Random Ramsdom, 12/30: Secrets revealed, draft talk considered

by Ryan Van Bibber on Dec 30, 2010 9:47 AM CST in St. Louis Rams news

It's a meaty pre-New Year's stew of St. Louis Rams news and comment, with a big side order of draft talk. And you thought Christmas was over!

Let's dig in.

NFL Videos: Playbook: Resurgent Rams
Great video on the Xs and Os behind the Rams 2010 season. They give some much needed perspective on the secret to the dink and dunk: Sam Bradford making quick throws. Also, there's a great breakdown of the Rams defense.

The secret to Bradford's development, injuries to keep an eye on this week, and some draft goodness after the jump.

The secret to Bradford's development

It seems so simple. So simple that we take it for granted, but one key reason why Sam Bradford's been successful in his rookie season is that he's been healthy enough to take every snap with the offense. Remember how much criticism he took for his health coming out of college? Credit the offensive line too.

Outlook not good for Hasselbeck vs Rams

The Seattle Seahawks could be without long-time starting QB Matt Hasselbeck against the Rams this week.

Donnie Avery running again

Injured Rams WR Donnie Avery's recovery from a torn ACL is on pace. He's running again, playing basketball and says he could run a go route if he had to play today. Hmmm, the Rams could use someone on a go route this season...

Fourth man charged in murder of Rams player from offseason roster

I don't know if you've heard about this or not, but it's a pretty sad story. Brandon Joyce was an offensive lineman, form St. Charles, MO, and the son of former Cardinals punter Terry Joyce, was robbed and shot, died a few days later, on Christmas Eve outside of a Bass Pro Shops store in St. Charles. Joyce was on the Rams roster during the offseason and played with Las Vegas in the UFL.

Seatlle LB Lofa Tatupu did not practice

One of Seattle's most important defensive players sat out practice yesterday. Don't know if he'll be out this week or not, but if he is, that's huge for the Rams.

OSU's Justin Blackmon sets two college records in Alamo Bowl win

Justin Blackmon was already high on the draft radar, but his performance last night should make the wide receiver debate a good one. That was a grade A first round performance last night, and he could be of interest to teams picking in the bottom half of the first round, teams like Rams.

Turning pro watch

Some defensive backs leaning toward entering the draft, and Auburn DT Nick Fairley could be leaning against it.

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Comments

I understand Avery was put on IR, but if we make the playoffs, could Avery play or no.

by gingerredboy on Dec 30, 2010 9:59 AM CST reply actions

no

by RamsFan7 on Dec 30, 2010 10:00 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I read an article where it said he could run but he cant make cuts yet...

All I want for Christmas is a Pete Carroll scowl on week 17!

by leadhead on Dec 30, 2010 10:01 AM CST up reply actions

I dont think we can pass on Blackmon if he comes out

he was ridiculous yesterday. His second TD catch was amazing.

"We start wit straight--shots then get the bottle poppin!"

by OGC Reds on Dec 30, 2010 10:33 AM CST reply actions

Nice post VanRam.

I thought it was kinda funny how Mike Mayock changed his tune a little bit on our Sunday night game. Earlier this week he was saying that New Orleans would be playing whoever whens this game and they will be getting to the divisional round very quickly. Now he sounds excited about our game like it actually matters now.

Another thing they forgot to bring up about our defense was the fact that we rank in the top 4 in the league in forced fumbles and sacks. Those two categories are huge.

As far as Justin Blackmon, it says a lot when Larry Fitzgerald compares him favorably to Anquan Boldin. I say if he is there for the taking, nab him.

I'm suffering from an extreme case of laurinaitis!

by NachoD on Dec 30, 2010 2:46 PM CST reply actions

This is a little off subject but.......

there is talk of Jim Harbaugh coaching the 49ers. I for one would like this because of the hate between Pete Carrol and Harbaugh have for each other. A great distraction for us and good for the NFC west next season.

"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."

by Taosman on Dec 30, 2010 4:45 PM CST reply actions

Blackmon

I like both Justin Blackmon and Julio Jones, but when you compare/contrast the two, the advantage Blackmon has that i like is his consistency. Jones may be a more freakish athlete, it’s been well-documented that he’s had some cases of the dropsies in the past, whereas Blackmon has had 100+ yards in every game he’s played this year. And consistency is a young quarterback’s best friend, just look at Hoomanawanui.

by turpinforpresident on Dec 30, 2010 8:41 PM CST reply actions