Random Ramsdom: October 29: St. Louis Rams - The Defense Doesn't Rest

Despite the loss of Sam Bradford for the remainder of the season, this Rams team is not about to quit on themselves. The Rams showed character, heart, and resilience in Monday nights close loss to the Seattle Seahawks. If any team had the Rams marked as an easy win on their schedule, they need to revise their thinking. The Rams will be a tough out the rest of the season.

By Frank "Dubs" Dobozy Oct 29, 2013, 9:00am CDT

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Sam Bradford, though injured, shows some leadership at practice, and on game night...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Sam Bradford, torn up left knee and all, watched practice Thursday, earning admiration from his teammates.</p>— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/statuses/393478456194785281">October 24, 2013</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Wearing sweats, Sam Bradford out with QBs for pregame.</p>— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/statuses/394974742999875584">October 28, 2013</a></blockquote>

I would love to live close enough, and have the time, to cheer in person at every Rams home game...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I think I speak on behalf of all UK Rams Fans,if you can go to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23EJD&src=hash">#EJD</a> tonight then go,you don't realise how fortunate you are! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RamNation&src=hash">#RamNation</a></p>— RamsFansUK (@RamsFansUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamsFansUK/statuses/394838510311845888">October 28, 2013</a></blockquote>

Robert Quinn is having a fine season...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Robert Quinn now up to 10 sacks for the season, that's the most in the NFC.</p>— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/statuses/395060409176047616">October 29, 2013</a></blockquote>

Speaking of Quinn, here are his thoughts on the Seattle game...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Sucks we didn't get the win but y'all fans just believe and watch things will change!!!!</p>— Robert Quinn (@RQuinn94) <a href="https://twitter.com/RQuinn94/statuses/395072434333679616">October 29, 2013</a></blockquote>

Perhaps Kevin Demoff best summarized Monday night's game...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I love the resolve of our group, I wish they had gotten the results they deserved. There are no moral victories but we can build off tonight</p>— Kevin Demoff (@kdemoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/kdemoff/statuses/395054214616842240">October 29, 2013</a></blockquote>

In the last few minutes of the game...

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Rams coach Jeff Fisher said RB Zac Stacy sprained ankle late in game and that's why they went with Richardson in closing moments.</p>— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/statuses/395041647391567872">October 29, 2013</a></blockquote>

Physical Game: Student Of The Game - Cody Davis

Rams safety Cody Davis [via his own blog] shares his thoughts about the Carolina-Rams game, and the defense.

Is Sam Bradford The 30th Best Quarterback In The NFL?: Ramblin' Fan

Nathan Kearns details how Sam Bradford is far better than 30th in any ranking of the NFL's best quarterbacks.

Rams Most Star-Crossed NFL Team In The Past Ten Years: Cover 32

Have the Rams been cursed for the last ten years?

"The biggest reason the Rams are the most star-crossed franchise since 2004 is the utter hopelessness that has surrounded this franchise. And any time hope has dared showed its face around the team facility – the 2007, 2011 and 2013 seasons come to mind – the football Gods have been sure to smite down the Rams."

Obscure Players Get Their Shot: Grantland

RB Zac Stacy makes Bill Barnwell's list of obscure players now being given the opportunity to shine in starting roles.

Rookie Highlight Reel: Cody Davis

Cody Davis Texas Tech #16 Senior Highlight Cutup 2012 (via Cody Davis)

2014 NFL Mock Draft: Walter Football

Charlie Campbell presents his latest 3 round mock for the 2014 NFL Draft. The Rams select OT Jake Matthews and S Hasean Clinton-Dix in the first round, followed by RB Ka'Deem Carey and QB Aaron Murray. The first round selections make a lot of sense. I'm down for that scenario.

Catching Up With Orlando Pace: St. Louis Rams Official Website

Nice to see Orlando Pace healthy, happy, and still involved with football. The Rams sure could use a couple of Pace's on their offensive line right now.

Top 10 players who could be traded: National Football Post

Today is the NFL trade deadline. It should be a quiet one for the Rams.

Should The St. Louis Rams Cut Ties With Sam Bradford?: Fox Sports - Yardbarker

Sam Bradford's health, financial cost, and development all come into question when assessing the Rams' future quarterback situation.

Stat Facts Of The Week: Toxic Differential

Toxic Differential Leaders

	Team	Turnover Differential	Big Play Differential	Toxic Differential
1	Seattle Seahawks	7	26	33
2	Philadelphia Eagles	1	25	26
3	San Francisco 49ers	4	14	18
4	Carolina Panthers	6	11	17
5	Kansas City Chiefs	11	5	16
6	Green Bay Packers	-2	15	13
7	New Orleans Saints	5	4	9
8	Buffalo Bills	5	2	7
9	Denver Broncos	-2	8	6
10	New York Jets	-11	15	4
11	Oakland Raiders	0	4	4
12	Cleveland Browns	-1	4	3
13	Detroit Lions	5	-3	2
14	Indianapolis Colts	7	-6	1
15	Chicago Bears	7	-7	0
16	Houston Texans	-11	9	-2
17	New England Patriots	5	-7	-2
18	Tennessee Titans	6	-9	-3
19	Baltimore Ravens	-2	-2	-4
20	Miami Dolphins	-1	-4	-5
21	St. Louis Rams	3	-9	-6
22	Pittsburgh Steelers	-10	4	-6
23	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	-1	-5	-6
24	Atlanta Falcons	-2	-5	-7
25	Dallas Cowboys	5	-12	-7
26	Cincinnati Bengals	-2	-5	-7
27	San Diego Chargers	-6	-1	-7
28	Washington Redskins	-1	-8	-9
29	Minnesota Vikings	-2	-11	-13
30	Arizona Cardinals	-2	-15	-17
31	New York Giants	-14	-6	-20
32	Jacksonville Jaguars	-7	-31	-38

On August 19, I wrote about the importance of the "toxic differential", in an article for Turf Show Times (link). The Rams, after 7 games, rank 21st in the league in this vital statistic. It's evident there is a correlation between the "toxic differential", and an NFL teams success on the field. The chart is courtesy of "Sporting Charts".

In Certain Situations, Quarterback Wins And Losses Do Matter: This Given Sunday

Football is the ultimate team game. As the most important player on the field, should quarterbacks be judged by wins and losses?

You Can't Please Everybody: S.I. - MMQB

As player health, concussions, and injuries come into sharper focus, it's polarizing the NFL community:

"There is no philosophical divide in the NFL quite like the one between offensive and defensive players when it comes to player safety and concussions."

Assessing Rams' Options At Quarterback For 2014: Bleacher Report

Go all in with Sam Bradford? Cut Bradford and start over with a top draftee in 2014? Keep Bradford but invest in a high-quality backup?

Three Ways The Rams Can improve, Even Without Sam Bradford: RamsHerd

Minimizing dropped passes, blocking, and reducing penalties are fundamental ways the Rams can show improvement through the remainder of the season.

"The drops belie the fact that Bradford had become a top-ten quarterback in the NFL in terms of accuracy. PFF separates out a QB's "accuracy percentage" from his "completion percentage" by removing drops, batted passes, throw-aways, and spikes from the equation. Bradford was completing 74.1% of his aimed passes, compared to a 60.7% completion percentage overall. That difference is one of the largest in the league."

The final minutes of the Rams Super Bowl victory over the Tennessee Titans:

Rams vs Titans Final Minutes part 2 (via 86NFL)

The Tampa Bay Buc's Cannon Scared The Crap Out Of Cam Newton: Sportsgrid

There were some priceless reactions when Tampa Bay's cannon went off during Thursday nights game. Marshall Faulk [working for the NFL Network] showed everyone how to handle these things.

Is Sam Bradford The Latest Victim Of The St. Louis Rams' Quarterback Curse?: Rams 101

Chuck Chapman takes us through a history of the Rams' quarterback curse, one which began in 1973.

Spiteful Fantasy Football Owner Puts Neighbor's Shelves On Craigslist: Deadspin

It appears I underestimated how seriously some folks take their fantasy football.

Where The Game Is Headed: S.I. - MMQB

What will NFL football look like in 2025?

"Will football fade away, or adapt and grow? We take a realistic look at the NFL a decade down the road and find a safer game thanks to technological advances, refinement of the rules and a focus on playing smarter."

On This Day In Sports History

1960 - Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) wins his first professional fight, stopping Tommy Hunsaker in 6 rounds.

The Pressers

Jeff Fisher Press Conference - October 25

Jeff Fisher Press Conference - October 26

Jeff Fisher Press Conference - October 28 - Post-Game

Brian Schottenheimer Press Conference - October 25

All press conferences are courtesy of the St. Louis Rams Official Website.

Mike Greenberg talks about QB's in the NFL, particularly Sam Bradford:

Former NFL coach Jon Gruden evaluates Sam Bradford's shortened 2013 season:

Marc Lillibridge gives props to DC Tim Walton after Monday nights game:

Tony Softli speaks with RB Zac Stacy after Monday night's game:

Honest NFL.com Headlines - Week 8: Sports Pickle

A tongue-in-cheek look at what NFL.com's headline page should look like.

Three-Cone Drill: Sudden Sam: Football Outsiders

FO analyzes the Rams' prospects going forward into 2014, with Sam Bradford as their quarterback.

"But the fact that they seem poised to walk into 2014 with Bradford as a sure-fire, no-questions-asked starter is still more of a leap of faith than a layup. Sam Bradford's potential is still enormous -- and it could wind up getting someone fired if they're not careful."

Bradford injury puts Jeff Fisher in unfamiliar situation: Cover 32

In 18 years as a head coach, Jeff Fisher has not once lost a starting quarterback for the length of time Sam Bradford will be gone for.

"Can he minimize the loss of Bradford by maximizing the rest of his young talent? Will he be able to rally his team around Clemens or did the image of Bradford being carted off the field last week in Carolina embody this season’s point of no return?"

NFL Grades - Week 8: CBS Sports

The Rams get an undeserved "C-" from Will Brinson for their efforts against Seattle on Monday night. Given the circumstances, the Rams should get a "B+".

St. Louis Rams' Weekly Salary "Re-Cap"

The Rams' current Available Salary Cap Space is $103,482 (lowest in the league). Despite the limited cap space, the Rams managed to sign a pair of quarterbacks, after Sam Bradford was lost for the season in the game against Carolina. The maneuverings were outlined in my article for Turf Show Times last week (link).

Dominant D Not Enough Post-Bradford: ESPN NFC West

Nick Wagoner shares his thoughts on the Rams loss to Seattle on Monday night.

Rapid Reaction: St. Louis Rams: Nick Wagoner - ESPN

The Rams defense (particularly Chris Long and Robert Quinn) and Zac Stacy get high marks from Nick Wagoner, for their performances on Monday night.

Stacy Gets It Done Against Vaunted Seahawks Defense: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The running game was one of the highlights in Monday nights contest:

"Zac Stacy finished with 134 yards on 26 carries, and as a team the Rams finished with 200 yards rushing — easily a season high."

Keys To Victory: ESPN Stats

The Seahawks were lucky to walk out of the Edward Jones Dome with a win on Monday night:

"Both the Seahawks' seven first downs and 135 yards of offense were the fewest by any team in a win in the past three seasons."

Some Losses Don't Make Sense

	Seahawks	Rams
Plays	40	71
1st downs	7	23
Yards	135	339
TOP	21:51	38:09

Quinn sets tone early as Rams defense steps up: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Robert Quinn was a one man wrecking crew for the Rams in the first half of Monday's game, setting the tone for the entire defense.

Locker Room Buzz: St. Louis Rams: Nick Wagoner - ESPN

According to Jeff Fisher, Kellen Clemens was not responsible for either of the 2 interceptions thrown on Monday night:

"Fisher said he didn't blame Clemens for his pair of interceptions. He said receiver Austin Pettis slipped on the second one and Quick was confused and stopped his route on the first one."

Week 8 - Rams vs. Seahawks Highlights: St. Louis Rams Official Website

Video highlights from Monday night's game.

Seahawks Win Ugly On The Road: S.I. Audibles

Game summary and video from the Rams loss to Seattle on Monday night.

Despite Valiant Effort, Clemens Is Not The QB For The Rams: Bleacher Report

BR examines the efforts of Kellen Clemens and the Rams' remaining schedule.

Rams get cute at the wrong time: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Bryan Burwell examines the final drive by the Rams in Monday nights game.

Rams can't punch it in, fall to Seattle 14-9: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Jim Thomas

Jim Thomas shares his thoughts on the Rams' loss to Seattle.

Takeaways From St. Louis' Loss To Seattle: Bleacher Report

The defense, Zac Stacy, and Robert Quinn stand out for the Rams, in BR's takeaways from Monday's game.

Golden Tate's TD Celebration - GIF: Fansided

Bush-League stuff...plain and simple.

Rams Report Card - Week 8: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Jeff Gordon hands out his weekly Rams' player grades. Zac Stacy and the defensive front seven earn "A" grades for their efforts in Monday night's game.

Re-Focus: Seahawks @ Rams - Week 8: Pro Football Focus

The PFF game ball goes to OT Jake Long, who (for at least this game) looked like his former All-Pro self.

Last yard is the longest yard for the Rams: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

From QB Kellen Clemens, describing the last drive of the game:

"We needed 97 yards (on the last drive) — we got 96," Clemens said. "In this business unfortunately, your grade scale is pass or fail. ... It’s a business of wins and losses."

5 takeaways from Seahawks win over the Rams: KMOV

Sometimes the small things that happen in a game make all the difference between winning and losing. A missed route by Brian Quick. A missed 50 yard field goal attempt by Greg Zuerlein. Zac Stacy spraining his ankle late in the game...

Seahawks - Rams: What We Learned: Howard Balzer - The Sports Xchange

Despite the loss to Seattle, the Rams played with great resolve, elevating their games to make this a competitive contest. The defense returned to the unit most expected to see at the start of the season.

Ten Takeaways From Monday's Loss To Seattle:101 ESPN

They may have ten takeaways, but I will settle for my one takeaway: the future is bright for this young, talented team!

Upon Further Review

St. Louis Rams - Week 8: ESPN NFC West

San Francisco 49ers - Week 8: ESPN NFC West

Seattle Seahawks - Week 8: ESPN NFC West

Arizona Cardinals - Week 8: ESPN NFC West

The correspondents from ESPN give their weekly, in-depth, review of Week 8 games for all 4 NFC West teams.

Blast From The Past: Tuesday's Got The Blues: Stevie Ray Vaughan - Tin Pan Alley

Stevie Ray Vaughan Tin Pan Alley (with Johnny Copeland) (via Rene Kaufmann)

Have a great Tuesday and a Ramtastic week!!