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Cortland Finnegan stylin'...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I know I'm not suposed to tweet but this recliner followed us to Atlanta <a href="https://twitter.com/CortFinnegan">@cortfinnegan</a> <a href="http://t.co/3dmPTJr4sn">pic.twitter.com/3dmPTJr4sn</a></p>— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) <a href="https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/statuses/378951295479992320">September 14, 2013</a></blockquote>
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The Rams really need to get the penalty plague sorted out...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>It just wouldn't be a Rams punt or kickoff return today without a Rams penalty.</p>— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jthom1/statuses/379319870841561088">September 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Another tough day for the glass tackle...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Fisher said RT Rodger Saffold has knee injury and will need further evaluation. For what it's worth, Saffold was on crutches in locker room.</p>— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/statuses/379356950036619264">September 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
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A bright shining light for the Rams defense...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Things might get harder for Robert Quinn vs Dallas next week, but so far (with not all games in) leads all DEs with 16 pressures on season</p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/statuses/379619517371920384">September 16, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Is it as bad as we thought?...
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>For all the penalties the Rams have racked up in first two weeks, it could be worse. Their 14 ranks 11th in league. Tampa leads with 23.</p>— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) <a href="https://twitter.com/nwagoner/statuses/379709829972897792">September 16, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Despite the frenetic action on the field, in Sunday's game versus the Falcons, I couldn't help but think of Les Snead, Steven Jackson, and Tom Dimitroff, just as in my article for TST on Saturday - "The Ties That Bind".
My thoughts on the game? From yesterday's thread:
Rams showed me lots today......against a fine football team....
Sam Bradford had a great game!!
This is a young team, that will be mistake-prone and have its ups and downs…..
They will get better and better as the season progresses.
The Rams are a tough, gritty football team with a lot of talent.
Keep our heads held high, and lets cheer them on to the playoffs!!
Just as there is a second half to a game….so there is a second half to the season….and we will come on...just like last year!
How The West Was Won: Grantland
Bill Barnwell presents a timeline of how the NFC West went from being the worst division in the league, to the best, in two short years.
Louisiana Tech's kicker plays field goal "Horse" in Saturday's game - Video: Yahoo Sports
I would love to see Greg Zuerlein pull this one off. A field goal for the ages.
Takeaways From St. Louis' Loss To Atlanta: Bleacher Report
BR offers their take on the good, the bad, and the ugly of Sunday's game against the Falcons.
2013 NFL Grades - Week 2: CBS Sports
Will Brinson presents his weekly grades for all games played in Week 2. While Atlanta gets an "A-" for their efforts, the Rams get a lowly "D-". Why the low grade?
"This supposedly vaunted defense was dominated by Atlanta from start to finish, producing no turnovers and just two sacks. The Rams run game was non-existent once again."
Rookie Highlight Reel - Benny Cunningham
Benny Cunningham vs Georgia Tech 2012 (via xuesac84)
The Good And Bad Of The Evolving NFL: National Football Post
Jack Bechta looks at how rosters are evolving, concussion protocol, and a speedier game.
"Rosters are going to be filled with pro bowlers and unvested players, and very few vested mid level players".
Oz The Great And Powerful: S.I. MMQB
Few GM's in the NFL are held in such high esteem as Baltimore's Ozzie Newsome. The architect of two Super Bowl champions, this is an in-depth look at Ozzie, through the eyes of the people who know him best.
There's Only One Greatest Show On Turf: Cover32
Adam Schefter suggested the Atlanta offense was comparable to the Rams' GSOT offenses. If one thing was proven this past weekend in Atlanta, the Atlanta offense has a long way to go to reach the standards set by the GSOT.
Rams Comeback Falls Short: Ramblin' Fan
The Rams put themselves in too big a hole in the first half against the Falcons, a hole they couldn't fully come back from. What happened in the first half? Penalties and young player mistakes.
Stat Facts Of The Week: Red Zone Scoring
|
Rank
|
Team
|
2013
|
|
1
|
|
3.5
|
|
2
|
|
3.5
|
|
3
|
|
3.0
|
|
4
|
|
2.5
|
|
5
|
|
2.5
|
|
6
|
|
2.5
|
|
7
|
|
2.5
|
|
8
|
|
2.5
|
|
9
|
|
2.0
|
|
10
|
|
2.0
|
|
11
|
|
2.0
|
|
12
|
|
2.0
|
|
13
|
|
2.0
|
|
14
|
|
2.0
|
|
15
|
|
2.0
|
|
16
|
|
2.0
|
|
17
|
|
1.5
|
|
18
|
|
1.5
|
|
19
|
|
1.5
|
|
20
|
|
1.5
|
|
21
|
|
1.5
|
|
22
|
|
1.5
|
|
23
|
|
1.5
|
|
24
|
|
1.0
|
|
25
|
|
1.0
|
|
26
|
|
1.0
|
|
27
|
|
1.0
|
|
28
|
|
1.0
|
|
29
|
|
1.0
|
|
30
|
|
0.5
|
|
31
|
|
0.5
|
|
32
|
|
0.5
|
The Rams, after Week 2, rank 4th in the NFL in Red Zone Scores - Per - Game (TD's) only. This is a marked improvement from last year, where the Rams ranked near the bottom of the league in this statistic. Improved Red Zone efficiency is one of the bright spots for the Rams offense in 2013, thus far.
Upon Further Review
St. Louis Rams - Week 2: ESPN NFC West
San Francisco 49ers - Week 2: ESPN NFC West
Seattle Seahawks - Week 2: ESPN NFC West
Arizona Cardinals - Week 2: ESPN NFC West
ESPN examines the weekend results for all four NFC West teams. Despite a 2-2 record in the weekend games, this division remains the strongest, and toughest, in the NFL.
Young Team Shows Maturity In Week 2 Comeback Effort: Rant Sports NFL
I couldn't put it into better words myself...
"A 24-3 halftime hole was ultimately too much for the Rams to come back from, but the team did show an inspired effort despite the adverse circumstances. This young team still has plenty of growing up to do, but there were promising signs of a brighter tomorrow despite loss number one of the 2013 season."
Five Things To Know From The Falcons Victory Over The Rams: Associated Press
Despite mistakes and penalties in the first half, the Rams came to life in the 2nd half against Atlanta. Tavon Austin was one of the sparks that brought the Rams back, showing flashes of his brilliance.
The Read-Option As We Knew It Is Dead: Peter King - S.I. - MMQB
Well, not completely dead. Just quickly evolving, to redefine play-action, and revolutionize the passing game.
Michael Brockers - Gameday - Video: St. Louis Rams Official Website
A behind the scenes look at what game day looks like, through the eyes and words of Michael Brockers.
Pluses And Minuses From Rams Loss To Falcons: Rams 101
The pluses? Run defense, the pass rush, tackling, and persistence. The minuses? Playcalling, dropped balls, and penalties.
Week 2 - Rams' Rookie Review: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
Both Alec Ogletree and Tavon Austin stood out in the Rams loss to Atlanta. Both are making good strides, and will continue to grow as the season progresses.
Is Tavon Austin Ready To Become Consistent Threat For Rams' Passing Game?: Rant Sports
We haven't seen the full extent of Tavon Austin's explosiveness 2 games into the NFL season. Austin has shown that he is multi-dimensinal, as evidenced in Sunday's game:
"Austin may not have done much running after the catch on his pair of scores Sunday, but his tough catches and terrific footwork show that he is more than just a dynamic open field player for Sam Bradford and the Rams’ offense."
Rams' Rodger Saffold Will Have An MRI: NFL Spin Zone
St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Rodger Saffold exited Sunday's game with Atlanta, due to a knee injury. He had an MRI on Monday, and hopefully will not be out of action for an extended period of time. Given the Rams' lack of depth on the OLine, the Rams can ill afford to lose Saffold.
On This Day In Sports History
1967 - The New Orleans Saints played their 1st NFL game, losing to the Los Angeles Rams 27-13.
The Pressers
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 16
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 15
Cortland Finnegan Press Conference - September 15
Sam Bradford Press Conference - September 15
Jared Cook Press Conference - September 15
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 13
Rams vs. Falcons Highlights - September 15
All press conferences and footage are courtesy of the Rams Official Website
Will the Rams have to open up their playbook? Carey Davis joins "The Turn", to give his thoughts:
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Rams Show Early Knack For Comebacks: ESPN
In both of their first two games, the Rams have engineered comebacks. Chris Long believes it says a lot about the heart of this team:
"It tells us that we’re resilient and everybody in here claws back. A lot of years past, nobody would have said it but I think guys would have folded up the tent. Not in this locker room."
Bernie blames the coaching for the Rams loss: Rams News Now
Bernie Miklasz, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, levels criticism at the Rams coaching staff for a lot of what happened on the field against Atlanta.
Rams at Falcons: post-game notes: Rams Official Website
Despite the loss to the Falcons, there were many bright spots to note from Sunday's game. Hope springs eternal, going forward to this weeks game against Dallas.
The scariest players of all time: NFL.com
Deacon Jones comes in at #2 all-time, just behind Lawrence Taylor. All 5 of these players could strike the fear of god into any offense.
The NFL, concussions, and the politics of diversion: S.I. Audibles
Nothing like focusing on Major League Baseball to draw attention away from the concussion issue in the NFL:
"Now that the threat of long-term brain trauma seems to be actually real in an actual sense, the NFL’s official website has decided to do something about it. To wit, the NFL’s official website has decided to focus on the increasing number of head injuries … in Major League Baseball."
Future of QB position may be with the older guys: Yahoo Sports
With all the talk of the dual-threat QB's now coming to prominence in the NFL, a look into the future may reveal a return to the traditional drop-back passer:
"The common wisdom is that a mobile quarterback gives an offense more options. It might be the opposite."
Negatives outweighed positives in Rams loss: Fox Sports Midwest
The negatives outweigh the positives 8 to 6... just about the right amount to lose to Atlanta by 7 points.
Rams at Falcons post-game notes: Rams News Now
A recap of individual performances and statistics from the Rams loss on Sunday.
Penalties And Mental Miscues Doom Rams: Cover32
The Rams MVP on Sunday? Sam Bradford. The L(east)VP on Sunday? Daryl Richardson.
When I see Robert Quinn on the field, I can't help but think of Rams legend, Jack Youngblood:
Jack Youngblood legend of the game (via william lewis)
Ten Takeaways From Sunday's Loss In Atlanta: 101 Sports ESPN
The one takeaway that made me do a double take: Sam Bradford hit 11 different receivers in the game.
Full Roster Report Card Grades For St. Louis: Bleacher Report
Both the offensive and defensive lines earn "A" grades, in this breakdown by BR.
Where Are They Now: Eddie Meador: National Football Post
A look back at one of the greatest defensive backs in Rams history. Meador was a seventh-round pick in the 1959 NFL draft, and played 12 years for the Rams:
"Over his twelve-year career with the Rams, he intercepted 46 passes, recovered 18 opponents’ fumbles and blocked 10 kicks; all are still team records."
Rams dig a hole in Atlanta, and can't get out again: RamsHerd
The chief criticism in this article is the coverage of the Rams' secondary, or lack thereof.
"We can talk about mistakes that were made, but fundamentally the Rams' soft defensive schemes are perfectly designed to dig holes on the scoreboard."
Checkdowns Check: ESPN NFC West
ESPN presents some interesting statistics about Sam Bradford's performance on Sunday:
"In the Rams' 31-24 loss to Atlanta, Bradford threw 55 passes. Of those 55 attempts, 35 of them were thrown 5 yards or fewer downfield, according to the fine folks at ESPN Stats & Info. (He completed 19 of those 35 passes.) That total is the highest in Bradford's four-year career, and his average pass for the day traveled 5.6 yards downfield."
Can conservative coaches fly with this offense?: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Bernie Miklasz continues his criticism of the Rams coaches, and questions their ability to turn the young, talented players on offense, into a scoring machine:
"It seems to me this is a question of philosophy. The histories of head coach Jeff Fisher and OC Schottenheimer don't indicate a willingness to open up and let the offense flow. They're both bullish on the running game."
Sunday's game against San Francisco sent a message to the entire NFL: the Seahawks may indeed be Super Bowl favorites.
Maybe Rams should go faster earlier: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
"By Bradford’s own description, the Rams "shot ourselves in the foot" before out gaining their opponent 376-215 over the final three quarters Sunday."
"Just a thought: Try faster earlier."
St. Louis Rams Weekly Salary "Re-Cap"
The Rams currently have $1,156,198 in Available Cap Space, second-lowest in the NFL. Matt Daniels' season-ending injury will have a negative impact on the Rams' cap space. His contract will still count against the salary cap, yet he must be replaced on the roster, at a minimum cost of $405,000.
Players like no huddle; Fisher not so much: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
A clash of offensive philosophies? Jeff Fisher has his reasons for using particular offensive schemes.
Three Reasons Why The Rams Are Legitimate Contenders: Rams 101
Why are the Rams legitimate contenders? Sam Bradford, the defensive front seven, and an organization that expects to win.
Don't Be Fooled: The Future Of Offense Is Simplicity: S.I. - MMQB
"The future of offensive football doesn’t have to be no-huddle, and it doesn’t have to be breakneck. It just has to be varied, and it has to put thoughtful pressure on the defense."
Fisher Unhappy with Sunday's Officiating: ESPN NFC West
Instead of being unhappy with his players for Sundays' penalties, Fisher criticized the officiating:
"In my opinion we should have been penalized twice. I was upset after the ballgame but looking at the tape, those are incorrect calls."
Rams Pick Up Offensive Tackle Mike Person Off Waivers From Seattle: Pro Football Talk
The Rams placed safety Matt Daniels on IR, effectively ending his season. His place on the 53-man roster has been taken by waiver pickup OT Mike Person. Could Rodger Saffold's injury be serious? Apparently, we will know more about his injury on Wednesday.
Blast From The Past: Classic Rock Tuesday: Led Zeppelin - Since I've Been Loving You
Led Zeppelin - Since I've Been Loving You 1973 [HD] (via wachifaifa)