Ramblin' Fan » OTA

Fisher Comments From Wednesday’s OTAs

Justin Stine — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 06:26:47 +0000

May 11, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher during mini camp at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

I was hoping to get this up Wednesday night after the Rams worked out during their OTAs, but it sounds like the team has been having issues with their media website so I didn’t get a copy of the transcript until today. Since it’s better late than never, let’s take a look at some of the things head coach Jeff Fisher had to say Wednesday. OL’s Jason Smith and Scott Wells were both given the day off, which Fisher addressed at the end of his meeting with the media.

“Let me get you guys caught up. Last week was an off week for veterans, but the rookies stayed and didn’t work with the coaches. They just stayed and got caught up from a conditioning/lifting standpoint. It was very beneficial for them because yesterday, it appears everyone is caught up now. They’ve closed the gap. Everyone is in really good shape and we’ve had two really good days of practice. We got a lot done, a lot of situational type things done. I’m going to give them tomorrow off. We’re required to have four OTAs this week. I think four is too many. In the offseason, four consecutive practice days is too many, so they’re going to just get a lift in tomorrow and that’s all we’ll require. We’ll finish up with the OTAs on Friday.”

(On having RB Isaiah Pead at OTAs now that his school is out)

“Yeah, first day. It looks like he’s been in the book, but we’ll have to watch him. He appears to be in good shape, but there’s no substitute for working here. So, we’ll watch him over the next couple of days and then we’ll get him really into our mandatory minicamp next week.”

(On WR Brian Quick’s progress)

“He’s picking up the offense. He made a lot of plays yesterday, impressive plays yesterday throughout practice. He’s doing fine. He’s like the rest of the guys, when you start putting so much in every day you start thinking a little bit rather than just going out and playing. That’s kind of where he’s at right now. He’s thinking, but he’s still making plays. We don’t put numbers on him. What you do is you take it day-by day. You just keep feeding him information. He’s a smart young man and obviously he’s got an excellent coach, so we’ve seen the progress.”

(On DE Robert Quinn)

“We’ve seen significant improvement. Now keep in mind, as I always have to follow up with saying, we’re not in pads. But what he’s doing with his hands, and (Defensive Line) Coach (Mike) Waufle is really excited about him. He’s learned a couple extra moves here and there. If he can carry them over into pads, he’s going to have a good year.”

(On how the players have done learning the defense)

“The veterans here have done a really good job. They’re excited. When you stand out and watch practice and everyone on defense is talking, everybody understands the defense.”

Rams Sign Pead, Zuerlein To Deals

Justin Stine — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:33:52 +0000

May 11, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Isaiah Pead (24) catches a ball during mini camp at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

The Rams were back at work on the field Wednesday, but the front office was busy doing its job as well. The team has agreed to rookie deals with third-round running back Isaiah Pead and sixth-round kicker Greg Zuerlein. Pead is expected to serve as the backup to Steven Jackson this season, while Zuerlein is expected to be the team’s starting kicker.

These were two signings that needed to be done, so it’s a good thing they are taken care of. Pead hasn’t done much work with the team yet due to his college schedule, but he’s done now and he won’t be missing any more time with the deal done. The Rams really like him, and they believe he can be a large contributor to this squad right away. We are pretty much going off his tapes from college still since he hasn’t done much in St. Louis, so it will be worth it to watch him closely this summer.

It might not seem that getting Zuerlein signed is a big deal, but considering we released Josh Brown and handed him the starting job, we needed to get him signed. I think Rams fans are going to be pleasantly surprised and impressed when they see this kid in action, but we still don’t know for sure he e will handle kicking on a big stage like the NFL.

Rams Holding Final OTA Sessions This Week

Justin Stine — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 07:11:40 +0000

April 27, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher introduces 2012 first round draft pick Michael Brockers to the media at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

The Rams are concluding their 2012 organized team activities this week, and Friday will be the final session. Wednesday, the team will go from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and they will go during the same time Friday.

Jeff Fisher will speak to the media after Wednesday’s session, so I will try to get some of his comments up here at the site if possible. Select players will be available after both sessions, so hopefully we can get some of their stuff as well. This will be the last week of workouts before camp starts, so it will be interesting to see what Fisher has to say.