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Monday Wrap-Up: Correcting the Offensive Issues
View: http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Monday-Wrap-Up-Correcting-the-Offensive-Issues/5c53c316-0f5f-4826-940a-318f45202e0a
Myles Simmons Rams Insider @MylesASimmons
The Rams have received outstanding production from running back Todd Gurley over their last three games, but the rest of the offense has not fared quite so well.
That said, St. Louis has won two of those three games -- including Sunday’s 24-6 victory over Cleveland -- and it’s always easier to correct things after a win than a loss. Head coach Jeff Fisher said that was part of his message to the team as it went through the film on Monday.
“We’re going to continue to work on it. Players understand,” Fisher said. “We took advantage of the film study and review time to move forward in preparation for the 49ers. So that’s been kind of the theme today is, let’s get things corrected, and get better, and go play San Francisco.”
As Fisher has talked about before this season, he said in his Monday press conference the Rams’ two most significant offensive issues are getting more first downs and converting third-down opportunities. On Sunday, they netted 16 first downs but were just 1-of-9 in third-down efficiency.
That’s why the onus falls on the entire unit to improve production.
“We need to do better across the board offensively,” Fisher said. “Getting open, creating opportunities for [receivers] to get open, and then making the throws.”
That’s especially because Fisher said teams have already started placing more men in the box to try to defend Gurley.
“Arizona did it. Green Bay did it. And so did Cleveland,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to do more with [Gurley’s] teammates around him. We’ve got to get more production out of the other players and get the ball down the field. Take advantage of that and that’s what we’re working on.”
GOING NO HUDDLE
The offense did get going after halftime, particularly when the team elected to speed up the tempo. The Rams do not utilize much of their no-huddle offense, but did so effectively in the second half on Sunday.
“We sped the tempo up just a little bit in the second half and that helped us a little bit,” Fisher said. “Nick was good with that. That doesn’t mean we’re going to do it this week, but it was a good adjustment as far as most of the third quarter was concerned.”
Foles said after the game he’s comfortable going no huddle, as he has a long history with it from high school, to college, to the pros. And Fisher said the quarterback made good adjustments with it throughout the third quarter.
“He got together with the offense and said, ‘These are the things we’re going to do. Let’s go do it.’ He did it,” Fisher said of Foles. “So, yeah, it’s good. I mean, we work on it. It’s a two-minute offense. We work on in it in practice.”
AUSTIN’S BLOCKING
Wide receiver Tavon Austin was one of the players instrumental in getting the offense in a rhythm, though not necessarily the way one would assume. He has been productive throughout the year, and continued that trend Sunday even though he like was not 100 percent, according to Fisher. The wideout had been listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury.
“That’s a sign of a real pro, the way he handled himself,” Fisher said.
Austin still took an end around for 21 yards, and made four receptions for 43 yards to lead the team. But it was his run blocking that really stood out. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 176 pounds, Austin hit some blocks on Gurley runs that probably made him feel much larger to Cleveland defenders -- particularly on the running back’s 48-yard run and 16-yard touchdown.
“I think it’s a message to our receivers that they need to learn how to block like Tavon,” Fisher said. “Tavon’s a good blocker.”
FLIPPING THE GUARDS
With Garrett Reynolds inserted into the starting lineup with Rodger Saffold on injured reserve, rookie Jamon Brown flipped back over from left to right guard for Sunday’s contest. Fisher said he thought the switch worked out well for the most part for both Reynolds and Brown.
“JB’s problems that he had were more of the matchup against the defensive talent level versus the fact that he had moved from left to right, so he’ll be fine,” Fisher said, complimenting Browns’ defensive lineman Randy Starks.
The head coach added much of the reason for the switch was the communication factor between Reynolds and left tackle Greg Robinson.
“Greg’s a long ways away from things out there at left tackle, so it’s good to have Garrett in there communicating with him,” Fisher said.
View: http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Monday-Wrap-Up-Correcting-the-Offensive-Issues/5c53c316-0f5f-4826-940a-318f45202e0a
Myles Simmons Rams Insider @MylesASimmons
The Rams have received outstanding production from running back Todd Gurley over their last three games, but the rest of the offense has not fared quite so well.
That said, St. Louis has won two of those three games -- including Sunday’s 24-6 victory over Cleveland -- and it’s always easier to correct things after a win than a loss. Head coach Jeff Fisher said that was part of his message to the team as it went through the film on Monday.
“We’re going to continue to work on it. Players understand,” Fisher said. “We took advantage of the film study and review time to move forward in preparation for the 49ers. So that’s been kind of the theme today is, let’s get things corrected, and get better, and go play San Francisco.”
As Fisher has talked about before this season, he said in his Monday press conference the Rams’ two most significant offensive issues are getting more first downs and converting third-down opportunities. On Sunday, they netted 16 first downs but were just 1-of-9 in third-down efficiency.
That’s why the onus falls on the entire unit to improve production.
“We need to do better across the board offensively,” Fisher said. “Getting open, creating opportunities for [receivers] to get open, and then making the throws.”
That’s especially because Fisher said teams have already started placing more men in the box to try to defend Gurley.
“Arizona did it. Green Bay did it. And so did Cleveland,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to do more with [Gurley’s] teammates around him. We’ve got to get more production out of the other players and get the ball down the field. Take advantage of that and that’s what we’re working on.”
GOING NO HUDDLE
The offense did get going after halftime, particularly when the team elected to speed up the tempo. The Rams do not utilize much of their no-huddle offense, but did so effectively in the second half on Sunday.
“We sped the tempo up just a little bit in the second half and that helped us a little bit,” Fisher said. “Nick was good with that. That doesn’t mean we’re going to do it this week, but it was a good adjustment as far as most of the third quarter was concerned.”
Foles said after the game he’s comfortable going no huddle, as he has a long history with it from high school, to college, to the pros. And Fisher said the quarterback made good adjustments with it throughout the third quarter.
“He got together with the offense and said, ‘These are the things we’re going to do. Let’s go do it.’ He did it,” Fisher said of Foles. “So, yeah, it’s good. I mean, we work on it. It’s a two-minute offense. We work on in it in practice.”
AUSTIN’S BLOCKING
Wide receiver Tavon Austin was one of the players instrumental in getting the offense in a rhythm, though not necessarily the way one would assume. He has been productive throughout the year, and continued that trend Sunday even though he like was not 100 percent, according to Fisher. The wideout had been listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury.
“That’s a sign of a real pro, the way he handled himself,” Fisher said.
Austin still took an end around for 21 yards, and made four receptions for 43 yards to lead the team. But it was his run blocking that really stood out. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 176 pounds, Austin hit some blocks on Gurley runs that probably made him feel much larger to Cleveland defenders -- particularly on the running back’s 48-yard run and 16-yard touchdown.
“I think it’s a message to our receivers that they need to learn how to block like Tavon,” Fisher said. “Tavon’s a good blocker.”
FLIPPING THE GUARDS
With Garrett Reynolds inserted into the starting lineup with Rodger Saffold on injured reserve, rookie Jamon Brown flipped back over from left to right guard for Sunday’s contest. Fisher said he thought the switch worked out well for the most part for both Reynolds and Brown.
“JB’s problems that he had were more of the matchup against the defensive talent level versus the fact that he had moved from left to right, so he’ll be fine,” Fisher said, complimenting Browns’ defensive lineman Randy Starks.
The head coach added much of the reason for the switch was the communication factor between Reynolds and left tackle Greg Robinson.
“Greg’s a long ways away from things out there at left tackle, so it’s good to have Garrett in there communicating with him,” Fisher said.
