Checking in on the Rams wide receiver race
by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 22, 2011 7:07 AM CDT
in 2011 St. Louis Rams preseason
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PrintThe St. Louis Rams have several position battles brewing at training camp this year. No position battle is as eagerly watched as the log jam at wide receiver. It's a horse race, beyond the top two spots anyway. Through some three weeks of practice and a couple preseason games, no candidates have really emerged to nail down the four or five roster spots behind Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson. Where do things stand as of the preseason's halfway point ? Let's take a look.
Brandon Gibson and Danny Amendola clearly earned the starting jobs, barring some dramatic development. Amendola is his reliable self, looking for an offense that can give him more room to work this year. Before camp, many thought Gibson was a long shot to make the team, but he separated himself from the pack on the first day of camp. During the lockout we all speculated about who might be the Rams' version of Brandon Lloyd in McDaniels' offense, and it looks like Brandon Gibson is it. As for the rest...
Mike Sims-Walker - The most accomplished of any receiver, the Rams signed him to an incentive-laden one-year contract. So far, the results have been mixed. He had a terrible game this week, getting a late break and bobbling a pass that led to an interception. That was followed by a fall on 3rd-and-12 with the ball coming his way. He did make one nice catch later in the game. MSW missed practice almost all week, so he gets a mulligan for his performance on Saturday.
Greg Salas - Playing in his first NFL game this week, Salas quickly bounced back from a dropped pass to catch three more. A quick guy with good hands and the toughness to play all over the field, I'll be interested to see what he does with more reps this week.
Austin Pettis - Starting with the ones in the first week of the preseason, he muffed some easy passes and looked jittery. This week, he was with the second and third teams, as well as working on special teams. His size and hands, reportedly his best asset per scouting reports, should make him a great red zone weapon for the Rams. You have to think they'll have some preference for keeping the two draft picks selected by the current administration.
Donnie Avery - In my opinion, he earned himself more reps with the first team next week. He looked great on the 19-yard TD pass from Feeley to start the second half, after a nice week in practice.
Danario Alexander - He played alright this week, but isn't doing much to stake his claim to a roster spot. Five knee surgeries, and already some missed time this summer, makes his NFL future cloudy. When healthy, he has the ablity to work deep and beat most corners with his size and style of play.
Mardy Gilyard - The Rams really want to see what he can do as a returner, where his shiftiness could be a real asset. So far, he's been fine. He really stands out as a gunner on the kicking teams, and his special teams play could very well earn him a roster spot.
Dominique Curry, Jared Jenkins, Greg Matthews and Joe West are also vying for a spot on the roster, one that will be difficult for them to earn given just how limited snaps are in a crowded filed of receivers. They've cobined for just one reception in the preseason. One of these players will land on the practice squad.
And the winners are...
If I had to make an educated guess right now, I'd say the receiver race shakes out like this:
- Amendola, Gibson
- Sims-Walker - gets it based on his track record and I expect him to play better this week.
- Avery - He reminded us that he has the talent. Keep a close eye on him this week in the all telling third preseason game.
- Salas - He won't last on the practice squad, and there's just too much potential here.
- Gilyard - The special teams play is telling.
- Pettis - It probably comes down to seven receivers for the Rams, and they won't want to let a third-round pick get away just because he had a rough preseason.
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I wouldn't be shocked to hear Jacksonville or Washington have made subtle inquiries about Danny A
Both team’s QBs could really use short range check down receiver like Danny. The Rams better tell them to take a hike, because Danny is going to have a big year.
Not ruling it out
but the Skins drafted Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul, and Aldrick Henderson. They resigned Santana Moss, and picked up Stallworth and Gaffney in FA. They’ve also got Anthony Armstrong, and Brandon Banks, who they love as part of their return game.
Again, not sayin it’s not possible, but that’s a lot of recent acquisitions for them to be lookin at Danny Boy. If they want to give us Orakpo, I’m ok with the trade, though!
Maybe they'll
give OJ back hehe.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
drop gilyard
Just in case Clayton can come back and I agree. As of right now I’m saying Gibson and Avery will start.
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 22, 2011 7:45 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
It'll be exciting to see how this plays out!
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Aug 22, 2011 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions
No way
that Gilyard makes it over DX, at least if that knee is doing better
you say that with such certainty
but ur staring that possibility right in the face. Its even highly likely sooo…where is this NO WAY coming from? the future? because if you actually can see that were cutting him soon, tell everyone on here now so we can quit inquiring about it
I think we keep seven..
The 3 DA’s, the 2 rooks, Gilyard, and MSW. Danny, Avery, and Gibson between the 20’s MSW and Alexander in the 20’s for the fade route.
You've got 8
You mention 7 and then add Gibson, so Rams311, you’ve got 8.
If it’s 7, I think Gilyard makes it based on his special teams play, versatility, and potential upside if he can get his head together. That would leave DX out, with concerns over the knee. He has real gamebreaking ability, but I am not sure we can develop a consistent attack with a guy we can’t always count on. He will NEVER play a 16-game season.
If it’s 6, I’d have to say the final spot right now would be between Gilyard and Pettis. They likely won’t part with a 3rd rounder, but Pettis has done little to inspire confidence yet. Big body, supposedly good hands, but he looks timid and unsure right now. Totally to be expected from a rookie, but a 6th rounder, not a 3rd. That said, if he can flash something next 2 preseason games or Mardy does something stupid, which is likely…..
by MarshallMarshallMarshall on Aug 22, 2011 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
They're gone in an instant.
Gilyard or more likely DX is gone, sadly.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
With Gilyard, there must be something there that isnt translating over to the game yet.
However, I gotta think he is a lock now because he has taken all the reps as KO return and he apparently is playing well at gunner. I mean at this point, it’s probably not a good idea to change horses now even if he is going to be a non factor on the WR corps this season.
I think both rookies are definitely in unless one of them is uncoachably bad…the coaching staff realizes those guys have to be developed over the season to see what they have.
I also agree that Gibson and Amendola are on top for their health, consistency and the ability to play many roles in the new offense.
That is 5 receivers that are in. I dont think MSW is in, I am betting he is going to get the most targets in the next preseason game. I think the next preseason game determines weather the Rams put him on the roster or cut him.
I think the coaching staff is going to further motivate this guy by making him lineup with Avery in the first team next game. Whoever performs better will make the team.
If the Rams keep six, I think DX is out unless MSW and Avery both stink in the next preseason game, then he is probably in. If the Rams keep 7, then maybe he gets in if one of them stinks in the next game.
So to recap
1. Amendola
2. Gibson
3. Pettis
4. Salas
5. Gilyard
6. Avery or MSW depending on how well they do in the next preseason game…DX if both of these guys stink it up in the next peseason game.
7. Avery or MSW depending on how well they do in the next preseason game…DX if one of these guys stink it up in the next peseason game.
Some other random thoughts on DX.
I can see the coaching staff really wanting DX to be a future ram, but I think because he isnt a “veteran” it would be easier to convince him to sign on with the practice squad to which they can bring him in in the event of an injury happens during the season. In this way, they can also keep strengthening that knee as he builds a “NFL football body”….he needs to gain muscle mass IMO to give him the best shot at that knee holding up full time. Of course most of this post is speculation on my part, but I think the coaches probably worry about giving this guy a full starter load for 16 games in a season. I think this is what hurts him. I think he got further bad luck when the Rams drafted two WR because you pretty much have to commit to developing that talent. But they can probably convince him to stay on the practice squad.
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
only think i disagree with is on gilyard
I understand potential but I wouldn’t take him over acer nor MSW, I think if it comes down to it drop him, we need proven help and atleast avery and MSW have shown some production where as gilyard hadn’t. Can even put him on ps. So here’s mind
1. Avery
2. MSW
3. Amendola
4. Gibson
5. Pettis
6. Salas
Gilyard goes to ps
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 22, 2011 11:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Avery is the best receiver?
Why even make a case against someone if ur just gunna do something outlandish like saying our best receiver is Avery when he’s on the fuckin bubble loll Not even the coaches think he is the guy right now.
well whos better?
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 22, 2011 12:21 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I can't agree
Avery doesn’t have the same MO as some of the other receivers. Each one fits into his spot. Avery is the best one that we have fitting into a particular spot that DX can’t fill-Remember the “X” “Y” and “Z” thing from 3k’s breakdown? (last year)
Avery is the shit, he just needs to stay healthy.
I think if we let DX go he would be the only one of our receivers that probably would land elsewhere because of the knee. That’s said cut em, let em rest it, and hope he’s ready next year..
by Blue-Rambo on Aug 22, 2011 6:58 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
DX to practice squad
I’d be okay with that, but are you sure he is eligible for practice squad? I believe that when a rookie plays so many games he becomes inelligible for P.S. his sophmore year. ?
by Brad Carrico on Aug 22, 2011 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I say 7
Avery and Gibson start, Danny A in the slot, MSW backs up until Gibson starts dropping to many passes (so week 2 MSW will start), Pettis and Salas will get some reps but not many, and Gilyard will be our return man and get very few passes
Agree with that Chris
gibson is a gametime ball dropping expert. but i feel with the way spags runs things he will have until week 3 then they will wisely start MSW, i think the rookies will disappoint but play until at least mid season then the rams will sign a WR becuase the only guys i see making any impact are Danny Donnie and MSW , gilyard might but when the 3 players i mentioned fail we will need another one
"When" the 3 players fail?
Okay, know-it-all.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Here's a wild guess...
We have good return guys already. And Denario will very likely be physically unable to perform in the long term. Clayton is apparently hurt worse than we all thought. So he’s a non-factor. Anybody consider that maybe MSW ain’t as great as hyped or that he might not be fitting in well with the Rams’ system? Yes, yes, I know rooks take awhile to develop. But if these two guys ain’t cuttin’ it, put ‘em on the practice squad and take a chance. I’m on record as saying it was stupid to draft more receivers in the 3rd and 4th rounds when we already had a stable of #2 and #3 guys. We needed a #1. But that’s water under the bridge. I know it would be embarrassing for the FO to lose Salas or Pettis. Especially since in all likelihood, and for the good of the team, they’re gonna have to cut headless Milyard (last year’s 4th pick). So, it’s Gilyard and DX that get the ol’ heave-ho. And then we’ll have to see if Gibson can perform when it counts like he does when it don’t. I ain’t sold on him yet. STILL hoping despite what they’re saying that Spags and McD finally realize they left Sam without the main weapon he needs; a true #1 WR. That would cost us a couple high draft picks and maybe some of our lesser receivers but would be well worth it IMO.
a true #1 WR. That would cost us a couple high draft picks and maybe some of our lesser receivers but would be well worth it IMO.
But who’s available for that kind of trade NOW ?
"For Better or for Worse; 'Till Death Do Us Part"
GO RAMS !!!
That wasn't confrontational and I'm not gunna get into it with you.
and i agree with a lot of what you have been saying. I just think it’s easy to point out which of our receivers suck. Its harder to find a solution. The solution is not going to be complaining. It’s going to be the Rams getting Sims-Walker up to speed in a new offense. He will end up being a damn good receiver i believe. Try to keep DX healthy. Get the rookies to full speed and get them NFL ready. and do whatever else you can with the guys we have. Because it aint lookin like theres anyone else to add. It was a shitty offseason for meaningful receivers and we actually got the best of the bunch that wasnt named Sidney Rice i think
lol you mean no one
There is no #1 receiver on the block right now and trades in the nfl rarely happen.
It’s funny to hear people complain about us not having a #1 when there just wasn’t any available(besides Rice who would of taken our entire cap room) and this was a weak draft year for receivers. Btw plenty of teams get it done without a #1 and with a handful of good receivers like the rams have. Especially when they have good tes like we do.
by mcpeepants23200 on Aug 22, 2011 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
The TE's we have right now have shown little to nothing inthe NFL. One has never played a pro game.
In all likelihood there is a “good” WR (better than what we have) out there among the other 31 teams whose team either doesn’t want or need right now or who doesn’t fit their system or who may be disgruntled. And, they’d probably do a deal for some picks. From his 1st showing, it looks like I was wrong about Plaxico. You’re fooling yourself if you think many teams become champions without great WR’s. Recall Terry Bradshaw to Lynn Swann/John Stallworth, Montana to Rice, Aiken to Irvin, Warner to Bruce/Holt, Peyton to Wayne/Harrison? Just look how many SB MVP’s are WR’s. Just because Belicheat/Brady managed to make do with a pretty decent Deion Branch doesn’t mean every team can. The teams that win SB’s without big passing games usually do it with superior defense, i.e. Ravens and Tampa. We ain’t there yet on defense.
P Carrol when he saw ...
that he had no chance to pickup McD, he then planned seattle demise. D Bevell /T Jackson/ Rice etc. That’s alot of cap space, for second place, nomatter what we did. McD never planned on carrying more than 7, it’s a numbers game. If you lose more than 5 or 6 who cares you can cut or trade the rest.
Go RAMs !!!
Yeah I think the Rams dropped the ball on a #1.
I think they wanted to address it in the draft, but Atlanta beat them to the punch. After they lost that, I think they made the good picks they had to make.
They probably thought they could address again in FA…but IMO the only real potential “number 1” there was Sidney Rice and the Seahawks pulled the trigger and the Rams did not.
But I will say that the Rams did not have the Cap room that the seahawks did and not commiting to potentially 8 million a year on that guy got us some other big FA signings which I think make the Rams a better team overall
Lastly the Rams while working in that direction are not a “loaded team” because the end of the Martz era through the linehan era. This team was saddled with terrible draft picks and Laden with unproductive veteran FA contracts. In contrast to teams like the chargers or patriots or the Packers they scout talent very well, develop it and what they dont use, they trade for more draft picks at a higher quality than that player was picked at allowing the team to go back to the Draft well and keep drafting future NFL players. This flywheel effect gives those teams the capability of plugging in younger talented guys in place of expensive veteran players.
Why did I just get done saying all of that? Because these are the teams that can swing a super star at a position that in large part is not a crucial position to win football games because they can send a veteran packing to make room and wont lose alot because they have a talented young guy they can plug in there and keep on rolling. The Rams I feel are on there way to being a team that does this also, but I think they are a couple years out yet. But signing Sidney Rice would have meant we couldnt have signed Harvey Dahl…and the Rams have no younger talent that could even come close to filling that void.
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
They weren't in a position to get a number 1!
We couldn’t trade away our draft and move up on Julio or AJ Green…and the only WR in FA that could be considered a #1 was a guy that wanted 10 mil and has had only one healthy season and put up good numbers only once. and coming off of a hip surgery that we couldnt check out? we couldnt bring him in for a physical until later and Seattle agreed to terms before that time because they trusted their offensive co-ordinator
Yeah I agree, I think the Rams were hoping one of those guys would fall far enough and they didnt.
and Rice was who I was talking about and I think it was the right decision not to sign him even if he ends up impressing in seattle.
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
I think that our ...
Avery will have as good as or better statsthan the glorified S Rice !
Go RAMs !!!
I agree with alot of what you said
except i think if spags would put a lineup of MSW Avery and Danny with Kendricks and Jackson out there it would be very good you got alot of different skill sets out there and sam would be using all of the field with these guys on it but mr hard head wants gibson danny and MSw to start which is stupid cuz gibson is a non factor thats why he was so open on that play he gets no respect cuz he doesnt deserve it. i mean come on he almost tackled himself lol wow this guy blows i cant wait till the season starts so all these gibson fans can try and defend 3 dropped passes a game
by G unit Rams on Aug 22, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Bullshit
How can you say that? Rams fans won’t know until this season plays out and most likely will have to wait until next season to see if the WR picks pan out. They weren’t 1st round picks so what is realistically the expectations of Pettis and Salas this year.
This is a rebuilding process and takes a few years. Going for the home run and killing your cap on a supposedly #1 receiver is ridiculous. The FO addressed the needs of Safety, LB, DL, OL, RBs, and possibly (hopefully) WR. That is quite a haul. I’m looking forward to what the FO will do next year.
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 22, 2011 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Bullshit
How can you say that? Rams fans won’t know until this season plays out and most likely will have to wait until next season to see if the WR picks pan out. They weren’t 1st round picks so what is realistically the expectations of Pettis and Salas this year.
This is a rebuilding process and takes a few years. Going for the home run and killing your cap on a supposedly #1 receiver is ridiculous. The FO addressed the needs of Safety, LB, DL, OL, RBs, and possibly (hopefully) WR. That is quite a haul. I’m looking forward to what the FO will do next year.
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 22, 2011 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions
jswirb F U !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your posts are the most obtuse points of view that I read today. Why don’t you offer some positive, constructive and common sense approaches to our problems instead of those 30 / 40 year old over the hill, slow ass, non dependable players that can hardly run a route other than a go. Use your head for something other than a hat rack !
Go RAMs !!!
Lol at 3 dropped passes a game.
Did you watch like 3 Rams games last year?
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Oh yeah, I gotta give Shea Weber credit...he kept telling the lot of us that Gilyard
was going to make it. I personally thought you were smoking crack…but it looks like you were right man! But dont let it go to your head because you are completely off the reservation on Amendola! :)
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
DX?
Why are all the fans so in love with DX? He has shown no consistent play even when he is healthy. There are dozens of fast receivers he has not cut it. He may go help another team but it kills me that people jump on MSW who has a proven track record but give DX break after break. But I guess that is why fans are fans. They are fanatic about their own. DX is a marginal pro receiver period… he is cut and mardy will be the seventh if he makes the team as a special teams player otherwise Pettis or Salas will be returning kicks.
True but
To me I rather have DX over mardy….mardy didn’t do crap last season…DX won us the game against SD..mardy didn’t..oh and DX came unsigned to the practice squad to the team and then he did that..mardy couldn’t even get on the field..
by RamTX on Aug 22, 2011 12:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
While I think Gilyard has improved, I agree he'll be moving on...
… and as much as I like DX, I’d rather see this young guy walking and not in a wheelchair. I honestly think he would have been a top 5 NFL WR. We can’t afford to keep a WR with his knee issues.
DX also lost us the games against Seattle week 17
ball drops right through his hands…………………….
"Huff will git 11 inter this year chris johnson will have 9 rout will have 13 inter this year Lamarr Houston is one of are top def sice huff tom kelly still has lot to lern seymour is giting up there on age but hes still gots 5 years in him raiders need howie long son Chris long from the rams" - Raiders fan
by Moneyy Mayweather on Aug 22, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
game**
along with the others
"Huff will git 11 inter this year chris johnson will have 9 rout will have 13 inter this year Lamarr Houston is one of are top def sice huff tom kelly still has lot to lern seymour is giting up there on age but hes still gots 5 years in him raiders need howie long son Chris long from the rams" - Raiders fan
by Moneyy Mayweather on Aug 22, 2011 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
That is a total bullshit thing to say!
That game wasn’t won or lost on one play. Was it unfortunate he lost the handle on a long pass? yes. If he caught it would we been guaranteed victory? no. Also which other WR even broke open like that during that game? Maybe the problem was that we didn’t have DX involved in that game as much as we should have. Of but hell let’s just forget the spectacular play from Gibson during that game LOL.
gibson is proving himself in camp
And preseason….but its a shame when people look at the seattle game and not the SD game…last time I checked if u dnt win against SD u weren’t even fighting for a playoff spot week 17…besides I see everyone giving pettis and idk who else excuses of dropping passes cause they are rook…I agree but DX was a rook in a big game also not pre season….
by RamTX on Aug 22, 2011 1:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
it could have swayed the momentum thiugh
But unthinking its bull how people are in this dx frenzy like he can’t do nothing wrong. If I remember correct he dropped two balls that game. Don’t disregard his fault just because you have a man crush ( not really aimed at you just in general).
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 22, 2011 2:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
no prob dude
I love criticism…but like I’ve said I understand all I’m saying if everyone is having a man crush on mardy I rather crush on DX…
by RamTX on Aug 22, 2011 3:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
oh i think mardy shoukd be cut or ps
I think dx is better but he has to prove it.
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 22, 2011 3:39 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He has already proven it.
Three times.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
From anyone.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
DX didn't lose that.
The entire offense was awful, and that includes Shurmur. It’s reasonable to point out DX’s performances in the SD, SF and Denver games and say he was the biggest reason, but to say he was the reason we lost against Seattle is complete and utter bullshit.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Fact check.
DX was the only receiver besides Clayton who sniffed a 100 yard game. We had two guys starting that couldn’t catch a cold or run a route. When DX was healthy, he did show that he was our most explosive receiver by far. His speed is not his biggest asset, his positioning and hands are. If his knees are healthy, he is our number one receiver hands down. Just look at the production in the games he has started. If he gets cut it is for health reasons only.
Ron Paul 2012
Yeah, you definitely cant argue with that!
I will also add that he had the best YPA and total yards in the game that he actually did play in and even in those games, he played in what…10% of the snaps?! Imagine if he played as a starter!
- And here's the Rams' 2010 season in a series. Incomplete pass, 18-yard run, incomplete pass, 7-yard run, 5-yard pass, 3-yard run, sack, incomplete pass, punt. Shoot me. - 3K
And Sam's
YPA was at its highest when in the games DX exploded. Not a coincidence.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Why?
Because he was the biggest reason we put up points against the Niners, Chargers and Broncos.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
If the rams keep 7
They keep DX over Mardy. DX has a higher ceiling and gives us a better weapon. Mardy is less injury prone than DX (who isn’t?), but he still has health issues of his own.
by WastedPotential on Aug 22, 2011 12:27 PM CDT reply actions
no way we keep DA
there’s a reason the staff is giving him no reps. Out of all our receivers he’s on the outside looking in.
Sure he’s got great potential but has there ever been a weak that he’s been a Ram where he wasn’t injured, recovering from injury, or sitting out practice because of injury problems?
Plus he’s probably the only receiver we have that can clear waivers and make the practice squad. That way when one of our guys goes down he can step up and help the team.
by mcpeepants23200 on Aug 22, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Mardy over DX
based on his play on ST… especially at gunner!
"Huff will git 11 inter this year chris johnson will have 9 rout will have 13 inter this year Lamarr Houston is one of are top def sice huff tom kelly still has lot to lern seymour is giting up there on age but hes still gots 5 years in him raiders need howie long son Chris long from the rams" - Raiders fan
by Moneyy Mayweather on Aug 22, 2011 12:50 PM CDT reply actions
sorry cant agree
I guess I just haven’t seen that flash from him…DX I have and he is on thin ice thank to his thin knees..chop is right though they prolly both gone but if they decide to take a risk DX deserves it over mardy hands down..
by RamTX on Aug 22, 2011 1:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Based soley on what I've witnessed
I’d go with:
Amendola
Avery
DX
MSX
Gibson
Gilyard
Salas
I just can’t keep two rookies just because they are rookies. Sometimes you just have to admit to a mistake or at least the fact that the reality has changed and move forward. I wouldn’t lose sleep over Pettis getting cut.
Still plenty of time and something unfortunate is likely to happen forcing our hand.
i wouldn't cut either of our rookies for Gilyard
…. Or DX for that matter.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
I agree with Sggladden
You don’t keep a third rounder just because he was a third rounder. You keep the players that are performing the best and those that have the best potential. I don’t know what the Rams think of Pettis, but I can tell you that when I compare his highlight college tape to Salas’ I am much more “turned on” by what I see from Salas.
by Brad Carrico on Aug 22, 2011 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions
true, but I'm more turned off by what I've seen from DX and Gilyard
You dont’ cut third rounders for special teamers and guys who you know can’t stay healthy for a whole season. If DX could stay healthy, I’d take him over either of the rookies, but that just isn’t the case.
Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.
If DX had 0 knee surgeries in his career,
I think it’s safe to say that anyone would take him over anybody on our roster, hands down. It sucks that he’ll be gone due to injury, but another MRI today pretty much seals his fate, even if it was negative.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
You admit mistakes
two or three year down the road, not before they ever play an NFL game. I guarantee you Pettis will succeed in the NFL. If I’m wrong, you can throw it in my face over and over again and I’ll take it, but I’m guaranteeing right now.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
And that's for any team.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Raiders take Pryor
Pryor now gets what he deserves by being lost in the black hole. The Raiders ruin more players than any team ever.
i knew they were gonna get him
Just by looking at his 40 time, I actually wish him pick though
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 22, 2011 2:09 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Why is everyone gushing over Brandon Gibson???
Don’t get me wrong, I’m impressed with Gibson’s work ethic this training camp, and I am impressed with Gibson’s progressively improving ball catching ability with his hands. However, Brandon didn’t exactly get open at all preseason game one, and game two he didn’t either. I wish people would stop acting like Gibson’s 83 yard TD grab was some kind of roster making play. He caught a ball when no Titan’s secondary member decided to cover him. He didn’t run past anyone, they simply didn’t cover him because the safety bit on Sam Bradford’s eyes looking at a shorter route on the play action. And Gibson still almost got dizzy and fell at the 20. Donnie Avery’s 19 yard TD grab where he blew by the corner covering him was, in my oppinion, much more impressive as far as the receiver goes. I don’t see gibson bringing any special skills to the table. He’s not fast, he doesn’t get open a very high percentage of the time, he doesn’t gain many yards after contact, he is only six foot zero inches with subpar leaping ability, and he plays no special teams.
Hahaha
The part bout gibby gettin dizzy made me laff lol also I agree with all of this
by Ram_Redemption on Aug 22, 2011 3:18 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
In fairness to Gibson
He did have a 65% catch rate in his nine final games last season after posting a 43% catch rate in his first 5 games of the season. Gibson also had a pretty impressibe fade route TD catch against the Falcons on a perfectly thrown pass by Sam the Ram. Oh, and Gibson is always healthy and doesn’t miss a snap of practice.
by Brad Carrico on Aug 22, 2011 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly.
A 65% catch rate is no joke, and that’s what I’m saying. Everyone saying he had horrible drop issues all year either clearly didn’t watch the latter half of the season, or they just personally hate him, because he was better than Amendola in the second half and that’s a fact. Nearly all (I think but one) of his drops were in those horrible first 5 games. The amount he improved was quite impressive.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
He got open on that play though,
didn’t he? Kind of kills your argument on that. But the coaches see him as the most improved and aren’t giving him a ton of reps because of it.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
There is a difference between getting open in tight coverage
and not being covered. Bernie Miklasz could’ve gotten open on that play. My point it that it wasn’t Gibson’s blazing speed that created the seperation. It was the combination of the play action and Sam looking off Gibson’s assigned safety.
by Brad Carrico on Aug 23, 2011 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions
And the safeties bit
on that extremely impressive fake handoff, it had nothing to do with his eyes lol. That was one hell of a play action.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
Watch the replay
where they show the play from just behind sam’s point of view. You see the safety still in position after the fake handoff, but then Sam looks at a shorter route that the safety jumps and that’s when Sam threw to Gibby.
by Brad Carrico on Aug 23, 2011 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions
No chance Gilyard makes the team.
He has shown absolutely nothing in the kick return, punt return, or receiving game. Yes, he’s made a couple tackles on coverage teams, but that’s not enough to make the team.
Mardy G. has been impressive the first two games.
Don’t underestimate how much Spags values a good gunner on punt coverage. With Jerome Murphy hurt, we need a good gunner.
by Brad Carrico on Aug 23, 2011 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
I can't argue with that list.
Huge fan of DX, but his MRI today probably sealed his fate. I was wondering why he didn’t play after his awesome screen play, but it seems like he hurt his knee again after.
"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.
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