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  • August 5, 2014 at 4:16 pm in reply to: Notes from the Rams' first depth chart/Wagoner #3359
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    rfl wrote:

    Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin are listed as the starters.

    OK, this is really surprising to me. Unless it’s just a matter of semantics.

    I do NOT see Tavon as a WR. I would be surprised to hear that the Rams do. He’s a slot, flanker guy.

    Now, maybe they are just reflecting him as the starting slot, and listing that position with one of the WRs. That would be a strange way to do things, but …

    But if this is not a misleading labeling, I am not thrilled. Tavon should NOT be seen as a WR, IMO.

    I think it is just a matter of semantics. To me it simply looks like there’s no “wildcard multi-purpose yards weapon” slot in official roster terminology.

    .

    August 5, 2014 at 1:33 pm in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3349
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    rfl wrote:

    Brief point on Brockers.

    I think the problem with his reputation is that people want him to be an impact DT making big plays.

    What they forget is the value of a space-eating DT who occupies double teams, clogs the running lanes, and gets some pressure upfield WITHOUT really having the speed to get actual sacks. Those guys are very, very valuable even if they never make the splash plays.

    I am not necessarily expecting Brockers to have a breakout year. He may have one, but I don’t see much reason to expect it or to demand it.

    What I am excited about is the combination he will form with Donald. Donald is the penetrator who will make big plays. Brockers is the steady partner who will provide a base stability and relentless upfield pressure. Together, they will be the ideal combination. And Brockers will be able to play a crucial role brilliantly.

    Unfortunately, many may fail to recognize the value of Brocker’s part of the equation and may continue to complain about him not getting sacks and dramatic tackles for losses.

    Can you believe we’re talking about a Rams DL like this.

    August 5, 2014 at 11:37 am in reply to: Video: interviews with Greg Robinson, EJ Gaines, Shaun Hill #3345
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    TackleDummy wrote:

    Actually, she does quite well in her interviews. I am impressed with the young lady.

    On a side note: In her interview with Greg Robinson I couldn’t help but notice that he is a really big man.

    Demoff talked about that in an interview. IE Robinson. He said that it’s one thing to know how big Robinson was from film and tv, but seeing him in person is just a whole other story. He mentioned running into him in the building one day unexpectedly and called it “a Green Mile moment.”

    August 5, 2014 at 9:53 am in reply to: Video: interviews with Greg Robinson, EJ Gaines, Shaun Hill #3339
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    Casey Phillips doesn’t do too badly as an interviewer.

    August 5, 2014 at 9:32 am in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3332
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    InvaderRam wrote:

    what do people think of the new rule changes and the impact that will have on tavon?

    i figure the new rule changes WILL help austin. with dbs not allowed to be as physical it should help a jitterbug type like tavon.

    i also believe bailey is the guy to step. it’ll be austin and bailey. with quick or britt making a very effective third wr.

    i also think that brockers dominates. it won’t just be donald. he’s the new guy, and understandably, people are excited. but brockers has come in the best shape of his life. he didn’t come in with the technical proficiency that donald does. but people forget. brockers is only 6 months older than donald. he came in as a young raw physical specimen. i fully expect him to have a breakout year. and then combined with donald, this dline should be frightening.

    I am not sure about the impact of those rules on Tavon, because the thing with him was not being held, it was keeping guys over him in zones and not giving him space. BUT if other WRs are running free, then, the defense has to choose between stacking up on Austin and paying attention to those other guys.

    You could be right about Brockers. Seems to me, when you combine Brockers, Waufle, and Wms, it’s legit to expect something.

    .

    August 5, 2014 at 2:02 am in reply to: CoachO, Camp Report 8/4/14 + follow-up #3325
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    some follow-up (ongoing)

    ======

    COACHO

    [Dunbar] looked really tough in the middle today and hold his point very well. They have struggled at times with a back up to JL55 that can play other spots to save roster space. My take is if Dunbar can be his backup as well as one of the outside guys it could save a roster spot.

    *

    Stacy had his best day, running hard, and making that decisive cut that he is known for. Bennie Cunningham might be the most improved overall. He is leaner, and in much better shape, and has been maybe the most physical of the Rbs. Cunningham looks to be much better this year. Mason still has much to prove. His quick feet are evident, but he still is “jumpy” in the backfield, and isn’t hitting hole the way he needs to. He shows a nice burst getting to the edge, but right now, is behind Stacy, Cunningham and even Pead on the depth chart, and its about right where he should be. (for now).

    *

    Michael Sam has leveled off some, but he won’t embarrass himself if he makes this team. And it appears he will be given every chance to do just that. He has a role a Special Teams, whereas Westbrooks hasn’t shown up on any so far.

    *

    Reid is NOT found on ANY of the Special Teams at this point. Admittedly, they have not worked on any Punt Returns, but he is NOT going to make this roster as a 6th CB if only capable of being a backup Punt Returner. I know I spend a lot of time talking about Special Teams with guys like this, but to me, its a very good way of seeing how the depth guys are looked upon by this coaching staff. If they are gonna make the team as the 5th or 6th CB, 6th LB, or in Sam’s case, 9th DL, it will be BECAUSE of ST. The who aren’t showing up on these units by now, will have a long road to hoe in the next 4 weeks to make this roster.

    *

    I have never been a fan of the trash talking. My boyhood idol was Roger Wehrli, who never said a word. He just lined up and knew he was better than you. And better yet, YOU knew he was too. I don’t mind a quick witted comment every now and then, but these guys seem to think it somehow adds something to their game, when . . .more often than not it just sets you up to fail and then be embarrassed on top of it.

    *

    It has been reported more than once that [Bradford] is bigger, and stronger due to his working out and being forced to work on his upper body. He has plenty of zip on his throws, and seems to be very confident in making throws he seemed hesitant to make in the past. Also, he is showing much more confidence in guys like Quick and Bailey. In previous camps, he only looked at Quick as a last resort. Now he is often his first option. They have been on the same page on a few “Sight adjustments” which was unheard of before now. Unless there is a major setback, I expect him to be as close to 100% come Sept 7th.

    *

    I have never expected [Jones] to be the savior that many thought he would be. Can he still be a factor? Not if he isn’t on the field. Have no idea what is up with him not being around since last week. I mean, he isn’t even on the sidelines. The guy was very good on a very good line at Alabama. But the question begs to be asked, how much of that is the program, and how much is the players? Not exactly a long line of great O-linemen among the NFL ranks.

    *
    Bond has taken almost every 2nd unit snap at RG since camp opened. He is a big powerful guy, and his run blocking is devastating. He could be the surprise coming out of camp.

    Bond is definitely more involved than Washington, who has not practiced now for almost a week. Just a hunch, but I think his days may be numbered. The thing about Bond, at least for me, I would like to see if he can get some work at OT. If there was enough there to prove serviceable as a utility T/G, it would increase his value. They need to find someone who can supply depth at OT, we have plenty of depth at G. Bond got some early work at OT, but nothing since they settled on him at RG. Hooey, Person and Van Dyk all have their moments, but have been inconsistent. I think right now, they seem to be more impressed with Hooey at a Tackle, but he has been kept at RT primarily. Person has moved all over the place, so his versatility may be the deciding factor.

    Over matched might be a stretch, but when [Wells] was being counted on to pick up the garbage leftover from Williams or S. Smith, I can see why [someone would say that]. Doubt that is a problem this year with Robinson and Saffold on either side of whoever the Center is. And provided it stays this way, Wells is healthy, and WILL be the starter.

    Joseph is still firmly entrenched at RG with the 1st unit. . .when Saffold isn’t.

    *

    [Gilbert] has a lot to like about him. . . .Gilbert got lost in the shuffle with all the love being shown the SEC QBs. And playing for June Jones is a definite plus to me in his development. When comparing his skill set to the likes of McCarron, Murray, Conner Shaw, and even to a point Mettenberger, I like Gilbert. He may just end up being the best of them all.

    August 5, 2014 at 1:20 am in reply to: what I expect from Williams #3322
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    rfl wrote:

    I will be disappointed if he blitzes getting off the bus. Our DL doesn’t need that.

    …

    -always have at least one LB or DB threatening the blitz.
    – Send the blitz occasionally, often enough to keep the QB guessing.

    This one is hard to get a read on. He will blitz probably more than we have seen before from this…or come to think of it, most Rams defenses. According to one camp report, he already has blitzed 2 LBs at once. So if I had to bet, I would say he blitzes more than you expect, or hope.

    Now that I am on the subject, it reminds me how much he blitzed in New Orleans. This isn’t part of a “what will he do with the Rams” discussion, because the New Orleans situation was over the top and desperate. The percentage of sacks going to non-DL there was preposterously high. According to a quick tally, in 2011, his last year there, 47% of the sacks were made by back 7 players, LBs and DBs…but then the teams as a whole only got 33 sacks. (That means the entire 2011 Saints DL combined did not get as many sacks as Quinn did last year by himself.) Percentage of total sacks doesn’t tell you what percentage they actually blitzed, of course, but that high a number tells you something.

    August 5, 2014 at 12:21 am in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3317
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    cgsuddeath wrote:

    My point exactly.This is the same clown that was saying the Rams were not going to resign him by any means possible.LaCanfora=useless gossip columnist.

    Thomas on 920 was directly asked about LaConfora’s report that Bradford didn’t look entirely back yet, and Thomas openly disagreed with that.

    That’s here. The 2nd Thomas podcast in this post. He discusses LaConfora’s version of things at 10:50 in.

    http://theramshuddle.com/topic/920101-audio-demoff-witherspoon-who-replaces-softli-wagoner/

    August 4, 2014 at 11:23 pm in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3312
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    cgsuddeath wrote:

    Regardless of this storie,LaCanfora is a piece of trash reporter that is no more than a gossip columnist ala Rona Barrett.

    He is the only one saying Bradford might not be in their plans:

    The Rams did oodles of work on quarterbacks in the 2014 draft, and their intrigue regarding Johnny Manziel was very real. Had Johnny Football fallen a little bit deeper I wouldn’t have been surprised if the Rams traded back into the first round to grab him.

    August 4, 2014 at 10:06 pm in reply to: Monday Report #3308
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    Do you think Cook will improve on what he showed last year? It’s just camp I know but your guess is better than anybody’s because you’ve seen him. I mean I know he showed promise, and I know he did catch his share, but early in the season for example I swear he was matador-ing on blocks.

    August 4, 2014 at 9:54 pm in reply to: Monday Report #3305
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    jimiramsboy wrote:

    I see deep out and go routes being more of an option than before. I think that is a by product of the ground and pound attack featuring Stacy. I think Sam’s attempts will be down but YPA (yards per pass attempt) will be way up.

    That’s what’s needed.

    What do you think is going on with Givens?

    August 4, 2014 at 9:48 pm in reply to: Monday Report #3300
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    jimiramsboy wrote:

    Not really…..talked more about the new electronics venture than anything else….but that move by Quinn believe I wasn’t the only one making such a fuss.

    I have a theory. They seem to be very conscious about working in the medium range (21-30) and deep (31+) passing game this summer. You hear about it when Fisher and Bradford get interviewed. Is that your impression too? I personally think that Fisher doesn’t just want to hold scores down and win close ones with tough defense. I think he wants to put that defense on the field with leads, and demolish teams. Anything to all this?

    August 4, 2014 at 9:42 pm in reply to: Monday Report #3298
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    jimiramsboy wrote:

    Speaking of which at one point I turned to my friend and said…”Britt is the first NFL professional caliber bona fide wide receiver Sam Bradford has had since Mark Clayton….which of course was Mark Clayton’s cue to come up and sit beside and tell us….”Hi I’m Mark Clayton.” He was in town for business concerning his new electronics venture and just coincidentally picked that moment to come up….that or the universe is calling to me.

    Great story.

    He say anything worth telling?

    August 4, 2014 at 8:34 pm in reply to: Jimi, twitter reports from camp 8/4 … + from others #3291
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    RamBill

    Jim Thomas @jthom1

    Mizzou WR T.J. Moe had a couple of nice catches Monday, including one where he tiptoed to stay in bounds on a sideline route.

    Joyner and WR Kenny Britt had some interesting sequences as well.

    There were lots of collisions Monday, with S Rodney McLeod and RB Zac Stacy running into each other on several occasions.

    Also out were CB Janoris Jenkins, WR Brian Quick, DT Kendall Langford, CB Brandon McGee, RB Trey Watts, FB Kadeem Jones, LB Pat Schiller. ..C/G Barrett Jones, OG Brandon Washington, and G/T Rodger Saffold. None of the injuries is thought to be serious.

    MLB James Laurinaitis (ankle) and DT Michael Brockers (ankle) were among those who missed practice Monday.

    “That’s brotherhood out there,” Joyner said of the scuffle. “We’re not playing for paychecks out there. We’re playing for championships.”

    Joyner got in a scuffle with WR Austin Pettis that ended up with more than a dozen Rams teammates involved trying to break things up.

    He was his feisty self in what was a very spirited practiced Monday _ lots of hitting. Thud tempo, but with a capital T.

    DB Lemarcus Joyner back on field after tweaking groin during special teams practice last Tuesday.

    On a warm, humid day, the Rams kept their string of 1,000-plus spectators at camp going _ but just barely, at 1,003.

    Coming to an electronics store near you in the fall: Former Rams WR Mark Clayton has a company (LIVV) that is producing high tech headphones

    Production begins in October. Clayton, in town for business, took in Rams practice and said he was impressed w/what he saw from WR corps.

    During a one-one red zone period S Cody Davis grabbed a bobbled ball by Franklin for an INT in the end zone.

    With the Rams in pads CB Greg Reid is starting to show up. He had a couple of nice hits, and stepped in front of an out pattern from. . .

    QB Garrett Gilbert intended for WR Austin Franklin for a pick 6.

    One followup note to Laurinaitis not practicing, Jo-Lonn Dunbar was at middle LB with the starters.

    I usually don’t put much stock in these depth charts this early in the year. (BTW, Michael Sam listed as 3rd-team RDE behind Quinn, Sims.)

    August 4, 2014 at 8:30 pm in reply to: Jimi, twitter reports from camp 8/4 … + from others #3290
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    RamBill

    Nick Wagoner @nwagoner

    WR Brian Quick also did not practice again.

    Wrong CB in mentioning those sitting. Not CB Reid, should say CB Brandon McGee, who did not practice. He’s been battling ankle issue.

    LB Laurinaitis, DT Brockers, OL Saffold, DT Langford, CB Jenkins, CB Reid, OL B. Jones among those not participating on Monday.

    Rookie S Christian Bryant, who had yet to practice as a Ram, was on the field Monday. Was previously on non-football injury list.

    Some big collisions involving RB Zac Stacy also. Dropped shoulder on LB Armstrong, S McDonald and S McLeod (a few times on latter).

    Joyner also mixed it up with WR Kenny Britt a couple of times. But only real fight was Pettis/Joyner.

    And we had our first official skirmish of this camp. DB Lamarcus Joyner and WR Austin Pettis swung at each other after a play in team drill.

    #Rams off the field from very physical Monday afternoon practice. Lots of “thudding” and contact run drills.

    Again, don’t read too much into these depth charts. Unofficial and for those watching, #Rams shuffling through guys all over the place.

    Cunningham listed as No. 2 behind Stacy. Tre Mason is on fourth line with Trey Watts. Could simply be product of status as rookies.

    Chart lists Britt and Austin as starting receivers with Quick and Bailey as backups. Pettis and Givens listed on third line.

    Since it’s game week, #Rams official release comes replete with an unofficial depth chart. Some notes to follow with that important caveat.[/quote]

    August 4, 2014 at 8:29 pm in reply to: Jimi, twitter reports from camp 8/4 … + from others #3288
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    RamBill
    Messages are in reverse order–Read from the bottom up    .

    ==============

    Jamal Collier @JCollierD ‏

    Austin Davis got some extra work in with Jordan Harris and Chris Givens. #RamsCamp

    All of the tight ends had a little post-practice running to do. Penance for the drops, presumably. #RamsCamp

    Sam Bradford would’ve been sandwiched between Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn just now, which means Donald is running with the 1s. #RamsCamp

    Greg Reid just broke on a pass intended for Austin Franklin. Pick-six in practice, pick-six in a game. #ramscamp

    Looks like Tre Mason is one of those fall-forward types.

    Darren Woodard chased Chris Givens down after the whistle. #ramscamp

    Another Kendricks incompletion. Ray Ray Armstrong in coverage. #ramscamp

    Austin Pettis and LaMarcus Joyner got into it. Couple punches thrown. Pics later. #ramscamp

    Zac Stacy trying to run over everybody. Smacked into Rodney McLeod after whistle. #RamsCamp

    Kendricks drops a low Bradford ball. #ramscamp

    Made an effort to watch Trumaine Johnson since he’s back out here. Stedman Bailey escorted him away from Tavon after a WR screen completion.

    Gilbert finds Moe across the middle. #ramscamp

    Garrett Gilbert put it on the back shoulder for TJ Moe. Applause. #ramscamp

    I was watching defense. Tip or drop almost ended up in the hands of a crashing TJ McDonald. #ramscamp

    Tavon had a nice run after catch in the middle of the field. #ramscamp

    In other news, Stedman Bailey just got another catch in traffic. #RamsCamp

    Somebody just took Kenny Britt’s helmet off. #ramscamp

    OK, Sam Bradford dropped a dime to Austin Pettis. Right sideline, between two DBs, over a jumper. TD. #RamsCamp

    Ray Ray Armstrong getting first-team defense work with JL55 out. #ramscamp

    They’re trying to hit the camera guy with kicks again. Getting reeeeeal close. #RamsCamp

    FA TE Alex Bayer just drew some oohs with a sideline grab. #RamsCamp

    A lot of jawing going on from the defense. #RamsCamp

    D’Marco Farr right behind me saying more glowing things about Stedman Bailey on radio. Loves him on every down. #ramscamp

    Austin Davis dump to Tre Mason falls incomplete. #ramscamp

    Kenny Britt grabs one over the middle and then gives a shimmy to a DB. #ramscamp

    Bradford is starting to turn up the heat on his throws. #ramscamp

    Bradford zips one to Stedman Bailey. Robert Quinn and Jake Long hit the deck together. #ramscamp

    Janoris Jenkins not practicing either. #ramscamp pic.twitter.com/mExlQji71W

    11s. Defense says “it’s personal!” #ramscamp

    Cody Davis intercepts Garrett Gilbert in a 1-on-1 on the outside. Receiver tipped it up

    All the WRs are on the side that Bradford is on now #ramscamp

    Sam Bradford & Austin Davis just switched places. Wouldn’t read into it just yet #ramscamp

    Diving grab from Jordan Harris. #ramscamp

    Still looking for more velocity from Mr. Bradford #RamsCamp

    Special teams practicing against each other. Half have red caps on top of their helmets. #RamsCamp

    It’s allegedly 92 degrees, but I’m pouring sweat right now. Offense is in navy. Defense in white. Tavon has pants on. Trippin. #RamsCamp

    Guys are awaiting punts with ball in hand already, then tossing a ball or two up as they try to catch those AND the punted one. #ramscamp

    It is hot out at #ramscamp. Chris Givens among the guys doing early field work. Chase Reynolds was signing autographs when I came in.

    ====================

    Mathieu Debuchy « ‏@WoozyVirtuoso ‏

    Greg Reid was picked on a bit, giving up 5 receptions on 7 targets. Made up for it a little bit with an interception at the end. #RamsCamp

    Tavon Austin and Sam Bradford hooked up effectively on 3 different occasions. Really worked the slot well. #RamsCamp

    Garrett Gilbert had one of his better days today. 11/13 (85%), 1 INT, 6 Checks/Screens. #RamsCamp

    Seemed like coaches wanted to work on the timing throws underneath, so no need to worry about that too much. #RamsCamp

    Sam Bradford Today: 18/24 (75%), 11 Checks/Screens. #RamsCamp

    Greg Reid intercepts Gilbert on a short curl to Austin Franklin. #RamsCamp

    Pettis and Joyner get into a fist fight. Punches thrown. Teammates have to separate them. #RamsCamp

    Tavon just killed Joyner in the slot on a quick out. #RamsCamp

    Joyner and Britt getting into it! Joyner rips off Britt’s helmet! #RamsCamp

    Sam just fit a BEAUTFUL ball in to Austin Pettis, over Tru and in front of McLeod. #RamsCamp

    Sam throwing underneath quite a bit today. But seems like that’s what coaches want today. #RamsCamp

    Hill-Bayer have been on all day. #RamsCamp

    Bayer is 4/4 today. Connecting in soft spots in zone, underneath, making hands catches. #RamsCamp

    Alex Bayer has been Mr Consistency this camp. #RamsCamp

    I haven’t seen a practice with this much energy. #RamsCamp

    Double reverse to Tavon…. Sam the lead blocker… #RamsCamp

    Ray Ray just did the DX chop after the run stop. #RamsCamp

    Janoris in shorts again. #RamsCamp

    Mo Alexander just got schooled on a slant by Franklin. #RamsCamp

    Cody Davis impressive in 1 on 1′s. Picked off Gilbert.. Covering Franklin. #RamsCamp

    Joyner hits like a mac-truck for a guy of his size. But we knew that already. Just confirming it today in drills. #RamsCamp

    Kid out here with a #43 Dahl jersey. Would love to hear the backstory on that one. #RamsCamp

    Pead and Bailey working as gunners on punts. #RamsCamp

    ==========================

    • This reply was modified 10 years, 8 months ago by Avatar photozn.
    August 4, 2014 at 8:19 pm in reply to: camp reports, Aug 4 – 1 so far + link to pics #3286
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    that te group is special

    Interestin.

    August 4, 2014 at 8:14 pm in reply to: KMOX/101 – Demoff, Witherspoon, Wagoner (from 8/4) #3284
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    Dialectical approach:

    Thesis = I like Witherspoon, always have. I think he can grow in this role.

    Antithesis = And, they miss Softli. I miss Softli. I don’t see the point in this change.

    Synthesis = enh, what kann ya do

    August 4, 2014 at 7:01 pm in reply to: Guardians of the Galaxy #3279
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    nittany ram wrote:

    But! Earlier in the same monologue, Quill tells Drax that Gamorra’s violence didn’t bother him, and lists the women who have assaulted him. He points to one scar and says “see that? I got that from a smoking hot Rayjack girl who stabbed me with a fork.”

    Hmm, very observant of you. Perhaps Drax just took what he said at face value and therefore thought that Quill was stabbed by a woman whose temperature was so high she was smoking.

    I’m just having fun with these things. Another little observation– we know that Ronan is out on his own as a wild card bringing his peoples’s “REAL” justice to a race who he believes deserves it. He doesn’t believe in the treaty. So a quick thought…how did his intended target race fight the Kree to a standstill for generations, as Ronan says they did, and come out of that with no frontline battleship type space cruisers to oppose HIS?

    Cause it’s like…”Ronan’s coming, oh oh Ronan’s coming.” Hey. People in Charge. You just fought his entire race for generations. He’s just got one ship.

    Honest, thinking up these things doesn’t subtract from the movie for me.

    I think the entire ensemble of 5 “guardians” just NAILS it.

    August 4, 2014 at 6:20 pm in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3269
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    rfl wrote:

    But the minute I watched his highlight reel, I thought, Oh, My God, what am I seeing here? You just do NOT see college DTs who play with that level of talent AND developed, mature skill

    Now I remember that. You were asking the draftniks if he was good as advertized, then later in response to a highlight vid you said the same thing you say here–“my goodness this guy is doing it play after play.” Farr himself btw said that when he saw Donald, he recognized that the kid had (near direct quote) “the hands technique of a 3rd year pro.” That’s something coming from Farr, who of course was an undersized penetrating DT who took his game to the next level when he sought out training on how to use his hands. Farr is in awe of Donald.

    I would love to have seen the Rams draft room when they realized Donald was falling to them.

    August 4, 2014 at 6:10 pm in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3267
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    Well I don;t know what rewind or the coach’s 22 showed. I just have the old “guy on the sofa with a beverage scaring the poor dog by yelling at the tv” view of things. But, from that kind of first impressions level, it seemed to me right off that Bailey has “it.” I don’t know his ceiling, I am not so clear on his style, but he plays with the kind of confident aggressiveness (plus hands) that just seems to me only belong to good players.

    Do you see the same stuff in Bailey? Granted, Clemens was the qb. (Though to be fair Clemens could do well with 9-12 yard lasers).

    August 4, 2014 at 5:46 pm in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3257
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    rfl wrote:

    Fact is, they have NOT been there to be made to this point.

    But it will also change the game for Tavon. Last year, if he got the ball underneath, he was looking at secondaries that could get away with cheating up.

    Great post as usual.

    I know you watched rewind last year. So I gather what you say there in the quotation comes from lots of eyeballin.

    My impression though was that the Carolina game was different. The Panthers took Stacy seriously, and that gave Bradford more room to air it out. He had a very good YPA in that game before going out.

    It’s possible then that the play-action advantage/synergy you talk about is just there under the surface.

    What’s your feeling on that?

    ==

    rfl wrote:

    This kid is beyond freaking belief. Talent PLUS devotion and effort PLUS veteran-level technique right out of college? Playing next to Quinn? Please!

    If you’re like me, you can’t believe we got this guy.

    I forget, were you there for the draft thread? One of the themes early in the day as the different picks got turned in was “Donald’s still there…Donald might still be there…hey maybe Donald will be there…”

    Quinn fell too.

    Now and then some unexpected good luck surfaces for these Rams.

    August 4, 2014 at 5:40 pm in reply to: game Friday Aug 8….watch pre-season games on nfl.com for 19.99 #3255
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    rfl wrote:

    Does anyone know if the season Rewind package includes Pre-Season games? I intend to get that, and I’d rather not pay twice.

    ==

    I looked real quick and it really doesn’t look like rewind includes the pre-season. I figured that by hitting “schedule” and what you immediately get is regular season game 1.

    pc

    August 4, 2014 at 2:51 pm in reply to: Setting up Rams' preseason week one (Wagoner, others) #3241
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    Center Scott Wells and end William Hayes are also coming back from illness and injury, respectively, but both seem to be coming along just fine. Wells has been getting more and more repetitions each day and Hayes has also been back in the mix.

    That’s good, both of them active, getting ready for the season.

    Maybe Wells just had his annual missed time early. You know get it over with.

    August 4, 2014 at 12:56 pm in reply to: LaCanfora: Bradford, offense backed by beastly defense #3232
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    These are just some things we wouldn’t hear unless LaConfora went in there and talked to people in the organization. That is, it’s more than just a reporter quoting from press conferences.

    ..

    “A few of them [ie. the receivers] really look like they are for real,” said one member of the organization. “If they are, then that’s a major game-changer.”

    Rams brass still can’t believe Donald made it out of the top 10 picks, and look for him to boost to an already powerful group.

    “He’s absolutely a very polished rookie in pass rush,” said Chris Long, a monster pass rusher himself. “One of the most polished rookies I’ve ever seen as far as his technique. Somebody along the line coached him up pretty well. We were sitting in the room the other day watching film, and I said to him, ‘Who taught you to watch film and play with technique?’ Not all kids coming in have that.”

    The Rams are taking precautions with corner Janoris Jenkins, who has ball-hawking ability but is still learning, and are giving him some time off to rest a muscle strain. They’re high on him, though third-year corner Trumaine Johnson has been making strides as well.

    August 4, 2014 at 11:58 am in reply to: what is up with Givens this year? I dunno… #3223
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    Mackeyser wrote:

    Frankly, I think Quick has ripped the starting job out of Givens’ hands and may have put him off the team since Givens doesn’t play special teams. I think those last two slots go to special teamers. Or maybe Pettis and a special teamer. I dunno.

    Preseason will count more for this WR corps than other units, I think…

    I agree with all that.

    Oh and here’s an especially hard view of Givens fwiw.

    ——–

    blubravery

    He was never a route runner. Last year was his first year he tried to add to his route tree to be a more well rounded player and it failed.

    He is a one trick receiver, send him out and use his speed. There have been plenty of receivers that have made careers out of being fly receivers, but you can usually outdraft them.

    If Quick, Bailey, and Britt translate their skills to the regular season you will see more production from him in packages because they will draw the coverages and he will be able to get into more one on one situations.

    He is what he is.

    August 4, 2014 at 9:23 am in reply to: Fisher & co. talking about the long ball #3217
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    InvaderRam wrote:

    i think it also says something about the wr corps too though. more experience. more confidence. i think they’re more capable of helping bradford out.

    I think I have said bits of this before, a lot, but it’s worth putting here all in one place.

    Just a summary of some thoughts. It’s a response to the idea, which you see out there a lot, that Bradford is the checkdown king.

    IMO the 1st 4 games of 2013 gave a false impression and fostered this checkdown king idea. According to Schottenheimer, they threw short in those games to make up for not being able to run. (Which some say was because Richardson was hurt, and I think was because Richardson was no feature back, healthy or not.)

    Numbers back that. In 2013 Bradford threw at or behind the LOS far more than he did in 2012.

    Meanwhile when the Rams have a running threat (Jackson, Stacy) they throw down the field.

    According to PFF, on the number of passes going for 20 yards or more in 2012, Bradford ranks 7th. Tied with Manning.

    “Number of” can be misleading though. So what PERCENTAGE of Bradford’s total attempts in 2012 went for 20 yards or more?

    According to PFF, it’s 13.1%, which is ranked 9th.

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/data/signature.php?tab=signature&season=2012&stype=r&pos=qbd&teamid=-1&filter=25

    That’s a higher percentage than Newton, Eli, Manning, Brees, Stafford, Rodgers, Rivers, Ryan, Romo, and Roethlisberger.

    The “checkdown” thing IMO is a misrepresentation fostered by the 1st 4 games of 2013.

    In principle, the offense with Stacy and Bradford is just not different from the offense with Jackson and Bradford. Same thing, same coordinator–power running, ball control passing, play action + big passing plays. All those things combined, with the run/ball control going hand in hand with the downfield shots–each aspect is an important part of the total equation.

    So I expect to see in 2014 a more nuanced, better version of the 2012 offense.

    As this thread shows, if you listen to Bradford and Fisher talk about the offense so far this summer they emphasize the downfield game. Yes they talk about the run too–but they also emphasize the downfield game. Camp reports btw back that up–it’s what different fans who regularly go to camp are seeing.

    Now IMO what has been missing is the medium/deep medium pass (11-20 yards, 21-30 yards). But there are all sorts of signs right now that they are correcting that. You see it in camp reports–it’s not just that they are throwing 31+ yarders, they are throwing in that 11-30 range too. I don’t know for a “for certain” fact that will carry over into the season, but I bet it does.

    I don’t think Fisher wants a ball control offense/top defense type team. Where they keep the ball, keep scores down, and dominate that way. Well he wants that, partly, but IMO he wants more than that. I think what he actually wants is an offense that scores so the defense plays with a lead. I think he wants to unleash the beast. I don’t think he wants to control games, I think he wants to break games open. So that goes along with the “yes run but strike with big plays” approach to offense. Get that defense on the field with a lead, in full throttle demolish mode.

    .

    August 3, 2014 at 10:59 pm in reply to: Guardians of the Galaxy #3208
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    nittany ram wrote:

    My wife and I saw it too. We both really liked it. I would say it is among the best marvel films I’ve seen. For me, Avengers is still tops but I would rank GotG just beneath it.

    I have a minor goof moment to mention though. Remember when Quill is trying to talk Drax out of killing Gamora, and when he says you can kill Ronan, he runs his finger across his throat in the famous “execution” gesture, and Drax doesn’t get it because his species doesn’t get metaphors.

    But! Earlier in the same monologue, Quill tells Drax that Gamorra’s violence didn’t bother him, and lists the women who have assaulted him. He points to one scar and says “see that? I got that from a smoking hot Rayjack girl who stabbed me with a fork.”

    Well…how does Drax know what “smoking hot” means? It’s a metaphor.

    Granted, I don’t think it brings the whole film down…….sm

    ==

    August 3, 2014 at 10:21 pm in reply to: OL v DB — Biggest Concern? #3206
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    Eternal Ramnation wrote:

    Just listening to JT on 101 (Thanks zn for posting the link). Wells was sick with a virus of some sort and lost a lot of weight was the reason he was held out so not injury related and is now back .

    Yeah somehow that didn’t get out there…that Wells was just ill. Only Thomas said anything (that I recall).

    It sure would be nice if he could hold up this year. He has some skills beyond just being the smart guy who makes the line calls. Jackson, when he was here, said that Wells was very quick getting to the 2nd level–SJ even said it was something he had to adjust to.

    .

    August 3, 2014 at 10:14 pm in reply to: what they;re saying about Quick so far #3204
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    SunTzu_vs_Camus wrote:

    I sure hope Quick becomes what we all had hoped he would become!
    It’s all very exciting.

    Maybe they have enough this year to do what they need to do.

    BRADFORD: “I think this is probably the deepest group [of receivers] we’ve had since I’ve been here, the most talented group we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

    Interesting he should say that since all they did was add Britt. I think he must mean guys are maturing. Bailey, for example. We’re beginning to see he has a chemistry with Bailey. Or we have seen glimpses of that so far.

    A history of Rams receivers with Bradford (adapted/stolen from a different poster on another board but heavily revised by me).

    2010:

    Clayton – injured early but there was chemistry with Bradford when Clayton could play
    Alexander – played in 7 games
    Gibson – rookie
    Amendola – 3rd year player, but short-gain slot guy
    Robinson – banged up all year

    2011:

    Offense out of sync all year due to learning new scheme without an off-season and getting massively injured

    Alexander – productive in 5 games
    Amendola – hurt early
    Gibson – banged up, missed time
    Lloyd – came late in a trade but played well
    Pettis – rookie and looked it

    2012:

    Amendola – 5th year pro, and Schottenheimer used him well, but only played half the season
    Gibson – okay, decently productive
    Pettis – barely used, but he’s a role player
    Givens – showed some rookie stuff but fell off in 2013
    Quick – de facto redshirt

    2013:

    Austin – not really an every-down receiver, was a little overwhelmed early, but obviously a top weapon
    Pettis – used a little more than before, productive within his role
    Givens – his 2nd year an off-year as said
    Bailey – late start, promising
    Quick – redshirt year 2

    **

    He did have receivers before, if Amendola and Clayton had stayed healthy (Alexander was a gamble). Imagine 2012 if they had DA all year plus Clayton.

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