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Leave it to Chris Long to put things into perspective:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>NFL awards = popularity contest <a href="https://twitter.com/RQuinn94">@RQuinn94</a> congrats on being *the best *most dominant defensive player of 2014.</p>— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) <a href="https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/statuses/429789649410605056">February 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
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How times change:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A ticket for Super Bowl I in Los Angeles cost $12; plenty of seats went unsold. More photos: <a href="http://t.co/03u6ySZTsU">http://t.co/03u6ySZTsU</a> <a href="http://t.co/BQhw80nA7S">pic.twitter.com/BQhw80nA7S</a></p>— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) <a href="https://twitter.com/latimes/statuses/430042060335226880">February 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Too funny - and ironic - to pass up:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It’s so much more fun to watch FOX when it’s someone else being blitzed & sacked! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SuperBowl&src=hash">#SuperBowl</a></p>— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/statuses/430154695860953088">February 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Why We Should Embrace Gregg Williams' Return To NFL Prominence: Bleacher Report
Notwithstanding the bounty program, Williams is an established, smart defensive coordinator. Williams has had a very successful career, and should have a positive impact on the young and talented Rams defense.
NFL Prospect Focus: National Football Post
Greg Gabriel delivers scouting reports on two offensive linemen the Rams could be interested in on the second day of the draft: tackle Morgan Moses and guard Cyril Richardson.
Rumor has it Rodger Saffold will not be back with the Rams: Cover 32 Rams
Will the Rams re-sign Rodger Saffold? It might be the biggest question the Rams have to answer in the off season.
Rams' Roster Overview And Team Needs: Yahoo Sports
An in-depth look at the Rams roster and needs for the 2014 off season. The secondary, wide receiver, and the offensive line head the list of needs.
Jadeveon Clowney 2014 NFL Draft scouting report: SB Nation - Mocking The Draft
Love him or hate him, there's no denying Clowney's talent. Matthew Fairburn rates him as the best prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Draft Prospect Highlight Reel: Safety - Calvin Pryor - Louisville
2014 NFL Draft Profile: Calvin Pryor - Strengths and Weaknesses + Projection! (via WakeUpItsFootball)
Vetting Potential Trade Partners: Jaguars: ESPN NFC West
In part two - of a six part series - Nick Wagoner analyzes potential trade partners for the #2 pick in the NFL Draft. From my perspective, Jacksonville makes little sense as a trade partner, unless the Rams trade down again with the #3 selection. At any rate, the likelihood of the Rams trading down with the Jags is not high, especially since they have expressed desire to trade down the #3 pick.
The Insiders Guide To A Gregg Williams Defense: Bleacher Report
Matt Bowen - who spent two years with Williams as a defensive back for Washington - shares insight into what makes a Gregg Williams defense tick.
Super Bowl XLIX odds: Seattle opens as favorites to win 2014 title: S.I. Audibles
This years Super Bowl has just concluded. The odds makers waste little time in handicapping next seasons odds for winning the big game. Seattle are 9/2 favorites to repeat, with the Rams 20th down the list at 40/1.
La Canfora Talks 2014 NFL Draft: Rams News Now - Video
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora discusses the draft, especially trade down possibilities in the first round.
The Rams' 2014 Offensive Line Scramble: Ramblin' Fan
A myriad of questions surround the Rams' offensive line heading into the off season. The answers to those questions may hold the key to the Rams fortunes in the upcoming season.
Stat Facts Of The Week: Turnover Differential
| Team | Takeaways | Giveaways | Turnover Differential | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle Seahawks | 39 | 19 | 20 |
| 2 | Kansas City Chiefs | 36 | 18 | 18 |
| 3 | Indianapolis Colts | 27 | 14 | 13 |
| 4 | Philadelphia Eagles | 31 | 19 | 12 |
| 5 | San Francisco 49ers | 30 | 18 | 12 |
| 6 | Carolina Panthers | 30 | 19 | 11 |
| 7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 31 | 21 | 10 |
| 8 | New England Patriots | 29 | 20 | 9 |
| 9 | Dallas Cowboys | 28 | 20 | 8 |
| 10 | St. Louis Rams | 29 | 21 | 8 |
| 11 | Chicago Bears | 28 | 23 | 5 |
| 12 | Buffalo Bills | 30 | 27 | 3 |
| 13 | Cincinnati Bengals | 31 | 30 | 1 |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 15 | Tennessee Titans | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| 16 | Denver Broncos | 26 | 26 | 0 |
| 17 | Arizona Cardinals | 30 | 31 | -1 |
| 18 | Miami Dolphins | 24 | 26 | -2 |
| 19 | Green Bay Packers | 22 | 25 | -3 |
| 20 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 20 | 24 | -4 |
| 21 | San Diego Chargers | 17 | 21 | -4 |
| 22 | Baltimore Ravens | 24 | 29 | -5 |
| 23 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 21 | 27 | -6 |
| 24 | Atlanta Falcons | 21 | 28 | -7 |
| 25 | Washington Redskins | 26 | 34 | -8 |
| 26 | Cleveland Browns | 21 | 29 | -8 |
| 27 | Oakland Raiders | 22 | 31 | -9 |
| 28 | Minnesota Vikings | 20 | 32 | -12 |
| 29 | Detroit Lions | 22 | 34 | -12 |
| 30 | New York Jets | 15 | 29 | -14 |
| 31 | New York Giants | 29 | 44 | -15 |
| 32 | Houston Texans | 11 | 31 | -20 |
It's a widely held belief that winning the turnover battle is important to a teams success on the field. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks led the NFL in this vital statistic. The Rams' ranking greatly improved in 2013, with the team finishing 10th in turnover differential. A dramatic increase in forced fumbles/fumble recoveries was the primary reason for the climb up the rankings. In the Rams' 7 wins this past season, they won the turnover battle in 6 of the games, and tied in the other victory.
Whole Lotta Mock Drafts
Sports Illustrated - NFL Mocks
Walter Football - Charlie Campbell
On This Day In Sports History
1969 - John Madden is named head coach of the Oakland Raiders.
2007 - The Indianapolis Colts defeat the Chicago Bears 29-17 in the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning of the Colts is named MVP.
A nostalgic look back at the 1975 Los Angeles Rams' season and playoffs:
75 Los Angeles Rams season and playoffs (via lisa coffman)
2014 NFL Free Agents: Rotoworld
A complete list of free agents available March 11, the beginning of the new league year. Will the Rams have the salary cap space to make a splash this year in free agency?
Williams Will Put His Stamp On Rams' Rising Unit: 101 Sports
The Rams' hire of Gregg Williams brings much optimism about the direction the Rams' defense will take:
"Hopefully next year, this team won’t waste a full month trying to figure out who they are. And hiring the guy that Fisher wanted all along to run his defense will certainly help in that regard."
Goodell to St. Louis: Stay calm: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shares his thoughts on Stan Kroenke's Los Angeles land purchase. Could the Rams eventually move to L.A.?
Reason St. Louis Rams fans should be hopeful in 2014: Cover 32 Rams
There are many reasons for fans to be hopeful in 2014, not the least of which is the return of Sam Bradford:
"Sam Bradford is 5-2-1 as a starter against the NFC West since 2012."
Top 10 quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft: Cover 32 Rams
Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray, and Jimmy Garoppolo should all be on the Rams' radar if they decide to select a QB in the middle rounds of this years draft. My personal favorite? Mettenberger.
Funniest Photos From The 2013-14 NFL Season: Sports Pickle
A humorous look back at the just concluded NFL season. 35 photos to tickle your funny bone.
Chat With Nick Wagoner: ESPN NFC West
Wagoner conducts his weekly question and answer period, covering all topics related to the Rams.
Top Ten Offensive Plays Of 2013 - Video: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Top Ten Plays On Defense In 2013 - Video: St. Louis Rams Official Website
The Rams' official website takes a look back at the top offensive and defensive plays of the 2013 season.
Could The Redskins Spoil The Rams' Plan?: Ramblin' Fan
Could the Washington Redskins trade Kirk Cousins to the Cleveland Browns, removing a potential trade partner for the Rams in the 2014 draft?
2014 NFL Draft Rankings: Optimum Scouting
Optimum Scouting presents their updates position rankings for the 2014 NFL Draft.
Kroenke's Game vs. St. Louis - Video: Rams News Now
The Post-Dispatch's Bryan Burwell shares his thoughts on Rams owner Stan Kroenke's Los Angeles land purchase.
Team Needs And Roster Rankings: Rotoworld
Evan Silva takes an in-depth look at the rosters and needs for all 32 NFL teams.
Seahawks win with player development: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
What's the secret to the Seahawks' rise as Super Bowl champions? Jeff Gordon explains:
"The Seahawks have done a better job of scouting talent than everybody else. They have done a better job of coaching up their players, too."
Deciding the fate of every Rams unrestricted free agent: Rant Sports NFL
The Rams have 15 players who are eligible for free agency on March 11. Who should they re-sign? Rodger Saffold remains the top priority.
Former Rams Defensive Back Aeneas Williams Elected To The HOF: St. Louis Rams Official Website
A well-deserved honor for one of the best DB's in Rams history.
Rams must build off season strategy around beating Seattle: Cover 32 Rams
What's the best off season strategy for beating Seattle: Build the offense, the defense, or both?
Report From The Demoff Rams Fans Dinner: Rams News Now
Kevin Demoff shares his thoughts on a wide range of subjects related to the Rams.
St. Louis Rams Weekly Salary "Re-Cap"
The Rams currently have $172,529 in Available Salary Cap Space, second-lowest in the NFL. They will likely carry this amount forward into the 2014 off season as a credit towards the 2014 salary cap. I'll be updating the Rams complete salary cap situation in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Over The Cap examined the estimated salary cap space currently for available for 2014 (link).
Blast From The Past: Tuesday's Got The Blues: Muddy Waters - Hoochie Coochie Man
MUDDY WATERS -hoochie coochie man (1960) (via BestMasterGuitar)
Please have a great Tuesday and a Ramtastic week!!