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znModeratorWell, that’s an absolutely horrible camp report.
I want flowers and rainbows not turds in the punchbowl. Okay–I couldn’t think of anything.
In any case—if this team comes out of the gate slow–they’re done. That can’t happen this year. In fairness to the team–they may have to slow things down because of the young linemen. But at some point they have to sink or swim. They have to work on the long passes because I’m guessing they may need to throw one or two of them this year.
As for Robinson–I kind of agree with wv on this one. I’m just not sure why he lost so much weight. Was he really too slow last year? Last year he looked more confused to me than anything else. Things looked more mental than physical.
We’ll see.
Well fwiw here’s a camp reporter who went to virtually every practice (a lot of them anyway) and who even sat with hammer during the practice covered here. He is directly asked if he saw the same things:
———————-
RamzFanz
I don’t agree with his insights. Come Friday, we will all start to get glimpses.
From my discussions with him:
He doesn’t think much of TA and I disagree. I’m not a good judge of route running so I will leave that for the group in real games, but TA flashed many times during camp including long TDs, diving catches, and long runs. Times that Hammer wasn’t there. I would say, from my limited exposure, they are working to get TA the ball in the open field or in the flat behind blocking, and I think that is a successful formula for TA and his unique skill set.
He said Robinson lost too much weight and seemed weaker. We’ll see.
Foles has indeed looked pedestrian. But it’s a new team, a new scheme, and he’s in a deep learning curve. I don’t think that means Foles WILL be pedestrian in games. But maybe so and maybe it won’t even matter.
I don’t agree with anyone who has negative things to say about this defense in general.
In the end though, none of us know what this team will look like game one, but in general, I really like where they are going for the most part on both sides of the ball. My biggest concern for the offense at this point is a lack of practising downfield throws. There just wan’t much in the second half of the open days.
znModeratorRams Training Camp: On-Site Practice Report, Aug. 11
By misone
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/8/12/9141761/2015-st-louis-rams-training-camp-report
In total, I got the chance to attend and observe three Rams practices and a scrimmage. Of course these practices were all in the first one-third portion of training camp, and with a month before the first game kicks off so much can change in that time.
But in the time spent at these practices, there are a few points that has consistently stood out each practice. Some good, and some not so good.
Practice Notes
Greg Robinson might be the most improved player on the team. He looks good out there. Albeit, with pads or no pads. Every day he has brought the ferocious athleticism that made him the number two overall pick. But most importantly he is playing fast and thinking less.
Foles has thrown a lot of interceptions. He has struggled most with throws to the sidelines and the intermediate to deep middle. Most of the the deeper throws have been overthrown. He has flashed some good throws as well though. These throws have mainly gone to Jared Cook and Stedman Bailey. He looks to have built the best connection with those guys.
Todd Gurley is huge. A legitimately big back. His knee however, doesn’t appear to be ready as he still looks a little uncomfortable when running sprints and does not open stride as fluidly as he has gained a reputation for. With that said, he does seem to make some cuts better than others which is a good sign and says he’s closer to a return than the Rams are leading on. The hurdles might be more mental than physical. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays week one and touches the ball about ten times
Rodger Saffold looks good. I have watched him stalemate Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers with ease. In fact I only seen him lose one battle and that was to Donald in the first practice I attended. Funny how when you fix your shoulder your level of play elevates.
Tavon Austin is going to be used a lot. For the first time since his arrival, I have seen Austin on the field more often than not regardless of personnel. As I said weeks ago, I am expecting a lot of screens and go routes out of Austin this season, and 70 total touches seems 100% feasible.
The secondary could steal the spotlight this season. They look like a completely different group. This will be a top 12 group this season. One interesting package has six defensive backs and four are safeties, with Mark Barron and Maurice Alexander playing in the box with two backers. But they never seem to sit still which so far has caused confusion. Gregg Williams meant it when he said he has a lot of packages and will get everyone involved. You can tell he really bust his ass this off season. This secondary is deep, locked, and loaded.
Lance Kendricks has not been talked about much but he does indeed look like he will be more involved this season. This leads me to believe there will be a lot of 12 personnel being used this season.
Back-up quarterback continues to be an issue. Case Keenum has been very shaky. Austin Davis has shined bright, but also lived in the dark, consistency remains an issue. Sean Mannion has made at least one jaw dropping throw every single practice. But he has made far more mistakes than good plays. This is expected for a thrid round rookie QB, but the last thing the Rams need is to have to turn to him at all this season.
Jamon Brown has looked pretty solid in one on one drills. He’s been every bit as physical as he was said to be, and surprisingly has not been as easy to beat in pass protection as he was expected. He has gotten better in that regard each day. He’ll be someone I watch closely in preseason games.
In all the chatter about Gurley and Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham has been somewhat of the forgotten man. However, he has looked like an improved player. He continues to out work players in the off-season and it shows in his consistent growth. Don’t expect to see him out carry the aforementioned backs, but the idea that his role will drastically shrink may be extremely premature. He looks like someone the coaches will have a hard time keeping off the field on passing downs. 70-80 touches still seem very likely. he has caught everything and hasnot been beaten in pass pro in any of the practices I’ve attened. That can’t be said about any other back. He also looks faster. He’s another guy to keep an eye on.
No Names, Making Names
Keep an eye out for Bradley Marquez. Every single practice, I have seen him making plays. At only 5’10” 195lbs, he looks like a player that could have a future at either slot or out wide. He runs very good routes creating separation. He has made some very tough catches and shows a nice burst when accelerating for deep throws. He looks like a player that will make the practice squad but depending on how he plays in the preseason games he could push for a spot on the 53. Chris Givens has looked shaky and inconsistent. He should be looking over his shoulder.
Imoan Claiborne is almost certainly fighting for a spot on the practice squad as the defensive back depth chart is all but set in stone. But he may earn that spot on the practice squad if he can continue to grow. He has made a few splash plays and had some good break ups here and there. He has to make more of these plays more consistently, but he has showed up enough to warrant consideration.
Random Moment
I went for another shot at a Q&A with Dani Klupenger, unfortunately it did not come into fruition as she wasn’t doing much reporting and/or interacting with anyone on this day, but just watching and chilling. Looks like I took the permanent L, sorry guys
August 12, 2015 at 3:41 pm in reply to: Boudreau discusses Rams' new-look OL & more OL discussion & articles #28590znModeratorNote: in terms of the missing vid, there’s a couple of quotations from it in this one that aren’t in the other articles above. I highlight them.
============
Inexperience Aside, Rams Say the O-Line Will be Ready
Luke Schnake
http://www.101sports.com/2015/08/12/inexperience-darned-rams-say-o-line-will-ready/
A rotating cast of characters has made the job of coordinating the Rams’ offensive line a difficult task in recent years, but that’s about to change.
Injuries and a lack of consistency has at times prevented the team’s o-line from thinking and working as a single unit.
The Rams are hoping that helping a young group grow together will be the answer.
Line coach Paul Boudreau has dealt with a revolving door of players in his time in St. Louis and says he’s happy to be helping a more youthful group grow into the line of the Rams’ future.
“Two years ago I was bringing guys in on Wednesday and starting them on Sunday.” Boudreau said. “I’d rather do this with the young guys than have to go through that. We’ve got some good depth. This is the best depth we’ve ever had here.”
That depth includes two rookies making up the right guard and tackle spots in Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein.
The Rams staff has sung the praises of the rookies throughout training camp and they’ll see their first chance in a game situation Friday night in Oakland, followed by practice scrimmages with the Cowboys Aug. 17 and 18.
“We have a bunch of young guys just learning how to play and the good thing is we drafted guys that are smart and tough,” Boudreau said. “It’s kind of gelling together. It’ll be a good example to see how we’ve taught them on Friday night and then the work against Dallas is going to be invaluable.
Rookies often point to the speed of the game as a major difference between playing collegiately and professionally. Jamon Brown said as much during rookie camp early this summer, but says he’s slowed his game down by using the muscle between his ears.
“It’s definitely slowed down between the time we’ve been out here and through OTA’s and now this far into camp.” Brown said. “And I think in my case that’s from learning the playbook and learning the system. Coach (Boudreau) always says when you know what to do the game slows down for you.”
Boudreau points to the intelligence of his two rookies on the right as a reason he isn’t worried about inexperience on that side.
The fact Havenstein came from Wisconsin and Brown from Louisville, both schools that require their linemen to play in a three-point stance, is also helping in their grooming.
“If you’re coming from a team that runs the read-option and all those things where you’re in a two-point stance it is a major adjustment,” Boudreau said. “Luckily for us, Rob (Havenstein) coming out of Wisconsin played a pro offense and Louisville plays in a pro offense. So the guys we drafted have played with their hand on the ground. With Greg (Robinson) last year it was an adjustment because Auburn played in a two-point stance all the time…(Normally) you don’t like two rookies playing next to each other, but (Brown and Havenstein) are so smart.” Boudreau added.
Brown, in particular has blossomed in training camp going head-to-head with defensive tackle Aaron Donald every day.
“Jamon is physical as hell,” Boudreau said. “He was a tackle, but he’s really suited to be a guard. He’s got great quickness. Playing against Aaron every day has helped him out as far as leverage and balance because Aaron doesn’t take a play off.”
The 2015 O-Line may not have much NFL experience playing with each other, but they insist they’re ready to play as one unit. Game exposure is the only factor that will lead to growth on the field, but the crew is making sure they’re comfortable with each other off the turf.
znModeratorWith the Benoit article (see above) IMO we have slipped past the regular zone of Rams reporting into “must read” territory.
Yeah, that is the best stuff I have seen in a long time.
6 quotes I liked from it:
* The average age of a Rams’ starting defender is 25; the average level of athleticism is “somewhere off the charts.”
* Quinn (already signed long-term), Donald, Ogletree and McDonald, [are] all young “top three” players at their positions.* Donald has extremely quick get-off, well-honed footwork and the capacity to shed blocks and redirect in traffic. Though he’s at his best fighting the run, he’s capable of also being a 10-sack pass rusher (rare for a defensive tackle).
* Ogletree … last season began consistently playing up to his considerable level of raw talent. Ogletree, a safety at Georgia, covers ground in the flats and maneuvers well through traffic. He can match up to running backs or tight ends in man coverage, and he’s developing a keener sense for angles as a zone defender.
* Rams already have a potential top-three strong safety in T.J. McDonald. You haven’t heard much about the third-year pro, but that will change.
* It’s important that Cignetti help his receivers schematically the way previous coordinator Brian Schottenheimer did. Schottenheimer got production out of middle-tier players like Kenny Britt, Jared Cook and Tavon Austin via stack-release concepts and intertwined route combinations. These tactics also help define reads for the quarterback.And here’s one I didn’t like:
* The past two years, the best defense in pro football has resided in the NFC West. That will be true again in 2015, only this time it won’t be the Seahawks’ D.
I agree with WV. They haven’t done anything yet. When I read that they will be better than Seattle I immediately think things like—way to motivate Seattle. And, Rams better not read their own press until they’ve actually done something. Let alone this—oops, jinx.
.
August 12, 2015 at 9:08 am in reply to: Boudreau discusses Rams' new-look OL & more OL discussion & articles #28585znModeratorRobinson goes from asking to answering
By Joe Lyons
A year ago, he was the phenom. The second overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Greg Robinson was supposed to be the Rams’ answer on the offensive line.
Robinson, a highly regarded prospect from Auburn University, had his ups and downs as a rookie, playing in all 16 games and starting the last 12. He made his first three starts at left guard and then shifted to left tackle after veteran Jake Long went down with a season-ending knee injury at Kansas City on Oct. 26.
Now, as he prepares for his second season, Robinson joins sixth-year pro Rodger Saffold as the veterans on an offensive line expected to start rookies — second-round pick Rob Havenstein and third-round pick Jamon Brown — at right tackle and right guard, respectively.
At center, there’s a three-man training camp battle involving fourth-year pro Tim Barnes, 2013 draft choice Barrett Jones and 2014 draft choice Demetrius Rhaney. Of those, only Barnes, with four, has started an NFL game.
“I’ve got a handful of guys who’ve played, but mainly I’m working with a bunch of rooks,’’ Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau said after practice early this week. “They’re young guys looking to learn, but they’re smart and they’re tough and they’re starting to come together. We’ll know a lot more after Friday (when the Rams open the preseason in Oakland against the Raiders) and next week, working for a couple of days with the Cowboys (in Oxnard, Calif.) will be invaluable.
“Right now, the key is to just keep moving forward. You’re either getting better or getting worse, you never stay the same.’’
Robinson, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday in October, can empathize with his young linemates, a group that also includes Andrew Donnal (fourth round), Cody Wichmann (sixth round) and Isaiah Battle (fifth round, supplemental draft), and is trying to provide as much guidance as possible.
“Last year was tough because I had a few vets in front of me,’’ Robinson said. “This year, I have an opportunity to step up and hopefully become more of a leader. Coach ‘Bou’ has stressed to me and Rodger that they’re counting on us to produce and lead the way. It’s an opportunity I’m grateful for and one that I want to take advantage of.
“I really can’t control what the other guys do, but if any of the rookies needs something, they know I’m there for them. Last year, I was the one asking all the questions and now I’m able to answer most of them.’’
Part of Robinson’s rookie struggles can be traced to his college experience. He enjoyed tremendous success in Auburn’s run-heavy attack in 2013, helping Rams teammate Tre Mason rush for 1,816 yards and score 24 touchdowns as the Tigers reached the BCS title game.
But Robinson’s transition to the pro game was significant.
“Guys like Rob and Jamon were in pro-style offenses in college; at Auburn, Greg was in a two-point stance all the time,’’ Boudreau said. “Luckily for us, his offensive line coach, J.B Grimes, had them practicing with their hand on the ground every day. But it still was a huge adjustment for Greg. It’s well-documented that (Auburn) only ran about six plays, two slide progressions and four runs, and on two of the runs, Greg didn’t block anybody because it was read zone. When he got here, it was all new to him. He was basically learning from scratch.’’
To further complicate the transition, Robinson was learning both the guard and tackle positions early in his rookie campaign.
That “was probably a disservice to him,’’ Boudreau pointed out. “But the good thing for him was he learned to use his hands better as a guard. When you’ve got (former Missouri Tiger and San Francisco 49er defensive tackle) Justin Smith on your head, you’d better learn to use your hands or he’s going to make you look bad.’’
Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti added: “He can really just zone in on one position.’’
Another benefit for Robinson, strangely enough, was a turf toe injury he suffered late in the season. He underwent surgery after the season and followed up by spending a good portion of his offseason at Rams Park doing his rehab work alongside Saffold, who had offseason shoulder surgery.
“The two of them spent the offseason together and that’s a benefit for us considering they’re going to be playing next to each other,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “Greg spent a lot of time with ‘Bou’ and (assistant line coach) Andy Dickerson. He’s much farther along, so much more comfortable now.’’
Boudreau agreed: “It’s like night and day. Usually the biggest transition for linemen is between the first and second year and because of the injury, he was in the building every day, watching film and thinking about football. It was good for him.’’
Robinson also spent some time with the team nutritionist in the offseason and arrived at camp about 20 pounds lighter.
“I definitely feel like I’m quicker and moving a little better,’’ the 6-foot-5, 313-pounder said. “It was a long offseason but I got through it and now I’m just focused on getting back into the flow around here. The big thing, the real key on the line, is communication, and that’s something we’re working on every day.’’
znModeratorWith the Benoit article (see above) IMO we have slipped past the regular zone of Rams reporting into “must read” territory.
znModeratorPractice Report 8/11: Getting Ready to Play
By Myles Simmons
It was a cooler day in Earth City as the Rams finished off their slate of open training camp practices at Rams Park on Tuesday. And after the session, head coach Jeff Fisher said the players are looking forward to getting games started on Friday.
“They did a really good job the last three days,” Fisher said. “They know, obviously, tomorrow is the day off for them. We come back and we have a little walk-thru. Then we will prepare for the Raiders and go out there and play a ball game.”
With the preseason contests, two of the frequently asked questions for all four contests is who will play and how much? Fisher said the coaching staff is still going through the process of making those decisions, but the focus of the first game will be more on younger players striving to make an impression.
“When you look at the roster and you start looking at the 51st, 52nd, and 53rd player, so much of it has to do with their ability to contribute on special teams,” Fisher said. “We’re going to give guys opportunities to do some things and show us some things on special teams. But at the same time, [we’ll be] mindful of the fact that if they’re playing every snap on defense, and then going out and covering every kick, that’s hard.”
The head coach said he thinks the team has gotten better at every position thus far through camp, but specifically mentioned Nick Foles as a player who has made a major impact.
“Nick’s had a really good camp,” Fisher said. “I’m just really proud of him and happy that he’s here, so it will be fun to watch him play a little bit.”
While the quarterback likely won’t be on the field much, Fisher said that Foles will get some snaps in against the Raiders.
“I think you’d expect a couple of series, something like that, and then we’ll start making changes,” Fisher said. “We want to protect him. We don’t want to get him hit.”
With such a young group on the offensive line, players like Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown may see a bit more time than other members of the first unit. But the head coach said other younger linemen should be on the field more than the right tackle and right guard.
“We’ve got some younger guys that will probably play into the second half,” Fisher said. “I don’t know how much Rob and ‘JB’ will play beyond the other guys. I think you can expect to see them play three or four series.”
While the Rams’ next training camp practice will be with the Cowboys in Oxnard, Calif., Fisher has liked what he’s seen at Rams Park.
“It was a good camp overall so far,” Fisher said. “We still have a lot of work to do.”
MANNION’S DEBUT
One of the younger players who may get significant playing time is quarterback Sean Mannion. The rookie out of Oregon State said on Tuesday that he’s feeling pretty positive about his August.
“I feel like I’ve done a lot of good things so far in training camp,” Mannion said. “I just try to be accurate, just try to make good decisions with the ball. And I feel really comfortable in the offense.”
The signal-caller said his on-field comfort is in part a product of going through some of the processes before.
“I think the biggest difference is just it’s not my first time out here practicing with the guys,” Mannion said. “You kind of got that over with in OTAs. Come out here, hit the ground running, and now it feels like you’re just back playing football like normal.”
While he doesn’t quite yet know how much he’ll play, Mannion said he’s looking forward to getting on the field at the pro level.
“It’ll be exciting to get into a game atmosphere and get in there and just try to operate the offense, execute the plays the way they’re designed, and just have a chance to be out there as a team going against someone else for a change,” he said.
Speaking of Mannion, Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt of SiriusXM NFL were in attendance at camp today, and came away impressed with the Rams’ rookie QB.
.@Gil_Brandt & I impressed w/ @STLouisRams rookie QB @seanmannion4 at TC. Gil loves his accuracy & way Sean spins the football @SiriusXMNFL
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) August 12, 2015COVER MAN
Defensive end Robert Quinn will be on one of the four regional covers for Sports Illustrated’s annual fantasy football issue.
When you get the cover of Sports Illustrated…
Posted by St. Louis Rams on Tuesday, August 11, 2015The other three players featured on the covers are Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. Quinn’s cover will be delivered to SI subscribers in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, per si.com.
But if you know anything about the Rams’ defensive line, having one of their own on the cover of a magazine will spur some razzing. And that’s exactly what RBN captured after Tuesday’s practice in the video below.
znModeratorNick Foles finds his comfort zone
By Ian Rapoport
It looks and feels like training camp, with warm, sticky weather and fields as far as the eye can see. The Rams’ practice facility in Earth City, Missouri, is surrounded by festive floats and gated off family areas. There was also a drone high into the air watching practice.
Observations:
1) The blockbuster trade happened months ago, but it’s still jarring to see Nick Foles under center in St. Louis instead of Sam Bradford. The reality is, armed with a new extension, the fit seems like a great one. After a few shaky weeks facing Gregg Williams’ defense in practice (he doesn’t hold back), Foles has reached a comfort level. Thanks in part to a newly stocked quarterback room featuring offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti and QB coach Chris Weinke, Foles has returned to his West Coast Offense roots. It’s the mental part that’s key, being asked to do a lot with protections and getting the team in and out of the right plays. But he’s put in the work, and the players have already taken to him.
2) With a healthy quarterback, the Rams hope to have the steadiness at that position they haven’t had for years. Because really, they don’t need Foles to do too much; not with Williams’ defense returning essentially every starter, plus adding Nick Fairley to an already nasty defensive line headlined by Chris Long and Aaron Donald. The defense isn’t holding back in practice, giving this young offensive line fits. Word is, it’s starting to look like it did at the end of last year when they dominated at times. Plus, this defense is so young, the principals could stay together for years. A legitimately scary proposition.
3) While the team practiced on one field, a pad-less rookie ran routes against air and caught passes. He looked completely normal, which is the curse of Todd Gurley, their first-round pick. He’s so athletic that even when he’s rated at 90 percent on a surgically repaired knee, he looks 100 percent. But make no mistake, Gurley isn’t ready yet. He won’t play in the preseason. I’m told the Rams don’t even expect him to be ready for the season. They believe he’ll miss the first couple games, not wanting to risk injury until he’s ready. The ligament is strong, but the area around it isn’t there yet. With so much invested in a player compared to a young Adrian Peterson, St. Louis will be cautious. But the future is so bright for Gurley, team personnel can barely contain themselves.
New additions
Nick Fairley, DT: Free agency didn’t materialize like Fairley wanted, with the big-money deal offered to the likes of former teammate Ndamukong Suh never arriving. So Fairley made the best decision available: He signed with the Rams for one year to help solidify the best D-line in the NFL. Suddenly, St. Louis has starters as backups and a hungry Fairley ready to prove his worth.
Curt Cignetti, offensive coordinator: By the time the Rams hired an offensive coordinator, nobody noticed. It was Cignetti, formerly their QB coach. But it was treated like an oh-by-the-way move rather than breaking news. Interestingly, Cignetti had previously turned down other chances to be an NFL coordinator, waiting for the right opportunity. This is it, with young talent at receiver, a stud back, and Foles, who is more than eager to learn. The Mike McCarthy disciple will make his mark.
Overheard
“I’ve had some really good defenses in the past. I’ve had some really good ones across the league in other teams. They have the makings of (that), but we have to stay healthy. Some of the offenses, hoefully they’ll cooperate, too, and not play as well.”
— Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, downright giddy about the potential of his unit. He has a reason to be.
Extra points
» The Rams are the youngest team in the NFL, as they always seem to be. That’s the vibe of this team, as well. Young, loud, energetic, amped up.
» It’s how the defense plays. Healthy again, with a coordinator who can make sure he gets the ball on the run, this could be the breakout year for Tavon Austin the Rams have been waiting for.
» Left tackle Greg Robinson lost weight and showed up in shape, which is a welcome sight. Nearly as welcome is Barrett Jones healthy at center. Having overcome foot issues, the cerebral Alabama product is in position to start at center.
Follow Ian Rapoport on Twitter @RapSheet.
August 12, 2015 at 12:01 am in reply to: watching pre-season games+ replay times (read whole thread for all options) #28571znModeratorRamsrule
ok….. if I’m reading the schedule correctly, use this method to get to see 3 out of the 4 preseason games live for free –
Oakland game is an issue so this one is the game you’ll have to find an alternate way to watch
Titans game – scheduled for a live national broadcast on Fox per NFL.com – need to confirm this – if so, we’re golden
Prior to 8/29 game against the Colts, sign up for free 7 day trial of Game Pass, which will cover both the Colts game and the Chiefs game. Be sure to cancel after Chiefs game so you dont get charged for the full season.
There you go….. enjoy!
August 11, 2015 at 7:41 pm in reply to: A Collection of tweets from Rams Park – 8/9, 8/10: LINK #28561znModeratorDespite his issues in special teams Bradley Marquez continues to show some deep speed and ability to go get it
Height: 5-10.5
Weight: 204
40: 4.56
Year: 4Sr
Bradley Marquez
School: Texas Tech
Position: WRBio: Two-year starter who finished with career numbers of 65 receptions, 821 yards and 10 TDs as a senior.
Positive: Well-built receiver with a developing game. Runs solid routes, quickly gets into breaks then stays low on exit. Extends his hands offering the quarterback a target, plays with quickness and nicely adjusts errant throws. Comes back into the clearing and nicely makes receptions in stride.
Negative: More quick than fast. Drops catchable throws. Lacks the second gear.
August 11, 2015 at 7:38 pm in reply to: A Collection of tweets from Rams Park – 8/9, 8/10: LINK #28560znModeratorDespite his issues in special teams Bradley Marquez continues to show some deep speed and ability to go get it #ramscamp
— Jim Fadler (@jimiramsboy) August 11, 2015
August 11, 2015 at 7:22 pm in reply to: A Collection of tweets from Rams Park – 8/9, 8/10: LINK #28559znModeratorHey ag. I usually put up a prose non-pic version of the Jimi tweets as a separate camp report. Do you mind me doing that?
August 11, 2015 at 7:16 pm in reply to: A Collection of tweets from Rams Park – 8/9, 8/10: LINK #28558znModeratorI have failed to mention Martin Ifedi a rookie DE out of Memphis enough he and the safety Hagen are the standout UDFA’s # ramscamp
I like both those guys.
Poor Ifedi, though—apparently some folks forget he was a draft pick
znModeratorMove Over Seahawks, the Rams Have the Best Defense
by Andy Benoit
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2015/08/11/nfl-st-louis-rams-defense
The past two years, the best defense in pro football has resided in the NFC West. That will be true again in 2015, only this time it won’t be the Seahawks’ D. It will be the team that beat the Seahawks in the Edwards Jones Dome last season. The Rams have won just 13 games during Seattle’s two years of dominance, but they’ve been a team full of young players who are now ascending into the early parts of their primes. The average age of a Rams’ starting defender is 25; the average level of athleticism is “somewhere off the charts.”
Let’s start with the area fans are most familiar with: the defensive line. It features the game’s most explosive edge rusher, Robert Quinn, and, already, the game’s most explosive interior gap-shooter, Aaron Donald, last year’s 13th overall pick. Donald has extremely quick get-off, well-honed footwork and the capacity to shed blocks and redirect in traffic. Though he’s at his best fighting the run, he’s capable of also being a 10-sack pass rusher (rare for a defensive tackle).
Head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead have done a great job building the rest of this D-line. In their first year here, 2012, they drafted Michael Brockers in the first round. He’s turned out to be an outstanding pass rushing setup man in sub-packages and a tough one-on-one block on base downs. Fisher and Snead also locked up Chris Long to a long-term deal their first year, which has paid dividends, and they signed former Titan William Hayes to provide depth. And the one remaining player they inherited, Eugene Sims, has blossomed into a productive, versatile backup, capable of starting for many 4-3 teams. (He may get that opportunity next year; Sims is in the final year of his contract. Long’s 2016 cap number is $14.25 million, which the club is unlikely to keep on the books, and Hayes is in the final year of his deal. There will be a hole to fill at defensive end.)
Sims can also play defensive tackle, though with Fisher and Snead snagging free agent Nick Fairley this past offseason, there won’t be as many snaps available there. Fairley’s reliability is questionable—why else would such a gifted 27-year-old garner only a one-year, $5 million deal in free agency?—but when he’s right, he’s similar to Brockers, only with more natural leverage and a little better initial quickness.
At the linebacker level, James Laurinaitis is an intelligent point man whose pre-snap adjustments, blitzes and disguises give this defense diversity. But the headliner of this group will be Alec Ogletree, the 2013 first-round pick who last season began consistently playing up to his considerable level of raw talent. Ogletree, a safety at Georgia, covers ground in the flats and maneuvers well through traffic. He can match up to running backs or tight ends in man coverage, and he’s developing a keener sense for angles as a zone defender. Opposite him is a lesser but still commendable athlete in newcomer Akeem Ayers. He replaces Jo-Lonn Dunbar, who is one of the game’s best at taking on lead-blockers but is an otherwise limited player.
Ayers, a former Titan-turned-Patriot last season, has a multifaceted skillset that has never been fully showcased in his four-year career. There’s no guarantee it will in St. Louis, either. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams loves employing various nickel and dime sub-packages (more on that in a moment), and he has a great box safety to use in Mark Barron. With Ogletree too good to take off the field and Laurinaitis too smart, Ayers would be the odd man out if Williams again wants to feature Barron’s blitzing in “big nickel,” much like he did after the Rams acquired him from Tampa Bay last October.
Barron won’t start because the Rams already have a potential top-three strong safety in T.J. McDonald. You haven’t heard much about the third-year pro, but that will change. At 6’2”, 220, McDonald covers ground like an antelope when filling down in the box, and he’s an assertive presence in coverage, including man-to-man. At free safety, Rodney McLeod is not Earl Thomas, but he’s fast in his own right, which, with continuously improving awareness, gives him range. McLeod’s growth only affords Williams more freedom for deploying his blitzers.
That’s something Williams does with relentless aggression and creativity. It’s long been his M.O., and, given that he’s built a pressure-based scheme despite having the league’s most dangerous four-man front, it’s safe to declare that it will forever be his M.O. This youthful defense, especially the secondary, had a difficult time initially picking up the nuances of Williams’s system. Far too often, its coverage concepts did not sync up to the design up front.
But this issue abated as last season progressed. Now, with the secondary having just completed a second offseason under Williams, it should all but vanish. Corners Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson and E.J. Gaines (a surprisingly sturdy presence in the slot as a sixth-round rookie last year who hopefully will overcome a foot injury he’s currently battling) will be asked to play a variety of matchup-zone concepts. Thanks to the pressure designs, each individual will often be able to extend more aggression to his preferred style of play. For Jenkins, this means jumping routes from off-coverage. For Johnson, it means probably the same, he plays a lot of off-coverage on the outside. Gaines, though an inside player, would likely elect to play with more physicality. It’s the strength that has propelled him ahead of fellow rookie Lamarcus Joyner (a second round pick) for slot duties. Gaines is also versatile in zone concepts, which Williams takes full advantage of. (A few times last season, the cornerback even rotated to middle linebacker in Tampa 2 coverage, taking away the deep middle hole in pass defense.)
St. Louis’s defense may not finish first in yards or points allowed this season—though it’s sure to be much higher than near the middle, where it finished a year ago. But in terms of creating team-wide success that contributes directly to victories, it will surpass Seattle as the league’s best D. The Rams’ foundation is built on big plays, and there will be enough of them to put this team in the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Rams Nickel Package
1. The trade for Nick Foles is another example of the Rams digging in and becoming a totally defense-oriented team. Foles, with his slower delivery and need for clearer defined reads, is built to be a classic game-managing QB. (No shame in that.) This not only fits a run-based offense, it also means the Rams don’t have to sacrifice an enormous chunk of cap space after signing the 26-year-old to a two-year, $24.5 million deal. That leaves more money available for holding onto defenders like Quinn (already signed long-term), Donald, Ogletree and McDonald, all young “top three” players at their positions. This, by the way, is similar to Seattle’s current blueprint, which is why the Russell Wilson contract situation is so interesting.
2. A passing-based offense needs only an adequate O-line. A run-based offense, however, needs a dominant one. Hence the selection of Greg Robinson with the No. 2 overall pick in 2014. Now the fulltime left tackle, Robinson will be the fulcrum of many man-blocking concepts on the perimeter, where his uncommon combination of size and mobility can be highlighted. In the zone game, which new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti reportedly plans to employ more of this season, Robinson can be a downfield mauler at the point of attack. (Remember, not all zone ground games are laterally based like what we’ve seen from Alex Gibbs style systems over the years. There’s also “inside zone,” which is built on power and double teams.) It was good to see the Rams commit second-and third-round picks to right tackle Rob Havenstein and guard Jamon Brown. Upgrades were needed along the O-line.
3. It’s important that Cignetti help his receivers schematically the way previous coordinator Brian Schottenheimer did. Schottenheimer got production out of middle-tier players like Kenny Britt, Jared Cook and Tavon Austin via stack-release concepts and intertwined route combinations. These tactics also help define reads for the quarterback. Cignetti will have to maintain this because none of St. Louis’s receivers, except for maybe Brian Quick, who missed much of the offseason with a shoulder injury, are capable of consistently creating their own separation.
4. Speaking of Austin, if he’s not featured as a misdirection weapon or decoy at least six times a game, it means the Rams are using him wrong.
5. Two underrated but highly important members of this offense: tight end Lance Kendricks and H-back Cory Harkey. Both are flex pieces behind the line of scrimmage, bringing valuable dimension to the ground game.
August 11, 2015 at 2:53 pm in reply to: Boudreau discusses Rams' new-look OL & more OL discussion & articles #28525znModeratorThis looks like the transcript to Boudreau’s missing video.
It is.
Here I copy/paste our previous discussion of it. So it is all in one place. Or in 2 places since I am not using “merge.”
==============
Paul Boudreau Press Conference – 8/10
Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau talks with the media about his offensive linemen heading into the first preseason game.
http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/Paul-Boudreau-Press-Conference—810/6ce5cbfc-0738-41f0-836b-598459ccb669This is a good one. Full of gem comments.
The video is “no longer available”.
How much do you remember?
Let me try and recall it. I was going to give it another listen.
I know why they took it down. At one point he quote unquote said he “didn’t give a shit” where a guy was drafted, he was just just going to field the best 5.
Robinson. Night and day difference between how far along he was this time last year v. this year. He stayed and worked on his injury all off-season and was therefore also in there watching tape. He was dedicated to football. Playing guard was good for Robinson because it taught him how to get his hands going faster. That translates to tackle.
Reynolds. Said Reynolds came up learning behind Harvey Dahl so he knows how it;s supposed to be done. Reynolds is the unofficial leader of the OL, and helps them stay in the Boudreau mindset. He’s the one who says we’re all going out to eat tonight and whoever doesn’t show, pays. Reynolds can back up the left side as well as the right. He really likes him as his 6th lineman, so IMO unless Brown falters, that’s his role.
Likes the fact that Brown and Havenstein came out of pro style offenses. In comparison, for example, last year Robinson came in and had to learn how to play from a 3 point stance, because in these spreads and read options it;s all 2 point.
Havenstein is quote unquote “serious as a heart attack.” Between OTAs and camp he stuck around studying practice field and working on learning.
Center? He thinks it’s a good competition. Whoever wins it will have earned it. A center has to calm everyone down and take the burden of making line calls off the qb. He has to lead on the field, emotionally and mentally. That was far more important to him than any other attributes. When told that Foles hadn’t played that much under center, he just laughed and said “that’s his problem.” Meaning, he is going to have the line ready, it;s up to Foles to catch up.
Said the offense is pretty much the same as before but they are adding some new concepts like more zone blocking.
He said that at certain points over the last couple of years he would have to sign someone on Weds. and start them on Sunday. They may have been veterans but he likes this better—having a young line, with guys he works up as a group.
Stresses that he wants them all doing the same things so if they make a mistake they all make the same mistake. That’s better—to work from a sense of cohesion.
Was very effusive about Brown and his power. Likes Brown a lot.
That’s all I remember. There was more though. Hope they put it back up…like I said, I just enjoyed it the first time and was planning on giving it a second listen to get the details.
.
znModeratorThe Fast Lane and Nick Wagoner talk about Foles and much more
RamBill: Nick Wagoner talks about Nick Foles’ contract extension, how he fits in with the team, the scrimmage on Friday night, Tavon Austin’s improved route running, Stedman Bailey’s work ethic, and much more. Randy Karraker says Jared Cook said that Foles is better than Bradford.
znModeratorMaybe Hammer’s overstating things, but has anyone reporting from camp been excited about anything having to do with this offense? I was kinda shocked to see the Foles extension after reading only luke-warm to bad reports about him from camp. People do see different things, so I never know how seriously to take reports. The exception to that is when everyone is on the same page about something. It seems to me that nobody expects much from this O. Could it be that a ground and pound offense just isn’t going to look all that impressive in training camp? I sure hope so, because it looks like the evaluations of the offense range from mildly pessimistic to embarrassed.
To me, Foles can be a pretty good qb, but he came with flaws that are heavily documented. In terms of the offense, I don’t know, I wouldn’t expect a lot from a new OL, a new coordinator, and a new qb combined. What can be expected from an O like that? They at least made the right move by drafting Gurley.
Also IMO it’s not a ground and pound offense. I think it will be a more balanced offense, with an equal weight put on the running game AND a ball control passing game. I agree that won’t look sexy in camp. Last summer all the talk was about how the offense finally had the receivers to exploit the middle range pass, and they talked constantly about pushing the ball downfield. That phrase even showed up a lot (“pushing the ball downfield”). Now, I think we can expect a ton of ball control in what amounts to field position wars…8 plays, punt, defense gets the opposition to punt, then the O has a shorter field.
There are mixed reviews of Foles in the camp reports, but the RANGE of comments has him with the same flaws and the same virtues he had last year.
I would say that your range — mildly pessimistic to embarrassed — is not the range I am seeing. It’s more like cautiously optimistic to negative about the scrimmage. And btw there is only one report (the one above) that is seeing problems with GR. Others are much more impressed with him.
But again, 2 things: 1 is, we won’t have much to talk about until we see them in a couple of P-s games. 2 is, again, an offense with new everything is not going to start fast.
znModeratorHammer is interesting. I would rather read it than not.
Yeah, for certain. In spite of my comments…and yes there’s something going on with the guy ….there’s something wrong if all camp reports are the same.
August 11, 2015 at 9:54 am in reply to: Eagles QB Sam Bradford … how is he doing (from training camp thru pre-season) #28512znModeratorYou mind if I merge this with a recent, previous “Bradford in Phil” thread?
znModeratorI just dont think of Tavon as a ‘bust’
if for no other reason than he’s
one of the most dangerous return-men
in the game.I was not crazy about the fact GRob lost
all that weight, either. I mean, i thought
he was drafted because he was a physical-freak —
A huge man, with power, who was quick on his feet.
Now, he’s not so huge. So, I dunno about the
wisdom of the weight-loss. It didnt seem like
he was getting beat last year because he was “too heavy”.Good stuff from Hammer, as usual.
I hope he’s Wrong. We’ll see.w
vThe thing about the hammer report, though, is that the other 2 reporters in this thread so far were sitting with him. The other 2 aren’t as pessimistic and one even states that people see different things: “it is interesting the different perspectives people have. … People see different things…” Plus hammer was promising negative reports before camp started. His claim was that he wasn’t going to sugarcoat things anymore. To me that’s like someone saying out of the blue, okay from now on I won’t lie anymore. I mean if he was sugarcoating things in previous reports, then, in effect he’s blaming his readers for him being wrong about things before—it’s more or less “enh I was just telling you what you wanted to hear.”
Personally, I think he;s disenchanted with the Rams for leaving.
So who knows. I personally have been saying that we need to see some game action to make better judgements. How does the line play as a unit, how does Foles look in the Rams offense when it’s really on the field.
znModeratorCodeMonkey
A Few Random Observations:
No massive new revelations today.
It rained about an hour before practice but it wasnt cancelled although the parking lot was closed. The sun came out and it was hot and humid as hell. I had to walk a mile from where I had to park. e.
The 101 crew was broadcasting next to us. Demarco Farr actually came over to chat with us (coach mostly) which was cool. Farr made a comment about having four probowl quality defensive linemen and wondered when coach Williams would realize he doesnt have to blitz all the time….probably a rhetorical question.
It is interesting the different perspectives people have. While most of us have expressed excitement at Grobs new body, Hammer raised a concern that Robinson has lost too much weight. People see different things when it comes to Havenstein as well. We will see soon see I suppose.
Punting was something they worked on quite a lot today… hmmmmm
Defense was not nearly as aggressive again today.
It seems odd to me that Jones is listed as the staring center this morning for pre game 1. He seemed to me to be third but what do I know.
They worked on the run game a lot but it was nice to see a little downfield passing as well. They got a nice one to Austin over the middle and and britt looks good running a seam.
in the individual drills Battle has struggled a bit, but those drills favor the D. Plus…we’re talking about the likes of Quinn Brockers and Donald. It evens out more in 11 on 11s. The oline is better judged working as a unit. Battle so far has been working, as far as I can tell, only at LT with the backup unit.
A concern was raised by hammer that they dont practice the 3 wide set enough.
One last practice tomorrow.
znModeratorRamzFanz
Another hot one but the beer guy got the message and started stopping by some. Dude’s a piece of work.
Quite frankly, I don’t have much to say that won’t speak for itself come Friday.
Jones did pretty good from what I could see. Nobody really flashing that we don’t expect. TA was hit on a crossing route in the open field and blew doors. Britt made a sweet diving catch and then another over the top of the defender catch. The day was just about 100% rushing and very short passes.
Coach and Hammer are both very concerned about the lack of deep balls at this point in TC. It’s getting late and they need a lot of reps to get on the same page.
Hammer thinks Robinson is too light. It was an interesting take that I hadn’t considered.
I am officially on the page that this will be a ground and pound team, which still baffles me.
Thanks to the protesters that closed my way home!
znModeratorThe video is “no longer available”.
How much do you remember?
===
Rams Junkie
Boudreau comes across a salty, veteran, knowledgeable Oline coach. Clearly there are a number of legitimate concerns with this line but it is a bit reassuring to hear Boudreau speak about each position.
===
Back to me .
Let me try and recall it. I was going to give it another listen.
I know why they took it down. At one point he quote unquote said he “didn’t give a shit” where a guy was drafted, he was just just going to field the best 5.
Robinson. Night and day difference between how far along he was this time last year v. this year. He stayed and worked on his injury all off-season and was therefore also in there watching tape. He was dedicated to football. Playing guard was good for Robinson because it taught him how to get his hands going faster. That translates to tackle.
Reynolds. Said Reynolds came up learning behind Harvey Dahl so he knows how it;s supposed to be done. Reynolds is the unofficial leader of the OL, and helps them stay in the Boudreau mindset. He’s the one who says we’re all going out to eat tonight and whoever doesn’t show, pays. Reynolds can back up the left side as well as the right. He really likes him as his 6th lineman, so IMO unless Brown falters, that’s his role.
Likes the fact that Brown and Havenstein came out of pro style offenses. In comparison, for example, last year Robinson came in and had to learn how to play from a 3 point stance, because in these spreads and read options it;s all 2 point.
Havenstein is quote unquote “serious as a heart attack.” Between OTAs and camp he stuck around studying practice field and working on learning.
Center? He thinks it’s a good competition. Whoever wins it will have earned it. A center has to calm everyone down and take the burden of making line calls off the qb. He has to lead on the field, emotionally and mentally. That was far more important to him than any other attributes. When told that Foles hadn’t played that much under center, he just laughed and said “that’s his problem.” Meaning, he is going to have the line ready, it;s up to Foles to catch up.
Said the offense is pretty much the same as before but they are adding some new concepts like more zone blocking.
He said that at certain points over the last couple of years he would have to sign someone on Weds. and start them on Sunday. They may have been veterans but he likes this better—having a young line, with guys he works up as a group.
Stresses that he wants them all doing the same things so if they make a mistake they all make the same mistake. That’s better—to work from a sense of cohesion.
Was very effusive about Brown and his power. Likes Brown a lot.
That’s all I remember. There was more though. Hope they put it back up…like I said, I just enjoyed it the first time and was planning on giving it a second listen to get the details.
.
znModeratorPractice Report 8/10: Williams Sees Big Potential
By Myles Simmons
Last year, the Rams’ defense came in with high expectations that took some time to live up to. But in 2015, the team is looking to translate 2014’s late success to a fast start. Having Gregg Williams back for a second year as coordinator has made a difference so far in training camp.
“There’s an understanding of how we go about doing things,” Williams said after Monday’s practice. “More familiarity for them, and more familiarity for me, too. So it’s been good to see that.”
With Friday’s game against the Raiders approaching, Williams is looking forward to seeing some of the team’s younger players in action. Aside from staying healthy, Williams said one of the most important factors of the first preseason contest is introducing players to stressful situations.
“Until you get into a live game, you don’t see live pressure, you don’t see live tackling, you don’t see live situations,” Williams said. “I need to see them handle stress. And that’ll be a good part of the game.”
No longer a rookie, Aaron Donald has impressed the defensive coordinator thus far in camp. Head coach Jeff Fisher said yesterday that the defensive tackle started the offseason “on a mission,” and Williams reiterated how good the Pitt product has looked.
“I really believe he just scratched the surface last year,” Williams said of the 2014 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. “He’s a rare person instinctive-wise. He’s a rare person intelligence-wise about that position. And he’s a rare person leverage-wise.”
“He’s going to have to stay healthy,” Williams continued. “That’s a tough thing to do in our business when you’re playing in the trenches the way he plays. But he’s got a good injury history in the past. So if he continues to stay healthy, I think you’ll see even more production out of him.”
Williams also gave plenty of credit to Michael Brockers — who became a father yesterday — for how he can handle double teams, freeing Donald to make plays in the backfield.
“‘Brock’ has his back on a lot of things on some of the things situationally that we teach,” Williams said.
Sticking with the defensive line, one of the factors that should aid in a fast start is be the health of Chris Long. But while the defensive end missed 10 games last year with a lower-leg injury, Williams said Will Hayes did an admirable job filling in.
“Will Hayes was our defensive-production leader on how we go about grading for the season,” Williams said. “He led in production on the intricate way that we go about disrupting the timing of opponents offenses. So Will got a chance to play more and he stepped in and did a good job.”
If that health can continue through the entire unit, the Rams’ defense can be one of the best in the league.
“We always think that,” Williams said. “I’ve had some really good defenses in the past. I’ve had some really good ones across the league in other teams. They have the makings of it, but, again, we have to stay healthy.
“And some of the offenses, hopefully they’ll cooperate, too, and not play as well,” Williams added with a smile.
BEATING THE HEAT
Though it was pouring rain around an hour and a half before practice was scheduled to start, the sun came out in Earth City and the Rams held their session outside. But it was a hot one, with temperatures hovering around 90 degrees.
With the high temperatures over the last couple of days, Fisher said the training staff has done a good job of keeping players hydrated.
“We’re monitoring everything from a recovery standpoint and [the players] came back really well last night, today,” Fisher said. “They know. Today, we were back-to-back padded days. Tomorrow we’ll take the pads off and start our preparation for the preseason.”
E.J. GAINES’ STATUS
Second-year cornerback E.J. Gaines was injured in practice early in camp, and Fisher said on Monday that there is still no clear update on him.
“The only thing I can say is that he’s seeing the specialist right now and we haven’t gotten any results yet,” Fisher said.
PREPPING FOR THE PRESEASON
As usual, Fisher said that the Rams would not be doing much game planning for the first preseason game against the Raiders. But there are tasks the team must complete before Friday night at 9 p.m. CT.
“We have to go through our pregame warm-up routine and go through all that stuff,” Fisher said. “Of course, then we have that unique opportunity to go out in between the two games, one and two, and practice against the Cowboys, so that will be a great experience for us.”
While the head coach added the staff will discuss playing time on Tuesday, don’t expect much from the starting units. But with a few players dinged up, there should be plenty of opportunities for younger players to make an impression.
“That’s always the case in preseason,” Fisher said. “If you got guys that are nicked that you’re going to hold out or that can’t potentially go, the younger guys get more play time and so that’s what we’re going to evaluate.”
ROBINSON’S PROGRESSION
Left tackle Greg Robinson has made plenty of progress since the start of the calendar year, having spent much of it at Rams Park recovering from surgery early in the offseason. Offensive line coach Paul T. Boudreau said Robinson is much further ahead of where he was last year.
“It’s like night and day,” Boudreau said. “And usually, the biggest transition for a lineman is between that first year and the second year — the offseason is invaluable. You can’t see them until April anymore, but the fact that he was injured [meant] he was here every day. He was watching tape and it was really good for him because he was in the building.”
znModeratorI’ve never heard the “I can’t tape” story before.
Listen, you’ll hear it.
August 10, 2015 at 9:51 pm in reply to: 2015 St. Louis Rams Preseason: Week One Depth Chart Released, Barrett Jones Star #28491znModeratorif rhaney or barnes get the starting job to me that means there’s a real lack of talent at that position.
I think some people are underestimating Rhaney. I’ve quoted a couple of reporters and other observers before who say he’s the most athletic of the 3. He may not be quite ready, I don’t know…but I think that the Rams genuinely like what they have in him. That’s nothing against Jones. If both Jones and Rhaney are good, then, yay.
znModeratorPaul Boudreau Press Conference – 8/10
Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau talks with the media about his offensive linemen heading into the first preseason game.
This is a good one. Full of gem comments.
znModeratorPaul Boudreau Press Conference – 8/10
Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau talks with the media about his offensive linemen heading into the first preseason game.
znModeratorRams push through heat, ready for an opponent
Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/20228/rams-push-through-heat-ready-for-an-opponent
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams still have one more practice before they head west for the preseason opener and next week’s training sessions with the Dallas Cowboys. As far as they’re concerned, that time can’t come fast enough.
After the two hottest days of camp in full pads and with extra conditioning courtesy of coach Jeff Fisher, the Rams seem ready for a change of pace.
“They did a great job,” Fisher said. “We are monitoring everything from a recovery standpoint. They came back really well last night and today. It was back-to-back padded days. Tomorrow, we’ll take the pads off and start our preparation for the preseason.”
The plan for the rest of the week is to practice Tuesday, get some time to wind down and add what little semblance of game plan there will be for Friday, then travel to Oakland on Thursday. The Rams and Raiders play Friday night and the Rams will travel right after the game to Los Angeles. From there, they’ll bus to their team hotel near Oxnard, California to set up shop for practice with the Cowboys on Monday and Tuesday.
The Rams will practice in Oxnard alone on Wednesday before returning to St. Louis.
• Running back Tre Mason (hamstring) was back in a limited capacity on Monday. Same for safety Maurice Alexander. Alas, the Rams also had a couple of new additions on the sideline in cornerback Trumaine Johnson and running back Isaiah Pead. Defensive end Chris Long (back), defensive tackle Doug Worthington, tight end Brad Smelley (hand), guard Cody Wichmann (calf), linebacker Korey Toomer (ankle), cornerback E.J. Gaines (foot) and cornerback Brandon McGee (foot) also did not practice.
Running back Todd Gurley is, of course, still limited. But he did some running and participated in the practice-ending conditioning session.
• Speaking of Gaines, there’s still no official word on what his injury is or how long he’s going to be out. The Rams aren’t required to divulge anything until the regular season, but Fisher did say Gaines is seeing a specialist. Safe to say that he’s not going to be ready to go this week against the Raiders.
• With the Rams so light at cornerback, Marcus Roberson — who has impressed in camp — took a lot of reps with the first-team defense opposite Janoris Jenkins.
• Took a few minutes to watch the one-on-one linebackers versus running backs blitz pickup drills. It wasn’t the most successful day for the backs though there were some good moments. Daren Bates manhandled Trey Watts on one rep, but to his credit Watts rebounded by standing tall against rookie Bryce Hager. T.J. McDonald showed off some strong moves against Cory Harkey and Akeem Ayers did the same.
• Cornerback Lamarcus Joyner came up limping at one point during practice when McDonald and Harkey got tangled up after an incompletion. Joyner tried to hurdle the duo as they fell to the ground but landed awkwardly. Didn’t appear too serious but a scary moment for a banged-up secondary.
• A few quick highlights from the practice. … Really liked the play design that freed Tavon Austin on a crossing pattern for what would have gone for a touchdown from Nick Foles. Foles did a nice job of freezing safety Rodney McLeod with his eyes before finding Austin. … Quarterback Case Keenum fired a strike to receiver Chris Givens on a deep in for a completion in traffic.
• Talked to offensive line coach Paul Boudreau after practice on a number of topics, but he discussed the battle at center at length. He reiterated the importance of having a player who can handle the line calls and all of the moving parts pre-snap. That’s the No. 1 priority so as preseason games begin, keep an eye out for things like miscommunications, mishandled snaps or missed blitz pickups when each center is on the field. Those are the things that will make the difference.
• The Rams have their final practice that will be open to the public in this training camp Tuesday night. It’s set to start 6:30 p.m. ET.
August 10, 2015 at 1:05 pm in reply to: With promise of a big payday, Rams' Janoris Jenkins plays it by the book #28465znModeratorwv
Participant
” Jenkins said…
“I know that I’ve got talent and I just know that
I’ve got to put talent and fundamentals all together now.”Prettymuch sez it all.
w
vI didnt know this bit –>
In the past three seasons, Jenkins has six defensive touchdowns — five from interceptions and one on a fumble recovery. That’s the most of any defensive player in the league in that span.
I also didn’t know he played hurt last year.
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