The St. Louis Rams continue to impress more and more each week.
After totaling 80 points in the past two games -- against historically impressive teams -- the Rams proved that they are indeed vastly improved. They're no longer a weekly threat to bore fans to death with inept offense. They're no longer the team that totaled exactly 80 points through the final seven games of the 2011 season.
For the first time since you can recall, past the halfway point in the season, you're legitimately excited about the Rams and can't wait until kickoff. Halleluiah.
Now claiming a respectable 5-6 record and well within reach of a potential wild card berth, the Rams are relevant. Let that all soak in as you peruse this morning's links...
St. Louis stomps Chicago - Starting fast once again, the Rams gashed the Bears for several big plays, notably a Tavon Austin 65-yard fake end-around on the game's opening drive, and never let up. They played disciplined and smart football, while the coaching staff implemented and enforced admirable gameplan.
All was not well, though, when the clock finally reached all zeroes. Running back Zac Stacy and second corner Trumaine Johnson were forced from the game with concussions and their status for next week appears iffy at best.
Don't go down without a fight - The Rams have been forced to overcome a lot of adversity in 2013. From heartbreaking, close defeats to losing their starting quarterback for the season, they had more than enough reasons to let their emotions slide. Still, they continue to show up on game day and play with pride.
Post-game report card - Jared Cook earned his paycheck this weekend and the receivers performed respectably., but it was the Rams' ground attack that won on Sunday. Kellen Clemens was once again asked only to manage the game and he did it well. Matt Forte was on pace to have his way with the Rams' defense before the scoreboard made Chicago one-dimensional.
Cunningham impresses - Should Zac Stacy have to sit out of next week's game, the Rams could do much worse than allow Benny Cunningham to shoulder the load. Assuming he protects the ball, Cunningham has the makings of a quality backup.
Nick Wagoner's reaction - Fans have been waiting for an appearance of rookie corner back Brandon McGee, but they didn't exactly get what they wanted from him.
Bears are rundown - Looking at the game from another perspective, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune is -- understandably -- not pleased with the Bears' defense. They will face Adrian Peterson next weekend.
Hekker improving consistency - Rams punter Johnny Hekker, the league leader in average net punting yards, continues to get better week to week. St. Louis is lucky to have another future Pro Bowl snub at the position.
NFL.com Game Center - Relive the highlights and review the statistics from yesterday's contest. It's hard to believe that the Rams left the field yesterday with only one recorded sack, but they sure made it count.
Cardinals trounce Colts - The Colts finish 2-2 against NFC West opponents, with their two wins coming against San Francisco and Seattle. Makes sense, right?
2014 NFL mock draft - One pick would likely makes many fans very happy, while the other may provoke quite a few yawns.
Meet this St. Louis Rams fan. Go ahead.
By the way, the "Greatest Show on Turf" still remains one of the best football nicknames of all time, and "Mr. Sad About David Freese" should recognize it. Moving on...
How about this guy and this play call? Awesome.
Happy Thanksgiving, Rams fans! Enjoy family, friends and, hopefully, some good football.