from off the net.

===

GabesHorn

It was Barnes’s job to lose for those who don’t know that inside info Coach let me in on many months ago. I KNOW he is gonna continue his film study and proper weight training all year round and eating right too. I’m excited for the guy. I think he has not reached his ceiling at 27 with only 4 games played and may be another late bloomer like Warner was.

Tim is still a work in progress. Roger Saffolds comments on Tims hard work in the weightroom and elsewhere are to credit his improvement. I’m so glad to hear about how even last year when Tim had his neck,ribs and one other ailment he was still getting his legs ready for a future shot at leading this team. He is doing now what he was unable to do last season with 3 injuries and he is totally healthy and has busted his ass to everyones awareness ,so its paid off for him. HARD ASS WORK on lower body (something Jones & Rhaney still lack). A person watching at practice or at game is’nt gonna be able to see those gains with the eye except we will notice that Barnes will be able to hold his ground much better as one real big addition.

I feel very good with Brown,Saffold,Reynolds and Wichmann on either side of Tim Barnes as he sets our OL and reads the “D” pre-snap . That communication is key.

Tim’s came from very hard work and so glad he earned it. Now how much time it takes for this group to gel is another story. Staying healthy across the line is a rare occurance in the NFL. Its definately our year to escape the carnage after many,many years of insane injuries.

Barnes was’nt getting steamrolled as both Jones and Rhaney were. Have no clue what some people were watching. I was an OL for 8 years and I saw some good from Jones when he played against 2-3’s . Love the guy but just hate it for his limitations from surgeries. Barnes lower body strength was KEY in this decision. Hope he even gets stronger and gets stronger upstairs too. He is bigger than Mebane and I’m not worried about the middle rush they will try with Wagner. Hope Saffold has one game he does’nt leave the field nicked. NO INJURIES!!!

What kept B. Jones from putting in extra weightroom work? Probably pain limitation from back and previous serious foot injuries and surgeries (loved the guy) just too soft for the pro’s right now and yet the desperate steelers may still give him a shot to start. We did’nt sign Wisneiski when we had him in and he signed a 1 year prove it deal with Jags and is thier starter for game one recovering from double shoulder surgery. We cut Mr. Person who many thot less of than Barnes and he’s starting for Falcons game. Shegals had a center competition this offseason too. They had a rotation system too. Steelers lost their starter and brought in two UDFA centers Dismukes and Finney and cut them both in final cuts and picked up B. Jones after we let him go. Both the Steelers and Dolphins have a Pouncey brother starting as center. The steelers’ is on IR now with 13 other players.

I’ll take Tim Barnes and his story and I know he is still on his way up. He studies film like a center should and reads pre=snap reads that only Coach Paul is privy to.

I predict Brown and Wichmann as next years scary good starting OG’s unless G. Rob. proves he must be moved inside after a year trying OLT. I think he finally gets it and with more fire under his ass from coaches, fellow teammates and lots of film study he had’nt been doing. Plus Our UDFA is coming very fast behind his ass now. Thats not even considering what Battle can be if he gets his head right and starts to bust ass in weightroom. He has size but you can’t get away with counting on just that in the Pro’s. Who knows if Andrew Donnal with weightroom can challenge Havenstein. This shotgun drafting OL approach may actually pay off

znhater wrote:

The rams are in big trouble with Barnes as the starter. I really wish they had done more in the free agency period when it comes to center.

Personally I think Barnes will be fine. I would be surprised if he wasn’t at least okay. Which means IMO he’s already better than an injury-depleted Wells.

Ram notes: Rookies Havenstein, Brown rarin’ to go

Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/ram-notes-rookies-havenstein-brown-rarin-to-go/article_e8a1c393-8756-52ea-8ad3-bf27f05a5fd0.html

Jamon Brown is ready to play some football.

“This is what you dream of when you grow up playing ball,’’ Brown, a rookie guard, said following practice Wednesday at Rams Park. “Sunday for me … I’m beyond grateful. I feel like we’ve done a good body of work to this point, from OTAs, in camp and through the preseason. Going up against our D-line in practice every day has definitely prepared us.

“I can’t wait.’’

The Rams open the season Sunday, hosting two-time defending NFC champion Seattle at noon.

Brown, a third-round draft pick from Louisville, sat out the exhibition finale because of a sprained ankle and is the probable starter at left guard. The starter at right tackle, Rob Havenstein, also is set to make his NFL debut. Havenstein, from Wisconsin, was drafted in the second round.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to getting out there for the first time,’’ Havenstein said. “I just want play with confidence and try to build on the positives so far.

“You’re always going to have things to work on, to clean up, but overall I feel pretty good. At the end of the day, it’s football, only now the guys we’re up against are bigger, stronger and faster than they were in college.’’

Havenstein continued: “I don’t want to say it’s just another game — that doesn’t do the Seahawks justice. But for my purposes, being a rookie, my approach is to try and slow things down and really focus on what I need to do to make each play work.’’

Brown has had to make two key transitions in the NFL — moving from tackle to guard and then from the right to the left.

“You go from playing on an island to a phone booth,’’ he said of the tackle-to-guard move. “Everything happens a little quicker inside, so you just have to be more precise as far as your technique.’’

The challenge of moving from right to left, he said, is more mental than physical.

“You have to find a way to flip things in your head,’’ he said. “You hear a play and your first thought is that you’re on the front side of the play and then you realize that, no, you’re on the backside. Just a matter of making sure you’re focused.’’

SAFFOLD PROGRESSING

After undergoing surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason, right guard Rodger Saffold hurt his right shoulder in the first series of the team’s exhibition opener at Oakland and did not play against Tennessee, Indianapolis and Kansas City.But he says he is “absolutely’’ playing on Sunday.“It felt really good today,’’ he said Wednesday. “It felt good punching. I’m still working on it heavy because I’ve got to make sure I get this thing feeling as comfortable as possible for Sunday.’’

INJURY REPORT

The initial injury report of the season for the Rams includes just three players. Running back Tre Mason (hamstring) and linebacker Daren Bates (knee) did not practice. Running back Todd Gurley (knee) was limited.For the Seahawks, linebacker Mike Morgan (hamstring) has been ruled out, with running back Marshawn Lynch (not injury related), tight end Cooper Helfet (knee) and backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (ankle) being limited.And strong safety Kam Chancellor, who remains a holdout, won’t play. Dion Bailey is to start in Chancellor’s absence.

CAPTAINS NAMED

Voted on by the players, the Rams named their captains for the season — quarterback Nick Foles on offense, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis and defensive end Robert Quinn on defense and punter Johnny Hekker and linebacker Daren Bates on special teams.Coach Jeff Fisher said the voting on defense and special teams was tight and that he elected to go for two captains instead going to another vote.It’s the fourth season as captain for Laurinaitis, a seventh-year pro from Ohio State.

RAM-BLINGS

Fisher is considering changing the team’s league-mandatory weekly day off from Tuesday to Thursday this season. But it won’t start until next week.Thursday “we’re going to do some things, but we’re not going to have a full-speed practice,’’ the coach said. “All the research is showing us that it might make more sense to take some time off and rest and recover closer to the game as opposed to Monday (or) Tuesday.’’

• Brandon Dixon, a defensive back from Northwest Missouri State, has been signed to Seattle’s practice squad. Originally drafted by the Jets in 2014, Dixon played in 14 games with Tampa Bay last year, finishing with nine tackles, two pass defenses and an interception.

• According to the latest NFL Players Association figures, the Rams have $6.7 million in salary-cap room following the cut to 53 players.

• Former Rams defensive end Gerald Rivers, who played in two games and recorded one tackle here in 2013 and has also been with Jacksonville, Miami and Denver, was signed to the New York Giants practice squad.

Kam Chancellor replacement Dion Bailey on the Rams: “I hope they plan to come at me.”

Curtis Crabtree

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/category/rumor-mill/

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll ruled out any possibility of starting strong safety Kam Chancellor playing in Sunday’s season opener against the St. Louis Rams as Chancellor’s holdout continues.

In Chancellor’s place, Dion Bailey will make the start for Seattle in the first regular season game of his NFL career.

So instead of getting a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time second-team All-Pro, the Rams will get a former undrafted rookie playing in his first real game.

Bailey knows as well as anyone that the Rams will likely come after him Sunday. He hopes they do.

“I hope they plan to come at me,” Bailey said. “It’ll make my coming out party a lot more exciting. The more opportunities to make plays, the more plays I’ll make.”

Bailey made a strong impression in training camp last year after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of USC. However, an injury led to his release before returning on the practice squad. He started this year’s camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but quickly ascended toward the top of the depth chart once he was able to practice. He started the last three preseason games at strong safety for Seattle.

“Dion Bailey has had a great offseason and camp for us,” Carroll said. “He’s been in that position for quite a while with us. We feel very comfortable that he understands the principles and the fits and all the things he has to do. He’s a playmaker and he’s a very aggressive tackler, so we’re going to count on him to do the things he does well, and hopefully fit him in with this group. We’re moving, we’re ready to go. We’ve had a long time getting ready with him, so we feel comfortable with that.”

Bailey knows he isn’t Chancellor and can’t play the game the same way his absent counterpart can. However, Bailey’s confidence clearly came through in speaking about his hopes for Sunday’s debut.

“For the first time in my life going into a big game, I don’t feel any pressure,” Bailey said. “I’m not here to fill Kam’s shoes. I’m here to be the best Dion Bailey I can, and the best Dion Bailey has done me well so far for the first 23 years of my life, so I like my chances on Sunday.”

from 2011, scouting reports

====

Tim Barnes
OC, Missouri
6-foot-4, 300 pounds
Scouting Reports

From draftinsider.net:

Bio: Full-time starter the past three seasons and awarded all-Conference honors as a senior.
Positive: Tough, strong, small-area blocker who’s been productive and durable on the college level. Blocks with good lean, keeps his feet moving, and immediately gets his hands into defenders. Anchors in pass protection, stays square, and turns defenders off the line as a run blocker. Blocks with a nasty attitude, keeps his head on a swivel, and does a terrific job leading the offensive line. Displays better-than-average footwork in space and bends his knees.
Negative: Lacks agility, overall blocking balance and struggles in motion. Stiff as a blocker, which hurts his ability to finish blocks.
Analysis: Barnes is one of the most underrated centers in April’s draft and possesses the football skills to play and eventually start at the next level. He should only improve as a physically matures and irons out the rough edges of his game.

From the National Football Post:

Snaps and steps quickly off the line and has the type of initial burst to comfortably get into defenders off his frame, get his feet around and seal inside. But, isn’t real powerful on contact and has a tendency to rock his arms/hands back and forth in order to stay on blocks through the play. However, exhibits good lower body coordination and footwork, moves well through contact and has the lateral agility to seal defenders from the ball in the run game. Looks natural pulling in space and displays the body control to reach the second level and blow up an opposing target. Nevertheless, he does struggle moving defenders off the ball in the run game and isn’t built for an in-line scheme at the next level.

Looks natural in pass protection. Isn’t overly physical initially at the point of attack when a defender lines up over his face. But exhibits the type of flexibility to sit into his stance, extend his arms and pick up stunting/slanting defenders inside. Looks natural keeping his base down, sliding his feet and can mirror in space. Possesses above average lateral range, can redirect cleanly and anchor with some consistency through the play.

Impression: He’s an above-average athlete who can bend and redirect. Looks like a potential draftabale center to me who should have a good shot at making an NFL roster and possibly contributing down the line.

From SB Nation’s Mocking The Draft:

Agility: While at Missouri, Barnes was asked to pull, and get to the second level quite often. He has no trouble using his quickness and good feet to do these things.

Movement: As mentioned in the agility section, Barnes has a great tool in his ability to move his feet and get were he is going quickly.

Pass Blocking: When in pass protection, he has a solid base and shows the ability to anchor. He is very good at absorbing contact, but can be over powered into the backfield by stronger competition. Needs to do a better job of sitting into his stance.

Run Blocking: Unlike his pass blocking, Barnes sits into his stance and fires out when run blocking. He makes good contact after the snap and gets in a solid punch on the defender. He needs to work on staying low and using leverage when driving his opponent. He has no problem staying engaged with the defender, even if he is getting driven back.

Strength: I was impressed with Barnes’ upper body strength on film. He would usher defenders around with one arm with ease. He needs to work on his anchor strength though, as he occasionally struggled to stop a bull rush. Overall though, I feel Barnes is strong enough to last in the NFL.

Final Word: I’m a big fan of Barnes. He does have a lot to work on to be successful at the next level, but everything is correctable in my opinion. He does need to show at the Combine that the past four years in the spread offense, snapping in shotgun, won’t be an issue. He is the prototypical size for an interior lineman in the NFL, with the barrel chest, good strength and technique. I could see Barnes as the second center prospect off the board come draft day.

From Sideline Scouting:

Positives: Athletic… Intelligent… Versatile, might move to Guard at the next level… Very solid pass protector… Good quickness… Sets up quickly… Very solid footwork and agility… Plays with solid knee bend… Does a nice job sliding and mirroring defender… Can redirect reasonably well, solid awareness, okay at picking up stunts… Can explode out of his stance when run blocking but gets a little too upright, … Plays with leverage and generally drives his feet on contact… Maintains reasonably good pad level… Gets and maintains good position, seals off the action well… Can pull… Can get to the second level and does a nice job blocking on the move… Keeps his head on a swivel… Good flexibility and body control… Good motor… Good fit in ZBS.

Negatives: Not real strong at POA, needs to improve anchoring strength… Not a pile mover.

from off the net

===

Drexl

FWIW, Cortana picks Rams over Seahawks

The Microsoft prediction engine thinks the Rams will win. Mostly it aligned with the favorites, but this game was one of the exceptions.

It had a 67% rate last season.

Article at: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-engine-predicts-nfl-games-141521168.html

Pete Carroll confirms Kam Chancellor won’t play against Rams

http://mynorthwest.com/292/2807896/Pete-Carroll-confirms-Kam-Chancellor-wont-play-against-Rams

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has confirmed that safety Kam Chancellor will not play in Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams.

“He’s not here right now and so he’s not playing, that’s it,” Carroll said in a news conference after training camp on Wednesday.

710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny O’Neil said that the implication is that Chancellor won’t be playing in Week 1 regardless of anything else that happens leading up to the game.

“I am disappointed in this … It’s disappointing it’s come to this and he’s not here,” Carroll said.

Darrell Williams wins a spot with Rams

Nate Latsch

http://www.scout.com/nfl/rams/story/1584439-darrell-williams-wins-a-spot-with-rams?hootPostID=c4d01ca6914a0a9963341c446867538a

The St. Louis Rams kept three undrafted rookies on their initial 53-man roster. One of them fought longer odds than the others.

ST. LOUIS — Darrell Williams was having breakfast with Bryce Hager and Cody Wichmann when both of his teammates got phone calls from Rams coach Jeff Fisher telling them they’d made the team.

“They both got calls from Coach Fisher and I was just waiting and waiting,” Williams said Tuesday. “They actually did a pretty good job of keeping themselves contained once they found out the good news. My phone was called and Coach Fisher picked up and he told me to take a deep breath, that I made it, and I was elated.”

Williams, an undrafted rookie from South Florida, fought longer odds than most of his teammates to make the Rams’ 53-man roster.

The Rams used four draft picks this spring to select offensive lineman. They picked Rob Havenstein in the second round, then Jamon Brown in the third and Andrew Donnal in the fourth. Then they added Wichmann in the sixth.

Williams joined those four draft picks during the Rams’ rookie orientation practices, where he lined up as the team’s left tackle, and then organized team activities soon after.

The Rams still weren’t done adding offensive linemen at that point, however. They added another, Isaiah Battle, in the fifth round of the supplemental draft early last month.

But on Saturday, it was Williams who got the call that he was one of 10 offensive linemen on the 53-man roster, joining Havenstein, Brown, Donnal and Wichmann. Battle, who cost the team a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft, was among the players cut.

“A lot of people questioned my decision to come here because obviously they drafted four o-linemen,” Williams said. “The Rams organization was in contact with me after I came back from that NFLPA Bowl that I played in in California. The entire pre-draft process they were talking to me. Coach Bou (offensive line coach Paul Boudreau) called me on draft day and told me I’d get a fair shot here and I did and I took advantage of it and I’m still here.”

The 6-foot-5, 301-pounder, who was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States in ninth grade, started 29 of his 45 career games at South Florida. He started every game at left tackle during his junior and senior seasons after starting five as a sophomore.

Williams was one of three undrafted rookies to make the Rams’ initial 53-man roster. The others were wide receiver Bradley Marquez and linebacker Cameron Lynch.

All three beat long odds to remain with the Rams, but they also have to continue to prove themselves to keep their spots on the roster.

“Honestly I think it’s just sunken in to me that I’m actually on a roster now,” Williams said. “It’s surreal and I just have to keep working so I can stay here.”

Former Rams defensive tackle Tyoka Jackson joined The Hollywood Casino Press Box on Tuesday to give his reaction to ESPN’s bombshell report on the Patriots and the Spygate scandal and the impact it had on the Rams losing Super Bowl XXXVI. The ESPN report alleges the recent Deflategate punishment levied on the Patriots was a “make-up call” of sorts after the NFL – and more specifically commissioner Roger Goodell – allegedly covered up the findings in the Spygate drama back in 2008. In one section of the report, former Rams head coach Mike Martz implies someone changed his statement following Spygate.

Ten questions for Rams’ season are revisted

Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/ten-questions-for-rams-season-are-revisted/article_3133c2c8-29f7-5f12-bbd5-16927c0df3d7.html

St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles throws during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

As the Rams move to game-week mode for the season opener, against Seattle, we reexamine 10 questions facing the Rams as they embark on the season:

1. IS FOLES THE ANSWER?

Apparently so. The Rams felt so strongly about Foles they signed him to a $24.5 million contract extension that could keep him around through the 2017 season. And they did so before he’d thrown even a preseason pass. Foles has gotten progressively better on the field, first through the offseason practices, then camp and then the preseason. His arm looks stronger now than it did in June. In terms of leadership and presence, he seems to have made a quick connection with teammates. But even Rams coaches would concede some unknowns remain as Foles continues to learn the offense.

2. WILL YOUTH BE SERVED ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE?

More than we even anticipated at the start of camp. The Rams will indeed start rookies Jamon Brown (left guard) and Rob Havenstein (right tackle) on opening day. Brown was switched very late in camp from right guard to left. And with Barrett Jones released, it’s either Tim Barnes (four NFL starts) or Demetrius Rhaney (zero NFL games) at center. All told the Rams have five rookies among the 10 offensive linemen on the roster. Only Rodger Saffold, Garrett Reynolds, Greg Robinson and Barnes have played in an NFL regular-season game.

3. WHEN IS IT ‘TODD’S TIME?’

It won’t be noon Sunday against the Seahawks. Coach Jeff Fisher already has ruled out Todd Gurley for the season opener. He will remove his yellow no-contact beanie when the team returns to the practice field the following Tuesday, meaning he will have no restrictions as he completes the final stages of his return from knee surgery. But it figures to take the rookie running back from Georgia a few weeks to really get into football shape. If we had to hazard a guess on Gurley’s debut game, maybe Game 3 (vs. Pittsburgh) — but more likely Game 4 (on Oct. 4, at Arizona).

4. WHAT WILL CIGNETTI DO?

Hopefully more touchdowns than we saw in the preseason. The Rams scored only 48 points in exhibition play, tying Dallas for the league low. The offense scored only five TDs. In what has become typical for a Fisher team, the Rams didn’t show much under Frank Cignetti, their new offensive coordinator. Will the man known as “Cigs” stick with the run? Will he try more razzle-dazzle and trick plays than predecessor Brian Schottenheimer? Will he make a more concerted effort to get the ball to Tavon Austin? This, and much more, remains to be seen.

5. IS THERE ENOUGH AT WIDE RECEIVER?

Should be. No one’s saying the Rams have anything resembling a true No. 1 receiver. And no one’s saying they have an elite unit. But they have enough talent, and now have enough seasoning to get the job done. Now recovered and back from shoulder surgery, it looks as if Brian Quick will start slowly. He participated in only 30 preseason plays, appearing in the final two exhibition games without catching a pass. Austin flashed his big-play potential on a couple of occasions. A resurgent Chris Givens might have been the team’s offensive MVP for the preseason.

6. CAN THE DEFENSE DOMINATE?

It was a blow losing E.J. Gaines (foot injury) for the season. He was the team’s most consistent cornerback a year ago, as a rookie. Without Gaines it’s all about the 3Js at corner — Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson and Lamarcus Joyner. Joyner in particular must step up his play at nickel back. Overall, the starting defense was just so-so in the preseason, although it didn’t give up a lot of points. You have the feeling, though, that the unit will turn it up for the season opener; the players have talked a lot about getting off to a quicker start this year, particularly against the run.

7. HOW ABOUT WINNING IN SEPTEMBER FOR A CHANGE?

Although the first-team offense looked better late in the preseason, there wasn’t a lot that was seen to give hope that this unit can get out of the gate quickly. If that’s indeed the case, then it’s up to defense and special teams to reverse the trend of slow starts under Fisher. The Rams have started 3-5 in all three seasons under Fisher and started 1-3 the past two seasons. The opening schedule isn’t conducive to a fast start, either, with four of the first five contests against 2014 playoff teams. And three of those first five contests take place on the road.

8. FISHER’S FUTURE IN DOUBT?

They always say there’s two things you don’t want to do in the preseason — go 4-0 or 0-4. Well, the Rams did the latter, going winless in exhibition play for only the second time in 21 years in St. Louis. Sometimes what happens in August has no bearing whatsoever on the regular season. Sometimes it does. Although another losing regular season would be a fourth consecutive one for Fisher, the vibe at Rams Park doesn’t seem to be one of a head coach in trouble. Perhaps owner Stan Kroenke wants to tap Fisher’s experience in relocating a franchise.

9. WHO STAYS? WHO GOES?

With about a dozen players scheduled for unrestricted free agency after this season, including several starters, the Rams have talked to many about new contracts. But so far only Foles has been signed to a new deal. Even so, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another player or two re-signed either before Sunday’s opener or early in the season. The Rams have salary cap room. They were $4.6 million under the cap after the Foles deal and gained more room with the release of quarterback Austin Davis ($1.55 million cap count) and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar ($1.35 million).

10. CALIFORNIA DREAMING?

For “St. Louis” Rams fans — including Joe Buck — Kroenke’s two-day pep rally in Oxnard, Calif., was difficult to watch. During a nationally televised training camp practice at Rams Park, the team tightened its sign policy for fans. The same thing appears to be taking place in the Edward Jones Dome. Attendance was down sharply for exhibition games, and if the trend continues in the regular season it could mute any home-field advantage for the Rams and in the process aid Silent Stan’s plan to move the team to Los Angeles after this season.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Rams’ Intriguing 53-Man Roster

Randy Karraker

http://www.101sports.com/2015/09/07/strengths-and-weaknesses-of-the-rams-intriguing-53-man-roster/

The Rams’ initial 53 man roster as they get ready for their opener against Seattle on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome has a type of intrigue that we’ve never seen in St. Louis.

The level of stability on defense is pleasantly notable, and the amount of change and inexperience on offense could be the 2015 Rams’ best chance for success if they grow up quickly.

In a nearly unprecedented occurrence in the NFL in this day and age, there’s only one change among the defensive starters. Jo Lonn Dunbar was released in the final cutdown, and Akeem Ayers will start at strong side linebacker.

Otherwise, the defensive line is the same last year at the end of the season, with a line of Robert Quinn and Chris Long at the ends and Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers at the ends.

James Laurinaitis returns at middle linebacker and Alex Ogletree on the weak side. And in the secondary, Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson man the corners while Rodney McLeod and T.J. McDonald are the safeties.

With the same defensive coordinator in Gregg Williams, there’s no reason for this group to not be great.

Also notable about the defense is the fact that ten of the eleven starters are home grown. Ayers is the only starter on defense who didn’t get his NFL start with the Rams. Along the lines, the Rams are unusually home grown.

Last year, Kendall Langford started the season at defensive tackle and was replaced by Donald. The group of Long, Donald, Brockers and Quinn is the second home grown defensive line for the Rams in St. Louis, following the 2005 group of Leonard Little, Jimmy Kennedy, Ryan Pickett and Anthony Hargrove.

This will be the first time that the entire starting offensive line has been home grown since the Rams moved to St. Louis.

There has always been a free agent or trade acquisition in the group, from Dwayne White to John Gerak to John Flannery to Adam Timmerman, to the Jason Browns, Jacob Bells and Harvey Dahls of the world. The group of Greg Robinson, Jamon Brown, either Tim Barnes or Demetrious Rhaney, Rodger Saffold and Rob Havenstein comprise the first group of Rams starters up front that were either drafted by or originally signed by the St. Louis Rams.

That continuity and those roots are a good thing, if the players can play. Now they must by coached and nurtured.

By the way, the only Rams offensive lineman on the roster not originally given his start by the organization is Garrett Reynolds, so credit must be given to the scouting and drafting departments.

That being said, it’s highly unusual to have the amount of inexperience the Rams do up front. It’s going to be difficult for this group, outside of Saffold, to stand up to what they face early on.

In week one, the Seahawks have one of the top defenses in the league, as we know. In week three, the Rams host Pittsburgh. Then they face the great Arizona defense and the Packers, where Dom Capers will provide some looks and stunts they haven’t seen yet.

To succeed this year, the Rams are going to have to overcome that inexperience up front.

To be effective, they’re going to have to provide the group a simple game plan with easily understandable zone schemes. Quarterback Nick Foles is going to need to be given the opportunity to get the ball out quickly on passing plays, and receivers are going to have to get separation and win one-on-one battles with defensive backs.

This would be a great time for tight end Jared Cook to become the impact player the Rams are paying him to be.

In the running game, it’ll be more of the same. Simplicity will be a key, especially once Todd Gurley is ready to go.

While communication, technique and knowledge are keys to pass blocking, great run blocking can be achieved by being aggressive and mauling the competition. If the Rams can drive the opposing defensive line off the ball and open a hole for Gurley or Tre Mason, they can achieve quality in the run game.

If Gurley is given the opportunity to beat a linebacker or safety one-on-one, he has the size and strength to run him over, and the speed and moves to get around and run away.

Of course, if the run game starts clicking, all bets are off for the passing game because play action passes are what head coach Jeff Fisher and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti want, and what Foles does best. If, as the season goes along, the running game starts clicking, this will be an offense capable of putting up points.

And with their young veteran defense, everything else being equal, eventually they should be able to score more than they allow. Of course, that “everything else being equal” includes avoiding costly penalties and not turning the ball over.

As the Rams get ready to roll against Seattle, they’ll need some quick growing up and some luck. But the home grown talent should evolve and be enough to give them a chance to win on many Sundays.