The first line of the new chapter has been written

by 3k on Jul 31, 2009 7:36 PM CDT in 2009 Training Camp Comment 7 comments

Well, day 1 is in the books. Not much on the wires to go on except this report from the P-D's Bill Coats and the official Rams training camp blog via Nick Wagoner, so let's speculate. It's what we do best.

If you have other links, please add them so we can get a fuller picture. And speaking of, if you happened to be on hand, please share you observations/pictures/bodily fluids.

So Spagnuolo had a full camp with everyone on board. If nothing else, this pushes us in the right direction. The one thing you don't want is the situation San Fran has on their hands with Michael Crabtree. It's not only important to ensure you get rookies time, but it also disrupts the team when you're missing players who are expected to contribute. Check out this quote from fellow Niner Vernon Davis:

"He's missing experience, knowledge of the game. He's got to get in here," said Davis, an '06 first-rounder who was in camp on time. "We don't have the time to mess around and wait. He needs to be here."

Doesn't sound like a great vibe going down over there.

But let's focus on the Rams. The biggest note I took was that Larry Grant started at the strong side with the LB corps. Now granted (no pun intended), Laurinaitis didn't play with the first team which saw Chris Draft hold down the MLB spot. Nevertheless, my personal interpretation is that this suggests that once Laurinaitis gets a firmer grasp of the defense, he'll replace Draft and Grant will play the Sam. Interesting news from day 1.

Newly signed Jason Smith didn't start either; it would seems Spags is trying to make the rookies earn their starting roles; I for one applaud the move. Adam Goldberg held down the spot Smith is expected to assume in the regular season.

Adam Goldberg sat out with some leg cramps, though it was nothing to be worried about.

All in all, for an 85-minute workout, it seems to have gone smoothly. Things will pick up quickly as the coaching staff integrates players into their schemes and opens up the playbook to develop a more game-ready squad.

Discuss and fuss as you must.

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why scott linehan was a moron

I remember when Scott linehan promised Chris Long a starting position right after the kid got drafted.That is why Scott Linehan was a moron. You never promise a rookie a stating position and C.Long hasn’t even strapped on his pads yet.Scott Linehan was a leader idiots would follow…………This is why I have confidence this year.Spaggs is the man.No more of the moron S.Linehan.

by Thomas W on Jul 31, 2009 10:07 PM CDT reply actions

Actually it was John Greco. But no biggy.

The name's Rams, St. Louis Rams.

by Bond_007x on Jul 31, 2009 10:08 PM CDT reply actions

John Greco.Are you sure of this.

by Thomas W on Jul 31, 2009 10:09 PM CDT reply actions

I went down there and had a great time

The Rams seem really on board about opening practices to the fans and making them fan-friendly. There must have been at least a couple hundred folks there. I put a full post up at RamsHerd with some amateurish photos (still trying to work out the kinks with my little digital camera). And I saw a pretty comprehensive post on RamsGab as well, courtesy of James’ brother Zachary.

Some high level thoughts:

Zachary posted that the practice was physical, even though there was no tackling and players were in shorts and shells. I’d definitely agree with that. Even in non-scrimmage atmospheres, players were running hard, working hard. Very few balls ever touched the ground.

Bulger looked good, his arm was strong and his throws were on point, and didn’t seem to be grimacing or favoring anything after a zipped ball, unlike much of last season.

The coaches really seemed to be “up” — very positive, very encouraging, trying to teach. This is probably a reflection of Spagnuolo’s style. Hopefully the lessons are sinking in.

Karney is a beast. The most fearsome-looking runner out there. Rams fans are going to love him. Plus, his skin is boiled-lobster red. I’ve been calling him “Hellboy.”

RamsHerd.com - Graphic Rams Discussion

by taiko on Jul 31, 2009 10:23 PM CDT reply actions

I like

Larry Grant at the Sam. Hopefully he can sure up this side of the LB corps. It should make Laurinaitis’ life easier to get used to a new defense. At least more comfortable in a new setting.
I agree with the Karney comment. He is perfect for a power running game and I am so happy he got his ass out the swamp and over to the Rams. I hope people understand the difference a good FB makes for the RB. Shaun Alexander had a career year largely in part to the FB taking on that layer of Defenders. Tomilson enjoyed the presence of Lorenzo Neil for so many years that allowed him to be the savage that he was. Karney will be cluch for Steven to break off some long ones….trust me.

by CaliRamMan on Aug 1, 2009 9:36 AM CDT reply actions

FB

You are exactly right. Beefed up line + good FB should = SJax big year.
If they give him 330 carried and he can get 4.5 ypc, he’ll be at 1500 yards rushing. I can easily see that happening with health on the line and FB. Whis this kind of investment in blocking, why wouldn’t he lead the league? Why shouldn’t Jax be this year’s Michael Turner?

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 Aug 1, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions