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August 22, 2015 at 3:08 pm in reply to: 101, 8/21 … Wagoner, Greg Bishop of S.I., & Frank Wycheck #29127
znModeratorA supposedly elite defense with all the stability you mention ought to be able to look good against the offense it shut out months ago even without elaborate game planning.
Well as you know I disagree, even given that you also conceded the point just on that one game. For one thing, the issue is not that the Rams didn’t gameplan, it’s that Oakland did. The Raiders, with an upgraded offense over what they had in 2014, designed and rehearsed an attack meant to take on the Rams D (a plan that began it seems with negating Donald). Under any circumstantances that’s an advantage.
I would say the fact that the 1st unit D held Oakland to field goals is a good sign under the circumstances, and was a hint of the D we saw at the end of last year.
znModeratorfrom off the net
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RustyRay
I have always liked Washington. Was hoping the Rams would draft him and when they ended up signing him off waivers I was excited.
I honestly thought last preseason he played very well and had a very strong game vs Miami playing LT. I was a bit surprised to see him stashed again.
He has physical talent and he is a vet now, so to me its now or never for him. He wasn’t good to start that Raiders game but what he said is true he got better as he played more.
I think the key for him is he is another guy with talent who can play multiple positions and he has been with the Rams for awhile now.
I dont think anyone expected him to be the guy to get the call when Saffold got hurt…which is inevitable…I think it says a lot about what the staff thinks of him..
znModeratorI started off kind of slow, a little bit of rust, I guess,’’ said the 6-foot-2, 318-pound Washington, who was beaten by the Raiders’ Shelby Harris for a 14-yard sack to halt the Rams’ second drive. “It took a few plays, but I felt like I finished strong. As the game went on, I was more comfortable with the position and able to get my feet under myself. I was able to slow the game down mentally and just perform.’’
I guess the question is, did he in fact pick up his game the more he played that day. Cause he did not start out well, we know that.
August 21, 2015 at 3:57 pm in reply to: setting up the Titans game (which is nationally broadcast) #29090znModeratorJeff Fisher says Rams’ starters snaps will increase against Titans
Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer
EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher has been alternately predictable and unpredictable when it comes to preseason playing time for his starters.
Fisher has made a habit of gradually building the starters’ reps from game to game in his three years with the Rams. But he’s also taken a different approach to the later games on the exhibition slate, sometimes using the fourth game as the dress rehearsal and sometimes using the fourth game as most teams do with starters sitting out (as he did in 2014).
Entering Sunday’s second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Fisher sounds like a coach in the gradual build mode.
“We’re going to increase everybody’s reps depending on the series and things like that,” Fisher said. “The one thing that we did get which is really important for us, where we are now, is we got great reps against Dallas [earlier this week]. So as I said, we almost got an extra preseason game. We’ll increase reps, but some guys may play less. We’ll give Nick [Foles] a chance to play a little bit.”
In the preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders, Rams starters played two series on each side of the ball before calling it a night. The total work amounted to almost the entire first quarter before turning to the backups.
But, as Fisher indicated, there’s always wiggle room for things to change. If, for example, Foles is able to lead a long scoring drive or two, he might not play into the second quarter. Early success often translates to an earlier finish to the night. And the Rams don’t seem intent on letting their defensive starters play too much, believing that the group is all but ready and knowing that cornerback E.J. Gaines has already been lost for the season because of injury.
As for what Fisher would like to see from his team this week, he points to many of the things that most would point to when it comes to the Rams in the preseason. Which is to say he’s looking for improvement in the areas that continue to plague them in the exhibition season.
“Well, we want to keep the penalties down,” Fisher said. “I’d like to see the run game continue to improve. It’s the same thing with the defense, defense against the run. When you tackle and just do those things, it’s a progression. Progression, it’s about improvement so that’s what we’re looking for.”
August 21, 2015 at 3:53 pm in reply to: setting up the Titans game (which is nationally broadcast) #29086znModeratorJeff Fisher looking forward to return to Tennessee
Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The Tennessee Titans plan to pay homage to St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher when the teams meet in Sunday night’s preseason game. The plan is apparently for a video tribute to be shown at some point during or before the game, not that Fisher will get much of a chance to stop and watch.
“That’s the first that I’ve heard of it,” Fisher said. “So I’ll probably miss it. Coaches on the sideline don’t watch stuff on the board.”
But that doesn’t mean Fisher’s first trip back to the place where he spent 16 and a half years of his coaching career doesn’t hold some meaning for Fisher. Sunday marks Fisher’s first time coaching in Tennessee since he and the Titans parted ways after the 2010 season.
Not one to show much emotion, Fisher downplayed the return to Nashville but did acknowledge that he still holds a special place for his time with the Titans.
“You know, it’s a preseason game and it’s an opportunity for us to get better,” Fisher said. “I had great memories down there, but obviously it’s been a while. I guess I’d say I’d rather go down there for a preseason game than a regular game, but we’re looking forward to it. There’s some other guys in addition to myself that have some special memories there.”
Indeed, the Rams have seven members of the coaching staff and five players who at one time or another spent time with the Titans organization but none have the longstanding history that Fisher shares with the franchise.
Fisher coached the Titans from midway through the 1994 seasons through 2010. In that time, he led Tennessee to six playoff appearances, three division titles, two AFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance. He won 147 games, the most in franchise history.
It’s those wins, and the players who helped him get them, that Fisher points to as his fondest recollections.
“I have great memories,” Fisher said. “The thing reflecting back, it’s the relationships with the players. All of the players that came through there, getting through the move process, the relocation process, and then the ’99 season and the 2000 season, where I think we had a better team than we did in ’99. It didn’t work out for us. It’s a great organization. I owe a tremendous amount to the Adams family for the opportunity. We won a lot of games down there.”
While this is Fisher’s first trip back as a coach of a different team — namely the one that beat Tennessee in that Super Bowl — it’s not his first trip back to Nashville. Fisher kept his property in the area and makes it back every once in awhile, including for the annual charity golf tournament held in honor of former offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who died from cancer in 2011.
As with most divorces, Fisher says he’s unsure of what kind of reception he’ll get upon returning to Tennessee. So instead, he’s opting to deflect the focus to his team.
“I don’t know what to expect,” Fisher said. “I just know we’re going to go down there, focus on trying to get better and play time and keep people healthy and playing hard. [Titans coach] Ken [Whisenhunt] has done a good job down there and they have an outstanding, young quarterback. So it’ll be a good challenge for our defense.”
Nearly five years removed, it’s probably safe to expect that Fisher will be greeted warmly as the positive memories of winning linger longer than anything else.
August 21, 2015 at 10:53 am in reply to: Earl Thomas unsure he’ll be ready for Week One…and other issues in Seattle #29069znModeratorfrom Seahawks vs. Chiefs: Six things to watch
http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-vs-chiefs-what-to-watch/
1, The offensive line. The Seahawks gave up seven sacks against Denver, one resulting in a lost Russell Wilson fumble and another an injury to backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (out at least two weeks with a sprained ankle). Seattle coaches responded by making some significant changes to the line this week, moving right tackle Justin Britt to left guard, backup left tackle Garry Gilliam to starting right tackle, and starting left guard Alvin Bailey to backup left tackle. Those two joined center Drew Nowak – getting the start this week as he continues to battle Lemuel Jeanpierre for the right to replace the departed Max Unger — and sure thing starting left tackle Russell Okung and right guard J.R. Sweezy to work as the starting unit all week in practice. If all goes well — or at least better — against the Chiefs then the Seahawks could decide to make that grouping the starters heading into the season. “We need to see them play well,’’ Carroll said when asked what he’s hoping for from that unit. “See them work together. This is about them communicating really well. Talent-wise, we’re okay. We need to make sure this unit is coming together and so I’m anxious to see how they do. Things looked very good in practice.” Added offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell: “Justin inside at guard, I like what I see. He looks like he fits in there. Very natural. He has a great understanding of what we are doing and just being able to make the calls and function in there. Garry has been in there a while and deserves a look. We like what we see but there would be other moves — we don’t know yet. Just trying to get the best five up there.’’ The line will be well-tested by a good Chiefs defense that includes one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Justin Houston.
2, The starting safeties. The Seahawks will again play without their All-Pro safety tandem Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. While Thomas returned to practice this week, he remains limited with the team concentrating on making sure he regains the needed strength in his surgically repaired shoulder to be ready for the regular season opener Sept.13 at St. Louis. Chancellor, meanwhile, remains holding out, with Carroll saying Friday that nothing has changed with his situation and that the team is “working to keep the communication lines open.’’ The Seahawks spent much of the week with undrafted free agent Ronald Martin working as the starting free safety and second-year player Dion Bailey at strong safety, and that duo could start against the Chiefs — and regardless, will get a lot of work. DeShawn Shead also will see time at strong safety as he battles Bailey to be atop the strong safety depth chart for now — and as long as Chancellor is out, with the team suddenly needing to think more seriously about the idea that one or the other could have to start against the Rams. “I really have liked everything those guys have done in practice,’’ Carroll said Friday of Bailey and Martin. “They’ve been very sharp and very on point. Bailey tackled really well last week, I thought (Martin) had a couple nice plays as well, so we’ll just let these guys go and we’ll see what happens. We just need more turns with them.”
3,The young skill players on offense. The line issues last week made it hard for the coaches to get as much of a game evaluation as they would have liked out of a number of young players competing for roster spots, such as tailbacks Christine Michael and Thomas Rawls and the group of receivers that includes B.J. Daniels, Kevin Smith and Kasen Williams. “We weren’t able to function at as high of a level as we could have liked because of how that ended up up front,’’ said Bevell. “So if we can get that shored up, that will enlighten us a little bit more about what our run game is like, what the pass game is like, and be able to move forward.’’ Michael, for instance, had a fumble and just 15 yards on seven carries, but also had nowhere to run. Said Bevell: “Thomas Rawls did a nice job running and Rod (Smith) catching some screens, so I think we were able to see some things.” But he added that “it would definitely feel a lot better for us” if they could avoid what happened with Michael where “we handed him the ball and two guys had already broken through the line of scrimmage” resulting in a fumble. Kevin Smith and Daniels each had two receptions in helping make their case for a roster spot that much more legitimate but the constant pressure left the passing game spotty throughout. “There’s a lot of competition there and every day it seems there’s another guy that shows up,” Bevell said.
August 21, 2015 at 10:33 am in reply to: Earl Thomas unsure he’ll be ready for Week One…and other issues in Seattle #29049znModeratorSeattle Seahawks Training Camp Report
Peter King
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/08/nfl-training-camp-tour-blog-week-2
Site: Renton, Wash.
What I Saw: Morning practice, Monday, Aug. 17. Sunny, 76 degrees. A postcard day on the shores of Lake Washington. If I’ve ever been to a more perfect day for an NFL training camp practice in 32 years covering the game, I certainly don’t recall it.
Three things you need to know about the Seahawks:
1. The secondary looks downright bizarre. When the first nickel defense took the field this morning, here’s who it was: rookie fifth-round pick Tye Smith at left corner, veteran free agent Cary Williams (Ravens, Eagles) at right corner, ex-Colt Marcus Burley at slot corner, undrafted 2014 free-agent Dion Bailey at free safety, undrafted 2015 rookie free-agent Ronald Martin Jr., at strong safety. The entire secondary’s a double take this summer.
Richard Sherman should be back at left corner in a day or two—his hip flexor’s sore—but who know when strong safety Kam Chancellor (holding out with three years left on his contract) comes back, and it’s likely but not certain that free safety Earl Thomas (shoulder labrum surgery) will be back for the opener. It’s a weird dynamic here in the secondary. Maybe three-quarters will be back for the opener in St. Louis in less than four weeks, but you hate to hear two guys from such a great position group entering the season a little ouchy.
[IMG]
Jimmy Graham gives Russell Wilson the power-forward target he’s never had. (Photo: John DePetro/The MMQB)2. Jimmy Graham gives Russell Wilson the power-forward target he’s never had. In practice this morning, Graham leaped high above a safety—didn’t catch his number—and finger-tipped a catch a good 10 feet off the ground. He looked like a forward snaring an alley-oop pass for a basketball dunk. Graham’s also working to disprove the worries of him as a blocker. When I watched him with the tight ends in blocking drills, he worked harder there than he did in receiving drills.
3. You could easily make the argument than Tom Cable is the most important assistant coach in the NFL this year. “I can see your point,” Pete Carroll told me this afternoon. In a little more than two weeks of training camp, the Seahawks have had five starting left guards—today it was converted tackle Justin Britt—while struggling to maintain control of the middle of the line.
Gone, too, is center Max Unger (in the Jimmy Graham trade with New Orleans), and so career backup Lemuel Jeanpierre steps in at center. “The good thing about Tom,” said Carroll, “is he’s very good at getting guys ready to play early.” This will be a vital part of the early season for the Seahawks, who open at the defensive-front-strong Rams and at powerful Green Bay.
What will determine success or failure for the Seahawks: I say whether they can build a bridge with Chancellor, and whether the offensive line can avoid being the sieve that it looks like right now.
Player I saw and really liked: B.J. Daniels, wide receiver. Strange story. Pete Carroll has always loved athletic players. And last year, when Daniels was a number three quarterback, he got practice reps elsewhere, and the Seahawks liked his versatility. He’s pretty much run his course at quarterback—the coaches didn’t think he had a shot to stick this year—and so had him try wide receiver.
This morning, he made the best catch I’ve seen any receiver make in my 17 camps thus far, a diving, one-handed snare in close coverage along the sideline, made with a violent landing, somehow holding onto the ball when he fell. One coach told me that despite a deep receiving corps (finally), Daniels will have a legitimate chance to make the team if he continues to play like that—in part because of the versatility he brings to the roster.
Five dot-dot-dot observations about the Seahawks: Amazing to see the little cubicle upstairs in the coaches’ wing of the facility, with assistant linebackers coach Loifa Tatupu in it. Yes, the former Pro Bowl linebacker for Seattle. Carroll says he’s adjusting well to the maladjusted life of being an NFL coach in his rookie coaching season …
Controversial second-round pick Frank Clark, kicked off his college team at Michigan after a domestic-violence charge, has been very impressive early in camp …
Defensive coaches like what they see in former Browns defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin. He should be in a three- or four-man rotation among the defensive-line heavyweights. Rubin’s 325 pounds …
Coaches love rookie wideout/returner Tyler Lockett, who returned a kickoff for a 103-yard touchdown in the preseason opener. He could be the receiver/returner the Seahawks hoped they’d have when they dealt for Percy Harvin two years ago …
Speaking of Harvin, Carroll had no comment to me and USA Today’s Jarrett Bell about Harvin’s comments to Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo Newsabout Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate being jealous of Harvin when he arrived in trade in 2013. “You’re not going to hear us talk about that,” said Carroll.
The one name on the roster I’d forgotten about. Michael Barrow, linebackers coach. The rookie assistant and 13-year NFL linebacker transitions from the University of Miami to a big job here—coaching Bobby Wagner, Bruce Irvin, K.J. Wright et al. Most importantly, he used to be my neighbor, just the next street over, in Montclair, N.J., when he played for the Giants 13 years ago. I mean, let’s get the important things straight here.
The thing I’ll remember about Renton. The view. The incredible view. I love coming to camp here. Even thought I’m a professed lover of teams that travel to training camp, August in Seattle is one of the most beautiful months in any city in the world. Today, with just a wispy cirrus cloud floating overhead for the two-hour workout, was one of those days that makes you wonder, Exactly why is it that I don’t live here?
Gut feeling about this team as I left town. I’m worried about the protection for Russell Wilson. Quite worried. Look for lots of wheel routes, screens and quick hitches and bubble screens—and jump balls over the middle on quick throws to Jimmy Graham. I just don’t think Wilson’s going to have the time he had last year. But, and this is a big “but,” I trust Tom Cable to solve the issues and salvage a decent line out of this group. If he does, there’s no reason why Seattle’s not in the NFC Championship Game again come January.
August 21, 2015 at 10:30 am in reply to: The Insider's Guide to a Gregg Williams Defense by Matt Bowen #29048znModeratorYes, this can be Williams’ downfall when he gets too aggressive in the game plan. That has shown up before when he was coaching in New Orleans. Blitz too much and you can hang your defensive backs out to dry with no help anywhere on the field.
New Orleans never had the personnel to really run that defense, particularly on the DL, and Wms schemed up stuff to compensate for that.
I don’t think the Saints are a fair indicator of what he can do when he has the players.
August 21, 2015 at 10:20 am in reply to: The Insider's Guide to a Gregg Williams Defense by Matt Bowen #29046znModeratorfrom off the net
—aeneas1
the rams defense ranked 5th in offensive points allowed last season, 1st over their final 9 games… they also ranked 12th in 3rd down conversions allowed, and 7th over their final 9 games… and, finally, the rams ranked 11th in forced 3-and-out over their final 9 games…
August 21, 2015 at 12:59 am in reply to: Earl Thomas unsure he’ll be ready for Week One…and other issues in Seattle #29036znModerator[www.rotoworld.com]
Kam Chancellor – DB – Seahawks
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Seahawks SS Kam Chancellor is prepared to extend his holdout into the regular season.
Per Schefter, Chancellor is “not close to budging.” Coach Pete Carroll says the sides have maintained an open dialogue, but Chancellor isn’t buying whatever the Seahawks are selling. With FS Earl Thomas still rehabbing his shoulder injury, Chancellor isn’t entirely without leverage, but he’s unlikely to earn anything other than a ceremonial raise or token guarantee.
znModeratorBrawl against Cowboys puzzles Rams
Joe Lyons
To be honest, Rams running back Tre Mason isn’t sure how the brawl against the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard, Calif., started. The same is true for tackle Greg Robinson.
“There was so much going on, it was almost impossible to know who or what started it,’’ Robinson said following practice Thursday at Rams Park. “Guys on both sides were going hard and I guess things just got out of hand. Just happy nobody got hurt.’’
According to the account from the Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas, the first scrum was a result of Dallas’ Randy Gregory and then Jeff Heath taking down Mason — hard.
“I’m not really sure how it started,’’ Mason said. “Football’s a game of emotion, it’s a contact sport. Things happen.’’
Tempers flared and then, just when it appeared to be settling down, Robinson and Mason went after Gregory. There were a handful of scuffles before order was restored and the second day of the Rams’ stay in Oxnard was halted.
Mason and Robinson, both in their second NFL seasons, were college teammates at Auburn.
“Greg’s always had my back, on and off the field,’’ Mason said.
Robinson added: “That’s my brother. If he needs me, or any of my teammates need me, I’m there for them.’’
Despite the practice-ending brawls, Robinson and Mason feel the two days working against the Cowboys will benefit the Rams.
“The game against Oakland (last Friday’s 18-3 road loss to open the preseason) was an eye-opener for me,’’ Robinson said. “It felt good to play again, but it also showed me that I had some things to work on. And having those two days practicing against Dallas gave me an opportunity to get in some quality work against some good competition. Now hopefully I can take that and build on it Sunday against Tennessee.’’
Mason, who rushed for team-best 765 yards as a rookie a year ago, said that stop in Oxnard provided a welcome diversion for the Rams.
“You get tired of going against the same guys all the time,’’ he said. “We got a chance to go against another top team and got in some good work. Whatever else happened is behind us now. We’re moving on and working to get ready for the Titans.’’
In their second preseason game, the Rams will meet the Tennessee Titans at 7 p.m. Sunday in Nashville.
RAMS GIVE BACK
The Rams announced Thursday that they will provide $15,000 to the St. Louis Public Schools to fund a program to ensure certified athletic trainers are present at all of this season’s high school football games.
The certified athletic trainers who will provided by Athletico Physical Therapy, will deliver game day coverage through the 2015 campaign and will be assisted by athletic training students from St. Louis University. The Athletico trainers will also be covering weekly follow-up checks during the season and providing ImPACT baseline concussion tests.
“When we learned that SLPS didn’t have certified athletic trainer coverage at their high school games, we were committed to find a solution to that issue,’’ said Reggie Scott, the Rams director of sports medicine and performance. “While the game coverage was of paramount importance, it was also important to us that we provided necessary follow-up care as well. We’re extremely proud that we were able to create a unique partnership with Athletico and St. Louis University that will lead to a safer game for these student-athletes.’’
Martin Jenkins, the SLPS athletics director, said he was “humbled’’ by the Rams’ generosity.
“When I first heard from the Rams about the program, my first question was how much it cost, and they said absolutely nothing, I told them I was interested,’’ Jenkins said. “They’re going to do everything from ‘ouchies’ to emergencies to taping. It’s such a great thing for our school system because you look at the suburban districts and they have trainers readily available. We just didn’t have the funds for something like that.’’
In previous years, Jenkins said, coaches had to fill the athletic trainer’s role.
“We do have an emergency medical service on hand, but coaches were the nurses, the trainers, the everything,’’ Jenkins said. “But anything that happened before it became an emergency, it was the coaches who had to deal with it. So now the coaches can concentrate on the coaching aspect, leave the medical and feel safe that the young men are in good hands.
“This adds a level of safety, along with our helmet program, to make sure our kids are safe.’’
Rams coach Jeff Fisher added; “The (NFL) is all about player safety and improving in that area. The league has an initiative and we’re proud to be able to provide some help in that regard.’’
By the end of the 2015 season, the Rams will have contributed more than $80,000 to local and high school football efforts.
RAM-BLINGS
The Rams returned to Earth City for practice Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s game vs. the Titans.The defense enjoyed a big day Thursday, getting interceptions from Alec Ogletree, Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Lamarcus Joyner (off a tip by James Laurinaitis).
• Players not practicing on Thursday were G Rodger Saffold, DTs Michael Brockers and Doug Worthington, CBs Brandon McGee and E.J. Gaines, LBs Daren Bates (knee) and Korey Toomer and WR Isiah Ferguson,
RB Todd Gurley (knee) continues to do individual work. Another rookie, G Cody Wichmann (calf), continues to work his way back. TE Brad Smelley, who has been practicing with a heavily taped hand, left practice early and appeared to be limping slightly.
• Although he said Saffold (shoulder) is making progress, Fisher ruled Saffold out of Sunday’s game. Saffold later tweeted on his certified account: “I just want everyone to know that I’m OK and I’m just in no rush this preseason. Don’t worry I will be fighting for you all year!’’
• Employees and their families from team sponsor Anheuser-Busch were on hand to watch Thursday’s workout.
znModeratorRams CB Johnson backing his talk with his play
Jim Thomas
Cornerback Trumaine Johnson did a lot of talking in Oxnard — OK, let’s call it trash-talking — but he said it wasn’t necessarily by design.
“I’m the type of player, I don’t talk too much until somebody starts talking to me,” Johnson said. “Tony Romo, he’s the one that really sparked it.”
That’s right, long before the brawl that ended Tuesday’s joint practices with Dallas, Johnson was engaged in quite a trash-talking dialogue with the star Cowboys quarterback as well as wide receiver Dez Bryant during a one-on-one red zone passing drill.
“Oh, Dez was there, too,” Johnson said. “Big time. Both of them were yapping at the mouth. It was a good time, though. Great competition for those two days.”
Johnson declined to say what Romo said to get things started.
“I don’t want to get into details,” Johnson said. “They’re in the past. I’m going to Tennessee.”
Which is where the Rams play Sunday night in their second game of the preseason.
Johnson, who’s having a very good camp, had a very good period in that red zone drill, breaking up several passes.
“That’s what I’m supposed to do,” he said. “That’s part of the job.”
At one point, Bryant got so worked up he lined up over Johnson ready to go against him one-on-one, bad hamstring and all.
“He was sold,” Johnson said. “He wanted to go up there. His coaches told him to stop. C’mon now. How you gonna talk trash when you’re not practicing? Seriously.”
Bryant sat out the Oxnard practices because of a hamstring injury. It should be noted that the “fun” between Johnson, Romo, and Bryant was on a field adjacent to where the brawl broke out and had nothing to do with the brawl starting.
It was merely an entertaining warmup act for a main event that would come later. With the season-ending foot injury to E.J. Gaines, the Rams need Johnson to be more than a warmup act in their secondary.
When all was said and done, Johnson may have won the job anyway over Gaines. But now there’s no choice. He’s being counted on to start at corner opposite of Janoris Jenkins this season.
Losing Gaines is a blow, but coach Jeff Fisher thinks the Rams have enough talent at the position to get by.
“To come in as a sixth-round pick and get an opportunity because of injury and keep the job, I thought it was a very impressive effort last year for him,” Fisher said of Gaines. “We were counting on him. We were going to create competition between Trumaine (Johnson) and he this year to see what happens, and it’s just unfortunate.”
But there’s no doubt Johnson appears up to the challenge thus far in camp. He was strong in last week’s preseason opener as well, saving a touchdown with an end zone interception and also breaking up a deep pass against Oakland.
“It all goes back to what he’s done this offseason,” Fisher said. “He was there every day. He’s worked, he’s taken care of his body, and he’s determined. As you get in that third and fourth year and play like he has, you should start making those plays when you have that kind of ability.”
Johnson is one of several Rams scheduled for unrestricted free agency at the end of this year. He said he’s unaware of any extension talks going on between the Rams and his agent.
“Yeah, this is my contract year but I don’t get caught up on that,” he said. “You can’t. I come out here, it’s day by day. Try to be perfect.”
Johnson came into the NFL draft with two of the other three starters in the secondary — Jenkins and free safety Rodney McLeod. Starting strong safety T.J. McDonald came in the following year (2013). So they’ve put in some time together as a unit.
“I love these guys,” Johnson said. “I built chemistry with these guys. I love Coach Fisher. He’s a player’s coach, and I love everything about the whole organization.”
Johnson appears to be playing with more confidence this season, although he says that’s not the case.
“The confidence has been there,” he said with a chuckle. “My whole mindset is coming out here and stacking good days on top of good days. Trying to stay consistent.”
Gaines’ injury not only settles matters at one corner, it also clarifies the situation at nickel back, where Gaines was slated to battle second-year man Lamarcus Joyner for that job.
Now, it’s all on Joyner to get it done at the nickel — or third cornerback position — a position that’s on the field about 60 percent of the time in the pass-happy NFL.
As part of that domino effect, Marcus Roberson moves up to the No. 4 corner spot. He began camp battling Brandon McGee for the No. 5 corner spot, but McGee has been out with a foot injury.
Fisher said Joyner is “light years ahead of where he was last year. … The game’s starting to slow down for him. When he knows exactly what to do, he does it very well. So we’re counting on him to be effective in the slot.”
Realizing that the mental aspect of the game is just as important as physical skill, Joyner said he switched his focus in the offseason. He spent a lot of time studying his playbook, focusing on his assignments and the concepts within those assignments.
A college star at Florida State, Joyner realized as a rookie last season that it takes more than talent to succeed in the NFL.
“You come to the league and you see that everybody’s just as good as you,” Joyner said. “So it’s not just I’m gonna go tie my shoes on Sunday and compete. You have to really prepare each day of camp. And I didn’t really understand that coming into this game.”
He understands it now.
znModeratorAnd I will simply point out that not a single poster in this thread has claimed to see any evidence of genuine excellence. Not one flash, not one play. Nothing. I find that telling regarding a unit expected to be elite.
I think all your arguments are fair, in terms of what one should ask and what to look for. Plus I think you’re right that it is possible to see flashes in a pre-season game, if there is something there to flash. I am saying, though, that with this particular game, there’s nothing to base an answer on.
The Rams first unit D was on the field for what? 2 series? And going against a team with a good OL, and (apparently) a long memory, which had specifically game-planned an attack on that defense…while the Rams did not do the equivalent. They just lined up.
If you watch it’s clear. Oakland has a very well-designed plan of attack which begins by negating Donald and setting up running plays that were just far more detailed in their construction than the ordinary “line up and play” stuff.
And that’s just one factor. The other is that the Rams #1s were in for probably about 2 series.
According to the snap counts (http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/16/9163739/2015-nfl-preseason-st-louis-rams-vs-oakland-raiders-snap-counts) the following players were in for 16 plays each:
McCleod, Johnson, Jenkins, Donald, McDonald, Quinn, Brockers, Laurinaitis, and Ogletree.
Heck that IS the Rams defense.
Combine those 2 things (Oakland rehearsing an attack on the Rams D, most of the starters being in the game for no more than 16 snaps) and IMO that’s not enough to even ask the question. (We probably differ on that but I am sticking to my guns.)
I think the question works better for the next couple of games. Right now it’s too soon to ask, in my view.
.
znModeratorI’ve said something like this before, but Jenkins could be smoothing his game out and Johnson could be stepping up. They get Gaines back next year. There’s good buzz about Roberson, and even Claiborne too. Plus next year is a good draft for CBs.
Compare that to 2000-2011. In that span the Rams drafted these CBs: Shepherd, Butler, Fisher, Garrett, Groce, Bartell, Hill, Wade, King, Fletcher, Johnson, Murphy, and Baker.
That list not only includes some of the Rams worst CBs of all time, it also includes some of their worst 1st and 2nd round picks of all time.
znModeratorI’ve said something like this before, but Jenkins could be smoothing his game out and Johnson could be stepping up. They get Gaines back next year. There’s good buzz about Roberson, and even Claiborne too. Plus next year is a good draft for CBs.
Compare that to 2000-2011. In that span the Rams draft these CBs: Shepherd, Butler, Fisher, Garrett, Groce, Bartell, Hill, Wade, King, Fletcher, Johnson, Murphy, and Baker.
That list not only includes some of the Rams worst CBs of all time, it also includes some of their worst 1st and 2nd round picks of all time.
August 20, 2015 at 4:27 pm in reply to: Camp reports Oxnard Day 2 + some stragglers about Day 1 #29011znModeratorGovane
I was there. Both days. Couldn’t really hangout since I was with my 5 year old son.
Two hour drive to get there. Stayed at the Hyatt on Westlake Village about 30 min away. My kid showed up with his backpack smiled and talked to people at the front desk. Got us a free suite upgrade, movie and snacks.
Some notes from memory…
Parking was $10 per day. Another $20 to gets you to field level for all of training camp and access to autographs. Got there around 45 min early and all the space at the low fence was already taken. The low fence was about two feet from where the players are standing. Was able to find a spot on the right side around the 40 yard line. Inglewood Mayor was talking to crowd at the fence. Crowd chanting “bring them back!”
Team bus arrives. Cowboys and Rams huddle in between the two football fields. Hekker is one of the first to get on the Rams field. The crowd goes wild. Hekker acknowledges the crowd. GZ joins him and smiles waves to crowd. Britt is the only one walking around without a shirt. Puts his jersey on and goes over to high five the crowd at the low fence and signed some autographs.
During team stretches, Tavon is stretching right in front of us. Rock Gullickson comes over to Tavon and conversation goes something like this…
Fan – “Coach, Tavon is not lifting up his foot during the stretches.”
Rock – “Are you the coach?”
Tavon gets up after the stretches smiling, “Why you gotta rat me out?”DB’s start doing footwork and ball handling right in front of us. Tru looks huge. Joyner looks like a lil kid next to him. Jenkins has the best feet and hips out of all of them. Makes the drills look easy. Fan yelling, “Hollywood Jenkins!” Gurley getting reps mid field on 7 on 7. Thought I saw him get tackled once. They started leaving him alone after that.
Rams WR’s vs. Cowboy DB’s right in front of us around 30 yard line going in. Press coverage. They must have been running option routes because some receivers ran an in while others ran a comeback. Timing looks good on the comebacks. Ball was out before break.
Haven’t been this close to a pro QB throwing the ball, and man I was surprised the WR’s were able to hold on because those passes had some pepper on it. Especially Foles’. Britt schools Claiborne. Fan yells to Claiborne, “Glad we didn’t draft you!” He would hear that throughout the drill. Austin’s turn. Shoves the DB, does a sweet foot move, DB just froze in his tracks and Austin is wide open for the slant/in. Crowd goes wild, and fan yells, “Tavon, this is not basketball!” Quick’s turn. Wearing a yellow beanie on top of his helmet. Looks huge. Cowboy DB coach tells his guy. “Give him room. Don’t touch him!”
Same drill, but 20 yards going in this time. Still press coverage. Austin just runs through his guy, and catches a sweet pass from Foles at the side of the EZ. Not much room to spare. Tyler Slavin’s turn wearing #8. Fan yells, “Let’s go Bradford!” Then poor guy drops a pass. Some things I noticed, Marquez looks like a keeper. That guy can plant his foot and go. He kept getting a ton of space on those slant/in routes. Also, our receivers played really physical. I’ve never seen them play this close, but I saw them shoving the DB’s to get open. I also saw a ton of backshoulder passes completed.
11v11. Rams O vs. Cowboys D going right to left 80 yards from EZ. Tre Mason is walking around with blonde dreds and a half jersey showing off his six pack. Fan behind me yells, “Tre are you a diva!?” Tre follows that by gashing the Cowboys on Robinson’s side for a long gain. Thought I saw Barne’s playing Saffold’s spot and had good interference on the second level. Next play, PA right. Cowboy DL gets a good push, but Foles stands in there. Throws a beaute that Austin just runs under. TD! Barnes was right at Foles ankles on his release.
Same drill, but from other side of field going left to right. Few unsuccessful runs, then pass play with Bailey running a 7 route right at us wide open. Foles doesn’t see him because the rush is in his face. Next play, Foles drops back to pass, but DL gets good push again. Throw is behind Bailey for a pick.
That’s all I remember from day 1. Had to leave early because my kid was at the end of his rope. I’ll try to do one for day 2.
August 20, 2015 at 3:17 pm in reply to: Camp reports Oxnard Day 2 + some stragglers about Day 1 #29005znModeratorRampage2K-
My fears of Foles being frail were quickly diminished when I saw him in person. Dude is a big kid, he might have bulked up from last year, but he looks bigger then he did last year or from what you see on TV.
He looked great in the 11 on 11 only missed on a couple throws and had two drops by Cook and Kendricks …the first throw of the scrimmage was a thing of beauty as he hit Austin right in stride for an 80 yard TD to start the day… If he can stay upright, there is no way we should not be a playoff team this year.
Mannion is even bigger, dude is huge and has the biggest arm on the team, but has a long way to go…he had a few ” who the #### was that throw to?” throws, but he sure can whip it.
The O-line is massive!!! Once they learn the game, there is no reason they shouldn’t be dominant. They did some drills right in front of us, it’s amazing how big these guys are. I got an autograph from G-Rob at the end of the day and he was very fit, much slimmer then he appeared last year, a real nice kid too!!!
We have some pretty damn good WR’s!!! Watching the one on one drills and if they can’t out physical you, like Britt and Quick, they’ll just juke you right out your jock. Looks like Tavon has been working on his route running, cuz he was making some cuts that had defenders frozen. Think he is on a mission this year. kBritt is a fan favorite these days as he was very engaging with the crowd, high fiving those of us lined up against the fence as he made his way from one end of the field to the other. Sted looked great as usual. Quick had the yellow cap on his helmet as “do not touch” sign for the defense, but it didn’t stop the Cowboys from putting a few licks on him. He was the reason for the first of the dust ups on the first day. I also got to talk with him as he was signing for us and asked him if he’ll be ready for week one? He said “oh yeah, for sure I’ll be out there”
Didn’t get to see the defense as they were on the other field, and I wasn’t about to give up my spot along the fence…was hoping they’d switch but the practice was over before we knew it, 2hrs flew by… I heard they were having fun over there though .
After it was over a good number of Rams came over to sign autographs for us, I got Quick, GRob, Wang, Guiterez, Chase, Brown and a couple others, also got Tre before he got on the bus. Got a picture with Dmarco as he was hanging with the crowd as fans were exiting. He is always a cool dude to see!!!
I saw some cowboy fans at In-n-Out on my way back home who noticed my hat with all the signatures on it and said ” oh man, they signed for you guys?” I told them about half the team came over to sign and asked them about the Cowboys side? She said “nope, only ONE cowboy came over to sign” she was pretty bummed out about it. So, it just shows how just the little things can make a fans day. It was nice to know that the Rams players get that.
August 20, 2015 at 1:53 pm in reply to: Camp reports Oxnard Day 2 + some stragglers about Day 1 #29002znModeratorI hope that is all true. It is what I expect.
Hard to say isn’t it. I don’t think we’ll honestly know for a while.
znModeratorRams Notebook
By Jim Thomas
VISIT FROM ROSEY
Hall of Famer Rosey Grier, part of the famed Rams defensive line known as the Fearsome Foursome, took in Tuesday’s practice and spoke to the D-line unit.“He just had a really good message for us,” Long said. “You know, cherish the time. He really enjoyed his time with the Fearsome Foursome. And him being the last one left, it’s pretty special to get to meet a guy like that who’s a big part of our history.”Grier advised the players to take care of their finances and also emphasized the importance of good sportsmanship on the field.
VISITING THE TROOPS
Wednesday’s visit with the troops at Point Mugu Naval Air Station was planned all along, Fisher said, long before he decided to cancel the day’s practice.“Once we agreed to come here (to Oxnard), we kind of looked around and said: ‘Where are they?’ And found them.”The team also flew out of Point Mugu on their return to St. Louis, adding a convenience factor to the visit.
“To be able to be with the military, any time we do it — when we do it back in St. Louis it’s one of my favorite things at the end of camp when we go over there (to Scott Air Force Base),” Laurinaitis said. “I mean, it just puts life in perspective. We’re out here playing a game that we love, and they’re the ones that are defending our country.”
Laurinaitis said the players should be getting autographs from the troops instead of vice versa.
LONG’S BACK
After missing the preseason opener last week in Oakland, as well as most of the first two weeks of training camp because of back problems, Long returned to practice in Oxnard. He looked especially quick working against the Dallas offensive line Tuesday.“Thank you,” Long teased. “Put that in the paper. You know, I feel good. I dropped some weight this year to try to be quicker. I’m not 23 any more, so it’s helped me a lot. I feel like playing at that (lighter) weight I can be destructive and really get off the ball and cause problems.”Long, 30, is in the 260-pound area after being listed about five to 10 pounds heavier in previous seasons.
August 20, 2015 at 12:15 pm in reply to: setting up the Titans game (which is nationally broadcast) #28997znModeratorTitans vs. Rams: Previewing St. Louis’ Preseason Week 2 Matchup
By Steven Gerwel
The St. Louis Rams will face off with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Aug. 23, for Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
The team is coming off an 18-3 loss to the Oakland Raiders, so fans are eager to see it bounce back and correct many of the mistakes from last week.
Indeed, the preseason opener was an undisciplined mess. The game ended with 10 penalties and just a single scoring drive. It’s the same old problems that have been weighing down the team for years. If these problems are not squashed soon, St. Louis will be in trouble when Week 1 arrives.
The Rams will attempt to win back the fans with a stellar effort against the Titans. If St. Louis can get the offense rolling and cut back on penalties, the optimism will suddenly make a comeback.
This article will break down St. Louis’ matchup with the Titans, including the latest headlines, key matchups, predictions and more.
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: KTVI Fox (St. Louis Local)
Latest Injury News
CB E.J. Gaines (Foot)
Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com confirmed on Sunday, Aug. 16, that second-year cornerback E.J. Gaines will miss the 2015 season with a foot injury. Gaines started 15 games in 2014 and was considered one of the more reliable members of the secondary.
RB Todd Gurley (Knee)
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Twitter this past Tuesday that rookie running back Todd Gurley is still being limited to individual drills.
OL Rodger Saffold (Shoulder)
Rodger Saffold left Saturday’s game against the Raiders with a shoulder injury. Thomas reported on Twitter this week that he’s being held out of practice.
LB Daren Bates (Knee)
According to the Associated Press (via Fox Sports), Daren Bates sprained his MCL in last week’s game against the Raiders.
OL Cody Wichmann
Rookie offensive lineman Cody Wichmann was held out of practice on Tuesday, according to Thomas. He didn’t specify the details of Wichmann’s injury.
Key Matchups
Front Seven vs. Marcus Mariota
The Rams play in the NFC West, which means the front seven has to be comfortable shutting down scrambling quarterbacks. The team will face both Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick twice this season, so the group must work hard at containing dual-threat passers.
This week’s matchup with Marcus Mariota will be a great opportunity for practice.
Mariota did not acquire any rushing yards in his preseason debut, but we know he’s perfectly capable of torching a defense with his legs based on his college career.
Containing Mariota and providing relentless pressure should be a top priority.
Rams Secondary vs. Tennessee Receivers
Last week, when Tennessee took on the Atlanta Falcons, the Titans quarterbacks had a combined total of just four incompletions, and 12 different receivers caught passes.
Few people view the Titans as an aerial powerhouse, but there’s no doubt their passing attack was in sync last week. It will be a great challenge for the St. Louis defensive backs.
The Titans have big, physical receivers in Chase Coffman (6’6″, 250 lbs) and Dorial Green-Beckham (6’5″, 237 lbs) as well as speedy receivers in Jacoby Ford and Kendall Wright. It’s a diverse group capable of attacking opponents in a variety of ways.
If the Rams hold the Titans to a 60 percent combined completion rate with no backbreaking plays over 20 yards, it should be considered a major success.
Matchup X-Factors
The Ground Game
Last week’s ground production was abysmal. Four of the six St. Louis backs averaged three yards per carry or fewer. The top two backs on the depth chart—Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham—were held to 18 yards on five carries.
That’s not what you’d expect from a team that’s been hyped all offseason long as a ground-and-pound offense.
In fact, it’s safe to say that the lack of a run game is a big reason why the Rams were held to just one scoring drive against the Raiders. It constantly put the offense in 3rd-and-long situations.
The Rams just spent four draft picks on road-paving linemen, not to mention last year’s No. 2 overall selection, Greg Robinson, who earned his lofty draft status for his ferocious run blocking.
The line is built to open run lanes, so there’s no excuse for last week’s lack of push from the front five. It was just a lazy, uninspiring effort, and it needs to end this week.
If the Rams want the offense to pick it up, the five blockers up front have to wake up.
Nick Foles and the Passing Game
Even though Nick Foles took a couple of hits under center last week, there were still some inspiring moments between him and his receivers.
He hit Lance Kendricks for a 26-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage. On the very next play, he hit Tavon Austin with a quick pass, and Austin took it for a 35-yard gain. The drive nearly ended with a Foles touchdown pass to Jared Cook, but Cook came just shy of securing the tough catch.
It’s understandable that the coaching staff does not want Foles exposed too long, especially behind St. Louis’ brutal offensive line, but it’d still be nice to see more from him in this game.
Foles had a nice debut, going 3-of-5 with 69 yards. If the coaches decide to give him a full quarter, it’ll really give us a chance to see what this offense is made of.
Prediction: Titans 20, Rams 13
Rams fans want to see more out of the offense, but it’s likely that the coaches will keep it vanilla until the regular season. With that said, expect another dry performance on the offensive side of the ball.
The game might have more excitement if the coaches decide to keep Foles and the starters in for over a quarter, but don’t count on it. After last year’s season-ending injury to Sam Bradford in the preseason, Fisher is likely terrified of a potential repeat. He’ll understandably keep Foles around for just two or three drives.
As for the defense, expect the starters to shut down the Tennessee offense completely. Then, after the starting St. Louis defense is yanked from the game, the Titans will slowly but surely acquire points against St. Louis’ undisciplined backups.
However, the final score is meaningless in the preseason. As long as the starting offense produces a pair of scoring drives, including at least one touchdown, Rams fans should be happy with that result.
znModeratorRams Report: #RamsCamp Week 3
Watch Dani Klupenger and Myles Simmons breakdown the third week of Training Camp.RAMBILL: Dani Klupenger and Myles Simmons breakdown the third week of Training Camp from Oxnard, CA. They talk about the loss of EJ Gaines, Tru Johnson’s strong camp so far, Claiborne a surprise rookie so far, Foles looking good in the Raider game, the rookie right side of the O-line held up pretty well in the Raider game, the injuries to Saffold and Bates, plus more. Includes some highlights from the Rams-Cowboys practices.
znModeratorCowboys sessions beneficial for road-weary Rams
Jim Thomas
OXNARD, CALIF. • It may fall into the category of oh, by the way. But before the brawl that ended it all, and beyond the “LA Rams” pep rally aspects of the practices with Dallas, the Rams did get good work with the Cowboys for two days.
“That’s a good football team over there,” coach Jeff Fisher said at the conclusion of Tuesday’s practice. “They won 12 games (in 2014). We’re a young team. We matched up and we got some things done. There were some great 1-on-1 battles and some great team efforts and great special teams work.”
There was also one great brawl that brought an early end to the proceedings Tuesday evening. This wasn’t a case of just a couple of players losing their temper, flailing at each other until teammates came to break it up.
It spread like a California wildfire, spilling over to a new area just when peace was restored in one spot. But there will be no NFL investigation and no player fines from league headquarters as a result of the melee.
On-field player conduct at practice is considered a club matter by the NFL, because training camp and team practices are team operated. Judging from his comments Tuesday, it doesn’t sound like Fisher is contemplating fines or discipline.
“There were probably a number of things that happened out there,” Fisher said. “Some not intentional; some intentional. We had a practice tempo that we had agreed upon, and for the most part we were OK.
“Both teams have young players that are trying to make the team, and sometimes they go beyond what’s expected or what the rest of the guys are doing. So we’ll look at it, but we’ll move on. I’m glad nobody got hurt.”
Even with the wild way the joint practices ended, Fisher said he would love to come back and practice against the Cowboys again. Because the practices were intense, Fisher told his players and told reporters it was like squeezing a fifth preseason game into the team’s camp schedule.
“I believe we got better these last two days,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “I really do. I think we got some really good work in against obviously a playoff team.”
A couple of the Cowboys’ big names – wide receiver Dez Bryant and left tackle Tyron Smith – didn’t take part in the joint practices because of injuries. (Although Bryant did make himself, uh, available for the brawl.) But there was still plenty of star power on the field for the Cowboys working against the Rams.
“We were just star-struck to be on the field with them,” defensive end Chris Long joked.
Well, Tony Romo is one of the game’s elite quarterbacks, tight end Jason Witten probably is a future Hall of Famer, and even without Smith the Cowboys have a talented offensive line.
But no matter who was on the other side of the line of scrimmage, the fact that it was somebody different was beneficial for the Rams.
“When you do for instance things like one-on-ones and all that, when you do it against your own team you start to learn the tendencies of your own guys,” Laurinaitis said. “You know what routes they’re really good at, and what they’re not good at.
“When you go out here blind against guys that you don’t see every day, it makes you get that much better at what you’re doing.”
Beyond that, as quarterback Nick Foles pointed out at the start of the trip, being on the road together can be a team-bonding experience. The Rams, who were scheduled to arrive back in St. Louis on Wednesday night, have been out of town for a week.
Even with the work accomplished against the Cowboys, the Rams haven’t practiced much in the last week and a half. They had a scheduled players’ day off Aug. 12. Then came a travel day to Oakland, followed by the Friday preseason opener against the Raiders. Last Saturday was a players’ day off; Sunday was a walk-through and film review.
Then came the Monday and Tuesday practices with Dallas. So it came as a surprise that Fisher called off Wednesday’s practice in Oxnard, which was supposed to be a Rams-only session. After a Wednesday walk-through in Oxnard, followed by a visit to nearby Point Mugu Naval Air Station, the team flew back to St. Louis.
When they take the field Thursday evening at Rams Park, it will mark only their third practice in nine days. That will be followed by a scheduled day off Friday, and then a travel day Saturday to Nashville for Sunday night’s preseason contest with the Tennessee Titans.
“We’ve got a tired team,” Fisher said, explaining his decision to cancel Wednesday’s work. “We’re gonna emphasize recovery.”
Perhaps it’s as much recovery from being road weary, as being practice weary. Even the trip to Oxnard was an hour commute for the team each day.
But Laurinaitis wasn’t complaining about the infrequency of practices.
“I mean, that’s what Coach does best,” Laurinaitis said. “He always finds a way to kind of get us our legs back. He always says you come into camp in the best shape of your life, and then you kind of break down. How can we get back up to that? So that’s just kind of one of those things — he’s trying to get our legs back to where we were.”
znModeratorIn terms of the centers, this is what I have gathered so far from watching and reading around. They have a competition in the first place because (as per Boudreau) the decision will be based on how they perform as leaders and captains of the offense in the heat of battle. We can’t tell about that, but we can make some observations about the physical stuff. In terms of that, Barnes is holding his own, Jones has struggled,
This may already be dated.
From camp reports from yesterday:
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/camp-reports-oxnard-day-2/#post-28987
Safer
August 20, 2015BARRETT JONES started at center on BOTH days. He seemed to play about 70% of the snaps. I don’t see the “we will rotate these three guys through” going on anymore. Barrett looked much better and did not give up as much ground in pass pro as he had been.
ramsrams34
August 20, 2015I am not so sure about B. Jones at center and will be watching him closely against Tenn. He did help open some nice holes in practice yesterday but got worked over against Oakland.
August 20, 2015 at 12:36 am in reply to: Camp reports Oxnard Day 2 + some stragglers about Day 1 #28987znModeratorramsrams34
On Havenstein; he IS a technician more so than a mauler. He uses his hands well and waits to set up his blocks most of the time, or when the scheme/play call allows. When he does have to engage quickly, he lacks balance which probably comes from his weak base and that fact that he plays too high too often.
He is light in the a** which make his anchor in pass-pro a liability, but he shouldn’t be facing team’s elite pass rushers on that side which should help. He will need help for TEs/RBs in obvious passing downs, IMO.
If I were a DC, I would attack him in pass pro for sure as I feel he is the weak link in pass pro.
I am not so sure about B. Jones at center and will be watching him closely against Tenn. He did help open some nice holes in practice yesterday but got worked over against Oakland.
I also liked Rhaney.
Pead, yes Pead impressed me – much less tentative than he was against Oakland. He had a number of nice runs against the Dallas and looked fast if not explosive. I hope things pan out for this kid and with Watts suspended for the first 4 game, Pead might just make the team once again.
We didn’t get to see the D as they were on the other field but I am simply not worried about that side of the ball.
Here’s is my overarching though on this team:
If they get caught in too many obvious passing situation, the O-line simply isn’t good/experienced enough yet to win in those situations and keep our D off the field.
The addition of Gurley is SO obvious to me now, especially looking at our other backs. Yes, Mason is good and can be electrifying. But he is small, smaller in person than what he looks like on TV. Gurley looks like he will be able to create yards with power when daylight simply isn’t there.
Bennie Cunningham is a nasty football player..Period. He looks to punish LB’s. While not a feature back, he is the best in pass pro, can catch and can get tough yards. We are really set at RB as soon as Gurley gets in the mix.
Special Teams play and returns changing field position and generating points will be the biggest reason this team has a winning record or doesn’t IMO. This is simply because we cannot get into a pass heavy shootout with anyone. The O-line just isn’t ready for that yet. But if we can tilt field position with both D and ST’s and get scores from those two areas, this team will have a chance to beat some teams that are better than us: (AFC north, GB, AZ, DET). Other teams that are not dynamic (Sea, SF, TB, Wash, Cle, Chi, Minn to a degree) we should be able to play straight-up and not worry about getting into a one-dimensional, shoot out type game with.
My review of our team is more global but really hinges on our o-line and creating field position victories and hidden points, so to speak, with ST’s and defensive returns.
I also feel that this is EXACTLY how Fisher sees it. the great thing is, our St’s are awesome and our D has a knack for creating To’s and can win on third down more often than not.
But, our schedule is no joke.
Lastly,
Too many dropped passes yesterday. Although, in 1 on 1’s we tore Dallas up. But, they probably did the same to our D as that drill is heavily slanted toward the offense, as is 7 on 7.
GO RAMS, regardless of future location Smile But, I do have an opinion on that as well, lol – for another time.
August 20, 2015 at 12:29 am in reply to: Camp reports Oxnard Day 2 + some stragglers about Day 1 #28986znModeratorSafer
On Monday, Tru had been chirping a bunch and he was seeming to get under their skin. Come Tuesday, they completely tackled Tre and things got chippy. On the next play lber #57 of the Boys took a swing and there were some fisticuffs. But on the next play, after Greg Hardy had pulled GRob’s helmet off….HOLY SHEIT!!! Big GRob was a man possessed! He charged Hardy and tried to literally “jump” him, but Hardy ducked and Greg wound up on his back, and from there things completely blew up. I think what got this going was that GROB KICKED Hardy’s azz all day. Hardy had been a non factor and couldn’t handle it.
Ok, there was some football played and I want to share my observations with you guys. On both days I watched our O for about 90% of the time.
OLINE–some things are changing, and getting better. Our 1st unit opened several holes that they couldn’t on Monday. We looked much more like a power run team than we did on Monday. GRob is gonna be just fine. He really handled Greg Hardy on Tuesday.
RHANEY has been moved from center (snapping with his RIGHT hand) to starting at LEFT guard in Rodger’s place. Rhaney, has, hands down, already made our team. He looks natural at LG and he and Greg did well on switch offs, etc.
BARRETT JONES started at center on BOTH days. He seemed to play about 70% of the snaps. I don’t see the “we will rotate these three guys through” going on anymore. Barrett looked much better and did not give up as much ground in pass pro as he had been.
Brown, at RG is already a stud. I don’t worry about him at all. Big Rob H at RT is a guy I like. Rob is NOT a mauler BTW. He uses his big body to turn and shield Dline much more than drive blocking them off of the line. But he does look to be effective at that. He still plays a bit high and needs more power in his legs, but he is a technician, so I think he will be able to get by with that this year, before he adds bulk and strength.
If the Oakland game was a “4” for our Oline, then I’d give the starters a 7 this time out. I see us going with 9 or 10 Oline, depending on if the coaches feel we need to protect Wichman who is still injured. Right now, after the starters, Rhaney, Barnes, Battle (he IS a good pick-up and is holding his own vs. their #2 D/E’s–NO WAY we risk him on the PS), and Reynolds must be our others. Battle is the only one of this group that cannot play at least three positions.
Really versatile group! This would give us five OT’s (including Rodger in a pinch); 5 OG’s; and three centers. Plenty of depth. For the PS I think Donnel, LT Williams (he, too, is holding his own vs. #2 competition), Washington (if eligible) and Wichman.
Foles looks good, but does make some bad decisions and threw a few behind his receivers.
MANNION now seems to be our #2 QB because when we break down into groups, he and Foles go with the #1 Oline guys. For me, it’s only a matter of how well he has learned our O, because I want him to be around Foles as much as possible.
I was told our D looked pretty good, but did give up some big plays. Dez did not play either day, but I’m happy to report he was the recipient of a great right hand during the fight! (It’s always a smart thing to run out in the middle of a bunch of fighting guys with helmets on, with yours off! Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!) I’m very anxious to watch our guys vs. the Titans to see if our progress is consistent and real.
August 19, 2015 at 11:54 pm in reply to: Brady to be suspended…which will happen…when? a May-July saga #28984znModeratorReports from the NFL’s settlement hearing with Tom Brady are out, and it sounds like the NFL got crushed
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/reports-nfls-settlement-hearing-tom-175716170.html
Judge Richard Berman was hard on Roger Goodell and the NFL in court.
The NFL and NFL Players Association had its second settlement hearing in court on Wednesday, and it sounds like it went horribly for the NFL.
Since the NFLPA took the NFL to court over Tom Brady’s four-game suspension, the two sides haven’t made any progress on a settlement.
While Judge Richard Berman, who is overseeing the case, can’t force either side to come to a settlement, he can push in one direction to encourage a settlement, perhaps hinting that he favors one side’s argument.
Based on the reports from Wednesday’s hearing, it sounds like Berman may be pushing the NFL to come to a settlement.
Berman was apparently very critical of the NFL’s argument:
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
If Judge Berman was critical of NFL last week, he was even more critical today. Questions of fundamental fairness and evident impartiality.
12:30 PM – 19 Aug 2015Ben Volin @BenVolin
UPDATE: Hearing over after 2:15. No settlement. Judge Berman was very, very critical of NFL. Brady/NFLPA are making a good case
12:23 PM – 19 Aug 2015Berman was reportedly critical of the Wells Report saying Brady was “generally aware” as a way for the NFL to argue Brady was part of the scheme.
Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Berman: “There is a bit of a quantum leap from the finding of Mr. Wells to the finding of Mr. Goodell.” (from general awareness to scheme)
Berman also questioned why the Wells Report didn’t specifically mention January 18, the day of the AFC Championship game against the Colts, when referees found the balls were deflated under regulation:
Andrew Brandt @adbrandt
Berman wondered why Wells Report was not more specific to January 18th, why Wells didn’t specify. “He’s a smart guy, right?”
12:33 PM – 19 Aug 2015Though, in fairness, the NFL had a good counterargument:
Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Berman: Brady’s “general awareness” described by Wells didn’t refer specifically to AFC championship. Said that was “conspicuously absent.”
Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Nash, for NFL, countered that entire Wells Report revolved around that game, so that should be assumed. Berman seemed skeptical.
12:31 PM – 19 Aug 2015 · Manhattan, NY, United StatesAs has been commonly argued against the NFL, Berman was curious as to how and why the NFL chose a four-game suspension for Brady:
Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Berman also wanted to know how Goodell settled on four game suspension.
12:39 PM – 19 Aug 2015 ·Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Berman: “Which of the four games were for ball tampering and which were for non cooperation?”
12:39 PM – 19 Aug 2015When league lawyer Daniel Nash said he would defer to Roger Goodell on that, saying Goodell weighed all evidence and made a decision, Berman responded:
Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Nash again deferred to Goodell’s judgement on that.
Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
To which Berman said “I have a little trouble with that.”
Berman was also unhappy with Goodell comparing the situation to a player being on steroids:
Andrew Brandt @adbrandt
Berman uncomfortable with Goodell’s comparison to steroid suspension “to secure competitive advantage.” Wondered why that comparison used.
12:38 PM – 19 Aug 2015Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Berman: How did he pick steroid use to explain he suspended Mr. Brady four games?”
Stephen Brown @PPVSRB
Berman: “I don’t see how four games (for deflation, non cooperation) is comparable to using steroids and a masking agent.”
Andrew Brandt @adbrandt
Questions re apportioning 4 games between deflation and non-cooperation. “What if there was deflation and cooperation? How many games?”
12:35 PM – 19 Aug 2015Berman ultimately didn’t side too heavily with Brady, however:
Max Stendahl @MaxLaw360
Judge: “There are enough strengths and weaknesses on both sides..all the more reason why a settlement seems a logical and rational outcome.
As Andrew Brandt mentioned, this could be Berman’s way of pushing the NFL closer to a settlement. Berman doesn’t want to make a decision; he wants to push the sides to come to a settlement. So by grilling the NFL today, he may be pointing out the biggest flaws in their arguments in hopes that they’ll bend a little bit toward Brady and the NFLPA’s side.
Unless the two sides come to a settlement out of court, the next settlement hearing will be August 31 — just two weeks before the regular season begins.
August 19, 2015 at 11:24 pm in reply to: Earl Thomas unsure he’ll be ready for Week One…and other issues in Seattle #28983znModerator—The offensive lines remained the same as they did on Monday when the team moved Justin Britt from right tackle to left guard, promoted Garry Gilliam from second team let tackle to first team right tackle, and demoted Alvin Bailey to second team left tackle. So expect the lines to play in those alignments Friday at Kansas City.
Seattle opens against the Rams and the Rams DL in St. Louis with an unsettled OL.
The final score in this game could be 2-0.
znModeratorCongrats on the new house Dak. And sooner or later, everything will settle down.
What do you like BEST about the new house?
znModeratorI do find it remarkable that one would argue that one should expect to actually SEE NO EVIDENCE WHATSOEVER of a unit that one hopes/expects to be emerging as a Top 5 competitive force. I find that remarkable indeed.
I did see elements of a top defense though I personally am not hung up on “top 5.” I just don’t think that basing anything on that game counts for much.
What I saw was this. Oakland deliberately gameplanned an attack on that defense while at the same time, the Rams defense itself was just lining up and playing. Plus of course the Rams did not keep their 1s in the game while Oakland kept their 1s in during I think the entire half.
If both sets of 1s had gameplanned, then, the Rams would have an attack designed to go after Oakland’s personnel and tendencies, and in addition, anything Oakland did, they would counter. As opposed to what did happen, which is that Oakland had an opening day, regular season attack prepared, and the Rams just lined up and played.
It’s as if one fighter just got into the ring to spar, and the other had studied his opponent and had a fully worked out plan of attack backed by detailed study.
I mean what can you tell about either side when it’s like that?
For example, there’s no way in a regular season game that the defense would just line up the same way with the same basic playcalling play after play and just LET the other team scheme Donald out of the picture that way. They would counter it in some way, plus have a plan of attack to go after Oakland. And the Rams weren’t doing that this time because…they didn’t care. They did not have a plan of attack worked out specifically to counter Oakland. They were in it to get a look at personnel. They just lined them up and got themselves some film to watch.
I think your question is fair, but not for that game. Not just because it was game one, but because Oakland pre-planned a 1st home pre-season game for its new coach knowing full well the Rams weren’t going to have the same kind of opponent-specific preparation. I think after game 3 it’s fair to ask the question. In this case, it’s like asking about the skills of the boxer who just entered the ring to spar against an opponent who prepared himself with a detailed plan of attack.
But either way…good discussion.
znModeratorOver 800 words.
And not one word on how our guys did competing with theirs.
I’m interested why you complain about the coverage so much this year (to the point where every post is a complaint), when the simple fact is, it’s no different from any summer before. I mean, tell me for example, in 99, where were the detailed breakdowns comparing how the 3 competitors were doing at MLB? I don’t mean to come across as countering you in any way—it’s an honest question from one friend and board mate to another.
So why weren’t you complaining all the previous years? Because nothing is different in terms of the coverage this year, I promise. So from what I see, the difference this year isn’t the coverage itself. It’s what we’re asking of it.
In terms of the centers, this is what I have gathered so far from watching and reading around. They have a competition in the first place because (as per Boudreau) the decision will be based on how they perform as leaders and captains of the offense in the heat of battle. We can’t tell about that, but we can make some observations about the physical stuff. In terms of that, Barnes is holding his own, Jones has struggled, and Rhaney has surprised. My guess is that since they’re trying Rhaney at guard too, they are trying to judge how much versatility he gives them, so it’s probably not Rhaney’s job—it looks to me, at this early date, like it’s Rhaney as the #2 and either Barnes or Jones as the #1, with Barnes in the lead so far.
Personally? I have seen Boudreau field good OLs with the Rams with centers who were not better than Barnes (the details get boring as to what I base that on). So I am not worried about center, myself, though I get that me personally not being worried is not news from olympus for everyone else.
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