Why can’t we hang on to the ball?

[Legatron4]

I loved the win yesterday. No doubt. But this muffing punts, and fumbling has got to stop. I’ve never seen a team have so much trouble holding on to a football in my life. I cringe every time someone goes back to catch a punt or is running in the open field.

So what’s up? Does the other team lube the ball up before the games? I just can’t believe this issue carried over from pre season like this.

 

[den-the-coach]

Let's hope Cooper resolves the couple of hiccups on punt returns, otherwise, the Rams will have to go with Cooper Kupp, if for no other reason, he's able to secure the football. As to the Woods fumble, it on me because I just said to one of my Ram comrades I watch the game with: "Robert Woods has been a great signing." And then he fumbled on the next play, so that one is on me.

 

[The Ramowl]

Maybe it's just me, but to me the Woods fumble was mostly a great defensive play. Sometimes the D makes a play on you.

As for the incapacity to fair catch, no excuses there. Get a rugby coach to teach those guys, rugby backs spend their games catching high balls like that.

 

[LesBaker]

Maybe it's just me, but to me the Woods fumble was mostly a great defensive play. Sometimes the D makes a play on you.

As for the incapacity to fair catch, no excuses there. Get a rugby coach to teach those guys, rugby backs spend their games catching high balls like that.

Good point, they have bad form.

Look how far apart he had his elbows and arms when he fielded the kick, that's why it went right through. He needs to change how he catches the ball, it isn't a pass coming at him.

 

[dieterbrock]

Mike Thomas to the rescue!
Oh, wait a minute...

 

[FrantikRam]

To your point, we've fumbled more than any team except for the Bears. We've fumbled 15 times and lost 8.

Defensively we've forced 10 fumbles and recovered only 3.

Hopefully some of that luck flips, and we also stop fumbling.

 

[Ramrasta]

I don't understand how muffing punts continues to be an issue. We should have this corrected through practice and preparation after multiple weeks of stressing it. It must be a mental breakdown impacting both Austin and Cooper.

 

[A55VA6]

Probably one of those situations where everyone on the team knows muffing punts has been an issue, and they're simply just thinking about it too much rather than it being natural like they've done it a thousand times. I just hope they get this fixed because there's nothing worse than our defense forcing a punt, and it turns into basically a 40+ yard gain for the other team and our D has to stay on the field. Gotta get this fixed or it'll cost us going forward.

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

Is this one of those "it's contagious" things? I seriously have never been so nervous for each return. This has to be coachable. But I'm getting super frustrated we can't catch punts as a team

 

[Rmfnlt]

To your point, we've fumbled more than any team except for the Bears. We've fumbled 15 times and lost 8.

Defensively we've forced 10 fumbles and recovered only 3.

Hopefully some of that luck flips, and we also stop fumbling.

I'll tell ya... if it does? The Rams will be a REAL force to be reckoned with!

 

[Corbin]

It’s amazing how someone else can muff punts and nobody calls for his head but God forbid Tavon muffs a punt... ok that pisses me off to but still.

 

[Rmfnlt]

It’s amazing how someone else can muff punts and nobody calls for his head but God forbid Tavon muffs a punt... ok that pisses me off to but still.

If Cooper continues to muff, I'm sure we'll be critical of him as well.

Difference, right now, is that Austin has a history of doing it.

 

[LACHAMP46]

So what’s up? Does the other team lube the ball up before the games? I just can’t believe this issue carried over from pre season like this.

no live hitting in practice....it's all I got....

 

[shaunpinney]

It seems to be an issue for the Rams, it might be that the Returner is being asked to process other things - team mate positions etc, which is taking their eye off the ball - pun intended.

It must be a psychological thing because neither Tavon or Cooper have had issues in the past - this is a new thing. I know it happens on the rugby pitch, it's basically a processing error, they're almost looking for the 'big break' before the bread's in the basket, trying to think too quickly, they need to relax a little and get the basics done first - secure the ball.

Psychological issues can affect players, I remember a rugby international who used to be fearless under the high ball, took a huge (illegal) hit which resulted in a concussion, was never the same when he game to play - he was visibly nervous under it.

I hope this issue is resolved soon.

 

[shaunpinney]

no live hitting in practice....it's all I got....

you're right catching a 'clean' ball is much easier when you know you're not going to get hit

 

[Mikey Ram]

Maybe it's just me, but to me the Woods fumble was mostly a great defensive play. Sometimes the D makes a play on you.

As for the incapacity to fair catch, no excuses there. Get a rugby coach to teach those guys, rugby backs spend their games catching high balls like that.

I agree on the Woods fumble...The point I would make is that they have to be aware of where the defenders who are chasing them are...You'll notice that most receivers and RBs get 2 hands on the ball when they know the defenders are trying to strip...Seems that most strips come from behind...

 

[12intheBox]

Ball security so far has been the achilles heel of this team. Not just one guy. Gurley, Tavon, Woods, Goff - it's been a bit of a mess so far. But to have turned it over as much as they have and still have been in every game at the end is a positive.

 

[-X-]

100% mental.

Once you start worrying about catching the ball, you turn into a try-hard and it's no longer instinctive. Happened to Austin after the first time, and then Cooper Pharoh (lol Stockton you donkey) when it became his *responsibility* to not make the same mistake.

My advice?

Stop worrying so much and just imagine the part AFTER you've already caught the ball. As in, accept that as the easy part and imagine the TD that follows.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Rams players that could field punts:


Malcom Brown
Cody Davis
Justin Davis
Cooper Kupp
Josh Reynolds
Mike Thomas
Sammy Watkins
Robert Woods
Michael Brockers


Three of these should get serious consideration. Malcom Brown, Justin Davis and Mike Thomas. All three are used rarely and are used to using their hands.

Someone has to step up if Pharoh keeps bobbling the ball.


(Michal Brockers has good hands too, WTF, I'll try anything)

 

[WvuIN02]

It’s amazing how someone else can muff punts and nobody calls for his head but God forbid Tavon muffs a punt... ok that pisses me off to but still.

Lol, last week people here were trying to pin the loss on him, its unreal the agendas people have. Even when people pointed out he scored the only td the replies were "well anyone would have scored that". It's just sad.

At this point Im praying he goes to a new team after this year. Team is winning after a decade of suck and there are posters here whose first reaction after the game is to go talk crap on him or other players. There are truly some miserable people out there in Rams land who are unable to enjoy a win.