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Random Ramsdom 11/6: Midseason Report Cards, and the Future of Sam Bradford

The St. Louis Rams [3-5] will head to Glendale on Sunday to take on the Arizona Cardinals [7-1]. The Rams have shown well against the NFC West thus far in 2014. This week’s test may be the toughest of them all...

By Brandon Bate
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In typical fashion, the Rams are winning games you wouldn’t expect them to, losing the ones you’d absolutely expect them to, and being blown out in games that most think should be close.  And here we are in Week 10, where the Rams - who have already beaten the Seahawks and 49ers [in Levi’s Stadium] - are heading to Arizona to take on a Cardinals’ team who boasts a 7-1 record; best in the NFC.

This game has something written all over it.  Whether it’s "Another Rams’ Blowout" or "Another Surprising Victory for the Rams" remains to be shown.  Predicting potential Monday headlines is an act of futility if you’re a fan of the team from St. Louis.

Sit down. Strap in. Enjoy the roller-coaster ride that has become the 2014 NFL season...



Rams Midseason Report |  ESPN

At the midway point of the 2014 season, the St. Louis Rams bear a striking resemblance to the two teams that preceded them under coach Jeff Fisher.

ESPN also handed out grades, highlighting Most Valuable and Most Disappointing players for all 32 teams.

Quinn Breaks Down Final Play Against 49ers [VIDEO] |  Yahoo! Sports

St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn breaks down the final play against the San Francisco 49ers and also previews Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

* Editors Note: I miss LaVar Arrington on local radio here in D.C., but he’s the greatest thing that ever happened to NFL AM

A Look Ahead - Cardinals vs. Rams |  St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Coming off a dramatic 13-10 win over the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, the Rams (3-5) hit the road again at 3:25 p.m. (St. Louis time) Sunday to take on the Arizona Cardinals (7-1), who rallied from a 10-0 deficit to knock off the host Cowboys 28-17 last Sunday.

Three Plays that Defined Rams’ Win Over 49ers |  101 Sports

Entering the season, I assumed the Rams’ identity would consist of two things: a strong rushing attack and a relentless defense. But for nearly two months, neither of those characteristics showed up in the Rams’ play.

Until Sunday, that is.

Rams at Cardinals: Breaking Down the Rams’ Gameplan |  Bleacher Report

The St. Louis Rams (3-5) are traveling to the southwest to take on the Arizona Cardinals (7-1), and the Rams will need an excellent game plan to overcome the Redbirds, who own the best record in the NFL.

Radio Interview - Les Snead on Future of Bradford |  Yahoo! Sports

St. Louis Rams general manager Les Snead, joins Leigh Steinberg to discuss the morale of injured quarterback Sam Bradford.

Turning Point - Quinn Forces A Fumble |  ESPN

Here is a look back at the turning point play in the St. Louis Rams' 13-10 win against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon.

Rams’ O-Line Regrouped Against 49ers |  St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On a day when the Rams’ defense registered its highest sack total in more than two seasons, dropping San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick eight times, coach Jeff Fisher didn’t award a game ball to the front four. Or even any of the six players who combined for those eight sacks.

Predicting the Final Score of the Rams at Cardinals Game |  Rant Sports

The Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams kick off the second halves of their respective 2014 campaigns in an important divisional matchup in Arizona this Sunday. The Cardinals are playing as well as anyone in the NFL this year, entering this weekend’s contest as the only remaining one-loss team in the league. They should be in for a stern test when the Rams come to town. St. Louis scored a big upset within the division with last week’s last-second victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Cardinals’ Opponent Preview - St. Louis Rams |  Heat Waved

This Sunday the St. Louis Rams head over to Glendale to play the Arizona Cardinals. Now on paper this looks like blowout but the Rams have caught fire recently beating two of the best teams in the NFC Seattle and San Fran.

Player Awards At The Midpoint of the Season |  Bleacher Report

Despite going 3-5 and last place in the NFC West, the St. Louis Rams have had some players shine and come through while helping the team during a rough season.

Jeff Fisher Not Pleased With Forward-Progress Whistle |  ESPN

As St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher stood before the assembled media Monday evening discussing his team's 13-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, he couldn't help but think of what he might have been talking about had the game not gone the Rams way.

St. Louis Rams Can’t Give Up on Davis Yet |  Ramblin’ Fan

It’s been a very up and down season for Rams’ QB Austin Davis.  He’s become the first QB since Kurt Warner to throw for 300 yards and three TD’s in back-to-back game.  He’s also looked every bit the third-string QB.  But the Rams shouldn’t give up on him...

Five Bold Predictions for Rams vs. Cardinals |  Rant Sports

The Arizona Cardinals have transformed from the surprise team of the 2014 season to a legitimate contender for the NFC title. This week they take on the St. Louis Rams, who have produced two shocking wins in the past three weeks. Here are five bold predictions for this Sunday’s matchup.

On the Move?

Nixon Takes First Steps To Keep Rams | St. Louis Post Dispatch

Clear of the mid-term elections, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on Wednesday launched the initiative to keep the Rams in St. Louis.

St. Louis Trying To Keep Rams, But It May Be Too Late | Pro Football Talk

In a move that could be coming way too late, could end up being way too little, but ultimately could be just enough to create the impression that an effort was made, the powers-that-be in St. Louis soon will try to figure out how to persuade the Rams from exercising their contractual right to put Missouri in the rear-view mirror.

Nixon Appoints Experts to Keep NFL in St. Louis |  Fox 2

The St. Louis Rams were the subject of a conference call to be held Wednesday by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon. The topic of the call was, "Keeping St. Louis a NFL City."

Peacock, Blitz Lead Charge to Keep Rams in St. Louis |  St. Louis Business Journal

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has tapped former Anheuser-Busch President Dave Peacock and Clayton attorney Bob Blitz to lead the charge to keep the St. Louis Rams in St. Louis.

In the Twitter-sphere...

What’s On Tap For Thursday...

More Turf Show Times Mid-Season Report Cards:

*  Quarterback
*  Running Back
*  Wide Receivers
*  Offensive Line
*  Tight End
*  D-Line
*  LB
*  Secondary

Thursday Night Football:

*****

The Rams boast the worst record [3-5] in the NFC West.  To put a positive spin, more so perspective, on it, they’re one game behind the 49ers, and only two behind the reigning Super Bowl Champs.

Is their hope for a playoff run?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  Regardless, they’re still playing in one of the toughest divisions in football, and have an opportunity for the first time - in a long time - to right the ship, and position themselves amongst the league’s best.

A win in Arizona still equates to a losing season...but having beaten the Seahawks, 49ers [on the road], and, potentially, the Cardinals [on the road] makes them a lot better team than they’re being given credit.  It makes them the football team you expected them to be heading into this season.  A little consistency can - and will - go a long way for the youngest team in football.  The talent is there. It’s time to put it all together.  Go Rams!

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