Would you want to see Hager get the nod over Laurinaitis next week?

[jrry32]

I don't know. I think Laurinaitis's leadership and intelligence is very valuable. But one has to wonder if Hager wouldn't offer more in terms of pure play. Laurinaitis looks like he's slowing down and he's never been fast in the first place. Nor has he ever been the type of MLB that stacks and sheds blocks.

 

[rams56]

I think I'd just stick with JL

Go Rams........

 

[Akrasian]

You people should stop calling Bryce Hager .... Hagar.
There is only ONE Hagar.

I think what they are saying is that if Bryce were made a starter this early in his career, he would be Horrible.

 

[ramfan46]

I've had my pitchfork out for a replacement for a while. With that being said, I don't see Hager as the answer. That's something to draft fairly high IMO.

 

[ChrisW]

I don't know. I think Laurinaitis's leadership and intelligence is very valuable. But one has to wonder if Hager wouldn't offer more in terms of pure play. Laurinaitis looks like he's slowing down and he's never been fast in the first place. Nor has he ever been the type of MLB that stacks and sheds blocks.

Maybe get Hager some snaps to see if he can make plays. I wouldn't mind seeing if he can get guys lined up correctly and fill a few gaps. I'm tired of seeing runs go straight to our safeties when they get through the line.

 

[TexasRam]

Laurinaitis had a horrible game for sure. Could not get off blocks and was taken 5 yards out of every play, then couldn't cover either.

But the defensive formation was just as much to blame.

I give JL one more game to see if he can step up and clog holes rather than sitting back and dancing backwards with the guard.

Work in Hager a couple plays if the run woes continue.

But change up the defense. 8 man fronts.

 

[PressureD41]

And if so, what would you think about him getting absolutely punished by the Steelers offense? Excuse it and give him more time to figure it out? Would you want to put Laurinaitis back in after something like that, or just be done with JL for good and scramble to get a replacement until you find one (e.g., trade him)?

And do your best not to assassinate his character, heart, or dedication if you so please. I just wanted to see if anyone else (yes, anyone ELSE) would like to figure out if this is a personnel problem, or a scheme problem by trying something different for a short while.

I'm JL's biggest fan, but re-watching this game made me cringe a little.
Shedding blocks and diagnosing the play wasn't his strong suit on Sunday.

you must be bobby wagner mad.. I think JL has earn the right to have a few more games before he gets yanked, jmho

 

[-X-]

you must be bobby wagner mad.. I think JL has earn the right to have a few more games before he gets yanked, jmho

Oh no, I'm not mad at all. Just curious about what it would look like if someone other than JL was out there for a change. Granted, Hager isn't a seasoned vet with experience in this system or anything, but he's at least familiar with it. And currently, he's our only other legitimate option. Maybe Bates too, but I think I'd rather see what Hager can do.

 

[Ramhusker]

An interesting experiment would be to install Hager and let McDonald call the D. Of course, if it didn't work, you might not know if it were Hager or McDonald.

 

[blue4]

Based on what I saw last game, changing the MLB makes no difference. We were beaten on the LOS, pure and simple. The exception being Donald. JL didn't play well for sure, but with across the board sub par performances from the players and the coaching staff I think singling out the guy closing in on the tackle record is a bit harsh. Just cause he's older isn't a reason to auto look for a replacement either. Too much youth is sometimes it's own problem.

 

[theramsruleUK]

Whilst i agree that MLB could do with an upgrade, JL55 wasn't the only player on that D that was far below par on the weekend. We know what we have with 55, and whilst he's no wagner, he's a key part of this D

 

[GabesHorn]

I am not in ANY way criticizing the play in just one game of JL. #55 had a very Good gane against the shegals as we had major gang tackling ALL GAME. My one statement I believe as just IMPO. The defense we are running with 4 real studs up front NEEDS one more MAJOR STUD that can shed,play with sideline to sideline SPEED and that speed also brings the ability to shoot one of these open gaps and sack or make TFL's. We NEED a MLB that can stand up the lead blocker or the RB that is free to rumble unless he is stood up till help arrives to bring said RB down for MINIMAL gain. KEY!

We according to Coach fisher have someone else that can make the "D" calls and all assignments should be known through McDonald as we of course are prepared if the worse happened and JL got nicked. Yes normally this type MLB not ILB of a 3-4 which many can play both. We don't have to have a Ray Lewis or Butkus as many say going to an extreme . Meaning we just can't find the guy I mentioned. I'm sure we will be able to pick high for someone with the skills I've mentioned as I think C.J. Mosely had those skills coming from Bama. College is producing them. Bama has another in Ragland that would fit our needs. Speed with smarts and bigger like 240-245-250.

We have to first get the guy then start training him in our system to even try to take over IN THE FUTURE for our team record tackler. Big ass shoes to fill but its not impossible nor does the player have to be a top 5 pick. We can move in to top 10 if need be with our two #2 picks even if we are in the playoffs. The next 3 weeks will be very big in that happening. PLUS we need the skills of Alec Ogletree to be the major lb compatriot to add to not replace with. I want to win it ALL again, Before I die. We can do it. Nothing at ALL against JL who has given so very much of his life and leadership and is'nt done as I know Coach Fisher LOVES him some JL for a very long time to come. So its gonna take a while before I get what I am dreaming of. No One plays forever.

 

[PressureD41]

Oh no, I'm not mad at all. Just curious about what it would look like if someone other than JL was out there for a change. Granted, Hager isn't a seasoned vet with experience in this system or anything, but he's at least familiar with it. And currently, he's our only other legitimate option. Maybe Bates too, but I think I'd rather see what Hager can do.

Ya I hear ya, maybe then need to give JL some breathers w/ Hager and see what he can offer. sorta a win win if the team agrees w/ JL slipping on the field. This topic won't be going away as most fans want a Patrick Willis player talent-wise. Still say if we can find a way to run the ball effectively on a weekly basics would help our D out a ton. D is on the field way to much.

 

[RamzFanz]

I say tell JL he has to shed blocks and tackle. That's his job. Even taking away leadership and handing it off as a step towards the bench.

Benching a guy like JL for non-performance is a message this team needs. Threatening and watching him improve is just as good.

Really, I see a LOT of mail it in from JL this season thus far and also last season. Soooooo very late on tackles and not committing. Where is JL? Does he need help from coaching and not being assumed? Is there something they can do that they aren't? I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[-X-]

Really, I see a LOT of mail it in from JL this season thus far and also last season.

No offense, but that's absurd.

All I see are physical limitations that another ILB might be able to provide.
In no way do I see Laurinaitis not giving it his all on the field.

 

[blue4]

I've a feeling JL would get snapped up in about 2 seconds if we released him. My only concerns about him are that maybe he's not the best MLB to play behind 2 slashing, penetrating DTs. Seems like a guy who really do well behind two guys like Ryan Pickett who eat up blockers and leave him free to diagnose. I rewatched a couple of plays from last game and I have to say it'd be hard to play behind those guys sometimes. Like a tackle pass blocking for a guy who likes to create in the pocket. But for me that's a question for next off-season. Too late now to switch out the leader and QB of the defense, especially when there's plenty of blame to go around.

I have to admit JL like SJax is a player I would follow if he ended up on another team in the next couple of years.

 

[RamBill]

Wired: Rams LB James Laurinaitis Mic’d Up vs. Washington

Listen in as the Rams captain of the defense is mic’d up against the Washington Redskins.

Watch JL Mic'd Up

 

[LACHAMP46]

NEEDS one more MAJOR STUD that can shed,play with sideline to sideline SPEED and that speed also brings the ability to shoot one of these open gaps and sack or make TFL's. We NEED a MLB that can stand up the lead blocker or the RB that is free to rumble unless he is stood up till help arrives to bring said RB down for MINIMAL gain.

AYERS & OGLETREE.....They ran some 3 TE set that killed us...KILLED US, except when AYERS was on the same side...I'd just like to see the guy get a chance. How can you sign him and only give him 20 snaps a game? When we give up damn near 200 on the ground?

I've a feeling JL would get snapped up in about 2 seconds if we released him.

Even YOU don't believe that...The guy I'd compare him to is AJ Hawk...Hawk was released then signed by Cinnci....Not sure if he's still playing, but the Packers defense looks SO much better without him on it....

And @-X- I think I did see JL55 dogging it...It may have been after that collision with #77...Maybe he was dinged...Just not even doing his hustle thing anymore...and it was shocking to me too...why I'm still harping on this 4 days later...

 

[TheDYVKX]

I've a feeling JL would get snapped up in about 2 seconds if we released him

Yeah, and he'd instantly start for some teams, just because their situation is bad.

I mean, the Raiders willingly are starting Ray Ray Armstrong at LB. Laurinaitis would definitely be an improvement.

Doesn't mean we can't upgrade on him though if possible.

 

[blue4]

AYERS & OGLETREE.....They ran some 3 TE set that killed us...KILLED US, except when AYERS was on the same side...I'd just like to see the guy get a chance. How can you sign him and only give him 20 snaps a game? When we give up damn near 200 on the ground?

Even YOU don't believe that...The guy I'd compare him to is AJ Hawk...Hawk was released then signed by Cinnci....Not sure if he's still playing, but the Packers defense looks SO much better without him on it....

And @-X- I think I did see JL55 dogging it...It may have been after that collision with #77...Maybe he was dinged...Just not even doing his hustle thing anymore...and it was shocking to me too...why I'm still harping on this 4 days later...

Of course I believe that. Why else would I say it?

As for Ayers, who knows? His snaps are designed right from the start to be shared with Barron. It's his position. And just being a LBer doesn't mean he'd be an improvement over a MLB. We've got enough learning curves going on. Between Quick, GRob, the QBs, rookie OL it's been like a halfway house for underdeveloped football players the last few years as it is. I'd rather they just play with a little intensity. That'll solve most of their ills.