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Look at that physique!! Built like a linebacker...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>You know the <a href="https://twitter.com/STLouisRams">@STLouisRams</a> season is here when <a href="https://twitter.com/kdemoff">@kdemoff</a> turns his casual Friday attire up a notch. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23RamsOpener&src=hash">#RamsOpener</a> <a href="http://t.co/l3IcSHeNxE">pic.twitter.com/l3IcSHeNxE</a></p>— Tony Pastoors (@tpastoors) <a href="https://twitter.com/tpastoors/statuses/376003032351129600">September 6, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Time to get down to business...Chris Long won't be tweeting till February:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>You may think im playing around. See you sometime in February 2014. %fillthedome</p>— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) <a href="https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/statuses/376437251070119936">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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3k...on the explosive growth of Turf Show Times over the last 5 years:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>In 2008, we had 48 comments for the entire game thread for week one. Today, we had nearly 1500 for the first half.</p>— Joe McAtee (@3k_) <a href="https://twitter.com/3k_/statuses/376831102838517762">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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A statistical line worth cherishing...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Bradford in the fourth quarter today: 8-of-10 for 76 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. Rating of 131.7.</p>— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/statuses/376937190917287936">September 9, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Let's get out there and vote!! Keep the award at home!!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Need to keep it in-house! RT Deacon Jones Award Standings After Week 1 <a href="http://t.co/jttNNBhTBD">http://t.co/jttNNBhTBD</a></p>— Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_) <a href="https://twitter.com/NoPlanB_/statuses/377443086332219393">September 10, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Getting Cut And Joining The Practice Squad: Student Of The Game - Cody Davis
Safety Cody Davis shares his thoughts and emotions [via his own blog] - after not making the Rams' 53-man roster. Davis was signed to the practice squad shortly thereafter - and feels blessed to have the opportunity to still play football. A classy young man.
How To Build An NFL Winner: Cold Hard Football Facts
The recipe for building an NFL winner? A franchise quarterback - and sound, intelligent drafting. The Rams are certainly on the right path to building a winner - by any measure.
2014 NFL Mock Draft: SB Nation - Mocking The Draft
Dan Kadar presents his first mock draft of the season. The St. Louis Rams once again have 2 first-round picks. In this mock, the Rams go into the trenches for both picks: DT Will Sutton, and OL David Yankey. A prelude to the Rams not re-signing Rodger Saffold???
Pass Atlas: A Map Of Where NFL Quarterbacks Throw The Ball: Grantland
An in-depth look at the 19,000 + passes thrown in 2012. All in an intricate series of graphs.
"In fact, only about 31 percent of all passes are thrown beyond 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. We hear a lot that the NFL is a passing league, but it’s more accurate to say that it’s a short-passing league."
Rookie Highlight Reel: Ray Ray Armstrong
Ultimate Ray Ray Armstrong Highlights (via JBoston923)
2013 NFC West Team Previews: Sports Kings - Down And Distance
A detailed analysis of all four teams in the NFC West. The Rams finish with a 9-7 record [3-3 against divisional opponents]. Surprise player? Daryl Richardson - who last year showed glimpses of being something special.
The Evolution Of Sam Bradford And the Rams' Offense: ESPN NFC West
As the NFL evolves - so do the Rams, their offense, and Sam Bradford:
"Defenses have become more specialized and offenses are constantly searching for ways to create mismatches. The easiest way to do that is to spread out the defense with a variety of receivers and attempt to get snaps off in short order to keep defenses from being able to match up with extra defensive backs or rotate out tired linemen."
1967 Los Angeles Rams Yearbook - Video: NFL Films
A nostalgic look at the Rams' 1967 season - Roman Gabriel, The Fearsome Foursome, Jack Pardee, Jack Snow and the gang. Perhaps the greatest season in NFL history - one where the Baltimore Colts entered the final game of the season undefeated - and failed to make the playoffs.
The Ebb And Flow Of The NFL Passing Game Since 1932: Football Perspective
"Nine men have thrown for 4,900 passing yards in a season. Seven of them did so in either 2011 or 2012. How did we get here? The NFL has turned into a pass-heavy league, but these changes didn’t happen overnight."
Stat Facts Of The Week: NFL Team Yards Per Pass Attempt [YPA]
Rank
Team
2012
1
7.7
2
7.6
3
7.6
4
7.5
5
7.5
6
7.4
7
7.4
8
7.2
9
7.2
10
7.2
11
7.1
12
7.0
13
7.0
14
6.9
15
6.7
16
6.6
17
6.5
18
6.5
19
6.4
20
6.4
21
6.4
22
6.3
23
6.2
24
6.2
25
6.2
26
6.1
27
6.1
28
5.9
29
5.8
30
5.7
31
5.7
32
4.9
The Rams ranked 21st in Yards-Per-Attempt for the 2012 season. The explosive additions to the offense will allow the Rams to enter the top 15 in the league, and average over 7 Yards-Per-Attempt, in the 2013 season. In an article for TST on Saturday, I projected the 2013 passing statistics for Sam Bradford (link).
Inside The Rams' Roster: Jim Thomas - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jim Thomas takes an in-depth look at the Rams' roster, unit-by-unit.
Sam Bradford Ready To Attain Elite Quarterback Status In 2013: Rant Sports NFL
Sam Bradford has no shortage of support from the Rams organization, who believe in him explicitly. As noted by Les Snead:
"There will be an evolutionary period. Jared Cook to the starting wide receivers will be different, so the more we get on stage and play, the more timing we’ll get and the better we will be. But I love the guy [Bradford]. Jacked about him. It’s an understatement that you can’t go find people of his makeup, smarts and talent. They just don’t come around."
Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams: Full Report Card Grades: Bleacher Report
BR grades each of the Rams' units performance versus Arizona. There are four solid "A's" in my mind: Sam Bradford, Robert Quinn, Greg Zuerlein, and Jared Cook.
NFL Week 1 Grades: CBS Sports
Pete Prisco hands out his team grades for Sunday's games. The Rams get a "B" grade for their performance. He was especially impressed with Sam Bradford, Robert Quinn, and the 4th quarter comeback.
On This Day In Sports History
1937 - The Cleveland Rams played their 1st NFL game. The Cleveland team was later moved to Los Angeles, then St. Louis.
Jared Cooks speaks about the whole team rallying together, for the come-from-behind victory on Sunday.
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Coach Jeff Fisher On Rams' Opening Day Win - Video: Fox 2 via Rams News Now
Martin Kilcoyne speaks with Jeff Fisher after Sunday's victory over Arizona.
Cool Charts: NFL Salaries By Position: The Guardian [via Deadspin]
The Guardian released an excellent interactive graphic, on the salaries/cap hits of NFL players, by team and position. An interesting look at how personnel decisions are made across the NFL.
Ten Takeaways From The Rams' Win Over Arizona: 101 ESPN Sports
Three takeaways that stood out for me:
"Bradford has now gone three straight games without being sacked – the last two games last year and this one. Paul Boudreau has done an amazing job of building continuity."
"It’s hard to imagine that there’s a better kicking game in the NFL."
"Love or hate Sam Bradford, he can play when the chips are down."
Sam Bradford Among "Elite" NFL Quarterbacks For Game One: Rams 101
A victory, 100.7 Quarterback Rating, and a 4th quarter comeback all appear pretty elite to me...if only for one week.
The NFL's Top 10 Coaches: The Onion
Jeff Fisher ranks 4th on this list of preeminent coaches in the NFL. Number one? Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots.
New Faces, Same Goals for Rams Offense: St. Louis Rams Official Website
The Rams' offense underwent a dramatic transformation in the off season. The faces have changed...the goals are the same. From Jeff Fisher:
"Our goal is to increase scoring and keep the defense off the field and put drives together."
Week 1: Rams Rookie Review: ESPN NFC West
Nick Wagoner takes a look at the playing time, and production, of each of the Rams drafted rookies. Some decent efforts, but nothing too outstanding to be excited about. I think Alec Ogletree played a quiet, but solid, game.
Cardinals vs. Rams Game Ball: Greg Zuerlein: Rant Sports NFL
"Zuerlein made four field goals, including the game-tying and game-winning field goals in the fourth quarter, with the second coming from 48 yards out with 40 seconds remaining to give the Rams the win."
The Pressers
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 6: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 8 - Post-Game: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 9: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Sam Bradford Press Conference - September 8 - Post-Game: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Tavon Austin Press Conference - September 8 - Post-Game: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Game Highlights - Video: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Jeff Fisher recaps the regular season opener:
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Upon Further Review
Upon Further Review: Seahawks Week 1: ESPN NFC West
Upon Further Review: 49ers Week 1: ESPN NFC West
Upon Further Review: Cardinals Week 1: ESPN NFC West
Upon Further Review: Rams Week 1: ESPN NFC West
ESPN NFC West writers take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from Sunday's games involving the NFC West. Notwithstanding the Arizona Cardinals, the remaining 3 teams all won very close games, including the St. Louis Rams.
St. Louis Rams Weekly "Re-Cap"
Entering the season, the Rams have $3,958,022 in Available Cap Space. This should be enough to allow the Rams to navigate through the regular season, without cap space concerns. The Rams created close to $3 million in cap space last week, as described in my article for TST last Wednesday (link).
Breaking Down Sam Bradford: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Joe Strauss takes an in-depth look at Sam Bradford; what there is to like, and what is needed to improve:
"Bradford is an intriguing quarterback, a talented quarterback, potentially a better quarterback. However, Bradford has yet to demonstrate the capacity exhibited by transcendent quarterbacks: elevate those around him."
Locker Room Buzz: ESPN
I think Jeff Fisher nailed the game with Arizona right on the head:
"We have a long, long way to go," Fisher said. "There’s a lot of areas we have to address but most of those were self-inflicted wounds."
Tavon Austin: Grading Rookie WR's Debut: Bleacher Report
BR gives Austin a "B" in the receiving game, and a "C" for special teams, in this review of his Sunday performance.
The accompanying chart are the receiving stats for Sunday's game against Arizona.
Quick Thoughts On The St. Louis Rams Win: Ramblin' Fan
Ramblin' Fan breaks down 10 facets of the game, that contributed to the Rams victory.
Rams' Bradford Performing Under Pressure: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
Sam Bradford was cool as a cucumber, leading the Rams to victory with a 4th quarter comeback. Chris Long said this about his leadership:
"It’s Sam’s team," Long said. "It’s Sam’s team all the way. We have built things around him so it’s Sam’s team. That’s the way everybody wants it."
Jared Cook And the Rams Outrun their Own Mistakes For A Win: RamsHerd
RamsHerd presents their take on the Rams opening day victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Rams fans should be cautiously optimistic after win: KMOV
There were plenty of bright signs to make light of, from Sunday's victory. There were some facets to the game, though, that were perplexing and disturbing:
"There should be a little more clarity to this week’s issues come next week at this time. Until then, carry on cautiously Rams fans."
Keys To The Rams Victory Over The Arizona Cardinals: Rams 101
I have always thought that winning football games was accomplished in the trenches. I suppose that has an element of old-school thinking to it. Perhaps the biggest reason the Rams won on the weekend was the play of the offensive and defensive lines.
Motivated Rookie Earns A Spot: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
A brief look at DE Gerald Rivers, who beat the odds to secure a spot on the Rams' 53-man roster.
Rams defense has issues, answers: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
A bend-but-don't-break effort from the defense helped the Rams hold on from the victory. It was not the best of games for Cortland Finnegan, who vows to make amends:
"Personally, it was a poor performance, period, and I’m not going to make excuses for it.’’
"Have to get better, have to learn from mistakes and have to play better football. Fifteen more to go.’’
Richardson Gets Full Day Of Work: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Daryl Richardson carried the ball 20 times in Rams home opener. Although it was somewhat of a surprise to see that many carries, by all accounts he played well and showed no signs of wearing down. Isaiah Pead returns from suspension this week. Will he be sharing the workload with Richardson against the Falcons?
Rams' Offensive Line Off To Strong Start: The Gazette
The Rams' offensive line did not allow a sack in Sunday's game, and gave Sam Bradford the protection he needed to stage a 4th quarter comeback. From Sam Bradford:
"I can't say enough about those guys up front."
Opportunity There For Isaiah Pead In Return: ESPN NFC West
Isaiah Pead served his one game suspension, and returns for week 2. Will he be playing this week? Will he get any carries? Who will he replace on the 53-man roster? Chase Reynolds?
Cook Has Record-Setting Day In Rams Debut: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"Signed in the offseason to add a new dimension to the Rams’ attack, all Cook did was catch seven passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns to break the franchise record for single-game receiving by a tight end."
Is Robert Quinn The NFL's Next Great Sack Artist?: Bleacher Report
"Without a doubt, Quinn looks faster than he did in 2011 and 2012. One could attribute his newfound speed to offseason conditioning, yet more than anything, it’s safe to say he’s playing faster because it is his second season in Fisher’s system."
The Chip Kelly Era Takes Off: S.I. - MMQB
Chip Kelly, and the Eagles, showed some crazy looks - at breakneck speed - in the game against the Redskins. A cutting edge approach to running an offense.
Blast From The Past: R&B Tuesday: Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Marvin Gaye - Heard It Through The Grapevine (Live at Montreux) (via Eagle Rock)
Have a great Tuesday and a Ramtastic week!!