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The Rams get the 49ers this Sunday. After playing the Rams, the 49ers have gone on to stomp two of the NFL's best. Colin Kaepernick has looked like a pro-bowl quarterback. Hopefully the defense has gotten their turnover forcing swagger back. Because without it, things aren't looking good. Time for the links.
In Rams News…
Harbaugh won't name a starter - Jim Harbaugh, head coach fo the San Francisco 49ers, refuses to name a starter. After Kaepernick's impressive play, it's hard for me to believe he would go back to Alex Smith. Harbaugh said he is like to make a decision Wednesday concerning the matter. Harbaugh needs to pick one and be clear about it if he doesn't want this "quarterback controversy" to linger.
Browner and Sherman pop test - Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman have both received 4 game suspensions for violating the league's performance enhancing drug policy. Both also claim they are innocent and have filed appeals. The appeals should be heard sometime this week, but until then, both of the cornerbacks will be allowed to play. So expect them on the field against the Bears.
Health helps - Having everyone healthy on the offensive line made a difference for Steven Jackson and the Rams on Sunday. The Rams built a lead thanks to some stellar play by young Janoris Jenkins, and wanted to chew some clock up. What better way to chew clock then to hand the all to a bruiser such as Steven Jackson. Jackson even complimented his bruising style by popping off his longest run of the season. Steven attributes a lot of the success on Sunday to the Rams offensive line getting healthy.
Join Jim Thomas at 1PM for his weekly live chat.
Bernie's Bytes - Bernie wants to know why the Rams are so good within the division and so dismal outside of it. The Rams currently tout a 3-0-1 record within the vaunted NFC West. Could this be a sign of good things to come? Or, is this just a statistical anomoly?
Playing with pain - Danny Amendola and Lance Kendricks both battled through pain in the game against the Cardinals. Each player also made a contribution to the win. Kendricks came through with a nice touchdown catch that was capped off with a nasty stiff-arm. Neither of them knew if they were going to play at all before the game, but the Rams are sure glad they did. Amendola and Kendricks are both expected back on the practice field this week.
ProFootballFocus breaks down the Rams and Cardinals game - Chris Long has suffered this year and it shows in his negative ProFootballFocus pass rushing grade. It was his third negative pass rushing grade in five weeks. Khaled Elsayed, writer for Pro Football Focus, questions just how healthy Long is. Elsayed also takes notice of Rams rookies, Chris Givens and Janoris Jenkins.
Breaking it down - If you enjoyed my breakdown of Janoris Jenkins' pick 6 when he was in the cover 2, you should check out Matt Bowen's of NationalFootballPost.Com. He takes a slightly more technical look at the play, as well as two others from other games on Sunday.
Kyle Williams - Kyle Williams, wide receiver for the 49ers, tore his ACL and is done for the year. I never wish to see players get hurt. There is a chance A.J. Jenkins will make his NFL debut because of this injury.
The Rams hope to continue their beat down of the NFC West Sunday. Playing at home has always helped Sam Bradford and the Rams, so let's hope that trend continues. The 49ers are going to be jacked for this game. Their play seems more inspired with Colin Kaepernick at the helm than it was with Alex Smith. The Rams' pass rush will need to show up in a big way, not only pressuring Kaepernick, but also containing him.