Bradford Preparing for More Explosive Attack (101ESPN)

[ShaneG]

Shane Gray provides special Rams commentaries on 101sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ShaneGmoSTLRams.

The St. Louis Rams finished 25th in scoring a season ago after averaging 18.7 points per game, up from a last-in-the league 12.1 points per contest in 2011.

In this era of ever-increasing offensive output and wide-open, spread attacks, the Rams knew they must add explosive, proficient playmakers and ultimately increase the team’s scoring average if it were to realistically compete for division titles and NFC championships on a consistent basis.

That’s why we repeatedly heard St. Louis general manager Les Snead reiterate the need for one thing throughout the offseason: playmakers, playmakers and, yes, playmakers.

True to that mantra, the Rams focused on exactly that during free agency and the draft, adding athletic, fleet-footed hybrid tight end Jared Cook, selecting the year’s most exciting offensive prospect in slot man/returner Tavon Austin and by nabbing his productive, refined teammate Stedman Bailey.

When considering St. Louis possesses so many new weapons and an exceptionally young receiving corps overall, it’s vital that quarterback Sam Bradford and his new teammates efficiently develop chemistry. It’s no surprise then that Bradford – now in his fourth season – is taking full advantage of the opportunities to work with his new targets.

(Hope you guys enjoy full read via link below. Thanks as always)

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram</a> ... po-attack/

 

[-X-]

Good piece, Shane.
Are you hearing any rumblings about the Rams employing more shotgun this year?
And ... do you get out to all the practices now?

 

[LesBaker]

OK so how cool is this......


For one, Schottenheimer is now equipped with three of the fastest players in the NFL at their respective positions: Cook, second-year receiver Chris Givens and the aforementioned Austin.

 

[ShaneG]

Good piece, Shane.
Are you hearing any rumblings about the Rams employing more shotgun this year?
And ... do you get out to all the practices now?

I will check on the shotgun question asap. We did see that a fair amount last year and I believe we will see it quite a bit.

Will be at most or all of training camp, not as much re: OTAs for various reasons.

 

[-X-]

This is kinda interesting.

I thought maybe shotgun would be the ideal formation for all the speed we're putting on the field, and because that's the primary formation Bradford was in at OU. But maybe we just need a single-back (Pead/Richardson/Austin) and run multiple-receiver sets with plenty of motion. I'll be really interested to hear about what's going on at camp from you guys. What kind of formations you see, and things like that.

 

[DR RAM]

This is kinda interesting.

I thought maybe shotgun would be the ideal formation for all the speed we're putting on the field, and because that's the primary formation Bradford was in at OU. But maybe we just need a single-back (Pead/Richardson/Austin) and run multiple-receiver sets with plenty of motion. I'll be really interested to hear about what's going on at camp from you guys. What kind of formations you see, and things like that.

ZERO I formations??? Weird. New game, I guess.

 

[Rambitious1]

Shane Gray provides special Rams commentaries on 101sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ShaneGmoSTLRams.

The St. Louis Rams finished 25th in scoring a season ago after averaging 18.7 points per game, up from a last-in-the league 12.1 points per contest in 2011.

In this era of ever-increasing offensive output and wide-open, spread attacks, the Rams knew they must add explosive, proficient playmakers and ultimately increase the team’s scoring average if it were to realistically compete for division titles and NFC championships on a consistent basis.

That’s why we repeatedly heard St. Louis general manager Les Snead reiterate the need for one thing throughout the offseason: playmakers, playmakers and, yes, playmakers.

True to that mantra, the Rams focused on exactly that during free agency and the draft, adding athletic, fleet-footed hybrid tight end Jared Cook, selecting the year’s most exciting offensive prospect in slot man/returner Tavon Austin and by nabbing his productive, refined teammate Stedman Bailey.

When considering St. Louis possesses so many new weapons and an exceptionally young receiving corps overall, it’s vital that quarterback Sam Bradford and his new teammates efficiently develop chemistry. It’s no surprise then that Bradford – now in his fourth season – is taking full advantage of the opportunities to work with his new targets.

(Hope you guys enjoy full read via link below. Thanks as always)

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram</a> ... po-attack/

Very nice article Shane.

What if anything, do you hear regarding the defense?
Specifically, how does Alec O look?
And, anything on the safety picture?

Thanks

 

[-X-]

This is kinda interesting.

I thought maybe shotgun would be the ideal formation for all the speed we're putting on the field, and because that's the primary formation Bradford was in at OU. But maybe we just need a single-back (Pead/Richardson/Austin) and run multiple-receiver sets with plenty of motion. I'll be really interested to hear about what's going on at camp from you guys. What kind of formations you see, and things like that.

ZERO I formations??? Weird. New game, I guess.

Pretty sure I saw them motion into the I, but that doesn't count I guess.

 

[jap]

Nice stuff as usual!

If the Rams average 25 points per game (PPG), they would achieve 400 points this coming season. If they average 30 PPG, they go up to 480 points for the year. To get back to GSOT standards of 500+ in a season, they need to generate at least 31.25 PPG.

Schotty has a lot of artillery to plan and strategize with, if he shares any schematic kinship with Mad Mike Martz, he's got to be like video games nerd who has been given the keys and management to the world's largest video arcade store.

 

[RamFan503]

Keep 'em coming Shane. It just looks like Bradford has a confidence boost this year. He also speaks more directly and doesn't look like he's searching for the right thing to say.

I also can't wait for your training camp reports. The waiting is KILLING me.

 

[ShaneG]

This is kinda interesting.

I thought maybe shotgun would be the ideal formation for all the speed we're putting on the field, and because that's the primary formation Bradford was in at OU. But maybe we just need a single-back (Pead/Richardson/Austin) and run multiple-receiver sets with plenty of motion. I'll be really interested to hear about what's going on at camp from you guys. What kind of formations you see, and things like that.

I believe you are right on target re: shotgun being a major aspect of offense in 2013. One -- as you pointed out -- Bradford has enjoyed playing out of that formation since his OU days. Two, it's a great fit in the spread.

 

[ShaneG]

Shane Gray provides special Rams commentaries on 101sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ShaneGmoSTLRams.

The St. Louis Rams finished 25th in scoring a season ago after averaging 18.7 points per game, up from a last-in-the league 12.1 points per contest in 2011.

In this era of ever-increasing offensive output and wide-open, spread attacks, the Rams knew they must add explosive, proficient playmakers and ultimately increase the team’s scoring average if it were to realistically compete for division titles and NFC championships on a consistent basis.

That’s why we repeatedly heard St. Louis general manager Les Snead reiterate the need for one thing throughout the offseason: playmakers, playmakers and, yes, playmakers.

True to that mantra, the Rams focused on exactly that during free agency and the draft, adding athletic, fleet-footed hybrid tight end Jared Cook, selecting the year’s most exciting offensive prospect in slot man/returner Tavon Austin and by nabbing his productive, refined teammate Stedman Bailey.

When considering St. Louis possesses so many new weapons and an exceptionally young receiving corps overall, it’s vital that quarterback Sam Bradford and his new teammates efficiently develop chemistry. It’s no surprise then that Bradford – now in his fourth season – is taking full advantage of the opportunities to work with his new targets.

(Hope you guys enjoy full read via link below. Thanks as always)

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram</a> ... po-attack/

Very nice article Shane.

What if anything, do you hear regarding the defense?
Specifically, how does Alec O look?
And, anything on the safety picture?

Thanks

Ogletree is looking terrific, particularly in coverage. Considering he likely ends up at SLB, that is particularly encouraging. At safety, Stewart is looking good and McDonald is showing much promise.

 

[DR RAM]

Shane Gray provides special Rams commentaries on 101sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ShaneGmoSTLRams.

The St. Louis Rams finished 25th in scoring a season ago after averaging 18.7 points per game, up from a last-in-the league 12.1 points per contest in 2011.

In this era of ever-increasing offensive output and wide-open, spread attacks, the Rams knew they must add explosive, proficient playmakers and ultimately increase the team’s scoring average if it were to realistically compete for division titles and NFC championships on a consistent basis.

That’s why we repeatedly heard St. Louis general manager Les Snead reiterate the need for one thing throughout the offseason: playmakers, playmakers and, yes, playmakers.

True to that mantra, the Rams focused on exactly that during free agency and the draft, adding athletic, fleet-footed hybrid tight end Jared Cook, selecting the year’s most exciting offensive prospect in slot man/returner Tavon Austin and by nabbing his productive, refined teammate Stedman Bailey.

When considering St. Louis possesses so many new weapons and an exceptionally young receiving corps overall, it’s vital that quarterback Sam Bradford and his new teammates efficiently develop chemistry. It’s no surprise then that Bradford – now in his fourth season – is taking full advantage of the opportunities to work with his new targets.

(Hope you guys enjoy full read via link below. Thanks as always)

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.101sports.com/2013/05/24/ram</a> ... po-attack/

Very nice article Shane.

What if anything, do you hear regarding the defense?
Specifically, how does Alec O look?
And, anything on the safety picture?

Thanks

Ogletree is looking terrific, particularly in coverage. Considering he likely ends up at SLB, that is particularly encouraging. At safety, Stewart is looking good and McDonald is showing much promise.

If Tree, McDonald, and Stewart play well...we will have a top 10 defense, easy peasy.

 

[nighttrain]

If Tree, McDonald, and Stewart play well...we will have a top 10 defense, easy peasy.

ABSOLUTELY
train

 

[lasvegasrams]

only an avg of 7.1 yards per completion in a lone setback? :what:

imagine sam's qb rating in lone setback formation if he had a receiver who can actually break/avoid tackles. (in other words, thank god for tavon)

 

[-X-]

only an avg of 7.1 yards per completion in a lone setback? :what:

imagine sam's qb rating in lone setback formation if he had a receiver who can actually break/avoid tackles. (in other words, thank god for tavon)

Exactly. It's time for Sam to reap the same benefits that almost every other QB gets to enjoy.
Dumping off to a receiver that can break it off to the house.

 

[Ram_of_Old]

only an avg of 7.1 yards per completion in a lone setback? :what:

imagine sam's qb rating in lone setback formation if he had a receiver who can actually break/avoid tackles. (in other words, thank god for tavon)

Exactly. It's time for Sam to reap the same benefits that almost every other QB gets to enjoy.
Dumping off to a receiver that can break it off to the house.

We have multiple people with speed. That is going to make some DBs very nervous.

 

[ShaneG]

Keep 'em coming Shane. It just looks like Bradford has a confidence boost this year. He also speaks more directly and doesn't look like he's searching for the right thing to say.

I also can't wait for your training camp reports. The waiting is KILLING me.

Agree 100%. It's not just what he's saying, but how he's saying it. THere's a different demeanor about him -- all positive, too.

 

[nighttrain]

only an avg of 7.1 yards per completion in a lone setback? :what:

imagine sam's qb rating in lone setback formation if he had a receiver who can actually break/avoid tackles. (in other words, thank god for tavon)

Exactly. It's time for Sam to reap the same benefits that almost every other QB gets to enjoy.
Dumping off to a receiver that can break it off to the house.

We have multiple people with speed. That is going to make some DBs very nervous.

Speed is what I loved about GSOT days, and finally, we have some guys that can burn again. I'm lookin for a great season, like Sam said, "we play to go to the SB, otherwise why play."
Ya gotta love his new maturity and the leadership it brings.
train

 

[ShaneG]

Nice stuff as usual!

If the Rams average 25 points per game (PPG), they would achieve 400 points this coming season. If they average 30 PPG, they go up to 480 points for the year. To get back to GSOT standards of 500+ in a season, they need to generate at least 31.25 PPG.

Schotty has a lot of artillery to plan and strategize with, if he shares any schematic kinship with Mad Mike Martz, he's got to be like video games nerd who has been given the keys and management to the world's largest video arcade store.

Thank you for the kind words... Yes, Schottenheimer needs to be very creative and open to really mixing it up and opening things up.