St. Louis Rams Michael Sam (L) is restrained by New Orleans Saints Austin Johnson in the second quarter at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on August 8, 2014. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
Michael Sam was credited with one tackle and one quarterback hit and he was the main focus of the media following the Rams 26-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints. However, the one former Missouri Tiger who drew rave reviews from head coach Jeff Fisher was E.J. Gaines.
Fisher admitted that Sam played “pretty well,” but got tired as most of the rookies did in their first game. The one trait that Tigers fans are used to seeing from Sam is playing with a high motor. The effort was there, but after watching the game tape, there are mistakes that need to be corrected. Fisher thinks Sam will adjust.
“I think he’ll settle down,” said Fisher.
There are three games left before the final cuts will be made and Fisher thinks Sam could improve his chances at making the final 53 if his special teams play steps up.
Gaines is trying to land a spot on the Rams as the fifth or sixth cornerback on this team. Gaines led the team with six tackles, including four solo stops. While he did make some mistakes, Gaines impressed Fisher to the point where the day after the game, he said that Gaines would definitely be getting more snaps against Green Bay.
Fisher on Gaines