some follow-up (ongoing, I will be adding to it):
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CoachO

[Pead:] I don’t think he is on the fence because of the injury. I think he may have finally worn out his welcome. I have heard a few things I am not at liberty to share just yet, about some things that have happened. Let’s just say, the things you hear about him not being exactly the best teammate might be more accurate than previously reported. His issues are ALL about a lack of maturity and selfishness.

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do you think it’s “fair” for what is basically a new offensive line to face G Williams blitz packages on almost every down?

Well, I know for a fact that Schottenheimer is good with it. They BOTH are working off the same script of plays, so Williams knows what the offense is running. These practices are so structured and organized, that they know exactly what will be worked on every single day. I mean in terms of what installation they are implementing. That is why IMO, you see the offense “winning” on some days, and the defense “winning” on days like today.

Obviously, they are evaluating how each unit performs and handles the stuff they are working on, on that particular day. But trust me, this offense will benefit greatly from practicing against this defense every day.

… while we all expect this defense to be special, the offense has been able to make enough plays to make you wonder, if, just maybe we are seeing something come together that may surprise us all.

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[Sam] is being included in the Kickoff Return Team, and I suspect as they started whittling down the roster, (they have to get down to 75 with the first cut) you may see him showing up more and more.

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Quick is being used in many different routes. He has looked good when running the deep post, finally using his size to his advantage. He runs the sideline fade, (ala Danario), running intermediate dig routes, and comeback routes. There really isn’t much he isn’t be asked to run, and he has shown a whole new confidence. Not only that, but BRADFORD is showing tremendous confidence in him by targeting him as a PRIMARY target quite often.

Harkey will be used as a receiver, but mostly on the waggle type routes as the underneath guy. But that was the same play he scored a TD vs. New Orleans last year.

kendricks does look much faster this year. It appears he has slimmed down some, but still will be counted on as an in line TE. He ran a seam route in Saturday’s practice at the dome htat would have been a HUGE gain. They ran BOTH Kendricks and Cook up the seam and the single high safety was in a no win situation.

Moe is still working primarily with the 3rd unit, but has shown up in each of this week’s practices, catching 2 or 3 passes in each. He catches EVERYTHING, and shown the quickness to out run (separate) CB on the crossing routes out of the Slot.

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Tavon will be the BIG PLAY guy, but to think he needs to get 10 offensive touches a game to make a difference is naive. The more success Quick and Britt have, will only benefit Tavon, by giving him more space to operate in. Also, keep in mind, the overall approach on offense will not lend itself to any of these receivers having huge “breakout” years in terms of catches and yards. Just my take on it, but there also should be more big play opportunities off of play action. Also, with this defense, teams SHOULD be punting the ball back to us more frequently. He will have plenty of opportunities to make plays.

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If [the OL gets] to the point where they lose 3 starters all at once, it won’t matter who they have as backups. They will be so limited in what they can do scheme wise, it will be 2012 all over again.

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Hooey was one of the first guys to stand out to me on the very first day of camp. Its obvious he spent plenty of time in the weight room this off season. Aside from being 6’9, he is now well over 300 lbs, and looks to be much stronger at the point of attack. While he has some early struggles vs, Michael Sam, once they put pads on, that seemed to level out. The thing about him, he is limited to the RT spot. He struggles with speed rushers, but has gotten better with using his length and reach to recover.

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Don’t see Carrington having any issues adjusting to this defense. Plus he has the advantage of being a rotational guy, not a key starter as Langford was when he got here.

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As far as Donald being a “primary starter”, I don’t think you will see that for a while. I think he will become a vital part of the rotation, but the way Mike Wauffle rotates his DL, it isn’t going to matter who’s name gets announced as the starter.

RamBill

Messages are in reverse order–Read from the bottom up of each reporters tweets

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Jamal Collier @JCollierD

Offense working on screen game #RamsCamp

Zac Stacy cramping up. He’s probably done for the day. #RamsCamp practice is a couple hours old.

Janoris isn’t out there, but secondary is gonna be an issue. Absolutely requires elite D line play to not get routinely torched. #RamsCamp

Tavon just came up with a filthy one-handed catch in stride, spins two defenders off a step later & jogs to the end zone. #ramscamp

Sam threw a pretty deep ball. It was off target to the left, but Kenny Britt adjusted and pulled it in. #RamsCamp

Jared Cook struggling with drops. #RamsCamp

Tavon’s grab with LaMarcus Joyner in coverage. #RamsCamp pic.twitter.com/LYecZoRmdq

Tavon Austin just made a spectacular catch right in front of me. Schottenheimer even came over after this. #ramscamp pic.twitter.com/me0ZTo59hV

#62 slow to get up, limps off. #RamsCamp

Stedman Bailey hauls in a wobbler on the sideline, running at the crowd. Applause. #RamsCamp

Defense getting all types of wins.

Benny got the edge. This was after the whistle. #RamsCamp pic.twitter.com/5zfUawyFmq

Tre Mason is pretty good, y’all. #RamsCamp

Tre Mason just put the D on skates #RamsCamp

Trumaine nearly had a pick when the offense went to the middle on a crossing route. #ramscamp

Janoris out again.

There have been a lot of sideline completions being made all camp. Not sure if CB problem, or big WRs coming into their own. #RamsCamp

Austin Pettis out here making plays again.

Garrett Gilbert dropped a nice one to Chris Givens over Cody Davis. #RamsCamp

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.

some follow-up (ongoing)

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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[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.

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/

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.)

RamBill
Messages are in reverse order–Read from the bottom up.

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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.

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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

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• This reply was modified 10 years, 8 months ago by zn.

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

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.