Rams’ Chris Long ready to live up to expectations
Article By ddillon.tsn on 31st May, 2010
ST. LOUIS — That Rams defensive end Chris Long owns a pair of six-month-old English bulldogs — Rambo and Chubbs, who can't last five minutes without getting some attention — seems about right.
Chris Long has more sacks than any of the seven defensive ends drafted in the first two rounds in '08.
Tenacity is one of the characteristics of a bulldog. And Long is nothing if not tenacious.
The former Virginia lineman lines up and comes at you on every snap. In his first two NFL seasons, he has recorded 113 tackles, nine sacks and 31 quarterback pressures.
"If he were a late first-round pick or a second-round pick, then I think you'd be very happy with where he is," Seahawks vice president of football operations Will Lewis said.
But the Rams made Long the No. 2-overall pick in 2008, and with that selection came a lot of expectations. Big-time plays routinely. Double-digit sacks in a season. Pro Bowl berths.
None of that has occurred, which doesn't mean Rams officials are unhappy with Long — they're not — but has left some skeptics wondering if Long is another in a procession of high Rams picks to disappoint. Long admits it has been a challenging road, both individually and as a team. The Rams have won only three games in his two NFL seasons.
Asked which word best describes his first two seasons, Long replied: "Hectic. Frustrating and hectic. It's just been hard to get into a rhythm or a flow, but I feel finally that time is kind of coming."
Since coming to St. Louis, Long has made the transition from a 3-4 defense in college to a 4-3 scheme, has had three head coaches (including interim head coach Jim Haslett) and has played in two different defenses.
But the statute of limitations is running out on the explanations. It's time for Long to have a breakout season — and it could happen in '10.
"I know some gu...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
Tenacity is one of the characteristics of a bulldog. And Long is nothing if not tenacious.
The former Virginia lineman lines up and comes at you on every snap. In his first two NFL seasons, he has recorded 113 tackles, nine sacks and 31 quarterback pressures.
"If he were a late first-round pick or a second-round pick, then I think you'd be very happy with where he is," Seahawks vice president of football operations Will Lewis said.
But the Rams made Long the No. 2-overall pick in 2008, and with that selection came a lot of expectations. Big-time plays routinely. Double-digit sacks in a season. Pro Bowl berths.
None of that has occurred, which doesn't mean Rams officials are unhappy with Long — they're not — but has left some skeptics wondering if Long is another in a procession of high Rams picks to disappoint. Long admits it has been a challenging road, both individually and as a team. The Rams have won only three games in his two NFL seasons.
Asked which word best describes his first two seasons, Long replied: "Hectic. Frustrating and hectic. It's just been hard to get into a rhythm or a flow, but I feel finally that time is kind of coming."
Since coming to St. Louis, Long has made the transition from a 3-4 defense in college to a 4-3 scheme, has had three head coaches (including interim head coach Jim Haslett) and has played in two different defenses.
But the statute of limitations is running out on the explanations. It's time for Long to have a breakout season — and it could happen in '10.
"I know some gu...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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