When you howl with the owls at night, you've gotta be able to soar with the eagles in the morning. The Rams have had plenty of rest and relaxation, due to an early Week 4 bye. Will they come out firing on all cylinders this week, against Chip Kelly's high-flying Philadelphia Eagles?
Twitter Talk
I thought it was the ankle Chris Long was having trouble with??:
Just poured coffee on my waffles accidentally. A substantial amount. Thought it was syrup. Going to be a long day.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) September 27, 2014
Speaking of Chris Longs' ankle...some good news:
Chris Long's scooter is no more. He also ditched the heavy cast on left ankle. He's now in a walking boot and has crutches.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 25, 2014
Jeff Fisher's reply, when asked how to reduce penalties:
"Well, we just get them to call penalties, and not throw flags when there's no infractions. That'll significantly reduce it."
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) September 24, 2014
JL55 speaks the truth...:
Laurinaitis critiques Rams' defense: "We have what we want to accomplish as a unit. To be blunt, we've fallen short of those expectations."
— Bradford Bruns (@GameofBruns) September 24, 2014
Happy Birthday TST!!:
8 years ago today, @justRVB gave birth to a beautiful nine-word baby. Happy Birthday @TurfShowTimes! pic.twitter.com/qhYacDwGVm
— Brandon Bate (@NoPlanB_) September 26, 2014
The Rise and Fall of the 2012 NFL Draft: Grantland
The top ten selections in 2012 look pretty ho-hum thus far. Luckily for the Rams, they get a thumbs up for the selection of Michael Brockers with the Number 14 overall selection. Their second round picks? A mixed bag of Isaiah Pead, Janoris Jenkins, and Brian Quick.
Where is the Rams' pass rush?: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Jeff Fisher noted one of the bigger reasons the Rams' pass-rush has been held in check so far this season:
"It’s been our — I don’t want to say inability — but at times difficulty that we’ve had stopping the run. We’re creating an opportunity for teams to pick up significant gains on the ground. And if anybody had their preference, they’d do it that way."
Rams Studs And Duds: CBS Local St. Louis
Cedric Williams takes a look at who has performed - and who hasn't - for the Rams 3 weeks into the season.
It's Time For A Solution: Sports Illustrated - MMQB
Perhaps a truly independent "conduct" panel is the solution to the NFL's ongoing misconduct and discipline problems. So far, Roger Goodell all by himself has not been the answer.
Rookie Highlight Reel: CB - E.J. Gaines
Rams Stadium Report: History Of Leverage Use To Build Stadiums Runs Deep In NFL: 101 ESPN
Stan Kroenke wouldn't be the first - nor the last - NFL owner to use leverage in stadium negotiations. Could he pull the trigger and move the team to LA?
"Without a doubt, Rams owner Stan Kroenke – the second-wealthiest owner in the nation’s most prestigious sports league – possesses both the wealth and business acumen to ultimately pull off a move to Los Angeles if necessary steps are not quickly taken by local leadership to ensure the long-term stay of the franchise that brought both a Super Bowl title and the greatest show on turf to the Show-Me State, the St. Louis Rams."
Word of Muth: State of the Rams: Football Outsiders
Ben Muth dissects the performance of the Rams' offensive line in the game against the Dallas Cowboys.
St. Louis Rams Team Report: Inside Slant: Global Post
A snapshot of the Rams during the bye week.
St. Louis Rams Bye Week Reflections: Pro Football Spot
Tim Godfrey insists that Austin Davis is the answer (whether Coach Fisher believes it or not). He goes on to suggest the offense is better than expected, but must still has a way to go. Godfrey concludes by figuring the Rams should forget about "Sack City", and just stop the opposing offense.
Stat Facts Of The Week: Career Rushing Yards Leaders
Rank
Player
Yds
Years
Teams
1.
Emmitt Smith
18,355
1990-2004
2TM
2.
Walter Payton
16,726
1975-1987
Chi
3.
Barry Sanders
15,269
1989-1998
Det
4.
Curtis Martin
14,101
1995-2005
2TM
5.
LaDainian Tomlinson
13,684
2001-2011
2TM
6.
Jerome Bettis
13,662
1993-2005
2TM
7.
Eric Dickerson
13,259
1983-1993
4TM
8.
Tony Dorsett
12,739
1977-1988
2TM
9.
Jim Brown
12,312
1957-1965
Cle
10.
Marshall Faulk
12,279
1994-2005
2TM
11.
Edgerrin James
12,246
1999-2009
3TM
12.
Marcus Allen
12,243
1982-1997
2TM
13.
Franco Harris
12,120
1972-1984
2TM
14.
Thurman Thomas
12,074
1988-2000
2TM
15.
Fred Taylor
11,695
1998-2010
2TM
16.
John Riggins
11,352
1971-1985
2TM
17.
Corey Dillon
11,241
1997-2006
2TM
18.
O.J. Simpson
11,236
1969-1979
2TM
19.
Warrick Dunn
10,967
1997-2008
2TM
20.
Steven Jackson
10,830
2004-2014
2TM
Former Rams players figure prominently on the Career Rushing Yards Leaders Top-Twenty. Jerome Bettis (1993-1995), Eric Dickerson (1983-1987), Marshall Faulk (1999-2005), and Steven Jackson (2004-2012) all make the list.
Rams Legends: Merlin Olsen
Merlin Olsen played in the shadow of another revered member of the Fearsome Foursome - David Deacon Jones. Olsen played his entire 15-year career as a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. A 14-time Pro Bowler, Olsen was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982, in his first year of eligibility. The following is a tribute to one of the greatest players to ever don a Rams jersey:
2015 NFL Mock Draft: NFL Mocks
And just like that, the Rams select QB Marcus Mariota with the Number One overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Rams' Quick Finally Fulfilling Lofty Expectations: Scout.com - Gridiron Gateway
It's taken some time, but Brian Quick is finally showing why Jeff Fisher thought so highly of him at the time of his 2'nd round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft:
"He’s a tall, athletic, talented receiver. He’s got great speed and impressive ball skills. He might not be a big name, but we believe he'll do some big things for us."
Rams looking to rev up pass rush any way possible: ESPN NFL Nation
Teams are devising ways to overcome the Rams' fierce pass rush. Throwing quick passes and running the football are two ways opposing offenses are neutralizing the Rams' pass rush.
Can The Rams Still Make The Playoffs?: Ramblin' Fan
The Rams can still make some noise, and take a run at a playoff berth. If the defense can live up to its preseason billing - and the offense continues to grow - anything can happen.
On This Day In Sports History
1946 - Los Angeles (previously Cleveland) Rams play their first NFL Game in LA.
1954 - Willie Mays makes the famous over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz' 460' drive.
Rams could get Tavon Austin and Shaun Hill back after bye week: Fox Sports Midwest
Will Jeff Fisher stick to his word, and start QB Shaun Hill, if he's ready to go against the Eagles this week?
Rams not looking ahead to tough stretch: ESPN NFL Nation
When a team faces a brutal 8-game stretch in the middle of a season, they prepare for it by taking it one game at a time.
ESPN suspends Bill Simmons for criticism of Roger Goodell: Sports Illustrated
Bill Simmons goes ballistic on Roger Goodell: Business Insider
The popular Editor-in-Chief of Grantland (owned by ESPN) was suspended for three weeks, after a tirade directed at NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell (sp.). Simmons had the nerve to call Goodell a liar (among other things).
Revisiting the Greatest Show On Turf: FiveThirtyEight
Mike Martz asked one question: "Why does the run have to set up the pass?". In answering the question, Martz and the Rams revolutionized the game of football.
The Pressers
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 25: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Jeff Fisher Press Conference - September 24: St.Louis Rams Official Website
Robert Quinn Press Conference - September 24: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Joe Barksdale Press Conference - September 25: St. Louis Rams Official Website
Fisher Up Front: St. Louis Rams Official Website
The Jeff Fisher Show - September 22: 101 ESPN
Jeff Fisher Show 9-22-14 from 101ESPN on Vimeo.
Mike Martz talks about the 1999 St. Louis Rams: 101 ESPN
Torry Holt explains why penalties are an issue for the Rams: 101 ESPN
St. Louis Rams Weekly Salary "Re-Cap"
The Rams currently have $4,481,133 in available salary cap space, lowest in the league. The Rams structured Robert Quinn's recent contract extension to have little additional impact on the Rams' 2014 salary cap. I'll be publishing a complete breakdown of his contract - plus a complete salary cap update - within the next week.
Where Rams stand statistically at the bye: ESPN NFL Nation
Nick Wagoner looks at the Rams in a variety of major statistical categories.
Donald off to a promising start: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Aaron Donald has shown why he was an early first round draft selection in 2014, and a fine addition to the Rams' defensive line.
Jeff Fisher says running back split will continue: ESPN NFL Nation
From Coach Fisher:
"We’ll continue with that. It’s even, but Zac gets going, gets on a roll he gets five or six straight carries or something like that, then you are going to flip them. We’ve always done that."
Top 5 Ways The Rams Can Win The Bye Week: Cover 32 Rams
The Rams went into the bye week with many issues to iron out. We'll see how much they've learned and grown as a team, when the Rams travel to face the Eagles this weekend.
St. Louis Rams Current Roster And Depth Chart
C
Scott Wells
Tim Barnes
Barrett Jones
RG
Davin Joseph
LG
Rodger Saffold
Greg Robinson
RT
Joe Barksdale
LT
Jake Long
Mike Person
TE
Lance Kendricks
Cory Harkey
TE
Jared Cook
Alex Bayer
WR
Tavon Austin
Austin Pettis
Stedman Bailey
WR
Brian Quick
Kenny Britt
Chris Givens
RB
Benny Cunningham
Chase Reynolds
Trey Watts
RB
Zac Stacy
Tre Mason
QB
Shaun Hill
Austin Davis
Case Keenum
PK
Greg Zuerlein
P
John Hekker
LS
Jake McQuaide
DT
Kendall Langford
Aaron Donald
DT
Michael Brockers
Alex Carrington
DE
William Hayes
Eugene Sims
DE
Robert Quinn
Ethan Westbrooks
MLB
James Laurinaitis
OLB
Alec Ogletree
Daren Bates
OLB
Jo-Lonn Dunbar
Ray Ray Armstrong
CB
Janoris Jenkins
Brandon McGee
CB
Trumaine Johnson
E.J. Gaines
Marcus Roberson
FS
Rodney McLeod
Cody Davis
Lamarcus Joyner
SS
T.J. McDonald
Maurice Alexander
Practice Squad
IR - Des. For Return
Injured Reserve
OT Mike Remmers
DE Chris Long
TE Mason Brodine
OL Brandon Washington
RB Isaiah Pead
DE Kourtnei Brown
QB Sam Bradford
CB Jemea Thomas
OC Demetrius Rhaney
DT Matt Conrath
WR Justin Veltung
QB Garrett Gilbert
FS Christian Bryant
WR Emory Blake
LB Denicos Allen
The roster has been updated to reflect all transactions as of 11.00 pm Sunday, September 28. The Rams released TE Brad Smelley from the Practise Squad, replacing him with WR Justin Veltung, who returns after a one-week absence from the PS.
Blast From The Past: Classic Rock Monday: Led Zeppelin - Kashmir
Please have a great Monday and a Ramtastic week!!
Poll
What will be the Rams' 2014 regular season record?
10 wins or more
9-7
8-8
7-9
6-10
5 wins or less
95 votes | Results