reporters preview Rams/Broncos

The STL Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas explains to CineSport’s Noah Coslov the keys to trying to limit Broncos QB Peyton Manning’s production & the reasons behind the Rams starting QB Shaun Hill.

http://cinesport.stltoday.com/saint-louis-sports/thomas-why-start-hill-over-davis/

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Prediction: Broncos roll past Rams

By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13590/prediction-broncos-roll-past-rams

Predicting what the St. Louis Rams are going to do from week to week is a difficult exercise, especially when they’re heavy underdogs. Everything seemed to be working against them two weeks ago when they went to San Francisco and they somehow managed to win.

This week, the Denver Broncos come to town expected to cruise past the Rams. The us-against-the-world mentality will be in place once again in the Rams’ locker room. But it’s hard to see how they’ll be able to spring another surprise considering the matchups against the Broncos.

The Rams pass rush has been much improved with 16 sacks over the past four weeks, tied for most in the league (and it will be 17 when the league credits Robert Quinn for a correction from the Kansas City game). But Peyton Manning is probably the best ever at recognizing where pressure is coming from and getting the ball out quick.

Manning is averaging 2.29 seconds before passing, which is second-fastest in the league, and his 67.7 percent completion rate is fourth. The Rams, meanwhile, are last in the league in completion percentage allowed at 69.6 percent. That combination will prove deadly for the Rams because it will neutralize the pass rush and allow Manning and the Broncos offense to continue putting up the points. And scoring points isn’t something the Rams do well, either, averaging 16.6 offensive points per game, 29th in the NFL.

Add it all up and you have all the makings of a blowout.

My prediction: Broncos 31, Rams 10

Rams report: Team works outdoors on Friday, ready for Broncos’ challenge

• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report-team-works-outdoors-on-friday-ready-for-broncos/article_bf7743f5-2ef1-5feb-ad4a-fa11a29f40a0.html

After two days indoors, the Rams wrapped up their practice schedule with an outdoor workout at Rams Park on Friday.

The Rams (3-6) will take on the Denver Broncos (7-2) Sunday at noon at the Edward Jones Dome.

“It’s clearly better for your legs to get on the grass. Three days indoors can take its toll over a period of time,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher explained. “We had a great practice. It wasn’t too windy, so we could throw the ball.

“They’re excited, like they are every Friday. We had a good week of practice and we’re excited to play. Understand that we have a big challenge on our hands, but they go into every game thinking we have a chance to win it.”

Rams Vs. Broncos: Shane’s Select Seven

Shane Gray

http://www.insidestl.com/insideSTLc…5401/Rams-Vs-Broncos-Shanes-Select-Seven.aspx

While the St. Louis Rams finalized a daunting three game road trip last week and will return to home action this weekend for the first time in a month, the Denver Broncos remain road warriors as they conclude their own three game road trek with a matchup at the dome.

The Broncos stand alone atop the AFC West with a 7-2 season record. The Rams, on the other hand, sit in the solitude of the NFC West’s cellar with a 3-6 mark.

Help From Hill

After posting strong ratings of 98 or above in four of his first five starts, quarterback Austin Davis came back to earth in generating 75.4, 44.6 and 62.6 ratings in his last three outings.

With Davis struggling of late, Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher felt it was prudent to reevaluate the quarterback position and, in doing so, decided it was time to lean on veteran Shaun Hill, 34.

“We looked at things Monday night and I had lengthy discussions with the offensive staff and just felt that the best thing to do, at this point moving forward, was to lean on the experienced quarterback,” Fisher explained. “I told the team today in front of Austin (Davis) how much I appreciated Austin and his work ethic and his poise, his dedication and the tireless effort that he put in to prepare himself to play. He’s much better now than he was when he started, but made the decision to go ahead and play with Shaun (Hill).”

“We’re moving forward with an experienced quarterback that for all intensive purposes lost his job because of injury,” Fisher continued. “You all understand why we went that way because of the production that we got earlier out of Austin. Again, I don’t want to present anything that appears to be cloudy, but this is in my opinion and the offensive staff’s opinion, what’s best for this football team right now.”

According to Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, the decision to demote Davis was most influenced by his recent propensity for turnovers. In his first five starts, he threw a total of three interceptions. However, in just his last three games, Davis has racked up five picks.

“Obviously, we went back and looked at things and Austin (Davis) has played really well for the most part,” Scottenheimer said Wednesday. “I think the big thing for us was the turnovers. It’s hard to win in this league when you’re turning the football over.”

While Davis has handled his return to the backup role in the classy manner that one would expect of the Southern Mississippi product, Hill is understandably excited to step back into the lineup after a 10-week hiatus.

“Obviously there’s some excitement that kicks in and things like that,” Hill admitted. “Now it’s kind of back to business as usual. I’m just 1/11th on offense. You go out and you prepare the best you can for Sunday.”

While Hill is happy to be back on the field, many wonder how much rust he will need to shake off after a two-and-a-half month layoff from live action on the gridiron.

Schottenheimer, however, does not seem overly concerned about that and feels Hill will be ready.

“He looked really good out here,” Schottenheimer said of Hill’s practice outings this week. “He’s been preparing. He’s a pro. He’s been in this role before. We were teasing a little bit that he looked a little out of shape and maybe had too many snacks over the last couple weeks, but he’s looked really pretty good and done a nice job. The ball’s coming out of his hand well. He’s making good, clean decisions. I don’t see the rust.”

In 27 career starts, Hill has compiled a 13-14 career record. He and the Rams hope he reaches the .500 mark Sunday in St. Louis.

The St. Louis Secondary

The extremely green St. Louis secondary has struggled against the pass for much of the season while also dealing with injuries to the likes of Trumaine Johnson, Janoris Jenkins and LeMarcus Joyner. The stats bear out the difficulties they have had in dealing with opposing air attacks, with the Rams giving up the highest completion percentage in the league (69.6) and the fourth highest passer rating (102.6).

While the St. Louis defensive backfield is the youngest in the NFL overall, Fisher credits his youthful group of safeties with helping to hold things down while dealing with the aforementioned injuries to several of the defense’s cornerbacks.

“I think T.J. (McDonald) is playing the safety position right now as good as any safety in the league,” Fisher asserted. “The last couple weeks I think that his play and body of work speaks for itself. He’s making plays. He’s all over the field. He’s going to continue to do that. We got production out of Mark (Barron) last week in a package. Rod’s (Rodney McLeod) been playing very well. These guys have been holding the corners together because we’ve been rolling the young corners. Obviously, now that (CB Trumaine Johnson) Tru’s back and (CB Janoris Jenkins) Jenks is back, (CB E.J. Gaines) E.J.’s going to get some work inside because (CB) Lamarcus (Joyner) looks doubtful for this week. Those guys (at safety) have pretty much been the glue in the secondary.”

This week against future first ball Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning, that glue and this group is going to face perhaps its stiffest test of the season. Entering this game, Denver is second in points per game, third in offensive yardage per contest, second in passer rating, third in yards per pass attempted and fifth-best on third downs.

Measuring Manning

Coaches have used almost every adjective and cliche imaginable in attempting to desribe the dynamic and other-wordly production of 13-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro Manning over his illustrious career.

During a mid-week question and answer session with reporters, Fisher compared Manning to playing against a computer. Yes, a computer.

“I’ve said this before, it’s like playing a computer,” Fisher said. “That’s what he is. He runs that offense. He’s going to put them in the best possible position. He’s nearly impossible to fool and is hard to get down. If you rush more than four, the balls coming out and he’s not going to take the hit. That’s just how he is. He puts that offense in the best possible position every snap. If the run’s not there, then he’s going to pick it up and he’s going to change and he’s going to put the ball down the field. He’s prepared. He’s prepared week after week, year after year.”

Fisher went on to explain that he feels that Manning’s career is just now reaching its pinnacle state.

“There’s no doubt, Peyton’s playing his best football right now,” Fisher continued. “Faced him many, many times. He’s playing his best football. It’s amazing the things he’s doing with the football. The cast that they have surrounded him with is outstanding. It really tests your defense. It requires patience. You have to run the football and get their punter on the field. I’m trying to simplify things for you, but you run it on offense and your goal is to get their punter on the field. Then you have a chance.”

In looking at the numbers, it is tough to argue strongly against Fisher’s notion, what with Manning having 29 touchdowns as compared to just seven interceptions to this point in the campaign. His 112 rating this fall is the third-best of any in his career and his QBR is his second best ever.

According to Denver Head Coach John Fox, it it his preparation and adaptability that sets him apart from almost all other NFL signal callers.

“I just think the way he prepares himself, whether it’s physically or whether it’s mentally,” Fox stated. “He has a ‘raise all boats’ type of approach. It’s been huge for our offense. I think what he’s accomplished kind of speaks for itself. Coming off a year of not playing football, stepping into a new organization after being with one team for so long and the same teammates for so long. His ability to adjust and change and do it in a new place is pretty remarkable in my estimation.”

Obviously, Fisher has a long history of facing Manning after coaching against him at least twice per year while with the Titans in the AFC South. With that considered, Fisher readily realizes the difficulties his defense will face this week against the future first ballot Hall of Famer.

“It’s a tremendous challenge,” Fisher said. “One of the biggest challenges I’ve been associated with a staff is defending him and his offense.”

All that said, Fisher maintains he has high expectations for Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams’ unit.

“We’ve had some success (against Manning),” Fisher said. “And we’re expecting to again. That’s the way you go into it.”

Considering the Clock

Sometimes, the keys to success in a football game are so simple they get overlooked by the masses. In facing Manning and the Broncos bold offensive arsenal, the most basic approach is the best: keep the football out of his hands as much as humanly possible.

Schottenheimer explained why this is important on Thursday.

“Every time that Peyton’s (Manning) on the bench that certainly is important, and their offense is on the bench,” explained Schottenheiemer. “Certainly have played him a lot of times. The times we’ve played well against him, going back to the days with the Jets in division playoff games and stuff like that, you win the time of possession battle. You stay on the field.”

“Again, part of that is getting into third down and manageable, converting third downs and sometimes avoiding third downs with explosive plays,” Schottenheimer continued. “It’s a rhythm thing. Again, I think the big thing for us this week because of time of possession is going to be running the football and throwing completions.”

Against a dynamite Denver defense, though, winning the time of possession battle may be easier said than done.

Denver’s Defense

Even though it’s the Broncos boisterous offense that gets most of the credit throughout Colorado and the broader pro football world, the defense has managed to become a top-tier unit while flying primarily under-the-radar.

On the year, the Denver D has been the league’s best in allowing just 3.2 yards per garry and 67 rushing yards per game. The longest run they have given up all season is a 25 yarder. Facing such a strong ground defense is highly problematic to the St. Louis offense as they need to run the ball effectively to use clock and keep the Broncos’ prolific offense off of the turf.

In addition to their dominance in run defense, Denver has the fifth fewest defensive penalties, ranks seventh in interceptions, seventh-best on third downs, tenth in sacks, ninth best (or lowest) passer rating allowed, tenth best (or lowest) passing completion percentage against and fourteenth in passing yards per game relinquished even while leading big in many of their contests.

“They’re awfully good, yeah,” Fisher said. “What happens typically when you have an offense that’s so potent and making so many big plays and has a scoring average per game that’s so high. The opposing offenses are playing catch-up. Those yards…you don’t want to call them garbage yards, but the defense is going to soften a little bit, give up some plays to win the game.

That happens to an outstanding defense. They are very difficult to run against. Both the edge rushers are outstanding and they get inside push. They’ve done a great job rebuilding their secondary, which was obviously a focus. I think they’ve got a great group of linebackers. We’re going to have to play very well.”

As good as the Denver defense has been, former All-Pro linebacker Von Miller feels they are only going to continue to improve.

“I feel like we still haven’t got to playing the type of football that we know we’re capable of playing,” Miller said. “I feel like we’re getting better and better every week. Our run defense is probably our identity right now. A good first- and second-down defense makes a good third-down defense. I think we’re just starting to get better, preparing for this stretch that we’ve got coming up.”

Dynamic Duo

It isn’t often that we find ourselves halfway through November and find one team touting two of the top 10 indivual sack artists.

In Denver, though, three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller has nine sacks while seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Ware has eight—good for sixth and tenth in the NFL, respectively.

The duo doesn’t spend its time competing or trying to top the other in production, though, but instead works hard to help each other be the best they can be.

We’ve got a healthy work-minded relationship,” Miller said in a conference call with Rams reporters Wednesday. “Every day he (Ware) pushes me. I go out there and push him. It’s all healthy and it’s helping our team. I enjoy DeMarcus. I love coming to work every single day, being around him and watching the way he prepares and I think it’s helped me with my game as well.”

Schottenheimer is certainly well aware of the problems the carnivorous combo will present to his offense.

“They create a lot of problems and they play really hard,” Schottenheimer suggested. “It’s a little bit of a benefit obviously, playing them at home, not having to go into the noise. The guy that’s really jumped out just because they move him around quite a little bit is Von (Miller). He’s just really explosive, great spin moves, but we certainly respect them both and they’re really, really good players. Nothing surprising there. You’ve got to do things to keep them off balanced and we’ll certainly try to do that, but it will be a long day if we can’t control those guys.”

“In most of the passing situations he’ll (Miller) be on our right going against (RT) Joe (Barksdale). DeMarcus (Ware) will be on the left. Again, two elite pass rushers, not only are they great rushers, they have great technique and they play extremely hard. They don’t give up and a lot of the sacks they get are second effort plays.”

Obviously, the St. Louis pass protection better be on its collective “A” game come noon Sunday. If not, it will likely be a long day for Hill and the Rams air attack.

Home Sweet Home

After a three-game stretch away from home, St. Louis returns to the dome on Sunday for some home cooking. While away, the Rams were competitive, but won just one of those three contests outside of the Gateway City.

This week, Fisher and the Rams are excited to be playing back under the mighty shadow of the Gateway Arch.

“It’s been an eventful three weeks,” Fisher said. “This young team’s learned how to travel, but you can’t beat playing at home.”

This week, however, a relatively nearby Denver club comes to town with a 7-2 record.

That, along with the pressing stadium issue, the current 3-6 record and a decade-long run of futility may make the dome feel more like a neutral-crowd atmosphere.

Either way, the Rams will have a lot more fans pulling for them this week at home than they have in any of the games they have played in roughly a month.

That alone should be helpful to this still young Rams roster. It just may not be quite as helpful as it would be under more ideal conditions.

W2W4: St. Louis Rams

By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13682/w2w4-st-louis-rams-14

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and the Denver Broncos kick off Week 11 on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS regional coverage.

Here are three things to watch from the Rams’ perspective:

1. The best defense: For as much as we’ll talk about how great Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is and how difficult of a challenge it is for the defense to slow him and the Denver offense down, the easiest way to stop Manning is to keep him on the sideline. That means establishing an offense capable of consistently moving the chains, extending drives and not turning the ball over. Sounds good, right?

Well, the Rams haven’t exactly been doing any of those things well in recent weeks. The Broncos are first in the league in run defense and not just because teams are throwing a lot by trying to catch up. They’re holding opponents to just 3.19 yards per carry, which is also first in the NFL. The Rams, meanwhile have yet to establish the running game many thought they would. They’ve finally settled on Tre Mason as the primary ballcarrier and he’s flashed promise at times but hasn’t consistently been able to generate yards.

One major key for the Rams is getting better on third down. They were 1-of-10 last week against Arizona and if they can’t keep the chains moving, that means too many chances for Manning.

2. Getting after Manning: Pressuring Manning is easier said than done because he’s one of the best ever at getting rid of the ball quickly. So far this season, Manning is getting rid of the ball after just 2.29 seconds which is second quickest in the league. That means there isn’t much time for the Rams to get after him or for their blitz-heavy packages (they lead the league in blitz percentage) to get home but if there’s going to be a way to get to Manning, it will likely have to be up the middle.

Denver’s offensive line has been in flux the past few weeks, particularly on the interior. That could mean some opportunities for the Rams defensive tackles, especially rookie Aaron Donald. Donald has consistently terrorized quarterbacks in his first nine games and would seem to have an advantage against the musical chairs in the middle.

To slow Manning and the Broncos offense, the Rams will have to do enough in coverage to force him to go to his second or third read and hope that buys them enough time to get in the backfield.

3. Turning to Hill: With veteran Shaun Hill back in the saddle at quarterback, the Rams are hoping that they can cut down on the costly turnovers and mistakes that have plagued them over the past few weeks. Removing Austin Davis from the starting lineup was done mostly because of his propensity for turnovers (six that turned into defensive touchdowns, including five in the fourth quarter).

Hill is in his 14th NFL season and has plenty of experience which should allow him to manage the game. The Rams won’t put the game in Hill’s hands but his primary job will be not to lose it. As always, it’s worth watching the turnover battle but if Hill does give it up, when and where it happens is also something to keep an eye on.

7 things to watch: Rams vs. Broncos

By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/things-to-watch-rams-vs-broncos/article_28ca6f37-f6df-5813-8ffd-aaf286cd647f.html

HILL RETURNS

After eight games and more than two months on the bench, Shaun Hill resurfaces as the Rams’ starting QB. His timing could’ve been better considering he’ll be trying to match throws with the great Peyton Manning. Not to mention, he’ll be facing the NFL’s fifth-ranked defense. But when it comes down to it, his timing with Rams receivers will be what matters most. There will be an adjustment process, be it the way the ball comes out of Hill’s hand — as a opposed to Austin Davis — or even his cadence at the line of scrimmage. “Shaun has a different touch on the ball,” TE Lance Kendricks said. “But it still gets there the same. He’s a vet quarterback, so he’s been there before. There’s nothing wrong with having that veteran leadership in the huddle. The plays are still the same. We like Shaun. Everyone loves him here. No issues there.”

LAST DANCE IN ST. LOUIS?

Even if the Rams don’t relocate to Los Angeles, this likely will be Manning’s last appearance in the Gateway City. Under the NFL scheduling formula, the Broncos won’t play here again until 2022. He would be 46 by then. So unless he changes clubs, say farewell Sunday to one of the all-time greats. Manning has played here only twice before — both times with Indianapolis. In 2001, the Colts lost 42-17; in 2009, the Colts turned the tables with a 42-6 win.

MILLER & WARE

The Rams faced an elite pass-rushing tandem three weeks ago in KC’s Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. No disrespect intended, but Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer likes the Denver duo of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. “Since we don’t play Kansas City again this year, I’ll say Denver’s clearly better,” Schottenheimer said. Ware and Miller have 17 sacks between them this season. Miller moves around some, but will play mainly over RT Joe Barksdale.

RUSH HOUR

Tre Mason clearly has moved into feature back status in the Rams’ backfield, but the going will be tough against Denver’s run defense. The Broncos allow only 67 yards rushing per game and only 3.2 yards per carry — both league bests. The man-mountain with one of the NFL’s best nicknames, DT Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton, clogs the middle. The Broncos have allowed only 11 runs of 10 yards or more all season — yes, another league best.

RUSH HOUR II

The Broncos will be missing their leading rusher against the Rams; Ronnie Hillman has been ruled out with a foot injury. So C.J. Anderson, who had 163 yards rushing and receiving last week in Oakland, is expected to get the start. Montee Ball (Timberland High), who began the year as the starter, is set to return after missing the last five games with a groin injury. So the Broncos shouldn’t miss a beat without Hillman in the lineup.

LOTS OF RECEIVERS

With Marcus Roberson (ankle) ruled out and Lamarcus Joyner (groin) doubtful, the Rams are paper thin at corner. So this isn’t the best time to see Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker come to town. Thomas has a current streak of six consecutive 100-yard receiving games — a franchise record. Sanders already has set a career high for single-season receiving yards (852). Welker has 867 career catches, most for an undrafted player in NFL history.

THE “OTHER” THOMAS

If only the Rams just had to worry about the Denver wideouts. At tight end, Julius Thomas has been a scoring machine, with 12 TD catches in nine games. He’s the first TE in NFL history with at least 12 TDs in back-to-back seasons, proving his breakout year of 2013 was no fluke. At 6-5 and 250 pounds, Thomas literally is a huge challenge for Rams safeties and linebackers in coverage. The only saving grace would be if Thomas gets called upon to stay in more as a blocker.