Kenny Young is legit

[Corbin]

Kiser won NFC defender of the week award last year. Look where he is now? Why? Because he had zero clue how to cover the pass and took bad angles in the secondary.

pump the brakes a little, however I do have hope for him this year.

 

[Billy Baroo]

I'm not sold on Young. He has good games and bad games. If you're elite, you don't have bad games.

Aaron Rodgers was total shit on Sunday. Just sayin.

 

[Merlin]

Yeah that scheme was not beneficial for Floyd in the way it was called.

Also I think we need to stay grounded with Young. He has definitely improved. But he's just not the right kind of backer for this defense (he's more WILL than MIKE). The range is great. But this defense's weakness is the run game. We need a guy who can bolster that light box and stay on the field on third down without being a liability.

 

[oldnotdead]

I've liked Young since his acquisition and could never understand the criticism he received. Too many people rely upon PFF grades and pass judgment based upon their skewed assessment. PFF is weighted towards fantasy football, not realistic game evaluation.

It's why I've always felt he and Reeder were underrated. Young is that new hybrid ILB/SS type of player that Seattle has for all these years in Bobby Wagner. I will say it again Reeder and Wagner are very good ILBs when utilized correctly. In Morris' scheme, he uses Young for his coverage abilities over Reeder and his ability to be stout at the POA. It's not a judgment of either player, it's all in the DC's idea of scheme fit.

Staley used Reeder to cover the A gaps, and he played a key role in Staley's run defense. Young plays in more like the Wagner/coverage LB role. If Morris wants to stop the run IMO we will see Jones and Reeder. When Morris is emphasizing pass defense I think Young will be the only ILB with Rapp subbing for the other ILB/SS role.

I think we began to see that somewhat (minus Jones) in the second half of Sunday's game. If people really focus upon their play, both Reeder and Young are pretty damn good ILBs. The media people look at stats and think that tells the story. But you need to watch the play and utilization to really put their value into context.

It's no different with Allen at center. His play in 2019 is still underrated and it's why I've never had any doubt he would play well as a starter. McVay wants to play power without a lead blocker, i.e. FB. That can be done but it needs a mobile OG and most of all center. We saw a beautiful example of that in Henderson's 4th quarter runs. Henderson was running inside behind the doubled blocks of Allen and Corbett. On Henderson's TD run, that was a thing of beauty. The OL execution was perfect. Allen chipped to his right then executed a beautiful gap block to his left while Corbett used the chip to take the handoff from Allen. OMG, that was textbook and testimony to Carberry. This OL has never blocked like that under Kromer.

Look for more of that type of "power" blocking inside with Allen and the OGs opening the holes between the tackles.

The bottom line is that this team is far better than most outside observers realize. The team is executing at a much higher level across the board on both sides of the ball.

Another unnoticed example is what went into the Donald / Hollins sack. J. Willams rotated in for Floyd and along with SJD took on 3 of the 5 OL. Williams and his power forced a double team by the RG and RT. SJD occupied the center. That allowed Morris to have AD and Hollins singled up on the LG and LT. And as we saw they plowed right through them. J. Williams had some quality snaps leading up to that. The Bear OL knew he was bringing speed and power in his rush and they responded with a double leaving them singled up on AD and Hollins (a huge mistake).

If you take the time to really look at the play of this team you will see some really good stuff going on and why I say no team can matchup with the Rams when they bring their A game. They have exceptional rotational depth in guys like J. Williams, Gaines, and Rochell who quietly allow the stars like AD, Hollins and Ramsey to do their thing. Without the solid depth behind them, Morris can't turn his dogs loose when he wants, the way he wants.

 

[MachS]

People calling him potentially elite need to chill. We have nothing close to elite LB talent on this roster, so people forget what it looks like. Young is an average ILB I'd say. Very athletic, moves well and covers well. But he's below average in run D. Hopefully he improves, and I still feel like a Young/Jones duo puts our best talent on the field. But our talent at LB is very depressing. And that includes OLB and Floyd who is being massively overpaid. Really hope we address that next year in FA with the additional money we have.

 

[HellRam]

People calling him potentially elite need to chill. We have nothing close to elite LB talent on this roster, so people forget what it looks like. Young is an average ILB I'd say. Very athletic, moves well and covers well. But he's below average in run D. Hopefully he improves, and I still feel like a Young/Jones duo puts our best talent on the field. But our talent at LB is very depressing. And that includes OLB and Floyd who is being massively overpaid. Really hope we address that next year in FA with the additional money we have.

Yeah not sure Floyd will ever live up to that contract. Solid player but never been a consistent good pass rusher.

I thought Young played a good game. We'll see how he does the rest of the season.

 

[XXXIVwin]

Upon second viewing of Bears game, Young really stood out. Solid plays vs both run and pass. And FAST.

Occasionally I've noticed issues with Reeder in both speed and change of direction ability... not so with Young. Young may not be a big thumper, but he sure doesn't have a problem with speed and range.

 

[shovelpass]

It's why I've always felt he and Reeder were underrated. Young is that new hybrid ILB/SS type of player that Seattle has for all these years in Bobby Wagner. I will say it again Reeder and Wagner are very good ILBs when utilized correctly. In Morris' scheme, he uses Young for his coverage abilities over Reeder and his ability to be stout at the POA. It's not a judgment of either player, it's all in the DC's idea of scheme fit.

Staley used Reeder to cover the A gaps, and he played a key role in Staley's run defense. Young plays in more like the Wagner/coverage LB role. If Morris wants to stop the run IMO we will see Jones and Reeder. When Morris is emphasizing pass defense I think Young will be the only ILB with Rapp subbing for the other ILB/SS role.

I think we began to see that somewhat (minus Jones) in the second half of Sunday's game. If people really focus upon their play, both Reeder and Young are pretty damn good ILBs. The media people look at stats and think that tells the story. But you need to watch the play and utilization to really put their value into context.

Wagner is a HOF LB. The guy is the rare ILB who's great in both pass coverage and run defense. At 6' 242lbs he's a solid LB, about the same weight as Reeder but slightly shorter. Reeder and Young are no where even close to Wagner's level of talent, or consistancy. Prior to last weeks game both would be considered serviceable, and depending on scheme fit.

The evaluation has nothing to do with stats or PFF, it's not hard to see how inconsistent and flawed they are. In the Bears game Reeder made a nice play in the backfield, but then a few plays later he had a chance to force a 3rd down by making a tackle in space, over pursues and the ball carrier gets the first down and some. He makes an assisted tackle, which shows up on the stat sheet, but the play is actually a negative. Young isn't strong at the point of attack, and was really up and down in his play last season. I don't think that the team drafts a LB in the 3rd if they were totally satisfied with Young and Reeder's level of play.

 

[So Ram]

He needs to be Better than his C- results last year. Now we need a equal or better #2! I’m willing to give Reeder a chance but I believe he is limited to a C level player.

Both players could have been better.I think Troy Reeder will have a better game this Sunday.He missed 4 plays,but did have a tackle for a loss.

Kenny Young ? What’s up with that belt hanging from his Azz.Should get a fine from The NFL for that.

 

[So Ram]

So true! Rams defense took some big hits this off-season with departures of starters & key reserves total of six. Rams had 2 injuries to both inside LB'ers last season in Kiser & Howard forced Young to be the starter it sure looks like Kenny Young likes starting a whole lot! I swear he is much faster than all our safeties.

OLB Ebukam signing with the 9ers & the continuing saga of an injured Og Okoronkwo gave us OLB'er & Denver cast off Justin Hollins. Hollins like Young had the best game of his professional short career last Sunday.

The Dl performance was below par IMO. That Brockers DE spot that was played by A'Shawn Robinson & SJ-D was opposite from what we saw from ILB & OLB post mentioned above.

Robinson was wasted space IMO. SJ-D had a bad game @ both NT & DE posts. Even AD had a negative night. Even our newly resigned $64 million with $32.5 million guaranteed OLB Leonard Floyd was mostly MIA on most plays. Floyd was certainly outshined by Hollins who only make $850K this season.

I would say that little know LB'ers Young & Hollins (NFL afterthoughts & throwaways) carried Ram's defense throughout that Bears gm.

What about T. Lewis ?

There was a player that played all over Sunday Night.I think the stat board had him having more plays than Troy Reeder.He also took over a series for Floyd at the end of the game.I was looking for injury report & Mcvay said SJD69 was the only concern about Sunday’s game.

 

[So Ram]

Yeah that scheme was not beneficial for Floyd in the way it was called.

Also I think we need to stay grounded with Young. He has definitely improved. But he's just not the right kind of backer for this defense (he's more WILL than MIKE). The range is great. But this defense's weakness is the run game. We need a guy who can bolster that light box and stay on the field on third down without being a liability.

Agree - seeing Troy Reeder coming out all the time & having such a small line up is scary.

I disagree with A” Robinson & think he will be a better fit than Brockers would have been this season.He is playing for a contract as well & could give The Rams a comp pick in the near future.

Jonah Williams played in a couple snaps & I didn’t notice him at all.
Might have to rewatch a couple plays.

 

[So Ram]

Upon second viewing of Bears game, Young really stood out. Solid plays vs both run and pass. And FAST.

Occasionally I've noticed issues with Reeder in both speed and change of direction ability... not so with Young. Young may not be a big thumper, but he sure doesn't have a problem with speed and range.

He just misses & guesses wrong to often. Reeder is more of a system type player.He will make more plays than not.He started well & then lost his way. That can’t happen,because he is some what limited in his skill level.
Johnathan Taylor was my favorite RB coming out & wanted The Rams to trade up to get him. The price was to high & really think T. Lewis is going to have an excellent season.He looks like Baby Hughie to me.A Man child…
—Van Jefferson? Well what a Great Fit to this Veteran WR group.Reynolds is not missed.

—I’m surprised at The Rams defensive look.I don’t like the base defense with Kenny Young,but that allows Jaylen5 to make plays.Taylor Rapp also needs to step up

 

[TexasRam]

I really like Young. He's that underdog that plays with urgency. He definitely flys around and is improving. Chasing down RB's, tipping balls etc. But as a run defender he's a liability. I am sorry, I went back to watch the game to see why our run defense sucked so bad. The truth is we were playing light boxes and keeping our safetys back quit alot to force Dalton to make a mistake. We also had several missed tackles probably due to first game rust and Montgomery just completely balling out. But Young was not reading and filling holes. He was also getting easily blocked. I agree with Merlin who said he is more of a WILL than a MIKE. He is not a run stopper, but he can fly around and chase people down.

Kiser was actually very solid as a MIKE. Wasn't that good in pass coverage though. Not real fast either. Howard looked bad in preseason and I wasn't impressed by Jones either. It is what it is. We are really good in nearly every position so Whatchu gonna do.

 

[dang]

Jourdan Rodrigue has sad it often this preseason.. ILB went from a big question mark last year to a plus this year. She knows what she's talking about. No one is 100%, but her observations are ones I believe. She was WAY ahead of the curve on last year's defense.

I didn’t see plus Sunday night. I remember Young making some plays but the biggest thing I saw on defense was a soft middle again. Short passes to TEs and many missed tackles. That needs to be fixed or we will lose every time to the elite offenses.

 

[Jacobarch]

Aaron Rodgers was total shit on Sunday. Just sayin.

Aaron Rodgers doesn't want to play for the pack either. And please don't compare Aaron Rodgers to Kenny young please lol lol lol

 

[leoram]

Sure, we all want Ray Lewis or Mike Singletary in the middle of an old school defense and Young ain't that.

But the game has evolved and the challenges defenses face are different now. An elite defender will succeed in any scheme and the two chosen for the Rams are AD and Ramsey. The remaining players are there to fill roles that fit what the Rams want to do on defense, which is to be flexible and multiple in scheme. Floyd may drop back in coverage or contain the edge one game or several series but be a primary rusher on others. Linebackers are frequently targeted in the passing game even on first down so the plodding thumpers are considered liabilities now. Having more than two traditional linebackers on the field is now an anomaly. Stopping the run will always be important but in this game, the Bears were never going to outscore the Rams by running and converting short passes. The gameplan will change against the Colts as stopping the run will be more of an emphasis even if their secondary doesn't really matchup well for them. Besides that, they proved vulnerable to a good pass rush so forcing them to abandon the run seems an obvious plan of attack.

 

[dang]

Sure, we all want Ray Lewis or Mike Singletary in the middle of an old school defense and Young ain't that.

But the game has evolved and the challenges defenses face are different now. An elite defender will succeed in any scheme and the two chosen for the Rams are AD and Ramsey. The remaining players are there to fill roles that fit what the Rams want to do on defense, which is to be flexible and multiple in scheme. Floyd may drop back in coverage or contain the edge one game or several series but be a primary rusher on others. Linebackers are frequently targeted in the passing game even on first down so the plodding thumpers are considered liabilities now. Having more than two traditional linebackers on the field is now an anomaly. Stopping the run will always be important but in this game, the Bears were never going to outscore the Rams by running and converting short passes. The gameplan will change against the Colts as stopping the run will be more of an emphasis even if their secondary doesn't really matchup well for them. Besides that, they proved vulnerable to a good pass rush so forcing them to abandon the run seems an obvious plan of attack.

Agreed but a starting ILB should rarely miss tackles or allow RBs to blow by them due to physical limitations. That’s what we had last year so hoping for improvement this year.

 

[majrleaged]

People calling him potentially elite need to chill. We have nothing close to elite LB talent on this roster, so people forget what it looks like. Young is an average ILB I'd say. Very athletic, moves well and covers well. But he's below average in run D. Hopefully he improves, and I still feel like a Young/Jones duo puts our best talent on the field. But our talent at LB is very depressing. And that includes OLB and Floyd who is being massively overpaid. Really hope we address that next year in FA with the additional money we have.

I disagree on floyd. Staley put him better position to succeed. At least compared to this one game. I think mostly. Any disappointment lies with the DC. Way to passive.
I remember when Chuck Knox came back to coach the second time. We had been a 34 D and Kevin Green was a monster. Knox changed to 43 and put green as a DE hand in the ground and completely negated greens pass rush ability. So we gave him away.
This is not the same level of stupid and could be temporary, but it is obvious to me that floyd could be utilized better and is not the problem.

 

[BonifayRam]

What about T. Lewis ?

There was a player that played all over Sunday Night.I think the stat board had him having more plays than Troy Reeder.He also took over a series for Floyd at the end of the game.I was looking for injury report & Mcvay said SJD69 was the only concern about Sunday’s game.

Ref. Floyd...yep something wrong with one of his ankles/feet not sure but he was far off his game Sunday Night & yes he was replaced late in the game.

I'm not sure but I believe I read early in the preseason time period that Floyd was out due to a lower leg issue for a good amount of time.

I saw Lewis on the field but had little to no contribution to any play. Justin Lawler came in for 6 plays for Floyd had more impact.

 

[Allen2McVay]

I disagree on floyd. Staley put him better position to succeed. At least compared to this one game. I think mostly. Any disappointment lies with the DC. Way to passive.
I remember when Chuck Knox came back to coach the second time. We had been a 34 D and Kevin Green was a monster. Knox changed to 43 and put green as a DE hand in the ground and completely negated greens pass rush ability. So we gave him away.
This is not the same level of stupid and could be temporary, but it is obvious to me that floyd could be utilized better and is not the problem.

I think that was Robinson's final season as head coach. Brought in a then-very-young Jeff Fisher as the Defensive Coordinator and he went to a 4-3, with Greene at DE. As you mentioned, it did NOT work.

Knox came back as HC and stayed with the 4-3 but Greene returned to OLB and had double-digit sacks.
Greene then left as a free agent.