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September 21, 2014 at 7:39 pm in reply to: Dallas game post-mortems, from Wagoner, Thomas, Karraker, etc. #8108
RamBillParticipantRams blow 21-0 lead, lose to Dallas 34-31
• BY JIM THOMASQuarterback Austin Davis three touchdown passes. The running game was easily at its best this season. But in the end, the Rams couldn’t hold a 21-0 first half lead and lost to Dallas 34-31.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Rams, who now head into their bye week with a 1-2 record. Their next game is Oct. 5 in Philadelphia.
To no one’s surprise, Davis was the starting quarterback Sunday, and he wasted little time getting the Rams moving. For the third time in three games this season, the Rams won the opening coin toss, but this time they decided to receive rather than deferring to the second half.
What followed was a flawlessly executed 80-yard opening drive. Only two of 15 plays went for more than 10 yards, with the longest play a 14-yard reception by Zac Stacy with Davis scrambling under pressure.
Tight end Lance Kendricks capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown catch, with a nifty move to tight-rope the goal-line in the front left corner of the end zone. That marked the first passing TD of the season for the Rams, and the 7-0 lead was the biggest of the young season.
• PHOTOS: Rams collapse vs. Cowboys
The lead grew bigger in the opening half. With the Rams’ defense swarming Dallas running back DeMarco Murray, the Rams got the ball back quickly and scored on their next possession.
This time, Davis found Brian Quick deep for a 51-yard TD on the first play of the second quarter, with Quick getting behind Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne. Then it was time for the player known as the “Rabbit” _ Janoris Jenkins _ to leave his calling card.
During the practice week, Jenkins said the key to containing Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant was to defend the short routes. Jenkins went a couple steps better with six minutes left in the first half. Not only did he step in front of a short sideline route intended for Bryant for an interception, he returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. Just like that, the Rams were up 21-0 with 6:06 left in the half, and the rout was on.
Not exactly. With the aid of a 26-yard pass interference penalty against nickel back Lamarcus Joyner, the Cowboys got on the board with a one-yard TD run by Murray with 2:07 left in the half.
Following the Dallas kickoff, the Rams were moving downfield for what was shaping up as at least a field goal to end the half. But on a third-and-1 from the Dallas 44, an errant snap by center Scott Wells was recovered by Dallas at its 47.
Wells snapped the ball as if Davis were under center. Trouble was, Davis was in the shotgun. The Cowboys took over with 39 seconds left in the half. And with all their timeouts remaining they were able to move into field goal position.
Dan Bailey tied a club record with his 27th consecutive field goal _ this one from 29 yards. That kick trimmed the Rams lead to 21-10 at the half, and the Cowboys weren’t done.
On the fourth play of the third quarter, Jenkins gave back the seven points he produced in the second quarter. He was beaten on a double-move by Dez Bryant for a 68-yard TD. There was no safety help, so once Bryant got past Jenkins, there was nothing by turf.
So just like that, the Rams lead shrunk to four points, 21-17.
The Rams’ offense remained unfazed. Taking over at their 20 after a touchback on the kickoff, the team moved steadily downfield with a mix of runs and short to intermediate passes. But on third-and-3 from the Dallas 17, Kenny Britt ran a crossing pattern a little too shallow, leaving the Rams maybe 6 inches shy of a fourth down.
Jeff Fisher decided to go for it on fourth down, but on a slow-developing handoff, running back Benny Cunningham was dropped for a two-yard loss. Dallas took over on the 16, and thanks in large part to a 44-yard scamper around left end by Murray, another Bailey field goal left the Rams clinging to a 21-20 lead late in the third quarter.
The Rams came right back with a field goal drive that stretched their lead to 24-20 with 13:28 to play. It would’ve been a TD and a 27-20 lead, but wide-open tight end Jared Cook bobbled and then dropped the pass in the end zone.
Dallas wasn’t done scoring. A long pass interference call against Jenkins gave the Cowboys a first-down at the St. Louis 20. Then, on third-and-2, Tony Romo found Terrance Williams wide open for a 12-yard TD pass and a 27-24 Dallas lead with 6:13 to play. Rookie corner E.J. Gaines had coverage responsibility on the play but got caught in traffic trying to follow Williams over the middle.
It took only eight seconds for Dallas to tack on seven more. On the first play after the Dallas kickoff, Dallas linebacker Bruce Carter stepped in front of a Davis pass headed over the middle for Stacy, and returned it 25 yards for a TD and a 34-24 Dallas lead.
Davis coolly marched the Rams 80 yards downfield for a TD on a 4-yard pass to cut Dallas’ lead to 34-31 with 2:36 to play.
September 21, 2014 at 7:07 pm in reply to: Dallas game post-mortems, from Wagoner, Thomas, Karraker, etc. #8104RamBillParticipantJared Cook blames himself for loss
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11925/jared-cook-blames-himself-for-loss
ST. LOUIS — Observed and heard in the locker room after the St. Louis Rams’ 34-31 loss to Dallas:
Rams tight end Jared Cook had what should have been an easy 10-yard touchdown slip through his hands early in the fourth quarter, leaving the Rams to settle for a field goal. Instead of a 28-20 lead, the Rams took a 24-20 advantage. Cook’s frustration with himself boiled over on the sidelines when he shoved quarterback Austin Davis, who had come over to help him settle down after the drop. Defensive end William Hayes stepped in and yelled at Cook in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
After the game, a despondent Cook said he cleared the air with Davis and took the blame for the drop and the shove.
“I was heated, like anybody else,” Cook said. “I feel like I let this game slip through my hands, and that’s my fault as a man.”
Davis had another big outing, going 30-of-42 for 327 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions for a passer rating of 98.0. Apparently that performance, combined with what he did last week is not enough to earn him the job moving forward. Rams coach Jeff Fisher again reiterated that Shaun Hill will be his starter when he returns from a calf injury.“No, I have said it and stood behind that decision,” Fisher said.
Fisher declined comment on a couple of controversial calls that went against the Rams, including the defensive holding against end Eugene Sims in the game’s closing moments. He said he would look at the film before offering his thoughts, presumably in his Monday news conference.September 21, 2014 at 10:03 am in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #8052RamBillParticipantJoin Steve Savard, D’Marco Farr, and Will Witherspoon as they break down the match up between the Rams and Cowboys and give their keys to victory. Some of them include: stop Murray, control the clock, create turnovers, don’t turn it over, take advantage of a line that has given up 7 sacks in two games. (2:51)
http://www.rams-news.com/rams-keys-to-victory-vs-cowboys-video/
September 21, 2014 at 1:44 am in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #8035RamBillParticipantRams-Cowboys: Seven for Sunday
• By Jim ThomasAustin Davis posted better statistics last weekend for the Rams against Tampa Bay than Dallas’ Tony Romo did against Tennessee. Not that Romo was terrible. But following back surgery last December for a herniated disc, the three-time Pro Bowler has gotten off to a slow start. He threw three interceptions in Week 1 loss to San Francisco. Last week against Tennessee, he looked stiff, didn’t have much zip on his passes and lacked his usual escapability. He has been sacked seven times already this season, the second-highest total in the league. The Cowboys gave him Wednesday off this week in the hopes his back feels better Sunday. Rams coach Jeff Fisher is taking nothing for granted. “I would not attribute the interceptions to his back against the 49ers; they just happened,” he said. “He’s making good decisions. He’s still making all the throws.”
BIG DEZ
WR Dez Bryant was targeted 14 times against the Titans, catching 10 for 103 yards and a TD. So basically every other Romo pass went Bryant’s way. Bryant had all that production even though he suffered a shoulder injury early in the game that caused him to leave the field for a while. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday. “He’s a big receiver, pretty physical. He’s not that fast,” CB Janoris Jenkins said. “Basically you’ve got to try and take away the short routes.” Easier said than done.
THE REST OF THE GANG
Tight end Jason Witten’s Hall of Fame-caliber career is winding down, but the nine-time Pro Bowler remains a security blanket for Romo in the short and intermediate passing game, and certainly can’t be overlooked. With the departure of Miles Austin to Cleveland, second-year man Terrance Williams has stepped into the starting lineup. A tall deep threat who averaged 16.7 yards per catch as a rookie, he wasn’t involved much last week. He made a pre-draft visit to the Rams in 2013.
HELLO DeMARCO
There won’t be anyone in the Edward Jones Dome happier to see the Rams take the field than Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray. Whenever these teams play each other, Stan Kroenke doesn’t own the Rams — Murray does. Witness his 428 rushing yards in two games. If Murray played the Rams, say, four times a year he’d be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Murray leads the league in yards after contact this season (153), but has had two fumbles — both coming when carrying with his left hand.
LINEHAN’S RETURN
It’s been six year years since Scott Linehan was fired by the Rams early in his third season as their head coach, and Sunday marks his first game in the Edward Jones Dome since his awkward middle-of-the-night dismissal in 2008. “That’s two jobs ago,” Linehan told ESPNDallas.com. “In this business, it seems like I’ve had about six homes in the last 15 years. But I had a great three years there.” Linehan is in his first season as the Cowboys’ passing game coordinator.
HOLE IN THE MIDDLE
After being coaxed out of retirement by the Cowboys, Rolando McClain quickly has developed into a leader of the Dallas defense with his tough, physical play. The former No. 8 overall pick by Oakland leads the Cowboys in tackles through two games (22), and had a sack and a juggling interception against Tennessee. But McClain, listed as doubtful, is expected to miss Sunday’s game because of a groin injury. Rookie Anthony Hitchens is set to start in his place.
FAR FROM TAMPA
Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli spent 10 years at Tampa Bay, where the famed Tampa 2 (Cover 2) zone defense was dominant and the envy of the league. But what the Cowboys are running these days under Marinelli is far removed from those glory days in Tampa. “I mean, they go by that name but we’re going to get (single) safety” coverage, Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. “They’re going to get up in our face, and press us, play tight man-to-man.”
September 20, 2014 at 1:09 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #8011RamBillParticipantRams-Cowboys: Matchup breakdown
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11822/rams-cowboys-matchup-breakdown-2
EARTH CITY, Mo. — A look at three matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys meet Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald vs. Cowboys right guard Zack Martin
Although his snaps have been limited as part of a rotation, Donald quietly has been the disruptive force the Rams hoped they were getting when they drafted him No. 13 overall in May’s draft. According to the coaches’ review of the film, Donald has 12 tackles, including four for loss, in the first two games.
While Donald has the ability to move around the line and might not see a lot of Martin, it’s likely their paths will cross at some point in Sunday’s game. For those that don’t remember, if Donald had been off the board when the Rams picked at No. 13, Martin likely would have been the choice. In fact, Rams coach Jeff Fisher openly acknowledged the team’s efforts to trade back into the first round to land Martin.
In his first two weeks, Martin has had some ups and downs. For what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus’ evaluations show Martin has done well in pass protection but struggled as a run blocker.
At the Senior Bowl in January, Martin was the only lineman in Mobile who was able to stand up to Donald in pass-rush drills. If they get a chance to do it again, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in a battle of two of the most technically polished players in this year’s draft.
Rams wide receiver Brian Quick vs. Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne
It’s only been two games, but it’s hard to deny that Quick has looked like the player the Rams hoped he’d be entering his third season in the league. He leads the team with 14 catches for 173 yards and, aside from a drop on a deep ball against Tampa Bay last Sunday, has been the picture of consistency in the first two games. Quick has a chance to surpass his numbers from 2013 in just three games with just a decent day against the Cowboys.
On the other side, Quick figures to get his fill of both Claiborne and fellow starter Brandon Carr, neither of whom has impressed much in the first two weeks. Interestingly enough, Dallas made a draft-day deal with the Rams for in 2012 to secure Claiborne. The Rams ended up with defensive tackle Michael Brockers in that trade.
Neither Claiborne nor Quick has lived up to their draft position to this point, but the arrow is certainly pointing up on Quick right now while Claiborne has struggled. Another big day for Quick would be a welcomed development for a Rams offense that got nothing going against Dallas last year.
Rams offensive line vs. Cowboys defensive line
So we’re going to cheat a little bit here and not just focus on one matchup on the line. Hey, at least we’re not going with Robert Quinn vs. Tyron Smith, though that will be a fun matchup to watch. The reason for going line vs. line here is because it’s hard to erase from memory the thrashing the Cowboys gave the Rams up front in last year’s meeting.
But things should be different this time. DeMarcus Ware has moved on to Denver and Jason Hatcher is now creating havoc for the Washington Redskins. Those two were primarily responsible for the wreckage done to the Rams last year, especially Ware against left tackle Jake Long.
Although Dallas doesn’t have the same big names, it has gotten pretty solid production from a group led by defensive tackle Henry Melton. Left guard Rodger Saffold will have his hands full with Melton and ends Tyrone Crawford and Jeremy Mincey have consistently created pressure in the first two games.
September 20, 2014 at 1:08 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #8010RamBillParticipantW2W4: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11832/w2w4-st-louis-rams-7
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys kick off Week 3 on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on regional Fox coverage.
Here are three things to watch for from the Rams’ end:
1. Stopping the run: This one is obvious but it has to go right here at the top because it’s the most important. In case you missed the numbers earlier this week, here’s a rundown on why this is the most imperative piece to handle if the Rams want a win this week.
Through two games, St. Louis is 30th in the league stopping the run, giving up 171 yards per game. The Rams did a solid job against the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson but were burned on the perimeter by receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. Last week, little known backup Bobby Rainey of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did in the Rams as they again struggled with missed tackles and poor run fits.
The challenge grows this week with Dallas and DeMarco Murray coming to town. Murray leads the league in rushing through two games and is working behind a better offensive line than the Rams have seen this season (and perhaps one of the best in the league). That’s a lethal combination for a defense that has struggled to contain Murray in the past. Even if the Rams are a much different team than they were in 2011 when Murray blitzed them for 253 yards, this is basically the same group that gave up 175 to him last year.
The Cowboys’ passing game hasn’t been what they’d hoped so far but if Murray and the run game get going again, it could be a long, long day for the Rams defense.
2. Quarterback quagmire: The Rams again are playing the day-to day card with veteran quarterback Shaun Hill, who is recovering from a thigh injury. Hill didn’t play last week and Austin Davis more than capably replaced him with an impressive first start. That has left many fans clamoring for Davis to take the job permanently, but Jeff Fisher has been steadfast in saying Hill will be the starter when he’s healthy.
The question then becomes whether Hill is healthy. At this point, it doesn’t appear that he is after practicing only on a limited basis all week. He’s listed as questionable on the injury report. The Rams could test him again in pregame before making a decision but with a bye week coming after the Cowboys game, it’s fair to wonder if the Rams should push Hill knowing he could be full strength after the bye. The safe bet is that Davis will get a second consecutive start even if it doesn’t become official until just before game time.
Whether it’s Davis or Hill, someone is going to have to offer more than the Rams got from Sam Bradford in last year’s blowout loss in Big D.
3. Reducing penalties: After starting last week’s game against Tampa Bay with three penalties on the first series, it looked like the Rams were in for another long day of laundry. But the Rams managed to settle in a bit as the game went on and drew only five accepted penalties. On paper, that’s obvious improvement but a deeper look revealed more of the same. The Rams had four penalties either declined or offset but even more disturbing was the nature of the five that were accepted. The Rams had 65 penalty yards on those five accepted flags, an average of 13 yards per infraction. So while the number of penalties dropped, the nature of them got worse.
To their credit, the Rams drastically reduced the number of fouls on the offense against Tampa Bay but the defense picked up most of the slack. Against Dallas, which boasts a more formidable offense at all levels than the Bucs, the Rams can’t afford similar mistakes.
September 20, 2014 at 1:03 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #8009RamBillParticipantTyron Smith vs. Robert Quinn a top matchup
By Todd Archerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4733916/tyron-smith-vs-robert-quinn-a-top-matchup
IRVING, Texas — Tyron Smith was the ninth pick in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Robert Quinn was the 14th pick of the first round that year by the St. Louis Rams.
They played in their first Pro Bowl last season. In August Smith signed a 10-year deal worth $109 million with $40 million guaranteed. Last week, the Rams signed Quinn to a six-year, $66 million deal that included $41 million in guarantees.
For all of the matchups discussed this week across the NFL, for the football purists, Smith vs. Quinn might be the best of Week 3.
“[Quinn] is just a great player, for a lot of different reasons,” coach Jason Garrett said. “He’s quick. He’s fast. He’s explosive. He can bend, accelerate to the quarterback. He’s just a disruptive guy, disruptive every week and every game and certainly a guy that opposing offenses will give a lot of attention to. Tyron has played against him before. He understands what the challenge is over there. The other part about him is that he plays with a great motor. He’s not one of these guys who (says) ‘Hey, I have a lot of ability and can go get the quarterback when I want to.’ He comes every snap. He challenges you both as a pass-rush guy and a run defender. Tyron and everyone else is going to be responsible for blocking him — they understand how good a player he is and have a healthy respect for him.”
Rams coach Jeff Fisher was as effusive in his praise of Smith.
“Tyron’s playing really well,” Fisher said. “He has two solid games against good rushers. He’s very, very strong. He’s got good feet. He’s got hands. He does a nice job with his hands. So I think it’ll be a great matchup. As we’ve played many games with Rob, you get the sense that people are not going to hold the football, the seven-step drops don’t take place. It’s a quick game. It’s play-action protection, those kind of thinks, chip with a back. You know we’ll just wait and see. I think it’ll be a great matchup. They’re two outstanding players.”
When these teams met last year, Smith matched up against Quinn on 20 pass plays. He received help on one, a chip from DeMarco Murray. Quinn did not have a sack or a pressure. He did have a tackle for loss and a forced fumble in the run game.
“Just knowing that what type of player he is, it’s not going to be easy,” Smith said.
Quinn, who was second in the NFL last season with 19 sacks, is looking for his first sack this season.
“He’s a young, athletic tackle,” Quinn said. “I happen to be the same draft class. It’s definitely going to be a nice little athleticism matchup.”
September 20, 2014 at 10:15 am in reply to: Fisher, Schottenheimer, Fassel – 9/18… transcripts & vids #7995RamBillParticipantWatch special teams coach John Fassel speak to the media on Thursday as the team prepares for Week 3 against the Cowboys. (4:51)
http://www.rams-news.com/john-fassel-the-cowboys-are-a-fast-team-video/
RamBillParticipantWatch defensive coordinator Gregg Williams speak to the media on Friday as the team prepares for Week 3 against the Cowboys. (3:56)
http://www.rams-news.com/gregg-williams-murray-will-be-a-good-challenge-for-us-video/
September 20, 2014 at 2:14 am in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7984RamBillParticipantRams notes: Zuerlein has been sharp
• By Joe LyonsThe conditions in Tampa Bay last weekend were far from ideal, thanks to a midgame thunderstorm, but Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein did what he needed to do.
With a 38-yard field goal with 38 seconds to play, Zuerlein helped the Rams slip by the Buccaneers 19-17 for their first victory of the season.
“Any time you get a chance to contribute and help your team win, it’s great,’’ said Zuerlein, who also connected on kicks from 35, 36 and 45 yards in the game. “It was sloppy, not the best conditions, but that’s part of the job. It’s the same for both teams, so it’s no excuse. You have a job to do and you’re expected to get it done.’’
The game-winning kick was the third in as many pro seasons for Zuerlein, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 draft. As a rookie, Zuerlein booted a 54-yarder in overtime to beat visiting San Francisco 16-13 on Dec. 2. Last year, in a season-opening 27-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome, Zuerlein connected from 48 yards with 45 seconds to play.
After missing on a few long-range tries in the preseason and on a 50-yarder to open the regular season, Zuerlein is perfect on six attempts, including one from 56 yards.
The most accurate kicker in team history, Zuerlein has converted 55 of 66 field goal tries (83.3 percent) in 34 NFL games.
“During the preseason, you work on different things, try to tweak things. You’re allowed to miss then,’’ the 25-year-old from Missouri Western State University explained.
Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel added: “He missed that first kick against Minnesota, hit a great ball (and) hit it straight left. … He’s got great confidence and he’s got great ball-striking right now.’’
However, Zuerlein struggled with his kickoffs in Tampa Bay, calling it a “bad kickoff day.’’
“It was a mixture of things, really,’’ he continued. “The field conditions didn’t help, but mainly, it was me. I was trying to overkick, trying too hard to get the touchback instead of just kicking the ball the way I normally do.
“My kickoffs need to be better, so that I can help out the defense with field position.’’
SAM ‘WORKING HARD’
Dallas coach Jason Garrett has been impressed with former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, who signed with the Cowboys’ practice squad after being waived by the Rams. Sam is the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL.
“Michael’s done a nice job,’’ Garrett said. “He’s come in, he works hard. He’s a young developmental player. He’s had a track record of success on the college level and we, like the Rams, have a lot of defensive linemen, so sometimes it’s hard for young guys to get opportunities.
“He’s certainly in the mix; he’s working hard in practice as one of our practice squad guys.’’
INJURY REPORT
Cornerback Brandon McGee, who took 26 defensive snaps and 10 more on special teams last week in the Rams’ 19-17 win in Tampa Bay, has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with the Dallas Cowboys with a foot injury.
Also out are center Barrett Jones (back) and cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee). Both are dealing with long-term injuries.
Quarterback Shaun Hill (thigh), receiver Tavon Austin (knee) and tight end Cory Harkey (knee) were limited in practice Friday and are listed at questionable. Guard Rodger Saffold (illness) and center Scott Wells (not injury related) practiced fully Friday and are probable.
The Cowboys have ruled out linebacker and second-leading tackler Jason Durant (groin) and have top tackler Rolando McClain (groin) listed as doubtful. Defensive tackle Davon Coleman and defensive end Anthony Spencer are out.
Listed as questionable for Dallas are receiver Dez Bryant (shoulder), defensive end Lavar Edwards (knee), tight end Gavin Escobar (knee) and running back Joseph Randle (concussion). Bryant, who was limited in practice Friday, left last week’s game in the first quarter but came back to finish with 10 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Tony Romo (back) joins defensive tackle Ken Bishop (illness), guard Zack Martin (foot) and ex-Rams defensive end George Selvie (shoulder) as probables. Romo, who has had back surgery at the end of the past two seasons, practiced fully Thursday and Friday.
RAM-BLINGS
Defensive end Eugene Sims and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar were hit with stiff fines of $16,537 for offenses last weekend in Tampa Bay. Sims was fined for a horse-collar tackle while Dunbar took the hit for a roughing-the-passer call on Josh McCown.
It appeared that Dunbar’s hit was to the shoulder, not the head, of McCown.
• The Rams made a practice-squad move, adding cornerback Jemea Thomas and releasing receiver and kick returner Justin Veltung.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Thomas played at Georgia Tech and was a sixth-round draft choice of the New England Patriots in May. He was cut and claimed off waivers by Dallas in late August and cut from the Cowboys’ practice squad Tuesday.
Veltung was claimed off waivers from Seattle in training camp last year and spent most of 2013 on the practice squad. He was activated late last season when Austin went down with an ankle sprain and performed well on punt returns, averaging 8.7 yards on seven returns.
RamBillParticipantDavis ready for another shot at starting
• By Jim ThomasQuarterback Austin Davis made a guest appearance on the Jeff Fisher radio show Monday night at Buffalo Wild Wings, and nobody knew who he was.
Davis arrived about 45 minutes early with his wife, ordered some food and ate in anonymity.
“We laughed about it,” Davis said. “Sat there, had some wings, jumped up on stage and did the interview.”
OK, Davis was wearing a ballcap. (Yes, a baseball Cardinals cap.) But it wasn’t pulled down over his face, and he wasn’t wearing dark sunglasses.
And in the interest of full disclosure, Davis did say that one person in the restaurant recognized him.
“One man came over and introduced himself, and said, ‘Congratulations,’” Davis said. “But for the most part, we snuck right in. I’m OK with that.”
Things may never reach the stage of Warner-mania, when Kurt and wife Brenda once ate facing the wall in the back of a restaurant so they could eat in peace. Then again, if Davis keeps having performances like the one against Tampa Bay, it will become increasingly difficult to dine incognito.
After leading the Rams to a 19-17 victory over Tampa Bay in his first NFL start, Austin is in line for another starting assignment Sunday against visiting Dallas.
He got the vast majority of the reps during practice this week. Veteran Shaun Hill did a little bit on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — the three full-scale practices of the week — but was listed as limited each day, and his official status is questionable for the Cowboys.
With Hill still recovering from the thigh injury he suffered against Minnesota in the Rams’ season opener, it doesn’t make much sense to hand him the football Sunday after barely practicing for two weeks.
“It’s better and better every day, absolutely,” Hill said when asked about the injury. “That’s about all I can say about it. It certainly is getting better every day.”
Fisher has done everything in his power to prevent this from becoming a quarterback controversy, and after all his years in the league he’s pretty good at it.
“Austin looked good,” Fisher said after Friday’s practice. “He got his reps and Shaun was limited, and we’re going to list him as questionable for the game. It’ll be a game-time decision.”
End sound bite.
But only the naive or ill-informed truly believe it will be anyone but Davis against the Cowboys. And despite Fisher’s efforts, Davis can turn this into a quarterback controversy with another strong outing.
Davis presented the game ball that was given to him by Fisher to his father after the Tampa Bay game. Since then he has been all about preparing for Dallas. Davis flashed his understated sense of humor during the week when asked what problems the Cowboys’ defense presented.
“Well, hopefully none,” he said, chuckling.
Then he proceeded to break down the Dallas “D” like a savvy veteran.
“They’re a similar defense to (Tampa),” Davis said. “But they’re probably gonna play a little more post safety.”
(As in playing just one safety deep instead of two.)
“They’re going to disguise coverages probably a hair better, rotate the safeties later,” Davis continued. “They have a real active group up front. Really good defensive line, a solid linebacking core. The corners — Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr — are really, really good players.
“They’re going to try and come up and press us and not allow our receivers to get off the line of scrimmage. I think that’ll be key, our ability to beat press, to beat man-to-man, and win down the field.”
As well as Davis played last week against Tampa, his favorite team growing up in Mississippi because he liked their uniforms, there remains plenty of room for improvement.
“Absolutely,” Davis said. “Yeah, we left some points on the field. We’re not going to be able to that this week. Dallas has a great offense. They’re going to score points and we’re going to have to match that.”
There were a few throws that were off the mark against Tampa Bay, and a few decisions that could’ve been better by Davis. But overall, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer gave Davis high marks for his work against the Buccaneers.
“I really wasn’t surprised,” Schottenheimer said. “Obviously, you get thrown into a game the week before (against Minnesota), you kind of go into a little bit of a panic mode. But having a week to prepare … I thought he did a really good job.”
“Love the way he made plays in the clutch. It wasn’t perfect but he moved the team. Got us in and out of the right plays and made some big-time throws down the clutch to help us win the game.”
Beyond the physical part, Schottenheimer also was impressed with the leadership skills displayed by Davis since getting pressed into action.
“I tell you what, his leadership ability, that’s not easy,” Schottenheimer said. “You come from being a third-string quarterback. You step in the huddle with some strong personalities _ and he’s handled it terrific. The guys respect him.”
With another full week of practice under his belt working with the starting offense, it’s conceivable Davis could be even better this week. One thing’s for certain: The Rams are hoping he’s more than a one-hit wonder.
“He’s got to put another good game together this week,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s not going to be satisfied, we’re not going to be satisfied, with just one good game.”
Which could make it tougher to eat chicken wings undetected.
September 20, 2014 at 12:03 am in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7975RamBillParticipantThis could be the Dallas Cowboys’ game to win against the Saint Louis Rams if the Cowboys can stick to the run, but Rams defensive lineman Robert Quinn may have other ideas. Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara, and Charley Casserly break down the game. The Cowboys have given up the 2nd most sacks so far this season.
http://www.rams-news.com/nfl-playbook-cowboys-vs-rams-video/
RamBillParticipantRams WR Brian Quick talks with Steve Savard about his ascendance going into his 3rd year. He says the main difference is he’s reacting rather than thinking so he’s playing faster. (5:05)
http://www.rams-news.com/rams-wr-brian-quick-on-his-ascendance-in-year-3-video/
September 19, 2014 at 7:32 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7950RamBillParticipantESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando delivers stats to help you make a pick for Dallas at St. Louis. numberFIRE’s computer model has the Rams with a 25 to 24.1 edge over the Cowboys, but Sando thinks Dallas will win due to Murray and their edge at QB.
http://www.rams-news.com/espns-mike-sando-inside-edge-cowboys-rams-video/
RamBillParticipantRams searching for answers against run
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11891/rams-searching-for-answers-against-the-run
EARTH CITY, Mo. — Despite the lingering stench from the St. Louis Rams’ Week 3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last year, the team’s run defense turned out to be much better than it showed after running back DeMarco Murray ran all over them.
By the end of the season, the Rams were ninth in the NFL in average rushing yards allowed per game (102.8) and third in the league in yards allowed per attempt (3.7).
With all 11 defensive starters returning this year and coordinator Gregg Williams taking over, that group figured only to improve against the run. Through two weeks, that hasn’t been the case.
It’s a small sample size, of course, but in games against Minnesota and Tampa Bay, the Rams have allowed 171 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 30th in the NFL. They’re also coughing up 5.5 yards per carry, which also ranks 30th.
The reasons for the early regression are many, but the defense to this point has looked more like a group of individuals out to do it all more than handling individual responsibilities for the greater good.
“It’s just a lot of guys trying to make plays,” Dunbar said. “We talked about it this past week. It wasn’t a scheme thing, it was just everybody taking their turn… we’re not fitting it right. Somebody took their turn here and there.”
In other words, there have been many examples of players not playing sound assignment football and freelancing from play to play. As Dunbar points out, there isn’t any single culprit and, in fact, the film shows that almost everyone on the defense has been guilty at some point.
Perhaps most surprising, the young secondary has actually been the most consistent group from down to down.
“I think really the front seven just has to play better,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “There’s no excuses. Missed tackles are no excuse. When we have the opportunity to go and trigger and make plays, we’ve got to make those plays. I like the way that the front seven has been humbled this week.”
Missed run fits and blown assignments aren’t the only issues. Through two weeks, Pro Football Focus counted 27 missed tackles for the Rams. They had 18 in the opener against Minnesota, meaning they improved some last week against the Bucs, but not enough to keep little-known back Bobby Rainey from gaining 144 yards on 22 carries.
Beyond the tackling, the Rams also found themselves put in some odd positions. Tampa Bay had great success running the ball on second down, many times on second-and-long plays when Williams would dial up a blitz or Rams defenders would be anticipating a pass and get a run instead. With the line and linebackers a bit frustrated by only making one sack through two weeks, that means anything resembling a passing down has left the front seven a bit undisciplined.
“I think there’s a fine line sometimes when you’re in certain coverages where you have to say, ‘OK, am I going to play for the run here or am I going to play for the pass here?’” Laurinaitis said. “If I play for the run, I’m not leveraging the pass. If I play for the pass, I’m not leveraging the run.”
Any improvements or fixes the Rams have attempted this week will be put to their biggest test. After finishing 29th in rush attempts last year, Dallas has the look of an NFC West team with its physical and committed approach to running the ball.
The Cowboys have the fourth-most rushing attempts in the league heading into Sunday and are second in the league in rushing yards per game. Murray is off to his career-best start and has rushed for 428 yards on 51 carries in two previous meetings with the Rams.
For the Rams to have any chance at beating Dallas, they’re going to have to sell out to stop the run first and sort everything else out afterward. Until it gets solved, that has to be the plan.
“We have just got to get in sync with it, and I’m confident we will,” Laurinaitis said. “But that stuff definitely deserves to be talked about until we put the fire out. You can’t sit there, and if you told me before the year we’d have 170 yards averaged against us, I’d be like, ‘Get out of here.’ But that’s where we are right now. I think guys have really swallowed their pride and like, ‘Hey, we need to work at this; let’s go out and work at it.’ No excuses.”
RamBillParticipant“I would play Austin Davis at this point in time,” Cosell said on Frank Cusumano’s Show, The Press Box. “Hill has been a career back up. There’s a reason he’s at the age he is and what (his role is) in the league.” Cosell said Davis played very well against the Bucs, but his arm strength leads something to be desired. “He does not have a real good arm by NFL standards. But…he has poise, he has a good feel for why plays are called and where to go with the ball. He’s got light feet and good movement. He’s got good accuracy,” Cosell said. Cosell also talked about the development of Brian Quick, the Rams defense and previewed the Cowboys game.
http://www.rams-news.com/greg-cosell-rams-should-start-davis-at-qb-radio-interview/
September 19, 2014 at 2:41 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7898RamBillParticipantOn this episode of Football Friday, Post-Dispatch columnists Bryan Burwell and Joe Strauss preview Sunday’s Rams-Cowboys game. Dallas is 1-1 after last week’s 26-10 victory over Tennessee. Will there be a QB controversy for the Rams if they win with Davis at QB? When will the Rams defense start defending the run? Strauss picks Dallas to win.
http://www.rams-news.com/burwellstrauss-rams-cowboys-preview-video/
September 19, 2014 at 2:25 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7897RamBillParticipantCowboys’ Murray is Rams’ big concern
• By Joe LyonsDallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray says that he has not watched the tape of his previous games against the Rams. At Rams Park, especially for the defensive unit, the opposite is true.
“You don’t want to look at it, but you need to watch in order to try and make adjustments,’’ Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers said. “He’s had some big games (against us) and he’s leading the league in rushing.
“We’re definitely focused on No. 29 and trying to shut him down.’’
Murray, a fourth-year pro from the University of Oklahoma, was a rookie in 2011 when he came off the Dallas bench to rush for 253 yards, including a 91-yard touchdown, on 25 carries in a 34-7 Dallas rout of the visiting Rams. That set a single-game franchise record and remember, this is a franchise that boasts Hall of Fame backs Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, and Tony Dorsett, who’s No. 8 on the all-time list.
Last year, in a 31-7 Cowboys victory over the visiting Rams, Murray ran 26 times for 176 yards and a touchdown.
“Honestly, I don’t pay attention to those games too much because there are new guys (on the Rams),’’ Murray said during a conference call with St. Louis media earlier this week. “They have a very good defensive coordinator, they’re a physical team and they fly around pretty well. We’re excited about the challenge.’’
So, too, are the Rams.
“He’s a great runner, a physical guy who’s extremely versatile,’’ Rams safety T.J. McDonald said.
Brockers added: “He’s a skinny back, but he’s physical; he’s a slasher who seems to get a lot of yards after contact. We need to get to him and get him to the ground.’’
Murray, who stands 6 feet and weighs 217 pounds, will enter Sunday’s noon game at the Edward Jones Dome as the NFL’s leading rusher with 285 yards on 51 carries, an average of 5.6 per attempt. In addition, he’s caught four passes for 31 yards.
He rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys’ season-opening 28-17 loss to San Francisco and followed up with 167 yards and a touchdown with a career-high 29 carries in a 26-10 win over the Titans in Tennessee last Sunday.
In the victory, the Cowboys turned to power football, running the ball 43 times for 220 yards and chewing up better than 41 minutes of the game clock.
“If you can run the ball, run the clock, you can control the football game,’’ Dallas head coach Jason Garrett said following the win in Nashville.
That type of ball-control, smash-mouth football in Dallas begins with Murray, who was named to the Pro Bowl a year ago after posting career bests in carries (217), rushing yards (1,121 yards), catches (53), receiving yards (350) and touchdowns (10).
Dallas is 12-1 when Murray gets 20 or more carries.
“He’s an excellent football player and really has been since he got here,’’ Garrett said. “He’s a complete back and a very productive back. You really never have to take him off the field. He’s someone you can hand the ball to, you can throw it to him (and) he can play on third down.’’
To this point, the only thing that has slowed Murray has been injuries. Over his first three pro seasons, he’s never played more than eight consecutive games and he sat out 11 of his first 40 NFL games with a variety of ankle, foot and knee issues.
“I’m not worried about all that because it’s out of my control,’’ the 26-year-old said. “All I can do is continue to work hard and do whatever they ask of me, whether it’s running, blocking or catching, and try to make a successful play.
“Whatever I can do to help this team, I’m all for it.’’
Helping Murray set the tone for the Cowboys is an offensive line that features former first-round draft picks in Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith (ninth overall in 2011), center Travis Frederick (31st overall in 2013) and right guard Zack Martin (16th overall last May).
The Rams, you may recall, had Martin, a Notre Dame product, rated extremely high and considered trading up into the middle of the first round before he was selected by the Cowboys.
“Zack has done a really nice job,’’ Garrett said. “You can tell he’s played a lot of snaps at a high level in college … the game doesn’t seem too big for him.’’
On the line play overall, Murray said: “They’re just a hard-working group. They definitely have pride in being physical.’’
The Cowboys scored the first 24 points and cruised to the 31-7 win at AT&T Stadium last year, thanks to Murray’s running and three touchdown passes from Tony Romo.
So how do the Rams turn things around on Sunday?
“I think it will be more of a challenge this year,’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “I think their offensive line is experienced (and) they’re playing well together. We have some run-fit issues that we have to take care of. (Murray) is strong and he breaks tackles. One of the things that happens every game is he’ll bounce outside and people underestimate his speed and he’ll get the corner. That becomes the problem, so we have to edge-proficient, if you will.
“We’re going to have to be in the right place and guys are going to have to make plays.’’
September 19, 2014 at 8:28 am in reply to: audio – Bruce on 101 (discusses Quick), Ogletree on 101, Vermeil on 920 #7877RamBillParticipantAlec Ogletree joined Anthony Stalter and Myles Simmons to talk about Gregg Williams’ defense and gave his thoughts on covering Jason Witten.
RamBillParticipantMorning Ram-blings: Week 3 predictions
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11880/morning-ram-blings-week-3-predictions
EARTH CITY, Mo. — Continuing our new Friday tradition, it’s time to take a look at some predictions from around the web on the St. Louis Rams Week 3 meeting with the Dallas Cowboys.
We’ll begin as we usually do with the picks from right here on ESPN.com and we lead off with ESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando.
Sando takes his usual deeper look at this one with the help of NumberFire.
The NFL Live Crew, featuring Brian Dawkins and Herm Edwards make their picks, with a split vote.
CBSSports.com’s Pete Prisco doesn’t see a good outcome for the Rams in this one.
NFL.com thinks it’ll be close but ultimately go to the Cowboys.
My own prediction will go up later today. It probably won’t make Rams fans happy but when you consider that I’ve been off in each of the first two weeks, maybe you’ll change your mind.
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 early returns on free-agent spending and why the Rams look to have been wise to avoid wading into this year’s crop with big money. … Cowboys reporter Todd Archer and I previewed Sunday’s game. … Next, we looked at Rams coach Jeff Fisher’s mild discontent that safety T.J. McDonald didn’t receive Special Teams Player of the Week honors. … Quarterback Shaun Hill is making progress from his thigh injury but his status for this week remains uncertain. … The Rams’ 2013 loss to Dallas was not pretty and they haven’t forgotten about it. … Finally, we closed the day with the usual injury update.
Elsewhere:
Will try to add this on Friday each week but here’s fantasy expert Matthew Berry’s weekly love/hate picks for this week.
Great read on Seattle’s Richard Sherman from Sando on ESPN Insider.
At 101sports.com, D’Marco Farr writes that Austin Davis could change how he’s viewed with another good outing.
At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas examines receiver Stedman Bailey’s return to the Rams.
Thomas provided some leftover thoughts on last week’s Rams-Buccaneers game.
September 19, 2014 at 12:32 am in reply to: Fisher, Schottenheimer, Fassel – 9/18… transcripts & vids #7847RamBillParticipantWatch head coach Jeff Fisher speak to the media on Thursday as the team prepares for Week 3 against the Cowboys. (4:56)
http://www.rams-news.com/rams-coach-jeff-fisher-guys-are-going-to-have-to-make-plays-video/
RamBillParticipantPractice Report: QB Hill does more, but still limited
• By Jim ThomasQuarterback Shaun Hill did a little more in practice Thursday, including some 7-on-7 work, but was still listed as limited on the Rams’ official injury report.
That meant Austin Davis once again took the vast majority of reps and is expected to make his second NFL start this Sunday against Dallas.
“Shaun was limited today,” coach Jeff Fisher said after Thursday’s late-afternoon practice. “He did more, but we’re still day-to-day. It’ll most likely be a pregame decision like it was last week.”
Sitting out practice Thursday were WR/PR Tavon Austin (knee), FB/TE Cory Harkey (knee), and CB Brandon McGee (foot). McGee was downgraded after being limited in practice Wednesday. And, of course, CB Trumaine Johnson (knee) and C/G Barrett Jones (back) remain sidelined with injuries that could still take a few more weeks to heal.
In addition, LG Rodger Saffold was not at practice because of illness; he’s expected to return Friday. Rookie Greg Robinson took his place with the starting unit Thursday.
C/G Scott Wells returned to practice and was full-go after a vets’ day off Wednesday.
For Dallas, QB Tony Romo (back) was full participation Thursday after not practicing Wednesday. Wide receiver Dez Bryant (shoulder) was limited Thursday after not practicing Wednesday.
On defense for the Cowboys, linebacker Rolando McClain — the team’s leading tackler this season — did not practice for the second day in a row because of a groin injury.
RamBillParticipantHill still limited, Wells returns Thursday
By Nick Wagonerhttp://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 4:36 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7793RamBillParticipantDaryl Johnston joined Kevin Wheeler to talk about being on the HOF ballot, the Rams vs. the Cowboys, how the Rams responded vs. TB, the Cowboys and Demarco Murray, the defense for Dallas, and what he expects in this weekend’s game. Why will the play-action pass be crucial for the Rams vs. the Cowboys?
http://www.rams-news.com/darly-johnston-previews-the-rams-vs-cowboys-radio-interview/
September 18, 2014 at 4:26 pm in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7792RamBillParticipantUgly loss to Cowboys lingers for Rams
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11871/ugly-loss-to-cowboys-still-lingers-for-rams
EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher has a 24-hour rule for his team, a rule in which his players are supposed to take one day to either stew over their latest loss or celebrate a victory.
Occasionally, something happens that can be hard to shake. Take last year’s 31-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys as a prime example. That was Week 3 of 2013. One year later, with the Cowboys coming to town for another Week 3 matchup, the memories of that game have been dredged up all over again.
Sam Bradford spent too much time gathering himself after a sack against the Cowboys last year, a loss that stung the Rams.
“You try to abide by the 24-hour or in this case, 365-day rule, but at the end of the day whether last year happened or not, it’s the next game on the schedule and we are going out there to win,” right tackle Joe Barksdale said.For the Rams to get that victory, it’s going to take an effort dramatically better than what they offered in Dallas last year. For the most part, the Rams’ roster is largely the same. Most of the players in the locker room remember exactly what happened that day.
Beyond the 24-point margin, it was a dismal performance on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys outgained the Rams 396 to 232 with running back DeMarco Murray’s 175 rushing yards leading the way.
“That thing stung for a long time last year,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to play much better on defense.”
On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys defense repeatedly got to quarterback Sam Bradford, tallying six sacks. DeMarcus Ware manhandled left tackle Jake Long and defensive tackle Jason Hatcher disrupted the interior of the line for most of the day.
The loss to Dallas was the first of consecutive defeats that would force the Rams to scrap their efforts to evolve into a more wide open passing attack. They carried just 12 times for 35 yards in that game, a common refrain that would repeat the following week against the San Francisco 49ers and ultimately led the Rams to getting back to basics in the run game.
The Rams return three starters from the offensive line who played in that game but they believe they have a group which is better equipped to stand up to the test this time. It doesn’t hurt that Hatcher and Ware have since moved on, either.
“We’re a better offensive line than last year, we had a better game last week than the first week and we are going to improve on last week’s game and continue to do that throughout the season,” Barksdale said.
Of course, using previous results to determine the future outcomes is a fool’s errand when it comes to the NFL. But it’s safe to assume the Rams will carry a little something extra into Sunday’s meeting with recollections of that debacle fresh in their minds.
September 18, 2014 at 1:24 pm in reply to: Rams notebook: McDonald's big game falls short of NFC recognition/PD #7789RamBillParticipantFisher unhappy McDonald was overlooked
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11860/fisher-unhappy-mcdonald-was-overlooked
EARTH CITY, Mo. — On Wednesday afternoon, St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher was asked an innocent question about safety T.J. McDonald’s ability to block kicks on special teams.
After a short response about McDonald’s skills in that area, Fisher took the conversation in a different direction.
Clearly, Fisher was none too pleased to hear the news that Arizona returner Ted Ginn won the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week honor instead of McDonald. It’s an understandable position to take given what McDonald accomplished compared to Ginn last week.
“In a two-point game to block a field goal and block a punt and be the same person who did it, I would think you would get a little bit of consideration for Player of the Week,” Fisher said. “Apparently, those people that voted must’ve thought we had our 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 (McDonald) would’ve gotten some consideration.”
It’s hard to argue with Fisher’s point. McDonald blocked a punt and a field goal against the Buccaneers and his blocked field goal prevented Tampa Bay from extending its lead to four points, eventually paving the way for kicker Greg Zuerlein’s game winning field goal.
Ginn returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Cardinals’ 25-14 win against the New York Giants on Sunday. Certainly, it was a big play that helped Arizona secure the win. But Ginn’s award is the third of his career and McDonald’s big plays were every bit as influential in helping the Rams get a victory.
Taking it further, comparing multiple blocked kicks to one punt return touchdown should be apples and oranges. Against the Bucs, McDonald became the first player to block a field goal and a punt in the same game since New England’s Patrick Chung on Oct. 4, 2010. By way of comparison, there were 61 punt returns for touchdowns from week 4 of that season until Ginn’s most recent touchdown.
To his credit, McDonald seemed nonplussed by the snub.
“It’s not frustrating to me,” McDonald said. “We got the win, that’s all that matters to me. I went out there and made plays and helped our team win so that was the biggest thing.”
And though McDonald’s coach doesn’t technically have a vote, he cast one anyway.
“I voted for him,” Fisher said.
For the second-year safety, that seems to be more than enough.
“That’s all that matters, what happens in this building right here,” McDonald said.
RamBillParticipantWatch quarterback Austin Davis speak to the media on Wednesday prior to Week 3 against the Cowboys. (2:16)
http://www.rams-news.com/rams-qb-austin-davis-i-get-more-comfortable-with-every-rep-video/
September 18, 2014 at 9:06 am in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7774RamBillParticipantCBS Sports’ Pete Prisco and Pat Kirwan preview the NFL Week 2 matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams. Prisco is looking forward to Quinn lining up against Tyron Smith, while Kirwan is concerned about the Rams ability to stop the run. Both end up picking the Cowboys.
http://www.rams-news.com/prisco-kirwans-cowboys-at-rams-preview-video/
September 18, 2014 at 9:01 am in reply to: setting up the Dallas game – vids & articles with Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, etc. #7773RamBillParticipantDeMarco Murray has terrorized the Rams in recent years. Will that change Sunday? The Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas and CineSport’s Brian Clark preview Sunday’s game with the Cowboys. (2:53)
http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-can-rams-stop-demarco-murray-video/
RamBillParticipantBailey’s back and raring to go
• By Jim ThomasThere was a time late last week when it looked like the new NFL drug policy was in place, to the point where Stedman Bailey happily tweeted that he might play Sunday against Tampa Bay.
“I kinda got excited when I first started to hear the rumors,” Bailey said. “I kinda got word that I might be able to suit up against Tampa.”
Obviously that didn’t happen, making it a long weekend for the Rams’ wide receiver. Instead of playing against the Buccaneers, Bailey ended up watching the game on TV from Miami, where he has been staying with his family and working with his personal trainer.
“It was just like a waiting game,” Bailey said. “I just kinda sat by my phone. I was trying to pay attention to what my agents were telling me.”
After the false alarm over the weekend, Bailey and several other suspended players finally got the green light late Tuesday night. Bailey was on the first flight to St. Louis on Wednesday morning.
“He came running into the building as fast as he could,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “He went right into practice. This is the first day of the preparation week and he made it. He missed the (morning) meetings, but he picked it up.
“We’ll plug him in, in his familiar roles on special teams, and we’ll see how he does for the offense.”
Bailey arrived at Rams Park at about 10:30 a.m., which was early enough to take part in the offensive walk-through period. During the regular practice, held indoors because of heavy rain earlier in the day, he got some work with the starting offensive unit.
Bailey was suspended four games during the offseason for violating league policy on performing-enhancing drugs. Under terms of the new drug policy, Bailey’s violation would not have been subject to suspension. Because of that, coupled with the fact that he was suspended after the start of the 2014 league year (which began in March), his suspension was rescinded.
So he missed just two games — the Minnesota and Tampa Bay contests — instead of four.
“First and foremost, it feels extremely good for me to be back here with my teammates,” Bailey said. “The whole time that I was off for the first two weeks, it was a dreadful feeling for me. I’m just happy that it’s all over with now.”
His personal trainer, Davin Bush, is someone Bailey worked with throughout the offseason. Bush was a high school quarterback, so Bailey at least had someone who could throw him a decent ball during training.
“He just did a good job of keeping my body in shape, so once I got back I could hit the field running,” Bailey said.
The Rams would like nothing better than to see Bailey running under a few passes from Austin Davis, the team’s likely starter at quarterback, Sunday against Dallas. In fact, Fisher didn’t rule out the possibility of Bailey having a big role on offense against the Cowboys.
“He’s in the (game) plan,” Fisher said. “We’ve got a couple more days of preparation and game-planning. It’s quite possible that he could play quite a bit.”
That’s especially true after fellow wide receiver Tavon Austin suffered a sprained knee in the first half of the Tampa Bay game and did not return. Austin did some work on the stationary bike Wednesday but did not practice.
He’s wearing a brace on the knee and was still walking stiffly Wednesday, making his status iffy at this point for Dallas. The last thing Fisher wants to do is rush Austin back into the lineup, particularly with the team’s bye week coming up after the Dallas game.
“We’re going to play Tavon when Tavon’s ready to play,” Fisher said. “We’re not going to let him go out there if he can’t — if he doesn’t have his speed and quickness. We’ll just see how that goes.
“Obviously, he didn’t do anything today. He’s better, but he didn’t do anything today. With Sted coming back, Sted gives us some versatility. Perhaps we can fill in some of those voids in the event that Tavon can’t play.”
Bailey could absorb some of the game reps that Austin normally gets, although Austin Pettis did a good job filling in for Austin against Tampa Bay. If needed, Bailey does have experience playing the slot, the spot where Austin usually lines up at wide receiver.
From the OTAs in June, through training camp, and throughout most of the preseason, Bailey might have been the team’s most impressive wide receiver, flashing good hands and improved route-running, and gaining consistent separation.
“It’s great having him back,” Davis said. “He’s a guy that obviously knows the system very well, has great hands, has a great feel. Knows exactly what we’re trying to get done. So he’s another playmaker out there.”
Bailey showed enough in the spring, camp, and preseason to make you think he could develop into a go-to receiver for the Rams. However, many of the catches that fueled such optimism came on passes thrown by Sam Bradford, now out for the year with a knee injury.
But Bailey has caught enough throws from Davis and Shaun Hill in practice and preseason games that it should be easy enough to get back in sync.
“Even last year, I got a chance to work with Austin a lot just being on the scout team,” Bailey said.
Bailey didn’t start seeing much action in games last year until later in the season, so he did a fair amount of scout team work. That won’t be the case this time around.
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