SB Nation - Eric Bassey

Rams add TE Fells to lengthy IR list

VanRam — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:40:23 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

Fells is headed to IR.

Another Monday, another player to the Injured Reserve list for the St. Louis Rams. Today's entrant is TE Daniel Fells who was placed on IR after a fracture in his thigh and a sprained ligament. Though Fells had just 4 receptions in his last two games - he left late in the first quarter this week - the third year TE was an important part of the Rams injury-depleted pass catchers.

CB Quincy Butler has a knee and an ankle sprain that will probably keep him out for the rest of the season, definitely this week.

The Rams will activate CB Jonathan Wade for their game against the Cardinals. Jeez. Remember, Wade was a starting CB when the season began, and was gradually replaced by Bradley Fletcher. At first, it just seemed like Fletcher was a better corner, because he was, but then Butler and Justin King got more reps after Fletcher went to IR. Such is life in the NFL...

In one other item of interest from the injury report today: OT Jason Smith has not taken another baseline neurological examination. Hmmm. That most likely means he's still experiencing symptoms and is thus close to being shut down for the season, officially or unofficially. That's too bad. I'd really like to see more Smith, but there's no point taking a risk with your investment for two more games of what could very well become a one-win season.

For those of you keeping count at home, that's 12 players on IR for the Rams, 9 of those players were starters. Here's the list:

DT Adam Carriker
WR Laurent Robinson
DT Gary Gibson
LS Chris Massey
WR Keenan Burton
FS Oshiomogho Atogwe
OG Jacob Bell
CB Bradley Fletcher
TE Daniel Fells
WR Brooks Foster
DE C. J. Ah You
S Eric Bassey

If you include players that could and probably should be put on IR, you've got quite a team.

NFC West Position-by-Position: Safeties

Hawkwind — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:06:30 -0000

More photos » by Matt York - AP

Arizona Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle runs drills during an NFL football training camp. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Browse more photos »

Our divisional preview is winding down but there are still a couple of positions to cover including the defensive backfield. First up are the safeties and this is a young and talented group inside the division. The Arizona Cardinals are certainly content with their starting duo but how do Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle match up with the rest of the West?

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals safeties are a talented and accomplished group led by two time Pro Bowler, yet still under appreciated, Adrian Wilson. While guys like Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu and Bob Sanders get all the glory, Wilson has been in the desert doing dirty work. Since he came into the league (2001) no other safety has combined for more tackles (612) or sacks (18.5) and yet most fans are still more familiar with his you tube jump than with his play on the field. Wilson's work and loyalty to the organization was rewarded this off season with a five year, $39 million dollar contract that should keep him in the organization for the rest of his career. Wilson's strength is at the line of scrimmage where he's a force against the run and even better rushing the passer, but he's not incapable of covering tight ends or the occasional receiver. In six of his eight seasons he's recorded multiple interceptions and with another full season he should enter the 20 sack/20 interception club. The best thing you can say about A-dub is that the defense simply isn't the same when he isn't on the field.

Wilson's counterpart for the second consecutive season will be converted corner back Antrel Rolle. Rolle got off to a slow start last year after a high ankle sprain robbed him of valuable time in camp to learn the position. For the first half of the season he was often out of position or took terrible angles to the ball but as the season wore on, his play steadied. He began to understand the position and by season's end (and the playoff run) he was a reliable center fielder and a decent last line of defense. Rolle's athleticism sets him apart from most free safeties and many are expecting him to have a breakout year now that he's fully acclimated to the position.

The primary thing that makes Wilson and Rolle unique is that neither of them play a 'true safety' role on passing downs. Wilson becomes almost a nickel linebacker and Rolle often slides to play the corner against a slot receiver. Their versatility allows the Cardinals to throw different looks at opposing offenses but it also means that the Cardinals expect much more from their third and fourth safeties. After watching Aaron Francisco and Matt Ware struggle with the increase in playing time the Red Birds spent a third round pick on Alabama free safety Rashad Johnson. RJ isn't a great athlete but he has a nose for the ball and is a natural center fielder. He's expected to immediately step into the 'third safety' spot and see quite a bit of playing time on passing downs. His presence will allow Francisco, Ware and free agent acquisition Keith Lewis to battle for the backup strong safety spot, which better suits each of their skill sets. No one in that trio is considered to be much more than a glorified special teamer but as long as they're not forced into significant playing time, they can hold their own. Another depth option is second year UDFA Dennis Keyes, a free safety out of UCLA, who some consider a dark horse to make the team as a fifth safety.

The Cardinals safeties as a whole are talented, accomplished and have the potential to be even better than they were last year. Adrian Wilson is an A+ and no one else on the depth chart is bad enough to drop this group any lower than a solid A.

San Francisco 49ers - Niners Nation

The 49ers safeties are a mix of production and potential. On the one hand you've got Michael Lewis and Mark Roman backing up at free safety. A pair of veterans who have done some good things in the past (for Roman a bit further in the past). On the other hand you've got the likes of Dashon Goldson, Reggie Smith and Curtis Taylor. Players teeming with potential, but nothing proven yet.

Barring injury (a very real possibility), the starters will be Dashon Goldson at free safety and Michael Lewis at strong safety. Goldson has as much unproven potential as anybody on this roster. He was an absolute ball hawk in training camp last year, but could not get past Mark Roman on the depth chart. Injuries throughout the season (as with the previous season) have kept him from making his mark. This season he was named the starting free safety shortly after the season ended and has had yet another impressive training camp performance. The 49ers have lacked a great free safety for quite some time and Goldson has the potential to be that turnover machine in center field. The question remains whether he can stay healthy.

At strong safety, the 49ers role out the extremely underrated Michael Lewis. Lewis signed as a free agent in 2007 and has been in the top 2 or 3 in tackles both seasons. While he does not force turnovers, he provides excellent run support. Lewis is 29 but is as established a veteran as any on this defense. Lewis won't be going anywhere anytime soon and will be an excellent role model in the defensive backfield for Goldson.

The primary backups at safety will be Mark Roman and Reggie Smith. At 32, Mark Roman has clearly come to the end of the road as a starter. The 49ers told him Goldson would be starting and let him speak with other teams about a trade. Nobody wanted him. So, Roman is back to provide a continued veteran presence for the team. His problem is that he can't force turnovers anymore. The last time he forced a turnover was in 2006. Reggie Smith was originally drafted by the 49ers to be a corner back, but most thought he'd end up at safety, which appears to have happened. It will be interesting to see how much playing time Smith actually gets. Even though he got banged up, Michael Lewis has managed to stay on the field. Smith will have to battle for playing time. The final backup at this point is Curtis Taylor. Taylor was a 7th round pick this year out of LSU. He was highly touted out of high school but was quite the under performer. Right now he's a practice squad candidate hoping to squeeze onto the roster.

The easiest grade for the safeties would be a C. Lewis is a very solid performer (certainly not spectacular), while Goldson is almost all potential. However, I'm gonna roll the dice on a healthy Goldson and give the team a B.

St. Louis Rams - Turf Show Times

The Rams have a really nice situation at both starting safety positions this season. At free safety, playing under a one-year franchise deal, Oshiomogho Atogwe is a former Pro Bowler with 13 INTs in his last two seasons. Obviously, he's what the kids like to call a "ball hawk." Rawwk, rawwwk! Last season he singlehandedly gave the Rams a faint glimmer of hope when he picked off Jason Campbell for a difference making touch down that started the Rams on a two game winning streak, their only two wins of the season. As he starts his age-28 season, the Rams are counting on him to become a more complete player. For that, he needs to get more consistent in coverage; of course, come of his problems in coverage over the last couple years have much to do with confusion among some of the weaker corner backs the Rams have employed, blowing assignments and leaving Atogwe to try and do two jobs. The new coaching staff should really benefit Atogwe's development, as Spagnuolo is a former defensive backs coach himself, having worked with someone names Brian Dawkins in Philly.

Corey Chavous was a good man and a team leader, but in his twilight years, he was a liability at strong safety. That contributed the Rams porous run defense last year...and the year before...and the year before that. He retired, and the Rams brought in James Butler as a free agent. Butler was a Spag's stable guy. Like Harry Carey, Jr. in the John Ford cavalry pictures, Butler's name isn't on the marquee, but he's essential in a supporting role. Much of the time, you'll Butler playing up, more like a LB, similar to his role with the Giants. His work against the run merits more praise than his ability in coverage, but he's more than adequate there too. This is a big upgrade that should make the front seven better as well as the backfield. Sorry, Rams opponents can't count on easy, highlight reel gains of 20, 30 and 40 yards for their running backs and receivers like they used to.

Behind Bulter and Atogwe, the Rams have very capable backup in Todd Johnson, also a special teams regular. He can play both safety positions. He's a true backup, i.e. you don't want to count on him as a starter for 16 games, though the supporting cast around him is improved enough that such as scenario wouldn't be a make or break deal. Next on the list is Eric Bassey, though a camp injury on Friday night may have changed that. Bassey is a special teams guy, pure and simple, who can play some backup work. Craig Dahl was another Spagnuolo discovery, undrafted like Butler, who filled in admirably for Butler a few times in 2007, before he tore his ACL in the regular season finale and got waived after the Super Bowl. Spagnuolo thought enough of him to resign him prior to the 2008 season, but that didn't pan out since the G-men drafted Kenny Phillips in the first round of 2008.

The Rams have lots of question marks on the roster, but safety is not one of them. They've got an straight A in that department.

Seattle Seahawks - Field Gulls

For the eighth consecutive season, Deon Grant started all 16 games. On a superficial statistical level, Grant's season looked like his every other: 79 total tackles, eight passes defended and two interceptions. He was played in the box or walked up to the line for much of the season following the Giant's 254 yard rushing assault in week five.
Grant was a leader in the real sense of the word making reads in the secondary and positioning Seattle's young and less aware defensive backs in place to make the play. When allowed to play deep safety, Grant again showed the recognition, quickness and ball skills that made him so valuable last season. His execution - especially his timing - on safety blitzes is remarkable.

"
Quintessential Game: Eagles at Seahawks
Philadelphia 17 - Seattle 7
3-4-SEA 4 (Qtr: 2:09)
Eagles break 2 WR, TE, Split Backs with McNabb in shotgun. Seattle in a 4-1 dime. Before the snap, Deon Grant directs Jordan Babineaux over right split back Lorenzo Booker. Brian Westbrook motions into the right slot. Grant gives Wilson a come here gesture and points him towards a spot opposite Westbrook. Grant looks back towards the endz--

McNabb snaps, Brent Celek shoots out wide right attempting a block, Westbrook quick-curls towards McNabb, McNabb delivers a perfect pass into his numbers and almost as soon as Grant can see the play has started Wilson is in Westbrook's frame finishing the no-doubt-about-it tackle for a loss of three.
"

What went wrong: Grant wasn't a good in-the-box safety in 2007 and removed all doubt in 2008. He's better against the run as a support tackler or a finisher. If a run is channeled to him or strung wide, he can put on a body on the rusher and record the stop. He's not a reliable open-field tackler and wont to bad angles and broken arm tackles.
Grant is uneven breaking from the line and engaging in man cover.

In week six, Grant collided with Packers' fullback Cory Hall on the first play from scrimmage. After the game he said, "I heard a pop, so it must be an MCL," and added, "Something happened with it. I didn't get any tests. I just put a brace on and went back out there."

Quintessential Game: Seahawks at 49ers

"
Deon Grant makes a wonderful free safety: Four plays after pick two, Niners at the two. Both teams are in classic goal line formations. Grant is wide-right playing contain. At the snap, Frank Gore runs into an impenetrable pile but escapes, breaks right and runs unabated for the score. Grant is 100% to blame. At the snap, Frank Gore runs into an impenetrable pile, but when he begins breaking right, Grant can be seen staring into the pile, at the center of the field, away from Gore, unaware of Gore and out of the play as soon as Gore hits the corner. Just a terrible play by a player I really like.
"

Outlook: Grant didn't miss a game or even the rest of week six. He looked broken on the trainer's table and was indisputably in terrible pain, but was back by the second quarter. Grant may just be lucky or abnormally resilient. Whatever the case, he appeared on the week seven injury report as "probable", played and nothing more was reported about the injury.

A cover 2 shell would suite Grant nicely. He could read and react to plays and tackle or attack passes running downhill. He's not a prototypical Tampa 2 safety, but as he ages and slows, it will soften his decline. What he adds as a pass defender should more than overcome his weaknesses in run support.

Brian Russell started 16 games in 2008. He did not appear on the injury report and missed only one snap all season. His statistics were in line with his career numbers: 72 tackles, one sack and three passes defended. It was his fourth season in six seasons starting he had three or fewer passes defended. He turned 31 on February 5, 2009.

Russell had a couple good stops against Philadelphia and headed off a couple long plays.

Russell is a bad player, perhaps below replacement level, that's schematic use has negative utility in the modern NFL. He ensures swearing is present and persistent at Field Gulls, because swearing is a healthy release from extreme physical pain.

Negative utility is the operative phrase there. Russell is played to reduce the greatest amount of harm, neglecting the fact that a team can prevent scoring passes without being a successful pass defense. Russell sometimes stops a 30 yard play from going for 50 and the score. That leaves the opposing team in the red zone with a new set of downs. In 2007, Seattle parlayed that strategy into an improbable mix of a high number of opposing pass attempts, a below average number of yards allowed, but the league's best touchdown's allowed*. At the time, I accepted it as the hallmark of a bend but don't break defense, but I've become ever more skeptical of the bend but don't break phenomenon. Seattle flexed the other way in 2008, allowing more relative attempts - an extraordinarily high number of pass attempts for a 4-12 team - the worst pass yards in football, and the 27th ranked touchdown passes allowed.

Opponents provided compelling evidence that neither the strategy nor Russell work. Seattle allowed ten touchdown passes of ten or fewer yards. Proving the Seahawks couldn't cede field position and then toughen in the red zone. It also allowed ten touchdowns of 20 or more yards. Proving that as a deep cover safety, Russell wasn't covering s--t.

Seattle didn't draft a safety until the seventh and Courtney Greene is a project Seattle hopes to develop. Jamar Adams hasn't received much pub. However cringe worthy, Russell is the presumptive and almost uncontested starter at free safety. Seattle could mitigate that some by making Russell just a safety. That is, a cover 2 safety and therefore not truly a strong or free safety. It absolutely must avoid putting Russell on an island and hoping his savvy and field marshalship overcomes his broken wheels, bad compass, terrible technique and leather-helmet athleticism.

Tim Ruskell added a wild card into the mix by saying longtime utility defensive back Jordan Babineaux will contend for Russell's job. Babineaux is a read and react zone defender that struggles to keep the play in front of him. He struggled as a nickel corner in 2007 and didn't so much improve in 2008 as have less responsibility. In a more structured role, say in a cover-2 where he starts deep and keeps the play in front of him by default, he's faster than Russell, more agile than Russell, more athletic than Russell, stronger than Russell, a better tackler than Russell and has better ball skills than Russell. Defensive backs coach Tim Lewis stated Russell is the starter, so I will assume Russell is the starter, and since Russell doesn't participate enough to injure himself, and since he's swayed the coaching staff, Seattle's starting safeties earn a D. Dress it up how you'd like, rationalize if you must, denial's been attempted by a few, but Deon Grant is good, Brian Russell is awful, and awful swallows good like paper swallows rock.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

So outside of one safety, most of the NFC West is content with their starting free and strong safety. Where you rank the Cardinals amongst these four? Should we be confident in Rolle's ability to become an above average safety this season?

Rams scrimmage features fans, football, and an Adam Carriker ankle injury

VanRam — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:07:09 -0000

The scrimmage is in the books and this time next week we'll be talking about the St. Louis Rams first preseason game. The scrimmage was great, well-attended, action packed; however, we've got our first bit of bad news. Adam Carriker injured his ankle...his left ankle...the one he injured before and tried to play through the last with last year. Hopefully, it's just the pains of getting back into the swing of things, but keep an eye on him, as this could really impact the team's fortunes.

Speaking of injuries that won't impact the team's fortunes as much, S Eric Bassey suffered a more serious knee sprain. The Rams, however, brought it S Craig Dahl (who missed part of the scrimmage with a "tweaked" hammy), a former Spags guy in NY, and S Todd Johnson remains the top candidate for backup S duties anyway.

Karney's ankle appears to be healing, though he did play last night.

Do yourself a favor and check out Hetfield72's pictures and report from the scrimmage. Hetfield72, I'll be sure you get a free t-shirt when we get them.

NFC West Division Breakdowns: The Secondary

Andrew602 — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:19:33 -0000

The Cardinals had a terrific 2009 season and a large part of it was due to the misfortunes of the rest of the NFC West. The three other teams all finished with records below .500. They've all had an active off-season, and the draft will be sure to stir things up, with all 3 teams picking in the top ten. That leads us to our next segment: NFC West Division Breakdowns. The secondary is the first positional group up for inspection, and the Cardinals were fairly active in signing Bryant McFadden and safety Keith Lewis. Mike Sando seems to think that those moves make the Cardinals Secondary one of the best in the division (and I might have to agree with him). We'll start with our very own.

As a side note, these breakdowns are more of a look ahead to the 2009 season, not grades from last year. I would more so call these roster outlooks, but they are technically not since the 2009 season has yet to come. The rankings are ranked 1-4 with 1st being the best in the division. The grading system was becoming too confusing.

Arizona Cardinals

Starters:

Adrian Wilson (SS): Adrian Wilson is the best strong safety in the NFC West, and possibly the best in the NFC. He's the heart of the defense and keeps everything intact. He's got a high motor and has a knack for getting to the ball carrier/quarterback. He's got the size of a linebacker but can still play well in pass coverage.

Antrel Rolle (FS): Rolle really gelled as a free safety late last year, and may have found his true position. He's the ball-hawk of the secondary and somehow is around the ball whenever it pops loose. He's a solid tackler, recording 88 tackles in 2008, and he is dependable in coverage.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB): DRC may have became one of the few shut down cornerbacks in the NFL due to his performance in the playoffs last year. His freakish speed and athleticism allow him to cover even the best of wide outs in the league, and we may see his full potential this year as he will be a full time starter.

Bryant McFadden (CB): McFadden is as solid as cornerbacks come. He has a well-built frame and will add to run-support. He's a physical corner and likes to jam receivers at the LOS. He is another corner that we may see the full potential of next year, as long as he can beat Rod Hood for the starting spot. He does need to work on his speed and covering quicker receivers.

Depth:

Rod Hood (CB): He may be the starter next to DRC next year, as long as he can beat out McFadden. Hood is a small corner but has enough strength for physical receivers. He's a dependable cover corner, and is decent for run-defense.

Ralph Brown (CB): Brown played exceptionally well in the playoffs last year and should fill in as solid 4th string cornerback this year. Brown isn't the biggest or quickest corner, and is ideal as a nickel back or special teams.

Matt Ware (S): He's a special teams player, and probably won't get any starting time. He has a tall frame, and is decent in coverage. Ware's not the greatest tackler either.

Aaron Francisco (S): He usually steps in when Wilson's playing run-support. Francisco isn't ideal in pass-defense, notably after blowing the game winning touchdown of the Super Bowl.

Keith Lewis (S): Signed this off-season, Lewis may take time from Francisco. He is also a special teams standout.

Michael Adams (CB): Adams only plays special teams but plays it well. He's also has good punt-downing skills.

Bottom line: Arizona greatly increased their secondary by adding Lewis and McFadden, and by retaining Ralph Brown. With the additions and the momentum through last years playoffs, they now have one of the best secondaries in the league.

Overall Rank: 1st

Seattle Seahawks

Starters:

Deon Grant (SS): Grant has shown flashes of being a great safety in the NFL. In his 8 seasons, he's racked up nearly 500 tackles. He's dependable and is talented enough to pick off the occasional pass or two.

Brian Russell (FS): Russell is a ~~accomplished~~ proficient safety and has been in the league for 6 seasons now. He's bounced around to a few teams and has put together solid numbers. He's not the quickest safety and he may give up a big play every now and then, but he makes up for it with his intelligence and his strength in stopping the run.

Marcus Trufant (CB): Trufant was regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL up until last year. Poor performances against some of the top wide receivers in the league (Fitzgerald), may have shown his weaknesses. He cracked under pressure last year when offenses pick on him. Trufant is still a top corner, due to his size, speed, and instincts, and he will probably bounce back this year with a pro bowl season.

Josh Wilson (CB): Wilson replaced Jennings last year and had a good season. He's short for a cornerback but makes up for it with speed and leaping ability. He's shown that he can pick off passes and become a dangerous return man with the ball. He also is a solid tackler. If he can improve on his timing and play more physical with taller receivers, he can be a force in Seattle's secondary.

Depth:

Kelly Jennings (CB): Jennings was drafted to play along side Trufant, and become a dangerous cornerback duo in the NFL. He did show signs early, but he ultimately failed. While Jennings possesses good enough run defense, his ball skills were terrible in '08. Jennings was burned several times in the first couple games last year and lost his starting spot. If he can increase his coverage skills, he may get another opportunity this year.

Kevin Hobbs (CB): Hobbs has primarily been a practice squad member but injuries allowed him to get some playing time last year. He's currently a 4th string cornerback and may get more time to show his skills this year.

Jordan Babineaux (S): Babineaux may be one of the most talented and versatile back up defensive backs in the NFL. He's known for his big plays, one of them being in a wild card game against Dallas a couple years back. Most remember when Tony Romo bobbled the field goal snap, and Babineaux was there to tackle him. Baineaux can play cornerback, safety or special teams.

C.J. Wallace (S): Wallace is another undrafted defensive back, a trend they have seemed to show over the years in Seattle. Injuries have already limited his career but his size and run-support have shown that he can be a legit 2nd string safety.

Bottom line: Seattle's secondary was riddled with injuries last year and it showed in their play. If they can stay healthy, they may be able to be proficient enough to be one of the top units in the league.

Overall Grade: 2nd

San Francisco 49ers

Starters:

Michael Lewis (SS): Lewis applies to the word, "strong" safety. He is a well built safety who's known for his hard hits. He's also known for not being well-suited in coverage. If he can improve his speed and vision, he can be a top strong safety in the league. Otherwise he's just a solid piece to the secondary.

Dashon Goldson (FS): Goldson has won over many fans at times, but there's still some uncertainty with the young safety. He's already shown that he can handle a starting position and he's got the skills to do it. He's a strong special teams player and is an above-average run defender.

Nate Clements (CB): Clements can be the best cornerback in the league, and then at times he's just above average. He's a very physical corner, likes to blanket receivers, and often gets in their face. As long as he's not being picked on, he's the best defensive back on the team, and one of the best in the league. He's still young and should be a cornerstone in the 49ers defense for years to come.

Walt Harris (CB): Harris is getting older and may have lost a step to his game. When he is playing his best, he can be one of the top corners in the league. When Harris plays underneath, he's capable of batting away a lot of balls and picking off passes. If he can stay healthy this year, he's a great compliment to Clements, and they make one of the best duos in the NFL.

Depth:

Tarell Brown (CB): Niner fans are high on Brown and his coverage skills. He's shown that he can be a very solid corner, and as long as he doesn't have anymore character issues like he's had in the past, he's got a fighting chance for the #2 cornerback spot on the team.

Shawntae Spencer (CB): Injuries have plagued his short career so far, but if he can bounce back in '09, he may get a shot at the nickel back spot.

Mark Roman (S): He's the hated member of the secondary, and as of now, Roman is the primary back-up. That may no last long as he's a poor coverage safety, and usually gives up big plays.

Reggie Smith (CB): Smith hasn't had a chance to prove himself, and but he is a dependable special teams player. Due to his slow speed, he may be better suited at safety if the Niners bring in another cornerback to take his place.

Bottom line: If San Franciscos' secondary can stay healthy and bounce back in '09, they can become a legitimate unit in the league. They do need to solidify their depth though.

Overall Rank: 3rd

St. Louis Rams

Starters:

James Butler (SS): Butler, a former New York Giant, was originally an undrafted special teams player. He eventually worked his way up the depth chart and started for the Giants in '07, and recorded 10 tackles in the Super Bowl. He's an explosive player, and is a tackling machine. He's still young and may have a break-out season in '09.

O.J. Atogwe (FS): Atogwe could be the most dynamic safety in the NFC West, or the NFL, second to Ed Reed. OJ is the playmaker of the defense, and he's usually somewhere around the spot of the ball. He's got great speed, and has a solid form for tackling. He's capable of dropping back in coverage, or helping in run support. Those honors earned him the Rams franchise tag.

Ron Bartell (CB): Bartell is a confident corner that has a tendency to bat many balls away and pick off passes. He's fast and recognizes plays quickly. He has good size and was one of the few bright spots for the Rams last year. The main downfall to Bartell is that he may struggle with the run. He finished the season with 5 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles.

Tye Hill (CB): Hill is a former 1st round pick that has shown glimpses of being an above average corner. He has very weak anticipation skills, and that cripples his ability to disguise coverage, which is very important for cornerbacks in the NFL. He hasn't shown the ability to fix his mistakes, which isn't a good thing.

Depth:

Jonathan Wade (CB): Wade is a versatile defensive back. He played receiver in college and most believe him to have solid hands. He plays special teams and has shown the ability to be a good tackler.

Justin King (CB): King is another young prospect that may show his full set of skills in '09. An injury put him out for the season last year before he had a chance to play at all. He has a tall frame for a corner and great speed, running the 2nd best 40 time at the combine with a 4.31.

Eric Bassey (S): His two year career has mostly been on the practice squad, but injuries let him play in 8 games last year, recording 11 tackles. He may get a chance to prove himself in 2009.

Todd Johnson (S): Johnson doesn't have the ideal size for a safety but he makes up for it with his tackling ability. He isn't starting material but he is a dependable back-up if he is needed to come in and play.

Bottom line: This young unit of defensive backs does have the talent (Atogwe and Bartell), but they're still unproven and gave up too many big plays last year.

Overall Rank: 4th

____________________________________

The secondary plays a large part to the defense, and it's obvious that the NFC West contains some of the best players in the league in this unit. As long as the Cardinals can stay healthy and build off of last years run, they should be an assertive force in the defense. Do you think the Cardinals secondary will be tops in the league? Is another NFC West unit better?

Predicting the Rams practice squad

VanRam — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:52:18 -0000

I'm trying to come up with a Governor's Cup joke here. Every time I get a sentence down though, it erase it, too hackneyed. Let's face it, the Governor's Cup, with most of the starters on the bench, isn't the most exciting football you'll see all season. Might be better than some of those Rams games last season though. For the 20+ guys looking to survive the final roster cut, it is a big game, a last audition.

The Post-Dispatch has a pretty comprehensive look at the final roster as it stands. To kick off the morning, I thought we'd take a stab at predicting the 8-man practice squad. Before I jump in, some housekeeping. I swapped QnA with SBN's Chiefs blog Arrowhead Pride, and will have those up later. Don't forget to check out 3k's preview.

Now, the practice squad.

Roy Schuening, G - Reading about this guy after the draft, I fully expected him to cement a backup role for himself in camp. By all accounts he came to the league as force on the o-line. He could still, and after last season's experience with the o-line, you can bet they'll keep another OL on the practice squad. Probably means Dustin Fry's days as a Rams are numbered.

Marques Hagans, WR - This is a position that will get plenty of attention in tonight's game. Hagans and the others battling for an outside chance at the 53-man roster will get plenty of passes thrown their way as well as return opportunities. Hagans has been the best receiver of these fringe guys, but Derek Stanley has an advantage in the return game. Brandon Williams might be a better kick returner, so he has a decent shot at the practice squad too. Reche Caldwell might make it because of his experience, but he could probably find work complementing the depth on another team. This is the toughest spot by far to round out the bottom of the depth chart. The Rams kept two WRs on the practice squad to start the season last year, Stanley and Dominque Thompson, and it certainly looks like they'll do that again.

Lance Ball, RB - Ball will get a lot of carries tonight, passes too. The Maryland undrafted rookie has really impressed, and had the Steven Jackson holdout dragged into the regular season, there's no question he'd be on the team. He will make the practice squad.

Bruce Gradkowski, QB - Last season, when the Rams went with just 2 QBs on their active roster, they had to keep Berlin on the practice squad. Good thing they did too because they needed him. It's possible they'll keep Gradkowski this year, with Berlin favored to retain his old job at #3. However, it's not as likely.

Eric Bassey, S - This is a tough one too because the Rams have some nagging injuries to key starters. If Jerome Carter can play tonight and doesn't completely suck, they'll almost have to keep the 4th year vet to round out depth at safety by making him the fourth. I'm assuming they'll keep 4 safeties and 5 corners. Vinnett has special teams value. I wonder if they'll keep Macklin, a vet, and put Vinnett on the practice squad?

David Vobora, LB - This depends on whether or not the Rams keep 6 or 7 LBs. If they keep 7, he's on the 53-man, contributing on ST. That scenario likely puts Marc Magro on the practice squad.

C. J. Ah You, DE - I suspect they'll keep a DL on the practice squad, and Ah You is the best of the fringe guys at that position. That leaves them a little short at DT, potentially, with just Glover, Carriker and Ryan as the only full time DTs. Of course, DTs Willie Williams and Henry Smith have as many tackles through the preseason as Adam Carriker, so they'll be working hard to make an impression tonight.

That's my educated guesses at the practice squad. We'll have definitive answers this weekend. Stay tuned.