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Did the Rams just finish the easiest stretch of their schedule?
More bad news. Nick Wagoner, ESPN, just released some really interesting information about the Rams schedule this year. According to Wagoner, the Rams played the second easiest first quarter of any NFL team. Finishing at 1-3 over that period definitely doesn't inspire confidence, especially when you consider that the rest of the Rams remaining schedule is currently THE HARDEST IN THE LEAGUE!
Tavon Austin still in "rookie of the year" race?
Given the few breakout offensive candidates this year, Austin appears to still have a chance at the title. The talent is most certainly there, and it seems that once the Rams finally stop committing penalties on special teams he will break at least one punt return for a touchdown. Outside of the two touchdown performance in Atlanta, Austin hasn't jumped off the screen yet on offense. However, every time Sam Bradford throws his way you get the sense that something big is about to happen.
Zac Stacy will start again
No surprise here. Stacy gave the Rams a much needed boost in the run game. He is the type of back that falls forward through the arms of the opponent. The Rams need a back who can pick up 1-3 yards on unsuccessful run plays - as opposed to no yards or even a loss between the tackles. This author had Stacy pegged as the #4 RB prospect in the draft, here's hoping he makes good on my meaningless evaluation.
Rams in bottom of power rankings
Not only do the Rams continue to end up in the bottom of the power rankings, they are also ranked as the worst team with more than one win. Ouch. The worst part is that - based on what has been on the field - it is probably a fair and accurate assessment. The million dollar question seems to be, "why are the Rams bad at football again?", and the truth is that it is a multitude of factors. However, a win over Houston would certainly turn things around.
Rams not going anywhere... for now
Little has happened in the Rams lease issue with St. Louis, and likely won't until there are hard deadlines to meet. Jim Thomas reports that no one is looking at LA, and that all words are quiet in St. Louis. The truth is that someone is always working a deal, and the fact that you hear nothing actually likely means there is more going on than what we think. Once we start hearing rumblings one way or the other, that means someone wants to win a PR battle, and is probably pretty committed to a certain plan. I am on record as believing the Rams will likely stay in St. Louis. However, the rule with all of these things is to follow the money.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I'm hearing absolutely nothing is going on with respect to stadium lease/new stadium talks in St. Louis. . .Crickets.</p>— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/statuses/387696048371544064">October 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>No stadium solution in LA; a lot would have to happen for a franchise in London. So to summarize the Goodell quotes tweeted by <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet">@RapSheet</a>. .</p>— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/statuses/387695549245173760">October 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Fans harass Matt Schaub (Houston QB) at home
This brings new meaning to the idea of showing up with "torches and pitchforks". Houston Texans fans showed up to Matt Schaub's house to "tell him off" and make their opinions of his performance well known. The jokes will write themselves. The police were called and the situation was straightened out quickly; however, not before fans could take pictures of Schaubs family. Poor Schaub. Rams fans will hope things only get worse this weekend. Perhaps Gary Kubiak will even do Schuab a favor and put TJ Yates in so Texans fans can see just how bad it really could be.
Oh yeah, these Rams I've been talking about ... they play this weekend.
Stay classy Rams fans.