Post Game Reactions; Rams / Cowboys

[dang]

What’s cool so far in the off-season is while some depth players are struggling (Demby, Kiser, Natson, Evans) others are excelling (Patrick, Edwards, Webster, Allen)

 

[RamBall]

It is still preseason for the officials as well. Only 10 mins into the 1st qtr, but the officiating looks a bit suspect. They seem to see everything the Rams may have done and miss everything the cowgirls do. I know there were a few suspect calls in the 4th qtr as well, hope they get things cleaned up before the regular season.

I missed most of the game last night as I was struggling to find a decent stream to work with the crappy cell service I had on the Oregon coast

 

[TexasRam]

So, It's amazing what carefully reviewing the tape can show.

I didn't even know Gaines played until on this thread someone asked the question, then I went back and rewatched the tape today.

Gaines looked real good. He had one play where he completely blew up the RB for a loss about 4-5 yards behing the LOS. Gaines had several plays where he flushed the pocket or beat his man into the backfield. Even when Gaines is doubled he has the ability to shake loose.. He also can smell the run and stonewall his spot.

Highly impressed with Gaines after rewatching the tape.

I also think between Obo, Durham Carraway and Patrick we are going to find a starter that will eventually replace Ebukam and provide much better pass rush off the edge.

Lots of CB's to get excited, lots of talent there and probably a Diamond in the rough that may catch on to another team because of the numbers game here.

I liked Dakota Allen as well but want to see him across a bigger field of games before I crown him.

 

[RamBall]

Now that I have seen the whole game, I can say that we have a lot of young talent. CB is deep and surprisingly LB has some guys that are going to make it hard to get to 53. WR also looks to have some guys that will make it tough to get down to 53, I like what Hodge did last preseason and Green showed good hands. I would like to find a punt returner to replace Natson, but he might be better than I have given him credit for, with Goff throwing the passes Natson may be a weapon. It appears Snead has been able to find players that match what McVay and Wade want. For the 2nd D to have a showing like they did against a lot of Dallas' starters on O is promising. Just think how good the D can be with a few of the guys we saw last night sprinkled in with AD and co. Gaines looked solid and the pass rush looked better than last years starters with the exception of AD.

 

[Loyal]

So what's the reason(s) why the Rams ca't win a preseaon game?
1. Spags isn't coach (he liked to win Pre-season, if memory serves)
2. Our starters don't play, and the other team scores points against our back ups early in the games.
3. When it's our Walmart guys vs. theirs, they have a higher level of mediocrity?

The only Rams fans that care, are those who do podcasts and have to talk about something. I also have a pet theory, which is number 3......For a bad team, there isn't much difference between the eventual 53 man roster, and the 40 or so who don't make it. Our roster is composed of high end players, but maybe we have younger guys who have more upside and less exerience than the journeymen who are playing in the 3rd quarter in Preseason.. Our guys get stolen from the practice squad and their guys are 'transitioning' to their used car salesmen jobs following the final cuts....

 

[oldnotdead]

Merlin the differences just between RG and LG are significant. Stop and think about it in terms of muscle memory. Each side is the opposite of the other. Also on most plays, the RG gets a double with the Center, its how Blythe has survived so far. The LG is pretty much on an island most of the time. He's expected to win one on one. Strength and technique are more important on the left side.

Most holding calls with young players are symptomatic of them having to think their way through the play. It's basically the same difference between a rookie and a second year player. Their reactions are simply that fraction of a second slower than they would be otherwise. At this level, that's all it takes. Most teams allow young players a year to settle into their positions before cross-training. It's the one thing with Kromer that I personally disagree with. IMO it slows their development and actually makes it harder to give an accurate and fair assessment of the player's capabilities.

Talk to any lineman (I've talked to a few in my days and to a man, this is what they all have said) that the biggest difference between college and the NFL is how good your technique has to be at this level and that goes for all positions. The other thing the linemen said was that most need an NFL level training regime to build up their bodies particularly in the strength needed at this level. Have you ever read an evaluation of a college lineman where it's noted that he might be maxed out in his ability to develop the musculature required in the NFL? That is what they are talking about.

To expect a young player to simply master 2 or 3 positions that they probably have never played is asking a lot. Even the best is going to take time to develop. Will they be better off their rookie season if they have had the exposure to cross-training? IMO that's a loaded question with a qualified yes and no answer. Yes, that they will at least understand what will be expected. No, because that doesn't mean they can play it well and it might actually slow their overall development.

Evans IMO was drafted to play OG because of his build. The same way Demby who was an OT in college is basically an OG who perhaps can play OT. Edwards IMO was drafted to be a swing tackle for a few years and probably the starting RT in 2023. So why not allow Evans to learn how to play the OG position without the constant shuffling? They already have Noteboom to replace Whit this season if needed and Edwards can backup RT.

Demby spent most of 2018 on the Detroit PS and wasn't signed to the Rams active roster off their PS until December. Detroit has historically run a combination of man and gap blocking schemes. The rumor is that they will change to a zone scheme this year. If that's so then Demby was coached for an entire year in a completely different system.

Why I make an issue of the constant in-game movement of players on the o-line is because the Rams use a zone scheme with a horizontal concept. Are you scratching your heads now? LOL That scheme more than the other two requires a high degree of unit coordination CHEMISTRY is what makes a zone scheme work best. How do you get that when these guys are moving around during the game? It's why these makeshift lines look so bad. Also, the wrong blocking call by an inexperienced center and QB can also make the other linemen look bad.

Denver was famous for their zone blocking scheme years ago. But what they did was to insert their primary backups one or two at a time during pre-season and scrimmages to give the backups an opportunity to play and practice with the first string o-line...i.e. the same guys they would be playing with if they came into the game as a replacement. It allowed them to build a sense of chemistry with that unit so when they did come in, it was many times seamless.

Don't get me wrong. I think Kromer is an outstanding coach with a proven track record. But at the same time, it's why I'm not going to be overly critical of these young guys at this point. Hopefully, they won't be needed early in the season giving them added time to develop.

Personally, I think Evans will be a good OG next year. He simply needs time to develop the technique he needs and to body-build for a year. I think Edwards will eventually be a better RT than Havenstein. If Rob is re-signed in 2023 the Rams will have either a good swing tackle or trade value in Edwards in late 2022, because he will be a UFA in 2023.

Speaking of Havenstein, he only played RT in college and it's the only position he's played in the NFL. Which is why IMO he played so well as a rookie. He just had to focus upon polishing his technique and not learn a whole new position. I'm an advocate of converting OT's into OG's because they tend to be more athletic. But I also know it takes a year or so for that to happen.

 

[FrantikRam]

Haven't re-watched it, but here were my impressions:

Dakota Allen stood out in a good way - around the ball, big hits, seems faster than I thought he would be

Obo looked unstoppable

Patrick looked really good

Rapp looked good again

Long Jr. was solid

The OL wasn't too impressive, but something to keep in mind: whoever becomes the 6th/7th man, when/if they get in the game, they will be playing with much better players than what they are playing with now. It would be easy to be concerned about Evans or Demby, but I am not concerned about the backups on the OL, unless we end up playing all backups at the same time.

Gaines was solid

Bortles good

I was all in on Wolford after last week, but Allen made me rethink that - I'd still roll with Wolford and groom him to be the backup long term after this season



I think that most position groups are probably set - the third QB will have to join the practice squad. I'm guessing the only tough decisions right now for them are at WR and LB - for as great as the CBs have been, when you have five guys already locked in, having only one spot up for grabs removes some of the intrigue - and that spot should be going to Peterson.

LB - Kiser will surely head to IR, which makes ILB much more interesting - Littleton, Hager and Allen are locks for the roster IMO. At OLB, Fowler, Ebukam, Matthews and Obo are locks IMO - then you have Lawler, Kupp, Carraway, Durham, Howard, Young and of course, Patrick.

Kupp is an easy cut. After that, we have 7 guys I see as locks, and then 6 competing - I would eliminate Carraway and Durham right away - which leaves Lawler, Howard, Young and Patrick - Patrick made a huge statement by showing versatility at both ILB and OLB - I'd be very tempted to keep him, but this will come down to special teams performance which is tough for us to evaluate. Good luck. My best guess is that we keep Lawler and Howard, trying to sneak Patrick onto the practice squad.

WR - 4 are locked in - after the game Saturday, the battle for spots 5 and (possibly) 6 got incredibly murky. The favorites were Natson and then Thomas/Hodge. But Webster is making his presence felt, and Bachman has been decent too. Natson cost us the Eagles game last year and then muffed one Saturday, but you have to remember that the dude successfully fielded punts in the Super Bowl. Again this one will come down to special teams, and we know that they've liked what Thomas brings to that unit - we also know that McVay has been impressed with Thomas as a WR in camp - we just haven't seen it. I would kick Natson out for Webster, and then keep Thomas, move Hodge and Bachman to the practice squad.

 

[Zaphod]

I was excited to see Okoronkwo out there and playing relatively well. I didn't even expect him to play, and I honestly didn't even notice him out there until I saw that spin move. He has a balance and agility that I think compliments the linebacker unit.

I know people see him as a pass rush specialist at OLB, but I think he could help out against the run in time. Loved the positive comments from him as well.

 

[BonifayRam]

Boni for right now I would guess Edwards is the backup for OG and RT. He looked solid on the edge and could probably settle in at RT without Boom needing to flip everything on the right side. But I would love to hear someone ask McVay that question.

Oh and I believe if Allen can't go at Center the backup is Neary. For now at least. But I don't think Blythe can cut it there, think it's too much for him to snap and line call in this offense. Our third string Center will end up on the PS I think too.

LT backup is Boom obviously. If they need him at LT it's a quick slide over to the edge vice working feet the opposite at RT. I know nothing fazes Boom, it's just that they have a guy who looks capable so I think they'd go that route first. But again these are the types of questions that media should be asking, vice dumbass questions about whether Goff is ready to become a leader etc.

Boy do I share your sentiments about the media basically worthless from my point of view. Hardly ever do these allegedly professional media/press ever ask the questions that I want to be asked. Seem to me they are performing for each other. Okay I am done.

Thanks for responding to my questions.

As it stands interior reserve Aaron Neary will fill any starting open OG post after week #4. IMO Neary has come a long long way since arriving in the NFL in 2016 as UDFA with the Broncos & his 2017 start with the Rams @ center. This is the 26 yr old 4th NFL preseason. He started 46 college games mostly @ OG.{2× First-team All-Big Sky (2014–15) Second-team FCS All-American (AP) (2015)} Neary does not give up easy from Broncos to Eagles to Rams to Browns then back to the Rams. This 2019 Neary version is thinner quicker & stronger & still 300lbs on a 6-4 frame.

Neary has 2 full seasons under Kromers tutelage. Kromers fully knows what he has in him, Neary can be a good 3 post reserve in his scheme. Kromer finds Neary easy movement skills in lateral game usable & Neary is now bringing some force behind his punch. He also has good arm length for his size. The last two games Neary is also now showing the athleticism to flash & is fast into the second level. See for yourself.

Neary is working for table scraps $$$ low budget priced OL'er who will be a ERFA in 2020 thus he could easily still be a low cost veteran when he turns 30 yrs old. Fact is Neary is our most experienced reserve OL'er by a large degree. Kromer will be in a tight spot for the first month of this season with Neary suspended.

Of Kromer's 6 rookies & 2 first yr OL'ers...5th rd pick David Edwards 6-6/308 is Kromers best performing swing OT. UDFA Chandler Brewer 6-6/320 is Kromer best performing swing OG & a very solid reserve RT. I have not seen a lot of OC Vitas Hrynkiewicz but in late cameo snaps he has done well. At this time I would forecast those 3 rookie OL'ers will make the regular season 53 player roster based off performance thus far. Aaron Neary will be (SUP).

 

[Merlin]

Gaines looked real good. He had one play where he completely blew up the RB for a loss about 4-5 yards behing the LOS. Gaines had several plays where he flushed the pocket or beat his man into the backfield. Even when Gaines is doubled he has the ability to shake loose.. He also can smell the run and stonewall his spot.

Yeah I'm with you on him. Also that tendency he has to penetrate is something I've been talking about since the draft. Watch his film and he does get in the backfield quite a bit, now he isn't AD in being able to run people down but boy he can disrupt which is why I feel like he's an underrated addition to Wade's group where he'll be coached to use that ability to shoot his gap when it's there.

Really excited about him. And I'm also excited about SJD as a basic run stuffer, he was in there vs starters last night and did some good things so in a rotation should be fine. If they can get two ILBs rolling with tight run fit integrity behind our DL we should be dramatically improved vs the run.

 

[Merlin]

Merlin the differences just between RG and LG are significant. Stop and think about it in terms of muscle memory. Each side is the opposite of the other. Also on most plays, the RG gets a double with the Center, its how Blythe has survived so far. The LG is pretty much on an island most of the time. He's expected to win one on one. Strength and technique are more important on the left side.

Old there is a point in terms of performance where all the moving about and Kromer's tinkering cannot cover the failure. Demby is at that point. I think he knows it, the coaches know it, and we know it. But I don't expect everyone to agree with my opinion (and I also don't mind having a fringe opinion, been there done that) so if you think he's better than he's looked time will prove that out.

For me, it's time to move on to solidify who our first OL off the bench is for each position. Demby is no longer in that conversation. Edwards is, though, and that's great news for us. Sometimes it's not the guys we want to see step up, but what is important is that someone steps up.

 

[Merlin]

I have not seen a lot of OC Vitas Hrynkiewicz but in late cameo snaps he has done well.

I'm with you on that Boni. His chances of making the roster are almost non-existent but I like what I've seen and would like to see him play a bit earlier.

 

[Jacobarch]

Boni for right now I would guess Edwards is the backup for OG and RT. He looked solid on the edge and could probably settle in at RT without Boom needing to flip everything on the right side. But I would love to hear someone ask McVay that question.

Oh and I believe if Allen can't go at Center the backup is Neary. For now at least. But I don't think Blythe can cut it there, think it's too much for him to snap and line call in this offense. Our third string Center will end up on the PS I think too.

LT backup is Boom obviously. If they need him at LT it's a quick slide over to the edge vice working feet the opposite at RT. I know nothing fazes Boom, it's just that they have a guy who looks capable so I think they'd go that route first. But again these are the types of questions that media should be asking, vice dumbass questions about whether Goff is ready to become a leader etc.

I actually think Edward's is going to be a starter next year. Maybe even at LT. He looks pretty polished and plays most positions at an above average rate. Now I'd like to see him next week at LT against starters and see how he does but if he holds his own then he'll definitely be our swing tackle this year and maybe a starter next. Here's to hoping we found a diamond in the rough

 

[Merlin]

I actually think Edward's is going to be a starter next year. Maybe even at LT. He looks pretty polished and plays most positions at an above average rate. Now I'd like to see him next week at LT against starters and see how he does but if he holds his own then he'll definitely be our swing tackle this year and maybe a starter next. Here's to hoping we found a diamond in the rough

I agree with you on Edwards next year. We should be ecstatic that we found a guy where we did in the draft that can do what he's done to include some LT vs higher roster edge rushers. It is definitely a sign that he's going to be a starter for us down the road.

Re: the game... He did get beat here and there, when his feet get out of synch it's ugly and he was lunging a couple times. But he was out there vs starters and Dallas had some guys like Taco Charlton among their depth group which is a tough matchup (he has excellent talent and has had a very strong camp) so considering that is important for perspective. Re: the backup right now at LT Rams won't risk Goff's blindside so that's why Boom's the guy with probably Edwards moving to LG.

Evans just needs pass pro work. He's a bit raw to my eye at least, sort of reminds me of Brown in that way. So I like how they seem to have settled him in on the right side.

After Evans is where I see the depth chart getting iffy, so IMO they will definitely be watching the big cut day lists and might add someone. But also in all this it's important to note that both those draft picks are going to be improving as the season goes on (and maybe some of those bottom depth guys too), so in five or six weeks from now we might have really good depth.

 

[Jacobarch]

I agree with you on Edwards next year. We should be ecstatic that we found a guy where we did in the draft that can do what he's done to include some LT vs higher roster edge rushers. It is definitely a sign that he's going to be a starter for us down the road.

Re: the game... He did get beat here and there, when his feet get out of synch it's ugly and he was lunging a couple times. But he was out there vs starters and Dallas had some guys like Taco Charlton among their depth group which is a tough matchup (he has excellent talent and has had a very strong camp) so considering that is important for perspective. Re: the backup right now at LT Rams won't risk Goff's blindside so that's why Boom's the guy with probably Edwards moving to LG.

Evans just needs pass pro work. He's a bit raw to my eye at least, sort of reminds me of Brown in that way. So I like how they seem to have settled him in on the right side.

After Evans is where I see the depth chart getting iffy, so IMO they will definitely be watching the big cut day lists and might add someone. But also in all this it's important to note that both those draft picks are going to be improving as the season goes on (and maybe some of those bottom depth guys too), so in five or six weeks from now we might have really good depth.

I saw the same thing. I want to say it was in the middle of the first where he got beat with a nice inside move from one of Dallas's starters. Other than that he was pretty solid. You're right, he does get off balance but that should continue to get better as he settles in. Plus with Whit and the coaching staff teaching him he should improve.

Thing ive seen a lot with Evans is he seems to have really slow feet. He's gotten beat with speed rushes quite often and doesn't seem to get out of stance fast enough. He also plays out of position at times. He might be better suited for Guard than Tackle, and that's just fine but he definitely needs to work on his pass pro he is like a turnstile atm. He does remind me a lot of Brown when he started with the Rams.

PS. wouldn't having Brown be nice right about now? We are incredibly thin at Guard and he would be a nice addition if Blythe continues to struggle like he did late last year.

 

[kurtfaulk]

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Want to have a laugh. Look at this tweet.


View: https://mobile.twitter.com/dwainmcfarland/status/1163846208298868736


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