2012-2016- The Fisher Era

Hard Knocks Ep. 11.2: Trash-talking, bad driving, American flag tank tops and Spruuuuuuuuce

Following the "Hard Knocks" crew at Rams camp. (Credit: LA Times)

Fight, fight, fight! Episode 2 of HBO’s Hard Knocks starts off at the Memorial Coliseum with a backdrop of several Los Angeles Rams players getting involved in a “skirmish.” The rise in tensions between teammates is perfect sign that competition between teammates is heating up.

Am I the only one that enjoys watching defensive line coach Mike Waufle get in the players’ faces, cursing his players out as well as encouraging his men to be more physical to the quarterbacks in practice? “Knock them the f*ck back. A bunch of quarterbacks on the f*cking ground. Go celebrate that sh*t b*tch, f*ck you! Coach Waufle responded angrily after offensive players led by running back Todd Gurley began to gloat a little bit after moving the ball at will during practice early on in the episode. His angry outbursts basically encouraging his players to rough up the Rams quarterbacks has made him my favorite coach out of the entire staff.

The battle for the starting quarterback position is in full swing. All three Rams quarterbacks were locked and loaded early on slinging passes left and right past defenses during practice at a much higher level compared to the first episode. Sean Mannion showed Jared Goff just how accurate a third string quarterback can be by perfectly throwing a pass 40 yards to the crossbar of the goal post. Goff lost out on a $100 because of it. Meanwhile, Case Keenum has been a true professional competing in the shadow of the rookie Goff. Quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke noted that Case has “put the blinders on” and “is going to compete hard (for the starting quarterback job).”

While Goff may be the quarterback of the future, Keenum appears to be the quarterback of the present. He understands that all of the attention will be placed on Goff, but he remains the starting quarterback in Coach Fisher’s depth chart despite the hype around the first overall 2016 NFL Draft pick. His play on the field during his first preseason game appear to make him the starter heading into Week 1, but we’ll talk about that a little later.

From defensive lineman William Hayes’s belief that dinosaurs did not exist but simultaneously believing that mermaids do exist,wide receiver Kenny Britt’s inability to drive golf carts, and center Eric Kush’s American flag tank tops, this Rams team has a large cast of characters that likes to keep things loose.

Among the many personalities that are in camp this summer, my favorite player in this episode was WR Tavon Austin. He is not afraid to wear socks with Roger Goodell’s face on them, nor is he afraid of calling out his teammates during practice. Even fans aren’t immune to his trash talk. “That Colts jersey gotta get up outta here”exclaimed Austin, in reference to a fan that showed up wearing an Andrew Luck Jersey.

Aside from his amazing trash talking skills, Austin is simultaneously becoming a great mentor to his younger WR corps. In one instance, he showed another wide receiver how to shake off his opponent by using his hands.

The first preseason game exposed some of the Rams’ weaknesses right way, spotting the Cowboys a 14-point lead early in the first quarter. The coaching staff at halftime was livid. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was dumbfounded at his veterans’ stupid mistakes. Offensive coordinator Rob Boras ripped his players for not getting to the line of scrimmage quicker.

Things dramatically changed in the second half. Third-string QB Sean Mannion and WR Nelson Spruce stole the show Saturday night, hooking up on passes several times, turning 24-7 second half deficit to a 28-24 preseason victory. While Fisher congratulated the team on a hard-fought victory, he acknowledged that a lot of work has to be done.

Sources: HBO

Martin Cruz is a staff writer for Rams Talk. Follow him on twitter at @MCruz1988.

Most Popular

To Top