Monday Wrap-Up: Correcting the Offensive Issues

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Monday-Wrap-Up-Correcting-the-Offensive-Issues/5c53c316-0f5f-4826-940a-318f45202e0a

The Rams have received outstanding production from running back Todd Gurley over their last three games, but the rest of the offense has not fared quite so well.

That said, St. Louis has won two of those three games — including Sunday’s 24-6 victory over Cleveland — and it’s always easier to correct things after a win than a loss. Head coach Jeff Fisher said that was part of his message to the team as it went through the film on Monday.

“We’re going to continue to work on it. Players understand,” Fisher said. “We took advantage of the film study and review time to move forward in preparation for the 49ers. So that’s been kind of the theme today is, let’s get things corrected, and get better, and go play San Francisco.”

As Fisher has talked about before this season, he said in his Monday press conference the Rams’ two most significant offensive issues are getting more first downs and converting third-down opportunities. On Sunday, they netted 16 first downs but were just 1-of-9 in third-down efficiency.

That’s why the onus falls on the entire unit to improve production.

“We need to do better across the board offensively,” Fisher said. “Getting open, creating opportunities for [receivers] to get open, and then making the throws.”

That’s especially because Fisher said teams have already started placing more men in the box to try to defend Gurley.

“Arizona did it. Green Bay did it. And so did Cleveland,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to do more with [Gurley’s] teammates around him. We’ve got to get more production out of the other players and get the ball down the field. Take advantage of that and that’s what we’re working on.”

GOING NO HUDDLE

The offense did get going after halftime, particularly when the team elected to speed up the tempo. The Rams do not utilize much of their no-huddle offense, but did so effectively in the second half on Sunday.

“We sped the tempo up just a little bit in the second half and that helped us a little bit,” Fisher said. “Nick was good with that. That doesn’t mean we’re going to do it this week, but it was a good adjustment as far as most of the third quarter was concerned.”

Foles said after the game he’s comfortable going no huddle, as he has a long history with it from high school, to college, to the pros. And Fisher said the quarterback made good adjustments with it throughout the third quarter.

“He got together with the offense and said, ‘These are the things we’re going to do. Let’s go do it.’ He did it,” Fisher said of Foles. “So, yeah, it’s good. I mean, we work on it. It’s a two-minute offense. We work on in it in practice.”

AUSTIN’S BLOCKING

Wide receiver Tavon Austin was one of the players instrumental in getting the offense in a rhythm, though not necessarily the way one would assume. He has been productive throughout the year, and continued that trend Sunday even though he like was not 100 percent, according to Fisher. The wideout had been listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury.

“That’s a sign of a real pro, the way he handled himself,” Fisher said.

Austin still took an end around for 21 yards, and made four receptions for 43 yards to lead the team. But it was his run blocking that really stood out. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 176 pounds, Austin hit some blocks on Gurley runs that probably made him feel much larger to Cleveland defenders — particularly on the running back’s 48-yard run and 16-yard touchdown.

“I think it’s a message to our receivers that they need to learn how to block like Tavon,” Fisher said. “Tavon’s a good blocker.”

FLIPPING THE GUARDS

With Garrett Reynolds inserted into the starting lineup with Rodger Saffold on injured reserve, rookie Jamon Brown flipped back over from left to right guard for Sunday’s contest. Fisher said he thought the switch worked out well for the most part for both Reynolds and Brown.

“JB’s problems that he had were more of the matchup against the defensive talent level versus the fact that he had moved from left to right, so he’ll be fine,” Fisher said, complimenting Browns’ defensive lineman Randy Starks.

The head coach added much of the reason for the switch was the communication factor between Reynolds and left tackle Greg Robinson.

“Greg’s a long ways away from things out there at left tackle, so it’s good to have Garrett in there communicating with him,” Fisher said.

from off the net

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NewMexicoRam

But no pics–my wife even complains that I’m not a photo guy.

First off, I want to THANK SignMan124 for allowing me to join his tailgate at Gate A before the game. Great time, met several Rams fans. I was a bit sad to hear that very few HERD members join the party there anymore. Not going there any further. Again, thanks SignMan124! Appreciate it!

The game was a Father’s Day gift from my family and my son-in-law’s family, so they flew both me and my son-in-law’s father, who is a Brown’s fan, but had never been at an NFL game before. He’s from Utah. Yes, the end disappointed him, but he had a great time. My first 2 Rams’ games were losses, 24-23 to the Bears in Chicago on a Monday night in Joe Namath’s last game, and in the Dome to the Seahawks 17-9 in 1997 when Tony Banks tired to stop the clock by throwing it into the turf with 0:00 on the clock. Since then, it’s Rams 6 wins and 1 loss!

Sat in section 145, 19 rows up, right on the north end zone line. Helped to listen to ESPN 101.1 FM during the game. The radio guys predicted Rams 24-14, saying “The Rams win comfortably” and that “Cleveland is due for a stinker offensively.” Someone on the radio also said the Rams needed to “keep pounding the rock.” Wow, how did fans at the game keep up before the big screens and ref mics?

I was worried there wouldn’t be much turnout because 12 minutes before kickoff, the stadium only looked 1/3 full. Within minutes, it appeared to fill about 80-85% full. Lots of Browns fans, but I’m not sure there were anymore opponents’ fans than in previous years.

Defense introduced. There were flames but no fireworks today. Live and learn.

The national anthem was by an opera singer. That last high note was shrill and uncomfortable. My reading glasses did stay intact.

My first surprise was the handoff on the opening KO, right in front of us. Must admit my fear factor gauge got turned on, thinking we would start at the 5 or something. A lot of dog barking followed, but by half-time, that noise was gone.

First series, 3 and out. Sigh. A lot of grumbling by the fans around me at that early point.

Soon after, the party got started. Jenkins caused the fumble and Macleod returns for the TD! Rumble!

Then Hayes gets his first sack and Rams fumble recovery! Party harder! Must say I was very surprised I could see the other end of the field so well from our level.

Another surprise—Gurley gets 5 yards on his first carry, and nary a peep out of the Rams faithful. Could it be that the fans are already expecting a lot more? Then another 3 and out for the Rams. Another sigh. But it’s 10-0, a nice head start.

Seemed that the Browns were making good on a lot of 3rd and longs. Feast or famine with this defense.

Gurley had another surprise—he can jump over people!

The Rams downed the punt at the 1 just in front of us. Looked good to me, but when the refs huddled after that, again, the fear factor gauge turned on, but it stayed good for the blue team by moving the ball up to the 4.

The next punt return by Tavon looked like he had a huge hole, but he was tripped up at the ankle. But it meant great field position—do something with it! False start, crowd goes quiet. Tavon drops a pass, some groans. The receivers sure weren’t helping; they just seemed to be jogging out there.

9:00 left before halftime, and the Rams have 9 yards rushing—yep, that’s pounding the rock. But many fans were ready to pound the floor in frustration.

Then the Browns started the false starts that continued on, and it started when the fans started to make noise on 3rd downs. I’ve heard louder in the Dome, but believe me, it did get loud. Someone showed up!

Before halftime, Gurley gave us a taste of what was to come. His 15 yard run showed some great feetwork. Now the O is moving right in front of us. Red zone cake. TD soon. Someone named Cook quickly blew the candles out by fumbling the ball. Up to that point, it was the only decent Rams drive.

What about all the Rams defensive offsides? The radio announcer said the Browns center was moving the ball slightly before the snap. Guess it wasn’t just the Rams who got some breaks from the refs, which my friend said was from the refs eating the Rams’ “home cooking.” LOL!

Then Aaron Donald gets into the backfield really quick for a one arm tackle on the back for a 5 yard loss. He almost took the handoff before the back did.

Gurley then gets a great run where he is just dragging people. And he just doesn’t look that big to me.

Halftime, Cleveland 139 yards, Rams 108 yards. NFL defense 1960’s style. 2nd half HAS to be Gurley time! I mean, Miami has already scored 45 points before halftime, and that’s with a new coach. Hmmmm……

Then Cleveland comes out hot from halftime, moving quickly down the field, but ends in a field goal. Good thing we have the 2nd ranked red zone defense. 10-6, too close for comfort.

Then Gurley runs on off for 47 yards to the 22—crowd goes wild! Now it’s time! All of a sudden, Gurley has a 9.3 yard/carry average.

Foles sacked, and the dog pound sounds are the loudest of the day. Well, maybe they were louder on the resulting missed FG. Got to be kidding me.

The no-huddle starts and the O gets hotter. A long pass to Britt—was he in? No, I was sitting on the goal line and even across the field I could see he was short. But all that did was lead to Gurley’s first NFL TD—and right in front of me! First of many to come! A lot of looseness in the defensive huddle right after that. Hopefully, they don’t get too loose. But at that point the Rams started to leave the middle wide open and the Browns took advantage.

On O, the Rams finally start pounding the rock, by both Tavon and Gurley. The handwriting is on the wall and the fans can sense it. Gurley TD on the other end of the field. #2 for his career.

There’s more action, even Johnny TD gets in, but it’s over. Rams kneel, and the Gurley, Tavon, defense show is over. Rams 24, Browns

bump because I am greedy for more

from off the net

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RockRam

It was interesting to hear the post game comments from the Brown’s local analysts.

They thought that Cleveland was over matched in every phase of the game.

They were surprised at how the Rams Dline overwhelmed what the local reporters felt was a very good Oline.

They saw the Rams D as beating up the Brown’s O, and just the general physical level of play.

zn wrote:

I promise this thing is a staple of his. As I said you can see it if you watch college highlights.

Echoing the first post. Here’s college highlights. Look for the plays at 0.55, 2.29, & 2.45 in, they show the same thing.

from off the net

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LMU93

Now three straight with 125+ yards. If he does it again Sunday vs. San Francisco he’ll be one of 13 players ever with 4+ consecutive 125+ yard rushing games. The list:

6- Chris Johnson, Eric Dickerson, Early Campbell
5- Larry Johnson, Clinton Portis, Barry Sanders, OJ Simpson
4- Frank Gore, Clinton Portis, Terrell Davis, Marcus Allen, Otis Armstrong

By the way, Steven Jackson had 3 straight 125+ yard rushing games three times- 2006, 2009 and 2011…

from off the net

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RamzFanz

Was very exciting to watch this one live.

We show at the Dome about half way through the first Q. Look at screen, 7-0 Rams, all is well!

Crowd was maybe 4/5ths? Not blatantly empty, but plenty of open seats if you were looking. Still, VERY loud for the defense!

The buzz for Gurley was electric by both fan bases. Many chants for Gurley during the offensive snaps.

Intermingled with chants of Kronke Sucks. The natives are getting restless.

I didn’t see anything you didn’t on TV, so I can’t add to the game. A kid of maybe 10 was screaming Cook Sucks, so that warmed my heart. Did you see TA lay out that defender in the Gurley run? Go watch the highlights on NFL.com. Gurley run with Cook leading, wiff wiff wiff. Another Gurley run with TA out there, bam! Take a nap bitch!

We had a blast, made it to the Oyster Bar, and it was really good. Crawfish Etouffee, crab cakes, and BBQ shrimp that might have been the best shrimp in a sauce I’ve ever had and there was nothing even remotely BBQ about it.

What a great day. Niners are up!

Gordon: Finally, the Rams’ defense has arrived

Jeff Gordon

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/gordon-finally-the-rams-defense-has-arrived/article_7fe010ca-7600-53c5-9022-eb96f37fc03c.html

In the not-so-distant past, Rams defenders had to sort through their game wreckage with painful locker room discussions.

Who messed up that pass coverage? Who failed to fill that run gap? Who misunderstood the defensive call?

But the topic was much happier for safety T.J. McDonald and hit man Mark Barron on Sunday afternoon after the Rams throttled the Cleveland Browns 24-6. They had converged simultaneously on Cleveland Browns receiver Travis Benjamin to force a fourth quarter fumble.

McDonald arrived full speed from one side at the same time Barron flew in from the other. The ball flew out of this violent Benjamin sandwich and defensive tackle Nick Fairley hustled downfield to recover it.

The press box statistics credited McDonald with the forced fumble. But Barron felt that he, in fact, had knocked the ball loose.

“I’m sorry, I have to take that from you,” he said, needling his teammate.

Perhaps, McDonald countered good-naturedly, “You could get an assist strip.”

It was that kind of performance for the Rams’ defense. Players raced each other to deliver punishing hits and force game-changing turnovers. Who was going to get there first to cause mayhem?

This was a dominant performance, precisely what Rams coach Jeff Fisher dreamed of when he began building this unit piece by piece. The Browns’ offense spent much of the game facing tough down-and-distance situations — and the Rams spent the afternoon teeing off on them as a result.

So what if the Rams didn’t get their own offense going until the second half? It didn’t matter, because the Browns were going nowhere at the Edward Jones Dome.

“Giving up six points, it’s great,” safety Rodney McLeod said. “You can’t ask for any more than that. Got turnovers. Obviously there are always things we need to work on. They kind of broke loose on a couple of runs and big pass plays. For the most part, we did a good job of getting sacks and getting our hands on the ball.”

They yielded nothing easily in this game, which was the goal.

“We emphasize getting the ball back, making short fields for the offense, not letting them beat us deep,” defensive tackle Michael Brockers said.

The fun started right away. On Cleveland’s third play from scrimmage, McLeod diagnosed the Browns’ formation and anticipated a quick pass to Taylor Gabriel in the left flat.

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins received McLeod’s cue and blew up the play, knocking the ball out of Gabriel’s hands. The ball bounced toward the sideline, giving McLeod a chance to scoop it up and race 17 yards for the touchdown.

“I haven’t touched the end zone in a while,” McLeod said. “It was a great feeling. Just to set the tone like that for the game, it was a big play.”

That defensive TD gave the Rams an immediate 7-0 lead. They made it 10-0 after defensive end William Hayes chopped the ball away from Browns quarterback Josh McCown, allowing linebacker Akeem Ayers to recover it.

The punishment continued unabated for three hours. The Rams finally knocked McCown out of the game, forcing Johnny “Football” Manziel into the fray.

The total defensive damage, according to the press box statistics: four quarterback sacks, five tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, four recoveries and four pass defenses.

During one Browns possession in the third quarter, the Rams’ pass pressure forced the Browns into three drive-killing offensive holding penalties.

“Obviously they have a really good front,” McCown said. “They can create problems and they were able to do that today. As far as the penalties, we just need to get that cleaned up.”

Playing without defensive end Chris Long — who may be sidelined for several games with his leg injury — the Rams got production from every lineman who started. Defensive end Ethan Westbrooks got a sack. Defensive Eugene Sims recovered a fumble.

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald deflected one pass in addition to his usual disruption: a sack, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits.

“They have a good front, they have depth and they roll guys through,” Browns coach Mike Pettine said. “They did some good things schematically and this (noisy indoor) environment makes it difficult.”

The Rams’ secondary was outstanding, too. McCown completed 26 of 32 passes for 270 yards, but he mostly worked underneath coverage. Rams defensive backs prevented big plays and managed to minimize yardage after catch.

“I think this was one of our better open-field tackling days that we’ve had in a long time,” Fisher said. “We forced checkdowns and we didn’t have two guys overrunning and somebody cutting back.”

And then there was Barron, the hybrid safety-linebacker who has moved to help fill the Alec Ogletree void. The press box statistics credited him with 10 tackles, including two for losses, and six assists.

As for the forced fumble, we’ll have to see if the coaches agree with his claim after reviewing the tape. We know this for sure: Barron was all over the field Sunday, wreaking painful havoc on the Browns.

“I think that is a great spot for Mark,” Jenkins said. “Hard-nosed hitter, loves to be around the ball. High energy … he makes contact with people.”

Uh, yes, yes he does. And so do his teammates on that side of the ball. The Rams’ defense has arrived.

Now, about that offense .

McLeod’s early fumble return for touchdown helps set tone

Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/mcleod-s-early-fumble-return-for-touchdown-helps-set-tone/article_d7d732e7-24be-5d75-8cea-509a6ee083e6.html

On a day of big plays by the Rams’ defense, none was bigger Sunday than Rodney McLeod’s 20-yard fumble return for touchdown early in the contest.

On a first-down play from the Cleveland 19-yard line, Browns quarterback Josh McCown threw a short screen pass to the left for Taylor Gabriel. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins quickly attacked and knocked the ball loose.

McLeod, the Rams’ free safety, scooped it up and returned it 20 yards down the sideline for the first defensive points this season for the Rams, who went on to a 24-6 victory over the Browns at the Edward Jones Dome.

“Actually, it was (McLeod) who alerted me,’’ Jenkins said. “I baited (McCown) a little, but once I saw him turn to make the throw, I was all over it.’’

McLeod added: “It’s a play and a formation we saw on film a lot, something we repped all week in practice. ‘Jenks’ made a great play, knocking the ball free and I was there to capitalize on the opportunity.’’

It was the first NFL touchdown for McLeod, a fourth-year pro.

“Shoot, it’s probably been since high school, for real,’’ McLeod said when asked about his last TD. “It’s a great feeling. It’s a big play, just to set the tone for the game.’’

McLeod’s scoop and score came just 3 minutes, 1 second into the game and was the first of four fumbles forced and recovered by the Rams, who parlayed the turnovers into 17 points.

“If we can start fast like that, it certainly will help us out,’’ middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “We talked all week about how we want to score on defense and finally we did. Any time you score on defense, momentum changes. And when you score on defense, there’s a high probability of winning.’’

On the Cleveland possession following the Rams’ early score, defensive end William Hayes knocked the ball away from McCown on a sack and linebacker Akeem Ayers came up with the ball at the Cleveland 25. That set up a 39-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein that put the Rams on top 10-0 midway through the opening quarter.

The Rams led 10-3 at the half and were up 10-6 when Todd Gurley scored his first NFL touchdown on a 1-yard run late in the third quarter. The home team was up 17-6 early in the final quarter when safeties T.J. McDonald and Mark Barron combined for a vicious hit on a pass play over the middle that forced another turnover and helped set up the game’s final score.

McCown hooked up with speedy Travis Benjamin for a 20-yard gain over the middle. But the ball came free, thanks to a combo hit from McDonald and Barron. The ball caromed toward the line of scrimmage and was recovered by hustling defensive tackle Nick Fairley.

“I got my hand in there (and Mark) put a good lick on him, too,’’ McDonald said after joking with Barron about who gets credit for the forced fumble. “I told him maybe we’d give him an assist, but I think this one’s mine. I guess we’ll just have to wait until we take a look at the film.’’

Gurley capped the ensuing drive with a 16-yard touchdown run to seal the 24-6 victory.

Later in the quarter, Hayes again knocked the ball from McCown on a sack and fellow end Eugene Sims recovered. This time, however, the Rams were unable to move the ball and punted.

“We came in determined to be the difference in the game,’’ McDonald said. “We set a tone early and were able to pretty well control things from there. We got off the field when we needed to and also made some plays to put the offense in position. We feed off them and the offense feeds off us.’’

Playing with a lead, the Rams’ defense was able to keep the pressure on McCown, who threw for a franchise-record 457 yards two weeks earlier against Baltimore. On Sunday, the 13-year pro completed 26 of 32 passes for 270 yards before being removed late with a shoulder injury and possible concussion. He was sacked four times, losing fumbles on two of those, and was hit seven other times.

Playing with the lead is “awesome because it makes the other team’s offense one-dimensional and gives our guys up front a chance to really go after the QB,’’ Laurinaitis said. “And then, on the other end, having a running back like (Gurley), who can drain the clock and shorten the game a little, it really helps a lot.’’

Sunday’s win puts the Rams at 3-3 and provides some expectations for a club scheduled to play just one winning team over the next month.

“I would say next week will be the big test for us,’’ Laurinaitis said, referring to Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Dome. “We can’t ignore the problems we’ve had with putting back-to-back stuff together. We have a division team coming into our place and we have an opportunity to kind of stack some things.

“We’ve talked about it a lot and I’ll be sure to bring it up more, but next week will tell just how mature we are and if this team is any different than in the past.’’

You know, interestingly, the offense did better when they decided at the half to open it up some. In the 2nd half, when they used the no huddle, Foles went 5 of 7 for 78 yards, which is more than 11 per attempt. IMO he was bad in the 1st half not the 2nd.

Here’s Fisher on the 2nd half changes:

=======

http://theramshuddle.com/topic/fisher-foles-gurley-mccleod-donald-jenkins-transcripts/

we picked the tempo up in the second half and cut (Rams QB) Nick (Foles) loose a little bit and we made some plays.

We just can’t rely on Todd (Gurley) all the time. At some point it’s going to get hard to run the football, until we start making some plays on the outside. Now, obviously we did. (WR) Kenny (Britt) made a great catch and then drew the big penalty, because Nick (Foles) got the chance to put it on the outside. And we have to continue to work at that.

(On the decision to go with the up-tempo offense in the second half)
It was just a decision I made.

.

Eternal Ramnation wrote:

This defense may not be elite but they are elite hitters. They are absolutely vicious out there!

Actually? Before today’s game is factored in…the Rams defense has been:

10th in yards per game

7th in yards per play

3rd in sack percentage

8th in takeaways

9th in points allowed per game

2nd in redzone scoring percentage (TDs only)

Where they lag is completion percentage, rushing yards, and 3rd down conversions.

The one where I hope they improve is 3rd down conversions.

.

BEFORE today’s game, Browns offense was:

10th in yards

12th in yards per play

11th in points

Janoris Jenkins Postgame Press Conference – 10/25

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins talks about his team’s defensive game plan and getting the victory over Cleveland

http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/Janoris_Jenkins_Postgame_Press_Conference_1025/20f15553-7547-451f-94fa-7bcaf6ed8046