Camp reports: St. Louis Rams
by The New Era Staff
Even with star running back Steven Jackson holding out, the Rams look committed to running the ball more this year. Backups Brian Leonard and Antonio Pittman shared most of the load with the starting offense. It is clear that Leonard will be used even when Jackson returns, as he was used in many passing situations.
Undrafted rookie Lance Ball looked very good when given the chance. Every time he touched the ball he ran for positive yardage and even made a couple nice catches. The Rams’ passing game looked like it still needed some work, especially when it came to protection. It seemed like every time the ball was thrown, a quarterback had someone in his face.
The only players that really stood out in the passing game seemed to be Tory Holt and Randy McMichael. Both players had their way with defenders making many big plays. Receiver Derek Stanley, a seventh round pick in 2007, dropped quite a few passes early on, but made the most spectacular play of the day toward the end of practice. His diving catch in the end zone with a defender all over him was simply amazing.
The offensive line was solid in the middle when it came to running the ball. Guard Richie Incognito was in at center with starter Brett Romberg nursing a sore hand. Incognito is a very impressive run blocker. He has an unmatched mean streak and great power.
Star rookie defensive end Chris Long was not living up to his billing just yet. He had trouble getting by a backup lineman in pass rush drills. He will need to work on developing more moves. At the moment, he is splitting time with James Hall. Leonard Little was easily the most dominating defensive lineman on the day. He was getting off the snap extremely well and was virtually unblockable most of the day.
Rookie DT Vernon Bryant was very impressive in pass rush drills. Twice he bull rushed so effectively that he literally took the opposing blocker off his feet. Another rookie tackle, Willie Williams, looked like he didn’t belong on the field after twice getting buried by a backup lineman right off the snap. Backup defensive end Eric Moore made some nice plays in the opposing backfield as well.
Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa was the only linebacker that really stood out. He plays with good intensity and has deceptive speed. Young corners Jonathan Wade and Justin King were the two most impressive cornerbacks on the day. Wade looked especially good in man cover situations. King did a great job of recovering to knock the ball away after being beaten badly on one play. With starting safety O.J. Atogwe on the sidelines, Todd Johnson spent most of the time on the field with the first team. Backup safety Eric Bassey made some nice plays in coverage against tight ends. He might even push Johnson for the backup free safety spot.
Kickers Josh Brown and Justin Medlock had an entertaining battle. Both started kicking field goals from extra point distance and would move back each time they made one. They ended up both going well into the 60-yard range before the left-footed Medlock shanked one to the right. Brown made what looked to be a 62-yard field goal with plenty of distance to spare.
Other notes:
- After struggling in pass rush drills, rookie Chris Long seemed to pull up with a hamstring injury. It was nothing serious though, as he was back on the field within a couple minutes.
- Orlando Pace is the easiest guy to spot on the field. The man is simply huge. Although he looks like he is still getting back to full strength from last year’s shoulder injury, he is still the most dominating offensive lineman on the team.
- Richie Incognito might be the meanest looking offensive lineman in the league. He is also one of the more underrated interior run blockers.
- Center Brett Romberg’s flowing blonde locks are reminiscent of New Orleans Saint tight end Jeremy Shockey
- Donte Hall is really short, especially next to Drew Bennett. He doesn’t look as quick as he used to be and was seldom used in passing situations.
- Three undrafted rookies were impressive enough to warrant consideration for final roster spots. Running back Lance Ball, defensive tackle Vernon Bryant, and tight end Nick Cleaver all looked deserving on the day.
- Ball was the most impressive running back on the day making many plays for big yardage.
- With kids shouting for footballs from the players during passing drills, only receiver Dane Looker acknowledged them, saying he would “get fired” if he gave them one.
Special thanks to contributor Jeff Cottrill for filing this report.