Grades for Rams vs. Cowboys

[Jacobarch]

Among others, I thought Hummel really stood out on several plays. He looks like he has maybe muscled up since last year and was really active and around the ball.

Agreed, he seems to have really good awareness and great lateral movement. He also has a nose for the football always being in a good position. I'd like to see how he progresses.

 

[NCRamGuy]

I like Jake Hummel (Go Clones!) But rember he did break a record last year in preseason....

Fun fact: Jake Hummel broke Rams' preseason tackles record

Jake Hummel was all around the ball throughout the preseason, setting the Rams’ preseason record with 22 tackles in 3 games

theramswire.usatoday.com

It counts for something right? Lol

 

[dang]

.

It seems to have finally clicked for Bruss. It would be such an added bonus if he keeps it up and makes the team. Can't have too many linemen.

.

I’ve been pulling for Bruss since he got drafted. Not sure why (because I didn’t for Allen or haven’t for Note) but Ive given him a pass on his poor start and injuries. I’d love to see him be B+ depth at OG if we need him ( which could be to start this season until JJax is fully recovered).

 

[dang]

I like Jake Hummel (Go Clones!) But rember he did break a record last year in preseason....

Fun fact: Jake Hummel broke Rams' preseason tackles record

Jake Hummel was all around the ball throughout the preseason, setting the Rams’ preseason record with 22 tackles in 3 games

theramswire.usatoday.com

It counts for something right? Lol

I know I’m pouring on Reeder but please let Speights or Hummel shine. We will need at least one of them this year.

 

[Merlin]

Strange that I don't recall Hummel playing well in preseason prior. All I recall is wondering where the dude was that I saw on his Iowa St film. He's small but smart and covers a ton of ground on that film. Never really saw that player in our defense but maybe it's just my perception idk.

Speights I was not familiar with. Problem is I don't watch nearly as much ball as I used to. But I like the way he squares it up. Gonna enjoy watching both these guys in the next two games.

I will say that with ILB one major fucking irritation is when teams go too far with the safety conversions. It's one thing to convert a box safety who has shown thump and tenaciousness and range/tackling in that usage. But I think teams cross wires on this. They sometimes choose guys who are chase tacklers (Littleton would be a recent Rams example of this), who are as different from run fillers as sight hounds are to bloodhounds. You can't take a dude who is contact shy and "convert" him to a run stuffer at this level. And I don't care how well he tackles in space, or how much speed/range he brings, because in that ILB role being able to stuff your run fit is the primary responsibility. Or should be.

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

I was really impressed with J. Hummel this past Sunday.
Seemed everytime I looked he was in the picture.
Also, whenever Lance tried to throw into the flat Hummel was already in position to compete.
Mebbe the light has come on for this guy. I've always liked LBers who can cover and blanket receivers like that.

Really think in today's NFL that's something that a good defense has gotta get done.

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[JonRam99]

Strange that I don't recall Hummel playing well in preseason prior. All I recall is wondering where the dude was that I saw on his Iowa St film. He's small but smart and covers a ton of ground on that film. Never really saw that player in our defense but maybe it's just my perception idk.

Speights I was not familiar with. Problem is I don't watch nearly as much ball as I used to. But I like the way he squares it up. Gonna enjoy watching both these guys in the next two games.

I will say that with ILB one major fucking irritation is when teams go too far with the safety conversions. It's one thing to convert a box safety who has shown thump and tenaciousness and range/tackling in that usage. But I think teams cross wires on this. They sometimes choose guys who are chase tacklers (Littleton would be a recent Rams example of this), who are as different from run fillers as sight hounds are to bloodhounds. You can't take a dude who is contact shy and "convert" him to a run stuffer at this level. And I don't care how well he tackles in space, or how much speed/range he brings, because in that ILB role being able to stuff your run fit is the primary responsibility. Or should be.

I so agree -- I think it's one of the reasons that run-first / run-heavy teams like the 9ers have typically run all over us, it's been a long time since we've had a real thumper in the middle, Earnest excepted, though I'm not a good judge of LB play. Even JLau was seen chasing from behind a lot. The Barron experiment needed to end faster than it did. Littleton was Ok but we need some guys who will stand up a RB, heck even stand up a G. Really liked how Speights stood up that RB.

 

[Merlin]

I so agree -- I think it's one of the reasons that run-first / run-heavy teams like the 9ers have typically run all over us, it's been a long time since we've had a real thumper in the middle, Earnest excepted, though I'm not a good judge of LB play. Even JLau was seen chasing from behind a lot. The Barron experiment needed to end faster than it did. Littleton was Ok but we need some guys who will stand up a RB, heck even stand up a G. Really liked how Speights stood up that RB.

Yeah the Shitters have been schooling us for years in ILB draft selection. Those fuckers have routinely found top ILBs in round 3 range, which infuriates me when my team ends up with these guys who aren't up for it snap to snap.

I think McVay is swinging around though on the physicality element and realizing these things. Though it's not just him of course. As you said this goes back. JLau was not a thumper either. He was more willing to fill his run fit when the fire was in the hole, but the results were iffy. It's a tough job man. Not everyone is cut out for it.

 

[DzRams]

As much as I want improvement by our guys, they are playing Home Depot employees right now..

Wasn't there a Home Depot QB that once led us to a Super Bowl win?

 

[majrleaged]

I was really impressed with J. Hummel this past Sunday.
Seemed everytime I looked he was in the picture.
Also, whenever Lance tried to throw into the flat Hummel was already in position to compete.
Mebbe the light has come on for this guy. I've always liked LBers who can cover and blanket receivers like that.

Really think in today's NFL that's something that a good defense has gotta get done.

~ArkyRamsFan~

I think maybe this DC is asking the players to do things a little more aggressively. More moving forward, more taking on the receiver earlier. Maybe some of the keys are simpler cause they looked fast. I don't know, but that D looked different.
or maybe Dallas just sucks and against a better team or players maybe they look the same. I am looking forward to the next Pre-season game to find out more.

 

[Loyal]

Wasn't there a Home Depot QB that once led us to a Super Bowl win?

NO! He worked at an Iowa super market. TOTALLY different!

 

[RamDino]

I think maybe this DC is asking the players to do things a little more aggressively. More moving forward, more taking on the receiver earlier. Maybe some of the keys are simpler cause they looked fast. I don't know, but that D looked different.
or maybe Dallas just sucks and against a better team or players maybe they look the same. I am looking forward to the next Pre-season game to find out more.

This would make a great post... is Chrus Shula energizing the Rams defense? Guys were rushing the passer, run downs were being stuffed, receivers were tackled immediately upon getting the ball, and lots of good tackles. I realize they were playing against Trey Lance but they were aggressive as hell. Me likey!

 

[Neil039]

As much as I want improvement by our guys, they are playing Home Depot employees right now..

Such a Lowes Midwest guy