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Rams Offensive Line Longevity and Null Growing Pains

The Rams offensive has been hit hard with another lost. 66 Mark Setterstrom out for the last game of the season. Guard Mark Setterstrom has a torn left triceps and no official word but a great probability he will need, require surgery. The beginning of the season Setterstrom and John Greco were going to make a advance for the starting offense guards spots in the training camps.

Setterstrom replaced Jacob Bell who is out for the season.  John Greco came in and replaced Incognito who was cut by the Rams.  These games that Greco plays are valuable playing experience for him.  Remember Greco is 6'5" and is over 310.  With this playing experience the Head Coach Spagnuolo can the offensive line ready for next season.  Jacob Bell was at best average.  What I means is big defensive tackles were able to move, shed off Bell by moving him around.  Even though Bell is 6'4" he is just 295 lbs.

The Rams 2nd overall pick in 2009 Jason Smith had playing experience at right and left offensive tackle. All works out with the his injury [concussion] Jason Smith will be ready for next year. 

The Rams center Jason Brown one of the better centers in the game.  When the Rams got Brown they hit the jackpot, he has been a gem on the offensive line period.  Only one offensive lineman on the Rams Alex Barron is in question.  What the Rams anticipated was Barron would start at left tackle for a short time.  What I mean is the scheme was to make Barron just a interim plan until Jason Smith was ready to play left tackle.  Remember over the last three years Barron gave up 20 sacks and had 52 penalties in 4 years.  Alex Barron was the Rams number 1 draft in 2005.

The Rams started the game against the Cardinals with two young rookie guards Marks Setterstrom and John Greco.  During the game Setterstrom was injured in the first half and another rookie Roger Allen III filled in the position.  Two ways to look at the Rams offensive line during that game against the Cardinals.  The first way was the comment that it was unusual for a team to have rookies, so many rookies playing on the offensive line.  Now the second way to look at the Rams offensive line, is the longevity of the team. 

What I mean is the Rams Head Coach Steven Spagnuolo have decided to fully commit to a youth movement.
These are the actions that happened:
1. The game the Rams played against the Titans, Richie Incognito was benched by the Head Coach Spagnuolo.
2. During the same game Bell goes down and is replaced John Greco.
3. Less than two days following the game against the Titans, Incognito was cut by the Rams.
4. The Rams start two rookie guards John Greco and Mark Setterstrom to play against Houston.
5. The backup guard is Roger Allen III [rookie].  He will start the final game at the guard spot when the Rams play the 49ers in place of injured Setterstrom.

Again this a clear example of Spagnuolo fully commit to a youth movement.  This will be the longevity of the team.

A note on 9 Keith Null QB [rookie].   A summary of his first three starts: 509 total yards, three touchdowns and nine interceptions.
What did you except from Null?  He step in with a bang up offensive line and Steven Jackson the Rams foundation of the franchise playing hurt. Also Steven Jackson missed the game the Rams had against the Cardinals.

Null and void again you can say that.

You also can say what Keith Null is going through right now is early growing pains.  You know he has the tools.  What I mean is Keith Null has a strong arm.  That 21 yard TD pass to the wide receiver Brandon Gibson.  Remember Keith Null is 6'4" this means he has a clear vision on the field.

The first part Keith Null has the toolds.
Keith Null has the tools, again to go over the 5 reasons [basis] why Keith Null will be a good quarterback for the Rams:
1. Quick release.
2. Excellent field vision.
3. Poise.
4. Good instincts.
5. Arm strength the Rams have not seen in a long time.

Now the ability to process information quickly is that second part of the early growing pains.
When Keith Null solves, figures out how to process the information quickly Keith Null will develop into a solid Quarterback for the Rams. 

The last game of the season against the San Francisco.  The Rams won 6 straight home wins against San Francisco from 1999 -2004.  Now things have changed the Rams dropped 3 of their last 4 games against San Francisco at home.  This is the last game of the season and Steven Jackson the Rams foundation of the franchise is excepted to play.  Lets win this last game to set the start for the second season under the Head Coach Steven Spagnuolo for the 2010 season.

I will keep this on....

Keith Null Has The Tools Needs The Creative Plan

2009 draft the Rams picked in their 6th [196] round QB Keith Null from West Texas A&M.
Keith Null 6-4 at the age of 24.

Keith Null will be a good quarterback for the Rams.  Please do not get wrapped up with the Rams records.  Please do not get wrapped in the lost against Houston Texans.  The Rams should have won that game, and yes you can say many of the games this 2009 season the Rams should have one.

Again, Keith Null will be a good quarterback for the Rams.  Just be patience Rams fans, Keith Null will be the standup guy the Rams can lean on.  What I means is if you give Keith Null a creative [resourceful] game plan, reliable receivers and a solid running game, Keith Null will be one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL.  The three receivers, 17 Donnie Avery, 16 Danny Amendola and 11 Brandon Gibson are reliable receivers.   Avery and Gibson both have the speed and route running to devour single coverage.  Now Amendola is not a big receiver but he is a clutch receiver and a one - man show on special teams.  Amendola is not only a clutch receiver but he has a burst, a rare burst, a second gear in the open field.  You know this true about Amendola.  The solid running game is the foundation of the franchise the one and only 39 Steven Jackson.

Keith Null has the tools, 5 reasons [basis] why Keith Null will be a good quarterback for the Rams:
1. Quick release.
2. Excellent field vision.
3. Poise.
4. Good instincts.
5. Arm strength the Rams have not seen in a long time.

These 5 reasons [basis] clearly evident, the proof against the Houston Texans.  During the game the Houston Texans were playing deep cover zones against the Rams designed to prevent the big play.  Null was able to thread the needle downfield in heavy traffic.  One throw Null was able to thread the needle downfield to his wideout with 4 defensive backs in the immediate, direct area.  When Null threw the ball in short-to-intermediate range to his receivers it was a quick release, accurate and a strong arm strength.  Null efficiently hit wideouts [receivers] on most routes.

This proves Keith Null has the tools.  Remember Null is a 6'4" quarterback, this means he has a clear field vision.

What Null has to do is process information quickly.  What I mean is processing information under pressure.  Not forcing throws in double coverage, even when this is part of Null attack approach.  The point is he can make a safe dump-off pass once in a while.  Another point is Null will not hesitate on slants over the middle, the reason being is he knows where is going with the ball. Null will make quick reads and decisive with his passes.  These are examples of processing information.  Once Nulls processes this information he will become confident and his mechanics will advance.

Null has the tools and once he able to process the information, Nulls will manage the offense.  What I mean is dependably [consistently] putting the Rams offense in shortyardage situation. 

The creative plan.  The Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur will have a plan for Keith Null the Quarterback.   Remember Keith Null played at West Texas A&M wideouts [receivers] sets.  West Texas A&M offense is known for attacking, attacking offense.  This is the creative game plan that Keith Null knows and played the shotgun formation sets.  This is the creative plan that Keith Null had great success with in college.  The Rams offensive scheme, the game plan must be geared towards Keith Null.  This offensive scheme, the creative game plan will also avert, prevent Keith Null from getting bogged down going through progressions.

Pat Shurmur is the Rams Offensive Coordinator.
Pat Shurmur must show his presence.  What I mean is Pat Shurmur must have a creative plan geared towards Keith Null.  The plan is to play to Keith Null strength.  The Rams offense that attacks again using Keith Null strength.

Greatest Show on Turf what offense was used by the Rams?
Number 1 the West Coast offense the Rams are actively using this year.
Or number 2 the aggressive attacking offense, heavy passing offense the Rams used for many years.
You know the answer to the question.

Keith Null stats at West Texas A&M senior year:
NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference Passer for 5,097 yards and 48 touchdowns.

Keith Null Coaches West Texas A&M University [WTAMU]:
Football - Head Coach Don Carthel.
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf was quarterbacks coach from 2006-2008.  Leaf was his position coach.

A note on the Rams defensive backs.

The Rams defensive corners can knock the wide receivers off their routes at the line.  After they do that the Rams defensive corners can run downfield with the opposing wide receivers.  What I mean is the Rams cornerbacks must mix it up around the line of scrimmage.  The cornerbacks must start hammering opposing wide receivers on the line of scrimmage.  The Rams cornerbacks must play the bump-and-run.  The Rams cornerbacks have the speed to get down the field with the fastest of receivers, after the Rams cornerbacks first hit the receivers on the line of scrimmage during the same play.

The net is the Rams cornerbacks must jam the receivers at the line of scrimmage and then turn and run with them [receivers] down the field.  Again, the cornerbacks have the speed to run down with receivers after they hit [jam] the receivers.

One example is Rams defensive back 24 Ron Bartell is 6'1".  Bartell has great speed.  Bartell glides in and out of his pass drops.  Bartell also has great speed to change directions.  All Bartell must do is be physical with the receivers on the line of scrimmage.  The Rams are playing against the Arizona Cardinals.  The receivers on the Cardinals are tall and physical, this means opposing defensive backs must be physical with the Cardinals wide receivers on the line of scrimmage.  Remember the Cardinals made their wide receivers the foundation of the franchise.  This is why and not just the Rams defensive backs all teams [defensive backs] playing against Cardinals must be physical with the Cardinals wide receivers.

Example of physical, or being a physical defensive back...
You want hard work ethic and preparation?  Then go back to the old film when the Patriots beat the Rams in the Super Bowl.  You will see why the Patriots cornerbacks played a big role in that game.  They were physical with the Rams big guns, the Rams wide receivers.  This is a good example of work ethic and preparation for defensive backs.

Injury updates:
CB Quincy Butler out for the season, sprained left knee and also has a high ankle sprain on the same leg.
TE Daniels Fields out for the season with a fracture in the end of his thigh and also ligament sprain there.
T Jason Smith out for the season with a concussion.
QB Marc Bulger out for the season with a fractured shinbone.
DE Leonard Little questionable.

Transactions:
The Rams claimed defensive end James Wyche off waivers from Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wyche, James DE 6-5 279 4/19/82 [DOB] 3 [NFL experience] Syracuse [College].

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The Streamline playbook I will keep this on....

Streamline the playbook Complimentary to the QB

Who is Steven Jackson?

What does Steven Jackson do?

Steven Jackson is a running back for the St. Louis Rams.  Jackson is number 39.  Steven Jackson is 6-2 , at 235 pounds.

Steven Jackson is only 26 years old and playing in his 6th year in NFL.  Steven Jackson is one of the best running back in the game.  Steven Jackson has seven 100-yard rushing games this season.  Steven Jackson is one of the elite running back in the game.  Is this Rams offense a punchless offense with a running back like Steven Jackson?  No!  Just make a change at the quarterback position.  Steven Jackson is simply the NFL best running back.  You know this part it totally true, not a few teams, but many teams in the league would want a running back like Steven Jackson.  Yes, Jackson this year missed team practices.  This is justified because he has been taking a beating, playing hurt and still grinding out the yards.

Steven Jackson is the St. Louis Rams foundation of the franchise.  Just make make a change at the quarterback position.  You know some of those close games with a better quarterback the Rams should have won.  One game the Rams played against was New Orleans, the Rams lost that game, a game the Rams should have won and New Orleans knows this to be the truth. 

Yes the Rams have a quarterback situation problem.  But this was not suppose to happen.  What I mean is a blueprint was formed before the beginning of the season.

The new Head Coach Spagnuolo takes over and the following actions:
1. Head Coach Spagnuolo makes it clear that Bulger is the starting QB.
2. The Rams brought in Kyle Boller to be the #2 QB for 2009.
3. The 2009 draft the Rams picked in their 6th [196] round QB Keith Null from West Texas A&M

The Rams were very clear, with a well thought out plan and showed do diligence.  Right now the Rams have a serious quarterback problem. 

Bulger had a great year in 2006 passing for 4,301 yards.  Bulger signed 30 million dollar deal and the next two years:
In 2007 Bulger had broken ribs and missed 4 games.
In 2008 Bulger KO from the Bears game with a concussion. 
In 2009 a few weeks ago Bulger got hurt.  The worst part of it was some of the comments Bulger made after the injury.  Bulger was reflecting about playing football, you know what I mean Rams fans.  Bulger is clearly giving no confidence to the Head Coach, Rams organization and the fans.  Bulger desired to play is in serious question.

Now batting Kyle Boller.  He was given many chances to play in Baltimore.  Kyle Boller did not get the job done in Baltimore.  When the Rams got Boller, it was unknown if his torn labrum in his throwing shoulder healed.  Well with a healed shoulder, and with a different change of scenery.  Kyle Boller was given chances to play for the Rams.  QB Kyle Boller can not get the job done in St. Louis.  Four games left in the season for Kyle Boller to wear a football uniform.

Keith Null 6-4 at the age of 24 can he play?
Keith Null is he injured or on the injured/reserved list?

Some have mentioned about getting a quarterback in this 2010 Draft.  If Keith Null can play get him ready and try the young quarterback out.  The Rams can run "reduced risk" system with Keith Null, similar to the Tennessee Titans offense.  What I mean is streamline the playbook for Keith Null or another QB and make the offense complimentary to the QB position.  This will make the offense less dependant on the QB.  Again running a "reduced risk" offense system that frees, that is less dependant on the QB.

I do understand "Punchless Offense" but when you have a running back that is the best, elite like Steven Jackson it hurts and it is very hard to handle and watch the St. Louis Rams.  A Punchless Offense with Jackson the Nimble Workhorse back, foundation of the franchise.  What I am saying is a "Punchless Offense" with a running back like Steven Jackson does not make no sense.  Again Bulger desired to play is in serious question.  Boller is not the future backup QB for the Rams.  So the Rams of course need a backup QB in any event.

This offensive approach to Streamline the playbook Complimentary to the QB was used by the Tennessee Titans in 2008.  The approach was very successful.  Vince Young was the starting QB for the Titans in 2008.  On opening day last season against Jaguars Young received a late hit in the 4 Quarter and sprained his left MCL.  Collins came in and quickly tossed a 44 yard screen pass, putting the Titans up by 10.  Young after that opening game against the Jaguars his desire to play was in serious question.  Head Coach Jeff Fisher Streamline the playbook Complimentary to the QB, making the offense less dependant on the QB.  Fisher used the strengths of the offense in the running game, which means putting less pressure on the QB Kerry Collins.  This approach also helped QB Kerry Collins make fewer mistakes that would hurt the Titans Defense.  What I mean is put the Titans [Defense] in a bad spot.  This streamline approach worked and the Titans went on to win 10 straight in a row last season.

Net is:
The Rams are in the same position like the Titans were in 2008.  Young lack of desire to play and now our QB Bulger lacks the desire to play.  Keith Null was picked by the Rams in the 2009 Draft his height is 6-4 can he play?  The point is use Null or another QB and Streamline the playbook Complimentary to the QB.  This Streamline approach works it has been proven to be successful.

Injury updates:
Safety O.J. Atogwe is out with a dislocated right shoulder likely to require surgery.
Tackle Jason Smith is out and on Monday failed his third baseline test for concussion-related symptoms.
QB Bulger out with a fractured shinbone scheduled for an MRI exam on Friday.

Craig Dahl who started three games earlier in the season for the injured strong safety James Butler. Dahl will now replace Atogwe at free safety.  Dahi can play both SS and FS, an interchangeable player at both safety positions.

....
Cullen Bryant, former professional American football player was found dead at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Tuesday, October 13th. It is believed that Cullen died of nature causes. He played full back for 11 seasons for the Los Angeles Rams and 2 seasons for the Seattle Seahawks.

He was 58 when died at his home. 
Born William Cullen Bryant on May 20, 1951, in Fort Sill, Okla., Bryant attended high school in Colorado Springs and played football at Colorado University, where he received consensus All-American recognition.

At 6-foot-1 and 234 pounds, he was the biggest player of the time to regularly return kickoffs in NFL... Los Angeles Rams.

Quote by a Former Los Angeles Rams player and a now a Hall of Famer DE Jack Youngblood in 1979...
 "When Cullen hits those holes, nobody wants to stick their nose in there," teammate Jack Youngblood told the Los Angeles Times in 1979. "Those little 180-pound (defensive backs) just jump on his back when he runs by."

Bryant, who was divorced, is survived by three brothers; two adult sons, William Cullen Jr. and Brandon, and a 13-year-old daughter, Brianna.

+++ Name All-Pro Seasons All-NFC Seasons Pro Bowls Seasons Doug France 1 3 2 Kent Hill 4 5 5 Rich Saul 2 2 6 Dennis Harrah 1 7 6 Jackie Slater 7 7 7 This was the best Offensive Line the Rams had together in the late 1970' and beginning in the early 1980's. Doug France and Jackie Slater at tackle; Kent Hill and Dennis Harrah at guard and Rich Saul at center. This group should be used, set the standard. The Rams Offensive Line: Tackle Positions... Because the QB is right-handed, the left tackle protects his blind side on passing downs and the right tackle does most of the drive run blocking.  These two positions are important on the offensive line. The Rams offensive line should dominate in the running game. Both tackles must show they can pass block. They must have the strength to push the pile in the running game and be left alone without help.  They must have quick feet and football smart to pickup blitzes and stunts. Also the speed to lead, pull off tackle. Interior and The Depth of the Offensive Line Guards will do most of the power sweeps [pulling]. Guards should have massive bulk over 300 pounds.  He will create lanes for the interior running game.  He locks on a player, must overwhelm defenders.  He gets under a defensive lineman "pads" - that defender is finished.  He drives his legs and finishes his blocks.  He takes blocks to the second level.  For playing a guard position you must be fast to lock on middle linebacker.  During the games he must show the quickness to block a linebacker at the second level. Guards will trap and folds.  The guards will slip behind center who has blocked down, and comes out on the middle linebacker attemping to drive him off the line of scrimmage. Center... Most defenses use 4-3 Defense.  So for the most part, the center must hit, block what is called moving targets.  A moving targets is the middle linebacker.  Some defenses will make their defensive tackles play in what is called shade, between the guard and center.  The center must step up and block on angles.   Some defenses will make their tackle [4-3 defense]  play during the game right over the center, to create bull rush up the middle.  So the center must have the strength to take - over his head massive defensive tackles. Hall of Famer Jackie Slater [Offensive tackle] knows what happens when offensive line punishes a defensive line.  Two Games in the playoffs show this: On January 6, 1980 @Tampa Bay [NFC Playoffs] Before the day was done, both Bucs defensive ends - Lee Roy Selmon and Wally Chambers had been sidelined by the pounding they took by this Rams offensive line. The other offensive tackle was Doug France.  He was also from Ohio State.  These two offensive tackles on the same offensive line: best the Rams had together.  The point is our current tackles or tackles we get I feel should be similar to these two tackles.  Trust me having tackles like France and Slater on the same line, you will send defensive ends to the sideline beaten up.  On passing downs both would take their defensive lineman straight up, no help.  What that means is no such a thing call double teaming with a tight end or running back.  It just didn't happen period.  On December 31, 1989 @Philadelphia [NFC Wild Card] Slater dominated Philadelphia's defensive end White from start to finish.  Slater in 1989 was named NFC offensive lineman of the year. Jackie Slater Doug France Notes... France in 1979 was NFL's best offensive tackle, by the NFL Players' Association. France was NFL All-Rookie 1975. Slater in the summer of 2001 was named in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Slater was NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year: 1983, 1986 - 87 and 1989. Slater received in 1992 the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award and Ed Block Courage Award: both are Rams Honors Saul was a solid player. Hill received in 1979 the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award (Rams Honors) Rookie Kent Hill started his first game on Oct. 14, 1979 in Dallas, Sunday night. He filled in for John Williams, at left guard.  Kent Hill never looked back.