Bradford Still My QB

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

RamsesIII

UDFA
Joined
Jul 24, 2014
Messages
50
A thoughtful & enlightening conversation. Well-done by the OP setting the tone, & everyone involved speaking respectfully. My thoughts are that it's best of both worlds to have these two quarterbacks, and the Rams decade of bad luck could have a silver lining if that's the case.
 

Thordaddy

Binding you with ancient logic
Joined
Apr 5, 2012
Messages
10,462
Name
Rich
Is this really possible? Sorry, I've never read about how these things work but if we can really get a 1st round for him thats not bad at all.

Here's a wikilink

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restricted_free_agent
If we want Davis he's pretty well ours ,don't know for sure what duration ,it may be in the link I only read the table ,I rate the likelihood someone offers him enough to owe us a first round choice as pretty remote since guys who are physically more impressive will be available in nearly any first round scenario ,but armed with that pick wherever it might be plus our own first we could likely trade up to get the first or second rated QB anyway so in regards to Davis he's a windfall asset if he continue to perform at his current level.

I can't geyt over the FACT that it was not his level of play that prevented us from beating Dallas and they are so highly thought of since our game with them .IMO if Greg Williams can be worth his salt and get this defense playing up to his billing we have a formula that can be formidable this year .
 

RhodyRams

well hung member
Rams On Demand Sponsor
SportsBook Bookie
Moderator
Joined
Dec 10, 2012
Messages
11,754
when SB comes back he will be battling AD for the #1 QB spot. I would guess that depending on how this season turns out, Davis will be the incumbent and Bradford would have to win the job from him.

If Bradford is named the starting QB next season, then my guess is he will have a short leash..maybe 4 games, to prove he deserves the spot
 

moklerman

Warner-phile
Joined
Oct 8, 2011
Messages
2,185
Shouldn't the Rams actually learn from Washington in this case? I mean, look how the worm has turned there. Not saying Davis is going to tank like Cousins but I think it would be wise to exhaust all options. I think the Rams should slow-play the situation and make SURE Bradford isn't the answer.

My hope is that they are both back next year and battling for the starting job. I've never felt that Bradford has dogged it or put in less effort because he didn't have any competition but if he actually takes his game to the next level to clearly win the QB battle, that would be a great thing for the Rams. He was already playing pretty well and to go "up" from there would be awesome.

Davis deserves every chance at the starting job too and if this hypothetical QB battle is even close, Davis wins to keep the continuity and because of the much smaller contract. Clinically speaking, the best case scenario is that Bradford really shines, the Rams have a solid backup/insurance plan for 2015 and a hot commodity moving forward from there.
 

Big Willie

Starter
Joined
Aug 24, 2014
Messages
763
I am on the fence. I like Sam and believe he can be a high quality NFL QB, but he has holes in his game. Specifically, I think he lacks creativity and does not inspire his teammates to rally behind him. He needs an exceptional line in front of him or he struggles. AD on the other hand, doesn't have these limitations, but I think he lacks the desired arm strength and his size creates limitations only a few QBs have been able to overcome. Ideally, you have both in 2015 (provided you can sign Sam to an extension for 2015-2016 to reduce next years salary). My suggestion is to sign SB to that deal, evaluate the QBs in the draft and if you see one you love and have the chance of getting him, trade Bradford and let AD be your bridge guy.
 

MerlinJones

Pro Bowler
Joined
Jan 26, 2012
Messages
1,020
I've never felt that Bradford wasn't trying his hardest either.
That's part of the problem.

Someone can have all the talent in the world and still never put it all together.
Outside factors may sometimes play a part, but the end result is still the same.

If Austin Davis continues to play like he has, can continue to improve, and can stay on the field, he's the QB I want the Rams to get behind going forward.
 

Thordaddy

Binding you with ancient logic
Joined
Apr 5, 2012
Messages
10,462
Name
Rich
Shouldn't the Rams actually learn from Washington in this case? I mean, look how the worm has turned there. Not saying Davis is going to tank like Cousins but I think it would be wise to exhaust all options. I think the Rams should slow-play the situation and make SURE Bradford isn't the answer.

My hope is that they are both back next year and battling for the starting job. I've never felt that Bradford has dogged it or put in less effort because he didn't have any competition but if he actually takes his game to the next level to clearly win the QB battle, that would be a great thing for the Rams. He was already playing pretty well and to go "up" from there would be awesome.

Davis deserves every chance at the starting job too and if this hypothetical QB battle is even close, Davis wins to keep the continuity and because of the much smaller contract. Clinically speaking, the best case scenario is that Bradford really shines, the Rams have a solid backup/insurance plan for 2015 and a hot commodity moving forward from there.
Well as of yet Davis hasn't imploded but yeah I've thought that with Cousins was an example we aught to coach our enthusiasm, but they have been playing for relatively the same time and thus far Davis hasn't regressed in fact he's progressed so ,hopefully he's more Nick Foles than Cousins.
 

bwdenverram

Legend
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
5,497
Name
BW
At this point, I'm with Davis. We still have the rest of the season to play though.

Bradford could be the better pure thrower but he's too conservative and rarely takes a risk, require's great protection, and he's injury prone.

Davis is more aggressive, but still will take what the defense gives him. He senses pressure, buys time with his legs, and makes a play. I can't even count how many times Davis has made a huge play when more than likely Bradford would have been sacked or he throws it away.

In no way do I think Davis will be an elite QB at this point, but I feel like he will give us a better chance to win games now and down the road. I think he'll only get better.

I think pre-this year I would agree in terms of being to conservative. But everything I saw in preseason says that was over. He was throwing bullets all over the place. I think there was finally a certain level of comfort for him that he finally had guys that would make plays. Just a damn shame we didn't get to find out.

Will also add the one thing Austin seems to have that Bradford probably never will is a sense of awareness to escape pressure. Maybe that's just pure athleticism but Austin has definitely kept plays alive with his legs.
 

Philly5

Rookie
Joined
Jul 18, 2013
Messages
415
Old Larry is basking in satisfaction somewhere right now. . . .

Sitting in a full diaper is much more likely.

Too much uncertainty with Bradford for me to really speculate. I am sure if Fisher/Snead had their wish he would be healthy and the long term QB. Not many more talented QBs out there.
 

OkieRamFan

UDFA
Joined
Nov 23, 2013
Messages
45
Name
Harold
I just have a hard time believing that Fisher & Snead would kick Sam to the curb. They know what they have in Sam. If they do I suspect that it will come back to bite them. We are playing the QB this weekend whose career has been very similar to Sam's, look how he has finally prospered. My guess is that the Ram's will sign Sam to an extension that both he and the club can live with. Otherwise Sam will move on to Dallas or Denver or Arizona, R&R for a year then take over the retiring starter.
 

Thordaddy

Binding you with ancient logic
Joined
Apr 5, 2012
Messages
10,462
Name
Rich
I just have a hard time believing that Fisher & Snead would kick Sam to the curb. They know what they have in Sam. If they do I suspect that it will come back to bite them. We are playing the QB this weekend whose career has been very similar to Sam's, look how he has finally prospered. My guess is that the Ram's will sign Sam to an extension that both he and the club can live with. Otherwise Sam will move on to Dallas or Denver or Arizona, R&R for a year then take over the retiring starter.
And that I would not let happen,I'd trade him for a 7th round pick out of the conference ,a trade and a release are to my knowledge the same cap hit but I don't want and the Rams shouldn't want another of our former QB's leading a team in our division to a Super Bowl or even just beating us
 

lockdnram21

Legend
Joined
Apr 21, 2013
Messages
5,348
I just have a hard time believing that Fisher & Snead would kick Sam to the curb. They know what they have in Sam. If they do I suspect that it will come back to bite them. We are playing the QB this weekend whose career has been very similar to Sam's, look how he has finally prospered. My guess is that the Ram's will sign Sam to an extension that both he and the club can live with. Otherwise Sam will move on to Dallas or Denver or Arizona, R&R for a year then take over the retiring starter.
Sam might not even be able to play all of next season. He will probably be sidelined. How do u know The Rams know what they have in him. imo he hasnt shown much.
 

mr.stlouis

Legend
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
6,454
Name
Main Hook
Here's a wikilink

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restricted_free_agent
If we want Davis he's pretty well ours ,don't know for sure what duration ,it may be in the link I only read the table ,I rate the likelihood someone offers him enough to owe us a first round choice as pretty remote since guys who are physically more impressive will be available in nearly any first round scenario ,but armed with that pick wherever it might be plus our own first we could likely trade up to get the first or second rated QB anyway so in regards to Davis he's a windfall asset if he continue to perform at his current level.

I can't geyt over the FACT that it was not his level of play that prevented us from beating Dallas and they are so highly thought of since our game with them .IMO if Greg Williams can be worth his salt and get this defense playing up to his billing we have a formula that can be formidable this year .

Sitting in a full diaper is much more likely.

Too much uncertainty with Bradford for me to really speculate. I am sure if Fisher/Snead had their wish he would be healthy and the long term QB. Not many more talented QBs out there.

Not much coming out, either. Winston and Mariota aren't drawing anything remotely close to the hype Luck and RG3 warranted.
 

Rams43

Hall of Fame
Joined
Jun 20, 2014
Messages
4,130
Very nice thread. Lots of thoughtful comments throughout.

Two things occur to me...

In Davis' first 5 career starts, the Rams have averaged just shy of 25 ppg. That's winning football, fellas. With even halfway decent scoring defense from GW's new D we would be 4-2 today, maybe even 5-1.

And let me re emphasize that these were Davis' first 5 career starts. I think it's reasonable to expect him to grow and improve with experience and coaching. I want to see where he's at by season's end.

The other thing is about Bradford. Nobody has ever accused either Fisher or Demoff of being impetuous, have they? I think we can rest assured that both will carefully weigh all Bradford and QB related options at season's end.

The best possible scenario would seem to be keeping Bradford after a deep salary cut (not a lengthy restructure, but a salary cut), while drafting a QB that they like. The round of the drafted QB based upon how well Davis played throughout the season.

Then let them all compete for the starting position. A no lose proposition, indeed.
 

Force16X

anti pedestrian
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jun 19, 2014
Messages
3,230
Jim Everett was awesome for many, many seasons and yet is vilified by many for his phantom sack and happy feet at the end. And Bradford is revered without doing much.
I just don't get it

what i would give to have Jim Everett as our starting QB right now.
 

Prime Time

PT
Moderator
Joined
Feb 9, 2014
Messages
20,922
Name
Peter
AD on the other hand, doesn't have these limitations, but I think he lacks the desired arm strength and his size creates limitations only a few QBs have been able to overcome.

???

Sam Bradford: 6' 4" - 224 lbs
Austin Davis: 6' 2" - 221 lbs
 

Prime Time

PT
Moderator
Joined
Feb 9, 2014
Messages
20,922
Name
Peter
Yeah, AD's about average size for the average QB or maybe an inch shorter.

This isn't the first time I've read a comment from a Rams fan questioning AD's size and I just wonder why that is. It's not like he's Doug Flutie or even Manziel, Brees, or Vick who are all barely 6 feet tall.
 

Mikey Ram

Hall of Fame
Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
3,397
Name
Mike
I've been a Bradford supporter for a long time, but there's no way you can count on him. I'd like to bring him back next year to compete, but not at his current salary.

I'm not at all opposed to seeing Bradford vs. Davis vs. someone like Brett Hundley

I think I might not understand...Do you mean spend the 1st pick on Hundley (or whomever) so they can have a menage-a-trois competition at QB ???
 

TGZ

Rookie
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
155
Name
Dylan
I think I might not understand...Do you mean spend the 1st pick on Hundley (or whomever) so they can have a menage-a-trois competition at QB ???

Potentially, yes.

That's one of the options I would consider.