Observations from Rams' practice/Wagoner

[RamBill]

Observations from Rams' practice
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/129473/observations-from-rams-practice

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams were the last team to jump into the fray of organized team activities. They officially began the work on Tuesday, but Thursday offered the first session open to the media.

As OTA practices go, Thursday's workout came with plenty of fireworks and much more to chew on. Here's what I took away from the day's work:

Scuffles abound: On an overcast day with cool temperatures, tempers ran hotter than one would expect, especially for a second OTA. There were three noticeable scuffles, one involving linebacker Alec Ogletree (his opponent was unrecognizable because the scrum happened too far away and was quickly broken up) that led coach Jeff Fisher to quickly stop practice and tell his team to cool down.

Upon getting back to work, receiver Kenny Britt promptly beat cornerback Janoris Jenkins for a touchdown of about 40 yards then did the same to Trumaine Johnson soon after. Britt let the young corners know about it and eventually it led to a full on fight between he and Johnson. Fisher again stopped practice but this time read his team the riot act with language not fit for print here but audible from about 100 yards away.

Fisher doesn't mind spirited, competitive practices but his message was clear.

"We have some rules we have to abide by and we have to learn to protect each other a little better," Fisher said. "It was very competitive. It started out early. Kenny caught those two deep balls in the 1-on-1s. That kind of got things going, but it was good."

Later, defensive end Michael Sam and running back Isaiah Pead quickly exchanged not-so pleasantries but heeded Fisher's words and quickly separated.

Speaking of Britt: As mentioned above, Britt's two long touchdown catches (both from Shaun Hill) and subsequent reactions spurred the scuffles, but let's not lose sight of the fact that he made those plays in the first place. Britt has an opportunity to start fresh and told reporters after practice that he's viewing this season like he's a rookie starting anew.

Britt is a big, physical player and has already been nicknamed "The Incredible Hulk" by some of his teammates. Clearly, he has some impressive physical skills but he's also a bit emotional. You can look at Britt beating Jenkins and Johnson for long catches and his past off-field issues however you choose, but if nothing else Britt brings an attitude and competitiveness on the practice field that should be a net positive for a young receiver group.

For what it's worth, Britt chose not to address the Instagram post which drew some attention during the draft, saying it is between he and his wife.

Sitting it out: Heading into the practice, we already knew that left tackle Jake Long and end William Hayes would not be practicing. Those two did indeed sit out the workout though they did a little in the individual drills at walkthrough pace.

Joining Long and Hayes on the sideline were quarterback Sam Bradford, running back Chase Reynolds and safeties Maurice Alexander and Christian Bryant. Bradford is expected to participate in Friday's OTA, at least during seven-on-seven. With no injury reports at this time of year, getting an answer on injured players is a difficult proposition but Alexander and Bryant did some work on the side and Reynolds appeared to be moving with a slight limp.

Center Scott Wells also wasn't present as he had an excused absence.

Line dance: With Long and Wells absent, the Rams had to adjust their line on the first day a bit. Sean Hooey filled in for Long at left tackle and Tim Barnes for Wells at center.

The rest of the line was as expected with Greg Robinson at left guard, Rodger Saffold at right guard and Joe Barksdale at right tackle. Wells is expected to return Friday but Long will be out beyond the OTAs.

But the Rams are clearly optimistic that Long will be ready sooner than later. Fisher said Long's target return is the middle of training camp. In the meantime, they don't appear to be in a rush to disturb Saffold or Robinson from their spots at guard.

“We want to go through OTAs and most of camp with players playing the position they’ll play in the opener," Fisher said. "You assume Jake comes back, so we’ll just plug someone else in out there.”

 

[mr.stlouis]

Kenny Britt schooling the pups lol. I was "meh" about burning Jenkins (some days he smokes more than others), but burning Johnson is pretty impressive. I like the early words, but I know it's only OTA's.

Love the fighting. Our will be mad, bro. Grrr...

 

[den-the-coach]

Sean "Baby" Hooey playing LT? Good thing nobody's rushing the passer. Good for Kenny B...Hope he's healthy and carries that attitude against the 49ers!

 

[SierraRam]

I'm a little disappointed Christian Bryant isn't out there. He ran OK at his pro day, but I guess he's still recovering from the broken ankle. That guy was an awesome leader and 3-year starter at Ohio St. before his injury. If his ankle heals, he could be the true FS we need next to TJ.

 

[RamBill]

OTAs Day Two Recap
By Jonathan Webb

LINK

If Thursday’s OTA was in any way indicative of how a typical 2014 practice will look, Rams Park will be an entertaining place come training camp.

Thursday’s workout featured a spirited competitive streak between the receivers and defensive backs during 7-on-7 drills.

WR Kenny Britt found himself as the center of attention multiple times, as he looked every bit like the talent he displayed in 2009-10, when he averaged more than 17 yards per reception over that two-year period. Britt outpaced corners Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins on a pair of deep corner routes early on in Thursday’s session, prompting the feisty Britt to trade a few verbal jabs with his teammates.

The edgy, competitive nature of Thursday’s practice has already demonstrated a contrast from years previous, an element that brought a smile to Head Coach Jeff Fisher.

“It was good, it was very competitive,” Fisher said of Thursday’s practice. “It started out early. Kenny (Britt) caught those two deep balls in the 1-on-1s. That kind of got things going, but it was good. It was good to see the offense respond.”

No one in the organization is more familiar with Britt’s ability than Fisher, who coached the receiver during the 2009-10 seasons. The showing he put forth Thursday looked familiar to the Rams Head Coach.

“He looks the part and he can make the plays,” Fisher said. "I was really happy to see him come on. He kept himself in really good shape during the free agency period. He came in, has done a great job inside. He’s had no setbacks, feels great physically. He could potentially return to where he was a very productive receiver.”

While Britt may have gotten the better of the defensive backs throughout Thursday’s two-hour session, it appears the secondary is embracing the challenge from the veteran receiver.

“There’s a lot of competition in the room,” rookie CB E.J. Gaines said. “At the same time, we’re family. Just being able to get out here and compete against them is fun. The competition is definitely going to make this team better.”

News and Notes

-With Jake Long still rehabbing from ACL surgery, the Rams plugged in T Sean Hooey alongside rookie left guard Greg Robinson during team offense. Presumptive right guard Rodger Saffold and right tackle Joe Barksdale also appeared on that unit. Fisher said that at this juncture, he prefers to keep the presumed opening day starters intact, instead of sliding Saffold or Robinson to tackle this early.

-QB Sam Bradford was in uniform but did not participate in Thursday’s OTA. Bradford did practice Tuesday during the team’s first OTA, and is slated to return to the field Friday.
We’re going to have him participate in about half of the OTAs,” Fisher said. “He’ll probably get five of them in. Tomorrow he’s going to throw two 7-on-7 periods. He threw a 7-on-7 period with the 1s on Tuesday.”

 

[RamBill]

Rams Raise Intensity in OTA No. 2

By Tony Softli

http://www.101sports.com/2014/06/05/rams-raise-intensity-ota-2/

With the fervor over May’s NFL draft having long subsided, Thursday’s practice at Rams Park came at just the right time. In the team’s second official OTA session, players hit the field for some “Groundhog Day”-style action in which implementation, positional groupings on the field, drill work (one-on-ones) looked almost identical to the setup one year ago.

Team periods, 11-on-11 sets and special teams featured prominently, too, with head coach Jeff Fisher and his staff teaching at every turn. Veterans and rookies alike ran from drill to drill in a very organized manner. They hustled after each play.

Through workout programs and conditioning periods, such an attitude has followed the team all offseason. And while Thursday’s outing mirrored the setup from 2013 in many ways, there was a noticeable difference in terms of competitive nature and aggressiveness. Case in point: Wide receiver Kenny Britt and cornerback Trumaine Johnson were involved in a dust-up that Fisher “would not have stopped … if we were in training camp.”

Offensive notes:

Quarterback Sam Bradford did not practice yesterday after being an active participant on Tuesday. Per Fisher, the rehabbing signal-caller will only participate in half of the team’s OTAs.

“He’ll probably get five of them in,” Fisher confirmed. “Tomorrow he’s going to throw two 7-on-7 periods. He threw a 7-on-7 period with the 1s on Tuesday.”

If he can stay healthy and out of trouble off the field, Britt may give Bradford and the offense the missing piece for which they have been looking. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound receiver could not be covered by either Johnson or Janoris Jenkins, igniting a little old-fashioned trash talk from Britt.

“He’s a very emotional kid,” Fisher said. “He’s an emotional receiver. He looks the part and he can make the plays. I was really happy to see him come on. He kept himself in really good shape during the free agency period. He came in, has done a great job inside. He’s had no setbacks, feels great physically. He could potentially return to where he was a very productive receiver.”

A valuable piece was missing at left offensive tackle in Jake Long, who is currently rehabbing his right ACL. The former Pro Bowler may not be out of the mix for long, though.

“Jake is coming along,” Fisher said. “He’s doing the individual stuff. Jake’s injury was a little bit later than Sam’s. We expect him back somewhere middle part of training camp.”

Fisher also said that Long is on pace to return in time for the regular-season opener vs. the Minnesota Vikings

 

[SierraRam]

I appreciate the posts RamBill. Ram news is a liitle scarce out here in the woods.

 

[mr.stlouis]

Thanks RamBill! Your contributions don't go unnoticed, man.

Britt returning to form would be a huge lift to this team. It could put us over the top with our defense and running game living up to expectations.