Youth movement for Rams? Maybe yes, maybe no

[RamWraith]

By Bill Coats
St. Louis Post-Dispatch


Scott Linehan is hard to figure out sometimes, because his words often belie his actions.

Other than first-rounder Chris Long, his ‘ 08 draft picks have contributed precious little so far. Wideouts Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton haven’t really been part of the offense — an offense that has produced exactly one touchdown so far. John Greco and Roy Schuening have yet to get into the mix on the offensive line. Linebacker Chris Chamberlain has been active on special teams, but hasn’t played on defense. David Vobora is on the practice squad.

Like many NFL coaches, Linehan relies heavily on veterans. But when you’re 0-2, have been outscored 79-16 and are ranked in the league stats at the bottom or close to it in every offensive and defensive category, wouldn’t changes in personnel be in order? Maybe toss the kids in there and see how they stack up?

Maybe so. Consider Linehan’s comments Wednesday:

*On the effect young players can have on a team: “Young players bring energy . . . because of their youth and their effort and their ‘want-to’ and hungriness and all that. Young players can give you a spark.”

*On committing to using young players: “Yeah, I think that’s what you’ve got to do. You have to make a commitment to do it and go with it. You know you’re going to have some growing pains with that, but . . . these guys are chomping at the bit to get in there.”

Yet at practice, nothing looked different (although Avery did take some reps with the regulars). All the starters on offense and defense were in their usual spots.

Go figure.

<><><>

The Rams reconvened as a group Wednesday, three days after their 41-13 thumping by the Giants and two days after owner Chip Rosenbloom laid down the law, vowing to make changes if improvement doesn’t come soon.

But if the pressure is building at Rams Park, it wasn’t evident. There was a business-as-usual feel in the locker room and on the practice field.

“Every week is a must-win,” Marc Bulger said. “The first game was, last week was, this week is, next week will be. We don’t approach any game differently.”

<><><>

Notes & quotes:

*DE Leonard Little (hamstring) suited up and did some scout-team work. But he didn’t sound too optimistic when asked whether he expected to play Sunday in Seattle. “As of right now, no,” he said. Little did report that his leg was “a whole lot better . . . like night and day between last week.”

*Long was relieved to get his first sack Sunday vs. the Giants. “It was cool to get that monkey off my back,” he said. “Now people will start giving me a chance, saying I might be a good player. All of a sudden he gets a sack, and ‘he’s going to be OK.’ That’s the way things go. It takes a little pressure off, I guess.”

*After being sacked 10 times in the first two games, Bulger said he was feeling “a little sore. But I’m not injured.”

*Donnie Jones has the NFL’s top punting average: 51.2 yards, on 16 boots (also a league high).

*The Seahawks are 0-2 for the first time since 2002.

All for now . . .

[laram0]

By Bill Coats
St. Louis Post-Dispatch


Scott Linehan is hard to figure out sometimes, because his words often belie his actions.

Other than first-rounder Chris Long, his ‘ 08 draft picks have contributed precious little so far. Wideouts Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton haven’t really been part of the offense — an offense that has produced exactly one touchdown so far. John Greco and Roy Schuening have yet to get into the mix on the offensive line. Linebacker Chris Chamberlain has been active on special teams, but hasn’t played on defense. David Vobora is on the practice squad.

Like many NFL coaches, Linehan relies heavily on veterans. But when you’re 0-2, have been outscored 79-16 and are ranked in the league stats at the bottom or close to it in every offensive and defensive category, wouldn’t changes in personnel be in order? Maybe toss the kids in there and see how they stack up?

Maybe so. Consider Linehan’s comments Wednesday:

*On the effect young players can have on a team: “Young players bring energy . . . because of their youth and their effort and their ‘want-to’ and hungriness and all that. Young players can give you a spark.”

*On committing to using young players: “Yeah, I think that’s what you’ve got to do. You have to make a commitment to do it and go with it. You know you’re going to have some growing pains with that, but . . . these guys are chomping at the bit to get in there.”

Yet at practice, nothing looked different (although Avery did take some reps with the regulars). All the starters on offense and defense were in their usual spots.

Go figure.

Linehan needs to practice what he preaches. The old saying don't fix-it if it's not broken. Well after the first two games it looks like something is broken.

I too would like to see our draft picks get time on the field in real games. Maybe just maybe we have a diamond in the rough. Only way to find out is let them play.

[Chris58]

Give the kids a chance. To continue to rely on hang-dog veterans with "fragile" psyches to turn things around doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense.

[HUbison]

*Donnie Jones has the NFL’s top punting average: 51.2 yards, on 16 boots (also a league high).

As always, the Clan is on top of it.

[HUbison]

Consider Linehan’s comments Wednesday:

*On the effect young players can have on a team: “Young players bring energy . . . because of their youth and their effort and their ‘want-to’ and hungriness and all that. Young players can give you a spark.”

*On committing to using young players: “Yeah, I think that’s what you’ve got to do. You have to make a commitment to do it and go with it. You know you’re going to have some growing pains with that, but . . . these guys are chomping at the bit to get in there.”

Yet at practice, nothing looked different (although Avery did take some reps with the regulars). All the starters on offense and defense were in their usual spots.

Go figure.

Truly frustrating. Exactly the sort of behavior one would expect from a decision maker too scared to make a decision, just as AV said.

[RedArcher7]

“Every week is a must-win,” Marc Bulger said. “The first game was, last week was, this week is, next week will be. We don’t approach any game differently.”

But if the pressure is building at Rams Park, it wasn’t evident. There was a business-as-usual feel in the locker room and on the practice field.

I think it's pretty clear that hasn't worked this year, or the other two. Maybe you should start approaching games a little differently. Does it concern anyone else that nothing has changed? You'd think changes would be things that the Rams would be all about after getting destroyed twice. But to go about it like it'll fix itself? Someone's off their rocker.

[eldfan]

By Bill Coats
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Yet at practice, nothing looked different (although Avery did take some reps with the regulars). All the starters on offense and defense were in their usual spots.

Go figure.

<><><>

The Rams reconvened as a group Wednesday, three days after their 41-13 thumping by the Giants and two days after owner Chip Rosenbloom laid down the law, vowing to make changes if improvement doesn’t come soon.

But if the pressure is building at Rams Park, it wasn’t evident. There was a business-as-usual feel in the locker room and on the practice field.

.

That is concerning doing the same thing if it is broke fix it!!!!!!.

[39thebeast]

I'd rather watch explosive rookies loose and be excited about the future instead seeing these old guys mope around not care and stink up the field.

[NJ Ramsfan1]

Very few people outside of us optimistic Rams fans thought they had an outstanding draft. Other than Chris Long, many felt Burton and Avery were reaches since better receivers were on the board. The corner from Penn State carried baggage. And the offensive linemen were considered O.K. but not guys who would anchor the line for the next 10 years. It should surprise no one that these guys haven't seen extensive time.

After Chip Rosenbloom's recent directive to 'play better or else",the veterans will be given enough rope to hang themselves. If they don't get it done, we'll see just how good and ready these rookies are.

[stlramman]

Look at what Mccarthy has done with the Packers. He has been plugging 1st & 2nd year players in the line-up ever since he took over and they are producing. I see alot of Packers games in my region and they are a young & talented team that plays hard in every facet. They even replaced a legend at QB and havent skipped a beat, i would say they are arguably one of the best teams in the NFC and IMO Dallas will find that out Sunday. I want a coach and franchise that operates in this manner. The youngsters MUST play!!!

[Fortuninerhater]

By Bill Coats
St. Louis Post-Dispatch


Scott Linehan is hard to figure out sometimes, because his words often belie his actions.

Other than first-rounder Chris Long, his ‘ 08 draft picks have contributed precious little so far. Wideouts Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton haven’t really been part of the offense — an offense that has produced exactly one touchdown so far. John Greco and Roy Schuening have yet to get into the mix on the offensive line. Linebacker Chris Chamberlain has been active on special teams, but hasn’t played on defense. David Vobora is on the practice squad.

Like many NFL coaches, Linehan relies heavily on veterans. But when you’re 0-2, have been outscored 79-16 and are ranked in the league stats at the bottom or close to it in every offensive and defensive category, wouldn’t changes in personnel be in order? Maybe toss the kids in there and see how they stack up?

Maybe so. Consider Linehan’s comments Wednesday:

*On the effect young players can have on a team: “Young players bring energy . . . because of their youth and their effort and their ‘want-to’ and hungriness and all that. Young players can give you a spark.”

*On committing to using young players: “Yeah, I think that’s what you’ve got to do. You have to make a commitment to do it and go with it. You know you’re going to have some growing pains with that, but . . . these guys are chomping at the bit to get in there.”

Yet at practice, nothing looked different (although Avery did take some reps with the regulars). All the starters on offense and defense were in their usual spots.

Go figure . . .

Does this mean we can expect to see Brock Berlin and Brian Leonard soon? Wow...that ought to scare the hell out of defenses.

[HUbison]

many felt Burton and Avery were reaches since better receivers were on the board.

Avery? Yea, there was a huge debate over Avery.
Burton? I've yet to hear any informed voice call Burton a reach.

[DistantRam]

Very few people outside of us optimistic Rams fans thought they had an outstanding draft.

While the points you raise about Avery and King are valid, many draft sites considered Burton, Greco and (especially) Schuening to be steals. I'd just like to see them get a chance (when fit), because our veterans in those positions just aren't performing.

[TekeRam]

I don't care if they were called reaches because my dead grandmother was still on the board. We supposedly drafted them because they would fit our latest scheme. If they do, then why aren't they getting time? If they don't, then why did we draft them?

As Hub's sig once said... 'nuff said.