Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
August 24, 2016 at 10:14 am in reply to: Hard Knocks 3 (in this episode, Jon Snow gets reps with the 1s) #51524
znModeratorFormer San Francisco 49ers coach and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary showed up,
This poor writer seems to think that Singletary was a celebrity cameo.
He doesn’t seem to realize Singletary is a Rams coach.
.
August 24, 2016 at 10:13 am in reply to: Hard Knocks 3 (in this episode, Jon Snow gets reps with the 1s) #51523znModeratorHBO ‘Hard Knocks’ 2016: Best Rams Storylines, Moments, Reaction for Episode 3
While there have been plenty of light-hearted moments on this season of Hard Knocks, Tuesday’s episode started with a serious tone. Rookie wide receiver Paul McRoberts’ step brother was killed this offseason, and Hard Knocks captured coach Jeff Fisher comforting him in his office, especially since the pass-catcher said he found out on Facebook.
Very tough scene on #HardKnocks watching Paul McRoberts find out about a stepbrother’s death via Facebook. Real scene inside Fisher’s office
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 24, 2016
Things quickly turned back to the football, as Fisher addressed the team and players reviewed film following its preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Defensive coordinator Greg Williams in particular didn’t hold back when pointing out mistakes during film study.
It wasn’t all hard work, as linebacker Akeem Ayers and defensive end William Hayes hit Disneyland with their families. Hayes made headlines in episode two when he expressed his belief that mermaids exist, so it seemed appropriate that he went to the land of the Little Mermaid on his day off.
Hayes was rather skeptical about riding a roller coaster and had to ask an employee multiple times if his seat belt would actually keep him in the ride. He even let out some NFL-worthy screams, via the NFL:
Will Hayes on this roller coaster looks pretty much exactly like me on roller coasters. #Hate https://t.co/T1wAdoivaV
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 23, 2016
Hard Knocks and the Rams shifted into preparation mode for the second preseason game after the fun at Disneyland. One thing that stood out was the fact Fisher told his staff to make sure running back Todd Gurley was treated like a quarterback for portions of practice and didn’t get tackled because he is so valuable to the team.
Fisher even joked with New York Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia not to hurt the players when he was at practice.
Sabathia wasn’t the only notable name to make an appearance. Former San Francisco 49ers coach and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Mike Singletary showed up, but some of the Rams offensive players thought it was a good idea to mess around with him. Robby Kalland of CBS Sports and the Rams did not agree with that strategy, even if it was in good
fun:why are these offensive players messing with mike singletary he will murder you
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) August 24, 2016
After the celebrity cameos, the quarterback competition between Case Keenum and Jared Goff took center stage. While Keenum received some help at home from his wife when it came to memorizing the playbook, Fisher did allow Goff the opportunity to work with the first string for some of practice (and in the preseason game).
Linebacker Brandon Chubb and tight end Benson Browne provided some comic relief from the football-heavy episode with a bowling trip, and Chubb earned the victory and made his fellow rookie do some push-ups as penance.
Hard Knocks also highlighted how difficult it was for linebacker Alec Ogletree and wide receiver Austin Hill to be apart from their families during training camp. Thiry underscored the emotion involved:
Just got misty-eyed in here watching Austin Hill’s daughter cry when he had to go back to work.
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) August 24, 2016
Being away from family was part of the preparation for that preseason showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Hard Knocks concluded with the Rams’ second preseason game of the year, which was also at home, and captured the dramatic moments of the 21-20 Los Angeles victory.
The Rams fell behind 7-0 for the second time in a row, but starting quarterback Keenum and Gurley responded. Keenum finished 4-of-5 for 53 yards and a score, while Gurley found the end zone on one of his four carries in his first preseason action. Keenum gave way to Goff with a 14-7 lead, and the rookie proceeded to fumble the ball away in some of his first-half action.
Goff ultimately responded and ended the day 8-of-12 for 82 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t throw an interception either, and his 10-yard touchdown toss to Malcolm Brown in the fourth quarter gave the Rams the lead for good.
If the fourth-quarter dramatics continue during the regular season, the Rams’ first year in Los Angeles will be a memorable one. For now, they can enjoy their 2-0 start in the preseason and the occasional trip to Disneyland until the games officially count in the standings.
znModeratorI actually saw this tour when I was a kid. Indianapolis, Clewes Hall. Old high school friends and I still talk about it.
…
znModeratorGary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-tight-ends-20160823-snap-story.html
Quick hits
Goff took snaps with first-team offense and completed several impressive passes. … Offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (foot) went through a few warmup drills and did work on the side with trainers. … The Rams practice Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Quarterbacks and tight ends will be signing autographs. The Rams final open practice is Thursday
znModerator1. Williams on Quinn is must listen.
2. Yeah, I thot the whole Williams vid was good.
My gut (not my head) informs me, that Fisher
needs GW the way DV needed Martz.3. On what makes Quinn special)
WMs: “He does things that you can’t coach, he has some of the fastest-twitch pass-rushing I’ve ever seen. Then, when you watch a pass rusher turn the corner, everybody in the National Football League has to turn the corner at nine yards. The good ones start turning the corner at eight yards, the Pro Bowlers will start turning the corners at seven yards, when you’ll see the quarterbacks at seven. You’ll see Robert turn it at a four, five and six – not very many people can do that, only the elite of the elite. I can’t coach that, I’m a better coach when he plays and does that, I’m telling you that.”
znModeratorRams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – August 23, 2016
(On how QB Jared Goff is doing in practice)
“Jared’s doing great. He had a good day today. He made some really good throws. Got comfortable in a couple periods, ran with the 1s in at least two periods. He was very comfortable. Made some really good throws.”
(On why Goff seems more comfortable in two-minute situations)
“Yeah, he is. He’s got a good feel for it. Oftentimes, in two-minute situations, we shut the pass rush down, so he’s got more time and the defensive line kind of settles down. Today, we rushed, but many times when he’s had a two-minute, you kind of tone the rush down a little bit and do the route recognition exercise.”
(On practice today)
“It was great. It was back in pads again, we had a good tempo yesterday, we had a few mistakes and I thought both sides responded. We got some really good special teams work and we were competitive. We did a lot of things today – from plus-20 passing to move-plus-20 to third-down stuff, to third-and-short, we were all over the place, and then two-minute. We had a lot going on.”
(On the tight end unit)
“With the addition of the two rookies (Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway), we really like the group right now, they’re coming on. I don’t want to say we exposed them, but we brought them into the special teams part of the game. Up until this point, for different reasons, neither one of them were doing much teams. They’ll play this week in special teams roles, which is important for them.”
(On if he’s looking for anything specific from DE Ian Seau this week in the game versus Denver)
“No, we’re going to give him a chance to play and continue to show us what he can do. (Defensive line) Coach ‘Wauf’ (Mike Waufle) is an outstanding coach and you could see some subtle improvements in some areas, especially his hand placement, his positioning, his pad level against the run, things like that.”
(On what the addition of defensive assistant Mike Singletary has done for the defense)
“I just like having Mike around – one of the best to play the middle linebacker position in the history of this game. He really wanted to get back on the field, so we invited him out. I told him just to have fun and enjoy it, he’s working in a lot of different areas – offense, defense and special teams.”
(On if the NFL is changing to where you can have smaller, quicker interior defensive linemen like DT Aaron Donald)
“No, you’re going to find a lot of big guys around the league. We faced one last week that was a big human being – and strong and powerful. We just liked Aaron’s skillset coming out. He plays a lot bigger than he is, just because of his leverage, and his strength, and his quickness.”
(On if there’s a benefit to having a smaller, quicker defensive lineman)
“It depends on your scheme. You build your scheme around it. That’s what you have do and that’s what we’ve done.”
(On if he’s made any determination on how long each quarterback will play this weekend versus Denver)
“Not yet, we’ll probably talk about it tonight or tomorrow. As soon as we know, we’ll let you know.”
***
Rams Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams – August 23, 2016
(On his thoughts regarding the team’s progression over the past three weeks)
“These guys have had a very good 2016, and I think the organization has done a fantastic job on blocking out distractions, relocating; we’re going to move three times in five months, and all these guys do is come to practice every day, come to meetings every day. That’s their routine. The most calm part of what we do is coming out here on the practice field, coming into the meeting rooms. There’s not a lot of new stuff. They’re used to me, I’m used to them. So it’s been a real productive spring, and I do like how they’ve come back from the spring OTAs, and coming back in condition here for these training camp practices. It’s been a real positive format, so far.”
(On how much more he can do now in year three with the Rams)
“The biggest thing is that when we stay healthy, the thing we’ve done the best around here is that we’ve had to battle lots of things with injuries, with losses of players, and that type of stuff; playing a lot of snaps, because we’ve struggled scoring and stuff. So what we’ve done is we’ve had to play a lot of snaps, and those guys have done a great job of doing whatever it takes to play good defense. So I’ve been real proud of that. Plus, we’ve played a lot of people. So we have some experience here that needs to step up and get ready to take the next step. We have a lot of different philosophies that we go by. Everybody has X’s and O’s. But what’s the culture, you go back creating? Coach Fisher has a good culture, and that’s one of the things I think I do best, on culture. And then changing the X’s and O’s to fit the players that are fitting into that. We’re doing that same thing here. We have a chance to be very fast on defense. We’ve got to stay healthy. And we’ve done a good job on the preseason games on who we’ve held out, who we’ve tried to play, who we’ve limited reps. We’ve not done any game planning at all, because to be quite truthful, I need to see some of these new, young players play. I have no idea. Practices are so much different now in the NFL and training camp, with the non-contact that you have; the ways with not very many padded practices. So now you get a chance to get them into a game, especially some of these young college guys coming in as rookies. And even some of the veteran guys that we sign free agents that came from other teams, I’m not seeing them under duress, I’m not seeing battle in the game, so it’s been very good. And I think the second half of all the games that these young guys have played have been very good. The things that have happened in the first half in a couple of these games have been very good correctable things that these guys have grown from. So far, so good. Now when they take the next step this week, It’ll be interesting to see these guys play. I have a lot of respect for (Broncos Head Coach) Gary Kubiak and the way he coaches offense, and the way that staff puts things together. I really like their defense, too. I know (Broncos Defensive Coordinator) Wade (Philips) and all those guys as a lot of friends on that staff in the coaching profession. But, when we’re playing in the game, none of us are friends. We’re playing until the game is over.”
(On what he’s seen from DE Robert Quinn so far)
“He’s done very well. And again, one of the biggest things you have to do with a competitor like him is hold him back. If we didn’t have the problem of holding him back, we have the wrong guy. He has pushed so hard and done so well and we’ve done a very good job, with (Director of Sports Medicine and Performance) Reggie (Scott) and the training room and our doctors and our head coach and our D-line coach Mike Waufle on how we have brought him along. He has gotten better every single day. You guys are going to see a few things, but I don’t need to see a whole ton of reps of him. I need to see him play on gameday in a regular season. I’ve been through a lot of games with him, I see him in practice every day. He’ll got some limited reps, but not looking to get a lot of banging around because I want to see him banging around come Monday Night Football against San Francisco.”
(On what makes Quinn special)
“He does things that you can’t coach, he has some of the fastest-twitch pass-rushing I’ve ever seen. Then, when you watch a pass rusher turn the corner, everybody in the National Football League has to turn the corner at nine yards. The good ones start turning the corner at eight yards, the Pro Bowlers will start turning the corners at seven yards, when you’ll see the quarterbacks at seven. You’ll see Robert turn it at a four, five and six – not very many people can do that, only the elite of the elite. I can’t coach that, I’m a better coach when he plays and does that, I’m telling you that.”
(On what he’s seeing from LB/S Mark Barron in his first full year in his new role)
“Light years (ahead of where he was). What’s so much fun to see is how much he has grasped. Last year, the biggest thing we wanted to do as a staff is not overload him, not slow him down. In fact, we talked as a staff, and I know the staff got irritated with him, I told the staff ‘don’t coach him. Unless he asks a question, let him alone – and then when he asks a question, that’s what he needs to know to figure it out.’ Now, this year, we’ve started from day one, scratch one, building him back up through there and the light has really clicked on for him. He’s one of the fastest linebackers in the National Football League, he’ll be even better this year. We’ve got to keep him healthy, we’re doing a few special things with him to keep him more healthy and how we’re playing him behind the ball. I really can’t wait to see he and (LB Alec) Ogletree play together. You guys are going to see a pretty good, fast pair of backers doing things.”
znModeratorPractice Report 8/23: Defense Under Williams
Myles Simmons
Gregg Williams is heading into his third season as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. Known as a coach who can adapt his scheme to get the most out of his players, Williams has a kind of advantage going into Year 3 with the club.
“There’s not a lot of new stuff. They’re used to me, I’m used to them,” Williams said. “It’s been a real productive spring, and I do like how they’ve come back from the spring OTAs, and coming back in condition here for these training camp practices. It’s been a real positive format, so far.”
The familiarity Williams has with Los Angeles’ veterans means more time can be devoted in preseason games to players he may not know as much about. For instance, Williams said he wasn’t concerned about defensive end Robert Quinn not playing much in the preseason because he knows what the lineman can do.
“I need to see him play on gameday in [the] regular season,” Williams said. “I’ve been through a lot of games with him, I see him in practice every day. He’ll got some limited reps, but not looking to get a lot of banging around because I want to see him banging around come Monday Night Football against San Francisco.”
When a player has recorded 50 sacks in only 71 games over five seasons, it’s a clear indication of elite-level talent. It’s another reason why Williams doesn’t feel a need to see Quinn do much in games that don’t count, especially given that Quinn is returning from back surgery.
“He does things that you can’t coach, he has some of the fastest-twitch pass-rushing I’ve ever seen,” Williams said.
One of the ways that comes through on the field is how quickly Quinn can turn the corner on an offensive tackle.
“When you watch a pass rusher turn the corner, everybody in the National Football League has to turn the corner at nine yards. The good ones start turning the corner at eight yards, the Pro Bowlers will start turning the corners at seven yards,” Williams said. “You’ll see Robert turn [the corner on an offensive tackle] it at a four, five and six [yards – not very many people can do that, only the elite of the elite.
“I can’t coach that,” Williams continued. “I’m a better coach when he plays and does that — I’m telling you that.”
Williams likes to let players use their natural instincts. He’s talked about it with defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and mentioned a same sort of principle when discussing Mark Barron’s transition from safety to weakside linebacker.
“Last year, the biggest thing we wanted to do as a staff is not overload him, not slow him down,” Williams said. “I told the staff ‘don’t coach him. Unless he asks a question, let him alone – and then when he asks a question, that’s what he needs to know to figure it out.’
“Now, this year, we’ve started from day one, scratch one, building him back up through there and the light has really clicked on for him,” Williams added. “He’ll be even better this year.”
Plus, between Barron and middle linebacker Alec Ogletree, Williams thinks the Rams can be one of the fastest teams on defense in the league.
“I really can’t wait to see he and Ogletree play together,” Williams said. “You guys are going to see a pretty good, fast pair of backers doing things.”
But those are players Williams knows well. For the ones he doesn’t, he relies on preseason playing time to see who can realistically contribute to the defense.
“Practices are so much different now in the NFL and training camp, with the non-contact that you have — the ways with not very many padded practices,” Williams said. “So now you get a chance to get them into a game, especially some of these young college guys coming in as rookies. And even some of the veteran guys that we sign free agents that came from other teams.”
The next chance to evaluate will come on Saturday in Denver — a team that will certainly present challenges in all three phases as the reigning Super Bowl Champions.
“The things that have happened in the first half in a couple of these games have been very good correctable things that these guys have grown from,” Williams said. “So far, so good. Now when they take the next step this week, It’ll be interesting to see these guys play.”
znModeratorWilliams on Quinn is must listen.
.
znModeratorThere were plenty of LA locals who followed the Rams after the move,
and there will be plenty of St.Louis fans who will still follow the Rams.
They aren’t all like Karraker.Important point.
.
znModeratoroff the net from leoram
I just watched a segment where Cowherd reacts to news that Goff is the third best QB on the Ram depth chart. He reminds everyone that Freshmen QB’s are rarely expected to lead their teams the first year in HS and College ball. He says that Prescott was behind the best OLine in football and only saw two exotic blitzes and threw a pick that was called back on one of them. His point is that Dak’s success means nothing and Goff’s struggles are to be expected. He continued by saying that Goff will win in time based on his thinking pre and post snap as opposed to athleticism and compared him more to Brady and Luck as opposed to how others rate rookie QB’s like RGIII, Vick, and Vince Young based on athleticism alone. Cowherd is preaching patience and that in time Goff will be a good QB.
znModeratorBear in mind none of this is about Gurley. It’s about the relative state of the OL’s run blocking in 2016, which needs work.
Well apparently PFF didn’t bear that in mind.
PFF:
RB Todd Gurley definitely a home-run hitter, but needs to improve consistency.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-2016-cheat-sheet-los-angeles-rams/
As a rookie, Todd Gurley was one of the most explosive backs in the NFL. He forced 42 missed tackles on his carries last season, tied for fifth-most in the league. 4.8 percent of his carries went for 20 or more yards, third-most in the NFL (just behind Le’Veon Bell and Doug Martin). While Gurley could break a lot of big runs, though, he wasn’t as consistent on a play-by-play level as other backs. On 61.1 percent of runs, he gained 3 or fewer yards, 10th-worst of the 43 backs with 100 or more carries. If Gurley can improve his consistency, he can put himself among the NFL’s elite.
Okay, interesting numbers. But…that’s not on Gurley, right? That’s on inconsistent run blocking.
..
August 23, 2016 at 6:29 pm in reply to: Tre Mason's mother: he is like '10-year-old' due to head injuries #51481znModeratorWow. And what is he, 23? That isn’t good. Boy, he didn’t even play all that much, and I don’t remember him ever getting dinged on the field. Football players are just too big and fast.
Sounds like an injury settlement, and it’s over for Tre.
Something’s wrong with Tre. But the only reason it is said to be about head injuries is that his mother believes that.
It could be any number of things, including that, but, his mother saying it’s that doesn’t mean it is, obviously.
.
znModeratorit seems that things haven’t gone nearly as planned, as Jason Cole of Bleacher Report stated that the former Cal quarterback is sitting as No. 3 on the depth chart behind Sean Mannion as well.
Jason Cole, audio:
https://amp.twimg.com/v/919e7815-f55e-4f81-a859-64d8875194ed
znModeratorGoff reportedly not even 2nd on Rams QB depth chart…
Jeff Smith
Jared Goff reportedly isn’t even second on the Rams' QB depth chart
While the original argument in Los Angeles Rams camp was whether it would be veteran quarterback Case Keenum or rookie Jared Goff under center in Week 1, it seems that the argument may have shifted just a bit.
After a poor, and then mediocre showing in his first two preseason games, it’s become pretty apparent that Keenum is indeed the team’s current starter. Unfortunately for Goff, it seems that things haven’t gone nearly as planned, as Jason Cole of Bleacher Report stated that the former Cal quarterback is sitting as No. 3 on the depth chart behind Sean Mannion as well.
Jared Goff is currently not the Rams’ starting quarterback and may not be the No. 2 according to sources, I talked to. Two coaches admitted Goff’s talent is obvious and he will eventually be the starter. But he’s also not ready to take over. Veteran Case Keenum is still running the L.A. offense. Goff is often being outperformed by second-year pro Sean Mannion in practice. Goff was the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft but there’s no guarantee he’ll be the No. 1 quarterback any time soon.
Obviously, this shows two different things. The first is that the Rams really have no interest in rushing Goff along before he’s ready. The second is that Mannion, who completed 18-of-25 passes for 147 yards with three touchdown passes and one interception in his preseason debut, has taken strides forward after his first NFL season.
Goff will still be the focal point throughout the rest of Rams training camp, as well as their final two preseason games, but fans may want to prepare themselves to not see him on the field for a regular season game anytime soon.[
znModeratormost of the NFL owners are business people…… business is profit, and if you’re not making a profit, you’re not in business. In addition, good business people find ways to optimize their profit… That is what the Rams are doing, they are optimizing their investment in ways that would never happen in the STL market
I disagree in part. It is not inevitable or natural that an owner chooses that kind of motivation over issues of community. That’s why I prefer the more traditional owners like the Rooneys.
“Optimizing the brand” is no more automatically defensible than any other motive. In fact I think SK is starstruck with that kind of thinking to an extreme. That’s why the Rams are playing games in China etc. Frankly I don’t particularly care for that whole Jerry Jones/SK trend of brand pimping. I don’t even think it’s good business.
An owner can actually choose to be like the Rooneys instead. They certainly don’t disdain money but they also balance it with other, more commendable values.
I agree the Steelers have a good sustainable model, but not all teams can be owned by fine Irish Catholics (Rooney, Mara, etc) but ya never know……somewhere along the line one of these “Traditional NFL Owners” may someday marry a show girl… because, THAT was the root of this relocation problem…….Georgia single handedly destroyed the culture of one the premier organizations of the NFL.
I agree that owners should not marry showgirls.
They need to upgrade to a classier line of trophy wives.
znModeratoroff the net from Rampage2K-
Watching NFL Live right now…Both Matt Hasselbeck and his brother have some great points on the Goff situation that might quell some of the handwringing going on around here about why Goff isn’t starting.. Matt really likes what he sees in Keenum.
Hasselbeck – ” If Case was on the Broncos they’d be…a Super Bowl contender”
Not that they aren’t already, but the point was he likes the Rams QB situation much better then the Broncos.
Says it reminds him of the Bengals situation with Carson Palmer and John Kitna when they let Carson sit and learn, then turned it over to him the next year.
===
off the net from ferragamo79
So Keenum is a UFA in 2017 – interesting comment by Hasselback brothers [on NFL Live]…….whether to play Keenum now or Goff
They said if Keenum does well in 2016, it is very unlikely the Rams resign him in 2017 as he will be in great demand as a QB (see Fitz, Sanchez, Osweiler, etc.) and the Rams won’t tie up that much money in the QBs and they are not going to sit Goff next year.
They said although Keenum may give them a better chance to win in the very short run, Goff should get the reps as he will need them to develop as he will be the starter either this year or for sure next.
znModeratormost of the NFL owners are business people…… business is profit, and if you’re not making a profit, you’re not in business. In addition, good business people find ways to optimize their profit… That is what the Rams are doing, they are optimizing their investment in ways that would never happen in the STL market
I disagree in part. It is not inevitable or natural that an owner chooses that kind of motivation over issues of community. That’s why I prefer the more traditional owners like the Rooneys.
“Optimizing the brand” is no more automatically defensible than any other motive. In fact I think SK is starstruck with that kind of thinking to an extreme. That’s why the Rams are playing games in China etc. Frankly I don’t particularly care for that whole Jerry Jones/SK trend of brand pimping. I don’t even think it’s good business.
An owner can actually choose to be like the Rooneys instead. They certainly don’t disdain money but they also balance it with other, more commendable values.
August 23, 2016 at 10:47 am in reply to: youtube party…post a song you like which you think is not that widely known #51459znModeratorThanks, dude. I should know how to navigate this stuff, but my patience for all things are lacking these days.
No problem OR, glad to do it.
znModeratorphoenixrising
I caught the last half of Wed. practice and all of Thur practice. These are random observations based on what I happened to be watching at the time.
WR: Spent much of my time watching this group. Britt is clearly the best WR we have and it’s not that close. Make what you want of that. Austin is running more routes downfield. Even saw a crossing pattern that I’ve been looking for two years now. Since that one where he got a step and took it to the house if you recall. There was a play on a long pass to the sideline where Goff made a great pass and he bobbled it slightly going out of bounds. Got a nice response from the crowd, but Cody Davis made it a point to come over to the crowd and wave “Out of bounds!” Funny. Don’t know if he was in or out, but it pointed out to me how the margin for error is small throwing to TA due to his stature. Brian Quick, I get the feeling, is on the bubble and needs to come up with some plays to stick. He seems to realize it and is trying hard though I don’t think he’s a high energy guy by nature. I saw him drop a couple, saw him make a couple nice catches where he had to extend to catch it. When I compare him to M. Thomas it’s not apparent which one is the 2nd rd. pick and which one is the 6th. I think Thomas runs crisper routes. If Thomas could catch the darn ball I think it might be over for Quick. But Thomas dropped a couple more that I saw. P. Cooper looks like he will be a big contributor. He’s got a short area burst that you just don’t see from any WR outside of TA. And you see the YAC ability. That Austin Hill kid from ‘Zona caught my eye, but he’s a longshot to put it mildly. Saw very little of Duke Williams–same for the games. Makes me wonder if they are hiding him for the practice squad.
TE: No Higbee 🙁 Kendrick is a solid combo TE. Got quite a few touches. Rookie Hemmingway is interesting. I thought he looked lost in the first game, but was more comfortable in practice and got a lot of looks. Used more like a WR, lined up often in the slot. Curious what they have in store for him.
QB: Watched Goff a lot of course. Best arm, no surprise. More impressive in person than TV. The quick release and easy motion makes it seem stronger than it is. He’s just got too much going through his head right now. Not yet seeing the abilities I saw in college that I believe will make him special: the quick progressions and recognition and the ability to extend plays. Mannion’s accuracy is a little more erratic I think. But he had one play where he stepped up in the pocket to elude a rush and fired a laser about 20 yds downfield on a comeback route. I don’t think Goff could have matched that velocity. Keenum is Keenum, though his confidence is way up from where it was when he got thrown into the fire last year.
RB: Not much to say as its hard to gauge with no live tackling, but Gurley’s speed is something to behold. And Chase Reynolds is one tough SOB, I hadn’t realized that. Guess you have to be to excel on special teams.
OL: Hard to see much from where I was sitting, but saw GRob pancake Longacre. Of course I was only watching because the previous play Longacre had broke through cleanly. Seems that’s what we may have for a while yet. I tried to get a look at Jamon Brown. He didn’t seem to move as well as last year, maybe not surprising since I think he is coming off a broken leg. But after seeing him plow people in the KC game I’m not worried. Barnes always concerned me, but he got stronger last year and seems stronger again this year and ready to make another step up. Seems to be a leader too.
DL: It’s plain to see that the OL’s have had enough of Aaron Donald, tempers were flaring. One guy that caught my eye was D. Easley, the DT from NE. Man he’s quick off the ball. Dude’s got talent, he can help the team. Sometimes a little too quick, tends to jump offside.
LB: Didn’t really focus there.
DB: Man, it was good to see EJ Gaines back out there. Looked like the old EJ. Complete football player. Then he was carried off. Crap. Apparently he’s OK. His health is a key to the season IMO.
So I met up with Ramzee and his wonderful family after practice. Have him to thank for getting my Tavon jersey signed. Tavon stayed out a half hour after practice signing autographs. What a great guy!
Also, if anyone is going to camp looking for a place to stay and is a cheapskate like me, there is a campground in Irvine(don’t laugh) that is pretty nice and seems to always have spots available on weeknights. $20/nite with flush toilets and hot showers. It’s called O’Neill Regional Park. About 30 mins from campus with moderate traffic.
August 23, 2016 at 9:54 am in reply to: camp reports 8/22-8/23 … vids, articles, Cooper, Gaines, etc. #51451znModeratorRams players bracing for cuts
Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer
http://www.espn.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/30283/rams-players-bracing-for-cuts
IRVINE, Calif. — The deadline to trim rosters from a maximum of 90 to 75 players is now a week away, at 1 p.m. PT next Tuesday. After Monday’s practice, Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher was asked if he had a particular message for the players on the bubble.
“There’s really no need for a message,” he said. “If they don’t realize that there’s a cut-down after the third preseason game, they’re probably not smart enough to play and help us play.”
(At least two Rams players didn’t know where the sun rises and sets, but that’s a different story.)
Fisher is mainly focused on getting reps for those on-the-bubble players. That was a problem this past Saturday, when the Kansas City Chiefs dominated the time of possession. And it will probably be a problem this coming Saturday in Denver, because Fisher is motivated to get his starters additional snaps, with some of them even playing past halftime.
In seven days, 15 players will be gone from his roster. And four days after that — on Saturday, Sept. 3 — rosters will be pared to 53 for the regular season.
“Some of them maybe get an opportunity with other clubs,” Fisher said. “And then some of them will come to the realization that their childhood goal is over, and I need to go on with my life.”
Some additional notes from Monday’s practice …
•Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, who is on the physically unable to perform list because of a foot injury, took part in some light drills off to the side. Havenstein can’t practice with the team until he is off the PUP list. Players who finish the preseason on the PUP list must sit out the first six weeks of the regular season.
•Tight end Tyler Higbee, linebacker/safety Mark Barron, strong safety Maurice Alexander, running back Aaron Green and offensive tackle Isaiah Battle all practiced, after missing Saturday’s game because of injury/illness. The Rams went through drills without pads, however.
•Hall of Famer Andre Reed was in camp and gave a pep talk to the wide receivers.
August 23, 2016 at 9:52 am in reply to: camp reports 8/22-8/23 … vids, articles, Cooper, Gaines, etc. #51450znModeratorE.J. Gaines happy to be back on the field for the Rams
APIRVINE, Calif. (AP) Cornerback E.J. Gaines said early in training camp that the Los Angeles Rams could have the best secondary in the league, even after losing starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod in free agency.
That certainly has not been the case through the Rams’ first two preseason games, but the addition of Gaines to the first unit could mark a turning point toward that goal.
Working extensively with the starters Monday, Gaines was able to build on his productive outing against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. Gaines played most of the second quarter with the second unit and finished with four tackles.
”It felt good, man. It was exciting to get out there,” Gaines said.
A pulled hamstring limited Gaines’ activity during the first few weeks of practice at UC Irvine. His return to game action Saturday nearly one year after he suffered a season-ending Lisfranc fracture in his foot was nearly derailed by a sprained ankle, but Gaines felt as if he could go after participating in pregame warmups.
”E.J.’s first time back, I was really pleased with what we saw out of E.J.,” coach Jeff Fisher said. ”He went out and made some really big-time tackles, which was kind of reminiscent of the E.J. we had a couple years ago.”
Gaines, who had 70 tackles and two interceptions as a rookie in 2014, was expected to start opposite Jenkins last season. Trumaine Johnson replaced the injured Gaines and had a team-high seven interceptions, leading the Rams to use their franchise tag on him.
Jenkins signed with the New York Giants, leaving Gaines, nickel back Lamarcus Joyner and free-agent addition Coty Sensabaugh competing for the vacancy at corner.
The resulting uncertainty has been evident so far in the preseason. Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott was 10 of 12 for 139 yards and two touchdowns starting in place of Tony Romo in the opener.
And Kansas City’s Alex Smith went 9 of 12 for 137 yards and one touchdown last week. Both quarterbacks took advantage of open receivers. Joyner and Sensabaugh were unable to make plays on the scoring throws.
The defense hasn’t allowed a point in the second half so far, allowing the Rams to stage second-half rallies to win both preseason games, but has yet to intercept a pass.
”Is the glass half-full or is it half-empty? Well I’d rather see no points given up in the first half than I would the second half because your starters are playing in the first half.
”Too many big plays, too many explosive plays. Not enough plays on third down, not enough turnovers by our standards,” Fisher said.
”We need to get better. The corner position still is up in the air, the other side, be it Lamarcus or Coty or E.J.”
Gaines didn’t try to deflect the criticism aimed at the secondary. When asked how much better they can be, Gaines said: ”Man, a million times better than we have shown in the preseason so far.”
The focus for the secondary this week will be on starting fast, Gaines said, while he is still trying to adjust to the speed of the game.
”You can’t really simulate that out here on the practice field, but getting out there in the preseason will do me good,” Gaines said.
NOTES: Linebacker Mark Barron returned to practice. Fisher had previously attributed Barron’s absence last week to ”rest.” … Defensive end William Hayes met with a fan dressed as Ariel from the Disney animated film ”The Little Mermaid” after practice. Hayes was featured on the HBO series ”Hard Knocks” last week, stating his belief in the existence of mermaids.
August 23, 2016 at 9:51 am in reply to: camp reports 8/22-8/23 … vids, articles, Cooper, Gaines, etc. #51448znModeratorPharoh Cooper catches praise as one of receiving corps’ ‘top guys’
By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cooper-726681-rams-reed.html
IRVINE – Pharoh Cooper was 5 years old when Andre Reed played his final NFL game, so the Rams rookie receiver grinned Monday and admitted to a lack of first-hand knowledge of Reed’s career.
“I was a little young,” said Cooper, who certainly knew Reed, the Hall of Fame receiver, by reputation and highlight videos, and had the good sense to listen when Reed offered some on-field advice.
Reed, who played most of his Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills and retired in 2000, attended Rams practice Monday at UC Irvine. Reed briefly addressed the group of receivers at the start of practice and then, after a drill, gave Cooper some individual advice.
“He just called me by my name, pulled me to the side and said, ‘When you run your route, stay low,’ Cooper said. “He saw me run a route and raise up a little, so he said, ‘Stay low all the way through your route, so it gives the (defensive back) no time to guess and it helps your quarterback a lot more.’”
Kenny Britt, the team’s most veteran receiver, walked by during Cooper’s re-telling of the Reed exchange, laughed and said, “He’s learning, he’s learning.”
So far, so good. Cooper, one of the Rams’ fourth-round picks in this year’s draft, has enjoyed a strong training camp and put himself in position to be a regular contributor once the season starts.
In two preseason games, Cooper has only one catch for 11 yards – albeit for a touchdown – but he has been targeted just four times. That, and solid practice work, apparently was enough for Coach Jeff Fisher last week, who referred to Britt, Tavon Austin and Cooper as “our top guys” at receiver.
That’s solid praise for a rookie fourth-round pick, and Cooper said that while he didn’t make too much of Fisher’s words, he also took some motivation from them.
“Of course,” Cooper said. “You always come in here to compete and win a starting job, so when I heard that in the media, it was great to hear that. But I still have to come out here and compete. It’s easy to get a job, but you have to keep the job. I’m just going to keep competing and working hard every day.”
Cooper made a nice 25-yard reception over the middle on a pass from quarterback Case Keenum on Monday. Part of the knock on Cooper, coming out of South Carolina, was that he wasn’t big enough – he’s listed at 5-foot-11 – or physical enough to make tough plays in the NFL.
That remains to be seen, but in Saturday’s preseason victory over Kansas City, Cooper showed why the Rams used a draft pick on him.
Early in the second quarter, Cooper went in motion, lined up in the slot then ran a short route. He turned and caught a Keenum pass, then sprinted and dived for the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown. It was only one play, but a notable milestone for a progressing rookie.
“It’s smoothing out a lot more,” Cooper said. “Everything is going slower. The play calls and the lining up, seeing defenses and getting the ball into my hands, everything is slower and it’s picking up and getting way easier.”
Cooper also has contributed on special teams, with a 25-yard punt return in the first preseason game plus two kickoff returns for 70 yards.
The Rams almost certainly will stay with Austin as their primary punt returner, but Cooper’s straight-line speed could make him an intriguing option on kickoffs, assuming he can adjust to NFL speed.
“That’s exactly what it is: faster,” Cooper said. “They’re coming down full speed. College, sometimes (defenders) didn’t know what they were doing. They were just out there running. Here, they know what they’re doing. They criss-cross when they run down. They’re coming to take your head off.”
GETTING HEALTHY
A number of Rams players who missed Saturday’s game – and most of last week of practice – returned to the field as participants Monday.
Mark Barron reclaimed his spot as a first-team outside linebacker, while tight end Tyler Higbee, safety Maurice Alexander and running back Aaron Green returned in more limited roles.
Receiver Nelson Spruce remains out, as does receiver Bradley Marquez, who hurt his ankle Saturday.
The Rams, not entirely pleased with their cornerback play, gave an increased number of first-team reps to cornerback E.J. Gaines, who missed more than a week of practices with a hamstring injury. The Rams continue to rotate Gaines, Lamarcus Joyner and Coty Sensabaugh opposite Trumaine Johnson.
REAL LIFE
Defensive lineman William Hayes, who did an admirable job of convincing viewers of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” show that he believes in the existence of mermaids, had a special fan at practice Monday: a woman who dressed up as Ariel, a character from the movie “The Little Mermaid.”
Hayes greeted the woman and took photos and, of course, cameras documented the entire exchange.
znModeratorstlramz
While I own season tickets in LA, I never intended to attend the second preseason game. Though I live in Cali, I live in the part that is 15 minutes from Oregon so its still a hike. However, having missed the first game due to a plane cancellation, I decided to bite the bullet and go to the game.
First, I’ll join some of the other long time fans in first saying how surreal the whole experience was. The Los Angeles Rams, playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Though I have been a fan since I was 5 (1975), I didn’t live in Los Angeles so my first Rams experience at the Coliseum was the Rams v. Raiders with the Rams as the visiting team (a W) and again in 1993? (a loss on a late Ronnie Lott INT). That said, I have also been a student of the history of the Rams and the Coliseum is really Exhibit A of that illustrious history. 1946-1979 – over three decades at this historical stadium. Given the way NFL Stadiums have become disposable, it is hard to imagine the Rams ever spending so much time at any future site. Indeed, assuming Inglewood opens in 2019 – it will be in the 2050s when the Rams would begin to approach the same number of years in that stadium.
I would estimate that there were probably 50-60000 people at this game. Not the 90000 of the first game, but still hugely impressive for a 2nd week of preseason. I have no doubt that the stadium will be fully rocking (think 90,000) when the seahawks come to town in week 2. That is going to be special.
I will say when the game started, they played that “coming home” soundtrack and were intermingling video from hard knox week 1 where Goodell announces the Rams are moving to LA and they showed those clips of the Edward jones dome getting cleared out. Though I am thrilled the Rams are in California, I have to admit some real heartfelt sadness watching that clip. Some of the best memories I will ever have (1999 v. Minny, 1999 v. Tampa, 1999 v. 49ers, 2001 v. Dolphins, 2001 v. Green Bay, 2001, v. Philly 2001) took place in that stadium I was watching being dismantled on the big screen.
Nostalgia aside, there is something awesome about being at the game. My view was from the 20 yard line about 60 rows up. Not my perfect seats, but still a nice vantage point to watch the game. It is from those seats that I make the following observations:
1. Offensive Line. If there is one weak link that I believe has prevented this team from getting to the playoffs outside of the obvious black hole at QB its been the play of the offensive line. What was immediately noticeable at this game was that our offensive line appears to be gelling nicely and will likely be a force this year. All of this without arguably last years MVP on the line Hav. I actually watched GR and Tim Barnes quite a bit this game and both seemed to play very well. They gave the QB time, they opened holes and, if this game was any indication, I am looking forward to watching the our o line become the center of an offense that can dictate some things particularly in the running game. During the 2nd half, GR was dancing and hamming it up on the sideline. Dude appears relaxed and confident. Right where I want him to be.
2. RBs: Not saying anything new here. We have a true stable of backs. Todd, Benny and Malcolm. 3 deep and each have their own skill sets. I am already a huge benny fan but Malcolm seems to be getting it done as well dating back to the last game of the year last year. Very excited about our backs.
3. QB. I like Case Keenum. He represents to me the type of player you want on your team. Gritty, competitive, with some pedigree (all time leader in several NCAA passing categories). That said, on the play action to Britt – YIKES. That play occurred in front of me. Britt had his guy beat badly and Case launched a grossly underthrown ball. We got bailed out by the obvious PI but that was bad. That said, he seems so much more comfortable then Goff. You can see the game is moving way too fast for Goff right now and Keenum is the clear starter at this point and frankly, I hope they let Case guide us through the first 4 weeks at least.
The best analogy I can think of for what is going on with Goff was when I moved to LA from my small town to go to school. Though I was an aggressive driver at home, I found myself merging from the 110 to the 10 leaving school and being nervous, wanting the radio turned off, looking around, clutching the steering wheel being freaked out by the speed of the traffic. Fast forward 2 months and I was the hitting that merge with the radio on, shaving with an electric razor, turning the radio and eating food and passing everyone. The traffic had slowed down.
I figured I had the congested driving figured out by driving in LA then I spent 4 months in Athens, Greece and realized the jump from my hometown to LA was High School to College and LA to Athens was College to the NFL. Yes, the driving “slowed down” after a few months, but it was thinking, panicking and not reacting for several months as you become adjusted to the speed and style of “play”. (By the way driving in Cairo Egypt is the NFL Playoffs in case you are wondering).
So it is clear to me that the game is too fast for Goff right now. He is the country driver with mad skills driving in the “big city” for the first time. You can see flashes and I have no concerns over him long term. Glad to have him even at the price we paid, but he aint ready. He needs to drive some more and get used to the speed before we give him the keys to the car.
With the growth of the oline, I think our Keenum can keep us competitive and in the hunt for the season and let Goff figure things out.
WR: Does anybody think if Quick was a UDFA or a 7th round pick he would be still on the team? Remember the Vince Jackson comparisons? It worked for 1-2 season as it would for anyone that doesn’t produce initially. However, by now Jackson already put up 1000 yards and was on to season 5 putting up another one. Brian Quick? Not so much. Dropping multiple passes. Enough already. He appears willing to block and does so fairly well for a WR, but come on, you have to catch the ball. Would love to see him go after the first cuts and make room for some of the youngsters to get some reps. Britt, TA, Cooper and Spruce appear to be locks. Do we waste the 5th spot on a guy that had done nothing in his first 4 years and appears to be regressing in this 5th? Pass. Let the youngsters fight it out over the next couple of weeks and lets admit the mistake and move on already.
TE. Didn’t get to see baby Gronke, but what is not to like about him. Haven’t heard anything about his legal case, but unless you kill someone (I’m looking at you Hernandez), from what I understand of his case, he should skate. Really looking forward to seeing what the kid can do. By the way, the absence of Cook is a beautiful thing. I really enjoyed NOT seeing him at the game.
On Defense, I am very concerned about the loss of Rodney McCloud. I think that one hurts the most. Though I trust Fisher to take care of the secondary. In fact, its one area that I think is a real strength of his (along with RBs), there appears to be some problems in the backfield. I understand not paying JJ the big bucks, but I didn’t get the McCloud non-signing. I am not comfortable at all with this unit and I can hear LARAM talking about Tru not being exposed to the other teams #1 like he will be each week this year. Hope things get better when the full force of Quinn, Hayes, Brockers and Donald are all playing together.
LBs. I didn’t get a good feel for what is going on but I like Tree and love Barron. I figure our Dline (assuming the health of Quinn) will be a strength. I just hope it doesn’t take 9 games to start to gel etc. Frankly, I am worried about our defense right now and they have not inspired against either Dallas’s 1st or 2nd team nor KC’s Johnny Unit . . .I mean Alex Smith.
Hope to see some improvement in week 3 against Denver.
Overall, a really fun experience. After hearing some of the nightmares about parking and getting out, I lucked into a spot across from the stadium at some dudes apartment complex and I was back at the airport literally 30 minutes after the game. That’s my spot from here out!
I’ve really kept my expectations lower this year but after watching the oline play and looking at the points for category (49 in two games), I’m thinking we may see an uptick in our offensive play. The type that may move the needle from 7-9 to 9-7 or 10-6. (Yeah, Im getting sucked in again particularly in light of Fisher owning his 5th full year with a team (13-3).
If they end up sucking, well, there is always next year
znModeratorBob N Weave:
I’ve been trying to share (more than usual) my feelings because you are so tone deaf to what almost everybody here has been trying to say to you.
You don’t want to here it; I get it.
Just know I think people who hold the beliefs you do about guns are limiting everyone’s quality of life.
I demand a better future.
Matt
Actually you limit your quality of life.
And the impasse is complete.
im·passe
noun
a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock.
synonyms: deadlock, dead end, stalemate, standoff, standstill, halt, stoppageznModeratorI’m thinking now my response was clumsy and poorly stated. What I meant really was “It’s a shame that has to be said this late in the game.”
Yes, I agree that our media do not seem to get that there is no such thing as “race,” that it IS a social construct.
Okay I see now.
Before, I wuzz confused.
znModeratorWell if you’re good at something you want to keep doing it while you also upgrade other things.
They weren’t 32 of 32 because of the long ball.
So while they improve in other areas we want them to stay effective at throwing long.
.
Their long ball game is not effective. 32 of 32.
That didn’t even make sense. Now you’re bickering just to bicker.
So we’re stopping a this point.
znModeratorIt won’t make much difference if Goff starts every game this year, as long as he isn’t a rookie next year. imo
Makes sense to me.
.
znModeratorSure the at least they throw long and SUCK at it.
Not statistically they don’t. In those terms they’re pretty good at it, actually. Decent.
You don’t need the OL for that if you’re using play action. Which is one of the secrets of their success at it. And so yeah they had an inexperienced then injured OL last year, but it did not matter. They threw a fair amount of them compared to the league in general and had a decent hit percentage.
See this vid, 23 seconds it. And this is in Seattle. It’s just an example.
Hit percentage? Big deal. What about production? 32 of 32?
Well if you’re good at something you want to keep doing it while you also upgrade other things.
They weren’t 32 of 32 because of the long ball.
So while they improve in other areas we want them to stay effective at throwing long.
.
znModeratorSure the at least they throw long and SUCK at it.
Not statistically they don’t. In those terms they’re pretty good at it, actually. Decent.
You don’t need the OL for that if you’re using play action. Which is one of the secrets of their success at it. And so yeah they had an inexperienced then injured OL last year, but it did not matter. They threw a fair amount of them compared to the league in general and had a decent hit percentage.
See this vid, 23 seconds it. And this is in Seattle. It’s just an example.
znModeratorPeter King
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/08/22/nfl-preseason-denver-broncos-qbs-la-rams-fans-training-camps
4. Spent time with Jeff Fisher on Saturday after the game at the Coliseum. No question in my mind that he wants Jared Goff to sit and learn for a while.
-
AuthorPosts
