Spagnuolo: Starters will play about a quarter vs. Jets
For the first time since the start of training camp nearly two weeks ago, the St. Louis Rams weren’t in full pads for a morning practice. Coach Steve Spagnuolo is pulling back on the hitting as Friday night’s preseason opener vs. the Jets in New York approaches.
Spagnuolo indicated Wednesday that his starters will get about a quarter’s worth of action. “I’m not going to put a number on it. Let’s say first quarter, and there’s a chance they’ll come out in the first quarter, maybe come in the second quarter. Somewhere in that range,” he said.
He also said that he plans to use all four quarterbacks.
Notes & quotes:
*Rookie DT Darell Scott missed practice with inflammation in his left knee. “We’re going to try to get him to the game on Friday, so we’ll just rest him a little bit,” Spagnuolo said.
*CB Ron Bartell skipped team drills because of what Spagnuolo described as “soreness in the hamstring.” Justin King took over for Bartell with the first unit.
*S Craig Dahl (hamstring) stepped up his individual work.
*DT Adam Carriker (ankle) remains sidelined.
*S Oshiomogho Atogwe had a pretty interception, leaping high to snare a Kyle Boller pass intended for Jarrett Byers.
*LB Will Witherspoon and emerging CB Quincy Butler also picked off passes, as did CB Jonathan Wade.
*Sports Illustrated’s Peter King was in attendance, as the parade of national writers continues at Rams Park.
*Also at the morning practice were former Rams Grant Williams and Arlen Harris.
All for now . . . more following the afternoon practice.
Not that you want to see receivers and corners getting hurt in training camp but I am in the opinion that if anyone is going to get hurt on the Rams this year, let it be the skilled position players, NOT anyone on either O-line or D-Line. If we can keep the trenches healthy and get some consistency there the receivers will have time to get open, Jackson will have holes to run through and on the other side, the secondary won’t have to cover as long. Look at the Giants secondary under Spags…….below average, but since the opposing QB only had 2.5 seconds to throw the ball they looked good. Scott, Carriker, Thomas, get healthry and stay there; the rest of you big guys, STAY ON THE FIELD!
From what I see and hear, I think we are going to be fine at CB this year. King, Fletcher, and Quincy Butler really raise the talent floor of this group dramatically. King will start the season as the starter opposite Bartell and the staff loves Fletcher and Butler, you hear that Tye, the wolves are at the door.
Also don’t forget about James Hall, I think the staff is going to use him as mostly a 3rd down DT to rush up field.
I think as far as injuries, this defense is in excellent shape, I truely believe this staff realized Carriker and Hill were lacking even before camp started, and took steps to move forward without them even before the injuries.
Your nailed it coach. I agree 100 %.
Grant Williams and Arlen were in the house? How inspiring!
I hope Tye “Night Train” Hill is healthy for friday.
Hmmm, lots of passes being picked off here. I’m trying to work out whether this is a good or a bad omen.