2011 ending offensive depth chart on STLouisRams.com

I’m sure you’re reading the title and wondering why.  Okay, I realize the Rams have greater needs than in those two positions but I thought I’d start out with these since they are the easiest to deal with right now.

This is how the St. Louis Rams offense looked at the end of the December.  I know, the O-line is a jumbled up mess.  You can find some of the regular starters on the IR.  Ugh.  Question is how many of them do the Rams want back?  Ahem, Jason Smith, it might be the last time I’m looking at you.

» Continue reading “Rams Off Season Needs: Back Up QB’s & RB’s”

Almost the hero of the day - QB Kellen Clemens (Courtesy of STLouisRams.com)

We got to the Edward Jones Dome car pool style with family and friends in tow.  We weren’t going to miss the last game of the season also known as “Fan Appreciation Game” for Rams’ fans.   I won all six tickets via an auction and a trivia contest – it was clearly meant to be.  But did it mean a victory for the Rams?  Apparently I’m not a good luck charm.  Rams lost to the 49ers 34-27 with a late fourth quarter rally to almost tie up the game.

What I liked about the game

- QB Kellen Clemens 18-yard rushing TD.  As you can see from the picture above he flew into the end zone.  What it doesn’t show you is how he shed tackles and juked his way to the goal line.

- K Josh Brown coming up clutch in both long distance field goals (48 and 49-yards) after missing two last week against the Steelers.  Thanks for taking note of my rant.  No hard feelings I hope, Mr. Brown.  Just in case we run into each other at school.

- This time K Josh Brown and LB Bryan Kehl (recovered) came up big as they perfectly executed the onside kick.  I guess the third time is the charm.  The Rams were able to score a Cadillac Williams 1-yard TD.

- The defense as a whole pitched in.  Yes, the Rams have their usual playmakers like LB James Laurinaitis (9) and S Quintin Mikell (7) but today no less than fifteen separate Rams players had two or more tackles in the game.  Five others with one tackle.

- RB Steven Jackson also got my note and ran for 76 yards on 16 carries today.  He was a measly 19 yards on 10 carries in their first meeting.  He suffered an arm injury and sat out the fourth quarter.

- WR Brandon Lloyd caught 6 passes for 100 yards and 1 TD.  A vast improvement from the one reception for 34 yards in week 13.

What I didn’t like about the game

- All the stinkin’ red and white 49ers’ jerseys in the stands.  At certain points of the game I couldn’t tell which was the home team cheering.

- And despite all the Rams and 49ers fans the seats in the Edward Jones Dome was eerily empty.

The "sold out" season finale at Edward Jones Dome (personal photo)

- A horrific first quarter 38-yard punt by P Donnie Jones giving the 49ers field position at the Rams 33 yard line.

- That lead to an 8-yard scamper by 49ers QB Alex Smith into the end zone for his own rushing TD.  What a copy cat!

- As good as many contributed in making tackles there were a few that were BIG misses.  The one that stood out for me was the one missed by DE Chris Long which lead to the above Alex Smith TD.  Ouch.  That ankle injury has really hampered Long’s performance on the field.  He was a half step slower in the game.

- The trick play that backfired in the first quarter: RB Jerious Norwood attempts a pass to QB Kellen Clemens.  Instead the ball gets intercepted at the Rams 45 leading to a 28-yard TD from Alex Smith to Michael Crabtree.  Norwood doesn’t have a background in passing as far as I know so I’m not sure what in the hell McDaniels was thinking.  Maybe he was itching to try that play.  Norwood’s pass was acceptable but the fact that he didn’t throw it at a real receiver but instead tossed in the direction of the quarterback acting like one was head scratching.  I’d like to ask him about that one.

- The fake field goal turned into a give me TD for the 49ers.  How in the world do you not count the men of the field???  49ers’ K David Akers lines up for a routine field goal attempt.  But no one noticed that WR Michael Crabtree was lined up at the end.  He never went out of bounds and was able to slide right back in without sitting out a play.  Ball gets hiked and Akers just lobs the ball to Crabtree who trotted completely uncovered in the end zone. Joke’s on the Rams.

Overall I thought the Rams fought the good fight.  They didn’t get shut out, they improved in almost all aspects of the game compared to their first meeting.  Unfortunately, it was the same outcome.

I can’t say this bodes well for Spags.  Black Monday is almost here and I think we can surely expect a big shake up at Rams Park.

Rams finish the season 2-14.

Here’s to 2012.  Happy new year Rams fans.

Week 15 - Friday Injury Report

Rams are doing their best to get things turned around after a short week.  One less day of healing and preparation for the Cincinnati Bengals.  Lots of players got banged up on Monday night so that extra day would have come in handy.  Then again, for QB Sam Bradford I think it’s a blessing in disguise.

After Monday night’s performance I’m not so sure he gives the Rams the best chance to win.  He couldn’t follow through on his passes – evident in all the grounders that Bradford threw last week.  My kids were asking, “Is that what he’s supposed to be doing?  Isn’t this football and not baseball?”

We don’t have any idea what QB Kellen Clemens is capable of but it looks like we’re going to find out.  Bradford is doubtful for Sunday and I’m all for it.  Let his ankle and his bruised ego some healing time.

When asked how practice was today Spags answered, “I thought it went pretty good. The guys are again, the challenge after a Monday night game is to try to have the freshest, healthiest team the next Sunday, so we did things a little bit differently and I thought the guys handled it pretty good.”

I don’t get the sense many of the Rams are “fresh.”  After all this is week 15 in an already long regular season.  Just a few more games left, fellas.  Hang in there.

What about RB Jerious Norwood’s expanded role in the game?  “Yeah, that may happen. We’ve got three backs and we’ll get them in there and see what happens,” said Spags.

DE Chris Long got some reps during practice today similar to last week.  Spags said he wasn’t sure he’d be able to tell Long he wouldn’t be playing.  If it makes you feel any better, Spags, I’d be hesitant to tell him that sort of bad news, too.

Sounds like CB Justin King has been dealing “with something in the back, a rotator cuff or whatever” according to Spags.  King will rest it until game day and “if he’s able to go, he’ll go.”

Status on DE James Hall for game day is pretty much up to the veteran.  If he feels like he can go, Hall will play.  In other words, he’ll most likely play.

Update on OL Jason Smith:

He’s in here. Again, he stays in touch with Reggie. He’s doing, he’s starting to do a little bit of, when I say exercise, bike and what not. But we’re kind of going slow and there’s no rush now. So we’re not trying to speed it up at all. Reggie’s being smart with it.

And finally some GOOD news for a change.  Sounds like CB Ron Bartell made an appearance at Rams Park today.  Here’s a tweet from Howard Balzer:

Finally some good news in the injury report.

Steven Jackson (Courtesy of STLouisRams.com)

The Rams have reached the point where they have to start looking ahead.  Who should stay and who should go.  Hard to swallow considering it’s just week 14 and we’re dealing with these questions.  Guess we’re getting a head start on most of the other NFL teams, right?  Right…

Time For The Rams To Trade Steven Jackson?

On a visceral level, fans say no. There’s an attachment to Jackson, who was plays his tail off here, despite the franchise’s ability to put a winner around him. For me, I’d really hate to him leave, but the business and practical side outweighs the sentimental.

Count me in as one of those sentimental types but Mr. Van Bibber makes a good and objective case for this.  It could also be in Jackson’s best interest if he wants to win a Super Bowl.   Don’t think it’s going to happen for the Rams any time in the near future.  Something to chew on…

A Few Thoughts On The Rams’ Sam Bradford

Bradford’s raw production hasn’t plummeted as much as we might think. His average for yards per game is nearly identical. His interception percentage has dropped. His NFL passer rating is similar.

At first glance without knowing the specific numbers I would have thought Bradford’s numbers were significantly down but they aren’t.  Check out what does Mike Sando think is the difference this year.  It’s not a surprise if you’ve been carefully following the Rams.  Especially the sacks taken stat.  That’s almost double.  Again, not so surprising.

Norwood, Hood Contribute For The Rams

I’m a team player, so whatever the coaches want me to do, I’m all for it,” Norwood said. “I wasn’t given a reason even though I was inactive. So I just came to work every day and did the things that I was supposed to do. Whenever they call on me, I’ll be there; if they don’t call on me, my attitude is still good.”

Good to see the players still having a positive attitude despite how the season played out.  But like Jim Thomas points out it’s also their audition for other teams if the Rams don’t bring them back.  Many of the Rams’ free agent signings were for one year only.

Here we go again…

10/02/11 Redskins at Rams, Chris Long (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Tell me if you’re heard this one before.

“Rams QB Sam Bradford steps back into the pocket, throws to (insert Rams WR name here) and then said WR DROPS the ball.”

Or how about…

“Rams line up into formation for the snap and… There’s a (holding) PENALTY on the Rams resulting in a loss of 10 yards.”

Rams fans on Twitter are up in arms and even the loyalists are about ready to give up hope.

Four weeks into the season and the Rams are staring down the wrong end of a 0-4 record.   Luckily (?), they are heading into a bye week but will that extra time be enough?

If I’m Spags I make the team stay in town for the bye week and get their butts in gear.  They have to go back and re-learn the fundamentals.  Blocking, tackling, and most of all, catching the damn ball!

I wasn’t able to watch the second half of the game (I’ll go back and watch it later tonight) but from what I’ve read it was mistake after mistake.  At a certain point you can’t just blame the players for a lack of execution.  The coaches are all going to share a spot on that hot seat with them.

Oh, and before I forget.

What is Austin Pettis doing on those returns???  The poor kid is going to get himself killed out there!

The first time you just chalk it up to him being a rookie.  Pettis didn’t know better?  I’ll give you that one.  He probably got an earful on the sideline.  The second time, it’s on the coaches.  They didn’t get through to him or he ignored them.  Either way, he’s getting knocked silly.  The third time is absolutely inexcusable!

Austin, take about 1,000mg of Acetaminophen for that whopper of a headache you’re going to have tonight.  Take better care of yourself on the field, AP.

10/02/11 Redskins at Rams Game Summary

From the numbers

Both Redskins and Rams got off more or less the same number of first downs  (16 vs. 14), plays (69 vs. 67), and passing/receiving yards (143 yds. vs. 127 yds.)

What leaps out at me from the team stat comparisons is the disparity in the running game.  Rams with their pathetic 45 yards to the Redskins’ 196 yards.

This is where I was hoping the Rams would make some positive steps forward from week 3 against the 6th ranked Ravens rushing D. (The Redskins come in at 11th)

The only player to contribute to the Rams running attack (and I use that very lightly) is Steven Jackson.  He ran for a whopping… wait for it…  45 yards on 17 carries.

SJ showed signs of life in a few of his runs but wasn’t able to break one out for a big gain.  His longest run was only for 13 yards.

Where was Cadillac Williams?  He was a non-factor nursing a hamstring injury.  Jerious Norwood was inactive (coach’s decision) in favor of newly signed Quinn Porter for his special teams abilities.

The Redskins on the other hand utilized all three of their running backs (Tim Hightower, Roy Helu, and Ryan Torain) and bull dozed their way all over the Rams.

Redskins Rushing Stats

Here I was all worried about the secondary getting burned but it was actually the run defense (lack there of) that became a contributing factor today.

Yes, there are a plethora of things to whine and moan about.  I know.  These are just a few things.

At least some things went right?

Painful doesn’t even begin to describe what Rams fans have to be feeling.  Some were having flashbacks to the 2008 season and I don’t blame them one bit.

Let’s help ease some of that pain.  Here are the weekly positive notes from the game.

- RB Steven Jackson scored his eighth receiving touchdown of his career and 56^th overall, breaking a tie with Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch for fifth most in Rams history. Jackson rushed for 45 yards on 17 carries and caught four passes for 19 yards.

- With four receptions Sunday, Jackson now needs just two to tie Jim Phillips for eighth on the team’s all-time list. Jackson now has 331 career catches.

- CB Justin King recorded his first career interception when he picked off Rex Grossman early in the fourth quarter. King’s 51-yard return set up a 32-yard field goal by K Josh Brown that cut Washington’s lead to 17-3.

- P Donnie Jones punted eight times for an average of 45.0 yards per attempt and a net average of 42.1 yards per punt. In the process became the franchise’s all-time leader in career punting yards with 17,486, passing Dale Hatcher (17,302).

- LB James Laurinaitis intercepted Grossman late in the fourth quarter for his fourth-career interception.

- With interceptions by King and Laurinaitis, the Rams extended their streak of games consecutive games with at least one takeaway to 10.

- Laurinaitis and CB Bradley Fletcher tied for the team lead in tackles with seven, according to press box statistics.

- WR Austin Pettis caught four passes for 32 yards Sunday, and each of his four receptions went for first downs.

- S Darian Stewart was credited with three passes defensed and six tackles, according to press box stats.

- WR Danario Alexander led the Rams in receiving yards with 46 on three catches.

We’re going to have two full weeks to dissect and figure out what ails the Rams.  It isn’t going to be pretty folks.

“Battle of the Battered 0-1′s” is what I’m calling this match up in the New Meadowlands or whatever they’re calling the time-shared stadium in NEW JERSEY.

Tell me again why they are both called NEW YORK teams?

This match up will mark the first time since December 2006 the Rams played in the little game called Monday Night Football (MNF).  You might have heard a little bit about it over the years.  Haha.

The last time they played the Giants was on September 14, 2008.  They lost to Coach Steve Spagnuolo’s former team 41-13 at home in the Dome.  Hopefully, next Monday will not be a repeat of that game.

The title seems all to fitting for this meeting with all the injuries on both teams.

The Rams have WR Danny Amendola (elbow), DE C.J. Ah You (wrist), RB Steven Jackson (quad) most likely out for the game.  Other banged up Rams include CB Bradley Fletcher (toe), T Jason Smith (ankle), QB Sam Bradford (finger), LB Josh Hull (hammy), and CB Al Harris (knee).  They should have TE Mike Hoomananwanui (calf) back after missing game 1.

On the Giants’ side, DE Justin Tuck (neck) was limited in Thursday’s practice.  With WR Hakeem Nicks (bone bruise, knee), CB Prince Amukamara (foot), TE Travis Beckum (hamstring) and DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) not participating at all.

Keys for the Rams

First and foremost, the Rams are going to have to PROTECT QB Sam Bradford.

With T Jason Smith ailing with the ankle sprain it’s going to be even more of an issue.  The Rams O-line surrendered 5 sacks and 11 QB hits.  This cannot happen again in week 2.  Rodger Saffold, Jacob Bell, Jason Brown and Harvey Dahl, you guys are all on notice.

Second, rookie WR Greg Salas will have to step it up.

He is the heir apparent to the injured Danny Amendola.  Salas had a one catch out of three targets last week for a gain of 21 yards.  He’ll get more looks and the accompanying pounding in the slot this week.  Salas has shown to bounce back after mistakes and hits so I’m really looking forward to what he can do in this game.

Third, to help alleviate some of the pressure from Bradford the Rams need to establish the running game.

I’m going to assume Steven Jackson will not play, leaving Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood to pick up where they left off last week.  Even if Jackson were to give it go I’m not sure he’d be all that effective anyway.

Fourth, the Rams defense has to find a way to contain the Giants’ running game.

Last week, the Rams defense allowed 236 yards rushing to the Eagles – RB LeSean McCoy (122 yds) and QB Michael Vick (97 yds).  The Giants only had 75 yards on the ground but that was against Jim Haslett’s Redskins D.  I don’t expect a repeat of that.  The Giants will come continuously and come hard with their one, two punch of RB’s Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.

I guess I’m not terribly worried about Giants QB “Mr. 25-INT” Eli Manning at this point.  His main receiver Hakeem Nicks is nursing a bad knee and his starting TE Jake Ballard is also questionable.

On the flip side, the Giants do have WR Mario Manningham who has the potential to burn you.   So the Rams’ very thin secondary can’t get too complacent with him, Victor Cruz, or Domenik Hixon.

Game Prediction for Week 2

Okay, so I drank a little bit too much of the Rams-(Kool)aid last week.  But I’m all sobered up and thinking more objectively.

I’ll call this a very close match with both sides bringing lots of pressure to the QB’s.  I still have to believe that the Rams will NOT go 0-2 and squeak this one out to win over the Giants 21-17.

Sorry, Eli.  You’re going to have to give me one of your signature pouty faces at the end of the game.

Have you been the St. Louis Rams website recently?  I’ve been perusing their site more lately.  They have tons of information and features all Rams fans will be very interested in: player bio’s, schedules, photos, videos, etc.

But the one thing on Rams fans’ minds at this point in the preseason: The team depth charts.

How are the Rams listing their players as of this week?

This has to be current as of three days ago since long snapper Chris Massey is not on the special teams chart.  Massey was just released on Monday.

Rams Offensive Depth Chart

Anything on here surprise you?  Or do you think this is just for show?  If this is what they’re really thinking in terms of the WR corp then the rankings are sure to ruffle some feathers.

I think we can all agree on Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson as the two clear cut starters now.  Second stringers include Mike Sims-Walker, another no brainer, but I’m surprised to see Donnie Avery as the other second WR.

This leaves DX and Dominique Curry as the third team WR’s and the rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas are are odd men out.  Which I don’t believe will be the case in the end.  This chart does not bode well for Mardy Gilyard for a WR spot but he makes onto the team as a kick/punt returner.

It will also remain to be seen what the Rams will do at the TE position.  Mike Hoomanawanui is said to be sitting out for at least two weeks with a calf muscle strain.  The talented kid can’t seem to stay healthy.

Do the Rams blow a roster spot and keep the injury prone TE because they like him/his potential?  Or should they cut their losses and keep a player they don’t have as many questions about.  Hmmm, WWSD?  (What would Spags do?)

All those critics, including myself, who were scratching heads when the Rams took TE Lance Kendricks can just shut up now.  That pick is looking mighty smart in hindsight.

The chart shows Cadillac Williams beating out Jerious Norwood for the RB2 but in reality I think they are more RB2a and RB2b.  That means bye-bye to Keith Toston who’s shown some real potential during camp and in the two preseason games?  Maybe he makes the practice squad.

It looks like the Rams may have discovered the secrets behind human cloning as they list Renardo Foster as both LT and RT.  I’m sure he’s versatile…

Any other positions here that surprise you?

Let the debating begin!

If you’re a fan of Mike and Mike in the Morning you know it’s that time of the year again.  Greeny and Golic do their own two-a-days each fall.  Haha, and before you start laughing at the prospect of Greeny doing anything close to something athletic, calm down.  They cover two teams a day answering 5 questions surrounding two NFL teams and give their predictions for the final season record.

1) Does the entire 2011-2012 season rest entirely on the arm of QB Sam Bradford?

Not entirely, but with all those rookie records, yes, a lot will be riding on Sam.  He will have a lot of help from RB Steven Jackson though.  The Rams have to expect Sam Bradford to take that next step in his development and lead the team to the division title.

Sam Bradford's 2010-2011 Stats

2) Can Steven Jackson rush over 1,000 yards with the additions of Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood?

Being the competitive athlete he is, Steven Jackson will not want to give up playing time and reps to his back-ups.  But to his chagrin those few breathers on the sideline will give him fresher legs to prolong his NFL career.

Jackson had a team high leading 330 carries.  His back-up, Kenneth Darby, only 34.  Look for Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood to take a bite or two out of that pie.

Rams 2010-2011 Rushing Leaders

3) Which Rams WR will have a breakout season?  Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson or Mike Sims-Walker?

Obviously, they haven’t been paying much attention to what’s been transpiring at training camp.  If they had even taken a quick looksie they would have discovered the other targets that Sam has at his disposal.

Second round draft pick TE Lance Kendricks has been getting lots of reps with the first team offense as well as third and fourth round picks WR’s Austin Pettis and Greg Salas.  But don’t turn a blind eye to the veterans on the team either.  Mardy Gilyard, Donnie Avery, Danario Alexander, and Dominique Curry are all still lurking in the background.

Look for McDaniels to have Sam spread the ball around to as many receivers as he can.

Rams 2010-2011 Receiving Stats

4) Do you expect to see DE’s Chris Long and James Hall maintain their level of performance from last season?

Chris Long had 8.5 sacks and James Hall with 10.5 sacks.  The Rams actually had 43 sacks putting them #7 in the league.  Most of those sacks coming from the D-line.

Expect the Rams first round draft pick, Robert Quinn, to ease into the lineup this season.  He’s still learning his way around an NFL D-line.  But from what I saw he’s got potential and could make a contribution to that sack total this season.

5) How will the Rams finish this season?

Greeny and Golic both have the Rams 9-7 and winning the division.  *Seattle’s line is blank as they will be covered on August 29.

Mike and Mike's (& Liam's Mum's) Projections for the 2011-2012 Season

Greeny was not at all banking on any of the other QB’s in the division: the 49ers QB Alex Smith, Seahawk’s Tavaris Jackson, and even Arizona’s Kevin Kolb.

By the way, Liam’s mum has NO IDEA about football (or horse racing and basketball for that matter) yet she was eerily good at predicting such things.  Should we feel some comfort in the fact that she loves the Rams?

A stat you didn’t know:

Sam Bradford‘s favorite target, Danny Amendola, tied Cardinal’s WR Larry Fitzgerald for the league lead in red zone targets.  Greeny didn’t say exactly how many and I for one am looking into this.  I’ll get back to you guys once I get an answer from the stat guru Mike Clay.

Well, there you have it.  Mike and Mike’s Rams two-a-days.  Sounds like they’ve partaken in the Rams kool-aid.  What do you guys think?

08/16/11 Rams Camp 11-on-11 Drills (Personal Photo)

Okay, the kids are finally off to school and now I can sit down and gather my thoughts and notes from Tuesday’s practice.  Hopefully you were able to follow my tweets from yesterday afternoon.

I went through my usual check list off the roster they hand out at camp.  I saw most of the guys present whether they were participating or not.  They were out there on the sidelines watching and cheering.

WR's #10 Mike Sims-Walker and #17 Donnie Avery

• WR Donnie Avery - knee
• DB Mikail Baker – hamstring
• OG Jacob Bell – knee
• DT Jermelle Cudjo – back
• RB Steven Jackson – sore hip
• LT Rodger Saffold – back
• WR Mike Sims-Walker – groin

People have asked about Sam Bradford and I can’t say I’ve noticed much in terms of high’s and low’s.  It’s probably more of a testament to his consistency as a passer.  He’s not perfect and he says he still has a ways to go before mastering this playbook but his OC, Josh McDaniels, gives Sam some props:

He works so hard to try to do it perfectly the first time.  Some of those things are harder to do than others.  Then the next day, he comes out and it’s fixed, and it’s right.  That’s very impressive.

#15 WR Dominique Curry's club hand (Personal Photo)

Today he caught a great pass one handed.  And if I remember correctly he was an off balance catch, too.  Imagine what he could do with two functional hands.  Call me crazy but I think this hand injury will make him a better receiver.  Guess you learn to adapt!

Another player who most people take for granted because of his consistency is WR Danny Amendola.

You’re in good hands with Amendola.  He should become the new face of Allstate Insurance Company.

Dude hadn’t dropped or muffed a catch the past two days on my watch.  He may have let one go while I turned away, who knows… But I sure didn’t see one.  He was still going with a full head of steam, too.  To me, he’s the team’s Energizer Bunny.

The receivers and running backs (sans Steven Jackson) had a very busy practice.  #33 RB Cadillac Williams, #34 Jerious Norwood, and #38 Keith Toston all had some excellent bursts through the line for what would have been some good yardage.  FB Van Stumon got some action as well.

Rams Offense Stretching (Personal Photo)

One defensive standout:

 My defensive game ball would certainly go to #50 LB Brian Kehl.  With all the hubbub of free agent signings and other LB’s on the roster, Kehl was sort of being overlooked – but not yesterday.

Kehl made his mark by picking off a Bradford pass intended for Danny Amendola and a second INT thrown by third string QB Thaddeus Lewis.

But I wasn’t the only one who saw Kehl’s efforts.  His defensive minded head coach got a good look as well.

He made an interception, I know, I saw one of them. I’ll tell you what, he’s had a really good camp. He’s been in here, he kind of got plugged in as the starting Will and there is a lot of competition going on there and that usually elevates everybody, which is good to see. But I do think he has had a good camp.

Best Play of the Day:

This honor goes to a very unlikely player.  Believe it or not, the best play award goes to back-up QB A.J. Feeley.  He totally dupes everyone and struts right into the end zone where he caps off his triumphant run with a celebration dance only rivaled by the funky chicken.  The entire field and gallery whooped it up.   I had no idea he had such an animated personality.  I literally laughed out loud.

These guys had nothing on A.J. Feeley.

08/15/11 Rams Camp WR Corp. (Personal Photo)

Despite the craziness of Monday I was able to join fellow female Rams fans at training camp yesterday – even if it was only for an hour.  The announcement had said there’d be “light refreshments” served.  They were being very modest.  It was quite the spread the Rams put on.  BBQ sandwiches, cole slaw, potato salad, etc.  If I had known I wouldn’t have eaten so much at lunch!

But I didn’t have much time so the food took a back seat to watching football.

I focused my attention to the WR’s that afternoon.  It was great to see Greg Salas back on the field as well as Dominique Curry.  Curry, who recently had hand surgery, was already back and doing drills.  He even participated in catching drills despite having a club for a left hand.  I’m not sure how he caught those passes but he did.

Brandon Gibson, Mardy Gilyard, Danario Alexander, Austin Pettis, TE Lance Kendricks, and of course, Danny Amendola participated.

Austin Pettis lost his footing, slipped a bit, and just missed on the catch.  He was NOT happy about it.  Love the competitive fire the kid has.  His intensity and will to get each catch perfect is refreshing to see.  No easy sailing and cruising for Pettis.

One thing I noticed about Amendola is he’s always ON.  The drills I saw, he was always going full speed.

It was also great to see LB James Laurinaitis back, too.  Didn’t get to see much of the defense practice but he was out there.

1) Tony Softli has a good breakdown on the three RB’s who are vying for the back-up RB2 spot.

He makes a case for all three in the chase.  Free agent signees Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood, and Rams second year RB, Keith Toston.

If I had to make a decision based on the first preseason game it would be a battle between Norwood and Toston.  I like Caddy’s running style better but the always looming durability question is a drawback.  Norwood’s quickness is attractive and Toston looked pretty good in the second half of the game.

I’d like to see how Toston and Norwood fair against an NFL starting defense.  Maybe they’ll get more playing time so this question should be answered.

2) Howard Balzer has his own Rams practice update in his column from this morning.  

One of the other ladies noticed only three red jerseys.  It looks like the UDFA QB Taylor Potts was released.  That leaves the Rams with Sam Bradford, A.J. Feeley, and Thaddeus Lewis.  That should carry them into the regular season.

3) You thought the media was tough on Mardy Gilyard?  Turns out he’s his toughest critic.

Even thought he did make some mistake I thought Gilyard was doing quite well during training camp and the first preseason game.  He’s only had a few weeks to learn this new McDaniels offense and it seems Gilyard is further along than he was this time last year.  For all the criticism he took about not absorbing the playbook last season he’s taken leaps and bounds.

I thought he’d be one of the WR’s definitely on the bubble to make the roster but with the strides he’s made and the fact he contributes in special teams should give him that little boost.

Today’s practice starts at 1:15pm.  SI’s senior writer, Peter King will be making a stop at Rams Camp for his Training Camp Across America Tour.  I’m hoping to say hello to him and maybe get a photo with him.  Wish me luck!