Practice Report 8/9: Offensive Progress
By Austin Lankford
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The Rams took the field on Sunday in what was probably the hottest day of training camp so far, but head coach Jeff Fisher was happy with the way his team responded.
“They pushed right through it, which is impressive,” Fisher said. “We didn’t have to mention a thing and they pushed themselves through it and I was really impressed. They knew that we had to get through today and tomorrow, which are big days for us because then we start to taper off as we get closer to the preseason.”
Frank Cignetti also addressed media on Sunday for the first time since training camp opened and is pleased with the progress.
“We have a great staff and they do a great job teaching,” the first-year offensive coordinator said. “The players are doing an awesome job preparing and they’re bringing it out on the field. We’re getting great effort, we’re getting good execution, and every day you can see that we’re making progress.”
Cignetti also stated the offense is on its third time installing the playbook, and as the preseason nears, the players are becoming more comfortable. He specifically mentioned Nick Foles’ strong grasp of the offense to this point.
“He has adapted well and you can see it every day out here,” Cignetti said. “Every time he gets another rep at a concept, he sees it better and he’s more decisive in his decision making process. Every day we are pleased with the progress we are seeing with Nick.”
Both Fisher and Cignetti are also glad to have Case Keenum back in a Rams uniform with the potential of winning the back-up role behind Foles.
“What we like about Case is the game isn’t too fast for him,” Cignetti said. “He processes information very well, he’s smart, he’s a rhythmic passer, and he’s very accurate. We ask our quarterbacks to run the offense and keep us out of a bad play and he can come to the line of scrimmage and recognize the defense right now and make the proper adjustments.”
Keenum’s transition back to St. Louis has been smooth because the offense hasn’t altered too much from last year when Brian Schottenheimer was coordinating the unit.
“The foundation was in place when coach Schottenheimer put an offense in here for three years,” Cignetti said. “We tweaked it a little bit, but the foundation of the terminology and the core concepts were in place, so there is a lot of carry over.”
Fisher said the Rams wanted Keenum back from the Texans after he was signed off St. Louis’ practice squad last year, but didn’t know what Houston’s situation would be.
“So we decided that the best way to get Case back would be to offer them a future pick,” Fisher said. “He’s productive and he understands the offense in his second year in it. He’s further ahead than he was last year, he can make all the throws, and he’s got that enthusiasm and the 'it' factor in the huddle.”
With Cignetti nearing the end of his first full training camp as an OC he said he isn’t shocked at the progress the team has made.
“I’m not surprised at all because I think we have a great group of coaches and players who are committed to being the best they can be and every day,” Cignetti said. “We see our guys come out here and give great effort and execute.”
Fisher also likes the state of the offense heading into the first preseason game in Oakland, once again noting his confidence in his young offensive linemen.
“Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein are coming on, and Andrew [Donnal] is coming along,” Fisher said. “I’d like to get Cody [Wichmann] back out there and Demetrius [Rhaney] missed a lot of time last year due to injury so it’s been great for him too. We will wait and see how we fair against the Raiders and Cowboys in practice, but there’s no reason for me to think that they can’t line up and play.”
Fisher did say that one of the growing pains with young offensive linemen is learning to effectively communicate in the heat of a game.
“It’s the lack of reps and the lack of experience because if there’s a communication issue up front and you cut somebody loose, that’s a free run on your quarterback,” Fisher said. “So we have to make sure that doesn’t happen and at this point, they are getting their reps.”
SIGNING FORTSON
The Rams added defensive tackle Marcus Fortson to the roster late last week and he completed his first practice on Sunday. Fortson played in college at Miami and has been out of football since last August, although he did participate in this year’s veteran combine. He said he got the call from the Rams on Thursday and arrived in St. Louis that evening.
“I woke up Friday morning and had a full day of physicals, worked out and then signed,” Fortson said. “It was a major blessing, man.”
Fortson went undrafted in 2012 and was picked up by the Patriots where he spent time on both the practice squad and active roster.
“It’s all up to me at the end of the day,” Fortson said. “If I do what I need to do and work hard and put out good film, I should be good.”
DONALD'S ENCORE
Fisher said on Sunday that the 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year is looking for a strong second season.
“He has worked very hard the entire offseason,” Fisher said. “He started this offseason on a mission and he’s in great shape. He knows that every snap he has a chance to win and he’s motivated by that. He’s going to be good for us and very hard to block this year.”
BRUCE VISITS CAMP
Hall of Fame wide receiver and Rams legend Isaac Bruce was present for Sunday’s practice.
“His career speaks for itself we have a lot of respect for the former players, whether they have played a year or ten years or a potential Hall of Famer,” Fisher said. “We just want to make sure they’re welcome here and you’ve seen a number of them through the years. The doors are open to any former player who wants to come out to practice or come in the building and say hello. We welcome them.”
BROCKERS' BABY
Defensive tackle Michael Brockers was absent for Sunday’s practice, but for a very good reason. His wife gave birth to a baby girl.
MaKaela Marie has made her arrival!!! 7 Ibs 11 oz 20 1/2 in. @ 2:37 pm today. Mummy's perfect lil princess
— Faith Brockers (@foreverFAITH_90) August 9, 2015
