The future is delayed
by Ryan Van Bibber on Oct 29, 2009 9:59 AM CDT
Email
PrintSome disappointing news from the St. Louis Rams practice yesterday. Let's start on the non-injury front.
With RG Richie Incognito out, Adam Goldberg worked with the first team at RG. Fine. Goldberg's a good lineman who has earned his playing time. I wish the Rams had more players like him. The disappointing news here was that Alex Barron was at LT and Jason Smith was at RT. The Rams continue to cling to an outdated mode of thinking, i.e. that they can win games with their current configuration.
The fact is that Jason Smith has talent, and has proven to be a quick learner. Remember how far he came after struggling early in the preseason? I'm not naive enough to think that he won't get schooled by guys like Dwight Freeny, but he's not going to be as bad as you think. Secondly, has Alex Barron done anything to give the Rams confidence in retaining him beyond this season, as anything more than a backup? After his half game benching he came out strong the next week, but quickly reverted to form against the Colts. Are those the kind of players you want at the foundation of your rebuilding team? Their stuck this week and have to use Barron in the starting lineup, but there's no reason not to start Smith's future on the left side...especially against Detroit.
Why is there even a question about whether or not Ruvell Martin "and/or" Brandon Gibson will dress this week? We know niether guy is the answer at receiver, but we need help at that position, with warm bodies qualifying as help at this point in time.
And on the injury front...CB Bradley Fletcher is out and Justin King is limited. If any Rams CB gets hurt this week, they've got a total of three corners to work with and offense that just can't keep the defense off the field. Worried?
52 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I knew it!
He can delay the future?! Spagnuolo can control time! By slowing down the future, he’s speeding up the past! Soon, Steven Jackson will be 23 again. Genius use of the 4th dimension to improve the team.
I’m kind of torn on this one. I agree Jason Smith needs to get over to the LT spot, but we really, REALLY need to win this game. I wonder if Barron gives the staff more confidence now even though he’s consistently average while Smith, who you could say is average now, should be a good tackle by year’s end. Coming out of the bye, there’s no reason though for Smith to be at RT.
Your uncle molests collies.
I wonder about Barron & run blocking though
Barron, despite his faults, is a better run blocker at this point than Smith. Since the Rams run so heavily to the right side, why not capitalize?
Turf Show Times
by Ryan Van Bibber on Oct 29, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Fair question
But I wonder if the Rams will take the hit from having Barron’s run blocking on the left to have his “experience” on the left side.
Your uncle molests collies.
I think
They really want to win a few games this season first.
Barron at LT and Smith at RT gives us our best chance to win THIS SUNDAY against Detroit. For the future, yes, it is important that Smith makes the transition over to LT. But the fact is, despite his false start issues, Barron is better than Smith right now in every possible way, and it makes sense to have your best tackle at LT if you want to win NOW.
Amen brother.
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 29, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
i agree
why any of these coaches will not try that position switch is beyond me. What will the move do besides help out Smith and show that barron is moving on down the line to unemployment? Also maybe even make him compete plus out of anyone on the squad Barron does have more experience at RT anyway. I think everyone in this room can say pretty much are season (record wise) is shot. If we’re “rebuilding” why not try some new things trick plays. I liked the flea flicker last week or even try as crazy as it sounds a wild cat play, give the ball to are best player that would leave one more player that can block on the field to help are struggling line. I really think that’s the only way we’re going to get defenses or get some yards is a surprise attack because we just cant find a rhythm. Plus if you think about it Steven Jackson is like superman right now i wouldn’t be surprised if he could throw the ball it’s worth a shot.
by keeperskillz24 on Oct 29, 2009 11:22 AM CDT reply actions
While I'd like to see Smith at LT
I’m at least happy to know he’ll be playing one position the entire game. This rotation, or whatever it was, last week does more harm than good.
I also liked the idea keepr just said about making Smith compete for the job. Even top draft picks shouldn’t be just handed a starting job. Whether it’s a show or not, they have to feel as though they had to earn something.
And while it does seem as if they are making him compete for the job, I also get the feeling they are protecting him which not only confuses me, it bothers me.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
Agree. Mostly.
My feeling on JSmoth is that he’s probably on the field presumably because he has earned the right to play by competing against his teammates, and that isn’t a question anymore.
I say so what if he gets schooled by the Freeny’s on the world? LET HIM GET SCHOOLED, let him learn, let him compete against the best and find out what it takes to compete there. Are you going to wait until you think he can beat all the Freeny’s before you let him face them? Let the big boy step up. Some guys won’t ever show you they are top shelf until they get a chance to engage at top shelf level. Not saying he is that type, but I do say let the man compete there and develop.
You don’t learn how to handle a Freeny by playing against non-Freeny’s
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 29, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm not saying you don't give him the job.
I’m saying you need to make it a competition so he has to work to get it and you don’t just crown him the LT the day you draft him.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
Tackle
we’re talking about the 2nd overall pick in the NFL draft, he shouldnt have to compete against anyone, if he was taken at #2 overall it was because he plays at the NFL level already and he’s better or at least should be better than what we have now…..
I Want The Rams Back In LA....The More They Lose The More Of A Chance That It Will Happen....Sorry St Louis You Cant Keep A Team(Twice)...Rams Come Home....We'll Be Here For You When You Do
You're taking it too literal.
Absolutely, the idea is for him to be the starting Left Tackle. But you also have to have some sort of competition. Even if there really isn’t a competition. Having a 22 year old feel like he’s gifted a spot is not necessarily a good thing.
Make him feel as if he’s earned it.
The Bears made this mistake with Cedric Benson, Rex Grossman, and Tommie Harris. Each one of those guys were deemed the starter from day one and they’ve paid the price in different ways with each. Now, none of them were the Number 2 overall pick (although I really don’t think that makes a difference) but they were all first round picks.
But, nevertheless, it’s almost like you’re looking for a reason to not like the guy. By digging in your heels with “he’s the number 2 overall…..he has to produce NOW” is a very non flexible stance when we are talking about human beings. This isn’t an exact science.
They drafted the guy knowing full well he had to mature and grow into the position. It wasn’t a surprise he was raw and full of athletic ability. So, I’ll choose to reserve judgement on a guy who we all knew needed time to develop and if that’s news to anyone then they just didn’t pay attention. There are no surprises with Smith at this point.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
Clarification.
I do agree however that he needs to stick at Left Tackle. I think moving him around between the two ends of the line does nothing but stunt his development.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
I think he already earned the right to do LT
And I say that because he’s on the field at RT.
Maybe I just have a whole nuther yardstick but if he wasn’t earning his way to LT, I don’t think he’d have earned his way to RT either. I sit “non-efforts”, as I call them, period. By default, anyone who made it onto the field at one spot has earned the right to play anywhere else the team needs them.
So I completely agree about not just handing it to him, and along the same lines I’m saying that’s probably not the reason they haven’t played him at LT
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 30, 2009 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree he's probably earned it.
I’m not trying to elude to anything. I realized some of my comments could have been interpreted that I think JS is a prima dona or is spoiled, not the case. I was just trying to make the point that just because someone is the top pick in a draft, they shouldn’t have to feel like they’ve earned their position.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
deffently i like that last line tackle
It always occurs to me the whole franchise protects these 1st round draft picks like they’ve done enough you can sit back and relax now type attitude(or even them selves). With this game evolving and everybody running around full speed you can’t relax because someone isn’t they’re working hard and studying your faults and they will beat you come game day. I don’t like to use the word “bust” to describe players that much, but i do belive in under achieving, not getting a job done, and flat lining on your performance meaning you show no progress in a given time and benefit the team in no way shape or form. That is the meaning of bust pretty much but i think players are always rising and falling just because of 2 or 3 bad years or a slump beginning or the occasional fall from grace type. Players are rebounding, the best we can do is make them compete and bring in some talent to create a standard of excellence. good plays are followed by great ones. i really wish they didn’t get payed so much so cutting them would not be a problem.
by keeperskillz24 on Oct 29, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I am typo king
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
Naw--you're still a rookie at typo's
Here’s why coach-I got a mean old cat that fights me for keyboard space and my ham sanwich, a mean old wife that starts all the appliances at the same time which wizzes my computer to Mars somewhere, a mean old dog thats fights the cat for my keyboard and ham sanwich, a grandson that thinks he is a NFL historian yapping in my ear when I post, and a Rams team that makes me spit foam when I’m whining. Otherwise from that, I’m a slow lousy typer of the old hunt and peck, on an old funky computer in my garage and it’s cold out here.
by Knoxfan on Oct 29, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
There's something poetic about this comment.
rec’d.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
Say hi to your grandson
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 29, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Another?
So was the Laurent Robinson trade bad? Or was it the Tye Hill trade? Am I missing one?
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
Almendola... oh wait... we didn't trade anything for him.
And he has a chance to shine this week. With all the talk of who is playing LT and WR, I think special teams has a chance to win it for us this week.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
You officially have an Amendola man crush
Some nicknames if you so choose:
Almond Ola
The District Attorney (for DA)
Danny Boy
The Perplexin’/Vexin’/Hexin’ Texan
Your uncle molests collies.
by 3k on Oct 29, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh Danny Boy Sweet Danny Boy the Danny Boys are…Danny Boys…
All Hail Lunesta!
Sorry I was watching Role Models.
But Danny Boy is my pick.
He was a great pickup.
If only we would have seen that Miles whatever his last name is WR on the Cowboys…
Undrafted and he’s unstoppable..
I believe in 2010
Yahbut
it takes a village.
As in, look what Spoon does on the Eagles now that he’s in that village. Mile Autin comes here, I bet he doesn’t do any better than Amendola
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 29, 2009 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Look what Spoon does?
How about “look what Spoon did”?
It was one game.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
LOL
Danny Boy seems to be the popular choice… and the “Almendola” was indeed a typo and not a misspelling.. I can’t help but really like this kid… this week he brings one back. You can almost feel one coming honestly, and Detroit has a shaky ST unit on KO returns especially.
There is a comment here that he should be used like Welker in NE. I think the last couple weeks proves he’s being worked into a role similar to that.
I expect his numbers to increase.
Amendola will be a Hall of Famer (OK so it’s the man crush kicking in)
Let me ask this though… name one offensive player without saying “Jackson” who has shown at least a little spark and excitement.
I rest my case. Go Danny Boy!
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Almendola has proven
IMO, that he was a good pick up thus far. The Rams need to use him as NE uses Wes Welker, which a more experienced OC would probably recognize.
+1
I Want The Rams Back In LA....The More They Lose The More Of A Chance That It Will Happen....Sorry St Louis You Cant Keep A Team(Twice)...Rams Come Home....We'll Be Here For You When You Do
I agree
WHY? We pick up a much needed WR that has much upside and potential and we stock pile a pick; which is what we need. What did we lose? Not to undersell Witherspoon, but we have less expensive options. It also, as I pointed out, will save cap space which will help us sign some vets. I hated to see him go, but the upside will help us get to our goal.
WR
Boy the more I watch that Desean Jackson the more I get pissed,
a true first round pick fell in our laps in RN#2 I know hes 2 small
he would of been a solid number 2 for years 2 come.
Avery might be as good as DeSean if he were on the Eagles
And DeSean might be the same as Avery if we picked him.
Reserved-- been waiting 7 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can wait 1 more
I saw him in Oakland
He’spretty little. Skinny little. Doesn’t look like he’d be very durable, although he’s got another gear that most guys don’t have.
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
Desean that is
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 29, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
avrey
doesnt have a big frame either, i think they’re both decent ball players desean just has a better supporting cast.
I agree
that it’s hard to tell what anyone can really do on a different team.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Turf Show Radio
will it be back next week 3k / VanRam?
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
I believe Saturday
Van is in a tornado of a media firestorm that has nothing to do with football. If he comes across this, I’m sure he can verify…
Your uncle molests collies.
by 3k on Oct 29, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
What A Shame
when we’re talking about how our BUST of a first round pick Barron is better than the 2nd overall pick in last year’s draft, I guess that explains our whole season. It just frustrates me to read how us fans are satisfied with just letting our 2nd overall pick “learn” or “work his way” over to LT…..if he couldnt come in this year and start at LT like the other top picks in the past, maybe he shouldnt have been picked…..
I Want The Rams Back In LA....The More They Lose The More Of A Chance That It Will Happen....Sorry St Louis You Cant Keep A Team(Twice)...Rams Come Home....We'll Be Here For You When You Do
You summed up
what everyone’s frustration is about for sure. The whole problem was giving Barron another chance..
As far as the rotation last week, I really have no clue what was up with that. Maybe we were trying a new “Offensive Line My Committee” approach.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
This again?
Couldn’t you have just copied and pasted your first boring rant about Jason Smith?
Dude, let it go. You’re the knee-jerk loser who is writing off Smith less than three whole games into his career.
Ahh wait..
Your signature says it all: you’re an LA fan. LA fans are why the team is in St. Louis. And unlike LA fans, St. Louisans actually support the team. LA fans are the ones who go on the Internet and make incoherent rants about Jason Smith.
You've already made your plea for the Rams to become the 2nd team in the Big D
nice try…..ain’t happenin’.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
F- OFF homie, i’m an LA fan too so you gonna hate on us because we live somewhere that actually has a pulse??
by peteyweestro on Oct 30, 2009 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't care where you're from
Just don’t tell us that St. Louis fans aren’t good fans when the team is enormously popular and has failed to sell out only six times.
Chill out.
The issue here is that some of the LA fans come here and bash St. Louis and cheer lead a move back to LA. It gets kinda old since LA fans really have no ground to stand on when it comes to keeping football teams in town.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
I Don't Care
Who’s at LT, RT, WR or Waterboy. Just BEAT THE FRIGGIN’ LIONS. So when I wear my gear at work the niner fans and raider fans will stop feeling SORRY for me. It’s embearising ( F%&$ the spelling) JUST BEAT SOMEBODY GODDAMIT!!!!!!
by johnniewarthawg on Oct 30, 2009 8:01 AM CDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
