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znModeratoralso. contrast that with the wr group. where it seems to be nothing but positive vibes despite a young group of guys.
Way it’s looking to me right now, no matter how the secondary plays this year…bad, passable, decent, pretty good, good…it will be the big draft target.
They have tried to nail together a bunch of UDFAs and lower picks. Jenkins and Joyner are the highest (both 2s) but then there’s Johnson (4th), McGee (5th), Gaines (6th), McDonald (3rd), McLeod (UDFA), Alexander (4th).
So I think they will apply the next draft to OL and DBs.
And having said all that for all we know the secondary plays well enough this year to support a top front 7.
znModeratorYou know I always thought the thing with Quick was mentality. You could see that hangdog demeanor when he made mistakes in games. I suppose I thought confidence can’t be coached but then one of Fisher’s abilities is giving players confidence. I was not high on adding Britt but sometimes strange things happen.
If this carries over it will be huge.
znModeratorsome follow-up…this will keep expanding over the days
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CoachO
When Brockers got here, he looked like a big kid who was just starting to grow into his body. Now he has the look of a grown man, and I expect him to have a dominant year.
As is the case with much of the 1st unit D-Line, they are giving the make shift O-Line all it can handle. No worries from me about Brockers.
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Until they went to the 2 minute drill at the end of practice, only ONE pass of Bradford’s hit the ground, and that was a 50/50 in the end zone (30 yard pass to Quick) that just went off his hands as he jumped with McGee.
Bradford looks very comfortable, and there is absolutely no signs of any issues with his knee. Rollouts, stepping up and sliding in the pocket. All evident.
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Not sure what is going on with Givens, but it seems to be a carry over from the OTA I attended. The other thing, be it Givens or Pettis, who have been paired up, and even to a lesser extent with the Bailey and Austin pairing, they have simply been out played by Britt and Quick recently. Whether than changes, remains to be seen.
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Both Britt and Quick seem to catch almost everything they can get their hands on. [Quick has]..been the best player on the field. There is no comparison in what he is showing this year compared to past camps. There is a swagger about him that has NEVER been visible before, and he making all the plays. And FINALLY using his size and body to his advantage.
I will be the first one to admit to buying into leading the charge on the Quick bandwagon in the past. But what’s different from previous camps is there is finally a swagger to him. I mentioned in my report from Sunday that there was a brief exchange between him and Joyner. In past years, Quick having the pass knocked from his grasp and roughed up some, would have tucked his tail between his legs, dropped his head and sulked back to the huddle. NOT SUNDAY. He quickly turned and challenged Joyner, as if to say,, you ain’t doing that to me. He finally has the look like he knows he belongs.
He can be seen tossing the ball in the air when on the sideline, where before, he tried to hide behind anyone who would shield him from Coach Sherman. Now he looks to be chomping at the bit to get back on the field. I know all that means squat unless it carries over on Sundays starting in Sept. But I cannot exaggerate the point enough.. .he LOOKS like a different player out there, and playing with Britt can only help.
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The WRs are definitely improved, and would be if it weren’t anyone else but Quick. But add Britt to the mix, Bailey and Austin with a year under their belt, and an obvious comfort level in the offense, and they are playing at a much higher level than this time a year ago. (Maybe Fisher and Snead knew what they were talking about).
The other thing that definitely plays a factor in this, is the way the practices are structured. They are tilted heavily in favor of the offense, in that even if 3 guys converge on the QB, he is still allowed to get the pass off, to run the play to completion. Especially against our defensive front, there are contless plays that would end up in sacks or throw aways if this were live action.
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now here’s the “ugly”!!!!! The corners.
Jenkins had a much better practice today, than on Sunday, and he wasn’t the target of many of the big plays today. That would be Brandon McGee, who in Tru Johnson’s absence, has shown we are woefully thin at CB if he is the “next man up”. Neither he or Woodard have shown much of anything, and its difficult to say which has had more struggles.
Joyner has shown to be a capable answer in the Nickel role, and Gaines has flashed some very good instincts. He just seems to “get it”. He jumps routes when he reads them. He knows when to back off as to not get blown past in other routes. But even he has had his moments, especially if lined up vs. Quick or Bailey.
Reid and Roberson have been so limited in terms of the number of reps, it’s impossible to evaluate them fairly. That being said, Roberson shows some coverage skills, but shies away from anything that remotely looks like anything physical. Reid just hasn’t had many opportunities to show anything one way or another.
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July 30
* Moe is catching everything thrown his way, the problem is, not much of that is happening thus far in the 11 on 11 stuff. He is only getting a handful of reps lately, sharing 3rd team reps with Givens being relegated to those reps, and Blake, Franklin and Veltung all working in there too.
Fisher has said numerous times, there just aren’t enough reps to go around with the limited amount of actual “on field” practice time they get with the new CBA. They have 11 WRs in camp right now. So its gonna be touch sledding for guys like Moe.
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Austin is getting a few reps out of the backfield every day. It remains to be seen how much this will translate into the scheme once they get to Sept.
What I see developing, given the amount of reps being alloted to Quick and Britt, is that Bailey (when he gets back) and Austin may be used in some 2 WR sets, spelling Britt and Austin.
Otherwise, they seem to be putting Austin out there in the slot when Britt and Quick are on the field. or as i noted, Kendricks or HArkey, depending on the personnel grouping they are going for.
But, from what they are showing thus far in camp, Bailey will certainly be a part of the rotation in some capacity. Givens may be the guy who gets the reprieve during the suspension, but how they intend on fitting him in, remains to be seen. And Pettis is Pettis.
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Gilbert has had his moments, both good and bad. He definitely passes the “look” test. Good arm strength, mobility in the pocket, etc. AS to be expected, he has trouble getting through his reads, and often holds the ball too long. He has a couple of WOW throws to give you a taste of what he is capable of. Then turns right around and throws a couple of BAD interceptions when missing on his reads.
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about the 3-3-5 nickel [or “30 nickel”]... The thing that the 30 Nickel provides, is the presence of BOTH the extra DB to counter the 3 WR sets, but also the extra LB to handle the potential for the running game. It is best utilized in 3rd and short (3rd and 2-4), where the threat for the offense to do either is legitimate. So having Dunbar remain on the field to handle the potential for the running game makes more sense to me. Which also lends to having BROCKERS man the middle of the d-line.
Ogletree matches up with the TE, or RB, McDonald on the opposite side has the same responsibilities, and Joyner covers the slot WR. That frees up Laurinaitis and Dunbar to stop any potential rushing attempt. Bottom line, its one of the sub packages that will have some value, and I expect to see it on a limited basis in the right situations.
It’s not new. Even to this team. Spagnuolo ran a version of it when he was here. Fisher has used it sporadically in his 2 years here. Do I think it will be used often? No. Obviously, it depends on the down and distance, and the opponent, but there may be 5 or 6 snaps a game where you see it.
It has its place. Again, IMO, it’s a defense that can be effective in those 3rd and short situations, when the offense brings in the 3WR set, but still is in a manageable distance that running that ball can get them the 1st down.
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Unless I am mistaken, it has been since the 2011 Season since [Reid] ..has seen any live action. Two knee surgeries later, he just doesn’t seem to have the same spark. He has appeared bored, and uninterested, and about the only time you see him running around is when he is fielding punts from the jugs machine before practice.
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Joseph is as advertised, he plays with a mean streak. He seems to be holding up well enough from his knee issues. He has participated in EVERY 1st unit rep since camp opened at RG and hasn’t missed any of the unit drills either. It appears we may have hit on this off season acquisition. Not saying he is likely to start over Saffold (assuming Long is back), but he will provide some legitimate depth at G.
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Conrath came to camp looking like he spent a LOT of time in the weight room. For all of the talk about how Barrett Jones reshaped his body, the two guys who stand out to me, are Hooey and Conrath.
He is getting regular reps with the 2’s and an occasional situational rep with the 1’s. I really they like him a lot. They love his height, and reach. Again, I know its early, but i could actually see a scenario develop where he is competing with Carrington for the last roster spot in the DL
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znModeratorRams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – July 29, 2014
(On what impressed him the most about the first day of practice in pads)
“Today was the first time we had everybody in pads. Yesterday, we had a special teams practice with pads and the young guys kind of got use to it, but today was really what we expected. They love to practice, they protect each other, no issues except we made a lot of big plays on both sides of the ball today. It’s good to see them. Tomorrow’s the break, they get the day off, they get to recover and then we’ll have three solid days in Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”(On WR Kenny Britt’s chatter and what he thinks it does for the energy in practice)
“That’s just how he is. He has fun with it and they all have fun with it. I’ve reminded him that if you spin the ball in front of an opponent after you score a touchdown you’re kicking off at the 15 yard-line and so we’re not going to do that anymore. But he’s very emotional, he loves playing the game, he feels good and he’s making a lot of plays for us.”(On if Britt is having a positive impact on WR Brian Quick)
“Yeah you can see. One thing about Kenny is that Kenny may make a mistake as far as an incorrect route here and there, but he does it going full speed. And Brian early on in his career if he wasn’t sure, he wasn’t quite at full speed. I think Brian’s learned just to go. Good things happen when you’re running hard.”(On DE Michael Sam’s first day in pads with the full squad)
“Well, he was in the pads yesterday with special teams, but he competed with the rest of them. I haven’t seen the pass rush but it looked like he held his own in the team periods.”(On how Sam has been fitting in)
“He’s been doing a great job. We’re treating him just like all the other rookies in the rookie class.”(On what Sam needs to do to make the team)
“No different than the rest of the rookie class. They have to be competitive, they have to make plays, they have to improve throughout camp. You have to see them do things in preseason games.”(On DE Robert Quinn’s room to develop)
“Yeah, he really thinks he does. He thinks he can get better, he’s working at it. The plays that he made last year at critical times in ball games were very, very impressive if you go back through the end of the games, the end of halves, the two-minute things. Yeah he feels like he can get better, we’re doing everything we can to help him get better.”July 29, 2014 at 9:36 pm in reply to: JIm Fadler twitter reports 7/29 & more twitter reports including Thomas, Wagoner #2826znModeratorRamBill
Kevin Demoff @kdemoff
Great crowd at this afternoon’s practice got to see the offense have some fun throwing the ball deep. One of our biggest weekday crowds ever
Howard Balzer @HBalzer721Michael Sam talking today. NY Times in the house and USA Today.
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Jim Thomas @jthom1
As for practice, Sam Bradford has thrown better every day. . . .Kenny Britt and Brian Quick had some highlight catches. . . .
. . .Rookie CB Lamarcus Joyner had red zone INT, stepping in front off WR Austin Pettis on pass thrown by rookie QB Garrett Gilbert.
On the play immediately before the INT, Gilbert threw a TD pass to Chris Givens in back right corner off end zone.
Bradford threw a red zone TD pass to Jared Cook over the middle.
Rodger Saffold worked at LT with the starters; w/Greg Robinson at LG. Jake Long continues to do individual work and work on the side
There were even a couple coaches from the Reus Imperials (American) football team of Spain. HC Bart Iaccarino and asst. Josep Coll.
I don’t think they were here for the Sam presser.
The Mizzou coaches posed for a round of pictures w/the Rams’ Mizzou contingent of players (Barnes, Gaines, Moe, Sam).
Attendance was 1,678 _ second-highest of camp and maybe the biggest Tuesday crowd ever for a Rams camp in St. Louis.
Phil Savage, executive director of Reese’s Senior Bowl also on hand. Ditto for what looked like most of the Mizzou FB staff minus G. Pinkel.
Joan Niesen of Sports Illustrated, Bill Rhoden of New York Times, TSN (Canada), FOX-TV (Springfield, Mo.), Columbia Daily Tribune on hand.
. . .and don’t want to forget Jarrett Bell of USA Today.
Another good crowd at Rams Park for today’s practice _ we’ll have the head count in a bit. Team practiced in shoulder pads and shorts. . .
. . . .so it wasn’t really full pads. Very big media crowd as well. I’m sure it had absolutely nothing to do w/the Michael Sam availability.
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Nick Wagoner @nwagoner ·Official attendance Tuesday for Rams practice: 1,678.
Phil Savage, former Browns GM and current Senior Bowl Exec. Director, also attended Tuesday’s practice.
Rams continue to get good crowds for these practices.No official number yet but one of better crowds I’ve seen here for a weekday practice.
DE William Hayes, C Scott Wells, OT Jake Long continue to get some work in individual drills but sitting team portion of practice.
The Mizzou football coaching staff was in the house as well taking in the practice. They spent time with Sam, Moe, Barnes, Gaines after.
Strong performance again from WR Brian Quick, who had a handful of big plays in team drills. Kenny Britt in on the action also.
Rams wrapped up Tuesday’s practice. First padded workout, offense evened things up a bit today as QBs had more time to throw.
znModeratorWelcome aboard, Coach.
Thanks for the (as usual) excellent report.
July 29, 2014 at 7:25 pm in reply to: JIm Fadler twitter reports 7/29 & more twitter reports including Thomas, Wagoner #2812znModeratorRamBill
Rams Training Camp Practice Twitter Reports: July 29
Messages are in reverse order– Read from the bottom up.
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—RamsHerd @RamsHerd
Frickin laser beams. RT @jimiramsboy: Sam hits Britt with a deep square in laser….yes laser #ramscamp
—Mathieu Debuchy « @WoozyVirtuoso
Brandon McGee is getting picked on quite a bit today by the bigger receivers. #RamsCamp
—Mathieu Debuchy « @WoozyVirtuoso
Cory Harkey just brought the boom on Joyner and Jordan Harris caught a 35 yard fade from Hill. Awesome sequence. #RamsCamp
Kenny Britt SHOWING OUT right now on Brandon McGee. Two straight receptions. One 40 yard TD #RamsCamp
Brian Quick turns McGee around and Sam fires a strike 25 yards down the field. #RamsCamp
Sam looking sharp today #RamsCamp
Pead not practicing today. #RamsCamp
Really like how Roberson is carrying himself #RamsCamp
—St. Louis Rams @STLouisRams
Garrett Gilbert connects with Chris Givens at #RamsCamp.
—Mathieu Debuchy « @WoozyVirtuoso
Gaines & McGee.. Very similar hip flexion.
July 29, 2014 at 3:22 pm in reply to: articles on Bradford & on Warner on Bradford (including Thomas) #2789znModeratorWarner on Bradford: Time to take the next step
• By Jim ThomasI think that one offered a fair summary of what Warner said.
znModeratorjemach
Heard on radio today…Ray Rice…a standing “O” from the fans upon his coming on to the field for camp…
I have lots to say…but for now…I’m speechless.
We really need to rethink the hero worship.
College kids smoke pot and their draft status is severely affected…or they get kicked out. We are so tough on them. “Don’t draft them!” “They’re off my board!”
Where is the disgust on punching a woman out? I used the situation to remind my sons…barring a threat to your or another’s life and health, hitting a woman is unacceptable…period.
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znModeratorRambill
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin talks with St. Louis American sports columnist Palmer Alexander III about the upcoming 2014-15 NFL season. Austin discusses his health, his readiness for the upcoming season and his expanded role in the St. Louis Rams offense.
Watch Video Here: http://www.rams-news.com/tavon-austin-talks-2014-season-video/
znModeratorHow different was the Florida State playbook compared to the NFL? What is the key to a team becoming a champion? Rams safety Lamarcus Joyner breaks it down with Randy Karraker on 101ESPN.
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==znModeratorSo, that makes her what, about the 50th character in a sci-fi film to merge with the global network of computers? It must be getting crowded in there.
Yeah Zola was the best of the lot.
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znModeratorRamBill
Jim Thomas: the 2014 NFL season, Kurt Warner made an appearence at camp, interesting article written by an LA Times beat writer involving having at least one team in LA & not sure if we see this City building a football stadium. JT also talks about young players who have stood out so far like Donald, Mason, Watts, and Sam.
znModeratorYes we know how you feel, I was actually talking to wv. Your excuses for Bradford and the o-line and injuries, yada, yada yada is well documented.
I don’t care about any of that.
The facts are his career average is around 6.2 ypa in 4 seasons in the NFL.
He threw very similar passes in college.
Gunslinger is your word. Nobody is asking for that.
Just look to push the ball downfield and step on teams necks when the opportunity is there.
You need to be able to do that to win in this league.
Expecting him to all of a sudden become a gunslinger is unrealistic.
Nobody expects that.
Well, see, what to you are “excuses” are to me “reasons.” I suppose if I were to take the conversation the wrong way, I could call your own “reasons” something else too. (To be clear, I don’t have any “something else” in mind, just pointing to a principle of fair discourse.) But all that’s really happening is that we differ in our opinions. And that’s fine.
The way I see it, when these coaches had a version of the offense they want (in 2012), and had it all 16 games (ie. running threat, play action), Bradford was 7th in the league in passing plays of 20 yards or more (and 9th in percentage of attempts.) All that was good enough to be a big part of going 4-1-1 against the NFC west. And that’s with an injury-changed line that for the first half of the season fielded 3 guys who were out of football afterwards (Hunter, Ojinaka, and Richardson) and one who got benched after he left the Rams (Turner).
I get that no one expects a gunslinger, but at the same time I don’t think they need to fix the long ball, IMO…Bradford throws those. He also doesn’t throw interceptions, which is apparently something Fisher insists on. IMO, the issue is the mid-range and deep middle range passes they tend not to throw (11-20, 21-30). In those terms, I agree that the Oklahoma offense did not prepare him for pro passing, and in fact, in 2010 that was one of the reasons I said they should take SUh. But at the time, when people said “are you claiming he won’t learn” I would always say “no I think he will but not right off.”
BTW Bradford’s YPA in his final 3 games in 2013–when they played 2 top 7 defenses–was 7.4. That’s with Stacy and play action. In just the Carolina game it was 8.5. I get that some may not be convinced by that but to me it’s a tantalizing hint.
Also BTW what I heard in that was Warner saying Bradford should trust his receivers more. I’m not sure I would if I were Bradford. At least not last year.
Somewhat off topic, Warner also said by the way that when he was in New York people just seemed to automatically expect he would know the system and not be slowed down by learning it…but (according to him) he was. That was in his 7th year as a pro qb.
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znModeratormore follow-up
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CoachO
I want to make one comment regarding the CBs and the perception that they are struggling. You have to keep in mind, they are getting reps in various drills (1 on 1, 7 on 7, and 11 on 11) All geared to the offense being successful.
Even in the 11 on 11 drills, there are all to often instances where the CBs end up looking beaten on a particular play, because the pass ends up being completed. But bear in mind, they are NOT hitting the QB. So, they have the chance to complete a play that otherwise would have ended in a sack, long before the pass ever gets thrown.
I think all too often, these drills are so heavily tilted to the offense being able to get the play run, that the results can be misleading. With THIS Defensive front, and the constant pressure they are supplying, the CBs, will NOT have to cover guys nearly as long as they are in these drills. Also, they are in helmets and shells, and there is NO contact. There have been a few highlight type receptions by receivers, where if it were “live” action, someone was in perfect position to lay someone out.
Also, while they are lining up tighter on the WRs, without pads, there has yet to be ANY bump and run.
The ONLY concern I have at this point, is the inexperience beyond Jenkins and Johnson. So far, and I am very aware of all the things I mentioned about the variables present that work against the defense in general in these drills, guys like Woodard and McGee just don’t seem up to speed yet. Gaines appears to be more fundamentally sound than either of them. Joyner looks much better in the Nickel role, and has yet to take any reps at Safety. When lined up OUTSIDE he has struggled. I get that he will not be out there as long as JJ and TJ remain healthy. But the depth at this position actually might be more bothersome than at Safety.
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The Rams seldom assign a specific guy to cover the opponents #1 guy. They pretty much stick to the RCB & LCB role, and line up against whomever is on their side. Jenkins is on the right side, and Johnson on the left.
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While Armstrong ( I refuse to call him Ray Ray) flashes as an athlete, and can be impressive in a zone scheme, until he shows me he is willing to take on a block rather than run around it, I still will not be sold on his value as a LB.
Now, that being said, after seeing what Williams is doing with the Linebacking scheme in general, having Ogletree lining up as the SLB, I will concede that IF ( I said IF) something were happen to Dunbar, I can see Armstrong being much more able to handle the WLB role. Not having a TE across from his would allow him to free lance (something he seems to like to do) and just concentrate on making plays.
You do what you have to make a play. But when you are “in the box” and have an assigned gap you better find a way to fill it. And lets assume for a minute BOTH Ogletree and Armstrong are on the field at the same time…… Do you really want TWO OLBs who BOTH have a tendency to “slide around blocks? I don’t!
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No Pads = D-line superiority. Add to it, that these 11 on 11 sessions are predominantly PASSING drills. It makes it very one-sided when the defense KNOWS what coming.
I purposefully do not comment on anything related to the O-line until the pads go on for this reason. My only commentary this far, has been to point out just how dominant this pass rush is going to be.
znModeratorWell I disagree. First, you have have 3 seasons with 2 coordinators–Shurmur and Schott. Plus a mostly injured year with everyone in a new offensive system with no off-season to install it. An offense that, according to Football Outsiders, was the most injured in the league since 2002. So I don’t really think 2011 says anything one way or another.
I am going straight to the numbers. I can’t help it. Bear with me.
According to Pro Football Focus, though, in 2012, on attempts of 20 yards or more, Bradford was tied for Manning for 7th in the league.
On the percentage of total attempts that were thrown 20 yards or more, Bradford was 9th in the league.
So the longer plays were a fairly high percentage of overall attempts.
That 9th in percentage of total attempts is basically the same as Brady and higher than Newton, Manning, Brees, Stafford, Rodgers, Rivers, Ryan, Romo, and Roethlisberger.
There’s other clues too.
Looking just at 2013, with passing plays of 25 yards or more, Bradford’s avg. per game numbers in 2013 across 16 games would have ranked him 9th in the league.
Looking at the last 2 years, if Bradford’s 2012/2013 avg. (31+ yard) long passes per game were stretched across 2 seasons or a complete 32 games, it would total 51. In the little bit I looked at across the last 2 seasons, the most was Flacco with 69 attempts in 2 seasons combined. Brees was close behind him with 67. Rodgers only has 24 attempts in his last 25 games (that’s all he played in 2012 + 2013). Bradford’s projected 51 in 32 would put him ahead of Brady, Stafford, Roethlisberger, Romo, CK, Wilson, Rodgers, and Manning. He would be 1 attempt behind Luck.
So it seems to me that the offense does what it says…uses the power running game and sets up play action and shots down field.
He’s not a gunslinger but he has a good live accurate arm for deeper passes and uses it.
And yes he has options but it is clear that a Fisher/Schott team doesn’t want a gunslinger but at the same time they set up big passing plays.
znModeratorKurt wants to see Bradford take more chances
rather than check down quite so much.I’m not sure Fisher/Shottenheimer would agree.
I dunno.Sam seemed to say in one of the vids
that he just wants to be more efficient
or some word like that.w
vYep he said it over and over. He said it, I think, about 65 thousand times. “Efficient.” I think he even said “and of course it carries over to having efficient sex too.”
July 28, 2014 at 5:48 pm in reply to: reporter tweets & article on special teams practice today + fassel interview vid #2747znModeratorFassel interview (last post)…that was good. I like him. (ie. watch the vid…I like him in that vid)
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July 28, 2014 at 5:33 pm in reply to: reporter tweets & article on special teams practice today + fassel interview vid #2744znModeratorFassel: “It’s a great way to evaluate guys”
St. Louis Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel spoke about the competitiveness of today’s practice, Greg Zuerlein’s improvement, avoiding penalties, and Michael Sam’s development after today’s special teams session.
Vid:
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transcript:Rams Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel – July 28, 2014
(On the entertainment of the one-on-one drill and if it’s fun for him)
“Fun is a strange word. It’s a great way to evaluate guys that are going to play NFL special teams. I think the guys love it as far as competitive mode but it’s a tough drill.”(On what he looks for during the competitive drills and if it is based on how competitive they are)
“That last drill I think the biggest thing is guys willingness to compete because we didn’t script matchups. So they just called themselves out. There’s a couple of guys that probably went three or four times and we’ll probably see on tape that maybe some guys didn’t go or maybe went one time, so that’s part of it. But also, we’re looking for being better finishers and blockers as far as staying penalty free and then being better finishers covering kicks. That’s really what that drill was the last 15- 20 yards of covering the kick one-on-one-matchup.”(On how much of a difference it makes to have players like LB Ray Ray Armstrong, LB Daren Bates and RB Chase Reynolds on special teams that have done it for a year now)
“Yeah it makes a big difference and it feels like they’re veteran veteran guys and really, obviously, they’re only in their second year. Last year there were some veteran guys that got beat out on a day like today by Ray Ray and Daren and Chase that’s where they made the team. So, the rookies and new guys this year were trying to do to them what they did last year to the guys that didn’t make the team. So that’s kind of the way it works and it’s a great way to see guys compete.”(On how much better K Greg Zuerlein can be)
“You should ask him and he’ll probably tell you, a lot. He’s tweaked just minimally a few things, but we don’t want to change them at all because I keep saying that I was really proud of him, really the last three, four weeks of the season. I thought he was stronger the last month than at any point in his first year or even after and up until that point. So, there’s some things… we’re working off on kickoff, as well and on field goals. He knows his leg strength is dynamite and we’re working on putting it right down the middle every time so its good.”(On Zuerlein’s improvement from year one to year two)
“Yeah, and it was significant and then year two the improvement from the beginning of the season to the end of the season was there, too, which was good.”(On LB Daren Bates not getting his name called up by his teammates during the one-on-one competition drills)
“I’ve seen him do it and I know he can, so a lot of it was some of the new guys that we haven’t seen to see if they can do that. He did get one rep. We do have one part that was scripted that was earlier than this last period, but I know he can do it. I’ve seen him do it and it’s good to see guys that we haven’t seen to see if they can do it.”(On what has he seen from DB Lamarcus Joyner just here in the early part of camp)
“What we saw on film, a little scrappy, tough, feisty guy. I mean to me that’s who we want on special teams – a guy that’s tough, not a real big guy, but he’s going to fight.”(On double teaming Joyner during drill)
“We let a few things go just because we want it to be physical and see whose willing to kind of fight. But we’ll clean up some of the things that obviously couldn’t fly in a real game.”(On what cleaning up special team penalties in games could do for WR Tavon Austin’s numbers)
“That’s one of the biggest emphasis for us in the return game – kickoff return and punt return-is being clean finishers, but not taking away the stinger that some of the young guys have on teams.”(On if he’s watched Bates’ and Armstrong’s dance before kickoff and if he has ever seen it)
“I’ve seen on tape on Mondays every time and as long as their getting them inside the 20 (-yard line) then I don’t have a problem with whatever they want to do.”(On his thoughts on the style of their dance)
“It’s a lot better than I’d do and the guys in the meeting room love it especially after we win. So yeah, hey I just let them keep going as long as their having fun and it’s good.”(On DE Michael Sam’s weight loss and if he’s noticed an extra spring in his step)
“Yeah, I think he’s dropped probably about 15 lbs. and you can tell the difference running like we did today, 30 to 50 to 70 yards. That’s helped him a lot and then at the end of this last competitive drill he did a really good job as a blocker. I can see him being a good guy on punt return and kickoff return as a blocker as we continue to groom him covering kicks, which requires long speed which is something that he’ll develop.”July 28, 2014 at 4:08 pm in reply to: Wagoner Day 3 camp report + Karraker, 5 takeaways from camp #2738znModeratorFive Takeaways from Rams’ First Weekend of Training Camp
By Randy Karraker
http://www.101sports.com/2014/07/28/five-takeaways-rams-first-weekend-training-camp/
Until the Rams actually put on pads and the offense works against the defense on Tuesday, it’s hard to evaluate a lot of what we’re seeing at Rams Park so far. But some things are either evident or intriguing, and have caught my eye in the early going.
1. All of the hype surrounding Aaron Donald certainly has foundation. Yes, I always say that you can’t really assess linemen until the pads are on. Donald is decidedly different. His quickness has made him unblockable so far. The same things we saw in his college games (and I advise you to check “Aaron Donald highlights” on YouTube), we’re seeing on the practice field in Earth City. Donald has uncommon burst and quickness, along with an amazing ability to innately shed blocks, which allow him to blow past offensive linemen. Plus, he’s remarkably strong. It’ll be interesting to see what he does in games, but his college career and his performance in practice so far lead me to believe that Donald is going to be a dominant force in the NFL. And as coach Rick Venturi pointed out at Sunday’s practice, once Donald starts attracting attention, Michael Brockers is going to be freed up one-on-one. The pass-rushing presence of the first-rounder should make the Rams pass rush even more fierce.
2. Some of the draft “experts” pointed out that Michael Sam had nine of his 11 ½ sacks against weaker competition in Arkansas State, Florida and Vanderbilt last season. What they didn’t point out what that Sam got pretty consistent pressure throughout the year, even though he wasn’t always getting sacks. He had nine quarterback pressures last year for Mizzou, to go with 18 tackles for loss. As camp has unfolded, Sam has shown that he can rush the passer. Under the tutelage of the Rams’ superb defensive line coach, Mike Waufle, Sam just might become one of those low-round pass rushers who seem to dot the NFL landscape on a regular basis. Jared Allen was a fourth-round choice of the Chiefs in 2004. Robert Mathis was a Colts fifth-rounder in 2003. The Eagles took Trent Cole in the fifth round in 2005. Elvis Dumervil was a Broncos fourth-rounder in 2006, and James Harrison was undrafted for the Steelers in 2002. I’m not saying that Sam will collect more than 65 sacks during a career, but there is something to be said for producing the way he did in the SEC. He might be the kind of guy who, with NFL technique work and his tenacity, could become a more-than-serviceable designated pass-rusher in the NFL.
3. On the field, Kenny Britt is fun to watch. He’s always talking. He caught a touchdown pass over Janoris Jenkins, hovered over the beaten corner and said something, then helped Jenkins up. After another play, he returned to the huddle from out of bounds and said something to and fist-bumped the equipment guy who was holding the down marker. He makes plays, but must consistently make plays in games. The Rams’ plan, like it was last season, is going to be to run the ball, draw eight or nine defenders into the box and then strike deep on play-action passes. The key is going to be making the catch against one-on-one coverage. A guy like Britt can become a star with his size-speed combination if he can simply hold onto the ball. If he makes the team, there’s no doubt that is personality will fit in with what Jeff Fisher likes. The Rams are a team that wants to have some swagger, and Britt definitely has that.
4. Another player who will be a key in the passing game is another former Titan, Jared Cook. Like last season, he’s off to a great start in camp. Cook is a guy who should be able to make plays all over the field. He should be Sam Bradford’s security blanket on third-and-short plays. He made a couple of sensational catches in Sunday’s practice. Perhaps having Bradford for the full season will propel Cook to a Pro Bowl level. He certainly should have the opportunity in this offense to make plays and be a key, contributing factor.
5. The Rams said they were going to mix-and-match their offensive linemen in camp, and they’ve definitely done that. Rodger Saffold had lined up at left tackle, left guard and right guard. Davin Joseph has lined up at both guard spots. Barrett Jones has worked with the ones and the twos. Sean Hooey has lined up at both tackle positions. And first-round pick Greg Robinson is getting plenty of reps at left tackle. The Rams have a lot of talent on the offensive line, and want to make sure their five best guys play. The best way to find out who the best five guys are is to move them around. We’ll learn more about that group starting Tuesday, and definitely in preseason games.
It’s great to have football here. We’re less than two weeks away from a game.
July 28, 2014 at 3:59 pm in reply to: reporter tweets & article on special teams practice today + fassel interview vid #2735znModeratorRams report: Special teams practice produces spirited competition
• By Joe Lyons
The Rams held their first practice in pads Monday morning, going through a short, entertaining and spirited special teams workout.
For a lot of young players, special teams is the first step toward earning a spot in the NFL, so with the majority of the 90-man roster looking to impress coaches, the competition Monday was fierce.
“We told our rookies when they came in, in the special teams meeting, that our top three, four, five highest graded players the last two years have all been rookies from a core special team’s standpoint, so the door is open,” coach Jeff Fisher said after Sunday night’s workout. “Some guys have left that were playing special teams (last year), so there are some spots available.”
Added special teams coordinator John Fassel: “It’s a great way to evaluate guys.”
Practice wrapped up with a one-on-one drill that produces some great matchups.
A year ago, in that same 20-yard drill, undrafted free agent linebacker Daren Bates opened some eyes when he dominated veteran Josh Hull. Bates went on to a stellar season that included a special teams touchdown in the Rams’ victory over the Texans in Houston.
Monday’s highlights included a clash and some heated words between second-year linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong and free agent linebacker Lawrence Wilson. Like Bates, Armstrong came on to become a core special teams guy last year and led the squad with 12 special teams tackles.
Fassel said rookie Michael Sam, the seventh-round draft choice from Mizzou, showed promise in blocking drills and is quicker since dropping a few pounds since OTAs. The coach also praised rookie Lamarcus Joyner, who more than held his own in a double-team against second-year players Brandon McGee and Stedman Bailey.
RAM-BLINGS
The Rams will hold their first full-squad workout in pads on Tuesday. The practice, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 3:30 p.m.
• Potential special-team contributors who were unable to practice due to injury included safety Christian Bryant, linebacker Johnny Millard and fullback Kadeem Jones.
July 28, 2014 at 2:43 pm in reply to: Warner from Rams camp, interviews Bradford, throws to 2 WRs…pics & vids #2731znModeratorKurt Warner at Rams Park a welcome sight
By Nick Wagoner | ESPN.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/9947/warner-at-rams-park-a-welcome-sight
EARTH CITY, Mo. — In some ways it was strange to see former St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner throwing passes to receivers during training camp, especially Chris Givens, who now wears the No. 13 that Warner once made famous.
But as Warner threw about a dozen routes to Givens and fellow receiver Tavon Austin after Sunday’s practice, the nearly 2,300 fans in attendance didn’t care much that Warner wasn’t in uniform. They just cared that he was home.
Part of Warner’s new life, the life that began after he announced his retirement from the Arizona Cardinals in 2008, is working as a broadcaster for the NFL Network. That’s what brought him back to St. Louis Sunday night. In fact, visits to Rams Park since his 2003 release have been few and far between.
“I can’t tell you when I was back here before, but it seems like I’ve been here a couple times,” Warner said. “But it hasn’t been often. Obviously, my life moved to Phoenix, and with the kids and all that since retirement. Not that I don’t love this place and have strong feelings for it but sometimes we just move on and go other places.”
Of course, considering the outpouring of love Warner received upon his return to St. Louis, it’s clear that had the fans had their way Warner never would have departed in the first place. It’s water under the bridge at this point, but there are still some who have a bitter taste in their mouth about the way Warner departed.
After leading the Rams to a pair of Super Bowls, including a win in Super Bowl XXXIV against current Rams coach Jeff Fisher’s Titans, Warner battled injuries and struggled to get back to the supernova levels he achieved from 1999-01. The Rams parted ways with him in 2003, he had a short stay in New York with the Giants, and then he revitalized his career in Arizona.
In the time since, Warner has remained active in the St. Louis community from a charitable standpoint but has made his home in Arizona. His visits to St. Louis have mostly been limited to quarterbacking the Cardinals or popping up at the Dome as part of his broadcast duties. Rarely have they included a stop at Rams Park.
But Warner has already been invited back to take part in the team’s celebration of the 15-year anniversary of winning that Super Bowl against Tennessee. It’s a memory near and dear to Warner but one that also feels distant.
“It does feel like it was a long time ago,” Warner said. “I don’t know if it’s 15 years (ago). I feel too good to feel like I’m that old. But at the same time there’s a lot of great memories. To think back to then and to think that for me it really all started that year. And how magical that year was.”
If Warner is able to make it back for that celebration, there are many who would like to see his name go into the team’s Ring of Fame. It’s a point of contention among his many fans that he hasn’t already been honored when fellow Greatest Show on Turf members Isaac Bruce and Marshall Faulk have seen their numbers retired.
It’s an honor Warner would, of course, enjoy and one he’ll receive from the Cardinals when they open the season against San Diego on Sept. 8.
“What player would say, no, they wouldn’t like to see their name on a ring of honor in any facility?” Warner said. “But my career will never be defined by those things. Those aren’t things that I ever really think about. What a tremendous honor to think that an organization felt that you left a big enough impact that you should be kind of engrossed in their history.
“But those are just bonuses to everything that’s happened in my career. And like I said, I think so fondly of my time here, and this organization, and the opportunities that they gave me.”
Of course, just because the Rams have yet to make such a move with Warner doesn’t mean it won’t happen eventually. While it hasn’t been a hard and fast rule — Bruce is an example of an exception — the organization has generally preferred to limit such things to players with Hall of Fame distinction.
Coincidentally, that’s another honor that could come Warner’s way soon enough and pave the way for him to land in the Rams’ version of the Ring of Honor. Warner is eligible for induction for the first time this year and while he might not make it on the first ballot, a straw poll of some voters makes it seem as if he will get in.
For now, Warner seemed content to simply reconnect with the fans who supported his rise to prominence and clearly still have love for him.
“The fans here have always been so supportive of me over the years, even since I left,” Warner said. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the impact that they’ve had on my life, my family, our foundation. So it’s always fun to come back and have a chance to interact with the fans.”
July 28, 2014 at 2:16 pm in reply to: Training Camp: disconnect between Rams players and fans? 2 posts #2728znModeratorjust a response to the above…just to be extra clear, “OP” on a lot of boards means “orginal post” or “original poster.” …I still don’t know either way. Just a topic that’s out there.
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Kells720
I don’t agree with the OP. I can see how it may be viewed that way. But the Rams do plenty around town locally in season and out of season. A couple of points:
1. Chris Long is one of the few vets on the team. He’s invested time in the city. He’s got more of a connection than many of the rookies and 2nd-3rd year players. It makes sense that he would engage fans more. He’s obviously outgoing. The others are still trying to solidify a spot and are focusing on football. I’ll take that.
2. As much as it’s cool to see Kurt hang around after practice and give autographs….he hadn’t just finished practicing. He also still has a connection to the city given his history here, so his interaction is more of a natural thing.
3. These players are people. Although it would be nice of them to dedicate more time after practice to the fans, they don’t owe us that. However, in an effort to make sure that the team does spend that time with the fans (particularly for the kids), they designate a place and time following practice to do so. I see nothing wrong with that.
4. I personally observed Kenny Britt interacting with fans during practice on the opening day. He was upbeat, and even though he was teasing one fan about wearing a WV jersey, the fan appreciated the real, unscripted interaction with Britt. He even squirted water at the guy all in fun. It was cool to see.
I think we ask too much of these kids out here….because essentially that’s what they are. They are big kids being paid extremely well to play a kids game. As long as they produce wins on the field I’m not bothered by their current level of fan interaction. I’m fine with it right where it is.[/quote]
znModeratorWelcome aboard, Expat.
And thanks for the article, it was interesting.
znModeratorJust a post I saw.
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Rams43
These are all based on the first 3 days of camp reports by dedicated and respected Ram fans plus the regular beat reporters
And, yes, I know that the pads have not gone on yet. But some trends seem to be emerging.
In no particular order…
Bradford has improved in 3 consecutive practices. Significant accuracy improvement by Sunday. Little doubt remains as to his readiness by opening day. That’s beyond huge.
The coaches see some things that they like with Gilbert. He’s getting lots of reps, certainly more than was expected. He even repositioned Britt pre snap once. Very impressive by a rookie so early in camp.
Looks like both Stacy and Cunningham have been hitting the gym. Both showed up looking extremely fit and strong. Gonna be a heckuva battle at RB this year.
J Long looks like he might actually be ready by opening day. That’s huge.
D Joseph is looking like he will be a solid RG, if needed, at the very least. He was one of the very few that could halfway handle Donald so far.
There have been 3 straight days of extremely positive reports on Kendricks. Bodes well for our options on O this year.
Speaking of TE, Alex Bayer and Justice Cunningham have impressed at TE, as well. Only one can probably make the 53 and the other may not make it to the PS. An embarrassment of TE riches for us this year.
The chemistry throughout the WR position has noticeably improved this year. Perhaps Britt has helped there. I dunno, but maybe so.
All reports say Quick looks like a new man. Much more confident and aggressive. Music to the ears for Ram fans, huh?
Multiple reports that Austin seems noticeably more comfortable and, if possible, even faster. THAT’S exciting, indeed.
When was the last time a Ram rookie got so many favorable comments in his first 3 practices as Donald? I mean… DANG!
Michael Sam is looking like a very good value pick rather than a PR stunt. Many reports have said that he looks like he can play in the NFL.
Phillip Steward has been positively singled out by multiple camp reporters. Clearly the coaches have seen something that they like. Perhaps we’re not as thin at LB as previously thought? Ray Ray and Bates have also received a few positive comments.
Both Joyner and Gaines have received kudos for all 3 practices. Very impressive ones, at that. Gaines was even observed repositioning a teammate pre snap once. If both prove worthy, GW will have all kinds of options for packages. Very exciting.
McDonald appears to be picking up where he left off last year. Reportedly, GW just LOVES him.
GZ and Hekker seem even stronger than last year, if that’s possible. Hekker booming 65 yard punts? Are you kidding me?
Last but not least, GW appears to be everything as advertised. He will likely spend most of his time on the secondary, but I have little doubt that by opening day our secondary will hardly be a team weakness.
All in all, this is the most confident and excited I have been as a Ram fan in early camp since maybe ’99.
There. I said it..
July 28, 2014 at 3:09 am in reply to: Warner from Rams camp, interviews Bradford, throws to 2 WRs…pics & vids #2714znModeratorWarner throws to Austin and Givens.
znModeratorsome follow-up (open-ended…I will keep adding to it)
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CoachO
If you are hoping for Givens to be [a Rams big-play].. guy, the way things look early on, I wouldn’t hold your breath.
And assuming they get the running game going, which will feed the play actions passing game, I don’t think you have to worry about someone getting open.
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[Jenkins]..didn’t have a good day at all today. But again, I think alot of it today was the defense wasn’t putting the same sort of pressure on, and it was by design. They kinda did the same thing last year when the crowd was as big as it was today. I’m not saying they let up, but I think the plan for today’s practice was more geared to the offense having more opportunities. They took more downfield shots today on offense than in either of the previous days.
They worked on RedZone packages in both 7 on 7 & 11 on 11, which always favors the offense in these sort of practices. It only takes a few WOW plays for everyone to leave feeling good about the offense. So I for one, am not all that concerned. When they turn that front 7 loose, the secondary automatically gets a whole lot better.
Roberson shows flashes of cover skills, but he just doesn’t want any part of the physical side. Reid looks like “Just a guy”. For all his hype I have yet to see anything that remotely resembles the player he was at FSU. But he sure seems to be this years Ray Ray in terms of fan fare.
I think Joyner has a chance to be a good player in the Nickel CB role. Have not liked his cover skills at outside CB. He struggled with Pettis in 1 on 1 drills, and let him get behind him in 7 on 7. It’d be one thing if it were Austin or Givens blowing by him, but it was Pettis.
The one thing I do like about him, he seems to be one of those guys who understands how to play the game. And inside, he might be exactly the type of player who thrives in G. Williams scheme.
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Its too early to get any kind of a read on Rhaney. They had him at RG today, which he actually has more experience at, as opposed to Center.
znModeratorQuick in year one was lost we all saw that in the regular season. In camp he was an easy target to knock off his routes, long strider and came out of his stance and breaks really high and long.
Year two I really started to notice the problem he had in traffic with hands obstructing his vision. I got a really good look one day from the end zone when Laurinaitis leaped and got a hand in the air just enough to get a wide open Quick to drop the ball.
He is much lower this year both in and out of his breaks. Joyner was knocking everyone around today and kept most of their patterns and/or at the line of scrimmage. Quck beat him badly in the second half of the session at the line. Joyner recovered well on that play. The next play Quick knocked him three or four yards back before he could even get into his jam. He is catching everything in traffic so far.
I don’t know, anxious to see him with live bullets flying around.
Britt has him under his wing though, its obvious
You know, I had written Quick off, thinking of him as a role guy at best, and was never high on the Britt signing.
I know it’s early but it looks like maybe Fisher is smarter than I am about football players.
Offense–again it’s early but this is a kind of prediction. Yeah they run, yeah they use play action, yeah they set up shots, but they also (maybe) sound like they’re going to mix up WR combos according to the situation and maybe opponent. Sound plausible?
Also the throw down the seam to Cook…the Bradford/Schott combo, I always thought, under-utilized the mid-range middle of the field (11-20 yarders & 21-30 yarders.) Maybe that will change.
Oh btw great report as always.
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znModeratorI can’t say the entire thing without divulging the player’s name but………………if Blanks thinks you’re stupid (meaning the unnamed player thinks Pead is stupid)….then you’re really stupid
‘lol
now on Quick and Britt…we all know about camp stars…but you seem to be saying they are showing more than camp star stuff… I assume Quick has not looked this good so far before (years past?)
znModeratorI have heard some of the defensive players…..one in particular can’t stand him and want him off the team.
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Interesting. Do you think he got cut out last year because of rules violations and/or maturity issues? Ie. doghoused.
What, in essence, did those defensive players seem to indicate is his problem?
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