Pre-season Game 2 OL & RB's ...

[Riverumbbq]

What was it, something like 10 OL penalties with more than half of them coming in the 1'st quarter ? That was indeed ugly, but overall the OL ended up playing better than last week once we get beyond those penalties. Both Funk & Jones ran far better behind today's Rams OL than they did against the Chargers. The first half began with the same personnel at OL as last week, so you might want to attribute some of that improvement to building chemistry, but those penalties kind of dismantle that theory. It's easy to wonder how well Funk & Jones might perform behind the first team offense, but it's not enough for me to stop desiring a waivered/traded/or cut veteran RB for a team making a potential Super Bowl run. Funk had 7 carries for 56 yards and an 8 ypc average while Xavier Jones had 7 carries for 29 yards and a 4.1 ypc average.
It seems to me that Alaric Jackson has won the LT#3 job and will be impossible to hang on to if we were to attempt to waiver him to the practice squad, he's really become the surprise of the unit. On the other hand, it appears that Chandler Brewer is becoming the sacrificial lamb, so to speak, as he's been moved out of his former LT role and had to play two different positions in two weeks, positions he hasn't played since pre-season of 2019. He may have improved slightly over last week, but he still struggled while dividing time between LG & RT. Anchrum also had his own struggles at RT during the first half today and was kept out of returning to the game after what was hopefully a minor leg or foot injury. Shelton seemingly held is own while splitting time with Kolone again, and seems to be solidifying his #3 Center role. Meredith split time at RG last week and split time at LG tonight, so his trajectory as a potential swing OG/Center continues. Evans continues to disappoint at RG and I struggle trying to understand why management still tries to force this square peg through a round hole, why are they so focused on this rather than allow him to try to regain some confidence at the one position he had a modicum of success at, RT ?

I believe the entire OL is safe from the next round of roster cuts, game # 3 in Denver next week is going to be decisive for settling the future for a few of these players, so bring your 'A' game boys, you're going to need it. jmo.

 

[Merlin]

I think a lot of shit got slotted tonight tbh.

Perkins made QB3. As to whether that's good enough for the roster who knows. It would be for me if I'm McVay though. QB room is defined either way.

Alaric Jackson made the OL for sure. Brewer is probably odd man out and tbh for a guy like him to get bounced means some good things happened which they did. Meredith and Kolone probably are cuts. I have Whit, Edwards, Allen, Corbs, Hav, Anchrum, Boom, Shelton, Evans as my 9 man OL now. Evans still might get himself cut, but I think his draft status will save him.

X Jones will win the backup job unless Funk makes big strides in his pass set knowledge. Which is unlikely as Jones has a year on him in this offense. So my RB list is Hendy, Jones, Funk and the Rams really like those three, of that I have no doubt. Obviously we'll have one added here.

ILB we know that Reeder has things sewn up which to me is great news. It means Morris paid attention to last year's tape. Young remains a spot that they can upgrade going forward I just don't know who could beat him or if any safeties can be spared. My ILB room right now is Reeder, Young, Jones, Howard, Kiser, Roseboom. I figure they may keep as few as 3 but probably 4 so Kiser's a likely cut by the 53 IMO. Young and Howard are pretty weak though as WILBs.

TE is more clear too. I mean Harris going in to that drive at the end felt like a starter going in there. It was child's play to him. TE is clearly Higs, Harris, Mundt to my eye at least. Meaning they would cut Mundt before they'd cut Harris, and also Harris is the move TE so in 12 starters are Higs/Harris. The TE4 job is a straight question of Blanton vs Hopkins vs other positions' bottom feeders for me. So that's what's left to sort IMO.

Garrett made the team tonight. He does need to get stronger to hold up vs starters in the run game. But tbh he may help us this year as a rush specialist and down the road we'll see if he can get his strength up.

It was nice to feel B Brown on that big stop. IMO the DL still has some to sort next game but it's obvious who belongs right now.

Lastly the safeties also need more sorting. Doesn't help that we don't have all 22 lol. But still I think the DBs as a whole are a little unclear still. I could stack them a few different ways so at least it's not as clear to me.

 

[jjab360]

Both Funk and Jones looked good tonight.

Funk looked explosive and Jones just looks smooth in the open field, as a runner or receiver. Plus he had a couple big plays called back.

I'm comfortable with the depth and wouldn't be too surprised if one of these guys is getting more snaps than Henderson by the end of the season, like Akers last year. I like Henderson but I think Akers, Funk, and Jones all have the vision and elusiveness in their game that I haven't seen from him yet.

 

[TexasRam]

I'll withhold my judgment before I study the tape later tonight, but early indications are Meredith graded out really good again despite the one false start. Evans was horrid. I don't see any way they keep Evans over Meredith at this point unless someone just cannot eat crow on the Evans draft pick.

Anchrum really struggled tonight. This last preseason game should seal his fate.

The 0-line backups, assuming they keep 4 should be Noteboom, Jackson, Shelton and Meredith. Brewer and Evans are gonzo.

Some interesting battles are Reed and Hughes fighting for spots.

Also the Interior Dline. We saw some dudes makes some splash plays. Banks and Daca, Jonah Williams and Hoecht all made plays. If one of them has a Garrett time game next week, you have to wonder if they make it to the 53. How many interior Dlineman do we usually roll with?

 

[Kupped]

I posted on the game thread before I read this one and am glad to see I'm not alone in some observations.

I really thought Jackson took a big step from last week. I thought he was a PS guy, but now? Yeah, I don't see him making it through waivers and they may have a guy with real potential there.

Anchrum had a rough go, but he's a lock, imo. He's probably going to be their primary inside backup.

Jones is shifty and smart, but I really think they need to add a guy with some size to the room.

 

[Malibu]

I agree with everything here. Tough to weed through last OL cuts. Both Jones and funk make team.

On a sad note the wrs top to bottom are really strong and some good ones will be cut. Akers and koski keep showing up. Maybe do to the injury to Ben S one sneaks in. There are effectively 4 wrs vying for 1 spot times. 3 of them could start as a 3rd or 4th wr on many teams which really sucks because if GMs were smart they would snatch them up off our PS.

Chris Garrett is a total keeper.

 

[Neil039]

Gotta believe the same 5 OL will start next week at Denver. I believe they already know who their keeping, but that last spot is up. Brewer does look like the odd OL out IMO.

Funk looks like he‘s ready to play (Not worried about those knees). Hoping he breaks one against the Broncos. Jones looks like a Henderson clone, worried about durability.

Brown made my night! Driving the OL into the RB then tackling the two of them…FANTASTIC! Garrett showed a great deal of potential. Great to see Burgess out there.

Had an opportunity to go to the Bronco game but family reunion this coming weekend. If it was a regular season game, then I’d go.

NO MORE INJURIES!

 

[Merlin]

Funk looks like he‘s ready to play (Not worried about those knees). Hoping he breaks one

 

[BonifayRam]

With OG Evans resuming his same poor 2020 year-end performance in 2021 preseason,& with Rookie Alaric Jackson & Tremayne Anchrum outperforming Evans in OL play .....someone needs to tell me why Evans is considered to have won a roster position Please?

Why would you need Evans if you have Anchrum & Jackson?

What future benefits would Evans bring in comparison to either Jackson or Anchrum?

Can Coleman Shelton handle being the top reserve OC again in 2021 with the added assignment of reserve swing OG?

Or would having both Shelton & Rookie Meredith on the roster be much be better now & more important next season than Evans & Brewer?

Interesting that Chandler Brewer is continuing to be moved around a lot in both 2019 & 2021 TC's & now also both 2019 & 2021 preseason...is that really considered a bad omen in comparison to a one-post rider 3rd season Evans?

 

[Neil039]

Breaks a run into the open field….sorry Crabman

 

[Riverumbbq]

With OG Evans resuming his same poor 2020 year-end performance in 2021 preseason,& with Rookie Alaric Jackson & Tremayne Anchrum outperforming Evans in OL play .....someone needs to tell me why Evans is considered to have won a roster position Please?

Why would you need Evans if you have Anchrum & Jackson?

What future benefits would Evans bring in comparison to either Jackson or Anchrum?

Can Coleman Shelton handle being the top reserve OC again in 2021 with the added assignment of reserve swing OG?

Or would having both Shelton & Rookie Meredith on the roster be much be better now & more important next season than Evans & Brewer?

Interesting that Chandler Brewer is continuing to be moved around a lot in both 2019 & 2021 TC's & now also both 2019 & 2021 preseason...is that really considered a bad omen in comparison to a one-post rider 3rd season Evans?

A few have mentioned how tough it might be to cut someone like Evans due to his draft status, being pick #97 in the 3'rd round of the 2019 draft, and how it might ruffle some ego feathers, ... thinking Les Snead here. Thing is we have a new OL Coach, a new OC, and Brad Holmes is no longer the director of scouting. So whatever is coming in regards to Evans' future will strictly be a McSnead decision. Evans has quickly proven that he can't play OG at a high level, his one time success at RT hasn't been tested in awhile, and I'm not sure how anyone can view him as LT competition, so in my eyes Evans has devolved into a one trick pony at RT or serves no purpose at all. Anchrum had a rough go at RT last night against the Raiders, although he played the position quite well against the Chargers a week prior. Brewer is getting bounced around, had a poor showing at LG last week, slightly better at the position yesterday, although I was happy to see him moved to RT in the 2'nd half of the Raiders game. It likely won't happen, but I'd like to see Brewer split RT time next week at Denver with Evans in what may be a last ditch effort for both players to maintain a roster spot following final cuts. Let our potential swing OG's Anchrum & Meredith split time at RG & LG.
While I have Shelton as winning the #3 Center role once again, he hasn't shown me anything at either of the OG positions, leaving me to believe his 'swing' status might be over-exaggerated. Do we need our #3 Center to be on the 53 or will he do on the practice squad, especially with Meredith in the wings also cross-training at Center ?
Some have expressed they are already done with Brewer, I give him another game at least, he does play LT and that will become doubly important should Whitworth retire at the end of this season as expected. Noteboom & Alaric Jackson will compete at LT, but Brewer can step in as a back-up if an injury occurs, and Brewer just received his first opportunity to compete at RT during the second half against the Raiders. I prefer Brewer's chances at OT, perhaps not so much at OG. jmo.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Gotta believe the same 5 OL will start next week at Denver. I believe they already know who their keeping, but that last spot is up. Brewer does look like the odd OL out IMO.

Funk looks like he‘s ready to play (Not worried about those knees). Hoping he breaks one against the Broncos. Jones looks like a Henderson clone, worried about durability.

Brown made my night! Driving the OL into the RB then tackling the two of them…FANTASTIC! Garrett showed a great deal of potential. Great to see Burgess out there.

Had an opportunity to go to the Bronco game but family reunion this coming weekend. If it was a regular season game, then I’d go.

NO MORE INJURIES!

Starting the same 5 does seem likely, although I'd really like to see 3 of them at different positions now that we've had an opportunity to see them over two games. Brewer & Evans appear out of place at OG, not their strongest position.

My starting line-up against Denver would look something like this :

LT - Alaric Jackson
LG - Jordan Meredith/Tremayne Anchrum (splitting time per half)
C - Coleman Shelton
RG - Tremayne Anchrum/Jordan Meredith (splitting time per half)
RT - Chandler Brewer/Bobby Evans (splitting time per half)

jmo.

 

[Merlin]

My guess is Anchrum is done for the preseason. That's what I'd do at least. The guy can play. I'd rather get a full game's look at Meredith at RG and see if he's worth keeping.

Brewer I'd have back at LG. He won't make this year's squad as a tackle. That ship has sailed IMO it's a numbers game. Give him a full game at LG.

Jackson / Brewer / Shelton / Meredith / Evans. That would be my final preseason game OL and I'd let them have the entire game in those roles.

 

[Neil039]

Starting the same 5 does seem likely, although I'd really like to see 3 of them at different positions now that we've had an opportunity to see them over two games. Brewer & Evans appear out of place at OG, not their strongest position.

My starting line-up against Denver would look something like this :

LT - Alaric Jackson
LG - Jordan Meredith/Tremayne Anchrum (splitting time per half)
C - Coleman Shelton
RG - Tremayne Anchrum/Jordan Meredith (splitting time per half)
RT - Chandler Brewer/Bobby Evans (splitting time per half)

jmo.

I like the way you post … in my Billy Bob Sling Blade voice

 

[Riverumbbq]

Brewer I'd have back at LG. He won't make this year's squad as a tackle. That ship has sailed IMO it's a numbers game. Give him a full game at LG.

I just can't agree. I must assume you now have Anchrum penciled in as our first RT back-up and Evans behind him. Following yesterdays game I see back-up RT as up for grabs. Brewer had been successful at holding down the back-up LT role, and he has only had a half in the second pre-season game at the RT position. Evans has the most experience at RT, but has shown nothing in 2020 or during this pre-season. And Anchrum's outing at RT yesterday was less than hoped for. Putting Brewer back at LG next week pretty much ensures his being waivered imo. I'd gamble the same would be true for Evans at RG if he's back at that position, although Evans has the benefit of being a 3'rd round draft pick in 2019 which probably makes him immune from being cut. I'd like to see Brewer get the entire game at RT against Denver, but that's probably too much to hope for, so splitting time with Evans is my second option, although I'm trying to get prepared for neither happening. With Evan's failures to prove himself at OG, I have Anchrum & Meredith penciled in as our swing OG's, with both being cross-trained at Center as in our best interests. jmo.

 

[Merlin]

I must assume you now have Anchrum penciled in as our first RT back-up and Evans behind him.

Yes.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Yes.

Didn't you have Meredith slated for a waiver cut, if so, you've got Anchrum spread pretty thin covering both OG positions and RT. I guess you have a lot more confidence in Shelton than I have as a reserve OG. jmo.

 

[Merlin]

Didn't you have Meredith slated for a waiver cut, if so, you've got Anchrum spread pretty thin covering both OG positions and RT. I guess you have a lot more confidence in Shelton than I have as a reserve OG. jmo.

If Whit goes down I see Boom going in. If either OG goes down Anchrum goes in. If Center goes down Corbs slides over and Anchrum goes in. If Hav goes down Anchrum goes in. IMO those two guys have the line covered. It's not really about him being spread thin either, I mean no matter how you plan things if you get 2 guys into your depth the Rams still look better than most teams. Where they're fucked is if they end up 3 deep into their depth.

Whit / Edwards / Allen / Corbs / Hav then your top two backups Boom and Anchrum puts them at 7. Probably two slots left. One is likely Center IMO so I think Shelton gets the nod there, because he has been serviceable there in preseason games. For that last slot that is why I say Brewer needs to show OG and make the team that way. Because Boom/Anchrum have the edges covered and then some. If Brewer can't do that he's gonna be a cut and they'll keep Evans and call him OG or Meredith.

Sort of looks like Evans vs Brewer for that last spot either way. Meredith could kill it and with a statement game would be in nice shape but he's still a longshot at this point.

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

If Whit goes down I see Boom going in. If either OG goes down Anchrum goes in. If Center goes down Corbs slides over and Anchrum goes in. If Hav goes down Anchrum goes in. IMO those two guys have the line covered. It's not really about him being spread thin either, I mean no matter how you plan things if you get 2 guys into your depth the Rams still look better than most teams. Where they're fucked is if they end up 3 deep into their depth.

Whit / Edwards / Allen / Corbs / Hav then your top two backups Boom and Anchrum puts them at 7. Probably two slots left. One is likely Center IMO so I think Shelton gets the nod there, because he has been serviceable there in preseason games. For that last slot that is why I say Brewer needs to show OG and make the team that way. Because Boom/Anchrum have the edges covered and then some. If Brewer can't do that he's gonna be a cut and they'll keep Evans and call him OG or Meredith.

Sort of looks like Evans vs Brewer for that last spot either way. Meredith could kill it and with a statement game would be in nice shape but he's still a longshot at this point.

Merlin,
I noticed that you don't have Alaric Jackson listed anywhere. Where does he fit in your scenario?

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[TexasRam]

Yea I don't know.

I wanted to like A. Jackson but looking at the tape he was beat at least two times and other times was real shaky. I think he lacks the power and hands to play on Sunday right now. I might have to PS him. Not sure what the Rams think.

Anchrum started falling apart last night again. He still has lots of upside and I think he can become a starter soon. So I would keep him on the 53. Plus his flexibility of positions.

Brewer and Evans getting consistently beat vs 2nd and 3rd stringers should be the writing on the wall. If either makes the 53 we are asking for trouble.

Meredith had his 2nd straight game of not getting beat once. He did have one missed assingment in preseason game 1 but he has not been beat yet. He is also very quick to the second level and was a big part of the huge Funk run. He looks to me like an absolute steal as an undrafted guy. I wonder how he looked in practice vs the 1's? If he balls out again in preseason week3 then I don't see anyway he doesn't make the 53.

Shelton/Kolone - I am having a hard time rating one over the other. I have struggled to find a play where Kolone was beat, though there are a few where Shelton was beat. One of them makes the 53 just for center backup reasons.

I agree we should let Evans get some RT looks. Need to see if there is anything to salvage before giving him the bad news.