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Twitter Talk
Here's hoping Isaiah Pead has a speedy recovery from his knee injury:
Appreciate everyones prayers and concerns.. It's just not my time right now. God's plan is still in play, He doesnt make mistakes #StayTuned
— Isaiah Pead (@iPead) August 17, 2014
Greg Robinson at his finest:
Pancake blocks should be a statistic. https://t.co/I5raKcfcky #rams @GregRobinson79
— Daniel Doelling (@Daniel_Doelling) August 17, 2014
The Rams could sure use Kyle Long as well right about now:
One of our rookies expressed to me recently that he was of the belief that Jake Long and I were biological brothers.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) August 13, 2014
Will Michael Sam beat out Ethan Westbrooks?:
Will Michael Sam make the team? Jeff Saturday evaluates his performance and explains what it will take to make the 53 http://t.co/bFlKASFH0W
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 17, 2014
On the injury front...more news on Sunday:
Jeff Fisher just wrapped up his day after game news conference. Confirms Barrett Jones back surgery. Said he's "weeks away" from return.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 17, 2014
And Fisher confirmed that Pead's injury was indeed a torn ACL. He'll miss the season, have surgery in the next two weeks or so.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 17, 2014
Rams backing Bradford heading into a make-or-break season: Fox Sports
There's little doubt the Rams organization is all-in on Sam Bradford, as this offseason has proven. Bradford looked sharp - in his first preseason action - against the Green Bay Packers.
The Front Lines OF Ferguson: Grantland
Rembert Browne spends 48 hours in Ferguson, Missouri, in the aftermath of Michael Brown's tragic death.
2014 St. Louis Rams Review And Predictions: Athlon Sports
The Rams reside in the NFL's toughest division: The NFC West. Athlon Sports predicts a difficult road ahead for the Rams, in their quest to reach the playoffs in 2014:
"A lot of "ifs" for what figures to be the youngest team in the NFL for the third consecutive season."
Danny Amendola Can Field Up To Four Punts At Once, Also, Juggle: USA Today - The Big Lead
Looks like former Rams WR Danny Amendola has learned a bunch of new tricks, since leaving the Rams for the New England Patriots in 2013.
Rookie Highlight Reel: Maurice Alexander - Safety
Observation Deck: St. Louis Rams: ESPN NFL Nation
Nick Wagoner shares his thoughts and observations, following the Rams' 21-7 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Bradford sharp, but not much else goes right for Rams: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
There was a mixture of good, bad, and ugly in Saturday's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. On a positive note, QB Sam Bradford looked sharp and healthy in his return to action.
Sam Bradford Highlights vs. Packers: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Sam Bradford had an impressive preseason debut, in his first game back from a 2013 season-ending injury.
Scenes From The NFC West: Sports On Earth
Dan Pompei takes an in-depth look at all 4 NFC West teams. The NFL's best division just keeps getting better.
Stat Facts Of The Week: Points For And Against
| Rank | Team | PTS | PTS Against | Diff. | PPG | PPG Against | PPG Diff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver Broncos | 606 | 399 | 207 | 37.9 | 24.9 | 13.0 |
| 2 | Seattle Seahawks | 417 | 231 | 186 | 26.1 | 14.4 | 11.7 |
| 3 | San Francisco 49ers | 406 | 272 | 134 | 25.4 | 17.0 | 8.4 |
| 4 | Cincinnati Bengals | 430 | 305 | 125 | 26.9 | 19.1 | 7.8 |
| 5 | Carolina Panthers | 366 | 241 | 125 | 22.9 | 15.1 | 7.8 |
| 6 | Kansas City Chiefs | 430 | 305 | 125 | 26.9 | 19.1 | 7.8 |
| 7 | New Orleans Saints | 414 | 304 | 110 | 25.9 | 19.0 | 6.9 |
| 8 | New England Patriots | 444 | 338 | 106 | 27.8 | 21.1 | 6.7 |
| 9 | Philadelphia Eagles | 442 | 382 | 60 | 27.6 | 23.9 | 3.7 |
| 10 | Indianapolis Colts | 391 | 336 | 55 | 24.4 | 21.0 | 3.4 |
| 11 | Arizona Cardinals | 379 | 324 | 55 | 23.7 | 20.3 | 3.4 |
| 12 | San Diego Chargers | 396 | 348 | 48 | 24.8 | 21.8 | 3.0 |
| 13 | Detroit Lions | 395 | 376 | 19 | 24.7 | 23.5 | 1.2 |
| 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 379 | 370 | 9 | 23.7 | 23.1 | 0.6 |
| 15 | Dallas Cowboys | 439 | 432 | 7 | 27.4 | 27.0 | 0.4 |
| 16 | Green Bay Packers | 417 | 428 | -11 | 26.1 | 26.8 | -0.7 |
| 17 | St. Louis Rams | 348 | 364 | -16 | 21.8 | 22.8 | -1.0 |
| 18 | Miami Dolphins | 317 | 335 | -18 | 19.8 | 20.9 | -1.1 |
| 19 | Tennessee Titans | 362 | 381 | -19 | 22.6 | 23.8 | -1.2 |
| 20 | Baltimore Ravens | 320 | 352 | -32 | 20.0 | 22.0 | -2.0 |
| 21 | Chicago Bears | 445 | 478 | -33 | 27.8 | 29.9 | -2.1 |
| 22 | Buffalo Bills | 339 | 388 | -49 | 21.2 | 24.3 | -3.1 |
| 23 | New York Giants | 294 | 383 | -89 | 18.4 | 23.9 | -5.5 |
| 24 | Atlanta Falcons | 353 | 443 | -90 | 22.1 | 27.7 | -5.6 |
| 25 | Minnesota Vikings | 391 | 480 | -89 | 24.4 | 30.0 | -5.6 |
| 26 | New York Jets | 290 | 387 | -97 | 18.1 | 24.2 | -6.1 |
| 27 | Cleveland Browns | 308 | 406 | -98 | 19.3 | 25.4 | -6.1 |
| 28 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 288 | 389 | -101 | 18.0 | 24.3 | -6.3 |
| 29 | Oakland Raiders | 322 | 453 | -131 | 20.1 | 28.3 | -8.2 |
| 30 | Washington Redskins | 334 | 478 | -144 | 20.9 | 29.9 | -9.0 |
| 31 | Houston Texans | 276 | 428 | -152 | 17.3 | 26.8 | -9.5 |
| 32 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 247 | 449 | -202 | 15.4 | 28.1 | -12.7 |
Sometimes the simplest statistic can be the most compelling. Of the 13 teams who made the playoffs/had 10 wins in 2013, 12 finished in the top dozen in point differential. The lone exception - the Green Bay Packers - likely would have finished higher than 16th, if QB Aaron Rodgers hadn't missed 7 games due to injury. The Rams finished 17th in the rankings, scoring 16 points less than their opponents in 2013.
The NFL's All Make-Or-Break Team: Grantland
Alec Ogletree makes the lineup of players who could define the success or failure of entire offenses and defenses this coming season.
The Rams and First Round Linemen: Football Perspective
The Rams will have 7 players on the offensive/defensive lines who were selected in the top 33 of their respective drafts. The 1976 Los Angeles Rams had the same number, and were noted for their outstanding play in the trenches.
Healthy Bradford needs to go deep: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Can Sam Bradford throw the deep ball successfully? Bernie Miklasz thinks so:
"I’ve seen analysts trash Bradford’s ability to throw the deep pass. That’s fine, but we saw him go there in 2012 in hooking up with then-rookie wideout Chris Givens. According to Pro Football Focus, Bradford ranked just outside the top 10 among NFL quarterbacks in accuracy on passes that travelled 20-plus yards that year. The arm strength is there."
2014 preview: Rams' biggest obstacle is the NFC West: Fox Sports
Alex Marvez predicts an 8-8 record for the Rams this season. The Rams play 10 games against teams who made the playoffs/won 10 games in 2013. If the Rams can achieve a 6-4 record in those games, 10 or 11 wins is not out of the question.
On This Day In Sports History
1986 - QB Jim Kelly - after a brief stint in the USFL - signs with the Buffalo Bills [$75 million for 5 years].
1987 - Houston Oilers RB Earl Campbell retires from the NFL.
Remembering Isaac Bruce
WR Isaac Bruce was a key component of the famed GSOT. The following video is a tribute, to one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.
The insider's guide to a Gregg Williams defense: Bleacher Report
For those who may have missed this last fall, Matt Bowen - a retired NFL defensive back who played 7 seasons - lends his insight into the nuances of a Gregg Williams defense.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Film Study: Bleacher Report
As part of his weekly preseason film study, Matt Bowen takes a look at the progression of the Rams' defense under Gregg Williams:
"Given the amount of talent the Rams have along the defensive line, new coordinator Gregg Williams could play more coverage this season (Cover 2/Cover 7) instead of sending pressure."
The QB Contract Mirage: Sports Illustrated - MMQB
Recent contract extensions for Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick look impressive at first glance. In reality, they're nothing more than short-term commitments, with players ceding more and more control.
Rams could be a dangerous team: Rams News Now
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio believes the Rams could be a surprise playoff team this year, a year where potential turns into production on the field.
Fantasy Football
Peter King - and his team at MMQB - unveil their Fantasy Football player rankings. The first position groups in the series: TE's, QB's, RB's, and WR's.
Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight Ends: Sports Illustrated - MMQB
Fantasy Football Rankings - Quarterbacks: Sports Illustrated - MMQB
Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs: Sports Illustrated - MMQB
Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers: Sports Illustrated - MMQB
Quick thoughts on the Rams loss to the Packers: Ramblin' Fan
Nathan Kearns shares his observations from Saturday's game.
Five takeaways from loss in Week 2: Rant Sports NFL
The Rams still have plenty to work on over the next few weeks. There were many promising signs in the game against the Pack, including the healthy return of QB Sam Bradford.
The making of the 53-man roster: National Football Post
90-man offseason rosters must be reduced to 53 by August 30. Greg Gabriel summarizes the key factors in assembling a teams final 53-man roster.
Zuerlein not a fan of longer extra point attempts: Yahoo Sports
Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein has mixed feelings about the longer extra point attempts:
''I don't know why they'd change it. The extra point has been around a long time. I really don't know what to make of it. It's a little tougher than the normal extra point. I just go out and kick.''
How can the Seahawks repeat? Players like Sherman, Harvin, Michael key: CBS Sports
Jason La Canfora takes an in-depth look at the reigning NFL champs, and what it will take for them to repeat as champions.
2013 Pressure Plays: Defense: Football Outsiders
The importance of the Rams' defensive line to the teams fortunes cannot be under-stated:
"The NFC defense to best fit the mold of "secondary is toast without pressure" was St. Louis: fifth with pressure and 21st without for the second-biggest pressure drop in the league. Of course the Rams added to the front seven with Aaron Donald in the first round, but the young secondary should be a little better this season under Gregg Williams."
Bradford's return a step in the right direction: ESPN NFL Nation
Nick Wagoner shares his thoughts on the return of Sam Bradford.
Young defenders try to make their mark with Rams: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Greg Reid, Cody Davis, Phillip Steward, and Marcus Roberson are all vying for positions on the final 53-man roster. Will they make the roster?
St. Louis Rams Weekly Salary "Re-Cap"
The Rams currently have $1,678,451 in available salary cap space. I will be publishing a complete "Training Camp Edition" salary cap update within the next couple of weeks.
Rams vs. Packers Highlights: NFL.com
Highlights of the Rams' second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Three Rams who helped themselves: ESPN NFL Nation
Ethan Westbrooks, Michael Sam, and Cody Davis all made cases for their inclusion on the final 53-man roster, with solid performances versus the Packers.
Pead out for season: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Have the Rams lost both RB Isaiah Pead and C/G Barrett Jones for the season?
"It looks like the Rams have lost running back Isaiah Pead for the season with a knee injury. And even before Saturday’s preseason contest against Green Bay, they lost center/guard Barrett Jones for an extended period — possibly for the season — with back surgery."
The Grantland NFL Podcast: 2014 NFC West Preview: Grantland
Robert Mays and Bill Barnwell preview the toughest division in the NFL: the NFC West.
Barrett Jones out with back injury: ESPN NFL Nation
Barrett Jones continues his hard-luck career to-date with minor surgery on his back. His return date is yet to be determined.
The Pressers
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - August 17: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Jeff Fisher Post-Game Press Conference: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Sam Bradford Post-Game Interview: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Chris Long Post-Game Interview: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - August 14: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Under The Lights - Gregg Williams: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Coach Jeff Fisher recaps the game versus the Green Bay Packers: 101 ESPN
St. Louis Rams Current Roster And Depth Chart
C Scott Wells Tim Barnes Demetrius Rhaney RG Rodger Saffold Davin Joseph Travis Bond D.J. Morrell LG Greg Robinson Barrett Jones Brandon Washington RT Joe Barksdale Sean Hooey R.J. Dill LT Jake Long Mike Person Mitchell Van Dyk TE Jared Cook Justice Cunningham Alex Bayer TE Lance Kendricks Cory Harkey Brad Smelley WR Tavon Austin Stedman Bailey T.J. Moe Austin Franklin WR Brian Quick Austin Pettis Emory Blake WR Chris Givens Kenny Britt Justin Veltung Jordan Harris RB Tre Mason Isaiah Pead Trey Watts Kadeem Jones RB Zac Stacy Benny Cunningham Chase Reynolds QB Sam Bradford Shaun Hill Austin Davis Garrett Gilbert PK Greg Zuerlein P John Hekker Bobby Cowan LS Jake McQuaide Jorgen Hus DT Kendall Langford Aaron Donald Deantre Harlan DT Michael Brockers Alex Carrington Matt Conrath DE Chris Long Eugene Sims Michael Sam Kourtnei Brown DE Robert Quinn William Hayes Ethan Westbrooks MLB James Laurinaitis Phillip Steward Aaron Hill Pat Schiller OLB Alec Ogletree Daren Bates Etienne Sabino Johnny Millard OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar Ray Ray Armstrong Sammy Brown Lawrence Wilson CB Janoris Jenkins Brandon McGee Marcus Roberson CB Trumaine Johnson Greg Reid Darren Woodard CB Lamarcus Joyner E.J. Gaines Jarrid Bryant S Rodney McLeod Maurice Alexander Christian Bryant Avery Cunningham S T.J. McDonald Cody Davis Matt Daniels IR Mason Brodine
I've updated the roster to include all transactions as of August 17, 2014. The Rams roster is currently at the 90-man off-season limit. With TE/DE Mason Brodine placed on Injured Reserve, the Rams have 91 players under contract. Rosters must be trimmed to 75 players by August 26. The final roster cuts - to reach the 53-man regular season limit - must be completed by August 30. The Rams will need to make roster decisions regarding Isaiah Pead and Barrett Jones. Jones underwent back surgery a week ago, and his status for the season has not been determined. Pead suffered a knee injury against the Packers on Saturday, and will likely be placed on season-ending Injured Reserve.
With injuries beginning to rear their ugly head, roster depth will be very important for the Rams. After two preseason games, my concerns regarding depth on the offensive line and the back-seven - as noted in a recent article for TST (link), still remain.
Blast From The Past: Classic Rock Monday: Janis Joplin - Ball And Chain
Please have a great Monday and a Ramtastic week!!