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Not much left to say is the correct answer...only time and hard work will bring positive results as the season progresses...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>What's left to say about Rams and special teams penalties?</p>— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/statuses/386904318814613505">October 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Here's hoping that Finnegan rises again...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>When I'm down don't Mind kicking me but when I come up don't say you was with me..</p>— Cortland Finnegan (@CortFinnegan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CortFinnegan/statuses/385153737200635904">October 1, 2013</a></blockquote>
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A welcome sight...glad to have him back, and playing effectively...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Chris Long to Jo-Lonn Dunbar: "Set the tempo." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23JAXvsSTL&src=hash">#JAXvsSTL</a> <a href="http://t.co/tjIg6mPC73">pic.twitter.com/tjIg6mPC73</a></p>— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) <a href="https://twitter.com/STLouisRams/statuses/386889312442146816">October 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Tavon Austin wasn't a very happy guy after the game on Sunday. Was it because of the penalties? His 2 dropped passes?...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Tavon Austin lost returns of 23, 49 yards due to penalties. Left locker room quickly with eye black still on face. Early Halloween party?</p>— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) <a href="https://twitter.com/HBalzer721/statuses/387013567951548416">October 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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A nice shout out to the fans by Michael Brockers...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Great win Today at Home in the Dome and I just wanna thank all the fans that came to support in today's win <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RamsUp&src=hash">#RamsUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RamsNation&src=hash">#RamsNation</a></p>— Michael Brockers (@MichaelBrockers) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelBrockers/statuses/386986132858097665">October 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Robert Quinn may very well be the Rams' best defender so far this season...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>After 2 so-so outings Robert Quinn got his season back on track with a +6.8 grade, three hit & 5 hurry performance vs Jags</p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/statuses/387228552443088898">October 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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The Process: Student Of The Game - Cody Davis
Rams safety Cody Davis, via his own blog, shares his thoughts about rising from the practice squad, to the 53 man roster.
Turnovers for defenses as critical as ever: Yahoo Sports
NFL passing statistics are continuing to soar. Given the speed of the game, more quarterbacks reaching toward "elite" status, and rules designed to favor the offense, creating turnovers may be a defense's only hope in keeping an opponents offense at bay.
Packers Go With "No Cuddle" Offense: The Onion
A tongue-in-cheek look at an alternative way to speed up the game, that doesn't involve a hurry-up or no-huddle game plan.
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Walter Football
The Rams take OT Jake Matthews, WR Mike Evans, CB Kyle Fuller, and QB Derek Carr in this 3 round mock draft. I am lukewarm on taking a WR and QB that early. Matthews and Fuller would be solid additions.
Rookie Highlight Reel: RB - Zac Stacy
Ultimate Zac Stacy Highlights (NFL Draft 2013 - 160th Pick // St. Louis Rams) (via TheVikingsworld2011)
Rams Rookie Review - Week 5: ESPN NFC West
A mixed bag of results for the Rams' rookies, in the game against Jacksonville. The highlight among the rookies was the performance of RB Zac Stacy, who offered up the best game by a Rams RB this season.
The Touchback Era Is Ruining The Game: S.I. - MMQB
Special teams guru Mike Westhoff laments the demise of the third phase of football - special teams play. Have the new rules turned special teams into an afterthought? Tavon Austin would beg to differ.
Obama Points To "Legitimate Concerns" Over Redskins' Name: The New York Times
In an interview with the Associated Press, President Obama weighed in with his views regarding the controversial team name:
"I donât know whether our attachment to a particular name should override the real legitimate concerns that people have about these things."
Coach Fisher And Rams Players Post-Game Comments: Rams News Now
Excerpts from post-game comments made by Jeff Fisher, Sam Bradford, Zac Stacy, Austin Pettis and Chris Long. A lot of happy (relieved?) players, after a much-needed win against the Jaguars.
Stat Facts Of The Week: Toxic Differential
| Team | Turnover Differential | Big Play Differential | Toxic Differential | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | 2 | 22 | 24 |
| 2 | Seattle Seahawks | 7 | 13 | 20 |
| 3 | Kansas City Chiefs | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| 4 | San Francisco 49ers | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| 5 | Green Bay Packers | -2 | 11 | 9 |
| 6 | Tennessee Titans | 8 | -1 | 7 |
| 7 | Detroit Lions | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| 8 | Oakland Raiders | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| 9 | New Orleans Saints | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| 10 | Carolina Panthers | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| 11 | New England Patriots | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 12 | Chicago Bears | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 13 | Cleveland Browns | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 14 | Indianapolis Colts | 6 | -3 | 3 |
| 15 | Buffalo Bills | 3 | -2 | 1 |
| 16 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 17 | Denver Broncos | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 18 | New York Jets | -10 | 11 | 1 |
| 19 | Dallas Cowboys | 3 | -4 | -1 |
| 20 | Miami Dolphins | 1 | -4 | -3 |
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | -2 | -1 | -3 |
| 22 | Atlanta Falcons | -1 | -2 | -3 |
| 23 | St. Louis Rams | 2 | -6 | -4 |
| 24 | Houston Texans | -8 | 3 | -5 |
| 25 | Arizona Cardinals | 0 | -6 | -6 |
| 26 | Baltimore Ravens | -4 | -2 | -6 |
| 27 | Pittsburgh Steelers | -11 | 4 | -7 |
| 28 | Minnesota Vikings | 2 | -10 | -8 |
| 29 | San Diego Chargers | -8 | -8 | -16 |
| 30 | Washington Redskins | 0 | -19 | -19 |
| 31 | New York Giants | -13 | -10 | -23 |
| 32 | Jacksonville Jaguars | -7 | -19 | -26 |
On August 19, I wrote about the importance of the "toxic differential", in an article for Turf Show Times (link). The Rams, after 5 games, rank 23rd 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".
Upon Further Review
St. Louis Rams - Week 5: ESPN NFC West
San Francisco - Week 5: ESPN NFC West
Arizona - Week 5: ESPN NFC West
Seattle - Week 5: ESPN NFC West
The correspondents at ESPN take their weekly, in-depth, look at each of the four NFC West teams.
The Rundown: Rock Bottom: State Of The Texans
The Houston Texans were soundly beaten (34-3) by the San Francisco 49ers on the weekend. The Texans are in turmoil, and the future of quarterback Matt Schaub is getting murkier by the week. Can the Rams go into Houston and steal a win this coming week?
Futures: Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews: Football Outsiders
Jake Matthews has been on my wish list for the better part of two seasons. Will Jeff Fisher finally draft an offensive lineman in the first round next year?
Defensive Issues Remain Dire Concern, Even After Week 5 Win: Rant Sports NFL
The Rams surrendered 363 net yards to a Jacksonville team averaging 220 net yards coming into the game. Not a good sign going forward, as the Ram will face many quality offenses in their remaining 11 games.
"This team will be pushing a giant boulder up that hill if the defense canât start to play better fundamental football and take care of assignments play-after-play."
The Rams Must Take The Good And The Bad With Sam Bradford: Bleacher Report
Putting the blame on Sam Bradford for an unsuccessful season will be very difficult, especially if he continues on a pace to throw for well over 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns.
On This Day In Sports History
1995 - Dan Marino [of the Miami Dolphins] breaks Fran Tarkenton's NFL career completions record.
The Highest Scoring Offenses In NFL History
| TEAM | SEASON | PPG | G | W | L | T | |
| 1. | Los Angeles Rams | 1950 | 38.83 | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| 2. | New England Patriots | 2007 | 36.81 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| 3. | Green Bay Packers | 2011 | 35.00 | 16 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| 4. | New England Patriots | 2012 | 34.81 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| 5. | Minnesota Vikings | 1998 | 34.75 | 16 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| 6. | New Orleans Saints | 2011 | 34.19 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| 7. | Washington Redskins | 1983 | 33.81 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| 8. | St. Louis Rams | 2000 | 33.75 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0 |
| 9. | St. Louis Rams | 1999 | 32.88 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| 10. | Indianapolis Colts | 2004 | 32.63 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 0 |
| 11. | New England Patriots | 2010 | 32.38 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| 12. | Miami Dolphins | 1984 | 32.06 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| 12. | New England Patriots | 2011 | 32.06 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| 14. | New York Giants | 1963 | 32.00 | 14 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| 15. | New Orleans Saints | 2009 | 31.88 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| 16. | Dallas Cowboys | 1966 | 31.79 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| 17. | San Francisco 49ers | 1994 | 31.56 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| 18. | St. Louis Rams | 2001 | 31.44 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| 19. | Denver Broncos | 1998 | 31.31 | 16 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| 20. | Dallas Cowboys | 1968 | 30.79 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 0 |
2013 NFL Grades - Week 5: CBS Sports
Will Brinson presents his weekly grades for each game last weekend. The Rams earn a solid "B" for their efforts. Zac Stacy and Sam Bradford rate special mention in the Rams' win against the Jaguars.
NFL Power Rankings - Week 5: Bleacher Report
BR releases its weekly power rankings, which find the Rams occupying the 21st spot.
Quick Thoughts On The Rams Win Over The Jaguars: Ramblin' Fan
Nathan Kearns shares ten observations from the Rams-Jags game on Sunday. There are many positives to take away from this game. Hopefully, the Rams can build on those positives, and carry them into Sunday's match up with the Houston Texans.
Six Key Plays Define Rams' Victory Over Jacksonville Jaguars: Rams 101
Six key plays/sequences were critical to the Rams victory on Sunday. The Rams' defense creating turnovers was a welcome sign, while the ongoing penalties on special teams must be corrected - for the Rams to remain competitive the remainder of the season.
Offensive Packages: Pro Football Focus
The 11, 12, and 21 personnel are the main offensive packages prevalent in the NFL. PFF breaks down each teams package % for the first quarter of the season. The Rams lined up in the 11 personnel package over 62% of the time.
Jaguars vs. Rams: Full Roster Report Card Grades For St. Louis: Bleacher Report
BR hands out grades for last Sunday's game. The offensive line gets an "A". Most of the remaining units receive a solid "B" grade. Special teams receives a "D", for their continuing poor play, and penalties. John Fassel will be in the firing line this week.
Austin Pettis Filling Important Niche: ESPN NFC West
There's no mistaking the trust Sam Bradford has in Austin Pettis. Pettis' numbers are pretty revealing:
"Of Pettisâ 22 catches, 14 have gone for first downs and four more have gone for touchdowns. That means 81 percent of Pettisâ catches are either moving the chains or putting points on the board.
Over the past two seasons, Pettis has 52 catches with 38 of them going for a first down or touchdown."
PBS Brain Trauma Documentary Should Scare The S#@$ Out Of The NFL: Sports Grid
This is the same documentary the NFL refused to cooperate with, and pressured ESPN to back out of. Why? For no other reason than it makes the NFL look bad.
The Pressers
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - October 4
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - Post-Game - October 6
Sam Bradford Press Conference - Post-Game - October 6
Zac Stacy Press Conference - Post-Game - October 6
Austin Pettis Press Conference - Post-Game - October 6
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - October 7
All press conferences are courtesy of the St. Louis Rams Official Website
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Jeff Fisher talking about run-pass balance, something the Rams were focusing on for the past week.
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Torry Holt talks about Zac Stacy, Tavon Austin, Austin Pettis...and positive vibes.
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Zac Stacy, and how he can help turn around the Rams' offense.
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Chris Givens speaks about the Rams offense, and the leadership of Sam Bradford.
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The Jeff Fisher Show - October 7.
Ten Takeaways From Sunday's Win Over Jacksonville: 101 ESPN
This is the kind of positive thinking I really enjoy:
"The Rams are only two games out of the NFC West lead. They control their own destiny. All they need to do is steal an unexpected win in Houston, then theyâre 3-3 and anything can happen."
Jaguars at Rams Recap - Video: CBS Sports
Pete Prisco, Jamey Eisenberg, and the CBS crew, provide analysis of Sunday's Rams win.
Austin Pettis Shows Why He Is The Number Two Guy: Ramblin' Fan
Pettis keeps showing me that he is valuable to have in a Rams uniform:
"Pettis has only dropped one pass all year. Not only that, but of Pettisâ 22 catches, 14 have gone for first downs and four more have gone for touchdowns. That means 81 percent of Pettisâ catches are either moving the chains or putting points on the board."
The Texans' Worst Defender Is Matt Schaub: Deadspin
Could Matt Schaub be the decisive factor in the Rams stealing a game on the road this coming weekend? He is having a horrible time with giving up pick-sixes...[see below]...
Matt Schaub restaurant picture: Sports Pickle
ESPN's Sunday Blitz: Rams - Jags Recap - Video: Rams News Now
Prim Siripipat and Tom Waddle break down the Rams' week 5 win over the Jaguars.
Austin Pettis 31 Yard TD Reception Video:St. Louis Rams Official Website
This video proves beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the Rams can connect on a longer pass for a touchdown. We need to see more of these, with Tavon Austin and Chris Givens on the receiving end.
Rams get passing grades in win over Jags, but some problems still linger: CBS KMOX
The offense receives a "B-", the defense a "C", and the special teams an "F". See a pattern developing with the special teams week-after-week? Time for Coach Fisher to fix the penalty issues.
Week 5 Highlights - Rams vs. Jags: St. Louis Rams Official Website
It's not pretty, but Rams get a welcome win: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Maybe it was best said by Chris Long, after Sunday's game:
"Just like you can lose and play well, you can win and not play up to your standards. Iâm not saying thatâs what happened, but obviously we can get a lot better. Iâm looking forward to fixing whatever problems we may have and playing a really good team (next Sunday)."
Rams Finally Found A Legit Starting Running Back: Rant Sports NFL
Zac Stacy did his best Steven Jackson impression on Sunday. Have the Rams found their starting running back?
Rams Beat Up On NFL Punching Bag Jaguars: Cover 32
MVP of the game? Sam Bradford. L(east)VP? Daryl Richardson. The x-factor? RB Zac Stacy. The key number was 7, that being the number of receivers who caught a pass from Sam Bradford on Sunday.
Pass At Your Own Peril: S.I. - MMQB
Has the pass-happy NFL become too pass-happy? We may already be there, where teams are passing too much...for the worse.
Rams Hit The Reset Button: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jeff Fisher decided that the Jacksonville game would represent the "start" of the season. The Rams are now 1-0 under that scenario. Let's see if they can remain undefeated!
Schaub Faltering, Rams Up Next: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
With the Texans floundering [especially QB Matt Schaub], could the Rams steal a victory on the road this weekend?
RB Zac Stacy to get another start: ESPN NFC West
Looks like Jeff Fisher is giving Stacy the nod to start against Houston:
"Yes, I think weâll probably start this game off the same way we did yesterday," Fisher said matter of factly."
Penalties still a special problem for Rams: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Through 5 games, the Rams have been flagged for 17 special teams penalties. The offense and defense combined have only committed 16 penalties. This has to be one of the major concerns going forward.
Who's Really To Blame For Sam Bradford's Sputtering Season: Bleacher Report
There is enough blame to spread around to everyone on the team:
"Thereâs no "I" in team. Well, itâs true: There is no "I" in team, which means St. Louisâ slow start has been a collective effort week in and week out. Additionally, the Rams will consistently start winning football games when the players and the coaching staff get on the same page."
NFL Power Rankings: CBS Sports - Pete Prisco
NFL Power Rankings: CBS Sports - Pat Kirwan
Pat Kirwan ranks the Rams 29th, Pete Prisco 22nd, in their weekly power rankings.
St. Louis Rams Weekly Salary "Re-Cap"
The Rams currently have $257,903 of Available Cap Space, lowest in the league. Injuries to T.J. McDonald and Matt Daniels have dramatically lowered available cap space. The Rams are getting perilously close to a situation where a contract or two will need to be restructured.
Blast From The Past: Classic Rock Tuesday: Led Zeppelin - Misty Mountain Hop
Led Zeppelin - Misty Mountain Hop - Live Madison Square Garden - 1973 (via ledzeppelin)
Have a great Tuesday and a Ramtastic week!!