SB Nation - Ronald Curry

Rams make Null 3rd QB

VanRam — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:20:18 -0000

by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback Keith Null became the team's third QB when the Rams cut QB Brock Berlin today.

Keith Null became the Rams third QB today, as the team parted ways with Brock Berlin as part of their efforts to get the roster down to 53 players by the league's deadline today.

It's a little bit of surprise and not so much. Berlin played well in the preseason, but their stats were very similar when you boiled it down. Null, however, was a draft pick of the current regime; Berlin was not. Null's younger than Berlin, 28, which gives the Rams coaching staff time to bring him along and see what they have when camp rolls around next year.

Among the others cut so far today was guard Roy Schuening, a fifth rounder from last year's draft. I thought he did okay in the preseason, even getting a little time with the ones due to injuries among the starters. Setterstrom and Greco will be the primary backups in the middle. I wonder if they'll keep another guard, since Setts is the backup center? Roger Allen?

Other cuts so far include: C Tim Mattran, OT Renardo Foster and FB Jerome Johnson, no surprises there. And earlier we reported that WR Ronald Curry was cut. DT Adam Carriker has been placed on IR, giving the Rams another roster spot as they trim from 74 to 53.

Predicting the Arizona Cardinals Record: Part 4

Andrew602 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 11:00:23 -0000

For the last three weeks, we've spent some time breaking down what the Cardinals record may be for the 2009 season. Over the weeks we looked at each game of the Arizona Cardinals schedule, and broke down each team they will play. You can see parts part 1, part 2, and part 3 right here, where you'll see that the Cardinals record at this point is 8-4. In part three, the Cardinals came out 3-1, only losing to the Titans. During this next stretch, they face 2 division opponents, and two others from the NFC North. So to finish our segment before the season begins, here is the final part of the prediction for the Cardinals 2009 record.

Week 14 - At San Francisco 49ers

Key Additions: WR Brandon Jones, CB Dre Bly, DE Demetric Evans, FB Moran Norris

Key Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Bryant Johnson, CB Donald Strickland, QB J.T. O'Sullivan, DT Ronald Fields

Analysis: After Mike Singletary took over for the 49ers last year, he immediately made a difference, and since then, he's stamped his identity on this team. He's created a tough and smart football team over at 49er camp. Although the 49ers are one of our rivals, you have to respect what Singletary has done for them at this point.

What to watch for: In their first match up, I gave the Cardinals the win at home, as they were opening the season after their Super Bowl run against a division rival on their home field. This time, the Cardinals travel to San Francisco, where the 49ers can play very aggressive against road teams. It's also on the Monday night stage, where both teams have played very cutthroat in the past. Expect a lot of emotions to come out as this has become a great rivalry.

Key Match Up: Chris Wells vs Patrick Willis - This would be a very exciting match up on the national stage, as our bruising rookie running back takes on their Pro Bowl hard hitting linebacker.

Prediction - Loss - Last year the Cardinals barely escaped a win over the 49ers at home. This year I'd expect us to split the series, with each team winning at home.

Week 15 - At Detroit Lions

Key Additions: LB Julian Peterson, QB Matthew Stafford, LB Larry Foote, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, OT Jon Jansen, WR Bryant Johnson, RB Maurice Morris, WR Ronald Curry, CB Eric King

Key Losses: CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding, DE Corey Smith, QB Jon Kitna, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Shaun McDonald, FB Moran Norris, G Edwin Mulitalo, S Dwight Smith, WR Travis Taylor

Analysis: There's not much to say after a team goes 0-16 during the regular season. The Lions just plain stunk last year. This year proves to be a different experience for a team that's struggled in recent years. As you can see, they've cleaned house and started fresh. It began in the off season when they hired Titans defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, as their head coach. They also took the next step in rebuilding their team, in drafting a franchise quarterback by the name of Matthew Stafford. The team can only improve from last year and anything more then 4 wins would be a success.

What to watch for: By the time the Cardinals head to Detroit at this point in the season, they will likely be vying for a playoff berth. On the other hand, the Lions may just want to play spoiler. Another thing to watch for is Calvin Johnson. He's already been regarded as one of the best wide recievers in the NFL at this point in his career. Watch to see how DRC handles himself against the tall receiver. If Stafford is in the game at this time, watch for the Cardinals defense to try and rattle the rookie QB.

Key Match Up: Adrian Wilson vs Matthew Stafford - If the rookie is starting at this point in the season, he has a big arm and likes to air it out. Expect Wilson to drop in coverage a few times but also layout Stafford a few times in the backfield.

Prediction: Win - It's simple, the Cardinals will be fighting for a playoff spot at this point in the year and the Lions will not be.

Week 16 - St. Louis Rams

Key Additions: SS James Butler, C Jason Brown, FB Mike Karney, OT Jason Smith

Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OT Orlando Pace, QB Trent Green, S Corey Chavous

Analysis: After dusting off the cob webs and bringing in some youth, the Rams look to another challenge in '09, WIN. The last two years have been struggles for this Rams team that used to be the greatest show on turf. With Spagnola at the helm now, we may actually see a division rival actually become...a division rival.

What to watch for: The Rams come to University of Phoenix Stadium with hopes of knocking off a divisional opponent. Unfortunately, they haven't played that well there in the past, and will likely have some difficulty. The Cardinals will be ready for this game, hoping to catapult themselves into the playoffs with a win.

Key Match Up: Gerald Hayes vs Steven Jackson - Last year Hayes swarmed Jackson when the Rams came to Arizona. Will Jackson have revenge on his mind?

Prediction - Win - The Cardinals may need this win more then the Rams will at this point in the season.

Week 17 - Green Bay Packers

Key Additions: S Anthony Smith, C Duke Preston, DT B.J. Raji

Key Losses: DT Colin Cole

Analysis: The Packers had high hopes last year, after coming off an NFC Championship appearance. Unfortunately, it didn't translate into the 2008 season. While they had a good offense in '08, they suffered injuries that caused them to lack a rushing attack to go with their passing offense. The defense was the obvious weak spot, as they gave up a significant amount of points and were playing catch up most often then not. This year they bring back their explosive offense, and most are healthy. Aaron Rodgers has looked amazing at this point in the preseason, and they outscored their opponents in each game. They brought in Dom Capers and drafted DT B.J. Raji to improve their defense, and it's already showed as they've forced numerous turnovers and have limited their opponents scoring so far.

What to watch for: Watch for the Cardinals to head into this game with revenge on their minds. Even though it was only the preseason, the Packers put a shellacking on the Cardinals first team offense and defense. Expect to see fireworks in this game as the Cardinals defense would like to get after Aaron Rodgers.

Key Match Up: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie vs Packers Wide Receivers - After getting embarrassed in the preseason, we can only expect DRC to come out with something to prove in this game.

Prediction - Loss -Although the Cardinals will likely play differently this game, the Packers look to be much better in '09 and will be playing aggressively in their last game of the season, as their division will be competitive.

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Arizona Cardinals final projected record - 10-6

So after the final four games, the Cardinals finish their 2009 season at 10-6, which will likely land them with another division title and a playoff berth. Although you could easily mix and match some wins and some losses, 10-6 may still be the record, with 9-7 or 11-5 not that far out of the question. Although I'd like to see them go 16-0, I can live with the projected record if it happens. As far as anything less, the Cardinals would have to have a complete meltdown or a massive amount of injuries. What's your take on a final record of 10-6? Do you think the Cardinals would do better or worse?

Poll

How many wins will the Cardinals have in 2009?

13 or higher - Super Bowl here we come...again.

62 votes

10-12 - What hangover? We're back in the playoffs.

495 votes

7-9 - Another average season in the books

183 votes

6 or less - Same Ole Cardinals?

47 votes

787 votes | Poll has closed

Chapter 1, Game 1 - at New York Jets (Aug. 14th)

3k — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:30:09 -0000

The k-series is back! Ah, football previews. Life is good again.

The breakdown after the fold.

For game-specific info, check out the SBN event page for this game. For Jets news leading up the game, check out Gang Green Nation.

St. Louis Rams, 0-0, t-1st (?!) - NFC West

New York Jets, 0-0, t-1st - AFC East

Parentheses include NFL rankings in that area.

STL pass - N/A

NYJ pass D - N/A

For those of you who remember the old breakdowns, you know what to expect there; for some of our newer readers, it'll just be some statistics so we have an idea of how a unit is doing (in this case our passing game) against the unit defending it. Of course being the first preseason game, there won't be a ton of numbers to lean on moving forward, but by week 3 of the regular season, these stats become more telling.

This will be an interesting matchup given Donnie Avery's recent foot injury and how that affects the WR corps. Hopefully, we'll get an idea of who to look forward to and who to bury on the depth chart as well as how involved Randy McMichael might be in the passing offense.

As for the J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets, they've got a decent pass defense anchored by CB Darelle Revis, who is coming off of a Pro Bowl appearance in just his second year, although he reportedly won't play. Kerry Rhodes is a solid FS and adds another element to the Jets' pass defense. Overall, however, this an average pass D and shouldn't stifle our offense; we're lucky to have a solid barometer to judge the passing attack on during this first game.

STL run - N/A

NYJ run D - N/A

Two main things to watch: how good is Steven Jackson without a holdout, and who begins to earn the backup spot.

On New York's side, they boast an above-average if not elite rushing defense. Their 3-4 can be menacing on rushing defenses, proven by the fact they created the most fumbles last season in the NFL: 32. Add to the fact they signed Bart Scott in free agency and you've got a very dangerous defense. Great matchup. If nothing else, we get to see Vernon Gholston who has to see the field this year to avoid the "bust" tag. Pretty sad fall for a guy who was pretty popular here at TST and was mocked at #1 by SI's Don Banks...

STL O-line - N/A

NYJ D-line - N/A

I'll skip our line as I don't want to put too much stock into our O-line and get everyone's hopes up, but with the Jets' 4-time Pro Bowler, NT Kris Jenkins on the sidelines, it should be interesting to see what our interior linemen can create.

NYJ pass - N/A

STL pass D - N/A

This is a battle of sub-par units. The Rams get a chance to feel out their 2009 secondary against a pretty poor Jets passing attack. The Jets led the NFL with 23 interceptions thrown last year, but that was as much of Favre trying to make something out of nothing as anything else. Of course, that might not change now that Favre is being replaced by either Kellen Clemens or Mark "The Anointed One" Sanchez. Add to the fact that Laveraneus Coles is now a Bengal, and you have a pretty ugly passing attack. And to go on record, I like Jerricho Cotchery, but this year is going to be a serious struggle for him.

NYJ run - N/A

STL run D - N/A

More fun spectating for Rams fans as we get to see Will Witherspoon at the position he excels at (weakside LB), James Laurinaitis in his future role as defensive field general, and yet-to-be-named at strongside LB. The 1-2 punch of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington is no pushover, so they should get a nice tune up to start their 2009 season.

NYJ O-line - N/A

STL D-line - N/A

Another interesting matchup. We get a chance to roll out our patchwork defensive line against one of the stronger offensive lines in the AFC. Keep an eye on the right side (defensively) as Chris Long and one of our DTs go against D'Brickashaw Ferguson (LT), the #4 overall pick in the 2006 Draft, and Alan Faneca (LG) who has 8 Pro Bowl nods.

This week's top 3 storylines brought to you by Emmitt Smith, the ESPN commentator not the Cowboy:

1.) "The leadership definitely have to come from the leaders.": Adding Hollis Thomas and Ronald Curry added some experience to what could have been the youngest team in the NFL on opening day. With such a young team, leaders are going to be made this year. Some will be leaders in the clubhouse, others on the field. This first taste of NFL action for the 2009 Rams will help define who steps into what roles; the sooner they are defined, the better.

2.) "The one thing that derail a team is a thing called the injury bugs.": The most significant event of the preseason thus far has been Donnie Avery's injury. If Marc Bulger can manage to create a feasible passing attack without Avery on the field, it will say a lot about what this team might be able to do moving forward. If the Rams struggle to move the ball through the air, that puts a lot of pressure on the coaching staff to push Steven Jackson and the offensive linemen in regards to their run blocking. A one-dimensional offense is a predictable offense. That would be, as Emmitt might say, "not a very good"

3.) "You cannot change the stripes of a leopard.": This team needs an improved season. We've amassed a whopping 5 victories in our last 32 NFL games. If you extend that into the 2006 regular season, we've won 9 of our last 43 games. I know it's just a preseason game, but playing winning football, successful football - just respectable football - with the team we have week in week out, will help develop a sense of purpose for a franchise that has been lacking one.

Football!

Poll

Which starting position will you be scrutinizing the most?

QB - Bulger is running out of time. He needs to make 2009 a memorable season... in a good way.

100 votes

RB - Everything is in place for Steven Jackson to destroy the NFL.

19 votes

WR - How will we respond without Donnie Avery?

55 votes

OT - Alex Barron and Jason Smith hold the keys to our offense in their hands.

68 votes

C - If Jason Brown can't dominate with Kris Jenkins out, I'm worried.

6 votes

DT/DE - We need to pressure QBs so they don't have time to figure out who Tye Hill is covering.

33 votes

LB - Spoon and Laurinaiits will be solid. But who plays alongside them?

11 votes

CB - Besides Bartell, there's a lot of "doing" left to be done.

19 votes

311 votes | Poll has closed

Donnie Avery injury fallout

VanRam — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:58:56 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Keenan Burton becomes the top guy with Avery on the shelf. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Browse more photos »

Damn. The St. Louis Rams lost WR Donnie Avery in Friday's scrimmage. Didn't someone tell them football is dangerous? Anyway. The, uh, sort of good news is that if hits the middle of that 4-6 week time frame for recovery, he'll be suited up to face the Seahawks to open the season. It's not great news, but it's not the end of the world either. Some RAMifications rippling from Avery's foot fracture...

Reports out of camp so far, including the spring, have Avery and Bulger connecting well in the new offense. That's good, and should mean that last year's rookie surprise shouldn't be totally lost in the offensive system when he returns.
Laurent Robinson and Keenan Burton are the top guys now, with Ronald Curry a probable candidate for top three on the list. Robinson has the speed and ability to be a deep threat, stretching the field. The former Falcon has also looked good in camp's early going, showing good run after catch ability. This year's camp just got even more important for Burton, who needs to establish himself as a top possession threat. Curry is a good set of hands in coverage too.
It was a tackle by CB Justin King that put Avery on the shelf. King had his season ended early in camp last year, after a promising start, with a toe/foot injury. Oh the irony.
The PD mentions some free agent possibilities for the Rams, none of whom would be straight up replacements for Avery. I'd say to watch Avery's progress, and if he's not on the speedy side of a recovery, the Rams will probably add a player from among the roster casualties as teams hone their rosters down to 53 players.
No offense to Avery, but be happy this wasn't Steven Jackson.

Avery's the worst of the injury news, but there's more to be concerned about. DT Adam Carriker is day-to-day, and could miss two weeks. FB Mike Karney is still sitting out some activities, but should be back to full speed soon.

What to make of the Rams interest in DT Shaun Smith? I'd say they're giving him their due diligence with Carriker's situation and a little more size up front never hurts. They haven't signed him yet, and he was cut after some reported disagreements with a Browns coach.

Uh oh, St. Louis Rams FB Mike Karney out with ankle injury

VanRam — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:26:28 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams linebacker Chris Draft is practicing as the team's starting strongside linebacker in camp this week.

Browse more photos »

St. Louis Rams FB Mike Karney, an important part of the plan to make RB Steven Jackson the centerpiece of the offense, sat out practice again today with a ankle injury.

An x-ray confirmed that the injury is similar to one he's dealt with before. Spagnuolo was optimistic that Karney will be back on the field soon enough. Let's hope the coach is right. Last season, Karney missed 4 games because of his ankle.

G John Greco twisted his ankle today and sat out. A couple other notes of interest from practice today include Chris Draft working with the first team as the SLB. We're not even a week into camp, so the battle for that job is far from over.

In kick returning news, WR Tim Carter jumped into the mix today, and the official Rams site reports that Ronald Curry is getting a look. I don't believe Curry will still be getting a look as camp moves along. Carter's an interesting name, and I'll be anxious to hear reports on how he does. The official site says that Kenneth Darby "has been getting the first look." Hmm, the Rams are really smitten with Darby right now. Just last week, he was said to be the primary backup for Steven Jackson.

NFC West Breakdown: St. Louis Rams

Pyromnc — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:00:11 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

7 months ago: St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo jogs across the practice field during NFL football minicamp at the Rams' training facility Friday, May 1, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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ROTB would like to welcome a new author to the group, Pyromnc who will be previewing each of the NFC West teams in the upcoming weeks and he might even take a crack at each of the 2009 opponents on the Cardinals' schedule. Once the season kicks off Pyro can will help ROTB cover even more ground than we did last season and bring more content to this ever growing community ~ ROTB Admins

Key additions for 2009: C Jason Brown (Ravens), S James Butler (Giants), FB Mike Karney (New Orleans), WR Ronald Curry (Lions) , and WR Laurent Robinson (Falcons) and QB Kyle Boller (Ravens).

Key players lost for 2009: TE Anthony Becht (Cardinals), S Corey Chavous (FA), DT La'Roi Glover (Retired), QB Trent Green (Retired), OL Orlando Pace (Bears), WR Torry Holt (Jaguars), and LB Pisa Tinoisamoa (Bears).

Drafted Players: OT Jason Smith (1st), LB James Laurinaitis (2nd), CB Bradley Fletcher (3rd), DT Dorell Scott (4th), WR Brooks Foster(5th), QB Keith Null (6th), and RB Chris Obgonnaya (7th).

For the past few couple seasons the St. Louis Rams have been one of the worst teams in the NFL. In 2007 they went 3-13 and in 2008 they went 2-14. Those aren't very good records but things are starting to look good after the signing of former defensive coordinator of the Giants Steve Spagnuolo to be the head coach.

Over the past few years Spagnuolo had created one of the top defenses in the NFL with the Giants and he hopes to do the same with the Rams. He created these defenses by collecting lots of talented players to create depth at every position. He has already started doing this by drafting James Laurinaitis, Bradley Fletcher, and Dorell Scott, all of whom he hopes can contribute in a big way. He also went out and got one of his own from New York by signing James Butler to go along with Oshiomogho Atogwe at the safety spots on defense. Other notable players returning for another year that will help this defense become what Spags was known for in New York are Leonard Little (DE), James Hall (DE), Will Witherspoon (LB), Tye Hill (CB), Adam Carrker (DT) whom has not lived up to expectations yet. Last but certainly not least is the number two pick in last year's draft Chris Long who has Rams' fans hoping that he can play like his dad did for the Raiders.. With the new and returning players this unit has the potential to become one of the best in the league but will most likely need some more seasoning to become just that. As for the offensive side of the ball, well that's another story.

When you think of the Rams past offenses you think of Kurt Warner and that high powered offense that won the team a Super Bowl and came awfully close to winning a 2nd one. The current offense however is no where close to being mentioned in the same breath. Since that last Super Bowl this team has had a makeover on the offensive side and they have lost Kurt Warner, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Orlando Pace, and Marshal Faulk. Kurt Warner was replaced by Marc Bulger in 2003 and at the time was looking like the right move as Warner looked like he was on the downside of his career. Now that is looking like a bad move as Warner is back to being one of the top QBs in the league and Bulger can't stay healthy, and when he does he has trouble with turnovers. This could be attributed to the awful offensive lines that the Rams have had the past few seasons. This line has been unable to stay healthy which makes it hard for Bulger because the backups couldn't really create a pocket for Bulger to throw in. This should be fixed, at least a little bit, as they drafted Jason Smith to replace Pace and then went out and signed Jason Brown who played well for the Ravens last season. The losses of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce leave the team with question marks at the receiver spots as the team really only has Donnie Avery and he has just 1 year experience, which means he still has a lot to prove. Steven Jackson was drafted to replace Faulk and he definitely is a very good RB and probably their best player on offense but his problem for the last few years has been staying healthy. Jackson absolutely has to stay healthy if this unit wants to do anything on offense as they are not very deep at the position. As you can see there are tons of question marks on this side of the ball.

Spags definitely has his work cut out for him as this team still needs some work on defense and a lot of work on offense. The biggest thing Spags really needs to do on defense is just continue creating depth and make sure the younger players continue to progress. On the offensive side of the ball he just needs to keep upgrading that line, making sure everyone stays healthy, and try to add some more playmakers. If he continues doing this than this Rams team should get back to that dominating team we all remember in 1999-20001.

Record for 2009: 4-12
Record Vs the Cardinals: 0-2
Record Vs the NFC West: 1-5

Poll

What's the Biggest obstacle facing the Rams this season?

Keeping Bulger, Jackson, and OL healthy

239 votes

Young receivers stepping up

60 votes

Defense playing with all the potential it has

75 votes

Somthing else, specify in comments.

11 votes

385 votes | Poll has closed

Best & worst case scenarios from the St. Louis Rams training camp: The Receivers

VanRam — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:53:57 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

The St. Louis Rams would like to see rookie fifth-round draft pick wide receiver Brooks Foster develop into a contributing member of the wide receivers. If the WRs on top of the depth chart are injured, he'll likely be called upon to help the passing game. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Browse more photos »

Training camp is all but here. The pads will be on, the hitting starts, and we'll really and truly start to get a feel for what the first season of a new era of St. Louis Rams football will look like. We're jumping into a week of training camp previews here at TST will a variety of posts, FanPosts, and commentary sure to get you even more excited than usual for the Rams season.

We've looked at the roster and individual players and positions throughout the summer, and that will continue as we take on a decidedly more urgent feel. This year, TST examines the burning issues surrounding the Rams with a slightly different take, more crystal ball, less review of the topic. Through the week, we'll slice and dice those hot button topics by mapping out scenarios. Oh sure, it's an idea blatantly borrowed from another NFL blog, but since we're all about the Rams it's, you know, different.

Enough yada, yada, yada, let's jump right in with the topic that's been bandied about by pundits since the release of Torry Holt and the decision to pass on Michael Crabtree in the draft (a move looking better and better with each passing day). Of course, I'm talking about the wide receivers. As you may have heard, the Rams have an inexperienced group of receivers. Before adding Ronald Curry to the mix last week, the total NFL receptions among the lot sat somewhere south of 200, and most of those (53) belonged to Donnie Avery, last year's second round pick who burst onto the scene as a deep threat and gradually grew into a more complete receiver as the season passed.

The addition of Curry gives the Rams a sure-handed pass catcher with a resume. He won't beat anyone with his speed, but his hands and size make him a potentially valuable player in Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense. The question marks stand out once you dig down behind those two on the depth chart. Keenan Burton needs to get healthy and use his physical gifts and tight route running ability to be the possession WR the needs him to be. Laurent Robinson is another who needs to stay healthy in order to be the deep threat for the team this year. Behind those guys, the Rams have some guys who are not particularly being counted on this season, but won't be excluded from expectations nevertheless. And now, the scenarios...

Best case scenario: Avery has the ability to be the number one WR in this offense, but for him to be a threat on the short and intermediate routes where West Coast receivers make a living, the Rams need a possession threat on his other side. This best case scenario starts with Keenan Burton staying healthy. If he does, he can have a great camp, click with a better protect Marc Bulger and finally become a name-brand possession receiver. In the slot, is Ronald Curry, with a new lease on his football life since joining the Rams. With Avery locked up in double coverage inside the red zone, Curry and Burton become prime threats. Robinson stretches the field throughout the year, hitting a few home runs and opening the way for less interference in the middle for the top three guys. Let's not forget the others here either. With injury issues hanging over head, the Rams will almost certainly need Brooks Foster or one of the other names down the depth chart to find their way and be capable fill-ins.

Worst case scenario: The prophets warned of inexperience and the prediction holds true. Avery is good enough to muscle his way to better numbers than his rookie season, but it's just not enough for the Rams to have a threatening passing game. Burton deals with injury and struggles to find his physical play and loses his route running skills in the new offense. Ronald Curry's hands fail him as does his 32-year-old body. Forced to be the go-to guy too often, opponents simply lock him up with a single guy in coverage. Robinson, if he stays healthy, still has the occasional deep ball, but it's too little too late. The rest of the receivers on the roster prove to be too green to matter, and can't fill meet the team's needs.

What to watch: Have we mentioned health yet? Keep an eye on Burton and Robinson in particular. If they stay healthy through camp and look like the players they've shown the ability to be, you can rest easy. Also, healthy or not, watch how players pick up the playbook once the hitting starts.

Most likely outcome: I think the cries of doom for the Rams receives are a little overblown. However, the injury concerns are too prevalent with this group to assume the team won't deal with it at some point during the year. I think as long as the Rams have Avery and some combination of Curry/Burton and another decent option at #3, they'll be alright. Alright, mostly because Steven Jackson and Randy McMichael figure heavily into the passing game, and if the receivers turn out to be no better than concerns for opposing defenses (as opposed to a serious threat) the offense will be able to compete.

Quinn Johnson, Dom Capers, and Piling on the Lions

Brandon — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:00:12 -0000

More photos » by Mike Roemer - AP

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The Packers signed 5th round FB Quinn Johnson. That leaves only the top two 1st round picks, DT B.J. Raji and LB Clay Matthews, unsigned. It's nothing to be worried about; only two 1st round picks have signed as of today (QBs Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez).
Brad Biggs is good writer who unfortunately writes about the Bears, so he was interviewed over at Windy City Gridiron, and had a good response re: new defensive coordinator Dom Capers:

Everywhere Dom Capers has been, he's had a knack for getting that system up and running immediately. There hasn't been an adjustment period, Capers' 3-4 defenses have been very good and they've been very good in a hurry. Even if Green Bay is aging in the secondary, the Packers still have some solid players back there and the Bears' wide receivers would probably be the first to tell you that. Capers had a dramatic impact on defenses he ran in Jacksonville and Miami in his first season with those clubs, and with expansion teams in Carolina and Houston, he was solid immediately. Carolina was seventh in total defense in 1995, its first year. The issue is going to be how the personnel will fit on the line and at linebacker where some are concerned about Aaron Kampman's ability to adjust. If Capers can enjoy somewhat instant success once again, sure, the Packers will be in the race.

I don't mean to pile on the Lions, I'm not trying to kick an 0-16 team when their down, but they keep making pointless signings and trades. Now they've traded recently signed WR Ronald Curry for DT Orien Harris. Curry isn't valuable, he's just one of a number of mediocre veteran receivers they've signed or traded for this year. WR Bryant Johnson and WR Dennis Northcutt are the others. Sean wrote that Harris is now on his 7th team in 5 seasons. So they've traded an expendable veteran receiver for a defensive tackle that has already been cut loose by six different NFL teams. I know they need help at defensive tackle, DT John Thornton recently turned them down in favor of retirement, but I'm not sure Harris qualifies as "help." They don't seem to be making any strides towards becoming a better team, but keep rearranging the deck chairs on a sunk ship.

Lions Acquire Orien Harris from Rams for Ronald Curry

Sean Yuille — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:13:30 -0000

For the second time in the last month or so, the Lions have made a trade involving a wide receiver, this time sending Ronald Curry to the Rams in exchange for defensive tackle Orien Harris. At the end of last month, the Lions acquired Dennis Northcutt from the Jaguars, adding more depth to the wide receiver position. It is now becoming apparent that that move was made because the Lions weren't completely happy with the slot WR position. Curry was signed earlier in the offseason to shore up depth at WR and play the slot. By trading for Northcutt, Curry then became expendable, and the Lions decided that it was time to start shoring up depth on the defensive line.

Orien Harris is only entering his fifth season in the league and the Lions are already his seventh different team. He was a fourth-round draft pick by the Steelers in 2006 but finished the year with the Browns. He then went to the Bills in 2007 but finished the year with the Saints. In 2008, he had 14 tackles for the Bengals, the only team he played for last season. Harris was traded back in May to the Rams, the team that dealt him to the Lions today.

It doesn't appear that Harris will suddenly become a starter or anything like that, but the Lions have an enormous need for depth at defensive tackle, and that is what he will provide -- depth. Considering the Lions no longer had a need for Ronald Curry after picking up Dennis Northcutt, this move was made to shore things up at DT. The defensive line in general is hurting for depth, so this trade was definitely made to add a big man (Harris is 6-3, 300 lbs.) to the D-line.

St. Louis Rams make a trade for WR Ronald Curry

VanRam — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:00:11 -0000

The Rams have made a move to address their relative lack of experience at wide receiver, acquiring Ronald Curry from the Lions in exchange for DT Orien Harris. Essentially, the Rams traded Brian Leonard for Curry, since Harris was the guy they got in the Leonard swap.

Curry is a good get for the Rams, and he most likely becomes an instant favorite for one of the top three receiver postions. Curry was the #1 WR in Oakland in 2006 and 2007. He could be the Rams number two WR, behind Donnie Avery, or a number three used to move chains catching passes in the middle.

What becomes of Keenan Burton now? It's nice to have two guys that can play physical, and since both Curry and Burton are no strangers to the injury report, the addition of one does not necessarily mean less playing time for the other. Still, I can't help but wonder if the coaches are concerned about Burton's injury or ability, or both. In my mind, the most likely combo for three receiver sets is now Avery, Curry and Laurent Robinson.

And what about depth at DT? Harris was the fourth man in that rotation, an athletic guy who has some pass rushing ability. Of course, both Clifton Ryan and Adam Carriker are athletic guys who'll be crashing the pocket as the Rams starting DTs. Fourth round pick Darell Scott is the third DT, a more prototypical NT with enough athletic ability to surprise a few middle offensive linemen on rushes. Grabbing a spot behind those three could be Antwon Burton, a big run stuffer who could be used situationally in short yardage downs. Willie Williams, who the Rams kept on the practice squad most of last season, is another candidate, as a rotational guy his skills are more in line with the pocket-crasher type DT. Of the players currently on the roster, those two would be my top choices for the fourth DT role. However, Spags could surprise and keep five DEs and just three DTs, since his schemes are known use ends in the tackle spots.

Wildcat update: Don't forget Curry was a QB at North Carolina. Could we see some wildcat formations with Curry now?

Sando has the Scouts, Inc. take on the deal. In short, low risk, nice potential reward for the Rams.