http://www.rams-news.com/rams-notes-bryant-promoted-from-practice-squad-mcgee-cut-pd/%5DRams notes: Bryant promoted from practice squad, McGee cut –PD
With just seconds to play in a win over the University of Wisconsin two years ago, Rams safety Christian Bryant feared his NFL dream had ended.

http://www.rams-news.com/long-wait-is-over-for-brian-quick-pd/%5DLong wait is over for Brian Quick –PD
Brian Quick was riding high last year at this time, with 16 catches for 235 yards through three games, one of those grabs being good for a 51-yard touchdown against Dallas.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-practice-report-102-quick-set-to-return-simmons/%5DRams Practice Report 10/2: Quick Set to Return –Simmons
It’s been a long road back from a serious shoulder injury for wide receiver Brian Quick, and all indications are that he will be on the field when the Rams take on the Cardinals in Arizona.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-report-wr-quick-to-see-first-action-of-2015-pd/%5DRams report: WR Quick to see first action of 2015 –PD
Wide receiver Brian Quick will be on the active roster Sunday when the Rams (1-2) take on the Arizona Cardinals (3-0) in a 3:25 p.m. NFC West showdown at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

http://www.rams-news.com/michael-brockers-were-playing-a-lot-faster-than-last-year-video/%5DMichael Brockers: We’re Playing A Lot Faster Than Last Year –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/brian-quick-cant-wait-to-get-out-there-with-my-brothers-video/%5DBrian Quick: Can’t Wait to Get Out There With My Brothers –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/gregg-williams-our-guys-are-preparing-in-a-very-good-way-video/%5DGregg Williams: Our Guys Are Preparing In A Very Good Way –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-weve-got-a-good-sense-of-what-theyre-doing-video/%5DJeff Fisher: We’ve Got A Good Sense of What They’re Doing –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/laurinaitis-kenny-britt-probable-to-play-against-arizona-wagoner/Laurinaitis, Kenny Britt probable to play against Arizona –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams made some roster moves Friday as their injury report indicated a need for another safety. So the Rams released cornerback Brandon McGee and called up safety Christian Bryant from the practice squad.

http://www.rams-news.com/run-first-rams-struggles-go-beyond-the-basics-wagoner/%5DRun-First Rams’ Struggles Go Beyond the Basics –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams’ offseason left zero doubt about the offensive identity they were trying to forge.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-see-cardinals-as-a-lot-better-with-carson-palmer-back-wagoner/%5DRams See Cardinals as ‘a Lot Better’ with Carson Palmer Back –Wagoner
It’s not exactly a groundbreaking observation to note the influence quarterback Carson Palmer has on the Arizona Cardinals’ offense when he’s behind center.

http://www.rams-news.com/the-rams-are-better-than-you-think-an-extensive-st-louis-cap-analysis/%5DThe Rams are Better than you Think: An Extensive St. Louis Cap Analysis
I’m not saying the Rams are Super Bowl bound. I’m not saying the Rams are a top tier NFL team. However, I do believe the Rams have one of the healthiest cap structures in in the NFL.

http://www.rams-news.com/john-robinson-talks-rams-vs-cardinals/%5DJohn Robinson Talks Rams vs Cardinals

http://www.rams-news.com/fisher-up-front-arizona-preview-video/%5DFisher Up Front: Arizona Preview –Video

Rams receiver Brian Quick set to make season debut

Nick Wagoner, ESPN Staff Writer

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/22071/rams-receiver-brian-quick-set-to-make-season-debut

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams offered an answer to the most-asked question about one of their players last week when they made running back Todd Gurley active for his first NFL game.

No sooner had those questions dried up when the focus quickly turned to when receiver Brian Quick would make his 2015 season debut after returning from a serious shoulder injury.

Unlike with Gurley, coach Jeff Fisher left no doubt when asked about Quick on Friday.

“[He] had a great week, I hope it carries over into the game,” Fisher said.

Asked if that meant Quick would be active this week, Fisher repeated himself.

“I hope it carries over into the game,” Fisher said, a smile creeping across his face.

In other words, there won’t be some pregame workout in which coaches monitor Quick or any charades about game-time decisions. Instead, Quick, nearly a year after suffering the shoulder injury that cost him the final half of the 2014 season, will be up and playing on Sunday.

Quick said he had a good idea that this was his time earlier in the week when he started getting some reps with the first-team offense. It was hard to decipher at the time whether that was a function of Quick being elevated, receiver Kenny Britt’s absence because of a shoulder injury or something in between.

But with Britt back in practice Friday, Quick continued to get the reps and was clearly excited about making his return.

“[It’s been] a long time coming,” Quick said. “I’m just ready to go out there and take advantage of the opportunity I have.”

Quick’s absence in the first three weeks has brought persistent questions about his status. Was he not fully healed? If he wasn’t fully healed, why wasn’t he on the injury report? Conspiracy theorists even wondered if he’d done something to get in trouble.

To hear Quick tell it, though, it was simply a matter of getting back up to speed both physically and mentally during the past year. By his own admission, Quick missed valuable time last season and then didn’t get to participate in organized team activities in the spring. Even when he returned with some limitations in training camp, he found himself playing catch up as he returned to an offense with a new coordinator in Frank Cignetti.

On Friday, Quick wouldn’t point to one issue that kept him inactive the first three weeks of the season but said it was all-encompassing.

“It was everything, period,” Quick said. “Just getting back to the speed that I need to get back to. I’m still working.”

Quick spent the first three weeks of practice working with the scout team almost exclusively, but he started ratcheting up the work with starters this week without Britt. Fisher took notice of how well Quick did when he stepped in.

“And he stepped right in there and literally was flawless with his reps,” Fisher said. “He knows exactly what to do.”

How much or what, exactly, Quick’s role will be Sunday against Arizona remains to be seen. Like with Gurley and the run game last week, it’s wise not to expect Quick to be some sort of panacea for a struggling offense.

But it can’t hurt to have Quick back, either. He was the team’s leading receiver when he got hurt last year and is a solid blocker on the outside in the run game. And the one benefit of not playing in the first three weeks is that he has fresh legs going into a game against a strong secondary.

As for his nerves, Quick doesn’t think he’ll have butterflies as the game approaches.

“I’m going to take the same approach I always do as far as staying calm and staying focused,” Quick said. “As an offense, you have to be calm and just do the little things right. It’s about details. You can’t go out there and bust assignments and do the wrong thing. You have to be calm and take care of your business.”

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-chargers-marriage-for-inglewood-site-may-not-work-pd/%5DRams, Chargers Marriage for Inglewood Site May Not Work –PD
With two sites in the Los Angeles area vying for teams, and three “home markets” fighting to keep their teams from leaving, the NFL relocation issue is a Rubik’s Cube of scenarios and potential solutions.

http://www.rams-news.com/barron-flourishing-in-safetylinebacker-hybrid-role-for-rams-pd/%5DBarron Flourishing in Safety/Linebacker Hybrid Role for Rams –PD
Mark Barron was a first-round draft pick in 2012 out of Alabama, and started 37 games in nearly 2½ seasons with Tampa Bay before last year’s late October trade sent him to the Rams.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-preparing-for-same-old-dominant-larry-fitzgerald-wagoner/%5DRams Preparing for Same Old Dominant Larry Fitzgerald –Wagoner
As one of the three teams Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has played against the most in his NFL career, it stands to reason that Fitzgerald’s numbers against the St. Louis Rams would be impressive.

http://www.rams-news.com/james-laurinaitis-kenny-britt-upgraded-on-estimated-injury-report-wagoner/%5DJames Laurinaitis, Kenny Britt upgraded on ‘estimated’ injury report –Wagoner
For the second week in a row, the St. Louis Rams had some changes on their Thursday injury report despite not practicing.

http://www.rams-news.com/mmqbs-andy-benoits-film-breakdown-rams-vs-steelers/%5DMMQB’s Andy Benoit’s Film Breakdown: Rams Vs. Steelers

http://www.rams-news.com/nick-foles-says-the-rams-offensive-struggles-start-with-him-wagoner/%5DNick Foles Says the Rams’ Offensive Struggles Start with Him –Wagoner
Three weeks into the NFL season, the St. Louis Rams have the league’s lowest-ranked offense, mustering an average of 274.3 yards per game. While coach Jeff Fisher and his group insist they’re on the verge of a breakthrough, it’s hard to see that level of progress from the outside.

http://www.rams-news.com/stan-kroenke-now-forbes-second-wealthiest-nfl-owner-wagoner/%5DStan Kroenke Now Forbes’ Second-wealthiest NFL Owner –Wagoner
Earlier this week, Forbes magazine released its ranking of the 400 wealthiest Americans with estimated values for each person. As you’d suspect, any list of the richest Americans is sure to include members of one of the most exclusive clubs around: NFL owners.

http://www.rams-news.com/with-guessing-game-over-todd-gurley-could-be-in-line-for-more-work-wagoner/%5DWith Guessing Game over, Todd Gurley Could be in Line for More Work –Wagoner
Now that the question of when St. Louis Rams rookie running back Todd Gurley will make his debut has been answered, the focus has shifted to when Gurley will be ready to take on an expanded role in the offense and offer the production that goes with it.

http://www.rams-news.com/week-4-preview-rams-at-cardinals/%5DWeek 4 Preview: Rams at Cardinals

http://www.rams-news.com/kurt-warner-talks-rams-and-arizona-cardinals-audio/%5DKurt Warner Talks Rams and Arizona Cardinals –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/jason-cole-la-committee-has-very-strong-support-of-st-louis-audio/%5DJason Cole: LA Committee Has ‘Very Strong Support of St. Louis’ –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/steve-mariucci-gives-his-preception-of-the-rams-audio/%5DSteve Mariucci Gives his Preception of the Rams –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/cbs-sports-week-4-nfl-preview-rams-at-cardinals-video/%5DCBS Sports Week 4 NFL Preview: Rams at Cardinals –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/wagoner-rams-current-struggles-be-tied-into-the-rams-preseason-gameplan-audio/%5DWagoner: Rams Current Struggles be Tied into the Rams Preseason Gameplan? –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/james-laurinaitis-we-want-to-make-palmer-uncomfortable-in-the-pocket-video/%5DJames Laurinaitis: We Want to Make Palmer Uncomfortable in the Pocket –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/jared-cook-its-about-getting-better-every-week-video/%5DJared Cook: It’s About Getting Better Every Week –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/todd-gurley-weve-got-to-get-the-job-done-video/%5DTodd Gurley: We’ve Got to Get the Job Done –Video

Practice Report 9/30: Gurley’s Ready for More

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-930-Gurleys-Ready-for-More/4b87dd3c-8db5-4745-a953-cc43b2012d72

The production and result were not the desired outcomes, but from a health standpoint, running back Todd Gurley’s debut on Sunday was a success.

“I was fine, I felt good,” Gurley said of his recovery on Monday. “Just a little bit of soreness. It was nothing too crazy.”

As you might expect, the running back said he’s glad to have the ballgame out of the way.

“It definitely felt good just to get that first one out,” Gurley said.

While Gurley tallied only 9 yards on six carries and had one 5-yard reception, offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said he was encouraged by what he saw out of the rookie running back.

“I thought he made good run reads,” Cignetti said. “I thought he was decisive. I thought he had good vision.”

That vision is likely a factor for why head coach Jeff Fisher said on Monday that Gurley was close to breaking off a few long runs. Gurley said he noticed the same when he reviewed the game film.

“About two or three runs like that,” Gurley said. “But, you know, it’s football. It’s just like coach harps on — it’s the little details. So that’s why we practice and hopefully we can take that over to the game.”

And when it comes to those close runs, offensive lineman Rodger Saffold said he thinks it’s only a matter of time before they are executed properly.

“He’ll get there. Things are going to get there,” Saffold said. “Things are going to open up because it’s just one or two small things from breaking open.”

Quarterback Nick Foles said Wednesday he has been impressed with what he’s seen from Gurley in practice. The quarterback praised the rookie’s maturity, calling him a smooth running back who will be an explosive runner.

“He doesn’t run like a rookie. He runs like a guy who is sure of himself and knows who he is as a player,” Foles said. “He’s coming off of an injury as well and he’s playing his first game in the NFL, so I know there’s a lot of nerves, but each and every day he comes out to practice and works his butt off. He looks great in practice, and I know he’s going to show it on the field.”

One of the adjustments Gurley has made is running in an outside zone scheme. The running back said he didn’t do any of that in college, and he’s getting better at playing in it.

“It just takes repetition,” Gurley said. “Just keep getting reps at it an looking at other teams’ outside zone schemes and learning from that and watching film with each other, with the O-line. So we’ll get it down pat, get this thing rolling soon.”


If there is one improvement Gurley wants to make immediately, it’s breaking tackles. The running back sounded disappointed he wasn’t able to get past one player into the next level on Sunday.

“It’s the NFL and all, but for me, I’ve got a mindset whether it’s the NFL or not, I shouldn’t let one defender tackle me,” Gurley said.

And while Gurley’s looking forward to getting back on the field on Sunday, he’s not going to push for more touches.

“You can have one carry and it’s for 80 yards,” Gurley said, adding the most important thing for him is the team winning. “I’ll let the coaches decide that. I don’t call the plays.”

INJURY REPORT

There were five Rams listed on the injury report on Wednesday, all of whom did not practice.

Running back Chase Reynolds and defensive end Eugene Sims are closer to returning, but still sidelined with knee injuries. Safety Maurice Alexander suffered a groin injury in Sunday’s game. As Fisher said Tuesday, wide receiver Kenny Britt is dealing with a minor shoulder issue and did not practice Wednesday either. And linebacker James Laurinaitis received a rest day.

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

With strong play in all three phases, the Cardinals have jumped out to a 3-0 start to their season. Offensively, a significant reason why they are executing so well is the re-emergence of quarterback Carson Palmer.

Palmer suffered the second torn ACL of his career in 2014, but has been able to come back in even better shape, according to Arizona head coach Bruce Arians.

“I tell you, it’s amazing. Sports science today is so unbelievable,” Arians said Wednesday. “He’s probably fitter and stronger and better fit than he was when he was 30 or 31. Just the things that he did with his body, his core is so much stronger. His legs are obviously stronger, but it’s also helped his arm.”

Palmer has completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 803 yards with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. We’ll have more on Palmer and the Cardinals’ offense in our Opponent Breakdown post later in the week.

REPORT: St. Louis Rams Will Sign WR Nick Toon

@3k_ on Sep 28, 2015, 12:59p 35

After working out for the Rams last week, it sounds like Nick Toon will be joining the active roster.

#Rams to sign WR Nick Toon, per source. Toon had workouts with #Rams and #Seahawks last week.

— Ross Jones (@RossJonesFOX) September 28, 2015

This comes on the heels of Toon’s workout, along with six other wideouts, last week.

The obvious suggested implication? WR Brian Quick is done. After the serious shoulder and rotator cuff injury he suffered last year, he nearly had his career cut short for him:

Quick hasn’t appeared on any injury reports and Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher has been committed to his shoulder’s rehabilitation throughout the process. So it’s a bit strange that perhaps aside from the injury issue Quick has been among the inactives for each of the Rams’ three games. For the 33rd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Rams just never were able to get him to reach his potential aside from the early four game stretch to kick off the 2014 season.

No word on a corresponding move to adjust the 53-man for Toon’s arrival as yet…

http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/9/28/9409889/st-louis-rams-nick-toon-signing-brian-quick

• This topic was modified 10 years, 5 months ago by Agamemnon.
• This topic was modified 10 years, 5 months ago by Agamemnon.

That seems awfully low to me. I would think
there were a lot more than that.

w
v

===============================
http://thinkprogress.org/sports/2015/09/21/3703665/the-human-toll-of-2-weeks-of-nfl-football/

Just two weeks into the current season, about 15 percent of all NFL football players have already officially suffered an injury.

According to official statistics released by the NFL, 234 players were dealing with various kinds of injuries heading into the the second week of play. This includes 12 concussions, two neck injuries, and one other unspecified injury to the head. There were also 40 knee injuries.

During the second week of play, another 16 players suffered injuries so severe that they needed to be removed from the game. (More injuries will be identified as teams prepare their Week 3 injury reports.) Bills safety Aaron Williams suffered a neck injury and was taken off the field via ambulance.

The rate of injuries this year is not out of the ordinary for the NFL. In the 2013-14 season there were more than 1,300 injuries, including 87 concussions, over the course of play. (Although the rate through Week 2 appears greater than this, it also includes injuries that have been sustained during the pre-season.)

The NFL implemented a number of changes this year that were intended to reduce the number of injuries. In March, NFL owners agreed to eliminate “all chop blocks and peel blocks by running backs outside the tackle box,” ban “players from pushing teammates at the line of scrimmage in order to block punts” and expand “defenseless-player protection to include interception returns.” None of these arcane changes have had any noticeable impact on the total number of injuries thus far. The NFL claims that previous rule changes have reduced the number of concussions sustained by NFL players.

A study released last Friday of 91 deceased NFL players found 87 tested positive for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CPE), a brain disease linked to repetitive brain trauma.
===================

http://www.rams-news.com/donald-wont-be-rooting-for-steelers-this-week-pd/%5DDonald won’t be rooting for Steelers this week –PD
Aaron Donald has never owned a Terrible Towel. He’s never even attended a Steelers game in person. But the Pittsburgh native cannot tell a lie. He grew up watching his hometown Steelers on television, and rooting hard.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-face-enormous-challenge-against-steelers-defense/%5DRams Face Enormous Challenge Against Steelers Defense
Talk about tests. It’s a big one the St. Louis Rams will face Sunday when they return home from a spanking from the Washington Redskins to play a Pittsburgh Steelers team that gets running back Le’Veon Bell back from a two-game suspension.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-report-gurley-says-hes-ready-to-play-if-asked-pd/%5DRams Report: Gurley says he’s ready to play if asked –PD
Last week, prior to the Rams’ loss to Washington, rookie running back Todd Gurley was asked what he would answer if coach Jeff Fisher asked if he were ready to play. His answer: “I don’t know.”

http://www.rams-news.com/todd-gurley-not-listed-on-injury-report-wagoner/%5DTodd Gurley Not Listed on Injury Report –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams only had two players listed on Wednesday’s injury report. Neither of them is running back Todd Gurley.

http://www.rams-news.com/james-laurinaitis-i-hate-losing-more-than-i-like-winning-video/%5DJames Laurinaitis: I Hate Losing More Than I Like Winning –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rodger-saffold-youre-going-to-see-a-big-upswing-in-focus-this-week-video/%5DRodger Saffold: You’re Going to See A Big Upswing In Focus This Week –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/nick-foles-we-need-to-run-the-ball-to-open-things-up-video/%5DNick Foles: We Need To Run the Ball to Open Things Up –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/todd-gurley-when-the-time-comes-it-comes-video/%5DTodd Gurley: When the Time Comes, It Comes –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/john-fassel-tavons-decision-making-was-excellent-video/%5DJohn Fassel: Tavon’s Decision Making Was Excellent –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/frank-cignetti-we-have-high-expectations-of-ourselves-video/%5DFrank Cignetti: We Have High Expectations of Ourselves –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-press-conference-923-video/%5DJeff Fisher Press Conference: 9/23 –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/opponents-completing-81-percent-against-rams-ap/%5DOpponents Completing 81 Percent Against Rams –AP
Kirk Cousins had just four incomplete passes against the St. Louis Rams in the Washington Redskins’ Week 2 victory. It only gets tougher for the secondary, with Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer and Aaron Rodgers coming up.

http://www.rams-news.com/steelers-rams-preview-ap/%5DSteelers-Rams Preview –AP
The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to add the NFL’s second-leading rusher from a year ago to complement the league’s current second-best rusher.

http://www.rams-news.com/mike-tomlin-sees-greatness-in-rams-hard-working-aaron-donald-wagoner/%5DMike Tomlin Sees Greatness in Rams’ Hard-Working Aaron Donald –Wagoner
Speaking to St. Louis media on Wednesday afternoon, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had already showered St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald with praise when he was asked about the greatness of one of his players, receiver Antonio Brown.

http://www.rams-news.com/aaron-donald-to-his-pittsburgh-family-better-root-for-the-rams-on-sunday-wagoner/%5DAaron Donald to his Pittsburgh family: ‘Better root for the Rams’ on Sunday –Wagoner
As the ticket requests for this week rolled in, St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald had just one stipulation for his many family members flying in from Pittsburgh.

http://www.rams-news.com/fisher-expects-old-friend-mike-munchak-to-try-to-slow-rams-pass-rush-wagoner/%5DFisher expects old friend Mike Munchak to try to slow Rams pass rush –Wagoner
When he arrived as the new head coach of the St. Louis Rams in 2012, Jeff Fisher was able to get most of his original band back together.

http://www.rams-news.com/leveon-bell-set-to-return-against-rams-wagoner/%5DLe’Veon Bell set to return against Rams –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams got some bad news before the season even started when Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell’s three-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse was reduced to two games.

http://www.rams-news.com/stop-blaming-the-players-this-is-jeff-fishers-team-alexander/%5DStop Blaming the players, this is Jeff Fisher’s team –Alexander
One of the first things that concerned me about the St. Louis Rams’ first road game of the 2015 season was that there was going to be some sort of hangover after beating Seattle Seahawks in the home opener last week.

http://www.rams-news.com/big-ben-steelers-will-keep-going-for-2-video/%5DBig Ben: Steelers will keep going for 2 –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/nick-wagoner-on-how-the-rams-are-preparing-for-the-steelers-audio/%5DNick Wagoner On How the Rams are Preparing for the Steelers –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/carey-davis-on-the-tall-task-at-hand-for-the-rams-dealing-with-this-steelers-offense-audio/%5DCarey Davis on the Tall Task at Hand for the Rams Dealing with this Steelers Offense –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-the-players-have-a-short-memory-which-is-important-audio/%5DJeff Fisher: The Players Have A Short Memory, Which Is Important –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/aaron-donald-we-have-to-do-our-job-and-execute-video/%5DAaron Donald: We Have to Do Our Job and Execute –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/robert-quinn-weve-got-to-start-fast-and-stop-the-explosive-plays-video/%5DRobert Quinn: We’ve Got To Start Fast and Stop the Explosive Plays –Video

Practice Report 9/23: Gurley Prepping for Possible Debut

Myles Simmons

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-practicereport/Practice-Report-923-Gurley-Prepping-for-Possible-Debut/c86b1957-1668-4559-ad91-70e76c05f37e

Around the league, Wednesday is considered one of the most important practice days of the week. It’s typically the session teams will go full speed and perhaps put on pads, given its proximity from the previous and upcoming game.

This week, Wednesday was a full-go practice for nearly everyone on the Rams’ active roster — including running back Todd Gurley. While Jeff Fisher has not yet tipped his hand as to whether or not the rookie will make his debut on Sunday, the head coach has said the team is ramping up Gurley’s reps. And the running back looks good on the practice field.

“He’s had two good days. He had a good day today in pads and he had a good day in the three-quarter speed practice yesterday,” said Fisher, who did not list Gurley on the injury report. “He’ll get a day off tomorrow and we’ll see how he is Friday.”

Not only is he looking good, but he’s also feeling that way, too.

“Today was a great day,” Gurley said. “I really wasn’t thinking about it too much. I was just going out there and doing me. It felt good.”

“Wednesday is our big day, so they wanted to see how I felt from Wednesday to tomorrow,” Gurley added. “We’ll have tomorrow off, and then we’ll see how it goes on Friday to Saturday.”

Given that Gurley has been rehabbing his knee since late last year, one of the factors with him returning to the game field has been getting into football shape. Gurley said Wednesday ramping up his reps has been helpful in that process.

“It’s definitely getting there,” Gurley said. “I know as far as recovery — recovery from being tired — I definitely feel a lot better. I feel like I’ve been doing a great job with that. And getting those reps is helping me a lot.”

The running back’s teammates have noticed the progress he’s made on the practice field. Though they don’t know whether or not Gurley will play either, they recognize the kind of impact he can make on the offense.

“Todd’s a talented guy,” quarterback Nick Foles said. “We all know what he did in college. He looks great in practice. He’s looking good moving around — great vision, and a real smooth runner.”

“I think he’s just another threat on the offensive side of the ball that defenses have to worry about,” right guard Rodger Saffold said. “It’s just another time to get another good player on the field.”

Gurley has maintained throughout the process that he won’t do much lobbying of the coaches to play. Instead, he’s letting his performance during the week do the talking.

“What I do outside in practice, that’ll give them a feel for how I feel and what they believe, and what they see,” Gurley said. “So it’s what I bring on the practice field that can only determine the outcome.”

And so as everyone waits to see whether Gurley will debut on Sunday, the running back said he’s just going with the flow. That is, with one caveat.

“Just going with practice and taking it a day at a time. Not looking too far ahead,” he said, later adding, “I definitely feel like myself again.”

YOUNG OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Rookie offensive linemen Rob Havenstein and Jamon Brown now have two games under their belts, and the reviews have come back positive for both.

“I think they’re doing a good job,” offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti said Wednesday. “They’re doing a great job preparing. They come out here and practice very well, and you can see in the first two weeks that there’s progress being made.”

Saffold, the veteran of the offensive line group, has already seen plenty of growth from the two rookies, and is looking forward to more.

“We’re just getting started,” Saffold said. “They’re going to be seeing some of the guys they’ve probably looked up to right across from them, so this is the way of being a rookie and going along with the ups and downs of the season. We’re trying to constantly stay up, so consistency, once again, is a big thing.”

For more on Havenstein and Brown, be sure to check out our feature story on both of them on the site tomorrow.

MORE PRAISE FOR DONALD

As discussed yesterday in this space, Sunday’s game represents a homecoming of sorts for Aaron Donald. The defensive tackle is not only from Pittsburgh, but also attended the University of Pittsburgh where he starred for the Panthers.

All that, of course, is common knowledge — as is Donald’s relentless work ethic. And Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided another example of how the Defensive Rookie of the Year continued to make himself better even in the dead of winter.

“Aaron Donald, besides being a special player, is a special man,” Tomlin said on a conference call with St. Louis media. “I’ve gotten to know him over the years being a neighbor over here at Pitt.”

“It was a week after the Pro Bowl and I saw him in that parking lot every morning because he was coming over to get his work like he normally does at the University of Pittsburgh,” Tomlin continued. “I saw him just about every morning in February. When a lot of guys are on beaches and vacationing, this guy was getting out of his car at 6:30 in the morning to work out. That’s not out of character based on the things that I know about him.”

Both Fisher and Tomlin are members of the competition committee, and Fisher noted on Wednesday the Steelers head coach mentioned that Donald story in one of the committee’s offseason meetings.

“Nothing different,” Fisher said of Donald. “He just gets up in the morning and goes to work and works out. He’s all about business. It’s certainly paid off for him.”

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.