Inside Slant
When Al Saunders was the Rams' receivers coach in 1999 and 2000, players marveled at how he was always on the go, running down the field to talk to receivers and constantly being in their ear.
Wide receiver
Dane Looker remembers his first training camp in 2000, when he caught a pass and was slowing down and easing up down the field.
"All of a sudden, here comes Al from behind, knocking the ball out of my arm," Looker said. "That taught me a valuable lesson."
After hiring Saunders as offensive coordinator, coach Scott Linehan said he heard the stories. After the first day of minicamp, Linehan said, "It was pretty famous, the lore around here about Al. I asked him if he was going to still chase the receivers. He said he had been training. He said, 'You'll see.'
"I was pretty impressed. I don't know how old Al is, but at his age I hope I can run that well."
Saunders is 61, but that didn't stop him from being a whirling dervish during practice. He wore a T-shirt that said "Gotta Go to Work," (the team's slogan in 1999) and really opened the eyes of the rookies.
Said wide receiver Keenan Burton, a fourth-round pick, "He runs up and down the field like a maniac."
Added second-round pick Donnie Avery, one of the fastest players in the draft, "He's pretty fast. I think he probably has a step on me."
Saunders was just one example of a heightened intensity within the team, something needed after a 3-13 season.
"I was really pleased with just the tempo and the attitude, the whole deal," said Linehan. "They came out here with a whole new life and energy, and it was really inspiring for me to see that. It came from the leadership of the team, the core leaders, and the young kids followed them. That's what we need.
"There's a pretty refreshed feeling around here. It's amazing what a new season and some new faces will do to everybody's attitude."
Concluded quarterback
Marc Bulger, "Where is last year? We don't want to mention that much more. We started clean; we're not going to look back. We learned what we had to from last year, but as of a couple of months ago, I'm not going to learn anything more from 2007. We're just going to move on and expect good things from us this year.
"We have the talent; it's just a matter of playing as a unit and staying healthy."
NOTES, QUOTES
—Veteran Chris Draft has gotten most of the work so far at strong-side linebacker, but coaches still have high expectations for Quinton Culberson. An undrafted free agent last year, Culberson played well all season on special teams, then had 14 tackles in a start against Arizona in the season finale when
Brandon Chillar was out with an injury. Chillar signed with Green Bay in the offseason.
"It's going to be a good battle, and it will be one to keep an eye on," coach Scott Linehan said. "Either way I feel great about the fact that we have two guys who we feel really comfortable with.
"Chris has the experience and the versatility to play all three positions, and now he is in the position where he can get back into a starting role, which I know he likes. The thing about Quinton is that he gets around the ball a whole lot. He had one start for us last year in the last game of the year, and I think he led the defense in tackles that day. That is hard to do in the NFL."
—DT Adam Carriker isn't participating in team drills, but did take part in most individual work after undergoing shoulder surgery in January to repair a torn labrum. Originally, it was estimated Carriker would be unable to anything for at least four and maybe six months.
Said coach Scott Linehan, "It's amazing. Generally with an injury like that, it's four to six months before you can do anything. He'd probably be able to play a game if we had to. I think a lot of it has to do with work ethic and want-to. That guy has been busting his butt since the end of the season, and it's really paid off."
—C/G Dustin Fry was back at OTA practices after missing the minicamp because he was getting married. Originally, the minicamp was to be only for rookies, so Fry scheduled the wedding.
Joked coach Scott Linehan, "He actually checked with me in the winter time and this was going to be our rookie minicamp. I changed it on him, so I guess I allowed him to get married. His wife owes me."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "There's a lot of energy, a lot of excitement. I can see where people want to draw the comparison (to the 1999 season). But as good as we thought we were going to be that year, I don't think anybody could've predicted that type of success. We're all hoping that happens; that's what everybody's goal is. But I don't think I want to put that type of pressure on this year's team." — QB Trent Green, when comparisons to 1999 were made, a year after the Rams were 4-12 and brought in a new offensive coordinator.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Following the team's mandatory minicamp, the Rams waived three rookie free agents and re-signed a player that was with them in training camp last year.
Released were defensive end Rodney Hardeway, wide receiver Josh Hyman and fullback Brandon McAnderson.
Signed was wide receiver Shaine Smith, who was waived by the Rams in the final cut in 2007. He was with the Jets in the offseason before being cut in late April.
MEDICAL WATCH: Tackle Rob Petitti won't be able to run for about six months after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during the offseason conditioning program ... FS Oshiomogho Atogwe has sat out recent drills after suffering a minor hamstring injury in the May 9 minicamp practice. ... OT Mark LeVoir is sidelined with a strained calf ... Undrafted free-agent RB Yvenson Bernard was released before minicamp after failing his physical because of a knee injury.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
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