Sam played in about nine quarters in four preseason games (3 v NO, 2 v GB, 1 v CLE, and 4 v MIA). I counted 2 sacks and 3 pressures. Here are the sacks:
Both sacks came in the 4th quarter when it was 3rd down and forever (19 & 21 respectively). Flynn tried getting away but Sam closed the distance quickly. Manziel was locked in on his receiver and he got blindsided. Two of his pressures were because he was not blocked. The other pressure, Sam got by a block with speed.
Sam would have had 2 TFL's this preseason but he missed both. One was on a shotgun hand off. He got through the line quickly and had the RB dead to rights but he whiffed on the tackle. The other play he split a block and got to the ball carrier about 2 or 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage. He was just behind the RB and goes for the tackle but couldn't wrap up and the ball carrier turns a negative play into a positive one.
Sam played primarily LDE. St. Louis had Sam line up as RDE for one series and he couldn't do anything. Sam doesn't have enough speed or the pass rushing moves to compete on the weak side right now. We need RDE's.
I was a little surprised that Sam can play against the run. He's stronger than I thought. He can handle 2nd team RT's. Sam was able to set the edge by using his long arms and a good base. He would be an even better run defender if he could shed blocks quicker.
Overall, Sam has some ability but he needs work. He isn't quick enough to win with speed only. Especially against better competition because he struggled against backups. Sam isn't going to overtake any of our defensive ends on the roster. He isn't good enough. He does have a nice motor and he doesn't give up on plays. I think the practice squad is where he belongs. He can get more work and in time he could turn into a player.
excellent way to post about the signing.
end of the day it is about performance and nothing else.
sam was not good enough to make the rams roster.
he is good enough to make this practice squad.
if he averages 3 sacks every 4 games (like he did in the pre-season) here he'll be good enough to make the ring of honor.
but first he has to prove in practice he's good enough to even make the 53.
right now no way we truly know that.
once he practices with these guys we will.
whichever rams DE was cut, westbrooks or sam was always the best possible DE available for the PS.
the Rams have arguably the best DL in football, yes even better than Seattle and we'd love any of their top 8 guys.
Sam is insanely strong in his lower body and can hold at the point of attack.
He lacks the upper body strength to toss aside blockers though.
He is an effort guy who will plow through defenders and get sacks.
He doesn't display elite quickness and lacks height off the edge for batting down balls.
Does have very long arms for his height.
Probably is best as a 275 pound 1st or 2nd down RDE that moves to SDE for passing situations.
Early in his career many only be able to play as a SDE on pass rushing downs.
Has enough pass rush acumen to keep RTs honest.
His college production wasn't a mirage.
His effort and overall level of play was quite high.
He will be best next to a pass rushing demon at 3 that draws double teams.
Probably a round 4-5 grade as a prospect if there was no stigma associated with him.
Needs to gain upper body strength and learn some pass rush moves beyond a bull rush.
With 15 pounds of muscle added over a couple of years could become a Pro Bowl SDE. But that's the ceiling.
His biggest asset is you do not have to worry about him playing hard.
As a coach that's the best thing you could say to me about any of my players.
