I don't think Technique was the problem last year he just got overpowered and pushed backed by bigger stronger Dlineman if he bulked up enough to take care of that problem we're gonna have one hell of a center on our hands.
Agree.
At the BYE last season Barnes graded next to last of the 39 graded Centers, ... following the final game of the year, he had moved up to 29 out of the 39. Many of us observed and commented on his better play towards the end of the season. He was always better in pass pro than run D, and his admitting to and going out during the off-season to work on his deficiencies points towards his desire to improve where most necessary. While everyone needs to work on technique regularly, Barnes' issues did appear more related to strength, and he was fairly consistently being pushed off the line, especially as a run defender. I was a big critic of the Rams prior to the 2015 season due to the perceived weakness at Center, both Foles and Keenum paid a high price for his and our other OL inexperience. Ultimately, this and our many health issues hurt the offense, and we didn't have quality QB play or the receivers to make up for the sorry state we were in. OK, 2015 is now behind us, and not only has Barnes seemingly gotten bigger and stronger, but the young OL as a whole is healthier and one year more experienced and developed. Like Barnes, GRob also improved over that final third of the season, these two
NEED to continue that growth for the Rams to succeed. We've brought in new receiver depth and the # 1 rated QB from the draft. Still, first year QB's and later round receivers don't always shine right out of the gate. If the Rams are going to advance as a potential play-off team this year, it will once again be up to our defense to carry the team, and the young vets on offense must take a big step up, and this includes players like Barnes, GRob, Reynolds, Saffold, Austin, Britt, Quick & Kendricks. jmo.
