The RamCave
By Joe Torosian
I’ve been holding off, but slow the roll and heed the words of The Wolf when it comes to Bryce Perkins. I like him, he looks like he’s got ability, but let’s remember that he played 11.5 quarters of three preseason games, and the Rams lost all three.
(6-points vs. the Chargers, 16-points vs. the Raiders, 12-points vs. the Broncos)
Les Snead and Sean McVay will not kick John Wolford to the curb, especially after Wofford won the next closest thing to playoff game over the Cardinals last January.
I’m not a big fan of Cam Newton’s skill set, but if Wolford was gone and Perkins was QB2… I’d want the Rams to sign Newton.
(The Dallas Cowboys should be signing Newton. They’re not, and I think it’s marvelous.)
There are three players on the Rams roster you are not hearing about but need to be watched.
Van Jefferson, David Long Jr., and Terrell Burgess.
Van Jefferson
Van Jefferson (Jersey #12, same as former Rams: Brandin Cooks, Sammy Watkins, & Stedman Bailey): Jefferson looks like he’s in the fourth spot again this season behind DeSean Jackson. He spent 2020 behind Josh Reynolds, who was dependable and durable, so Jefferson’s reps were limited. He should be more of a factor this year because Jackson’s older and more fragile. The Rams need Jackson to remain healthy and run sprints downfield. He won’t be a full-time third receiver. Occasionally, he’ll be open, but more often than not, he’ll clear the deck for everyone else underneath. Jefferson will see much more of the field and should make a greater impact in 2021.
David Long Jr.
David Long Jr. (Jersey #22, same as recent corners Troy Hill, Marcus Peters, & Trumaine Johnson. Vince Newsome wore it at safety for 8-seasons. Marcus Dupree wore it, as did John Cappelletti, Elijah Pitts, and Dick Bass. And, did you know NFL HOFer, James Lofton wore #22 in one game for the Rams in 1993?): For Long, it’s simple. He was a third-round pick in 2019 out of Michigan. “Bro, it’s time.” Troy Hill was expendable, but he was more than serviceable. The jury’s still out on Long, and he’s likely hearing Robert Rochell’s footsteps.
Terrell Burgess
Terrell Burgess (Jersey #26, same as Mark Barron, Wendell Tyler, & “Jaguar” Jon Arnett.): The Rams are stacked at safety and thin, depth-wise, at cornerback. Burgess has impressed with his coverage ability, and there’s a lot of thinking he could be the one to step into the nickel-corner slot if Long flounders and Rochell’s proves unready. (And scouts say Rochell’s better suited to play an outside spot.)
I’ll add a fourth one…Justin Hollins. Denver released him last September, and the Rams grabbed him. In 2020 he added three sacks and brought some pressure into the backfield. Right now, Hollins is slated to be the starter at the other edge-linebacker spot—on the right side.
Keep an eye out for him. Maybe, just maybe, the Rams have found another diamond in the rough. When he produces, then we’ll have a discussion about him wearing Isiah Robertson’s number.
***
NFL Coaches Currently on The Green Mile:
Denver Broncos HC, Vic Fangio. If any other guy in sports is more ready to be fired, I can’t think of him. Fangio is like one of those people the dead don’t eat in a zombie movie. They can already smell he’s one of them.
Minnesota Vikings HC, Mike Zimmer. Zim’s not a disaster, he’s just mediocre. I’m tired of the faces he makes. He looks like Todd Packer from “The Office.”
I’m tired of being burned about things and nothing changing. If he’s not done during the season, he’ll be done by February.
Arizona Cardinals HC, Kliff Kingsbury. I applaud him for not taking the USC OC gig…I applaud him for every achievement, but I don’t think the desert version of “The Over The Hill Gang” will save him. Not in the NFC West. He’s no George Allen, but then again, Kyler Murray’s no Patrick Mahomes. Kingsbury survives the season but is gone before February.
Joe T. is the author of “Tangent Dreams: A High School Football Novel” … “Temple City & The Company of The Ages” … “The Dead Bug Tales” … “The Dark Norm” & “FaithViews for Storm Riders”…all five available through Amazon.com.
www.JoeTorosian.com
jtbank1964@yahoo.com
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