oldnotdead said:

This is a state that is filled with delusional people. Just look at the clown show ballot audit. That carries over to a lot of Card fans I've met here in Tucson. Must be the heat baking the brain tissue or something.

No seriously, everyone here is overlooking a very telling statement by Kyler. That he needs to run less and become more of a pocket passer, i.e. he needs to learn how to make more than one read. For someone who has never done it in his football career to think he's going to do it in a season or two is not going to happen. In that same statement, he also talked about restarting his baseball career. HUH?? So when he gets frustrated with trying to read NFL defenses he's going to take his ball to the MLB?

He is only under contract for this year and next. So is this a veiled threat to take the money and run to MLB? Damn if I was Bidwell I'd be furious at Kyler and Kliff both. One thing is very true about the article. It says what I posted about earlier, that the feeling in AZ is Kliff needs to make the playoffs this year or he's gone.

That said what coach will want to sign on with a QB that might be out of the NFL after one more year? There is a real problem here in the desert. That smell isn't coming from coyote leftovers.

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Sounds like they’ll get a Scott Linehan or Steve Spagnolo type. It’s just like when nobody good wanted to coach the Rams

oldnotdead said:

Mojo I live in AZ but I was born and raised in LA so I know all too well there are very few "native" Californians. After those harsh winters in the 70's and since then the place got overrun with people from the East and they brought all their attitudes with them. It's why I moved to OC then San Diego in the early 80's. When I lived in Santa Monica in the mid 70's soon all my neighbors were from the east coast.

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I’m in PA. I’ve travelled as far west as Utah. Once I crossed the Mississippi I noticed how much more friendly ppl were. The further west I went the nicer they became.
On my drive home the attitude was noticeably different starting with Iowa. It got worse as I travelled East. By the time I hit Ohio I knew store clerks, ppl at a gas pump and in restaurants were noticeable unfriendly. I’ve read about it in college and why it is like that, but thought ir was overblown. It’s not.

When the West was being opened the more adventurous and open minded people went West. The stodgy conservatives said no way.We are staying put. So the East got more worse as it lost all of its outgoing friendly types to the West.

Selassie I said:

So to translate simply... it's lame af to be stuck there for a week. Peeps have been bitching about it for years.

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LOL. You’re probably right.

It’s not about the combine itself, it’s about stuff to do outside of the combine.

:facepalm:

Geez this clown show. All they can do is criticize Stafford for not being a DIVA. WTF is wrong with them? I read PFT for one week but got tired of their incessant bias and downright stupidity like downing Matt for not being a DIVA.

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I want them to lose all of their games (except for the Whiners; they'll just tie, in that scenario), and see the Jets get their first.

snackdaddy said:

When I was little I had these imaginary little monsters that terrified me. They were about the size of a weenie dog with longer legs. They had tough leather for skin. No fur. A face kinda like a cat but flatter. Ears were pointy. Big, sharp teeth. I called them "Bites". Why did I call them that? One of them told me in a dream that was their name.

One morning my parents were up early having breakfast before my father went to work. They always got up at 4:30 AM. It was dark. I felt something tug on my blanket below my bed. I looked under the bed and there was this scary looking Bite growling at me. His eyes glowed and his sharp teeth had saliva dripping. I got scared and ran into the kitchen. I was around 4 or 5 years old.

To this day that was the most vivid dream I ever had. It seemed so real. Enough to where I sometimes question myself "Was that really a dream?" Its not like I saw something on TV and dreamed about it. I've never seen something like that before or after that morning. Was my imagination that much that I could imagine a monster like that at 5 years old?

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Memento said:

Agreed. I think he could be the answer to our outside linebacker pass-rushing concerns, if healthy.

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Lewis only needs to be available for about 30% of the defensive plays. Hopefully he can be trained up/healthy for that level of play this year.

Psycho_X said:

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That’s worth a thread bump.

Rams right up at the top weeks with a winning record since 2016.

He was in our foursome, at a charity golf tournament a few years back.

His knees were in bad shape, though. I believe he just had one of them replaced.

He was very nice, though.

Yeah... people are afraid of earthquakes. I'll take one any day over a big tornado.

I'm guessing the defense will take a step back if you are only looking at stats. Chances are they will be on the field longer and in prevent mode more. I'm figuring our offense will be making a lot more chunk plays and scoring more. That tends to make a defense look worse on paper.

Darious Williams top 20.

First Out (11-20 unranked):
James Bradberry, Giants
Byron Jones, Dolphins
Desmond Trufant, Bears
Chris Harris Jr., Chargers
William Jackson III, Washington
Kyle Fuller, Broncos
Darious Williams, Rams
Mike Hilton, Bengals
Kenny Moore, Colts
Patrick Peterson, Vikings

bubbaramfan said:

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Ok, we don't need jokes about Tim Tebow on his wedding night ...

Rams' Matthew Stafford taking it slow, but making progress with new team​

• 
  
  Lindsey ThiryESPN

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Matthew Stafford took snap after snap, dropping back each time to scan the field.

And that was the extent of the 11-on-11 action for the new Los Angeles Rams quarterback, who did not throw the ball during full-team periods at mandatory minicamp.


Entering his 13th NFL season, but his first with a team outside of the Detroit Lions, the plan for the offseason program was to familiarize Stafford and other newcomers with teammates and Rams coach Sean McVay's scheme.

"We're not moving extremely fast, not really trying to get open or make great throws in that period," Stafford explained. "It's more, let's get the protections adjusted, let's get the runs going off in the right direction and get all the above-the-neck stuff going."



How the Rams' offense will appear with Stafford when the season opens Sept. 12 against the Chicago Bears remains mostly a mystery after an offseason program dominated by one-on-one work and some 7-on-7 action.

It could also remain something of a mystery through training camp after McVay acknowledged that he is likely to keep in step with his past approaches to preseason games and not play starters.

But if McVay's good mood this offseason is any indication, his once-prolific offense that struggled to find consistency the past two seasons with quarterback Jared Goff is trending positive with Stafford.

"He's done outstanding," McVay said about Stafford, whom the Rams acquired from Detroit in exchange for Goff, two first-round picks and a third-round pick in January. "He's only going to continue to grow and we're going to continue to get better."

McVay raved about Stafford's leadership, ability as a natural thrower and his football savvy -- including his knack to recognize and manipulate a defense.

Stafford underwent surgery on his right thumb in March. He described it as "a quick little fix" and said that he felt "way better." The procedure did not affect his participation in voluntary workouts or mandatory minicamp.

The goal of the offseason program for the 33-year-old Stafford was to stress himself mentally as he integrates into McVay's system.

"I'm just trying to learn as much as I possibly can about not only our playbook and the way we want to operate as an offense," said Stafford, But also [learn] my teammates as well."

The Rams return eight offensive starters from last season's 10-6 team, including four linemen, receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, tight end Tyler Higbee and running back Cam Akers.

Woods and Kupp spent the past four seasons with Goff, but have quickly began to adapt to their new signal caller after numerous one-on-one drills and time spent between action communicating nuances.

"He's a vet quarterback [who's] really honing in on picking up this offense very fast because we all got plans, we need him to learn it and be ready to go right away," said Woods, who fell 64 yards shy in 2020 of a third-consecutive 1,000-receiving yard season. "I would say his attention to listen to receivers, wanting to still get better at his level and at his year is super big."

Rams general manager Les Snead also added firepower for Stafford over the offseason, signing veteran receiver DeSean Jackson in free agency and selecting Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell in the second round of the NFL draft. Both are considered speedy receivers who can provide deep targets and stretch the field.

"It's been awesome with Matt, having a veteran quarterback that's played a lot of ball in this league," said Jackson, "It's definitely going to be a scary group for defenses and defenders 'cause Sean McVay, one thing about it, he's going to figure out how to get you open, so we just look forward to having a lot of fun doing it."


Stafford said each receiver brings a unique skillset. He described Woods as smooth in and out of his breaks, Kupp as one of the smartest he's played with, Jackson and Atwell for their long speed, and second-year pro Van Jefferson as good separator.

"It's a really talented group, top to bottom," Stafford said.

Stafford also is expected to have support in the backfield from Akers, who emerged late in his rookie season as a feature back after playing in a committee most of the year.


"It's been fun getting to know Matt," said Akers, who rushed for 625 yards in five starts and 13 games last season. "Gaining chemistry, catching balls, getting handoffs from him. Feeling the way he likes to lead, just learning each other. That's what this time that we've been spending together has been, we've been learning each other and just getting comfortable."

There's no exact science, Stafford and teammates said, as to when they will jell and establish an exact chemistry. But Stafford expressed confidence about his progress before the Rams broke for the offseason.

"I definitely have learned quite a bit," Stafford said. "I feel like my knowledge is a lot broader now than it was when we started that's for sure. I've been exposed to a lot both from Sean and our offense and our defense as well, so it's been a good learning experience for me."

Quarterbacks report to training camp on July 25th.

Fuck the name "Dirk". Clive Cussler ruined it for me forever.

We're just gonna move on from this.

Thanks

7 potential new Rams starters: Upgrades or downgrades?​

The LA Rams will look considerably different next season, even if many of the coaches and starters will remain the same. Most of the status quo under Sean McVay should be a good thing for LA’s chances of a 2021 playoff run: Andrew Whitworth, Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey, Darious Williams, Leonard Floyd are among those returning for another go at the Super Bowl.

But there are many things that won’t be the same as last season and that goes beyond the blockbuster trade at quarterback.

The following six examples are NOT the only examples of new starters that will happen next season. The players who I’m sliding in as “the new starter” are also NOT all players who have won a starting job yet. So this is NOT necessarily me predicting or projecting a starter at the position but even in those cases it is obvious that someone new will be playing with the 1s next year.

Who those players will be is in my cases up for debate. This will be a good place to have such a debate.

QB - Matthew Stafford replaces Jared Goff

Trending UP or DOWN? Trending UP

Nobody has really made the argument that the Lions and Rams should have done a straight swap of Stafford for Goff, so nobody appears to actually believe that they are of equal value. The Rams had to include two first round picks to make the trade happen so the consensus opinion would appear to be that LA is getting an upgrade.

WR3 - DeSean Jackson replaces Josh Reynolds

Trending UP or DOWN? Trending UP

Jackson may be 34 and coming off of two injury-plagued seasons, but there should be more optimism in Jackson than there was with Reynolds or Van Jefferson. This is not to say that Reynolds was without value — he served as LA’s deep threat and he often came through when his number was called — but Jackson tends to create more opportunities than the average speed receiver. He has led the NFL in yards per catch four times and all the reports thus far are that he is healthy and explosive again in 2021.

You could argue Tutu Atwell here too, but there’s no question that Jackson will enter training camp as the clear cut number three receiver. We also shouldn’t rule out Jefferson as potentially winning more snaps and targets than Jackson and Atwell.

iOL - C Austin Corbett, RG Bobby Evans replaces C Austin Blythe, RG Austin Corbett

Trending UP or DOWN? UP

I think there’s more reason to be excited about Corbett and Evans than there was last year, when it felt more like the Rams were “giving in” after re-signing Blythe to a one-year deal. Evans is 24, started five games as a rookie in 2019, and the coaching staff has expressed nothing but confidence in the five players who they’ve pre-selected as the starters. This unit feels a lot more solid and put together than the one with Joseph Noteboom at left guard and Blythe at center entering 2020.

DE2 - A’Shawn Robinson replaces Michael Brockers

Trending UP or DOWN? There’s ground to make up

Okay, so here’s another place where an argument might arise: is it even Robinson who will replace Brockers?

We know that Sebastian Joseph-Day could become Donald’s true sidekick and he might explode as the defense’s breakout player of 2021. In that case, then this would be an UPGRADE because LA would be getting a younger version of Brockers. I also won’t dismiss Robinson as a potentially valuable defensive lineman next season, because he’s only 26 and he never got a real shot with the defense amid all the restrictions and health setbacks last year.

The Rams also have Bobby Brown III and Earnest Brown IV and Greg Gaines, so we aren’t quite sure yet how this rotation will play out. But I’d say that the Rams enter 2021 with an UPGRADE for total depth and perhaps a downgrade of the veteran leadership and experience that was traded to the Lions.

FS - Terrell Burgess replaces John Johnson III

Trending UP or DOWN? There’s ground to make up

NCB - David Long, Jr. replaces Troy Hill

Trending UP or DOWN? There’s ground to make up

I have to lump the two secondary players together because Johnson and Hill combined to play in 1,996 snaps in 2020 — they were first and second on the entire defense in playing time, with JJIII playing every single down.

There is an argument to be made that Taylor Rapp, not Burgess, will be starting at safety. You could also make a case for Robert Rochell or Burgess to be the new starter at nickel. No matter which players you believe will replace Johnson and Hill, they will have so much ground to make up as far as the value that was put on display by those two players last season.

Burgess will have a difficult time being as valuable as Johnson, whereas Hill had more valleys to go along with his peaks, but the Rams no doubt lack NFL experience when it comes to whoever will replace him at cornerback. Hill often played on the outside and took over for Darious Williams, so anybody who replaces him will have to do more than just cover the slot.

We can’t say yet if any of these players are “downgrades” but we can say that they have big shoes to fill.

Rams' Matthew Stafford taking it slow, but making progress with new team​

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Matthew Stafford took snap after snap, dropping back each time to scan the field.

And that was the extent of the 11-on-11 action for the new Los Angeles Rams quarterback, who did not throw the ball during full-team periods at mandatory minicamp.

Entering his 13th NFL season, but his first with a team outside of the Detroit Lions, the plan for the offseason program was to familiarize Stafford and other newcomers with teammates and Rams coach Sean McVay's scheme.

"We're not moving extremely fast, not really trying to get open or make great throws in that period," Stafford explained. "It's more, let's get the protections adjusted, let's get the runs going off in the right direction and get all the above-the-neck stuff going."

How the Rams' offense will appear with Stafford when the season opens Sept. 12 against the Chicago Bears remains mostly a mystery after an offseason program dominated by one-on-one work and some 7-on-7 action.

It could also remain something of a mystery through training camp after McVay acknowledged that he is likely to keep in step with his past approaches to preseason games and not play starters.

But if McVay's good mood this offseason is any indication, his once-prolific offense that struggled to find consistency the past two seasons with quarterback Jared Goff is trending positive with Stafford.

"He's done outstanding," McVay said about Stafford, whom the Rams acquired from Detroit in exchange for Goff, two first-round picks and a third-round pick in January. "He's only going to continue to grow and we're going to continue to get better."

McVay raved about Stafford's leadership, ability as a natural thrower and his football savvy -- including his knack to recognize and manipulate a defense.

Stafford underwent surgery on his right thumb in March. He described it as "a quick little fix" and said that he felt "way better." The procedure did not affect his participation in voluntary workouts or mandatory minicamp.

The goal of the offseason program for the 33-year-old Stafford was to stress himself mentally as he integrates into McVay's system.

"I'm just trying to learn as much as I possibly can about not only our playbook and the way we want to operate as an offense," said Stafford, who departed Detroit as the all-time leader in every passing category but never won a playoff game in three attempts. "But also [learn] my teammates as well."

The Rams return eight offensive starters from last season's 10-6 team, including four linemen, receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, tight end Tyler Higbee and running back Cam Akers.

Woods and Kupp spent the past four seasons with Goff, but have quickly began to adapt to their new signal caller after numerous one-on-one drills and time spent between action communicating nuances.

"He's a vet quarterback [who's] really honing in on picking up this offense very fast because we all got plans, we need him to learn it and be ready to go right away," said Woods, who fell 64 yards shy in 2020 of a third-consecutive 1,000-receiving yard season. "I would say his attention to listen to receivers, wanting to still get better at his level and at his year is super big."

Rams general manager Les Snead also added firepower for Stafford over the offseason, signing veteran receiver DeSean Jackson in free agency and selecting Louisville receiver Tutu Atwell in the second round of the NFL draft. Both are considered speedy receivers who can provide deep targets and stretch the field.

"It's been awesome with Matt, having a veteran quarterback that's played a lot of ball in this league," said Jackson, who has been slowed because of injuries the past two seasons but has recorded the most 60-plus-yard touchdowns (24) in NFL history. "It's definitely going to be a scary group for defenses and defenders 'cause Sean McVay, one thing about it, he's going to figure out how to get you open, so we just look forward to having a lot of fun doing it."

Stafford said each receiver brings a unique skillset. He described Woods as smooth in and out of his breaks, Kupp as one of the smartest he's played with, Jackson and Atwell for their long speed, and second-year pro Van Jefferson as good separator.

"It's a really talented group, top to bottom," Stafford said.

Stafford also is expected to have support in the backfield from Akers, who emerged late in his rookie season as a feature back after playing in a committee most of the year.

"It's been fun getting to know Matt," said Akers, who rushed for 625 yards in five starts and 13 games last season. "Gaining chemistry, catching balls, getting handoffs from him. Feeling the way he likes to lead, just learning each other. That's what this time that we've been spending together has been, we've been learning each other and just getting comfortable."

There's no exact science, Stafford and teammates said, as to when they will jell and establish an exact chemistry. But Stafford expressed confidence about his progress before the Rams broke for the offseason.

"I definitely have learned quite a bit," Stafford said. "I feel like my knowledge is a lot broader now than it was when we started that's for sure. I've been exposed to a lot both from Sean and our offense and our defense as well, so it's been a good learning experience for me."

Quarterbacks report to training camp on July 25th.

Outside of a gift type secret… I’ve not involved the kids in any of my schemes.

As a kid we kept a long secret from Mom and Dad about jumping off the roof into the backyard pool. Finally told them when I was married and on my own.

It was an above ground, but you had to clear the deck and fence around the pool.

They were already the top defense in the league last year, what is it they were missing in practice? When they prepare for other teams, its the scout team that simulates the tendencies of their opponent.

I don't really subscribe to iron sharpens iron adage in football, at least there isn't that much empirical evidence in support of it. Otherwise teams with top offense would also have top defense, and that is rarely the case. Usually a contending team can claim one or the other. The 2000 Ravens D could not have been challenged that much facing Trent Dilfer and Tony Banks in practice.

What this offense can do to help the defense is sustain drives, score more TDs, less turnovers and give them the opportunity to play with a lead.

den-the-coach said:

Obviously this is an interesting battle and preseason will help the Rams sort this out. Terrell Lewis would be the starter, but he's hurt even when he's not hurt. I liked what I watched from Hollins last season and felt in Denver moving him inside was a mistake, hopefully, Hollins can prove to be even more productive in 2021.

Obo Okoronkwo has talent and might be the perfect guy to rotate with Hollins, if Lewis and his knee can't get on the field. Chris don't call me Kelly Garrett might surprise, however, it's a major step up and Justin Lawler the grandson of Jerry, could make the squad with an excellent preseason. Keep in mind, Joe Barry now the DC in Green Bay is no longer involved in coaching linebackers as it's all on Chris Shula and Thad Bogardus to coach this unit up, which might showcase how important Barry was to the Staff or if Shula has the goods.

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Think you have a great grasp of this OLB'er situation like that you brought out that it a new day for this LB'ing cadre now that LB coach Barry has finally moved on. I believe this is a very big plus IMO!

You have now mentioned Justin Lawler several times......excellent entry if healthy for DC Morris too. Lawler has hung around now for 3 seasons & spent two of the three PUP'd indicated to me he has something special to bring to this unit. Lawler was a highly productive edge who totaled 9.5 sacks in his last season @ SMU. JL's size is one, he can be a 43DE or an OLB'er without many issues. Something to sure peak Morris's interest.

What I noticed in his rookie season before the injuries hit him was he just did everything well & was very solid for a totally unknown drafted rookie.

He is also shown to be a sure tackler. I look forward to hearing reports on JL in TC as a possible starting prospect to team with Floyd. I would expect that JL has greatly improved his overall physical body & condition since we last saw him play in 2018. I should remind everyone he suited up for all 19 including the Superbowl in 2018.

Justin Hollins getting full-time exposure & his first full Ram OTA/Mimi/Training Camp & Preseason to just the OLB post (excluding ILB'er training 2019/2020 seasons @ Denver) is sure to assist & sharpen him fully to be the lead dog for that open vacancy. I like JH myself & liked Snead's decision to acquire JH after the 2020 season started.

Og Okoronkwo has far too much defensive lineman in him to be a full-fledged effective starting OLB'er. IMO it would be best to utilize Og's best talent as a designated pass rusher & reliever for both of the starting OLB'ers. This is not necessarily a negative comment here by me on Og because this DL & OLB'er unit is in bad need of good pass rushers! Thus Og might be what DC Morris & LB'er coach Shula desire! Og might also be utilized more as a weakside DE in any new 43 DL defenses Morris may ad.

My opinion of Terrell Lewis is well known here. I have written him off for this season.

What newcomers @ OLB'er bring of course is unknown.....drafted Chris Garrett, then there's well-traveled since 2020 from NYJ's & Baltimore PS is John Daka & UDFA 2021 Max Roberts fill in the OLB unit for now. Rookie Roberts could very well be a big sleeper as a pass rusher in TC look out!
View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2940969-max-roberts-nfl-draft-2021-scouting-report-for-boston-college-edge

Too long to get on track, defense regressing and injuries?
Safe to say that is what could/would derail every team in the league?

On the Rise is silly topic at this point. It’s just a clickbait catch phrase.

We’ve seen players look good in camp and not make the team in the past. Rookies that have never been to a training camp, nor played in a live NFL game are not on the rise.

Shuie3225 said:

Baldy talking more Stafford today on twitter and his BaldysBreakdowns.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1407130706472538121?s=20

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That’s a crazy pass. “Whipped it in there”, is right.

den-the-coach said:

Calais was also returning punts during OTA's, if he can be both a PR & KR, he could make the squad.

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Yeah - it’s just cool that we get to see
PRESEASON this YEAR.