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Brian Schottenheimer points to turnovers leading to QB change
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...imer-points-to-turnovers-leading-to-qb-change
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- If it wasn't already clear why the St. Louis Rams decided to go back to veteran Shaun Hill at quarterback this week, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer offered further explanation this week.
Simply put, Austin Davis' propensity for turnovers, not just the sheer volume but the way in which they seemed to turn into immediate points was the driving force behind the decision.
“Austin has played really well for the most part," Schottenheimer said. "I think the big thing for us was the turnovers. It’s hard to win in this league when you’re turning the football over. We brought Shaun here to be the backup. Austin kind of kept the job because he was playing so well, but now that Austin’s struggling a little bit we just feel like Shaun’s a guy that’s played. Obviously, has the experience. He’s been in this situation before and will go out there do some things and give us just some energy and things like that.”
More than energy, the Rams hope that Hill can cut down on the type of crushing mistakes that have dotted Davis' time as the starter. In his eight starts and nine games, Davis threw four interceptions and coughed up two fumbles that were returned for touchdowns. Five of those six returns for touchdown have come in the fourth quarter.
Considering the Rams' knack for starting fast and finishing slow, they can't afford those types of costly giveaways with the game on the line. With Hill back in the mix, the Rams won't ask him to take over games and throw it all over the field. Instead, they'll hope that Hill can be the steady veteran hand they signed him to be and hoped he would be when he initially replaced Sam Bradford.
After a couple of days of watching Hill get back to work in practice, Schottenheimer said he doesn't expect there to be much rust to knock off.
“He looked really good out here," Schottenheimer said. "He’s been preparing. He’s a pro. He’s been in this role before. We were teasing a little bit that he looked a little out of shape. Maybe had too many snacks over the last couple weeks, but he’s looked really pretty good, done a nice job. Ball’s coming out of his hand well. Making good, clean decisions. I don’t see the rust.”
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...imer-points-to-turnovers-leading-to-qb-change
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- If it wasn't already clear why the St. Louis Rams decided to go back to veteran Shaun Hill at quarterback this week, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer offered further explanation this week.
Simply put, Austin Davis' propensity for turnovers, not just the sheer volume but the way in which they seemed to turn into immediate points was the driving force behind the decision.
“Austin has played really well for the most part," Schottenheimer said. "I think the big thing for us was the turnovers. It’s hard to win in this league when you’re turning the football over. We brought Shaun here to be the backup. Austin kind of kept the job because he was playing so well, but now that Austin’s struggling a little bit we just feel like Shaun’s a guy that’s played. Obviously, has the experience. He’s been in this situation before and will go out there do some things and give us just some energy and things like that.”
More than energy, the Rams hope that Hill can cut down on the type of crushing mistakes that have dotted Davis' time as the starter. In his eight starts and nine games, Davis threw four interceptions and coughed up two fumbles that were returned for touchdowns. Five of those six returns for touchdown have come in the fourth quarter.
Considering the Rams' knack for starting fast and finishing slow, they can't afford those types of costly giveaways with the game on the line. With Hill back in the mix, the Rams won't ask him to take over games and throw it all over the field. Instead, they'll hope that Hill can be the steady veteran hand they signed him to be and hoped he would be when he initially replaced Sam Bradford.
After a couple of days of watching Hill get back to work in practice, Schottenheimer said he doesn't expect there to be much rust to knock off.
“He looked really good out here," Schottenheimer said. "He’s been preparing. He’s a pro. He’s been in this role before. We were teasing a little bit that he looked a little out of shape. Maybe had too many snacks over the last couple weeks, but he’s looked really pretty good, done a nice job. Ball’s coming out of his hand well. Making good, clean decisions. I don’t see the rust.”
