for NFL play-calling and nomenclature. They still dealt away a chance for three solid players to pick him first in the entire draft, and now he’s the No. 3 quarterback. Anybody who thought the Rams are One Quarterback Away from NFL prominence is not dealing in reality.
znModeratorThen – this year – none of the aforementioned excuses apply.
My only real comment is that I would not use the word “excuses.” “Excuses” as a word cannot help but imply that something is being rationalized or in some way or another a true account (ie. a different opinion or interpretation) is being evaded.
I would just call it an analysis.
And so far this year, we have one bad game, against a team that…and this is often the case in the much lamented big losses…was underestimated in advance of the contest. Therefore it is also viewed not just as a bad loss, but a bad loss in a game that ought to have been won. (My take? Kelly gets a lot out of minor qbs and that defense is just better than many have assumed.)
So we don’t have a “this year,” not yet.
You’re right that the conditions I described covering the last 2 years do not pertain now. If nothing else presumably the OL is better and is still healthy (though they’re still starting a #2 qb). So yes those conditions do not pertain now…so we shall see, about this year.
BTW yes I said something about good coaching. I said that going 7-9 under those conditions was something of an achievement. To me bad coaching would mean the whole thing would have been a lot worse last year.
Plus of course like everyone else I have no idea what moving does to a team and it’s prep. The Oilers went 8-8 2 years in a row after moving and becoming the Titans. I am just kind of surprised no one mentioned this.
I think it’s just another example of a deeper debate: everything’s coaching v. always account for the context.
znModeratorthat is not true ER. numbers mean nothing in themselves you have to interpret them. you and I interpret the reasons for the record differently
I interpret the 65 games coached by Fisher as 65 games coached by Fisher. You can argue your interpretation and I am pulling for you and your happiness on this but the number 65 is not open to interpretation.
Yes things have to be interpreted. For example you have already done that. You have interpreted the record as being a direct result of Fisher’s coaching. I don’t.
I interpret the 1st 2 years as a result of rebuilding plus losing a starting qb.
I interpret the next 2 years as being an example of what happens when a team does not have a starting qb AND has issues with the OL.
Given how I see that, 7-9 in 2015 was actually quite an achievement. That is, it doesn’t matter who the coach is if all you have for 2 years is BOTH no qb (only #2 types plus a starter who fell apart and melted down) AND big issues with the OL (injuries, and then inexperience PLUS injuries). I cannot think of any team that won under those dual conditions.
So numbers are not real…they are always the products of interpretation.
YOu look at the numbers and say see, bad coach.
I look at the numbers and say see, what do you expect when they have that kind of double problem.
You think (it seems) it’s natural and inevitable that the coach is the final cause and source of blame for that.
I think it;s natural and inevitable that any coach would have problems if they faced that kind of double problem for 2 years running.
.
znModerator<blockquotethss=”d4pbbc-quote”>
It’s not just one game it’s 65 games now.
not true ER numbers mean nothing in themselves you have to interpret them. we have different explanations for the record
I don’t look at it that way at all.
The “why not” is a longer response, and so will have to wait.
No explanation necessary Zn but the number is a fact and not a perception.You look at it differently because you can and it works for you.
that is not true ER. numbers mean nothing in themselves you have to interpret them. you and I interpret the reasons for the record differently
znModeratorIt’s not just one game it’s 65 games now.
I don’t look at it that way at all.
The “why not” is a longer response, and so will have to wait.
znModeratorWell….awful as it was, one game is one game.
I’ll have to see a couple more games.
I mean, it could be all the distractions of the move,
and hard knocks, and all that, affected them.I dunno. Fisher has always had a way of coming back after
games like this. We’ll see how they play at home. They have to win their home games.Fwiw…I feel the same way you do. It was a bad loss, but it’s a long season.
znModeratorPFF: LA-SF grades: 49ers’ cornerbacks lead the way in shutout
Highest-graded players and top takeaways from the 49ers’ Week 1 shutout win over the Rams.https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-la-sf-grades-49ers-cornerbacks-lead-the-way-in-shutout/
San Francisco 49ers 28, Los Angeles Rams 0
Here are the biggest takeaways and highest-graded players from the San Francisco 49ers’ 28-0 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback grade: Blaine Gabbert, 48.1
Blaine Gabbert leaves too much on the field
Gabbert struggled with his accuracy at times, as he was off target on more than one easy short throw. He did pick up some yards with his legs (84.2 run grade), which will make the 49ers’ run game more effective going forward.
Top offensive grades:
LT Joe Staley, 83.7
TE Garrett Celek, 74.6
WR Jeremy Kerley, 74.5
TE Vance McDonald, 70.3
RB Shaun Draughn, 65.1
Joe Staley earns third-highest grade among NFL OTs in Week 1
The 49ers’ offense wasn’t highly effective Monday night, even though they managed to score 28 points against the Rams. The big plays and consistent execution were missing, and they will need to generate more plays to beat teams better than Los Angeles. The play of Joe Staley and recent addition Jeremy Kerley were the biggest bright spots for the 49ers’ offense. Staley didn’t allow a single pressure on 44 pass-block snaps, and Kerley caught 7 of 11 targets.
Top defensive grades:
CB Tramaine Brock, 91.7
CB Jimmie Ward, 87.1
S Eric Reid, 86.6
LB NaVorro Bowman, 85.9
DI Quinton Dial, 82.6
49ers’ cornerbacks lead the way in shutout
This was a poor display of offensive football from both teams, but the 49ers never really allowed the Rams’ offense to do anything. San Francisco’s defenders on all three levels graded very well against L.A., but expectations of similar performances will have to be tempered, as the Rams have one of the league’s worst offenses. Tramaine Brock was the 49ers’ highest-graded defensive player; he was targeted eight times in coverage and yielded three catches for only 16 yards, and Case Keenum’s QB rating when throwing into Brock’s coverage was just 45.8.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback grade: Case Keenum, 43.4
Case Keenum underwhelms in season debut
Case Keenum spent most of the game Monday night staring at a tablet screen, wondering what went wrong. He only completed 3 of 10 passes that were targeted 10 yards or more downfield. Keenum’s QB rating when blitzed by the 49ers was 4.9.
Top offensive grades:
RB Todd Gurley, 74.4
WR Kenny Britt, 73.7
LG Rodger Saffold, 71.7
RG Jamon Brown, 49.8
WR Brian Quick, 49.5
Solid debut for Todd Gurley, but no support from Rams around him
The Rams’ offensive line failed to generate much push in the run game, and allowed 19 pressures on Keenum. L.A. dropped six passes against the San Francisco. Running Back Todd Gurley forced seven missed tackles on his 17 rushing attempts, but other players are going to need to step up for the Rams’ offense, or this is going to be a long and ugly season for the team.
Top defensive grades:
DT Aaron Donald, 93.3
S T.J. McDonald, 86.8
DT Michael Brockers, 83.1
S Maurice Alexander, 81.9
LB Alec Ogletree, 78.5
DT Aaron Donald continues his disruptive ways
Aaron Donald was our top player in the league last season, and looks to once again be playing at a ridiculously high-level, as he was dominant before his ejection. Donald earned a 94.0 pass-rush grade and a 84.8 run-defense grade against the 49ers as he continued to get into the backfield so quickly that plays were almost instantly doomed.
PFF Game Ball Winner: 49ers CB Tramaine Brock
znModeratorCase Keenum on Rams’ Week 1 offense: ‘This is not us’
Alden Gonzalez
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — What follows are results of the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive possessions from Monday, in chronological order: punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, turnover on downs.
It was that kind of night.
“I’ll take the blame,” quarterback Case Keenum said after a demoralizing, 28-0 loss to the San Francisco 49ers from Levi’s Stadium. “This team deserves better play from their quarterback.”
Coming off an efficient, encouraging preseason in which he handily beat out No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff for the starting job, Keenum looked overmatched against a 49ers defense that doesn’t project to be anything special. He completed 17-of-35 passes, threw for a mere 130 yards and added two interceptions. Under his watch, the Rams failed to convert 12 of their 15 third-down attempts, averaged just a shade over three yards per play and operated past midfield on only five drives.
It’s a problem for Todd Gurley.
The Rams’ star running back had a hard time finding space between the tackles and was ultimately limited to 47 yards on 17 carries. It was a reminder of his stretch run in 2015, when opposing defenses stacked the box because the Rams — last in the NFL in passing yards — didn’t offer a threat outside of the run.
“When we can’t get a run game going, nothing else falls after that,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “That was a concern.”
The 49ers spent the night daring Keenum to throw, but the 28-year-old couldn’t beat them. His Rams went three-and-out on seven of 13 drives and at one point failed to convert 10 consecutive third downs, keeping the Rams’ defense on the field for long stretches. Tavon Austin — given a four-year, $42 million extension in large part because of how much more the Rams expect him to contribute — caught only four of his team-high 12 targets, and gained only 15 yards from scrimmage.
“We have to stretch the field,” Austin said. “We need to keep doing what we were doing. We were open a lot out there today; we just couldn’t connect. That’s the main thing. We’ll connect on it.”
The Rams must, if they have any hope of giving Gurley room to operate.
Gurley rushed for a record 566 yards in his first four NFL starts, but his yards per carry dropped from 6.4 to 3.9 over his last eight games, largely because the Rams’ offense became so one-dimensional. Gurley said he “most definitely” notices the difference in his running lanes when the passing game opens up, and he’s confident that it eventually will.
“I see it every day in practice,” Gurley said. “I know it’s not us. It’s not us at all. I don’t know what we did, but we have to do something right and go out and execute next week.”
Next week is a major test, at home against the Seattle Seahawks and their stifling defense.
Keenum, who completed 18 of his 24 passes and didn’t commit a turnover in the preseason, said Monday’s game “will not define me.”
“It was a big stage, and it would have been fun to win on Monday night to start the season, but it’s a long season,” Keenum said. “This is not us. Offensively, this is not us. We’re going to come back to work tomorrow and get ready to beat the Seahawks.”
znModeratorER, I can’t move posts right now, and if I could have I would have moved your posting of the postgame press conference vid and let it be the 1st post in a different thread. As a rule I post the interviews separately from game reaction threads so people can expect to look for them. Given all that, I had to post a separate one in a separate thread. I assume you understand.
znModeratorI am one of those guys who thinks Tavon will do more when he can do more…that is, when he develops his game (eg. route running) so he offers more.
And I think yes, Goff could add some ideas too.
znModeratorhav is active, wonder if he starts
znModeratorHow do you get in? I don’t see a link…
sorry I neglected to post it in the message…it’s here now plus I am adding it to post 1 via edit
I see ag also responded, so thanks ag…posters now have an abundance of riches
September 12, 2016 at 8:43 pm in reply to: Carroll: Russell Wilson should play despite sprain #52714znModeratorRussell Wilson on ankle injury: ‘I’ll be all right. I’ll be ready to roll’
Bob Condotta
Seattle Times staff reporter
Russell Wilson showed up to his regular postgame news conference wearing a Seahawks sweatshirt and sweats.“Normally in my suit and tie for you guys, but this is the best you get,’’ Wilson joked.
Wilson, though, also hadn’t had time to get dressed while having his ankle examined — and having an X-ray taken — shortly after the game.
Wilson wouldn’t confirm exactly what had been done or what would happen but insisted “I’ll be all right. I’ll be ready to roll.’’
Featured Video
The making of Ken Griffey Jr.’s Hall of Fame plaque (1:51)
Most Read Stories
Doug Baldwin and Seahawks stand arm-in-arm during national anthem before season opener WATCH
Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin reveals team’s plan to ‘interlock arms in unity’ during national anthem Sunday
Full coverage: Seahawks score last-minute touchdown to beat Dolphins, 12-10
Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls on what Marshawn Lynch is telling him about retirement and taking over his old spot WATCH
‘Good Vibrations’: Beach Boy Mike Love unloads in a contentious memoir | Book review
Unlimited Digital Access. $1 for 4 weeks.
Coach Pete Carroll said of Wilson’s ankle that “we’re going to look at it.’’Carroll twice said Wilson had been “kicked in the ankle’’ when he was sacked by Ndamukong Suh in the third quarter.
Wilson said “I was trying to cut inside and go down. It was just a freak accident.”
Injury updates: Aside from Wilson’s ankle, Seattle’s most serious injury was a sprained wrist suffered by rookie tailback C.J. Prosise. Prosise had the wrist in a cast in the second half.
“It’s not broken but it is sprained and they put a cast on him and he came back out and was available for special teams in the second half,’’ Carroll said.
As expected rookie guard Germain Ifedi did not suit up after twisting his ankle in practice on Wednesday.
Carroll said of Ifedi going forward that “we’ll just open it up next week and see where he is. I can’t tell you much.’’
September 12, 2016 at 1:38 pm in reply to: media previews the SF game (including bay area views) #52707znModerator49ers vs. Rams at a glance
49ers with Matt Barrows
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article101278642.html
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
IN BLAINE THEY TRUST
With all the regional and national headlines garnered by Colin Kaepernick, many people tuning in to watch Monday night’s opener might be surprised to find Blaine Gabbert starting at quarterback for the 49ers. Instead of drafting a quarterback, the 49ers believed Gabbert, in Act II of his career, was the best option. He’ll have a chance to prove them right, beginning against the Rams, who represent Los Angeles for the first time since 1994.GUARDING THE BEST
After reportedly mulling retirement on Saturday, offensive lineman Anthony Davis returned to the team for practice on Sunday. What he will do Monday night remains uncertain. Davis, who took the 2015 season off to let his “brain and body heal,” had been scheduled to make his first start at right guard. Now, he’s listed as questionable in the wake of the missed Saturday practice. Instead, the 49ers likely will start Andrew Tiller at right guard against the Rams. And NinersNation.com reported that Davis now is focusing on a return to right tackle, where he started every game from 2010 through 2013 before being injured in 2014. For now, Trent Brown is expected to start at right tackle, where his only starting experience is the final two games of his rookie season in 2015.WILL HISTORY REPEAT?
Entering the 2015 season opener in a nationally televised Monday night game, the buzz was about Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. But as Carlos Hyde noted this week, he was the one who rushed for 168 yards, while Peterson had 31. Now comes the Rams’ highly touted running back, Todd Gurley, in another Monday night opener.INJURY REPORT
49ERS
Doubtful: DL Glenn Dorsey (knee), CB Keith Reaser (ankle), CB Chris Davis (hamstring).
Questionable: DL Arik Armstead (shoulder); LB Nick Bellore (knee), DT Quinton Dial (knee).
RAMS
Out: WR Pharoh Cooper (shoulder), CB E.J. Gaines (thigh), WR Nelson Spurce (knee).
Questionable: LB Bryce Hager (concussion), OT Rob Havenstein (foot).Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article101278642.html#storylink=cpy
September 12, 2016 at 1:20 pm in reply to: media previews the SF game (including bay area views) #52706znModerator6 things to know before the Rams play the 49ers Monday
Rich Hammond
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160911/6-things-to-know-before-the-rams-play-the-49ers-monday
The pep rallies, practices and preseason games are over. After 21 years, it’s time for NFL football. The Rams open their season tonight in a nationally televised game against the San Francisco 49ers. It’s been a wild year for the Rams, who in January received NFL approval to relocate to Los Angeles.
WHO ARE THEY?
The Rams don’t have many big names, but there are some talented young players. Running back Todd Gurley had the third-most yards in the NFL as a rookie last season, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, going into his third season, is particularly fierce against opposing quarterbacks.
WHERE ARE THEY?
The Rams open the season in San Francisco. They’ll play their home opener Sunday afternoon against the Seattle Seahawks at the Coliseum. That will be the Rams’ home for the next three seasons, until they open a new stadium in Inglewood on the former site of the Hollywood Park race track.
IS THE RIVALRY BACK?
The Rams and 49ers first played on Oct. 1, 1950, and thanks to the L.A.-Bay Area dynamic it grew into one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL. The franchises have met 133 times, including one playoff game, with the 49ers holding a 66-64-3 edge.
WHERE’S GOFF?
The Rams received attention in April when they made a blockbuster trade and selected quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Goff’s development hasn’t progressed very quickly though, so Case Keenum will start at QB and Sean Mannion will be the backup.
ON THE AIR?
The game will be on ESPN at 7:20 p.m. Most of the regular-season games will be broadcast on Ch. 11, with others on Ch. 2, Ch. 4 and the NFL Network, and games generally will start at either 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Get the coffee ready on Oct. 23, though, because that’s when the Rams play the New York Giants in London, with a West Coast kickoff time of 6:30 a.m. Rams radio broadcasts can be heard locally on 710-AM and 100.3 FM, and in Spanish on 1330 AM.
WILL THEY WIN?
The Rams haven’t had a winning season since 2003 and haven’t made the playoffs since 2004. Most pundits predict they will finish third in the NFC West, behind Arizona and Seattle but ahead of San Francisco. The Rams’ odds to win the Super Bowl are anywhere from 80-1 to 100-1, depending on the source.
September 12, 2016 at 1:17 pm in reply to: media previews the SF game (including bay area views) #52705znModeratorRams vs. 49ers scouting report
Rich Hammond
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160911/rams-vs-49ers-scouting-report
RAMS OFFENSE vs. 49ERS DEFENSE
This isn’t a difficult puzzle to piece together. The 49ers allowed 387.4 yards per game last season, the fourth-worst average in the NFL. Their new defensive coordinator, Jim O’Neil, spent the previous two seasons in Cleveland, and those Browns teams allowed 4.5 rushing yards per carry in both 2014 and 2015, which ranked them in the bottom five both seasons. The Rams have running back Todd Gurley, who rushed for the third-most yards in the NFL last season even though he missed three games. The Rams also have an efficient but non-dynamic quarterback in Case Keenum and an underwhelming set of receivers. Think the Rams might put the ball in Gurley’s hands a little bit? The 49ers’ defensive front has dealt with injuries throughout training camp while the Rams’ offensive line is nearing full strength with the return of right tackle Rob Havenstein, who missed almost all of training camp with a foot injury. Still, the Rams’ pass game has to show something, so the 49ers don’t simply load up on Gurley. Edge: RAMS
49ERS OFFENSE vs. RAMS DEFENSE
It’s easy to think the most interesting thing about the 49ers’ offense will happen pregame, when backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick controversially kneels for the national anthem. But don’t sleep on starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert. In last year’s season finale against the Rams, he threw for 354 yards, and now he’s in coach Chip Kelly’s anything-goes offense. Still, the big guy here is running back Carlos Hyde, who is talented but has had trouble staying healthy. It will be intriguing to see how the 49ers attempt to attack the Rams’ defense, which now — after the release of starting linebacker Akeem Ayers — is expected to play more nickel coverage. The Rams have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, led by Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn. If they can shut down Hyde, it figures to be a long night for Gabbert. But Rams coach Jeff Fisher expressed some dissatisfaction with the Rams’ run defense during the preseason. If it hasn’t been cleaned up, this is where the 49ers have a solid chance. Edge: RAMS
SPECIAL TEAMS
One storyline that never developed in training camp was the Rams’ desire to create competition for veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein, who struggled last season. Zuerlein made all four of his field-goal attempts (and all five extra points) during the preseason. The Rams also have a Pro Bowl-caliber punter in Johnny Hekker and a constant touchdown threat in punt returner Tavon Austin. The Rams looked incredibly shaky in kickoff coverage during the preseason, though, allowing two touchdowns of 100-plus yards. The 49ers feature kickoff returner Chris Davis, he of the famous “Kick 6” for Auburn against Alabama in 2013, but Davis has missed practices recently because of injury. The 49ers have 41-year-old kicker Phil Dawson, who enters his 18th NFL season and is still going strong. Last season, Dawson made 24 of 27 field-goal attempts, including all three attempts from 50 yards or beyond. Edge: RAMS
COACHING
It’s Chip Kelly 2.0 in the NFL. Kelly, the onetime successful college coach at Oregon, went 10-6 in each of his first two seasons with Philadelphia (2013-14), where he also had the final say over the roster. But he was fired in 2015 over increasing concerns about his roster management. Kelly now simply is the coach of the 49ers, and there’s some thought that focusing solely on on-field issues will make him a more successful coach. There’s also the thought that Kelly’s schemes just won’t translate to long-term success in the NFL. There’s more stability for the Rams, but some of their fans question whether that’s a good thing. Fisher enters his fifth season with the team and remains in search of a winning record. Rob Boras, who took over as offensive coordinator late last season, now has the job full-time and is a first-time NFL play-caller. Edge: EVEN
INTANGIBLES
It’s difficult to know what to expect from the 49ers. They have a new coaching staff, they’re widely expected to finish at the bottom of the NFC West and for the past couple weeks, they’ve dealt with the Kaepernick anthem questions and debate. So this probably goes one of two ways. Either the 49ers are distracted and overmatched, or they’re strengthened and brought closer together by it. This is the first time Keenum will start an opener, but he seemed fine in front of 90,000 at the Coliseum. Last season, the Rams beat the 49ers fairly handily in St. Louis, then lost the season finale in overtime in San Francisco. Overall, though, the 49ers went only 4-4 at home last season. Edge: 49ERS
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Rams DE Robert Quinn vs. San Francisco OT Joe Staley: Staley, the 49ers’ starting left tackle, just turned 32 and is entering his 10th NFL season. On a roster that has had a lot of turnover and strife, he’s been a rock and there’s been little dropoff in his play. This will be an intriguing challenge, though. Quinn has a history of great performances against San Francisco, and he has looked good in training camp after missing most of last season with a back injury. The Rams’ defensive front looks scary because of the outside presence of Quinn and the inside presence of Donald. If both of those guys are effective, it’s tough to see how the 49ers can consistently drive the ball. If Staley can help keep Quinn away from Gabbert, it could cause some frustration for the Rams’ front.
PREDICTION
It’s impractical to call the first game of the season a must-win, but this is as close as it gets for the Rams. If they have any hope of finishing above third place in the tough NFC West — Arizona and Seattle loom large — a victory over the 49ers is huge. Given what’s on the horizon, with games against the Seahawks and Cardinals and a long trip to Tampa Bay, the Rams could be staring down the possibility of an 0-4 start if they lose this one. The matchup is favorable, though. Unless the Rams’ offensive line falls apart, Gurley should have plenty of running room, and the Rams’ defensive front should make things difficult for Gabbert and a set of mediocre San Francisco receivers. The Los Angeles Rams are set up nicely for their first regular-season victory since 1994. RAMS 24, SAN FRANCISCO 14
September 12, 2016 at 9:26 am in reply to: media previews the SF game (including bay area views) #52693znModerator49ers a litmus test for Rams
Bonsignore
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-728669-offense-game.html
SAN JOSE – Kickoff for the Rams’ opener against the San Francisco 49ers was still more than 72 hours away, but the proactive nature of Trumaine Johnson had already sprung into action.
The Rams aren’t exactly sure what to expect from Chip Kelly’s fast-passed spread offense, whether it will be in full throttle or starting from first gear as it eases into Kelly’s first season in the Bay Area while operating with the worst skill position population in the NFL.
At its core, Kelly’s offense is a frenetic, no-huddle blur that challenges defenses to keep up by adjusting on the fly, sometimes without the benefit of normal sub package substitutions in between plays.
When Kelly’s offense is humming at optimal efficiency – 12-16 seconds from one snap to the next – in between plays is a relative term.
It’s a non-stop hustle.
And that poses as much of a physical test as it does a mental.
Johnson was taking no changes on the former.
Three days out from kickoff, the Rams cornerback was overloading on liquids.
“You can’t wait until the day before the game to start hydrating,” Johnson said. “That’s a process you have to begin way before that. So I’m already getting prepared.”
As is the rest of the Rams defense.
No telling exactly what the 49ers offense will look like Monday night.
While the personnel may scream one thing, the stubborn head coach standing on the opposing sideline represents something entirely different.
With or without the ideal type players to carry out Kelly’s vision, chances are the former Oregon and Philadelphia Eagles coach is going to damn well do what he’s always done.
“Every coach has a history, there’s nothing secret anymore,” said Rams defensive coordinator. Gregg Williams. “Every single game film in college, every single game film in the NFL, you guys get to watch and every fan gets to watch. There’s nothing secret anymore about the game.”
So break out the track shoes and try to keep up.
Talking to some Rams defensive players this week, you get the idea that’s exactly how Williams prefers it.
“Greg doesn’t believe in slowing down anyway,” defensive end Robert Quinn said, laughing. “No matter the situation or time or day or any of that, we’re always fast.”
Williams is legendary for insisting his defense beat the opposing offense to the line of scrimmage each play, but he might get a run for his money Monday .
Kelly isn’t just trying to create more chances by increasing the amount of offensive snaps per game, he’s trying to force opponents into a state of confusion by denying them the ability to substitute and limiting the amount of time to decide on scheme call.
That means a number of plays in which the Rams might be without the optimal personnel package in a scheme that isn’t conducive to the 49ers play call.
Which means making changes in real time.
“Communication is the key,” Johnson said.
So is trust.
“If we get a little rattled, we have our checks and adjustments and we have to believe in them,” Quinn said. “Just stick to our rules. If we don’t like it check it, play it and live to play another down.”
Most importantly, try to keep up.
“We can’t be lackadaisical, not even on one play,” Quinn said. “Because 80 yards down the field they go.
“So there’s an emphasis on trying to be exact, no matter the tempo.”
This is a litmus test in many ways for the Rams.
On paper, they are the better team than the 49ers. Defense in particular.
By all measure, the Rams defense is decidedly more than the 49ers offense, which features a once-failed first-round pick in quarterback Blaine Gabbert and some of the most nondescript skill players in the league.
Fast-paced or not, Johnson, Quinn and Aaron Donald should absolutely control San Francisco sufficiently enough for Case Keenum and the offense to put up the necessary points to leave the Bay Area with a season-opening win.
“And that’s a challenge we absolutely accept,” Johnson said.
Said linebacker Mark Barron: “You want to set a ton for your entire year with your season opener. We take pride in making that statement no matter the game, but there’s even more emphasis this being the first game.”
Yes, openers can be funny sometimes, and taking the stage on Monday night on the road throws a whole other curveball into the equation. We also have very little to go on with the Rams offense, other than Todd Gurley is poised for a sensational season and the offensive line looked better in preseason.
Keenum is still very much a question mark, as are the Rams skill players.
For now, the Rams defense will be leaned on heavily.
Doesn’t matter it’s a long-time rival that’s changed they way they way they do things.
“There’s really not anything that’s hidden anymore in our league. I think Jeff (Fisher) has said this, our head coach has said this earlier in the week – it’s going to be about execution,” Williams said. “We have to go out there and do what we’re supposed to do right. It’s past the coaching now.”
The Rams keep talking about moving up and beyond from their recent 7-9 type seasons.
Beating the teams you’re supposed to is a good start.
September 11, 2016 at 11:53 pm in reply to: Wentz looks pretty good & other gameday observations #52682znModeratorWell the Patz beat Arizona.
I didn’t see that much of the game.
Did anyone else? How did Arizona look?
znModeratornot sure he can be graded as a pure receiver.
My own view is that he simply can’t be graded as a pure receiver. Largely because, he’s not one. He’s something else.
He had 52 receptions and 52 rushes last year. If he raised the number of receptions that would be fine with me.
znModeratorJust read on ESPN that R Wilson went for a precautionary x-ray on his ankle. Even if it is negative, it’s got to be real sore…
Yeah his ankle was an issue in the game. He couldn’t run like he normally does.
September 11, 2016 at 9:01 pm in reply to: Wentz looks pretty good & other gameday observations #52662znModeratorzn: I honestly believe SK is not that superficial. The LA press maybe, but not SK.
I think Stan and staff expect Fisher will win. And, I guess I don’t see that as superficial at all.
We;re just miscommunicating a bit SD. Obviously Fisher has to win. I was referring to any Wentz/Goff comparisons. I don’t think that will have any bearing on SK’s thinking. Nor should it.
I was taking this as setting the tone of your response:
he’ll be compared by me and probably most fans on a case by case basis with Wentz….If Goff is good and Wentz is great, Fisher would need to win even more.
That’s what I disagreed with…I don’t think SK will do that. I don’t think Goff/Wentz comparisons will have anything to do with Fisher’s standing with SK.
In terms of winning, I also don’t agree with this:
Fisher will need to win divisions or at least NFC championships, etc to see the new stadium or maybe even next season as the Rams Head Coach.
I don’t think that’s true. I think he just has to win. Even 9/7 without a division title would do it.
September 11, 2016 at 7:58 pm in reply to: Wentz looks pretty good & other gameday observations #52655znModeratorI think that Fisher will need to win divisions or at least NFC championships, etc to see the new stadium or maybe even next season as the Rams Head Coach. If Goff is good and Wentz is great, Fisher would need to win even more.
Personally? I honestly believe SK is not that superficial. The LA press maybe, but not SK. And I don’t even like SK. I just don’t think he thinks like an LA gossip columnist. I think he understands the idea of letting a rookie qb develop. Especially since the Rams never intended to start him.
….
September 11, 2016 at 7:45 pm in reply to: Wentz looks pretty good & other gameday observations #52653znModeratorSaw some Dallas v. Giants, saw some Seattle v. Miami. Switched back n forth.
Prescott looked fine but he’s no Wentz.
He wasn’t clutch enough to keep them in it, I thought. But he clearly has a future. They may get at least 4 qbs out of this draft, if Lynch comes through (and I am assuming Goff will come through).
4 qbs in one draft…pretty good.
znModeratorbnw, each time by now that you use the rightie “aha hypocrisy” move, people here just simply read it as partisan gameplaying.
You can do it all you want, but I promise you, it will never be taken as anything more than that.
It’s just one of your go-to “be a partisan” moves.
…
September 11, 2016 at 4:43 pm in reply to: Wentz looks pretty good & other gameday observations #52642znModeratorimagine the rams blow this pick AND they lose. and without those future draft picks…
wouldn’t that be depressing.
IR…it is way premature to even go there.
You saw Goff. Does he strike you as being a “blown pick”?
Plus of course there’s this…most teams in the last several years that started high-picked rookie qbs had losing seasons. Why would Wentz suddenly change that? The percentages stay the same.
It’s really an emotion-first, very oversoon reaction IMO.
-
This reply was modified 9 years, 8 months ago by
-
AuthorPosts
