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Rams notes: Rookie QB Mannion makes the most of limited action
As a rookie in his first NFL training camp, quarterback Sean Mannion is learning the virtue of patience.
“It’s definitely different, but I think it’s different for everybody here,’’ the 23-year-old from Oregon State said this week after a workout at Rams Park. “Every one of these guys was one of the best players on his college team. As a quarterback, I’m obviously not getting the reps I was getting a year ago, so you make sure that you’re learning in other ways. For me, that means standing behind the play and near the other quarterbacks. Nick (Foles), Austin (Davis) and Case (Keenum) have all won games in the NFL and they’re a great resource for me. There’s so much value in what I can learn from them, not only on the practice field but also in the meeting room.’’
In addition, Mannion can usually be found getting in some extra throws with rookie receivers after practice.
“It’s a great way to get in some extra reps and make sure you’re getting in enough work,’’ he said. “But even then, it’s more than just running routes — you’re not just going out to the driving range and swinging away — we’re trying to apply that work the same way we would in a game, thinking about the pattern, the protection and the situation.’’
Mannion, a third-round draft pick in May, seems to be catching on pretty well. He’s come on late in the team’s first two preseason games and excelled while running the two-minute offense. In the 18-3 loss to Oakland, he completed eight of 13 passes for 53 yards. He was even better late in the 27-14 loss at Tennessee, completing six of seven for 93 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown to rookie running back Malcolm Brown.
“I’ve always enjoyed the two-minute offense and I feel fortunate for the chances I’ve gotten,” the 6-foot-6, 233-pound Mannion said. “It’s great situational football work, especially for a quarterback because it forces you to manage the clock and deal with different situations. On top of that, the game gets simplified; your reads don’t change but your mentality does. Instead of worrying about putting together a huge drive, my focus is on completions.
“The touchdown to Malcolm was a perfect example. Instead of thinking about a 60-yard drive, I was able to go through my progressions before throwing maybe an 8-yard pass. Then he breaks a couple of tackles and takes it to the house.’’
Mannion said getting completions on his first pass in each game has helped his confidence.
“It’s tough, going through pregame warmups and then trying to keep yourself prepared, knowing that you’re not getting in until late in the game,’’ he said. “Against Oakland, I think my first pass was a screen to Danny (Rodriguez). I was able to take a breath, knowing that I’d completed my first NFL pass, and from there I was able to get into a little bit of a rhythm. And the experience in Nashville was very similar.
“It’s been a great experience so far. Each day, I’m reminded how lucky I am, but at the same time, I realize there’s still a lot of work to be done.’’
NOT LOOKING BACK
The last time the Rams faced the Colts was on Nov. 10, 2013, as the visiting club stunned playoff-bound Indianapolis 38-8 at Lucas Oil Stadium. In that game, the Rams quickly quieted the big crowd by building a 28-0 halftime lead and were up 38-0 before Indianapolis scored.
That game marked the coming out party for Tavon Austin. The No. 8 overall pick in that year’s draft, Austin finished the day with 314 total yards and three touchdowns.
With the Rams already up 14-0 early in the second quarter, he grabbed a bouncing punt near his goal line and returned it 98 yards down the right sideline for his first score. Later in the quarter, he blew by the Colts’ defense along the left sideline to haul in a 57-yard scoring pass from Kellen Clemens.
Just after halftime, he caught a Clemens pass over the middle and outran the Indy defense for an 81-yard touchdown that stretched the Rams’ lead to 35-0.
In that game, Austin returned four punts for 145 yards, one kickoff for 27, had one carry for 4 and caught two passes for 138.
“It was definitely a huge day for me and thankful for everything that went my way that day,’’ said Austin, now in his third NFL season. “But I can’t get that game back. It’s a great memory, but at this point, it really doesn’t mean a thing.’’
Austin, who stands 5 feet 8 and weighs 176 pounds, is expecting big things this season.
“I worked hard in the offseason and I’m anxious to see that work pay off,’’ the 24-year-old said. “I won’t say things are easier, but the game has definitely slowed down. I’m mentally stronger now and I have a better feel for the playbook. I want to play smart and focus on making plays.’’
In an 18-3 loss to Oakland to open the preseason, Austin caught a short pass from Nick Foles on the second play of the opening drive and turned it into a 35-yard gain. It helped set up a Greg Zuerlein field goal.
Last weekend, in a 27-14 loss in Tennessee, Austin was targeted twice but did not have a catch.
“We’ve got some work to do, trying to develop some offensive chemistry,’’ Austin said. “But I’m confident it’ll come.’’
RAM-BLING
The Rams will hold a walk-through Wednesday at Scott Air Force Base. The visit has become an annual tradition as the team shows its appreciation for America’s servicemen and women. As part of the unique experience, 22 military personnel will be selected to take the field and participate in the practice, which is expected to last about an hour.
Following the short workout, the Rams will sign autographs.
Rams notes: Rookie QB Mannion makes the most of limited action
As a rookie in his first NFL training camp, quarterback Sean Mannion is learning the virtue of patience.
“It’s definitely different, but I think it’s different for everybody here,’’ the 23-year-old from Oregon State said this week after a workout at Rams Park. “Every one of these guys was one of the best players on his college team. As a quarterback, I’m obviously not getting the reps I was getting a year ago, so you make sure that you’re learning in other ways. For me, that means standing behind the play and near the other quarterbacks. Nick (Foles), Austin (Davis) and Case (Keenum) have all won games in the NFL and they’re a great resource for me. There’s so much value in what I can learn from them, not only on the practice field but also in the meeting room.’’
In addition, Mannion can usually be found getting in some extra throws with rookie receivers after practice.
“It’s a great way to get in some extra reps and make sure you’re getting in enough work,’’ he said. “But even then, it’s more than just running routes — you’re not just going out to the driving range and swinging away — we’re trying to apply that work the same way we would in a game, thinking about the pattern, the protection and the situation.’’
Mannion, a third-round draft pick in May, seems to be catching on pretty well. He’s come on late in the team’s first two preseason games and excelled while running the two-minute offense. In the 18-3 loss to Oakland, he completed eight of 13 passes for 53 yards. He was even better late in the 27-14 loss at Tennessee, completing six of seven for 93 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown to rookie running back Malcolm Brown.
“I’ve always enjoyed the two-minute offense and I feel fortunate for the chances I’ve gotten,” the 6-foot-6, 233-pound Mannion said. “It’s great situational football work, especially for a quarterback because it forces you to manage the clock and deal with different situations. On top of that, the game gets simplified; your reads don’t change but your mentality does. Instead of worrying about putting together a huge drive, my focus is on completions.
“The touchdown to Malcolm was a perfect example. Instead of thinking about a 60-yard drive, I was able to go through my progressions before throwing maybe an 8-yard pass. Then he breaks a couple of tackles and takes it to the house.’’
Mannion said getting completions on his first pass in each game has helped his confidence.
“It’s tough, going through pregame warmups and then trying to keep yourself prepared, knowing that you’re not getting in until late in the game,’’ he said. “Against Oakland, I think my first pass was a screen to Danny (Rodriguez). I was able to take a breath, knowing that I’d completed my first NFL pass, and from there I was able to get into a little bit of a rhythm. And the experience in Nashville was very similar.
“It’s been a great experience so far. Each day, I’m reminded how lucky I am, but at the same time, I realize there’s still a lot of work to be done.’’
NOT LOOKING BACK
The last time the Rams faced the Colts was on Nov. 10, 2013, as the visiting club stunned playoff-bound Indianapolis 38-8 at Lucas Oil Stadium. In that game, the Rams quickly quieted the big crowd by building a 28-0 halftime lead and were up 38-0 before Indianapolis scored.
That game marked the coming out party for Tavon Austin. The No. 8 overall pick in that year’s draft, Austin finished the day with 314 total yards and three touchdowns.
With the Rams already up 14-0 early in the second quarter, he grabbed a bouncing punt near his goal line and returned it 98 yards down the right sideline for his first score. Later in the quarter, he blew by the Colts’ defense along the left sideline to haul in a 57-yard scoring pass from Kellen Clemens.
Just after halftime, he caught a Clemens pass over the middle and outran the Indy defense for an 81-yard touchdown that stretched the Rams’ lead to 35-0.
In that game, Austin returned four punts for 145 yards, one kickoff for 27, had one carry for 4 and caught two passes for 138.
“It was definitely a huge day for me and thankful for everything that went my way that day,’’ said Austin, now in his third NFL season. “But I can’t get that game back. It’s a great memory, but at this point, it really doesn’t mean a thing.’’
Austin, who stands 5 feet 8 and weighs 176 pounds, is expecting big things this season.
“I worked hard in the offseason and I’m anxious to see that work pay off,’’ the 24-year-old said. “I won’t say things are easier, but the game has definitely slowed down. I’m mentally stronger now and I have a better feel for the playbook. I want to play smart and focus on making plays.’’
In an 18-3 loss to Oakland to open the preseason, Austin caught a short pass from Nick Foles on the second play of the opening drive and turned it into a 35-yard gain. It helped set up a Greg Zuerlein field goal.
Last weekend, in a 27-14 loss in Tennessee, Austin was targeted twice but did not have a catch.
“We’ve got some work to do, trying to develop some offensive chemistry,’’ Austin said. “But I’m confident it’ll come.’’
RAM-BLING
The Rams will hold a walk-through Wednesday at Scott Air Force Base. The visit has become an annual tradition as the team shows its appreciation for America’s servicemen and women. As part of the unique experience, 22 military personnel will be selected to take the field and participate in the practice, which is expected to last about an hour.
Following the short workout, the Rams will sign autographs.
