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R.I.P. Walter Becker(Steely Dan)
- By Prime Time
- OFF TOPIC
- 4 Replies
What a huge loss for those of us who are Steely Dan fans. Becker, along with Donald Fagen, was half of that wonderful band.
*************************************************************************************
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life...n-co-founder-walter-becker-dies-67/629738001/
Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker dies at 67
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Walter Becker, the guitarist, bassist and co-founder of the rock group Steely Dan, has died. He was 67. His official website announced his death Sunday with no further details.
Donald Fagen released a statement in remembrance of his Steely Dan bandmate. Fagen said he intends to keep the music they created together alive as long as he can with the Steely Dan band.
"Walter Becker was my friend, my writing partner and my bandmate since we met as students at Bard College in 1967," Fagen wrote. "He was smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist and a great songwriter. He was cynical about human nature, including his own, and hysterically funny."
Becker had missed performances earlier in the summer in Los Angeles and New York. Fagen later told Billboard that Becker was recovering from a procedure and hoped that he’d be fine soon.
A Queens native, Becker met Fagen as students at Bard College in 1967 and founded the band in 1972. Steely Dan's debut LP, Can’t Buy a Thrill produced the radio hits Do It Again and Reeling in the Years. The group’s biggest success came with the 1977 album Aja, including the top-20 singles Peg and Deacon Blues.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
*************************************************************************************
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life...n-co-founder-walter-becker-dies-67/629738001/
Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker dies at 67
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Walter Becker, the guitarist, bassist and co-founder of the rock group Steely Dan, has died. He was 67. His official website announced his death Sunday with no further details.
Donald Fagen released a statement in remembrance of his Steely Dan bandmate. Fagen said he intends to keep the music they created together alive as long as he can with the Steely Dan band.
"Walter Becker was my friend, my writing partner and my bandmate since we met as students at Bard College in 1967," Fagen wrote. "He was smart as a whip, an excellent guitarist and a great songwriter. He was cynical about human nature, including his own, and hysterically funny."
Becker had missed performances earlier in the summer in Los Angeles and New York. Fagen later told Billboard that Becker was recovering from a procedure and hoped that he’d be fine soon.
A Queens native, Becker met Fagen as students at Bard College in 1967 and founded the band in 1972. Steely Dan's debut LP, Can’t Buy a Thrill produced the radio hits Do It Again and Reeling in the Years. The group’s biggest success came with the 1977 album Aja, including the top-20 singles Peg and Deacon Blues.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Browns celebrate undefeated preseason
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 25 Replies
Gotta love the humor of Browns fans. 
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...nt-done-in-31-years-and-fans-are-celebrating/
LOOK: Browns do something they hadn't done in 31 years and fans are celebrating
Since the NFL doesn't hand out trophies to teams that go undefeated during the preseason, Browns fans decided to take things into their own hands this year by honoring their team after it went 4-0 during the preseason.
Although the fans in Cleveland didn't throw a parade to honor the Browns' undefeated preseason record, the fans did celebrate by making T-shirts. And guys, I'm not sure if you've been following the Browns lately, but their fans haven't had much to cheer about lately, so we're going to give them this.
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/bleacherreport/status/903662639196274694
If you don't like that T-shirt, don't worry, you have choices. A successful preseason is so rare in Cleveland that multiple companies decided to celebrate the momentous occasion by making a T-shirt.
Here's another shirt celebrating the team's "preseason championship."
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/freshbrewedtees/status/903454114251669504
The Browns' 4-0 record marked the first time since 1986 that the team went undefeated during the preseason, and based on history, that could mean good things for the Browns.
Before 2017, the Browns had only gone undefeated during the preseason four other times in franchise history (1950, 1962, 1982, 1986), and the team finished each of those seasons with a winning record. As a matter of fact, the Browns actually made the playoffs in three of those four seasons and even went on to win a world championship in 1950.
Browns fans clearly know their history, which is why I think they're all expecting to win the Super Bowl now following Cleveland's undefeated preseason.
One guy who isn't quite buying the hype yet is Browns coach Hue Jackson. Although Jackson is excited for his team, he did note that everyone is aware that it was "just the preseason."
"A year ago we were 0-4, so these guys came back with a different mentality," Jackson said, via Cleveland.com. "We understand it's just the preseason, but you've got to start someplace. They accomplished something that hadn't been done in 31 years, which is be 4-0 and that's a credit to them."
The Browns' second-year coach wants to take the momentum of the preseason into the team's opener against the Steelers.
"I can see something building in the locker room, and that's what you want," Jackson said. "We all know football's a whole lot different in the regular season, coming up against Pittsburgh."
The good news for the Browns is that a 4-0 preseason record means they're still mathematically alive to win the Super Bowl.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...nt-done-in-31-years-and-fans-are-celebrating/
LOOK: Browns do something they hadn't done in 31 years and fans are celebrating
Since the NFL doesn't hand out trophies to teams that go undefeated during the preseason, Browns fans decided to take things into their own hands this year by honoring their team after it went 4-0 during the preseason.
Although the fans in Cleveland didn't throw a parade to honor the Browns' undefeated preseason record, the fans did celebrate by making T-shirts. And guys, I'm not sure if you've been following the Browns lately, but their fans haven't had much to cheer about lately, so we're going to give them this.
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/bleacherreport/status/903662639196274694
If you don't like that T-shirt, don't worry, you have choices. A successful preseason is so rare in Cleveland that multiple companies decided to celebrate the momentous occasion by making a T-shirt.
Here's another shirt celebrating the team's "preseason championship."
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/freshbrewedtees/status/903454114251669504
The Browns' 4-0 record marked the first time since 1986 that the team went undefeated during the preseason, and based on history, that could mean good things for the Browns.
Before 2017, the Browns had only gone undefeated during the preseason four other times in franchise history (1950, 1962, 1982, 1986), and the team finished each of those seasons with a winning record. As a matter of fact, the Browns actually made the playoffs in three of those four seasons and even went on to win a world championship in 1950.
Browns fans clearly know their history, which is why I think they're all expecting to win the Super Bowl now following Cleveland's undefeated preseason.
One guy who isn't quite buying the hype yet is Browns coach Hue Jackson. Although Jackson is excited for his team, he did note that everyone is aware that it was "just the preseason."
"A year ago we were 0-4, so these guys came back with a different mentality," Jackson said, via Cleveland.com. "We understand it's just the preseason, but you've got to start someplace. They accomplished something that hadn't been done in 31 years, which is be 4-0 and that's a credit to them."
The Browns' second-year coach wants to take the momentum of the preseason into the team's opener against the Steelers.
"I can see something building in the locker room, and that's what you want," Jackson said. "We all know football's a whole lot different in the regular season, coming up against Pittsburgh."
The good news for the Browns is that a 4-0 preseason record means they're still mathematically alive to win the Super Bowl.
McVay is aware of all the doubters; they don't bother him
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 11 Replies
Sean McVay is aware of all the doubters; they don't bother him
Rams Coach Sean McVay is by far the youngest NFL coach at 31. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Gary Klein
It’s mostly been compliments for Sean McVay since the Rams made him the youngest coach in modern NFL history.
Team executives rave about the 31-year-old’s football knowledge. Players and personnel throughout the organization laud his leadership, teaching skills and presence.
McVay has also been the target of skepticism and doubt.
For example, former St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz recently caused a stir when he questioned McVay’s expertise as an offensive guru in published comments he made to the author of a forthcoming book.
Through it all, McVay maintains the same self-deprecating attitude. He shakes off the praise and politely accepts the shots.
“We haven’t won a game,” he says repeatedly. “I haven’t done anything.”
McVay knows the real evaluation begins Sept. 10, when the Rams play the Indianapolis Colts in their opener at the Coliseum.
That will be the first opportunity to see how the Washington Redskins’ former offensive coordinator transitions to the full responsibilities of a head coach when it counts.
McVay, who will call plays, took over a Rams team that finished 4-12 last season under former coach Jeff Fisher and interim coach John Fassel.
McVay hired Wade Phillips, 70, as defensive coordinator. The 40th-year NFL coaching veteran has installed the 3-4 defensive scheme that helped the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl in the 2015 season.
Fassel was retained as special teams coordinator.
The Rams’ schedule includes games against four playoff teams from last season: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks.
Last season, the Rams traveled 35,266 air miles, most in the NFL. This season, they will travel a league-high 32,600 miles, including another trip to London, where they will be the home team at Twickenham Stadium for a Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
That will be only one of the challenges for McVay as he tries to reverse the fortunes of a franchise that has not had a winning season since 2003, not made the playoffs since 2004 and not finished at least .500 since 2006.
McVay knows that questions about his age and ability to lead the Rams will continue until he proves otherwise.
“We know that it is a production-based business,” McVay said. “We’ve got a great challenge ahead of us, but what you feel good about are the coaches and players that we’re going to go on this journey with, these are the types of guys that you want to do that with. You feel like you have a chance to accomplish some things together and work through some adversity that we will inevitably face.”
Offense
Quarterback Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, is directing an offense that features components of the highly productive schemes McVay used in Washington and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur helped implement with the Atlanta Falcons.
Goff, 22, was winless in seven starts last season. Some of his struggles were self-inflicted, but he was operating in an offense that featured an inconsistent left tackle and a receiving corps that often failed to execute.
With Goff’s development paramount, the Rams made multiple offseason and preseason moves to stabilize the line and surround him with better players.
That included a near-complete rebuild of the receiving corps.
The Rams signed Robert Woods in March, drafted rookie Cooper Kupp in April and traded for veteran wideout Sammy Watkins in July.
The trio provides short, mid-range and deep-threat potential. Veteran Tavon Austin did not participate in offseason workouts while recovering from wrist surgery and was sidelined for all of training camp and the preseason because of a hamstring injury.
Running back Todd Gurley, the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year in 2015, is trying to rebound from a disappointing second season when he rushed for 885 yards in 278 carries and averaged only 3.2 yards a carry.
The Rams signed left tackle Andrew Whitworth to anchor the line and protect Goff. The three-time Pro Bowl selection is part of a unit that includes left guard Rodger Saffold, center John Sullivan, right guard Jamon Brown and right tackle Rob Havenstein.
Rookie tight end Gerald Everett, the Rams’ second-round pick, is elusive after making catches. He and second-year pro Tyler Higbee will play important roles in McVay’s tight end-centric scheme, especially since Temarrick Hemingway suffered a broken fibula that required surgery and could sideline him eight to 10 weeks.
Defense
Phillips has coached several Hall of Famers and is renowned for improving defenses in his first season with a new team.
Much of his success with the Rams could depend on how the situation with star lineman Aaron Donald plays out. Donald has two years remaining on his contract but did not report for training camp because of a contract dispute.
During the offseason, the Rams added two players with ties to Phillips. Outside linebacker Connor Barwin played for Phillips with the Houston Texans. Cornerback Kayvon Webster played for him with the Broncos.
Robert Quinn, a two-time Pro Bowl end, shifts to outside linebacker in Phillips’ scheme. Quinn, who had back surgery after the 2015 season, is trying to come back from several injuries that slowed or sidelined him in 2016.
Webster will start opposite cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who is playing with the franchise tag for the second consecutive season.
Lamarcus Joyner moved from slot corner to free safety. Maurice Alexander is the strong safety.
Special teams
Punter Johnny Hekker was arguably the Rams’ most valuable player in 2016, when he averaged 47.8 yards a kick and earned his third Pro Bowl selection.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein is coming off a solid 2016 performance, when he made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts, including two of four from 50 yards or longer.
Second-year pros Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas are competing to return kickoffs.
[www.latimes.com]
Rams Coach Sean McVay is by far the youngest NFL coach at 31. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Gary Klein
It’s mostly been compliments for Sean McVay since the Rams made him the youngest coach in modern NFL history.
Team executives rave about the 31-year-old’s football knowledge. Players and personnel throughout the organization laud his leadership, teaching skills and presence.
McVay has also been the target of skepticism and doubt.
For example, former St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz recently caused a stir when he questioned McVay’s expertise as an offensive guru in published comments he made to the author of a forthcoming book.
Through it all, McVay maintains the same self-deprecating attitude. He shakes off the praise and politely accepts the shots.
“We haven’t won a game,” he says repeatedly. “I haven’t done anything.”
McVay knows the real evaluation begins Sept. 10, when the Rams play the Indianapolis Colts in their opener at the Coliseum.
That will be the first opportunity to see how the Washington Redskins’ former offensive coordinator transitions to the full responsibilities of a head coach when it counts.
McVay, who will call plays, took over a Rams team that finished 4-12 last season under former coach Jeff Fisher and interim coach John Fassel.
McVay hired Wade Phillips, 70, as defensive coordinator. The 40th-year NFL coaching veteran has installed the 3-4 defensive scheme that helped the Denver Broncos win the Super Bowl in the 2015 season.
Fassel was retained as special teams coordinator.
The Rams’ schedule includes games against four playoff teams from last season: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks.
Last season, the Rams traveled 35,266 air miles, most in the NFL. This season, they will travel a league-high 32,600 miles, including another trip to London, where they will be the home team at Twickenham Stadium for a Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
That will be only one of the challenges for McVay as he tries to reverse the fortunes of a franchise that has not had a winning season since 2003, not made the playoffs since 2004 and not finished at least .500 since 2006.
McVay knows that questions about his age and ability to lead the Rams will continue until he proves otherwise.
“We know that it is a production-based business,” McVay said. “We’ve got a great challenge ahead of us, but what you feel good about are the coaches and players that we’re going to go on this journey with, these are the types of guys that you want to do that with. You feel like you have a chance to accomplish some things together and work through some adversity that we will inevitably face.”
Offense
Quarterback Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, is directing an offense that features components of the highly productive schemes McVay used in Washington and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur helped implement with the Atlanta Falcons.
Goff, 22, was winless in seven starts last season. Some of his struggles were self-inflicted, but he was operating in an offense that featured an inconsistent left tackle and a receiving corps that often failed to execute.
With Goff’s development paramount, the Rams made multiple offseason and preseason moves to stabilize the line and surround him with better players.
That included a near-complete rebuild of the receiving corps.
The Rams signed Robert Woods in March, drafted rookie Cooper Kupp in April and traded for veteran wideout Sammy Watkins in July.
The trio provides short, mid-range and deep-threat potential. Veteran Tavon Austin did not participate in offseason workouts while recovering from wrist surgery and was sidelined for all of training camp and the preseason because of a hamstring injury.
Running back Todd Gurley, the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year in 2015, is trying to rebound from a disappointing second season when he rushed for 885 yards in 278 carries and averaged only 3.2 yards a carry.
The Rams signed left tackle Andrew Whitworth to anchor the line and protect Goff. The three-time Pro Bowl selection is part of a unit that includes left guard Rodger Saffold, center John Sullivan, right guard Jamon Brown and right tackle Rob Havenstein.
Rookie tight end Gerald Everett, the Rams’ second-round pick, is elusive after making catches. He and second-year pro Tyler Higbee will play important roles in McVay’s tight end-centric scheme, especially since Temarrick Hemingway suffered a broken fibula that required surgery and could sideline him eight to 10 weeks.
Defense
Phillips has coached several Hall of Famers and is renowned for improving defenses in his first season with a new team.
Much of his success with the Rams could depend on how the situation with star lineman Aaron Donald plays out. Donald has two years remaining on his contract but did not report for training camp because of a contract dispute.
During the offseason, the Rams added two players with ties to Phillips. Outside linebacker Connor Barwin played for Phillips with the Houston Texans. Cornerback Kayvon Webster played for him with the Broncos.
Robert Quinn, a two-time Pro Bowl end, shifts to outside linebacker in Phillips’ scheme. Quinn, who had back surgery after the 2015 season, is trying to come back from several injuries that slowed or sidelined him in 2016.
Webster will start opposite cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who is playing with the franchise tag for the second consecutive season.
Lamarcus Joyner moved from slot corner to free safety. Maurice Alexander is the strong safety.
Special teams
Punter Johnny Hekker was arguably the Rams’ most valuable player in 2016, when he averaged 47.8 yards a kick and earned his third Pro Bowl selection.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein is coming off a solid 2016 performance, when he made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts, including two of four from 50 yards or longer.
Second-year pros Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas are competing to return kickoffs.
[www.latimes.com]
-
Poll
The Rams best move left is bringing back G John Greco to fully repair the offensive line
- By JKBOGEN
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 17 Replies
The Rams best move left is bringing back G John Greco to fully repair the offensive line
https://www.downtownrams.com/single...John-Greco-to-fully-repair-the-offensive-line
Preseason is over, but the madness has just begun. Teams all over the NFL cut players from their squad and left one executive to say that he believes Sunday will have the most waiver claims and signings the league has ever seen. Here is one player that was drafted by the Rams and makes too much sense to bring back to the organization.
His name is John Greco and he is a former third-round pick from the 2008 NFL Draft. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams out of Toledo. Greco, after three seasons with the Rams was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a seventh-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. After that, the Rams continued to have offensive line trouble and Greco started to shine in his new home. Greco even nabbed a five-year contract extension for his production in Cleveland and shortly became known as one of the better offensive guards in football.
Greco played with some serious all-world talent in future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. He even took over for Mack at the center position after he was sidelined with a broken fibula. The 32-year old veteran guard was considered a reliable player during his time in Cleveland and just these past couple of days Greco was cut from the Browns. With the combination of the Browns signing Kevin Zeitler in the off-season and Greco coming off the lisfranc injury the Browns found they weren't going to be able to start him and so they let him go giving him a chance at a starting gig somewhere else.
Last season according to Pro Football Focus, John Greco graded out at an 81.3 overall which ranks him 18th for all offensive guards. That's already pretty good and probably an upgrade on most teams, but with the Rams they employ Jamon Brown at right guard who put up the 54th highest grade at offensive guard. The Rams may like Brown's upside, but the bottom line is that Brown has been inconsistent. He's shown flashes of being a starting caliber NFL guard, but then again he's shown plenty of miscues that have hurt his team. Brown would be a good backup to have, but as a starter the Rams can't be too excited. Make no mistake, players get better in the off-season and while Head coach Sean McVay was excited to get Brown going, ever since the preseason started Brown wasn't the player that McVay had made him sound.
The Rams aside from Brown are looking at a pretty solid offensive line. They signed an All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth to protect young Jared Goff's blindside. They still have veteran former second-round pick they drafted back in 2010 Rodger Saffold who continues to be solid year in and year out. The Rams scooped up a stop gap center that had familiarity in McVay's offensive system in Washington, John Sullivan. Plus the Rams have a nice young right tackle that was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Rob Havenstein. So, if the Rams pick up their old draft pick Greco as a stop gap option at right guard while the Rams try to develop a player like Jamon Brown or even Andrew Donnal that might be the best plan of action. Obviously, with the season a week away, Greco wouldn't start right away. He would have to learn the system and develop some chemistry with the guys in practices, but if the Rams could get Greco acclimated to the system and ready by week four of the season that would be an upgrade.
Like aforementioned Whitworth, Greco has been a model of consistency. The Rams would likely employ a top 12 offensive line in all of football if Greco came to the organization and especially if he continued to play at the above average clip he's been playing at for the last half decade.
The Rams starting offensive line with Greco would look like this according to Pro Football Focus.
LT Andrew Whitworth - 90.2 overall grade
LG Rodger Saffold - 78.8 overall grade
C John Sullivan - 72.2 overall grade
RG John Greco - 81.3 overall grade
RT Rob Havenstein - 78.9 overall grade
Keep this in mind as well. Saffold's grade from last season looks amazing with the fact he had to play on the same side next to Greg Robinson. Plus, Havenstein had to play next to Brown and still ended up with a 78.9 grade. The reason I bring this up is simple. The Rams are going to see serious improvement in the offensive line this season, but if they bring in Greco and install that continuity, you will see players like Havenstein playing at the highest level. Just by having Whitworth next to Saffold you are going to see Saffold more comfortable than he has ever looked. The thing many people seem to overlook is the fact when you have talent and put someone who is below average or an overall struggling player next to that talent. You see immediate regression from that player. One perfect example of this is when you go back and look at former right tackle Joe Barksdale and how he started off looking great, but then the amount of miscues caused by his right guard Davin Joseph disrupted his play and pretty much everyone else's.
It may seem unfair to bail on Jamon Brown now, but the Rams seriously need to have that reliability in place for at least this year. This is not to say Brown can't play in this league, this is about Brown developing further with the new coaching staff that are complete teachers of the game. This is so the Rams know they have a reliable veteran that has logged many quarters in his career and this is so the Rams have a veteran presence that takes the load off of the young talent on offense. Greco is an ideal offensive lineman and his forte is in the run blocking department. Todd Gurley, last year had a rough time finding anything, but opposing defenders in his face. Greco would continue to add to the new look Rams defense and allow Gurley some help with his run blocking as well as Havenstein on the right side.
The first step to fixing any problem is realizing there is one. The Rams have done a nice job in fixing many problems this off-season, but they now have an opportunity to fix one of the biggest ones and most important ones. The Rams need to sign John Greco and bring him back for round two with the organization.
https://www.downtownrams.com/single...John-Greco-to-fully-repair-the-offensive-line
Preseason is over, but the madness has just begun. Teams all over the NFL cut players from their squad and left one executive to say that he believes Sunday will have the most waiver claims and signings the league has ever seen. Here is one player that was drafted by the Rams and makes too much sense to bring back to the organization.
His name is John Greco and he is a former third-round pick from the 2008 NFL Draft. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams out of Toledo. Greco, after three seasons with the Rams was traded to the Cleveland Browns for a seventh-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. After that, the Rams continued to have offensive line trouble and Greco started to shine in his new home. Greco even nabbed a five-year contract extension for his production in Cleveland and shortly became known as one of the better offensive guards in football.
Greco played with some serious all-world talent in future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. He even took over for Mack at the center position after he was sidelined with a broken fibula. The 32-year old veteran guard was considered a reliable player during his time in Cleveland and just these past couple of days Greco was cut from the Browns. With the combination of the Browns signing Kevin Zeitler in the off-season and Greco coming off the lisfranc injury the Browns found they weren't going to be able to start him and so they let him go giving him a chance at a starting gig somewhere else.
Last season according to Pro Football Focus, John Greco graded out at an 81.3 overall which ranks him 18th for all offensive guards. That's already pretty good and probably an upgrade on most teams, but with the Rams they employ Jamon Brown at right guard who put up the 54th highest grade at offensive guard. The Rams may like Brown's upside, but the bottom line is that Brown has been inconsistent. He's shown flashes of being a starting caliber NFL guard, but then again he's shown plenty of miscues that have hurt his team. Brown would be a good backup to have, but as a starter the Rams can't be too excited. Make no mistake, players get better in the off-season and while Head coach Sean McVay was excited to get Brown going, ever since the preseason started Brown wasn't the player that McVay had made him sound.
The Rams aside from Brown are looking at a pretty solid offensive line. They signed an All-Pro left tackle Andrew Whitworth to protect young Jared Goff's blindside. They still have veteran former second-round pick they drafted back in 2010 Rodger Saffold who continues to be solid year in and year out. The Rams scooped up a stop gap center that had familiarity in McVay's offensive system in Washington, John Sullivan. Plus the Rams have a nice young right tackle that was drafted in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Rob Havenstein. So, if the Rams pick up their old draft pick Greco as a stop gap option at right guard while the Rams try to develop a player like Jamon Brown or even Andrew Donnal that might be the best plan of action. Obviously, with the season a week away, Greco wouldn't start right away. He would have to learn the system and develop some chemistry with the guys in practices, but if the Rams could get Greco acclimated to the system and ready by week four of the season that would be an upgrade.
Like aforementioned Whitworth, Greco has been a model of consistency. The Rams would likely employ a top 12 offensive line in all of football if Greco came to the organization and especially if he continued to play at the above average clip he's been playing at for the last half decade.
The Rams starting offensive line with Greco would look like this according to Pro Football Focus.
LT Andrew Whitworth - 90.2 overall grade
LG Rodger Saffold - 78.8 overall grade
C John Sullivan - 72.2 overall grade
RG John Greco - 81.3 overall grade
RT Rob Havenstein - 78.9 overall grade
Keep this in mind as well. Saffold's grade from last season looks amazing with the fact he had to play on the same side next to Greg Robinson. Plus, Havenstein had to play next to Brown and still ended up with a 78.9 grade. The reason I bring this up is simple. The Rams are going to see serious improvement in the offensive line this season, but if they bring in Greco and install that continuity, you will see players like Havenstein playing at the highest level. Just by having Whitworth next to Saffold you are going to see Saffold more comfortable than he has ever looked. The thing many people seem to overlook is the fact when you have talent and put someone who is below average or an overall struggling player next to that talent. You see immediate regression from that player. One perfect example of this is when you go back and look at former right tackle Joe Barksdale and how he started off looking great, but then the amount of miscues caused by his right guard Davin Joseph disrupted his play and pretty much everyone else's.
It may seem unfair to bail on Jamon Brown now, but the Rams seriously need to have that reliability in place for at least this year. This is not to say Brown can't play in this league, this is about Brown developing further with the new coaching staff that are complete teachers of the game. This is so the Rams know they have a reliable veteran that has logged many quarters in his career and this is so the Rams have a veteran presence that takes the load off of the young talent on offense. Greco is an ideal offensive lineman and his forte is in the run blocking department. Todd Gurley, last year had a rough time finding anything, but opposing defenders in his face. Greco would continue to add to the new look Rams defense and allow Gurley some help with his run blocking as well as Havenstein on the right side.
The first step to fixing any problem is realizing there is one. The Rams have done a nice job in fixing many problems this off-season, but they now have an opportunity to fix one of the biggest ones and most important ones. The Rams need to sign John Greco and bring him back for round two with the organization.
