Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris Brings New Energy to Rams OTAsL.A.'s new defensive coordinator offers hands-on approach
ERIC D. WILLIAMS
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Something didn’t look right to Raheem Morris.
While helping to direct a footwork drills with linebackers coach Mike Shula, the Los Angeles Rams new defensive coordinator stopped Kenny Young, asking him to do the drill over.
“You got to keep one foot on the ground at all times!” Morris bellowed, demonstrating to Young what he wanted.
Young went through the drill again, apparently this time doing it the right way and getting a “Good job!” from Morris.
“He was telling me I’m not at UCLA anymore and to stop hopping in my shuffle,” Young said with a smile after practice. “He was just getting me right, telling me to keep my feet in the grass.”
While the Rams returned most of the players from the team’s No. 1-ranked defense, the lost an important piece when defensive coordinator Brandon Staley took the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Morris has big shoes to fill but brings a big personality to the practice field.
“They’re both energy guys, but Coach Morris likes to talk a tad bit more junk to you,” Rams edge rusher Leonard Floyd said, when asked to compare Staley and Morris. “And that gets you going a lot.”
Some other notes from minicamp this week:
* Tutu Atwell looked good getting in and out of his breaks and catching the ball, particularly on out-breaking routes along the sideline. Atwell is a natural hands catcher and showed no problems creating separation during 7-on-7 drills. Interested to see how he plays in pads during training camp.
* Second-year pro Bryce Perkins looked more accurate throwing the ball, particularly outside the numbers. Perkins threw a handful of solid completions on out routes, doing a nice job of driving the football and hitting the receivers on time.
* Safety Jake Gervase is making the transition to linebacker. With a deep, talented group at safety, Gervase has a better shot of sticking around at linebacker if he can contribute on special teams.
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