St. Louis Rams WR’s #87 Greg Salas and #83 Austin Pettis (2012 Training Camp, Personal Photo)

The St. Louis Rams continued their quest to improve the team by making some cuts that have some fans wondering WTH and some even upset.  Out are WR Greg Salas, CB Jerome Murphy, TE Mike Hoomanawanui, and OL Quinn Ojinnaka.  In are RB Terrance Ganaway, DT Kellen Heard, T Ty Nsekhe, and OG Shelley Smith.

Nick Wagoner of STLouisRams.com did make it a point to write “It needs to be mentioned again and this can’t be emphasized enough but this is by no means a hard and fast final roster. Fisher and GM Les Snead and their crew will be looking at everyone who hits the waiver wire in search of potential upgrades. We’ll have a much better idea of the 53 the Rams want to go into the regular season with come next Wednesday.”

And true to his words the Rams did just that.

» Continue reading “Rams Trade Salas, Cut Murphy, Hoomanawanui, And Ojinnaka”

St. Louis Rams

Good morning.  Here are your daily news links as we slowly start getting into football mode for the preseason.  You’ll find some oldies but goodies (Oh look, the Rams have concerns to the usual suspects and positions.) and a nice recap of Monday’s practice.

There’s also information regarding a tweetup today after the links so make sure you check that out.

As usual, Alexander is battling - Danario Alexander is the best and worst kind of story at any NFL training camp.  The Rams wide receiver is the guy with the irresistible tale that everyone wants to root for because you know what he’s gone through to get here. But it’s also the star-crossed story that ultimately breaks your heart because pro football’s cruel and impatient nature has no time to wait on the happy ending we all want for the former Mizzou star.  ”He obviously has some talent,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “But we just have to keep him out there.”  Read more at St. Louis Post-Dispatch >>>>

St. Louis Rams Training Camp: Recap of Monday’s Practice - The St. Louis Rams returned to the practice field on Monday after a day off.  The team held its annual scrimmage on Saturday, billing it as “Fan Fest” and holding the event at the Edward Jones Dome for the first time in the franchise’s 18-year stay in St. Louis.  Held out of Saturday’s glorified practice were center Scott Wells, offensive tackles Ryan McKee and Rodger Saffold, rookie fullback Todd Anderson, tight ends Lance Kendricks and Deangelo Peterson, and running back Daryl Richardson.  All but Wells practiced on Monday. The only other player not to participate was defensive tackle Trevor Laws. Read more at Bleacherreport.com >>>> 

Rams’ defensive backfield getting healthier - The Rams were getting so low on cornerbacks for a while during training camp that coach Jeff Fisher cut out a period in practice.  ”We were a little nervous last week towards the end,” Fisher said.  But as expected, three cornerbacks and four defensive backs total returned to the field Monday as the Rams got back to work following a day off Sunday.  Cornerbacks Josh Gordy, Jerome Murphy and Kendric Burney returned, as did safety Darian Stewart. They all took part in 11-on-11 work during Monday afternoon’s practice at Rams Park after being sidelined a few days last week mainly because of general leg soreness and tight hamstrings. Read more at St. Louis Post-Dispatch >>>> 

On an event note, if you’re in town please make sure you come out to Rams Camp today.  Practice is open to the public and starts at 3:30 p.m. at the ContinuityX Training Center in Earth City.  Afterwards, the guys from Turf Show Times is hosting a tweetup with special guests Rams “President” Kevin Demoff and Rams General Manager Les Snead.  If we’re lucky @LesSneadHair may make an appearance, too.  Okay, he probably won’t but hey, a girl can dream.

Guess a good (?) night’s sleep didn’t help much in swallowing the ugly loss.  Tensions are still running high on Twitter and on 101ESPN.  The BigEZ from Zach and the Coach is ranting right now as I’m typing this.  He is hot and bothered and not in a good way.

I gave the Rams a D+, just shy of a failing grade, because of the 7 points from what now looks like a freak TD from Sam Bradford to Brandon Gibson.  Without that it would have been an F for sure.

09/25/11 Spags (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Realistically, there’s not much you can do about the bad luck with all the defensive backs.  One by one the secondary landed on the IR.

Jerome Murphy, Mikail Baker, Dionte Dinkins, Ron Bartell, and Tim Atchison.  Unfortunately, that’s where the Ravens stuck it to the Rams the most.  They took the phrase, “Lather, rinse and repeat” to the fullest.

But with all that being said there were a couple of glaring red flags we cannot ignore.

Red flag #1: The Rams coaching staff didn’t make adjustments quick enough.

From Spags’ post-game presser:

I don’t have an explanation. I wish I did.  If I had I would’ve solved it at halftime, but I don’t.

I know one of the things, they came in with a little different approach then we thought.

What do you mean you don’t have an explanation?  You’re the head coach of an NFL team.  You must have some idea of what the Ravens did.

Analysts all over the airwaves and fans seem to have more of a clue than what you just said there.  Take a look at Twitter timelines for some answers, Coach.

Another thing that puzzled me was Spags’ phrasing.  ”I would’ve…”

Last time we looked Spags still had a complete complement of coaches on his staff.  Are we to understand that no one the coaching staff was able to come up with anything?  I hope that Spags’ control freak tendencies didn’t get in the way of him listening to suggestions.

Just because you were once labeled a “defensive guru” doesn’t mean you have to be stubborn and inflexible about something that worked in 2007.  A true guru would recognize when things aren’t working and adapt.

Granted he’s has fewer raw materials to work with but that’s what a good coach does – produce the best product with what he has.

They were laying it down-field and they were successful at doing it.

Now there’s an understatement.  The Ravens were quite successful.

Oh and by the way the Rams helped Ravens WR Torrey Smith become the first rookie in NFL history with three touchdowns receptions  (74, 41, and 18 yards) in the first quarter of a game.  He might want to send the Rams a little bouquet of flowers with a thank you card.

Had they missed a few of those maybe it would have been a little different.

Why does Spags phrase it that way?  If THEY had missed?  How about if WE hadn’t let them make those plays???  It seems to me he’s turning the focus away from the train wreck that is the Rams after three weeks.

Red flag #2: Where’s the fight?

More from Spags’ presser:

No, I’m not mad at the team. I never get mad at them. I get mad for them. I get disappointed for them.

Okay, let me preface this by saying one’s coaching style doesn’t necessarily determine the success of the team.  Some got it done by yelling and screaming (Coughlin, Ditka, Parcells, etc.) and some got it done being mild mannered (Dungy, Lovie Smith, etc.)

But sometimes, a head coach has to identify when it’s time to turn up the heat.

Spags, you need to get mad – get mad at your coaching staff, get mad at your players, and most of all get mad at yourself.

Please stop playing the “I’m/we’re disappointed and frustrated” card.  We’re past that.  Way past that.

At half-time I asked them to just go out and fight. I thought we did that.

That’s all a head coach can ask at that particular point when another team is obviously doing a better job than we are.

You can ask all you want but as coaches don’t you think you should tell them, show them WHAT to do and HOW?

“Go out and fight.”  How vague.  Give them specifics and details.  Give your players a better plan.  Can’t you just hear the players saying this a la Jerry McGuire, “Help me help you.”

Ah, that’s right.  ”I don’t have an explanation. I wish I did.  If I had I would’ve solved it at halftime, but I don’t.”

Who goes into the regular season with only 4 cornerbacks?  Just sayin’…

Realistically, in a worse case scenario I could see the Rams starting 0-8.  Harsh but realistic.

Buckle up folks this could get more bumpy before it gets better.

Dreary out but quiet as I get my day started.  I kept thinking I’d have to wake my son up for school only to realize I could have slept in an extra hour this morning since he’s at camp.  Didn’t think I’d miss him so much even though he’s daddy’s boy.

I’ll have to console myself some how.  Maybe lunch at one of my favorite Indian buffets will get my mind off of things for a bit.  The best way to distract oneself is through a food coma I always say.

Courtesy STLouisRams.com

1) Here are some Rams notes from the H-man himself, Howard Balzer.

Most notable is the fact that the Rams have become the team where cornerbacks come to land on the IR.  Count them four now.  Jerome Murphy, Dionte Dinkins, Ron Bartell, and now Tim Atchison.

This reminds me of the 2008 Broncos when their RB corps dropped like flies.  Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Ryan Torain, and Peyton Hillis all went down that year.  How do I remember?  I had three of them on my fantasy team.  Good thing I handcuffed my RB’s a lot that year.

And here I thought we had come out of the Giants MNF game relatively unscathed.  God speed your recovery gentlemen.

2) Want to know how the Raven fans see the Rams?  I’ve done some “Google-ing” and found this.

Again it points out the impact of all the Rams injuries has on their chances of winning this match up on Sunday.  Of course, they predict a Ravens victory.

3) Did you ever wonder what NFL ticket prices are around the league?  How do they compare to the Edward Jones Dome?  It does depend on the visiting teams as some attract greater attention therefore higher prices.

Here’s a look at this week’s match ups and how certain seats price out.  The best deal is in Oakland.  So those of you who are monetarily conscience need to be a Raiders fans.

If you missed my tweet from yesterday and have some time please check out my article on 101ESPN.com for this week.  I have The (Football) Sickness.  Do you show signs of these symptoms?  I had fun writing this one.

Have a good day, everyone!

Many people had concerns about the impact all that time off would have on the players.  And if the last three weeks are any indication, then we’re in for a long season.

More than 10 Rams players are not participating during practices with big names like LB James Laurinaitis, TE Michael Hoomanawanui, and CB Ron Bartell just to name a few.  The biggest lost so far has been CB Jerome Murphy who seems to be lost for the season with a broken ankle.

Looking at the most updated roster you’ll find a plethora of new names.  Those, including me, who thought Billy Devaney and Kevin Demoff were gun shy were sorely mistaken.  The Rams didn’t make huge waves during free agency with any glitzy signings but they made some key acquisitions to shore up the holes left by the departure of S OJ Atogwe, WR Laurent Robinson, LB Larry Grant, OL John Greco, TE Daniel Fells, and FB Kenneth Darby.

They even addressed the pesky “Who’s going to be Steven Jackson’s back-up?” question by bringing in two change up RB’s in Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood.

Let’s take a look at the new additions, shall we?

Among the new free agent faces you’ll find in Rams Park are S Quintin Mikell (from Eagles), OG Harvey Dahl (from Falcons), WR Mike Sims-Walker (from Jaguars), DT Daniel Muir (from Colts), RB Cadillac Williams (from Buccaneers), RB Jerious Norwood (from Falcons), LB Brady Poppinga (from Packers), LB Zac Diles(from Texans), CB Al Harris (from Dolphins), and LB Ben Leber (from Vikings).

Along with the Rams draft picks: DE Robert Quinn (first round, North Carolina), TE Lance Kendricks(second round, Wisconsin), WR Austin Pettis (third round, Boise State), WR Greg Salas (fourth round, Hawaii), S Jermale Hines (fifth round, Ohio State), and S Jonathan Nelson(seventh round, Oklahoma).

(That’s not including all the undrafted free agents that have come and gone since the lockout was lifted.)

As the preseason progresses we will still see changes to that list until the final 53 is determined by September 3.

They should just install a revolving door at all the NFL camps, don’t you think?

Good afternoon!  A quick but very important reminder to everyone right off the bat.

Today’s Rams 5:00pm training camp practice is CLOSED to the public.  Fans can attend the next open practice which is scheduled for Friday at 2:30pm.

Their first pre-season game is Saturday, August 13 at 7:00pm as they host the Indianapolis Colts.  Per Rams EVP/COO Kevin Demoff’s Twitter post:

@kdemoff

We’ll keep you updated.  In the meantime, you can scope out division rivals Seahawks as they play against the Chargers tonight at 7:00pm on ESPN.  Also, BAL @ PHI at 10:00pm on NFLN.

All right, let’s get to Rams business, shall we?

August 10′s injury update from Coach Spagnuolo:

• James Laurinaitis (LB) – Strained pectoral muscle. Listed as “day-to-day.”
• James Hall (DE) – Flexor
• Ron Bartell (CB) -
• New: Justin Bannan (DT) – “Tweaked tricep”
• Jerome Murphy (CB) – Had surgery on his ankle  today.  Spags will try and get a hold of him tonight.
• Marquis Johnson (DB) – Currently on PUP.  “He may find himself on reserve PUP when it’s all done.”
• Jermele Cudjo (DT) – sore back.

What does Spags think about the other Gibson on the team?

Spags calls DT Gary Gibson “a solid football player” who’s passionate and knows their system.  His familiarity with DL coach Brendan Daly makes the DEF more solid and is glad to have him back.

Spags makes it clear that Steven Jackson is the undoubted #1 RB.  Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood are great back-up options and they are coming along well.  But they’re still learning the offense and getting acclimated with their new team.

Praises for his #1 RB.  I’ll let Spags use his own words:

I think that’s a credit to him and the way he handles his body in the offseason and during the season. He does it right and I’m hoping we do the right things with him too. You’re right, he’s touched the ball a lot. He’s a durable guy. We always say that about him being a warrior, but I think he’s able to do that because one, his mindset, and two because he takes care of his body.

Barring any insane happenings Steven Jackson shouldn’t worry at all about his starting position.  No real word on who’d be the clear RB2 though.  Guess Spags is going to use Norwood and Cadillac situationally?

Some quick notes from Twitter today:

1. WR Mark Clayton made a visit to the Rams today for injury evaluation per John Clayton.
2. The Rams and LB Ben Leber have agreed to terms and expects him to sign officially today or tomorrow.

So who’s getting excited for football???

Rams Offense

Speaking of injuries, I think I tweaked my own knee today while on my run this morning.  Doctor’s orders: 400 mg Ibuprofen and lots of ice.

I’m half way through my training (9 weeks to go until the race) and this is where the mileage starts to really ramp up.  I’m scheduled to run 15 miles on Saturday – the longest distance I’ve ever ran.  That’s about three laps around Forest Park.  One thing’s for sure:  I have to be careful not to burn out mentally and wear out physically.

Rams training camp started its third week yesterday and they’ve already accumulated a number of boo boo’s.  Mostly minor, some season ending, and some still unknown.

1) CB Jerome Murphy #23 probably has the most serious injury right now.  A broken ankle.  He’s having surgery today on it and will most likely land him on the IR.

Good luck to Murph (and his surgeons) as he goes under the knife.  Wishing you a speedy recovery!

P. S. I’m not exactly sure where his fracture was and the extent of his injury but having broken my ankle almost 10 years ago I know how hard it can be to get back to normal after surgery.  My ankle is still not quite right even after 2 metal plates and 14 screws later.  Yep, it was a doozy!

2) WR Dominique Curry had surgery on his hand last week and is expected to miss several weeks as it heals.  It’s competitive as it is without a set back like this. This could really hurt his chances in making the team.

3) The biggest news from yesterday was that LB James Laurinaitis left practice with an aggravated pectoral muscle.  We’ll have a better idea today after he gets x-rays but Tony Softli thinks he just needs some rest.  It’s the same type of injury JL suffered last season.

4) DB Chris Smith suffered the lone injury during the scrimmage on Sunday.  He hurt his knee.

5) Mardy Gilyard left practice yesterday with eye issues.  Per Spags:

I think Reggie said he’s having trouble seeing. Sometimes the sun, and I don’t know if it’s migraines or what it is, but that’s what he told me so that’s why I sent him in.

6) Players didn’t participate in Sunday’s scrimmage:

• Michael Hoomanawanui (TE) – concussion
• David Vobora (LB) – concussions
• Ron Bartell (CB) – thigh
• Jermelle Cudjo (DT) – lower back
• Fendi Onobun (TE) – groin and wide receivers
• Danario Alexander (WR) – swelling and fluid on knee)
• Greg Salas (WR) – hamstring
• Donnie Avery (WR) – hamstring

Steven Jackson and Sam Bradford

Today marked the first day of open practices for the St. Louis Rams and QB Sam Bradford. After a 4 month extended unwanted vacation, courtesy of the NFL owners (boo!), he was ready for real action, his new coaches, and his teammates.

Today, Sam (and the rest of the team for that matter) was ready to get things going. So much so that Spags had to pull in the reigns and take it down a notch during walk throughs this morning.

I think everyone was pretty excited to go. That was definitely the fastest tempo walkthrough I’ve been a part of. Especially when we started walking through plays against the defense. Like I said earlier, that just comes from everyone being excited to get back on the field.

I can’t imagine what it felt like for the coaches, staff and players to get back to a routine – at least as normal as it can get with this free agency insanity going on in the forefront. As great as it is for us fans, it must have been even sweeter for Sam.

It was good. Obviously, it was just good to get out here on the field. Obviously, we have a long ways to go. I thought it was exciting to have everyone out here going through it today, playing football again.

It’s what everyone wanted to do. I think everyone is excited to be out here on the first day and we’re going to work to get better each day.

Without the benefit of OTA’s and classroom instruction I expected the practice today to be drunken clumsy. I envisioned players fumbling through drills and the coaches barking at a herd of lost sheep. But I was pleasantly surprised. They were not perfect by any means but the players didn’t seem as clueless considering the Rams are trying to install a new offense basically overnight.

Luckily, or unluckily, the Rams aren’t the only ones. Teams with new head coaches and coordinators such as the Browns (Good ole Pat Shurmur), 49ers (Jim Harbaugh), Broncos (John Fox), and Panthers (Ron Rivera) are all in the same hazy fog.

I count Sam as one BIG blessing. We’re fortunate to have a smart QB like him. Can you imagine Vince Young trying to process a new system as complicated as this one?

Yeah, I felt like everyone picked it up. Like I said, we’re still a long way from being ready to play a game. I think that is pretty evident, but I would imagine every team around the league is that way.

Sam makes a very poignant statement:

I think it’s about who can get back into shape quick and who can do it the fastest. I think if we come out and get better every day and learn from our mistakes and we don’t repeat those mistakes, we’ll do that.

Don’t repeat those mistakes. Which was something the Rams did frequently throughout Sam’s rookie season – dropped passes (ahem WR’s – you know who you are!), missed blocks, wrong routes, bad tackling, etc. Must I go on? Yet despite that Sam helped lead the team to seven wins.

#34 CB Chris Smith, #81 WR Mardy Gilyard and #23 CB Jermone Murphy

Head coach Steve Spagnuolo was an integral part of those wins. But what struck me as I watched the practice unfold was the Rams had TWO head coaches out there. I still saw Josh McDaniels as a HC.

He was just as vocal if not more than Spags today. Actually, I’m not sure I really heard Spags! And he’s from Boston for crying out loud! You couldn’t miss McDaniels though. He was loud, energetic, and animated – a resounding Yang to Shurmur’s Yin.

» Continue reading “Sam Bradford: More Comfortable This Year”