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Adjustments, installations and repetition...that's where the St. Louis Rams are in practice right now. This Saturday night they play their second preseason game, one in which the starters are expected to play the better part of the first half. We'll have lots more preview ahead of that game. For now, here's a run through the day's news, more than enough to get through at the water cooler on Thursday.
I'm sticking the links below the jump because we've got a special video treat for you at the end.
New Rams defenders have a lot to learn - The Rams have 12 new faces on defense (7 free agents and 5 draft picks), which has given the coaches and players a little extra challenge to get them assimilated and up to speed on the system. Coaches admit to slowing things down some, but there isn't any panic about the defense not coming together.
Gibson glad to be back at DT for Rams - DT Gary GIbson, a starter last year, is back with the Rams again and part of a rotation that's now heavy on veterans. Justin Bannan replaces Gibson as the starter next to Fred Robbins, but Gibson should see time in the rotation.
Rams have pieces in place to build consistent winner - Pete Prisco of CBS Sports offers his take on the Rams, pointing out the key pieces in place for the long-term that should make them a winner...a consistent winner.
Don Banks: "Monster" season for Bradford in 2011 - SI's Don Banks calls Rams QB Sam Bradford the class of the division, and predicts a "monster" season from him based on Bradford's command of the game after just one year in the league.
Kawann Short 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes - Here's another name to put on your early draft prospect watch list. The Purdue DT is made to be a penetrating 4-3 tackle in the NFL.
Rams Practice notes: Donnie Avery returns, is still Donnie Avery - Will from Rams Herd has notes from yesterday's practice. Besides the Donnie Avery news, he notes that Al Harris took most of the reps as the Rams' nickel corner.