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Rams WR thread (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter loose circuits
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TheFanatic
Footballguy
I thought so too. I just don't think he's very good. He got forcefed a lot of balls last year based on being the only one who was healthy. I thought for sure one of the rooks and the new TE would eat into his production.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
Mike Sims-Walker : Locking Up Roster Spot?Sims-Walker and slot receiver Danny Amendola seem to be the only two Ram receivers who look assured of a roster spot thus far, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.The competition for receiving jobs in Ram camp may be as fierce as any in the league. There are currently eight strong candidates on the roster but the team is probably only going to keep six. The Post-Dispatch hinted that the club will likely keep rookies Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, so it looks like there may only be two spots open for the likes of Brandon Gibson, Mardy Gilyard, Donnie Avery, and Danario Alexander.Read more: http://sportsillustr...l#ixzz1Uq4RunPg
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I suspect that the players dropped will very likely end up other teams very quickly though it wont be on a McDaniels offense.
DaveGrumbles
Footballguy
More Twitter debris...but Ram WR info nonetheless
@SI_JimTrotter
Jim Trotter Another Rams tidbit: Newcomer Mike Sims-Walker says he has learned all three wideout positions in a week and a half.
@SI_JimTrotter
Jim Trotter Another Rams tidbit: Newcomer Mike Sims-Walker says he has learned all three wideout positions in a week and a half.
NeverEnough
Footballguy
Disagreed. If Clayton comes back, he's worth taking a shot on. You saw how that went before he got hurt.
Bamac
Footballguy
And let's not forget that even though this is now McDaniel's offense, Bradford is still the one at the point of decision. If it's a close call, he'll go to his comfort guy. I think that's still Clayton, though it may be Amendola now.
pghrob
Footballguy
Is MSW even smart enough to do that or is McD's offense ultra simple?
TheFanatic
Footballguy
I thought the knock on MSW was laziness, not stupidity.Heard the Rams beat writer a few minutes ago say that tomorrow night the three WR's to start are MSW, Gibson and Amendola and that Bradford will get 12-15 snaps, the line will play the whole quarter and that SJax will likely only get a carry or two.
Chaka
Footballguy
Clayton remains unsigned. I know he's talking to the Rams but the fact that they haven't signed him makes me pretty sure he hasn't recovered yet.
TheFanatic
Footballguy
Last check he worked out for the team and they were working on a contract. Doesn't mean anything just yet, but the two sides are reportedly close. Since he has not practiced yet, and they have a game tomorrow, so I'm guessing they have no impetus to make this happen right away because he wouldn't be suiting up for the game anyway. I'd bet that he's signed by no later than monday. At least from what I'm hearing around here...
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Wow, Brandon Gibson taking 1st team snaps...I really thought he would likely get cut despite him catching about 80-90 balls the last couple years...total of course, not 1 season.
TheFanatic
Footballguy
For a guy that got traded a game into his rookie season, he's shown nice progression. He played in 9 games and started four with 34 catches and 348 yards and a TD. His second year, he started 12 games with 53 catches for 620 yards and 2 TD's. His YPC sucks at 10.2 the first year and 11.7 the second. Considering he was traded during that time, I think that shows a nice positive upswing and evidently he rededicated himself this offseason and came to camp ready to go and the coaching staff has had him on the first team all TC. He had a lot of drops last year and that is a concern, so we'll see if he has worked that out...
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Gibson and Amendola are really possession guys with no threat to take one to the house. I'll be disappointed if they are going to go with those 2 as part of the fron 2-3 rotation. Avery must not be looking great, Clayton still hurt, rookie WRs from this draft class(yuck) and i hate to mutter the name Danario Alexander but I am a little depressed this guy is not lighting it up in camp. I heard he suffered a minor injury but that might have set him back for now.
TheFanatic
Footballguy
He had swelling in his knee and it kept him from practice for more than a few days and considering they've only been in camp a couple weeks, it's a big blow. I think the plan is for Gibson to be more than a possession guy. That's what I'm hearing. We have enough of that between Amendola and the TE's catching dumpoff stuff. But even if he is just a possession guy, working a modified west coast O is still high percentage short passes so I can see them going that route a lot to keep Bradford's confidence high...
Supposedly Alexander was back at practice on Tuesday but I haven't heard too much beyond that.
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Abrantes
Footballguy
Gibson and Gilyard got a lot of work with the first team in early training camps (for team continuity and familiarity, I'd imagine). The guys who seem to stand out on most camp reports are Gibson, Pettis and Amendola, so that's what I'm expecting to see in the first couple of preseason games. Of course, that's muddled by the fact that Avery, Alexander and Salas are all sitting out due to injuries, so they haven't gotten as many opportunities. Things could change quickly if they shine.
AngryPatriot
Footballguy
on rotoworld....
According to SI's Jim Trotter, Mike Sims-Walker has had a "strong camp" with the Rams and "appears to have developed a nice rapport" with Sam Bradford.
After spending the week at Rams camp, Trotter also calls the underachieving Sims-Walker, "the closest thing to a No. 1 receiver on the Rams' roster." So far, Sims-Walker has been learning all three receiver positions and working as, at the very least, St. Louis' third wideout. The fact that the Rams are trying to improve Sims-Walker's versatility may indicate that coordinator Josh McDaniels has big plans for MSW, who by all accounts is as motivated as ever. Aug. 12 - 1:41 pm et
According to SI's Jim Trotter, Mike Sims-Walker has had a "strong camp" with the Rams and "appears to have developed a nice rapport" with Sam Bradford.
After spending the week at Rams camp, Trotter also calls the underachieving Sims-Walker, "the closest thing to a No. 1 receiver on the Rams' roster." So far, Sims-Walker has been learning all three receiver positions and working as, at the very least, St. Louis' third wideout. The fact that the Rams are trying to improve Sims-Walker's versatility may indicate that coordinator Josh McDaniels has big plans for MSW, who by all accounts is as motivated as ever. Aug. 12 - 1:41 pm et
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4 or 5. It's not common for a team to keep six
by the Cowboys? What do you mean here?
Team ROFLCOPTERS
Footballguy
I hope the Rams don't sign Clayton. I'd hate to see guys with upside like the rookies, Avery and Alexander move on. I think Gilyard is a gonner despite a good camp.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
Health concerns and the Rams' receivers
August, 14, 2011
AUG 14
2:04
AM ET
[*]Comments25
By Mike SandoSt. Louis Rams receiver Mike Sims-Walker played through shoulder and ankle injuries with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
The groin injury he suffered during the Rams' 33-10 victory over Indianapolis in their preseason opener Saturday night is apparently not serious. But after injuries wiped out the position for St. Louis last season, any new concerns are noteworthy.
Donnie Avery and rookie Greg Salas have been resting hamstring injuries. Neither played against the Colts. Mark Clayton has not recovered from knee surgery enough to re-sign with the team. Dominique Curry recently needed surgery to repair a broken hand. Mardy Gilyard played Saturday night despite suffering from migraines recently. Danario Alexanderplayed against the Colts, but knee swelling forced him to miss practices recently. He has fought through chronic knee troubles over the years.
Most of these injury situations appear relatively minor when isolated. Taken together, they have the potential to weaken the position.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
ST. LOUIS — The difficulty in watching preseason football is that sometimes there’s just too much activity for the untrained eye to follow.
Too many numbers to account for, too many names you don’t know. Too much confusion when the first unit goes against the second unit, the third unit is on the field against the second, all at the whims of tinkering coordinators.
Yet the more discerning eye understands how to find clarity amidst the confusion. The fine art to watching the NFL in August is all in the details of knowing how all those puzzle pieces fit. The sooner you grasp that concept, the better chance you have at understanding what really matters in these elaborate, head-knocking job auditions.
On Saturday at the Edward Jones Dome, there were quite a few nifty puzzle pieces on display during the Rams impressive 33-10 victory over Indianapolis, particularly if you focused on the intriguing potential for the revamped offense.
What we’ve already gleaned from only one quarter of action with starting quarterback Sam Bradford on the field is that he’s quickly developed a new security blanket in rookie tight end Lance Kendricks, whose NFL debut was rather impressive. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound Kendricks looks to be as good as advertised, a reliable match-up headache between the hash marks for any linebacker or safety who draws the unfortunate task of trying to chase him down. Kendricks caught five passes for 47 yards and one touchdown in the first half from, making receptions from Bradford and A.J. Feeley, on a fascinating gallop up and down the pass-route tree.
Bradford targeted Kendricks on four of his 11 first-quarter attempts and connected with him on three of his six first-quarter completions. Even though he had two drops — and by his own admission, made some assignment mistakes, too — Kendricks knows how to get open and do something once he catches the ball. And his best play of the night might have been one in which the ball not only wasn’t thrown to him, but he initially lined up in the wrong place.
On the Rams’ third possession, on a second-and-eight from the Indianapolis 14 yard line, Kendricks lined up out of position before the snap of the ball but quickly corrected himself in time to not only line up properly but run a near-perfect seam route down the right hash marks. That left him wide open in the end zone on a play Bradford instead dished to slot receiver Danny Amedola for a 2-yard gain.
So for all those folks who were scratching their heads last April when the Rams selected the big kid out of Wisconsin in the second round, this was the first of what should be many emphatic answers as to how effectively he should fit into offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ Sunday plans. When McDaniels was hired last winter, one of the points he continued to emphasize about this offense was how it would have the ability to attack the opposing defenses by "stressing" the defense just as much as stretching it.
The idea is to always find the weakness in the defense, probing with any number of weapons until eventually the defense’s fatal flaw reveals itself. Most people believe that the best weapon to attack a defense is with a deep-threat receiver who can stretch the field by sprinting down the sideline. And while McDaniels does believe in attacking downfield, what he mostly loves doing is piecing a defense with surgical incisions all over the place, and having an athletic tight end who can become a match-up nightmare for over-matched linebackers. So Kendricks is part of what could make this offense fun.
"That’s part of Josh’s philosophy," Bradford said. "The ball gets spread around to everyone on the field and that way it does put stress on the defense. I think what you saw from Kendricks tonight was him playing so many positions and running so many different route combinations, and I would only imagine that it’s going to continue to grow."
But there are more pieces that need to be added to McDaniels’ offensive puzzle before we can make any lasting judgments about the potential for its long-term effectiveness. One of the other highlights of the night was discovering the value of raising the talent level and competitive atmosphere in the offensive backfield. All of a sudden, with newly-acquired Cadillac Williams (11 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD and a 3.6 yards-per-carry average) and Jerious Norwood (8 carries, 37 yards, 4.6 average) making their Rams debuts — and with holdover Keith Toston raising his game to a new level (11 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, 5.8 yard average) — the offense looks like it has more weapons in the backfield to accompany Pro Bowler Steven Jackson.
Yet there are a few more pieces that need to be added to the puzzle to make it complete.
Stretching the defense is equally important as stressing it, and the two best stretching receivers on this roster — Mike Sims-Walker and Danario Alexander — need to be on the field at the same time on opposite sides. Sims-Walker tweaked his groin and wasn’t on the field for more than a few plays, and Alexander didn’t get into the game until the second quarter with the second string. But once he got in, Alexander showed the same big-play capability flashes he displayed during his injury-stalled rookie year. He averaged 14.3 yards on three receptions, was credited with a touchdown on a deflected ball before the refs overturned it on replay. And there was another deep route in the third quarter that he nearly hauled in on a jump ball down the sidelines.
But the final results of the night for Alexander should have been ruled positive, because he was the only Rams wide receiver who showed that he is a legitimate threat to stretch the defense.
As this preseason continues to play out, we’re going to have to see Alexander and Sims-Walker force defenses out of those schemes.
Too many numbers to account for, too many names you don’t know. Too much confusion when the first unit goes against the second unit, the third unit is on the field against the second, all at the whims of tinkering coordinators.
Yet the more discerning eye understands how to find clarity amidst the confusion. The fine art to watching the NFL in August is all in the details of knowing how all those puzzle pieces fit. The sooner you grasp that concept, the better chance you have at understanding what really matters in these elaborate, head-knocking job auditions.
On Saturday at the Edward Jones Dome, there were quite a few nifty puzzle pieces on display during the Rams impressive 33-10 victory over Indianapolis, particularly if you focused on the intriguing potential for the revamped offense.
What we’ve already gleaned from only one quarter of action with starting quarterback Sam Bradford on the field is that he’s quickly developed a new security blanket in rookie tight end Lance Kendricks, whose NFL debut was rather impressive. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound Kendricks looks to be as good as advertised, a reliable match-up headache between the hash marks for any linebacker or safety who draws the unfortunate task of trying to chase him down. Kendricks caught five passes for 47 yards and one touchdown in the first half from, making receptions from Bradford and A.J. Feeley, on a fascinating gallop up and down the pass-route tree.
Bradford targeted Kendricks on four of his 11 first-quarter attempts and connected with him on three of his six first-quarter completions. Even though he had two drops — and by his own admission, made some assignment mistakes, too — Kendricks knows how to get open and do something once he catches the ball. And his best play of the night might have been one in which the ball not only wasn’t thrown to him, but he initially lined up in the wrong place.
On the Rams’ third possession, on a second-and-eight from the Indianapolis 14 yard line, Kendricks lined up out of position before the snap of the ball but quickly corrected himself in time to not only line up properly but run a near-perfect seam route down the right hash marks. That left him wide open in the end zone on a play Bradford instead dished to slot receiver Danny Amedola for a 2-yard gain.
So for all those folks who were scratching their heads last April when the Rams selected the big kid out of Wisconsin in the second round, this was the first of what should be many emphatic answers as to how effectively he should fit into offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ Sunday plans. When McDaniels was hired last winter, one of the points he continued to emphasize about this offense was how it would have the ability to attack the opposing defenses by "stressing" the defense just as much as stretching it.
The idea is to always find the weakness in the defense, probing with any number of weapons until eventually the defense’s fatal flaw reveals itself. Most people believe that the best weapon to attack a defense is with a deep-threat receiver who can stretch the field by sprinting down the sideline. And while McDaniels does believe in attacking downfield, what he mostly loves doing is piecing a defense with surgical incisions all over the place, and having an athletic tight end who can become a match-up nightmare for over-matched linebackers. So Kendricks is part of what could make this offense fun.
"That’s part of Josh’s philosophy," Bradford said. "The ball gets spread around to everyone on the field and that way it does put stress on the defense. I think what you saw from Kendricks tonight was him playing so many positions and running so many different route combinations, and I would only imagine that it’s going to continue to grow."
But there are more pieces that need to be added to McDaniels’ offensive puzzle before we can make any lasting judgments about the potential for its long-term effectiveness. One of the other highlights of the night was discovering the value of raising the talent level and competitive atmosphere in the offensive backfield. All of a sudden, with newly-acquired Cadillac Williams (11 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD and a 3.6 yards-per-carry average) and Jerious Norwood (8 carries, 37 yards, 4.6 average) making their Rams debuts — and with holdover Keith Toston raising his game to a new level (11 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD, 5.8 yard average) — the offense looks like it has more weapons in the backfield to accompany Pro Bowler Steven Jackson.
Yet there are a few more pieces that need to be added to the puzzle to make it complete.
Stretching the defense is equally important as stressing it, and the two best stretching receivers on this roster — Mike Sims-Walker and Danario Alexander — need to be on the field at the same time on opposite sides. Sims-Walker tweaked his groin and wasn’t on the field for more than a few plays, and Alexander didn’t get into the game until the second quarter with the second string. But once he got in, Alexander showed the same big-play capability flashes he displayed during his injury-stalled rookie year. He averaged 14.3 yards on three receptions, was credited with a touchdown on a deflected ball before the refs overturned it on replay. And there was another deep route in the third quarter that he nearly hauled in on a jump ball down the sidelines.
But the final results of the night for Alexander should have been ruled positive, because he was the only Rams wide receiver who showed that he is a legitimate threat to stretch the defense.
As this preseason continues to play out, we’re going to have to see Alexander and Sims-Walker force defenses out of those schemes.
pghrob
Footballguy
It's getting later and later in the preseason. Is there any further clarity on what the Rams final WR corps will look like?
I am not finding too much out there in terms of news updates.
According to the below article, it looks like Gilyard and DX are fighting for a final roster spot.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2011/8/16/2367480/st-louis-rams-practice-notes
St. Louis Rams practice notes, 8/16: Back to the receivers
Turfshowtimes_tiny by VanRam on Aug 16, 2011 8:40 PM CDT in 2011 St. Louis Rams Training Camp
St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels runs a drill during NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at the Rams' training facility in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Jeff Roberson - APMore photos »
about 16 hours ago: St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels runs a drill during NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at the Rams' training facility in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The St. Louis Rams traded stars on the injury report for today's practice. James Laurinaitis returned to the field after dealing with a pectoral muscle last week. Taking his place on the sidelines today was Steven Jackson, keeping off a sore hip. Fortunately, these kinds of things are just the normal bumps and bruises of preseason play. Teams and players have the luxury to letting those heal now, whereas in the regular season they're usually forced to play through all but the most serious of injuries.
A couple starting linemen joined Jackson on the sidelines today. Rodger Saffold and Jacob Bell both dealt with sore backs; neither injury is considered serious. It gave Adam Goldberg and Hank Fraley a chance to work with the starters, not a bad thing should they be pressed into duty this year.
Among the receivers, Greg Salas was back at practice. Salas impressed early on, but missed Saturday's preseason opener because of injury. Still on the sidelines with the injury-prone label was Donnie Avery, who has missed substantial time and opportunity to learn the new offense. Whenever he does return to health, he'll have to make an big impression in a hurry. Drafted by the previous regime and playing for an offensive coordinator that doesn't place the same value on pure speed, Avery faces an uphill slog for a spot on the final roster.
Speaking of the receivers, ESPN's Mike Sando was at practice today and shared some thoughts on the WR situation via his blog. He predicts Danny Amendola, Mike Sims-Walker, Brandon Gibson, Salas and Austin Pettis to earn five of six or seven roster spots for receivers. That leaves one or two open spots. Mardy Gilyard has done well so far. Avery's hurt, and Danario Alexander may not have the knee to make it in the pros.
I am not finding too much out there in terms of news updates.
According to the below article, it looks like Gilyard and DX are fighting for a final roster spot.
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2011/8/16/2367480/st-louis-rams-practice-notes
St. Louis Rams practice notes, 8/16: Back to the receivers
Turfshowtimes_tiny by VanRam on Aug 16, 2011 8:40 PM CDT in 2011 St. Louis Rams Training Camp
St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels runs a drill during NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at the Rams' training facility in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Jeff Roberson - APMore photos »
about 16 hours ago: St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels runs a drill during NFL football training camp Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at the Rams' training facility in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The St. Louis Rams traded stars on the injury report for today's practice. James Laurinaitis returned to the field after dealing with a pectoral muscle last week. Taking his place on the sidelines today was Steven Jackson, keeping off a sore hip. Fortunately, these kinds of things are just the normal bumps and bruises of preseason play. Teams and players have the luxury to letting those heal now, whereas in the regular season they're usually forced to play through all but the most serious of injuries.
A couple starting linemen joined Jackson on the sidelines today. Rodger Saffold and Jacob Bell both dealt with sore backs; neither injury is considered serious. It gave Adam Goldberg and Hank Fraley a chance to work with the starters, not a bad thing should they be pressed into duty this year.
Among the receivers, Greg Salas was back at practice. Salas impressed early on, but missed Saturday's preseason opener because of injury. Still on the sidelines with the injury-prone label was Donnie Avery, who has missed substantial time and opportunity to learn the new offense. Whenever he does return to health, he'll have to make an big impression in a hurry. Drafted by the previous regime and playing for an offensive coordinator that doesn't place the same value on pure speed, Avery faces an uphill slog for a spot on the final roster.
Speaking of the receivers, ESPN's Mike Sando was at practice today and shared some thoughts on the WR situation via his blog. He predicts Danny Amendola, Mike Sims-Walker, Brandon Gibson, Salas and Austin Pettis to earn five of six or seven roster spots for receivers. That leaves one or two open spots. Mardy Gilyard has done well so far. Avery's hurt, and Danario Alexander may not have the knee to make it in the pros.
Couch Potato
Footballguy
Hey Hipple (post #75), please provide sources when quoting articles. It matters knowing whether I'm reading a respected writer who follows the team or some Bleacher Report nobody who is essentially blogging. I'd just like to know who I'm reading. Thanks.
TheFanatic
Footballguy
That article was by Brian Burwell. He's a columnist for the post and had a local radio show but it was horrible. The guy is horrendous. Let's just say he's captain obvious. Take anything he says with a grain of salt. He does not have a keen eye, he's just leeching off what others with more talent and keener eyes are saying. Not saying his article praising Kenricks is off, just that he came way late to the Kenrick's bandwagon party because he had to read what everyone else was saying before he put pen to paper...
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Shane Falco
Footballguy
I'm more concerned that his article praised Danario while the other article says he's fighting with Gilyard for the final roster spot
TheFanatic
Footballguy
That article assumes that Salas has a spot. Everything I'm hearing recently is that he does not have a spot. He might get the phantom IR nod and go to the practice squad. In that case, it might not be a toss up between DX and Gilyard. Still a huge crapshoot here and people making claims as to knowing the depth chart after the first preseason game are meeting quotas, not reporting anything worthwhile...I'm more concerned that his article praised Danario while the other article says he's fighting with Gilyard for the final roster spot
First impressions: A look at Rams' receivers
August, 16, 2011
Aug 167:16PM ETEmailPrintCommentsBy Mike Sando
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could see the first question coming from the reporters surrounding him following the St. Louis Rams' practice Tuesday.
It had to be about the situation at wide receiver. It was.
Here is what you need to know: The Rams trust McDaniels' system enough to diminish widespread public fears over their injury-riddled, largely unproven group of wideouts. They expect promising rookie tight end Lance Kendricks to play a significant role in the offense. And they're also confident quarterback Sam Bradford can help maximize their receivers' potential.
The Rams signed former Jaguars reciever Mike Sims-Walker this offseason and will ask him to play multiple receiver positions.Still thinking the Rams should have made a play for a dynamic talent such as Sidney Rice? I tend to think so, but the Rams apparently were not interested in paying a premium for a player without a demonstrated record of consistency from year to year. They picked up Mike Sims-Walker at a discount and are asking him to play all three positions, not just the "X" receiver spot he played for Jacksonville in 2010.
"Our philosophy is, we want to do what we should do each week based on the opponent, and that may change," McDaniels said. "We may end up having more guys in the slot from one week and then the next week we don't line up in slot formation at all because that is not really how to beat that team. We have to be flexible so we can attack and put stress on the defense as best we can."
The word "stress" is a McDaniels favorite. He often speaks of stressing defenses, not necessarily stretching them.
Translation: Adding a receiver with track-certified speed isn't a necessity.
Widespread injuries at receiver stressed the Rams last season. The injury report hasn't been very kind to the position during camp, either.
Danny Amendola projects as the Rams' leader in receptions for another season. Sims-Walker, Brandon Gibson, Greg Salas and Austin Pettis appear likely to earn roster spots.
Alexander would seemingly figure into the mix if his knees hold up well enough. Donnie Avery has starting potential when healthy, but he missed another practice Tuesday. He missed all 16 games last season after suffering a torn ACL during preseason.
Second-year pro Mardy Gilyard is having a strong camp. He carries value on special teams. But can the Rams trust him to produce consistently while providing the versatility they require?
A few observations on receivers from Tuesday:
•Alexander's left leg sports a brace extending from his sock up past the bottom of his practice shorts. He has the athletic ability to make spectacular, leaping grabs. But the day-to-day rigors of the position will be tough to weather over time. Alexander, who turned 23 this month, has undergone five surgeries on the knee.
•Dominique Curry made a one-handed catch during drills. Did he have any choice? Curry, a gifted player on special teams before a knee injury ended his 2010 season, is wearing a protective cast/brace on his left hand. He underwent surgery on the hand this month.
•Pettis, a third-round choice from Boise State, showed good hands in practice. Salas, a fourth-rounder, was back on the field after resting a knee injury. I didn't notice him as much on this initial visit to Rams camp. My oversight.
•Avery watched practice wearing a gold Rams cap and long pants.
•Sims-Walker, who caught 14 touchdown passes for Jacksonville over the past two seasons and was the Jaguars' No. 1 wideout in 2010, missed practice with a groin injury. The Rams need him on the field.
•Greg Mathews, an undrafted free agent in 2010, caught an intermediate pass, then lost the ball while turning to run.
•Bradford connected on a deep pass to Gibson. Cornerback Ron Bartell broke up another Bradford pass for Gibson.
It's still early. The position has yet to shake out. Players could and likely will emerge. And there's no question Kendricks' addition at tight end has given the Rams a welcome option. He caught a touchdown pass in his preseason debut and has impressed veteran teammates.
"We've got a lot of guys moving in and out of different spots right now," McDaniels said. "We still got a long way to go and a lot of things to do and a lot of things to evaluate."
August, 16, 2011
Aug 167:16PM ETEmailPrintCommentsBy Mike Sando
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could see the first question coming from the reporters surrounding him following the St. Louis Rams' practice Tuesday.
It had to be about the situation at wide receiver. It was.
Here is what you need to know: The Rams trust McDaniels' system enough to diminish widespread public fears over their injury-riddled, largely unproven group of wideouts. They expect promising rookie tight end Lance Kendricks to play a significant role in the offense. And they're also confident quarterback Sam Bradford can help maximize their receivers' potential.
The Rams signed former Jaguars reciever Mike Sims-Walker this offseason and will ask him to play multiple receiver positions.Still thinking the Rams should have made a play for a dynamic talent such as Sidney Rice? I tend to think so, but the Rams apparently were not interested in paying a premium for a player without a demonstrated record of consistency from year to year. They picked up Mike Sims-Walker at a discount and are asking him to play all three positions, not just the "X" receiver spot he played for Jacksonville in 2010.
"Our philosophy is, we want to do what we should do each week based on the opponent, and that may change," McDaniels said. "We may end up having more guys in the slot from one week and then the next week we don't line up in slot formation at all because that is not really how to beat that team. We have to be flexible so we can attack and put stress on the defense as best we can."
The word "stress" is a McDaniels favorite. He often speaks of stressing defenses, not necessarily stretching them.
Translation: Adding a receiver with track-certified speed isn't a necessity.
Widespread injuries at receiver stressed the Rams last season. The injury report hasn't been very kind to the position during camp, either.
Danny Amendola projects as the Rams' leader in receptions for another season. Sims-Walker, Brandon Gibson, Greg Salas and Austin Pettis appear likely to earn roster spots.
Alexander would seemingly figure into the mix if his knees hold up well enough. Donnie Avery has starting potential when healthy, but he missed another practice Tuesday. He missed all 16 games last season after suffering a torn ACL during preseason.
Second-year pro Mardy Gilyard is having a strong camp. He carries value on special teams. But can the Rams trust him to produce consistently while providing the versatility they require?
A few observations on receivers from Tuesday:
•Alexander's left leg sports a brace extending from his sock up past the bottom of his practice shorts. He has the athletic ability to make spectacular, leaping grabs. But the day-to-day rigors of the position will be tough to weather over time. Alexander, who turned 23 this month, has undergone five surgeries on the knee.
•Dominique Curry made a one-handed catch during drills. Did he have any choice? Curry, a gifted player on special teams before a knee injury ended his 2010 season, is wearing a protective cast/brace on his left hand. He underwent surgery on the hand this month.
•Pettis, a third-round choice from Boise State, showed good hands in practice. Salas, a fourth-rounder, was back on the field after resting a knee injury. I didn't notice him as much on this initial visit to Rams camp. My oversight.
•Avery watched practice wearing a gold Rams cap and long pants.
•Sims-Walker, who caught 14 touchdown passes for Jacksonville over the past two seasons and was the Jaguars' No. 1 wideout in 2010, missed practice with a groin injury. The Rams need him on the field.
•Greg Mathews, an undrafted free agent in 2010, caught an intermediate pass, then lost the ball while turning to run.
•Bradford connected on a deep pass to Gibson. Cornerback Ron Bartell broke up another Bradford pass for Gibson.
It's still early. The position has yet to shake out. Players could and likely will emerge. And there's no question Kendricks' addition at tight end has given the Rams a welcome option. He caught a touchdown pass in his preseason debut and has impressed veteran teammates.
"We've got a lot of guys moving in and out of different spots right now," McDaniels said. "We still got a long way to go and a lot of things to do and a lot of things to evaluate."
Avery back at practice
I think MSW and Amendola are sure starters, the 3rd spot is up in the air.
Clayton, Avery or DX? 3 with injured knees but DX leads the group in surgeries. Too bad because he is probably the most talented.
I think MSW and Amendola are sure starters, the 3rd spot is up in the air.
Clayton, Avery or DX? 3 with injured knees but DX leads the group in surgeries. Too bad because he is probably the most talented.
Abrantes
Footballguy
Where have you been hearing that? I had not even heard speculation about Salas not making the cut.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
I'm at this spot. Amendola is a poor man's Wes Welker. I hate to say that because Welker is way way way more talented and its not even close. Sure Danny might catch 100 balls for about 800 yards this year. he is a PPR machine but offers nothing once he catches the ball.
MSW was their FA signing, not that it should dictate but he will be not he field as much as possible, as long as he stays healthy. It's the WR3 slot that will see folks rotating in and out. Why is it assumed both rookie WRs make the team? I don't see Clayton coming back and being ready to roll before the 2nd half of the season. Avery is always hurt. I love DX but those knees are not holding up. They swell on him all the time. Shame as he flashes the most skills of these guys IMHO.
MSW and Amendola are both huge value in the 8th/9th/10th round
TheFanatic
Footballguy
Local media. He's not practiced a lot due to injuries. Trust me, I want the kid on the team, I have him in a deep dynasty hoping he can form a bond with Bradford, but as of right now, he's missing a lot of time and very well might get an IR to get him to the practice squad for a year. I'm not saying it's a 50/50 deal, but just last week it was all but assured that he had a spot, but that's not the case right now. If Clayton were healthy, I would go 50/50 on this kid going to the practice squad.
nittanylion
Footballguy
This thread is a very interesting read. What I find the most interesting thing about it is that in all the articles/info I've perused regarding the Rams WR's, the most definitive information I'm gleaning is that Brandon Gibson has been, and continues to be, the closest thing to a bona-fide starting WR for the Rams...I'm not using many resources outside of the News Blogger, FWIW...
...I'm not going to go as far as to say that folks are in denial about this, but there seems to be at least some willful dismissal, not even unwilling acceptance, about Gibson being the most consistent WR getting starter reps in Rams camp...
...maybe because he's not a 'known commodity' like Avery or Clayton, or an exciting new toy Rookie like Salas or Pettis, or an easy to accept PPR hog like Amendola, or a strong upside guy like Danario Alexander or Gilyard...
...but there he is, plain old Brandon Gibson, getting the reps, and making the most of them, day after day, after day...
...I think Gibson IS a guy that probably occurs as one of the fewest Rams WR on anyone's Team Roster at this time, maybe that's part of it...
...I think this situation is still liquid, and still needs bearing out...maybe folks feel Gibson is just a placeholder getting opportunity in the absence of others, and his well will dry up when other WR are healthy enough to take reps, but it is...very interesting, that few people seem to be taking stock in the reality that when the Rams line up in practice, pretty much every day since training camp opened, the one constant WR in the starting lineup appears to be Brandon Gibson.
I'd like to hear more on this from the countless # of folks in this thread who are much closer to the situation than I am. I'm certainly willing to adjust my POV if it's warranted...
...I'm not going to go as far as to say that folks are in denial about this, but there seems to be at least some willful dismissal, not even unwilling acceptance, about Gibson being the most consistent WR getting starter reps in Rams camp...
...maybe because he's not a 'known commodity' like Avery or Clayton, or an exciting new toy Rookie like Salas or Pettis, or an easy to accept PPR hog like Amendola, or a strong upside guy like Danario Alexander or Gilyard...
...but there he is, plain old Brandon Gibson, getting the reps, and making the most of them, day after day, after day...
...I think Gibson IS a guy that probably occurs as one of the fewest Rams WR on anyone's Team Roster at this time, maybe that's part of it...
...I think this situation is still liquid, and still needs bearing out...maybe folks feel Gibson is just a placeholder getting opportunity in the absence of others, and his well will dry up when other WR are healthy enough to take reps, but it is...very interesting, that few people seem to be taking stock in the reality that when the Rams line up in practice, pretty much every day since training camp opened, the one constant WR in the starting lineup appears to be Brandon Gibson.
I'd like to hear more on this from the countless # of folks in this thread who are much closer to the situation than I am. I'm certainly willing to adjust my POV if it's warranted...
the spanker
Footballguy
From all the mocks I've been doing Amendola isn't lasting pass the 6th 7th round at best.'Ministry of Pain said:
Beerguzzler
Footballguy
I haven't seen any action from the rams this preseason, but my question to the Rams homers is this - Does Kendricks have the talent/speed to be the #1 option in that offense ala Gates. I'm mainly looking for long term dynasty production, but I really like Bradford and his collection of WR's just look down right awful no matter which way you line them up.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Mid 9th in the one I am in...6/7 is a little early. I can still find Santana Moss at that point and he has way more upside despite a terrible QB. 94 receptions last year for Moss
the spanker
Footballguy
I don't know about Moss's upside this year. All the Rams will do is throw the rock this year with a good QB...good sell though...you ever thought about going into retail?
Don't know where your mocking but FF Calculator ADP has him going at 7.02.
http://fantasyfootballcalculator.com/adp_ppr.php?year=2011&teams=12&pos=wr
Leeroy Jenkins
Footballguy
I was going to post something similar. IMO Amendola and Gibson are the two safest plays here.
TheFanatic
Footballguy
Can he be the #1 option? Probably. Can he be Gates? Probably not. Gates is Gates. Could he be one of the handful of rookie TE's that tear it up their first year? I think so. The reason I temper it a bit is Amendola. He and Kendrick's are going to be competing for a lot of the underneath stuff and Bradford has a rapport with him. That being said, Amendola just can't do anything with the ball once he catches it. No YAC. As time goes on, Bradford will learn that Kendick's can and rely on him more. That's my feeling. High percentage short passes are going to be the bread and butter of this offense. Kendrick's will clean up on those...
TheFanatic
Footballguy
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Amendola and MSW should be drafted 1st...Gibson at some point late, then maybe DX in the last round if you want to gamble. I think DX can rise up during the season, you might even be able to snag him off waivers after the draft.
KentGraham10
Footballguy
This thread has been bookmarked. Thanks for all the help with this so far guys I'll try to post some news as I see it as well. Currently heavily invested in this situation in my dynasty league so I'll try and do my part here too!
TheFanatic
Footballguy
The question with DX is, can he build enough of a rapport and work on his route running and timing, with limited practices so he doesn't leave the knee on the practice field. He has the most talent of all these guys by far. That five for 43 in week 1 might've cinched him a spot on the team if he can keep upright. I think Avery better have a monster night tonight or he's going to be looking for work. He'll be with the two's and maybe even the threes, facing inferious defensive packages, the brother better tear it up or he's gone IMO.
TheFootballJesus
Footballguy
Mark Clayton worked out for the Patriots today.
Quote from a scout.com article:
"On the mend from a knee injury, wide receiver Mark Clayton is set to work out for the New England Patriots on Friday.
According to a league source, Clayton has made a sound recovery from tearing his patellar tendon in his right knee last year and is on the verge of being ready to play again. "
Quote from a scout.com article:
"On the mend from a knee injury, wide receiver Mark Clayton is set to work out for the New England Patriots on Friday.
According to a league source, Clayton has made a sound recovery from tearing his patellar tendon in his right knee last year and is on the verge of being ready to play again. "
The Colts will take him. I think he and MSW are really the only 2 WR's on that team that I expect to have fantasy relevant #'s by the end of the year. The problem being that I think there's no way to tell when those numbers will start actually occurring.
baconisgood
Footballguy
I wouldn't even give him that much credit. the reason I'm not drafting Amendola this year is that he wasn't an effective option for them last year. He produced 35 first downs on 85 receptions and over 120 targets. A guy like Mike Thomas had 38 on 66 receptions and 103 targets (IIRC). If everyone else gets injured again then he will get a bunch of targets but STL has more targets than they had last season and I don't expect that rash of injuries. Even more damning is that he was 2nd in the league in RZ targets but had only 3 TDs. Basically the Rams offense was Bradford looking downfield and when he realized his two starting WRs were lying on the ground with torn ACLs he dumped it off to Amendola. I look at him more like a Mike Furrey/shaun Mcdonald player. A fringe NFL talent that put up surprising stats when everything lined up for them but an afterthought any other time. I think he is a 40 catch guy this year.
