Bob Magaw
Footballguy
below found at a rams homer board... no links as they weren't provided... but they are by local reporter nick wagoner (& the third section by howard balzer)...
the news about holt was encouraging (he was seen dunking basketballs & his knees appear much better)...
also, as was noted recently in the pace thread, he has been cleared to practice after initial concern that he might start on the PUP list...
long & avery have been signed which is good news...
jackson hasn't reported but below it says they aren't too far away, differences seem to be in incentives...
keenan burton is impressing early...
fakhir brown may miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury...
assuming the jackson contract gets done, they may not have a lot of cap space left to extend atogwe, so they may just slap the franchise tag on him in 2009 (lot cheaper for a S than a RB)...
Nick's Notes: July 26
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Nick’s Notes: July 26, 2008
MEQUON, Wis. –
- Two practices down and it seems all is running smoothly here at Concordia University. The Rams completed their first morning session Saturday morning and got plenty of work in.
- First, a piece of business. As we reported earlier, rookie receiver Donnie Avery agreed to a four-year contract in the early stages of this morning’s practice. Avery was holed up at a local hotel and reported to camp soon after signing his deal. He will be on the practice field this afternoon.
- There is nothing new to report on Steven Jackson’s contract situation though I’m told that the offer the Rams made wasn’t far off in terms of value. The sticking point in the deal is more related to incentives and bonuses. Still, the Rams are holding hard and fast that a deal won’t be struck until Jackson reports to camp. Still, I would expect Jackson to report sooner than later and a contract to be done soon after.
- Something else to think about in this big picture when looking at a few contract situations. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is also closing in on free agency and will need a new deal. The Rams are likely to be up against the cap heading into the offseason pending what happens between now and then. Assuming Jackson signs a big money deal in the coming days, Atogwe will almost certainly be a top candidate to receive the franchise tag. Because of his position, tagging Atogwe would cost less than tagging Jackson and would probably save the Rams some money. That doesn’t mean the team doesn’t want to sign Atogwe, it’s just that it might make more fiscal sense to make that move.
- Now, on to the practice report. Receiver Keenan Burton continues to impress with his polished route running and surprising burst. Cornerback Tye Hill was overheard lamenting getting burned by Burton yesterday on a play when he thought Burton was going to cut then suddenly accelerated past him. The kid is just extremely smooth in his route running.
- Another rookie made a strong impression Saturday morning in the form of seventh round linebacker Chris Chamberlain. Chamberlain was all over the field and came up with a nice, diving interception for one of the defense’s big plays of the day. There’s a real opportunity for Chamberlain to land a roster spot, particularly if he can show up on special teams because of the lack of experienced depth at linebacker.
- Richie Incognito and Trent Green had some issues with the center exchange Saturday morning as the pair had three fumbled snaps in a series of four plays.
- Cornerback Fakhir Brown has yet to receive a clearly defined prognosis but he did miss Saturday’s morning practice because of what is believed to be a strained left shoulder.
- Defensive end Victor Adeyanju played through his tight hamstring and completed the practice.
- The crowd was larger Saturday morning, around 400 people with a full crowd in the VIP tent.
- One thing that is blatantly obvious as the Rams continue to progress in these practices is the faster, crisper pace to the offense. Frankly, there are plenty of clear connections between Al Saunders’ offense and that of Mike Martz. There are plenty of shots being taken vertically in the passing game and there is plenty of timing and quick release stuff in the mix as well. Quarterback Marc Bulger loves it.
- Torry Holt is back to his usual, upbeat self and we’ll have more on him tomorrow but it’s important to note that Holt admitted to wanting to do some venting in the offseason and has already put it behind him. Holt looks as good as ever on the field and off. According to Bulger, Holt was seen running around the gym dunking basketballs on Friday and has the bounce back to his step. Last year, Holt would be walking around with ice packs on his knees. While Holt’s knees are still in need of regular attention, it appears he feels better than he did last season.
- That’s all for now, but I’ll be back with another update and some more observations and such from this afternoon’s practice.
________________________________________________________________________________
Pace's Return Personal
Saturday, July 26, 2008
By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer
MEQUON, Wis. – As Orlando Pace embarks on his 12th NFL season, he can’t help but begin facing the consequences of his football mortality.
For so long Pace was the embodiment of football domination. For a man who in many eyes redefined the left tackle position with his punishing pancake blocks and flawless pass protection, Pace had long been the sturdy boulder on the left side of the offensive line. With Pace in his place, quarterbacks felt secure in the pocket and opposing defensive ends suffered from fear of Pace’s quick and powerful punch.
Nobody can predict when football transience will rear its ugly head but for Pace that admonition has arrived not once but twice in the past two seasons. Pace has played in a little more than eight games since 2006.
For many players, two consecutive season ending injuries would give him pause about coming back to play again.
“That is something that crosses your mind, especially with injuries,” Pace said. “But as long as I am healthy and playing at a high level then I will be around.”
On Friday, when the Rams had their first official practice of this year’s training camp, there was Pace, participating in a practice almost a year removed from surgery on a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder.
To everyone involved, Pace’s return to the field was a more than welcome sight.
“Physically (his presence) is self explanatory,” center Brett Romberg said. “Mentally when you are a defensive end who is on the other side of the ball going against a legend like Orlando, I know it is a little more mental work that you need to do. If he is 100 percent or 80 percent it will still be difficult for the other defenses we are going to play.”
Perhaps more important than any fear Pace might strike into an opponent is the mental boost it gives to his teammates. After six years together followed by the two year separation caused by injury, quarterback Marc Bulger is probably the most elated by Pace’s return.
For now, Pace is working in the installation and getting limited repetitions during team drills with no one on work on the docket. That will likely change as camp continues but the Rams are being as cautious as possible with Pace.
THE ROAD BACK
For as long as anyone can remember the only lengthy time Pace missed prior to the 2006 season was in training camp and had nothing to do with physical ailments.
Pace played and started every game from 1998-2001 and again from 2003-2005. In the other seasons, he had never missed more than the six games he missed in 2002.
In 2006, Pace suffered a torn left triceps midway through the season. That injury combined with an earlier concussion cost him half the season. After a lengthy recovery process, Pace was deemed ready to go in time to start 2007.
In the season opener against Carolina, Pace – as he had done so many times before – simply punched to make a block. Soon, he found himself holding his shoulder in agony as doctors walked him off the Edward Jones Dome FieldTurf.
“Last year was a difficult year for me but I just have to put that behind me, come out and just play, train hard, try to recover, rehab well and get ready to play,” Pace said.
Pace spent most of his time in the aftermath of his shoulder surgery working out in St. Louis and getting his rehab on track. For the offseason, though, Pace went to Orlando to work with a trainer,Mike Florentine, on his rehab. Pace said that work allowed someone to constantly monitor the shoulder, ensuring he was taking the proper steps to get back to full strength.
When the Rams returned to St. Louis for minicamp, Pace attended but didn’t do much more than some conditioning work on the side.
Heading in to this training camp, it was expected that Pace wouldn’t do much of anything at least in the opening stages of camp. But Pace tested out well on the eve of camp and has been an active participant sooner than expected.
“They told me to just let them know how I feel,” Pace said. “Right now I am doing a couple team activities and things like that. Depending on how I feel; I’m sure we will pick it up in the next week or so.”
PROVIDING A BOOST
Although Pace plays a team game, a game where 11 components must be working in unison to have success, there’s no doubting that his absence has an adverse affect on his teammates.
While Pace’s injury in 2007 was one of many, it was probably the most debilitating and deflating of all. When Pace left that season opener, the Rams had been moving the ball and enjoying great success offensively.
When he left the game, the air came out of the stadium and eventually his teammates. The Rams never recovered as street free agent after street free agent was asked to fill in on the offensive line.
Call it the baseball equivalent of losing your ace pitcher. Maybe he’s only a piece of the team but take away that piece and the others become scrambled.
“Left tackles are hard to come by and he is one of the best of all time,” coach Scott Linehan said. “I think it’s hard to come by guys like that and you miss them when they are gone. You can’t really replace them. I think the biggest thing is that it is uplifting for a team to have him in there knowing he has really worked himself into the position to stay healthy this year and I am not really focused on what happened in the past and just focus on what he is going to do from here on out.”
The relief of Pace’s return has been palpable, even in just the few opening days of training camp. His teammates are uplifted by his presence and his quiet, workmanlike attitude has a calming effect on his fellow linemen.
Even the players lining up opposite are happy to see Pace back. A rookie like Chris Long might not be thrilled to face Pace in practice – especially when Pace plants him on the ground as he did on one play in the first day of practice - but realizes the end game will make him a better player.
Defensive tackle La’Roi Glover knows full well what the presence of an All Pro left tackle can do to the minds of an opponent.
“It’s one of those situations where name recognition he is still a very good, if not a great football player,” Glover said. “Without even taking a snap or a down you are going to have to study him on film and that’s going to put fear in a lot of guys’ minds.”
PACE’S PLACE IN HISTORY
Pace’s dorm room at Coburg Hall in Concordia is a shrine to the excellence of the Rams in their glory days from the beginning of the decade. Along with roommate Torry Holt, there are 14 Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl rings, four NFC Championship rings and endless experience for the younger players to learn from.
At this stage of his career, Pace could easily have walked away from the game. The end game for Pace, though, could well take him not far from his Sandusky, Ohio, home to Canton and the Hall of Fame.
To many, Pace is already a shoo in Hall of Famer because of what he did to raise appreciation for the left tackle position but a few more Pro Bowls and playoff berths could go a long way toward cementing his legacy.
“That is one of the things that drive us, the lower you get the more you just want to win,” Pace said. “It’s not about money; it’s not about Pro Bowls and that type thing. You just want to win. There’s nothing like playing in the playoffs and then playing in the Super Bowl. That’s the most exciting feeling that I have felt since I have been in the league.”
Still, when pressed, Pace will admit that someday having his bust placed in Canton is helping to keep him motivated.
“It’s important and that’s a goal. Every time you want to be the best at what you do. I’ve been working that way so if it happens, it happens, I’ll be excited. That’s one of the things that I work for.”
Any post-career accolades can wait, though. For now Pace wants to take the opportunity to remind everyone why he’s already considered a Hall of Fame player. Maybe some don’t need the reminder but after two years of missed games and debilitating injuries, Pace can’t wait for the opportunity.
“I think that one thing they do is that if I continue to play well you can show that you’re back and teams will naturally take notice,” Pace said. “It has only been a couple of years and I have been around for awhile so I am not worried about that.”
At 32, with a Super Bowl ring, seven Pro Bowl appearances and a lucrative contract to his name, Pace’s legacy is already secure. This one is for himself.
“I want to be able – if possible - to walk off the field on my own terms and not with a doctor by my side,” Pace said. “That is one of the things that I want to finish out my career doing.”
_________________________________________________________________
Avery Practices; Jackson Still Awol
By Howard Balzer
Saturday, July 26, 2008
MEQUON, Wis. – It was a weird two days for Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery, who signed his four-year contract Saturday and was on the field for the team’s afternoon practice.
Avery’s suitcases, with all his belongings, traveled on the team plane to Wisconsin Thursday because he expected to be signed on time to make the trip. When that didn’t happen, Avery was left back in St. Louis. But not for long. He arranged his own trip, flew into Milwaukee Thursday night, and checked into the Radisson Hotel, about eight miles from Concordia University.
“I was disappointed it didn’t get done, but I wanted to be there when it was final so I would be close by,” he said. “I knew it wouldn’t take that long.”
In the interim, Avery was doing sit-ups in his room and running outside the hotel. He also took some buses to nearby shops to get clothes and toiletries.
Soon after walking onto the field for his first practice, wide receiver Torry Holt gave him a hug.
“He’s a real good guy,” Avery said of Holt. “It was great to get that embrace.”
Asked if running back Steven Jackson also might be at the Radisson, Avery laughed and said, “If he was, I didn’t see him.”
During practice, numerous passes were thrown his way, and Avery was solid. “He did well,” coach Scott Linehan said. “He’s got fresh legs and is very lively.”
BROWN OUT TWO WEEKS
After an MRI of cornerback Fakhir Brown’s injured left shoulder, the diagnosis is a slight tear of the rotator cuff and he will be sidelined at least two weeks. Linehan said if it was the regular season, Brown’s availability would be a game-time decision.
“We’re a bit light at corner, so we might need to add a player,” Linehan said. With Brown out, Tye Hill and Ron Bartell are the starting corners and Jonathan Wade has been the nickel back.
In addition, wide receiver Keenan Burton (ankle tendinitis) and defensive end C.J. Ah You (leg) were limited somewhat in the afternoon practice.
SIMPLY NOTING
*The contract signed by cornerback Justin King, one of the Rams’ two fourth-round picks, is a three-year deal worth $1.531 million and includes a signing bonus of $376,000. His cap figure for this year is $420,333. Linebacker David Vobora, the last pick in this year’s draft, signed a three-year contract worth $1.181 million with a signing bonus of $25,600. His cap charge this year is $303,533.
*The offense has been making a concerted effort at getting the ball to tight end Randy McMichael. He made a nice sideline catch during the afternoon practice. … Safety Corey Chavous had the hit of the afternoon, leveling running back Antonio Pittman. … Wide receiver Brandon Williams, a longshot to make the roster, went up to make an excellent catch between two defenders on a pass from Brock Berlin.
POSTCARD FROM MEQUON
*Sunday, leg two of my summer journey occurs when I head to Bourbonnais, Ill., to do a show at Bears camp for Sirius NFL Radio. The show is Monday morning from 9am-Noon on Sirius Channel 124, but I’ll be taping interviews Sunday with former NFL quarterback Jim Miller. I’ll be back in Mequon in time for the Rams’ Monday afternoon practice.
the news about holt was encouraging (he was seen dunking basketballs & his knees appear much better)...
also, as was noted recently in the pace thread, he has been cleared to practice after initial concern that he might start on the PUP list...
long & avery have been signed which is good news...
jackson hasn't reported but below it says they aren't too far away, differences seem to be in incentives...
keenan burton is impressing early...
fakhir brown may miss a few weeks with a shoulder injury...
assuming the jackson contract gets done, they may not have a lot of cap space left to extend atogwe, so they may just slap the franchise tag on him in 2009 (lot cheaper for a S than a RB)...
Nick's Notes: July 26
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Nick’s Notes: July 26, 2008
MEQUON, Wis. –
- Two practices down and it seems all is running smoothly here at Concordia University. The Rams completed their first morning session Saturday morning and got plenty of work in.
- First, a piece of business. As we reported earlier, rookie receiver Donnie Avery agreed to a four-year contract in the early stages of this morning’s practice. Avery was holed up at a local hotel and reported to camp soon after signing his deal. He will be on the practice field this afternoon.
- There is nothing new to report on Steven Jackson’s contract situation though I’m told that the offer the Rams made wasn’t far off in terms of value. The sticking point in the deal is more related to incentives and bonuses. Still, the Rams are holding hard and fast that a deal won’t be struck until Jackson reports to camp. Still, I would expect Jackson to report sooner than later and a contract to be done soon after.
- Something else to think about in this big picture when looking at a few contract situations. Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is also closing in on free agency and will need a new deal. The Rams are likely to be up against the cap heading into the offseason pending what happens between now and then. Assuming Jackson signs a big money deal in the coming days, Atogwe will almost certainly be a top candidate to receive the franchise tag. Because of his position, tagging Atogwe would cost less than tagging Jackson and would probably save the Rams some money. That doesn’t mean the team doesn’t want to sign Atogwe, it’s just that it might make more fiscal sense to make that move.
- Now, on to the practice report. Receiver Keenan Burton continues to impress with his polished route running and surprising burst. Cornerback Tye Hill was overheard lamenting getting burned by Burton yesterday on a play when he thought Burton was going to cut then suddenly accelerated past him. The kid is just extremely smooth in his route running.
- Another rookie made a strong impression Saturday morning in the form of seventh round linebacker Chris Chamberlain. Chamberlain was all over the field and came up with a nice, diving interception for one of the defense’s big plays of the day. There’s a real opportunity for Chamberlain to land a roster spot, particularly if he can show up on special teams because of the lack of experienced depth at linebacker.
- Richie Incognito and Trent Green had some issues with the center exchange Saturday morning as the pair had three fumbled snaps in a series of four plays.
- Cornerback Fakhir Brown has yet to receive a clearly defined prognosis but he did miss Saturday’s morning practice because of what is believed to be a strained left shoulder.
- Defensive end Victor Adeyanju played through his tight hamstring and completed the practice.
- The crowd was larger Saturday morning, around 400 people with a full crowd in the VIP tent.
- One thing that is blatantly obvious as the Rams continue to progress in these practices is the faster, crisper pace to the offense. Frankly, there are plenty of clear connections between Al Saunders’ offense and that of Mike Martz. There are plenty of shots being taken vertically in the passing game and there is plenty of timing and quick release stuff in the mix as well. Quarterback Marc Bulger loves it.
- Torry Holt is back to his usual, upbeat self and we’ll have more on him tomorrow but it’s important to note that Holt admitted to wanting to do some venting in the offseason and has already put it behind him. Holt looks as good as ever on the field and off. According to Bulger, Holt was seen running around the gym dunking basketballs on Friday and has the bounce back to his step. Last year, Holt would be walking around with ice packs on his knees. While Holt’s knees are still in need of regular attention, it appears he feels better than he did last season.
- That’s all for now, but I’ll be back with another update and some more observations and such from this afternoon’s practice.
________________________________________________________________________________
Pace's Return Personal
Saturday, July 26, 2008
By Nick Wagoner
Senior Writer
MEQUON, Wis. – As Orlando Pace embarks on his 12th NFL season, he can’t help but begin facing the consequences of his football mortality.
For so long Pace was the embodiment of football domination. For a man who in many eyes redefined the left tackle position with his punishing pancake blocks and flawless pass protection, Pace had long been the sturdy boulder on the left side of the offensive line. With Pace in his place, quarterbacks felt secure in the pocket and opposing defensive ends suffered from fear of Pace’s quick and powerful punch.
Nobody can predict when football transience will rear its ugly head but for Pace that admonition has arrived not once but twice in the past two seasons. Pace has played in a little more than eight games since 2006.
For many players, two consecutive season ending injuries would give him pause about coming back to play again.
“That is something that crosses your mind, especially with injuries,” Pace said. “But as long as I am healthy and playing at a high level then I will be around.”
On Friday, when the Rams had their first official practice of this year’s training camp, there was Pace, participating in a practice almost a year removed from surgery on a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder.
To everyone involved, Pace’s return to the field was a more than welcome sight.
“Physically (his presence) is self explanatory,” center Brett Romberg said. “Mentally when you are a defensive end who is on the other side of the ball going against a legend like Orlando, I know it is a little more mental work that you need to do. If he is 100 percent or 80 percent it will still be difficult for the other defenses we are going to play.”
Perhaps more important than any fear Pace might strike into an opponent is the mental boost it gives to his teammates. After six years together followed by the two year separation caused by injury, quarterback Marc Bulger is probably the most elated by Pace’s return.
For now, Pace is working in the installation and getting limited repetitions during team drills with no one on work on the docket. That will likely change as camp continues but the Rams are being as cautious as possible with Pace.
THE ROAD BACK
For as long as anyone can remember the only lengthy time Pace missed prior to the 2006 season was in training camp and had nothing to do with physical ailments.
Pace played and started every game from 1998-2001 and again from 2003-2005. In the other seasons, he had never missed more than the six games he missed in 2002.
In 2006, Pace suffered a torn left triceps midway through the season. That injury combined with an earlier concussion cost him half the season. After a lengthy recovery process, Pace was deemed ready to go in time to start 2007.
In the season opener against Carolina, Pace – as he had done so many times before – simply punched to make a block. Soon, he found himself holding his shoulder in agony as doctors walked him off the Edward Jones Dome FieldTurf.
“Last year was a difficult year for me but I just have to put that behind me, come out and just play, train hard, try to recover, rehab well and get ready to play,” Pace said.
Pace spent most of his time in the aftermath of his shoulder surgery working out in St. Louis and getting his rehab on track. For the offseason, though, Pace went to Orlando to work with a trainer,Mike Florentine, on his rehab. Pace said that work allowed someone to constantly monitor the shoulder, ensuring he was taking the proper steps to get back to full strength.
When the Rams returned to St. Louis for minicamp, Pace attended but didn’t do much more than some conditioning work on the side.
Heading in to this training camp, it was expected that Pace wouldn’t do much of anything at least in the opening stages of camp. But Pace tested out well on the eve of camp and has been an active participant sooner than expected.
“They told me to just let them know how I feel,” Pace said. “Right now I am doing a couple team activities and things like that. Depending on how I feel; I’m sure we will pick it up in the next week or so.”
PROVIDING A BOOST
Although Pace plays a team game, a game where 11 components must be working in unison to have success, there’s no doubting that his absence has an adverse affect on his teammates.
While Pace’s injury in 2007 was one of many, it was probably the most debilitating and deflating of all. When Pace left that season opener, the Rams had been moving the ball and enjoying great success offensively.
When he left the game, the air came out of the stadium and eventually his teammates. The Rams never recovered as street free agent after street free agent was asked to fill in on the offensive line.
Call it the baseball equivalent of losing your ace pitcher. Maybe he’s only a piece of the team but take away that piece and the others become scrambled.
“Left tackles are hard to come by and he is one of the best of all time,” coach Scott Linehan said. “I think it’s hard to come by guys like that and you miss them when they are gone. You can’t really replace them. I think the biggest thing is that it is uplifting for a team to have him in there knowing he has really worked himself into the position to stay healthy this year and I am not really focused on what happened in the past and just focus on what he is going to do from here on out.”
The relief of Pace’s return has been palpable, even in just the few opening days of training camp. His teammates are uplifted by his presence and his quiet, workmanlike attitude has a calming effect on his fellow linemen.
Even the players lining up opposite are happy to see Pace back. A rookie like Chris Long might not be thrilled to face Pace in practice – especially when Pace plants him on the ground as he did on one play in the first day of practice - but realizes the end game will make him a better player.
Defensive tackle La’Roi Glover knows full well what the presence of an All Pro left tackle can do to the minds of an opponent.
“It’s one of those situations where name recognition he is still a very good, if not a great football player,” Glover said. “Without even taking a snap or a down you are going to have to study him on film and that’s going to put fear in a lot of guys’ minds.”
PACE’S PLACE IN HISTORY
Pace’s dorm room at Coburg Hall in Concordia is a shrine to the excellence of the Rams in their glory days from the beginning of the decade. Along with roommate Torry Holt, there are 14 Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl rings, four NFC Championship rings and endless experience for the younger players to learn from.
At this stage of his career, Pace could easily have walked away from the game. The end game for Pace, though, could well take him not far from his Sandusky, Ohio, home to Canton and the Hall of Fame.
To many, Pace is already a shoo in Hall of Famer because of what he did to raise appreciation for the left tackle position but a few more Pro Bowls and playoff berths could go a long way toward cementing his legacy.
“That is one of the things that drive us, the lower you get the more you just want to win,” Pace said. “It’s not about money; it’s not about Pro Bowls and that type thing. You just want to win. There’s nothing like playing in the playoffs and then playing in the Super Bowl. That’s the most exciting feeling that I have felt since I have been in the league.”
Still, when pressed, Pace will admit that someday having his bust placed in Canton is helping to keep him motivated.
“It’s important and that’s a goal. Every time you want to be the best at what you do. I’ve been working that way so if it happens, it happens, I’ll be excited. That’s one of the things that I work for.”
Any post-career accolades can wait, though. For now Pace wants to take the opportunity to remind everyone why he’s already considered a Hall of Fame player. Maybe some don’t need the reminder but after two years of missed games and debilitating injuries, Pace can’t wait for the opportunity.
“I think that one thing they do is that if I continue to play well you can show that you’re back and teams will naturally take notice,” Pace said. “It has only been a couple of years and I have been around for awhile so I am not worried about that.”
At 32, with a Super Bowl ring, seven Pro Bowl appearances and a lucrative contract to his name, Pace’s legacy is already secure. This one is for himself.
“I want to be able – if possible - to walk off the field on my own terms and not with a doctor by my side,” Pace said. “That is one of the things that I want to finish out my career doing.”
_________________________________________________________________
Avery Practices; Jackson Still Awol
By Howard Balzer
Saturday, July 26, 2008
MEQUON, Wis. – It was a weird two days for Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery, who signed his four-year contract Saturday and was on the field for the team’s afternoon practice.
Avery’s suitcases, with all his belongings, traveled on the team plane to Wisconsin Thursday because he expected to be signed on time to make the trip. When that didn’t happen, Avery was left back in St. Louis. But not for long. He arranged his own trip, flew into Milwaukee Thursday night, and checked into the Radisson Hotel, about eight miles from Concordia University.
“I was disappointed it didn’t get done, but I wanted to be there when it was final so I would be close by,” he said. “I knew it wouldn’t take that long.”
In the interim, Avery was doing sit-ups in his room and running outside the hotel. He also took some buses to nearby shops to get clothes and toiletries.
Soon after walking onto the field for his first practice, wide receiver Torry Holt gave him a hug.
“He’s a real good guy,” Avery said of Holt. “It was great to get that embrace.”
Asked if running back Steven Jackson also might be at the Radisson, Avery laughed and said, “If he was, I didn’t see him.”
During practice, numerous passes were thrown his way, and Avery was solid. “He did well,” coach Scott Linehan said. “He’s got fresh legs and is very lively.”
BROWN OUT TWO WEEKS
After an MRI of cornerback Fakhir Brown’s injured left shoulder, the diagnosis is a slight tear of the rotator cuff and he will be sidelined at least two weeks. Linehan said if it was the regular season, Brown’s availability would be a game-time decision.
“We’re a bit light at corner, so we might need to add a player,” Linehan said. With Brown out, Tye Hill and Ron Bartell are the starting corners and Jonathan Wade has been the nickel back.
In addition, wide receiver Keenan Burton (ankle tendinitis) and defensive end C.J. Ah You (leg) were limited somewhat in the afternoon practice.
SIMPLY NOTING
*The contract signed by cornerback Justin King, one of the Rams’ two fourth-round picks, is a three-year deal worth $1.531 million and includes a signing bonus of $376,000. His cap figure for this year is $420,333. Linebacker David Vobora, the last pick in this year’s draft, signed a three-year contract worth $1.181 million with a signing bonus of $25,600. His cap charge this year is $303,533.
*The offense has been making a concerted effort at getting the ball to tight end Randy McMichael. He made a nice sideline catch during the afternoon practice. … Safety Corey Chavous had the hit of the afternoon, leveling running back Antonio Pittman. … Wide receiver Brandon Williams, a longshot to make the roster, went up to make an excellent catch between two defenders on a pass from Brock Berlin.
POSTCARD FROM MEQUON
*Sunday, leg two of my summer journey occurs when I head to Bourbonnais, Ill., to do a show at Bears camp for Sirius NFL Radio. The show is Monday morning from 9am-Noon on Sirius Channel 124, but I’ll be taping interviews Sunday with former NFL quarterback Jim Miller. I’ll be back in Mequon in time for the Rams’ Monday afternoon practice.
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Caldwell news?
Caldwell news?The folks I know inside the 'skins organization grew higher on Caldwell as the 07 Season progressed, and he was actually making critical down-and-distance plays down the stretch into their Playoff Run. I'd heard both Bob Saunders and his son Al, lobbied heavily for the Rams to sign Caldwell during Free Agency. With him already having a working knowledge of the Offensive Scheme, and having shown some proficiency in it, I'm interested in knowing if he's having any impact whatsoever......I liked what I saw of the guy down the stretch last year, and I'm pulling for him. Would like to see him lock up the #3WR, and maybe even push Bennett for #2......hearing anything?
Caldwell news?The folks I know inside the 'skins organization grew higher on Caldwell as the 07 Season progressed, and he was actually making critical down-and-distance plays down the stretch into their Playoff Run. I'd heard both Bob Saunders and his son Al, lobbied heavily for the Rams to sign Caldwell during Free Agency. With him already having a working knowledge of the Offensive Scheme, and having shown some proficiency in it, I'm interested in knowing if he's having any impact whatsoever......I liked what I saw of the guy down the stretch last year, and I'm pulling for him. Would like to see him lock up the #3WR, and maybe even push Bennett for #2......hearing anything?
raft – As I reported yesterday, he must have tweaked something (or maybe he did something else this morning…)Ah You – was back out on the field working with the D-line; no apparent ill effects…Becht – While I was watching individual 1-on-1 blocking drills Becht must have hurt himself at the end of one of the sessions. He was on the ground a while, but then walked off the field under his own power. Don’t know what happened.Little – He appeared to tweak his left knee after beating Barron on an inside move during the 1-on-1 drills, but he participated in the end of practice 11-on-11 scrimmage.O-line workout…Generally big group work outs. Worked a lot on “punch moves” . Everyone got numerous repetitions. By the end everyone looked to be doing it right. Of course the starters did it best. Schuening looked to have nice form. Really snapped it.They also worked on coordinated blocking moves. Centers or coaches called out signals and the other O-linemen were expected to react correctly. Again, everyone got plenty of repetitions. They were all serious about. I was impressed at how serious Incognito took it all. He looks like he wants to play football.Also, the O-line coach looks like he knows what he is doing. I could not tell who was playing center on the first team in the drills (though Romberg ran first team in the 11-on-11 scirmmage).D-line workout…I must say I am very impressed with the D-line coach – never stops talking; never stops coaching. I am by no means an expert but he appears to know and take the time to critique each player as they go through reps in the various drills. They worked on swim moves; rip moves; spin moves; and bull rush among others. He emphasized the importance of staying low; using leverage effectively and helped the players identify what to do when thy felt the blocker doing something in particular to them.” If they do this, you do that. If you feel this, do that…”He especially spent a lot of time coaching up Long. He would often be asked to do multiple reps. Interesting he would often not call him by name, simply “hey, player” … he was not playing favorites but he was trying to get him ready to contribute.And Long took it all in. In fact during the down time between sessions or while special teams practices where going on Long spent a lot of time with the coach – and not because the coach was following him around; usually Long was searching him out – but then again he may have been asking the coach where to get a good brat locally… who knows.As for the drills, some did them better than other: Glover must know all of the old tricks (heck he may be older than the coach…) and did not get critiqued a lot. Carriker did well – especially on the rip and bull rush drills. The guy who got singled out consistently for his tough, aggressive powerful moves was Ryan.Moore going up against Long was praised to
ne-on-one drills… The offensive linemen went one-on-one against the D-linemen in what was effectively full contact.Not participating: PaceGuys who did good (i.e. who beat their man)… and the man they beat…Little on Barron – a tie and then a win…Ryan on everyone (he went against mostly second teamers…)Carriker on Incognito – he overpowered him…Setterstom on Glover – a tie and then a win…Scheuning vs other 2nd teamers…Draws: (it’s a tie…)Long on Golberg – lost some, won some…Special note: Greco got beat like a drum as a guard, but came back and won his battles as a RT…Guys who looked good today… Admittedly I did not spend a lot of time watching the offense other than when they had the 2 11-on-11 scrimmages.Hill – Tight coverage throughout; one near interception; rpaised by coachesRyan – very good in all the drill, including the 1-on-1 drills where he manhandled Fry and RaiolaBennett – Made a number of good catches including a long over the shoulder bomb from Bulger. Nice.Leonard – Had a number of nice runs. Seems very patient looking for the hole; hope the game has slowed down for him. Could be a lot better in his second year… Really looks to be taking advantage of SLJ’s absence -- unlike Pittman who cannot seem to find anywhere to run.Rough outings…Culberson – did not appear to hold up well with the first team today; got criticized for a blown cover assignmentLooker – he actually dropped a long pass in a drill with no defenders! Doh! Then came back in the7-on-7’s and made a tough catch over the middle in which he appeared to be wearing Hill like a uniform (great coverage by the way…)Fry – looks very overmatchedNice plays…Caldwell – He made a nice catch in traffic and later made a good block to help get Kreider into the end zone…King – made a very athletic attempt on a Green pass that he almost picked off; nice drop in zone coverage; good hops (the jumping kind, not the beer kind…)Long – I watched him drop into pass coverge on one play in the scrimmage part. Had his man well covered…My star of the Practice Session…I’ll give it to Clifton Ryan – who dominated his opponents…Finally, for this interested I have a number of pictures of Pace going against Long in the 11-on-11 mid-practice scrimmage... Pace sat out the end of practice 11-on-11 scimmage... I will post these later.Enjoy.
