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znModeratorOh. I didn’t realize the board had so many Ravens fans. So when the Ravens are on defense, do you chant “nevermore!” at the opposing offense?
znModeratorSo. That must make you feel proud, right?
znModeratorRams notes: Welker getting more comfortable with each practice
Joe Lyons
Just a few days after signing with the Rams, veteran receiver Wes Welker made his debut Sunday. The 34-year-old was on the field for 11 offensive snaps, targeted six times and finished with three catches for 32 yards.
“It felt good,’’ Welker said following his first game action since a Denver Broncos playoff loss Jan. 11. “It felt good just kind of getting my feet wet a little bit; just trying to get accustomed to everything.’’
Signed after Stedman Bailey was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse, Welker entered the game on the Rams’ second series and was open when a third-down pass from Nick Foles missed the mark. On the next possession, Welker made a 6-yard reception on a third-and-7 play.
“Obviously I want to get my depth on that third down and make sure I get the first down,” said Welker, who was open and overthrown on a second-half pass from Foles. “It’s a tough situation but at the same time you still have to make those plays for the team.’’
Welker hopes to play an even bigger role in Sunday’s game against the Ravens in Baltimore.
“This being my 12th year, you kind pick it up and go,’’ he said. “Obviously not the outcome we wanted, but I felt comfortable. Every day, you’re learning more and more. I’m trying to study, getting in a lot of mental reps, watching the other guys. I’m standing next to ‘Sherm’ (wide receivers coach Ray Sherman) and (offensive assistant Jeff) Garcia and getting the play calls, and figuring out what’s what. It’s coming along.’’
Rams coach Jeff Fisher likes what he has seen from Welker.
“He was exact in his play,’’ Fisher said. “He ran the routes appropriately. He got open. We hit him a few times and missed him a few times. He looked like he’d been doing it for a long time, which is good to see.’’
A five-time Pro Bowl selection who led the NFL in receptions in 2007, 2011 and 2013, Welker must now adjust to a new quarterback. On Monday, Fisher announced that Case Keenum would replace Foles.
“In Miami, I think we had six or seven QB’s, but it’s been a long time for me to deal with that,’’ said Welker, who has caught passes from future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Tom Brady during the last eight seasons of his NFL career. “I think you just go out there and try to do your job and do whatever you can to help your team win. I’m kind of focused on myself and playing how I need to play.’’
NEW GUY IN TOWN
The newest Ram, center Eric Kush, has had an eventful fall, spending time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans — all since early September.“I’ve been running around, making the rounds, touring the country a little bit, grinding, grinding, grinding, doing whatever I need to do,’’ he said.
On Monday, just 10 days after signing a two-year contract, the 26-year-old Kush was waived by Houston. He was claimed by the Rams on Tuesday. Wednesday, he took part in his first practice at Rams Park.
“I’m coming in here to work my butt off,’’ he said. “I’m going to work hard, bring some energy, have fun and help out in any way I can.’’
Kush, who stands 6 feet 4 and weighs 313 pounds, played in 49 games and made 32 starts for the Division II California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans and was selected by Kansas City in the sixth round of the 2013 draft. He spent the next two seasons with the Chiefs, playing in three games and making one start.
With the University of Missouri’s Mitch Morse, a second-round draft choice in the spring, winning the starting job in Kansas City, Kush was cut at the end of training camp.
“It’s nice to still have a job, to know somebody wants you,’’ he said. “I want to move forward. I’m excited to be here, the playbook’s very similar, which helps. I’m primarily a center, but I’m here to play some football and I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do.’’
RAM-BLINGS
The Rams’ first injury report of the week includes just four players. Defensive end Robert Quinn (hip) and tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) did not practice, center Tim Barnes (concussion) was limited and Chris Long (knee) was a full participant. Long was hurt on a knee-to-knee hit against Green Bay on Oct. 11 and hasn’t played since.For the Ravens, linebacker Elvis Dumervil (knee), and guard Kelechi Osemele (knee) and tight end Nick Boyle (foot) did not practice Wednesday. Dumervil and Osemele have started all nine games this season for Baltimore.
• Not long the 3 p.m. waiver deadline Wednesday, defensive tackle Doug Worthington ran out of the locker room at Rams Park and rejoined the team. Worthington was waived on Tuesday and re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
• After receiving contributions from everyone in the locker room, the Rams will partner with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for the 21st consecutive year of distributing turkeys and fixings to approximately 2,000 families. Players, cheerleaders and team mascot Rampage will pass out the turkeys Thursday at locations throughout the region.
• The Denver Broncos released guard Shelley Smith on Wednesday. Smith was with the Rams in 2012 and 2013.
znModeratorPractice Report 11/18: Austin’s Homecoming, Long Returns to Practice
Myles Simmons
Because he’s a member of a team in the NFC West, wide receiver Tavon Austin doesn’t get many opportunities to play in his hometown. He’ll get to do it for the first time in his career on Sunday, when St. Louis squares of against Baltimore just steps away from the inner harbor.
“Definitely looking forward to it,” Austin said after Wednesday’s practice. “Just the fact that I get to go home, play in front of my family — a lot of people who don’t get to come see me play out here. And growing up in Baltimore, I was a Ravens fan. So just playing against one of my favorite teams growing up is definitely a blessing, too.”
Austin came up in Baltimore during a time when the Ravens featured a bevy of talented players, winning Super Bowl XXXV to conclude the 2000 season. And Austin continued to follow the club as it continued its success through the last decade.
“That’s when they had all the legends back then — Ed Reed, Jamal [Lewis] and all those guys, Ray [Lewis],” Austin said. “It was definitely good growing up and seeing them. And now, I would’ve played against one of them this year — Terrell Suggs — but unfortunately he’s hurt.”
Neither of those players were his favorite wide receiver, though.
“I was a [Derrick] Mason kind of guy,” Austin said, coincidentally referencing a receiver who played for his current head coach in Tennessee before going to the Ravens in 2005.
While Austin has played in the D.C.-Virginia-Maryland area before — the Rams played at Washington in Week 2 of this year, for instance — the Baltimore native said this game will have a different feel to it.
“I probably lived about 15 minutes from the stadium,” Austin said. “A lot of people wouldn’t travel to D.C. to come see me.”
They will, however, make the shorter trip to downtown Baltimore.
“It’ll probably be a good little section up there for me,” Austin said, adding he expects his friends and family to wear Rams gear.
It may be Austin’s first trip to Baltimore as a pro, but he has played at the home of the Ravens before. At Dunbar High School, Austin was a key cog for a team that won three consecutive Class 1A state championships. And those championship games were played at M&T Bank Stadium.
“I’ve got some good memories in that stadium,” Austin said.
Austin set all kinds of Maryland records in high school, including 9,258 yards from scrimmage, 7,962 yards rushing, 123 touchdowns, and 790 points. But there’s one thing that sicks out in his mind from the last state championship he won in 2008.
“My last play of my high school career, I scored the winning two-point conversion to win the game — to win the state championship,” Austin said.
Now, he’ll go back seven years later with the goal of creating some new memories.
“That’s the plan,” Austin said. “Go in there try to have a good game, don’t do too much — just play my game and try to get out of there with a win.”
LONG’S BACK AT PRACTICE
It’s been another trying year for defensive end Chris Long, who has been out the last four weeks since suffering a knee injury against the Packers. But the veteran is now a full participant in practice, after going through a limited session at the end of last week. He was listed as doubtful on the injury report heading into the matchup against Chicago, but admitted Wednesday that may have been a bit unrealistic.
“That was probably more hopeful than I was realistically close,” Long said. “I appreciate coaches kind of saying, ‘Hey man, let’s be smart and wait one more week. Let this thing completely heal.’ And when I’m back, I’m back. I’ll be close to 100 percent. That’s all I can ask for.”
But with this being the second straight year Long has had to miss games, it’s been a bit of a frustrating process.
“I’m not the first guy to get hurt, injured. It’s out of your control. But when you’re hurt, you feel like you’re letting people down,” Long said. “You’re watching your buddies play football, and that’s your job. You don’t feel like you’re doing your job.
“Especially two years in a row, it’s frustrating because there have been things that you just can’t avoid,” Long continued. “They’re freak things and I’m going to keep pushing to try to help this team, and do my part. I’m just excited to be back and help this team.”
If there’s a silver lining to Long’s injury this time around, it’s that there was no ligament damage to the knee so he did not have to undergo surgery.
“The bone just had to heal,” Long said. “It’s a fracture, so it’s not like something that when you’re back, you’re dragging around.”
Long lamented how he didn’t feel like himself when he got back to playing the Rams’ final five contests in 2014.
“So when I’m back, I’m back,” Long said. “And I’m really excited to help the team however I can. I’ve just missed being out there.”
“When you’re staring the prognosis down in the face, you’re like, man, it’s going to take forever,” Long added. “And then you’re out there like that. So we’ve got at least seven weeks of football left — at least — and I can’t wait to keep playing.”
INJURY REPORT
Aside from Long being listed as a full participant, the Rams had three more players listed on their Wednesday injury report.
Center Tim Barnes (concussion) was listed as a limited participant.
Defensive end Robert Quinn (hip) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) did not participate in Wednesday’s session.
znModeratorAnyway this isn’t the Baltimore we remember from legend. More O than D. On O, more passing effectiveness than rushing effectiveness.
They are 10th on offense.
23rd in rushing yards.
9th in passing yards.
3.9% sack percentage on O, which is very good.20th on defense.
26th against the pass.
10th against the run.
5.7% sack percentage on defense, also good (ranked 10th)Their games are pretty much all close. A pretty evenly spread-out point differential of 26 in 9 games, which is just under 3 a game of course. The biggest score differential from any 2015 Baltimore game is 8 points in a loss to Arizona. Win or lose, the other 8 games avg. a 2.25 point differential. Should be a tough game.
Not one of Flacco’s best seasons, and not among his worst. The infamous Steve Smith, formerly of Carolina, is their leading receiver. When he last played against St. Louis in 2013, Smith was very vocal about what he thought of the Rams D and its chippy attitude.
…
znModeratorNow starting in Baltimore, Givens faces old team
Jim Thomas
Jeff Fisher’s Rams teams have always been a tight-knit group. So just because a teammate leaves and goes elsewhere, doesn’t mean the friendship ends.
And so it is with wide receiver Chris Givens. After three-plus seasons running routes against Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson on the practice field at Rams Park, he will now be trying to beat them as a Baltimore Raven on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
“That was my buddy when he was here,” Jenkins said. “We hung out a little bit. We got to know each other. I’m glad to see anybody that leaves here go somewhere and be successful.”
So Jenkins will exchange pleasantries before the game; maybe a man-hug afterwards. But in between?
“Between the white lines, it’s business,” Jenkins said. “I’ve got no words for him but Clamps. That’s all.”
“Clamps” is Jenkins’ term to describe his playing style — as in clamping down on a receiver.
Givens is expecting the trash-talking to start immediately if he’s lined up over Jenkins or Johnson.
“Nothing’s gonna change,” Givens said. “It’s gonna be the same that it’s been when I played against those guys in practice.”
Traded to Baltimore on Oct. 3 for a seventh-round draft pick, Givens faces his old friends seven weeks later.
“It’s gonna be exciting,” Givens told the Post-Dispatch. “I just can’t wait to play. It’s one of those games you look forward to.”
Givens still talks to Rams wide receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey about once a week, and touches base with Rams wide receivers coach Ray Sherman “every now and then.” He sent Case Keenum a congratulatory text earlier this week after Keenum was promoted to starting quarterback.
“That’s a good thing for him,” Givens said. “Case is a good guy, man. He’s a good quarterback; he just needed an opportunity.”
So did Givens.
He had that impressive rookie season with the Rams in 2012, when he caught 42 passes for a team-high 698 yards. He had a reception of 50 or more yards in five consecutive games that season, which set an NFL rookie record.
But Givens’ playing time and productivity dropped with each successive season — to 34 catches in 2013 and just 11 in 2014. He had just one catch for 7 yards as a Ram this season before the trade.
“It was very frustrating,” Givens said. “You put in a lot of work in the offseason … and you don’t get that opportunity. It just makes you frustrated. It makes you that much more hungry.”
As to why his playing time decreased, Givens said, “I never really got a clear explanation. We started the season and it was like I was just another guy.”
The trade to Baltimore has given him a chance to revive his career.
“I was praying for something like this to happen, and then the day I got the call like all my prayers were answered,” he said.
A week or so before the trade, Givens got a hint that something might be in the works. He got a text from Baltimore wide receiver Michael Campanaro, a former college teammate at Wake Forest, telling him the Ravens coaches had been asking about him.
“And it kinda made sense because of everything that as going on,” Givens said.
Ironically enough, after a season-ending back injury to Campanaro, Baltimore made the trade for Givens.
In five games with the Ravens, Givens has 10 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. His playing time has increased to the point where he moved into the starting lineup last week against Jacksonville, and he’s scheduled to start this Sunday against his old team.
“He’s fit in well,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said via conference call Wednesday. “He’s a hard-working guy and that’s a credit to how he’s been brought up in the league. Got some talent, and we like him.”
Givens made what looked like the game-winning reception last week against Jacksonville, a 14-yard reception on a corner route. But what proved to be a controversial field goal as time expired gave the Jaguars a 22-20 victory.
Givens said he and Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco already have a pretty good rapport, but work to build it every day in practice.
“He’s one of the better quarterbacks in this league; he’s gonna be like that for a long time,” Givens said. “He will get you the ball at any different time, so you’ve always got to be ready for it. He makes things easier because of how good he is.”
When they made the trade, the Ravens inherited what was left of Givens’ original Rams contract — a contract that expires after this season. Givens hopes the Ravens see enough that they’ll re-sign him beyond the 2015 campaign.
“I’m loving where I’m at,” Givens said. “I love everything about it. And it’s just one of those things that feels right. From the first day I got here everything just felt right.”
Come Sunday he’ll have some kind words for his former teammates, before and after the game. But when all is said and done he’ll be trying to beat them, and vice versa.
“No one on either side, neither one of us wants to walk away saying we lost,” Givens said. “So it’s gonna be a high-intensity game.”
“I’m not gonna go out there and kill him,” Johnson said. “We’re brothers still. He’s with the Ravens now, though, so we’re both playing for the win.”
No matter what, Givens won’t leave the stadium empty-handed. How so?
“I’m gonna take him his socks,” Austin said Wednesday, pointing to a box near his locker stall. “He left his socks here, so I’m gonna take him his socks. Just a little bit of memories.”
Yes, nothing says old times like a box full of old socks.
znModeratorPFF:
CHI-STL GRADES: BEARS’ DEFENSE STUMPS RAMS
The top takeaways and highest-graded players from the Bears’ 37-13 win over the Rams.
MICHAEL MOUNTFORD
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/11/16/chi-stl-grades-bears-defense-stumps-rams/
Here are the top takeaways and highest-graded players from the Bears’ 37-13 win over the Rams:
Chicago Bears
– Jay Cutler (-1.7) had his lowest grade of the season, but was very effective on passes under 10 yards, going 19-for-20 for 258 yards and all three TDs. However, most of these were passes short of the sticks that the receivers did all of the work. Zach Miller going 87 yards for a touchdown was more about the Rams’ defense than anything Cutler did; he threw a short speed out, and Miller made one cut and the Rams defense overran the pursuit angle. Cutler was unable to complete a pass over 10 yards, as 209 yards came after the catch.– The Bears’ secondary performed at a high level versus the Rams; CB Kyle Fuller (+3.3) came away with the highest grade on the team, as he allowed just one catch on eight targets for 1 yard and had one pass deflection. On the opposite side of him was Tracy Porter (+2.5); while Porter was only targeted three times, he too only allowed one catch for a grand total of 6 yards and had two pass deflections. Both starting safeties, Antrel Rolle (+2.3) and Adrian Amos (+0.5) also held up in coverage, only giving up three catches on six targets for 12 yards combined. The longest play the starting secondary gave up was two 6 yard pass plays.
– With Matt Forte out, neither Jeremy Langford (+1.8) nor Ka’Deem Carey (RB -0.7) did much as a runner versus the Rams; part of the problem was that the Rams’ defensive line gave the Bears’ running backs very little room to work with. Langford was able to escape on a couple of runs, however, these were few and far between. As a receiver out of the backfield, Langford was able to take a screen pass 83 yards for a touchdown.
Top Performers:
CB Kyle Fuller (+3.3)
TE Zach Miller (+3.0)
LB Willie Young (+2.8)
CB Tracy Porter (+2.7)
S Antrel Rolle (+2.3)St. Louis Rams
– Nick Foles (-5.0) struggled against the Bears’ defense, only completing 47 percent of his passes; all of his completions were under 10 yards (there wasn’t a single completed pass over 10 yards in this whole game). When Foles tried to go over 10 yards, he was 0-for-14. With the Rams struggling to move the ball in the run game, St. Louis tried to open the Bears’ defense downfield, but neither Foles nor the receivers had any luck in getting a chunk of yardage on one play.– Second-year pro Aaron Donald (+11.7) had another one of his monster games. Donald had the second-highest pass rushing productivity of the week for defensive tackles at 18.4, thanks to four total pressures on 19 pass rushing snaps. While Donald only had three run stops on 30 snaps, he caused the Bears’ interior offensive line issues all game long with both his ability to penetrate into the backfield as well as using his strength to stand up the lineman at the point of attack, taking away the holes for the Bears’ runners that way.
– First round pick Todd Gurley (-0.7) struggled to find any room as a runner, as the Bears’ defense committed to stopping Gurley first and forcing the Rams into long passing situations. They did so with great effect, allowing Gurley just 45 yards on 12 carries. The longest run allowed by Gurley all night was just 9 yards. The past two weeks for Gurley have been a realization that the NFL is not the SEC, and those first four starts where he gained 100+ yards each week will not continue with the NFL defenses focusing more and more on the run game.
Top Performers:
DL Aaron Donald (+11.7)
OL Garrett Reynolds (+3.7)
DL Nick Fairley (+3.4)
OL Rob Havenstein (+2.4)
CB Janoris Jenkins (+2.1)znModerator
REEVALUATING THE FOLES-BRADFORD TRADE
With the news of Nick Foles’ benching, John Breitenbach revisits the QB-for-QB swap by the Rams and Eagles.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/11/17/pro-nick-foles-sam-bradford-trade-re-evaulated/
This offseason, the Rams traded Sam Bradford and a fifth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for Nick Foles and a second-round pick. Neither team was overly-satisfied with the fit of their signal caller, but also found the options in free agency and the draft limited, forcing them to look around the league for solutions. It’s now the middle of November, and Foles has been benched for Case Keenum, while Bradford is likely to miss time for injuries sustained against the Dolphins.
As is evident from the numbers, neither QB has played well through Week 10. Foles is better at generating big plays, but Bradford has better accuracy in general and under pressure.
Foles’ biggest issue throughout his career has been consistency. Too often, good games have been followed up with terrible ones. Even in his outstanding 2013 season, Foles was dreadful against Dallas in Week 7. Overall, he has played four games with a +4.0 grade or better in his career, but another six with grades worse than -4.0. Three of those games have come this year, including the one that resulted in his benching against the Bears.
Bradford, meanwhile, has done a decent job in Chip Kelly’s offense, but his limitations aren’t going away. He remains inaccurate and indecisive on downfield throws, even if his receivers have let him down on occasion with drops. Injury issues have resurfaced, with reports now that he may miss two games due to multiple injuries sustained in Week 10.
The backups
Jeff Fisher is desperately looking for a solution to save the Rams’ season, and probably his job, but recently-named starter Case Keenum does not look like the savior. Overall, he has a -10.6 grade in his performances in the pros (10 starts since 2013). There were some good moments in Houston, but passing under pressure proved a significant issue, along with accuracy in general.For the Eagles, Mark Sanchez remains a capable passer, but also more than capable of crippling decisions in key situations. His -7.9 grade in nine games last season suggests he’s unlikely to seize the starting job if Bradford is forced to miss significant time.
znModeratorPFF rankings, Rams D
https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/by_team.php?tab=by_team
Overall: 2nd
Run defense: 1st
Pass rush: 3rd
Pass coverage: 7th
The following D players are ranked highly at their positions:
Quinn: 6th
Hayes: 12thDonald: 1st
Fairley: 8thBarron: 14th
McCleod: 14th
Jenkins: 7th
Johnson: 15thznModeratorpersonally wouldn’t just rely on boudreau to work his magic with these young guys. i’d count on maybe two ot three of those guys panning out.
Well at this point they have 14 linemen and counting.
I also pay attention to the “ronin vet” types, because Boudreau has gotten things out of guys like that before.
There will no doubt be other pick-ups, including UDFAS and other modest FAs and cuts.
I think so far it looks like at least 3 of the 2015 draft picks have a future: Brown, Wichman, Havenstein. Jeez that’s a lot in one year.
They have plenty to work with and now it’s more veteran than it was if you just average the years.
…
znModeratorchances are he’s done. we can hope for the best, but odds are he’s done.
Well I see him as being set up for a return. Who gets benched with the coach saying he will be back?
And I have seen signs at this point. He played better before in 2014 plus in the ARz and Seattle games, AND on top of it, in terms of what is wrong, has all the symptoms of not really “getting” this offense yet—which is something that can change.
So I think JT is right about all that.
And they can still draft someone. Setting Foles up for a return doesn’t preclude that.
…
znModeratorThis was a dramatic change in offense for him. If nothing else, just being under center every play. But also in terms of the reads and progressions.
That;s how I see it. There was more of an adjustment and he wasn’t executing.
I don’t know if he had sight adjustments before, either.
Or if the called protections against the blitz.
He looked more uncomfortable and unconfident and pressing than just plain lacking.
I still think the Foles of 2014 (not 2013) is possible with the Rams and that’s more than good enough.
.
znModeratorbut i think they’d be making a mistake if they didn’t draft at least one olineman. doesn’t have to be a premium pick but somewhere in the middle rounds would do.
My thinking is, they have young talent and then they added a bunch of developmental veterans of the kind Boudreau has done well with before. I can’t think of any team that drafted 5 linemen in one year. Plus they added a good UDFA find (Wms) and then 4 vets. 10 new linemen in one year. That’s a lot.
And one of the ones who hasn’t seen the field yet (Wichman) has a lot of promise and word is they are high on him.
They really don’t need to draft anyone. They’ve barely scratched the surface with what they have, in terms of potential going forward and good depth in camp.
.
znModeratorfrom off the net
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CoachO
I am shocked that Fisher made the move. Not that I don’t think it needed to be made.
Some follow-up:
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CoachO
Foles continually tries to force throws and when he is late it gives the defender plenty of time to close on the receiver. How many times does he attempt to throw an simple out route from the far hash mark? The problem isn’t that he lacks the arm strength to make the throw. It’s that he needs to have the ball gone as the receiver starts his break. Instead he waits too long and give the CB time to contest the throw. People like to flame on the receivers for their inability to get separation. But more often than not, they are open. But by the time the ball arrives they aren’t any longer. What are often called drops are often really contested balls made so much more difficult because the BALL IS LATE!
I think Mannion has the one intangible that will make him succeed. INTELLIGENCE. He processes information quickly and as he gets more comfortable in this offense he will know what to do with the ball. Then it’s will be just adjusting to the speed of the NFL. He has the size and can make the throws. But so does Foles. The thing that could help Mannion brings is the decision making. I think he can and should be in the mix coming into 2016. But with this latest development, I think it means he will be held back even more. They aren’t going to cast Foles aside. He is still going to be entrenched as the #2 making it even less likely that Mannion will have any opportunity to step up anytime soon. Just not how Fisher does things.
znModeratorSources: Bradford has separated shoulder
An MRI revealed that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a separated shoulder in Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins, league sources told Ed Werder of ESPN.
Bradford left the game in the third quarter after he was sacked by Miami linebacker Chris McCain and landed on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. The Eagles announced after the game that Bradford also had been diagnosed with a concussion.
Bradford, who is in the league’s concussion protocol, could miss this week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but wants to see how much improvement he experiences during the week before a decision is made on his playing status, sources told Werder.
znModeratorfrom off the net
===
alyoshamucci
So, gonna try to give this more attention than others this year because it has significant ramifications all across the board. I know that many were less upset about this loss than the Vikings, but I am not that guy …
I am going to say a couple things to get them out of the way right now … Gase did an amazing scouting/coaching job. I don’t know if the Bears have just finally gotten his offense or he found ways to exploit us specifically, or both. But he called a game good enough to make me wonder if he was stealing our signs. He was that good.
Along with that, the refs zeroed in on some stuff and ignored others … they didn’t lose the game for us, but I hate it when officials get wrapped up and fixated.The Good
1) Donald played as well as I’ve seen him, and his six sacks make me happy.
2) Fairley had another good game.
3) Jenks and Tru held up well outside AGAINST WRS.
4) Our first drive was emblematic of what I want us to be offensively.
5) Havenstein is the kinda player an offensive line needs to have. He wins ugly, but is dependable.
6) Marquez on ST … excellent.
The Bad
7) Nick, you’re late. Dude, I know you don’t trust you receivers to catch the ball, but you have to pull the trigger when you get the look you want.
8) Kendricks. Cook. Britt … Catch. The. Ball. What’s the deal with drops on 3rd down? Those are like fumbles.
9) Nick, what’s up with the inaccuracy? Are the WRs in the wrong spot?
10) Nick, why are you staring the receivers down?
11) Nick? Are you okay?
12) Where are my safeties?
13) Where’s my run defense? One play good, two bad?
14) Brown’s injury. Ugh. 2 down.
15) GW … not adjusting? Were you not tapped into reality this game? Dude had your number and you didn’t pull back?
16) Seriously Mason, a fumble?
17) No PI on Jeffery on Jenks would be INT? Jenks had position … maybe I missed that?
The UGLY
18) GRob … THREE DEVASTATING HOLDING PENALTIES … then you look like you gave up and were lost?
19) WRs not coming back to the ball? WHAT?
20) NICK YOU’RE LATE, THEY WERE OPEN EARLIER.
21) TWO 80 YARD TDS?????!!!!!! You should have been running laps DURING THE GAME.
22) You GAVE UP almost 200 Total yards to a rookie RB with Forte out.
23) The defeated look, I don’t want to see it again.
24) First game in a while I turned off.
25) Cignetti … what’s going on?
26) Quick, did you just give up on football?
The Aftermath
27) Sorry, benching Foles rather than benching the WRs who are dropping the ball and running the wrong routes? You best know what you’re doing Fish because it’s sending one of two messages 1) Foles is incompetent and we’re trying to light a fire under him … or 2) our WRs are incompetent and Foles needs a week away from having to deal with their inability to function in an offense.
28) O line … I hope they give Wichmann the start, and honestly I hope they have Battle at the ready for going in at any moment.
29) This seems to call some draft priorities in question, and I’ll address those … but for me nothing has changed. I will run the QBs down for everyone else, but I don’t think we need one.
30) Can they come back from this? Yes. Will they? Dunno.
31) Great, first Rams game seeing with my family (after a 5 hour drive) and a backup is starting this weekend. Ugh.
32) I still think we have a shot to pull it together and get to the playoffs …
znModeratorPASSING YARDS PER GAME: 5th
What does it mean?
It means this:
YARDS PER PASS ATTEMPT: 13TH
+
NFL Team Opponent Pass Attempts per Game: 7th
znModeratorAdding a new stat.
Defensive big plays against.
My source says “a passing big play is one in which the yards gained on the passing play equal 25 yards or more while a rushing big play is one in which the yards gained on the rushing play equal 10 yards or more.”
Rams rank 23rd with 29.
.
znModeratorAs of right now, barring any other developments, and before they add anyone else, these are the linemen the Rams could be taking with them to camp next summer. I include their seasons of league experience, counting 2016 since this is about 2016. Eg. next year Havenstein would be in his 2nd year.
I bolded the 3 new additions.
Tackles
* Robinson, 3rd year
* Havenstein, 2nd year
* Williams, 2nd year
* Battle, 2nd yearCenters & C/G swingmen
* Barnes, 6th year
* Rhaney, 3rd year
* Kush, 4th yearGuards & G/T swingmen
Saffold, 7th year
Reynolds, 8th year
Brown, 2nd year
Donnal, 2nd year
Wichman, 2nd year
Folkerts, 5th year
Arkin, 6th yearThat;s 14 in total.
They’ve added 10 guys this year alone. 3 of them (Arkin, Kush, Folkerts) are this year’s Barksdale/Mike Person types.
Looks to me like they are bound and determined to have a 2016 line that is deep, more experienced, and as a group immune to the “since the dawn of time” Rams OL injury curse.
By adding the 3 recent guys (4th, 5th year, 6th year) they went from the 2016 group have 3 guys with 4 or more years experience to 6.
I think they are also bound and determined not to draft any OL next year.
.
znModeratorDavid Arkin
Position: Offensive guard
Height: 6 ft 5 in
Weight: 306 lbCollege: Missouri State
====
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Arkin was drafted with the 110th pick of the 4th round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2011 NFL Draft, with the intention of playing him at offensive guard. After being inactive for every game as a rookie, in his second season he was forced to learn the center position in training camp, after the team suffered a series of injuries. His lack of strength and experience, kept him again inactive in every game despite being healthy.In 2013, the team decided to have him focus on the right guard position. As he has done in previous training camps, he proved to be one of the most durable players on the team and was activated for the first regular season game of his career in the season opener against the New York Giants. He was released on October 26, to make room for Jakar Hamilton and later signed to the team’s practice squad.
Miami Dolphins
On November 5, 2013, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. The signing was a direct result of the issues the Dolphins where having on their offensive line, after Richie Incognito alleged role in the harassment of teammate Jonathan Martin. He was active in only one game (against the Carolina Panthers). The following season after being tried at center, he was waived on August 30, 2014.Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks signed him to their practice squad on September 3, 2014, but was waived five days later.Indianapolis Colts
Arkin was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on September 16, 2014. He was promoted to the active roster on December 31, when Gosder Cherilus was placed on the injured reserve list.[8] On September 5, 2015, he was released and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was cut on September 23, and re-signed to the practice squad on October 26. On November 3, Arkin was released.===========
OVERVIEW
Arkin’s an experienced, durable offensive guard prospect with the intelligence, work-ethic and toughness to make it in the league as a reserve and possibly a starter down the line. Improving his overall technique as a pass and run blocker would go a lot way in moving him up a depth chart. Needs to do a better job with his hands, sink his hips more and watch his pad level. Displays good awareness. Has the killer instinct that can’t be taught and we don’t expect him to be afraid of the jump in competition.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Arkin has a mean streak. Plays angry and always finishes his blocks but still has a cool head, helps out in blitz pickup when free, and isn’t baited by defensive line play. Legs are always driving while run blocking and gets some movement. Can take on the bull rush.
WEAKNESSES Pass blocking technique needs improvement. Doesn’t sink his hips and hand play is a bit sloppy. Quicker, athletic defensive tackles can beat him laterally. Doesn’t have great burst off the ball, needs to watch his pad level and can lean and lunge. Footwork out in space is only adequate.===
2011 NFL Draft Picks: Cowboys Select David Arkin, T/G, Missouri State – Beefing Up The Line
By Dave Halprin @BloggingTheBoys on Apr 30, 2011
With the #110 pick in the NFL draft (#13 in the 4th round), the Dallas Cowboys selected offensive lineman David Arkin from Missouri State. A tackle at a lower-level school, Arkin will likely move inside to guard. A versatile guy that could swing between tackle and guard if needed. Versatile is a word that goes with Arkin. 6′ 5″, 300 lbs. Wasn’t projected by most services to go this high in the draft.
It was hard to find solid scouting reports on the guy but jump below to read some. Also, Rick Gosselin had him as his #100 player, so that’s good.
The best review I found was from Scott Wright at NFL Draft Countdown, he had him as his #8 guard:
Strengths:
Has experience at guard and tackle. Great size. Thick thighs. Adequate strength and lateral quickness. Had a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game. Anchors well. Has strong hands and uses them quickly. Does a good job of sustaining blocks.Weaknesses:
Struggled early in the year at a new position as he would keep a poor base when drive blocking, didn’t always finish, and was too high on first contact to the second level. Needs to bend more. Lunges at defenders on the second level. Needs to get stronger.Outlook:
Arkin has dominated his entire career at MSU and is one of the most versatile linemen in this draft with good tape at both tackle and guard for at least one full season. I like his ability to swing from guard and tackle as a backup early in his career and believe he could eventually start at guard with improved strength and some coaching. His ability at both positions could draw him up boards as high as 4th or 5th round.Here’s what Sideline Scouting says:
Positives: Smart… Good pass blocker… Reasonably quick pass set… Good short area quickness… Very solid lateral movement and slide… Good footwork and agility… Does a nice job changing direction… Plays with good balance… Can pull and get to the second level… Good flexibility and body control… Blocks reasonably well on the move… Good strength at POA… Can control once locked on… Solid drive blocker… Takes good angles… Does a nice job turning defenders from the running lane… Has some suddenness to his game, flashes some explosion… Physical… Relentless, gives a good effort, competitive.
Negatives: Needs to bulk up a bit… Plays too upright… Can be beat by outside speed.
znModeratorBrian Folkerts
School: Washburn
Position: G===
This is his fourth year in the NFL. He signed with the New Orleans Saints as a 2012 UDFA. After they waived him, he spent a day with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He got some time with the San Jose Sabercats after that. He subsequently signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2013, and spent two weeks o their 53-man roster to open the season. He was then waived and signed to their practice squad. He returned to the 53-man roster and appeared in ten games with the group in 2013, and all 16 in 2014 (no starts). The Panthers released him on September 5, 2015.
===
Bio: Three-year starter at both tackle positions. Awarded all-conference honors since his sophomore season.
Positive: Nice-sized college tackle who projects to guard in the NFL. Quick off the snap, explosive at the point and keeps his feet moving throughout the action. Sets with a wide base, works to stays square and blocks with a nasty attitude. Controls defenders at the point of attack, seals them from the action and keeps his head on a swivel. Anchors in pass protection and works his hands throughout the play.
Negative: Lacks footwork and lateral blocking range. Struggles blocking in motion and is best in a small area.
Analysis: Folkerts was productive and durable on the college level and offers size as well as growth potential for the NFL. He’s a versatile blocker who could find a home as an inexpensive backup.November 18, 2015 at 4:01 pm in reply to: Do Seattle's defense’s fourth-quarter problems begin with the offense? #34370znModeratorNFC West, what happened to you?
http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/11/17/nfc-west-what-happened-you/75939806/
If this NFL season were a high school reunion, most of the NFC West would resemble the ex-star quarterback who shows up sporting 20 extra pounds, a combover and a two-pack habit.
After a couple of cocktails, you might ask, “Dude, what happened to you?” because you are curious and you still preface questions with,“Dude.”
That might be an unfair and premature assessment, because everyone has seven games to play, anything can happen, it’s a crazy league, and blah, blah, blah.
But we doubt it.
Two years ago, the NFC West was the best division in football. And no one else was close.
The Seahawks won the division with a 13-3 record, the 49ers were next at 12-4, and the Cardinals, at 10-6, narrowly missed a playoff berth.
The Seahawks beat the 49ers 23-17 in the NFC title game and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Two years later, the Cardinals are the only team in the division with a winning record after nine games.
At 7-2, the Cardinals are three games above the current mess that used to pass for the NFL’s toughest division.
The Rams are what they have been for years. Very good within the division. Not so hot out of it. Tough defense. Nasty demeanor. Changing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators yearly.
It’s the 49ers and Seahawks who have changed so much they’ve lost their defining features.
Everyone figured the 49ers would fall on hard times. Coach Jim Harbaugh left. Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Chris Borland and Anthony Davis retired. A handful of other former key players, including running back Frank Gore and guard Mike Iupati, left via free agency.
At least they had a talented young quarterback.
But halfway through the season, Colin Kaepernick was benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert. The 49ers are 3-6 and it’s hard to find much hope for the future.
The Seahawks, who came within seconds last February of winning a second consecutive Super Bowl, are 4-5 after Sunday night’s loss to the Cardinals.
Even though it gave up 39 points to the Cardinals, Seattle’s defense is good enough to keep the Seahawks in contention for a wild-card spot.
But that offense? The line is terrible, quarterback Russell Wilson is having to scramble way too early on pass plays, and they haven’t figured out how to take advantage of tight end Jimmy Graham’s talents.
The Seahawks needed to beat the Cardinals last Sunday night to contend for a third consecutive division title. After the game, coach Pete Carroll said they had a great offensive game plan for Arizona, but couldn’t get to it in the first half because of penalties.
No question that’s true. The Seahawks faced first and at least 20 four times in the first half. But the Seahawks of the previous two seasons would not have let the Cardinals go 83 and 80 yards for touchdowns in the final quarter.
The Seahawks, at least, have the talent to make a playoff push. They don’t have any glaring weakness on defense, and they look as good as any other NFC wild-card contender.
Yes, that’s a back-handed compliment.
znModeratorAfter playing many roles, Case Keenum unfazed by task of starting for Rams
Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Case Keenum has found himself in nearly every scenario a player can experience in the league.
Keenum has been on a practice squad, run the scout team, been a starter and a backup. He has been released. He has been traded. You name it, he has done it. All of which makes Keenum uniquely qualified to handle just about anything, including his new role as the St. Louis Rams’ starting quarterback.
“Yeah, I’ve been on a lot of sides of the quarterback position,” Keenum said. “I’ve been named the starter after a guy that gets injured or whatever it is. I’ve been a backup now for a while. I’ve been replaced as a starter. I’ve been a No. 4 guy on one team and then starting the next week for another team. I’ve kind of been through it all.
“You have to be ready when you get a chance. I’m ready. I’ve been prepared and that’s what I do every week, is I get ready to play. I’m excited for my chance, I really am. I’m excited to go out there and compete again. You don’t get many chances to play in this league. I definitely count it as a blessing. To have a second chance to come out and compete is incredible.”
For Keenum, the chance to start his first game with the Rams — he started 10 in two stints with the Houston Texans — might be incredible, but it’s also a little bittersweet. When Rams coach Jeff Fisher informed Keenum, Nick Foles and Sean Mannion that Keenum would be taking the starting job from Foles on Monday, Keenum’s first instinct was to reach out to Foles and support his friend.
“Nick’s one of my best friends,” Keenum said. “We’ve been fighting hard together to play the best that our position can play. I have the utmost respect for Nick. That’s the first person that I talked to after Coach Fisher told us. We have a great relationship and I have his back no matter what.”
Now it’s Foles’ turn to have Keenum’s back.
Keenum had a short stay in St. Louis last year after the Rams claimed him on waivers from Houston. He spent part of the season on the active roster and another part on the practice squad before the Texans re-signed him to step in for their injured quarterbacks. The Rams then traded for Keenum in March with an eye toward making him Foles’ primary backup.
Having had about half a season with the Rams in 2014 and more than half of this year, Keenum is comfortable in coordinator Frank Cignetti’s offense. Nothing will be scaled back to get Keenum up to speed this week.
“He’s been preparing himself to play week in and week out,” Fisher said. “[He] understands the offense, so we just want to be mindful of the things that he really likes. There’s some different things. We made some minor adjustments in the plan just because there’s some things that he sees and sees a little differently than Nick and they prefer. It’s all good. All it does is hopefully translates into first downs.”
In some ways, the Rams might actually expand what they do with Keenum in the lineup. Upon naming Keenum the starter, Fisher cited his ability to extend plays with his legs as one of the primary reasons for the move. Fisher and the Rams are hoping Keenum can provide “a spark,” at least something that can give the Rams a temporary lift while Foles catches his breath.
Through the first nine games, Foles was 14-of-35 for 138 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions for a passer rating of 51.8 and a QBR of 8.7 when he was outside of the pocket. Naturally, the Rams didn’t ask him to leave the pocket much, limiting the amount of bootlegs and roll-outs they asked Foles to run.
Logic would dictate if the Rams believe Keenum can make plays with his legs, that could be a new wrinkle this week. In his 10 starts, Keenum is 21-of-43 for 398 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions for a passer rating of 86.5 and a QBR of 43.7 when outside the pocket.
“I think that Case has shown that he can extend plays,” Fisher said. “I mean, scramble around, extend plays and make throws down the field. So, yeah, there are some things that we can do a little bit differently.”
Keenum took his first extended reps with the starters on Tuesday and acknowledged that though he has a good rapport with the Rams receivers and tight ends, developing chemistry is always an ongoing process.
But other than the extra reps in practice and where his name sits on the depth chart, Keenum seems unfazed by his latest task.
“You may dot a few more I’s and cross a few more T’s when you’re thinking about the plan,” Keenum said. “I try to visualize when I’m not playing, I try to prepare like I am. My routine is quite similar. I try to prepare and be the most mentally ready that I can be every time I step on the practice field. Now, instead of sitting back there visualizing it doing fake reps on air, I get the real reps, which is a lot better.”
For Keenum, it’s a change in role, but it’s nothing new.[
znModeratorHis 2016 $6M roster bonus became fully guaranteed on August 15.
Okay.
To nail it home, full explanation:
SPN’s Field Yates reports the Rams still owe benched QB Nick Foles $7.75 million guaranteed.
Foles’ $6 million roster bonus for 2016 became fully guaranteed on August 15, and his $1.75 million base salary for 2016 is guaranteed for injury now and becomes fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the new league year. The roster bonus contains no offset language, meaning the Rams will have to pay the full amount even if they cut Foles this offseason. Unless they find a trade partner, Foles will likely be in St. Louis for at least one more season. Nov 17 – 9:22 AM
Source: Field Yates on Twitter
znModeratorHis 2016 $6M roster bonus became fully guaranteed on August 15.
Okay.
November 18, 2015 at 2:03 pm in reply to: Wagoner: Rams trying not to panic but know time is running out #34363znModeratorWhere they were in week 11 since 2008.
2008: 2-7
2009: 1-8
2010: 4-5
2011: 2-7
2012: 3-5-1
2013: 3-6
2014: 3-6***
znModeratorEric Kush
Kansas City Chiefs
Kush was drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. On September 5, 2015, he was waived by the Chiefs.Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On September 6, 2015, Kush was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On September 14, 2015, he was waived by the Buccaneers.Carolina Panthers
On September 16, 2015, the Carolina Panthers signed Kush to their practice squad. He was released by the Panthers on October 27, 2015.Houston Texans
On November 5, 2015, the Houston Texans signed Kush to a two-year contract.[6] On November 15, 2015, Kush was released by the Texans.St. Louis Rams
On November 17, 2015 Kush signed with the St. Louis Rams.—-
OVERVIEW
Kush was injured in the East/West practices so he’s flying under the radar. His foot quickness is unreal. He can make reach blocks than some NFL centers can’t dream of. He’ll probably go in the 5th round. During his career at California (Pa.)Kush appeared in 47 games and started 32 for the Vulcans. He was a first-team all-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference selection in 2012.
Three-year starter who began his career at left tackle then right guard before moving to center. All-Conference selection as a senior.
Positive: Explosive and hard-working lineman with a versatile game. Sets with a wide base, bends his knees, and keeps his head on a swivel. Shows good awareness and displays a nice sense for what’s happening on the field. Makes good use of blocking angles, effectively works his hands throughout the action, and knocks defenders from the play. Disciplined in pass protection and possesses adequate footwork in space.Negative: Not a dominant drive-blocking interior lineman. Average measurables for the next level.
Analysis: Kush was a terrific small-school lineman who filled a variety of roles and showed a good feel for the positions he played. He offers limited upside for the next level, but the ability to be used at several offensive line positions will help him get into camp this summer.
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Bulked-up center Eric Kush brings energy to the Chiefs’ offensive line
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article1220306.html#storylink=cpyOne of Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s biggest pet peeves is low-energy players. He likes the men who play for him to be full of life and have juice. That is, to love the game and energetically attack the voluminous amount of hours they spend preparing to play football on Sundays. That said, it’s no wonder he loves having second-year center Eric Kush around.
“You talk to him for five minutes and you feel it,” Reid said. “He is going to look you in the eye and every play he is going to give you 110 percent, whether it is right or wrong.”
Kush, who turns 25 in September, says he takes pride in playing hard and inspiring his teammates, even under the hot summer sun throughout organized team activities and training camp.
“When we’re doing our team drills and even just seven on seven, it gets tough and people start getting tired,” Kush said. “I try to keep (the energy) up, I try to dap everybody up and keep us going so we can try to finish hard. It helps me too, because everybody wants to just kinda hang their head and feel sorry for themselves.”
But for all his energy, Kush may find himself in position to best help his team with his contributions on the field — just not immediately.
A sixth-round pick in 2013, Kush is currently behind entrenched starter Rodney Hudson, who is two years removed from a broken leg but is the most experienced starter on the offensive line and looks considerably stronger than he did last year.
But Hudson, 25, is a free agent after the season, and with a strong year could command a sizable deal. So if there does come a point where Kush — who will be under contract for two years beyond this one at a very reasonable price — gets to play down the road, the front office can take comfort in the fact he’s working hard to be ready.
Kush is listed at 6 feet 4 and 313 pounds, which is the same as last year, but is noticeably bigger and thicker than he was as a rookie last season.
“Oh, he has. He has,” Reid said when asked whether Kush has gained strength. “He’s put on some weight. You see that with linemen. Normally you get about a 10-pound increase that first year on the average, so he has done that. He looks strong, more physical. He is not getting thrown around like he did when he was lighter.”
There have even been occasions where Kush has managed to go toe to toe in pass-rush drills with star nose tackle Dontari Poe, who checks in at 6 feet 3 and 346 pounds and is generally respected for his rare combination of strength and athleticism.
“The effort would have been there” last year, Reid said. “But the ability to hunker down and drop your weight and get in that strong position? He couldn’t.”
Kush attributes his strength gains to an offseason spent with strength coach Barry Rubin, in which he followed his instructions “to the T” and saw some pictures of his buffed-up upper body land on social media.
“We have a ‘Fat-Arm Friday’ so we go in there and just kill the arms and everything,” Kush said. “Somehow, someway, that thing found its way onto Twitter and Facebook and stuff.
“I’ve been working,” Kush continued. “Haven’t put on too much weight, just converting a lot of body fat into muscle and working on that ratio.”
November 18, 2015 at 6:53 am in reply to: A well coached team with good QB play is hard to beat (post-Bears game thread) #34357znModeratorAgamemnon wrote:
If Fisher goes 8-8, it will be his best year in StL.——————
Is that the good news
or the bad news?w
vBoth. And yet, neither.
znModeratorI see that both Williams and Brown suffered season ending injuries on the Foles INT late in the game.
who is williams?
invader asked that in another thread.
That’s Darrell Williams. He is the “gravy” OT they had. UDFA, was good enough to push Battle to the PS.
As of now the Rams have acquired 10 linemen since last season.
There was Reynolds, Havenstein, Brown, Donnal, Wichman, Battle, and Williams.
Now add Folkerts, Kush, and Arkin.
Why do they keep adding linemen? Because the Rams mission is to eventually injure every available lineman no longer in college.
Last year neither Robinson nor Rhaney was injured previously and both got injured.
Add to that this year’s list. Brown, Havensetin, and Williams.
If you count Rhaney and Robinson they have actually added 12 they kept since 2014. As of now 5 of them have been injured. That is, 41.7%.
Of course, compared to some years, that’s a low percentage.
.
znModeratorFoles reminds me of a spread qb coming out of college
Yeah, as opposed to just not having any talent, he looks like he’s not executing (and uncomfortable). Not that he would be stellar but that leaves room for improvement at least.
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