Rams to wait on running back decision

Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-to-wait-on-running-back-decision/article_77538d0d-f482-59c2-ad6a-97d179ccacc1.html

Looks like the Rams’ running back mystery will continue right up to Sunday in Washington. Todd Gurley (knee) and Tre Mason (hamstring) were both full participants Friday, the last full-scale day of the practice week.

Coach Jeff Fisher has listed both players at questionable on the team’s official injury report. The questionable designation, by NFL definition, means a player has a 50-50 chance of participating in that week’s game. But Fisher didn’t tip his hand.

“Well, I think it looks a little better than it did last week, not that it was an issue for us because Benny (Cunningham) really carried the load for us (against Seattle),” Fisher said.

“We’ll see how things go during the warm-ups. The two situations are completely different. You’ve got a guy coming off a season-ending ACL injury (Gurley), and you’ve got a guy coming off a three-week hamstring (Mason). But they both practiced full speed the last two days, so that’s encouraging.”

The grass field at FedEx Field is far from the league’s best surface, but Fisher said that would have no impact on his decision to use — or not use — either player.

While the running back position remains somewhat in flux, there is clarity at the cornerback position because Trumaine Johnson has a clear head.

After visiting with team medical officials Thursday, Johnson has passed the concussion protocol and is cleared to play against Washington. Officially, Johnson is listed as probable. He’s expected to start Sunday, which is good news for a Rams defense that has only four cornerbacks on the 53-man roster.

“He’s playing real solid,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said. “Last year being my first time seeing him, he had to battle through all those injuries and I don’t think I ever saw the real Trumaine.”

After a strong offseason and preseason by Johnson, Williams has a better idea of what he’s got. Before the concussion against Seattle, Johnson intercepted a Russell Wilson pass that led to a Rams field goal and a 10-7 lead.

“He’s got a long body that you can’t coach,” Williams said. “His burst and his instincts are good, too.”

Johnson also has a better understanding of how Williams likes his cornerbacks to play in his system.

“He has bought into that very well,” Williams said. “I think that staying healthy — we’ve got to continue to stay healthy — I think you’re going to see a big year out of him.”

Johnson suffered the injury making a tackle on Seattle wide receiver Chris Matthews midway through the second quarter. Johnson participated in two more plays before he left the field.

“I do not remember any of those (plays),” Johnson said Friday. “It is scary, just to look back at it and to see if I was technique-sound or let somebody beat me. Luckily they didn’t throw the ball that way.”

Johnson has been free of any symptoms, such as headaches or sensitivity to light, since Sunday, so he’s good to go and excited to get back on the field.

“This whole season, I don’t want to miss any games,” he said. “But at the same time, it’s a concussion. You’ve got to be safe with it. Take it slow. But everything worked out.”

Back at running back, things aren’t as clear cut. Just by the nature of the injury, it seems more likely that Mason returns to action Sunday than Gurley.

Fisher called Mason’s hamstring a three-week injury, and Sunday will be three weeks and a day since Mason tweaked the hamstring against Indianapolis in preseason play.

He tested the hamstring just before the Seattle contest and said: “I felt like I was pretty close. I wasn’t 100 percent, I’m not gonna lie. I feel like it was a smart decision to sit the week out, so I didn’t miss more time.”

Mason likens his body to a Lamborghini, the Italian luxury sports car.

“I feel like if I’m at a race, as soon as the race is over you gotta go right back into the pit stop,” Mason said. “I’m tuning up right now, tuning up the engine. Get a good oil change. New tires. Put a little nitrous in there.”

Mason said he went out for a test ride Friday.

“It definitely went well,” he said. “A real smooth lap around the track. So I can’t wait till Sunday.”

Which sounds like Mason is ready to go against Washington. But he added, “That’s not my job to tell.”

That’s up to Fisher, and the Rams coach obviously is engaging in some gamesmanship to keep Washington guessing until Sunday’s kickoff.

“I can’t wait,” Mason said. “I just want to be a playmaker because when the ball’s in my hand, I try to make something happen, and make something positive for this team happen.”

As for Gurley, he knows he’s close to making his NFL debut. He also knows he has gotten very few practice repetitions through the preseason and training camp, and none during the OTA practice sessions in June.

He says running doesn’t feel any different now from before the knee injury he suffered at Georgia. But adds: “I haven’t done it in a long time, so it’s just kinda getting back in the groove with everything, and getting those reps over and over. The big thing is really getting reps.”

So what would be Gurley’s answer if Fisher asks if he’s ready to play?

Gurley paused, and replied with a laugh: “I don’t know. I gotta think on that.”

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Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher –- 9/16/15

(On former Head Coach Dick Vermeil making an appearance at practice today)
“When Coach comes into town, he always makes a point to stop by and say hi. He’s welcome here all the time. It’s good to get caught up with him.”

(On having ties with Coach Vermeil through coaching at the same time)
“Yeah, like I said, it’s great to visit with him. We got to visit inside a little bit before I came out to practice. He’s doing well.”

(On the running backs unit getting closer to full strength)
“(RB) Benny (Cunningham) did a nice job last week for us filling in. He made a lot of plays: protection, passing game and run game against a good defense. It’s good to get (RB) Todd (Gurley)…Todd was working with the offense today and (RB) Tre (Mason) had a full practice. So it’s good to see them both in there.”

(On CB Trumaine Johnson’s status)
“He’s got one more thing that he has to pass. Typically when you’re cleared for practice, then things look pretty good

(On if he’s going to rule anybody out later in the week, particularly RB Todd Gurley)
“I’ll have an injury report for you guys on Friday like we normally do. Then we’ll just wait and see, yeah.”

(On what he thinks about DT Aaron Donald and WR Tavon Austin being named NFC Players of the Week)
“I was told it’s the first time in the franchise history that we’ve had two guys in the same week get player of the week, which is good. They’re both very deserving of it, in my opinion. I thought Aaron played as good a game since he’s been here. Then Tavon’s return was one of the difference makers in the game. So it was good to get some attention from the league.”

(On if he thinks teams can game plan against Donald in particular or is the defensive line is too deep)
“When you rush with four and they’ve got five and they’re chipping and keeping people in, we adjust. We try to move him around as best we can and create the one-on-one matchups whenever possible. He’s difficult to block one-on-one and he’ll be double teamed consistently. He’s got that art of penetration where he can be very disruptive, both in the passing game and the run game.”

(On how to stop Washington’s run game)
“They ran the ball well. They’re a good running football team. Their offensive line’s much improved. Tight ends are blocking well. Runningback is a heavy back. As I’ve mentioned, I have great respect for (QB) Kirk Cousins. I think he understands the offense, can distribute the ball and is really good in the short passing game. He knows where his problems are. It’s a completely different challenge than what we faced last week from a run game scheme standpoint and then a passing game standpoint. “

Rams Offensive Coordinator Frank Cignetti – Post Practice – 9/16/15

(On if he’s pleased with what he saw on Sunday)
“I tell you what, just winning. The goal and objective is to win. That’s what we came away with is a great team victory. There’s things we did well as an offense and there’s things we need to get corrected as an offense.”

(On what he saw from the offensive line)
“They did a great job. They did a great job in the run game, minimized negative runs. (They) did a great job up front in the protection phase. They did a nice job holding up in protection. Overall, we thought they did a really nice job.”

(On if he thought G Rodger Saffold seemed a little rusty because of the time he missed)
“No, I don’t think so. Rodger’s a pro. He’s played a lot of football. Rodger did very nice, very good job.”

(On how rookies T Rob Havenstein and G Jamon Brown graded out)
“Yeah, absolutely. But hey, football is a game where you strive for perfection, but you never reach it. So you’re always striving to play better. Things happen where you always want to correct it. We’re very pleased that the bottom line is we won the football game.”

(On if he expected to have as many explosive plays going into the game)
“Well by design, you never know where the ball’s going to go. There’s a starting point and then based on how the defense reacts, whether they take the starting point away or not, you truly don’t know whether it’s going to go to the primary receiver or the secondary receiver. Just happened to be one of those times where the primary receivers became opened down the field.”

(On if he was worried when QB Nick Foles went down in the game)
“Absolutely not. We knew Nick would get up and lead us down the field the next series.”

(On what challenges Washington presents)
“Well first off, all 32 defenses in this league are a challenge. Washington’s a very good defense. They’re tough and physical up front. The linebackers are downhill players. Secondary does a nice job. Once again, it’s all about us as an offense. We talk about it every day, worry about the things we can control, our preparation, the way we practice. We’re excited about our preparation and playing Washington.”

(On RB Todd Gurley’s status)
“Gurley’s doing a really nice job. He’s coming along.”

(On if Gurley is getting more reps each day)
“Yeah, Todd gets a few reps here and there. He’s doing a nice job.”

(On his game plan against Washington’s defensive line)
“Regardless of who you play, you want to do what we do well. (Offensive Line) Coach (Paul) ‘Bou’ (Boudreau) and (Assistant Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Dickerson, they’ll look at the run game and protections, make sure we do things that we do well. Put our guys in a position to be successful. Get those five guys, including the tight end and fullback working together. It’s a team effort.”

(On RB Benny Cunningham’s play)
“Outstanding. Very pleased. Remarkable effort. Great performance. Outstanding.”

(On having the ability to use the screen game and short passing game and what kind of asset that is when the run game maybe hard to come by)
“(RB) Benny’s (Cunningham) dependable. You can hand him the ball. You know he’s going to protect for you. You know he’s going to catch the football out of the backfield. Benny’s a good, complete football player.”

(On if he would like to be more productive in the running game)
“You always want to be more productive regardless of how well you play. We talk about the four phases: the running game, the screen game, the passing game and the protection phase. You always want to be more productive. You’re always striving to play better.”

(On how much of an asset WR Tavon Austin can be out of the backfield)
“Well Tavon is a tremendous athlete. Comes out here, works hard, prepares well. He’s got a skill set where you’d like to get the ball in his hands, because he can make people miss.”

(On if he was a little more nervous before this game calling his first plays in the NFL)
“No, you know what, as a staff we put a good plan together. You trust it. You trust your preparation. It’s what we ask our players to do. We ask our players to trust themselves, believe in themselves, trust their teammates, believe in their teammates. It starts with myself, as the coordinator and leader. I have to trust the plan. I have to trust the coaches and players. There’s a call sheet and you have to dial it up.”

Rams QB Nick Foles – Post Practice – 9/16/15

(On if he likes the new practice schedule)
“Yeah, I think it’s going to work great for us. I think it gives us the ability to come in here earlier in the week and get some work done and then once we get a couple of the work days in, get a day of rest. We’ll still be looking over our game plan, studying the film, but just sort of resting up and getting a couple of more good days in before the game starts, so I like it.”

(On if Washington has changed much from what he knows of them)
“New d-coordinator, so they’re running a little bit of a different scheme. Some of the same players that I’ve gone against the past couple of years, but it’s a talented group of guys. It’s the NFL. Every team has players. We have to come out on Sunday and be ready to execute.”

(On if knowing the Redskins personnel helps him)
“A little bit, but they also know me. They’ve gone against me, so I’d say it’s pretty even. I think the big thing is you go into this game and we need a great week of preparation and go in and execute our game plan in the game. That’s how it is every week. You’re going to have to make a couple of plays on the fly, scrambling around or doing some stuff like that, but it’s going to come down to who wants it more and who executes better.”

(On how important it is for the offense to keep the chains moving with how much time of possession the Rams had last week)
“It’s really important because we need our defense off of the field so they can rest. You want to definitely control the ball and let our defense rest so they can go out there and do their thing, be overly aggressive and running around. So, it’s definitely important to extend the drives with third down conversions, staying within the chains on first and second down.”

(On how important it is to win this week to really give last week’s win meaning)
“It’s important every week. Any week, you have to deal with the emotions of the previous game within that 24 hour span and then you move on to the next week. All we’re thinking about is the Redskins and going out and executing. It’s one game at a time, one play at a time. That’s the mentality you have to have as a competitor. I know that we as athletes say it all of the time, but it’s the way you’re successful. If you overlook anything or you get too excited about something, usually it doesn’t go well. We just had a great practice, starting this week with a great week of preparation and we just need to do that every single day.”

(On how he would grade himself after last week’s game)
“I think I went out there and gave us an opportunity to win on offense. I don’t really like talking about myself, I like talking about my team, so I think we as a team played well together. Me as a quarterback, I have to make sure we execute, especially third downs, making sure we convert the chains. I thought we played really well on all sides of the ball and we just have to do that every single week for us to have a chance to win.”

(On what he thinks about his tight ends)
“It’s a tremendous group of tight ends. They work their butts off. They have a great coach that coaches them up every single day. The sky is the limit for those guys. (TE) Cory Harkey is also a guy that’s in the backfield that does a lot of grunt work that doesn’t get recognized, but he’s a beast out there. Those three guys are a tremendous part of this offense.”

(On if he talked to former Rams Head Coach Dick Vermeil)
“Coach Vermeil, when I was in Philly, would be at practices, so we’d get to talk it up with him a little bit. So, it was neat having him out here today at practice watching.”

(On Vermeil being a fan of his)
“Yeah, he’s a great guy. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him the last few years. It’s always exciting to have a guy like that out there watching practice and you can talk to him and gain wisdom from what he’s gone through, through the years being a coach and being around the league.”

(On if it means anything to a player when you switch divisions)
“You definitely know the division rivals and you know what it’s like, but I think you really have to play in the game to understand why. Playing in the game last week, I understand. I’ve played against the Redskins when I was in the NFC East and I know what it’s like with that rivalry when I was in Philly. Going into that environment, it’s going to be a harsh environment, but I’m excited to go in with these guys in this locker room.”

(On if he pays any attention to how full the crowd is)
“No. When you’re at home, you want the crowd to be loud and they were loud last week. They gave us a huge advantage. As a player, I’m always so focused on the field, you zone out everything. You can feel the energy of the crowd, but at the same time, it comes down to focusing on what’s in front of you and really just getting rid of everything else around it and just focusing on what matters and that’s executing the play.”

(On if he ever looks up to see the crowd)
“When you win. Yeah, you want to look.”

(On what Washington does defensively that presents a challenge)
“They’re going to be aggressive. They’ve got really talented guys rushing the ends. The down linemen are very talented and they rally to the ball. They’re going to rally to screens and they’re going to as soon as the ball’s caught, they’re going to try to get there as fast as they can. There’s not much loafing, so a defense like that, you really have to execute, get the ball, feel it and get some extra YAC yards.”

(On what he remembers about his time at Michigan State with Redskins QB Kirk Cousins)
“Kirk’s a tremendous competitor. He’s a really intelligent guy. I really enjoyed my time there with him and I’m not surprised at all with the success he’s had. Just the going through adversity, he experienced that at Michigan State. Just the man he’s become, the player he’s become, it doesn’t surprise me everything he’s gone through, now to be the starting quarterback in Washington. They have a great leader in him and I’m excited for Kirk.”

(On how much he keeps up with Cousins and Texans QB Brian Hoyer)
“Kirk and I will keep in touch every now and then. If I run into Brian…you just are really around your teammates all of the time. If I tried to keep in touch with every teammate I’ve ever had, I’d never keep my head up from my phone. So, I try to stay in the present as much as possible.”

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from Washington Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden – Conference Call 9/16/15

(On what stands out first to him about the Rams’ defense)
“I just think the speed that they play with. I think (Defensive Coordinator) Gregg Williams is obviously one of the best defensive coordinators out there. You can tell they play with a lot of passion and that’s half the battle. And then you throw a very talented defensive roster for him to go along with a good coach and they play hard, it’s a great defense. They have a great scheme, number one. They play extremely hard. But most of all, they are very, very talented and athletic.”

(On what he sees from DT Aaron Donald on tape)
“I see him very disruptive. You see a guy like Donald and I remember him coming out, a dominant player in college. Dominant senior bowl. Just very, very disruptive. He’s a great pass-rusher. The one thing you think you can do against him is you can run the ball and get some movement on him, but he’s so quick off the snap, he’s very disruptive in that regard also. He’s got the total package for a defensive lineman, three technique. He can play anywhere. He can be disruptive and is one heck of a player for them.”

(On how he chooses who to scheme against on the Rams’ defensive line)
“You just have to challenge your offensive lineman and tight ends and backs and know what type of game it’s going to be. You take one play off and it could be the difference in a sack/forced fumble or the difference in the game and we learned that the hard way last week. We had a couple of plays we wish we had back. We had a couple of holding calls that really took us out of some field position. Some offensive PIs that hurt us. You take one lazy pass set against these guys and it’s the difference in a possible sack/forced fumble or a first down. We just have to be really, really focused in on our pass sets, our run sets – everything – our assignments, because one false step late off the count and they’ll make you pay.”

(On how much QB Nick Foles changes the Rams offense from what he saw last year)
“I don’t know how much they’ve changed. Obviously, they have a new coordinator. Their running game is similar. But, Nick Foles, I liked Nick in Philadelphia, I think he was a good, solid quarterback. He can keep plays alive. He’s not so much a running quarterback, but he has great pocket awareness. He can hold the ball until the last second and give his receivers time to get open. He’s an accurate guy and very, very tough is one thing that I noticed about him playing against him. He can take a lot of shots and he stands in there. He’s not afraid at all and that’s another trait you want to see in a quarterback. Can he stand down in the face of the pass rush and still deliver the ball accurately and on-time and I think Nick has shown the capability to do that. He’s a young quarterback developing also. I’m sure the Rams have high hopes for him and deservedly so. It’ll be a great challenge for us.”

(On if Foles playing in the NFC East before helps him in terms of looking at him in the Rams’ new offense)
“Not really. It’s a totally different offense. We’re really studying the scheme. Obviously, you look at the talent of each individual player. But, you’re more looking for quarterbacks than scheme, what kind of offense they run and protection schemes and running schemes and all of that good stuff. Most of the quarterbacks, all of the quarterbacks that we’re going to face this year are very, very talented. It’s also trying to stop the guys like Tavon Austin, the strong running game that the Rams have, a big tight end and everybody else, so we have a great challenge ahead of us.”

Prime Time: These are only excerpts from this Q&A. To read the whole thing click the link below.

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_100

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Rams chat with Jim Thomas : 9/15/15

how did the offensive line look. Anyone surprise you?

I haven’t had a chance to look at either game film or TV copy yet. But I think overall they did OK. Maybe a little better than OK.
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is it me or is Fischer really short with you in the press conference when you ask him a question? Must be his dry sense of humor.

It’s just you. SInce I usually ask about half of the questions, they would be pretty short press conferences otherwise.
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Hi: Jim great game sunday : I wish i couldve stayed……But im healthy now an Getting paid for name and Hiesman trophy ……one more thing ….grade me on my game yesterday….# go eagles – Sam Bradford

Best of luck to you Sam. I didn’t watch much of the game. I heard you started slow but closed fast. Too bad your kicker missed what could’ve been game winning field goal.
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Jim, how much coffee do you drink on a given week? 3 to 4 cups a day? its got to be a challenge to be a beat writer for the rams right now

I start training camp at one cup a day. Usually by the start of the regular season I’m at two cups. Already I’m on the cusp of 3 cups. By the end of the Super Bowl, I need to go into caffeine detox.
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do you expect tre mason and tru to both play this week?

Early signs are encouraging on both, we’ll know more as the practice week progresses.
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I can’t believe what I saw on Sunday. Intensity, passion, concerted effort… Where did these guys come from?

Well, it was the third time they’ve beaten Seattle in four games at home under Fisher. So I don’t know if that rates as a huge surprise. It was good, however, to see that kind of a performance in the opener for a team that has a history of starting slow under Fisher.
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Does the post publish the game stats on players individual participation? Did Givens get any time on the field?

I usually mention participation highlights every Monday on my Twitter account _ @jthom1. GIvens was In for 21 plays, or 35% of the offensive snaps. He actually was in for two more plays than Stedman Bailey, but was not targeted.
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Bradley Marquez sure showed a lot of poise signalling for the fair catch and making a sliding catch in his first game. He also made a great block to seal the sideline for Tavon Austin on his punt return TD.

He certainly did. And that’s why he was active for the Seattle game instead of Brian Quick.
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Saw both games and just watching our receivers catch the ball and eagles drops , I was wondering if throws throws a more catch able ball than sam. What do you think.

Hard to say. If the trend continues over the next few weeks I’ll ask some of the wideouts.
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Do you think Gurley/Mason will reduce Tavon role.

In the backfield? Maybe a little. But I think the Rams will still use Austin some in that role.
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How much of an effect do you think Cam Chancellor not playing had on the game?

I wonder if the Rams have as many 20-yards plus pass receptions with Chancellor. And I wonder if Chancellor gets beaten by Lance Kendricks for that 37-yard TD.
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When Marquez signaled a fair catch, Seattle should have been penalized for hitting him. Refs blew it.

Of course, they should’ve been penalized. How can the officiating crew even consider that Marquez was guilty of an illegal fair catch and not flag the Seahawks for hitting a player making a fair catch?
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my thought on Benny Cunningham is to keep him in games. The old saying “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!”

Thoughts?

His yards per carry average (2.8) wasn’t impressive, but he drags the pile, is pretty good with ball security, gets yards after contact, and we’ve all seen how effective he can be as a pass-catcher.
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any word on that bogus Quinn roughing call on Wilson? Also that pass interference non call?

That Quinn call was awful. Yes, it should’ve been P.I. on the Austin play, but it didn’t matter since it was an uncatchable ball.
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any word on Brian Quick’s status? healthy scratch on sunday right? seems like we might have a “doesn’t play in the first four games” rule again

According to Fisher, he was a healthy scratch, and that he just was a victim of the numbers game in reaching the game-day roster limit of 46. Fisher kind of intimated that Quick might still be a little rusty, football-wise, coming back from the shoulder surgery.

Plus it’s difficult in this offense to give 5 WRs real work in a game. As I mentioned early, Marquez’s special teams value got him activated Sunday, and we all saw his value in that role against the Seahawks.
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Being well-closer to things, who would you evaluate N. Foles’ leadership qualities and/or players response to him compared to past Ram QB s during this horrendous last decade +

Foles’ leadership qualities appear to be on the high end of the spectrum. But I’m not going to make a blanket comparison (to others) based on one regular-season game.
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How bout them Rams! long ways away from last yr opener! Defense was there! Special Teams was there! Offense was there! 3 Phases of football! and with that being said, what area of improvements would you like to see or expect to see in next weeks game vs Redskins?

Fewer turnovers. No return TDs (by opponents’ defense or special teams). More productive running game.
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I was very concerned during the preseason about the lack of effort by some of the WR’s and TE’s regarding run blocking. Seems like the Austin run TD and Austin Punt TD were both made by improved blocking efforts (especially no blocks in the back). What are the hopes that the commitment to run blocking by the ends stays high during the rest of the season?

Some players just don’t get all that fired up for the preseason.
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Should Isaiah Pead ever be allowed to a touch a football for the Rams again?

Wow. We’re all taking that fumble a little hard, arern’t we?
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Any word on the status of Sims and Tru for week 2?

I believe Sims will miss at least a couple of weeks. Won’t know about Johnson until the end of this week, but Rams were somewhat encouraged by what they saw Monday..
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There must be someone that can actually return kickoffs and know when to take a knee in the endzone. Pead is not that guy.

Pead bringing the ball out of the endzone is like watching my grandmother walk with her walker…

Rams could use GIvens in that role; they’ve done so before.
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Carroll mentioned that the Rams ran some cool plays. A Seahawk defender stated they ran what he called some trick plays. What was so different in the offensive scheme from previous years, besides the obvious.

I don’t know that it was that much different.
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what is it with the Rams and late round or undrafted DBs. Roberson looked great.

Yea, he played well. I think in a normal year, Roberson goes in the fifth round, maybe the fourth round. But that 2014 draft was exceptionally deep, and Roberson did have some issues.
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I was a little disappointed to see Foles not lead the receivers. Three behind them a bit and in the long balls just seems to get a lot of air under the ball. In all fairness he’s a great leader. Where would you say he ranks in the league based on talent alone?

I don’t think we have enough of a sample size on Foles for a true rating. I guess I’d have to say middle of the pack at this point.
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What was up with Daren Bates’ glasses? Where can I get a pair?

Saw a few comments on that. I’ll try to ask him.
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Benny may not of had a lot of yards but to me he ran hard….very physical tough runner…

The perfect style of runner for a fast-flowing defense like Seattle _ a team that has 4 D-linemen that ran in the 4.6, 4.7 range coming out of college.
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Donald’s getting the press, but Michael Brockers has made a significant step forward himself. Sad to say, but if we have a weak link, its Long, the highest pick in the bunch. I know, great locker room guy, competitor and all around great guy, but still the weakest link IMHO

Oh you mean the Chris Long who had 6 QB pressures Sunday? Oh, OK.
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I live an hour from Chicago, but been a Rams fan since the mid 70’s and read and enjoy your chats every week. Hope they stay in STL!! I will be at the Steelers game with my son, will Gurley debut that game or will Fisher still hold him back?

It’s possible Gurley could play vs. Pittsburgh. I think Oct. 4 at Arizona could be the game.
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Jeff Fisher seemed salty/agitated in yesterday’s presser. Why was that the case?

Don’t think so. If you’re talking about the beginning of the thing, he was just joking around. I had brought in my spare digital recorder (which doesn’t contain batteries). When I realized that, I went back to the media room to get the recorder I use _ so I missed part of his opening remarks. So that’s what that was all about.
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Caught a glimpse of Spagnuolo and Linehan on opposing sidelines in the Sunday-night Giants/Cowboys game. If Fisher left and the Rams could only be coached by either of those two guys, which one would you pick?

I wouldn’t mind Spags as d-coordinator or Linehan as o-coordinator, but I’d find a different head coach. I saw those shots as well in the Giants-Cowboys game. They’d show Linny and then Spags; Spags and then Linny. I was waiting to see Rich Brooks in a club suite, or Mike Martz sitting with Jerry Jones!
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Why is it that in the last 5 to 10 years the Rams seem to play their last 2 games on the road and worst of all in Seattle?

This year, I think the dome is booked on those days.
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I have to take my hat off to you buddy for picking the game correctly!! Now my worse fears may come true. The Rams start winning and then start selling out and Stan grows a fondness for the People of the Lou and decides to stay. Man I hope I’m half right. Go Rams!!! Is this Sunday a must win considering they just beat the Hawks?

As for my “prediction,” even a blind squirrel. . . .I didn’t think it was really much of a bold pick considering how well the Rams have played Seattle at home under FIsher, the situation in the Seattle secondary, and the Super Bowl hangover thing. Besides, to borrow from one of colleague’s Joe Strauss’ pet terms, I think it has become a “populist” move to pick against the Rams these days. This has become a jaded football town.
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Greg Robinson really seem to struggle the entire game, do you think he has regressed ?

He struggled early, then got better I thought.
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After this great win do you see an increase in ticket sales?

Perhaps some. But I think it’s going to take more than just one victory.
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What a great way to start the season! Sack City has arrived!!

I don’t think the Rams D-Line necessarily likes that nickname, but I hear you.
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Why is Pead Still on the team?

In part because Todd Gurley’s hurt and Trey Watts is suspended. And he’s one of the fastest players on the team.
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big win Sunday, so how much motivation was given to the team with the Russell Wilson 1-0 go hawks tweet Saturday?

Well, none of the Rams were shy in terms of talking about it after the game, so it must have had some impact.
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I went Sunday, and that was by far the most exciting game I witnessed in person. People were high-fiving strangers on the way out, and spontaneously screaming “Let’s go Rams!” on the elevator. It’s been a long time since we had this much excitement on opening day, not to mention against the NFC defending champs who are also our division rival. Bonus: I got tickets in the lower bowl for free. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Glad you had a good time.
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I still don’t understand why TA can’t return kick offs. I can’t think of a more open field for him. Is it because of the high impact potential? They say KO return is the most violent play in a game.

Could be. He’s a small guy.
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Foles made a great throw and Bailey a good catch in OT. But Foles also had some stinker throws. Behind Cook coming across from L to R (his only miss) and another mid range over the head of an open receiver on the left. Your take on his consistency.

Nobody’s perfect. He’s still establishing that chemistry with the receivers.
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How fast is Tavon Austin? Is he the fastest player in the NFL? If not, any idea on who that would be?

He’s a sub 4.3 guy in the 40, and that puts him on a very short list of the fastest players in the NFL. So maybe among the 15 to 20 fastest in the NFL. His speed on that punt return for TD really was noticeable to me watching the replay on TV.
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I know people are disenchanted with the Rams due to what is going on and don’t want to give any more money to ESK, but they missed a heck of a game. Another way to look at is this may be their last chance to see NFL football in St. Louis. They should come on out and, if they want to exercise their displeasure, they can eat beforehand and not spend money on concessions.

I’m not going to criticize anyone for how they choose to spend _ or not spend _ their money. Personally, I love my work. And most days when I drive to Rams Park or the Edward Jones Dome it doesn’t seem like I’m going to work. I love the game of football, and no matter what happens after the season, I’m not going to allow an opportunistic _ some would say greedy _ owner spoil my love for the game this season.
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Cunningham played well, especially running after catching short passes. Our RB situation could get complicated with his good performance and Mason, Watts and Gurley returning soon. Do you think Fisher will feel inclined to go slower folding Gurley in since Benny played so well?

Although, they’re not going to rush Gurley _ and I think that’s been made pretty clear by now _ I think as soon as they think Gurley’s ready, he’ll be out there, regardless of how Cunningham is playing.
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Who were the inactives on Sunday???? Where was Quick and how soon until he is fully back ?

The inactives were Quick, Donnal, Williams, Mason, Bates, Mannion, and Gurley. Fisher said Quick’s health wasn’t an issue in making him inactive.
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no more trolling of the Skins by fisher for ripping them off in the rg3 trade next week?

Funny. Let’s see who he sends out for coin toss captains this Sunday.
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After Sunday’s showing by he Rams defense, about how many sacks do you think they would have after 8 games. Last year it was only 1.

Actually they had one sack after 5 games last year. They’re on a pace for 96 sacks so far. 🙂
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The weakest link on our front four is better than 75% or the league lol. I think that’s ok.

There’s some merit to what you’re saying.
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Rams keep the same intensity in DC next week? Great to see them finally playing like we thought they could. Tavon looks like someone finally figured out what to do with him.

That’s the key. One thing about the Fisher Rams _ they’ve lacked the week-in, week-out consistency to follow one victory with another. Perhaps this team now has enough seasoning to avoid some of the weekly ups and downs.
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RB’s are a dime a dozen in the NFL. While we haven’t seen TG in a game situation, just what does he bring to the table that impressed the Rams to take him with a #1?

The Rams obviously think he’s a franchise-type RB, the kind of talent that doesn’t come along that often. A combination of speed and power that can change games. We’re about to find out by late this month or early next month.
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Do you believe Pete Carroll really intended for that to be a pooch kick?

I’m skeptical.
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There don’t appear to be many defensive tackles better than Aaron Donald. Do you think that statement is reasonable?

Very reasonable.
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OL holding at the point of attack has been a pet peeve of mine for years and Seattle, NE, and the 49’ers have made it a science, yet other teams are flagged for doing same. Please help me understand why?

I think holding and pass interference are the two most unevenly-called penalties in the game _ from play-to-play, game-to-game, and crew-to-crew. I know it’s a fast game with huge players, but you’d like to see more consistency.
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Can you give an injury report please?

Trumaine Johnson (concussion) was doing better Monday, Rams are encouraged. Eugene Sims and Chase Reynolds both have non-ACL knee injuries. I’ve been told that Reynolds has a sprained MCL which usually means 2 to 4 weeks. Don’t expect to see either vs. Washington. Rams seemed encouraged by Tre Mason’s pre-game workout, and it’s possible he could be a go this week. We’ll know more as the practice week develops. Gurley probably another game or two away.
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In fishes press conference he mentioned that he is changing the practice schedule. What was it and what did he change it to? What are the benefits of the change?

They are going to start practicing on Tuesdays _ for years the normal player’s day off around the NFL. And take Thursday’s off instead. Fisher hopes the Thursday day off will help the players freshen up late in the week for Sundays. I’m planning on writing a story about it today for Stltoday and tomorrow’s newspaper
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in your opinion, is the Seahawks DL the best one the Rams offense will face this season?

I’ll say one of the best.
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I also went to the game Sunday. My voice is starting to come back. It was one of the best games that I have witnessed in a while an yes we hi-fiving each other at the game. It made me realist how much sports can bring together people form all different walks of life. It was amazing. I think it was a good turn out at the dome considering everything that’s going on with relocation and all.

I think there were a few more fans there than the Rams were expecting. Glad you enjoyed yourself.
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Jim where do the Rams cheerleaders rank in this league?

I have absolutely no idea. When I used my binoculars in the press box, it’s strictly for football-related matters. You believe me, don’t you?
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If Mason can’t go Sunday and with Reynolds hurt, would you still use Pead as the back up to Cunningham

That’s really the only alternative barring a roster move.
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I watched Sam Bradford play last night and I just can’t get over that scared look in his eyes. Foles seems to have so much more confidence. What is going on with Steven Jackson? Would the rams retire his number?

Not aware of any plans by the Rams to retire Steven Jackson’s number.
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There were a lot of reasons for the Rams to lose last Sunday, fumbles, bad snap, bad calls and non calls going against them, and playing against one of the best teams in the NFL. Was this a fluke?

I think being able to win with all those things going wrong shows it’s not a fluke.
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wonderful game. I however really could not get a fair look at the play of the offensive line, particularly the rookies. my sense is that they did fine, but not spectacular. What is your view of the rookies? also, I noticed Reynolds in the game. is there a rotation? thanks.

Ryenolds was in there for I believe 7 plays because Jamon Brown had an equipment issue. (facemask)
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Could the Rams use Cunningham in the role of a FB and Gurley/Mason as a tailback in the same set? Can Cunningham block well enough?

Interesting thought. I think Cunningham’s a pretty good blocker.
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Donald/Quinn sacks in 2015: 25 Over or under?

I think you’re right on the number at 25.

http://www.rams-news.com/ram-notes-rookies-havenstein-brown-rarin-to-go-pd/Ram Notes: Rookies Havenstein, Brown Rarin’ To Go –PD
Jamon Brown is ready to play some football. “This is what you dream of when you grow up playing ball,’’ Brown, a rookie guard, said following practice Wednesday at Rams Park.

http://www.rams-news.com/the-long-road-barnes-named-rams-no-1-center-pd/%5DThe Long Road: Barnes Named Rams’ No. 1 Center –PD
For most of his NFL career Tim Barnes has been the guy sweating out the final cuts, never really sure about his status when the calendar flipped from August to September.

http://www.rams-news.com/nfl-nation-reporters-say-rams-will-go-4-12-wagoner/%5DNFL Nation reporters say Rams will go 4-12 –Wagoner
On Tuesday, our 32 NFL Nation reporters offered game-by-game predictions for the teams we cover. I had the St. Louis Rams finishing at 8-8, which would be a two-game improvement over last year and the best record the team has posted under coach Jeff Fisher.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-rb-tre-mason-doesnt-practice-wednesday-wagoner/%5DRams RB Tre Mason Doesn’t Practice Wednesday –Wagoner
It’s officially an NFL work week as the St. Louis Rams and the other 31 teams are now required to release an official injury report on Wednesday afternoon.

http://www.rams-news.com/tim-barnes-rises-from-undrafted-rookie-to-rams-starting-center-wagoner/%5DTim Barnes Rises from Undrafted Rookie to Rams’ Starting Center –Wagoner
Upon entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2011, St. Louis Rams center Tim Barnes had moments where he wondered if he’d ever be more than a guy constantly fighting for a roster spot.

http://www.rams-news.com/practice-report-99-naming-captains-and-a-center-simmons/%5DPractice Report 9/9: Naming Captains and a Center –Simmons
After a padded practice on a hot and sunny day in Earth City, head coach Jeff Fisher delivered two key pieces of news. The first was that the Rams will have five captains this season: Nick Foles, James Laurinaitis, Robert Quinn, Johnny Hekker, and Daren Bates.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-once-again-the-youngest-team-in-the-nfl/%5DRams: Once Again The Youngest Team In The NFL
Being the youngest team in the NFL is getting to be a habit for the St. Louis Rams. The Rams will field the youngest team in the NFL…for the 4th consecutive year.

http://www.rams-news.com/cleared-for-contact-ram-focused-on-building-todd-gurleys-reps-wagoner/Cleared for Contact, Ram Focused on Building Todd Gurley’s Reps –Wagoner
At some point late last week, St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher went over to running back Todd Gurley and personally removed the yellow no contact beanie Gurley had been wearing on his helmet.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-aaron-donald-makes-grantlands-triangle-all-stars-wagoner/%5DRams’ Aaron Donald makes Grantland’s Triangle All-Stars –Wagoner
St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald earned no shortage of awards for his breakthrough rookie season. After the year, he went to the Pro Bowl and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-dt-aaron-donald-believes-he-can-improve-on-stellar-rookie-season-wagoner/%5DRams DT Aaron Donald Believes He Can Improve on Stellar Rookie Season –Wagoner
In case anyone forgot that St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has the ability to be the most dominant player on the field on any given day, he offered a resounding reminder in the team’s third preseason game against Indianapolis.

http://www.rams-news.com/tim-barnes-starting-is-a-huge-step-in-my-career-video/%5DTim Barnes: Starting Is A Huge Step In My Career –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/espns-nfl-live-crew-picks-rams-over-seattle-video/%5DESPN’s NFL Live Crew Picks Rams Over Seattle –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/frank-cignetti-seattle-is-up-first-and-were-fired-up-audio/%5DFrank Cignetti: Seattle Is Up First and We’re Fired Up –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-press-conference-99-video/%5DJeff Fisher Press Conference – 9/9 –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-dt-aaron-donald-a-rising-star-video/%5DRams DT Aaron Donald a Rising Star –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/michael-brockers-i-can-be-the-best-nose-tackle-in-the-league-video/%5DMichael Brockers: I Can Be the Best Nose Tackle in the League –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-og-rodger-saffold-i-feel-good-about-sunday-video/%5DRams OG Rodger Saffold: I Feel Good About Sunday –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/the-jeff-fisher-show-sept-7-video/%5DThe Jeff Fisher Show: Sept. 7 –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/why-the-rams-are-among-the-nfls-2nd-tier-teams-audio/%5DWhy the Rams Are Among the NFL’s “2nd Tier Teams” –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/bernie-randy-will-rams-defy-odds/%5DBernie & Randy: Will Rams Defy Odds? –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/wagoner-the-rams-will-have-areas-of-success-against-seattle-audio/%5DWagoner: The Rams Will Have Areas of Success Against Seattle –Audio

Study pegs Eagles as healthiest team last two years, Giants unhealthiest

by Darin Gantt on July 3, 2015

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/07/03/study-pegs-eagles-as-healthiest-team-last-two-years-giants-unhealthiest/

Maybe the smoothies work. And maybe Tom Coughlin should try one.

The folks at Bleeding Green Nation have passed along a chart that suggests the Eagles are the healthiest team in the NFL over the last two seasons, while the Giants have been the most unhealthy over that span.

The chart is based on adjusted games lost, a formula created by FootballOutsiders.com that uses injury reports and players placed on injured reserve to quantify how available players are to their teams.

Eagles coach Chip Kelly has put plenty of emphasis on sports science, and using nutritional supplements for players to keep them at their best. And old school coach Coughlin has been criticized for not adopting new methods, which this study would seem to back up.

While there’s something to be said for doing everything possible to keep players well, football remains a collision sport and an amount of dumb luck can still make a big difference, particularly if that luck keeps a good quarterback on the field.

While it stands to reason that the best teams might be the healthiest, the next six teams on the list behind the Eagles are the Jets, Ravens, Bills, Browns, Vikings and Rams. And if you look at the Giants’ neighbors at the bottom of the chart, the Colts are 30th, and have managed to perform at a high level.

Obviously you’d rather be well than injured, but it’s unclear if all the shakes and Navy SEAL training the Eagles go through correlates to success on the field.

Note that AGL is a metric created by Football Outsiders which uses injury report and injured reserved data to determine how a team is impacted by injury.

X found this

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Marc Bulger deserves to be considered a Rams legend

Steve Rebeiro in 1995-2004, 2005-Present, Everything Rams

http://talkgridiron.com/ramstalk/2015/06/marc-bulger-deserves-to-be-considered-a-rams-legend/

Marc Bulger is one of the most under appreciated players in St. Louis Rams history. Many fans remember him for his rapid decline late in his career, but Bulger should be remembered for leading the Rams to the playoffs twice and putting up monster numbers in the process. He did have one of the best stretches for a quarterback in Rams history, despite a very brief prime.

Bulger was a star in college at West Virginia University, but his career with the Mountaineers was ended abruptly by an injury during his senior season. His draft stock took a hit as a result and the New Orleans Saints selected him in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. After bouncing around the league, Bulger found a spot on the Rams practice squad during his rookie year and remained a part of it during the Rams 2001 NFC Championship season.

Bulger made the roster in 2002, serving as the third-string quarterback behind reigning MVP Kurt Warner and his backup Jamie Martin. The Rams began the season 0-5, despite Warner starting three games before suffering an injury. Bulger finally got his shot when Martin went down with an injury following Week 5. Bulger led the Rams on a five-game winning streak, throwing for 1,496 yards and 12 touchdowns during that stretch. Bulger finished the 2002 season with a 6-0 record in games he both started and finished.

Warner was still the Rams starter going into the 2003 season, but Bulger took over following Warner’s poor Week 1 performance and never looked back. The St Louis Rams finished 12-4, winning the NFC West and earning a first round bye. Bulger’s Pro Bowl performance served as the catalyst for the Rams success. He threw for 3,845 yards and 22 touchdowns. He would later be named MVP of the 2004 Pro Bowl following the Super Bowl.

Marc Bulger continued his success in 2004. He threw for 3,964 yards and 21 touchdowns in 14 games. The Rams finished 8-8 and earned a wildcard berth. Bulger and the Rams defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the first round, their last playoff victory as of the 2014 season.

Bulger recorded a career year in 2006 after an injury-riddled 2005 season. He set career highs in passing yards (4,301) and touchdowns (24) while playing in 16 games for the first time in his career. Bulger was selected to his second Pro Bowl and led the Rams to an 8-8 record, barely missing the playoffs.

Everything went downhill for Bulger following the 2006 season. Bulger started 35 games over the next three years, winning just five of them. Bulger threw for 34 interceptions and only 27 touchdowns. The Ram’s brutal offensive line was a big part of Bulger’s downfall. Bulger was sacked 89 times over this three-year stretch and a total of 254 times in his career. This resulted in rib injuries and concussions, two injuries that would be recurring during his final few years in St. Louis. Bulger was placed on the injury report 21 times during his last three years with the Rams. He left the Rams following the 2009 season and went to Baltimore, but he never threw a pass in his one season with the Ravens.

It’s hard for any quarterback to accumulate success without the right talent around him. Bulger put up outstanding numbers when he had both Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce at the peak of their careers. But once age caught up to both of them, it seemed to catch up to Bulger as well. Although his prime was brief, it was one of the better stints any quarterback has had in a Rams uniform.

Scout’s Tales: Ray Agnew

By StLouisRams.com

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Scouts-Tales-Ray-Agnew/013de9f5-d5d3-49e7-a91e-3be0ec493b5b

There are numerous ways NFL teams acquire players, and the Rams’ scouting staff is always hard at work trying to find the next guy who can help them win. In Scout’s Tales, we’ll visit with members of Les Snead’s personnel department and they’ll share stories of how the process brought certain current Rams to St. Louis.

Ray Agnew on advancing.

I feel very fortunate to do what I do for a living. What happened to me doesn’t happen to a lot of people. I retired as a player and the next day I started working for the organization. I never left. I have Mike Martz to thank for that because he thought enough of me to offer me a job. I’m also grateful for Les Snead and the others who have continued to allow me to have a job that I love.

I think my background as a player helps me do my job. You don’t have to be a former player to be a successful scout, but there are certain things you can pick up on. “Hey, this guy doesn’t look too healthy. He’s playing, but it seems like something’s not right.” Or you can tell if a guy doesn’t know what he’s doing. Maybe there’s something you can pick up scheme wise – things that you did when you were a player and you recognize that a guy you’re watching may not be doing it right.

One of my jobs every spring is to crosscheck all the college defensive linemen. A scout visits the schools and puts together a grade on all the guys. Then we go back and put another set of eyes on their tape. The defensive linemen are my favorite guys on the field. I’m biased, but I think they’re the most important guys on the field. I guess you could say it’s my expertise. It’s a joy to watch Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers and Robert Quinn. Those are three guys I evaluated out of college. Studying those guys, it’s not work for me; it’s fun.

Another one of the big responsibilities of our pro-scouting staff is advance scouting of our upcoming opponents. For example, the Rams were in San Francisco to play the 49ers, but our pro-scouting director, Ran Carthon, was in Dallas to watch the Cardinals – who we played the week after the 49ers. Ran, George Foster and I split the advance trips up and took turns attending games to scout our upcoming opponents.

For advance trips, we fly out on Saturday. We always get to the game pretty early. The first thing you do is look for injured players. We keep a track of the injury reports. We keep track of the guys that are on there – are they working out on the field before the game? For example, if we were playing the Cowboys in coming weeks, you’d see how early Tony Romo came out to throw. Does it look like his back is still sore? How is he moving around?

We sit in the press box for the game, and we’re usually sitting next to another pro scout for another team. As the game starts, you’re trying to pick up anything that can help your coaches the next week. The first thing you look for is their personnel signals. You watch the quarterback and all the things that he does. Like Peyton Manning, he’s a guy that will watch your sideline as opposed to a young quarterback who is only looking at his sideline to get the signals. You’re looking at the quarterback to see everything he does. Is he audible? In two-minute drills, does he give any hand signals? You’re studying him to see if there’s anything he gives up during the game.

You also make note of how the opponent substitutes players. Do they sub fast or slow? When there’s a TV timeout, do they try to trick you and run somebody in late? You make note of when the offense gets to the huddle, when they get to the line of scrimmage and how much time is on the play clock when they snap the ball. The tape that the coaches watch, they cut out everything between plays, so you’re trying to pick up everything that they can’t see on game film.

There’s not as much information to gather from the defense because they’re reacting to what the offense does. Still, you want to look for substitution patterns. Who is the nickel corner? Do they bring defensive linemen in on third down as designated pass rushers? In two-minute, do they try to substitute defensive linemen? Who is the leader of the defense and who wears the radio in his helmet on defense?

Sometimes the defensive signal caller will wear different clothes on the sideline. For example, all of the Rams coaches may be in blue polo shirts but one will wear gold so he stands out to the players. That’s how you notice who he is. You want to include that in your report.

Injuries are important as well. Any injury during the game, you note it so you can give it to the coaches. You try to judge whether you think a guy will be able to play or not the next week. You never know that, but some injuries look so bad that you know they don’t have a chance to play against your team.

The special teams stuff isn’t as detailed as the offense and defense, but there are things you’re looking for there, too. Do they huddle up before they kickoff. There aren’t any signals involved on special teams so you’re not concerned with that. I usually watch the kickers in pregame just to see how long they’re kicking. In the past, we’ve charted kickers and measured hang time from the punters during pregame. You also try to get all of the jersey numbers of the guys that are on each special teams unit.

I always listen to the press conferences after the game. Sometimes they’ll give you information. The coaches will sometimes give an injury update. You’re trying to get anything you can to bring back to give the coaches.

We have computer programs where we log all of our information. We can access that remotely, so after the game we start entering everything we’ve seen. Then when we get back, we put together an advance scouting report for the coaches. On Monday night, whoever advanced the game, they get together with the coaches. We go over everything we gathered. During the week before the game, you grade each player on the opposing team and you go over the grades with the coaches. You tell them who you think their best offensive lineman is and who you think you can pick on a little. You go through all the quarterback’s tendencies. You go over everything you think might be helpful as the team prepares for the next week’s game.

2014 Adjusted Games Lost

by Scott Kacsmar

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2015/2014-adjusted-games-lost

Once upon a time a series of hamstring injuries made us wonder what exactly the Giants were going to get out of Odell Beckham Jr. He was the last 2014 first-round rookie to make his NFL debut, doing so in Week 5. Quickly we found out he could play as he put in one of the best rookie seasons ever in just 12 games.

But that quarter of a season he missed makes us wonder what more he could have achieved in 2014. The Giants had a lot of those “if only” dreams last year as they became the first team to lead the league in Adjusted Games Lost in back-to-back seasons. This is the fifth year in a row the Giants ranked 22nd or worse, and they have missed the playoffs in four of those seasons.

With Football Outsiders’ Adjusted Games Lost (AGL) metric, we are able to quantify how much teams were affected by injuries based on two principles: (1) Injuries to starters, injury replacements, and important situational reserves matter more than injuries to benchwarmers; and (2) Injured players who do take the field are usually playing with reduced ability, which is why AGL is not based strictly on whether or not the player is active for the game, but instead is based on the player’s listed status that week (IR/PUP, out, doubtful, questionable, or probable).

As long as NFL teams are solely responsible for producing weekly injury reports, we cannot say that every single injury has been accounted for, but secrecy is an unavoidable aspect of this part of the game.

2014 Results

Obviously every team would prefer a low AGL, but some teams will inevitably have a tough year of injuries. The following table lists the AGL totals and rankings for 2014 along with the results from 2013 for comparison. Teams are sorted from healthiest in 2014 (Denver) to most injured (New York Giants). This data is only for the regular season.

The league-average AGL went from 67.6 in 2013 to is 74.3, making it four years in a row that injury totals around the league went up in our AGL database (complete for 2002-2014). There are a couple of issues here. AGL numbers count starters (including players who take over starting roles after other injuries, such as five different Chargers centers) and important situational players. If we look only at actual starters, we see that the average AGL has increased from the mid-40s in 2007-2010 to the lower 50s the last couple seasons, and now 55.8 in 2014. So teams are clearly reporting more injuries now than they did in the past. In addition, we have better information to identify reserves who play a significant amount of snaps on a consistent basis and therefore should count in AGL. This is an area where we know we can improve our past years of data, and that is certainly on the to-do list. We have already made some improvements to 2013, which is why last year’s numbers may look different in the table above.

A team’s third wideout and nickel cornerback are practically starters today, and the rotations used in the defensive front seven are eye-opening for some teams. Starting defensive linemen in 2014 played an average of 64.2 percent of the weekly snaps. There were only 33 instances of a defensive lineman playing 100 percent of his team’s snaps in any given game. New England’s Rob Ninkovich accounted for 12 of those ironman performances. Chandler Jones had four complete games of his own, meaning 16 of the 33 belonged to the Patriots.

The correlation for AGL between 2013 and 2014 was 0.40, the second highest year-to-year correlation on record. This is more in line with results from 2009-2012, as opposed to the smaller 0.12 correlation between 2012 and 2013 AGL.

The correlation between 2014 AGL and 2014 team DVOA was -0.35, and the correlation between 2014 AGL and 2014 regular-season wins was -0.33. Both correlations are a little stronger than what we have observed over the years.

Denver, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh all made the playoffs, but exemplify the misfortune of bad timing in regards to injuries. Maybe things would have ended differently if Peyton Manning (quad), Aaron Rodgers (calf), and Le’Veon Bell (knee) had been healthy in January. Denver had the 10th-biggest decline in total AGL since 2002, but Green Bay made this season’s biggest improvement in the rankings from 31st to third. That is the third-biggest decline in total AGL since 2002. Mike McCarthy’s teams have usually been poor at AGL, but this was a fortunate year, especially on offense. We are probably over-crediting the short-term IR for center J.C. Tretter, because fifth-round rookie Corey Linsley was able to step in Week 1 and earn that starting job even after Tretter was healthy.

Philadelphia, noted for Chip Kelly’s foray into sports science last year, had the best AGL in 2013 and ranked fifth this season. They are only the third team since 2002 to lead the league in AGL and finish in the top five the following season. Maybe this team is onto something with preventing soft tissue injuries. The big problems for the Eagles were focused along the offensive line, plus a broken collarbone for Nick Foles and a torn Achilles for DeMeco Ryans. Sometimes bones are going to break in tackles regardless of how much prep work goes into each week.

After they ranked second in AGL in 2013, we expected the Chiefs to fall back to the pack this year. They didn’t just fall back; they plunged to 26th, the seventh-largest year-to-year increase in AGL since 2002. The Chiefs were hit hard and fast with Derrick Johnson, Mike DeVito, and Jeff Allen (three starters) headed to injured reserve after Week 1. The worst news was Eric Berry’s diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and like everyone around the league, we wish him the best in his recovery.

The two Super Bowl teams, New England and Seattle, ranked in the teens in AGL. The Patriots lost Jerod Mayo for the second straight season, but overall had a pretty healthy year with red-flag players like Rob Gronkowski and Darrelle Revis able to finish the season. Seattle’s injury issues, of course, were much stronger in the playoffs, which are not included in the AGL totals above. The Super Bowl loss ended up with practically the entire “Legion of Boom” secondary gutting out tough injuries.

The Colts ranked 30th in AGL for the third year in a row and have ranked 24th or worse in nine straight seasons. Jon Torine was the strength and conditioning coach from 1998 to 2011, but he was replaced in 2012 by Roger Marandino. Despite three head coaches since 2002, Ryan Grigson’s annual roster purge, and new philosophies on both sides of the ball, the Colts continue to be one of the NFL’s most injured teams each season. Yes, I just copied most of last year’s paragraph, because nothing changed in Indianapolis on the injury front. Among the bottom 10 teams in 2014 AGL, the Colts were the only team to make the playoffs. The 2012 Packers, 2013 Colts and 2014 Colts (two games) have the only four playoff wins by teams with more than 100 AGL.

Then we have the Giants, looking to put together an injury dynasty. After setting the benchmark with 141.3 AGL in 2013, the 2014 club has the second-worst AGL on record at 137.1. Running back and defensive back remained two major problem areas despite new roster additions, but wide receiver was also hit hard, as were the linebackers.

Here are the 2014 AGL splits for offense and defense:

The 2013 Giants’ record for worst offensive AGL (80.9) only stood one year. San Diego edged them out this year with the use of roughly nine thousand centers, though the 2014 Giants also rank among the ten most-injured offenses in our database.

Pittsburgh had the 10th-lowest offensive AGL since 2003. Ben Roethlisberger only sat out seven regular-season snaps (all in a blowout win) after missing none in 2013. Starting right tackle Marcus Gilbert missing four games proved to be the only real significant injury to the offense until Le’Veon Bell went down late in the year.

The 2014 Raiders now have the worst defensive AGL in our database. Just ahead of them are the 2014 49ers, who would probably rank as the worst if we included suspensions (the Aldon Smith factor). This was a really tough season for that unit, with Glenn Dorsey, Patrick Willis, Chris Borland, Ian Williams, Jimmie Ward, and NaVorro Bowman all on injured reserve by season’s end.

Carolina had the third-biggest ranking drop in defensive DVOA from 2013, falling from 15th to third. That sure did not feel like a healthy unit, but injuries were not a big factor in the performance decline. That was more about the major roster turnover in the secondary and Greg Hardy’s off-field situation, which limited him to one game but does not factor into AGL. The Panthers also finished the season much better on defense after that miserable start. The Giants fell 19th spots in DVOA from sixth to 25th. That is a unit that can blame injuries, with the third-worst defensive AGL.

Injury Reporting Tactics

Everyone knows the injury reports are not always on the level in the NFL. Seattle safety Kam Chancellor was probable for Super Bowl XLIX, but of course we found out later that he played that game with a torn MCL and a deep bone bruise on the outside of his knee. Chancellor didn’t even know if he could play two days before the big game. Call it gamesmanship or outright deception, but some teams like to cover up as much truth as possible.

We can use the given data to determine which teams may be trying to deceive the opponent with the likelihood of a player playing. Generally, probable is a very high likelihood the player will play, especially if the player is a starter or key reserve. Just fewer than 95 percent of players listed as probable played in 2014. Only Carolina (89.5 percent) and Tennessee (86.2 percent) were under 90 percent. Questionable is supposed to be a 50/50 proposition, and doubtful might as well mean out these days. Out of 216 doubtful players in 2014, only Seattle’s Alvin Bailey was active that week, and he did not play.

The grayest area comes with listing a player as questionable. Only 55.7 percent of questionable players played in 2014, which is actually the lowest we have ever tracked and a lot closer to the purpose of that designation. In 2013, 61.3 percent of questionable players played and 69.3 percent in 2012. So a downward trend that pushes closer to 50 percent is a good thing.

The range of active questionable players was wider this season. The Steelers only played one of their league-low 12 questionable players (8.3 percent). Some of the other teams on the low end were Denver (third at 35.3 percent) and Seattle (fifth at 40.9 percent) after having the two lowest rates in 2013. The Falcons, after 84.2 percent in 2013, were still in the top six at 65.4 percent in Mike Smith’s final year on the job.

The 2014 Redskins with Jay Gruden in his first year as head coach led the way with 79.0 percent of his questionable players playing. You can find Gruden’s staff doing a suspect job as early as Week 1. Defensive lineman Barry Cofield sprained his ankle in Week 1 and was placed on short-term IR. In November, Cofield revealed to CSNWashington.com that he had a groin injury that was bothering him a lot. He had groin surgery while out for the ankle, but the Redskins never disclosed any groin injury for Cofield. The team contends Cofield was healthy for Week 1, but it’s easy to be skeptical.

Gruden has a long way to go to catch up to the master of injury report shenanigans: Bill Belichick and the Patriots. While New England only had the fifth-highest rate of active questionable players (66.3 percent), the Patriots blew the league away again with 104 questionable players — 30 more than runner-up Tampa Bay. The other 31 teams averaged 31.2 questionable players. New England only used probable 36 times, the third-lowest total in 2014.

Rex Ryan’s Jets finished second in most probable players for the second year in a row. Interestingly enough, the Houston Texans had the most probable players again (170) despite the switch to Bill O’Brien, a member of Belichick’s coaching tree. Houston was one of three teams (Atlanta and Tennessee the others) to never use doubtful in 2013. The Falcons and Texans repeated their actions in 2014, but the Titans used it in Ken Whisenhunt’s first season on the job. Sean Payton and the Saints were the third team to never use doubtful in 2014.

The Saints were involved in one of the most puzzling injury transactions of the season. Rookie linebacker Khairi Fortt was drafted in the fourth round and made the final 53-man roster. He was placed on short-term IR with an undisclosed leg injury suffered in the preseason, yet Fortt insists his hamstring was healthy since Week 1. The Saints cut Fortt on October 6, which is downright odd given he was a fourth-round pick and was deemed valuable enough to warrant the use of the season’s lone short-term IR tag. The Bengals quickly added him to their practice squad, but he was cut in November and picked up by the Jaguars. He appeared in three games for his third team last season.

After three years of its existence, I have to crown the 2014 Saints with the worst use of the short-term IR designation. Fortt’s story is just another example of the cynicism in believing teams when it comes to injuries.

E.J. Gaines doubtful for Sunday

By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/14999/e-j-gaines-doubtful-for-sunday

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams will likely be without starting cornerback E.J. Gaines on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Gaines, who suffered a concussion against the New York Giants last week is officially listed as doubtful for this week after sitting out practice again Friday. Without Gaines, the Rams will likely have to turn to Lamarcus Joyner and Marcus Roberson to fill the void.

“I think they need to play,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “That’s what happens when somebody goes down, unfortunately, but someone else gets some reps. Obviously, Marcus had the Kansas City start which was good. We’ll expect him to play both outside and then use (safety) Rodney (McLeod) as well as Lamarcus inside.”

As for the rest of the injury report, the only three other Rams listed are considered probable for Sunday. That list includes cornerback Janoris Jenkins, center Scott Wells and defensive end Chris Long.

With heavy hearts, William Hayes and Eugene Sims play on

By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/14547/with-heavy-hearts-hayes-and-sims-play-on

EARTH CITY, Mo. — On the St. Louis Rams’ official injury report, defensive ends William Hayes and Eugene Sims were listed as not practicing for reasons that were not injury related. Unofficially, they could have been listed as “DNP — broken heart.”

For the eight losses the Rams have suffered this season on the field, none compared to the pain Hayes and Sims were dealing with as they coped with the death of some of their closest loved ones.

During the final week of November, Hayes’ grandmother, Bessie Flowers, and Sims’ father, Calvert Sanders, died. Rams coach Jeff Fisher excused both players for as long as they needed to grieve.

Sims missed a week of practice three weeks ago and Hayes did not rejoin the Rams two weeks ago until the Saturday night before playing Washington.

“We just feel that those things are more important than what we’re doing,” Fisher said. “Losses and things … loved ones. I think they need to go spend time and be able to grieve and put things in perspective and spend time with their family.”

Hayes has always been one to wear his emotions on his sleeve. After a loss to his former team, the Tennessee Titans, last year, he was so upset that he smashed a mirror in the Rams locker room.

So when Hayes was told of his grandmother’s passing the night before the team’s Nov. 30 win against Oakland, he broke down. Hayes broke down again after playing the next day and was surrounded by teammates offering words of encouragement or a hug.

William Hays’ grandmother, Bessie Flowers, used to call Jeff Fisher to check up on her grandson.
“It was probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” said Hayes, who played and then took the next week off to be with his family. “It was very hard.”

Hayes and his grandmother were exceedingly close. It was common practice for Hayes to FaceTime with her on his phone. And for as much as she loved her grandson, Flowers loved her grandson’s coach just as much.

Hayes said Flowers would regularly refer to Fisher as “her husband” and would barge into Fisher’s office even when the door was closed to talk to him.

“He knew how much my grandma meant to me,” Hayes said. “He had plenty of conversations with her. She was in love with Coach Fisher so she thought they were married.”

Fisher also enjoyed updating Flowers on the latest antics of her notoriously mischievous grandson.

“He would come upstairs and even if my door was shut he’d open it and he’d have her on his phone and we’d FaceTime,” Fisher said. “She just wanted to make sure that William was behaving.”

While grief is a new emotion for Hayes, it’s sadly become all too familiar for Sims. In August of 2013, Sims’ mother Jeanelle Sims, 42, died after a heart attack. Sims left the Rams for a couple of weeks and returned on Aug. 22.

Little more than a year later, tragedy struck again. Sanders, a former Marine whom Sims describes as a “big guy, about 6-7, 280 pounds” and a former college football player, was on his way home from visiting his wife at work when he too suffered a heart attack.

Eugene Sims lost his mother, Jeanelle Sims, to a heart attack in August of 2013.
By the time Sanders was able to pull over and seek help, it was too late. Having lost his mother didn’t make it any easier for Sims, but he had a better idea of what needed to be done.

“Losing my mom the year before put things in perspective,” Sims said. “I wouldn’t say it was easier. It was very draining. The past year has been really tough. It’s just hard.”

Making it harder is the fact that Sims is the oldest of six siblings: four brothers and a sister. He immediately recognized, through no choice of his own, he had graduated to the head of the family.

Leaving them was hard but Sims saw returning to the field as a chance to provide some peace of mind for the rest of his family.

“I’m kind of the father figure now,” Sims said. “Everybody is younger, everybody is in college. I’m not doing anything they would see as negative. I’m trying to do something positive to let them know that it’s something (my parents) would do to take care of your business.”

Sims returned to the team the day before the Rams played Oakland. Hayes got to the team hotel in Washington on Dec. 6, the night before playing the Redskins. Neither player had participated in a single practice in the week before playing in the game but stayed in touch with defensive line coach Mike Waufle and with teammates via the defensive line’s regular group text.

Both Hayes and Sims spoke of wanting to make good on Fisher’s trust.

“You can’t relax and think you don’t have to repay that,” Sims said. “How can you not work hard for somebody that is on your side like that?”

Little more than year after losing his mom, Eugene Sims’ father, Calvert Sanders, also died of a heart attack.
When Hayes and Sims weren’t getting love from their teammates, they leaned on each other. Sims shared with Hayes some of the things he learned in dealing with his losses. Hayes did what he could to offer the same.

“His mom last year and his dad this year,” Hayes said. “I’ve never experienced anything like that. This was probably the closest thing I’ve experienced to that. It’s tough.”

Sims and Hayes haven’t just returned and gone through the motions. In the two games they played right after the deaths, the duo combined for 14 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble in their usual reserve roles behind Robert Quinn and Chris Long.

“Eugene did a really nice job when he came back late Saturday night last week playing,” Fisher said. “Of course Will, he was grateful, but I knew it was time for him to get back. It’s speaks a lot too for both of them to be able to play at a high level without the preparation time. I was glad that he was able to do that.”

For Hayes and Sims, playing through pain has taken on an entirely different meaning. They’ve found comfort in the confines of a locker room, a meeting room, a practice field and whatever NFL stadium will have them. But most of all, in one another.

“I feel like we went through something for a reason,” Sims said. “I would say it’s motivation because you know they are looking down on you. You feel like, OK, I can’t disappoint. I don’t feel like there’s a lot of pressure on me but it’s like you are releasing and expressing your pain through the sport.

“Playing this game and playing with these guys and coming back here, I feel like I was at home with my family already. You want to play for that first family and your second family. Both of those families motivate you to play even harder.”

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – December 17, 2014

(Opening Statement)
“Today, we just did our injury report and (C) Scott Wells is the only one of the injury report and it was a coach’s decision to give him the day off. Good news from a health standpoint. Guys took care of themselves. Took advantage of the couple days off and we’ve had a good day.”

(On if DE Chris Long practiced)
“Yes, he was out there.”

(On his impression of Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr.)
“Really an outstanding athlete. As good as receiver out of frame as you’ll see, especially at a young age. They’re really on the same page. The run after catch ability is off the charts. They ran a reverse pass and he threw the ball 40,50 yards. They tell us that he throws with either arm. He’s an outstanding athlete. He’s having a great year. ”

(On their interest level in Beckham during the draft)
“We spent a lot of time with him. Really liked him. Knew he was going to be a real good pro.”

(On if the team frequently discusses their three-game streak in which their opponents have not scored touchdowns)
“No, it’s really not. The back-to-back shutouts were good. The defensive effort was good, holding Arizona to field goals, but every week’s a challenge. This team can strike. They can score. They can run it. Eli’s (Manning), you know his record and what he’s accomplished in the past speaks for itself. He’s an outstanding quarterback and he’s got good players around him. It’s a big challenge for us this week. Great challenge for us as a matter of fact. Uncommon opponent, well-coached, disciplined, probably leading the league in sacks last two or three or four weeks. Really good edge rushers. ”

(On what to expect from Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin)
“Tom is always going to have a very disciplined team. They’re going to play hard and they’re well-coached, that’s what he does. His offense is going to run it. His defense is going to be aggressive. They’re good tacklers. It’s a team that’s built on fundamentals, that’s why he’s been so successful.”

(On what he wants the team to accomplish in final home game vs. the Giants)
“Our focus is on trying to find a way to win it. That’s where our focus is. It’s a challenge. This team has played well the last couple weeks. They had a stretch, they had a difficult stretch, much like us from an opponent standpoint. It was the Seattle, San Francisco and Dallas and Philly. It was those common opponents. They’ve settled down. They’ve played two good games as of late. ”

(On the Giants’ defense)
“Their sack numbers as I said. They’re playing well. I thought they put really good pressure on the RedSkins last week. The week before I think they had six or seven sacks against Tennessee. That’s been the difference, is they’re getting the quarterback on the ground.”

(On if considers CB E.J. Gaines a pleasant surprise)
“No. I wouldn’t say that. We drafted him because of his ability. We thought he had the ability to play in the league. He took advantage of an opportunity when ‘Tru’ (CB Trumaine Johnson) went down in the preseason game. He has not batted an eye since. If there’s any element of surprise, it would be his ability to jump inside and play the nickel spot as well as he has. The first half of the season or thereabouts, he was primarily just a corner and he jumps inside and plays it very well.”

(On his initial thoughts on Gaines)
“He’s an outstanding young man, he’s a very smart football player. Does his job. Does it well.”

(On how DT Michael Brockers has performed this year, the adjustments he’s made since DT Aaron Donald joined the line, and if he’s playing more nose tackle as opposed to left or right tackle)
“A little bit more. ‘Brock’ is healthy…he’s dealt with some ankle issues over the past couple years. He stayed healthy and his hands and upper body strength has improved. I think he’s learning to anticipate things, blocking combinations and those things. He’s had a good solid year.”

(On if QB Shaun Hill’s performance in the last two games can determine whether he will stay)
“We’ll address all that after the seasons over. No reason why we wouldn’t have interest in both Shaun and Austin (Davis). They’ve worked hard.”

(On if Well’s not practicing is because of an elbow injury)
“No, coach’s decision. He’s been taking Wednesdays off for the last month or so. (OL) Davin Joseph has been taking Thursdays off. So, he’ll probably take tomorrow off. I have to add him to the report as well.”

Rams QB Shaun Hill – December 17, 2014

(On what challenges the Giants present)
“Well, they’re a good defense. I think they’re fourth in the league in sacks. They get after the passer. They play good team defense.”

(On if the Giants ability to bring pressure affects his game plan)
“I mean, it just depends on the play. Every play has it’s specific design. It just depends on the play.”

(On the Giants success in getting to the quarterback over the last three weeks)
“Well they have good personnel and they play good team defense. Some of them are, ‘These guys can’t get open,’ and coverage things and some of them their guys up front just win and get there and some of them are pressures. They do all of those.”

(On if there was some frustration after not finding the end zone last week)
“Yeah, obviously. That’s our job is to score touchdowns and we didn’t get it done. Yeah, that was the frustrating part.”

(On what he would like to accomplish in the last home game of the season)
“A win. We’d like to win.”

(On if he thinks about what a potentially good last two weeks can do for his future as a Ram)
“Well for this team, it’s important for us to end the season on a high note. That’s win at home. That’s what we have this week. We’ll worry about next week, next week. Yeah, that’s our main focus is to win. I’ve seen it transpire into streaks going into the next year. Finishing on a high note can carry through an offseason. That’s something that’s very important to us.”

(On what can the offense do to play more consistent)
“Well, just stick with it. We play against professional football players also and they get paid to stop us. It’s going to happen at times. We’ve just got to stick with it and just keep grinding really. Some games are going to be like that and some of them are going to go our way. The main thing is to have that mental focus and that fortitude every week.”

(On the Giants secondary)
“They have some veterans that have been around a long time and know what they’re doing, play the scheme very well and make plays whenever they’re afforded the opportunity to make them. We’re going to have to be ready to go.”

(On if it’s tougher to fool veterans in the secondary as opposed to younger players)
“Yeah, they’ve kind of seen it all. Yeah, at times it can be, for sure.”

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – December 5, 2014

(On why they practiced the last half of practice outside and if there’s a lighter chance of rain)
“The forecast during the week was that there was a very good chance for showers throughout the day. As the week went on, it looks like probably a pretty good chance that it will have pushed through. Nonetheless, it’s still good experience to go out there and get the point across. There’s really no telling what the condition of the surface is going to be. I’m sure it will be covered and all that, but guys need to know that they can’t slip.”

(On what kind of a home field advantage Washington has)
“It’s a tough place to play. It’s a great fan base and they’re loud. You can tell on the tape. When you look at some of the other home games against some of these opponents, there’s some crowd-related mistakes. You’ve got to be sharp.”

(On OL Rodger Saffold returning to practice)
“Everybody practiced and I think everybody’s probable. I don’t’ think I have a player questionable on the list.”

(On if it’s been a while since he could have an injury report will all probable players)
“It’s been a while. It’s good stuff.”

(On P Johnny Hekker’s contract extension)
“Wanted to let you know that we are real excited to announce that we have agreed to a six-year deal with Johnny Hekker. Extended his contract, yes. So, real excited about that. He’s going to be our punter and passer for a long time (laughs).”

(On if he has plays in the playbook for Hekker)
“Oh yeah. We’ve got plenty. Actually, we’ve got some work to do. We’ve got to keep loading up that playbook of his.”

(On Hekker’s skill set as a punter)
“During the evaluation process when we came in here, obviously it was a tremendous task. League people were talking about how he dunks the basketball and does all that and then his ability to throw football and what he’d done in high school and school. That’s the kind of guy that we want back there running the punt team for us. He’s got a great group of teammates around him. He’s got a really a fine long snapper and he’s got a lot of good years ahead of him.”

(On if as a coach he likes when players are around a long time)
“Yes, especially as we’re planning for the future and things like that. Those discussions are ongoing.”

(On his sense of positive momentum with the team based on how they’ve played in the last five weeks and how that factor’s into having consecutive wins)
“We’ve played well. We’ve played hard. We’ve overcome some things. I think we could say that we’re improving and that’s the most important thing at this time of year is just to keep improving. Hopefully, that improvement will translate into back-to-back wins for us. We have an outstanding opponent ahead of us that we’re not familiar with.”

Rams Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams – December 5, 2014

(Opening Statement)
“I wanted to start off by saying my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Bryan Burwell. We lost a very good man in our profession. He was a friend of mine and I’m sure he was a friend your alls. Hopefully, one more time it’s a testament to enjoy what you’re doing while you’re doing it. Those kind of things are tough for all of us, but my thoughts and prayers are with his family and his friends.”

(On returning to Washington)
“Been a few years, but had kids go to school there and they did very well and they have a lot of fond memories back there. A lot of really good people back there, good organization. It will be nice. I think the hotel we’re staying in was the home hotel all those years when I was there with (Former Redskins Head) Coach (Joe) Gibbs and everybody. Been there before since I left there and it will be another good homecoming.”

(On if he wants to beat Washington)
“Always looking to win, not looking to apologize for anything once we get into competition. It will be a good game. We need win another game. We need to win two in a row. The guys have done a very good job of preparing. They’ve been very focused this week. There hasn’t been anything nonchalant about anything they’ve done. Their preparation has been very good. Really and every single week I’ve said that when I’ve come up here and I’m not saying that just to be talking about that. I’ve been very impressed with this young team on how hard they prepare and then how much they’ve improved and also in the areas that were needed. This will be another step. This is a good football team. They’ve got some explosive playmakers and we’re going to have to change some of the things that we’ve done here in the last several weeks. We’ve got to match-up right, we’ve got to communicate right and we’re going to have to do a good job tackling because this team can bust some big plays on you. Defensively, we’re going to have to try to negate those things.”

(On if there is anybody left at Washington from when he was there)
“There’s a lot of people inside the organization, yeah. Player wise, there’s still a couple of them that are there.”

(On if he ever felt like he was going to be the head coach at Washington)
“No, I’ve had those days have come and gone. I’ve enjoyed that opportunity. Maybe I’ll do it again one of these days. It’s a good organization, it really is, but I love the fact that I’m back in my home state with the St. Louis Rams and this is a great place to be.”

(On his perspective on why it’s been so difficult to win back-to-back games)
“You love that, is that it’s about detailing your work. Really, the next win is about what you’re doing that day. It doesn’t make any difference what you’ve done so far. It doesn’t make any difference about what you did the week before, how well we played the week before. You’ve got to go out and audition every week. Every day’s an interview, every week’s an interview, every game’s an interview. We need to go out there and do the things that help our team to win. It’s a team game. It’s just not one side of the ball. It’s just not one area. Special teams, offense, defense, it’s a team thing. We’ve done a good job of trying to compliment things that go on throughout the course of the game team wise. We’ve got to go out and do our part. This is a good football team we’re getting ready to play.”

(On if it’s harder to get his message across to the young team)
“Maybe sometimes, but not with this group. This group’s a focused group. I’ve not been challenged at any point in time where I’ve felt like things are falling on deaf ears. They want to be coached. There’s a craving of wanting to do right. I believe that this is a good group of pleasers. They just want to know how you want done, ‘Coach, how you want done?’ They’ve been going out there and improving and really working hard to improve each and every week.”

(On the emphasis of trying to win the turnover battle each week)
“It’s always in every week. That’s been a formula for an awful long time in the National Football League. It’s something that we preach an awful lot. You see how we practice with takeaway emphasis and balls on the ground and how we turn them into takeaways whether it’s an incomplete pass or not, every time the ball’s on the ground we’re treating it that way. So, yes that’s always a big determining factor and our guys have been doing a pretty good job with that.”

(On Redskins RB Alfred Morris)
“He’s got our attention on how he’s able to press the hole. He’s been a great one-cut runner. He’s more explosive than people give him credit for. When he gets out on the edge, he has a chance of turning a simple run into a big run because he can run through tackles. Individual tacklers have had to pay the price on him. We need to go a job of swarming. We need to do a good job of making sure we have more at the point of attack then they have at the point of attack, but he’s a good strong runner.”

(On the Redskins skill players)
“We’ve played against some receiver corps throughout this season that have been pretty explosive. This group fits right in there. They’re very complimentary of the skill sets that we’ve had to go against in our own division. We’ve got some top receivers in the National Football League in our division. They’ve collected some very explosive guys with varying skill sets. So, you just can’t play one specific technique on the whole group. One of the things we worked on all week long is how our technique, how our scheme, how our adjustments change depending upon who you’re lining up on. We need to do a good job of that because they can make you pay.”

(On the growth of LB Alec Ogletree in his second season)
“He’s done a very good job. When you say mistakes, it’s that he’s just continued to improve his technique also. Nobody makes a mistake on purpose, certainly not him, but he’s refined some of his techniques very well. He’s got great burst, great explosion and I think his comfortability about what we’re doing why we’re doing has fit in very well here, especially the last five or six weeks. He’s very comfortable in knowing what to do, when to do, when to pull the trigger, when to be maybe a little bit of a risk taker. He’s done a very good job of that.”

(On Ogletree’s ability to force turnovers)
“We point that out to him. I don’t always just chew on him. I don’t always just rip him all the time, but one of the things I pointed out very hard…(Defensive Line Coach) Mike Waufle when he talks about that part of the production each week in our game planning, we highlight guys that have a knack for putting their hand on the ball. We highlight guys that have a knack for stripping the football. You very seldom see Ogletree around a pile or around a tackle that he’s not making an attempt to take it away. Those are the things you like so we highlight that and we try to get other guys to emulate that and do the same thing. I think (S) Mark Barron does the same thing, too. I think he has a very unique skill set on how he’s able to do that when you guys focus on him when he’s tackling.”

(On what it meant to record a shutout last week)
“It was good. They’re very hard to come by. All the years I’ve been coaching they’re hard to come by. It’s good defensively for the morale of the team. It’s also good for the morale of just the individual defense that you’re not letting guys into scoring territory. So, it’s always good that way and that’s our job.”

(On Redskins QB Colt McCoy)
“He’s improved a lot since the last time I’ve had a chance to go against him. He’s very decisive. He’s running their offense. He’s communicating their offense very well. He’s moving around in the pocket well. He’s not just a pocket passer. They do a lot of things movement wise to put him out on the edge to try and get adjustments with you in that way. He’s done a pretty good job. I see a lot of progress in his game since the last time I’ve gone against him a few years ago when he was at Cleveland.”

Seems like they’re banged up.

———-

Jim Thomas ‏@jthom1 22m22 minutes ago

For Washington, DL Kedric Golston (foot/back) and CB Chase Minnifield (concussion) both listed as out. Minniefield started last week.

SS Brandon Meriweather, who has started last 10 games is doubtful w/toe injury.

Five Washington players listed as questionable: DE Jason Hatcher (knee), WR DeSean Jackson (shin), DL Chris Baker (chest)…

…(Questionable, cont.) CB E.J. Biggers (concussion); and MLB Keenan Robinson (knee). Of that group, Hatcher, Robinson, Jackson all starters.

***WR DeSean Jackson did not practice all week, so questionable may be optimistic assessment, or just one to keep Rams guessing.

from Rams will be without four Sunday

November, 21, 2014

By Nick Wagoner | ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/

Four players have already been ruled out. Defensive tackle Alex Carrington (knee), cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (groin), receiver Damian Williams (hamstring) and cornerback Marcus Roberson (ankle) have already been ruled out.

As for defensive end Chris Long, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said it’s possible but unlikely that Long will be activated for Sunday’s game. More likely, Long will have to wait until next week’s game against Oakland.

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

Out: DT Alex Carrington (knee), CB Lamarcus Joyner (groin), WR Damian Williams (hamstring), CB Marcus Roberson (ankle).

Questionable: TE Cory Harkey (quad), LS Jake McQuaide (back) and TE Jared Cook (back).

Probable: LB James Laurinaitis (foot), LB Daren Bates (groin), OL Davin Joseph (not injury related), LB Will Herring (foot).http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/

————–

Jim Thomas @jthom1
It’s official from NFL: No fine for Rams S Rodney McLeod on hit that knocked Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders out of game.

Jim Thomas @jthom1
Won’t be much suspense on pregame inactives this week: Carrington (knee), Joyner (groin), Williams (hamstring), Roberson (ankle) ruled out.

Jim Thomas @jthom1
TEs Harkey (quad) and Cook (back) were limited Friday and are listed as questionable.

Jim Thomas @jthom1
Despite heavy lobby by Chris Long, Fisher says it’s unlikely he’ll be activated this week from IR/designated for return list this week.

Jim Thomas @jthom1
Rest of Rams report: LBs Herring (foot), Laurinaitis (foot), and Bates (groin) all probable, as is RG Davin Joseph.

Jim Thomas @jthom1
New addition to injury report: long snapper Jake McQuaide (back). He’s questionable.

Jim Thomas @jthom1
Chargers injury report: QB Philip Rivers (chest) full participation all wk. As formality, listed as probable. He’s made 138 straight starts,

Jim Thomas @jthom1
More Chargers: Ryan Carrethers (elbow), who started last week at NT, is out. S Jahleele Addae (concussion symptoms) is questionable.

Jim Thomas @jthom1
And one to keep an eye on: C Rich Ohmberger (back/ankle) questionable. Did not practice all wk. His replacement would be rookie Chris Watt.

Rams report: Laurinaitis returns to practice

By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-report-laurinaitis-returns-to-practice/article_f9e8e667-bc8a-5b80-af9d-daba3226fc8e.html

With the Rams practicing indoors again for the second day in a row at Rams Park, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis was among three Rams to return to practice Thursday.

Laurinaitis, with a foot problem, was listed as limited on the team’s injury report Thursday after sitting out Wednesday’s workout.

Also returning after missing Wednesday were defensive end William Hayes (fibula) and defensive tackle Alex Carrington (quad). Hayes was full participation Thursday, while Carrington was limited.

On the minus side, after being limited Wednesday with a foot problem, linebacker Will Herring did not practice Thursday. Herring has been a core special teams performer since signing with the team in early October.

The rest of the team’s injury report remained unchanged from Wednesday: CB Marcus Roberson (ankle), LB Daren Bates (groin), CB Lamarcus Joyner (groin), and WR Damian Williams (hamstring) all did not practice for the second day in a row.

DE Chris Long practiced on a limited basis for the second consecutive day but isn’t expected to play Sunday as he works his way back from the injured reserve/designated for return list following September foot surgery.

For Denver the only change on the injury report was starting MLB Nate Irving, who was placed on the injured reserve list Thursday with a knee injury.

One again, RB Ronnie Hillman (foot) and TE Virgil Green (knee) did not practice. Two starters on Denver’s offensive line, LG Orlando Franklin (knee) and LT Ryan Clady (groin), were limited for the second day in a row

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – November 5, 2014

(On his thoughts on Governor Jay Nixon’s press and how he’s keeping the players from being distracted by rumors that the team’s moving)
“There’s no issues whatsoever with the players. We’ve not discussed anything with the players. Their focus, as well as the staff’s focus, is on the Arizona Cardinals.”

(On his personal reaction to the Governor’s press conference today)
“I haven’t paid attention to it, honestly. Again, I’m focused on this next game, okay. We’ll huddle up and I’m sure they’ll inform me as to what took place. Again, I’m in no place to comment. I’m coaching this team and this team’s playing the Cardinals. That’s where we are with that.”

(On if he thought the Cardinals would have the best record in the league at this point)
“You go back to last year and see what they did and how strong they finished. It doesn’t surprise us. (Cardinals Head Coach) Bruce (Arians) obviously, did a great job in Indy. He’s picked up this team and got them playing really well. They’re playing mistake-free football. Carson’s (Palmer) thrown two interceptions. They’re getting the ball back defensively and they’re playing real good special teams. This is going to be a next big challenge for us, but our guys are excited. We’ll get them back. We’ve got some guys that didn’t practice today. We hope we’ll get some guys back on the field tomorrow. They’re excited to put last weekend behind us and then try to put two in a row together.”

(On how much healthier the team is going into this week compared to last week)
“Last week I think we had 13 guys on the injury report and we had maybe 10 or so that didn’t practice. I think we had six or so that didn’t practice today. Again, each day’s important. We’ll probably get some guys back over the next couple of days.”

(On how he gets the point total back up and the offense back going)
“We had 14 points taken off the board last week. One was a special teams touchdown. One was a defensive touchdown. There’s some points there. Those are hidden points kind of things.”

(On if in his scorebook it was actually a 27-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers last week)
“Something like that, yeah. (WR) Tavon (Austin) had his third punt return called back.”

(On the running back situation and which back will get the start)
“One of them will start back there, unless, we go five wides or something like that, but I don’t know who that’s going to be (laughs). We’ve got good backs and they’ve all shown that at some point. We’ll figure it out.”

(On what he’s seen from RBs Zac Stacy and Tre Mason and their abilities to share reps)
“They just want to win. They want to contribute. They want to play a perfect game. They want to grade out 100 percent in pass protection and route distribution and things. They’re all practicing. They’re all working at it. They’re all very unselfish. I can certainly appreciate how Zac feels after last week, having been the only one to not play in the game. Zac is again, very unselfish and just waiting his turn and he’s an outstanding back as well.”

(On if he’s cognizant of players that haven’t played while the game is going on or is it one of those things that happens)
“It’s one of those things that happens. I was informed Monday that we had 43 of our 46 participate in at least one special teams play. Those things I find out after.”

(On if Stacy will be asked to play special teams)
“He’s done some stuff and is capable of doing things. It’s probably unlikely that we ask him to do that.”

(On if he’s missing WR Brian Quick in the offense)
“Yeah, he was productive. He was very productive until he got hurt. Someone else will have to step up. As I mentioned, we’ve played the second-ranked, fourth-and-fifth-ranked defense in the National Football League the last three weeks. They’re not giving up a lot of points. This team is not necessarily ranked as high in total yards, but in the run game they’re giving up 76-yards a game rushing. That makes it a big challenge for us because it gives them the opportunity to rush the passer, which they do, and you’re not going to have any sacks when you hand the football off. We have to figure out a way to do that against them.”

(On if it’s weird that they’re third in rushing defense and 32nd in pass defense and if he see’s anything on pass defense or are other teams getting garbage yards at the end)
“Yes. They’re getting up and teams are just throwing it and going two-minute. They’re giving up plays just to protect the end zone and things like that. It’s very, very misleading.”

(On the difference between containing 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick and Cardinals QB Carson Palmer)
“When something’s not there he’s going to try to escape, as compared to Carson. Carson is as good as there is in the league right now moving in the pocket and getting rid of the football. He’ll step up, particularly because he’s especially tall he can see. He just does a great job of moving in the pocket. He’s hard to get down.”

(On if the Cardinals secondary is opportunistic)
“Well, they’re creating pressure and they’re making plays. They’re a good man-to-man cover team and everybody’s having opportunities to get their hands on the balls and they’re making the plays.”

Rams QB Austin Davis – November 5, 2014

(On if he likes the later practices)
“Yeah it’s nice to get a little sleep, get a little rest. I think (Head) coach (Jeff Fisher) understands how important that is for us to sleep it a little bit, especially as we get later in the season.”

(On facing the 7-1 Arizona Cardinals)
“Arizona, their record speaks for itself, really good. Obviously, they’ve been doing some good things on offense. We’re focused on what they’re doing defensively. They’ve been very multiple, they’ve been very good, they’ve gotten after the quarterback. Huge, huge challenge for us. It’ll be a good test to see where we’re at. Another division game.”

(On if it’s accurate to say that he struggled early in Sunday’s before settling down later on in the game)
“Yeah I would say. You just make some bad plays and you’ve got to find a way to kind of calm yourself. Makes some good plays at the end to try and win the game. They’re not all going to be pretty. They’re not all going to be perfect. Hats off to our defense the way they played, just dominated the game, really. It’s awesome to come out of there with a win. Tough place to play.”

(On the running back situation with the emergence of RB Tre Mason)
“I think the running back by committee’s something we kind of stuck to. All of those guys have done a great job and Tre’s a young player coming into his own, getting a lot of carries and doing a heck of a job.”

(On if the team is affected by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon’s conference call that occurred this morning)
“I think we’re so focused on what we have in front of us and the task is so large we really don’t think about it. It’s far out of our control. Those decisions are way above us and we’ll just keep focusing on Arizona and worry about those things when they come.”

(On if the team talks about the stadium issues)
“Not really. Like I said, we’ve got too much going on, too much in front of us and way bigger fish to fry.”

(On how the Cardinals are 7-1)
“They’re a good football team. Their defense is number one in takeaways, so they create turnovers. We’ve got do a great job of protecting the football and that starts with me making better decisions and the running backs holding onto to the rock and the receivers doing the same. Create some turnovers and they’ve got great players. That’s what good football teams are made of. They combine that with a good scheme. They play confident. We’ve got to find a way to play a solid game. Go in there and do what we can do.”

(On if it affects him when he hands the ball off to the three running backs on different occasions)
“No, we work all those guys. We work on consistency. They’re all in the same places, for the most part. It’s not really an issue at all.”

(On if he will change his approach because the Cardinals are number one in takeaways)
“Yeah, I think a lot of their turnovers have come from pressure looks and guys just making bad decisions. I think we can do a good job of getting balls completed in those looks. There’s a lot of grass to run. It’s kind of a high risk, high reward type of defense. So far this year’s been a lot of reward.”

(On what challenges the Cardinals defense presents)
“I think the thing that’s consistent about what they do is they come in with a plan and they stick to it. It’s just going to be out ability to find out what that plan is and then adapt to it. There’s no way to prepare for it because you don’t know what it’s going to be. You see on film the things they do differently, it’s specific to one game. So, they do one thing…that was the (Philadelphia Eagles) ‘Philly’ game or that was this game. We’re anticipating anything. The way we handle that is we trust our rules, trust our training, and then we adapt as the game goes along.”

(On if the Cardinals defense plays with more four-man fronts than they have in previous years)
“Yeah they’re three-down personnel but a lot of four-down fronts. A lot of the offensive line covered, all five guys covered, call that a jam front. So, they’ll do all those things.”

(On the Cardinals run defense being ranked third in the NFL)
“I think they commit a lot of guys to it, a lot of guys to the run game. Play post-safety defense and trust their corners. They don’t have to have an extra guy in coverage because they trust those guys on the edge.”

(On the Cardinals pass defense being ranked 32nd in the NFL)
“I think stats can be very misleading. You never know the way games go, situations of games. Obviously, their record’s great so teams are down so they’re throwing the ball more late in the game. They’re softening up and giving up yards. We don’t look a lot at the stats. They’re definitely really good at stopping the run and we’re going to have to throw and complete the ball and do some things in the passing game.”

(On if he’s wondering if he will ever play a crummy defense after playing so many top defenses in a row)
“I don’t think any of them are crummy in this league. That’s what you learn right away every week’s a different challenge and a tough challenge.”

(On if he can tell when he’s playing an ‘elite’ defense)
“It’s a confidence thing. I think they play with a lot of confidence and if you allow them to keep that confidence throughout a game they’re going to be really tough to handle. We’ve got to do some things and move the ball and kind of frustrate them a little bit. Play our game.”