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Rams Finding Rhythm in OTAs
Posted by nickwagoner on June 7, 2013 – 6:42 PM
<a class="postlink" href="http://blog.stlouisrams.com/2013/06/07/rams-finding-rhythm-in-otas/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://blog.stlouisrams.com/2013/06/07/ ... m-in-otas/</a>
- The Rams just wrapped up their sixth Organized Team Activity of the offseason. They’ll return to the practice field on Monday for the final week of the offseason program with four OTAs scheduled for next week (M-Tues.-Thurs.-Fri.).
- Quarterback Sam Bradford discussed the development of the offense at length yesterday, pointing out a few specific things in which he sees improvement, namely the speed of the group as a whole. In past years, it’s been common practice for the defense to be well ahead of the offense at this point in the offseason. The main reason for that is the musical coordinators the offense has dealt with and the time and difficulty that goes into learning a new system seemingly every year.
- But it seems that things are turning for the better, that is if the happenings on the practice field are any indication.
- Here’s what Bradford had to say about the general state of the offense yesterday:
“I think the installs have gone a lot faster,” Bradford said. ”Last year, year one, you really have to start with the basics, with everything. You start with formations. I mean, everything is very simple and then you build your way into third down, red zone, the different situations that you get into during a game. Whereas in year two, we went back and looked at some of the areas we need to be better at and we need to be better on third down. We need to be better in the money zone. So, starting day one we were able to start working on those areas and I think that’s been one of the biggest differences, is just the speed that we’re able to get to different situations.”
- On Friday afternoon, that ability to be a little further along manifested itself into what appeared to be a very strong day for the offense, including a few receivers in particular.
- By now, it’s becoming a familiar refrain that TE Jared Cook is creating havoc all over the field with his combination of size, skill and athleticism. He continued that Friday. But others also flashed their potential.
- Perhaps heading that list is WR Austin Pettis, who may be the forgotten man in the receiver room but probably shouldn’t be. Coach Jeff Fisher mentioned Pettis’ strong offseason yesterday and that work was on display Friday. He worked all over the field and had one terrific catch on a jump ball near the back line in the end zone against Quinton Pointer for an acrobatic touchdown grab.
- Spoke to Pettis after the practice and it’s worth noting that he’s really taking on the role of leader for the young receiver group. As strange as it sounds, Pettis is the “grizzled” veteran of the receiver group in only his third season. But he’s taking that role seriously. He took Chris Givens and Brian Quick with him to California earlier in the offseason to try to show them the right way to do things and how to be a professional.
- It seems those lessons are paying off. Givens was solid again, flashing some of the intermediate route running skills he’s been working on Friday but it may have been Quick who actually stole the show on Friday. Quick made catches of all kinds, including some difficult ones in the red zone and one deep ball that would have gone for a long touchdown.
- Tavon Austin continues to look good but never better than he did as he elevated and made a diving catch with a DB draped on his back for a touchdown in red zone work. Impressive grab on a ball out of his normal catch radius.
- On the other side, one play by the defense stood out in particular and it was another rookie doing the work. This time in the form of CB Brandon McGee. Matched up in one on one drills in the red zone, McGee came up in press coverage against WR Nick Johnson and dropped a thunderous jam at the line and followed with another strong jab to knock Johnson off the route for an incompletion. It was only one play but McGee showed some impressive physical traits to match his already evident speed.
- It should also be noted that the Rams were working a bit short handed at defensive back with a couple of regulars not participating Friday.
- Some other news and notes we didn’t get to yesterday:
Fisher said the Rams will again take their time in signing their rookie class as they put them through some classes and info on how to manage their money. It’s all part of adjusting to the league:
“We just feel like they’ll be better suited if we can take them through step A and B or financial planning 101 before we give them the money,” Fisher said. “It’s just that simple. We’ll get them all signed and we’re communicating with them. They have a roof over their head and three meals, and they’re doing fine right now.”
Safety Matt Daniels is still working his way back from knee surgery and while he’s making progress, it remains to be seen how far along he’ll be when training camp begins.
“Yes, it will be close, but it’s the ACL thing,” Fisher said. ”He may start off on the PUP, we’ll see, but he’s working. He’s working good right now.”
- That’s going to do it for this week. Some great community events this weekend in the St. Louis area for those wanting to get some time up close to the Rams. Tomorrow is the defensive line’s Paintball Challenge benefiting the St. Patrick Center and the Sack Homelessness Campaign. Sunday is Coach Fisher’s celebrity softball game at GCS Park. Both events will be a great time and benefit charities doing wonderful things so come on out and say hello. Thanks for reading.
Posted by nickwagoner on June 7, 2013 – 6:42 PM
<a class="postlink" href="http://blog.stlouisrams.com/2013/06/07/rams-finding-rhythm-in-otas/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://blog.stlouisrams.com/2013/06/07/ ... m-in-otas/</a>
- The Rams just wrapped up their sixth Organized Team Activity of the offseason. They’ll return to the practice field on Monday for the final week of the offseason program with four OTAs scheduled for next week (M-Tues.-Thurs.-Fri.).
- Quarterback Sam Bradford discussed the development of the offense at length yesterday, pointing out a few specific things in which he sees improvement, namely the speed of the group as a whole. In past years, it’s been common practice for the defense to be well ahead of the offense at this point in the offseason. The main reason for that is the musical coordinators the offense has dealt with and the time and difficulty that goes into learning a new system seemingly every year.
- But it seems that things are turning for the better, that is if the happenings on the practice field are any indication.
- Here’s what Bradford had to say about the general state of the offense yesterday:
“I think the installs have gone a lot faster,” Bradford said. ”Last year, year one, you really have to start with the basics, with everything. You start with formations. I mean, everything is very simple and then you build your way into third down, red zone, the different situations that you get into during a game. Whereas in year two, we went back and looked at some of the areas we need to be better at and we need to be better on third down. We need to be better in the money zone. So, starting day one we were able to start working on those areas and I think that’s been one of the biggest differences, is just the speed that we’re able to get to different situations.”
- On Friday afternoon, that ability to be a little further along manifested itself into what appeared to be a very strong day for the offense, including a few receivers in particular.
- By now, it’s becoming a familiar refrain that TE Jared Cook is creating havoc all over the field with his combination of size, skill and athleticism. He continued that Friday. But others also flashed their potential.
- Perhaps heading that list is WR Austin Pettis, who may be the forgotten man in the receiver room but probably shouldn’t be. Coach Jeff Fisher mentioned Pettis’ strong offseason yesterday and that work was on display Friday. He worked all over the field and had one terrific catch on a jump ball near the back line in the end zone against Quinton Pointer for an acrobatic touchdown grab.
- Spoke to Pettis after the practice and it’s worth noting that he’s really taking on the role of leader for the young receiver group. As strange as it sounds, Pettis is the “grizzled” veteran of the receiver group in only his third season. But he’s taking that role seriously. He took Chris Givens and Brian Quick with him to California earlier in the offseason to try to show them the right way to do things and how to be a professional.
- It seems those lessons are paying off. Givens was solid again, flashing some of the intermediate route running skills he’s been working on Friday but it may have been Quick who actually stole the show on Friday. Quick made catches of all kinds, including some difficult ones in the red zone and one deep ball that would have gone for a long touchdown.
- Tavon Austin continues to look good but never better than he did as he elevated and made a diving catch with a DB draped on his back for a touchdown in red zone work. Impressive grab on a ball out of his normal catch radius.
- On the other side, one play by the defense stood out in particular and it was another rookie doing the work. This time in the form of CB Brandon McGee. Matched up in one on one drills in the red zone, McGee came up in press coverage against WR Nick Johnson and dropped a thunderous jam at the line and followed with another strong jab to knock Johnson off the route for an incompletion. It was only one play but McGee showed some impressive physical traits to match his already evident speed.
- It should also be noted that the Rams were working a bit short handed at defensive back with a couple of regulars not participating Friday.
- Some other news and notes we didn’t get to yesterday:
Fisher said the Rams will again take their time in signing their rookie class as they put them through some classes and info on how to manage their money. It’s all part of adjusting to the league:
“We just feel like they’ll be better suited if we can take them through step A and B or financial planning 101 before we give them the money,” Fisher said. “It’s just that simple. We’ll get them all signed and we’re communicating with them. They have a roof over their head and three meals, and they’re doing fine right now.”
Safety Matt Daniels is still working his way back from knee surgery and while he’s making progress, it remains to be seen how far along he’ll be when training camp begins.
“Yes, it will be close, but it’s the ACL thing,” Fisher said. ”He may start off on the PUP, we’ll see, but he’s working. He’s working good right now.”
- That’s going to do it for this week. Some great community events this weekend in the St. Louis area for those wanting to get some time up close to the Rams. Tomorrow is the defensive line’s Paintball Challenge benefiting the St. Patrick Center and the Sack Homelessness Campaign. Sunday is Coach Fisher’s celebrity softball game at GCS Park. Both events will be a great time and benefit charities doing wonderful things so come on out and say hello. Thanks for reading.
issed: :beating: :ragin: :dangit: 
