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znModeratorThey’ve had a good defense – why mess with it?
I dunno, about them 49ers, this year.
I could see them finishing last.w
vMangini is an old Patriots D-coach.
I wouldn’t put it past him to pull it off.
May 24, 2015 at 2:06 pm in reply to: Daniel Rodriguez was the only player at Rams Park with a Purple Heart #25200znModeratorsee the previous article too, last post
Army vet Daniel Rodriguez trying to make most of chance with Rams
Posted by Josh Alper on May 24, 2015, 10:56 AM EDT
Memorial Day weekend has its fair share of gatherings around the grill, swimming in sunny weather and other fun, but none of that should get in the way of remembering that the holiday honors those who have given their lives in service to the country around the world.
Rams wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez doesn’t need that reminder. Rodriguez did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was wounded during the Battle of Kamdesh, while in the Army and his football career began with a promise to a friend who was killed in combat. Rodriguez went to community college, worked on his game and landed as a walk-on at Clemson.
“It was just one of those things where I felt that if I had any purpose in life, I needed to make sure that I kept my word to a friend, and live my life in a way that honored those who had died,” Rodriguez said, via the Rams website. “I needed to make sure that I represented myself well on behalf of my friends who were killed. And that was just trying to live through a promise.”
Rodriguez, who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for his service in Afghanistan, wasn’t drafted, but met with Rams personnel at the postseason Medal of Honor Bowl and his pro day and got an invite to try out at the rookie minicamp.
“When they invited me, I was like, ‘Heck yeah, I would love to try out. I’ve got nothing to lose,’” Rodriguez said. “They flew me out here and I thought I was only going to be here for a two-day trial. And they said I had a pretty good workout, made some plays, and they offered to have me stay. It was one of those things that I couldn’t really believe happened, and it was all a whirlwind. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I had invitations to other minicamps down the road, and I was just trying to take advantage of every one. And this one was the first one and it stuck. Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise.”
Rodriguez has a long way to go to make the Rams’ 53-man roster, but he overcame long odds to get this far and it’s a safe bet that he’ll have plenty of people rooting for him to continue his stay in St. Louis well past this summer’s cutdown day
May 24, 2015 at 12:42 pm in reply to: Daniel Rodriguez was the only player at Rams Park with a Purple Heart #25196znModerator
The Daniel Rodriguez StoryMyles Simmons – Rams Insider
During rookie orientation at Rams Park a few weeks ago, one wide receiver was with the team on a tryout basis. And after that weekend, the Rams signed the WR to their roster, a fact that still feels surreal toDaniel Rodriguez.
“It’s been incredible, honestly,” Rodriguez said in a recent interview with stlouisrams.com. “Coming here has been something that’s really opened my eyes — being surrounded by elite athletes and an organization that’s incredible. And I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
At 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, Rodriguez may look like someone who lacks a receiver’s ideal size. But as general manager Les Snead often says, football is much less about positional designations than it is about the individuals playing them. And that is especially true when it comes to Rodriguez.
His story has been well documented — from an ESPN feature to his own autobiography — but it bears repeating. He enlisted in the Army following his high school graduation, a decision in part spurred by his father’s sudden death. Rodriguez served two tours — a 15-month deployment in Iraq, and a 12-month tour in Afghanistan.
During that second tour, Rodriguez was one of approximately 60 Americans who fought in the Battle of Kamdesh on Oct. 3, 2009 — one of the bloodiest incidents in the Afghanistan conflict. Eight American soldiers were killed and 22 more were wounded in the battle; Rodriguez was one of them. With bullet fragments lodged in his shoulder and shrapnel in his neck and legs, he continued to fight for more than 12 hours. Rodriguez was given a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for his actions that day.
But that’s far from where Rodriguez’s story ends. Following his discharge from the Army in 2010, he began working toward another goal: Playing college football.
“After my second deployment in Afghanistan, I had made a promise to a friend that I was going to get out and try to play,” Rodriguez said.
Unfortunately, that friend was killed in combat.
“It was just one of those things where I felt that if I had any purpose in life, I needed to make sure that I kept my word to a friend, and live my life in a way that honored those who had died,” Rodriguez said. “I needed to make sure that I represented myself well on behalf of my friends who were killed. And that was just trying to live through a promise.”
Rodriguez says that sticking to his word helped him overcome a number of challenges — from substance abuse to issues in personal relationships. A significant part of that came from his strenuous training regimen.
“As soon as I got in the weight room, it was just an addiction. It just changed my life,” Rodriguez said. “I stopped doing everything detrimental to my body — changed my eating. I just devoted everything to it.”
He was also attending community college at the time, getting his grades up to a point where he could transfer to a bigger university with a football program. Rodriguez says he spent most of his savings to make a recruitment video, which he put on YouTube. At that point, the wide receiver was working out three times a day for a total of six hours.
The video went viral helped Rodriguez gain the attention of myriad college programs, and the wide receiver says he received a few offers from big-name schools to be a preferred walk-on. One of those was Clemson University.
“I didn’t even know where Clemson was,” Rodriguez said. “But I took a trip down there, and fell in love with it.”
He cited his meeting with head coach Dabo Swinney as one of the deciding factors.
“Coach Swinney was amazing,” Rodriguez said. “It was just one of those things where he wanted to invite me to the 105-man camp and I knew that I just had to work and put myself in a position to try to make the team. And it all worked out.”
As a walk-on, Rodriguez played in 37 consecutive games for the Tigers, which is a clear point of pride for him. While he appeared primarily on special teams, he scored a touchdown on a 2-yard end around against Citadel during Clemson’s 2013 Military Appreciation Day.
During his time at the South Carolina university, Rodriguez also made time to write his autobiography, RISE. Released Oct. 7 of last year, it was featured on the New York Times best-selling sports books list.
“It was kind of brought to my attention that people were starting to inquire if I would be interested in writing an autobiography, because at the time I didn’t realize that my life would be inspirational to others,” Rodriguez said, adding that initially he wasn’t sure he wanted to go through with it. “I never wanted to put myself in a position where people thought I was trying to capitalize off of the death of my friends and what I’d accomplished in combat.
“I talked with some of the parents of buddies who were killed, and I asked them if they thought if it was wrong,” Rodriguez continued. “And every one of them told me that I was in a position to show veterans that it’s not the end of the world when they come home. And what you’ve accomplished is so motivational, and can be so inspirational to so many people that we want you to do it.”
From that point on, Rodriguez says, he committed to the book. He teamed up with best-selling writer Joe Layden to help write it, composing the words through a series of interviews. The process was difficult at times because he had to re-live some particularly dark moments.
“I didn’t want to write the book in a Disney context. I wanted it to be very raw and open,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to show that was the side of who I was and what I’d gone through to where I am now.”
Following his graduation in December 2014 — Rodriguez was a two-time academic All-ACC honoree — the wide receiver continued pursuing football by training at the EXOS performance center facility in Los Angeles.
“As a kid, I used to sneak downstairs and watch Monday Night Football, and I was always jumping over the couch for that game-winning touchdown,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve always wanted to be in the NFL, and every time I saw it in college, I always told myself that I can play at that level.
“There were many times when I said ‘college’ was that goal, but it was just that first step I needed to take. I wanted to be a football player,” Rodriguez added. “Being able to play it at the most elite level has been something that’s always been in the back of my mind. So when I had the opportunity present itself and knew that I was close to achieving it if I kept working out of college, I was going to take full advantage of it.”
When the draft came around, he wasn’t expecting to be selected, but much like his mindset in his recruitment video, Rodriguez simply wanted an opportunity.
“I was just hoping for a phone call, and it came the next day,” Rodriguez said.
The Rams were on the other end of the line. Rodriguez had talked to a few of the team’s scouts during his time at the Medal of Honor Bowl — one of college football’s All-Star games following the conclusion of the season. He also spoke with team officials at his pro day. And receiving the invitation to come tryout during rookie orientation just provided him with another chance to take advantage of an opportunity.
“When they invited me, I was like, ‘Heck yeah, I would love to tryout. I’ve got nothing to lose,’” Rodriguez said. “They flew me out here and I thought I was only going to be here for a two-day trial. And they said I had a pretty good workout, made some plays, and they offered to have me stay.”
“It was one of those things that I couldn’t really believe happened, and it was all a whirlwind,” Rodriguez continued. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. I had invitations to other minicamps down the road, and I was just trying to take advantage of every one. And this one was the first one and it stuck. Honestly, it was a blessing in disguise.”
But even as he progresses into a possible career in the NFL, as this Memorial Day Weekend illustrates, his past experiences are never far from his mind.
“I lost 24 friends in the conflicts that I was engaged in, and I have a lot of friends who have military members in their family,” Rodriguez said. “For me, it’s a day of remembrance. I used to be able to go to Arlington Cemetery, and visit my friends who are buried there. It means a lot.”
“I’m very grateful that Memorial Day is so prominent and important in our culture as Americans to remember that day and acknowledge it,” Rodriguez added. “You can always kind of reflect back and put yourself in the position of others. So when people are thanking me for your service and they call me a hero, I always say, ‘No, my friends who were killed are heroes.’ And that’s what it always is for me. It reflects on what my friends did for this country.”
May 24, 2015 at 12:30 pm in reply to: Joe Barksdale agrees to terms on one-year deal with San Diego – INTERESTING. #25195znModeratorWagoner from another thread, in his Mailbag chat, on this situation. Best summary IMO.
http://theramshuddle.com/topic/wagoner-rams-mailbag-524/
@nwagoner: I don’t think it’s all that complicated. Barksdale’s side overestimated his value. The Rams had interest in bringing him back as far back as last year but only at a certain price (think something in the range of $2.5 million to $3 million annually). Barksdale bet on himself and believed the market would come his way. He didn’t get any offers in that range and the Rams and other teams began looking at their options. Again, the
Rams liked him but they didn’t love him, and even as far back as the 2014 offseason, they viewed right tackle as a position they could upgrade. So as the offseason goes on and nothing materializes, the Rams might still have interest in him, but you have to remember that many times in these scenarios, egos can get in the way. A player might get his feelings hurt if he doesn’t get what he expected to get and it can be hard to go back to the same locker room after that happens. So it became pretty clear, even before the draft, that the two sides were headed for a breakup. The Rams drafting four offensive linemen only sealed the deal, but this was a long time coming. And while some might argue that the Rams could have signed him for a little more than the Chargers did, it’s almost certain that wouldn’t happen because he wasn’t going to come back at such a low price to compete for a job he believed should have been his for a much higher price in the first place.znModeratorJohn Madden: Super Bowl call will “torment” Pete Carroll forever
Darin Gantt on May 23, 2015, 9:06 PM EDT
Seahawks Pete Carroll acknowledged after the Super Bowl that he’d always regret the decision to pass at the goal line rather than run.
That’s almost easy to say now, at a time when he’s trying to insulate the coordinator who called the play, and the quarterback who threw the game-losing interception.
But one of the best coaches the game has ever known said the memory won’t get any easier with time.
“That will torment him forever,” Hall of Famer John Madden told Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times. “Winning one game is hard. Getting to the Super Bowl is hard. Then getting that close and losing has to be tough, because we only remember the winners of the Super Bowl.
“One of the biggest gaps in sports is the difference between the winning and losing teams of the Super Bowl. They don’t invite the losing team to the White House. They don’t have parades for them. They don’t throw confetti on them.
“Does it haunt you? Hell yes, it haunts you. I’m still haunted by some championship games.”
Madden’s Raiders lost five conference championship games in seven years, nearly taking the pleasure out of finally winning one.
But he doubts that Carroll having won one will take the sting away from the chance at a second.
znModeratorI don’t get his tell them to use moderation but not him.
That there can be no moderation about abolishing slavery. There are no half-measures or compromises. You abolish slavery or you don’t, it’s one or the other, no half-steps. He’s reacting to people who called abolitionists “extremists.” There is no moderation in demanding slavery be abolished.
OK though why use the moderation line regarding situations in which it will not be observed? He should have gotten out more.
He;s being figurative not literal. Translated into literal-ese, he’s saying those situations (fire, etc.) do not admit of moderation and neither does abolition.
Putting out a fire is urgent, you can’t “moderate” that. So is abolition, so don’t ask us to be “moderate.” He just uses irony to say it.
.
.znModeratorfrom off the net
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RamBill
Reporting from the NFL owners meetings, ESPN Rams reporter Nick Wagoner says Raiders owner Mark Davis’ insistence that his team will remain under his control and won’t be a candidate to move to St. Louis at some point remains a tenuous proposition. Things and circumstances can change. If the Rams left St.Louis, Davis might “revise” his position on moving there if it was his only option for a new stadium.
znModeratorRaiders in St. Louis? Don’t rule it out.
znModeratorI don’t get his tell them to use moderation but not him.
That there can be no moderation about abolishing slavery. There are no half-measures or compromises. You abolish slavery or you don’t, it’s one or the other, no half-steps. He’s reacting to people who called abolitionists “extremists.” There is no moderation in demanding slavery be abolished.
znModeratorso what are people’s opinions on alec ogletree?
i was a little disappointed myself. he made some big plays but he also showed up out of shape and wasn’t able to affect the game until almost midseason.
i’m expecting a more mature and a more consistent ogletree in 2015.
Yeah he has to be what you’re expecting, or he’s a problem.
I like him as a playmaker, but he ain’t a thinking man’s linebacker type.
znModeratorThere are shots in this trailer that didn’t make it to the final cut of the film.
znModerator.
IMO this is a related issue. Mike Zimmer: Cordarrelle Patterson running better routesVikings coach Mike Zimmer has noticed and is pleased with the offseason work put in by Cordarrelle Patterson, who’s suddenly looking at a depth chart that includes offseason trade acquisition Mike Wallace, last year’s breakout player Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright, Brian Hall of FOX Sports North reports. Patterson will try to etch out his own niche and become a valuable piece of the receiving corps.
“He’s really done well,” Zimmer said last week of Patterson. “He’s running routes good. He’s working hard. So we just need him to continue to do those things and continue to keep getting consistent and keep improving. I’ve been impressed with the things that he’s done.”
Consistency, particularly in route running, is a major factor for Patterson. Always blessed with the physical talent, Patterson has concentrated more on the mental aspect of the game.
“Growing up, I was always athletic and could just do anything,” Patterson said. “I’m in the NFL now so I just have to focus on my craft and just work at route running, getting in and getting out of breaks and stuff like that.”
Patterson realized he needed more than just his speed and athleticism to succeed against NFL defenses. Patterson and the Vikings hope the offseason work, both mentally and physically, helps him rediscover the game-breaking ability which led to so much talk about the young receiver and returner.“I felt like I was letting my whole team down and the coaches,” Patterson said of seeing his season slip away last year. “I feel like I have a lot to prove this year to everyone, fans and everybody else. So, this year is going to make me or break me. I hope I step up this year and have a good role in this offense.”
znModeratorIs Sam Bradford an upgrade over Nick Foles in Philly?
ProFootballTalk: Derrick Gunn joins the show to discuss the Eagles’ offseason moves regarding the quarterback and running back positions, as well as the current state of Chip Kelly’s relationship with Sam Bradford.
http://www.nbcsports.com/football/nfl/sam-bradford-upgrade-over-nick-foles-philly?t=0
znModeratorSteve Spagnuolo: Sam Bradford will be great for Eagles
By Chris Wesseling
After acquiring Sam Bradford in March, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie revealed that his organization once evaluated the former University of Oklahoma star as the best quarterback coming out of college since Peyton Manning in 1998.
The Eagles weren’t alone in their high regard for Bradford’s NFL prospects. Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, head coach of the Rams in 2010, revealed this week that former Browns personnel czar Mike Holmgren tried “anything and everything” to trade up from No. 7 to select Bradford with the No. 1 pick.
In an interview with Philadelphia’s WPEN-FM, Spagnuolo also emphasized that Bradford “still can be” the franchise quarterback that the football cognoscenti expected after his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign five years ago.
“Trust me when I tell you he’s got all the skills, and I keep going back to the fierce competitor because I believe elite quarterbacks in this league have that,” Spagnuolo continued. “You think of them all, the Aaron Rodgers, the Tom Bradys, the Peyton Mannings, Eli Mannings, they’re all very fierce competitors. They love the challenge. They love to rally people around them, and Sam has that. I really believe that.”
Spagnuolo considers Bradford a perfect fit for Chip Kelly’s offense because he can make all the throws with a “top-notch” arm, is a “better athlete than people think” and operates best out of a no-huddle attack.
“I know he’s going to do great things there,” Spagnuolo added.
Critics cited Bradford’s recent injury history while panning the Eagles’ trade. Kelly views those doubts as the only reason he was able to pry away a potential franchise quarterback still valued at a high level.
Spagnuolo’s lofty praise suggests Kelly might know what he’s doing.
znModeratorfrom off the net
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Kind of Blue/Gold
There are a lot of recent cases where RBs had knee injuries and it was far from a death blow to their careers (non-RBs, too, for that matter). The medical team described his knee as pristine, so at some point, a layperson has to defer to the experts in sports medicine.
Dr. Jene Bramel (does podcasts with Sigmund Bloom and Matt Waldman for FBG) is one of the most knowledgable people I know on the subject of sports medicine (he is an M.D., and while he isn’t a specialist in orthopedic surgery, he consults with them), and he said his level of concern was extremely low.
If he fulfills his potential, he has a chance to be the Rams best RB since Faulk and Dickerson (combines elements of both). Or for Fisher, a smaller, faster, more explosive and talented Eddie George. A player so good, he instantly becomes the focal point of the offense, that can command building a draft around
znModeratorUDFA CB Claiborne looking to earn job with Rams
By Nate Latsch
Imoan Claiborne thought he showed enough during the draft evaluation process to hear his name called at some point during the seven rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft. But that didn’t come to fruition for the cornerback from Northwestern State in Louisiana.
“I most definitely thought I’d get drafted,” Claiborne said. “Obviously I went to the Senior Bowl, I did some other things. I felt like I set myself up very well through the draft process, but unfortunately I didn’t. But this opportunity presents itself and that’s all I can do.”
His new opportunity comes after signing an undrafted free agent contract with the St. Louis Rams, where he’ll compete for a spot on the roster with a position group that offers some intrigue this season.
“Through the whole end of the draft, when teams were calling back and forth, I just tried to narrow it down to the best teams I thought fit me and this is where I ended up,” Claiborne said.
The 5-foot-10, 193-pounder said several teams were interested in signing him after the draft. But he settled on St. Louis for a couple different reasons, including the defensive system.
“Most of all I felt confident in the coaches,” he said. “They have a great coaching staff here. They told me I had the opportunity to come here and compete and that’s all I could ask for.”
The Rams currently have eight cornerbacks on the 90-man offseason roster and several of those spots should be secure to make the roster at the conclusion of training camp.
Janoris Jenkins, E.J. Gaines and Trumaine Johnson are expected to compete for the two starting cornerback spots on the outside. Lamarcus Joyner, the Rams’ second-round pick a year ago, was drafted to man the nickel cornerback spot inside, though those plans didn’t quite work out during his rookie season because of injury and ineffectiveness. Marcus Roberson made the roster as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2014 after leaving Florida early.
Those five players are good bets to make the roster again this fall.
But that could leave an opening or two for another cornerback.
Brandon McGee was a fifth-round pick in 2013 but was limited to just two games in his second season because of injuries. Montrell Garner is another UDFA rookie, like Claiborne, out of South Alabama.
Claiborne comes to the Rams with some solid credentials.
He was a two-year starter at Northwestern State and earned All-Southland first-team honors as a senior after setting career highs in tackles (47), passes defended (11) and interceptions (four).
At his pro day, Claiborne ran the 40-yard dash in 4.56 and 4.59 seconds. He recorded a vertical leap of 39 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet. He put up 13 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
NFL.com projected Claiborne as a third- or fourth-round pick and raised the possibility that he could move from cornerback to safety at the next level.
“Confident, ascending press-cover cornerback with the foot quickness and hips to match receivers off the line of scrimmage and in tight quarters,” the NFL.com scouting report said. “He’s a willing tackler with decent recovery burst, but his questionable long speed and lack of premium size could turn him into a solid slot corner in the league.”
Claiborne received a seventh-round grade from Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com, who rated him as the 34th-best cornerback prospect in the draft.
“Claiborne lined up mostly in press coverage and was asked to jam and bail, but did his best work when he played nose-to-nose at the line of scrimmage and used his length and aggression to disrupt receivers,” Brugler wrote in his scouting report. “While he can locate quickly with ball skills when he turns, he still doesn’t have a great feel at the position downfield and will need to make a living on special teams while he develops on defense.”
That could be Claiborne’s ticket to winning a spot on the Rams’ roster, just like Roberson did a year ago.
With Jenkins and Johnson entering the final year of their rookie contracts, the Rams should be watching the cornerback position closely during OTAs and training camp.
znModeratorWilliam Lloyd Garrison
….
.I don’t get it.
Garrison was a 19th century abolitionist.
If that’s what you were referring to.
znModeratorthe rams have to improve the pass defense. they have a good pass rush, but i think their secondary needs to get a lot better.
and i’m also hoping that if the rams have that dominant rushing game that they’re going for and foles can stay healthy, the mid range passing game will open up for the ram
It gets down to this.
According to that article, passing efficiency (as they define it) is big in determining wins.
That’s pass D plus yards per attempt: efficiency for passing. . .is defined as yards gained per attempt on offense minus yards allowed per attempt on defense.
And…that’s the 2 biggest question marks for the Rams. Coverage, and pass protection.Still it’s not all grim. Compare Seattle & New England & St. Louis from last year.
Seattle Offense 7.7 – Defense 6.3 = 1.4
New England Offense 7.0 – Defense 7.2 = -0.2
St. Louis Offense 7.2 – Defense 7.6 = -0.4
The superbowl winner is not even on the positive side of the ledger.
znModeratorI have no clue what was going on with the blood in the tube,
when he’s strapped to the car, early on. WTF was going on there?
I had thought his blood was maybe running the vehicle,
but the person i saw the movie with said no.Early on the citadel’s doctor (or in the film, bio mechanic) says “I have a war boy running on empty.” Nux is sick and dying. He gets a transfusion from Max, who is his “blood bag.” When it’s time to fight, he insists on going, because he believes his only way to eternal life is to die fighting and enter Valhalla. That’s how Joe inspires his war boys—he promises them they can enter Valhalla, “shiny and chrome,” if they die fighting for him (that’s why they spray paint their teeth–to be “shiny and chrome” when they die.) His partner says you’re too sick to do war, so Nux says I’ll take my blood bag with me. That’s why Max is strapped to the car and is hooked up to Nux–to keep the transfusion going.
znModeratorWell, I wish I could fast forward to the part about the Rams, especially since I accidentally refreshed the page and have to start again at the beginning of a 43 minute piece.
But my reaction without hearing it is this: the NFL Finance Committee’s approval was a foregone conclusion, I would think. It doesn’t mean approval of the move. All it means is that the committee believes that the financing to back the plan is reliable, and they verify that the project is financially sound. That’s all it means, though, and everybody already knew that. So Kroenke is in the lead at that particular post again, but – again – that was already known. Carson and St. Louis are still assembling financing, and San Diego and Oakland don’t have anything to finance yet.
If Carson or St. Louis gets financing together, they can pull even with Kroenke instantly. Then they move on to the other considerations. If they don’t get financing together, they are out anyway. So this is not game-changing information.
That was a lot of work there, to just end up warning us not to bother. That’s a thankless task. For which I, uh…thank you.
…
znModeratorI saw it. Yup – Road Warrior on steroids and acid.
Its awesome to look at. Fast and furious — much like the GSOT
in the Viking playoff game.Long, long chase scenes. With no humor. Not like Indiana Jones
chase scenes.If Salvadore Dali took some speed, and made a movie, it might look
like this one.w
vPersonally, my only complaint (and it’s minor, really) is that I don’t like Hardy’s Max as much as Miller’s Max.
Miller’s Max was a burned out, cynical loner who knew he had more skill and resources than anyone he faced. In the end he doesn’t even help the refinery people because he cares…he does so because he has no choice. His signature line is “I am the best chance you’ve got.” He’s always bargaining. Contracts are big in that movie.
The Gyro Captain: Look, we had a deal. I show you the gas, and you let me go, right?
Max: The arrangement was I wouldn’t kill you.
The Gyro Captain: After all I’ve done for you…
Max: I reckon you got a bargain, didn’t you?Hardy’s Max is more of a burned out homeless guy. A homeless guy who talks to himself. He changes in the course of the film and identifies with Furioso out of sheer sympathy, and a chance for redemption by helping.
I am not complaining about that part.
I just personally liked the Miller Max better because this Max is too victimized and even comic. More Buster Keaton. For example his moments of high action effectiveness (like with the tank/car in the night…”that’s not his blood”…) come out of nowhere.
I thought the clunkiest scenes were the two
(I think there were two?) where one of the characters
expressly used the word “redemption.”The writing in those scenes lacked subtlety, nuance.
As far as the difference in the two Max’s — I agree
with you about the first Max, but I really dont have
any idea who this Max was. Other than the ‘haunted by guilt’
aspect, i really didnt pick up on any character development at all.
There just wasn’t much there.I am guessing the Next Max movie will be the opposite — lots
of character development and a lot less car crashing.w
vWell he goes from being the haunted loner who is willing to just drive off and leave them there to the guy who talks them into their (to avoid spoilers) endgame strategy. He does it because he identifies with the pain of someone else.
Also remember he gives blood twice, for 2 different reasons. The second one shows he has changed.
So they was some character development IMO.
I just don’t particularly care for this Max v. the old Max, yet at the same time it’s a very minor complaint.
znModeratorfrom off the net
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chelseaf
Zelasko: NFL Finance Committee has voted to approve Rams
Says no one wants to go on the record with it.
May 22, 2015 at 1:18 pm in reply to: How do you feel about a starting tackle pair of Robinson & Havenstein? #25109znModeratorznModeratorfrom off the net
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Flipper336
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Christian Hackenberg, Penn State (7.9 Top 5)
Reminds me of Elway. I certainly see very SIMILAR arm talent (Elway might be the best I have ever seen) and Hack has that type of toughness in spades. Also has the “I don’t give a bleep what happened before the 4th quarter/last drive, we are going to win this game” mentality.
The mobility is the big difference I see in an overall assessment.
Absolutely no conscience on throws. Desperately wants to make plays and trusts that his teammates have the same desire. Lightning quick release and his ball has lots of zip to all levels. Fits balls in EXTREMELY tight windows (recievers consistently got zero separation). Accuracy short is only average because of footwork (all arm, legs very straight) but it really goes up intermediate and deep because he sets his feet and gets some bend in his knees. Footwork improves DRAMATICLY when playing under center…quick in his drop, sets up with a strong base, and throws in great rhythm. Tends to stand flat footed taking a ball in the shotgun. Better when his feet are active. Wants to let plays develop and read deep to short (wants chunk plays)…doesn’t seem to like the quick one read short pass/smoke screen/spread type passes (always seems to at least peek deeper). Good pocket movement, zero unnecessary movement, will take the big shot and still deliver the pass (no fear), and can run only enough to steal a first down. Has a bad habit of throwing off his back foot when all options are exhausted and the rush is closing in. Still trying to make a play when he’d be better off throwing it away or taking a sack. Appears immune to the pressure of situations
SET UP AND POCKET AWARENESS – 10 (76) 60
8
-quickness to release from under center into three-, five-, or seven-step drops with mobility and foot quickness with balance.
+++
-chin on shoulder for backside awareness
+
-mobility in pocket to elude and avoid…hitch, hitch slide and throw
+
-feel pocket pressure
+
-strength in pocket
+++
-does he know when to run/throw
++
-roll out left and right
0
-square shoulders on the move
0
-does he drift in the pocket?
NoFIELD VISION/DEFENSE AND COVERAGE RECOGNITION – 10
7
-pre snap defensive reads/ability to identify the Mike linebacker, low safety or corner from slot and change protection
+
-blitz recognition
+
-ability to audible or change play at the line of scrimmage
?
-finding primary and secondary receivers
++
-coverage recognition on the move
+
-quick and accurate reads
++
-proper progression
++
-timing
++ACCURACY AND TOUCH – 10
7
-throwing all types of passing variations, trajectory, and ability to spin ball while taking off some strength.
+++
-short: catchable balls thrown where defenders can’t make a play, squeeze into window, screen/swing passes
0
-intermediate/long: Stick it on receiver, deep-ball placement, squeeze over linebacker in front of safeties.
+++DELIVERY AND RELEASE – 8
6
-type of release (over ear, sidearm, pitcher release on post leg, elongated motion)
+++
-upper-body passer lacks weight transfer?
Short-Yes Long-No
-foot placement/balance
++
-release quickness
+++
-follow through
++
-throw from different platforms?
YesARM STRENGTH – 8
7
-live arm?
Yes
-intermediate velocity/zip
++++
-long velocity/zip
+++
-tightness of spiral
++
-wind up deep?
No
-balls lose interest?
NoLEADERSHIP AND POISE – 6
5
-commands respect, raises expectation while elevating the play of teammates?
+++
-composure and the ability to perform in pressure situations
+++
-not forcing balls into double or triple coverage
!
-ability and confidence to consistently deliver big plays under pressure
+++
-smart decisions in time out management, milk clock before snapping ball
+++
-4th quarter
+++BALL HANDLING – 4
3
-hand size
-under center transfer
+++
-selling play action
+
-smooth with eyes downfield
+++
-where does the QB hold the ball
0RUNNING ABILITY- 4
1
-scrambling
!
-ability to run downhill with production
!
-big-play runner
!!!
-yards after contact
0POTENTIAL – 10 (16) 16
-if utilized in ideal scenario
10HEIGHT/WEIGHT – 6
-for a particular position
67.5 +Top 5 pick
7.0 – 7.4 Top 25
6.5 – 6.9 Top 50
5.7 – 6.4 Top 100
5.4 – 5.6 Top 150
4.5 – 5.3 UDFA—
Connor Cook, Michigan State (6.8 Top 50)
Cook is a step below as a pure thrower but at least as good as Winston with a better/quicker delivery.
Quick set up and quicker release. Zero fear of tight windows at any level and does a great job making it work. When not in rhythm or rushed his lower body reacts after his arm motion causing scattershot accuracy. Will “aim” some passes in a negative way with time. Wants to make plays from the pocket but will sense pressure early and often creates real pressure because of it. Nice active feet but the rest of his movement could be described as jittery. Overall needs to calm his movements and head. If he does? High first is easily possible
QUARTERBACK GRADING
SET UP AND POCKET AWARENESS – 10 (60) 39
5
-quickness to release from under center into three-, five-, or seven-step drops with mobility and foot quickness with balance.
+++
-chin on shoulder for backside awareness
+
-mobility in pocket to elude and avoid…hitch, hitch slide and throw
0
-feel pocket pressure
!
-strength in pocket
+
-does he know when to run/throw
++
-roll out left and right
++
-square shoulders on the move
+
-does he drift in the pocket?
YesFIELD VISION/DEFENSE AND COVERAGE RECOGNITION – 10
6
-pre snap defensive reads/ability to identify the Mike linebacker, low safety or corner from slot and change protection
++
-blitz recognition
+
-ability to audible or change play at the line of scrimmage
+
-finding primary and secondary receivers
++
-coverage recognition on the move.
++
-quick and accurate reads
++
-proper progression
++
-timing
++ACCURACY AND TOUCH – 10
7
-throwing all types of passing variations, trajectory, and ability to spin ball while taking off some strength.
+++
-short: catchable balls thrown where defenders can’t make a play, squeeze into window, screen/swing passes
+
-intermediate/long: Stick it on receiver, deep-ball placement, squeeze over linebacker in front of safeties.
++DELIVERY AND RELEASE – 8
7
-type of release (over ear, sidearm, pitcher release on post leg, elongated motion)
+++
-upper-body passer lacks weight transfer?
At times
-foot placement/balance
Inconsistent
-release quickness
+++
-follow through
+
-throw from different platforms?
YesARM STRENGTH – 8
5
-live arm?
Yes
-intermediate velocity/zip
+
-long velocity/zip
+
-tightness of spiral
++
-wind up deep?
No
-balls lose interest?
At timesLEADERSHIP AND POISE – 6
4
-commands respect, raises expectation while elevating the play of teammates?
Yes
-composure and the ability to perform in pressure situations
++
-not forcing balls into double or triple coverage
!!
-ability and confidence to consistently deliver big plays under pressure
++
-smart decisions in time out management, milk clock before snapping ball
+
-4th quarter
++BALL HANDLING – 4
3
-hand size
-under center transfer
++
-selling play action
+
-smooth with eyes downfield
++
-where does the QB hold the ball
++RUNNING ABILITY- 4
2
-scrambling
++
-ability to run downhill with production
0
-big-play runner
!!
-yards after contact
0POTENTIAL – 10 (16) 13
8
-if utilized in ideal scenarioHEIGHT/WEIGHT – 6
5
-for a particular position7.5 +Top 5 pick
7.0 – 7.4 Top 25
6.5 – 6.9 Top 50
5.7 – 6.4 Top 100
5.4 – 5.6 Top 150
4.5 – 5.3 UDFA—-
Cardale Jones, Ohio State (6.4 Top 100)
Many of Jones questions are fixable (ball, handling, pocket patience/awareness) with time and starts. His offense will still leave lingering questions also but his arm talent is rare. In the top tier of deep ball throwers I have ever seen. Also his throws on the move…I think it was vs Wisconsin (outstanding overall game for him), he was rolling right and his receiver fell down, he adjusted his angle and threw a pinpoint pass to the guy on the ground. I like guys that are aggressive also and I doubt we will ever see that aggressiveness short and intermediate from Jones because of that offense.
*Offense makes complete evaluation difficult/incomplete. Lots of quick read and run options. Extremely good at throwing on the run. Squares shoulders, gets from point A to B with eyes downfield, and throws accurate passes with zip. Senses pressure early and his normal reaction is to back up or completely bail, not slide/move in the pocket . Throws almost exclusively to very open receivers short and intermediate. Outstanding deep ball with great touch, air, and timing. Will throw the ball away. Showed good confidence stepping into a tough situation but also had a great cast around him. Solid delivery. Extremely strong arm. Careless when handling the ball with several sloppy plays. Tank when running but not a threat for big yards consistently as a runner. Obviously raw talent with almost limitless potential that could really skyrocket up or fall off a cliff this year.
SET UP AND POCKET AWARENESS – 10 (76) 49
4
-quickness to release from under center into three-, five-, or seven-step drops with mobility and foot quickness with balance
NA
-chin on shoulder for backside awareness
0
-mobility in pocket to elude and avoid…hitch, hitch slide and throw
!
-feel pocket pressure
0
-strength in pocket
+
-does he know when to run/throw
+ (offense?)
-roll out left and right
++++
-square shoulders on the move
+++
-does he drift in the pocket?
NoFIELD VISION/DEFENSE AND COVERAGE RECOGNITION – 10
4
-pre snap defensive reads/ability to identify the Mike linebacker, low safety or corner from slot and change protection
NA
-blitz recognition
0
-ability to audible or change play at the line of scrimmage
NA
-finding primary and secondary receivers
++
-coverage recognition on the move.
++
-quick and accurate reads
++
-proper progression
+
-timing
! (Offensive?)ACCURACY AND TOUCH – 10
7
-throwing all types of passing variations, trajectory, and ability to spin ball while taking off some strength.
+++
-short: catchable balls thrown where defenders can’t make a play, squeeze into window, screen/swing passes
++
-intermediate/long: Stick it on receiver, deep-ball placement, squeeze over linebacker in front of safeties.
+++
-tight window throws
?DELIVERY AND RELEASE – 8
5
-type of release (over ear, sidearm, pitcher release on post leg, elongated motion)?
++
-upper-body passer lacks weight transfer?
No
-foot placement/balance
++
-release quickness
0
-follow through
++
-throw from different platforms?
?ARM STRENGTH – 8
7
-live arm?
Yes
-intermediate velocity/zip
+++
-long velocity/zip
++++
-tightness of spiral
+++
-wind up deep?
No
-balls lose interest?
NoLEADERSHIP AND POISE – 6
3
-commands respect, raises expectation while elevating the play of teammates?
++
-composure and the ability to perform in pressure situations
+
-not forcing balls into double or triple coverage
++
-ability and confidence to consistently deliver big plays under pressure
+
-smart decisions in time out management, milk clock before snapping ball
+
-4th quarter
+BALL HANDLING – 4
0
-hand size
-under center transfer
NA
-snap in shotgun
!
-selling play action
0
-smooth with eyes downfield
+
-where does the QB hold the ball
!RUNNING ABILITY- 4
3
-scrambling
++
-ability to run downhill with production
++
-big-play runner
+
-yards after contact
++++POTENTIAL – 10
9
-if utilized in ideal scenarioHEIGHT/WEIGHT – 6
6
-for a particular position7.5 +Top 5 pick
7.0 – 7.4 Top 25
6.5 – 6.9 Top 50
5.7 – 6.4 Top 100
5.4 – 5.6 Top 150
4.5 – 5.3 UDFA====
Jared Goff, Cal (6.3 Top 100)
Deadly accurate short with great placement, pace, and timing. Problem is, that’s basically all he throws. I assume his intermediate is solid because he does make accurate throws across much of the field (even if it’s only a 5-6 yard gain). Deep accuracy is a total guess. Bit stiff in the pocket but will move a bit with solid awareness. Will stand his ground when needed and deliver. Doesn’t drift in the pocket. All shotgun. Solid throwing motion and arm strength. Quick decision maker. Basically a lot of guesswork because of the offense but looks like he has the tools a team will be interested in developing.
SET UP AND POCKET AWARENESS – 10 (60) 36
5
-quickness to release from under center into three-, five-, or seven-step drops with mobility and foot quickness with balance.
NA
-chin on shoulder for backside awareness
++
-mobility in pocket to elude and avoid…hitch, hitch slide and throw
+
-feel pocket pressure
+
-strength in pocket
+++
-does he know when to run/throw
Yes
-roll out left and right
0
-square shoulders on the move
+
-does he drift in the pocket?
NoFIELD VISION/DEFENSE AND COVERAGE RECOGNITION – 10
6
-pre snap defensive reads/ability to identify the Mike linebacker, low safety or corner from slot and change protection
NA
-blitz recognition
0
-ability to audible or change play at the line of scrimmage
NA
-finding primary and secondary receivers
+++
-coverage recognition on the move.
++
-quick and accurate reads
+++
-proper progression
+
-timing
+++ACCURACY AND TOUCH – 10
6
-throwing all types of passing variations, trajectory, and ability to spin ball while taking off some strength.
++
-short: catchable balls thrown where defenders can’t make a play, squeeze into window, screen/swing passes
+++>
-intermediate/long: Stick it on receiver, deep-ball placement, squeeze over linebacker in front of safeties
?DELIVERY AND RELEASE – 8
6
-type of release (over ear, sidearm, pitcher release on post leg, elongated motion)?
++
-upper-body passer lacks weight transfer?
+
-foot placement/balance
++
-release quickness
+
-follow through
++
-throw from different platforms?
?ARM STRENGTH – 8
6
-live arm?
Yes
-intermediate velocity/zip
+
-long velocity/zip
?
-tightness of spiral
++
-wind up deep?
?
-balls lose interest?
?LEADERSHIP AND POISE – 6
4
-commands respect, raises expectation while elevating the play of teammates?
+
-composure and the ability to perform in pressure situations
+
-not forcing balls into double or triple coverage
++
-ability and confidence to consistently deliver big plays under pressure
?
-smart decisions in time out management, milk clock before snapping ball
+
-4th quarter
+BALL HANDLING – 4
2
-hand size
-under center transfer
NA
-selling play action
++
-smooth with eyes downfield
0
-where does the QB hold the ball
++RUNNING ABILITY- 4
1
-scrambling
0
-ability to run downhill with production
0
-big-play runner
!
-yards after contact
0POTENTIAL – 10
7
-if utilized in ideal scenarioHEIGHT/WEIGHT – 6
5
-for a particular position7.5 +Top 5 pick
7.0 – 7.4 Top 25
6.5 – 6.9 Top 50
5.7 – 6.4 Top 100
5.4 – 5.6 Top 150
4.5 – 5.3 UDFA————-
Dak Prescott, Miss State (5.5 Top 150)
Offense is a negative but in that offense Prescott shows very good pocket awareness and movement when allowed to get into a rhythm as a passer. Appears he also is allowed to scan the entire field on plays from the pocked at times and does a good job when allowed (not the typical one or two read max then run). Smooth release and extremely accurate short and intermediate when playing from the pocket. Accuracy drops off on the move, especially with WRs crossing his face. Upper and lower body mechanics are out of timing fairly often probably because of what the offense asks. Throws some “what the…” passes but also makes some great tight window throws. Good timing on back shoulder throws. Long ball isn’t a big part of the offense and Prescott looks like he just chucks it in a general area when they do. Missed some WIDE open WRs. Very good arm with plenty of zip. Some balls come out pushed instead of snapped. Very good with the ball and skilled at selling play action. Solid chain mover as a scrambler. Curious if he measures shorter after the season.
SET UP AND POCKET AWARENESS – 10 (76) 42
5
-quickness to release from under center into three-, five-, or seven-step drops with mobility and foot quickness with balance
NA
-chin on shoulder for backside awareness
-mobility in pocket to elude and avoid…hitch, hitch slide and throw
+++
-feel pocket pressure
++
-strength in pocket
+++
-does he know when to run/throw
++
-roll out left and right
+
-square shoulders on the move
+
-does he drift in the pocket?
NoFIELD VISION/DEFENSE AND COVERAGE RECOGNITION – 10
5
-pre snap defensive reads/ability to identify the Mike linebacker, low safety or corner from slot and change protection
0
-blitz recognition
0
-ability to audible or change play at the line of scrimmage
NA
-finding primary and secondary receivers
++
-coverage recognition on the move
0
-quick and accurate reads
+
-proper progression
+
-timing
+ACCURACY AND TOUCH – 10
5
-throwing all types of passing variations, trajectory, and ability to spin ball while taking off some strength.
+
-short: catchable balls thrown where defenders can’t make a play, squeeze into window, screen/swing passes
++
-intermediate/long: Stick it on receiver, deep-ball placement, squeeze over linebacker in front of safeties.
(Intermediate ++ Long !!)DELIVERY AND RELEASE – 8
5
-type of release (over ear, sidearm, pitcher release on post leg, elongated motion)?
+
-upper-body passer lacks weight transfer?
(Inconsistent)
-foot placement/balance
(Inconsistent)
-release quickness
+
-follow through
++
-throw from different platforms?
++ARM STRENGTH – 8
5
-live arm?
Yes
-intermediate velocity/zip
++
-long velocity/zip
++
-tightness of spiral
+
-wind up deep?
No
-balls lose interest?
(At time do to poor lower body timing)LEADERSHIP AND POISE – 6
4
-commands respect, raises expectation while elevating the play of teammates?
++
-composure and the ability to perform in pressure situations
+
-not forcing balls into double or triple coverage
!
-ability and confidence to consistently deliver big plays under pressure
++
-smart decisions in time out management, milk clock before snapping ball
+
-4th quarter
+BALL HANDLING – 4
2
-hand size
-under center transfer
NA
-snap in shotgun
+++
-selling play action
++
-smooth with eyes downfield
-where does the QB hold the ball
(Pocket ++ Run !)RUNNING ABILITY- 4
2
-scrambling
+
-ability to run downhill with production
+
-big-play runner
0
-yards after contact
++POTENTIAL – 10
-if utilized in ideal scenario
6HEIGHT/WEIGHT – 6
-for a particular position
37.5 +Top 5 pick
7.0 – 7.4 Top 25
6.5 – 6.9 Top 50
5.7 – 6.4 Top 100
5.4 – 5.6 Top 150
4.5 – 5.3 UDFAMay 22, 2015 at 11:35 am in reply to: Joe Barksdale agrees to terms on one-year deal with San Diego – INTERESTING. #25099znModeratorRams offered more to Barksdale way back when, but not as high as the $4 million per year that I mentioned a few days ago.
So it wasn’t 4 M…a number we got from JT…but they did offer more than he ended up getting in SD.
This sounds like one or both of the following happened:
* as players often can be, JB felt insulted by the offer, and was even willing to sign for less elsewhere
* the Rams just moved on after the draft
May 22, 2015 at 11:34 am in reply to: The OL injuries around the league thread… Giants, Broncos #25098znModeratorIt’s interesting to watch the Giants repair their OL.
Their issues are in many respects worse than the Rams.
In 2013 they were a mess, in 2014 they’re better, and in 2015 they are scrambling with rookies to fix things after Beatty got hurt.
Lots of interesting parallels. Interesting to compare the situations.
..
May 22, 2015 at 11:31 am in reply to: Snead in 2009 on picking Garrett Reynolds (in Atlanta) … interesting #25096znModeratorThat’s quite a find, there. Interesting that in 2009 he is discussing what they look for in a Boudreau lineman, and a lot of it still applies in 2015.
.
May 22, 2015 at 11:30 am in reply to: How do you feel about a starting tackle pair of Robinson & Havenstein? #25095znModeratorAnd if your going to invite us to open up and expose our vulnerabilities, and then just bludgeon us with your Vulcan sensibilities, then I’m going to ask you to leave this thread.
…
Jokes aside, actually yer right.
Threads like this are supposed to be free-for-alls of different views, not “who’s right” death matches.
.
znModeratorMorning Ram-blings: Projecting the starters
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18658/morning-ram-blings-projecting-the-starters
EARTH CITY, Mo. — With rosters mostly set, the folks over at NFL.com began the process this week of taking an early stab at what starting lineups around the league could look like as we head toward training camp.
On Thursday, they unveiled their best guess at what the St. Louis Rams plan to do. Most of the projected starters for the Rams are pretty much by the book, with few surprises. In fact, most of the starters seem to be obvious with so many pieces returning.
But there were a couple that I would disagree with and in those cases, NFL.com did account for the possibility of something different below the basic list of starting 11.
On the offensive line, it’s entirely possible that the Rams will start two rookies and Tim Barnes at center, but think it will look something different as we project it this far out. I believe the Rams would like to see Barrett Jones win the center job but it’s not outrageous to project Barnes there, especially this far out, as he’s actually started some games at that position.
Elsewhere, I wonder if the Rams would go with rookies Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein together on the right side. If indeed they plan to start Brown at guard, I’d think he would move to the left side with Rodger Saffold on the right. And because these are projected Week 1 starters, it’s possible the Rams might lean on Garrett Reynolds for a guard job early on to provide some veteran presence.
On the defense, there’s not much to disagree with, assuming E.J. Gaines and Janoris Jenkins are the starting outside corners (and I believe they will be), then I’d lean toward penciling in Lamarcus Joyner as the nickel corner with Johnson as the primary backup. Of course, the Rams could also use Gaines in the slot with Johnson coming in on the outside when they go to the nickel.
Aside from that, most of the rest of the starters should be fairly obvious, even this far out.
znModeratorfrom off the net
==
RamBill
Wagoner: Rams Liked Barksdale, But Didn’t Love Him. Nick Wagoner joins Randy Karraker and D’Marco Farr on The Fast Lane to discuss the NFL owners meetings. Wagoner talks about Barksdale and how the Rams liked, but didn’t love him. As a result they were only willing to go so far in paying him. They Thought they could upgrade the position. Wagoner thinks the owners view Kroenke’s Inglewood project as the safest bet, partially because of his deep pockets. Complicating things is how far along the STL stadium plan is, although the financing must be secured by the fall.
-
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