Winnbrad wrote:

That would probably make them a top ten scoring offense. I think the Saints avgd 25 per game last year.

It depends on Quick and Britt, and to some extent, Tavon. If the playmakers really have stepped up, and those receivers can beat one on one coverage, then Hill is good enough to get’em the ball. We could finally see some playmakng receivers on this team.

Last year they averaged 21.8 points per game.

In 2012 it was 18.7.

If they improve by the same amount–3 points per game (= 24.8 of course)–they would be (measured against 2013 numbers) 12th in the league.

Robinson battles through growing pains as Saffold shifts again

• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/robinson-battles-through-growing-pains-as-saffold-shifts-again/article_40ed7a62-f2f3-5bf7-b589-7e91bf03922c.html

Rams offensive lineman Greg Robinson has experienced some growing pains in preparation for his first NFL season. Or, as fourth-year pro Rodger Saffold calls it, “mental gymnastics.’’

“Physically, there’s no question he can handle it,’’ Saffold said. “But right now, he’s having a tough time with understanding the offense and the big picture of the defense. It’s something most guys go through. It takes time. It takes experience.

“He’s got the tools and he’s working hard. Believe me, once he gets it, he’ll be fine.’’

Even as the Rams selected Robinson, a 6-foot-5, 332-pound road-grader from Auburn, with the No. 2 overall draft pick in May, some critics viewed Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews as a better choice because of his bloodlines and experience in the pro-style game.

Matthews, the son of Hall of Fame lineman Bruce Matthews, went sixth overall to the Atlanta Falcons.

But the Rams’ choice of Robinson was not just about finding a starter for the season-opening game in 2014; it was about adding a player who can dominate for years to come.

And that’s why the Rams opted for Robinson, who provides a unique combination of size, skill and athletic ability.

Robinson, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday in October, worked at left tackle and left guard through training camp and started three of four preseason games. He’s had some issues with pass protection, which isn’t all that surprising when you consider that Auburn ran the ball 729 times while passing just 285 — that’s nearly 72 percent of the time — last year while advancing to the BCS title game.

Robinson was replaced by Saffold to start the third preseason game but still ended up leading the team in offensive snaps.

“They said I’ve been making too many mistakes and that the real bullets were about to start flying,’’ Robinson explained about not starting. “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. I feel like I’m making progress and if I continue to keep getting better, I’ll be fine.

“When the opportunity presents itself, I pray I’ll be ready.’’

Fortunately the Rams don’t have to force-feed Robinson. As long as they’re healthy, the probable starting combination of Jake Long at left tackle, Saffold at left guard, Scott Wells at center, Davin Joseph at right guard and Joe Barksdale at right tackle is strong, talented and experienced.

“I’d feel a little better if the No. 1’s had gotten a little more game time together, but overall I like what we have here,’’ Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau said, noting the depth provided by Robinson, Tim Barnes, Mike Person and Barrett Jones. “Because of the injuries, we’ve been forced to use a bunch of different combinations, so now we don’t have to spend time cross-training them.

“But what I really like about this group is the way it communicates.’’

Saffold said communication within the line is crucial.

“You need to have a feel for each other, especially when you’re bouncing off blocks and trying to adjust to stunts,’’ he said. “Knowing how the guy on your right and your left is going to react makes all the difference in the world.’’

Saffold, 26, can relate to the struggles that Robinson is experiencing. Drafted with the initial pick of the second round in 2010, he started out at left tackle, shifted to right tackle and was ticketed for right guard this fall before being shifted again.

“I’ve got it all down now, except center. Please, no center,’’ he joked. “The move from tackle to guard was tricky because you’re using different footwork, different techniques. But between Jake and Scottie, we’ll be fine.’’

Saffold’s challenge has more to do with health than anything else. He played in all 16 games just once, as a rookie, and has lost time in previous seasons with shoulder, pectoral, knee and neck issues. This preseason, he was slowed by a shoulder stinger and then a sprained ankle.

“I can’t seem to catch a break. I’m just minding my own business, blocking, and — BAM — I get hit,’’ he said, referring to the ankle injury that forced an early exit from a preseason win in the Cleveland game. “But I came right back.’’

Ironically, it was a supposed injury that kept Saffold in St. Louis. In the offseason, he agreed to a five-year, $42.5 million deal with Oakland, only to have it voided when the Raiders said he failed the physical because of a torn labrum.

When the deal fell through, his agents made a quick call to the Rams, who were confident enough about Saffold’s health to come to an agreement on a five-year, $31.7 million contract.

The Rams stuck with Saffold and will do the same with Robinson, their projected left tackle of the future.

“We’ve asked a lot” of Robinson, Boudreau said. “He’s trying to learn two positions while also trying to figure out the NFL, the defenses, the terminology and the verbiage. The first couple of weeks, he was thinking too much, but now that he’s starting to settle in he’s able to just focus on playing the game.

“When he knows what to do and he’s doing it fast, he’s shown the ability to make some really freakish plays.’’

Robinson said the experience has been “up and down,’’ but he is trying to move forward.

“I’m not going to get down about anything,’’ he said. “It’s just a matter of mastering the techniques and developing that muscle memory. It’s all about knowing your alignment and your assignment.

“My focus is on learning every day and to just keep working to get better. I know if stick with it, I’ll eventually start playing football the way I know I can.’’

PA Ram wrote:

I merely go on instinct.

Hopefully the Rams have a different strategy.

RAMS Memo: “Do not merely go on PA’s instincts.”

Cosell on Robinson. My transcript–he talks about Robinson at about 2:50 in:

First of all he was not going to play left tackle as a rookie…that was not going to happen. So now the question is does he play guard. And I watched him quite a bit [ie. in the preseason] and he played left tackle and left guard … he has significant issues right now in pass protection because he wasn’t asked to do that in college in an NFL type pass game. So he has a learning curve. Now there’s many who believe just on the basis of his sheer physical tools that he has a chance to be an all-timer. But just because he’s not starting week 1 in his rookie season, that’s ultimately irrelevant. [Now comparing him to Matthews]. Greg Robinson is 6’6″ 335 with superior athletic skill for a man that size. There are very few people with that kind of size and movement. But he was incredibly raw and unrefined other then as a mauling run blocker….Matthews is a more advanced player but the feeling was that the upside for a guy like Robinson was much greater. The feeling was that Matthews would be a nice player, he would probably be ready to play week 1, but down the road, Matthews would plateau whereas Robinson would have a chance to be potentially in the conversation of the top tackles to ever play.

‘Course, I’m an eternal pessimist.

Actually I have more hope for you then that.

Greg Cosell
Friday, September 05, 2014

Cusumano keeps trying to lead him certain directions (all of which are familiar) but Cosell will have none of it. Cosell is good as usual.

PA Ram wrote:

Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1 2h
Rams make practice squad move; Add OT Mike Remmers, release OT Sean Hooey.

Interesting–Remmers was with the Vikes.

==

Vikings claim Mike Remmers off waivers

Curtis Crabtree

November 25, 2013

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/25/vikings-claim-mike-remmers-off-waivers/

With the release of cornerback A.J. Jefferson on Monday due to an arrest regarding a domestic violence incident, the Minnesota Vikings had an open roster spot to fill.

The Vikings filled the spot by claiming offensive lineman Mike Remmers off waivers from the San Diego Chargers.

Remmers was released by the Chargers on Saturday to make room for the addition of practice squad tackle Kenny Wiggins.

Remmers has played for the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chargers after being undrafted out of Oregon State in 2012. He was signed off the Buccaneers practice squad to the Chargers active roster in October and appeared in just one game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Remmers replaced King Dunlap at left tackle in the game briefly before suffering a high-ankle sprain and being carted off.

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

Mike Remmers
School: Oregon State
Position: T
Height: 6-5
Weight: 295
40: 5.3

http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/2012/T/Mike-Remmers

Bio: Four-year starter who lined up at both left and right tackle.

Positive: Underrated tackle prospect with size and growth potential. Effectively bends his knees, blocks with a wide base and immediately gets his hands into defenders. Fights hard throughout the action, keeps his feet moving and strong at the point. Makes good use of blocking angles and body positioning. Patient in pass protection, stays square and anchors at the point of attack.

Negative: Lacks lateral blocking range and footwork in space. Does not get much movement run blocking. Looks like a marginal athlete blocking in motion.

Analysis: Remmers was productive and durable on the college level yet lacks the footwork to play on the left side and overall strength to be a right tackle. He offers some upside and should get consideration on a practice squad as a developmental right tackle.

Winnbrad wrote:

zn wrote:
Hill relies more on quick decision making…which is probably his greatest strength.

Not to start a board war (ha!), but I think this is a strength Hill has over Bradford. I’m thrilled to think Hill will get rid of the ball faster. I always feel a sense of dread when Bradford hangs in the pocket and looks indecisive. He’s not an improviser.

Hill should be able to find open receivers. Seriously. The Vikes secondary is bad. It may be better than last year, but that is a very low bar.

Okay so you wanted a board war, and here it comes.

Remember, you wanted this.

I would say that if Bradford could learn anything from watching Hill, it’s precisely that–rapid decision making. You’re right, he’s no improviser. Though he can turn it up a notch in crunch-time circumstances, which is why he was so good inside the redzone. Doesn’t make him an improviser…I suspect they practiced redzone a lot.

In terms of seeing more and acting more quickly on it? I think he was learning that, actually. If the pre-season is any indication.

But they can’t just go with Sam and hope things are okay

I don’t think anyone has suggested they should or would do it like that.

Heck they have 4 qbs now, for the first time ever. 5 if you count Bradford. That’s a team that’s already stocking up. And no doubt they will try to re-sign Hill PLUS acquire someone else (trade, FA, draft).

But if you get Bradford playing again, it’s a bigtime payoff…while basically losing nothing in the attempt.

Eternal Ramnation wrote:

One known factor is for all the talk of Hill’s arm strength which has been described as questionable, Matt Cassel has the weakest arm of any
starting QB in the NFL.

This is getting into the minutia, but I wouldn’t call Hill’s arm strength questionable. I suppose it depends on what you mean. Clearly Bradford has a great arm plus a pretty quick release and could accurately throw both 20 yard lasers and low trajectory long balls with accuracy. That’s not Hill. Hill relies more on quick decision making…which is probably his greatest strength.

Still Hill has more arm strength than others we’ve seen, like Clemens, Feeley, and Jamie Martin.

And as you say, more than Cassel.

Actually I wonder if Hill’s arm is about the same as Brady’s. One or 2 tiers down from the likes of Bradford.

stuff from off the net

—

RockRam

Hawks -Packers: that game just proves that injuries change things fast. It’s very hard to be deep everywhere.

What do you suppose the Seahawk’s O would look like if Wilson was out?

How about if Lynch was out?

How about on D if Sherman was out?

The Packers had Oline injuries last year, this year in OTAs and camp, and now right out of the box in the first game. And it instantly changed things. Suddenly Rogers right side couldn’t be protected.

Further their WR corps is NOWHERE what they had 1 and 2 years ago with a 5 darn good WRs. They essentially have been reduced to 2, and TE has also been heavily reduced.

Injuries are the big equalizer. A team can be on the way to a great record and then bam.

Injuries on the oline can completely derail an otherwise good offense. The Packers now have some serious issues with their tough RT out, his replacement who obviously doesn’t have the athleticism to handle speed, and a rookie center.

All this to say: I think the reason Fisher wanted several of his oline to play a lot of different positions is because a) he can find who can handle (or not) other positions and b) it gives him the best chance of surviving an injury or two to starters. Yes, it may have slowed GRobs development; but at the same time, he now has enough familiarity with both LG and LT to come in and play. His technique and mental aspects might not be there yet, but those two positions aren’t foreign to him.

wv wrote:

I’d love to see Bradford come back
next year and have an MVP year.

Its possible.

w
v

I think it is possible. I also think the Rams think so too.

zn wrote:

Pettis too.

—

Brian McIntyre @brian_mcintyre

Chris Long, Austin Pettis restructured contracts to help Rams gain cap space. Pettis rec’d $250k signing bonus to take $481k pay cut.

Rams make moves to comply with cap

By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11344/rams-make-moves-to-comply-with-cap

EARTH CITY, Mo. — In an effort to become salary-cap compliant as the first week of the regular season begins, the St. Louis Rams made a couple of contract tweaks this week in order to clear more than $2 million in cap space.

Defensive end Chris Long and wide receiver Austin Pettis are the two players who reconfigured some things in their deal to provide the relief. Long, who has regularly been flexible with his willingness to restructure, had $3 million of his guaranteed base salary for this season converted into signing bonus, which means that $3 million is paid immediately but will be prorated at a tag of $1 million over the next three seasons on the salary cap.

In addition, the Rams converted $1 million of Long’s 2015 base salary into a roster bonus the team will pay on the third day of the next league year. That brings Long’s total of roster bonuses due early next year to $3 million.

Long’s restructured deal saves the Rams an even $2 million on this year’s cap but adds that guaranteed $1 million cap charge over the next couple of seasons. This is the third time since signing a lucrative four-year contract extension in 2012 that Long’s deal has been reconfigured, each time in an effort to clear some salary cap space.

For 2014, Long’s salary cap hit now checks in at $12,905,600 with a cash payout of $13,405,600, nearly all of which is guaranteed.

With only this season left on his deal, Pettis re-did his deal to help the Rams shave even more money from the cap. Pettis took a pay cut that lowered his 2014 salary to $700,000 and includes a $250,000 signing bonus. Pettis was originally slated to make $1.431 million. The move saves the Rams $481,000.

Before the moves, ESPN Stats & Information had the Rams fitting about as snugly as possible to the salary cap with less than $200,000 in available space. Now the team has a little room to breathe and cover the expense of the 10-man practice squad as well as fill any holes that might be created by injury.

TackleDummy wrote:

TackleDummy wrote:
Before all is said and done the Rams will have to come up with some cap space. This will probably mean reworking of the contracts of C. Long or Laurinaitis. Bradford might be a possibility, but I am not even sure if they could rework his contract while he is on IR or if they would want to.

I guess I was right after all.

As you pointed out before, we were saying the same thing.

ME (above): “simple tweaks here or there to this or that contract creates space with minimal effort. So I think if they need space, they already have the names and numbers in mind and can change things quickly and painlessly.”

I had in mind, for example, the last time they did that with Long. They just did it again.

That is, I took you originally as saying they were genuinely tight against the cap. At that point, most people saying that meant that they would have to cut someone.

My point was simply that they only look like they’re tight but can adjust that at any time. In a longer post, I pointed out that they generally do that by converting a portion of the cap into bonus money…so they decrease the frontloading a bit, and increase the stretched out bonus money a bit.

Turns out though, as you already pointed out, you were just saying the same thing from a different angle….you WERE talking about simple adjustments. When you pointed that out, I agreed…I originally had misread you (in this thread) as saying their cap situation was a problem. My point was that it only LOOKS like a problem–that they are set up to fix small cap issues with adjustments. That’s built right in to how they do things.

So in essence we were both right, but in the first go-round of this conversation (in this thread) I took you as missing exactly what in fact we were both saying.

Misreads happen. Mea culpa. But I thought this was already cleared up.

This issue raises all sorts of other thoughts.

In 2013, there were several linemen taken high in the 1st round and all but 1 struggled. In fact this summer, both Warmack and Cooper were still struggling.

That’s not the Rams way. Boudreau does things differently. And (I submit) for good reasons.

#1. Starting young OL immediately is not a universally good idea. As I said, all but one of the linemen picked in the top 10 last year, for example, struggled. That is probably because with increased emphasis on the passing game, the defense counters with increased emphasis on the pass rush, which in turn means that linemen need to be able to read defensive fronts and execute an array of protections–and they have to process all that quickly. Rookies will not always be good at that.

#2. The days of year to year OL continuity are over. Since 93, according to a study I posted here, teams on avg. replace 3.5 OL starters every 2 years. One response to that is to coach in flexibility. Notice for example that Person plays all 5 positions. GR plays 2. That means that in the short term their heads will be swimming but in the long term your line is better off.

#3. One way to handle the flexibility issue is to rotate linemen. Give the younger players some snaps, so they get a feel for it, but don’t just plop them in there to learn the hard way.

So we notice that instead of making Robinson struggle right away on a team that already lost 1 qb, they’re taking their sweet time with him. That’s not a bad thing, it’s a good thing–especially since they already provided for this scenario by signing Joseph.

The issue will be Long, not Robinson. But even then they have Saffold. It is a RARE team that is 3 deep at LOT. Long, Saffold, Robinson, and Person as the emergency utility guy. So they clearly thought about this.

Another thing this tells us is that Fisher is not acting like he is on a 3-year plan. He does things that favor future pay-off, not immediate pay-off. And for good reason–ownership backs him. Kroenke has owned teams before and his pattern is clear–he hires a proven vet coach or manager. He gives that guy time, and free rein (or, free reign…same thing). He does not sweat it if their are speed bumps on the way, as long as the team is clearly developing the right direction.

Fisher has a 5 year deal. He won’t be in trouble after year 3. It’s not SK’s way of doing things. So there is no make or break year 3.