Do you suppose that Snead is working the phones seeking a player-for-player trade for OL help?

[OldSchool]

I will add another reason why he isn't. If fans want it it's usually something that doesn't happen.

 

[oldnotdead]

The problem with Neary is his suspension and the reason for the suspension. People are acting like a DUI is no big thing. It surely is as it reflects an addiction to alcohol or drugs. If he fell off his wagon once he's likely to do it again until he gets clean and stays clean. That is not a guy you can count on. At best he's a career backup and IMO he knows it. He's no rookie, he's bounced around a bit. If he can't control himself off the field that is a big problem.

Edwards and Evans are talented guys who need time to develop physically and to polish their technique. They are going to make this team period. Now that leaves them with 4 young guys vying for one spot (assuming Demby doesn't turn himself around). Kasky, Brewer, Hitner, and Hrynkiewicz are probably in line for closer scrutiny over the last 2 games. IMO whoever starts at LG against the Broncos is probably the front runner in the coaching staff's eyes. RG will be the runner up in this competition. So I for one am going to pay a lot of attention to their o-line rotation.

Let the game begin, and the chips will fall where they may.

 

[LesBaker]

It surely is as it reflects an addiction to alcohol or drugs.

I can't go that far.

It's his first one that we know of, and he blew .17 and I would wager that someone with an alcohol addiction would be drunk as a skunk. I'm not saying that a low number, it's not. But it's not sky high either. .08 is the limit and two or three beers could get a guy his size to that I bet. So it wasn't like he was pounding drinks all night but yeah he had some.

People make foolish decisions and this was one for him. It's not fair to say he's an alcoholic based on this.

He didn't help himself though that's for sure.

 

[Riverumbbq]

IMO whoever starts at LG against the Broncos is probably the front runner in the coaching staff's eyes. RG will be the runner up in this competition. So I for one am going to pay a lot of attention to their o-line rotation.

Not how I would judge the final outcome.
With both Whitworth & Noteboom sitting these games out, it's likely that David Edwards gets the starting nod at LT, and from most reports Edwards also leads Demby and perhaps the rest of the pack at LG. I suspect the Rams may start Demby at LG again while some of the rookies follow him up. If Edwards becomes the first man up behind Noteboom at LG, it's likely going to be a competitive fight for that final roster spot as a #3 or developmental offensive lineman, someone who potentially proves himself as better at multiple positions. Demby has to produce at both LG and Center, and so far it's not looking good at either spot for him. Next year, while Whitworth is finally enjoying retirement, Noteboom and Edwards will be competing at LT and LG for those starting jobs.

While the Rams would love for Evans to look sharp at both RT and RG, he'll stick so long as they believe he can nail down the RT role and fill in for Havenstein should the need arise, RG can come later as time allows. Blythe becomes a free agent following this season, so not only do we want a solid reserve in case of injury, but also someone who might compete for that starting position should he leave for a better offer. With Neary out for 4 games, the Rams need a reserve center as well as a backup RG, someone who plays both positions well is likely to take the lead in this competition.

If the final cuts were today, I'd be looking at :

LT) 1-Whitworth, 2-Noteboom, 3-Edwards
LG) 1-Noteboom, 2-Edwards, 3-Brewer
C) 1-B. Allen, 2-Blythe, 3-Kolone
RG) 1-Blythe, 2-Kolone, 3-Evans
RT) 1-Havenstein, 2-Evans, 3-Edwards

This is 9 offensive linemen until Neary returns, giving 4 weeks for Kolone & Brewer to work themselves into a most favored status. If the Rams choose to only carry 8 OL, Brewer would be heading to the practice squad. I also keep Sullivan's number on speed dial should something really catastrophic occur during that first month of regular season play. jmo

 

[XXXIVwin]

Would love to see Snead get some trade value for either M Thomas or Hodge. I could see either one of these guys competing to be WR # 4 ( maybe even #3?) on a different team.

Would love to keep both, but it’s gonna be hard to do, assuming the top 4 are set and Jojo keeps his spot as a PR.

Neither Hodge nor Thomas would have much trade value since they are both UFAs next year, I believe. But if trading one could get some help elsewhere, then yeah, I’d be for it.

 

[Akrasian]

Since teams know that players being offered in trade at cut down time are typically going to be free agents, they typically are traded for just enough to ensure that the team is first in line for them. They also know that other players will be available - i.e. if they don't get the Rams' WR, there will be numerous others available. Because of that, the return (if any) is generally a late pick. There are exceptions, but they are rare.

 

[BonifayRam]

The problem with Neary is his suspension and the reason for the suspension. People are acting like a DUI is no big thing. It surely is as it reflects an addiction to alcohol or drugs. If he fell off his wagon once he's likely to do it again until he gets clean and stays clean. That is not a guy you can count on. At best he's a career backup and IMO he knows it. He's no rookie, he's bounced around a bit. If he can't control himself off the field that is a big problem.

Edwards and Evans are talented guys who need time to develop physically and to polish their technique. They are going to make this team period. Now that leaves them with 4 young guys vying for one spot (assuming Demby doesn't turn himself around). Kasky, Brewer, Hitner, and Hrynkiewicz are probably in line for closer scrutiny over the last 2 games. IMO whoever starts at LG against the Broncos is probably the front runner in the coaching staff's eyes. RG will be the runner up in this competition. So I for one am going to pay a lot of attention to their o-line rotation.

Let the game begin, and the chips will fall where they may.

I am very hard on repeat offenders. My profession was dealing with hardened & extremely dangerous offenders who continued to decide to make poor decision one after another. On the flip side If a Human serves his/her disciplinary action & does recognize his/her weakness & makes decisions from that negative event on to prevent such events I am fine with them. I do not see Aaron Neary as an individual that will be a poor investment for this Ram team.

This Ram organization knows Aaron Neary very well & I would believe they have made a decision that Neary is worthy of placing trust in him to depend on him now in his third season with this team. I also think that the teams time & effort will pay off for them & Neary in 2019.

I feel this team see's Neary NOW as its best good game reserve for the center & interior positions behind Allen, Blythe & Noteboom after week #4 concludes. He has been & is presently a very low cap cost OL'er & that will continue till 2022. That's a very big positive for this future cap strapped team. Neary also did not cost this team any initial high valued draft selections either as he was a UDFA.

 

[den-the-coach]

I believe this team see's Neary NOW as its best good game reserve for the center & interior positions behind Allen, Blythe & Noteboom after week#4 concludes. He has been & is presently a very low cap cost OL'er & that will continue till 2022. That's a very big positive for this future cap strapped team. Neary also did not cost this team any initial high valued draft selections either as he was a UDFA.

Concur here and it appears that Jermiah Kolone will keep his seat warm until Neary's return and then I believe they will release Kolone.

My only issue with Neary is the bull rush, he is not strong enough at times to hold up at the point of attack, but has demonstrated to not make the many mistakes of others, mostly Jamil Demby.

Not sure what happens if one of the starters goes down, who will be the first off the bench, but to this point, I will be happy when Neary comes back and I never thought I would post that this year.

 

[BonifayRam]

Not how I would judge the final outcome.
With both Whitworth & Noteboom sitting these games out, it's likely that David Edwards gets the starting nod at LT, and from most reports Edwards also leads Demby and perhaps the rest of the pack at LG. I suspect the Rams may start Demby at LG again while some of the rookies follow him up. If Edwards becomes the first man up behind Noteboom at LG, it's likely going to be a competitive fight for that final roster spot as a #3 or developmental offensive lineman, someone who potentially proves himself as better at multiple positions. Demby has to produce at both LG and Center, and so far it's not looking good at either spot for him. Next year, while Whitworth is finally enjoying retirement, Noteboom and Edwards will be competing at LT and LG for those starting jobs.

While the Rams would love for Evans to look sharp at both RT and RG, he'll stick so long as they believe he can nail down the RT role and fill in for Havenstein should the need arise, RG can come later as time allows. Blythe becomes a free agent following this season, so not only do we want a solid reserve in case of injury, but also someone who might compete for that starting position should he leave for a better offer. With Neary out for 4 games, the Rams need a reserve center as well as a backup RG, someone who plays both positions well is likely to take the lead in this competition.

If the final cuts were today, I'd be looking at :

LT) 1-Whitworth, 2-Noteboom, 3-Edwards
LG) 1-Noteboom, 2-Edwards, 3-Brewer
C) 1-B. Allen, 2-Blythe, 3-Kolone
RG) 1-Blythe, 2-Kolone, 3-Evans
RT) 1-Havenstein, 2-Evans, 3-Edwards

This is 9 offensive linemen until Neary returns, giving 4 weeks for Kolone & Brewer to work themselves into a most favored status. If the Rams choose to only carry 8 OL, Brewer would be heading to the practice squad. I also keep Sullivan's number on speed dial should something really catastrophic occur during that first month of regular season play. jmo

Great insight & comments River @ this point in time! Rams would seem to be in very good position for the present & future @ both OT posts with the 2019 additions of Edwards, Evans & Brewer.

The concern is @ the three interior posts. The Neary SUP complicates this. Neary might be the leading interior game day reserve for all three posts. As you have pointed out the only other OL'er who can do what Neary can is Jeremiah Kolone but not as well. So thanks to this issue JK will reap the rewards, @ least for the first month of regular season. Unless JK turns in a negative final two preseason performances & this situation can change dramatically. Kromer would be forced to go with his starting RG Blythe as game day OC reserve. But to go this direction Kromer needs a dependable replacement for Blythe @ RG. Who would that be????? Or go with single post OL'er rookie center Vitas Hrynkiewicz who we have seen play center. Can't say that for Kolone.

Besides the Neary issue, the top present OG reserve has yet to be worked out. It's an issue to be dealt with because there is a very high chance that Kromer will need two starting OG's in 2020. Priority is to find them now & get them developed over the next four months of this season. Evans appear to be only slightly better @ RT than RG. The less than stellar preseason play from our top drafted OL'er in 2019 is sadly a big concern @ the moment. The fact that Chandler Brewer has outplayed Evans not only @ RG but @ LG too. I see you ignored including Brewer in your list @ RT & RG?

I would have inserted Brewer in the #2 spot @ RG in front of Kolone. In addition, I would have inserted Brewer into the #2 spot @ RT in front Evans. I would rate Kolone #3 in front of Evans @ RG. One last change would be Edwards would be rated #3 in front of Evans. Guess that should tell you where I stand on my thoughts between Brewer & Evans...... Evans needs to get himself together & go to work on his many shortcomings. Just because he was drafted on the 2nd day does not give him a lock to a roster spot when he has been outworked & outplayed by others.

 

[BonifayRam]

Concur here and it appears that Jermiah Kolone will keep his seat warm until Neary's return and then I believe they will release Kolone.

My only issue with Neary is the bull rush, he is not strong enough at times to hold up at the point of attack, but has demonstrated to not make the many mistakes of others, mostly Jamil Demby.

Not sure what happens if one of the starters goes down, who will be the first off the bench, but to this point, I will be happy when Neary comes back and I never thought I would post that this year.

Yes sir sure appears that JK is in the driver seat currently. Neary has trimmed his midsection down considerably & has been outstanding in getting into the second level. Your concerns about Neary's weakness dealing with the bull rush is on target however I do see some improvements.

Those ongoing mental mistakes from OL'ers will not be tolerated by McVay. He has little patience in this area. I would have hoped that Jamil Demby & Bobby Evans would have figured that out & corrected it by now. Neary has & not made any mental mistakes in the first two preseason games.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Great insight & comments River @ this point in time! Rams would seem to be in very good position for the present & future @ both OT posts with the 2019 additions of Edwards, Evans & Brewer.

The concern is @ the three interior posts. The Neary SUP complicates this. Neary might be the leading interior game day reserve for all three posts. As you have pointed out the only other OL'er who can do what Neary can is Jeremiah Kolone but not as well. So thanks to this issue JK will reap the rewards, @ least for the first month of regular season. Unless JK turns in a negative final two preseason performances & this situation can change dramatically. Kromer would be forced to go with his starting RG Blythe as game day OC reserve. But to go this direction Kromer needs a dependable replacement for Blythe @ RG. Who would that be????? Or go with single post OL'er rookie center Vitas Hrynkiewicz who we have seen play center. Can't say that for Kolone.

Besides the Neary issue, the top present OG reserve has yet to be worked out. It's an issue to be dealt with because there is a very high chance that Kromer will need two starting OG's in 2020. Priority is to find them now & get them developed over the next four months of this season. Evans appear to be only slightly better @ RT than RG. The less than stellar preseason play from our top drafted OL'er in 2019 is sadly a big concern @ the moment. The fact that Chandler Brewer has outplayed Evans not only @ RG but @ LG too. I see you ignored including Brewer in your list @ RT & RG?

I would have inserted Brewer in the #2 spot @ RG in front of Kolone. In addition, I would have inserted Brewer into the #2 spot @ RT in front Evans. I would rate Kolone #3 in front of Evans @ RG. One last change would be Edwards would be rated #3 in front of Evans. Guess that should tell you where I stand on my thoughts between Brewer & Evans...... Evans needs to get himself together & go to work on his many shortcomings. Just because he was drafted on the 2nd day does not give him a lock to a roster spot when he has been outworked & outplayed by others.

While watching this entire reserve OL unit is a priority, my focus for this next game will be on the competition between Kolone & Brewer. I expect to see them both playing all 3 interior OL positions. While Demby hopefully gets more OG work, I suspect we'll also be seeing him at LT again when Edwards is either taking a breather or is moved to LG himself, and this isn't helpful for Demby's interior development imo. I'd also just as soon see Evans share snaps at RT with Brewer for most of the game, ... these snaps and which position they get them at should be telling for our remaining 2 pre-season games.
Less Neary & Edwards, more Evans, Demby, Kolone & Brewer. jmo.

 

[So Ram]

I think they will keep 9 and have 8 on the roster with Brewer going to the practice squad once Neary is back from suspension.

Then I guess my question concerning the line is who will be the backup center ?? I keep hearing Sullivan’s name coming up .
Kolone does not look that good, plus Neary
Just got hurt ??

Last night Kromer had the Offensive Line cross train nicely. Did anyone standout at all ?

 

[So Ram]

While watching this entire reserve OL unit is a priority, my focus for this next game will be on the competition between Kolone & Brewer. I expect to see them both playing all 3 interior OL positions. While Demby hopefully gets more OG work, I suspect we'll also be seeing him at LT again when Edwards is either taking a breather or is moved to LG himself, and this isn't helpful for Demby's interior development imo. I'd also just as soon see Evans share snaps at RT with Brewer for most of the game, ... these snaps and which position they get them at should be telling for our remaining 2 pre-season games.
Less Neary & Edwards, more Evans, Demby, Kolone & Brewer. jmo.

After watching. What is your conclusion ?

Did anyone really stick out all that well ??

Brewer might have made the squad ?? IMO looks as good as any lineman really. Edwards might be the top backup ? He can play all 4 positions.

 

[Riverumbbq]

After watching. What is your conclusion ?

Did anyone really stick out all that well ??

Brewer might have made the squad ?? IMO looks as good as any lineman really. Edwards might be the top backup ? He can play all 4 positions.

To be honest, on several plays it was near impossible to tell who was on the field due to the camera angles, although this was the best game they had as a unit imo. For those plays where I could pick out, Edwards continues to shine brightest. Those first few possessions the interior of the line looked quite bad, but they did indeed pull it together over the course of the game. Demby had his best game of the pre-season as an OG, Neary possibly his worst. Kolone was forced to play center following the Neary injury, he had one terrible play where he was completely run over which nearly resulted in a sack, but Wolford was able to hand the ball off to his RB, still for a loss. If Brewer could play center he might have guaranteed himself a roster spot, following game three I have that final OL player making the squad as either Demby or Kolone. I didn't see enough of Hrynkiewicz to offer an opinion. Evans needs help, but by virtue of his draft pick, he'll likely make the final cut. Our next game in Houston is going to carry some weight on who stays or goes.

Demby helped his cause on sticking with the offense as did Morgan Fox on the defense. It's a good thing our next game is Thursday as it's going to take until Saturday to sort out the depth players who make this final roster. That film room will be working overtime. jmo.

 

[fearsomefour]

Then I guess my question concerning the line is who will be the backup center ?? I keep hearing Sullivan’s name coming up .
Kolone does not look that good, plus Neary
Just got hurt ??

Last night Kromer had the Offensive Line cross train nicely. Did anyone standout at all ?

The whole unit looked better, but, they were playing Denver’s back up D. No starters unlike last week.
At C? No, not really.
Brewer is solid and is a shoe in for the practice squad.

 

[BonifayRam]

Once again Kromer worked his OL'ers in many posts. I saw Vitas Hrynkiewicz in the 2nd half, but he remained @ RG post. His play @ RG was strong. Never played center.

Jeremiah Kolone play center the whole game after the Neary knee injury & being carted off the field. JK's performance was unmemorable.

Jamil Demby was back @ LT for most of the second half. His overall performance @ LG/LT was about the same as the previous two weeks without the penalties, but he was missing so many blocks @ LG. His can not make a block in the 2nd level.

In the 4th quarter Matt Kaskey LT & Brandon Hitner LG entered the game. This side of the OL did open some holes for Davis @ RB & offered up some good protection too.

Chandler Brewer & David Edwards continued to build on their pro game skills in game three. Bobby Evans fared better @ RT than @ RG. Evans had his best preseason game against Denver.

conclusion
The three best performing OL'er last night was Brewer, Edwards & later Hrynkiewicz. Kromer utilizing Vitas Hrynkiewicz @ ORG was interesting. IMO David Edwards is the left side(LT/LG) reserve. Chandler Brewer is the right side reserve. Jeremiah Kolone is now our reserve center by default even with his overall blocking being below average.

 

[hotanez]

Jeremiah Kolone is now our reserve center by default even with his overall blocking being below average.

This along with Hager starting scares the hell out me. Here's hoping that we can have 3 years in a row with no injuries on the OL.

 

[wmc540]

Snead is probably on the phone constantly, he likes to tinker with the roster.

He also has to schedule a lot of hair appointments.

 

[BonifayRam]

This along with Hager starting scares the hell out me. Here's hoping that we can have 3 years in a row with no injuries on the OL.

I just do not see MLB Bryce Hager as a full time starter but much more than a part-time player. I am not concerned.

Wade is very fast to remove one of his ILB'ers from the field. Under last seasons normal upcoming passing circumstances Cory Littleton was the only ILB'er remaining on the field, but CL is no longer the MLB either.

Clay Mathews is also going to be inserted into the ILB'er post often in passing downs too. Safety Taylor Rapp will be impossible to keep off the field once the regular season begins & he will see his first regular season action @ ILB'er.

Wade might yet assign FS Eric Weddle as his defensive play caller (I know I would) thus removing any concerns or trouble.... moving.... inserting or flip flopping all his LB'ers. LB'ers can come off the field without any concerns who will call Wade's defense.

Wade could easily move Cory Littleton back into his 2018 starting MLB'er post & insert 2nd season ILB Travin Howard or rookies Dakota Allen & Taylor Rapp to start into Mark Barron's old post quickly if Hager proves slow & non-effective.

So many wonderful options here to make any offense sputter!