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  • September 18, 2014 at 8:53 pm #7811

    In reply to: Hill coming back? Progress? Wagoner, Thomas, etc.

    RamBill
    Participant

    Hill still limited, Wells returns Thursday
    By Nick Wagoner

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Here’s the full breakdown:

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

    Limited participation: Hill (thigh/calf)

    Full participation: Wells (not injury related)

    September 18, 2014 at 1:38 am #7753

    Topic: Rams notebook: McDonald's big game falls short of NFC recognition/PD

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    Rams notebook: McDonald’s big game falls short of NFC recognition
    • By Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-mcdonald-s-big-game-falls-short-of-nfc/article_b46cdd31-d95e-5142-babb-9096b7126f77.html

    Rams coach Jeff Fisher is not sure what more T.J. McDonald can do.

    Despite blocking a punt and a field goal in the Rams’ 19-17 win over the Buccaneers in Tampa on Sunday, McDonald was beaten out by Arizona’s Ted Ginn Jr. for NFC special teams player of the week.

    “They were huge plays,’’ the coach said. “In a two-point game, to block a field goal and a punt and be the same person who did it. I would think you would get a little bit of consideration for (the award). Apparently, those people that voted must have thought we had a bye week last week or something. I don’t know what’s going on.

    “Again, Ted Ginn’s a really good player and I have nothing against Ted, but I thought maybe (T.J.) would’ve got some consideration.’’

    McDonald, a second-year safety from USC, did a little of everything Sunday. In addition to finishing as team co-leader in tackles (nine) and adding a quarterback pressure, he blocked a punt that led to a field goal that helped the Rams take a 10-7 lead to the half and later blocked a field goal on the opening play of the fourth quarter.

    Then, on the game’s final play, he delivered a big hit on Bucs rookie Mike Evans that forced a 10-second runoff to secure the Rams’ first win of 2014.

    Ginn returned a punt 71 yards early in the final quarter to help the Cardinals overtake the Giants and win 25-14 Sunday. Ginn has won the award three times — with three different teams.

    “It’s not frustrating to me at all because we got the win and that’s all the matters,’’ McDonald said after helping the Rams block a punt and field goal in the same game for the first time since 1979. “I went out there and made plays and helped our team win.’’

    McDonald’s blocks came on similar-looking plays. From the left side, he cut inside the last Tampa Bay blocker to make the plays — with a little help from defensive end William Hayes.

    “It’s something we work on in practice. It’s just a matter of getting an opportunity and taking advantage,’’ McDonald said. “On the first one, I got there easier than I expected, so I told Will that if you can grab that guy’s arm, I’d be able to get in there again.

    “He grabbed it and I was able to get through the gap.’’

    McDonald, 23, sees special teams as a continuation of his defensive responsibilities.

    “I’m a defensive player and I treat (special teams) as defensive snaps,’’ he said. “I work my butt off on defense to get to fourth down, so I might as well finish it.’’

    On the game’s final play, Evans made a leaping catch on a 29-yard pass from Josh McCown that put Tampa Bay into field goal range at the Rams’ 32.

    But McDonald’s hit left Evans unable to continue and, because the Bucs had already used their three timeouts, the officials applied the mandatory 10-second runoff to end the game.

    “It was a big hit. It kind of boggled me a little bit,’’ Evans told the Tampa Bay Times.

    “I heard him on the ground. He was making some noises, so I knew it wasn’t good (for him),’’ McDonald said. “He was exchanging words with a lot of guys on the defense, so it was a good feeling to end the game like that. Not to hurt him, but to end the game with a big play.’’

    TOUGH CALL ON DUNBAR

    A very questionable roughing-the-passer call on Rams linebacker Jo-Lon Dunbar in the fourth quarter turned a fourth-and-5 from the Tampa 23 into a first down and led to the Bucs taking a 17-16 lead with just over 5 minutes to play.

    “It’s frustrating … and my pockets might feel the brunt of it,’’ the seventh-year pro said. “I thought I pretty much did it the way you’re supposed to. I hit him in the shoulder.’’Fisher said he understood the call but didn’t necessarily agree with it.

    “The referee’s responsibility, as soon as anybody gets near the quarterback, is to come off the tackle … and go to the quarterback,’’ Fisher said. “The issue is that the quarterback is between him and the contact, so he can’t see it. So the assumption is that the contact was high — in the helmet, head (or) neck area — so he threw the flag.’’

    Last year, when McCown was with the Bears, the Rams’ Michael Brockers was flagged for a similarly questionable roughing-the-passer call. Brockers was not fined.

    INJURY REPORT

    Sitting out practice Wednesday were receiver Tavon Austin (knee), tight end Cory Harkey (knee) and center Scott Wells (not injury related). Center Barrett Jones (back) and cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee) are not expected to practice for at least a couple of more weeks.

    Quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh) and defensive back Brandon McGee (foot) were limited during Wednesday’s practice.

    For Dallas, six players sat out Wednesday’s workout. They were quarterback Tony Romo (back), receiver Dez Bryant (shoulder), linebacker Rolando McClain (groin), linebacker Justin Durant (groin), running back Joseph Randle (concussion) and defensive tackle Davon Coleman (knee).

    Defensive end Antonio Spencer (knee), defensive tackle Ken Bishop (illness) and tight end Gavin Escobar were limited while defensive end Lavar Edwards (knee) and guard Zack Martin (foot) were full participants in Wednesday’s workout.

    RAM-BLING

    As expected, the Rams signed defensive tackle Matt Conrath to the practice squad. A third-year pro from Virginia, Conrath was waived on Monday to create a spot on the roster for receiver Stedman Bailey.

    September 16, 2014 at 1:13 am #7544

    In reply to: Fisher – Hill's the starter

    RamBill
    Participant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    When healthy, Shaun Hill is his starting QB.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    September 14, 2014 at 2:47 pm #7256

    Topic: Rams/Bux injury report + JT on inactives etc.

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    ST. LOUIS RAMS INJURIES

    Player Position Injury Practice Status Game Status

    Chris Long DE — Did Not Participate In Practice Out
    Trumaine Johnson CB Knee Did Not Participate in Practice Out
    Barrett Jones C Back Did Not Participate in Practice Out
    Lamarcus Joyner S Back Did Not Participate in Practice Questionable
    Shaun Hill QB Thigh Limited Practice Participation Questionable

    TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS INJURIES

    Player Position Injury Practice Status Game Status

    Michael Johnson DE Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice Out
    Rashaan Melvin CB Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice Out
    Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice Out
    Adrian Clayborn DE Elbow Did Not Practice/Out Out
    Demar Dotson T Hamstring Full Practice Participation Probable
    Dennis Bowers DE Abdomen Full Practice Participation Questionable
    William Gholston DE Shoulder Full Practice Participation Questionable
    Logan Mankins G Knee Full Practice Participation Questionable
    Bradley Dougald S Knee Full Practice Participation Questionable
    Doug Martin RB Knee Limited Practice Participation

    September 13, 2014 at 2:00 am #7074

    In reply to: Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph)

    RamBill
    Participant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    INJURY REPORT

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

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

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

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

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

    TAKING A CHANCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    RAM-BLINGS

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

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

    September 12, 2014 at 9:04 pm #7036

    In reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc.

    RamBill
    Participant

    Rams vs. Buccaneers: Contenders for No. 1 draft pick?
    • By Jeff Gordon

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/rams-vs-buccaneers-contenders-for-no-draft-pick/article_574c5432-4444-55c3-be81-432ccf90540e.html

    Jeff Gordon looks at the game between the St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa:

    THE MATCH-UP

    Two of the league’s worst teams square off in the worst game of the week. Both teams are eager to turn the page after losing their opener.

    The loser of this game moves right into the race for the first overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.

    SCOUTING THE BUCCANEERS

    Like the Rams, this team hopes to climb back to prominence with a stout defense. DT Gerald McCoy and linebacker OLB Lavonte David are two of the more disruptive defenders in the league.

    Head coach Lovie Smith is one of the NFL’s better defensive minds. He uses a 4-3 alignment and aims to apply pressure with his base defense and prevent big plays with his “Cover-2” secondary scheme. Unlike Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, he will not dial up a high percentage of blitzes or throw exotic looks at quarterbacks.

    The Buccaneers play a fairly simple scheme. The goal is to play it very well and force opponents to get their yardage in small chunks. It can be especially tough on unproven quarterbacks like Austin Davis of the Rams.

    Offensively, Tampa Bay wants QB Josh McCown to manage games and RB Doug Martin to pound the ball. Jackson was quiet in Week 1, but he can create match-up trouble against smaller defensive backs — especially in the Red Zone. So can WR Mike Evans.

    POINTS OF EMPHASIS

    Rams QB Shaun Hill didn’t play much during the preseason. Then he got hurt in the first half of his Rams debut. Then he didn’t run the offense this week during the heavy Wednesday and Thursday practices.

    He could play in Tampa Bay, but all signs point toward former camp arm Austin Davis running the show. That will make it all the more important for the Rams to get their ground game in gear with RBs Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham. They failed to do so in the opener, partially because untimely penalties kept them from sustaining drives.

    After their disastrous defensive performance against the ground-oriented Vikings, they must eliminate all those blown tackles and missed assignments against the ground-oriented Buccaneers. DE Chris Long’s absence won’t make that any easier, although replacement DE William Hayes is a steady hand.

    COACHSPEAK

    Rams coach Jeff Fisher discussed Sunday’s matchup after practice sessions at Rams Park. Here were some highlights, as provided by the Rams staff:

    On the importance of this game: “We’ve got a huge challenge. We’ve got a similar set of circumstances, although the Bucs made a comeback late and had a chance, nonetheless, both teams lot home openers. As coach (Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith) says down there, they’ve got a lot to improve on, as we do.”

    On the Buccaneers offense: “They’re well coached up front, on the offensive line and in protection. They played an outstanding rushing defensive front in Carolina and they did fairly well. The passing game is complicated. He does a really nice job. Josh (McCown) is mobile. He can move around. He’s got outstanding targets outside. Both tight ends are very productive. The ‘rook’s’ (WR Mike Evans) coming on. He’s going to be a very good player.”

    On big Tampa Bay WRs Vincent Jackson and Evans: “The height issues really take place down inside the plus territory or if you’re throwing go routes and things like that. They’re good with respect to run after catch and that sometimes can create some problems for you in the short passing game.”

    On the need to get more from WR Tavon Austin: “We’re just trying to get the ball in his hands. He needs the ball in his hands in space. I don’t know if I mentioned this earlier in the week, but he was very, very close to going a long way on two punt returns. Secure the ball and take-off and trust your blockers. That’ll be another way that, obviously, we can get some production there.”

    On Brian Quick’s breakout game: “I was encouraged. The questions that followed the Brian Quick question were, ‘What about (WR) Kenny Britt?’ and my response is, ‘Well if Quick’s got seven catches for 99 yards, the odds are the ball’s not going to anybody else.’ Especially considering we only had 11 drives. But, Brian came on. He made every catch. The only thing that he could improve was the facemask penalty. He’s learned from that. But, he was very productive. Made different types of catches, contested catches-the third down catch where we ended up fourth and one and a half was a good catch, it was a good concentration effort.”

    INJURY REPORT

    Long (ankle surgery) is on injured reserve. CB Trumaine Johnson (knee) and guard-center Barrett Jones (back) are out for the Rams. Hill (thigh) missed practice time, as did CB Lamarcus Joyner (back).

    For Tampa Bay, starters Martin (knee), G Logan Mankins (knee) and DE Adrian Clayborn (elbow) were limited Thursday. Starting DE Michael Johnson (ankle) and TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) did not practice.

    September 12, 2014 at 4:39 pm #7024

    In reply to: Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph)

    RamBill
    Participant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    WEBSTER GROVES’ CLAYBORN TO IR

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

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

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

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

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

    Tackle Demar Dotson (hamstring) is probable.

    September 12, 2014 at 4:00 pm #7020

    In reply to: Rams News Recap: Sept. 11

    RamBill
    Participant

    Morning Ram-blings: Prediction time
    By Nick Wagoner

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

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

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

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

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

    I.C.Y.M.I.

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

    Elsewhere:

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

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

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

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

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

    September 11, 2014 at 1:18 am #6907

    Topic: articles & vids on players: Gaines, Quick, Hayes, J.Long, Austin

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    Gaines ‘a bright spot’ in NFL debut
    • By Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/gaines-a-bright-spot-in-nfl-debut/article_99dc4ef1-21bb-586c-84fb-81c6c3aa77b0.html

    All things considered, it was a successful debut for Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines.

    The former University of Missouri standout got the start in place of injured Trumaine Johnson and responded with a solid effort in the Rams’ 34-6 loss to visiting Minnesota.

    “I thought it went well,’’ Gaines said after the team practiced Wednesday at Rams Park. “It’s something you can’t prepare yourself for, playing at this level, but it was definitely everything I hoped it would be. I feel like I made a few plays, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. But that comes, I think, with being a rookie. You watch the film, figure out what you did wrong and then try to fix it in practice.’’

    Gaines was on the field for 97 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and added six plays on special teams. He finished with five tackles and a pair of pass defenses.

    Rams coach Jeff Fisher called Gaines “a bright spot.’’

    “I thought E.J. did a nice job starting his first game in the National Football League as a rookie,’’ the coach said. “I thought he hung in there and did a nice job.’’

    Gaines did get beat on the Vikings’ first touchdown, an 8-yard pass from Matt Cassel to Greg Jennings with 21 seconds left in the first half.

    “It was a perfect throw and catch,’’ Fisher pointed out.

    An All- Southeastern Conference selection as a senior, Gaines was second in the league in interceptions (five) and placed third at Mizzou with 75 tackles last fall. Still, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Gaines slipped in the draft and was selected by the Rams in the sixth round (188th overall).

    “To be honest, I think that helped me,’’ he said. “That helped put a little chip on my shoulder to go out and show people what I could do. I’m where I’m supposed to be right now.’’

    Gaines, 22, said being on the field with standout Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was “kind of crazy’’ at first.

    “But once I got past that, it’s just playing football,’’ he said. “I still have a lot of work to do, but I’m watching (fellow corner Janoris Jenkins) and I’m trying to learn from that. Every day, I have to work and learn and get better.’’

    INJURY REPORT

    Defensive back Lamarcus Joyner, the Rams’ second-round pick in May, was limited in practice Wednesday because of a back injury. The other four players on the team’s initial injury report of the week — defensive end Chris Long (ankle), quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh), Johnson and center Barrett Jones (back) — didn’t practice.

    Long has been placed on the injured reserve designated to return list. He will be eligible to return in eight weeks.

    Fisher said Hill, who was hurt late in the second quarter Sunday, is day to day.

    The Buccaneers had 10 players, including five starters, on their Wednesday injury list. Starting left guard Logan Mankins (knee) running back Doug Martin (knee) and right defensive end Michael Johnson (ankle) did not practice. Right tackle Demar Dotson (hamstring) and left defensive end Adrian Clayborn (elbow) were limited. Mankins, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, was acquired in a trade with New England just before the Bucs’ fourth preseason game. Clayborn is a Webster Groves High product.

    Cornerback Rashaan Melvin (ankle) and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ankle) did not practice, while defensive end William Gholston (shoulder) was limited. Another defensive end, Da’Quan Bowers, was listed with an abdomen injury but went through Wednesday’s practice.

    Mike Jenkins, who was part of a three-man rotation at cornerback for the Buccaneers, is on injured reserve becaue of a pectoral injury.

    MASON SITS

    For the first time in his football career, rookie running back Tre Mason was a healthy scratch Sunday.

    “I found out right before the game,’’ the third-round draft pick from Auburn said Wednesday. “I just live life as God has a plan written already. I can only control what I can control. I’m just going to continue to work hard every day and, God willing, I get a chance to get out on the field.’’

    First thing Monday, Mason made a point to stop by the office of special teams coordinator John Fassel.

    “I was very concerned about what happened,’’ he said. “I wanted to know if I was doing anything wrong and if I am, I would love to know so that I could fix the problem. All I can do is continue to work hard every day, that’s not going to change, I just want to have a chance to make the team better and make sure I do my part.’’

    RAM-BLINGS

    A pair of players with local ties cleared waivers Wednesday. Tight end Reggie Jordan (Hazelwood Central, Missouri Western) was cut Tuesday by Jacksonville. New Orleans did the same with guard Ty Nsekhe, who was in training camp with the Rams in 2013.

    On Tuesday, Tampa Bay picked up defensive end Jacquies Smith (Missouri) off waivers from Buffalo while former Mizzou tight end Michael Egnew signed with the practice squad in Jacksonville and wideout Marvin McNutt (Hazelwood Central, Iowa) was signed to the Redskins’ practice squad.

    September 10, 2014 at 7:25 am #6798

    In reply to: JT Chat Highlights 9/09

    Dak
    Participant

    The Hill injury report did seem fishy. But, it would explain why Hill didn’t play in Week 4 of the preseason.

    September 9, 2014 at 3:54 pm #6774

    In reply to: Monday Night's Jeff Fisher Show

    RamBill
    Participant

    Coach Fisher on the Rams’ loss to the Vikings, standout performances, and the upcoming game vs. Tampa Bay

    1:00 Breaking down the tape from the loss to Vikings
    7:00 Injury report
    9:00 Brian Quick’s standout performance
    13:00 Plan to utilize Tavon Austin
    17:00 How close were the Rams to being on Hard Knocks?
    29:00 What’s next for Sam Bradford?
    30:00 Previewing game vs. Tampa Bay

    Video Here:
    http://www.rams-news.com/the-jeff-fisher-show-september-8-2014-video/

    September 5, 2014 at 8:28 pm #6215

    In reply to: Setting up the vikes game…multimedia

    RamBill
    Participant


    Rams report: Team, coaches are ready for Minnesota on Sunday
    • By Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-report-team-coaches-are-ready-for-minnesota-on-sunday/article_20514e66-09be-5400-a2f7-badff72690aa.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

    The Rams wrapped up practice Friday afternoon so now all that stands between them and the start of the NFL season is the Saturday’s walk-through.

    The Rams host the Minnesota Vikings Sunday in a noon game at the Edward Jones Dome.

    “We’ve got to fine-tune some things tomorrow,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “As a staff, we go through our thoughts regarding openers and things like that.

    “We’ve had some really good practices in the heat and they’ve pushed right through it and they’ve pushed each other right through it. Their attention level is very high in the meetings, and they’re doing all the right things. They respect the opponent, they understand the challenges and they know it’s going to be a hard-fought game, that’s how openers are.

    “The challenge to them is to get to know an uncommon opponent and that’s what we’ve challenged them to do this week.”

    INJURY REPORT

    Defensive end Eugene Sims (knee) was limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable (50-50) for Sunday’s game. The others listed by the Rams _ tackle Jake Long (knee), linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (shoulder) and defensive end William Hayes (chest) were full participants for the second straight day and are probable for the season opener.

    Also listed as probable is safety Maurice Alexander (Eureka High), who missed Friday’s workout with an excused absence.

    As expected, cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee) and C Barrett Jones (back) have been ruled out. They’re both weeks away from rejoining the team on the practice field.

    Minnesota has ruled out linebackers Brandon Watts (knee) and Michael Mauti (foot) as well as fullback Zach Line (ankle).

    Listed on the unofficial depth chart as a starter at right defensive end, Everson Griffen has been ill and did not practice Thursday or Friday. He is listed as questionable along with tackle Mike Harris (shoulder), who has been limited at practice.

    Cornerback Jabari Price (shoulder) and wide receiver Rodney Smith (neck) have practiced all week and are probable.

    RAM-BLINGS

    Voted on by the players, the Rams have named their captains for the upcoming season _ Linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive end Chris Long, quarterback Shaun Hill and punter Johnny Hekker.

    • The Rams made another practice squad move, adding Mike Remmers, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman, and waiving tackle Sean Hooey.

    Remmers, a 25-year-old from Portland, walked on at Oregon State and ended up starting 44 games for the Beavers. He signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2012 but spent the majority of that season on Tampa Bay’s practice squad.

    He was claimed off the Buccaneers’ practice squad by San Diego in Oct. 2013 and made his NFL debut with the Chargers on Oct. 20, 2013. He was cut by San Diego in November and claimed on waivers by the Minnesota Vikings.

    He was in camp, cut and placed on the practice squad by the Vikings before being released and claimed off waivers by the Rams.

    The same Vikings the Rams play on Sunday.

    “We didn’t bring him in for that reason. We brought him because we feel like he has some ability,” Fisher said. “He’s bounced around, played with some teams, but we watched him play in some preseason games and he looks like he has something to work with.”

    Hooey, a 6-9, 304-pounder from the University of Cincinnati, signed as an undrafted free agent in May of 2013 and spent last year on the Rams’ practice squad.

    September 5, 2014 at 1:04 am #6117

    In reply to: Sam Bradford Focused on Surgery/ Wagoner, Thomas

    RamBill
    Participant

    Fighting back tears, Bradford discusses injury and its aftermath
    • By Jim Thomas

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/fighting-back-tears-bradford-discusses-injury-and-its-aftermath/article_8e09bfc1-fb37-5757-93da-1f6e6638a300.html

    So there was Sam Bradford on Thursday, for the second time in 10 1/2 months talking about a season-ending knee injury. Talking about a second surgery on his left knee. Talking about what might have been while trying to keep his emotions in check.

    Meeting with reporters for the first time since the injury, Bradford said his first reaction to the news he had torn his ACL was something along the lines of: “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

    After a pause, he continued.

    “I’m not sure I could really describe how it felt,” he said. “It was just really tough to put all the work in and then to have it happen again.”

    That’s because the knee didn’t feel that bad after he absorbed a first-quarter hit from Cleveland defensive end Armonty Bryant in the Rams’ Aug. 23 preseason game. Bradford wasn’t carted off the field. He walked under his own power, limping slightly, from the field into the visitors locker room at FirstEnergy Stadium.

    He was moving around pretty well after that game. He told teammates he was OK. Even coach Jeff Fisher took the bait to a degree, sounding optimistic in his post-game press conference that night.

    “I didn’t feel like it was torn at all,” Bradford said.

    Adding to Bradford’s optimism was the fact that there was no swelling the next morning.

    “No. That’s what was kind of tough for me to comprehend,” Bradford said. “Because it was so much different than last year’s injury. There wasn’t any pain. There was no swelling. There were no signs that the knee had gone through any sort of trauma. So to find out that my ACL was torn was even that much harder to believe.”

    The MRI exam the next day back in St. Louis told a different story. Torn anterior cruciate ligament in the same knee he injured last Oct. 20 at Carolina. Out for the season. Again.

    Bradford hasn’t scheduled the surgery yet. He said there are a couple of possible dates but nothing is set in stone. Once again, Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery.

    Bradford said he will spend his time around the team post-surgery, once he begins the long arduous rehab process.

    “I enjoy being around here,” he said. “Hopefully, the guys and Shaun (Hill) enjoy having me around. It’s gonna be pretty similar to last year.

    “You know, I’ll be rehabbing here. Sitting in on meetings. Going out to practice when I can and just offering my ideas when I have ’em. And just trying to help Shaun _ be an ear and an eye for him.”

    It was suggested to Bradford that perhaps because the symptoms weren’t so bad after the injury that perhaps the damage to the knee won’t be as serious. Bradford isn’t holding his breath on that one.

    “I’m hoping for that, but at the same time I’m gonna anticipate it’s the same thing,” he said. “It’s gonna be a long, tough process. It’s not gonna be easy, but hopefully it does feel better. And hopefully in a couple months I can tell you that it’s been a lot easier, and a lot less painful. But I guess I’m gonna expect the worst and hope for the best.”

    With only one year left on his contract after this season, and due to make a $13 million base salary in 2015, Bradford’s future is uncertain in St. Louis. But that’s the furthest thing from his mind at this point.

    “You know, I can’t focus on that right now,” Bradford said. “I think it’s a little too soon. I haven’t even thought that far ahead. It’s still pretty hard to comprehend (the injury) right now.”

    Strange as it may sound he’s looking forward to the surgery and the rehab process.

    “(They) will give me something to focus on, and something to put my attention towards,” he said.

    At the moment, he can only wonder why it happened, and try to make sense of it. When he spoke to a handful of reporters Thursday, he was only 12 days removed from the injury.

    It’s still very fresh to him. And at times Thursday, it was difficult to fight back the tears.

    “Obviously, everyone in this locker room has been great, very supportive,” Bradford said. “That’s why I think it’s been a good thing for me to stay around here and just be a part of the team.”

    Bradford was especially grateful that wide receiver Chris Givens, who underwent back-to-back ACL surgeries in high school _ one to each knee _ reached out to Bradford afterwards with words of encouragement.

    “For ‘Giv’ to reach out, it means a lot,” Bradford said. “Obviously you look at what he’s been able to do after having two operations. It shows that it is possible to come back from (two ACLs).”

    Be it training camp or in the preseason, Bradford was throwing the ball as well as ever prior to the latest injury. Those who know Bradford said he was very determined to silence his doubters and lead the Rams to the breakout season that has been so long overdue in St. Louis.

    All of which makes this second injury such a bitter pill to swallow.

    “I think we finally had everything going in the right direction around here,” he said. “This is as talented a team as I’ve ever been a part of on both sides of the ball. I was just so excited to get back out on the field and play with these guys.

    “And from what we were able to do in OTAs and in training camp. I guess not knowing how it would’ve turned out this year is probably something that’s gonna eat me up for a while.”

    He was fighting back tears as he finished those last remarks, which ended his media session.

    Ram-blings

    In moves that save the Rams nearly $2.5 million in salary cap space, defensive end Chris Long and wide receiver Austin Pettis restructured their contracts Wednesday.

    Long’s restructuring merely shuffles money around, and he makes the same amount. Pettis, however, took a $481,000 pay cut, although he can make back $400,000 if he reaches incentives in receptions, receptions yards, and touchdowns.

    _ On the Ram’s Thursday injury report, DE Jake Long (knee), DE William Hayes (chest), and LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (shoulder) were upgraded to full participation after being listed as limited Wednesday. DE Eugene Sims (knee) remained limited.

    September 4, 2014 at 9:04 am #6037

    In reply to: Rams News Recap: Sept. 3

    RamBill
    Participant

    Morning Ram-blings: Rams to surprise?
    By Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11290/morning-ram-blings-rams-to-surprise

    EARTH CITY, Mo. — Every season in the NFL, there are plenty of teams that surprise. In fact, it’s become a regular occurrence for about half of the teams making the postseason to be teams that didn’t make it the previous year.

    So who are some candidates to so this year? Well, according to ESPN Insider columnist Mike Sando, the St. Louis Rams actually fit the bill Insider as a team capable of making the leap to the postseason.

    Sando makes the salient point that even though the Rams lost starting quarterback Sam Bradford to a torn ACL for the second consecutive season, the Rams weren’t counting on Bradford to carry the team anyway. To his point, the Rams will ask Shaun Hill to do similar things to what Bradford would have done.

    An excerpt from Sando’s take:

    This team was already committed to winning with its running game and defense. The key to the season was going to be — and still is — whether new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams can fix the secondary to maximize the Rams’ supremely talented front.

    In a very general sense, I agree with Sando and think the Rams will remain competitive with Hill in the fold. The biggest difference, to me, between the Rams with Bradford and the Rams with Hill is the ceiling for the team — in this case the playoffs — is lower with Hill starting than with Bradford.

    I.C.Y.M.I.

    A roundup of Wednesday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … In the Ram-blings, we began the day with the news that Michael Sam was headed to Dallas to join the Cowboys practice squad. … In this week’s buzz video, I discussed the Rams’ options at cornerback with Trumaine Johnson out because of a knee injury. … From there, we took a spin around the team’s unofficial depth chart with thoughts and observations. … After making my season prediction, I pieced together the predictions of our other NFL Nation reporters on how the Rams will fare in 2014. … In the afternoon, we took a closer look at quarterback Austin Davis’ state of readiness should he have to play this year. .. We closed the day with the team’s first injury report of the season.

    Elsewhere:

    Sam signing in Dallas became official Wednesday afternoon.

    Players around the league are not happy with the punishment for Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay.

    At 101sports.com, quarterback Shaun Hill assesses things going into his first start with the Rams.

    At stltoday.com, columnist Bernie Miklasz examines the state of No. 2 overall pick Greg Robinson.

    Linebacker Christian Kirksey doesn’t play for the Rams but he is from St. Louis and, according to the Madden video game, he’s shorter than any NFL player ever.

    September 4, 2014 at 2:28 am #6034

    Topic: Rams News Recap: Sept. 3

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    http://www.rams-news.com/here-comes-ap-vikings-rb-poses-huge-threat-to-rams-pd/%5D Here Comes AP: Vikings RB Poses Huge Threat to Rams –PD
    The last time Adrian Peterson visited the Gateway to the West, he was totally shut down in the first quarter at the Edward Jones Dome.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-notebook-fisher-confirms-that-saffold-will-start-over-robinson-pd/%5D Rams Notebook: Fisher Confirms that Saffold Will Start Over Robinson –PD
    Following practice Wednesday at Rams Park, coach Jeff Fisher confirmed what many had suspected: that Rodger Saffold will start ahead of Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in May’s draft, when the Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings to open the season at noon Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.

    http://www.rams-news.com/can-the-vikings-o-line-handle-the-rams-pass-rush-video/%5D Can the Vikings O-line Handle the Rams Pass Rush? –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-coach-jeff-fisher-weve-got-a-different-approach-video/%5D Rams Coach Jeff Fisher: “We’ve got a different approach” –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-robinson-wont-start-season-opener-latsch/%5D Rams’ Robinson Won’t Start Season Opener –Latsch
    Rams rookie offensive lineman Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 draft, will not start the season opener, coach Jeff Fisher said on Wednesday.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-report-saffold-will-start-ahead-of-robinson-at-lg-pd/%5D Rams Report: Saffold Will Start Ahead of Robinson at LG –PD
    Following practice Wednesday at Rams Park, coach Jeff Fisher confirmed what many suspected: that Rodger Saffold will start ahead of Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in May’s draft, when the Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings to open the season noon Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.

    http://www.rams-news.com/keenum-excited-for-fresh-start-with-the-rams-latsch/%5DKeenum Excited for Fresh Start with the Rams –Latsch
    It’s been a busy few days for Case Keenum, the quarterback who was waived by the Houston Texans and then received a fresh start when he was claimed by the Rams.

    http://www.rams-news.com/peterson-returns-to-site-of-big-day-vs-rams-espn/%5D Peterson Returns to Site of Big Day vs. Rams –ESPN
    The first carry of Adrian Peterson’s 2013 season saw him break free for a 78-yard touchdown. The first of the 2014 season will come in the building where he recorded the longest run of his career the last time he visited.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-mostly-healthy-on-first-injury-report-wagoner/%5D Rams Mostly Healthy on First Injury Report –Wagoner
    We’ve finally reached the point of the season where we no longer have to play shadow games when it comes to injuries. The start of the regular season means the start of official injury reports.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-tied-for-20th-in-ap-pro32-poll-latsch/%5D Rams Tied For 20th in AP Pro32 Poll –Latsch
    The Associated Press released its AP Pro32 poll this week in advance of the start of the regular season and the Rams are tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the 20th spot.

    http://www.rams-news.com/one-on-one-with-rams-new-qb-case-keenum-video/%5D One-on-One with Rams New QB Case Keenum –Video

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-rookie-de-ethan-westbrooks-on-making-the-rams-roster-radio-interview/%5D Rams Rookie DE Ethan Westbrooks on Making the Rams Roster –Radio Interview

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-head-coach-jeff-fisher-qb-shaun-hill-post-practice-comments-sept-3/%5D Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher & QB Shaun Hill Post Practice Comments: Sept. 3

    http://www.rams-news.com/qb-austin-davis-ready-if-called-upon-wagoner/%5D QB Austin Davis Ready if Called Upon –Wagoner
    In the immediate aftermath of St. Louis Rams starting quarterback Sam Bradford’s second season-ending ACL tear in as many seasons, the reaction for most was sympathy.

    http://www.rams-news.com/rams-depth-chart-musings-wagoner/%5D Rams Depth Chart Musings –Wagoner
    Now that we are finally into Week 1 of the regular season, the St. Louis Rams released their unofficial depth chart Tuesday evening.

    http://www.rams-news.com/nfl-nation-reporters-rams-go-5-11-wagoner/%5D NFL Nation Reporters: Rams go 5-11 –Wagoner
    On Tuesday morning, all 32 of our NFL Nation reporters revealed their game-by-game predictions for the teams they cover.

    http://www.rams-news.com/bernies-ram-bytes-wait-the-no-2-overall-draft-pick-isnt-starting/%5D Bernie’s Ram Bytes: Wait, the No. 2 Overall Draft Pick isn’t Starting?
    I must bark about something today, OK? 1. If I had to wager on it, and I don’t … I’d say I believe Greg Robinson will turn out to be a good NFL offensive lineman. Who knows, the Auburn football alum could become a great one. But let’s talk about those two words there … “Who Knows.”

    http://www.rams-news.com/morning-ram-blings-sam-lands-in-dallas-wagoner/%5D Morning Ram-blings: Sam Lands in Dallas –Wagoner
    As teams finalized their practice squads Tuesday afternoon, former St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam looks to have finally found a landing spot.

    http://www.rams-news.com/herm-edwards-i-think-the-rams-are-built-to-where-shaun-hill-can-orchestrate-the-offense/%5D Herm Edwards: “I Think the Rams Are Built to Where Shaun Hill Can Orchestrate the offense”

    http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-rams-chat-highlights-sept-2/%5D Jim Thomas Rams Chat Highlights: Sept. 2

    http://www.rams-news.com/relive-it-rams-at-dolphins-video/%5D Relive It: Rams at Dolphins –Video

    September 4, 2014 at 2:19 am #6031

    In reply to: Robinson not starting (articles)

    RamBill
    Participant

    Rams notebook: Fisher confirms that Saffold will start over Robinson
    • By Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-fisher-confirms-that-saffold-will-start-over-robinson/article_c2f66cac-259e-5cc8-83d9-eeaa24b612f7.html

    Following practice Wednesday at Rams Park, coach Jeff Fisher confirmed what many had suspected: that Rodger Saffold will start ahead of Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in May’s draft, when the Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings to open the season at noon Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.

    “We made the decision for the opener that we’re better off going with experience,’’ Fisher said. “Doesn’t necessarily mean (Robinson) won’t play in the game, but we’re going to go with guys who have a lot of snaps under their belts.’’

    That means a veteran line of Jake Long at left tackle, Saffold at left guard, Scott Wells at center, Davin Joseph at right guard and Joe Barksdale at right tackle on Sunday.

    “I feel good about the guys we’re going to play with,’’ Fisher said. “They’ve been practicing together now for a couple of weeks and so I have no concern there. And I feel good about our depth as well.’’

    And Robinson?

    “He’s doing a good job,’’ the coach said. “He’s playing guard, he’s playing tackle. He’s doing both in practice, he’s done it all through preseason and he’s gotten better each week.’’

    When asked if learning two positions has hurt the 21-year-old Robinson, Fisher answered emphatically.

    “Nothing hurts him at all. It does not hurt him at all,’’ Fisher said. “I was told that Orlando Pace, the first player taken in the draft, didn’t play until Week 5. There’s no issue here, (Robinson) is going to be an outstanding player.

    “Our focus right now is to put the guys on the field we think can give us the best chance to win right now.’’

    Pace, by the way, signed as a rookie with the Rams in 1997 after a three-week contract holdout.

    The 6-foot-5 332-pound Robinson, who played in college at Auburn, started three of the Rams’ four preseason games.

    KEENUM SETTLES IN

    The newest Ram, quarterback Case Keenum, completed his second practice with the team Wednesday.

    “It’s been kind of a whirlwind couple of days,’’ said Keenum, 26, who was claimed off waivers from the Houston Texans on Monday. “I’m excited to be here, to start learning the system and do my best to contribute to the team.

    “Any system in this league is tough … but I’m excited to learn some new stuff. It’s like speaking another language and I’m trying to learn it as fast as I can.’’

    A Texas native who enjoyed a record-setting career at the University of Houston, Keenum signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent and spent the 2012 season on Houston’s practice squad. Last year, he made eight starts, making his debut the week after the Rams blasted the Texans 38-13 in Houston. He ended up completing 54.2 percent of his passes for 1,760 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

    He was waived over the weekend after Houston picked up Ryan Mallett in a trade with New England.

    “It hasn’t really set in yet, but I’m just trying to stay at it, got the grind going,’’ he said. “I’m excited to be in a new place, to be outside of Texas, to get out of my comfort zone and to grow a little bit.’’

    Listed at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Keenum gets by on his smarts, leadership and quick release.

    “Because of injury, Case got a lot of experience last year, started eight games,’’ Fisher said. “No, he didn’t win any of those games, but there were some really good things you saw out of a young player. We spent a lot of time evaluating those games and felt like he’d be a good option to come in and try to develop as a No. 3 or No. 2. We just wanted to get him in the mix; you want to get as many good players as you can.’’

    SSM KICK CANCER

    The Rams specialists — punter Johnny Hekker, kicker Greg Zuerlein and long snapper Jake McQuaide — are teaming with SSM Health Care Foundations in a new fund-raising program to support the needs of cancer patients in the region.

    In addition, a new event to benefit SSM Kick Cancer — “RAM-OKE’’ — will be held Monday Sept. 22, at Four Seasons. Led by Hekker and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, the night will feature Rams players taking the microphone to belt out karaoke renditions of their favorite songs. Fans can support SSM Kick by making a pledge for every point kicked by the Rams in 2014 or buy tickets to RAM-OKE at SSMKickCancer.org.

    RAM-BLINGS

    The first injury report of the season included four players who were limited on Wednesday — T Jake Long (knee), DE William Hayes (chest), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (shoulder) and DE Eugene Sims (knee). Two other players, CB Trumaine Johnson (knee) and center Barrett Jones (back), did not participate and are still weeks away from playing. For the Vikings, LB Brandon Watts (knee), LB Michael Mauti (foot) and fullback Zach Line (ankle) did not participate and T Mike Harris (shoulder) was limited. CB Jabari Price (shoulder) and WR Rodney Smith (neck) were full participants.

    • Austin Pettis switched to No. 12 from No. 18 in Wednesday’s practice as a show of support for teammate Stedman Bailey, who is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

    • The Rams placed TE Brad Smelley on the practice squad in place of S Matt Daniels. Smelley was cut on Saturday after posting four catches for 46 yards in the preseason.

    • Defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks, the undrafted free agent from West Texas A&M who was among the team leaders with 12 tackles in the preseason, has switched to No. 93 from No. 62.

    September 3, 2014 at 8:10 pm #5996

    Topic: Robinson not starting (articles)

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    Rams report: Saffold will start ahead of Robinson at left guard
    • By Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-report-saffold-will-start-ahead-of-robinson-at-left/article_3c490c87-5dc0-5c1a-9d19-6a864c99dded.html

    Following practice Wednesday at Rams Park, coach Jeff Fisher confirmed what many suspected: that Rodger Saffold will start ahead of Greg Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick in May’s draft, when the Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings to open the season noon Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.

    “We made the decision for the opener that we’re better off going with experience,” Fisher said. “Doesn’t necessarily mean (Robinson) won’t play in the game, but we’re going to go with guys who have a lot of snaps under their belts.”

    That means a veteran line of Jake Long at left tackle, Saffold at left guard, Scott Wells at center, Davin Joseph at right guard and Joe Barksdale at right tackle.

    “I feel good about the guys we’re going to play with,” Fisher said. “They’ve been practicing together now for a couple of weeks and so I have no concern there. And I feel good about our depth as well.”

    And Robinson?

    “He’s doing a good job,” the coach said. “He’s playing guard, he’s playing tackle. He’s doing both in practice, he’s done it all through preseason and he’s gotten better each week.”

    When asked if learning two positions has hurt the 21-year-old Robinson, Fisher answered emphatically.

    “Nothing hurts him at all. It does not hurt him at all,” Fisher said. “I was told that Orlando Pace, the first player taken in the draft, didn’t play until Week 5. There’s no issue here, (Robinson) is going to be an outstanding player.

    “Our focus right now is to put the guys on the field we think can give us the best chance to win right now.”

    Pace, by the way, didn’t sign with the Rams until after a three-week contract holdout.

    Robinson, who starred at Auburn, started three of the Rams’ four preseason contests.

    RAM-BLINGS

    The first injury report of the season included four players who were limited T Jake Long (knee), DE William Hayes (chest), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (shoulder) and DE Eugene Sims (knee). Two other players, CB Trumaine Johnson (knee) and center Barrett Jones (back), did not participate and are still weeks away from playing.

    For the Vikings, LB Brandon Watts (knee), LB Michael Mauti (foot) and fullback Zach Line (ankle) did not participate and T Mike Harris (shoulder) was limited. CB Jabari Price (shoulder) and WR Rodney Smith (neck) were full participants at practice.

    • Austin Pettis switched from No. 18 to No. 12 during Wednesday’s practice as a show of support for fellow receiver Stedman Bailey, who is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

    • The Rams have made a change on the practice squad, waiving safety Matt Daniels and adding tight end Brad Smelley. Daniels, a third-year pro from Duke, had both his 2012 and 2013 seasons ended by injuries and was slowed in camp with a concussion. Smelley, an Alabama product, was with the Rams for just a few days last year and was added to the camp roster on Aug. 11. He had four catches for 46 yards during the preseason.

    • Defensive lineman Ethan Westbrooks, the undrafted free agent from West Texas A&M who won a spot on the 53-man roster by finishing among the team leaders with 12 tackles and two sacks in the preseason, has switched from No. 62 to No. 93.

    September 3, 2014 at 6:05 pm #5987

    Topic: Rams mostly healthy on first injury report/Wagoner

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    Rams mostly healthy on first injury report
    By Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11283/rams-mostly-healthy-on-first-injury-report

    EARTH CITY, Mo. — We’ve finally reached the point of the season where we no longer have to play shadow games when it comes to injuries. The start of the regular season means the start of official injury reports.

    The St. Louis Rams released their first one Wednesday afternoon with no surprises on the list. In fact, the only two players not to participate were the two you would have expected if you’ve been paying attention: cornerback Trumaine Johnson and offensive lineman Barrett Jones. Johnson has a sprained MCL that is expected to cost him four to six weeks and Jones is coming off back surgery with no definitive timetable for return.

    Aside from that pair, the Rams had left tackle Jake Long (knee), end William Hayes (chest), linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (shoulder) and end Eugene Sims (knee) on a limited basis.

    Here’s the injury report in easier to read list format:

    Did not participate: CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), OL Barrett Jones (back)

    Limited participation: LT Jake Long (knee), DE William Hayes (chest), LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (shoulder), DE Eugene Sims (knee)

    August 5, 2014 at 4:10 pm #3358

    Topic: Gordo's Tipsheet: Dalton contract raises bar for Bradford

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    RamBill
    Participant

    Tipsheet: Dalton contract raises bar for Bradford
    • By Jeff Gordon

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/jeff-gordon/tipsheet-dalton-contract-raises-bar-for-bradford/article_8e91526e-c000-5ca5-bc70-2f092ae056f2.html

    Sam Bradford appears to be in no rush to sign a contract extension with the Rams.

    And why should he be? Other quarterbacks are signing crazy deals left and right. All of them have accomplished more than Bradford has, true, but the market will favor him if the Rams finally step forward.

    The latest mind-boggling deal will pay Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton up to $115 million through 2020. The base value of the contract is a more realistic $96 million over six years and the Bengals have some escape hatches along the way.

    Still, that is a heck of a deal for Dalton. He will collect $22 million during the first six months of the deal.

    “We’re betting big on him because we believe in him,” Bengals owner Mike Brown said at a Monday news conference. “We’re looking forward to the future with Andy.”

    Dalton has stayed healthy and delivered three productive regular seasons in Cincinnati. He piled up lots of TD passes and kept the Bengals in the playoff hunt.

    But no credible expert ranks him among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Dalton has come up small in his biggest games.

    So every quarterback coming due for a new deal in the next few years — including the star-crossed Bradford — is eying this deal with great interest.

    NFL owners are willing to overpay quarterbacks rather than face the Great Unknown of starting over with an unproven new guy.

    ASSESSING DALTON’S DEAL

    Here is what some folks were writing about this contract:

    Bill Barnwell, ESPN.com: “For what it’s worth, you can make a statistical case that Dalton is a worthwhile passer. Many of his rate statistics — yards per attempt, touchdown percentage, passer rating, and QBR — have improved during each of his three professional seasons, even as he’s thrown more frequently. He hasn’t missed a start and hasn’t even shown up on the injury report since Week 1 of the 2012 season . . . Dalton is a winner; during his first three seasons, Dalton has won 30 games and made the playoffs three times. The only other quarterbacks in league history to do that are Dan Marino (yay!) and Joe Flacco ( … OK?). And all of that doesn’t seem to matter, because Dalton has been awful in the playoffs. It’s a problem that destroyed Cincinnati in last year’s loss to the Chargers and, left unsolved, will almost certainly prevent him from leading the Bengals — or any other NFL team — to a Super Bowl. Andy Dalton is not without merit, but he has one major problem that needs to be corrected: He can’t reliably handle pass pressure. Dalton comes from the Kevin Kolb and Blaine Gabbert school, which is a school that should probably be shut down, demolished, and declared a Superfund site. Quarterbacks in this class often struggle to diagnose pressure before the snap and do a subpar job of capturing who exactly is coming at them when defenses disguise their blitzers. Even worse, when they do feel even the tiniest bit of pressure heading in their direction, passers like Kolb and Gabbert bail out of the pocket and frantically sprint toward the sideline like ants trying to escape feet. The coup de grâce is a dangerous pass, one often thrown to the first hint of a friendly uniform without resetting and reexamining the field to see where defenders have settled.”

    Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: “You saw the contract numbers for Andy Dalton’s extension Monday and you laughed. It was probably a loud one, too. What the hell are the Cincinnati Bengals doing giving Dalton a six-year extension for $115 million, right? What they are doing is being smart, especially if the contract is structured the right way. Dalton has flaws and has come up small in the playoffs, but he has taken the Bengals to the playoffs each of his first three seasons, which is special. He’s also thrown 80 touchdown passes in those three seasons, 33 last season, which is why extending him for six seasons makes sense. Yet ripping Dalton is a blood sport. He’s like Carson Palmer. He’s like Tony Romo. They’ve all had regular-season success, but have not got it done in the playoffs. So they stink. They’re chokers. Yet players like Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick are considered rising stars because, playing on good teams, they’ve won in the postseason. Wilson and Kaepernick have talent, but I’ve had a handful of NFL people tell me the Seahawks would have won the Super Bowl last season with Dalton playing quarterback.”

    Doug Farrar, SI.com: “Those opposed to this kind of extension might note that the cap charge could prevent the team from handing out new deals to other valuable players, including receiver A.J. Green, who was selected in the first round of the 2011 draft, and who tends to make Dalton look a bit better than he actually is with his acrobatic catches of Dalton’s occasionally errant deep balls. And there’s the matter of Dalton’s performances in the playoffs — in three playoff games (all losses), Dalton has completed 70-of-123 passes for 718 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions.”

    Jarrett Bell, USA Today.com: “Dalton commands a huge price tag because he plays quarterback, with its inflationary pay scale. Remember, Tony Romo – who hasn’t exactly made his mark in the playoffs, either — is guaranteed $55 million from the Cowboys. Maybe that’s why they passed on Johnny Manziel. But just because Dalton is a quarterback doesn’t mean it is money well spent. The jury is out on that. Two years ago, Joe Flacco’s contract talks with the Baltimore Ravens broke down and he wound up betting on himself in the final year of his contract. Then he got red-hot in the postseason and won the Super Bowl. Flacco cashed in for several million dollars more per year than had been previously discussed. Dalton didn’t have to bet on himself like Flacco. But the Bengals, hardly getting a bargain, are betting on him in a huge way.”

    Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports: “Jay Cutler’s contract with the Bears, for $126.7 million over seven years after making all of one Pro Bowl in his career, really was the sign that the quarterback market was ruined. Dalton’s deal has reinforced that the market is out of control. Teams get crippled by fear of the unknown at quarterback. There’s no way Dalton, whom I defend regularly because people have ignored the good things he has done (and he has done some good things), could be worth more than $19 million per year. But teams like the Bengals would rather pay Dalton two or three times what he’s worth than deal with the criticism that would come if they let him go and couldn’t replace him immediately. It sounds like a dumb business model, but NFL teams routinely do it. The quarterback market for the non-stars at the position is the most inefficient in sports. And it affects other teams. Wilson, (Andrew) Luck, (Cam) Newton and other young quarterbacks like Washington’s Robert Griffin III probably have to start the bidding at $25 million per year if Dalton got what he did, right? Dalton has put up 11,360 yards and 80 touchdowns while taking the Bengals to the playoffs in all three of his seasons. He has seen his interceptions rise each season since his rookie year. He threw 20 of them last year and is routinely criticized for his arm strength limitations and his failures in the playoffs. Not even his strongest backers would confuse Dalton for a top-tier quarterback. And he just signed an extension that could be worth $115 million, which is $5 million more than Aaron Rodgers got (Rodgers got that over five years; Dalton got six).”

    MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE

    Questions to ponder while the NFC West braces for the rowdy Rams defense:

    Just how quickly can the Bengals get out from under that Dalton contract?

    Say, has Michael Sam became a bit of a glory hound?

    Can Yasiel Puig learn a lot by playing in the same city as Albert Pujols?

    Say, how bad do you want that ice cream bar and those peanut butter cups?

    August 2, 2014 at 12:07 pm #3083

    In reply to: 920 AM CBS: Jim Thomas, Charley Armey

    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    RamBill

    Jim Thomas talks Rams with Bryan Burwell on 920 AM. He starts off with an injury report. Scott Wells had some kind of virus at the end of OTA’s and lost some weight, but returned to practice on Thursday. McLeod and Matt Daniels have had some big hits recently in practice. Robinson and Donald have had some real 1 on 1 battles with each of them having good moments. He talks about the Refs visiting practice and how some rules may be enforced differently this year. He talks about Hall of Fame weekend and how over the next few years the Rams will send some new members.

    July 12, 2014 at 12:07 pm #1573

    Topic: on & from Football Outsiders on 2013 injuries

    in forum The Rams Huddle
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    FROM . ESPN

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10683857/2014-nfl-offseason-teams-best-worst-injury-luck

    Football Outsiders has created an Adjusted Games Lost (AGL) metric to calculate how much teams were impacted by injuries [excerpted & linked by me below]. AGL is based on two principles: (1) injuries to starters, injury replacements and important situational reserves matter more than injuries to bench warmers; and (2) injured players who do take the field are usually playing with reduced ability, which is why Adjusted Games Lost is based not strictly on whether the player is active for the game or not, but instead is based on the player’s listed status that week (IR/PUP, out, doubtful, questionable or probable).

    The Unlucky

    New York Giants (7-9)
    AGL: 144.6 (32nd)
    Recent AGL rankings: 2008 (eighth), 2009 (19th), 2010 (22nd), 2011 (26th), 2012 (25th)
    Key injury: RB David Wilson (neck)

    The Giants’ 144.6 AGL is the highest in our database, which goes back to 2000. That’s more than twice the 2013 league average of 70.2, which for the third straight year represented a new high. So perhaps injuries keep increasing or teams are more honest in reporting them.

    New York was hit hardest at running back, interior offensive line and the secondary. Between an injured offensive line and M.A.S.H. unit at running back, it’s no wonder the running game was so poor. David Wilson’s herniated disk in his neck was the most severe injury and it could keep him out of action in 2014, if not longer. He had surgery this offseason, but neck injuries are always delicate situations. The Giants added some insurance with Rashad Jennings (Raiders) after his career year. That should work better than having to sign Brandon Jacobs, Peyton Hillis or see if Andre Brown will break his leg for the third year in a row.

    ===========
    FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS

    FROM . 2013 Adjusted Games Lost

    by Scott Kacsmar

    [to read the entire article go to:] http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2014/2013-adjusted-games-lost

    Wide receiver Michael Crabtree tore his Achilles tendon last May, but returned in time to help San Francisco peak. Denver left tackle Ryan Clady suffered a Lisfranc injury in Week 2 and missed the remainder of the season, including the run to the Super Bowl. New England tight end Rob Gronkowski started the season on the mend, played seven games, and ended 2013 on injured reserve after tearing his ACL. Percy Harvin played just 19 snaps on offense in the regular season for Seattle, but he was healthy enough to make his biggest contribution in the Super Bowl victory.

    Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but those teams overcame some big ones to make it to the final four in 2013. There were of course many more injuries suffered along the way, and the severity and duration can vary greatly. Sometimes the player makes it back in time, while some teams have to prep a third starter after the backup gets injured as well.

    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 bench warmers; and (2) Injured players who do take the field are usually playing with reduced ability, which is why Adjusted Games Lost is based not strictly on whether the player is active for the game or not, 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 side of the game.
    2013 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 along with the results from 2012 for comparison. This data is only for the regular season.

    FO1
    …

    Perhaps this is the one argument for teams doing a better job of reporting injuries, because once again the average AGL increased. After a league average of 64.5 last season, the 2013 average is 70.2, making it three years in a row that we had a new high in our AGL database (complete for 2002-13).

    The correlation for AGL between 2012 and 2013 was 0.10, which is more in line with results from 2002 to 2008 than the higher correlations found in the previous four seasons (2009-12). The correlation between 2013 AGL and 2013 team DVOA was -0.03, which is the smallest since 2002 based on the table Danny Tuccitto prepared in last season’s analysis.

    Similarly, the correlation between 2013 wins and 2013 AGL was 0.10, which is the second-weakest correlation since 2002 and the first time the relationship was actually positive. Yes, as AGL went up, so did wins, in a bizarre 2013 where seemingly every AFC contender had several crippling injuries to some of its best players. Recall some of the names who finished the season on injured reserve from the AFC playoff teams alone: Reggie Wayne, Dwayne Allen, Geno Atkins, Leon Hall, Vince Wilfork, Rob Gronkowski, Jerod Mayo, Sebastian Vollmer, Dwight Freeney, Von Miller and Ryan Clady.

    One AFC contender avoiding the big injuries was Kansas City, which had a league-low 27.6 AGL in 2013 after ranking 22nd a season ago. The Chiefs had big changes at coach and quarterback, but better health is another plus. The irony is that many will just remember the injuries the Chiefs experienced in the AFC Wild Card Game in Indianapolis, such as losing star running back Jamaal Charles on the opening drive. The Colts erased a 38-10 deficit for the win to join the 2012 Packers as the only teams to win a playoff game despite having an AGL above 100.

    The Colts ranked 31st (110.3) in AGL for the third time in five years and have ranked 24th or worse in eight straight seasons. Jon Torine was the strength and conditioning coach from 1998-11, but he was replaced in 2012 by Roger Marandino. Despite three head coaches since 2002, GM 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.

    Seven of the bottom 10 teams in 2013 AGL made the postseason compared to only three of the 10 healthiest teams. In fact, none of the teams ranked 4-10 even had a winning record. It was just an unusual season in how the injuries impacted teams. While a team like the Falcons fell apart, veteran teams used to overcoming injuries like the Packers and Patriots were able to do so again. By some stroke of luck, Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb returned just in time for Week 17 to down the Bears and win the NFC North.

    After five straight seasons of ranking in the top 10 in AGL, the 49ers suffered 2013’s biggest gain of injuries, going from a league-leading 16.2 AGL in 2012 to a 23rd-ranked 84.2. The 68.0 AGL increase is the third highest on record. Crabtree’s injury was the big one, but Mario Manningham’s struggle to return from his own serious injury was another problem for the wide receivers. The defensive line was also banged up, with nose tackle Ian Williams going down early and standout Justin Smith playing despite a questionable label several times. Despite the increase in injuries and a drop of 12.1 percentage points in DVOA, the 49ers did win 12 games and reached their third-straight NFC Championship. Had the Crabtree injury occurred in July instead of May, he likely would have missed all of 2013.

    One team I focused on after Week 1 was Philadelphia, as I asked if the Eagles’ fast pace would have any impact on offensive injuries. The Eagles did lead the league by averaging a play every 23.38 seconds. However, despite losing Jeremy Maclin in the summer and another Michael Vick injury early in the year, the Eagles actually ranked eighth in offensive AGL (21.4) after being dead last in 2012. Chip Kelly’s team ranked second overall in AGL (33.6), so perhaps his hiring of a sports science coordinator is having a desired impact.

    This ESPN Insider piece [quoted by me above in this post] has more on the top and bottom teams in AGL and what their ratings may mean for 2014.

    ..

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