Rams prepare to face another star RB
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-prepare-to-face-another-star-rb/article_657bb1de-8a01-54b1-a35e-2603c78c0d87.html

This Rams’ season began with them facing Adrian Peterson. There was DeMarco Murray, the LeSean McCoy-Darren Sproles tag team, then Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch.

Is there an opponent on the Rams’ 2014 schedule that doesn’t have an elite running back?

That’s what defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is wondering, and the Rams aren’t out of the woods yet. On Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, it’s time for Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Every week we’ve got one that’s one of the tops in the business,” Williams said Friday, shaking his head. “Charles presents a lot of things. He can get into space like Sproles and McCoy could at Philadelphia.

“He can put his head down and get the tough yards like Murray and all the other guys that we’ve faced. So yeah we’ve got a tough job right there, and on how they’re committed to the run.”

Committed they are. The Chiefs average 31 rushing attempts per game; only Dallas (33.6), Cleveland (32.5) and Indianapolis (31.6) run more often. And in this pass-crazy league only Dallas (235 runs, 214 passes), Cleveland (195-191) and the Chiefs (186-186) haven’t thrown the ball more than they’ve run it this season.

After a poor start on run defense, the Rams have been noticeably better the past two weeks. OK, quarterback scrambles and keepers are a different matter, but when it comes to running backs they limited Lynch to 53 yards on 18 carries last Sunday — or just 2.9 yards per tote.

In the Oct. 13 Monday night game against the 49ers, Gore had a mere 38 yards on 16 carries — just 2.4 yards per carry. Now comes Charles, the AFC’s leading rusher a year ago with 1,287 yards.

“Completely different challenge this week in the run game,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “It’s a lot of read-option, a lot of that stuff.”

The Chiefs have a “power” element to their game as well, but they also attack the edges. They run a lot of “stretch” plays, in which it seems as if the entire offensive line is heading one direction and the back picks his spot and goes. All things considered, Fisher said it’s the most diverse running game the Rams will see all season.

The past two weeks, the Rams have focused on the power-running games in the NFC West.

On that score Fisher said, “there’s a lot of similarities between San Francisco and Seattle. This run game this week is going to be a big challenge for us.”

The Chiefs do have a big power back in Knile Davis, who actually has more carries than Charles so far this season because Charles missed time because of a high ankle sprain. But Charles is now healthy and beginning to assert himself in the backfield.

“He can get to full speed in about a step-and-a-half,” Fisher said. “It takes him literally two steps and he’s full speed, he’s by you. He’s got the quickness to get through the hole. He’ll break things out the backside. He’s just really difficult to defend. They know that, and they’re taking advantage of him.”

Charles, 5 feet 11, 199 pounds, became Kansas City’s career rushing leader last week against San Diego, and now has 6,113 career yards in this his seventh NFL season. He surpassed Priest Holmes’ previous club record of 6,070.

Charles suffered concussion-like symptoms on the 16-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter that eclipsed Holmes’ record. That’s because the run included a massive collision with former teammate and current Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers.

But Charles quickly passed the Chiefs’ concussion protocol early in the practice week and wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report at any time during the week.

As testament to his explosive nature, Charles leads the league with a 5.5-yard rushing average since entering the league in 2008. That’s for players with a minimum 600 rushing attempts.

“Jamaal Charles will test the edge,” said Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis, who not only played Charles and the Chiefs in 2010 but also faced him in college. “We have to be gap-sound, and we have to fight off blocks. We have to swarm. When he gets outside and he wants to cut it up, if you have guys swarming to the ball, then he has nowhere to go.”

And what if the Rams’ leave a gap vacant?

“That’s when he’ll hit his head on the goal post,” Laurinaitis said.

As in celebrating a touchdown.

Charles has a smooth running style. At times it looks like he’s almost gliding down the field, which makes his speed deceptive. He’s running faster than it looks.

The Chiefs used him much more on third down against San Diego than they did earlier this season and Charles can be a threat in the passing game. He led the Chiefs in receptions (70), reception yards (693), and touchdown catches (seven) a year ago.

With an injury-depleted wide receiver corps, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chiefs try to work Charles more into the passing game — he’s going to win most matchups against a linebacker or safety.

Just one more thing to worry about.

Rams could be thin at cornerback Sunday
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12979/rams-could-be-thin-at-cornerback-sunday

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams’ injury report is a lengthy one, but there’s good news and bad news to be found.

The good news is that of the 12 players on the list, eight are probably to play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The bad news is that of the four who are listed as questionable or worse on the injury report, three of them play the same position. That position is cornerback where Brandon McGee has been ruled out for this week after re-injuring his foot in Thursday’s practice. Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson, both of whom are coming back from knee injuries, are listed as questionable.

Based on practice participation, Johnson would seem the more likely candidate of the two to play against the Chiefs. He got back to work and did at least something in every day of practice this week. Jenkins did not practice at all.

Even if Johnson is able to go, it seems unlikely that he’ll be ready to step in and start or play an extended period. If that’s the case and Jenkins is unavailable, the Rams will turn to rookie Marcus Roberson to make his first NFL start.

Roberson filled in for Jenkins when Jenkins left last week’s game against Seattle and handled himself well, according to coach Jeff Fisher.

“Marcus came in, had a couple tackles,” Fisher said. “He knows what to do. He’s doing well on special teams. It’s interesting, at one point against the world champs, we had three rookies in the secondary. They hung there. He’s a good, solid backup [who’s] ready to play, that’s important. It’s the hardest thing to do, is to prepare and be ready to play. But, he was fine.”

If indeed Roberson gets another opportunity, the Rams will likely again find themselves in a situation with three rookies on the field. E.J. Gaines will start on one side regardless of injury, and Lamarcus Joyner remains the team’s primary nickel corner.

If the Rams can’t turn to Johnson to help and really get put in a tough spot, they could also tweak things to bring Rodney McLeod up to help at corner with Cody Davis entering at safety.

Either way, the Rams are heading into the game in a precarious spot at cornerback.

Here’s the full Friday injury report:

Out: C Tim Barnes (shoulder), CB Brandon McGee (foot)

Questionable: CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee)

Probable: K Greg Zuerlein (illness), S T.J. McDonald (concussion), RB Benny Cunningham (knee), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), G Rodger Saffold (knee), WR Kenny Britt (ankle), DE Ethan Westbrooks (hand), DE William Hayes (illness)

Morning Ram-blings: Prediction time
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12728/morning-ram-blings-prediction-time-3

EARTH CITY, Mo. — It’s that time of the week again where we take a spin around our many ESPN NFL experts and offer up predictions for this week’s St. Louis Rams game against the Seattle Seahawks, as well as the bonus of some experts picks on the rest of this week’s games.

As usual, Rams fans probably won’t like (but most likely will agree with) the picks on the Rams game.

We’ll start with the NFL Live crew offering its picks courtesy of Brian Dawkins and Mark Schlereth.

Mike Sando takes his usual numbers-driven look at this week’s game with a little help from NumberFire.

And here’s the breakdown of picks from all of our experts.

My pick for this week will be posted a little later Friday. Spoiler alert: My pick will follow the same trend it’s followed since the second game of the season.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Thursday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … We began the day with the Rams-Seahawks game preview from Seahawks reporter Terry Blount and I. … In the Ram-blings, we began the day with a look at the Redskins-Rams trade. … Rams coach Jeff Fisher is standing by cornerback Janoris Jenkins after he allowed another big play last week. … Speaking of cornerbacks, Trumaine Johnson is edging closer to a return from his knee injury. … We wrapped up the day with Thursday’s injury report.

Elsewhere:

Want to read about a coach doing more with less in the NFC West division? Here’s a great look at the job being done by Arizona’s Bruce Arians.

On ESPN Insider, Ron Jaworski ranks the NFL quarterbacks and renders early judgment on Rams quarterback Austin Davis.

101sports.com has the video from this week’s Jeff Fisher show with general manager Les Snead filling in for Fisher.

Some great photos from Monday night’s Greatest Show on Turf reunion can be found here.

At stltoday.com. Jim Thomas provides his look at Jenkins’ struggles.

Joe Lyons chronicles the debut start for defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

Rams notes: Rams rookie Donald impressing Williams
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-rams-rookie-donald-impressing-williams/article_506ae232-3d96-5e6d-88f4-623881c1d5fc.html

Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes what he’s seen of rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald and saw positive work from the first-round draft pick in practice this week.

“His acclimation to the pro game, he’s done a tremendous job,’’ Williams said following Saturday’s workout. “He’s had a really, really good week in practice. Looking forward for him to get a chance to have opportunities to play the way we want him to play. It’s the same way he played in college. He’s a very quick, instinctive player. He feels very comfortable in what we’re doing. This week, for whatever reason, it felt like the light came on a little bit more for him.

“When I was watching him practice, watching him prepare … it’s fun to be around him. … He’s the first one here in the morning. He’s the first one in the meeting room, He’s out here on the practice field before the guys set practice up. He takes this thing seriously and it’s fun to be around that kind of guy.”

Donald, a 23-year-old from the University of Pittsburgh who has 20 tackles and the Rams’ lone sack this fall, said he likes to arrive early to watch film.

“It’s something I did in college that helped me,’’ he said. “I’m not going to stop doing what got me here.

“I feel like I’ve been improving each week, getting better, getting more comfortable out there. Things have been slowing down for me out there, so I’m excited about this week. I’m ready for it — this is what I’ve been working for — it’s my time, so I’m just going to try to get out there and fly around.’’

NEW GUY IN TOWN

The newest Ram, linebacker Will Herring, has a little history with the club, but it’s probably something he’ll keep to himself.

In 2010, while playing for Seattle, Herring recorded his first — and only — NFL sack in a 20-3 Rams’ victory here. That same season, in the regular-season finale with the NFC West title and a playoff berth on the line, Herring picked off then-rookie Sam Bradford for Herring’s first NFL interception in the fourth quarter of a 16-6 Seattle victory.

“I’m not going to rub it in or anything,’’ Herring said earlier this week. “But that (interception) was a big moment for me, kind of early in my career. I was fortunate to make a play.’’

Herring, 31, signed with the Rams earlier this week to fill the void created when linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong was waived. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Herring spent the first four years of his career in Seattle and the last three in New Orleans. Last year, he was the Saints’ special teams captain.

“My contract was up and I just never re-signed with them,’’ Herring explained. “I went through the offseason and thought I had a deal worked out with Dallas, (but) it fell through. I just told my agent I’d like to just sit tight … (but) I knew I still wanted to play ball.’’

Herring was one of four linebackers to work out for the Rams on Tuesday. That group also included Marshall McFadden, 28, who was signed to the Rams’ practice squad. McFadden played one game with Pittsburgh in 2012 and four with Oakland last year.

“I’m thrilled to be here, thrilled to be part of this thing Coach Fisher’s got going,’’ Herring said. “I played for (Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams) in New Orleans, so I know what to expect with him. Meeting with ‘Bones’ (Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel), he’s been great.’’

Herring played at Auburn and was the leading tackler in his final two seasons there, making the move from safety to outside linebacker as a senior. A fifth-round draft pick by Seattle in 2007, he has a reputation as a solid special teams player.

“I’ve kind of embraced that (special teams) role the last few years,’’ he said. “I’m excited to just come in and do whatever they ask of me.’’

Rams coach Jeff Fisher likes Herring’s versatility.

“He could be plugged in anyplace on our special teams … because he’s done everything,’’ the coach said. “He automatically walks in and has the respect of the room because people that played against him know. They know what he’s capable of doing. He understands hard work and he’s going to prepare himself.’’

Herring, who said he’s doing everything he can be ready for Monday night’s game with San Francisco, played some defense with the Saints under Williams in 2011.

“He fits in very well as a leadership locker room guy and he’ll fit in very well with his special teams play,’’ Williams said.

INJURY REPORT

After another full practice on Saturday, running back Zac Stacy is listed as probable for the 49er game.

“Feeling pretty good, got a chance to move around a little, just getting ready for Monday,’’ said Stacy, who left last week’s game with a strained calf. “The trainers did a great job. I’m ready to go.’’

Wide receiver Kenny Britt (knee) and defensive end Eugene Sims (groin) are also probable, with linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (groin), center Barrett Jones (back), running back Chase Reynolds and defensive tackle Alex Carrington (knee) as questionable. Cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson (knee) and Brandon McGee (foot) have been ruled out for Monday’s game.

San Francisco has ruled out cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) and have tackle Anthony Davis (knee/ankle), tight end Vernon Davis (back), center Marcus Martin (knee) and linebacker Nick Moody (hamstring) listed questionable. The 49ers’ probables are defensive end Justin Smith (not injury related), defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie (shoulder), defensive end Ray McDonald (knee), defensive tackle Ian Williams (ankle), punter Andy Lee (ankle) and cornerback Chris Cook (quadriceps).

Brock and Davis have not practiced this week.

Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

7 Things to Watch: Rams vs. Eagles
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/things-to-watch-rams-vs-eagles/article_3820e63c-686d-56c8-b0d4-d7bcc9ea7386.html

FACING FOLES

Eagles QB Nick Foles was a surprise sensation last season, throwing 27 TD passes with only two interceptions in place of an injured Michael Vick. His 119.2 passer rating at season’s end was the third-highest in NFL history. Foles opened this season with three straight 300-yard passing games, but ran into a brick wall otherwise known as the San Francisco defense last week. Although he wasn’t listed on the Eagles’ injury report this week, Foles has had issues with a sore left shoulder, and matters weren’t helped when he absorbed several hard shots from the 49ers. Even though it’s his non-throwing shoulder, some in Philly are wondering if it hasn’t affected his accuracy. He’s 29th in the NFL in completion percentage (57.8) and has already thrown four interceptions. The league’s best deep passer a year ago in terms of passer rating (124.0) on throws of 20 yards-plus, Foles completed only one of 13 deep balls against San Fran, including two INTs.

WHERE’S MCCOY?

Teams have been able to bear down on Foles because the Eagles have been so one-dimensional on offense. LeSean McCoy, a two-time Pro Bowler and the NFL’s leading rusher last season — with a franchise-record 1,607 yards — just can’t get it going so far this season. A week after gaining 22 yards in 19 carries against Washington, he was held to 17 yards in 10 carries last week in San Francisco.All in all it’s made this the worst four-game stretch in his career. He’s averaging a mere 2.7 yards a carry, barely more than half his 5.1 average for 2013. Of his 70 carries this season, 49 have gone for 2 yards or less. McCoy has had only one run longer than 5 yards over his past 9 quarters. Why has he been so ineffective? Is he injured? Is it the Eagles’ depleted offensive line? One thing’s for certain. McCoy must be excited about the opportunity to face the Rams’ 30th-ranked run defense, which has allowed a 100-yard rusher in all three games.

GOING DEEP

Although it hasn’t worked well this season, the Eagles love to stretch defenses by going deep. According to Pro Football Focus, Philly already has thrown 39 passes of 20 yards or more this season, which is tops in the NFL. Think the Eagles noticed the Rams’ two long pass interference penalties, or Dez Bryant’s 68-yard TD catch, in the Dallas game?

LIFE AFTER DESEAN

With DeSean Jackson now in Washington, St. Louisan Jeremy Maclin has made the most of the opportunity to be the Eagles’ No. 1 WR. He has deep speed, good hands and is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season. Riley Cooper is averaging only 8.3 yards a catch, less than half his 17.8 average in 2013. Rookie Jordan Matthews is a big slot receiver.

UP FRONT

The Eagles were minus three offensive line starters last week against the 49ers and it showed. Coach Chip Kelly conceded that the Eagles: “got whuppped up front.” RT Lane Johnson, the No. 4 pick in the 2013 draft, returns from an NFL drug suspension against the Rams. But Pro Bowl OG Evan Mathis (knee), and C Jason Kelce (sports hernia) remain sidelined.

HELLO, PAT

Pat Shurmur, the Rams’ offensive coordinator for two seasons (2009-2010) under coach Steve Spagnuolo, has the same duties for Kelly in Philadelphia after spending two seasons as head coach in Cleveland. Make no mistake, Kelly calls the plays but Shurmur has mixed elements of the West Coast passing game into Kelly’s run-heavy, up-tempo spread scheme.

SPECIAL CHALLENGE

In just four games, Philly’s special- teams unit has returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown, and blocked a punt and a field goal. Former Mizzou star Brad Smith fell on the blocked punt for a TD at San Francisco. Chris Polk leads the NFL in kickoff returns, with a 40.4-yard average; Darren Sproles is second in punt returns, with a 15.4-yard average.

Morning Ram-blings: Prediction time
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12251/morning-ram-blings-prediction-time-2

EARTH CITY, Mo. — It’s that time of week again. After a hiatus on the bye last week for the St. Louis Rams, we’ll begin our Friday morning with a look at predictions and thoughts on the team’s trip to Philadelphia this Sunday.

We start, as always, with ESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando, who offers the Inside Edge on the matchup.

The NFL Live Crew follows with predictions from Herm Edwards and Mark Schlereth.

Here’s this week’s list of expert picks from our NFL analysts. I have a feeling Merril Hoge will win friends among Rams fans this week.

As always, my pick will be revealed a little later today. I struggled with this one because this is a matchup I could really see going either way.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Thursday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … In this week’s game preview, Eagles reporter Phil Sheridan and I discuss the Eagles-Rams matchup. … In the Ram-blings, we took a look at recent mega trades made on draft day that haven’t panned out. … Quarterback Shaun Hill was admittedly frustrated by the decision to go with Austin Davis at quarterback but says he’s going to handle it professionally. … Offensive lineman Barrett Jones is moving closer to a return from back surgery. … We wrapped up the day with Thursday’s injury report.

Elsewhere:

A terrific read from ESPN The Magazine senior writer Seth Wickersham on San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh.

Speaking of terrific reads, Liz Merrill’s hot read on Cleveland receiver Josh Gordon has nothing to do with the Rams but is absolutely worth your time.

ESPN fantasy analyst Christopher Harris breaks down Rams receiver Brian Quick’s expected production this week.

NJ.com takes a look at five things to know about the Rams heading into Sunday’s matchup.

At 101sports.com, D’Marco Farr writes that the Rams need to get more physical on defense this week.

At stltoday.com, Joe Lyons says the Rams are refreshed after the bye week.

Rams notes: Team begins preparing for Sunday game in Philadelphia
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-team-begins-preparing-for-sunday-game-in-philadelphia/article_1746058f-8225-5770-9265-761ca5352c12.html

Coming off their Week 4 bye, the Rams returned to Rams Park Wednesday afternoon for their first full practice in preparation for Sunday’s noon game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

This is the first of 13 consecutive weeks of football for the 1-2 Rams.

“They’re fresh and they’re ready to go,” coach Jeff Fisher said of his players. “We’re pleased with what took place last week. We focused on specific things for different players and we got a lot done — the guys that needed rest got rest (and the) young guys that needed technique work got that. Guys got away, we brought them back yesterday mid-morning and got them back in the swing of things.

“They understand the challenges that are ahead of us this week. This is a good (3-1 Eagles) football team — this team could be 4-0. You’re talking about a team that has five returns for touchdowns already. They played the 49ers well (losing 26-21 on the road Sunday) and we’ve got our hands full. … Our guys understand that the key this week is preparation. You have to prepare for an uncommon opponent. We have to prepare the best we can for their up-tempo offense.”

INJURY REPORT

The Rams’ initial injury report of the week includes just five players. Center Barrett Jones (back) and cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson (knee) and Brandon McGee (foot) did not practice while receiver Tavon Austin (knee) was limited.

Back-up quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) took part in the full workout, working with the scout team.

Austin, the team’s top draft pick a year ago, did some extra work after practice and is hoping to return to action on Sunday.

“I feel good. Definitely good to be back out there,” said Austin, who had three catches 34 yards and five carries for 26 yards before being hurt late in the first half of the team’s Week 2 win at Tampa Bay. “I’m trying to stay positive, to stay patient. I just want to move forward and try to make some plays to help the team any way I can.”

Fisher said that Johnson, a starting cornerback, continues to make progress after being hurt in the preseason.

“He’s getting closer,’’ the coach said. “Doing some good things inside, actually, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was ready to start running on land here pretty soon.”

For Philadelphia, center Jason Kelce has been ruled out due to a sports hernia while inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (calf) and cornerback Brandon Boykin (hamstring) sat out Wednesday’s workout. Banged-up players practicing included tight end Trey Burton (Achilles), cornerback Nolan Carroll (ankle), tight end James Casey (knee), tackle Matt Tobin (ankle), safety Earl Wolff (knee) and receivers Josh Huff (shoulder), Brad Smith (groin) and Jeremy Maclin (hamstring). Both Smith, a former quarterback, and Maclin, a Kirkwood High product, enjoyed record-setting careers at the University of Missouri.

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Jones, a highly decorated offensive lineman from Alabama selected in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, did some work on the side Wednesday and continues to rehab after undergoing back surgery during training camp.

“It was really a minor deal, as back surgery goes,” he explained Wednesday. “But it feels really good. It helped a ton. I feel like a new man.”

Jones, who earned All-America honors at three different positions while winning three national titles with the Crimson Tide, was limited to just four games a year ago after undergoing foot surgery at the end of his college career. After working hard in the offseason to prepare for his second pro season, he was sidelined early in training camp.

“I just felt a lot of pain in my back and shooting down my legs. Nerve pain,” the 6-foot-4, 308-pound Jones said. “It was very frustrating because I felt good about the way I was playing. But that’s just a part of football and now I’m looking to bounce back. I feel like this is a small setback and that I’ll be able to play football again soon.”

CROWD NOISE

The Rams are one of the few teams in the NFL who do not pump in crowd noise to help prepare for hostile road stadiums.

“I think if you make a big deal of the crowd noise, then it becomes a big deal during the game,” Fisher explained. “In camp, we have a few drills (with players simulating crowd noise) from the back of the end zone, but that’s all we do. We communicate in the huddle and have to go silent count and all those things. I think if you make such a big deal over it, it becomes a concern, becomes a distraction not only on the practice field but on Sundays.”

RAM-BLINGS

• Philadelphia’s Darren Sproles was named NFL Special Teams Player of the Week on Wednesday after a career-long 82-yard punt return touchdown in the Eagles’ loss to the 49ers last weekend. It was the fourth punt-return score and sixth total kick-return touchdown for Sproles, who earned Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 2.

In the game, the Eagles became the first team in NFL history to score on a punt return, a blocked punt and an interception return in the first half of a game.

• In a practice squad move, the Rams have released defensive end Kortnei Brown and re-signed tight end Brad Smelley.

W2W4: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11832/w2w4-st-louis-rams-7

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys kick off Week 3 on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on regional Fox coverage.

Here are three things to watch for from the Rams’ end:

1. Stopping the run: This one is obvious but it has to go right here at the top because it’s the most important. In case you missed the numbers earlier this week, here’s a rundown on why this is the most imperative piece to handle if the Rams want a win this week.

Through two games, St. Louis is 30th in the league stopping the run, giving up 171 yards per game. The Rams did a solid job against the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson but were burned on the perimeter by receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. Last week, little known backup Bobby Rainey of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did in the Rams as they again struggled with missed tackles and poor run fits.

The challenge grows this week with Dallas and DeMarco Murray coming to town. Murray leads the league in rushing through two games and is working behind a better offensive line than the Rams have seen this season (and perhaps one of the best in the league). That’s a lethal combination for a defense that has struggled to contain Murray in the past. Even if the Rams are a much different team than they were in 2011 when Murray blitzed them for 253 yards, this is basically the same group that gave up 175 to him last year.

The Cowboys’ passing game hasn’t been what they’d hoped so far but if Murray and the run game get going again, it could be a long, long day for the Rams defense.

2. Quarterback quagmire: The Rams again are playing the day-to day card with veteran quarterback Shaun Hill, who is recovering from a thigh injury. Hill didn’t play last week and Austin Davis more than capably replaced him with an impressive first start. That has left many fans clamoring for Davis to take the job permanently, but Jeff Fisher has been steadfast in saying Hill will be the starter when he’s healthy.

The question then becomes whether Hill is healthy. At this point, it doesn’t appear that he is after practicing only on a limited basis all week. He’s listed as questionable on the injury report. The Rams could test him again in pregame before making a decision but with a bye week coming after the Cowboys game, it’s fair to wonder if the Rams should push Hill knowing he could be full strength after the bye. The safe bet is that Davis will get a second consecutive start even if it doesn’t become official until just before game time.

Whether it’s Davis or Hill, someone is going to have to offer more than the Rams got from Sam Bradford in last year’s blowout loss in Big D.

3. Reducing penalties: After starting last week’s game against Tampa Bay with three penalties on the first series, it looked like the Rams were in for another long day of laundry. But the Rams managed to settle in a bit as the game went on and drew only five accepted penalties. On paper, that’s obvious improvement but a deeper look revealed more of the same. The Rams had four penalties either declined or offset but even more disturbing was the nature of the five that were accepted. The Rams had 65 penalty yards on those five accepted flags, an average of 13 yards per infraction. So while the number of penalties dropped, the nature of them got worse.

To their credit, the Rams drastically reduced the number of fouls on the offense against Tampa Bay but the defense picked up most of the slack. Against Dallas, which boasts a more formidable offense at all levels than the Bucs, the Rams can’t afford similar mistakes.

Rams notes: Zuerlein has been sharp
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-zuerlein-has-been-sharp/article_18637543-0f38-5285-9717-b779cebb0e53.html

The conditions in Tampa Bay last weekend were far from ideal, thanks to a midgame thunderstorm, but Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein did what he needed to do.

With a 38-yard field goal with 38 seconds to play, Zuerlein helped the Rams slip by the Buccaneers 19-17 for their first victory of the season.

“Any time you get a chance to contribute and help your team win, it’s great,’’ said Zuerlein, who also connected on kicks from 35, 36 and 45 yards in the game. “It was sloppy, not the best conditions, but that’s part of the job. It’s the same for both teams, so it’s no excuse. You have a job to do and you’re expected to get it done.’’

The game-winning kick was the third in as many pro seasons for Zuerlein, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. As a rookie, Zuerlein booted a 54-yarder in overtime to beat visiting San Francisco 16-13 on Dec. 2. Last year, in a season-opening 27-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome, Zuerlein connected from 48 yards with 45 seconds to play.

After missing on a few long-range tries in the preseason and on a 50-yarder to open the regular season, Zuerlein is perfect on six attempts, including one from 56 yards.

The most accurate kicker in team history, Zuerlein has converted 55 of 66 field goal tries (83.3 percent) in 34 NFL games.

“During the preseason, you work on different things, try to tweak things. You’re allowed to miss then,’’ the 25-year-old from Missouri Western State University explained.

Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel added: “He missed that first kick against Minnesota, hit a great ball (and) hit it straight left. … He’s got great confidence and he’s got great ball-striking right now.’’

However, Zuerlein struggled with his kickoffs in Tampa Bay, calling it a “bad kickoff day.’’

“It was a mixture of things, really,’’ he continued. “The field conditions didn’t help, but mainly, it was me. I was trying to overkick, trying too hard to get the touchback instead of just kicking the ball the way I normally do.

“My kickoffs need to be better, so that I can help out the defense with field position.’’

SAM ‘WORKING HARD’

Dallas coach Jason Garrett has been impressed with former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, who signed with the Cowboys’ practice squad after being waived by the Rams. Sam is the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL.

“Michael’s done a nice job,’’ Garrett said. “He’s come in, he works hard. He’s a young developmental player. He’s had a track record of success on the college level and we, like the Rams, have a lot of defensive linemen, so sometimes it’s hard for young guys to get opportunities.

“He’s certainly in the mix; he’s working hard in practice as one of our practice squad guys.’’

INJURY REPORT

Cornerback Brandon McGee, who took 26 defensive snaps and 10 more on special teams last week in the Rams’ 19-17 win in Tampa Bay, has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with the Dallas Cowboys with a foot injury.

Also out are center Barrett Jones (back) and cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee). Both are dealing with long-term injuries.

Quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh), receiver Tavon Austin (knee) and tight end Cory Harkey (knee) were limited in practice Friday and are listed at questionable. Guard Rodger Saffold (illness) and center Scott Wells (not injury related) practiced fully Friday and are probable.

The Cowboys have ruled out linebacker and second-leading tackler Jason Durant (groin) and have top tackler Rolando McClain (groin) listed as doubtful. Defensive tackle Davon Coleman and defensive end Anthony Spencer are out.

Listed as questionable for Dallas are receiver Dez Bryant (shoulder), defensive end Lavar Edwards (knee), tight end Gavin Escobar (knee) and running back Joseph Randle (concussion). Bryant, who was limited in practice Friday, left last week’s game in the first quarter but came back to finish with 10 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Tony Romo (back) joins defensive tackle Ken Bishop (illness), guard Zack Martin (foot) and ex-Rams defensive end George Selvie (shoulder) as probables. Romo, who has had back surgery at the end of the past two seasons, practiced fully Thursday and Friday.

RAM-BLINGS

Defensive end Eugene Sims and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar were hit with stiff fines of $16,537 for offenses last weekend in Tampa Bay. Sims was fined for a horse-collar tackle while Dunbar took the hit for a roughing-the-passer call on Josh McCown.

It appeared that Dunbar’s hit was to the shoulder, not the head, of McCown.

• The Rams made a practice-squad move, adding cornerback Jemea Thomas and releasing receiver and kick returner Justin Veltung.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Thomas played at Georgia Tech and was a sixth-round draft choice of the New England Patriots in May. He was cut and claimed off waivers by Dallas in late August and cut from the Cowboys’ practice squad Tuesday.

Veltung was claimed off waivers from Seattle in training camp last year and spent most of 2013 on the practice squad. He was activated late last season when Austin went down with an ankle sprain and performed well on punt returns, averaging 8.7 yards on seven returns.

Practice Report: QB Hill does more, but still limited
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/practice-report-qb-hill-does-more-but-still-limited/article_3ad781ac-e5a5-5ae0-bb1b-80e3eb8fa0cd.html

Quarterback Shaun Hill did a little more in practice Thursday, including some 7-on-7 work, but was still listed as limited on the Rams’ official injury report.

That meant Austin Davis once again took the vast majority of reps and is expected to make his second NFL start this Sunday against Dallas.

“Shaun was limited today,” coach Jeff Fisher said after Thursday’s late-afternoon practice. “He did more, but we’re still day-to-day. It’ll most likely be a pregame decision like it was last week.”

Sitting out practice Thursday were WR/PR Tavon Austin (knee), FB/TE Cory Harkey (knee), and CB Brandon McGee (foot). McGee was downgraded after being limited in practice Wednesday. And, of course, CB Trumaine Johnson (knee) and C/G Barrett Jones (back) remain sidelined with injuries that could still take a few more weeks to heal.

In addition, LG Rodger Saffold was not at practice because of illness; he’s expected to return Friday. Rookie Greg Robinson took his place with the starting unit Thursday.

C/G Scott Wells returned to practice and was full-go after a vets’ day off Wednesday.

For Dallas, QB Tony Romo (back) was full participation Thursday after not practicing Wednesday. Wide receiver Dez Bryant (shoulder) was limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.

On defense for the Cowboys, linebacker Rolando McClain — the team’s leading tackler this season — did not practice for the second day in a row because of a groin injury.

Hill still limited, Wells returns Thursday
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11888/hill-still-limited-wells-returns-on-thursday

EARTH CITY, Mo. — After an early evening Thursday practice, St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher made it clear that a decision on the starting quarterback will again be made before Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.

But the decision could be a little more difficult this week with veteran Shaun Hill making progress toward a return from an injured thigh. Hill remains limited on the official injury report but did more Thursday than he did Wednesday. Austin Davis continued to get the vast majority of the work with the first-team offense.

“Shaun was limited today,” Fisher said. “He did more, but we’re still day to day. It will most likely be a pre-game decision like it was last week.”

The Rams worked Hill out before last week’s game against Tampa Bay and decided he could be active as a third quarterback capable of taking shotgun snaps in an emergency. He could follow a similar path this week if the Rams decide to go with Davis on game day.

Elsewhere on Thursday’s injury report, the Rams did not have guard Rodger Saffold because of an illness and cornerback Brandon McGee was downgraded from limited participation to did not participate because of a foot injury. Center Scott Wells, who did not practice Wednesday, returned to full participation Thursday.

Here’s the full breakdown:

Did not participate: WR Tavon Austin (knee), TE Cory Harkey (knee), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), OL Barrett Jones (back), Saffold (illness), McGee (foot)

Limited participation: Hill (thigh/calf)

Full participation: Wells (not injury related)

Burwell: Fisher is wise to avoid drama
• By BRYAN BURWELL

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bryan-burwell/burwell-fisher-is-wise-to-avoid-drama/article_04629054-525e-5f87-a783-03c0d67b2e9e.html

Through his entire 20-year career as a pro football head coach, Jeff Fisher has never committed the folly of being led into the nasty riptide of a full-fledged NFL quarterback controversy. From Houston to Nashville, from struggling teams on the rebuild to gifted teams on the championship prowl, there was no circumstance that would draw him into that divisive swirl that every coach abhors and wants to avoid.

So now, just two games into this rather unusual 2014 season, the Rams’ coach isn’t about to let the swelling popular support for young Austin Davis suck him into the turbulence.

The Rams have no quarterback controversy because Fisher says they don’t.

“You can ask me again, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, if you want,” Fisher told a gathering of reporters Monday evening. “You’re going to get the same answer.”

That answer is this: When healthy, Shaun Hill is his starting QB.

Let me make this a little easier for you to decipher.

When healthy, Shaun Hill is his starting QB.

But Hill isn’t healthy and probably won’t be for another two weeks or so.

So of course what the coach won’t admit is that there really is no QB controversy because of an obvious technicality.

So it’s easy to publicly stick by the 13-year veteran Hill with 26 career NFL starts over the neophyte Davis, with one NFL start under his belt. But none of that matters right now, because Hill’s still too gimpy to play and contribute at full speed and Davis has proven that, with the right preparation, he can manage his way through an NFL game with some noticeable skill and competence.

So even as the public clamors for Fisher to make some declaration that the new kid on the block has leapfrogged Hill on the depth chart, the coach won’t do it, and I don’t blame him.

There’s really no decision to make, so why bother making one that will only stir things up unnecessarily?

This is one of those moments that Tony La Russa, the baseball Cardinals’ old Hall of Fame manager, used to love. Reporters would crowd into his office with these wonderful hypothetical questions that asked La Russa to suspend the present and delve into the future … of course (wink, wink) just for the sake of conversation.

The manager would grin, shrug his shoulders and tell anyone within earshot that he wouldn’t answer the question because he didn’t need to. If and when the hypothetical situation became a reality, then and only then would La Russa ponder it publicly.

This is pretty much what Fisher is doing regarding his quarterbacks. It might make for delicious fodder for sports talk show chatter and maybe a few clashing columns or two, but the coach isn’t going to bite on this hypothetical because he doesn’t have to. You don’t create a mess if there is no need to create one. You don’t stir up trouble when there is no need. You don’t generate a false competition when none exists. Hill isn’t likely to be ready to play this weekend against Dallas, which means the starting job is in Davis’ hands for at least another game.

So this week, Fisher will play it coy for all the obvious competitive reasons, listing Hill on the injury report as questionable, maybe giving him a few reps during practice and telling us once again it will be a game-time decision.

But he probably already knows that it makes no sense to rush Hill back when the best thing for him and the team is to allow Hill to patiently rehab and return only when he is 100 percent healthy. Fisher isn’t blowing smoke when he offers Hill those reassuring words that the No. 1 job is his, based on the glaring fact that Hill’s body of work (34 total NFL games and 959 career pass attempts) is far more conclusive than the small sample size of Davis, who now has thrown a grand total of 52 NFL passes.

The reluctance to proclaim Davis No.1 is simple. We don’t have enough information to know if Davis is a flash in the pan or a rising star, and one game isn’t enough to get an NFL wise guy like Fisher all giddy with the sort of puppy love that is afflicting most Rams loyalists.

But Fisher has seen enough to know that maybe, just maybe, they could be on to something with Davis, and it’s worth exploring what the kid’s ultimate ability could be for a bit longer. While the starter’s job may ultimately return to Hill’s hands the moment he is healthy, there is still an element of competition that can’t — and probably won’t — be ignored by Fisher.

Davis has been in the NFL long enough to know that every time you are on the field you are putting something on tape for the entire league to observe. This is the NFL equivalent of a flash-mob audition. He has been thrown into the starting lineup and for as long as it lasts, he has the opportunity to change Jeff Fisher’s mind.

Even as Fisher steadfastly sticks to his “there is no controversy” mantra, he understands that talent is always capable of trumping experience. Davis needs to keep improving, keep showing that the things he did against Tampa Bay were not a fluke. He needs to get out on that practice field this week and in the meeting rooms all week and make a lasting impression on everyone at Rams Park.

Sunday was a mighty fine start, but that is all it was: a start.

What comes next will determine if he’s a lot closer to being the next Kurt Warner or the next Scott Covington.

It was hard not to notice how much better and more confident Davis grew as the game went on. Fisher saw it when he was on the field and on the sidelines, and he loved what he saw.

“He was in complete control,” said the coach. “If there’s a timeout here or a timeout there or whatever the situation was, we’re talking (to him) and he goes, ‘I got it.’ He felt good about what we were doing. He did a real nice job checking out of some things and getting us into some other things. The line of scrimmage was stacked yesterday and (Tampa’s) opinion was probably that Austin wasn’t going to beat them with his arm, and he did. He made some great plays, made some great throws. He understood exactly what we needed to do.”

The best thing Davis can do now is keep winning. You know what they say about winning, right? It solves everything, including any real or imagined QB controversy that might be percolating.

Rams notes: Healthy again, McGee hopes to help on defense, special teams
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-healthy-again-mcgee-hopes-to-help-on-defense/article_05fe8406-f937-5c53-b36a-f33a2aa9de6f.html

After dealing with an ankle injury through much of the preseason, Rams defensive back Brandon McGee had his patience tested.

“When you get hurt at a key time like that, it’s devastating,’’ the second-year pro from the University of Miami said. “You want to be out there, you want to compete, but you also have to be smart about it. If you go out there before you’re ready, you’re taking a chance on hurting the team and yourself.

“I tried to be positive, knowing it’s all part of God’s plan.’’

But McGee, a fifth-round draft pick in 2013, is healthy and “back to my normal self.’’

“Just trying to stay ready, staying on top of the game plan and ready to contribute in any way I’m needed,’’ he said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to get back on the field and play and be effective.’’

The 5-foot-11, 193-pound McGee was in on 15 special-teams plays in the loss to Minnesota and could be in line for some defensive action this week with nickel back Lamarcus Joyner dealing with a back issue.

“I’m probably more comfortable outside,’’ he said. “But worked in the nickel during OTAs and I’ve also been part of the dime package, too. The time is here for me to step up and I’m ready to do whatever the coaches ask me to do.’’

McGee played in 15 games as a rookie, contributing 10 tackles on defense and tying for third on the squad with six special-teams tackles.

INJURY REPORT

Quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) was limited in practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers.

Also questionable is defensive back Joyner, who did not practice.

Tampa Bay placed defensive end and Webster Groves High product Adrian Clayborn on injured reserve Friday with a biceps injury. Clayborn, a first-round draft pick in 2011, missed all but three games of the 2012 season with a knee injury.

The Buccaneers also ruled out starting defensive end Michael Johnson (ankle) as well as tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) and cornerback Rashaan Melvin (ankle).

Listed as questionable are defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (abdomen), defensive end William Gholston (shoulder), guard London Mankins (knee), running back Doug Martin (knee) and safety Bradley McDougald (knee). Tackle Demar Dotson (hamstring) is probable.

TAKING A CHANCE

Down 20-3 early in the final quarter Sunday, the Rams took a chance with an all-out rush on a Vikings punt. But the Rams’ Chase Reynolds came up a bit short and was called for roughing the kicker.

Three plays later, Minnesota scored on a Matt Cassel-to-Kyle Rudloph pass to stretch its lead to 27-3.

“It was kind of a do-or-die situation,’’ said Reynolds, who led the Rams with a pair of special-teams tackles. “Coach called it and I had an opportunity to get through and get close, but all I could do was kind of try to spread out and hope to get it.

“Of course, it would’ve been better if I could’ve got there and stayed off the punter …”

Reynolds did make contact and Vikings punter Jeff Locke responded as expected, going down as if he’d been shot, to draw the 15-yard penalty and extend the drive.

But the Rams needed something — anything — in a game where the offense struggled mightily.

“I got there, I targeted the ball and I missed,’’ Reynolds said.

RAM-BLINGS

According to the NFL, the Rams are both the youngest (average age: 25.15) and least-experienced (3.26 years) team in the league this season. The Rams are tied with defending Super Bowl champion Seattle for the fewest players age 30 or over — quarterback Hill (34), center Scott Wells (33) and guard Davin Joseph (30).

• Rams receiver Brian Quick was fined $8,268 for grabbing the facemask of the Vikings’ Captain Munnerlyn. Quick later explained that his fingers got caught when he was stiff-arming Munnerlyn.

Hill still limited in practice; QB decision will be made on Sunday
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/hill-still-limited-in-practice-qb-decision-will-be-made/article_6b9bc80e-3d57-5aea-ab10-c32df7007dd1.html

Rams quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) was limited in practice Friday as backup Austin Davis worked with the starters.

“Obviously, Shaun didn’t do much today. It’ll probably be a game-time decision,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher, adding that Hill could start even though he hasn’t practiced all week. “He’s got a good enough feel for what we’re doing,” Fisher said. Hill is “improving. We’ll evaluate him tomorrow and probably again in pregame warmups.

“It’s all about risking additional injury and missing more play time. That’s what the decision will be based on.”

Davis, in his third season, made his NFL debut at the start of the second half and completed 16 of 23 passes for 192 yards. He was sacked four times and allowed a a pick-6 for the Vikings’ final touchdown in the 34-6 loss.

“Austin’s much better suited to play this game this week because of the starter reps that he took this week,” Fisher said. “He’s excited. He’s excited for the opportunity, if it happens.”

The other player listed on the injury report is defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (back), who sat out Friday’s practice and, like Hill, is questionable. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee) and center Barrett Jones (back) are still several weeks from returning to action.

WEBSTER GROVES’ CLAYBORN TO IR

Tampa Bay announced Friday morning that defensive end Adrian Clayborn, a Webster Groves High product, has been placed on injured reserve and is done for the season with a biceps injury.

Clayborn, a fourth-year pro from the University of Iowa, had a tackle in Tampa Bay’s 20-14 loss to visiting Carolina last week.

It’s the second season-ending injury in three seasons for the 6-foot-3, 280-pound Clayborn, who played just three games in 2012 before going down with a knee injury. The 20th overall draft pick in 2011, he recorded 42 tackles and 7 ½ sacks as a rookie and bounced back from the 2012 injury to post a career-best 64 tackles to go along with 5 ½ sacks a year ago.

Tampa Bay’s other starting defensive end, Michael Johnson (ankle), has been ruled out. So have reserve tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) and reserve corner Rashaan Melvin (ankle).

Listed as questionable are defensive end Da’Quan Bowers (abdomen), defensive end William Gholston (shoulder), guard London Mankins (knee), running back Doug Martin (knee) and safety Bradley McDougal (knee).

Tackle Demar Dotson (hamstring) is probable.

Morning Ram-blings: Prediction time
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11598/morning-ram-blings-prediction-time

EARTH CITY, Mo. — A little later today, I’ll have my prediction for this week’s matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams. But before we get to that, let’s take a quick look at some choices made by my colleagues.

The “NFL Live” crew got things rolling with their choices Thursday afternoon on the show. Both Mark Schlereth and Tedy Bruschi went with Tampa Bay but they explain those picks in the link above.

As always, ESPN Insider Mike Sando also provided his weekly picks with a little help from NumberFire.

There seems to be a consensus that the Rams will be more competitive this week than last (they’d almost have to be) but that it might not go their way late in the game.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Thursday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … In the Ram-blings, we began the day with a look at quarterbacks setting a record for completion percentage in Week 1. … Next, we laid out the injured reserve with designation to return rules and used it to target possible returns for DE Chris Long. … From there, we looked at the economic implications of having Long and quarterback Sam Bradford on the sideline. … Receiver Brian Quick is feeling more comfortable than ever in his third season. … End William Hayes is one of a few asked to replace Long. … We closed the day with the usual injury report.

Elsewhere:

From Bucs reporter Pat Yasinskas, here’s Tampa’s Thursday injury report.

At 101sports.com, Chris Duncan offered some of his thoughts on the current state of the Rams.

The Stats Doctor comes with his weekly dive into the numbers.

At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas looks at the end of Long’s iron man streak and how the Rams fill in for him.

Jeff Gordon explains why the Rams can’t afford to let the season go off the rails.