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  • November 20, 2015 at 11:42 pm #34483

    In reply to: reporters preview Rams vs. Ravens

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    Practice Report 11/20: Eliminating Explosive Plays

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1120-Eliminating-Explosive-Plays/12312728-f013-4371-a1dd-1457a5ef738a

    Last week, the Rams allowed touchdowns of 83 and 87 yards to the Bears. As you might expect, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was not pleased with those results.

    “There was a little bit of a discussion going at halftime,” Williams said. “And there was a little bit of discussion going on the sideline.”

    Those two plays, however, are particularly uncharacteristic of a defense that has been solid throughout the year. Prior to last week’s matchup, the Rams had allowed just one play of over 50 yards this season.

    “You can’t allow a simple curl-flat route to the side go 87 yards on you,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said this week. “You have to find a way to get them down and play another down — limit those from being touchdowns.”

    “The one thing that this group of guys has done a really, really good job on since I’ve been here is that there are going to be explosive plays in any game — that’s what this game is about. But don’t let them score,” Williams said. “Give us a chance to play red-zone defense, give us a chance to play goal-line defense. And we didn’t get them down.”

    “Plays that we wish we had back,” Williams added.

    St. Louis still ranks No. 6 in total defense, No. 8 in scoring defense, and has the best red-zone defense in the league. But those two plays undeniably shifted the way the game went as a whole.

    “You see that every game takes on an identity of its own,” Williams said. “And we had two plays in that ballgame that were very upsetting to all of us. And nobody makes a mistake on purpose, but we missed tackles on a two-yard pass, and we missed an assignment on a screen pass.”

    “It still bothers everybody,” Laurinaitis said. “We have a bad taste in our mouths after that, but there’s a lot we need to improve on this week.”

    They’ll have to make those improvements against a Baltimore team that has done well with quarterback Joe Flacco. Though he’s often the subject of debate, the signal-caller still leads an offense ranked No. 10 overall, and No. 9 with its passing attack.

    “He commands a presence out there,” Williams said. “They’ve taken some close losses, and he’s brought their team and kept their team in every game. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”

    Flacco has completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 2,492 yards, with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. And he’s doing it with a unit that has been ravaged by injuries.

    The Ravens have 14 players listed on injured reserve, with key targets Steve Smith Sr., Dennis Pitta, and Breshad Perriman all out for the rest of the season. But young tight ends Crockett Gillmore and Maxx Williams have stepped up and made plays.

    “You look at their offense and because they lost Steve and they’ve had some other injuries, that’s the mainstay of their offense right now,” head coach Jeff Fisher said of the tight ends. “They just make big plays. It’s impressive to watch.”

    Flacco has also had to go through learning another offensive system, as Marc Trestman marks the quarterback’s third coordinator in three seasons. His previous two coordinators, Jim Caldwell and Gary Kubiak, both left to become the head coach in Detroit and Denver, respectively.

    “Joe’s done a really good job of adapting to different coordinators,” Williams said. “He’s been going through that, and he still throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the league.”

    “He’s done a very good job of adapting his skill set in a mixture of the last three coordinators who have been there,” Williams continued.

    With last week’s contest the Ravens’ first after the club’s bye week, Laurinaitis said he noticed a minor shift in some of the offense’s tendencies on film.

    “They came out after the bye week and threw it around,” Laurinaitis said. “Then the second half as the game was close they started running a little more.

    “They run the ball similar to the way Washington does,” Laurinaitis added. “We’ve seen that. We tried to correct those things from that game going forward.”

    But because Washington’s offense found success running the ball against the Rams, Laurinaitis said he thinks Baltimore may try to incorporate more of those elements this week.

    “It’s a copy and paste league,” Laurinaitis said. “I expect a lot of similar things with the two and three tight ends like they did against Jacksonville. I expect them to watch Washington and how they tried to attack us.”

    It’s up to the Rams to limit those kinds of explosive plays this week.

    INJURY REPORT

    St. Louis has a shorter injury report this week.

    Center Tim Barnes (concussion) was a full participant on Friday and is listed as probable.

    Defensive end Chris Long (knee) was a full participant as well, and he’s listed as questionable. Robert Quinn (hip) was a limited participant in Friday’s session, and is also listed as questionable. Tight end Justice Cunningham was a new addition to the report on Friday, participating on a limited basis, and is listed as questionable.

    Right tackle Rob Havenstein did not practice all week and is listed as doubtful.

    DEFENDING A FAMILIAR FACE

    Earlier this season, the Rams traded wide receiver Chris Givens to the Ravens for a future draft pick. With all the injuries Baltimore has had to overcome, Givens is contributing at a significant level. He’s caught 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown so far in Baltimore.

    “He’s fit in well,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said this week. “He’s a hard-working guy and that’s credit to how he’s been brought up in the league here. Got some talent and we like him.”

    Given the familiarity between the wideout and the Rams’ cornerbacks, there should be some good matchups on the outside this weekend.

    “He knows my game too,” cornerback Trumaine Johnson said. “It’s going to be fun. We have a tough matchup. Him and [Kamar] Aiken are over there, they’re both over there with Steve Smith going out — they stepped up big time.”

    Wide receiver Tavon Austin is also looking forward to seeing Givens, as the two still keep in contact.

    “We’ll definitely send a text here and there, good luck text, or I saw your play or something like that,” Austin said, adding he’s going to take Givens his forgotten socks. “Memories, just a little bit of memories, that’s all.”

    But Austin said the receivers’ reunion will have to wait until the matchup is finished.

    “It’s business — he knows how I am,” Austin said with a laugh. “I won’t be talking to him before the game.”

    November 20, 2015 at 11:41 pm #34482

    In reply to: Tweets 11/20 & injury reports

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    Chris Long, Robert Quinn questionable for Sunday

    Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/23934/chris-long-robert-quinn-questionable-for-sunday

    EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams once again will have some decisions to make at defensive end before Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

    After Friday’s practice, the Rams listed ends Chris Long (knee) and Robert Quinn (hip) as questionable for Sunday. Long has made progress in his return from the week 5 knee injury he suffered against Green Bay and was able to practice for most of the week. Rams coach Jeff Fisher was optimistic about Long but did not commit to his playing against the Ravens.

    Long’s availability might be related to what happens with Quinn, who returned to practice Friday after being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Still, Long hasn’t played in a while and this is his first week of practice so it’s possible the Rams could be cautious with him.

    Just as pressing is the situation with right tackle Rob Havenstein, who is listed as doubtful because of a calf injury. Havenstein did not practice all week and could miss his second game in three weeks. If that’s the case, the Rams will likely plug rookies Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann into the starting lineup.

    The Rams also added tight end Justice Cunningham to the injury report Friday with a finger injury.

    Here’s the full Friday injury report:

    Doubtful: OT Rob Havenstein (calf)

    Questionable: DE Chris Long (knee), TE Justice Cunningham (finger), DE Robert Quinn (hip)

    Probable: C Tim Barnes (concussion)

    November 20, 2015 at 3:29 pm #34464

    Topic: Tweets 11/20 & injury reports

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    Agamemnon

    November 20, 2015 at 3:07 am #34447

    Topic: Rams News Recap: Nov. 19

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
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    http://www.rams-news.com/known-for-defense-baltimore-has-struggled-in-close-games-this-season-pd/%5DKnown for defense, Baltimore has struggled in close games this season –PD
    Baltimore Ravens’ football has been built around intimidating, dominant defense.

    http://www.rams-news.com/givens-no-longer-just-another-guy-pd/%5DGivens no longer ‘just another guy’ –PD
    Jeff Fisher’s Rams teams have always been a tight-knit group. So just because a teammate leaves and goes elsewhere, doesn’t mean the friendship ends.

    http://www.rams-news.com/bears-had-good-plan-vs-rams-pd/%5DBears Had Good Plan vs. Rams –PD
    Forget about the Rams’ offensive woes and quarterback change for a moment. Did Chicago offensive coordinator Adam Gase uncover the key to containing the Rams’ highly-ranked defense last Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome?

    http://www.rams-news.com/knee-injury-limits-quinn-rams-defense-pd/%5DKnee injury limits Quinn, Rams’ defense –PD
    Defensive end Robert Quinn hasn’t been himself lately, and despite the depth the Rams possess at that position, it has taken some of the thunder out of the team’s pass rush.

    http://www.rams-news.com/tavon-austin-excited-to-return-to-site-of-high-school-championships-wagoner/%5DTavon Austin Excited to Return to Site of High School Championships –Wagoner
    Although he, like most kids in town, was a fan of the Baltimore Ravens growing up, St. Louis Rams receiver Tavon Austin never attended an NFL game at M&T Bank Stadium. And yet, it is the site of many of his favorite football memories.

    http://www.rams-news.com/tim-barnes-concussion-upgraded-on-thursdays-injury-report-wagoner/%5DTim Barnes (concussion) Upgraded on Thursday’s Injury Report –Wagoner
    The St. Louis Rams upgraded center Tim Barnes from limited participation to full participation on Thursday’s injury report.

    http://www.rams-news.com/game-preview-rams-vs-ravens-pd/%5DGame Preview: Rams vs. Ravens –PD
    Following a humbling 37-13 loss to the visiting Chicago Bears and a decision to start Case Keenum in place of Nick Foles at quarterback, the Rams (4-5) don’t figure to get any sympathy from their next opponent.

    http://www.rams-news.com/sean-mannion-working-to-progress-while-not-playing-wagoner/%5DSean Mannion working to progress while not playing –Wagoner
    After passing on drafting a quarterback with anything more than a late, token draft choice in any drafts since coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead arrived in 2012, the St. Louis Rams finally decided to use a little bit of valuable draft capital this year on the game’s most important position.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-tackle-greg-robinson-working-to-correct-technical-issues-wagoner/%5DRams tackle Greg Robinson working to correct ‘technical’ issues –Wagoner
    When St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher announced Monday that he was making a change at quarterback, he emphasized that quarterback was far from the only issue facing his offense.

    http://www.rams-news.com/nick-wagoner-can-keenum-open-things-up-for-gurley-again-audio/%5DNick Wagoner: Can Keenum Open Things Up for Gurley Again –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/caplan-until-the-rams-get-it-right-on-offense-theyre-going-nowhere-audio/%5DCaplan: “Until the Rams Get it Right on Offense, They’re Going Nowhere –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/priscoquinnkirwans-preview-rams-at-ravens-video/%5DPrisco/Quinn/Kirwan’s Preview: Rams at Ravens –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-press-conference-1118-video/%5DJeff Fisher Press Conference: 11/18 –Video

    November 19, 2015 at 6:16 pm #34435

    Topic: Thomas: knee injury slows Quinn

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    Knee injury slows Quinn

    Jim Thomas

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/knee-injury-slows-quinn/article_854c5bd4-b653-5aaf-8b6a-e4bd22f48978.html

    Defensive end Robert Quinn hasn’t been himself lately, and despite the depth the Rams possess at that position, it has taken some of the thunder out of the team’s pass rush.

    Through five games, Quinn was averaging more than 50 plays per contest, second most to Aaron Donald among Rams defensive linemen. But Quinn, a two-time Pro Bowler, showed up on the injury report with a knee injury following the Game 5 loss at Green Bay, and since then his playing time and productivity have declined.

    Since Green Bay, Quinn has missed one game entirely (vs. Minnesota) and averaged only 27 plays per game against Cleveland, San Francisco, and Chicago.

    “We have some guys that have filled in very nicely,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “But when you have a Pro Bowler who’s not in there all the time like he usually is, you’re gonna notice it because he’s an impact player. He’s one of the best (in the league).”

    One of the game’s elite pass rushers, Quinn had 17 tackles, four sacks, and three forced fumbles in the first five games. Since then, or since the knee injury, he has two tackles and one sack. But he has had four quarterback pressures, three quarterback hits, and four breakups (on batted or tipped passes) since the injury.

    “I’ve slowed down a little bit, but need to get it back going,” Quinn said. “But no worries here. As soon as I get to feeling somewhat normal here, we’ll get it going.”

    Quinn has declined to specify the exact nature of the injury, speaking only in generalities.

    “Each day it’s been feeling better and better,” Quinn said. “Hopefully it just continues that way, and I can get back out there and be my old self again and contributing to this ballclub. Really no timetable on when it’s supposed to be 100 percent. One day at a time.”

    Eugene Sims has been getting extra work at the right defensive end position, including the start against Minnesota, with Quinn hobbled.

    “You just hope that his health continues to improve, and we can get him back to where he feels that he can do the things that he always does,” Laurinaitis said. “Hopefully we get Chris (Long) back soon and we’ll be able to kind of get a lot of starters back.”

    Long has been sidelined since suffering a bone fracture in a knee-to-knee collision with Green Bay’s David Bakhtiari on Oct. 11, but was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

    Quinn had played in 70 consecutive games prior to sitting out against the Vikings, so dealing with an injury is something new to him in the NFL.

    “It’s a little different,” Quinn said. “There’s nothing you can really do besides study film, put your two cents in with what you see, help the next man.

    “Hopefully, I won’t have to feel this way again. But it’s the NFL. It’s football. It’s a sport of collisions. It’s bound to happen eventually. It’ll be all right.”

    After missing the Minnesota game, Quinn was on the field for only 14 plays against Chicago, almost exclusively on pass-rushing downs. Coach Jeff Fisher said the plan was to have Quinn on the field for 15 to 20 snaps against the Bears,

    “I would expect to see his reps increase this week,” Fisher said.

    Interestingly, the Rams’ first official injury report of the week Wednesday listed Quinn as not practicing because of a hip injury. There as no mention of the knee injury.

    November 19, 2015 at 2:02 am #34412

    In reply to: reporters preview Rams vs. Ravens

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    Rams notes: Welker getting more comfortable with each practice

    Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-welker-getting-more-comfortable-with-each-practice/article_772019d1-5af0-5bb4-a058-53cb1ed27aa6.html

    Just a few days after signing with the Rams, veteran receiver Wes Welker made his debut Sunday. The 34-year-old was on the field for 11 offensive snaps, targeted six times and finished with three catches for 32 yards.

    “It felt good,’’ Welker said following his first game action since a Denver Broncos playoff loss Jan. 11. “It felt good just kind of getting my feet wet a little bit; just trying to get accustomed to everything.’’

    Signed after Stedman Bailey was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse, Welker entered the game on the Rams’ second series and was open when a third-down pass from Nick Foles missed the mark. On the next possession, Welker made a 6-yard reception on a third-and-7 play.

    “Obviously I want to get my depth on that third down and make sure I get the first down,” said Welker, who was open and overthrown on a second-half pass from Foles. “It’s a tough situation but at the same time you still have to make those plays for the team.’’

    Welker hopes to play an even bigger role in Sunday’s game against the Ravens in Baltimore.

    “This being my 12th year, you kind pick it up and go,’’ he said. “Obviously not the outcome we wanted, but I felt comfortable. Every day, you’re learning more and more. I’m trying to study, getting in a lot of mental reps, watching the other guys. I’m standing next to ‘Sherm’ (wide receivers coach Ray Sherman) and (offensive assistant Jeff) Garcia and getting the play calls, and figuring out what’s what. It’s coming along.’’

    Rams coach Jeff Fisher likes what he has seen from Welker.

    “He was exact in his play,’’ Fisher said. “He ran the routes appropriately. He got open. We hit him a few times and missed him a few times. He looked like he’d been doing it for a long time, which is good to see.’’

    A five-time Pro Bowl selection who led the NFL in receptions in 2007, 2011 and 2013, Welker must now adjust to a new quarterback. On Monday, Fisher announced that Case Keenum would replace Foles.

    “In Miami, I think we had six or seven QB’s, but it’s been a long time for me to deal with that,’’ said Welker, who has caught passes from future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Tom Brady during the last eight seasons of his NFL career. “I think you just go out there and try to do your job and do whatever you can to help your team win. I’m kind of focused on myself and playing how I need to play.’’

    NEW GUY IN TOWN

    The newest Ram, center Eric Kush, has had an eventful fall, spending time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans — all since early September.“I’ve been running around, making the rounds, touring the country a little bit, grinding, grinding, grinding, doing whatever I need to do,’’ he said.

    On Monday, just 10 days after signing a two-year contract, the 26-year-old Kush was waived by Houston. He was claimed by the Rams on Tuesday. Wednesday, he took part in his first practice at Rams Park.

    “I’m coming in here to work my butt off,’’ he said. “I’m going to work hard, bring some energy, have fun and help out in any way I can.’’

    Kush, who stands 6 feet 4 and weighs 313 pounds, played in 49 games and made 32 starts for the Division II California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans and was selected by Kansas City in the sixth round of the 2013 draft. He spent the next two seasons with the Chiefs, playing in three games and making one start.

    With the University of Missouri’s Mitch Morse, a second-round draft choice in the spring, winning the starting job in Kansas City, Kush was cut at the end of training camp.

    “It’s nice to still have a job, to know somebody wants you,’’ he said. “I want to move forward. I’m excited to be here, the playbook’s very similar, which helps. I’m primarily a center, but I’m here to play some football and I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do.’’

    RAM-BLINGS

    The Rams’ first injury report of the week includes just four players. Defensive end Robert Quinn (hip) and tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) did not practice, center Tim Barnes (concussion) was limited and Chris Long (knee) was a full participant. Long was hurt on a knee-to-knee hit against Green Bay on Oct. 11 and hasn’t played since.For the Ravens, linebacker Elvis Dumervil (knee), and guard Kelechi Osemele (knee) and tight end Nick Boyle (foot) did not practice Wednesday. Dumervil and Osemele have started all nine games this season for Baltimore.

    • Not long the 3 p.m. waiver deadline Wednesday, defensive tackle Doug Worthington ran out of the locker room at Rams Park and rejoined the team. Worthington was waived on Tuesday and re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.

    • After receiving contributions from everyone in the locker room, the Rams will partner with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for the 21st consecutive year of distributing turkeys and fixings to approximately 2,000 families. Players, cheerleaders and team mascot Rampage will pass out the turkeys Thursday at locations throughout the region.

    • The Denver Broncos released guard Shelley Smith on Wednesday. Smith was with the Rams in 2012 and 2013.

    November 19, 2015 at 1:38 am #34411

    Topic: Long's back

    in forum The Rams Huddle
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    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1118-Austins-Homecoming-Long-Returns-to-Practice/89291588-0e2f-4399-a3fe-3a95edd0a6b8

    LONG’S BACK AT PRACTICE

    It’s been another trying year for defensive end Chris Long, who has been out the last four weeks since suffering a knee injury against the Packers. But the veteran is now a full participant in practice, after going through a limited session at the end of last week. He was listed as doubtful on the injury report heading into the matchup against Chicago, but admitted Wednesday that may have been a bit unrealistic.

    “That was probably more hopeful than I was realistically close,” Long said. “I appreciate coaches kind of saying, ‘Hey man, let’s be smart and wait one more week. Let this thing completely heal.’ And when I’m back, I’m back. I’ll be close to 100 percent. That’s all I can ask for.”

    But with this being the second straight year Long has had to miss games, it’s been a bit of a frustrating process.

    “I’m not the first guy to get hurt, injured. It’s out of your control. But when you’re hurt, you feel like you’re letting people down,” Long said. “You’re watching your buddies play football, and that’s your job. You don’t feel like you’re doing your job.

    “Especially two years in a row, it’s frustrating because there have been things that you just can’t avoid,” Long continued. “They’re freak things and I’m going to keep pushing to try to help this team, and do my part. I’m just excited to be back and help this team.”

    If there’s a silver lining to Long’s injury this time around, it’s that there was no ligament damage to the knee so he did not have to undergo surgery.

    “The bone just had to heal,” Long said. “It’s a fracture, so it’s not like something that when you’re back, you’re dragging around.”

    Long lamented how he didn’t feel like himself when he got back to playing the Rams’ final five contests in 2014.

    “So when I’m back, I’m back,” Long said. “And I’m really excited to help the team however I can. I’ve just missed being out there.”

    “When you’re staring the prognosis down in the face, you’re like, man, it’s going to take forever,” Long added. “And then you’re out there like that. So we’ve got at least seven weeks of football left — at least — and I can’t wait to keep playing.”

    November 19, 2015 at 1:35 am #34410

    In reply to: reporters preview Rams vs. Ravens

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    Practice Report 11/18: Austin’s Homecoming, Long Returns to Practice

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1118-Austins-Homecoming-Long-Returns-to-Practice/89291588-0e2f-4399-a3fe-3a95edd0a6b8

    Because he’s a member of a team in the NFC West, wide receiver Tavon Austin doesn’t get many opportunities to play in his hometown. He’ll get to do it for the first time in his career on Sunday, when St. Louis squares of against Baltimore just steps away from the inner harbor.

    “Definitely looking forward to it,” Austin said after Wednesday’s practice. “Just the fact that I get to go home, play in front of my family — a lot of people who don’t get to come see me play out here. And growing up in Baltimore, I was a Ravens fan. So just playing against one of my favorite teams growing up is definitely a blessing, too.”

    Austin came up in Baltimore during a time when the Ravens featured a bevy of talented players, winning Super Bowl XXXV to conclude the 2000 season. And Austin continued to follow the club as it continued its success through the last decade.

    “That’s when they had all the legends back then — Ed Reed, Jamal [Lewis] and all those guys, Ray [Lewis],” Austin said. “It was definitely good growing up and seeing them. And now, I would’ve played against one of them this year — Terrell Suggs — but unfortunately he’s hurt.”

    Neither of those players were his favorite wide receiver, though.

    “I was a [Derrick] Mason kind of guy,” Austin said, coincidentally referencing a receiver who played for his current head coach in Tennessee before going to the Ravens in 2005.

    While Austin has played in the D.C.-Virginia-Maryland area before — the Rams played at Washington in Week 2 of this year, for instance — the Baltimore native said this game will have a different feel to it.

    “I probably lived about 15 minutes from the stadium,” Austin said. “A lot of people wouldn’t travel to D.C. to come see me.”

    They will, however, make the shorter trip to downtown Baltimore.

    “It’ll probably be a good little section up there for me,” Austin said, adding he expects his friends and family to wear Rams gear.

    It may be Austin’s first trip to Baltimore as a pro, but he has played at the home of the Ravens before. At Dunbar High School, Austin was a key cog for a team that won three consecutive Class 1A state championships. And those championship games were played at M&T Bank Stadium.

    “I’ve got some good memories in that stadium,” Austin said.

    Austin set all kinds of Maryland records in high school, including 9,258 yards from scrimmage, 7,962 yards rushing, 123 touchdowns, and 790 points. But there’s one thing that sicks out in his mind from the last state championship he won in 2008.

    “My last play of my high school career, I scored the winning two-point conversion to win the game — to win the state championship,” Austin said.

    Now, he’ll go back seven years later with the goal of creating some new memories.

    “That’s the plan,” Austin said. “Go in there try to have a good game, don’t do too much — just play my game and try to get out of there with a win.”

    LONG’S BACK AT PRACTICE

    It’s been another trying year for defensive end Chris Long, who has been out the last four weeks since suffering a knee injury against the Packers. But the veteran is now a full participant in practice, after going through a limited session at the end of last week. He was listed as doubtful on the injury report heading into the matchup against Chicago, but admitted Wednesday that may have been a bit unrealistic.

    “That was probably more hopeful than I was realistically close,” Long said. “I appreciate coaches kind of saying, ‘Hey man, let’s be smart and wait one more week. Let this thing completely heal.’ And when I’m back, I’m back. I’ll be close to 100 percent. That’s all I can ask for.”

    But with this being the second straight year Long has had to miss games, it’s been a bit of a frustrating process.

    “I’m not the first guy to get hurt, injured. It’s out of your control. But when you’re hurt, you feel like you’re letting people down,” Long said. “You’re watching your buddies play football, and that’s your job. You don’t feel like you’re doing your job.

    “Especially two years in a row, it’s frustrating because there have been things that you just can’t avoid,” Long continued. “They’re freak things and I’m going to keep pushing to try to help this team, and do my part. I’m just excited to be back and help this team.”

    If there’s a silver lining to Long’s injury this time around, it’s that there was no ligament damage to the knee so he did not have to undergo surgery.

    “The bone just had to heal,” Long said. “It’s a fracture, so it’s not like something that when you’re back, you’re dragging around.”

    Long lamented how he didn’t feel like himself when he got back to playing the Rams’ final five contests in 2014.

    “So when I’m back, I’m back,” Long said. “And I’m really excited to help the team however I can. I’ve just missed being out there.”

    “When you’re staring the prognosis down in the face, you’re like, man, it’s going to take forever,” Long added. “And then you’re out there like that. So we’ve got at least seven weeks of football left — at least — and I can’t wait to keep playing.”

    INJURY REPORT

    Aside from Long being listed as a full participant, the Rams had three more players listed on their Wednesday injury report.

    Center Tim Barnes (concussion) was listed as a limited participant.

    Defensive end Robert Quinn (hip) and right tackle Rob Havenstein (calf) did not participate in Wednesday’s session.

    November 18, 2015 at 6:54 pm #34385

    Topic: Tweets 11/18 and injury reports

    in forum The Rams Huddle
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    Agamemnon

    November 13, 2015 at 4:19 pm #34067

    Topic: Tweets 11/13 & injury reports

    in forum The Rams Huddle
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    Agamemnon

    November 12, 2015 at 9:28 am #34019

    Topic: Rookie DE Longacre enjoys productive NFL debut

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    Rams notes: Rookie DE Longacre enjoys productive NFL debut

    Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-rookie-de-longacre-enjoys-productive-nfl-debut/article_64ba3495-8428-54a2-925b-0e3cd96c819d.html

    Rams defensive end Matt Longacre fulfilled a lifelong dream on Sunday, playing in his first NFL game.

    “Other than the loss, it was more than I could’ve ever expected or hoped for. Awesome,” the rookie from Northwest Missouri State said Tuesday, referring to the Rams’ 21-18 overtime loss to the Vikings in Minnesota. “It was good to get back out there on the field — it’d been eight or nine weeks since I’d actually been in a game (exhibition) — and then, to go out and make a few plays in the game, it was special.”

    Signed as an undrafted free agent shortly after the NFL draft last spring, Longacre made five tackles, including four solos, and had a quarterback pressure in Minnesota.

    “Matt was productive,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “He got off some blocks and made some plays. He was good. I mean, you look at the tape and you’ve got three guys (Longacre, rookie guard Andrew Donnal and second-year safety Maurice Alexander, from Eureka High) that really haven’t played much and there were some redeeming qualities to all three.”

    Sunday’s game capped a hectic few days for the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Longacre, a two-time Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association defensive player of the year.

    Despite a productive preseason — he was among the team leaders with 18 tackles, six QB pressures and five QB hits — he was cut at the end of training camp and then re-signed to the practice squad.

    On Friday, he was promoted to the 53-man roster. On Sunday, with starting defensive ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn unavailable because of knee injuries, Longacre got his chance.

    “I was headed out for the walk-through Friday when Coach Fisher pulled me aside and told me I was being moved up to the varsity,” the 24-year-old recalled. “Nobody actually ever told me that I’d be active on Sunday, but as I warmed up, I realized that it was go time.”

    Adding to Sunday’s excitement for Longacre was having his parents, Mark and Kathy, on hand.

    “My dad was on a hunting trip in South Dakota, so he was able to get there without too much trouble,” said Longacre, whose family is from Omaha, Neb. “My mom, it was a little more of a scramble. At first, she talked about taking public transportation, but I told her I’d pay for a flight and told her that she couldn’t miss my first game.

    “She ended up making the trip with one of my high school coaches and his family, so everything worked out great. When we walked out of the tunnel, I was able to find them in the stands and give them a head-nod, just like in high school and college.

    “They’ve been with me through all the highs and lows and it meant everything to me to have them there for my first NFL game.’’

    INJURY REPORT

    The first injury report of the week for the Rams included six players who did not practice Wednesday — DE Chris Long (knee), DE Robert Quinn (knee), S T.J. McDonald (foot), T Rob Havenstein (ankle), LB Akeem Ayers (illness) and RB Todd Gurley (coach’s decision).

    The report also included RB Chase Reynolds (thigh), who was a full participant in practice.

    In spite of Wednesday’s report, Fisher is optimistic.

    “I think Friday is going to be a really good day for us,” he said following the workout at Rams Park. “Todd was just a rest day today. He needed the rest; he’ll be fine. I think we’ll see Rob, both Robs — No. 94 (Quinn) and No. 79 (Havenstein) — on the field.’’

    Starters Quinn, Havenstein, McDonald and Long missed last weekend’s game.

    The Rams face Chicago on Sunday and the Bears practiced Wednesday without WR Eddie Royal (knee), LB Pernell McPhee (knee), S Antrel Rolle (ankle) and K Robbie Gould (illness). Going through limited workouts were RB Matt Forte (knee), C Hroniss Grasu (neck), T Jermon Bushrod (shoulder) and LB Shea McClellin (knee).

    Forte, Royal, Grasu and McClellin all sat out Chicago’s 22-19 win in San Diego on Monday night.

    RAM-BLINGS

    The Rams announced that U.S. Army war hero Daniel Rodriguez, a wide receiver who walked on at Clemson and who was in training camp with the Rams this year, will return as an honorary team captain for Sunday’s game, at noon at Edward Jones Dome.

    Rodriguez, 27, earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his heroism in the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan in October 2009. He was signed by the Rams after a tryout.

    In the preseason, the 5-foot-8, 180-pounder caught two passes for 10 yards. He also averaged 23.7 yards on seven kickoff returns and 4.8 yards on six punt returns.

    • With the first wave of fan voting for the Pro Bowl received, the Rams have a pair of players —Gurley and second-year defensive tackle Aaron Donald — in second place at their respective positions. Gurley, the top rookie vote-getter, trails Atlanta’s Devonta Freeman while Donald is runner-up to Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins.

    November 11, 2015 at 8:34 pm #34001

    In reply to: reporters preview the BEARS game

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    Practice Report 11/11: Improving the Offense

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1111-Improving-the-Offense/ffa3a5f4-184f-492f-af86-fd00f665c6c8

    The Rams’ offensive struggles have been well documented, and the team signed wide receiver Wes Welker to help this week. Now comes the task of making sure everyone on the unit improves in order to achieve a better level of consistency.

    “We’re not satisfied,” head coach Jeff Fisher said Wednesday. “But, we just need a couple breakout games, and then we’ll get caught up. Not satisfied with the first-down production, and the third-down efficiency, and the points scored, but we’ll get caught up.”

    “We’re very optimistic,” offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said. “We’ve got a great group of coaches. We’ve got a great group of players. We’re at the midway point. Our expectation is to move forward and play better.”

    This is a unit that went through a bevy of major changes over the offseason — starting with its coordinator. With the promotions of Cignetti and assistant head coach/offense Rob Boras, the additions of quarterback Nick Foles and running back Todd Gurley, and the shuffling on the offensive line, St. Louis’ offense has a completely different look than it did at this time last year. Given all the moving parts, there are myriad reasons why consistent production has been hard to come by through the first eight games.

    As quarterback Nick Foles put it after Wednesday’s practice, the unit knows it has a long way to go, but it will likely never be satisfied — even after a breakout game.

    “Us as an offense, we come out here every day wanting to improve,” Foles said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys right now that are working every day. We’re improving. A lot of new personalities, so we’re just continuing to bond. We have a great team here that plays well together. I’m excited about where we’re heading.”
    Foles said the team continuing to grow together should improve third-down efficiency. According to the quarterback, the unit has to be better at being in sync in those situations, as defenses have been mixing up their looks and coverages.

    “We’ve been out-executed as an offense,” Foles said. “We’ve got to make sure we go out there and I have to be accurate with the throw, receivers do a good job getting out of their breaks. It’s a group effort as an offense.”

    Staying on target with positive plays on first and second down should be a factor in that area as well.

    “First and second down, staying inside of the sticks, not getting to third-and-seven plus,” Foles said. “The percentage of converting on those isn’t nearly as high as on a third-and-two/four.”

    Fisher has talked about Welker’s third-down skills since the club signed the wideout on Monday, and Foles said Wednesday the veteran can help in more than just that situation.

    “I think just adding him to the mix in general, just what he can do,” Foles said. “Just his ability to get open, his ability to play. Really his ability to impact the receivers will be great.”

    “I think just having him in there to teach the young guys maybe how to run different routes versus different coverages, or little things he’s picked up along the way, or just the wisdom of anything is huge for those guys,” Foles added.

    Some of that is already being realized, even in the short time Welker’s been with the team.

    “Anybody that’s been to the postseason as many times as he has, and played under a veteran quarterback and a veteran system as much as he has can bring a lot of knowledge,” tight end Jared Cook said. “He’s a great veteran receiver. That guy has put up numbers in this league like it’s nothing. So whatever he’s willing to share, I’m willing to learn.”

    And so while the team is optimistic the offense will get better, the unit knows it’s a matter of execution from everyone involved.

    “We just have to keep going through this process and keep working,” Foles said, “keep fine tuning what we’re doing and eventually it’ll all click together and we’ll be ready to roll.”

    INJURY REPORT

    
The Rams had seven players on their injury report Wednesday, but there was good news to go with it.

    Defensive end Robert Quinn (knee), right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle), safety T.J. McDonald (foot), linebacker Akeem Ayers (illness), and defensive end Chris Long (knee) did not participate in Wednesday’s session. Running back Todd Gurley also did not participate, but for a day of rest — not an injury.

    “I think Friday is going to be a really good day for us,” Fisher said. “Todd was just a rest day today. He needed the rest. He’ll be fine. I think we’ll see Rob on the field — both Rob’s, No. 94, No. 79 on the field [on Friday].”

    As for Long, Fisher said the defensive end is getting closer to returning from his knee injury.

    “I think he’s ready to go out and run on land now, so could be a couple weeks,” Fisher said.

    Running back Chase Reynolds (thigh) also appeared on the report, but was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.

    November 6, 2015 at 6:03 pm #33678

    In reply to: Tweets 11/6, who is banged up, and Rams promote Longacre

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    Quinn, McDonald, Havenstein don’t practice Friday

    Jim Thomas

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/quinn-mcdonald-havenstein-don-t-practice-friday/article_a16c77c4-acd8-5092-ac8a-058cb5070241.html

    Three Rams starters did not practice Friday, which is never a good sign in terms of potential availability for game day.

    In this case, defensive end Robert Quinn (knee), strong safety T.J. McDonald (foot), and right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) did not practice Friday _ the last full-scale practice of the week at Rams Park in preparation for Sunday’s noon kickoff at Minnesota.

    All three players are listed as questionable. Eugene Sims would start in Quinn’s place at right defensive end against the Vikings. Eureka High product Maurice Alexander would start in place of McDonald as strong safety.

    If Havenstein can’t go, the answer isn’t as clear-cut. Undrafted rookie Darrell Williams finished out the San Francisco game at right tackle. Garrett Reynolds, who started at left guard the past couple weeks, is another possibility. The Rams tried out multiple offensive line combinations this week in practice.

    Quinn has been nursing a knee issue for a couple of weeks, but this is the first week that he didn’t practice Friday. McDonald had been listed on the injury report last week with a shoulder injury, but this is the first week he’s been on the report with a foot problem.

    Without reading too much into it, the Rams decision Friday to elevate defensive end Matt Longacre to the active roster has to be viewed as a sign of concern with regard to the injury situation at defensive end, where William Hayes (thigh) is also questionable. Longacre, an undrafted rookie from Northwest Missouri State, has been on the practice squad all season. He fills the spot created by Wednesday’s indefinite suspension of running back Trey Watts for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

    As for the rest of the Rams injury report, defensive end Chris Long (knee) has been ruled out for the third consecutive week, although he no longer is wearing a knee brace.

    Running back Tre Mason (ankle) and running back/special teamer Chase Reynolds.(thigh) are also listed as questionable.

    For Minnesota, starting linebacker Eric Kendricks (ribs) has been ruled out, and starting defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd has been ruled out for the third consecutive game. Starting linebacker Anthony Barr (back) is questionable, while Stefon Diggs _ the Vikings’ most productive wide receiver over the past month _ is probable with a hamstring injury.

    November 6, 2015 at 2:33 am #33614

    Topic: Rams News Recap: Nov. 5

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    http://www.rams-news.com/its-the-kid-vs-the-master-in-minnesota-pd/%5DIt’s the Kid vs. the Master in Minnesota –PD
    Were William Hayes in another line of work, you can bet he’d be in the man cave Sunday in front of the big screen to watch Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson and the Rams’ Todd Gurley.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-notebook-laurinaitis-finally-makes-his-way-home-pd/%5DRams notebook: Laurinaitis finally makes his way home –PD
    Since entering the NFL in 2009, Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis has played in 29 of the NFL’s 31 venues either in the preseason or the regular season. And he has faced 30 of the league’s 32 squads as a visitor.

    http://www.rams-news.com/james-laurinaitis-looking-forward-to-minnesota-homecoming-wagoner/%5DJames Laurinaitis Looking Forward to Minnesota Homecoming –Wagoner
    Since entering the league in 2009, St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis has played in nearly every NFL city. Conspicuous in its absence from that list, however, is the place that Laurinaitis calls home: Minneapolis.

    http://www.rams-news.com/todd-gurley-opens-up-on-important-issues-like-candy-pd/%5DTodd Gurley Opens Up on Important Issues – Like Candy –PD
    The hottest name in St. Louis sports is undoubtedly that of Todd Gurley, the Rams’ rookie running back sensation.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-offense-having-hard-time-hanging-on-pd/%5DRams Offense Having Hard Time Hanging On –PD
    It’s not an epidemic, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. But it sure seems pervasive.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-safety-t-j-mcdonald-downgraded-on-thursdays-injury-report-wagoner/%5DRams Safety T.J. McDonald Downgraded on Thursday’s Injury Report –Wagoner
    The St. Louis Rams didn’t practice Thursday, but if they had, safety T.J. McDonald would have done less than he did in Wednesday’s workout because of a foot injury.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-schedule-much-lighter-over-seasons-second-half-wagoner/%5DRams’ schedule much lighter over season’s second half –Wagoner
    The St. Louis Rams played one of the more difficult schedules in the league during the season’s first five weeks, squaring off against heavyweights like Seattle, Arizona, Pittsburgh and Green Bay.

    http://www.rams-news.com/sound-fx-jeff-fisher-micd-up-vs-san-francisco-video/%5D‘Sound FX’: Jeff Fisher Mic’d Up Vs. San Francisco –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-rb-todd-gurley-talks-transition-to-nfl-video/%5DRams RB Todd Gurley Talks Transition to NFL –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/wagoner-talks-rams-vikings-audio/%5DWagoner Talks Rams-Vikings –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/charles-davis-rbs-like-gurley-ap-are-still-capable-of-being-season-changers-audio/%5DCharles Davis: RB’s like Gurley & AP Are Still Capable of Being Season Changers –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/all-22-view-todd-gurleys-71-yard-touchdown-video/%5DAll 22 View: Todd Gurley’s 71-yard Touchdown –Video

    November 5, 2015 at 1:31 am #33541

    In reply to: reporters preview the VIKES game

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    Practice Report 11/4: Starting Faster on Offense

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-114-Starting-Faster-on-Offense/1d1043ce-a51c-4c68-8022-064a0793a338

    The Rams have won their last two games by a combined score of 51-12, but that hasn’t stopped the club from being self critical in order to improve.

    That goes especially for the offense. The emergence of running back Todd Gurley has certainly aided the production, as best evidenced by St. Louis’ 3-1 record since the running back became a starter. But as head coach Jeff Fisher has pointed out, getting first downs and third-down efficiency has to get better, especially at this time of year.

    Having racked up only 104 first downs and 26 percent of third-down opportunities, there is some clear room for improvement. But with the Rams’ explosive plays, the offense comes in at No. 1 in average yards per carry, No. 3 in yards rushing per game, and No. 12 in overall yards per play.

    Gurley, of course, has been at the center of those plays, having amassed runs of 52, 55, 48, and 71 yards in his first four starts. But the offense has gotten good explosive production from others as well. For instance, Tavon Austin and Jared Cook had receptions of 66 and 49 yards, respectively, against the 49ers.

    But if there’s been one common theme over the last few weeks, it’s that St. Louis would like to start faster offensively. While opponents have outscored the Rams 40-19 in the first quarter, they have clearly been able to make adjustments. The team has outscored opponents 44-28 in the second quarter, and 38-16 in the third.

    All of that encompasses the fact that St. Louis would like to get into a rhythm earlier in games. That, of course, is easier said than done.

    “That’s something we’ve talked about this week because you’d like to start fast,” offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said Wednesday. “So, you look at the scheme. You look at the personnel. It’s something we’re evaluating every day.”

    As tight end Jared Cook put it, the Rams must continue to build confidence during the week that on the first drive, the ball will end up in the end zone.

    “A lot of times, it does take time for an offense to kind of adjust and see how the defense is playing, and see what they’re running,” Cook said. “But most of the time, you know what they’re running. Defenses don’t change. So I just think it’s all about going out there and making the plays work.”

    While it’s not an excuse, some of the struggles have just come from the team still getting used to playing with one another. After all, St. Louis did promote a new offensive coordinator, import a new quarterback, and insert three new offensive linemen into the starting lineup for the start of the season.

    “We’re still working, we’re still building,” Cook said. “Nick [Foles] is still learning us individually — who we are, who our personalities are. And we’re going to continue to grow and get better at doing that. You can only simulate it so much in practice. The only way to really work on it is live games.”

    To that end, Cook said the offense is continuing to jell the more Sundays they play together.

    “Chemistry and timing is something that nobody can predict in the National Football League, and it’s hard to come by,” Cook said. “So that’s something that we’re all still working on.”

    There has been clear progress, though, as evidenced by the club’s record. Cook credited Gurley’s emergence as a significant factor in that.

    “To have a back who’s unlike anyone I’ve ever seen before with my own eyes — it’s special,” Cook said. “It’s something that we have to take advantage of on offense. It helps open up the whole game collectively as an offense. But, you have to make it work in terms of stretching the field, pushing the ball down the field.”

    And so as the season gets to its midpoint, Cook said he feels like the offense is growing and getting better together. Now it’s just a matter of putting things together and executing properly to start games by putting points on the board.

    “It’s just about sustaining drives and starting fast from jump,” Cook said. “It’s knowing in everybody’s mind that lines up out there, we’re going to go right down and score.”

    INJURY REPORT

    The Rams had a few players appear on Wednesday’s injury report. Chris Long (knee), Robert Quinn (knee), William Hayes (thigh), Chase Reynolds (thigh), and Rob Havenstein (ankle) did not practice. T.J. McDonald (foot) and Tre Mason (ankle) both practiced on a limited basis.

    Though Havenstein was sidelined Wednesday, Fisher was optimistic on the right tackle’s possible status later in the week.

    “We’ve got him immobilized right now. He’s doing much better,” Fisher said. “We’re hoping to get him back on the field on Friday. So, we’ll see.”

    WATTS SUSPENDED

    Running back Trey Watts has been suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Watts’ suspension begins immediately.

    Fisher said the team has not yet made a decision on who may replace the running back on the active roster.

    COACHING CONNECTIONS

    Before Fisher began his long career as a player and coach in the NFL, he played his college football at USC. And that’s where the Rams’ head coach first got to know current Vikings’ offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

    “Coach Turner and I walked on the USC campus together,” Fisher said. “I walked on as a freshman, and he walked on as an assistant coach. So, I’ve known him for that long. He actually coached me early in my career. Then, when I moved over to secondary, he coached the defensive backs our senior year there. So, then we kind of went on. Then, crossed paths in 1991 with the Rams for a couple weeks. He was a receiver coach, and then he went on to Dallas as the offensive coordinator. So, we’ve been basically facing him or facing each other or coaching against him really since ’91.

    “By the way, he didn’t know what he was talking about in our senior year at SC, because the other three guys are all first-round picks. So, Norv never had to say anything,” Fisher joked. “He just let us play.”

    November 2, 2015 at 2:21 am #33381

    In reply to: reporters on the 1st SF game

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    Rams notebook: 49ers nearly make it a close game

    Jim Thomas

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-ers-nearly-make-it-a-close-game/article_72c2a314-b948-5358-904b-049b4f4ae3e4.html

    As dominant as the Rams were for much of Sunday’s 27-6 victory, there was a moment in the third quarter when San Francisco threatened to make a game of it.

    Facing a third-and-4 at the 50, Rams running back Benny Cunningham headed around right end in search of a first down. But 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead poked the ball out, and teammate Ahmad Brooks was in hot pursuit for the loose football.

    Brooks picked up the ball and raced 41 yards for an apparent touchdown with 4 minutes, 45 seconds to play in the third quarter. Just like that, it looked like the Rams’ lead was down to 20-13 and they might be in for a tight finish.

    But while on his way to the bouncing ball, Brooks yanked on Cunningham’s facemask. Instead of a TD and a one-possession game, the Rams got 15 yards on the penalty, a first down, and maintained their 20-6 lead.

    The possession ended with a blocked Greg Zuerlein field goal attempt from 40 yards, but the Rams added a Tavon Austin touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to register their most lopsided win of the season.

    “Do I think I had a touchdown?” Brooks, an outside linebacker, said afterward. “I did have a touchdown. I knew I hit him in the facemask. I kind of figured that when I reached the end zone it could potentially get called back. But it wasn’t intentional.

    “I was fighting for the ball. He’s a smaller guy. So by me being taller and trying to get to the ball, I guess I grazed his facemask.”

    It looked like Brooks did a lot more than “graze” Cunningham’s facemask, but it was a huge play in the game nonetheless.

    MASON LIVES

    After missing the Cleveland game with an ankle injury, second-year Rams running back Tre Mason saw his first extensive action of the season, carrying 15 times for 46 yards Sunday. He also caught a pass for 6 yards, basically finishing out the contest for Todd Gurley after the Rams took that 27-6 lead.

    Mason, also inactive for the season opener against Seattle because of a hamstring injury, was happy to get his most extensive action of the season.

    “Without a doubt. Sitting and being on the sideline is not the move,” Mason said, laughing.

    He had only 20 carries all season before Sunday, and just four carries since September. The team’s leading rusher as a rookie last season with 765 yards, Mason looked quick against San Francisco, although he may not be totally healthy.

    “The game of football, I was always told you’re never 100 percent after the first game,” Mason said. “But I felt like I got myself back and feeling like myself again, where I could get rolling.

    “Gotta be ready when called on, and be available.”

    SITTING IT OUT

    Rams inactives Sunday were DE Chris Long (knee), QB Sean Mannion, S Christian Bryant, RB Trey Watts, TE Justice Cunningham, OG Cody Wichmann and DT Doug Worthington.

    Four players listed as questionable Friday on the Rams’ final injury report of the week all played against San Francisco: Mason, DE Robert Quinn, DE William Hayes and S T.J. McDonald.

    Quinn, who has practiced sparingly over the past two weeks because of a knee injury, was credited with a sack, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and a pass breakup, according to unofficial press box stats.

    “I’m OK,” Quinn said, when asked about the knee. “A little rest always helps. But I’ll be all right.”

    RAM-BLINGS

    McDonald’s father, Tim McDonald, is defensive backs coach in Buffalo but took advantage of the Bills’ bye week to watch his son play Sunday. The Rams are now 3-0 when McDonald’s father is watching in person, with previous victories over Denver and Seattle.

    There were 51,207 tickets distributed in the 66,000-seat dome for Sunday’s game. Once again, it looked as if about 40,000 to 45,000 spectators were actually in the stands.
    The Rams’ rushing total of 197 yards was a season high. Were it not for three kneel-downs by quarterback Nick Foles to end the game, each of which resulted in a 1-yard loss, the Rams would’ve had 200 yards rushing for the first time since a Game 11 contest against Chicago in 2013.
    Rookie wide receiver Bradley Marquez caught his first NFL pass Sunday, good for a 5-yard gain in the first quarter.

    October 31, 2015 at 1:39 am #33249

    In reply to: reporters preview the SF game

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    Rams notebook: San Francisco’s Hyde ruled out of Sunday’s game

    Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-san-francisco-s-hyde-ruled-out-of-sunday/article_0a321b56-48d9-5e1e-8128-7d3018de9d95.html

    The San Francisco 49ers will be without leading rusher Carlos Hyde on Sunday when they take on the Rams in a noon game at the Edward Jones Dome.

    Hyde, a second-year back out of Ohio State, is ninth in the league with 470 rushing yards and has been ruled out of the NFC West game with a stress fracture in his left foot.

    With Hyde out, San Francisco will look to veteran Reggie Bush (eight carries, 28 yards), who has been slowed with a calf injury, and rookies Mike Davis (15 carries, 20 yards) and Jarryd Hayne (eight carries, 25 yards). Hayne, an Australian rugby star, has been used mainly as a punt returner.

    The 49ers could also be without their top receiver, Anquan Boldin. The veteran missed practice Friday after suffering a hamstring injury on Thursday and is listed questionable for Sunday. Boldin has 31 catches for 372 yards and a pair of touchdowns this season.

    The other injured players in San Francisco — LBs NaVorro Bowman (shoulder) and Ahmad Brooks (shoulder), G Alex Boone (shoulder, knee), T Joe Staley (shoulder), S Eric Reid (chest) and DT Tony Jerod-Eddie (not injury-related) — went through full workouts Friday and are listed probable.

    Defensive end Chris Long (knee) is the only Rams player ruled out for Sunday. The team’s other seven players on the injury report went through full workouts Friday at Rams Park.

    Defensive ends Robert Quinn (knee) and William Hayes (thigh) are listed questionable, as are running back Tre Mason (ankle) and safety T.J. McDonald (shoulder). Questionable generally means the player has a 50-50 shot at playing Sunday.

    Rams listed as probable are middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (elbow), tight end Lance Kendricks (thumb) and defensive tackle Nick Fairley (illness).

    LOCAL TIES

    With Colin Kaepernick struggling — the fifth-year QB is ranked 24th in the league with a completion percentage of 61.4 percent and a passer rating of just 82.8 — there’s been some talk in San Francisco about making a change to give the team a different look.

    The back-up is former Parkway West and Mizzou standout Blaine Gabbert. Selected with the 10th pick in the 2011 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gabbert was acquired by the 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick on March 11, 2014. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Gabbert has yet to see action this season but did enjoy some success in the preseason, completing 23 of 28 (82.1 percent) of his passes for 203 yards with a touchdown.

    Kaepernick, it turns out, was also drafted in 2011; he was the 49ers’ second-round pick at No. 36 overall.

    While first-year head coach Jim Tomsula remains firm in his support of the hard-working and talented Kaepernick as his starting quarterback, the 49ers’ longtime defensive line coach is also a fan of Gabbert.

    “You know what, I like Blaine Gabbert,’’ the coach said. “I just think Blaine’s a solid individual and I think he’s a talented player.’’

    From there, the coach’s teleconference call with St. Louis reporters took a bit of an unexpected turn as Tomsula mentioned his own ties to St. Louis.

    “Heck, guys, I got married in St. Louis, so we know about the kind of people that are from that area,’’ he continued. “I got married over there at Little Flower (Catholic church in Richmond Heights) on the Fourth of July, so I’ve spent a lot of time there. I love the St. Louis Zoo (and) Protzel’s Deli (in Clayton). That town is a great town.’’

    THE NEW GUYS

    The Rams filled a pair of openings on the practice squad by signing defensive end Gerald Rivers and defensive end and linebacker Zack Hodges.

    It’s Rivers’ second stint with the Rams. The University of Mississippi product was signed as a undrafted free agent in 2013 and played in two games and made one tackle.

    He was claimed off waivers late that season by Jacksonville and has also spent time with Miami, Denver and the New York Giants.

    “Glad to be back. Feels like I’ve come home,’’ the 25-year-old said. “I got the call on Monday, hopped on a flight, came in for the workout and signed. It’s kind of like a family reunion, seeing the guys again. I’ve been around a little bit, but I’ve never felt as comfortable as I feel here.’’

    Rivers was released from the Giants’ practice squad in mid-September.

    “Just working out and trying to stay as ready as possible, hoping for another chance,’’ he said. “And now that I’m back with the Rams, it just feels right.’’

    Hodges, a two-time Ivy League player of the year from Harvard, was in camp with the Indianapolis Colts.

    “I was training, trying to keep my mind sharp,’’ the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hodges said. “I remember playing here in the preseason, seemed like a great city. This is a great opportunity; now I just have to go out, show the coaches what I can do and try to make the most of it.’’

    RAM-BLINGS

    Early this week, Rams coach Jeff Fisher was asked about his confidence in kicker Greg Zuerlein, who enters Sunday’s action having converted just one of his last five field goal attempts. To be fair, one of the kicks was blocked and three of the others were from 53, 63 and 63 yards.

    “No concerns. He’s hitting it really well,’’ the coach said. “He just needs to hit it between those two yellow poles. I didn’t like the (35-yard miss), but I have total confidence in Greg. He’s hitting it as well as he’s hit it since he’s been here.

    “With the new rules, every kick is a field goal, so there’s more pressure on every single kick. That’s just my observation.’’

    • The Rams’ Nick Fairley was fined $17,363 for a roughing-the-passer call in the fourth quarter against Cleveland’s Josh McCown.

    • Cut earlier in the week by the Rams, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar has signed with New Orleans. Dunbar, 30, was signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2008 and played there through 2011.

    • The Lincoln University football team coached by ex-Rams LB Mike Jones held a walk-through Friday afternoon at Rams Park. The Blue Tigers play Saturday at McKendree.

    October 30, 2015 at 5:40 pm #33240

    In reply to: reporters preview the SF game

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    Carlos Hyde ruled out for Sunday

    Josh Alper

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/10/30/carlos-hyde-ruled-out-for-sunday/

    SANTA CLARA, CA – Earlier on Friday, we noted that 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin would miss Friday’s practice after having his hamstring tighten up on him during Thursday’s session.

    The prospect of playing without Boldin isn’t a pretty one for the 49ers offense, so it’s good news for them that Boldin said, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, there was “no doubt” in his mind that he’d play on Sunday against the Rams. The team’s offense won’t be whole, however.

    Running back Carlos Hyde has been ruled out of the contest. Hyde said recently that he has a stress fracture in his foot, but has been listed as questionable on the team’s injury reports and in the lineup for the last few weeks. The 49ers have a bye in Week 10, which may mean a lot of Reggie Bush, Jarryd Hayne and Mike Davis out of the backfield for the next two weeks.

    Boldin officially drew a questionable tag for the game in St. Louis.

    October 24, 2015 at 2:30 am #32821

    Topic: Rams News Recap: Oct. 23

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    http://www.rams-news.com/quinn-expects-to-be-challenged-sunday-pd/%5DQuinn expects to be challenged Sunday –PD
    Rams defensive end Robert Quinn is looking forward to the challenge.

    http://www.rams-news.com/will-rams-dbs-press-the-issue-vs-cleveland-pd/%5DWill Rams DBs press the issue vs. Cleveland? –PD
    Predating even the arrival of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams last season, the sight of Rams cornerbacks playing off coverage on opposing receivers in recent years has frequently driven fans and observers crazy.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-vs-browns-shanes-select-seven-gray/%5DRams vs. Browns: Shane’s Select Seven –Gray
    On Sunday, the St. Louis Rams (2-3) will host the Cleveland Browns (2-4) in week seven action at the Edward Jones Dome. While St. Louis will be coming off its bye week, Cleveland will be looking to bounce back from an overtime loss against the Denver Broncos.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-must-solve-riddle-of-unfamiliar-opponents-wagoner/%5DRams Must Solve Riddle of Unfamiliar Opponents –Wagoner
    To be sure, the St. Louis Rams’ record since Jeff Fisher arrived as head coach in 2012 is below average.

    http://www.rams-news.com/practice-report-1023-matchup-of-elites-with-quinn-thomas-simmons/%5DPractice Report 10/23: Matchup of Elites with Quinn, Thomas –Simmons
    With the Browns coming to town for Sunday’s contest, there are plenty of interesting matchups across the board. But one that provides a certain amount of intrigue will pit one of the league’s best left tackles against one of its best defensive ends.

    http://www.rams-news.com/for-rams-making-trick-plays-work-on-special-teams-a-long-process-wagoner/%5DFor Rams, Making Trick Plays Work on Special Teams a Long Process –Wagoner
    Every week, almost without fail, opposing coaches preparing to play the St. Louis Rams go out of their way to mention the need to be prepared for what the Rams can and will do on special teams.

    http://www.rams-news.com/robert-quinn-tavon-austin-probable-for-sunday-against-browns-wagoner/%5DRobert Quinn, Tavon Austin probable for Sunday against Browns –Wagoner
    The St. Louis Rams have had some big names on their injury report all week but the news isn’t all bad as they head toward Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

    http://www.rams-news.com/garrett-reynolds-we-have-to-keep-growing-as-a-unit-video/%5DGarrett Reynolds: We Have To Keep Growing As a Unit –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/gregg-williams-we-play-our-safeties-deeper-than-any-team-in-the-league-video/%5DGregg Williams: We Play Our Safeties Deeper Than Any Team in the League –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-cleveland-is-a-legit-team-video/%5DJeff Fisher: Cleveland is a Legit Team –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/why-the-rams-and-their-physicality-are-the-browns-worst-case-scenario-audio/%5DWhy the Rams and Their Physicality are the Browns “Worst Case Scenario” –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/tony-grossi-of-espncleveland-com-previews-the-rams-browns-game-audio/%5DTony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com previews the Rams – Browns game –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/mike-sandos-browns-rams-edge-video/%5DMike Sando’s Browns-Rams Edge –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/john-greco-talks-playing-with-the-rams-audio/%5DJohn Greco Talks Playing with the Rams –Audio

    October 23, 2015 at 9:23 pm #32801

    In reply to: as we prepare for the post-bye era: reporters preview the BROWNS game

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    Practice Report 10/23

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1023-Matchup-of-Elites-with-Quinn-Thomas/8e0f724c-3a1b-4565-bde7-04c9050bb910

    INJURY REPORT

    The Rams had good news along much of the injury front with the final report on Friday.

    While Quinn (knee) did not practice earlier in the week, he was a full participant on Friday and is listed as probable. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins has passed the concussion protocol, was a full participant in practice and is also listed as probable.

    After sitting out earlier in the week, wide receiver Tavon Austin (thigh) was a limited participant on Friday and is listed as questionable. Tight end Lance Kendricks (hand) similarly did not practice earlier in the week, but was limited on Friday and is questionable.

    Running back Tre Mason (ankle) did not practice all week and is questionable.

    Chris Long (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday. Alec Ogletree (ankle) remains on the active roster, and has also been declared out.

    ROSTER MOVE

    With Mason questionable for Sunday, the Rams promoted running back Trey Watts to the active roster from the practice squad and waived safety Christian Bryant.

    The Rams signed Watts as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa in 2014, and the running back was a major contributor on special teams last year. Prior to serving a four-game suspension to start the regular season, Watts flashed in the 2015 preseason. He rushed for 98 yards on 24 carries and had eight receptions for 58 yards in the four exhibition matchups.

    FILLING IN FOR OGLETREE

    The Rams will be without Ogletree for an extended period of time, and on Friday, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said he was pleased with the way St. Louis filled in for the linebacker in Green Bay.

    “We managed a lot of different personnel packages and managed a lot of different people through there and it worked out pretty good,” Williams said.

    One of the players involved in the process is Mark Barron, who has been utilized both as a safety and linebacker within Williams’ scheme.

    “We have 42 ways to add up to 11,” Williams said. “We have 42 packages of defense that we’ll trot 11 guys out there. We play the same kind of a defensive structure, but we have different people playing different spots. He fits in that very well. I’ve been real proud of him, too.”

    And with Barron moving primarily to linebacker, Lamarcus Joyner has become all the more entrenched as the team’s nickel corner. Williams said Friday he’s proud of the Florida State product for how far he’s been able to come along over the last year.

    “I’m so proud of his adapting to the National Football League and all of the sudden becoming a student of the game,” Williams said, adding he may have been a little hard on the defensive back last year. “He has reacted very well to that type of coaching and mentoring. I’m proud of him. I really am proud of him. He’s played well and he’s vital to our success. He was very vital in this last ball game. And as you guys watch how he played on [Packers wide receiver Randall] Cobb? Wow. That’s a testament to ‘getting it.’”

    October 23, 2015 at 6:30 pm #32783

    In reply to: Tweets 10/22 – and Injury News

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    Robert Quinn, Tavon Austin probable for Sunday against Browns

    Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/22775/robert-quinn-tavon-austin-probable-for-sunday-against-browns

    EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams have had some big names on their injury report all week but the news isn’t all bad as they head toward Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

    Defensive end Robert Quinn (knee), receiver Tavon Austin (hamstring) and tight end Lance Kendricks (finger) all returned to practice in some capacity Friday and it looks like at least Quinn and Austin will be ready to go on Sunday.

    Quinn and Austin are listed as probable on Friday’s injury report while Kendricks is considered questionable. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins cleared the concussion protocol and is also probable.

    Here’s the full rundown of Friday’s injury report:

    Out: DE Chris Long (knee), LB Alec Ogletree (ankle)

    Questionable: TE Lance Kendricks (finger), RB Tre Mason (ankle)

    Probable: DE Robert Quinn (knee), WR Tavon Austin (hamstring), CB Janoris Jenkins (concussion)

    October 23, 2015 at 2:56 am #32768

    Topic: Rams News Recap: Oct. 22

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-secondary-comes-together-behind-jenkins-pd/%5DRams’ secondary comes together behind Jenkins –PD
    On Green Bay’s first pass play of the day, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw deep down the left sideline toward wide receiver Ty Montgomery. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins was in tight coverage and the pass fell incomplete.

    http://www.rams-news.com/good-for-gurley-browns-rank-last-against-the-run-pd/%5DGood for Gurley: Browns rank last against the run –PD
    On Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome, Rams running back Todd Gurley can become only the second rookie in NFL history to rush for 140 or more yards in three consecutive games.

    http://www.rams-news.com/gurley-not-taking-favorable-matchup-for-granted-wagoner/%5DGurley Not Taking Favorable Matchup for Granted –Wagoner
    Despite what the numbers say about the Cleveland Browns’ inability to stop the run so far this season, the St. Louis Rams and dynamic rookie running back Todd Gurley are taking nothing for granted as they head toward Sunday’s matchup.

    http://www.rams-news.com/with-rodger-saffold-out-rams-reshuffle-offensive-line-again-wagoner/%5DWith Rodger Saffold out, Rams reshuffle offensive line … again –Wagoner
    When St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher announced last week that right guard Rodger Saffold would miss the rest of the season because of a pending shoulder surgery, it was clear the offensive line would have to make a change.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-still-without-robert-quinn-tavon-austin-on-hypothetical-injury-report-wagoner/%5DRams still without Robert Quinn, Tavon Austin on hypothetical injury report –Wagoner
    The St. Louis Rams had no changes on their Thursday injury report.

    http://www.rams-news.com/todd-gurley-press-conference-video/%5DTodd Gurley Press Conference –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/nick-foles-it-will-be-great-to-play-at-home-video/%5DNick Foles: It Will Be Great To Play at Home –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-conscious-of-how-austin-davis-can-help-cleveland-wagoner/%5DRams conscious of how Austin Davis can help Cleveland –Wagoner
    Given the ever-changing nature of NFL rosters, it’s a simple fact of life that every week is going to feature games in which players square off against their former team.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-update-5-month-recovery-for-saffold-after-surgery-pd/%5DRams update: 5-month recovery for Saffold after surgery –PD
    Rams offensive lineman Rodger Saffold underwent surgery Wednesday in New York City to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

    http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-talks-tuesdays-public-hearing-on-rams-future-audio/%5DJim Thomas Talks Tuesday’s Public Hearing on Rams’ Future –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/kurt-warner-and-isaac-bruce-talk-rams-and-gurley-audio/%5DKurt Warner and Isaac Bruce Talk Rams and Gurley –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/nick-wagoner-talks-rams-vs-browns-audio/%5DNick Wagoner Talks Rams vs. Browns –Audio

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-notes-team-reunites-rookie-offensive-linemen-pd/%5DRams notes: Team reunites rookie offensive linemen –PD
    Rams rookie guard Jamon Brown, a third-round draft pick from Louisville, spent most of training camp on the right side and then started the first five games of the regular season at left guard.

    http://www.rams-news.com/teams-not-throwing-jenkins-way-pd/%5DTeams not throwing Jenkins’ way –PD
    On Green Bay’s first pass play of the day, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw deep down the left sideline toward wide receiver Ty Montgomery. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins was in tight coverage and the pass fell incomplete.

    http://www.rams-news.com/dont-look-now-but-rams-have-chance-to-contend-pd/%5DDon’t Look Now, but Rams Have Chance to Contend –PD
    Whenever conversation turns to the Rams and relevance within the NFC West, consumers reflexively check their wallets, their sanity or the ties between the club and media outlet offering such propaganda.

    http://www.rams-news.com/frank-cignetti-we-trust-our-preparation-video/%5DFrank Cignetti: We Trust Our Preparation–Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-press-conference-1021-video/%5DJeff Fisher Press Conference – 10/21 –Video

    October 22, 2015 at 9:09 am #32728

    Topic: Brown moves back to the right side

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    Avatar photozn
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    Rams notes: Team reunites rookie offensive linemen

    Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-team-reunites-rookie-offensive-linemen/article_b69e4772-0d5e-561b-9304-d0382fd697c8.html

    Rams rookie guard Jamon Brown, a third-round draft pick from Louisville, spent most of training camp on the right side and then started the first five games of the regular season at left guard.

    Now, with veteran Garrett Reynolds stepping in to take the place of Rodger Saffold, who’s done for the season with a shoulder injury, Brown appears to be moving back to the right side.

    “It’s not too bad,” the 22-year-old said following Wednesday’s practice at Rams Park. “I take it all the way back to college, where I played both sides, left and right tackle. Here, it’s pretty much the same. Now it’s just a matter of mastering the technique on the right side.

    “The left side, you’re used to a certain play being on the front side and now, on the same play, you’re on the back side. It can get confusing at times, but I feel like I do a pretty good job with it.”

    In the end, Brown said, it’s the coaches’ decision.

    “Whether he wants me to play on the left or the right, it doesn’t matter,” the 6-foot-4, 323-pound Brown said. “I have a job to do and I’m going to do it on either side.”

    With fellow rookie Todd Gurley leading the way, the Rams ran for 164 yards in a 24-22 win in Arizona and followed up with 191 rushing yards in a 24-10 loss at Green Bay. Brown feels that’s a sign of things to come for the Rams and their youthful offensive line.

    On Sunday, Gurley and the Rams will face Cleveland and a rushing defense that has allowed a league-worst 149.8 yards per game on the ground.

    “I’m very confident in our line,’ he said. “I think we’ve progressed a lot, coming from OTA’s into training camp and now into the season. I think we’ve made huge strides and we will continue to get better week in and week out.

    “Obviously, there are still things we can do better and we’re constantly trying to work on those things.”

    Brown is excited to be working alongside of second-round draft pick Rob Havenstein, but …

    “It doesn’t skip a beat because I’ve worked with everybody in our room,” he said. “I just have to make sure I do my job and I’m sure everybody else will do theirs. We gotta continue to do what we do. It’s not really about their defense, it’s about us. And as long as we keep that mindset, we’re going to be fine.”

    ALEXANDER IS BACK

    Maurice Alexander, a reserve safety and special teams player, is back at practice after missing two games with a groin injury. He was hurt early in the Pittsburgh game on Sept. 27.“I’m feeling good, nice to be 100 (percent) again,” the second-year pro from Eureka High said. “When I first got hurt, I was hoping to get back quicker but the docs and trainers — they obviously know more than I do — they told me it’d be even longer than it’s been.“It was definitely frustrating because I felt good and felt faster than ever. An injury like that, you really have to be patient because if you push it too much, try to come back too soon, there’s always a chance you can re-injure it and be out even longer.

    “But I’m back to where I was before and I’m looking forward to getting out there again on Sunday.”

    RAMS IN THE COMMUNITY

    The Rams will take part in a pair of charity events:

    • Two-time Pro Bowl punter Johnny Hekker will punt off the roof of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton Thursday at 9 a.m. as part of the SSM Kick Cancer Rooftacular. Hekker, kicker Greg Zuerlein and long snapper Jake McQuaide are co-chairs of the fund-raising program, which supports the needs of cancer patients throughout the community.

    • In partnership with the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Rams players Benny Cunningham, Bradley Marquez, Marcus Roberson and Doug Worthington will join the team’s cheerleaders, Rampage and staff in hosting a Play 60 event Thursday from 3:30-5 p.m. at the O’Fallon Park YMCA.

    RAM-BLINGS

    For a team coming off a bye week, the Rams’ first injury report of the week was surprisingly extensive.Sitting out Wednesday’s workout at Rams Park were the expected injured players — linebacker Alex Ogletree (broken leg), defensive end Chris Long (knee) and tight end Lance Kendricks (finger) — but also included running back Tre Mason (ankle), wide receiver Tavon Austin (hamstring) and defensive end Robert Quinn (knee). Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (concussion) was limited.And the Browns’ list is even longer. Defensive backs Joe Haden (concussion/finger) and Tashaun Gipson (ankle) did not practice and neither did linebacker Craig Robertson (ankle) and tight end Rob Housler (hamstring). Veteran offensive lineman Joe Thomas and defensive linemen Randy Starks were given the day off to rest.

    The following Cleveland players were limited on Wednesday _ tight end Gary Barnidge (ankle), linebacker Tank Carder (shoulder), defensive lineman John Hughes III (knee), wide receiver Marlon Moore (hamstring) and defensive lineman Danny Shelton (knee).

    Back-up quarterback Johnny Manziel (right elbow) was a full participant in Wednesday’s workout.

    • The Rams unofficial depth chart lists ex-safety Mark Barron as a starter at linebacker. Barron, who started the Green Bay game, was acquired from Tampa Bay at the trade deadline last year and is listed at 6 feet 2 and 213 pounds.

    October 22, 2015 at 5:36 am #32721

    Topic: Teams not throwing Jenkins' way

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    Avatar photoAgamemnon
    Participant

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/teams-not-throwing-jenkins-way/article_1b9bdc6a-cc90-5cab-9af4-f50bb8a1165f.html

    Teams not throwing Jenkins’ way
    5 hours ago • By Jim Thomas

    On Green Bay’s first pass play of the day, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw deep down the left sideline toward wide receiver Ty Montgomery. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins was in tight coverage and the pass fell incomplete.

    After that, Rodgers gave Jenkins the “Richard Sherman” treatment during the Rams’ 24-10 loss Oct. 11. Rodgers threw 29 additional passes that day at Lambeau Field; not one of those 29 was thrown in the direction of Jenkins, whose stat line consisted of all zeroes. No tackles, no interceptions, no pass breakups. …

    “It was boring, but at the same time I still had to play football,” Jenkins said. “I couldn’t go to sleep out there because it was A-Rod. In my mind every play I was just thinking he was gonna come over there anyway.”

    But Rodgers didn’t. Much was made of the fact that Rodgers didn’t throw at Sherman, the much-heralded Seattle cornerback, a year ago when the Packers and Seahawks met in their 2014 season opener.

    Perhaps Rodgers was showing similar respect to Jenkins.

    “I see it as a sign of respect,” Jenkins said. “But at the same time, he probably saw something on the other side that he liked better. Probably match-up wise or whatever.”

    A week earlier in Arizona, Jenkins was involved in a couple of high-profile plays — one good (an acrobatic interception) and one bad (a pass interference penalty). But otherwise, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer didn’t throw much in Jenkins’ direction either.

    “Most times, what I’ve been noticing the first five weeks, teams are basically trying me with the double move,” Jenkins said. “If they don’t have any success with that, they just go away from me. But like I said, I just stay on top of my game and don’t go to sleep out there.”

    The Montgomery route against Jenkins in the Green Bay game was a double move — a stutter-and-go to be precise. But Jenkins didn’t take the bait.

    He has, of course, taken the bait in the past and that has led to some feast-or-famine moments for the fourth-year pro.

    The feast has come in the form of six defensive touchdowns scored by Jenkins since entering the league in 2012 — more than any other NFL player. One of those TDs came on a recovered fumble; the other five have come on interception returns for TDs, a total that ties the franchise record for career “pick 6s.”

    The famine has come when Jenkins has gambled, going for the interception and getting beaten for TDs by receivers fooling him with double moves.

    But such plays have been few and far between lately. Jenkins is playing well entering Sunday’s home game with Cleveland, displaying more game-to-game consistency than he has displayed in the past.

    Pro Football Focus has him ranked 16th among all NFL cornerbacks in terms of overall grade. Opposing quarterbacks have only a 79.3 passer rating against him according to PFF.

    While acknowledging that the gambling and double moves have resulted in some problems in the past, Jenkins feels he’s playing some of the best ball of his career.

    “Yeah I do,” he said. “I say that to myself, that I’m finally 100 percent. No nagging injuries. I’m not out there with a sore knee or a sore ankle, you know what I’m saying? I’m just finally healthy.”

    Although the Rams didn’t make much of it last season, Jenkins suffered a sprained MCL in the team’s Oct. 19 Monday game with Seattle, and it bothered him for much of the season. Teams knew that, and threw at him.

    “Once they knew that I was hurt, they were coming at me,” Jenkins said.

    He was on the team’s injury report for most of November because of that knee injury and reappeared on the injury report near the end of the year with a back issue.

    “Why I was getting beat, I was hurt last year,” Jenkins said. “I don’t care what anybody says. Double moves, I was just trying to make plays.”

    So far this season, Jenkins has 23 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups.

    Even after allowing two TD passes against Rodgers and Green Bay, the Rams as a team have allowed only five touchdown passes on defense all season, which is tied for the league low. While recognizing that the NFL is very much a week-to-week league, the secondary is finally showing signs of gelling as a unit.

    “We’ve been together for a while now,” Jenkins said. “So everybody’s got a feel for each other, how each other plays. Their strengths and weaknesses, so we’ve just got to keep putting it together week in and week out.

    “We’re pretty technique-sound. I think Coach D’s doing a good job, fixing our fundamentals and techniques within press.”

    (Dennard Wilson is one of the Rams’ defensive backs coaches.)

    Jenkins and fellow cornerback Trumaine Johnson are in their fourth season together in the Rams’ secondary, although Johnson has not been a full-time starter during all of that time. At safety, Rodney McLeod and T.J. McDonald are in their third years as starters.

    McDonald is the only one of those four starters who is under contract after this season. The others are scheduled for unrestricted free agency.

    In the case of Jenkins, the Rams have had ongoing discussions with his agent on a new deal since last spring. Jenkins, in fact, said the Rams made an offer to him last week during the Rams’ bye.

    But the numbers apparently weren’t to Jenkins’ liking because he indicated Wednesday that he plans to wait until the end of the season to act on a contract, hinting that he may test the market.

    “I’m not talking about the contract,” Jenkins said. “I ended that last week, when they gave me those numbers. It was something I didn’t want to hear. I ended it just like that. I’ll play it out. I’m gonna bet on myself.”

    The 16th CB gets ~8 million per year, according to “Over the Cap”. http://overthecap.com/position/cornerback

    Agamemnon

    October 21, 2015 at 9:35 pm #32710

    In reply to: as we prepare for the post-bye era: reporters preview the BROWNS game

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    Practice Report 10/21: Gurley’s Prep for Cleveland

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-1021-Gurleys-Prep-for-Cleveland/b246ea98-aa75-4111-9c0a-aa41c66425e2

    The Rams have started to establish their identity on offense, and it’s one that clearly starts with the run game.

    With running back Todd Gurley rushing for 305 yards over his last two games — 146 against Arizona and 159 against Green Bay — the offense has certainly done well to open up holes for him. The running back, however, did admit Wednesday he didn’t necessarily realize he’d taken so many carries up at Lambeau Field. That is, until he did.

    “I looked up at the scoreboard midway through the fourth quarter and I was at 25 and was like, ‘dang, it didn’t really feel like it.’ Then once I said that, I started to get a little tired,” Gurley said with a laugh. “I’ll try not to jinx myself next time.”

    After that game, Gurley said he was able to utilize the bye week well in order to get fresh for Cleveland.

    “Came back and felt good,” Gurley said. “Had a good practice yesterday and today. Definitely a good couple days off.”

    The rookie went back to Georgia to watch the Bulldogs beat Mizzou and enjoyed his time at the old stomping grounds. In a way, going back and watching the game accentuates the differences between the college game and the pros.

    “[Players are] bigger, stronger,” Gurley said, adding that there’s a level playing field. “Everybody is the same speed or even faster. Guys react a lot faster — they know their stuff.”

    And that’s the case with this week’s opponent, Cleveland. Though the Browns rank No. 30 in overall defense and No. 32 against the run, players and coaches alike quelled the notion Cleveland is a pushover.

    “They’ve got a good combination of experience on the defense and some youth on the defense,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “They drafted well. Big man from Washington [DT Danny Shelton] is a load. Inside, he’s a penetrator. He’s going to be a tough match-up for our interior three.”

    “They’re very well coached, excellent players,” offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said. “You look at them on the back end, they have proven players — three ex pro bowlers. Excellent front seven, athletic, can run, play hard, well-coached.”

    Gurley himself said Cleveland’s defense has played better than its ranking.

    “Those things sound good, but at the end of the day, when Sunday hits and you get on the field it’s all about executing and not letting that man across from you beat you,” Gurley said. “Those guys can come Sunday and play like the No. 1 defense. Those guys had a great game against the Broncos, so I never look at the ranks.”

    Still, as Cleveland head coach Mike Pettine said on Wednesday, Sunday’s matchup will pit one team’s weakness against another team’s strength.

    “What it comes down to is the fundamental stuff,” Pettine said of the Browns’ run defense. “It’s something we’re well aware of and we know that — by far — this is our biggest challenge of the year to stop the run.”

    As the Rams continue to establish their strong ground attack, Gurley realizes the likely consequence is facing more defenses with a safety in the box. But that’s no matter to him.

    “That just leaves room for the receivers,” Gurley said. “As long as we win, I’m not complaining.”

    But Gurley’s two road performances provides a lift not only for the running back, but also the offensive linemen.

    “When you run the ball how we’ve run the ball, you become confident in what you do,” offensive guard Jamon Brown said. “Obviously, there’s still things we can do better and constantly try to work on those things day in, day out. We are confident with the things we’ve done to this point.”

    “I’m definitely confident in myself and know what I’m capable of,” Gurley said. “But those guys up front have done a great job putting in extra work every day at practice. So we know what we’re capable of.”

    INJURY REPORT

    The Rams had one of their longest injury reports of the season on Wednesday with a number of players sitting out.

    Wide receiver Tavon Austin (knee), tight end Lance Kendricks (hand), defensive end Chris Long (knee), running back Tre Mason (ankle), and defensive end Robert Quinn (knee) all did not participate.

    “Tre’s got a little ankle going. He didn’t practice today,” Fisher said. “Tavon did not practice with a little hamstring. Rob didn’t practice with the knee. We had a couple other guys that we rested.”

    Cornerback Janoris Jenkins (concussion) participated on a limited basis.

    Also, while he’s listed on the injury report because he remains on the active roster, linebacker Alec Ogletree (DNP, ankle) will be out this week.

    CONSISTENCY OUTSIDE THE DIVISION

    Though the Rams have played only five games, the club has played better inside the division than they have outside of it. Fisher has often said the team is built to compete and win within the NFC West. While there may not be a specific factor the team can put its finger on so far, St. Louis will need to to improve its consistency no matter the opponent in order to achieve its goal of playing football after Week 17.

    “I don’t think there’s anything there,” quarterback Nick Foles said. “We just didn’t execute well in those games. Defense gave us opportunities to win the games we lost. We’ve just got to put more points on the board and stop hurting ourselves, really.”

    And while the defense may have looked solid up at Lambeau Field on Oct. 11, linebacker James Laurinaitis viewed the game differently.

    “Every Sunday, our goal is to be the best defense on the field. You look at last week and a lot of people, I feel, said, ‘Gosh the defense played good against Green Bay.’ I don’t see it that way,” Laurinaitis said. “They forced four takeaways, scored on one of them, we only had three and we didn’t score. That’s a big difference there.”

    “If we get to work with six points, we hold them to three and we go on,” Laurinaitis continued. “If we can have that mindset — because we have that talent — then we’ll start to elevate our game.”

    October 20, 2015 at 9:49 pm #32668

    Topic: JT chat, 10/20

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Rams chat with Jim Thomas

    http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_f7497f453106?Page=0

    With Saffold out yet again, Reynolds to fill in as starter but what about depth now? Do we look at going with what we have, looking at teams practice squad players or even trade? Youth and inexperience concern me that we’ll struggle to even break .500 – young guys look decent so far but this is definitely what drives the bus
    by TD51 2:02 PM[/i]

    I think the Rams will stand pat at this point on the o-line. Although they always look around to see what’s out there. They decided to sink or swim with youth when they expended 5 draft picks (one of which was the 2016 pick in the July supplemental draft) on offensive linemen and didn’t add a veteran starter via free agency.
    by jthomas 2:04 PM

    How is Saffold’s first surgically repaired shoulder holding up? Should we expect that to crop up, again? If not, will the latest surgery leave Saffold equally sound in the other shoulder?
    by bfulton 2:04 PM

    To my knowledge, that shoulder _ the left shoulder _ has not been a problem. Obviously, there are no guarantees that either shoulder will hold up over time.
    by jthomas 2:05 PM

    What are expecting to see from the Rams this cone Sunday to you this gurley will wear his brace and what’s your predictions for the outcome and gurley numbers
    by dave 2:06 PM

    I think the Rams will hold serve at home and defeat the Browns. This could be a big game for Gurley because the Browns enter the contest ranked last in the NFL in run defense. They are yielding 149.8 yards per game and 5.0 yards per carry.
    by jthomas 2:07 PM

    Does Saffold have a torn labrum? Have not heard exactly what is wrong with the shoulder.
    by David 2:07 PM

    It’s believed to be a torn labrum.
    by jthomas 2:08 PM

    How big of a crowd are you expecting for Sunday?
    by Rams Fans United 2:08 PM

    I’m thinking it will be the smallest crowd so far this season. Somewhere in the 40,000s.
    by jthomas 2:08 PM

    The NFC West doesn’t look as strong this year with Seattle / San Fran struggling. What are the chances the Rams win the division this year?
    by Gladdy 2:08 PM

    It definitely doesn’t look as strong as it’s been for the last several years. You’d think the Rams should be able to be a contender, but based on what we’ve seen the previous three seasons under Fisher, seeing will be believing.
    by jthomas 2:09 PM

    Any truth to the TE Cook trade rumors? If so, for what?
    by bfulton 2:09 PM

    I’m told the Rams have received some calls on Cook, but nothing serious yet. Remember, we’re still 2 weeks until the trading deadline.
    by jthomas 2:10 PM

    BTW…….Have the Rams announced which home games that they will be sporting the throwback unis? They don’t seem to promote that very much.
    by Knux 2:10 PM

    I’m told the Rams will have two throwback games, but that one of them won’t be this week against Cleveland. (I would’ve have loved to have seen the old red-and-black Cleveland Rams uniforms circa 1937 in this one against the Cleveland Browns.) I have no idea why the Rams have waited to announce the throwback days. There are only 5 home dates left after Cleveland: San Francisco, Chicago, Arizona, Detroit, and Tampa Bay. So it will be two of those five games.
    by jthomas 2:13 PM

    First Uni question of the day what are the throw back dates this year?
    by Up North 2:13 PM

    Actually, you’re the second, so you get the silver medal. Dates have yet to be announced, but I’m told it won’t be Sunday vs. Cleveland.
    by jthomas 2:14 PM

    What’s the most we can get for Jared Cook?
    by Tommyverceticb7 2:14 PM

    Have no idea. Keep in mind, any team that trades for him inherits a contract that pays him $7 million in 2016 and $7.1 million in 2017. He’s averaged 51 catches for about 650 yards, and 4 TDs over his two full seasons.
    by jthomas 2:16 PM

    How is Gurley on blitz pickup?
    by David 2:16 PM

    I think he’s been pretty good so far.
    by jthomas 2:16 PM

    How about some throw back offense to the greatest show on turf days?
    by David 2:16 PM

    I’m all for it.
    by jthomas 2:16 PM

    Might as well take the seventh rounder for Cook. He is garbage…a worthless football player. Plus, no WAY we resign him!
    by laramsfan 2:16 PM

    How can you call a player who has averaged 51 catches for 650 yards and 4 TDs in his 2 full seasons garbage? Plus, he’s under contract for two additional seasons.
    by jthomas 2:17 PM

    meant to say “retain” him, not “resign”
    by laramsfan 2:18 PM

    OK that makes more sense.
    by jthomas 2:18 PM

    After watching the Chargers torch the Packer D for 500+ yards what percentage would you put on the O line, receivers, and QB for the lack of production
    by Up North 2:18 PM

    I think I answered this one last week. And I think my percentages there were QB (55 percent), O-line (30) percent), WRs (15 percent).
    by jthomas 2:19 PM

    @jthomas Is it possible they could be wearing the throwbacks on the road after their last home game?
    by PureAdrenaline 2:20 PM

    I don’t think that’s how it works.
    by jthomas 2:20 PM

    Any chance Kevin Demoff or any other Rams brass shows up for the dog and pony show or is this all Eric Grubman and ill willed fans?
    by skibum 2:20 PM

    I believe it’s going to be the Eric Grubman show.
    by jthomas 2:20 PM

    Any news on Alec Ogletree? How is his recovery coming and will he be back this season? I read he could be back for the Cards game?
    by AzRamsFan 2:20 PM

    He’s still injured. Last week, I saw him with the leg in a cast and using one of those scooters to get around. The Arizona game would’ve been the earliest he could return had the Rams put him on the IR/designated for return list immediately. Don’t know if that’s the realistic target; remember Fisher said it would be at least 2 months.
    by jthomas 2:23 PM

    I’m kinda glad we didn’t draft Manziel.
    by David 2:23 PM

    Ya think?
    by jthomas 2:24 PM

    any news on uniform motifications? tired of the purple grapes at home. frankly, there awful to look at.
    by ekern55 2:24 PM

    Have heard nothing.
    by jthomas 2:24 PM

    Jim,
    Thanks for the chat, always the high point of my week. I think Joyner has been playing pretty well so far, do you concur?
    by JoeRamfan 2:24 PM

    Agreed. Even though he got burned on that James Jones TD pass in Green Bay, I think he has made considerable strides as compared to his rookie season. He has been an active, aggressive tackler and has made some plays on the ball.
    by jthomas 2:26PM

    With the running game improving do you think we will see the true full back promoted from the practice squad I love that full back dive play
    by Up North 2:26 PM

    Harkey does pretty well as a lead blocker. So does Kendricks, who lined up there a good deal in Green Bay.
    by jthomas 2:27 PM

    Have the owners stated how much the relocation fees will be for teams to move?
    by jim 2:27 PM

    Not yet. They’re working on it.
    by jthomas 2:27 PM

    Pretty telling that Demoff won’t even announce the throwback jersey dates. He’s quit on the fans and is trying to destroy the fanbase.
    by steve 2:27 PM

    I don’t know about all that, but it is a little strange.
    by jthomas 2:28 PM

    at this point in the season, what do you consider the Rams greatest needs for next year? OL and WR?
    by Greg in Raleigh 2:28 PM

    A big part of that answer depends on what free agents the Rams re-sign, and which ones leave. Jenkins, Johnson, McLeod are pending free agents in the secondary. Same for Hayes, Sims, and Fairley on the defensive line, Quick at wide receiver, Harkey at fullback/tight end, Zuerlein at kicker. Also is Long back next year? Saffold? Cook (if he makes it through this season)?
    by jthomas 2:31 PM

    According to ESPN, the Rams offense ranks dead last in total yds, total yds per game, passing yards per game, total points scored, and points scored per game. Pretty dog gone terrible. Who would you say should be held accountable for this outcome? I say this is a complete coaching failure.
    by Steve 2:31 PM

    It’s all Schottenheimer’s and Bradford’s fault.
    by jthomas 2:31 PM

    What are you initial feelings about Havenstein and Brown, on their Way to being above average or is the development slower than expected
    by Greg in Raleigh 2:32 PM

    I’d say on their way to being above average.
    by jthomas 2:32 PM

    cute
    by Steve 2:32 PM

    Well, weren’t they the root of all evil?
    by jthomas 2:33 PM

    Any update on your relocation odds?
    by Rams Fans United 2:33 PM

    Holding firm at 45-55.
    by jthomas 2:33 PM

    Jim, Do you think coach Fisher will sit Cook and put TE Cunningham in on the action?
    by Quarryworkers Eighttwentynine 2:33 PM

    If Cunningham plays it will because Kendricks can’t go following the finger surgery.
    by jthomas 2:34 PM

    Jim- what year is your P-D chat Banner photo from?
    by Shark 2:34 PM

    I don’t know. I never see it when I log on for this chat. But I told them a few years ago, don’t update it until the Rams finish the season above .500! (Wait a minute _ that was 2003.)
    by jthomas 2:35 PM

    Do you see the Rams making any splash before the trade deadline?
    by Matt 2:35 PM

    Well, I think there’s a little smoke behind these Jared Cook rumors. We’ll see.
    by jthomas 2:35 PM

    GA. jim nope we miss rams football if the lay an egg on sunday how much fire wiil coach fish be under
    by roc 2:36 PM

    From management/ownership? Probably very little. From the fans? Probably a lot.
    by jthomas 2:37 PM

    Hi Jim, Rams back at it again in a must win against Cleveland? They have a shot at the division! On a side note, I’m sure you have covered better high schools games than what we saw last night between the Giants and Eagles!
    by Stevespn 2:37 PM

    If the Rams truly want to be a playoff contender, they have to defeat teams like the Browns at home. Plain and simple. As for the Giants-Eagles, I was able to watch most of it. Yeah, it was tough to watch.
    by jthomas 2:38 PM

    I think the rams are playing the oline out of position would it be better to move greg inside gaurd an havenstien to left tackle those to guys on the same side could dominate dline in the run game
    by roc 2:38 PM

    I’m not sure Havenstein has the footwork or overall athleticism to play left tackle. He seems like the prototypical right tackle to me.
    by jthomas 2:39 PM

    Can you share the list of Rams’ pending free agents?
    by bfulton 2:39 PM

    I mentioned them in an earlier answer. These are off the top of my head, so I might miss 1 or 2: CB Jenkins, CB Johnson, S McLeod, DE Sims, DE Hayes, DT Fairley, K Zuerlein, WR Quick, FB Harkey.
    by jthomas 2:40 PM

    I’ve not been impressed with Mason. Can Cunningham or Watts give Gurley enough of breather so that he isn’t used up too quickly?
    by bfulton 2:41 PM

    I wouldn’t give up on Mason just yet. He had that hamstring injury at the start of the regular season, and has barely played the past two games.
    by jthomas 2:41 PM

    What about the Town Hall, what can we expect from that?
    by Rams Fans United 2:41 PM

    Should be interesting. This is a chance for fans and non-fans to have their voices heard, offer opinions and ask questions. I’m sure the league will be paying attention, too, to how many people show up.
    by jthomas 2:43 PM

    Great to have you here JT! With all the scuttlebutt floating around regarding a possible trade interest in Jared Cook, I was wondering how much damage would be inflicted to the Rams salary cap. As I understand it, he counts for around $8 million for the next few seasons. Does that dead money get pro rated or does it immediately disappear? I know that when the Rams traded Bradford, he still counts $3.5 million against the 2015 cap. Can you clarify?
    by Knux 2:43 PM

    About $2.6 million of unamortized signing bonus is left on Cook’s 2016 and 2017 contracts. So that amount would accelerate into this year’s cap basically negating any saved salary from the remainder of his 2015 base. But trading him now wouldn’t be cap prohibitive.
    by jthomas 2:48 PM

    Prediction on the Alderman vote?
    by J. Kerth 2:49 PM

    I believe when all is said and done they approve the financing.
    by jthomas 2:49 PM

    I know it’s early but we have Jenkins and Tru (i believe) both in contract years, any idea what the plan is to retain these guys? I know we have Gaines that would have been a starter but what do you foresee with the DB’s re-signing with the Rams?
    by TD51 2:49 PM

    I believe the Rams were hoping at one point to have Jenkins wrapped up right around the start of the season, but that didn’t happen obviously. I’m not sure things have ever been that far along with Johnson. I think they’ve both played pretty well lately. (Yes, even given that busted coverage by Johnson.)
    by jthomas 2:54 PM

    Jim, I have been a Rams fan far too long to buy into the narrative that says we are going to beat all the teams with a losing record currently on our remaining slate and deliver a winning record for first time in 13 years. Hang on – aren’t we one of those teams with a losing record that our opponents will be eyeing up as a likely W! Rams stacking wins just doesn’t happen. Do we know when the team won 3 back to back games, let alone 4 or 5? (My guess is start of Lineham era in 2006) . So, from your knowledge of this year’s team, what record do we have after the next 4 Games? I reckon we frustratingly split 2-2 (W against Browns/Chicago; L against 49ers(!) and Minnesota) to go 4-5. Hope I am wrong, I like Nick Foles but offense just too fragile to put up 20+ points per Game to win regularly.
    by UK Ram 2:55 PM

    Of course. But I’m not aware of any narrative that says the Rams are going to win all these winnable games just because the schedule lightens up from here on out. I don’t think anyone expects that, and as you mention, the Rams have not shown any ability to stack up wins under Fisher. During his tenure in St. Louis, the team has won as many as 3 games in a row only once _ in 2012.
    by jthomas 2:59 PM

    Time for the weekly question on Quick. Any chance Quick has shaken some of that rust off over the bye? will have an impact on Sunday?
    by Patrick 3:00 PM

    I think it’s trending that way. He went from 6 plays and zero targets vs. Arizona to 20 plays and three targets vs. Green Bay.
    by jthomas 3:01 PM

    Guess this goes out to the chat room, I live in OH but may be coming in for a game, possibly even this weekend. Any recommendations of affordable hotels nearby so don’t have to drive to game? Any other advice? Thanks!
    by TD51 3:01 PM

    There’s a Drury Inn right across the street from the dome. Don’t know if they jack up their prices for home games, but that chain is usually pretty affordable. Laclede’s Landing, a restaurant and entertainment area is within easy walking distance to the dome. Anyone else have any ideas?
    by jthomas 3:03 PM

    When do you believe we will hear about how this new stadium will be financed?
    by Rams 3:04 PM

    Don’t know. I’m sure at some point.
    by jthomas 3:04 PM

    Greg Robinson was a devastating run blocker in college, Why haven’t the Rams run to his side more ?
    by EricRams 3:04 PM

    I think the Rams have run to his side more than a little in the past two games.
    by jthomas 3:05 PM

    Jim, you said you relocation is 55/45. Which is which? 55 stay or 45 stay?
    by Lambs for Sale 3:05 PM

    45 to stay/55 to go.
    by jthomas 3:05 PM

    There are hotels within walking distance by Busch and on Washington Avenue
    by Stan’s speech writer 3:06 PM

    More advice for Ohio.
    by jthomas 3:06 PM

    Is Foles the weak link on the offense? Horrible decision making execution could have cost them a victory against the Packers.
    by bfowler 3:06 PM

    Well, that may have been the case vs. Green Bay. But he was one of their best players against Seattle and Arizona.
    by jthomas 3:07 PM

    What will it take for you to raise your percentages to 55 stay? Is there anything that is in the works that has a large impact and if so, when is the magical date?
    by Lambs for Sale 3:08 PM

    I’d still like to see the basics of that financing plan. Having the city approve its share of the financing plan would be a big help.
    by jthomas 3:08 PM

    How long does it typically take for an offensive lineman to mature (i.e. hit his stride) in the NFL? About 3 years?
    by Brad W 3:09 PM

    Yeah, I think you’re in the neighborhood there at 3 years.
    by jthomas 3:09 PM

    With the Browns up this week and Johnny football in deep do do again do you think there may be a chance we see Davis
    by Up North 3:09 PM

    I guess Davis would be Cleveland’s second-string QB if Manziel was a pre-game inactive.
    by jthomas 3:10 PM

    Hey Jim, any explanation why offensive players on the Rams tend to just disappear after producing the previous season? For example, DRich, Stacy, Givens, Quick. And now to a lesser extent Bailey & Mason. Thanks
    by STL45Fan 3:11 PM

    That’s an interesting question. The circumstances of course are different with Quick because he’s coming off a pretty serious injury. But Richardson, and so far Stacy, haven’t been able to duplicate their early success in St. Louis at new outposts.
    by jthomas 3:14 PM

    I am hoping we see the full Rams running attack Sunday. And I also hope to Cignetti adjust when the Browns stack the box. Please tell me Cig will be ready with a pass play or two that takes advantage of this. I think this might be our chance to score a bunch of points; a poor run defense plays right into Fish’s scheme.
    by Healey 3:14 PM

    So it would seem.
    by jthomas 3:15 PM

    Patriots arguably ranked as the best team in the NFL right now. During their bye week they tinkered with their roster, always trying to improve. Rams did nothing and we aren’t even close to the Patriots. What gives? Snead has always been a little bit of a gambler, has Kroenke locked up the money box and is sitting on it in LA? Thou shalt not spend money on the “St. Louis” Rams?
    by Uncle Leo 3:15 PM

    I don’t think tinkering with their roster is the reasons the Patriots are unbeaten. I think it has more to do with Mssrs. Brady and Belichick.
    by jthomas 3:16 PM

    Aaron Rodgers stood on the sidelines for three years, learning. Brady didn’t play the first year. The two best QBs in the NFL didn’t get shoved into the starting lineup as rookies. Why don’t teams take that approach anymore?
    by Andy 3:17 PM

    When you draft a QB No. 1 or No. 2 overall, I think there’s great pressure to play them right away. Keep in mind, both the Packers and Patriots had established QBs when they drafted Rodgers and Brady. (I’m speaking of Favre and Bledsoe here.) Not every team has that luxury.
    by jthomas 3:18 PM

    Good Day to you Jim, when the team travels on chartered flights do you fly on the same flight as they do, also stay at the same hotel. Also is that a time when you can have some good off the record conversations?
    by Bob Hruby 3:19 PM

    Only time in 21 seasons that I have traveled with the team is on the London trip a couple of years back. Usually stay at the team hotel, but not always. Sometimes that leads to some off-the-record conversations, but not as much as you’d think.
    by jthomas 3:20 PM

    Any thought on Bradford’s performance so far this year? I’m amazed he hasn’t been hurt yet. Maybe the Eagles Oline is far better than the Rams.
    by Dschwag 3:21 PM

    Last night (vs. Giants) was the first time I’d watched him for an extended period of time. He just doesn’t look totally comfortable to me. And I wonder if that system really is the best fit for him. He has taken some shots however, and gotten up. For a variety of reason, the Eagles had trouble last night getting into a rhythm offensively. You can’t blame him for one of his interceptions last night _ the WR inexplicably stopped running the route. But the first INT was a high throw, and the third he threw into traffic. Keep in mind, he hadn’t really played for a year and a half in the regular season. He just doesn’t look like he’s got his feel for the game back.
    by jthomas 3:26 PM

    Hi Jim, Great to see you again! Whats your take on Mannion? If Foles were to go down do you think they’d start Mannion?
    by sphincter 3:26 PM

    No, it would be Keenum.
    by jthomas 3:26 PM

    Is Chris Long out this weekend? Longer than this weekend?
    by Uncle Leo 3:26 PM

    No official word yet. In fact, no official injury report until Weds. But my guess is that he misses this weekend and maybe another game or two beyond that.
    by jthomas 3:27 PM

    Jimbo! Thanks for stopping by, you know I always enjoy your visits. Do you think the Rams will be competing for the division this year?
    by sphincter 3:27 PM

    I’ll put it this way: I think they are capable of competing for a playoff berth.
    by jthomas 3:27 PM

    Assuming everything falls into place, do you think the NFL would risk the negative PR by encouraging St. Louis to invest millions of dollars developing a stadium plan which calls for using a large share of public funds, only to deny them? What precedent would that set for future projects (using public funds) in other cities?
    by Stan’s speech writer 3:28 PM

    I don’t think that would be a very good precedent.
    by jthomas 3:28 PM

    The KC Chiefs are spiraling downward, Missouri Tigers having a hard time of it. Are the Rams the best football in Missouri right now?
    by Uncle Leo 3:28 PM

    Perhaps. That’s not much of a consolation prize though, is it?
    by jthomas 3:29 PM

    Rams said they used the bye week to self scout. Do you think the offensive through this process learned that Bailey runs the best routes and has the best hands of all the receivers. Aneas Williams, Isaac, Torry and Marshal think so . Tavon and Gurley have been given the opportunity to make plays and have taken advantage of the opportunity. It is time for Bailey to get the majority of the snaps and see if he is another playmaker to add to another dimension to the offense. Do you agree.
    by ramsfan 3:29 PM

    I’ve always liked Bailey. But actually, he’s playing more at this point of the season _ much more _ than he did in 2014 or ’13.
    by jthomas 3:30 PM

    OK thanks now follow up question, with everything going on about pending move etc, has your job gotten tougher to do especially with getting access to team officials than in the years past, or they more stand offish
    by Bob Hruby 3:30 PM

    The higher you go on the organizational depth chart, the more stand-offish. So yeah, it has gotten tougher.
    by jthomas 3:31 PM

    I think I am going to attend the Town Hall meeting next Tuesday.
    by Stan Kroenke 3:31 PM

    Good. Stop by and say hi.
    by jthomas 3:31 PM

    In the G.Bay game it would have been nice to see some screen passes to slow the rush down, or a quick pass to one of the three serviceable TE’s the Rams have. In fact, its been missing from most all of the games. Can you ask the OC what he has been doing to slow the rush down?
    by Deacon 75 3:32 PM

    Actually, I think the screen game was pretty effective earlier in the season. But I agree with you; I would’ve have liked to have seen it used more against the Packers. The Rams did try the screens, or versions of the screen, a couple of times vs. Packers but without success.
    by jthomas 3:33 PM

    6 weeks into the season, the Rams are in second place and 2-0 within the division, with the easy part of the schedule up ahead. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
    by optimist 3:33 PM

    Yes, and Santa Claus is coming to town!
    by jthomas 3:34 PM

    Jim, a few weeks ago this game looked like a W for us. Now I’m really thinking it might go the other way. Our O line shouldn’t improve with a back up right? Predict the score please.
    by Cutman 3:34 PM

    Rams 27, Browns 20.
    by jthomas 3:34 PM

    You stated you didn’t think Bradford is up to par yet, but in your opinion got the best of the QB swap, Rams or Eagles?
    by Don 3:35 PM

    Too early to tell. We need at least one season, don’t you think?
    by jthomas 3:35 PM

    JT if the nfl tells the rams to stay do you see a change in ownership there has been rumor of buyers for the rams
    by conner 3:35 PM

    Given his track record, it’s hard for me to see Kroenke as a seller.
    by jthomas 3:36 PM

    I am a Season Ticket holder and registered for the Town Hall next week, if I get a “ticket” and am able to attend. What would you recommend I ask if I get a chance to ask a question? Is there anything that can be said or done at that event that means anything?
    by Brett O. 3:36 PM

    1.) Will the NFL really follow the relocation guidelines? 2.) How can the league in their right minds say that Stan Kroenke has met the relocation guidelines. 3.) How can the league turn its back on a city/region willing to build a second stadium In 25 years _ doesn’t this set a terrible precedent? 4.) Should an NFL owner be allowed to move just because he wants to enrich himself? 5.) What makes the NFL think LA will support two teams, or even one? . . . .Those are a view for starters.
    by jthomas 3:41 PM

    In your opinion, if you were on the opposing team and you had one person on the Rams defense that you would not want to be tackled by, who would that be. Not who can hit you the hardest, but tackles the hardest.
    by Bob Hruby 3:43 PM

    I’d still say Barron or McDonald.
    by jthomas 3:44 PM

    I feel like this town hall meeting has as much chance of changing things as political bumper stickers change voting habits.
    by Bob 3:46 PM

    You’re probably right.
    by jthomas 3:46 PM

    Ok, do you think the NFL will not all the “REAL” tough questions to be asked?
    by Tim 3:46 PM

    I don’t think they can censor the questioners.
    by jthomas 3:48 PM

    What gives? You answer all of Bob Hruby’s questions, and none of mine! Do I need to include a wedding picture next to my name too?
    by Jeff in LA 3:48 PM

    Whah! Whah! Whah! 15-yard penalty for whining.
    by jthomas 3:49 PM

    In the spirit of Halloween, what is jthomas1’s favorite scary flick?
    by Jim Beam 3:49 PM

    I’m scared of scary movies. Still gotta be the Exorcist.
    by jthomas 3:50 PM

    What is your over under for attendance at this weeks game? By attendance I mean actual butts in seats. Thanks JT
    by Vern 3:50 PM

    I’m gonna say high 30s.
    by jthomas 3:51 PM

    In the Green Bay game, was there a designated player to track Rodgers? I thought he was pressured nicely but most of the time he got away.
    by Rudy 3:51 PM

    Yeah, but when Aaron Rodgers is Green Bay’s leading rusher, your defense has had a pretty good day.
    by jthomas 3:52 PM

    Awesome answer, thanks!
    by Jeff in LA 3:52 PM

    Are we happy now? 🙂
    by jthomas 3:52 PM

    They may not be able to sensor the questioners, but they can PLANT some FAVORABLE ones!
    by Tim 3:52 PM

    Oliver Stone, I didn’t know you took part in these chats. Welcome.
    by jthomas 3:53 PM

    Last week Givens had 2 catches, 18 yards for the Ravens. Is it about what you expected the ex-Ram to produce? Seemed like a great opportunity for him.
    by Uncle Leo 3:53 PM

    As someone new to that team, obviously he’s still learning the offense. I do think it’s a very good opportunity for him.
    by jthomas 3:54 PM

    Is it possible Manziel gets suspended before Sunday?
    by Tom 3:54 PM

    Don’t think it’ll happen that fast.
    by jthomas 3:55 PM

    “You can’t handle the truth!”
    by Tim 3:55 PM

    Oh boy. . . .
    by jthomas 3:55 PM

    JT has the defense been giving the offence any sideways glances yet
    by Up North 3:55 PM

    Not yet.
    by jthomas 3:55 PM

    Do you get a sense the “league” has already determined who they’d like to lead the return to LA charge but don’t know how to sell it to the public yet?
    by sphincter 3:55 PM

    No. I think the dilemma is that they don’t see one “magical” solution at this point _ one that makes most everybody happy.
    by jthomas 3:55 PM

    Let me try this again – LEAVE “most happy” aside!
    Do you get a sense the “league” has already determined who they’d like to lead the return to LA charge but don’t know how to sell it to the public yet?
    by sphincter 3:59 PM

    No.
    by jthomas 4:00 PM

    Does Trey Watts get some touches this week?
    by Uncle Leo 4:00 PM

    He’s on the practice squad.
    by jthomas 4:00 PM

    Sent this to grubman yesterday using the link in the PD story. Just pasted it into the chat.
    by BC 4:00 PM

    OK, that explains it.
    by jthomas 4:00 PM

    Did I read that right…a new stadium could be built and Kroenke can choose to NOT play in it?
    by Ramathorn 4:01 PM

    No stadium will be built in St. Louis unless there is a team to play in it.
    by jthomas 4:02 PM

    Do you think the “league” will grant a relocation to LA? within a year? regardless to who is not happy?
    by sphincter 4:03 PM

    Yes.
    by jthomas 4:03 PM

    I think the only magical solution would be to expand to LA and London but that would deplete the talent pool that is already strained. Face it you can not come up with 32 decent starting QBs now
    by Up North 4:03 PM

    Myself, I think expansion would be the best solution.
    by jthomas 4:03 PM

    During the off week do the quarterbacks sharpen there game and look at film
    by Marty 4:04 PM

    Yes.
    by jthomas 4:04 PM

    When Stan Kroenke looks at his St. Louis Rams income statement at the end of the year, is the last number red or black?
    by Jim Beam 4:04 PM

    It is impossible to lose money in the NFL. Bill Bidwill once bragged that he could make money without selling a single ticket (because of the TV dollars). Kroenke is just making fewer dollars in recent years than when he originally bought into the team.
    by jthomas 4:06 PM

    Kudos to James Lauranitis. He took a beating earlier in the year by some in this chat thread but has looked revitalized in the last few weeks. Jimbo – isn’t it great to see him blitzing up the middle!
    by Brett O. 4:06 PM

    I like him as a blitzer.
    by jthomas 4:06 PM

    October 14, 2015 at 12:08 am #32326

    In reply to: bye week practice reports & assessments

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    Rams notebook: Rams begin bye-week workouts

    Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-rams-begin-bye-week-workouts/article_d9337475-9432-586c-a358-6aaa88bd18c6.html

    The Rams kicked off their bye-week practices Tuesday, going through a quick workout without a number of veterans who were given the day off to rest.

    Among those not practicing were defensive linemen Robert Quinn and Michael Brockers, linebacker James Laurinaitis, tight end Lance Kendricks and running back Todd Gurley. Also missing were the two players who suffered injuries Sunday — defensive end Chris Long (knee) and guard Rodger Saffold (shoulder).

    Rams coach Jeff Fisher had no update on Saffold’s status, saying that they were still running tests. The team will not have another official injury report until Wednesday, Oct. 21.

    Safety Maurice Alexander (Eureka High), who’s missed the last two games with a groin injury, worked out with team trainers Tuesday.

    The offensive line did some extra work after Tuesday’s workout.

    Fisher said the team has a method to its bye-week work.

    “What you try to accomplish here is to get young guys some valuable reps …’’ the coach said. “The backups need the reps. A lot of the starters need some reps here the first couple of days, so we take advantage of that. We even include the practice squad players with the offense and defense, just to make sure they they’re ready at a moment’s notice. So the coaches got together yesterday, we looked at some things that we need to improve and we got a head start on it today.

    “It was a modified practice, but we’ll have two good sessions Wednesday and Thursday.’’

    The Rams, who won’t play again until hosting the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 25 at the Edward Jones Dome, are making use of the off week to evaluate what went right and wrong during the team’s 2-3 start.

    “We’re self-scouting this week,’’ Fisher said. “The coaches are ahead (in their game-planning for Cleveland), but we’re just working on some things.’’

    GURLEY EXPECTS MORE OF HIMSELF

    After sitting out the first two games and running for 9 yards on six carries in Week 3, Gurley has clearly arrived as a key in the Rams’ attack.

    After coming on strong in the second half of a 24-22 win over the host Arizona Cardinals in his first NFL start, Gurley ran 30 times for 156 yards Sunday as the Rams fell 24-10 to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

    “I feel fine,’’ the former University of Georgia star said Tuesday. “I was a little banged up, but nothing the cold tub and treatment can’t take care of. The knee feels fine.’’

    Was he prepared for 30 carries?

    “I don’t know about all that, but we’ll see,’’ said Gurley, who’s still not completely satisfied with his performance. “The explosive plays, I think they’re a good sign, but it’s definitely frustrating not being able to finish runs, to take them all the way. I feel like there were a couple of runs where I could’ve broken the tackle or maybe kept my feet. And, in the first quarter, I was still trying to get a feel for the game and missed on a couple of reads. But those are things that I know I’ll get better at.’’

    One strength evident Sunday was Gurley’s ability to stiff-arm.

    “It’s something that comes natural for me, something we’ve work on with (running backs coach Ben Sirmans),’’ he said. “The key with the stiff-arm is you can’t show it too early because then the defender knows what you’re doing. Gotta strike him and keep it moving.’’

    Gurley said he talked to former Georgia teammate Nick Chubb on Monday. Chubb, the Bulldogs’ next great back, suffered a season-injury Saturday in a 38-31 loss at Tennessee. Last November, Gurley’s college career ended similarly.

    “I just told him to enjoy it,’’ Gurley said. “Even though he’s injured and nobody wants to be hurt, this is a time for him to focus on himself , to stay positive, to work hard and to make sure he’s doing things right because once he gets back to football, it’s definitely going to be a grind.

    “But it’s nothing he can’t handle.’’

    GURLEY NOMINATED AGAIN

    The reigning Pepsi NFL rookie of the week, Gurley has been nominated again after the big game against the Packers.

    His competition: Green Bay cornerback Quinten Rollins, Seattle running back Thomas Rawls, Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston and Arizona running back David Johnson.

    Fans can vote through Friday at 2 p.m. at http://www.nfl.com/rookies.

    At the end of the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors, with fan voting through January. The winner will be announced at the 5th annual NFL Honors awards show in San Francisco on Saturday, Feb. 6, the night before Super Bowl 50.

    RAM-BLINGS

    • Running back Trey Watts, a second-year pro from the University of Tulsa, cleared waivers Tuesday. At his Monday news conference, Fisher said the Rams would try to re-sign him to the practice squad.Signed as an undrafted free agent, the versatile Watts enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with the Rams, mostly on special teams.

    • Linebacker Alec Ogletree, the team’s leading tackler, was spotted in the locker room Tuesday. He’s in a cast and using a cart after having surgery for a broken leg suffered against Arizona.

    • The Kansas City Chiefs signed linebacker Jayson DiManche (Southern Illinois) and guard Michael Liedtke (Illinois State) to their practice squad Tuesday.

    October 14, 2015 at 12:07 am #32325

    In reply to: bye week practice reports & assessments

    Avatar photozn
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    Rams giving veterans down time during bye week

    Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/22487/rams-giving-veterans-down-time-during-bye-week

    EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams opened their bye week Tuesday with a short practice focused on correcting mistakes from Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers and getting some young players much-needed repetitions.

    “What you try to accomplish here is to get young guys some valuable reps during the bye week that haven’t really gotten the reps,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “The backups need the reps. A lot of the starters need some reps here the first couple of days, so we take advantage of that. We even include the practice squad players with offense and defense, just to make sure that they’re ready at a moment’s notice. So, coaches got together and, like I said, yesterday we looked at some things that we need to improve and we got a head start on it today. So, it was a modified practice, particularly because it’s Tuesday. But we’ll have two good sessions Wednesday and Thursday.”

    Those practices will follow a similar pattern with young players getting plenty of work and some of the team’s more experienced veterans getting some time off. Beyond injured starters Chris Long (knee) and Rodger Saffold (shoulder), Fisher also granted some down time to linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive tackle Michael Brockers, end Robert Quinn, tight end Lance Kendricks and running back Todd Gurley.

    Injured safety Maurice Alexander, who has missed the past couple of games with a groin injury, worked on the side with trainers during the portion of practice open to reporters.

    Fisher offered no further update on Saffold, although the Rams aren’t required to offer an injury report during the bye week. But without Saffold, the majority of the offensive linemen stuck around for extra work.

    As for the practice week, the bye is often used as a chance to do what NFL types call “self scouting.” In other words, instead of just turning the page to the next opponent, Fisher and staff identify trends in performance and try to get those issues corrected through the course of the week.

    “We’re self-scouting this week,” Fisher said. “The coaches are ahead, but we’re just working on some things. Then, we had numerous mistakes on defense on the field, so we went through some of those just as a reminder, so they don’t come up. Then, we’re working on the first down stuff and polishing the run game. We have some technique things we need to work on, as far as special teams are concerned.”

    The Rams play Cleveland in Week 7 and will get a head start in that regard but, for now, the focus is in-house.

    October 13, 2015 at 3:01 pm #32306

    Topic: Fisher, 10/13 … transcript

    in forum The Rams Huddle
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    Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – 10/13/15

    (Opening statement)
    “What you try to accomplish here is to get young guys some valuable reps during the bye week that haven’t really gotten the reps. The backups need the reps. A lot of the starters need some reps here the first couple of days, so we take advantage of that. We even include the practice squad players with offense and defense, just to make sure that they’re ready at a moment’s notice. So, coaches got together and like I said, yesterday we looked at some things that we need to improve and we got a head start on it today. So, it was a modified practice, particularly because it’s Tuesday. But we’ll have two good sessions Wednesday and Thursday.”

    (On how the offensive line looked after G Rodger Saffold left the game with an injury)
    “(G/T) Garrett (Reynolds) did fine. I mean, I said that on Monday. Garrett plugged right in. So, I was fine with the way he played. He was a settling factor and was cutting people downfield and finishing plays. Yeah, so I thought he was fine.”

    (On if they have started game planning for Cleveland or if this week is more self-scouting)
    “We’re self-scouting this week. The coaches are ahead, but we’re just working on some things. Then, we had numerous mistakes on defense on the field, so we went through some of those just as a reminder, so they don’t come up. Then, we’re working on the first down stuff and polishing the run game. We rested (RB) Todd (Gurley) today for obvious reasons, like I said. But we have some technique things we need to work on, as far as special teams are concerned.”

    (On if he rested any other veteran players at practice today)
    “Yes. Yeah, there were a number of them.”

    (On if he would list who he rested today)
    “Probably not. I don’t have to put an injury report out until next Wednesday.”

    (On if he rested LB James Laurinaitis today)
    “Yes, we rested James today.”

    (On if he rested TE Lance Kendricks today)
    “Yes.”

    (On if he rested DE Robert Quinn today)
    “No. Actually we did. I rested him a little bit. You guys took role out here didn’t you?”

    (On if he rested DT Michael Brockers today)
    “He was also one that did not participate today, yes.”

    (On if he only evaluates one game back or if he takes this time to evaluate all of the games)
    “Well, it’s a body of work is what we’re looking at. Are there trends? That’s what we’re looking at right now. The trends are that we’re not making enough first downs on offense. Defense, we’re getting the turnovers. Offense, number-wise, we’re not giving up sacks, per say, but we’re giving up way too many hits on the quarterback, so those are things that we’re working on now.”

    (On if he needs to just tweak something a little to remedy the situation)
    “You just keep working and refining. On any given play you can find a minor mistake. Those are the things we’re trying to correct. And even on plays where you make big plays – there’s a big run, a (RB Todd) Gurley run for 50 yards – there’s a mistake there someplace you have to eliminate.”

    (On if there’s any update on G Rodger Saffold)
    “Nothing, no.”

    (On if they’re not finished with the tests on Saffold)
    “Correct.”

    (On how good he feels about where the team is)
    “We’re not satisfied with the record by any means. I think we’ve shown improvement and I think that some of the things that we did at Lambeau were impressive. Weren’t impressive enough to win the game, but I think we’re showing improvement and that’s the most important thing.”

    (On the one intangible thing about this team that makes him go, ‘This is why we’re improving’)
    “It’s a short memory and it’s confidence in each other. They have a short memory. You’ve got to put it behind you and go. Go onto the next thing.”

    October 9, 2015 at 11:09 pm #32042

    In reply to: reporters & posters set up the GB game

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    Practice Report 10/9: Gearing up for Rodgers

    Myles Simmons

    http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-109-Gearing-up-for-Rodgers/77feae98-decf-45bb-8bb2-636e4893135a

    The Rams will have a tough challenge on their hands going up against quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the vaunted Green Bay offense. And they will have to do it without linebacker Alec Ogletree.

    With the Georgia product slated to miss extended time with a lower-leg fracture, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said the Rams have gone to the mantra of ‘next man up.’

    “One of the things that we have here is a next man up philosophy,” Williams said. “We’re going to miss him because he’s so dominant. But, he’s been around here and his spirit has been good.”

    One of those men to replace him will be Akeem Ayers. While the linebacker has been playing on the strong side for St. Louis, Ayers has played at ‘Will’ before in the same defensive scheme.

    “That’s good and there’s not any hesitation in them with terminology,” Williams said. “He’s got a familiarity base and that’s good.”

    Also, the Rams have safety Mark Barron, who can do a lot to fill in given his versatility. Williams said Barron has done well in different packages playing inside the box as a safety.

    “Nobody should count him out on anything,” Williams said. “There’s other multiple of guys that we have going in at that position. We’ve just got to get the right one out on the field at the right time.”

    Of course, going against Rodgers is no easy task at any point. But the quarterback has been particularly impressive in 2015, according to Williams.

    He’s playing very confidently,” Williams said. “One of the things I think I heard a couple of weeks ago from whatever that sports science show is, it’s kind of a cool show anyway, but the speed of his release is amazing.”

    Williams said a significant part of the strategy will be to just disrupt the timing between Rodgers an his receivers. But the team knows Green Bay will likely use quick passes to attempt to negate the effects of the Rams’ pass rush.

    “We go into the game and you’re going to have to adapt and improvise on whatever the skill set is needed for that week and game,” Williams said. “Even from a statistical standpoint, there’s things that go on in a game, every game takes on the life of its own.”

    Plus, there’s the matter of Rodgers’ 486 regular-season passing attempts at Lambeau Field without throwing a pick. Williams said he wasn’t necessarily aware of it early in the week, but the players have brought it up as part of the team’s overall philosophy.

    “Really, it’s our mantra every week. We’ve got to take the ball away,” Williams said. “We’ve got to do a good job of creating shorter fields, creating the situations for our offense. Someone told me a stat the other day that we had six takeaways as a team and all six takeaways as a team has resulted in points for our offense, which is outstanding.”

    “We’re going to have our work cut out for us,” Williams added, “but our guys are up for it and they’ve studied very hard.”

    INJURY REPORT

    It looks like the Rams should get two key contributors back this week, as Chase Reynolds (knee) is listed as probable and Eugene Sims (knee) is listed as questionable.

    Both players were injured in the Rams’ first contest of the season against the Seahawks. Reynolds, a key special teams contributor, and Sims, a key rotation player on the defensive line both fully participated in practice throughout the week.

    Also on the report, wide receiver Kenny Britt sat out Friday’s practice with a knee injury, but is listed as probable. Safety Maurice Alexander did not participate in practice all week and is listed as doubtful. Finally, linebacker Alec Ogletree is out.

    Though he’s listed on the injury report because he did not practice, defensive end Robert Quinn missed Friday’s session because his wife gave birth to a baby girl.

    “I told him that was more important than what we were doing,” head coach Jeff Fisher said.

    GIVE A LOOK

    Linebacker Daren Bates is one of the Rams’ special teams captains, and he’s also often on the scout team, helping the offense prepare for what it will see from the opposition on Sunday. Today, Bates it to another level, sporting a long blonde wig under his helmet as he played the role of linebacker Clay Matthews.

    “He’s a little shorter than Clay,” Fisher said of Bates. “He’s watched Clay. I’m sure he grew up watching Clay and has a great deal of respect for Clay. Obviously, we need to know where he is every snap. So, that’s why we dressed him up a little bit.”

    The wig didn’t change anything about the way the players practiced, though it did add some brevity to Friday’s session.

    “It shocked me, too. I didn’t know that was coming,” Williams said. “You can see those guys doing all of that kind of fun stuff. The hard part of the business is the preparation, your body feeling tough at times. But, all of the sudden you can laugh and joke and have some good times and promote some spirit. That was kind of cool.”

    That said, Williams had some choice words for just how it affects the linebacker’s appearance on the field.

    “It really didn’t look really good on him. His look right there — he battles looks anyways,” Williams joked. “He doesn’t need any more things to hurt him, that’s for sure.”

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