Rams training camp: Fights break out as intensity builds for the Rams

by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 17, 2010 1:20 PM CDT in St. Louis Rams training camp

It was a spirited practice session for the St. Louis Rams today, with tempers flaring on more than one occasion. Elevated tempers can mean a couple of things. I hope that in this case it indicates the players' intensity and determination, rather than disunity and self-interest. Given where the Rams are in practice, I think it's safe to infer the former. Let's take a quick look.

Brian Stull reports that today's practice included a fight card of Chris Long versus Jason Smith, Hank Fraley versus Gary Gibson and Steven Jackson versus Gary Gibson. Smith had a rough night Saturday, in case you forgot, and has high expectations to live up to. Reading between the lines, his fisticuffs hopefully are a by product of his intensity in getting where he needs to be with his performance.

Sando has a more in-depth recap of the brawling today. He also gets Jacob Bell's perspective on the line's struggles last week.

There were a couple of new, day-to-day injuries occurring today. DE George Selvie, having an impressive rookie debut so far, is having an x-ray on his lower leg, an injury that's been bugging him for a few days now. S Kevin Payne, friend of TST, "dinged" his knee.

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Great quote by Long about J. Smith...

“He’s a big, strong dude,” Long said. “He like wrestles cows and stuff like that. He got me on the ground.”

Sam Bradford drops back, sees Laurent Robinson in the open, and he completes the pass for a gain of 28! Oh- Wait, looks like a holding penalty is going to call this one back...(Oh wait; Barron's gone, ignore that last sentence).

by Eric Nagel on Aug 17, 2010 1:28 PM CDT reply actions

Do not slap him upside that soft head Long, or the old brain may start to wobble again.

I suppose it’s a “good” thing that he got you on the ground. But let’s face it, you ain’t exactly a Pro-Bowler. Let’s see Smith do that someone who’s really good.

ps I’m glad guys on the team are pissed off, angry and ready fight. That’s the way y’all have made me feel three years straight now.

by RamChop on Aug 17, 2010 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Long may not be that good

But he’s proven way more the Smith has.

by Eric Nagel on Aug 17, 2010 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Long is a vet now

Jason Smith is waaaay junior to Long in his Pro development. In fact, Smith (to me) is still on the back end of his rookie season. That night not be entirely fair but that’s how I see it.

It looked to me like Long learned a lot last year and was starting to really get it when time ran out on the season. If he continues his progress and plays like a vet from the opener it’ll be huge to this D.

by CoachConnors on Aug 18, 2010 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions

If Long doesn't come through big time, we're in bigtime trouble. He's the only credible D-Lineman we've got now.

by RamChop on Aug 18, 2010 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions

No argument there.

by RamChop on Aug 18, 2010 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Can't lose Payne!

He’s our inside man

"Twin-headed infinite swirling vortex of grotesque suckitude known as Tony Clark and Eric Byrnes"

by sergey606 on Aug 17, 2010 2:32 PM CDT reply actions

Like Payne...

But we need to get Larry Grant to sign up for TST. I loved what I saw at the dome Saturday night, (even from section 421!) and liked the interview I heard on 101 yesterday. I can’t help thinking this guy could be the next Bart Scott. Sign up Larry!

by STLRambler on Aug 18, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Let save some of that intensity and fire for the Niners, the Cards and the Seahags!

by tbell61 on Aug 17, 2010 4:36 PM CDT reply actions

im actually happy

fights = intensity…. not to mention its clear that shit will go down if something happens that doesn’t please the leaders, i.e. chris long, steven jackson – maybe if somebody is not working hard enough or something

from the lou and im proud AND st. louis (ahem bitches)

by stlcardsfan4 on Aug 17, 2010 5:41 PM CDT reply actions