Rams training camp: Feeley still the starter
by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 6, 2010 7:30 AM CDT
in St. Louis Rams training camp
Email
Print
The St. Louis Rams have one practice today, scheduled for 2 p.m. Let's hope it's a productive and injury-free affair. Tomorrow night, they'll have a 6:30 p.m. scrimmage at Lindenwood University. Anyone here at Turf Show Times planning to attend? Let us know in the comments if you are.
And now, a little news and discussion.
I guess you can't really talk about the Rams training camp without talking about the QBs. A.J. Feeley holds the starting QB spot, as you might have expected. This should come as no surprise. Spagnuolo has a documented preference for making his rookies, regardless of draft status earn their way into the starting lineup through camp. The two most notable players from last year, MLB James Laurinaitis and OT Jason Smith, were both starting in week 1 after spending considerable time in August with their respective second units. Bradford is getting reps with the first team, and I fully expect him to be the opening day starter.
The Feeley article linked above makes mention of the Rams offense improving as camp rolls into the one week mark. That's not the first time we've heard remarks about the offense's performance. It's way too early to read anything into it, but it signals to us that receivers grasp their routes well and all of the players understand the nuts and bolts of what the playbook expects of them. The Rams are establishing an identity on offense...which is more than can be said for some of their division rivals.
RB Chris Ogbonnaya is making his case in camp, earning some praise from Spags.
In a post yesterday, I mentioned that being on the sidelines in the opening days of camp ought to make OT Jason Smith that much more determined, hungrier. And it sounds like that's been the case. Here's what Spags told the press yesterday:
Yeah, absolutely. He’s fired up. The guy has been chomping at the bit to get in there and he’s had a chance to do that the last couple of practices. I think the rest of the guys feel it. I know he feels it. I think the coaches are happy about it, too.
The perfect wine for your tailgate this year: Dick Vermeil's XXXIV. You can order it today.
Injuries have been mostly minor for the Rams so far. Let's keep it that way.
54 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
here ya go
$42 a bottle http://www.vermeilwines.com/xxxiv
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
I genuinely have to ask
Why all the hate for Ogbonnaya? I mean he only had 11 carries last year so it’s hardly enough to judge him just yet. He was a rookie last year and took some time getting up to speed…pretty much what you expect from a late round pick. He clearly has some talent and if he is doing a good job in camp then thats a good thing. As far as i’m concerned i’d rather hear about players doing good things in camp than being terrible…sheesh it’s almost as if you can pluck negativity out of any statement you read
by Stonedtodeath on Aug 6, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
How is James Hall UFL quality?
He’s been in the league for a decade. And Ogbo is a second year guy who, as Stoned pointed out, didn’t exactly get a ton of opportunities last year. You can’t expect every pick to be a Pro Bowler…
You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.
by 3k on Aug 6, 2010 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
He must've
meant Hall Davis, not James Hall, LOL! I think this is the lull in the season where there’s not much of anything tangible to talk about so people make stuff up…How last year’s 7th round pick looks decent…how difficult the competition is for the #6 receiver whose not gonna play anyhow…etc.
Labor day is when the rubber hits the road…I’m hoping the big story this year is gonna be how SMART the Rams were for passing on scrubs like Sanchez and Stafford cause they got this super stud new QB and how Rodger Saffold is this year’s Michael Oher…
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Aug 6, 2010 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you think
they’re making it up about Ogbonnaya?
Article says he’s smart, a vocal leader, and (he says) they trust him to “make plays and be in the right spot”, which I take to mean his blocking.
Last year his blocking was an issue in the pre, specifically blitz pickups. If he’s as smart as they say, that should improve by leaps and bounds with a year under his belt.
Its been my experience that guys hwo become vocal leaders are often the guys who are backing it up with their play. Not always, but often. That he is becoming a vocal leader I think is a good, although indirect, sign.
by CoachConnors on Aug 6, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Come on man...
I’m not dogging you…but my friend RamChop (I used to be Blood Red Pred but lost that account information) is getting testy about hearing stuff about James Hall and Chris O-G-B. It’s somewhat interesting…it’s just not SEXY like the lead stories I suggested :)
AND, everyone was busting on Billy Spags for not picking up a backup RB in the draft this year whereas I thought they didn’t need one cause O-G-B was gonna step it up this year…I hear ya dude.
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Aug 6, 2010 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, got it. And thanks for the update on the name
I’ve been away and wouldn’t have realized you were BloodRed for a while, so thanks.
I was just wondering if you meant the article was more PR than reality. A lot of it is him talking, actually. So I have to take that as a little less objective. But if the rest is accurate, I think there are some good indirect signs of his progress in there.
I also have to ask
Everytime I read a comment I think is posted by a 12 year old, it turns out to be you. Have you watched football before?
If you love something, set it free. If it doesn't come back, find it and kill it.
Probably longer than you've been alive Pyle.
I’m talking Roman Gabriel, Deacon Jones, Jack Snow, Jack Reynolds, and Merlin Olsen times buddy. That’s why I’m frustrated by caliber team we put forth today. Oh yeah, I also get NFL Game day on Direct TV so I can watch the Rams flounder around each week. Ya see, there was a time, a long time back, in the 70’s and 80’s when the Rams were prominantly featured in multiple nationally televised games and MNF during the season. That’s because, save the SB, they won a heckuva lotta games. Other teams feared them on the schedule.
There was also a time 10 years ago when that happened.
Did you forget about that? For someone who watches football so much, you should know more than the random posters like avishah that say that Bradford and Jackson are the only players on the team, and we suck no matter what.
Onubon > Gates
What I don't get is how you predict us to win at least 5 games
And then you think 80% of our roster should be in the UFL.
Onubon > Gates
So you're saying
If they brought a UFL team into the NFL then added Bradford and Jackson to that team, they would win 5 games?
Onubon > Gates
Ask Claude Wroten, Hollis Thomas, or Jim Haslett. They should be able to make a good comparision between the Rams and the UFL.
I still say 80% of our players are backup quality, castoffs, or 6-7th rounders. That makes the core of the team pretty weak. Run down the roster yourself and find all the guys you think you can count on to match up to opposing players. All the pundits and experts did, and they rated us 32 out of 32. Not that I have any great love or respect for the Banks, Kings or Claytons of the world.
Wow
3 players/coaches that played for both the Rams and in the UFL. So you’ve asked them and they said we’re the same quality as teams in the UFL? That’s perfect logic right there. I can’t think of any flaws with that. And round drafted in makes no difference. Its what the players can do. I guess Marques Colston, Deacon Jones, Tom Brady, Terrell Davis, Bo Jackson, Shannon Sharpe, and Roger Staubach were all UFL quality. Btw, all those players were drafted 6th round or later.
Onubon > Gates
There's always exceptions to the rule, how bout Kurt Warner?
But the vast majority of the time, 6-7th rounders end up cut or as backups. Since you always know it all, why not rattle off the long list of current Ram players that any other team would even give a 2nd look???
Alright
Roger Saffold, James Lauranaitus, OJ Atogwe, Steven Jackson, Sam Bradford, Jason Brown, Josh Brown, Donnie Avery, Donnie Jones, Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Kevin Payne, James Butler, Jacob Bell, Jason Smith, Chris Long, Mardy Gilyard, Mike Karney, Danny Amendola (returner at least), Chris Massey, Fred Robbins, Hank Fraley, and possibly Darell Scott and Chris Ogbannaya if they have a strong showing this year. I think we have some rookies with high upsides that teams would also look at, like Fendi Onobun (who looked good today btw) and the rookie DEs not named Eugene Sims. Kevin Dockery, Craig Dahl and Kevin Payne perhaps also.
Onubon > Gates
Ok, I'll respectfully spot you a more than 1/2 those guys.
But, Bell is a perennial overpaid underperformer. Jason Smith is chronically injured even if he’s a beast, which remains to be seen. He could be a total bust. And I don’t think we could get a 2nd round pick for him. Karney, Robbins and Fraley are castoffs by other teams. You couldn’t get pocket change for them. Massey??? And, so far we’ve seen nothing from Payne (but talk), Obog or Milyard. That leaves you with about 13 strong possibilities out of a 53 man roster (and two are kicker/punter). That’s 24.5% of the team. Even accepting ALL your suggestions leaves about 60% of the team as also-rans or crap. See my point? Believe me, I’m NOT happy about it.
Bell may be overpaid
Overpaid doesn’t mean he’s not an NFL quality guard. Karney is not a castoff. He is a great blocking fullback. Karney is one big reason Jackson rushed for 1400+ yards. He’s doesn’t have a Le’Ron McClain type impact, but who else would you rather have blocking for Steven Jackson? Payne I’m not sure on, but it sounded like he was solid two years ago. And yes, Massey. Every team in the league would want Chris Massey. He doesn’t have any trade value, but can you tell me the last time you saw a botched snap? Robbins and Fraley are good depth guys for any team. All of those guys aren’t starters for us, but they are still valuable pieces that other teams would want to have. And I think you have to be injured for more than 10 games before you are labeled “chronically injured.” Once he misses actual games this season, that label could be more accurate.
But at least I got you to agree that we have more than 2 players on this team.
Onubon > Gates
Yes, there's about 20% of the 53 man roster that are NFL quality players.
I think I said that in the 1st place. 100% – 20% = 80%. That 80% accounts for all the 6-7th rounders, backups, and castoffs. And, like it or not, Karney WAS cut by the Saints last year (castoff) and then picked up by the Rams. Which team ya think he would’ve rather played for? But the Saints deemed him expendable and not necessary for their drive to a SB championship.
And, so far we’ve seen nothing from Payne (but talk),
yes about Bowling and Golf ,another nice guy lol we have lots of nice guys on the Rams
"Nice guys" LOL! We should exchange names with the "Saints."
We don’t allow players the likes of Dick Butkus, Conrad Dobler, Jack Tatum, Mean Joe Greene, Ray Lewis, Terrell Owens, etc. cause they don’t meet the 4 pillars concept (which is the most silly-ass idea I ever heard of in fb).
Hahahahahahaha
I never said anyone haha would be in the pro hahahaha bowl. Why don’t you try hahahaha actually making arguments based on hahaha football, and not hahaha making childish insults and repeating whatever Ramchop says. haha
PS. lol hahahaha lol ha
Your mother plays with action figures.
hahahaha lol
I’ve seen you make hundreds of comments and you rarely actually say anything about football.
Onubon > Gates
btw, I love action figures.
I once sold a Star Wars ROTJ Boba Fett figure that was still on the card for $275.
Once again, you presume to be more knowledgeable than the commentor.
fyi . For years I was the Sci-Fi Toys contributing expert to the annual Krause Toy Price Guide. I also own TWO shops that sell vintage Star Wars collectibles. The fact is some figures with a very rare card design in mint condition will bring as much as a car. However, due to the current miserable economy and high unemployment, many collectibles, even classic cars, are bringing significantly less $$$ than they did just a few years ago.
I was kidding
I have no idea what a Boba Fett action figure is worth. I haven’t even seen all the Star Wars movies
Onubon > Gates
To answer your question
I cant possibly answer all the foolish things you have to say about football and if I happen to agree with RamChop and not you well don’t take it personal .You sit here arguing about wether or not our players are cast offs and backup quality ,what is your argument based on all you do is babble on the same thing over and over trying to justify why he have them ,buddy give it a rest unfortunately we know what we have and RamChop is correct
ps. since you like to make mother jokes let me tell you about your mama,
Your mama so ugly they gave her a job at the cookie factory they use her face to make imprints for the gorilla cookies lol ha ha ha
Bradford should start day 1
In my opinion and if Bradford is ready for the challenge, he should be the starting QB on day 1. We should have healthy starters (knock on wood) and our best OL which would give Sam the best chance for success. Sure he will make mistakes but he needs to learn the game by playing in real game situations. I also believe that hearing that Feeley and other guys are doing good just makes the whole team more competitive and that is a good thing. That doesn’t imply that the rest of the players are bad. Nobody questions Jackson’s talent.
Yea I agree
If he’s only gonna play half the year, it makes sense to start when everyone should be healthy. He’ll have to learn faster, but he seems capable of doing so.
Onubon > Gates
BTW
Okung signed. Our fantasy career long holdout scenario is over.
If you love something, set it free. If it doesn't come back, find it and kill it.
Saturday night
I will be there and i hope bradford airs a few out thats all I want to see. If not then he’d better air one out next Saturday vs the Vikes, I will be in attendance then also so PUMPED. Real football is here, tired of trying to watchin canadian footballl league which I might add is the worst thing I have ever witnessed. like sub par high school.
I know the revolution won't be
but will the scrimmage be televised?
A word about Jason Smith – athletically, he’s a beast. It doesn’t make you a great football player, but on the offensive line in the NFL, it gets you half-way there. Technique, work ethic, health all play their roles as well…but I like Jason Smith’s chances for having a great year.
He was relentless too
He would follow the play and go after a second guy if he took his man out early. I love that so much. Effort is so important to me.
by CoachConnors on Aug 6, 2010 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Interesting article on Ogbonnaya
Last year was sure different. He missed a blitz pick up that was in preseason that almost got the QB killed. Of course, he was brand new then too. I think blocking assignments might have been the only reason he didn’t play more, because he’s a decent, fluid runner. It’d be a huge plus to have him develop into someone who can take some carries off of Jackson’s back.
nail on the head
that is exactly what happned. But I remember that being JAckson’s problem in his early days.
If you love something, set it free. If it doesn't come back, find it and kill it.
Can't make the scrimmage...
…so I’ll be looking forward to reading about how it went.
Myself I don’t agree with the writer saying he “fully expects Bradford to be the opening day starter”. The preseason games will help show how far Sam has progressed. But when the Arizona game is here I think Spags gut feelings will tell him that Feeley needs to be taking snaps. I think that by the Seattle game we’ll see Feeley and Bradford sharing time.
Scrimmage
I am going golfing tomorrow, but if we get quickly enough, I am definitely going to the scrimmage. I went to the one last at Lindenwood and it was a lot of fun. As cool as it is to get see a practice during camp, practice can be very boring. The scrimmage never got boring.
Remember the great 2004 and 2005 Rams teams...
by Marmie is the best on Aug 6, 2010 1:21 PM CDT reply actions
I too
am looking forward to comments on the scrimmage. I’m starting to recover from my case of draft shock, and getting a little pumped for the season. No injuries please.
Will there be a live broadcast anywhere of the scrimmage?
Keith Null won't accept my friend requests.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Turf Show Times
Related FanShots on Turf Show Times
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Cover the web with Turf
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
