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Five things to watch at Rams preseason opener
• By Jim Thomas
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_c8cc9c65-3433-5790-b8eb-1e7712711418.html
Sam and Westbrooks: As the exhibition-game schedule begins, undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks could be the one roadblock to Michael Sam making the 53-man roster. After a good start in training camp, Sam’s play has leveled off over the last week. After missing the first several days of camp because of a hamstring issue, Westbrooks now has a few days of camp under his belt and looks quick and menacing.
Backfield stable: Ideally, coach Jeff Fisher would like to give each running back about six carries. But Isaiah Pead has been in and out of practice lately because of a bruised hand. Intriguing Trey Watts, an undrafted rookie from Tulsa, probably sits because of a hamstring injury. Zac Stacy could sit as well, so we could be in for a heavy dose of Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham and Chase Reynolds.
Line dancing: Left guard Greg Robinson and right tackle Joe Barksdale are the only starting offensive linemen expected to play, further reason to sit QB Sam Bradford. It’s possible Robinson, the No. 2 overall draft pick, sees time at left tackle with the starters then switches to left guard when the second unit plays. With Scott Wells and Barrett Jones out, it’s Tim Barnes and 7th-rounder Demetrius Rhaney at center.
Britt & Co.: No matter who’s blocking, or who’s playing QB, the receiving corps is healthy. Can camp standouts Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, and Brian Quick transfer their play from the practice field to the dome? Britt, Bailey, and Tavon Austin might have only limited duty, playing in the first quarter then calling it a night. Quick, Chris Givens, and Austin Pettis might go until halftime.
The longshots: Keep an eye on rookie free-agent Alex Bayer, who has been impressive early in camp and is challenging Justice Cunningham and Mason Brodine for the fourth tight end spot. Mizzou’s T.J. Moe hasn’t gotten many reps in “team” situations at Rams Park. Moe, Justin Veltung, Emory Blake, and Austin Franklin are among those trying to wedge their way into the picture at wide receiver.
• By Jim Thomas
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_c8cc9c65-3433-5790-b8eb-1e7712711418.html
Sam and Westbrooks: As the exhibition-game schedule begins, undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks could be the one roadblock to Michael Sam making the 53-man roster. After a good start in training camp, Sam’s play has leveled off over the last week. After missing the first several days of camp because of a hamstring issue, Westbrooks now has a few days of camp under his belt and looks quick and menacing.
Backfield stable: Ideally, coach Jeff Fisher would like to give each running back about six carries. But Isaiah Pead has been in and out of practice lately because of a bruised hand. Intriguing Trey Watts, an undrafted rookie from Tulsa, probably sits because of a hamstring injury. Zac Stacy could sit as well, so we could be in for a heavy dose of Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham and Chase Reynolds.
Line dancing: Left guard Greg Robinson and right tackle Joe Barksdale are the only starting offensive linemen expected to play, further reason to sit QB Sam Bradford. It’s possible Robinson, the No. 2 overall draft pick, sees time at left tackle with the starters then switches to left guard when the second unit plays. With Scott Wells and Barrett Jones out, it’s Tim Barnes and 7th-rounder Demetrius Rhaney at center.
Britt & Co.: No matter who’s blocking, or who’s playing QB, the receiving corps is healthy. Can camp standouts Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, and Brian Quick transfer their play from the practice field to the dome? Britt, Bailey, and Tavon Austin might have only limited duty, playing in the first quarter then calling it a night. Quick, Chris Givens, and Austin Pettis might go until halftime.
The longshots: Keep an eye on rookie free-agent Alex Bayer, who has been impressive early in camp and is challenging Justice Cunningham and Mason Brodine for the fourth tight end spot. Mizzou’s T.J. Moe hasn’t gotten many reps in “team” situations at Rams Park. Moe, Justin Veltung, Emory Blake, and Austin Franklin are among those trying to wedge their way into the picture at wide receiver.