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August 19, 2019 at 11:11 pm in reply to: the 2019 defense & why it looks so promising & so deep #104128
znModeratorA rookie linebacker moved outside, and perhaps up the Rams’ depth chart, in Hawaii
By Vincent Bonsignore
HONOLULU — Life moves pretty fast in the NFL, and it’s never been known to sit around and wait on anyone. You either maintain pace or you get lapped. Adapt or get shown the door.
It’s not a particularly forgiving or understanding system.
So when Rams coaches approached rookie undrafted free agent Natrez Patrick recently about moving from inside linebacker to outside linebacker, he instinctively knew it wasn’t really a request; it was an iron-clad decision. They weren’t asking him. They were pretty much telling him.
“I was willing to do whatever they asked me to do,” Patrick said Saturday after a solid all-around performance in the Rams’ 14-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Aloha Stadium, a game in which he recorded three tackles and combined on a sack.
Injuries to backup candidates Justin Lawler and Trevon Young, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo’s nagging hamstring injury, depleted some of the depth at edge rusher. With the Rams intent on resting their key defensive players in the preseason and on the lookout for reserve help, they decided to slide Patrick to the outside.
Of course, they gave him the respect of sitting him down and talking it over. Not that he really needed to be convinced that it was in his best interest to accept the assignment. As a young player trying to work his way up from the bottom of the roster, just trying to get noticed enough to force the decision-makers to think long and hard about keeping him around when cut-down day arrives, he understood his lack of leverage.
So it didn’t take long, once the coaches described the plan, before Patrick had a simple response: “I’m in,” he basically told them.
Saturday’s game marked the second consecutive week the Rams’ young linebacker has made his presence felt in a preseason game, after last week’s four-tackle game against the Oakland Raiders. Only this time, he did the bulk of his damage at a new position, having made the move to start at outside linebacker on Saturday.
Patrick is new to the position, but he looked comfortable creating pressure off the edge, dropping back in pass coverage and nimbly getting around the field in run support.
“Natrez has done a nice job,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “Really, we just transitioned him to outside linebacker a couple of weeks ago almost by necessity, as a result of Justin Lawler’s injury and ‘T-Young’ being banged up. He’s really done a good job. I think (outside linebackers coach) Chris Shula’s been outstanding, in terms of helping him develop and progress quickly.”
Said Patrick: “They just came and told me the plan and honestly, I just handled it and adapted. … You have to be adaptable at this level. And I just rolled with it.”
Based purely on skill — it’s been obvious, watching him in games and in practice, that he has a great feel for the game and an instinctive and explosive element in how he reads situations and accelerates to action — Patrick probably should have heard his name called during the draft last April.
But issues off the field — mostly self-inflicted — pretty much guaranteed Patrick would have to fight his way onto a roster as a free agent. A former highly ranked recruit out of Atlanta, Patrick chose Georgia over scholarship offers from Alabama, Clemson, Auburn and Florida. It was a pretty exclusive list, and it speaks to his level of talent.
He backed that up by earning a starting role as a freshman, and at that point it looked like he was on his way.
But three arrests for marijuana possession over the next three years and a failed drug test while on probation resulted in a stint in rehab and in Patrick having to watch Georgia play in the national championship game in Jan. 2018 from the sideline.
What it didn’t mean, thankfully for him, was expulsion from the football team. Georgia coach Kirby Smart never gave up hope that Patrick could find the necessary help and balance to keep his life in order, so rather than kick him out of the program he threw him a life preserver.
Patrick returned as a senior for the 2018 season as a leader and a productive player, and while he recorded 44 tackles (including 4.5 for loss), that wasn’t enough for the NFL to invest a draft pick in him. He’d get his chance, for sure, but he’d have to do it the hard way.
Patrick completely understood. The draft came and went without his name being called. And he never once felt sorry for himself.
Quite the opposite.
“For me, given everything I’ve been through, it was a blessing just to still be in that conversation,” Patrick said. “So there was no disappointment. In fact, I just feel blessed.”
Two weeks into the preseason, Patrick has seized the opportunity. McVay puts a lot of emphasis on game tape, believing there are certain aspects of football that simply can not be simulated. And he’s using these preseason games to monitor who can translate practice work into game production. Those who do begin to separate themselves from the pack.
Patrick is doing just that. And now that he’s shown he can play inside and outside, he’s forced his way into a possible roster spot.
That’s an incredible amount of progress for someone who was in a treatment center less than two years ago, wondering what his college football future held.
“It’s a great feeling just to come in here, undrafted as I was, and have this opportunity,” Patrick said. “I’m just trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get. So it’s a great feeling to be able to put good things on film.”
‘Obo’ on the field
Rams outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo hadn’t played a game since Jan. 1, 2018, in the Rose Bowl for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Things got pretty weird after that for the Rams’ 2018 fifth-round pick. A broken foot in OTAs cost him all of his rookie year and a nagging quad injury has limited him during training camp this year and kept him out of last week’s preseason opener.
In fact, counting last year’s games and this preseason, 24 Rams games passed with Okoronkwo watching from the sidelines. It was highly frustrating for Okoronkwo and the Rams and even their fans, who were eager to see what the athletic edge rusher could bring to the table.
His day finally arrived Saturday, and he didn’t disappoint.
It was only the preseason, but Okoronkwo displayed explosion and pass-rush ability in his first action with the Rams. He got pressure on the quarterback — and even drew a holding call — showed skill in some stunt calls and even got his hand up to knock down a pass at the line of scrimmage.
It was pretty much everything he and the Rams could have expected after a long absence.
“It felt amazing,” Okoronkwo said afterward. “It’s been a long time coming…just had some bad luck with injuries but so thankful to (trainer) Reggie (Scott) and the rest of the training staff. They do such a great job. They were patient with me. The coaches kept telling me to keep my spirits up. We have a great support system here. It’s a family here and they just kept me into it and every day I just kept on doing what I had to be doing. And I finally got a chance. I had a lot of fun.”
Said McVay: “You see some of the flashes of why we liked him so much, why he was such a productive player at Oklahoma. He drew a couple of holdings tonight and made his presence felt.”
It was a stepping stone for Okoronkwo, who is trying to create a role for himself as a situational pass rusher. The Rams’ starting outside linebacker rotation consists of Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews and Samson Ebukam, but there are supporting roles to be earned.
Okoronkwo, with his ability to potentially bring heat, certainly can create a niche for himself with some more solid outings.
“I’m just grateful to be sitting here today,” he said. “I felt good. It was fun. It was fast, it’s been a while. But I had a ton of fun. It was cool getting back up to speed with everything. And all my teammates were happy with everything, kept my spirits up, encouraging me. Today was great.”
August 19, 2019 at 11:07 pm in reply to: the 2019 defense & why it looks so promising & so deep #104125znModeratorBig praise for CB Darious Williams
MCVAY: I thought (DB) Darious Williams showed up in a lot of ways as well. … Darious, going back to even last year with some of the looks on the scout team, you could really feel what a talented player he is. Now that he’s able to have some continuity in the system, really learn some of the intricacies of what (Cornerbacks) Coach (Aubrey) Pleasant and (Safeties) Coach (Ejiro) Evero are coaching in that room and being able to learn from the vets, I think his play and his confidence have really shown up.
Darious Williams | CB | UAB
Height | 5-10
Weight | 180A former walk-on for the briefly disbanded Blazers, Williams has developed into a legitimate NFL prospect, and one of this year’s more underrated corners. Though he lacks ideal size for a pro cover man, Williams plays with the confidence and physicality of a much bigger defender.
One of the nation’s most productive corners in 2017, Williams picked off five passes and broke up 19 more during his senior campaign, proving his instincts, ball skills and technique overshadow his smaller frame. His size may limit him to slot work at the next level, but he has all the tools to be a quality starter there, and a solid value in the later rounds of a deep class.
===
DARIOUS WILLIAMS SCOUTING REPORT
April 13, 2018DARIOUS WILLIAMS | CB | ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM
Height: 5095 | Weight: 184 | 40 Time: 4.44 | 10-Split: 1.52 | Bench: 13 | 3Cone: 6.85 | Broad: 122″ | Vertical: 39″
Darious Williams is a fifth-year Senior who has started 19 of 24 games at Left Cornerback for the Blazers. After the UAB football program disbanded after 2014, Williams had offers from Troy, Southern Miss, and South Alabama, but opted to stay at UAB, so he has not played collegiate football since his Freshman year season, making him a bit of a unique case. Despite a two-year hiatus, all Williams did this year was lead Conference USA with 15 pass deflections and lead the NCAA with a four-game interception streak. The Jacksonville, FL native was named to PFF’s First-Team All-American team and was also selected First-Team All-Conference USA. Per PFF, Williams’ 36.0% catch rate allowed ranks fifth-lowest among 2018 NFL Draft CBs.
Williams lacks prototypical height and boasts cut, developed biceps with good functional strength for his size. Williams flashes terrific foot speed, mirroring ability, and is an explosive leaper that allows him to levitate and make plays on the football at the catch point. Williams lit up his Pro Day, posting the 9th best 40 time, 2nd best vertical, and 10th best three cone of 2018 CBs.
In Press, Williams will try to punch WRs off their route stem and quickly flips his hips to turn and run in-phase, mitigating separation off the release. In Man coverage, Williams does a good job of positioning himself to take away the deep play over the top and understands the nuances of the position in terms of recognizing when to play the ball and when to play the man. Williams is capable of locating the football in flight and if he knows he cannot adjust his position to get his body in between the ball and the Receiver, he will watch the WR’s hands and swipe it out with terrific timing. Williams demonstrates outstanding ball skills and his production matches the film, registering 5 INTs and returning one for a TD in 2017. In run support, Williams is a feisty player who likes to attack up field and make plays at or behind the LOS. Williams is patient in the open field and does well to mirror shiftier, dynamic runners in open space and wrap up low.
UAB Head Coach Bill Clark has stated that Williams “a smart, good person, good player, really intelligent player,” adding that the light came on with a new physicality to his game early this season. Williams compares in body type and play style to E.J. Gaines and while his 2017 tape certainly warrants him being a high day three draft pick in my opinion, teams may not trust him and view Williams as a one-year wonder, potentially dropping him down to a late rounder/PFA prospect.
August 19, 2019 at 11:03 pm in reply to: the 2019 defense & why it looks so promising & so deep #104122znModeratorHow the Rams’ cornerback depth could create difficult roster decisions
Vincent Bonsignore
HONOLULU – With more than two weeks of training camp in the books, it’s becoming clearer by the day the Rams have created some enviable depth at cornerback.
In fact, with Kevin Peterson returning from a knee injury, adding David Long in the third round of the draft, retaining Troy Hill on a two-year deal and the improvements of Donte Deayon, Darious Williams, Dominique Hatfield and Ramon Richards, the Rams’ cornerback population has taken a decided leap forward.
And that doesn’t take into account starters Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib and valuable slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman.
It’s a crowded room, to say the least. And with four roster spots essentially already accounted for with Peters, Talib, Robey-Coleman and Hill, it creates a major battle among the remaining candidates to win jobs on the 53-man roster.
“I think it’s a positive problem for us with the depth that we do have,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.
Complicating matters, somewhat, is the long-term status of Peters and Talib, as each is entering the last year of his contracts. Knowing there is a possibility they might lose one or both of their current starting cornerbacks, would the Rams keep an extra cornerback this year (compared to past seasons) in order to preserve control of a player they believe can help them down the line?
Recent history suggests Rams general manager Les Snead will keep the big picture in mind when constructing his roster. If he deems one of the young cornerbacks worthy of future consideration, don’t be surprised if he finds the necessary room even if the chances of playing time this year are slim.
In the Rams’ perfect world, they win the Super Bowl and bring back the majority of this year’s roster – Peters and Talib included. But that’s a lot of cards to perfectly turn over between now and next March. Given the harsh salary-cap restrictions, contract expectations and competing with 31 other teams on the open market, that doesn’t appear feasible.
No matter what happens on the field this year, chances are the Rams might need to replace one or two starting cornerbacks next season.
Whether that reality plays into the roster decisions they make over the next three weeks remains to be seen. For now, they welcome the difficult choices they’ll have to make, as they speak to the overall depth they’ve created.
Here is a closer look at that position, and the players involved.
The Locks
Marcus PetersIt was obvious from the start of training camp that Peters was prepared to continue the strides he made over the second half of last season, which put him in position to earn a long-term contract. He reported to camp in astounding shape and has played fast, smart and effectively throughout.
It was a weird first year for Peters in 2018, especially during his well-chronicled struggles over the first half of the season. What stood out, though, was his accountability. He never blamed a calf injury he suffered in Week 3 or the fact that the Rams essentially were misusing him for the struggles he incurred.
“I said during the season, I put him in situations we shouldn’t have,” Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said.
As the year progressed, the injury healed and Phillips began utilizing Peters in more zone coverage looks. That allowed Peters to keep the play in front of him, enabling him to use the watchful eye he keeps on the quarterback, rather than losing sight by having to turn and run with receivers. Because of this, Peters became a much more dependable player.
“Now, we got him playing with more help in some situations, so he can take more chances,” is how Phillips explained it. “He knows when to and when not to”
It’s carried over into camp.
“He’s been locked in, he’s been engaged,” McVay said.
Peters is set up for a big year as a result. The question becomes: if he continues the upward trend as expected, what will that mean for the Rams in terms of bringing him back on a long-term deal?
Aqib Talib
Talib suffered an ankle injury in Week 3 that cost him eight weeks of last season, but when he was healthy he showed no signs of slowing down, and at 33 he still looks like he has a handful of good years ahead of him.
“Aqib Talib has been outstanding thus far,” McVay said.
Talib should continue to be a major asset for the Rams. But the salary cap eventually will rear its ugly head, and with difficult decision coming up and star players who need to be re-signed, It’s just hard to envision him sticking around beyond this season.
Nickell Robey-Coleman
Robey-Coleman has quietly and steadily become a valuable piece for the Rams as a slot cornerback in nickel and dime packages, and as last year showed, as he enters the prime of his career he’s playing as well as he ever has. He is under contract through the 2020 season.
Troy Hill
Hill sometimes gets a bad rap from internet folks – mostly on social media – who fret over his occasional mistake. Hill certainly is not a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but he’s added great value over the years as a dependable reserve who, when called upon, can hold down the fort as a starter. When you’re talking about the fourth guy on the pecking order, that’s exactly what you need.
The Rams understood, which is why they rewarded him with a new contract.
It isn’t easy being an NFL cornerback – and Hill has had his rough moments – but on balance he’s been much more of an asset to the Rams than a liability. He’s also a very good special-teams player, and that’s important.
The rookie
David LongThe Rams drafted Long in the third round out of Michigan last April and the profile he brings, as a rugged man-to-man cover corner, fits perfectly in Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. That said, it’s a major transition going from the Big Ten to the NFL, and Long is presently dealing with that learning curve.
Nothing has happened in camp or the first preseason game to suggest Long won’t eventually complete the process and develop into a productive player, and history has shown the light can completely turn on at any moment. Long has all the physical skills necessary to be a quality cornerback, and his roster spot is essentially set given the draft investment in him. As far as regular-season playing time goes, Long likely faces a bit of a climb given the talent in front of him and the improvements of some veterans. The Rams will be patient with him, as the upside absolutely is there.
Making a move
Darious WilliamsEvery time you look up at training camp, it seems Williams is doing something positive. Of all the Rams’ young cornerbacks, he’s probably been the steadiest player thus far and, as a result, the biggest surprise.
The Rams claimed Williams off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens last October and he played in one game. With little opportunity to show what he could do on the field, Williams made the Rams take notice during practice as a scout-team standout.
“You could really feel what a talented player he is,” McVay said.
That’s carried over in training camp.
Said McVay: “Now that he’s able to have some continuity in the system, really learn some of the intricacies of what (cornerbacks) coach (Aubrey) Pleasant and (safeties) coach (Ejiro) Evero are coaching in that room and being able to learn from the vets, I think his play and his confidence have really shown up.”
There is no doubt Williams is putting himself in a great position to earn a job.
Kevin Peterson
A knee injury during the preseason last year cost Peterson all of 2018, which is unfortunate because he was pushing hard for a roster spot. He’s returned completely healthy and, like Williams, has really opened eyes thus far, including the interception he came up with during the preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders. The position is loaded, but Peterson is again making a strong case for himself.
Where does that leave …
Donte Deayon, Dominique Hatfield and Ramon RichardsDeayon’s ability to play slot corner and traditional corner could help his chances, as versatility becomes paramount at this level of the depth chart. Hatfield is primarily a slot corner, and with no clear-cut backup for Robey-Coleman he remains under strong consideration. But other players have certainly stepped up, and that could cost him. Richards, who spent all of last season on the practice squad, is an intriguing prospect but on this team he could get squeezed out
znModeratorVincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
Sean McVay told me he absolutely puts value on how guys perform in preseason games in terms of roster decisions. And after two games, players are beginning to separate themselves from the pack.==
Showed up. Showed out. ⭐️@NatrezPatrick_9 is turning heads halfway through the preseason.
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 19, 2019
znModeratorfrom PFF ReFocused, NFL Preseason Week 2: Dallas Cowboys 14, Los Angeles Rams 10
STRONG PERFORMANCES
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Darrell Henderson caught a wheel route against Jaylon Smith on third down for a 26-yard gain on the Rams’ first drive. He showed great burst all throughout and made several strong plays in the passing game.Rookie Texas Tech product Dakota Allen laid the boom on a big defensive stop in the backfield late in the contest. He also several other tackles in the contest, including multiple defensive stops in addition to his big hit in the backfield.
POOR PERFORMANCES
LOS ANGELES RAMS
Edge defender John Franklin-Myers didn’t have a great night against Dallas’ offensive line. He failed to create pressure in the passing game and finished the contest with zero defensive stops.Backup guard Jamil Demby, a 2016 sixth-rounder out of the University of Maine, was an absolute liability in this one. He turned in ugly performances in pass protection and in the run game.
znModeratorPass Rush of the Day: Speed Counter Club Armover by @AaronDonald97. Then beats the C w/ a Rip & Matches the QBs Hand #DLIsBringingTheEnergy pic.twitter.com/pVO19f2ZGK
— Willie Cashmore (@WillieCashmore) August 19, 2019
znModeratorJohn Wolford with the JUKE 👀
📺: #DALvsLA on NFL Network (or check local listings) pic.twitter.com/Y58OOX2Qnb
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 18, 2019
znModeratoralyoshamucci
I generally skip preseason games, but I simply have to remark on the quality of our scout and coaching staff.
The Great
1) The scouts and coaches have amassed talent and coached it up in such a way that I am actually in awe of the product they are putting on the field.
2) Natrez Patrick. For me the question is not whether he makes the team, but at one point during the season will he take Ebukam’s place? I don;t know how often I’ve used the word ‘dominant” in a preseason game because in general dominators don’t play in the preseason.
3) We will cut 10 players that will not clear waivers is my guess.
4) Our WRs put on a show WITHOUT ONE BEING IN THE TOP 4.
5) Our CBs put on a show WITHOUT ONE BEING IN THE TOP 4.
6) Seeing Okoronkwo get to game speed (also, his pass bat downs were one of his specialties). I’m sad that Micah is hurt but I want to keep these kids so we know what we have in them.
7) Brandon Allen had a great game.
8) Our 2s competed more than amply against their 1s.
The Good
9) Steven Parker … seems like we’re going to lose whichever of he or Christian that we cut.
10) Dareus Williams AGAIN. These cuts are going to be really hard.
11) Henderson getting to full speed, that’s the kid I saw at Memphis.
12) John Kelly with his lateral agility and power.
13) The new OTs. I’m not sure why folks are giving them a hard time, they are mid to late round picks at one of the hardest positions to play, moving back and forth, and playing against starters or rotational pass rushers. I think they’re doing great. Gives me a ton of excitement over their development seeing how far Noteboom got in 4 months.
14) Dakota Allen getting to game speed.
15) Jalen Greene … glad he’s putting good film on tape. Liked him.
The Bad
16) Interior O line play. These guys aren’t rookies. I could excuse it if they were rookies.
17) Jojo, catch the punt.
18) Hager takes some bad angles … need him to clean that up.
19) Micah’s injury. That may be a career interrupting injury.
20) I need Blanton to play better. Mundt is not the 3rd TE I want to keep.
21) I’m not seeing a starter emerging in the DT battle. I can’t see practice chemistry of course, but I’m not seeing what I wanted to see in-game.
znModeratorVincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
FYI on #Rams looking outside for ILB help after Micah Kiser injury: While it remains a possibility, sense is there is an inclination to give some of their intriguing young players a chance to play and sort it out. Guys like Allen/Patrick are putting some good stuff on filmNatrez Patrick is primarily on ILB
Natriz Patrick was a solid top 60-90 recruit out of Atlanta, with a final top five of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Auburn and Clemson in class of 2015. I’ll tell you what, this dude can play
off-field troubles at Georgia really hurt his stock. He seems to be on the right path now, though.
znModeratorSean McVay explains why he's used 3 pass interference challenges in preseason https://t.co/pTthidr9WG
— Rams Wire (@TheRamsWire) August 19, 2019
==
Amounts to this:
MCVAY: “A lot of it, really, we’re trying to educate ourselves,” McVay said after the game. “I don’t want anybody to think that I’m totally going crazy. The first two that we’ve thrown out, I would not have challenged those in a normal season if you’re really thinking that. The third one that we actually threw out was the only one that if you said, ‘It’s a real game that counts, you’re going to really put the flag on the field.’ A lot of it is for educational purposes. On a bang bang-type play, how are they seeing it? I think they’ve done a good job of communicating to us the clear and obvious, the egregious plays.”
znModerator.@dallascowboys v @RamsNFL are well coached teams b/c when you really study them you see a consistency of techniques & fundamentals regardless of who is in the game. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/xNeS5NyKDa
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 19, 2019
znModeratorLindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
Rams LB Micah Kiser to undergo surgery on his pec on Tuesday. Kiser was a projected starter.znModeratoroldnotdead
I make an issue of the constant in-game movement of players on the o-line because the Rams use a zone scheme with a horizontal concept. That scheme more than any other requires a high degree of unit coordination CHEMISTRY is what makes a zone scheme work best. How do you get that when these guys are moving around during the game? It’s why these makeshift lines look so bad. Also, the wrong blocking call by an inexperienced center and QB can also make the other linemen look bad.
Denver was famous for their zone blocking scheme years ago. But what they did was to insert their primary backups one or two at a time during pre-season and scrimmages to give the backups an opportunity to play and practice with the first string o-line…i.e. the same guys they would be playing with if they came into the game as a replacement. It allowed them to build a sense of chemistry with that unit so when they did come in, it was many times seamless.
Don’t get me wrong. I think Kromer is an outstanding coach with a proven track record. But at the same time, it’s why I’m not going to be overly critical of these young guys at this point. Hopefully, they won’t be needed early in the season giving them added time to develop.
znModerator
znModeratorJoe Curley@vcsjoecurley
Sean McVay told reporters today that, in the event of a long-term injury to Kiser, veteran Bryce Hager would step into the MLB role in the Rams’ base 4-3 defense. Hager is one of the few vets who have been with the team since before it moved from St. Louis in 2016.Second-year LB Travin Howard and rookie Dakota Allen, who the Rams have drafted the last two seasons, also move up the depth chart. “We’ve got some good guys that have shown that they can play football,” McVay said.
znModeratorRams report card: Grading L.A.’s key rookies vs. Cowboys
Cameron DaSilva
Rams report card: Grading L.A.'s key rookies vs. Cowboys
The preseason has been largely about the Los Angeles Rams’ rookies with several first-year players already making an impact – particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Taylor Rapp has predictably been a standout for the Rams, but a few lesser-known rookies have also caught the attention of Sean McVay.
In the Rams’ 14-10 loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night, rookies were all over the field. Here’s how we graded some of the more notable first-year players.OLB Natrez Patrick: A
Patrick was a stud against Dallas, rising to the occasion as the top pass rusher on the field. He had a half-sack and hit the quarterback another time, making three total tackles. His athleticism was apparent and even Sean McVay mentioned him as someone who played really well. This was an important game for the undrafted rookie.
“Natrez has done a nice job. Really, we just transitioned him to outside linebacker a couple weeks ago almost by necessity as a result of Justin Lawler’s injury and (Trevon Young) being banged up. He’s really done a good job,” McVay said.
S Taylor Rapp: B+
Rapp’s reps were once again limited as the Rams continue to protect him for the regular season, putting him out there for only 21 plays. However, he made his presence felt with three tackles, including a great stop on Randall Cobb and a near tackle for loss. His versatility is valuable and it’s fun to watch Wade Phillips utilize him in a number of ways. His best role is likely as a box safety near the line of scrimmage.
RB Darrell Henderson: B+
Henderson was much more explosive and decisive this weekend compared to the preseason opener. He had a great 26-yard catch on a wheel route early and ripped off a nice 8-yard run, as well. His rushing stats are nothing to get excited about but Henderson’s speed and agility have really stood out.
NT Greg Gaines: B
Gaines only played 16 snaps, surprisingly, so he wasn’t on the field much. He made one tackle, which came for a loss, and despite being double-teamed, he did get some penetration. When given one-on-one opportunities, he’s looked good. Just don’t expect him to offer much as a pass rusher.
ILB Dakota Allen: B+
Allen blew up one receiver with a huge hit at the line of scrimmage and popped the helmet off another ball carrier, so his physicality was on display. He finished with a team-high eight tackles with one coming for a loss. McVay liked what he saw from Allen, too.
“He did a great job. I think he’s another guy – he was injured in the offseason, you see just the play-making ability, the physicality when he was at Texas Tech, and those are some of the reasons we like him. … You see the physicality. When he arrives, he arrives violently, and he did a good job tonight.”
WR Nsimba Webster: B
Webster is making a strong push for the final roster, either as a return specialist or wide receiver – or both. He looked fluid in the open field and his routes were crisp, which isn’t something often seen from a young receiver. He has more potential than JoJo Natson, who muffed a punt and hasn’t done much to stand out in the preseason. Webster caught four passes for 38 yards, hauling in all four of his targets.
CB David Long Jr.: B-
Long played about half the game and made four tackles – second-most on the team. He did get beat on an in-breaking route, though the Cowboys receiver dropped the pass to save Long from a catch allowed. He did allow another catch in coverage, but overall, it was a decent outing for the rookie corner. One thing is clear, though, and it’s that Long is much better in man coverage than sitting back in zone.
znModeratorTexasRam
So, It’s amazing what carefully reviewing the tape can show.I didn’t even know Gaines played until I went back and rewatched the tape today.
Gaines looked real good. He had one play where he completely blew up the RB for a loss about 4-5 yards behing the LOS. Gaines had several plays where he flushed the pocket or beat his man into the backfield. Even when Gaines is doubled he has the ability to shake loose. He also can smell the run and stonewall his spot. Highly impressed with Gaines after rewatching the tape.
I also think between Obo, Durham Carraway and Patrick we are going to find a starter that will eventually replace Ebukam and provide much better pass rush off the edge. I liked Dakota Allen as well but want to see him across a bigger field of games before I crown him.
Lots of CB’s to get excited, lots of talent there and probably a Diamond in the rough that may catch on to another team because of the numbers game here.
znModerator
znModeratorJoe Curley@vcsjoecurley
The Rams have lost one of the few starters they have allowed on the field this preseason. LB Micah KiserznModeratorMicah Kiser out indefinitely with left pectoral injury, will undergo surgery Tuesday
Stu Jackson
https://www.therams.com/news/rams-lb-micah-kiser-out-indefinitely-with-left-pectoral-injury
The Rams announced today that second-year linebacker Micah Kiser is out indefinitely after sustaining a left pectoral injury in Saturday night’s 14-10 preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Hawaii. The injury will require surgery, which is scheduled to take place Tuesday.
A fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Kiser collected four total tackles while playing in all 16 games during his rookie season. He was slated to start at the other inside linebacker spot opposite Corey Littleton based on the team’s unofficial depth chart released earlier this month.
znModeratorhttp://www.chestnuthilltreefarm.com/store/pg/73-The-Most-Useful-Tree.aspx
THE MOST USEFUL TREE
The chestnut is the most useful tree in the world. There are 4 major species – American Chestnut (Castanea dentata), European Chestnut (C. sativa), Chinese Chestnut (C. mollissima) and Japanese Chestnut (C. crenata) and 9 less important species of the genus Castanea in the world. Considering the importance of chestnuts as a high carbohydrate food source for thousands of years, and the beautiful, rot-resistant wood that is used from everything from vineyard stakes, fence posts to siding and bridge timbers, and was a major source of tannin for tanning leather, is there any tree that provides this range of uses and value? Oaks, pines, and fruit trees each provide single uses for timber or food, and many have a larger total monetary value than chestnuts. However, no tree species in history has offered such a wide range of uses or importance. It is little wonder that chestnuts have been grown by every major culture, and transported in conquests and explorations to every continent where it could be grown.
CHESTNUTS AS FOOD
Until the introduction of the potato and maize from the New World, entire communities depended on chestnuts as a primary source of food and carbohydrate. The mountain people’s culture revolved around the chestnut. It was a staple in their diet, being eaten fresh after harvest, then the stored ones were consumed, then the dried chestnuts, and finally the sweet tasting flour, added to soups, stews, polentas, and made into cakes and breads. Dried chestnuts will last a year, providing food all the way to the next harvest. They were also fed to animals, and the rot-resistant wood was used in building everything from fences to vineyards to houses and barns.
Chestnut was survival for the peasants during bad economic times. After the fall of the Roman Empire, during the Middle Ages, and during the Great War and World War II, chestnuts were critical for the people of the mountains, providing a very valuable source of carbohydrate. It is only recently, with the movement of families into the industrialized cities, that the dependence on the chestnut tree and its culture has declined.
Traditionally, chestnuts were harvested by hand, raking the nuts and burrs into piles in the mountainside orchards. The nuts and burrs were transported by mule and cart to the homestead. Placed on the cool north side of a building, the nuts and burrs were covered with a layer of green chestnut leaves, where the nuts could be stored for several months.
To dry the nuts for longer storage, the nuts were placed on a raised ventilated floor of special buildings, where a chestnut wood fire was kept lit below, and the warmth and smoke from the fire slowly dried out the nuts. Once dry, the shells could be easily removed. To cook with these nuts, they simply had to be re-hydrated again by boiling in water. The dried nuts were also ground into flour with stone mills. The smoky sweet flavor is excellent, as the carbohydrate turns to sugar as the nuts dry.
Chestnuts were also an important food for livestock. The nuts were fed to hogs and cattle during the winter, and the animals were put out into the orchards after harvest to clean up the rest of the nuts. The sweet nuts impart a sweet flavor to the meat, and chestnut-fed pork is considered a delicacy in Spain and Italy. Chestnut leaves were also nutritious fodder for animals, and dried leaves were used as bedding for livestock during winter.
Chestnut forests also provide other delicacies. A number of edible mushrooms grow in association with chestnut trees – including truffles, porcinis (Boletus edulis) Ceasar’s mushroom (Amanita casearea), chanterelles (Cantarellus) and Russula mushrooms.
Honey made from chestnut blossoms is not very sweet, but has an intense, distinctive and astringent flavor. It is considered an aphrodisiac in Italy. Beekeepers depended on chestnut, as the trees flower late after many of the other tree species have finished.
USES OF WOOD
Chestnut wood has up to 20% tannin content, the highest of all tree species. This makes the wood extremely rot resistant. Chestnut trees, especially when grown in forest settings, grow straight and make excellent lumber which were cut into durable straight-grained planks or could be split easily for fencing and posts. Dr. Robert Dunstan described how you could put a chestnut fence post in the ground for 50 years, pull it up, turn it over, and get 50 more years out of the other side!
Because of this rot resistance, chestnut wood was used for ship-building, bridge timbers, railroad ties, exterior siding, barn and house posts and beams, flooring, doors, windows, exterior trim and any other area that was exposed to the weather. Chestnut tracks were used in the invasion of Normandy in WWII to get over the sandy beaches. Chestnut was also made split rail fences, fence posts, vineyard trellises, water well-casings, wine casks, barrels, baskets, furniture and caskets. Chestnut is truly a tree that carries people from cradle to grave.
Chestnut trees were coppiced for various uses. When the tree is cut, the stumps send up multiple sprouts very readily (this is seen today in America, where the roots survive the blight underground, and send up shoots again and again, to become re-infected with the blight). The coppice shoots were harvested at various cycles depending on the use. Vineyard trellises and stakes were cut after only 2-3 years, fence posts after 10-20 years, whereas saw logs were cut on a 50-70 year basis. Today there is still a strong demand for chestnut timber as an alternative to chemically treated pine for exterior uses.
Chestnut bark sided house, Linville NC All Saints Episcopal Church, Linville NC
In Linville NC, chestnut bark was used as shingles for siding many of the houses in this community. This was a traditional Appalachian building technique, and many buildings survive today, including the beautiful All Saints Episcopal Church, in which the entire building- beams, rafters and siding, was made of chestnut in the 1910. Unfortunately today, 100 years later, there is no more chestnut wood left, so Tulip Poplar bark has become a substitute, but it does not have the rot-resistance of chestnut.
Tannin is extracted from the wood for use in the tanning industry for dyeing silk and leather and in the production of varnish and other products. The wood was finely ground and the tannin leached from the wood by soaking in water. This traditional industry was common in the mountains of northern Italy, but is declining due to the use of substitute materials.
znModeratorTorry Holt@BigGame81
love the way the young defensive players are flying around and competing this preseason==
A little bonus coverage with Coach Cam.
McVay gives insight on the offense! pic.twitter.com/nRscV1vI82
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 18, 2019
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.@NatrezPatrick_9 + @HagerBryce bringin' the heat! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/1XW4nzFkgj
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 18, 2019
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Up Donte Deayon’s tackle rating on Madden 💪
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/FuGntDsVZt
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 18, 2019
==
— KhaDarel Hodge (@KhaDarel_4) August 18, 2019
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OKAY JOJO! 👏 pic.twitter.com/BgvsXENcXQ
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 18, 2019
znModeratorVincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
No clarity yet on Micah Kiser pec injury. He’s in for an MRI today, #Rams waiting on resultProFootballTalk@ProFootballTalk
Good news: Sean McVay realizes the importance of throwing the red flag for PI calls and non-calls in the preseason. Bad news: One review last night took more than 3:40 to resolve. Worst news: After all that time, they got it wrong.August 18, 2019 at 6:37 pm in reply to: the one-shot tweets thread (diff'rent stuff, funny angry interesting) #104086znModeratorThe Oscar for best death or dying by a duck goes to. pic.twitter.com/FK2fs7bM8S
— jamie (@gnuman1979) August 18, 2019
znModeratorBoas had a broad and deep influence on how we understand cultures and people.
He’s one of the people who changed everything.
znModeratorMerlin
this game was an extension of last week for a lot of the young players who showed well. Patrick, half the secondary, Edwards, just a lot of young guys who are playing well individually. We saw a lot of the same names excel and they’re going to win roster spots.
Obo was a big surprise. I’ve been feeling like he’s the odd man out, but there is no way the Rams put that dude on the waiver wire.
==
Canuckramsfan
We have an embarrassment of riches at CB and in the whole defensive backfield in general. Now suddenly too at LB with the emergence of Natrez Patrick, Dakota Allen, Tevan Howard, Landis Durham, Josh Carroway AND OBO….who knew you could find such LB talent in lower Rounds and in undrafted free agency and on the Waiver Wire. Who knew???? Wade Phillips Knew!!!
znModeratorIt has begun…..
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Travis Gutierrez@Travisj760
I do not understand the Sean Mcvay obsession in the nfl. He’s an ok coach who had to have a team full of superstars to even make it to the Super Bowl , then had one of the most embarrassing offensive showings once he made it, all while being called an offensive genius.Philly Sports Insider@phillyinsider99
Sean McVay is the most overrated *person* affiliated with any professional sport in the world.August 18, 2019 at 2:38 pm in reply to: the one-shot tweets thread (diff'rent stuff, funny angry interesting) #104078znModeratorThe hammer in this clip came from the fascists, not antifa.
Andy Ngo isn’t a journalist. He’s an instigator whose sole purpose is baiting gullible journalists into overreacting to antifa. https://t.co/2KE8aXPKcH
— Carlos Maza (@gaywonk) August 18, 2019
znModeratorLos Angeles Rams versus Dallas Cowboys: Good, bad, and ugly
Like week one of the preseason, week two has come and gone just as quick after a fun contest and weekend in Hawaii. The Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys battled their way to a 14-10 game that seen the Cowboys finish victorious. Just as they did in week one, the Rams chose to bench all starters — sans the inside linebacker spot — allowing younger players to battle each other for spots on the 53-man roster.
Let’s have a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly:
Good
Offensive Line
David Edwards is the lone offensive lineman who falls under the good category. Edwards spent time at both left tackle and right tackle, starting out on the blindside. Through two games, Edwards has been far and away the best reserve lineman. His comfort level is simply far greater than any of his counterparts.
Receivers
Nsima Webster and Jalen Greene both had very solid outings. Greene converted six targets into four receptions for 43 yards, with his only gaff coming on a vertical route up the left sideline where he dropped a back shoulder pass. Webster also chipped in with four receptions, converting all four of his targets for 38 yards. Greene was consistently making plays down the field, whereas Webster was creating plays in the short-to-intermediate part of the field.
Edge Rushers
Natrez Patrick and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo showed up snap after snap. Early on in the contest, it was Patrick who was abusing his opponent on the edge as he consistently dominated in the run game and even chipped in with a sack on Cowboys’ starting QB Dak Prescott (nearly a sack-fumble). After Patrick’s early dominance, Ogbo came alive and was drawing holds left right and center. Ogbo had multiple pressures, multiple drawn flags, and multiple QB hits. Ogbo’s talent was very evident as he put together a brilliant performance in his first NFL action.
Inside Linebacker
All of the eyes were stuck to Micah Kiser and Bryce Hager, and they probably should be considering the two are competing to see who’ll start alongside Cory Littleton. Yet, it was Travin Howard and Dakota Allen who played fantastically, particularly the latter. Allen collected eight tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and a massive hit where he legally blasted a Cowboys player. His speed and consistent nose for the football have been very impressive through two games.
Secondary
Cornerbacks Darious Williams and Donte Deayon, as well as safeties Taylor Rapp and Steven Parker all put forth great performances. Deayon pulled himself a nice interception on a deep pass, also blasting a receiver on a screen just a few plays later. Williams chipped in with two pass deflections of his own. Rapp — like always — was near the ball on every snap, collecting three of his own tackles in his short time on the field. As for Parker, he just continues to make plays. His play speed and range is evident as he can make plays on every level of the field.
Bad
Offensive Line
Jamil Demby (LT, LG, C), Bobby Evans (RT, RG, LT), Jeremiah Kolone, Chandler Brewer, and Aaron Neary all struggled on the offensive line. Demby had multiple high and low snaps during his time at center while also getting flagged for multiple holds. As for rookie Bobby Evans, nothing he does ever looks easy or smooth. He usually gets the job done, but some reps are quite ugly.
Defensive Line
John Franklin-Myers and Sebastian Joseph-Day haven’t done anything to separate themselves thus far. Both have been incredibly stale as pass rushers, offering no pass rush ability through two games. Against the run, SJD improved, though leaps and bounds are left in terms of potentially improved performance as he could be an opening day starter.
Ugly
Jamil Demby
It wasn’t a pretty scene for Demby who continues to struggle as a center. It’s clear that it isn’t and shouldn’t be his NFL position, as Demby did play better at left tackle, though the flags certainly need to be cleaned up.
Penalties
A combined 29 penalties were accepted. Yuck.
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