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znModeratorznModeratorhttp://www.101sports.com/listen-live/
Randy said Donnal is going to play tackle today.
That (of course) makes the guards Reynolds and Wichman.
znModeratorQuinn ruled out for Baltimore
Jim Thomas
I am inventing the term “quinn-out.”
The term “quinn-out” describes the (almost invariably negative) emotional reaction Rams fans have to an injury to a particularly important defensive starter, usually but not exclusively a defensive lineman.
So for example, someone could say, “with Quinn out, I am having a major quinn-out.”
znModeratorQuinn ruled out for Baltimore
Jim Thomas
The injury issues continue for Rams defensive end Robert Quinn. The two-time Pro Bowler was downgraded to out from questionable for Sunday’s game with Baltimore with what is now being listed as a hip/back injury.
As such, Quinn will miss his second game in the past three weeks. There has been some varied information on just what has been ailing Quinn. He missed the Minnesota game Nov. 8 with what the team described as a knee injury on its official injury report.
After playing only 14 snaps last week against Chicago, Quinn appeared on this week’s injury report with a hip issue. On Saturday, in announcing that Quinn would miss Sunday’s game in Baltimore, the injury was listed by the team as hip/back.
Back issues, in fact, have hampered Quinn for much of this season. Eugene Sims is expected to start once again in Quinn’s place against the Ravens.
November 22, 2015 at 12:54 am in reply to: Rams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct 'technical' issues #34512znModeratora total of 8 new young rookie linemen joined the Rams in 2 years. Robinson, Rhaney, Havenstein, Brown, Donnal, Wichman, Battle, and Williams.
Only one of them (Wichman) had a previous injury history.
And at this point, since becoming Rams, 5 have been injured: Robinson, Rhaney, Havenstein, Brown, and Williams.
62.5%.
…..
Actually that’s incorrect. Wichman was injured as a Ram.
Corrected version:
a total of 8 new young rookie linemen joined the Rams in 2 years. Robinson, Rhaney, Havenstein, Brown, Donnal, Wichman, Battle, and Williams.
None of them had a previous injury history.
And at this point, since becoming Rams, 6 have been injured: Robinson, Rhaney, Wichman, Havenstein, Brown, and Williams.
75%.
znModerator. carson wentz is my pick. maybe second round.
There’s a vid ag just put up of wentz in this thread:
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/three-out-an-early-look-at-the-2016-nfl-drafts-quarterbacks/
znModeratorSome more follow-up:
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CoachO
As to Keenum……. His understanding of the system may have given him an advantage. But I think overall, he looks to get rid of the ball much quicker than Foles. He anticipates routes better and has the ability to throw to a spot rather than waiting for the receiver to come out of his break before releasing the ball.
Am very interested in seeing how it impacts the offense as I’m sure everyone else is. But I will not be surprised if there isn’t dramatic improvement. Especially with regards to guys like Quick, Britt and Welker.
November 21, 2015 at 5:51 pm in reply to: Rams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct 'technical' issues #34504znModeratorfrom off the net
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DR RAM
IMO, we have all the pieces on OL, it’s just a matter of getting a little better, being healthy, learning, and repping, fundamentals, and finding the right mix. I think we have some depth, after all is said and done. I feel it’s the best group, top to bottom, potentially, in a long time. I say potential, but I’m not talking huge leaps, just natural progression, and hard work..
Robinson didn’t start playing the offensive line, until his junior year at high school. He played two years in college, in a very simple gimmicky offense. Snead drafts for upside, and it’s something that we keep seeing. Robinson had foot surgery in the offseason, so all this improvement in fundamentals everyone keeps mentioning, couldn’t happen in the offseason. The 3rd year is the year.
And I really can’t overstate how little help we give him on passing plays (We gave Jake Long more help), and he’s had a revolving door at guard.
To me, what speaks volumes, is that Robinson isn’t making any excuses, even though some of those calls were horrible. He’s a beast, a lot of us knew he’d take a minute to develop, because of his college experience. He is still a beast. I would still take GR. I’ve seen Matthews play this year, he’s not great, and if he was picked on, could easily have more holding penalties.
Next year will be his year, but he’s not as bad as everyone is saying, or he’d have a TE on top of him, or a RB on his side, on every passing play.
At some point, like a couple years in the weight room, Donnal might be able to play some spot Guard, but he is a much better, and more natural RT. Not as good as Havenstein, but our best option after D. Williams went down.
Williams may very well be a very important part of this team in the future. He didn’t look completely overwhelmed in his first action.
November 21, 2015 at 4:37 pm in reply to: Rams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct 'technical' issues #34503znModeratorRams leaning on patchwork offensive line against Ravens
The Rams will have to rely on rookies such as Andrew Donnal to plug holes in St. Louis’ injury-depleted offensive line. Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports
Nick Wagoner
Y, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET from M&T Bank Stadium. The Rams have not won a game in Baltimore since beating the Colts in 1969. Here are three things to watch in this matchup:
1. Making a Case: Since 2001, new Rams starting quarterback Case Keenum is one of just six quarterbacks to lose his first eight career starts. But he’s the only one to win consecutive starts after losing those initial eight. All of Keenum’s starting experience came when he was with the Houston Texans, the first eight coming in his first stint with the team and the latter two in his second. Included in Keenum’s two wins from 2014 was a victory against the Ravens.
The good news is that Keenum should have familiarity with Baltimore’s defense since he just started against them in Week 16 of last year. The bad news is that while Houston won that game, Keenum didn’t have much to do with the victory. He was 20-of-42 for 185 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in that game.
The Rams turned to Keenum because they believe he can give them a much-needed offensive spark. Don’t be surprised to see the Rams using Keenum in different ways than they did Nick Foles, getting him outside the pocket and allowing him opportunities to make plays with his legs.
2. Keeping it close: Every game the Ravens have played this year has been decided by eight points or fewer. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, no team in NFL history has ever started a season with 10 consecutive games decided by eight points or fewer. But this game could certainly be next in line. The Rams have had their share of close calls this year, including an overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings two weeks ago.
In that context, there are a few players to watch and one statistic that could alter the outcome of the game. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco has struggled in the final quarter this year, posting a 27.9 Total QBR in the fourth quarter and overtime.
This game could also come down to the kickers. The Rams’ Greg Zuerlein had a big day against the Vikings but missed a 48-yard field goal late that might have nudged the Rams to victory in that game. He’s also had his share of struggles this year.
Baltimore’s Justin Tucker isn’t having his best year but he’s been money late in games, converting 91 percent of his fourth quarter and overtime attempts since 2013.
As always with the Rams, penalties are worth watching, too. The Rams are 28th in penalties this year with 75 but the Ravens haven’t been much better, ranked 22nd with 68.
3. What’s my line? One way or another, the Rams are going to lean on a patched together offensive line this week. They lost guard Jamon Brown (fractured leg) for the rest of the season and right tackle Rob Havenstein is battling a calf issue. The Rams will likely have to plug in fourth-round pick Andrew Donnal and sixth-round choice Cody Wichmann at two spots on the line. How that looks remains to be seen though the Rams seem to prefer having veteran Garrett Reynolds next to tackle Greg Robinson on the left side.
If there’s good news to be found here, it’s that the Rams are facing perhaps the worst Ravens defense since the team moved to Baltimore in 1996. The Ravens have their worst points per game allowed and third-down conversions allowed since that inaugural season and their worst total yards per game and passing yards per game allowed numbers in franchise history.
There should be some opportunities to make some plays for the Rams but they’re going to need a young, inexperienced line to provide them and that’s far from a sure thing.
znModeratorwhat pole ?
znModeratorbump
znModeratorRams notebook: Austin, Gurley return home for game in Baltimore
Joe Lyons
The last time Rams receiver Tavon Austin played in front of the hometown fans in Baltimore, he scored on a two-point play in the final seconds to lead his Dunbar Poets to a 20-19 victory over Fort Hill to close out his prep football career with back-to-back-to-back state titles.
“Lots of great memories,’’ said Austin, who hopes to make a few more Sunday when the 4-5 Rams take on the 2-7 Baltimore Ravens in a noon game at M&T Bank Stadium. I’m “definitely looking forward to it. Just to go home and play in front of my family, a lot of people that don’t get to come and see me play out here. Growing up in Baltimore, I was Ravens fan, (so) playing one of my favorite teams growing up, that’s a blessing, too.’’
After starring at West Virginia University, the 5-foot-8, 176-pound Austin was selected eighth overall by the Rams in the 2013 draft. But he also had some pre-draft talks with the hometown team.
“They were definitely staying in touch,’’ Austin recalled. “I had a great meeting with them. The GM (Ozzie Newsome) is an awesome guy. I thought they were going to pull the trigger, but Coach Fisher did. I’m proud he did and I’m happy to be a Ram.’’
Austin will enter Sunday’s action as the Rams’ top receiver (30 catches, 305 yards, four TDs) and No. 2 rusher (28 carries, 255 yards, two TDs). He’s one of the top punt-return men in the league, averaging 9.4 yards on 19 returns, and also leads the squad with seven touchdowns, including one as a punt returner.
“The plan is to go in and try to have a good game, don’t do too much, just play my game and try to come out with a win,’’ said Austin, who grew up about 15 minutes from M&T Bank Stadium but never attended a Ravens game.
The Rams’ other top offensive threat, rookie running back Todd Gurley, also grew up in Baltimore as a Ravens fan. Gurley moved to North Carolina during high school but said he still has family in Baltimore.
Gurley, selected by the Rams with 10th pick in the draft last spring, has rushed for 709 yards on 130 carries and has scored five touchdowns. When asked about ticket requests from family and friends early in the week, the former University of Georgia star had his answer ready: “Stubhub.com. That’s all I have to say.’’
Austin is taking a slightly different approach.
“I don’t try to do too many people like that,’’ he said. “I’ve got my selected few (but) I just don’t answer my phone. That’s how I do it.’’
LONG, QUINN QUESTIONABLE
“I feel good, very happy with where I am,’’ Rams defensive end Chris Long said Friday after his second full workout of the week. “Other than being rusty, I feel like I’m in shape, so now it’s just a matter of being in football shape. I feel good.’’But will he play Sunday in Baltimore?
“I don’t know, we’ll see,’’ the eighth-year pro said after Friday’s workout. “You gotta ask … it’s not my call. It’s whatever’s best for the team on Sunday.’’
Long suffered a fracture in a knee-to-knee collision Oct. 11 in Green Bay and has sat out the last four games.
“Like I said before, it’s not a ligament… The bone just had to heal from fracture,’’ he said. “It’s not going to be like last year when I came back and I was terrible. I was awful. So when I’m back, I’m back. I’m really excited to help the team however I can. And I just missed being out there.’’
Long, who returned to practice Nov. 13, played in just six games a year ago after suffering a foot injury in the season opener that required surgery to repair two torn tendons.
“I’m not the first guy to get hurt, injured. It’s frustrating,’’ he said. “It’s out of your control. When you’re hurt, you feel like you’re letting people down. You’re on the sideline watching your buddies play football.
“I want to do what I can to help us win. I just want to be out there supporting my brothers.’’
Coach Jeff Fisher sounded optimistic after Friday’s practice, listing Long, defensive end Robert Quinn (hip) and tight end Justice Cunningham (finger) as questionable for the game in Baltimore. Center Tim Barnes (concussion) is probable and rookie tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) is doubtful.
Quinn, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, was limited Friday. He was on the field for just 14 plays a week ago against Chicago and sat out the Ram’s overtime loss in Minnesota with a knee issue. Havenstein, who did not practice this week, missed the Minnesota game with an ankle injury and did not finish the game against Chicago.
Long “was full practice today, so we’ll see how he feels tomorrow,’’ the coach said. “But it’s good. Yeah, he’s had a good week.’’
For Baltimore, rookie tight end Nick Boyle (foot) is doubtful and guard Kelechi Osemele (knee) is questionable after both sat out Friday’s workout. Linebacker Elvis Dumervil (knee) practiced Friday and is probable. The Ravens also listed defensive end Chris Canty and linebacker Daryl Smith probable after practicing Friday. Both sat out Thursday for non-injury reasons.
RAM-BLINGS
At halftime Sunday, Ed Reed will become the ninth player inducted into the Ravens’ Ring of Honor. Reed, 37, was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection who was named first-team All-Pro five times. He forged a legacy as perhaps the most feared big-play safety in NFL history.
“Anytime you’re honored in any degree, you think about the people who helped you get there,’’ Reed said in a Baltimore Sun story that ran Friday. “That’s the best thing about it. You reflect on the people who held you together when things were rough and on the good times as well. There were a lot of good times.’’
The NFL defensive player of the year in 2004, Reed was with the Ravens from 2002 through 2012.
• Bears linebacker Willie Young, who came up with a fourth-quarter interception in last week’s 37-13 win over the Rams, also picked up a $17,363 fine for a roughing QB Nick Foles earlier in the game.
znModeratorPractice Report 11/20: Eliminating Explosive Plays
Myles Simmons
Last week, the Rams allowed touchdowns of 83 and 87 yards to the Bears. As you might expect, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was not pleased with those results.
“There was a little bit of a discussion going at halftime,” Williams said. “And there was a little bit of discussion going on the sideline.”
Those two plays, however, are particularly uncharacteristic of a defense that has been solid throughout the year. Prior to last week’s matchup, the Rams had allowed just one play of over 50 yards this season.
“You can’t allow a simple curl-flat route to the side go 87 yards on you,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said this week. “You have to find a way to get them down and play another down — limit those from being touchdowns.”
“The one thing that this group of guys has done a really, really good job on since I’ve been here is that there are going to be explosive plays in any game — that’s what this game is about. But don’t let them score,” Williams said. “Give us a chance to play red-zone defense, give us a chance to play goal-line defense. And we didn’t get them down.”
“Plays that we wish we had back,” Williams added.
St. Louis still ranks No. 6 in total defense, No. 8 in scoring defense, and has the best red-zone defense in the league. But those two plays undeniably shifted the way the game went as a whole.
“You see that every game takes on an identity of its own,” Williams said. “And we had two plays in that ballgame that were very upsetting to all of us. And nobody makes a mistake on purpose, but we missed tackles on a two-yard pass, and we missed an assignment on a screen pass.”
“It still bothers everybody,” Laurinaitis said. “We have a bad taste in our mouths after that, but there’s a lot we need to improve on this week.”
They’ll have to make those improvements against a Baltimore team that has done well with quarterback Joe Flacco. Though he’s often the subject of debate, the signal-caller still leads an offense ranked No. 10 overall, and No. 9 with its passing attack.
“He commands a presence out there,” Williams said. “They’ve taken some close losses, and he’s brought their team and kept their team in every game. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Flacco has completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 2,492 yards, with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. And he’s doing it with a unit that has been ravaged by injuries.
The Ravens have 14 players listed on injured reserve, with key targets Steve Smith Sr., Dennis Pitta, and Breshad Perriman all out for the rest of the season. But young tight ends Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams have stepped up and made plays.
“You look at their offense and because they lost Steve and they’ve had some other injuries, that’s the mainstay of their offense right now,” head coach Jeff Fisher said of the tight ends. “They just make big plays. It’s impressive to watch.”
Flacco has also had to go through learning another offensive system, as Marc Trestman marks the quarterback’s third coordinator in three seasons. His previous two coordinators, Jim Caldwell and Gary Kubiak, both left to become the head coach in Detroit and Denver, respectively.
“Joe’s done a really good job of adapting to different coordinators,” Williams said. “He’s been going through that, and he still throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the league.”
“He’s done a very good job of adapting his skill set in a mixture of the last three coordinators who have been there,” Williams continued.
With last week’s contest the Ravens’ first after the club’s bye week, Laurinaitis said he noticed a minor shift in some of the offense’s tendencies on film.
“They came out after the bye week and threw it around,” Laurinaitis said. “Then the second half as the game was close they started running a little more.
“They run the ball similar to the way Washington does,” Laurinaitis added. “We’ve seen that. We tried to correct those things from that game going forward.”
But because Washington’s offense found success running the ball against the Rams, Laurinaitis said he thinks Baltimore may try to incorporate more of those elements this week.
“It’s a copy and paste league,” Laurinaitis said. “I expect a lot of similar things with the two and three tight ends like they did against Jacksonville. I expect them to watch Washington and how they tried to attack us.”
It’s up to the Rams to limit those kinds of explosive plays this week.
INJURY REPORT
St. Louis has a shorter injury report this week.
Center Tim Barnes (concussion) was a full participant on Friday and is listed as probable.
Defensive end Chris Long (knee) was a full participant as well, and he’s listed as questionable. Robert Quinn (hip) was a limited participant in Friday’s session, and is also listed as questionable. Tight end Justice Cunningham was a new addition to the report on Friday, participating on a limited basis, and is listed as questionable.
Right tackle Rob Havenstein did not practice all week and is listed as doubtful.
DEFENDING A FAMILIAR FACE
Earlier this season, the Rams traded wide receiver Chris Givens to the Ravens for a future draft pick. With all the injuries Baltimore has had to overcome, Givens is contributing at a significant level. He’s caught 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown so far in Baltimore.
“He’s fit in well,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said this week. “He’s a hard-working guy and that’s credit to how he’s been brought up in the league here. Got some talent and we like him.”
Given the familiarity between the wideout and the Rams’ cornerbacks, there should be some good matchups on the outside this weekend.
“He knows my game too,” cornerback Trumaine Johnson said. “It’s going to be fun. We have a tough matchup. Him and [Kamar] Aiken are over there, they’re both over there with Steve Smith going out — they stepped up big time.”
Wide receiver Tavon Austin is also looking forward to seeing Givens, as the two still keep in contact.
“We’ll definitely send a text here and there, good luck text, or I saw your play or something like that,” Austin said, adding he’s going to take Givens his forgotten socks. “Memories, just a little bit of memories, that’s all.”
But Austin said the receivers’ reunion will have to wait until the matchup is finished.
“It’s business — he knows how I am,” Austin said with a laugh. “I won’t be talking to him before the game.”
znModeratorChris Long, Robert Quinn questionable for Sunday
Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams once again will have some decisions to make at defensive end before Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
After Friday’s practice, the Rams listed ends Chris Long (knee) and Robert Quinn (hip) as questionable for Sunday. Long has made progress in his return from the week 5 knee injury he suffered against Green Bay and was able to practice for most of the week. Rams coach Jeff Fisher was optimistic about Long but did not commit to his playing against the Ravens.
Long’s availability might be related to what happens with Quinn, who returned to practice Friday after being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Still, Long hasn’t played in a while and this is his first week of practice so it’s possible the Rams could be cautious with him.
Just as pressing is the situation with right tackle Rob Havenstein, who is listed as doubtful because of a calf injury. Havenstein did not practice all week and could miss his second game in three weeks. If that’s the case, the Rams will likely plug rookies Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann into the starting lineup.
The Rams also added tight end Justice Cunningham to the injury report Friday with a finger injury.
Here’s the full Friday injury report:
Doubtful: OT Rob Havenstein (calf)
Questionable: DE Chris Long (knee), TE Justice Cunningham (finger), DE Robert Quinn (hip)
Probable: C Tim Barnes (concussion)
znModeratorlol
Believe it or not they would win a lot of games that way.
Is the value in this draft in the 2nd round? Or to put that another way, is there a lot of value in the 2nd round?
Cause if so, if it were me, I would trade down.
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November 20, 2015 at 7:02 pm in reply to: Wagoner: Wes Welker more comfortable in second week with Rams #34475znModeratorWelker may be the only WR in Rams history who in his 1st 2 starts with the team had a different qb each time.
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znModeratorNovember 20, 2015 at 6:42 pm in reply to: Rams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct 'technical' issues #34470znModeratorCoachO
Doesn’t matter what team you want to look to when you get to the point where you’re forced into playing you’re 9th & 10th linemen you’re gonna struggle. And this is now the 3rd year that they’ve been in this position.
4th, actually. Under Fisher, that is. Though in 2013, it was mostly the last 4 games. Talking about multiple OL replacements. In 2012 it was only half the season they had to do that.
But, point taken.
Though.
It’s interesting, isn’t it? a total of 8 new young rookie linemen joined the Rams in 2 years. Robinson, Rhaney, Havenstein, Brown, Donnal, Wichman, Battle, and Williams.
Only one of them (Wichman) had a previous injury history.
And at this point, since becoming Rams, 5 have been injured: Robinson, Rhaney, Havenstein, Brown, and Williams.
62.5%.
….
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November 20, 2015 at 6:40 pm in reply to: Rams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct 'technical' issues #34469znModeratorfrom off the net
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CoachO
Some follow-up re: OL
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CoachO
Doesn’t matter what team you want to look to when you get to the point where you’re forced into playing you’re 9th & 10th linemen you’re gonna struggle. And this is now the 3rd year that they’ve been in this position.
You prepare for a season with the idea of playing the same five guys as much as possible. Therefore in this age of the salary cap you just cannot afford to invest in your 8th 9th & 10th offensive linemen. But somehow some fans expect Fisher and Boudreau to have a stable of all-stars waiting in the wings. Not realistic expectations?
If they are forced to playing Donnal I hope it’s at RT and not at LG.
Reynolds needs to remain at LG But Donnal is s natural RT and will be much better suited there.
The plan they put in place since they’ve been here has made a lot of sense to me. The ONLY reason it didn’t pan out was the abundance of injuries. And unless you’re using hindsight to be critical, there was no realistic way to predict the overwhelming number of injuries.
They tried the veteran option. Now they’ve chosen to go in the direction of youth. Bottom line for me anyway. When you are forced to play the 9th & 10th players in a unit, it’s never gonna be good. Regardless.
znModeratorAll the praise given Wichman means nothing to me. I have heard Noa, Spikes, and I don’t know who all, praised before they were cut. And if Wichman were any good,
Wichman missed most of camp so just in terms of preparedness he is behind Donnal.
In terms of the praise he gets, I don’t think this is anything like Noa or Spikes. I think the buzz on Wichman is a good sign.
We’ll make a bet. If in the future turns out you’re wrong, you have to cut off a finger. If you’re right, I have to cut off one of your fingers.
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November 20, 2015 at 2:35 pm in reply to: Do Seattle's defense’s fourth-quarter problems begin with the offense? #34457znModeratorSeahawks quarterback Russell Wilson struggling this season, but says Ciara, big contract not the reason
By Jayson Jenks
Seattle Times staff reporterRENTON — Russell Wilson has always tried to “ignore the noise,” but he is not immune from it.
Wilson entered a different level of fame over the last six months — that of a celebrity. He started dating the singer, Ciara, and signed a new contract that pays him among the game’s top quarterbacks.
Both have upped the spotlight’s intensity, and he has acknowledged the scrutiny even while downplaying it.
On if his new contract has brought more pressure: “No, I don’t think so at all. People want to make it something else, but for me I just love the game of football. I love working. I love coming to work. I love getting here early and leaving late. That’s what it’s about. I think ultimately I love the guys on this football team. Nothing has changed.”
On why he shares his private life on Twitter: “I keep most of it private. My private life is my private life, but at the same time, there’s no fear or anything like that. I’m grateful for the people I have in my life and the surroundings from the team to my friends. I’m sure you’re referring to Ciara, too; she’s an unbelievable person. That’s a part of, but I think ultimately when it comes down to football, the focus is on football. That’s just how it has to be and how it always is.”
This came a day after offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell made his most pointed remarks about Wilson’s performance in the pair’s four seasons together.
Wilson completed just 44 percent of his passes (including a couple of drops) in a 39-32 loss against the Cardinals. That’s his worst completion percentage since the second game of the 2013 season. He also had two turnovers.
Wilson had both Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett deep in the third quarter but misfired for an interception. An accurate throw to either would have been a touchdown.
On Seattle’s first two-point conversion in the fourth quarter, down two, Wilson floated a pass over the head of Baldwin, out of bounds.
“He just has to make a better throw on it,” Bevell said. “He had an opportunity to give Doug a chance and really didn’t give him a chance.”
On Seattle’s next two-point conversion later, the Seahawks tried to unleash the three-headed monster that had people drooling before the season: Wilson could hand the ball to running back Marshawn Lynch, run it himself or throw it to tight end Jimmy Graham, who was one-on-one outside.
Wilson kept it, rolled out and threw the ball incomplete to Graham late in the play.
“We feel like that’s about as good as we can get with three of our best guys,” Bevell said. “Russell is obviously the facilitator in that. He’s got to be able to make really good decisions when he does that. Again, you’ve got to give the guy an opportunity to make a play.”
Carroll made similar comments about Wilson this week: “I think that in this game, we talk about the ones that got away, the throws that got away from us, and the opportunities that got away, there were plenty of them in there,” he said.
Wilson is completing a career-best 66 percent of his passes, but he has already thrown as many interceptions (seven) as he did all of last season.
He is playing behind an offensive line that has allowed 33 sacks, second-worst in the league, although some of those fall on Wilson. Carroll said the leaky play of the line has had an effect on Wilson, but Bevell didn’t think Wilson had “happy feet.”
Interestingly enough, against the Cardinals, the Seahawks allowed 17 quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. The Cardinals allowed 30 quarterback hurries, and quarterback Carson Palmer dealt with the pressure by passing for 363 yards and three touchdowns.
Wilson, for his part, said he was “just a bit off.”
Wilson still made some thrilling plays, but with the contract and attention come heavy expectations. He has missed throws he normally makes. He has had uncharacteristic turnovers, including a fumble that turned into a safety against the Cardinals.
“He’s just trying to get better, like all of us are,” Carroll said. “But he made some marvelous plays to give us a chance, and we missed a few opportunities that we needed to make a difference, too.”
It has been that way for most of the season.
znModeratorone opinion from off the net
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jrry32
If the Rams stick with two QBs that are sitting on the bench currently, they’re fools. They better know Mannion is Dan freaking Marino if they’re doing that.
In order:
1a. Paxton Lynch
1b. Jared Goff
3. Connor Cook
4. Carson WentzBut if Wentz has a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, I’ll likely put him over Cook.(we’ll see still working on my evaluations of all four)
Do not want Hackenberg, Cardale, or Brissett. They’re all talented but far too risky and need too much development imo.
Cook is streaky. It’s an issue. And that’s why he doesn’t seem accurate. Because it’s not consistent enough. But I think he’ll be a good enough QB even with the streakiness to be worth a first round pick. If he cleans up his mechanics and becomes a more consistent QB, he’ll be very good.
People had a lot of these same concerns with Cam Newton. His footwork and game have matured and he’s become a more consistent passer. Will Cook do the same? Maybe. Maybe not. That’s the risk. But if you’re drafting a QB outside of the top 10, there are going to be more than minor flaws you have to deal with.
fter watching some of his games from this year, I’m bumping Connor Cook up to a first round grade.(had him as a 2nd rounder on my first QB rankings)
But I have to say…he’s the second most frustrating QB I’ve ever evaluated. The first is Matthew Stafford.
When I watch Cook, he’s very streaky. He has 5-10 plays where he looks like Aaron Rodgers and then another 5-10 plays where he looks like Nick Foles. The closest comparison I can think of is Eli Manning.(Jay Cutler is another possible comparison…but Cook doesn’t have the same level of arm strength)
Like Eli, he has some issues with lower body mechanics and makes too many derpy decisions. But also like Eli, you see a lot of flashes of greatness, serious competitiveness, underrated mobility, and a whole lot of toughness.
I think a couple of his issues with his lower body are that he has too narrow of a base when sitting in the pocket so he’s not stepping into his throws and incorporating his lower body like he should. He also throws off balance too often.(either of his back-foot or without his feet set)
One thing Daniel Jeremiah pointed out was his tendency to allow his front-shoulder to fly open…after he mentioned it, I noticed it happening a bit when he wasn’t setting his feet.
His decision making needs to improve. He’s too aggressive at times and makes derpy decisions…that’s the best way I can describe it. He refuses to give up on a play and does something inexplicable and extremely stupid. I think he might have an issue with his confidence. Seems to get mentally rattled at times when his performance is off…like he keeps digging the hole deeper and it takes him a little while to pull himself out of the funk.
On the other side of the coin, he murders the blitz. He’s special at reading the blitz, finding the match-up advantage, and getting the ball out on time. He’s patient in the pocket and willing to take hits but his internal clock and feel for pressure are both very good. Will move defenders with his eyes. And he has a good feel for the pocket.
His instincts in the pocket are very good. He feels pressure, moves within the pocket, remains calm, and finds a throwing lane. He’s deceptively athletic and strong which allows him to slip/avoid tackles and extend the play. He moves well in the pocket with a good feel for space. Doesn’t get rattled by a muddled or collapsing pocket.
And the most impressive part of his game to me is his ability to throw guys open. True anticipation passer that throws the ball to spots and allows his receivers to make a play. Timing is also excellent. He doesn’t hesitate to throw before a WR has made his break and put the ball right on the money. Stood out to me in how good he is at sticking the ball into tight windows even before his WR breaks. When his accuracy is on, to make a baseball analogy, he paints the corner of the strike zone. There’s hitting the strike zone and then there’s painting the corners. I like my QBs to hit the strike zone…but I drool when my QB paints the corner. When Cook’s accuracy is on, he puts the ball in the one spot where only his guy can get it. And he’s especially good at making touch throws against defenders that have their back turned in man coverage…he drops it in right over the top.
In terms of physical tools, he’s good but not elite. His arm strength is good and I think it’ll be considered very good once his lower body mechanics are ironed out a bit. Prototypical NFL frame at 6’3″/6’4″ 220. Could add a little weight but it’s not an issue. Solid mobility…I think it’s gotten better as he’s matured. I think he’s more coordinated and his feet are quicker than 2013 Connor Cook.
So yea, I’m giving him a first round grade. There are flaws in his game. There are issues to iron out. There are frustrating inconsistencies. But there are also a lot of really good things that translate well to the NFL game. As always, I think you should give him a year to develop…but he is capable of starting as a rookie. Just prepare yourself for streakiness and interceptions.
Hackenberg holds the ball too long, doesn’t feel pressure, and takes far too many sacks. When he does throw, his accuracy is seriously inconsistent. I totally understand that he has had poor talent around him. But it’s hard for me to ignore how bad he’s looked the past two years.
Could you hit it big with this kid? Yes. But he’s too risky for me to bet it all on. He’s the type of guy that a team like the Patriots, Cardinals, Saints, Chargers, etc. can bet it on. Because they have time to develop him and don’t lose a bunch of games if he doesn’t pan out.
znModeratorIt is entirely possible that Foles can return to at least his 2014 level, which IMO is the real him. That’s good enough.
I think some people are taking the recent meltdown as being all about lack of talent.
He didn’t do anything in his meltdown that didn’t show up before. None of that is new, in terms of just info. It was all there out in the open to see from 2014. It all came up in the off-season after the trade.
BUT this version is extensive…his flaws magnified.
All of this is hiding the fact that he does have virtues too.
What accounts for the meltdown then? IMO—protection issues, confidence, knowing the offense. Not “knowing the playbook,” knowing how to execute this offense in real time. In this offense, as I understand it, he has to call protections and scheme against the blitz pre-snap, he has to get used to sight adjustments with the WRs, and he has to drop back a lot from center. My understanding is that most if not all of that is new.
Things like that exaggerate confidence and execution issues (which is the same thing). And that in turn exaggerates flaws and hides strengths.
Now 2 things.
First, I ain’t promising it. No guarantee he gets it back together but it can’t be ruled out.
Second, this has nothing to do with whether or not they draft a qb. He can come back and they still could draft a qb. One thing does not preclude the other.
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znModeratorIntriguing Matchup: Case Keenum vs. Baltimore Blitz
Posted by: Bernie Miklasz i
http://www.101sports.com/2015/11/20/intriguing-matchup-casey-keenum-vs-baltimore-blitz/
OK, so it isn’t exactly Dan Marino taking aim at the infamous 1985 Chicago Bears defense. This isn’t Kurt Warner and the “Greatest Show” Rams cast taking their performance art into Baltimore to challenge Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs.
But with the Rams changing their starting quarterback, trying to wrestle their way back to .500 and revive their faint playoff hopes in Sunday’s game in Baltimore offers a little something extra to go with the Chesapeake Bay-style crab cakes and Maryland crab soup I plan to make in time for kickoff.
Before we get into it, let’s set the premise:
— New Rams quarterback Case Keenum has made 10 NFL starts, all with Houston. Keenum hasn’t distinguished himself. He’s no long-time starter or lasting solution. But with the Rams passing game in a torpor under somnolent quarterback Nick Foles, a shakeup makes sense. Keenum can be a string of firecrackers. He can jar the Rams’ passivity on offense. He can extend plays by roaming to his left or right. He likes to heave the long ball, and can make some connections. That string of firecrackers makes noise, draws some attention, then quickly burns out. But the Rams don’t need Keenum to be Johnny Unitas. They just need him to make some plays.
— Torn by injuries, the Baltimore defense is no longer the Baltimore defense. The Ravens have allowed an average of 25.4 points on offense per game, ranking 28th among the 32 teams. They’ve been stung by 34 completions of 20+ yards. They rank 30th in third-down defense, yielding for a conversion rate of 45.1 percent. Opposing quarterbacks have pitched their way to a 101.4 passer rating (2They’ve given up 35 “quick-strike” points this season — scores that come on possessions that last fewer than four plays. And the league average for quick-strike points is 25. The Ravens have allowed opponents to put points up on 44 percent of their offensive possessions; that ranks 30th. This defense has only five takeaways. This defense has been seared for 18 touchdown passes and made only four interceptions. (Where have you gone, Bobby Boyd? Where’s Rick Volk? Has anyone in Bawlmer seen Mike Curtis?)
In other words: you can make plays against this Baltimore defense.
Big plays at that. And while there’s no reason to expect sharp consistency from Keenum, he does have that helter-skelter style that you’d find on a playground. It’s oddly threatening to a defense that prefers going after the stationary Foles. But Keenum could be running around so much, we may see him fling a few passes from the adjacent Camden Yards.
To compensate for their loose pass defense, the Ravens have cranked up the blitz. You know: mug the quarterback before he can lock in on a downfield target. Only seven NFL defenses have blitzed more frequently on passing downs than Baltimore this season. And the blitzkrieg can inflict some damage; the Ravens have 15 of their 24 sacks when sending extra pass rushers.
But if the opposing QB can see through the heat waves and deliver the ball, it’s party time.
The Ravens have blitzed on 114 passing downs. Let’s look through the rubble:
Quarterbacks have completed 74 of 114 passes against the Baltimore blitz, or 65 percent.
The QBs have 1,173 “blitz” passing yards vs. the Ravens — the most allowed by an NFL defense.
Their yards per passing attempt vs. the Baltimore blitz is an inflated 10.29 yards; that ranks 31st.
When give time to throw, the QBs have beaten this blitz for 12 completions of 25+ yards.
Quarterbacks have charred the Baltimore blitz for 11 touchdown passes (tied for most in the NFL) with just one INT.
When the Ravens blitz, opponents have counterattacked for a 127.6 passer rating.
Yeah. I’d say you can make some plays when the Ravens send extra rushers after your QB.
Now, there’s no guarantee the Ravens will release the hounds on Keenum. After looking at the Rams’ pass-protection issues, the Ravens’ defensive coaches may conclude that it makes sense to go with a four-man pass rush. Keenum isn’t the most accurate passer, so it makes sense to put the emphasis on coverage and reduce the number of blitzes. Why give Keenum a chance to wriggle or scamper from your blitz to find an uncovered receiver downfield?
On the other hand …
For all of his Run Rabbit Run! moments, Keenum doesn’t have killer career numbers vs. the blitz. He’s completed 48 of 105 passes (45.7%), been sacked 11 times, thrown two touchdown passes with one INT, and a 68.8 rating. Keenum has banged the blitz for nine passes of 25+ yards, so the playmaking threat is there.
So we’ll have to see how this all goes down if the Ravens choose to aggressively attack the Rams’ vulnerable O-line with blitzes.
But you have to think that Fisher had the Baltimore blitz in mind when he decided to go with Keenum over Foles. Early in the season Foles was very effective when blitz, but that performance deteriorated over his last five starts. Beginning with the game at Green Bay on Oct. 11, Foles has completed only 15 of 36 passes when blitzed (42%) with a passer rating of 51.7.
As Nick Wagoner pointed out in his Rams’ coverage at ESPN.com, Keenum is superior to Foles on throws attempted outside the pocket. In his nine games Foles hit on 14 of 35 passes for 138 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions for a passer rating of 51.8. And in his 10 NFL starts, Keenum has completed 21 of 43 for 398 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions for a passer rating of 86.5.
I don’t think Fisher made the switch without studying the numbers and the video. There were plenty of reasons for benching Foles, but the matchup with Baltimore is also a matter of good timing.
znModeratora gimpy quinn has really hurt the defense. more than losing long and ogletree combined.
Yeah agreed. And with Long banged up 2 years now, and Sims and Hayes FAs, and Longacre and Westbrooks unknowns, makes it look like DE is a big draft priority in 2016.
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znModeratorKnown for defense, Baltimore has struggled in close games this season
Joe Lyons
Baltimore Ravens’ football has been built around intimidating, dominant defense.
That hard-nosed style was established just a few years after the Browns announced a move from Cleveland to Baltimore for the 1996 season.
In the new franchise’s initial draft, it picked up its cornerstones, selecting Hall of Fame tackle Jonathan Ogden fourth overall and future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis at No. 26.
In 1999, the Baltimore defense, led by Lewis, Jamie Sharper, Rod Woodson, Michael McCrary and Peter Boulware, began to flex its muscle, finishing second in the NFL in both total yards and rushing yards allowed.
The next year, after a 5-4 start, the Ravens went on an 11-game win streak capped by a 34-7 rout of the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
The 2000 Ravens’ defense is viewed as one of the best ever. Baltimore set NFL records for rushing yards (970) and points (165) allowed in a 16-game season. The Ravens also forced and recovered 26 fumbles, twice as many as anybody else in the league, and picked off 23 passes.
In four playoff games, the Ravens allowed just 23 points.
Ray Lewis was voted Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl along with defensive teammates Woodson and defensive tackle Sam Adams.
“That defense, those guys, they’re legendary,” Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “They set a standard. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ray Lewis and all those guys. And of (safety) Ed Reed later on. I just have a huge appreciation for the brand of football those guys played.”
And Baltimore maintained that level of excellence over time. From 1999 through 2011, the Ravens were ranked in the top five in at least one major defensive category — total defense, rush defense or pass defense — in all but two seasons. Baltimore led the league in total defense in 2006, was second in 2008 and third in 2011.
At the end of the 2012 season, with John Harbaugh as head coach, the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 to win Super Bowl XLVII. The championship capped Lewis’ 17th and final season.
“Seems like they had the draft of their lifetime that first year, built upon it and sustained it for a long time,” Laurinaitis said. “To do what they’ve done, with completely different players, different coaches, different coordinators, and to somehow maintain their identity and high level of play from year to year, it’s super impressive. And being in this league, you realize just how hard that is to keep something like that going.”
Rams receiver Wes Welker, who faced the Ravens numerous times while playing for AFC rivals Miami, New England and Denver, said Baltimore’s defense always seemed to be a step ahead of the competition.
“First of all, they had a lot of good defensive players,” said Welker, 34 and in his 12th NFL season. “With guys like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, you can run just about any defense and be successful. But they had really good coaches and they brought in smart players who fit their system. They were doing things that other teams weren’t prepared for and by the time the opponents adjusted, they had made their adjustments, too.”
The Ravens, who host the Rams in a noon Sunday game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, have fallen off a bit defensively in recent seasons — they’re currently ranked 10th against the run, 26th against the pass and 20th in total yards allowed — but they’ve been competitive.
Baltimore enters Sunday’s action with a somewhat misleading 2-7 record. The seven losses have come by a total of 32 points. Both wins, at Pittsburgh and at home over San Diego, were by three points.
Harbaugh, who has led the Ravens to the playoffs in six of his seven seasons, knows his defense can be better.
“Statistically, we’re not very good (but) most of it’s because of big plays,” he said of his defense. “We didn’t have big-play issues last week, we had some penalties. If we can eliminate those kind of things, I think we’re capable of being a top-notch defense.”
The 2015 Ravens’ defense is keyed by veterans Daryl Smith (81 tackles), Elvis Dumervil (29 tackles, 4½ sacks), Jimmy Smith (40 tackles, two interceptions) and youngsters C.J. Mosley and Brandon Williams, who starred at Rockwood Summit High.
A second-year linebacker from Alabama, Mosley (55 tackles, 3 sacks) grew up a Ravens’ fan.
“Especially Ray Lewis,” said Mosley, who finished as runner-up to Rams’ defensive tackle Aaron Donald in the rookie of the year voting a year ago. “People have tried to compare me to him, said I was filling his role. … He led the team on the field. His defense trusted him. The team trusted him. When plays had to be made, he made them or put players in the right position to make them. For any linebacker, those of the kind of standards you want to hold, that you want to bring to the table.
“But (Lewis) has his own face here with this organization. … I’m here to do my job as a linebacker, make calls and be a leader by example for this team.”
Williams, a nose tackle from Missouri Southern selected by Baltimore in the third round of the 2013 draft, is in his second season as a starter He has 32 tackles, two sacks, two passes defended and a forced fumble.
“He’s one of our best players,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a dominant nose guard. … Really great personality, fun guy to be around. Hard worker.”
With Mosley and Williams as a foundation, the Ravens hope to re-establish the franchise’s defensive reputation.
“That’s the goal — to win games, win Super Bowls, win our division, win our conference,” Mosley said.“That’s why we’re here. That’s why they drafted us. It’s always great to look back on tradition because it reminds you where you came from,” Mosley said. “There always has to be a next generation that comes up and makes the program that much better and that much more elite. That’s why we’re here and what we want to do.”
November 20, 2015 at 1:17 am in reply to: Rams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct 'technical' issues #34442znModeratorCoachO
I have come to find out that it’s been a huge chore to get Mr. Robinson in the film room.
I am in a position to know that CoachO is in a position to know that. It’s not speculation on his part.
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November 20, 2015 at 12:57 am in reply to: Rams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct 'technical' issues #34439znModeratorfrom off the net
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CoachO
“Honestly, I thought my athletic ability would make up for a lot of it, but I’ve come a long way and I’m just taking the coaching,” Robinson said. “Coach Bou and Andy, they have worked a lot with me and I feel like I’m making progress. It’s just coming with time.”
This right here is the biggest cause for all his struggles.
I have come to find out that it’s been a huge chore to get Mr. Robinson in the film room. Veteran members of the unit have approached him numerous times trying to teach him how to prepare as a pro.
His unwillingness to put in the time because of his athleticism has been a source of frustration to more than just the coaches.
As much as they want to focus on technique IMO his lack of preparation has as much to do with it as anything else. The hesitation stemming from the uncertainty of not knowing his assignment on any given play causes a lot of the technique issues.
It’s also a big reason to have a veteran lining up next to him.
They aren’t gonna bench him. Even before the injuries. They’re stuck with him. They have too much invested in him. Both financially and in draft status.
I know for a fact that he’s been approached more than once. Apparently the light is starting to come on. He’s starting to realize he can’t just show up and rely on his athleticism anymore. It’s no coincidence that that quote was uttered by him.
He’s got all the PHYSICAL tools to be a great player. But unless and until the mental side come with some maturity, he’s gonna continue to struggle. And I’m not calling him dumb. I’m calling him immature.
znModeratorNo. It is all over.
Go Oakland.
There. I’ve said it.
C’mon. Scoff. This routine is old. Where the Seattle fans on the board pretend to be Oakland fans so they can openly root for the Ravens.
Then accuse US of being “paranoid.”
Right.
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