Derion Kendrick

[XXXIVwin]

This is Exactly how I feel about Derion Kendrick; and I want to take this moment to acknowledge Dan's post.

In the future, I intend to take these Exact words, and use them as my own; and will not acknowledge Dan.

If some trouble-maker suggests that these were originally Dan's words, I will reply ... "Dan? ... Dan Who?"

I am not using blue font, as I usually do, because I am Truly Not Kidding.

Same here. Not kidding.

I used to believe that DK was a scrappy player with toughness and competitiveness.

I now believe DK is physical and high-effort but he also doesn't "get it". Have seen players like him before. He's a dog on his own hunt. Does not mean he's the worst in the NFL but you can't win with guys who get flagged so often and get picked on.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

 

[oldnotdead]

Durant is healthy enough to play STs so he's healthy enough to start. But Morris dictates who starts so the buck stops there. He's perfectly fine with this abomination week after week. This is why I want both Raheem and DK gone. He did it in Atlanta, playing only his kiss ass boys. Why do you think if he's such prime HC material he isn't even getting sniffs? GMs see this shit as easily as fans.

Fuller is gone and IMO Lake is the best safety they have but Morris has him rotating in playing SCB go figure. Who you play and how you play them is what coaching is at this level. Morris is failing the eye test.

 

[rdlkgliders]

But Morris dictates who starts so the buck stops there. He's perfectly fine with this abomination week after week.

Honest question and statement
#1 we need to improve our secondary.
#2 No way Raheem wants us to lose so he is likely using the best player available for the role, Rah has shown the ability to adjust to the talent or lack there of that we have available at any given time.
#3 Isn't it possible that Durant or anyone else just pose a worse problem or maybe a new set of problems that don't help the situation as a whole?
#4 We are undertalented by a large margin in the secondary and our subs may only change the way it hurts us not stop it from hurting us.

 

[JimY53]

This is why I want both Raheem and DK gone. He did it in Atlanta, playing only his kiss ass boys.

You have evidence of this? Been to practice have you? You know who kisses his butt and who does not? You've talked to those players? To Morris? To a reporter who would be in a position to know?

Somehow I don't think you have any such knowledge. Call it a hunch.

Morris is failing the eye test.

I think I've shown it isn't him that is failing the eye test.

 

[Kupped]

Durant is healthy enough to play STs so he's healthy enough to start. But Morris dictates who starts so the buck stops there. He's perfectly fine with this abomination week after week. This is why I want both Raheem and DK gone. He did it in Atlanta, playing only his kiss ass boys. Why do you think if he's such prime HC material he isn't even getting sniffs? GMs see this shit as easily as fans.

Fuller is gone and IMO Lake is the best safety they have but Morris has him rotating in playing SCB go figure. Who you play and how you play them is what coaching is at this level. Morris is failing the eye test.

Honest question...

What the fuck is wrong with you?
If there's a diagnosis and it's a situation where I should have a little more patience or grace for you, please let me know.

 

[OntarioRam]

I've hated his game for quite some time now, and even during his better stretches, have never been convinced, just knowing the melt down was around the corner despite whatever the PFF stats say. But if he is still getting the reps, I will assume he is showing he deserves them in practice over the other players, particularly as he keeps starting after the gun incident. The reality is this secondary is seriously deficient in talent. He might well be our best option. Which is sad to say, but it is what it is.

I'd love to give Tomlinson a try but what little I've seen of him is not inspiring. He appears to be just as grabby and undisciplined as Kendrick. But smaller and faster. He is a rookie from a smaller program, and had some nice tape coming out of college, so I am still hopeful he can contribute in some role in 2024 with a year under his belt. With DK, I think the ship has sailed. I doubt he lasts in the league more than another year or two.

 

[JimY53]

#1 we need to improve our secondary.

Yes. THT was drafted for that reason, Taylor, too. And there is next year's draft. Perhaps a FA. Had the Spoon signing, which has worked out better than I thought. I thought he was a JAG. He's pretty good. Still, sure, would like to see improvement. My opinion is Rams would too.

#2 No way Raheem wants us to lose so he is likely using the best player available for the role and he has also shown the ability to adjust to the talent or lack there of we have available at any given time.

You are right. For anyone to suggest that Morris plays favorites is absurd. He plays the ones who look the best day-in and day-out. And he relies on the two "geniuses" Pleasant and Lake who run the drills and help break down the film in making those decisions.

#3 Isn't it possible that Durant or anyone else just pose a worse problem or maybe a new set of problems that don't help the situation as a whole

It is possible. For me, I'd guess it's a risk/reward thing. Play Kenrdick you get this benefit and that risk. Durant, this good, this bad. Until you get someone with more elite talent, that is probably the way it goes.

#4 We are undertalented by a large margin in the secondary and our subs may only change the way it hurts us not stop it from hurting us.

Yes, fair statement. But in looking at it...even with Kendrick, the last three weeks, to me anyway, the safeties have been more sus than the CBs. I could be wrong in what I am seeing on film, so there is that, but it looks like breakdowns on the back end that have led to some big plays.

Overall? The defensive passer rating is still 86.2 - 13th in NFL. Not elite but not trash.
Fangio's? 84.9. Spags? 85.9. They have much more talent in the secondary and Rams are in the same category.

 

[JimY53]

I'd love to give Tomlinson a try but what little I've seen of him is not inspiring. He appears to be just as grabby and undisciplined as Kendrick. But smaller and faster.

That speed may be the upside for him ... and maybe will shorty not be over the line. I like dog. Not too much dog. Pat Thomas had dog in him - the perfect amount. Dre Bly, too. THT could maybe be more like them than guys who hurt the team with it.

 

[rdlkgliders]

Had the Spoon signing

The Spoon signing felt like it fell in our lap, could you imagine if serendipity wasn't on our side for this one?

the safeties have been more sus than the CBs. I could be wrong in what I am seeing on film,

I think you are 100% correct and I see where Rah is doing his best to get the right personnel and calls made to mitigate damage but at the end of the day subpar talent only needs to make a couple mistakes to make a big impact on a game. It isn't consistent it is spotty and that will happen.

 

[OldSchool]

The comments that Morris is playing DK over Durant or somebody else because he's either stupid or just bad or playing favorites are so absurd they deserve adjectives that we aren't allowed to use to other posters. Much less towards the Rams coaches or players like they get away with here.

 

[JimY53]

The comments that Morris is playing DK over Durant or somebody else because he's either stupid or just bad or playing favorites are so absurd they deserve adjectives that we aren't allowed to use to other posters. Much less towards the Rams coaches or players like they get away with here.

 

[sloramfan]

i have to go with the guys that make the decisions... not wannabe internet "head coaches" and "DC's"...

my boy's still starting... that means he brings more good to the table than bad... if not, mcvay would have jettisoned
his sorry ass (as a lot of you think) out of here long ago...

i'm sure as they watch all 22 (coaches film) they see the contributions he makes, andthe mistakes,and they weigh the good vs the bad...

when he messes up so bad, that it warrants benching...mcvay will absolutely do it...and im sure i will whole heartedly agree with that..

but until then why not root for the kid?

i thought it was pretty awsome that when he got absolutely smoked on the double move for the TD (i thought it was a TD), that the replay showed he had a gear i didn't know he had, and ran the receiver down at the one...

you get smoked, and you don't give up.... that's HEART... he could have easily given up on that play, and didn't... but zero credit from some...i guarantee you that mcvay gave him some credit...

and as jim youngblood put it in the vid... what was the safety doing moving coverage from DK's side to the other side?.. you don't suppose kendrick might of thought he had, or was supposed to have, help over the top?.. hmmm maybe..

he's winning at something, cuz he's still in there...

go derion kendrick..

go rams

slo

 

[Snaz]

Another two words that do not belong in the same sentence are cute and little.

So you are not down with her cute little dress?

 

[sloramfan]

playing favorites by playing kendrick over durant???

and i thought i wore rose colored glasses!!! my god we're talking about professionals with crazy money at stake!!!

THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ANYONE ELSES OPINION OR TAKE... THEY HAVE TO PUT THE BEST PRODUCT OUT THERE...PERIOD!!!!

and ROD takes are just fun banter between us internet geeks....

go figure why people get so pissed about a keyboard punching ramfan... it's all in fun guys...

root like hell against derion kendrick for the forever awesome "i told you so"... i'm rooting for him as long as he's a ram, and playing..

derion, i'm in your corner... give the saints hell this week...

go rams

slo

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

I think Kendrick needs to be replaced. He's not an NFL-level starter on a good team, IMO. Agree he's physical and high-effort but he also doesn't "get it". Have seen players like him before. He's a dog on his own hunt. Does not mean he's the worst in the NFL but you can't win with guys who get flagged so often and get picked on. Right now, he's a pigeon. Even when he makes a play it's because he's getting picked on.

They don't try Spoon much anymore...there are few returns on that investment of a throw. I like Durant more that most people here, it seems. THT has dog in him ... from what little I have seen and he at least has some speed to make it work. But until I see what he can do in NFL regular season I am always sus of a player.

Rams have picks next year and hopefully they trade down (I am a trade down person as long as you can get equal value---two guys are better than one ... in theory) Also best player available---to a degree, not absolute.

But IMO, Rams should target edge, QB of future, another IOL, CB, tackle ---- not in any order

I used to hunt rabbits with a guy who had championship level beagles. I love the term ‘Dog on his own hunt’. That speaks volumes after experiencing what a team of beagles can do and how useless that odd dog that doesn’t work within the system can be.

It is what it is though. You said it yourself. The safeties look suspect too. It’s just lack of talent and none of us should be expecting mistake free play from a group of late round picks and an aging veteran.

Honest question and statement
#1 we need to improve our secondary.
#2 No way Raheem wants us to lose so he is likely using the best player available for the role, Rah has shown the ability to adjust to the talent or lack there of that we have available at any given time.
#3 Isn't it possible that Durant or anyone else just pose a worse problem or maybe a new set of problems that don't help the situation as a whole?
#4 We are undertalented by a large margin in the secondary and our subs may only change the way it hurts us not stop it from hurting us.

#3 I think (most others seem to think) that Durant is better in coverage, but his lack of physicality is why Kendrick starts ahead of him.

Kendrick was supposedly not much for tackling in college. He apparently improved on that. But these guys cannot improve on speed. I think he has the instincts. McVay said he’s a smart kid. But usually when a corner has all of the traits except speed, they are viewed as a zone corner, which may be all Kendrick’s can do.
Witherspoon was a first round pick. He’s got some elite traits that make him better.

That speed may be the upside for him ... and maybe will shorty not be over the line. I like dog. Not too much dog. Pat Thomas had dog in him - the perfect amount. Dre Bly, too. THT could maybe be more like them than guys who hurt the team with it.

Yeah. It’s easy to get angry at players screwing up. But I’m sure Kendrick doesn’t mean to. I’m sure he gets frustrated with his mistakes. But there is no improving speed at this level.

I wish the Rams had an Earl Thomas back there. But first round safeties with great closing speed have never seemed like a big priority for this regime. I wish they’d go after an elite safety talent. I think they’d be happy they did.

THT though. What a disappointment. The biggest thing that I have seen in his limited playing time is that he has a bad temper. He seems to get far too emotional. His chip on his shoulder may be a little too big.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

On ‘The Coach McVay Show’ this week, they had Les Snead on instead of McVay. JB Long asked Snead about some of the late additions to the team this summer.

Snead said that both Dotson and Witherspoon were players that one of the pro personnel guys targeted and they had been monitoring since last winter. Initially they were trying to get them worked into the trade with Allen Robinson, but it just didn’t work out. The Steelers weren’t willing to move off of Dotson until the end of preseason because they were concerned about depth. That’s why that move happened so late. I’m guessing once the Steelers drafted Joey Porter Jr, it didn’t take long for them to see Spoon as expendable.

So a few moves that seemed to be last minute or even just a late signing for depth, were actually in the works all the way back to last winter and seen as players they felt could be significant contributors.

 

[So Ram]

On ‘The Coach McVay Show’ this week, they had Les Snead on instead of McVay. JB Long asked Snead about some of the late additions to the team this summer.

Snead said that both Dotson and Witherspoon were players that one of the pro personnel guys targeted and they had been monitoring since last winter. Initially they were trying to get them worked into the trade with Allen Robinson, but it just didn’t work out. The Steelers weren’t willing to move off of Dotson until the end of preseason because they were concerned about depth. That’s why that move happened so late. I’m guessing once the Steelers drafted Joey Porter Jr, it didn’t take long for them to see Spoon as expendable.

So a few moves that seemed to be last minute or even just a late signing for depth, were actually in the works all the way back to last winter and seen as players they felt could be significant contributors.

Solid post.Just asking the question & not trying to be a smart AZZ.Your post actually clarified things better for me.

There’s the one guy that Les Snead that has so much history as a Pro/College guy from SO CAL. USC & then his career as a college/pro guy.Then his family & his best friend (qb)in college?

I live the LA HISTORY The Rams & Kevin Demoff has kept.You know Mcvay’s history as well & his grandfather & his Tampa Bay connection.Even the Washington connection with higher management.

Les Snead seemed like a total Spiritual Geek on the show.JB is so dialed in as a Rams guy.I think Snead is just really analytical(anal) about how he runs things as a GM.He seems so dialed out on the players themselves & not emotional at all.He makes it seem like it’s a creation of the universe?
—IMO he has changed as a GM & let’s the scouts & team Snead
(Feat) The geek squad.It’s amazing how sports have changed. Baseball has been more of the leaders in it.In 2015 the Cardinals (st.Louis)broke into the Astro’s scouting data base.

—Anyways that was my take on the interview.

Answer

Official Site of the Los Angeles Rams

John McKay is entering his eighth year with the Los Angeles Rams and third as director of pro personnel after spending time previously as the assistant director of pro scouting.

www.therams.com

 

[So Ram]

Btw - I was wrong,but still in the family.The McKay family is unique in it’s on way.

Here is the All in The Family article from basically what has been built under Sean Mcvay once he became The Rams HC (The Youngest).

Family ties: Rams staffers grew up in the game, sparking a lifelong love of football

The Rams staff is chock full of interesting NFL connections.

theathletic.com

 

[OnceARam]

So a few moves that seemed to be last minute or even just a late signing for depth, were actually in the works all the way back to last winter and seen as players they felt could be significant contributors.

I shudder to think were this team would be if these aquisitions fell through. Just goes to show how small the margin of error is in the NFL.

 

[JimY53]

Kendrick was supposedly not much for tackling in college. He apparently improved on that. But these guys cannot improve on speed. I think he has the instincts. McVay said he’s a smart kid. But usually when a corner has all of the traits except speed, they are viewed as a zone corner, which may be all Kendrick’s can do.

Yeah. It’s easy to get angry at players screwing up. But I’m sure Kendrick doesn’t mean to. I’m sure he gets frustrated with his mistakes. But there is no improving speed at this level.

I agree Kendrick is doing his best. I think he's got "something" otherwise he wouldn't be starting and actually had *some* decent plays this year. I don't hate the guy.

But you summed it up well. He's probably not as slow as his reported time it's just that even if he's a tenth better it is still too slow. He gets targets so much because Spoon is having a significantly better year. But whenever a team needs a big plays it seems 9 times out of 10 then go to where the expect Kendrick to be on. And too many times out of ten it's a chunk play.

HOWEVER -- players can change and get better. Focus. Kendrick got benched this year for a game...then Durant got hurt and Kendrick came back and seemed better. He got benched last year and after that he seemed marginally better.

Rams don't have Spoon follow the best receiver on other team, but by being the boundary corner, often he is. If a team puts their top receiver outside and to the field, then they have Kendrick isolated. If it is a big receiver maybe that's okay. If it is someone with speed opponent has a physical mismatch. If Rams counter a speed receiver with Durant as the field corner it's better, but then they could -- if they have it in their game plan or ability to be that flexible -- isolate a big guy on Durant.

Only solution is get a corner who is a dude. We don't have that. Maybe THT, I don't know.

But remember this is a rebuild year. Playing the bill on a ring. So we are are a talent deficit at several positions because of cap issues.

Bext year---we can get a better corner or two. Kendrick for all his warts, is a stopgap and as that, I've seen worse.