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AlbaNY_Ram
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Rams43
The other and by far the most important thing is that it’s hard to explain why Morris kept him off the field for 5 games after doctors had cleared him even though Kendrick was clearly struggling.
One possible explanation as I've mentioned is that Kendricks knew the defense and Durant didn't. Putting Durant out there in that scenario would limit the defense as a whole despite Durant's superior skills. Maybe - just maybe - Durant was a better option in week 2 when neither player really knew the defense due to his superior skills and Kendrick's was a better option in week 8 due to his superior grasp of the defense. I know you're on this kick where you want to spout off about how dumb the Rams' coaches are, but perhaps in this case there's more to the story.
Alyoshamucci summed it up prophetically in a post 4 months ago. [
ramsrule.com] I draw your attention to the highlighted text.
I knew Durant was special. Didn't know how fast he'd acclimate, though.
I knew Kendrick was a winner, just didn't get his terrible timed speed.
I think Kendrick moves all around for us, honestly, maybe not this year, but in his final form ...
I think Durant will be our best draft pick since Akers. He's gonna be a pick 6 guy.
Here’s my rebuttal, AlbaNY.
Rams felt that Durant was ‘more ready’ than Kendrick by game 2. They proved this by putting him on the field which is the acid test.
After his injury Durant couldn’t see the field so Kendrick was inserted BUT there was no reason that Durant couldn’t still study and master the D while he recovered. Team meetings, watching practices, talking to coaches individually, seeking out vets (like Ramsey) to pick their brains, film study, etc.
My point remains that hindsight is telling us that it was a mistake to hold back Durant for those 5 games after he was cleared while Kendrick continued to flounder. It’s borderline coaching malpractice, if you ask me.
Morris has a rep with the Falcons that he favored ‘his boys’ over other qualified players. I suspect and fear that he’s done the same here with the Rams. Kendrick was one of ‘his boys’ and Durant apparently wasn’t. I know that sounds irrational on Morris’ part but perhaps he just can’t help himself?
Anyway, I’ve tried my level best to find a logical reason for this Kendrick/Durant thing and nothing else makes sense. Since Morris is the DC I’ve gotta lay this ‘mistake’ at his feet.
