Just got back from practice. It was my 11th practice this year. It was the most spirited one to date. Here's a couple of highlights:
After individual position drills the team did some 11 on 11. You could here the players taking jabs at each other. The defense took some liberties with some extra contact that you don't normally see in intra squad practices. Specifically, Terrance Magee helmet was knocked of on a run play. It was the 3's vs 3's, but there was a lot of talking going on. Once the period was over, they continued the 11 vs 11 on a different part of the field. After a few plays Cooper caught a ball over the middle and was hit high by Mo Alexander. Cooper was immediately checked by the medical staff and was definitely woozy. He went to the locker room and didn't return. The offense wasn't happy. The intensity continued and really started to come to a head when Benny Cunningham caught a ball in the flat and was hit but didn't go down. He continued to run looking back at the defender saying something when out nowhere came Alec Ogletree who then laid him out. Pushing and shoving began. There was a big scrum which was broken up. On the very next play Gurley took the handoff and was met by a trio of defenders, one being Alec Ogletree, who then threw him to the ground. Gurley was on the bottom of a huge pile of players. The whole team ran to the scrum. Tavon Austin was throwing hay makers at guys with helmets on (not very smart btw). Jeff Fisher wasn't happy. He started yelling at the entire team. He made everyone sit on the ground. Told everyone to shut the F*** up. They stretched for several minutes. He then brought the team together. Said a few words, then they continued practice.
I don't think Alec Ogletree watched last nights episode of Hard Knocks or at least the part about no one touches #30. He seemed especially focused today. I don't know if the pressure of being the new leader is getting to him or he's just trying to set the tone for the defense, but he was locked in today. I don't think he's happy with the way the defense has played so far.
The offense today consisted of a lot of running plays in the early part of practice, then a lot of short yardage passing game and check downs. It must have been the script for practice, because every throw was 5-10 yards or a check down.
For those who believe Jared Goff is the #3 QB you may want to go to practice sometime. He took half his reps with the 1's today including all the reps during a walk through period.Sean Mannion maybe got 5 live reps today. As was the case the last two practices I attended.
One other thing on Goff. He's light years ahead of where he was practice #1. He has made steady progress!!!. Maybe not fast enough for some, but progress non the less. You see the flashes everyday. We just need to be patient. He'll get there. Let's see what happens Saturday.
Coples is running with the 3's on a consistent basis. I don't think he's going to make this team. Just my gut feeling!
Higbee is good. He's been good all camp. Trying not to get too excited about this guy, but he catches everything thrown his way. He even makes contested catches unlike our former tight end who now plays in Green Bay. He caught a TD today in the red zone. He has a knack for getting open there.
Havenstein did individual drills today. He worked off to the side while practice was taking place. He looks to be making progress.
Aaron Donald is a beast. He gets consistent pressure. There are times where its hard for the Offense to practice the plays because he's in the backfield constantly.
Gaines is our 2nd best corner. We NEED him to stay healthy. Joyner isn't an outside guy. Needs to play in the slot.
McDonald wasn't very good early in camp. He seems to be playing much better now.
Barron was back at it today. Looked to be fine.
There's plenty more to talk about... I'll save it for another post, another day!!
This is my first real post on the board. I've been reading your posts for years. I decided to contribute now that there back in Cali. I've always appreciated the camp reports from the guys in St Louis, so I wanted to give back...
Thanks!!!
