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Good news for the Rams and their offensive line........
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Another great day in the books I'll be back on the field in no time <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23nodaysoff&src=hash">#nodaysoff</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ramsnation&src=hash">#ramsnation</a> <a href="http://t.co/4cSM9nxQQV">http://t.co/4cSM9nxQQV</a></p>— Rodger Saffold (@Rodger_Saffold) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rodger_Saffold/statuses/368148885950464000">August 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Jeff Fisher said Rams hope to get right tackle Rodger Saffold (shouder) back this week.</p>— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/statuses/369194422295986177">August 18, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Did great on fieldwork this afternoon hoping to be back sooner then later. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RamsNation&src=hash">#RamsNation</a></p>— Rodger Saffold (@Rodger_Saffold) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rodger_Saffold/statuses/369601731258105856">August 19, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Feeling The Pain Of The Preseason: S.I. - MMQB
Andrew Brandt examines the impact of injuries this preseason - both on the field, and in managing the salary cap. Given the Rams' lack of depth in many areas [and the tight cap space situation], injuries will play a critical role in how their season unfolds. So far......so good.
Predicting NFL's 2013 Rookies of the Year: Bleacher Report
No surprise on the offensive side of the ball - as Tavon Austin gets the nod. The defensive rookie of the year may surprise some. Don't sleep on Alec Ogletree though. With Jo-Lonn Dunbar's suspension, Ogletree has the opportunity to make a huge impact.
The NFL And CTE: Turf Show Times - Douglas Morrison
In case you missed it last Thursday, this seminal article is outstanding, both for its content - and scholarly writing.
Just Because: Watch the 1944 Bears battle the Cleveland Rams: CBS Sports
I love football nostalgia. Let's go back in time........to October 29, 1944......and watch some rare footage of the (then) Cleveland Rams, playing the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field.
Rookie Highlight Reel - Tavon Austin
Only One (Tavon Austin Senior Highlights) (via dougitydog)
St. Louis Rams Preview: NFL Spin Zone
The Rams formula for a 9-7/10-6 season ? Win the 5 'should win" games outside the division, and have the same success as last year within the division. Seems simple enough, doesn't it?
Utilizing Free Agency To Build A Team: Over The Cap
Over The Cap examines 4 different types of building through free agency. The Rams have taken the approach of adding a few big free agents - as part of long term team planning. Their primary focus is on building through the draft. Are the Rams heading in the right direction?
AP Top 25 Poll Released: Defending Champion Alabama At No. 1: CBS Sports
The Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 for the 2013 college season. No surprise at #1 - Alabama. Many familiar schools round out the Top 25. I envision the Rams' two 2014 first round draft picks coming from this group of 25.
Awards Away: Rams' Jones Just Another Rookie: Fox Sports Midwest
Now that Barrett Jones has returned from a Lisfranc foot injury, he seems to be fitting right in at training camp:
"He insists it's been no adjustment going from highly-decorated college offensive lineman to semi-anonymous fourth-round draft pick with the St. Louis Rams."
Stat Facts Of The Week - Third Down Conversions Per Game
|
Rank
|
Team
|
2012
|
|
2011
|
|||
|
1
|
|
6.8
|
|
|
|
|
5.4
|
|
2
|
|
6.3
|
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
3
|
|
6.1
|
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
4
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
|
|
5.7
|
|
5
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
6
|
|
5.8
|
|
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
7
|
|
5.7
|
|
|
|
|
6.1
|
|
8
|
|
5.7
|
|
|
|
|
7.2
|
|
9
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
10
|
|
5.4
|
|
|
|
|
5.7
|
|
11
|
|
5.3
|
|
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
12
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
13
|
|
5.2
|
|
|
|
|
5.3
|
|
14
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
|
|
6.4
|
|
15
|
|
5.1
|
|
|
|
|
6.1
|
|
16
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
17
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
18
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
19
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
20
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
21
|
|
4.9
|
|
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
22
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
23
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
24
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
25
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
26
|
|
4.4
|
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
27
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
28
|
|
4.3
|
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
29
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
30
|
|
4.2
|
|
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
31
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
32
|
|
3.6
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
In 2012, the St. Louis Rams ranked 29'th in the NFL in third-down conversions - per game. The Rams showed little improvement over their 2011 results. Given the off season additions to the offense, the Rams are on track to significantly improve their ranking in this statistic [and many others].
[The chart is courtesy of Team Rankings]
Rams Offensive Linemen Running Pass Routes: Rams News Now
Caught on Instagram video......from Friday's practice.....you never know - the Rams might need to convert an offensive lineman to wide receiver...........................
Prescription Diuretic Found In Supplement: NFLPA
An example of how difficult it can be to follow the NFL/NFLPA drug policies..........as the NFLPA warns its members. What exactly are players allowed to ingest anymore?? Are they football players - or pharmacists?
"Please remember ingredients listed on the bottle do not always match the substances in the bottle, and that lack of knowledge of a prohibited substance in a product does not excuse liability under the NFL/NFLPA drug policies."
NFL To Support Canadian Universities: NFL.com
This NFL initiative brings broad smiles to many of us Canadians, up here in the hinterland. Especially when the NFL comes to visit my hometown:
"The NFL’s partnership with Western this past year was excellent," said Jason Young, Marketing Manager, Western University, London, Ontario. "Having the NFL on Campus as part of Homecoming really helped engage our undergraduate students throughout the entire week."
NFL Training Camp Snapshot 2013: San Francisco 49ers: S.I. - Audibles
It's always a good idea to keep tabs on your biggest rival. The Niner's biggest issue may be their schedule - one that has them playing the Rams at critical points in the season........and after runs of games with difficult opponents. Can the Rams repeat last years success against them?
On This Day In Sports History
1991 - Miami Dolphin Dan Marino surpasses Joe Montana as the highest paid NFL player, with a 5-year extension for $25 million.
Rams will explore new uniform concepts in the near future: Sports Illustrated
Kevin Demoff shares his thoughts on future Rams uniforms:
"Like everything else, you’re trying to elicit emotion from your fans, and our uniform colors seem to do that on a daily basis. There’s not a day that goes by that there’s not a uniform question or comment on the Internet."
Here are MY thoughts: I care a lot less about the uniform colors than I do about the "collar" on the current uniforms. It reminds me of those clip-on bow-ties I wore as a child.
Rams Coach Fisher Joins Mike Florio On The Dan Patrick Show - Video: Rams News Now
Coach Fisher talks candidly about why the NFL replay system works, how he handles the preseason, Tavon Austin's training camp and potential, and the strength of the NFC West.
Tim Tebow's numbers say it all: 1 for 7, -1 yards, 1 INT, 0.0 Rating: Pro Football Talk
Stats seldom tell the complete story..........in this case, they tell the Whole story......Tebow is in real danger of not making the Patriots 53 man roster.
Author Says Studies Show Football Now Safer Than Ever: NFL.com
Daniel J. Flynn, author of the soon-to-be published book "The War On Football: Saving America's Game", recently wrote that football has never been safer - despite what the critics say:
"Flynn said too much is being made about chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, with many generalizations offered about the brain disease. In fact, Flynn cited a study published in the British Journal of Medicine that says there still are too many unknowns about CTE for some of the conclusions that have been made."
St. Louis Rams Weekly "Re-Cap"
The Rams Available Cap Space currently stands at $113,676, second lowest in the league. They will have some maneuvering to do in the coming weeks, to create enough cap space to navigate through the regular season.
Lessons Learned On The Road: S.I. - Peter King - MMQB
Peter King shares his thoughts after seeing 20 teams in training camps, including the St. Louis Rams. The best player he saw? Rams TE Jared Cook. One of the top 6 rookies? Rams WR Tavon Austin. A sign of things to come....
Jake Long Set To Cut Loose For Rams: Fox Sports Midwest
A good sign for the Rams - Jake Long is 100% healthy:
"I'm feeling great, the best I've felt in years. The triceps feeling good. Everything is feeling good. I'm moving around pretty well."
Tavon Austin - Rams WR: ESPN Audio
Austin talks to ESPN about his time with the Rams, expectations for this season, and comparisons to Percy Harvin.
Packaged Plays And The Newest Form Of Option Football: Grantland
Defenses are quickly learning how to defend the read option, spread and pistol offensive schemes. Offenses are trying to stay one step ahead, in this elaborate chess match:
"Good offense has always been about deceptive simplicity — the clearest path to success is to make things as simple as possible for your players while also keeping defenses off-balance."
The Pressers
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - August 15
Tim Walton Press Conference - August 15
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - August 16
Sam Bradford Press Conference - August 17 - Post-Game
Tavon Austin Press Conference - August 17 - Post-Game
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - August 18
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - August 19
All press conferences are courtesy of the Rams official website: stlouisrams.com
The NFL's Battle With Concussions And Severe Injuries: Football Outsiders
This preseason seems to be a never-ending parade of injuries. Dustin Keller is the latest player to go down with a season-ending injury. What is the NFL doing about it?:
"The NFL would like to believe the game has been made safer through changes to equipment and rules and that the increase in severe injuries is the result of better treatment. So far, data analysis does not support that, but more changes are coming to the league."
The Tavon Austin Show Needs A Rewrite As Rams Fall To Packers: RamsHerd
RamsHerd offers their observations from Saturday's preseason game against the Packers, especially about Tavon Austin. There were many bright spots......but many things still left to iron out before the start of the regular season.
St. Louis Rams Tight End End Jared Cook 37-yard reception Video: NFL.com
In Saturday's game, Sam Bradford connected with Jared Cook for a big gain. This reception highlights the athleticism, speed, and size of Cook. Look for Cook to become Bradford's favorite target as the season progresses.
Still More Questions Than Answers For St. Louis Rams: Rams 101
After 2 preseason games, it is a good time to look at how the offense, defense, and special teams are faring. "The good, the bad, and the ugly".
Rams Update: Rookie McGee pushing Johnson for nickel back job: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Although he is not likely to move past Trumaine Johnson on the depth chart, it is encouraging to see Brandon McGee having a great training camp and preseason. He could very well end up being a 5th round steal.
Belichick takes a shot at "experts who have it all figured out": Pro Football Talk
BB takes a little swing at the so-called "experts".......Tough to argue with him on this one. The lesson here:
"Even for an expert, evaluating a football team from the outside is tough."
Game-by-Game Predictions for Rams Schedule: Bleacher Report
The Rams finish 9-7, in this analysis from Bleacher Report. In a poll conducted on Turf Show Times 3 weeks ago, over 70% believe the Rams will complete the regular season with 9-10 wins.
Pam Oliver takes a pass off the face - Video: SB Nation
Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time............
2013 Rams Draft Pick Snaps vs. GB
| Draft Pick | O | D | ST | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tavon Austin | 16 | -- | 2 | 18 |
| Alec Ogletree | -- | 39 | 5 | 44 |
| T.J. McDonald | -- | 23 | 4 | 27 |
| Stedman Bailey | 21 | -- | 1 | 22 |
| Barrett Jones | 37 | -- | 1 | 38 |
| Brandon McGee | -- | 20 | 2 | 22 |
| Zac Stacy | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Monday morning Rams notes: ESPN NFC West
The Rams' offensive line is the unit to watch closely all season, as its importance cannot be understated. The left guard battle is still being fought. Expect Chris Williams to be the opening game starter. Rodger Saffold should return to practice this week. In his absence, Joe Barksdale has shown that he is ready to step in with quality reps, if one of the starting tackles is injured.
Expect Explosive Offense From Rams in 2013: Rant Sports NFL
When you add explosive players like Jared Cook, Chris Givens, Tavon Austin, and Daryl Richardson to an offense - you can expect explosive results......
Quick thoughts on the Rams loss to the Packers: Ramblin' Fan
RF examines the many positives that came out of Saturday's game with the Packers.
Seahawks have picked up where they left off: The News Tribune
Make no mistake, Seattle will be a tough opponent to overcome this year - with or without Percy Harvin. They are certainly tearing it up through the summer, thus far.
Using Free Agency To Build A Team: NFC Edition: Over The Cap
The Rams spent the 4th most amount of money in the NFC, on free agent starters, this off season.......did they get their moneys worth?
Linking young WR's Baldwin, Jenkins, Quick: Mike Sando - ESPN
KC and SF swapped Jenkins and Baldwin yesterday. All three were drafted between the 25th and 35th picks in the last three years. All are facing critical years in their development. Will Brian Quick emerge this year as a productive receiver for the Rams?
Rams' Tavon Austin getting comfortable: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
The more snaps Tavon Austin gets - the more comfortable he feels:
"It felt good. I had a couple catches today. It made me feel like I’m getting a little more comfortable, got my confidence back in myself. Hopefully we just keep going along."
Fisher can't muster many compliments: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jeff Fisher wasn't all too happy with the Rams' performance on Saturday night. The team will no doubt get an earful, this week in practice.
Lindenwood's Helmick debuts with Rams: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Andrew Helmick returned to camp after almost two weeks on the sidelines - with a hamstring injury. Will the Rams keep 6 receivers? Is Helmick too far behind Raymond Radway and Nick Johnson?
Another piece of bad news for the Denver Broncos........
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Von Miller's suspension for violation of the league's substance policy is expected to be at least six games, per sources.</p>— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/mortreport/statuses/369473703865626624">August 19, 2013</a></blockquote>
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49ers RB Marcus Lattimore won't play in 2013: SI Wire
Notwithstanding who he plays for, I have been admiring the comeback attempt of Lattimore for quite some time - and wish him all the best in the future.
Rookie Roller Coaster: Student of the Game - Cody Davis
Cody Davis (via his own blog) shares his most recent thoughts about training camp and the preseason.
Rams Fan Base Ranked #22: Ramblin' Fan
"Well Rams fans, you guys came in at number 22, which at first glance doesn’t seem that great, but at a more in depth look, the Rams fan base actually ranked the highest in the entire NFC West. The Rams have had some rough years lately to say the least and the fact that the fans have still managed to rank first in the west is an accomplishment. Now that the Rams have high expectations and much promise heading into 2013, the fan base could rank even higher in 2014."
Daryl Richardson's promotion sign of shift: ESPN NFC West
It is has been pretty much assured through most of training camp......but Jeff Fisher left no doubt:
"Well, from a starting standpoint, yeah, I think Daryl would probably take the first snap against Arizona,"
Rams have much to prove this week: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jeff Gordon goes through a long list of "to do's" for this week in training camp.
What if the rookie wage scale didn't exist?: National Football Post
If the rookie wage scale didn't exist - the Rams would be in dire straits with respect to the salary cap. Tavon Austin's contract would have put them in a pretty deep hole.
Blast From The Past - Classic Rock Tuesday - Led Zeppelin - Nobody's Fault But Mine
LED ZEPPELIN England Live 1979 - Nobody's Fault But Mine (via OkavangoBo)
Have a Great Tuesday.... and a Ramtastic Week!!!