Nick’s Notes:July 27, 2008

MEQUON , Wis. –

-         Before I get to the happenings of Sunday’s practice, I wanted to make note of a happening in the NFL. Don’t worry; being in Wisconsin hasn’t got to my head so this isn’t Brett Favre related.  News broke today that Chicago return man Devin Hester received a four-year contract extension from the Bears. The contract will reward him for performing at a high level as a receiver in addition to his return duties but actually has “de-escalation” clauses that could cost him money if he doesn’t reach them.

-         Some of you might be wondering why that matters. Well, it’s pretty simple. Hester held out from the first day of Chicago practice in hopes of getting a new contract. The team said it wouldn’t negotiate further unless he came to camp. Hester made his point and showed up to camp on the second day as an act of good faith. Now, he has his money and his contract.

-         Anyone see some parallels here? It’s funny how things can work out when both sides present sensible, realistic options to each other. The Bears get their star returner under contract and in camp and Hester gets his money. Everybody wins. This sounds like a nice blueprint for running back Steven Jackson to follow. And oh by the way, Jackson is represented by Eugene Parker. Parker also represents Hester.

-         On to the business that took place on the field Sunday. There was one bright shining star on the offense Sunday and it was blatantly clear to everyone. Tight end Randy McMichael is having fun again and he’s doing it at the expense of the linebackers and safeties attempting to defend him. In one sequence, McMichael caught three passes out of four plays. And at the beginning of practice, McMichael snared a high pass, losing his helmet in the process. But McMichael not only hauled in the pass, he also grabbed his helmet before it hit the ground. Coach Scott Linehan said McMichael should get some sort of style points for his efforts. Consider them granted.

-         For the second day in a row, the two seventh round linebackers were impressive. David Vobora has been all around solid in the first quartet of practices and Chris Chamberlain made another interception on Sunday. The pleasant surprise has been one of the undrafted free agents but it’s not the one you might think. Marc Magro, the undrafted rookie from West Virginia, had a nice day Sunday and looked especially sharp in coverage.

-         If there’s one guy who wasn’t thrilled about the team’s drafting of Chris Long it was formerly incumbent starter James Hall. Hall has been a standout in the first few days of practice, showing off an impressive bull rush in one on one drills. Hall isn’t willing to go quietly into the night while Long takes his job. And the Rams are looking for different ways to use Hall, including lining him up inside on occasion. Hall was hurt more often than people realize in 2007 and struggled. But if nothing else, he put on the helmet and pads every week. Healthy and motivated, Hall could be a difference maker in what could be a suddenly deep defensive end position.

-         Injuries have started to accumulate, some more pressing than others. Of course, Fakhir Brown had the most serious issue with the slight tear of the rotator cuff in his left shoulder. He’s out two to three weeks. Defensive end C.J. Ah You has been battling some left calf issues and Victor Adeyanju has been dealing with a tight hamstring.

-         With those injuries starting to pile up some, look for the Rams to bring in some depth, particularly at the cornerback spot. Linehan said the Rams will be searching in the next few days for a potential addition to the secondary.

-         Quinton Culberson worked almost exclusively with the first team on Sunday and continues to play well. The coaching staff is fond of Culberson and if he keeps working like he has, he has a shot to unseat Chris Draft for the starting spot on the strong side.

-         Brett Romberg continues to handle the duty with the top offensive line at center. Richie Incognito is working with the second line but he will get his opportunity. Incognito struggled with the exchange in the early moments of practice but has been solid since. Expect a rotation to begin there at some point in the near future.

-         Still nothing to report on Jackson’s situation. Antonio Pittman continues to get work as the starter.

-         The Rams will keep three quarterbacks this year and though it seemed like Bruce Gradkowski had a distinct advantage for the No. 3 quarterback job, it isn’t shaping up that way. Gradkowski has a strong arm but hasn’t been particularly accurate in the early stages of camp. Brock Berlin is still in this race and a solid preseason performance could make the battle even closer.