I think cutting Kush was a mistake

[Merlin]

First off we all know that his cut was not a surprise, given the way the Rams were working others into the position. And I am not trying to make a big deal out of it or anything, either, as the perspective is the guy is a backup center.

But to me it was clear that there were two guys kept on the roster when he was cut that were not as good as him. I have re-watched all the preseason games, and Kush got better each week. I feel he is better than Arkin, and yes I realize he was also cut. But I also think he's better than Rhaney.

I think this is a good example of perceived upside vs a better player. By that fourth preseason game Kush was routinely getting to the second level and making blocks, and while he had a couple miscues in pass pro the guy IS a backup center. IMO the difference in him and the others is notable, and tbh I think he knew that and you could see it in his face on the episode when he was talkin with Snead.

Just wanted to see what everyone's take is there. Not looking for pitchforks or anything, it's no big deal, but I do think it was a blunder where the Rams erred too much on upside and flexibility to play OG.

 

[Rams Until I Die]

I agree we should have kept him. Showed improvement throughout the preseason and some leadership skills.

 

[jrry32]

He's a backup Center. Nobody would have cared if he wasn't featured on Hard Knocks.

 

[Riverumbbq]

First off we all know that his cut was not a surprise, given the way the Rams were working others into the position. And I am not trying to make a big deal out of it or anything, either, as the perspective is the guy is a backup center.

But to me it was clear that there were two guys kept on the roster when he was cut that were not as good as him. I have re-watched all the preseason games, and Kush got better each week. I feel he is better than Arkin, and yes I realize he was also cut. But I also think he's better than Rhaney.

I think this is a good example of perceived upside vs a better player. By that fourth preseason game Kush was routinely getting to the second level and making blocks, and while he had a couple miscues in pass pro the guy IS a backup center. IMO the difference in him and the others is notable, and tbh I think he knew that and you could see it in his face on the episode when he was talkin with Snead.

Just wanted to see what everyone's take is there. Not looking for pitchforks or anything, it's no big deal, but I do think it was a blunder where the Rams erred too much on upside and flexibility to play OG.

While I didn't catch any of Kush, and very little of Rhaney playing OG, apparently they both got in plenty of snaps, ... i'm just theorizing here, but perhaps Rhaney stood out at Guard, and while Kush did look good at Center, maybe the staff sees Rhaney as the more versital player. Based on the little I could adequately observe out of our reserve offensive line, I would have gone with Kush based on his Center play, but once the guard position is added to the equation, I couldn't give a fair analysis. jmo.

 

[Merlin]

While I didn't catch any of Kush, and very little of Rhaney playing OG, apparently they both got in plenty of snaps, ... i'm just theorizing here, but perhaps Rhaney stood out at Guard, and while Kush did look good at Center, maybe the staff sees Rhaney as the more versital player. Based on the little I could adequately observe out of our reserve offensive line, I would have gone with Kush based on his Center play, but once the guard position is added to the equation, I couldn't give a fair analysis. jmo.

Yeah the ability to play either C or OG is what did him in. The conversation was that Arkin (who he was vying against for that last spot) was better at guard. But what I find interesting is that they have guard depth in spades. To my eye Kush was clearly the best backup option for center and that value to me at least seems great enough to elevate him over two who made the cut.

 

[So Ram]

He's a backup Center. Nobody would have cared if he wasn't featured on Hard Knocks.

That's not true. I know on this board there were people at training camp supporting him before any Hard Knocks came out.

I actually thought the opposite of him when it came out. I have been on his case after Hard Knocks came out. He had been F'ing up snaps .

I yelled out one time after 2 bad snaps in a row. (Take off your thong, & put on your jock strap, & man up Kush !! You can't keep making that mistake)

I watch game tapes over, Kush played guard very well. He was doing an excellent job as time went on.

 

[Wolfecola]

I think he had more value to us at guard than center.

 

[12intheBox]

Personality is important in life but it doesn't pick up a blitz for you.

 

[CGI_Ram]

I am indifferent on Kush.

Boudreau has seen a lot of players over the years. I trust his judgement on this guy.

 

[den-the-coach]

@Merlin how much preseason did you watch??? I am telling you Demetrius Rhaney outplayed Kush. Rhaney ran block well and was outstanding in pass protection and his snaps were much better.

Also concur with @jrry32 if not for Hard Knocks nobody would care, however, you only have to watch the last Ram possession against the Vikings as Kush totally whiffed on his blocking assignment and gave up a sack to a third string defensive lineman...Now believe you me I was not a Rhaney supporter at all coming into preseason and was actually rooting for Kush, however, Rhaney outplayed him in every aspect and if you did not watch preseason and only Hard Knocks you would think differently.

 

[So Ram]

I think he had more value to us at guard than center.

Fisher felt he may have made a mistake.

The one thing we can see is The Rams value there deft picks. Andrew Donnal got out played by Kush big time.

Brian Quick is still on the team as Snisher waits for his upside.None of the draft picks got cut this year.The draft picks The Rams had were all later rounders.

 

[Zaphod]

Well, they've already let go of two daft picks on the O line that I can think of, and Andrew Donnal was hardly a high draft pick, who seems to bulked up quite a bit this year, played much better this year, and seems to be versatile enough to be tried out at center, tackle, and guard.

So no, I think I'll pass on the Haterade this time around, but I really do often wonder if they put a bit too much value on versatility at center, and I really like to think about what a serious commitment to a run blocking specialist would do for the team at that position.

I'm not saying I know better than the coaches, I'm just curious.

 

[DaveFan'51]

He's a backup Center. Nobody would have cared if he wasn't featured on Hard Knocks.

But he was, and we do care. He looked great, the right type of player for the Team. But it was also the 5th or 6th Team he has tried to make, and now he's on one! The Chicago Bears!! and he'll be playing next to another O-Lineman I wish we had, Kyle Long!!!!

 

[Dieter the Brock]

Kush - yes

Kush - no

 

[Corbin]

@Merlin how much preseason did you watch??? I am telling you Demetrius Rhaney outplayed Kush. Rhaney ran block well and was outstanding in pass protection and his snaps were much better.

Also concur with @jrry32 if not for Hard Knocks nobody would care, however, you only have to watch the last Ram possession against the Vikings as Kush totally whiffed on his blocking assignment and gave up a sack to a third string defensive lineman...Now believe you me I was not a Rhaney supporter at all coming into preseason and was actually rooting for Kush, however, Rhaney outplayed him in every aspect and if you did not watch preseason and only Hard Knocks you would think differently.

Wow, I thought Kush outplayed him TBH but then again when Rhaney went in I didn't like him anyways so assumed he played shitty! Lol Well reading your observations on him I pray that he is developing into a decent OL backup with good upside of called upon.

 

[fearsomefour]

He's a backup Center. Nobody would have cared if he wasn't featured on Hard Knocks.

I liked his play and commented on that (Dallas game) before I saw hard knocks.
I liked his physical play in the run game. He is not as athletic as Rhaney. I am comfortable with Rhaney at backup C as well.
The bottom line to me is with Rhaney or Kush the depth at C would appear to be better this year than last. That's what matters.

 

[fearsomefour]

Wow, I thought Kush outplayed him TBH but then again when Rhaney went in I didn't like him anyways so assumed he played crappy! Lol Well reading your observations on him I pray that he is developing into a decent OL backup with good upside of called upon.

Rhaney looked much better to me in the pass game. He still would get pushed back in the run game at times. Kush to me was a more physical run blocker but could struggle at times pass blocking.
The other part is line calls. Don't know how either of them do with that or film stuff. That can factor in too.
Also, many felt Kush was better at G than C. Rhaney is a C. If you are a G first he wasn't making this team.

 

[LACHAMP46]

But I also think he's better than Rhaney.

I thought so too....but those fumbles....maybe he missed some line calls too....I'm thinking fish wanted mistake free football, and his game vs KC had too many...
One thought, I have noticed teams that have solid players at positions, draft players at that same position....I think they use it to motivate guys...Kush was the motivator for Barnes & Rhaney....All the wrs were for Britt, Austin, and Quick...Even Goff motivated Keenum & Mannion...All ways to get players to be more productive...All those LB's....ran Lynch & Ayers off the team...TE's....I expect Kendricks to have his best year ever....

 

[dieterbrock]

My take is that he's not cut out for C and is too small for guard. But he's got his shot in Chi-town so we'll see.
I'm with @jrry32 on this one. If he's not the man of 1000 t-shirts on Hard Knocks, nobody really cares about him. He's on his 6th team in 2 years so its not uncommon he hits that tweener wall

 

[den-the-coach]

Lol Well reading your observations on him I pray that he is developing into a decent OL backup with good upside of called upon.

Rhaney looked far more comfortable at center, last year they put him a guard more and IMO, that was a mistake. I expected the same from Rhaney believe me, I was so ready to take apart his game, but he was totally a different player and very calm, but in some cases manhandling players.

The transition came in the Kansas City game after the bad exchange with Kush, Rhaney came in and the Rams and Goff drove for the touchdown and after that, Rhaney played with the two's against the Broncos and started against the Vikings and I came away very impressed and was convinced he outplayed Kush especially in pass protection and consistency with his snaps.