Recap: St. Louis Rams 14, Kansas City Chiefs 10
by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 26, 2011 10:14 PM CDT
in 2011 St. Louis Rams preseason
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PrintNot everything was perfect, far from it, as the St. Louis Rams starting units stampeded to a prodigious start to their third preseason game. Contrasted with their mostly futile efforts last week, it would seem to signal a team better prepared than many expected. It was certainly resilient effort, even if it is unrealistic to expect the Rams offense to score on the opening drive every week.
That signals an offense capable of putting things in tune. A group able to make things happen. It's really actually hard not to be irrationally exuberant. Not all was perfect in the second half for the offense, but the defense bailed them out with relative ease. The highlight of the game: limiting the Chiefs to a field goal after Bradford tossed an interception at his own 7-yard line.
It looked like Kansas City scored on second down of that drive. A holding call brought it back. You might chalk that up to preseason play - the Rams had their fair share of slop - but they seemed likely to stop that play.
This game provided plenty to process, so I'm switching it over to stream of conscious and some organizing subheaders.. Ka-pow! (I also have one eye on the 4th quarter). I look forward to slowing it down, watching some it a few more times.
In the trenches
Whatever Spagnuolo and the coaches said to the offense line, it worked. It also made Jacob Bell look more important after last week. Except for a couple penalties, the tackles played pretty well. They each got bested a time or two as well. Jason Smith played like a man with a renewed passion for the sport, the nastiness of it. Bradford had time in the pocket. Running was easy, though the Chiefs did have a 26th ranked DVOA, 2.5 percent, against the run last year, per Football Outsiders.On the other side of the ball, the Rams pressured the quarterback through the entire half. The might have had two more sacks but for a couple missed tackles. Gary Gibson started in place of Fred Robbins, and was the same old solid Gary Gibson.
On the run
The offensive line got its credit above. Hopefully you didn't lose all your time trying to spot Steven Jackson's dreads. If you did, you missed classic Jackson. He ran well, and that old shoulder drop was the deadly old shoulder drop of old. Jackson got more preseason work tonight than he has in the last four years combined. Cadillac Williams inspired exactly the kind of confidence you want to see in the guy backing up Jackson. Together, they averaged a little less than five yards per carry in the first half.
New faces in new places
The decision to switch up outside linebackers made the coaches look smart. Ben Leber and Brady Poppinga kept it covered pretty well, not getting caught out of place. Darian Stewart did nothing to hurt his cause for the starting job either. A good night for the rookies. Robert Quinn had a sack, despite almost getting his torn off, and forced a fumble. His sack came against the Chiefs starting offensive line. The blocked punt sealed the deal for Quinn's night. Color me excited to watch him play. For a guy that hasn't played football in a year, he looks good. He face some adjustment time when the games count, but credit him for a nice preseason so far. Lance Kendricks scored a touchdown. The shock of the Rams drafting him in the second round will never go away, but he looks like a player that the Rams can count on this year.
Bradford report
Bradford had a pretty nice night, overall. For the second week in a row, his first pass of the game went to Brandon Gibson, a bullet that erased a 3rd-and-19. He owes his defense a steak for bailing him out after that interception. It came up short, but his final drive of the game was very well done. Danario Alexander missed a couple of key catches on that drive. More importantly perhaps than any of it, he did a nice job reading the defense, something he struggled with last week. The Chiefs didn't blitz quite like the Titans either.
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SJ39's Hair
Did Steven cut his hair?
My favorite team is the Rams, and my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Seahawks.
by LookgoodPlaygood on Aug 26, 2011 10:22 PM CDT reply actions
No, he just tucked his dreads under his shirt.
Which makes sense, because when they’re hanging out a defender can grab them and tackle him legally that way. I thought it looked really weird on him.
I was quite pleased to see Quinn show something tonite. May he only improve... to Pro Bowl caliber.
I think tonite probably nailed up DX and Milyard. We’re in deep doodoo if we ever have to rely on Feeley at QB. Him tossing wild passes at DX and Gilyard is night-marish. Sam started with a bang and ended with a whimper. I hope one of these days he can reel off 21 or 28 points before going into the doldrums. But, I’m not going to be too critical of the man. He does NOT have a true #1 WR and it shows. Kendricks is his best option. SJax showed if you give him a little daylight, he’s still deadly. Cadillac Williams showed why we’ve needed a credible b/u RB for years. Dahl MUST be helping out the O-Line. Still don’t know what to make of OLB, but wonder why Kehl and Diggs are even still around. Diles didn’t look too swift.
The last time we had a rook block a kick
it was Isaac Bruce… remember that chopper?
Hopefully this bodes well for quinn
WARNING: Due to depression caused by the NFL Lockout, any posts, comments, fanshots, fanposts, email conversations, web site articles or any other related communication may be offensive or slightly disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
versus packers bruce blocked a punt
WARNING: Due to depression caused by the NFL Lockout, any posts, comments, fanshots, fanposts, email conversations, web site articles or any other related communication may be offensive or slightly disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
read last paragraph
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/19076/one-teammates-respects-for-isaac-bruce
WARNING: Due to depression caused by the NFL Lockout, any posts, comments, fanshots, fanposts, email conversations, web site articles or any other related communication may be offensive or slightly disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
by VTramsFan on Aug 26, 2011 11:10 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
He'd struggle in coverage
A lot
by King Sam Rules! on Aug 26, 2011 10:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
can't judge a draft class
until the 3rd year after
"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now. "
Bruce Coslet
Absolutely you can
Bradford and Saffold were obviously the right choice by the end of the preseason last year, we all knew James L. was a monster when he became the starter from day 1 and Fletcher flashed brillance in his rookie year.
Kendricks is a fucking monster and Quinn is getting better every game, and tonight was excellent, if the Rams played a full game tonight Quinn would have gotten a sack, he was too much for Brandon Albert.
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 27, 2011 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions
The Draft Class
How can you say we brought in another good draft class when there is doubt over whether or not the third and fourth round picks at reciever will even make the team?
My favorite team is the Rams, and my second favorite team is whoever is playing the Seahawks.
by LookgoodPlaygood on Aug 27, 2011 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't have much doubt that they'll make the team....
Contribute greatly? Probably not, but they’ll make the team.
The truth is always the right answer....
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Aug 27, 2011 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Lookin' pretty good on Quinn and Kendricks. Not so much on the other dudes.
The FO struck gold with Sam, JL and Saffold. They overrated and overpaid Smith. Lost in space are guys already gone like Hall Davis, Obog, Keith Null, etc. And IMO, Murphy, Hoom, Onobun and Milyard look like misfires. And I didn’t understand the logic of spending another 3rd and 4th pick on potential #2 or #3 WR’s when the stable’s full of those already. Would’ve been kinda nice to have had an OLB or O-Linemen with those two picks. But, that’s just me and my questioning attitude…
3-0
Yeah it’s preseason, but still.
I am glad to see us finishing games. Last year, we couldn’t finish. Always seemed like we would get so close and let the other team score or we couldn’t do anything late.
Sam Bradford
Mikel and MSW
Dude mikell looked fierce tonight! Has anyone heard anything about supposed MSW injury?
by Rcoon1307 on Aug 26, 2011 10:37 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Quinn really impressed me tonight...
He had 2 qb pressures, a sack (which he was held on), a blocked kick, and I believe he drew another holding penalty. He was in the chiefs backfield alot. Another thing I noticed about Quinn, on running plays he stays at home, he doesnt get out of position for the RB to cut back and have plenty of room to run, he is very disciplined. Very impressed by his play tonight.
My bad
in a previous post I said:
“DA has to be chopped
Did you see him on the last Rams first down play? He was limping across the field. Then he ran a poor route for a pass that was almost intercepted. Get rid of him.”
I was talking about DX. My apologies to Avery.
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 26, 2011 10:38 PM CDT reply actions
even if it is unrealistic to expect the Rams offense to score on the opening drive every week.
Give it a year and this will change.
Vancouver Canucks reach Stanley Cup Finals: city riots, causing millions of dollars' worth of damage.
Joe Sakic makes a hole-in-one: saves lives of cancer patients.
"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.
The Number Zero, aiming squarely for the groin. DSB Record: 1-3-0
by Tempestuous Binary on Aug 26, 2011 11:56 PM CDT reply actions
200 miles up the river where the Madeiran starts shaping itself into the Amazon near Manaus,
there is a Fen, of which the snakes grow in excess of 20 feet. When wading in this Fen, it confirms that one has found the mysteries of the tribal mixture that the Madeiran invites.
In the cool still quiet hours of night, you can hear Eagles players softly uttering love words to themselves while kissing their hands and arms. "I am a Dream-I am a Dream"
My undergraduate
studies are complete now.Thank you!
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 27, 2011 1:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Justin King is not impressing me at all. We need to hit the wire for a CB on cut day
I like Harris, he’s never had famous INT hands, but he’s a solid player for short term. We need to shore up our CB corp. A solid #2 QB would be huge, but who? My opinion of Diggs, Diles and Kehl hasn’t changed: We can do better.
I’ve come to the conclusion there is reason to believe our O has super possibilities, but it is still a work in progress. While McD and Sam iron out learning the playbook, Spags needs to finish the work on our D. This defense is close to being a top flight D. If the Eagles would let Asante go for a #2 or 3, Devaney should think about pulling the trigger.
As to what OLBs might be available on cut day…?
I'd have to agree 100%.
Amazing what a new NFL caliber OG and b/u RB have done for the offense. King does NOT impress. Feeley is an accident waiting to happen, if Heaven forbid we ever have to use him. I don’t know their whereabouts but what about Thigpen, Carr, Gradkowski, Tebow or calling Bulger or Garcia out of retirement? The LB’s you named need to be cut last week. Blind man could see that in a minute. Milyard and DX probably drove stakes thru their hearts tonite. We’re still not gonna be able to throw the deep ball till we find a reliable speedster with hands that can understand a playbook. And that’s a cryin’ shame as Sam tossed one pass 60 yards in the air tonite. The man is big and strong!
If it's any help, I rank the three OLBs mentioned
1\ Diles
2\ Diggs
3\ Kehl
All three do not have my confidence, but we may have to keep at least one.
Didn’t Carr sign with SF? I’ll check and see. Tebow would need a “sub-offense” designed for him I think. Too much to try I think, though interesting. You’re onto something with Thigpen. He’s solid enough to grade him an upgrade over AJ. Gradkowski was signed I think… Cleveland????
My vote based on what may be available is if Denver cuts loose Adam Weber. No NFL experience, but he’s an Amendola at QB. His throwing style reminds me a little of a guy named Montana. I know he’s a HUUUUGE stretch and what we need is an experienced NFL QB. But if we are going to take a flier on a QB, this is the guy I’d take a chance on.
No Tebow
if we get Tebow I am going to pull a Kurt Cobain.
It is milk it may be spilled it may be delicious.
I disagree
At least when Bradford comes off the field he can talk to Feeley about what they saw differently and not come off the field and teach Tebow how to make good decisions.
It is milk it may be spilled it may be delicious.
Carr w/NYG, Gradkowski w/Cincy
Carr looked great in his last game.
"Some people are born on third base and go through life thinking they hit a triple." -- Barry Switzer
by my name IS Earl on Aug 27, 2011 4:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I couldn't Carr less either-
In the cool still quiet hours of night, you can hear Eagles players softly uttering love words to themselves while kissing their hands and arms. "I am a Dream-I am a Dream"
You know how I know we have improved dramatically
When ramchop is bitching about is our 2nd string qb and a 2nd year backup cb. He even suggested Tebow….lol….those are some pretty tedious complaints if you think in terms of how far we’ve come in two years.
by stlfan2004 on Aug 27, 2011 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
So far we're 8-24 over the last two years. So let's not hoist the Lombardi Trophy just yet.
If you think we’re set with Feeley and at CB, more power to ya.
oh I'm not zoning in on the sb
I’m just appreciative of our strides forward. Sometimes it is better to be realistic in your expectations for a team. I think it is silly to complain about a second string qb when last year we were just hoping we’d have a teal first string qb….lol. But that is just me.
by stlfan2004 on Aug 27, 2011 11:03 AM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Okay My Turn
QB: Bradford – He probably throws the most accurate passes right now. He has yet to over throw, under throw, one hope, throw behind or to for in front of a receiver. His pass to Gibson over the linebacker was absolute money. Granted the INT was a 100% his fault, but it’s preseason and mistakes on reads happen.
RB: Jackson – Okay, okay okay. I was absolutely impressed with the big man tonight. Maybe he’s not totally done. He looked like a beast tonight. I want to see him play like this every game. He doesn’t have much speed but his vision, power and awareness was outstanding.
WR: Gibson – Gibby is by far our best receiver, it isn’t even close. He has zero speed and not much YAC, but he is sure handed, knows how to get open and knows the playbook. Really like him alot.
Sims-Walker – Not really sure what to think. Not sure if he’s hurt or what, but he should be much more explosive then what I’m seeing. I know he’s new, but he really needs to step up and take pressure off of Gibson and Amendola
Amendola – still the craziest white boy in the NFL. Makes tough catches and is clutch. Nuff said.
Pettis – he’s non existent and doesn’t impress at all.
Salas – is completely lost, on the Bradford INT the play was a quick throw to Salas and Salas wasn’t even looking for it. Had Bradford gotten the pass through ILB Derrick Johnson it would have most likely been incomplete because Salas just didn’t know what was going on,
Avery – I’m really scratching my head he’s not playing with the starters. Maybe the Rams are playing a game with the Eagles and the rest of the NFL making teams think he’s not good or a starter, but he most definitely needs to be out their with the 1st team.
Gillyard – I’m rooting for this kid. I know he drops passes, but he plays hard and will give his body up for the play. He’s also a very good return man. I want him to make the team over Pettis.
Alexander – I left the worst for last. I’m sorry I know Alexander is a fan favorite, but he’s just not good. Dropping passes, running lazy routes, no focusing, just overall not flashing potential impact player. Add in the potential injury factor and he’s just not worthy of a roster spot.
TE: Kendricks – best athlete on the field not named Jackson. He is the go to guy for this Rams team. The Rams and McDaniels are definitely not going to show their hand with him. He’s going to be special in this offense.
TE: Bajama – He’s better than Mike Ho Ho. Sorry, but a guy that plays is better than a guy who doesn’t. He’s a very good blocker against the pass and rush and he’s a solid receiver.
LT: Saffold – He destroyed Glen Dorsey tonight and he’s the best LT from the 2011 draft. The Rams have their franchise LT to block for their franchise QB for the next decade.
LG: Bell – with Bell in the starting lineup the Rams are a completely different team all away around. I know he’s not a fan favorite because he is more finesse than power, but God damn is he good.
C: Brown – Brown is solid and looks much more comfortable even since getting Goldberg way from him. Did a very good job tonight against the 0-Tech (NT).
RG: Dahl – he finally is comfortable in this offense and has found his niche. He looked very good tonight and he absolutely killed super bust Tyson Jackson.
RT: Smith – Smith is getting better every game, and tonight he was pure dominance. Other than OLB Justin Houston beating him off of the edge he played excellent football tonight. Also, to be honest, he’s really our best run blocker. Not just because of his get off but because he’s athletic enough and quick enough to get down field. I love me some Jason Smith.
I’ll do the defense later.
Yeah Jackson is so done...
No explosiveness whatsoever…. You wanna go back on that argument? Guy looked just as good as last year and he still has the speed and quickness to get to the outside
Actually I don't think he has much of a future here
Jackson doesn’t have an agility and he broke outside because it was wide open, what he showed is he still has the knack to get 8-10 yard runs and has the ability to break off a 20 yarder. He’s not going to break 50+ runs anymore, he just can’t. He’s all power right now and when motivated, which he obviously was last night he can still be a borderline top 10 back.
But where this team is going and who they are bulding the offense around and what kind of offense they are transitioning to Jackson just doesn’t have much of a future here. He’ll 29 going on 32 next year and I’ve already said this before but paying him $8 million for LeGarrett Blount production is just not good business.
I absolutely guarantee that is Trent Richardson is still in the board when the Rams are picking he will be the pick and Steven will be instantly gone.
I understand the loyalty towards Jackson, he is a fan favorite and he’s been the only thing worth watching from the years of 2006-2009, but not anymore and with the offense going to a spread system where backs have to have a 1 cut and go exposive first step the Rams will look to go younger with more agile backs.
Also Jackson didn’t have the speed to get to the outside other then 1 play when he bounced it out to the strong side yet only netted 10 yards off the run.
Listen, Jackson is good for this year, he’s a good transition piece for Bradford, but he’s nearing the end of his productive years and before you know it he’ll be nothing more than just a big guy with little to no upside making $8 million. The Rams have to continue brining in explosive pieces, can you imagine what Bradford could do with a dual back set like Jamaal Charles and Dexter McCluster? Look at how Brady has different backs for different situations, or look how Ray Rice gives the Ravens a legit dual threat coming out of the backfield. The Rams will be looking to move towards that type of back, obviously Richardson would be a fantastic player in this offense, but adding someone like LaMichael James and Knile Davis could give a young offense some real fire power that we just can’t get from Jackson.
One thing that I hate about the running game that we run is that it’s so obvious. If you noticed last night, we were having 2 and 3 TE sets with one wide out and a FB out there. That formation screams run, because Jackson can’t run out of the shot gun and has been having trouble without a FB so single back set run plays are almost irelevant. When Jackson is out there the offense is almost handicapped by the different looks it can offer.
I want this offense to be explosive, I want this offense to resemble the GSOT where the Rams can run out of different sets and running plays and passing plays didn’t look any different from each other.
If you can’t see that, then I’m sorry but you’re just not getting it.
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 27, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
i just cant see the rams letting sjax go give me a break...
who cares if he doesnt have chris johnson blazing speed, why? because steven never had it to begin with! to want to let go of a pro-bowl rb, one that has sacrificed his body for a losing team, and not once , ever, demanded a trade, team captain, and loyal to his franchise, and teamates…it would be absolutly assanign to even think about letting steven jackson loose. now drafting for the future? yes, but just downright letting him go? comon dafranchize.
look at jerome bettis? you think in his later yrs, when he couldnt explode off the line, maybe on occasion, that the steelers were thinking…“you know what? he’s washed up! lets go another route”. no! they rode jerome’s coatails all the way to the big dance. steven jackson never EVER! had the opportunity, because the rams o-line was atrocious! but he still banged away, earning 1000 yrd seasons in 7 yrs. if you want charles and mclusters dude? theres PLENTY of seats on that k.c. bandwagon.
by Mark Jaramillo on Aug 27, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
SJ is the FranchiZe has been for the last 6 years, dude deserves nothing but respect from all rams fans.
So we keep a guy
because of the past?
This is the NFL not MLB, it doesn’t work that way. I guess the Chargers should have held on to LT, or the Jags should have held on to Fred Taylor, or how the Seahawks should have held onto Alexander, or the Redskins should have held onto Portis, or the Jets should have held onto Martin, of the Titans should have held onto George, or how the Colts let James walk,?
The past is irrelevant in the NFL, the only question teams want answered is what is the upside of keeping a player, and if there is no upside, which Jackson absolutely does not have beyond this year then the answer is easily answered.
It’s 2011 not 2008, the Rams are transitioning to a passing first offense, a spread offense something that Jackson absolutely does not fit in. Not only can he not run out of a single back set, but his blitz pickup has been one of the worst by a starting back in the NFL since he entered the league back in 2004. He has literally no future here, and just because he played on bad teams doesn’t mean he wasn’t handsomely compensated, he was only 1 of the top 3 or 4 highest paid backs and has been since.
Sorry to enlighten you to how the NFL works, but 30 year old 245lbs, backs with no explosion who are making $8 million with limited upside are not exactly good business.
Oh and by the way, the Jerome Bettis thing, they rode him as the 2nd back in their system. Willie Parker was their feature back, and because Ben Roethlisberger was a rookie the Steelers dumbed down their offense into a power running game that relied on defense to win a Super Bowl. If Bettis didn’t retire after that season he would have been cut because like the Rams, the Steelers were transitioning the offense to make Big Ben the focal point, not their running game. So no, it’s not the same thing.
Name me one back right now that is 29/30 making $8 million plus and is the feature back on their squad? Thought so.
Now, go learn football and how the NFL works and hop off my nuts, explaining simple trends and concepts is annoying and really boring and it goes to show why fans from other team don’t respect Rams fans.
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 27, 2011 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
josh mcdaniels runs the ball over half the time he builds his pass offense off the run
think about how he drafted 2 RBs as soon as he got to denver thats just how he operates. so no its not a pass first offense its pretty balanced
he never really broke 50+ yarders to begin with maybe one or 2 a year
the guy is a beast and our franchises most important player. He will be around for a good while longer
Hmmmm...
I still have high hopes for Salas, though Pettis is starting to make me titchy. Somebody need to find a way to make Pettis relax and have fun. He is just flat out overwhelmed. if he’s having adjustmet issues to the NFL they need to slow him down (Pup?) He has the tools, but they are there, then they aren’t????
To me, Smith had his best game as a Ram tonight and I think it is fair to say a Mr. dahl has had a huge impact on the Smith we are now seeing.
Much to the chagrin of a friend of mine, I remain a fan of Bajema. You’ll never see his name on a box of Wheaties and the only shoe designed with his name on it will be a steel toed workboot, but all champion teams have a Bajema. They may only last a season or two with the team, but while they are there, they silently make a diffence that is tough to define.
I’m starting to regret Greco leaving… I can’t believe I just typed that?
Kendrick officially has a bulls-eye on him and defense are going to aim at him hard.
The most alarming aspect of this evening is what I see as the defensive plan for Bradford is starting to crystalize – Teams are going to make CONTACT whenever possible. He is going to be hit a ton and draw a bunch of roughing QB penalties.
I was just about to post a comment about Pettis...
I really didn’t like the Pettis pick in the draft – it was the one pick that just killed me (vs the alternatives available) – and I’m hating it now. I don’t want to bury the guy already because it is only preseason of his rookie year, but damn if we shouldn’t be seeing more from him though.
As much crap as Gilyard takes, as much doubt as there is for DX knees, and the house divided on Avery – they have all shown much more in preseaon than Pettis. Salas, drafted after, has shown flashes during games as well. Yet Pettis will get the roster spot due to draft status (assuming Gibson, Amendola, and MSW are locks). I truely do hope he turns it around – I’d rather him be good than not just cause I didn’t like the pick. I’m not trying to go all edChop on the guy just yet but I don’t have a lot of confidence in him right now.
I should be working right now...
Agree and don't agree
First, if you didn’t like the Pettis pick as opposed to alternatives – who are the alternatives so we have a baseline to assess? I want Pettis and Salas to make the team even though i think Salas is the better of the two.
I have been reading for months now that DX could never remain healthy to regularly contribute but I like to see with my own eyes instead of taking other people’s word for it. I have seen and they are right, DX has to go.
I can see Gilyard making the team due to his ST work especially as a gunner. I also think you could slip him into a few offensive plays during a game where the plays is conducive to his skill set so to make his presence more likely to succeed.
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 27, 2011 3:30 AM CDT up reply actions
The alternatives that I was looking at
during the draft were Drake Nevis (DT) or Mason Foster (LB).
I just thought that Pettis was repetitive to what we already had and not worth the 3rd rd price vs alternative to improve the team. I like the 4th pick in Salas, but it made the 3rd rd with Pettis look even that much more wasted IMO due to duplicating efforts for all intensive purposes.
Maybe he is just on a slow curve with the missed camp times and all this year, and will ultimately be a nice redzone target for Sam by the end of the year – I just didnt really see it at the time of draft and I still dont see it now. I will be thrilled for Pettis to have me eat crow though.
I should be working right now...
I'll take on some of DaFranciZe observations
QB: Bradford – He’s the leader. I agree about his accuracy. Sam will be taking on a new offense and new leadership/play calling role in it. He stated earlier that the offense will be changed each week to exploit weaknesses in the defense they will be playing. I suspect there will be ups and downs this year and will take a few years for Sam to totally master. We need patience because this is going to be special down the road.
RB: Jackson – Jackson showed tonight that he can hit the outside and out run defenders for 8-12 yards. He looked good going up the middle too. If he stays healthy along with the O line this will be a great year both running and passing the ball.
WR: Gibson – Totally agree with you assessment.
Sims-Walker – So far MSW is an enigma. He needs more time with the offense and he needs to stick with the team. I think he gets better as the team progresses. .
Amendola – Nothing else to say that you haven’t already said..
Pettis – Can’t figure him out. So far I’m calling him “pettis the ghost”.
Salas – This is where we disagree. You can’t have the same expectation from a 4th rounder in his 1st year; you want high expectation from Green and Jones. I don’t see Salas as lost – he’s just learning. I think every reception of his I’ve seen he has 5 YAC with a defender draped all over him. I think he will see his share of catches for first downs this year. Nothing spectacular, but reliable. I think he will contribute to ST too.
Avery – I’m really scratching my head he’s not playing with the starters. Maybe the Rams are playing a game with the Eagles and the rest of the NFL making teams think he’s not good or a starter, but he most definitely needs to be out their with the 1st team.
Gillyard – Totally agree with your assessment.
Alexander – DX would be my first cut from witnessing his play tonight. That dude is crippled.
TE: Kendricks – Perfectly stated. Kendricks is going to be the talk of this season as long as he is out there playing up to speed.
TE: Bajama – I can’t disagree with Bajema’s assessment as well.
At this point I’m not inclined to assess the O line. The first team seems to be doing above average work on both pass and rush.
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 27, 2011 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Oops
My Avery reply is just a copy of DaFranz take (sorry).
Avery – He makes the team and I do not have any reservations about him. Staying healthy, I expect him to be a regular contributor to the passing game.
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 27, 2011 2:48 AM CDT up reply actions
This way Robert Quinns breakout game
He looked like a 1st rounder today. Drew some penalties, got a sack, and blocked a FG!
This draft class is looking to be really good to me. I’m really high on Quinn, Salas, Kendricks, and Jabara Williams.
Can J. Hines make as quick an impact as
Darian Stewart?
by JBaccSTL on Aug 27, 2011 1:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
How's Dinkins?!?!
I don’t wanna freak out about an UDFA but man are these injuries picking on our weaknesses.
by JBaccSTL on Aug 27, 2011 1:47 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
it didnt look good
id be surprised if we see him out there again this season
"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."
by Buck Nasty87 on Aug 27, 2011 2:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Gibby looks awesome
He seems to be developing into a poor man’s Issac Bruce. If only Gibby had some speed…
Sorry boys I don't think we are under the radar anymore!
5 pics/links about the Rams on the front page of ESPN! Im Actually happy that I dont have to go looking for our content any more! WHOOP WHOOP!
#1 - The MuthaF'in St. Louis Rams: The Rams are better than every team on Earth. End of discussion. Have a nice day, batches. (Connect with us on Facebook!) - 3k
by weekend_warrior55 on Aug 27, 2011 2:55 AM CDT reply actions
*ESPN NFL
Damn I keep looking at it and I can’t remember the last time I saw that much Rams content on the NFL Front page
#1 - The MuthaF'in St. Louis Rams: The Rams are better than every team on Earth. End of discussion. Have a nice day, batches. (Connect with us on Facebook!) - 3k
by weekend_warrior55 on Aug 27, 2011 3:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Well the blog section is a running stream of new posta
So every time sando writes something, it’ll show up for a bit. The section on the right is the recap of the game. The Rams played on a Friday and the NFL is king. So they’ll be on that section for a few hours.
As for Bradford on the cover story, he’s just baller. His inclusion there is the most impressive thing.
I still think the Rams will stay under the radar as long as they don’t have a great fantasy performer other than SJax. So many people around this nation judge teams based on their skill players. There’s a reason the Texans are always a favorite during preseason- Schaub, Foster and Johnson. If Bradford and one of the receivers get hot in fantasy in the first three weeks (I’m talking 300+yds for bradford and 150 for a receiver) then we’ll hear a lot more about the Rams. This is a player-driven league. Not as bad as the NBA, but enough.
"I have something 95 percent of all those All-Stars only wish they had: a World Series ring. If I had to choose between that and being an All-Star, it would be no contest. I’d grab the gold ring and never look back." -Tim Salmon
by BruinHalo on Aug 27, 2011 10:35 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, that feels good
but i would prefer the Rams fly under the radar and not catch media fire until they shock the world going 4-0 to start the season.
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 27, 2011 2:59 AM CDT reply actions
Rookie WRs with no OTAs or rookie camp ...
… are really going to look bad, so please grade on curve because Rams staff is going to. Only position who has it worse is QB, which is why it’s stupid for anyone to think Cam Newton is going to look great with a 1-15 team after THREE weeks.
"Some people are born on third base and go through life thinking they hit a triple." -- Barry Switzer
by my name IS Earl on Aug 27, 2011 4:25 AM CDT reply actions
Great catch by Avery and took a big hit got up
Rams Bulls and Mets allllllllll day also i do love white castle
Yea...
I like Avery. He has the 1 element that can’t be coached. Speed. Thats why I’m rooting for him. The rest of the guys (with the exceptions of Amendola and even Gibson, at this point) are definitely head scratchers. MSW is most likely our best option due to experience.
DX – gone
Gilyard – I’ll give him credit for trying. And I do believe the FO (coaching staff) would like o see their 4th round mistake succeed. I truly believe this guy does not have what it takes to play at this level. And if he should stay, I think he’ll end up doing more harm than good. I just feel like he’s more of a mistake waiting to happen than good receiver waiting to break out.
Petis / Salas – I understand the draft selections here. Due to the big question marks on our receiving corp. Although getting 2 players with similar skill sets when you already have 1 thats proven kind of makes you wonder. Anyways…the jury is still out. I wasn’t ready to give up on Gilyard last year until the end of the season. So, we’ll wait and see.
I think you'll get your wish
I love DX but he was hurting last night and it showed big time. His knee is unfortunately going to be his downfall. I think he gets cut. That leaves Gilyard and Avery as the options. I can tell the coaches and team really like Gilyard. They say he is always making you laugh or smile…..ALWAYS. In that aspect, I think they are trying to find any and every way to justify giving him another year to come along and he has shown progress. That is impressive considering how hard it was to learn a Shurmur playbook and now he is having to conquer McDaniels playbook. However, Avery looks better than both. There mighy not be mounds of seperation but he still looks better than both. If I got my way it would be Gibson, Amendola, Salas, MSW, Avery, and Gilyard (I know they will put Pettis in the mix but the kid has done nothing to deserve it)
DX
Had such high hopes for him, my favourite of the receivers but I am also starting to think it is time to give up
ok
been out of loop since last week …sorry,,,,whats up with receiving corp did anyone get cut …with only one week left who’s in and who’s out does sam have a go to guy yet….just from reading the above article it looks like the receiving coer is going to be our achilles heal…but like I PREDICTED cadillac will be awesome
Harvey Dahl
makes a huge difference in the O line play. I was at the game and was amazed to watch him play after the whistle on EVERY play. Derrick Johnson was particularly targeted it seems from Dahl from the opening kickoff. Maybe he is rubbing off on Jason Smith as he got into it with Tyson Jackson a time or two as well. Hopefully just signs of things to come.
He is very good
and quite the scrappy fellow
meh
Lol….Gibby looked good amendola msw looked good salas showed good flashes and made rookie mistakes….but the three fighting it out had very subpar games pettis again showed nothing
by stlfan2004 on Aug 27, 2011 10:57 AM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
i saw that too! lol! after the whistle and dahl was shoving johnson to the side to get back to the huddle! loved it!
dahl was a godsent! he’s nasty, and tenatious! sam calls him his new bodyguard! again…love it!
by Mark Jaramillo on Aug 27, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
sorry Haters DX stays
He did nt have a great game but when he was in the game they were looking for him, kid has talent. Its ok you learn to love him… if im wrong i can eat my words like DafranchZe did on SJ39
I love dx as much as the nxt guy but
He looked bad. He better explode in practice nxt week.
by Ram_Redemption on Aug 27, 2011 9:21 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
He's gone
He dropped passes, he ran sloppy routes, and he serves no purpose now. Avery is back so we don’t need DX as a deep guy, and MSW is the big reciever
by King Sam Rules! on Aug 27, 2011 9:49 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
whos hating? were just stating facts, and the fact of the matter is that your boy I.R. , i mean , DX.....
is going to be kicking rocks the final cut. sorry to say.
by Mark Jaramillo on Aug 27, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry to break it to you
But Alexander is not only dropping easy passes, but he’s becoming a liability running routes. That route he ran last night when he didn’t explode out of his break and make a bee ling for the sideline and almost forced a 2nd INT was the last straw, he’s not only losing focus out there but he’s not running routes with force and when round off a route like he did starting corners key on that and break on the ball. Alexander was floating downfield when he should have gone from his break directly to the sideline and the ball was there.
The drop was bad, but what was worse is that the ball got up on him to fast. This is the NFL, as soon the receiver turns around and snaps his head around he absolutely must be expecting the ball to be there and he better be ready to catch it. This is college when you can simply out talent your opponent, this is the NFL wher execution is key and details are everything.
Alexander will not be a Ram, he has nothing to offer this team other than being a former player from an in state college.
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 27, 2011 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
If you have the game on DVR
watch the play prior to the one DaFranchiZe is describing. You will see DX limping across the middle… doing that skipping thing. I could run faster than DX on that play. Dudes a liability. Chopped!
by RoyaleWithCheeze on Aug 27, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Just saying you dont earn or lose your roster spot with 2 passes in the 3rd preseason game. Spags took a shot on this kid when no one else wanted him. He helped them win 2 games last year & has the potential to do the same thing this year. If its based on preseason looks like Pettis, Salas, Msw , might all get cut. We dont get to see every practice or scrimmage, I m just saying if we cut him we should keep the next best 6’6 Wr on our roster…
U do have a pount there
no one besides gibson and danny have proven their worth (maybe donnie)
by Ram_Redemption on Aug 27, 2011 10:18 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Sorry but again
he offers nothing that MSW and Gibson don’t already offer. Alexander might be 6’5 but he doesn’t play like a possession receiver, he is not a physical receiver, so whats that make him a finnesse guy? We already got them, and Sims-Walker has shown much more this camp than Alexander has, at least Sims-Walker gets open and doesn’t drop passes that hit him directly in the hands when facing Bradford. Alexander just isn’t good. There is nothing there. He’s been flat out terrible this training camp.
Oh and he “may” have helped in 2 wins, but he had a major hand in dropping a fantastic pass from Bradford against Seattle in week 17 which hurt real bad. Not that preseason games actually matter but showing consistency does, and again Alexander dropped another TD pass from Feeley against Indy which was a pass that receivers our expected to catch.
by DaFranchiZe on Aug 27, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree that his game last night isn't the makenor break
I love the kid, but that knee that didn’t bother me as much last year really concerns me this year. I would just rather see the kid walking in a couple of years than see him in a rams uniform this year. The knee is carrying permanent fluid now and it showed in his play last night.
by stlfan2004 on Aug 27, 2011 11:11 AM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
He also offered to pay for him to get his leg cleaned up
I doubt he would have done that if he thought DX would be a big contributer this season.
Is anybody else starting to wonder why we used our 3rd and 4th draft picks to get two more mediocre at best WR's?
And Milyard was a wasted 4th pick the previous year. Some, or all, of these guys don’t make the team. And, we’d better be looking for a true #1 WR.
The reason we keep drafting mid round recievers
Is cause none are panning out, and the one position where most the studs actually do cone from the 1st round is wide reciever (which is the round the Rams refuse to draft one in). Here’s hoping we can get Blackmon in the draft and end this wasting draft picks thing
by King Sam Rules! on Aug 27, 2011 11:21 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
actually I like the salas pick alot
Now pettis I haven’t seen anything from but considering wrs take 3 years to develop…..
by stlfan2004 on Aug 27, 2011 11:22 AM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
and theyre exceptions
Not the rule Smh
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 27, 2011 1:26 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
kinda like
Sam Bradford is an exception not a rule, normally it take a qb and wr 3 years to develop people like Sam and Calvin Johnson are exceptions
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 27, 2011 1:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
QB's huh?
How long did it take Kurt Warner, Matt Ryan, Brett Favre, Josh Freeman, Mark Sanchez, Peyton & Eli Manning, Matt Cassell, Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Phil Simms, Joe Namath, Big Ben, Troy Aikmen, etc. etc. to “develop.” Great QB’s are born, not made. If you’ve got one, you find out pretty quick. Otherwise you end up with the Trent Dilfer, Dru Bledsoe, Brad Johnson, Mark Rypien, Matt Hasselbeck, Jake Delhomme, Kerry Collins type that made it to, or even won, SB’s but were never really any good.
uhh
Wat about rodgers?
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 27, 2011 1:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
so there are cases
Where a team has to wait for players to develop and it happens mostly with wrs
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 27, 2011 2:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Name me 1 WR
that took 3 years to develop and either continued to be lights out or Hall of Fame material.
Where did you come up with this 3 year plan thing?
Heard this from Sapp himself
One year doesn’t matter ( something like that ) Second year you got lucky and then by the 3rd year that’s when you’re proving something. You cant down a player just because they had a bad first year and in the 2nd year they’re just getting better and unless they’ve digressed you keep them. Fiery White for example didn’t do too good his first two years and in his third year he got a 1000 yards. Terrell Owens was the same way, took him til his 3rd year to eclipse that mark.
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 27, 2011 3:41 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Roddy White I meant
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 27, 2011 3:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
chris carter
took 7 years and then exploded into a future hall of famer
by Ram_Redemption on Aug 27, 2011 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
lol as for Tory holt
I think we cab both agree that when you use a 7 time probowler as your argument you are pretty much admitting he is not the norm as for jones and Greene it would be speculation to say one way or the other at this point
by stlfan2004 on Aug 27, 2011 3:54 PM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Your ignorance
On this subject is entertaining
Sam Bradford to Austin Pettis
Kinda has a ring to it
by RG31 on Aug 27, 2011 12:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
these WR are all young, i dont expect alot out of them this year Gipson, Danny, MSW & Kendricks should be our leading WRs. The rest will add depth and could develop. Averys the wild card with big play potential. The reason we are picking them in the 3rd & 4th round is because we have been strengthing our offensive & defensive lines early in the draft. I d loved Julio or AJ Green but they were nt there when we picked. I think Kendricks might end up being the steal of the draft hes capable of huge numbers from a TE
looks
like the receiving corp is not ready for prime time with all these comments any word on clayton
The things that need to be worked this week are.....
punt and kick-off returns. Even with Gilyard, which I think hurts the return game, the lanes were not there except on one kick-off. More field awareness and film study might help him. I think Avery should get a few kick-off returns and try Salas or even Pettis on punt returns to weight their value before the cut-downs.
DX needed to step up big this week. He didn’t..he’s either gone or go on PUP if possible. Otherwise the ‘corp’ has made major strides over last year. I can see 70+ throws to Kendricks this year.
Get Quinn more rotation reps. Defense looked top 10 this week.
Defensive backfield looks a little week at back-ups. Injuries don’t help. Expect a pickup this week.
"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."
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