:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/929325/20121004_ajl_ac1_193.0.jpg)
Happy Monday morning, Ram fans. Was Sunday as equally unbearable for you, as well? Only six more days until St. Louis again takes the field, and further advances their winning record. Until then, how about some links?
Defensive philosophy: "Meet you at the QB" - What's the best way to win a football game? Locking down the scoreboard seems like a viable answer, and relentlessly pummeling the opposing quarterback is a surefire way to do so. Heading into this season, fans saw the makings of what could be an elite defensive line, and it appeared in full throttle in Thursday's drubbing over the Arizona Cardinals. Chris Long may soon have competition for best player on the unit with second year end Robert Quinn drawing comparisons to perennial Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware, according to line coach Mike Waufle. Through 5 games, Quinn has already passed his 2011 sack total (5), including 3 this week, to total 6 on the year.
Rams get long break between games - Ten days is far too long to wait for Rams football, but it more than makes up for it to know that the team is now riding a winning streak. I repeat: the Rams are on a winning streak, and they're on the verge of rebuilding remodeling something special. Next on the schedule is a trip to Miami to play an aggressive but struggling Dolphins team. Miami is coming off an upset victory on the road over the Cincinnati Bengals, and will do all that they can to formulate their own win streak.
Rams make use of home field advantage - While the seats at the Edward Jones Dome could arguably use more rear ends on game days, you wouldn't know it by the roaring, echoing cheers that now flood the home of the St. Louis Rams. Not since the glory days of the Greatest Show on Turf has the dome been such a hazardous venue for opposing teams. The Rams are presently undefeated at the dome, and, with their next home matchup against a frustrated Green Bay Packers squad, it's paramount that fans continue their rise to "12th man" status. The defense thrives on it.
Johnny Hekker getting his kicks - Greg Zuerlein, who receives the bulk of the special teams media coverage in St. Louis, isn't the only rookie leg to quickly make his mark with the Rams. In fact, punter Johnny Hekker has almost instantly erased any lingering memory of former Ram fourth down specialist, Donnie Jones. On the year, Jones - now with the Houston Texans - is averaging 47.6 yards per punt, his best since 2008. Hekker's average is currently 49.5. It's a game of field position, my friends.
Niners' Smith injures finger - San Francisco quarterback enigma Alex Smith injured the middle finger of his throwing hand in the fourth quarter of yesterday's 45-3 blowout victory over the Buffalo Bills. Why the No. 1 QB was still in the game at that time, I have no idea. Extent of the injury is not yet known, but X-ray tests were being done. Will fans in the NFC West finally get a real look at Colin Kaepernick?
Check out the post-game wrap-up from the NFL Network Thursday Night Football crew, featuring none other than Kurt Warner (of Rams fame) and Marshall Faulk. National coverage, how I've missed thee.