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September 14, 2014 at 11:07 pm in reply to: Bux game recaps…articles, interviews, vids, Wagoner, Thomas, Karraker, etc. #7301
RamBillParticipantESPN’s Jim Basquil and Eric Allen break down the Rams’ 19-17 win over the Buccaneers.
http://www.rams-news.com/espns-sunday-blitz-rams-buccaneers-recap-video/
RamBillParticipantSt. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis completes a pass deep to wide receiver Austin Pettis for a 27-yard gain. (:42)
http://www.rams-news.com/austin-pettis-makes-spectacular-27-yard-catch-video/
September 14, 2014 at 8:51 pm in reply to: Bux game recaps…articles, interviews, vids, Wagoner, Thomas, Karraker, etc. #7283RamBillParticipantRams head coach Jeff Fisher recaps comeback win over Bucs with D’Marco Farr and Steve Savard. Fisher: “The good part is that we can get better.”
http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-recaps-the-rams-comeback-win-over-the-bucs-radio-interview/
September 14, 2014 at 8:31 pm in reply to: Bux game recaps…articles, interviews, vids, Wagoner, Thomas, Karraker, etc. #7278RamBillParticipant
Rams rally to knock off Bucs 19-17
• BY JIM THOMASQuarterback Austin Davis, making his first NFL start in place of the injured Shaun Hill, played efficient, turnover-free football. But it took injured Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans to allow the Rams to escape with a 19-17 victory — their first of the season.
A 27-yard completion from Josh McCown to Evans on the final series of the game gave the Bucs a first down at the St. Louis 32, within range of a field goal attempt by Tampa to win the game.
But because Evans was injured and Tampa had no timeouts left, there was a 10-second runoff _ by rule. (It’s designed to keep trailing teams from faking injury to stop the clock.)
There were only 8 seconds left on the clock at the time. So the game ended right there: Rams 19, Bucs 17.
Greg Zuerlein’s game-winning field goal came from 38 yards out with 38 seconds left.
For the second time in as many games, the Rams won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, which meant their defense took the field first.
Maybe the Rams should re-think that next week. Because for the second week in a row, the opposing team scored off the opening kickoff. Last week, it was Minnesota with a field goal on its first drive.
This week, Tampa Bay scored a touchdown off the opening kickoff, on a five-yard scramble by Josh McCown with 8:56 to go in the first quarter. The Rams were gracious on defense, getting called offsides on two of the game’s first four plays.
The first penalty (against William Hayes) was declined because running back Bobby Rainey, starting in place of the injured Doug Martin, ran for 24 yards around right end.
And then, on second-and-6 from the Rams 40, Michael Brockers was called for offsides. This proved very costly because it looked like James Laurinaitis recovered a fumble by McCown and returned it 66 yards for a Rams touchdown.
Instead of a Rams TD, it was second-and-1, Bucs, from the St. Louis 35. Rainey was stopped by Eugene Sims for no gain on third-and-1 from the 35. But Sims brought Rainey down with a horse-collar tackle drawing the flag.
So instead of a fourth-down choice from the 35 between kicking a field goal and going it for it, the Bucs had a first down at the St. Louis 20 after the 15-yard penalty.
The Bucs were in the end zone six plays later.
The Rams came right back on their first possession, marching 80 yards on 10 plays for a game-tying touchdown. Back-to-back receptions by Brian Quick accounted for 30 of those 80 yards, and Tavon Austin tacked on 18 with an end-around that advanced the ball to the Tampa 18.
The next three plays were carries by Zac Stacy, with the third going for two yards and a game-tying touchdown behind a heavy formation that included backup center Tim Barnes as an eligible extra blocker.
Tampa Bay was in scoring position on its next series, advancing all the way to the St. Louis 9. But McCown, under pressure from Laurinaitis, made a horrible decision in throwing towards the end zone instead of throwing it away.
Rams free safety Rodney McLeod scooped up the low throw for an interception _ the third of his NFL career _ and the Rams took over at their 2 with 11:14 to go in the second quarter.
Five minutes later, the lightning came and the game was delayed. On the last play before the delay, Austin suffered a knee injury trying to make a catch on an Austin Davis pass that fell incomplete.
Austin warmed up with the team after the weather delay, but when play resumed he was watching with his right knee wrapped and his helmet off on the sideline.
A blocked punt by safety T.J. McDonald gave the Rams possession at the Tampa Bay 28 with 3:19 left to go in the half. By the drive stalled when Davis couldn’t handle a shotgun snap from center Scott Wells on third-and-5 from the Bucs’ 12. After the six-yard loss Greg Zuerlein kicked a 36-yard field goal to give the Rams a 10-7 lead _ their first lead of the season.
That lead disappeared in the third quarter after a Zac Stacy fumble in Tampa territory on the opening drive of the second half. Safety Dahon Goldson recovered on the Bucs 40 and in the end zone seven plays later on a one-yard run by QB McCown. Wide receiver Vincent Jackson had catches of 20 and 18 yards on the play.
But the Rams added a pair of Zuerlein field goals to take a 16-14 lead 6 minutes into the fourth quarter. But as was frequently the case Sunday, the Rams couldn’t stand prosperity. A roughing the passer penalty against Jo-Lonn Dunbar on Tampa’s next drive prevented the Bucs’ from punting.
A 31-yard run by Rainey put the Bucs in position for a 36-yard field goal by rookie Patrick Murray, giving Tampa a 17-16 lead with just over 5 minutes to play. It was Murray’s first NFL field goal.
Here are Rams-Buccaneers updates that Post-Dispatch football writer Joe Lyons posted during the game:
Greg Zuerlein booted a 38-yard field goal with 38 seconds to play, helping the Rams slip past the Buccaneers 19-17 Sunday afternoon in Tampa Bay.
It was the fourth field goal of the day for Zuerlein, who also hit on kicks from 36, 35 and 46 yards in the game.
The Rams (1-1) will host Dallas (1-1) Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome.
Tampa Bay managed to get into field goal range late, but a big hit by the Rams’ T.J. McDonald left the Bucs’ Mike Evans injured and because Tampa Bay was out of timeouts, a 10-second runoff ended the game and gave the Rams a hard-fought win.
The Buccaneers (0-2) had gone up 17-16 on a 36-yard field goal from rookie Patrick Murray with 5:15 to play.
Earlier in the quarter, Murray had his first NFL field goal attempt blocked by McDonald, who blocked a punt late in the second quarter to set up another Zuerlein field goal.
In his first NFL start, Austin Davis completed 22 of 29 passes for 235 yards and was superb down the stretch. His 27-yard strike to Austin Pettis on a third-and-9 from the Rams’ 48 helped set up the game-winning kick. On the play, Pettis went high over a Buc defender and took the hit to make the play.
Zac Stacy rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Brian Quick led the Rams’ receivers with seven catches for 74 yards.
For Tampa Bay, Bobby Rainey ran 22 times for 144 yards.
RAMS LEAD 17-16 WITH 9:10 TO PLAY
The Buccaneers regained the lead early in the second half, converting after a Rams’ turnover. Following a Zac Stacy fumble _ caused by the foot of defensive lineman Scott Solomon, was scooped up by Dashon Goldson at the Tampa 40. Seven plays later, the Bucs went up 14-10 on a 1-yard bootleg run by quarterback Josh McCown.
The key plays of the drive were under-pressure passes from McCown to Vincent Jackson covering 6, 20 and 20 yards, and a 10-yard run by Bobby Rainey that took the ball to the St. Louis 1.
The Rams countered with a 14-play, 68-yard drive capped by a 35-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein that cut the Tampa Bay lead to 14-13 with 2:41 to play in the third quarter.
Highlight plays on the drive included Austin Davis passes to Jared Cook (22 yards), Kenny Britt (17) , a 12-yard run by Zac Stacy and a key third-down pass from Davis to Austin Pettis.
The reception for Britt was his first of the season.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Bucs’ Chris Owusu broke free for 45-yard return and kicker Zuerlein was called for a facemask to add an additional 15 yards. On the running of Rainey, Tampa Bay moved deep into St. Louis territory before the drive stalled.
On the first play of the final quarter, T.J. McDonald blocked a 24-yard field goal from rookie Patrick Murray. It was the first field goal attempt in Murray’s career and the second blocked kick in the game for McDonald, who blocked a punt late in the second quarter.
The Rams followed up with a solid drive and took a 16-14 lead on a 46-yarfd field goal from Zuerlein with 9:10 left in the game.
RAMS UP 10-7 AT THE HALF
After a lightning delay of nearly an hour, the Rams created a chance as second-year safety T.J. McDonald came up with a blocked punt after breaking through the right side of the Tampa Bay line. The Rams took possession at the Buccaneers’ 28.
Six plays later, after the Rams’ drive stalled due to a bad snap, Greg Zuerlein booted a 36-yard field goal to put the Rams on top 10-7 with 39 seconds to play before halftime.
On a play just before the weather delay, the right knee of Tavon Austin was injured on a big hit from Tampa Bay safety Mark Barron. Austin’s return is questionable.
Buccaneers’ stud DT Gerald McCoy is done for the game with a hand injury.
Some quick halftime stats…
• In his first NFL start, Austin Davis has completed 6 of 8 passes for 52 yards.
• Zac Stacy has 38 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
• Brian Quick has caught three passes for 35 yards.
GAME DELAYED ALMOST AN HOUR DUE TO LIGHTNING
With 6:03 to play in the first half, the Rams’ game in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers has been suspended due to lightning.
With the scored tied at 7, the Rams have the ball and are facing a third and three at their own 25-yard line.
Tampa Bay was driving early in the second quarter when the Rams came up with their first turnover of the season. On a first-and-goal from the 9, linebackers Jo-Lonn Dunbar and James Laurinaitis pressured Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown into a pass that was picked off at the 3 by safety Rodney McLeod, who made a nifty one-handed grab.
The Rams picked up one first down but were eventually forced to punt.
RAMS, BUCS TIED 7-7 AFTER ONE QUARTER
Taking advantage of two drive-extending penalties by the Rams’ defense, Tampa Bay scored on the game’s first drive as veteran quarterback Josh McCown scored on a 5-yard scramble with 8:56 to play in the first quarter.
The 10-play, 77-yard drive featured a 24-yard run by Bobby Rhaney and key penalties against Michael Brockers and Eugene Sims. Brockers’ offsides penalty wiped out a fumble return for touchdown by teammate James Laurinaitis. Later, on a third-down stop, Sims was called for horse-collar penalty.
The Rams answered with a 10-play, 80-yard drive to pull even on a 2-yard Zac Stacy plunge with 3:02 to play in the opening drive. The Rams’ drive was extremely balanced, including six carries for 23 yards for Stacy, a 18-yard reverse from Tavon Austin and a pair of Austin Davis-to-Brian Quick passes that totaled 30 yards.
DAVIS STARTS AT QB, BUT HILL IS ACTIVE
TAMPA, Fla. • The Rams are dressing as many quarterbacks as running backs _ three _ today against Tampa Bay. At quarterback, Austin Davis will start, making his first NFL start.
Shaun Hill, who suffered a thigh injury in the first half of last week’s season opening loss to Minnesota, will suit up but isn’t expected to play. If that’s the case, Case Keenum is next up at quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Rams dressed only Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham, and Chase Reynolds at running back. Reynolds is a core special teams player but has yet to carry the football in a regular-season game.
Undrafted rookie running back Trey Watts, who dressed against the Vikings, was on the pregame inactive list Sunday. Third-round draft pick Tre Mason once again is on the inactive list.
Other Rams inactives: DB Lamarcus Joyner (back), CB Trumaine Johnson (knee), C/G Barrett Jones (back), DL Matt Conrath, and TE Alex Bayer.
With Joyner down, rookie and fourth-round draft pick S Maurice Alexander (Eureka HS) dresses and probably makes his NFL debut after sitting out last week. In place of Joyner, look for CB Brandon McGee to come in against three-wide receiver sets and play outside. Missouri rookie E.J. Gaines will start outside and slide inside to cover the slot receiver in the nickel.
For Tampa Bay, RB Doug Martin (knee) is inactive, leaving Bobby Rainey as the starter. Other Buccaneers inactives: CB Rashaan Melvin, OT Kevin Pamphile, OG Rishaw Johnson, OG Kaeem Edwards, TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins (ankle) and starting DE Michael Johnson (ankle).
(Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.)
September 14, 2014 at 8:25 pm in reply to: Bux game recaps…articles, interviews, vids, Wagoner, Thomas, Karraker, etc. #7277RamBillParticipantRams win by a whisker 19-17
• By Jim ThomasQuarterback Austin Davis, making his first NFL start in place of the injured Shaun Hill (thigh), played efficient, turnover-free football. But it took an injured Tampa wide receiver Mike Evans to allow the Rams to escape with their first victory of the season. A 27-yard completion from Josh McCown to Evans gave the Bucs a first down at the St. Louis 32 within range of a field goal attempt by Tampa to win the game.
But because Evans was injured and Tampa had no timeouts left, there was a 10-second runoff _ by rule. (It’s designed to keep trailing teams from faking injury to stop the clock.)
There were only 8 seconds left on the clock at the time. So the game ended right there.
Zuerlein’s game winner came from 38 yards with 38 seconds left.
For the second time in as many games, the Rams won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, which meant their defense took the field first.
Maybe the Rams should re-think that next week. Because for the second week in a row, the opposing team scored off the opening kickoff. Last week, it was Minnesota with a field goal on its first drive.
This week, Tampa Bay scored a touchdown off the opening kickoff, on a five-yard scramble by Josh McCown with 8:56 to go in the first quarter. The Rams were gracious on defense, getting called offsides on two of the game’s first four plays.
The first penalty (against William Hayes) was declined because running back Bobby Rainey, starting in place of the injured Doug Martin, ran for 24 yards around right end.
And then, on second-and-6 from the Rams 40, Michael Brockers was called for offsides. This proved very costly because it looked like James Laurinaitis recovered a fumble by McCown and returned it 66 yards for a Rams touchdown.
Instead of a Rams TD, it was second-and-1, Bucs, from the St. Louis 35. Rainey was stopped by Eugene Sims for no gain on third-and-1 from the 35. But Sims brought Rainey down with a horse-collar tackle drawing the flag.
So instead of a fourth-down choice from the 35 between kicking a field goal and going it for it, the Bucs had a first down at the St. Louis 20 after the 15-yard penalty.
The Bucs were in the end zone six plays later.
The Rams came right back on their first possession, marching 80 yards on 10 plays for a game-tying touchdown. Back-to-back receptions by Brian Quick accounted for 30 of those 80 yards, and Tavon Austin tacked on 18 with an end-around that advanced the ball to the Tampa 18.
The next three plays were carries by Zac Stacy, with the third going for two yards and a game-tying touchdown behind a heavy formation that included backup center Tim Barnes as an eligible extra blocker.
Tampa Bay was in scoring position on its next series, advancing all the way to the St. Louis 9. But McCown, under pressure from Laurinaitis, made a horrible decision in throwing towards the end zone instead of throwing it away.
Rams free safety Rodney McLeod scooped up the low throw for an interception _ the third of his NFL career _ and the Rams took over at their 2 with 11:14 to go in the second quarter.
Five minutes later, the lightning came and the game was delayed. On the last play before the delay, Austin suffered a knee injury trying to make a catch on an Austin Davis pass that fell incomplete.
Austin warmed up with the team after the weather delay, but when play resumed he was watching with his right knee wrapped and his helmet off on the sideline.
A blocked punt by safety T.J. McDonald gave the Rams possession at the Tampa Bay 28 with 3:19 left to go in the half. By the drive stalled when Davis couldn’t handle a shotgun snap from center Scott Wells on third-and-5 from the Bucs’ 12. After the six-yard loss Greg Zuerlein kicked a 36-yard field goal to give the Rams a 10-7 lead _ their first lead of the season.
That lead disappeared in the third quarter after a Zac Stacy fumble in Tampa territory on the opening drive of the second half. Safety Dahon Goldson recovered on the Bucs 40 and in the end zone seven plays later on a one-yard run by QB McCown. Wide receiver Vincent Jackson had catches of 20 and 18 yards on the play.
But the Rams added a pair of Zuerlein field goals to take a 16-14 lead 6 minutes into the fourth quarter. But as was frequently the case Sunday, the Rams couldn’t stand prosperity. A roughing the passer penalty against Jo-Lonn Dunbar on Tampa’s next drive prevented the Bucs’ from punting.
A 31-yard run by Rainey put the Bucs in position for a 36-yard field goal by rookie Patrick Murray, giving Tampa a 17-16 lead with just over 5 minutes to play. It was Murray’s first NFL field goal.
September 14, 2014 at 9:57 am in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7212RamBillParticipantTeam Insider Myles Simmons sat down with Head Coach Jeff Fisher to discuss this week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers along with reviewing what went wrong vs. the Vikings. Includes film clips from the Vikings game. (4:00)
http://www.rams-news.com/fisher-up-front-rams-at-buccaneers-video-2/
September 14, 2014 at 1:27 am in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7204RamBillParticipantRams-Buccaneers: Seven for Sunday
• By Jim ThomasThe last time the Rams faced Josh McCown, he was with Chicago. They sacked him only once but swarmed around him all day like killer bees. By the end of the Rams’ 42-21 victory last Nov. 24, they had 17 QB pressures, 10 QB hits and McCown was one giant bruise. McCown frequently holds onto the ball too long, but can scramble when needed. “He’s tough,” Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “He proved that last year playing us because we got some real shots on him. … But he just kept getting up and kept getting up, and was really trying to lead them back in that game. I thought it was a really gutsy performance.” McCown threw only one interception in 224 passes last year for the Bears; he had two interceptions in his first 16 throws for the Bucs last week against Carolina. Even with the bad start, he nearly rallied Tampa from a 17-0 deficit in what became a 20-14 loss.
BIG TARGETS
The Bucs may have the tallest WR tandem in the NFL in veteran Vincent Jackson and rookie Mike Evans — both are 6-5 and in the 230-pound range. Jackson’s a three-time Pro Bowler, has posted five 1,000-yard receiving seasons and is a downfield threat with a career average of 17.4 yards per catch. Evans, who paid a pre-draft visit to the Rams, was chosen seventh overall in May. Rams starting CBs Janoris Jenkins and E.J. Gaines both stand 5-10.
ON THE RUN
The Bucs got a surprising 54-yard run by 258-pound fullback Jorvorskie Lane against Carolina. Otherwise their run game was non-existent with Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey combining for 21 yards on 13 carries against the formidable Panthers front seven. Martin didn’t finish the game because of a knee injury; Rainey had a costly fumble. Undoubtedly, the Bucs will try to get their ground game going against the Rams, who yielded 185 yards rushing in Week 1.
WEAK SPOT?
The interior of the Tampa Bay offensive line struggled in the preseason, to the point that the Bucs kicked the tires on bad-boy guard Richie Incognito and then traded with New England for six-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins in late August. Mankins suffered a knee injury against Carolina. Even with Mankins in the lineup, the Rams could do some damage with their DT rotation, or by stunting and looping their DEs inside.
LOVIE’S DEFENSE
The Cover 2 scheme, with both safeties playing in a deep shell and the secondary in zone coverage, remains the staple of coach Lovie Smith’s philosophy. As Smith showed during his tenure as Rams defensive coordinator (2001-2003), it puts a premium on keeping the ball in front of you to prevent the big play, swarming to the football and creating turnovers. It can force QBs, especially inexperienced ones, to be patient making their reads.
WHERE’S THE RUSH?
In order for the Cover 2 to dominate, it relies on a four-man pass rush and not much blitzing, which allows seven men to drop in coverage. But the Buccaneers have had trouble generating a pass rush, and had only one sack vs. Carolina — by arguably their best overall player, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. McCoy was taken No. 3 in a 2010 draft, in which QB Sam Bradford went first and DT Ndamukong Suh second. He can be a game-changing player.
CALLING ALL TEs
Carolina tight end Greg Olsen was all over the place against Tampa Bay, with eight catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. He almost had another TD running deep down the middle, but the pass was overthrown by QB Derek Anderson. Tampa Bay safeties had trouble staying with Olsen, and the Buccaneers’ linebackers, although fast, left some holes in coverage. This could be a chance for Jared Cook and Lance Kendricks to rack up some yards.
RamBillParticipant
Quinn signs $65.5 million deal with Rams
• By Jim ThomasTAMPA, Fla. • Robert Quinn is sticking around for a while. On Saturday, the Rams signed the Pro Bowl defensive end to a four-year contract extension, which keeps him under contract through the 2019 season.
The overall value of the deal is $65.5 million, with $41.2 million in guaranteed money. That makes him the second-richest Rams player in terms of overall contract value and amount of guaranteed money. He trails only quarterback Sam Bradford, whose rookie contract as the first player chosen in the 2010 draft was worth $78 million — $50 million of which was guaranteed.
“We’ve been talking to Robert since about early spring,” said Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ executive vice president for football operations. “… We spent a lot of time over the summer. We got close at points, and really we tried to make a push before the season.”
That didn’t quite work, but the Rams and Quinn agents Tony Fleming and Mitch Frankel were close enough that they kept working to get something done. Quinn signed the deal Saturday before the team left Rams Park for Lambert Airport and the flight to Tampa.
“I thank the Rams and my agents for working together, trying to get something done,” Quinn said, at the team hotel in downtown Tampa. “Of course, I thank Mr. (Stan) Kroenke, the Rams’ organization, and my teammates, the fans, just for supporting me through the whole thing.
“It’s fun knowing where I’m gonna be at for the next six years of my life. And with a great head coach. We’re going in a great direction.”
That money is over a six-year period, because the 2014 and 2015 years of Quinn’s current deal were ripped up in the extension.
(Quinn was due $1.67 million this year under the last year of his original contract as a first-round pick in 2011, and $6.9 million in 2015 after the Rams exercised an option for a fifth year.)
Quinn led the NFC in sacks last year with 19, a franchise record since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. He was voted NFL defensive player of the year by the Pro Football Writers Association for 2013.
“He’s a tremendous player,” Demoff said. “He’s grown up every year since he’s been here and become a team leader. A pillar of the community. He’s the kind of player we want in our organization, and you want to reward.”
Considering what Quinn has done already, and the fact that he’s only 24 years old, the contract works for both parties. Quinn averages just under $11 million a year under the new deal, which isn’t exorbitant for a star defensive end these days. But he gets roughly two-thirds of that money — $41.2 million — as guaranteed dollars.
“It’s comforting to know my family’s taken care of,” Quinn said. “I can get that out of my head now and really play lights out with no worries. It’s kind of a weight lifted off my shoulder. … I want to set up my son.”
That would be Robert Quinn Jr., who was born right when Quinn signed his first contract with the Rams out of college in 2011. As a result, Quinn showed up a day late for his first training camp. By the way, Robert Jr. wants to be a baseball player.
September 14, 2014 at 12:50 am in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7201RamBillParticipant
Rams can’t afford another clunker
• By Jim ThomasOne game does not define the Rams.
That was the message from coach Jeff Fisher after that abomination of a season-opener last weekend against Minnesota. And it quickly became the mantra inside the walls of Rams Park.
The response to that outside the walls?
It better not.
The team’s 34-6 loss to Minnesota, the worst beating of any NFL team in Week 1, was a tremendous buzz kill — wiping away in 3 hours 3 minutes at the Edward Jones Dome months worth of momentum and excitement.
The now all-too-familiar 24-hour rule went into effect. After 24 hours, it’s time to quit moping about the result and move on to the next challenge. In this case it’s Sunday’s 3:05 p.m. kickoff (St. Louis time) against Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium.
But for some, it was tough to digest what happened in just a day’s time.
“I’m all for the 24-hour rule and forgetting about it,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said. “But as a competitor, some of that still resonates in you. You never want to put that stuff on tape, especially with the expectations at home. The fans deserve better, quite frankly.”
On a personal level, defensive end William Hayes said: “I wasn’t really satisfied with the way I played. So (Minnesota)’s gonna stay on my mind until I play better.”
Hayes and the rest of the Rams gets another chance against a Tampa Bay team that lost its opener — also played at home — 20-14 to Carolina, which was playing with backup quarterback Derek Anderson in place of the injured Cam Newton.
Like the Rams, the Bucs didn’t get a takeaway on defense, had trouble getting the running game going and made too many mistakes on offense. And yes, like the Rams they are dealing with injuries that have depleted their ranks.
On defense alone, Tampa enters the game missing its two starting defensive ends and one of its top three corners.
“We’ve got a similar set of circumstances, although the Bucs made a comeback late and had a chance,” Fisher said. “Nonetheless, both teams lost home openers. As coach (Lovie Smith) says down there, they’ve got a lot to improve on, as we do.”
For the most part, the Rams looked unprepared and uncompetitive against Minnesota. But the areas that need improvement are clear-cut. Here’s a five-point plan for getting past the Buccaneers:
• Cut the penalties in half from Week 1.
• Cut the missed tackles by two-thirds.
• Hold the edge on defense.
• Get the run game going early on offense.
• Play more physical in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Pretty basic stuff, really.
“It definitely starts up front,” left tackle Jake Long said. “Everything works off the run game. So we’ve gotta get the run game going and that’ll open up the pass game, the play-action, all that stuff. We’ve gotta do better.”
And of course, it wouldn’t hurt if the Rams’ defense came up with a takeaway or two.
“We had our hands on five balls (against Minnesota), not that I would count,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said, smiling. “Three of them legitimately in both hands. So we’ve had a little bit of some chat and conversations about those kind of things.”
But to get that done, and truly put the Dome Debacle behind them, the Rams must do so without defensive end Chris Long — not only one of their best players but also one of their team leaders.
For example, it’s almost always Long who fires up the squad standing in the middle of the team huddle at the end of pregame preparations.
“Chris is a great spirit here and one of our defensive captains,” Williams said. “It’s just one of those things you go through. Next man up.”
One of the league’s top pass rushers in recent years, Long is expected to be sidelined at least eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery Thursday. The very capable Hayes will replace him in the starting lineup with help from Eugene Sims and perhaps rookie Ethan Westbrooks over the next two months.
“Chris will be back,” Williams said. “He’ll be involved. I tease him a little bit about now he’ll get a chance to do some of the things I’m doing. I’m going to keep him involved coaching.”
On the other side of the ball it looks very much like Austin Davis — the team’s fourth string quarterback less than a month ago — will get his first NFL regular-season start. In a case of “next man up” followed by another “next man up,” he could replace veteran Shaun Hill (thigh) who replaced Sam Bradford (knee).
Not that he has a choice, but Fisher says he’s OK with the possibility of going with Davis against Smith’s patented Tampa 2 defense.
“He’s excited for the opportunity if it happens,” Fisher said.
As for Davis, he sounds confident about what he can do if he gets the call.
“There’s not a play call that I don’t know exactly what the read is, and exactly where the ball’s supposed to go,” he said. “It’s really just getting game experience. It was great last week to just get in and play ball (against Minnesota). But I feel very, very comfortable with what we’re doing.”
This one has the feel of the Minnesota game, at least before the Rams imploded in the second half. In other words, one of those 17-13, 20-17 close-to-the-vest, low-scoring contests. So the fewer mistakes by Davis — if it’s indeed him at quarterback — the better for the Rams.
With that in mind, the Rams could go conservative on offense, as was the case in the first half against the Vikings.
As has been his M.O. since coming to St. Louis in 2012, Fisher did a good job of getting the team back. There’s nothing the Rams can do now about Minnesota, and with that in mind practices were crisp and morale was good during the work week.
“I complimented them just a few minutes ago,” Fisher told the media after Wednesday’s practice. “They practiced like they’re 1-0 — and that’s what you need.”
Trouble is, they’re not 1-0.
And the last thing those at Rams Park want to hear Fisher tell the team after Sunday’s contest in Tampa Bay is “two games do not define this team.”
September 13, 2014 at 9:07 pm in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7150RamBillParticipantSteve Savard, D’Marco Farr, and Will Witherspoon break down their keys to a Rams victory vs. the Buccaneers. Witherspoon says: reduce penalties, eliminate pocket pressure on Davis, avoid giving up TD’s in the red zone. Others keys discussed include get the ball out quick, ball security, and get off the field on defense.
http://www.rams-news.com/rams-keys-to-victory-vs-buccaneers-video/
September 13, 2014 at 7:18 pm in reply to: Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph) #7141RamBillParticipant
Game slowing down for Rams’ McDonald
Nate Latschhttp://stl.scout.com/story/1450684-game-slowing-down-for-rams-mcdonald
ST. LOUIS — Rams coach Jeff Fisher had strong praise for second-year safety T.J. McDonald at his press conference on Monday, the day after the team’s season-opening loss against the Vikings.
“T.J. made some plays, had a couple misses but everybody’s going to have misses in space with ‘AP’ (Adrian Peterson),” Fisher said. “But I thought T.J. played better than he played at any time last year.”
McDonald got the Vikings running back twice on Minnesota’s first series, dropping Peterson for a 5-yard loss on a first-down play and then holding him to a 1-yard run on a third-and-long play to force a punt.
It was just the start of a strong game for the 23-year-old safety, who was the Rams’ third-round draft pick (No. 71 overall) in 2013 out of USC. McDonald finished with a career-high eight tackles, just one behind safety Rodney McLeod for the team lead, and one pass defensed.
Not bad for just his 11th NFL game.
“The game slows down for me as I get older, but I’ve got a lot of work to do,” he said. “I feel like I’m just scratching the surface as far as getting into this defense and whatnot and getting into this league. So for me I just have to make sure I stay on it, keep working hard and get better every week.”
The 6-foot-2, 217-pounder has a bit of a different role this season in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ aggressive scheme.
“I do a little bit of everything,” McDonald said. “I line up everywhere in this defense. I line up a lot of different places. Last year I didn’t move around as much. I did some similar things, but it’s a different scheme, so I’m all over the place.”
There is also an increased emphasis on how McDonald and the rest of the Rams’ young secondary performs, a group that is considered a question mark in comparison to the more established defensive linemen and linebackers that make up the team’s front seven.
The young St. Louis defense got even younger with the preseason knee injury to cornerback Trumaine Johnson, a third-year player who has been replaced by rookie E.J. Gaines in the starting lineup.
But for as disappointing as the Rams’ 34-6 loss to the Vikings was, it would be unfair to place a majority of the blame on the secondary.
The returning starters, McDonald, McLeod and Janoris Jenkins (seven tackles), played well, particularly in run support. A sixth-round pick, Gaines (five tackles, two passes defensed) also performed well in his NFL regular season debut.
“The effort wasn’t bad,” McDonald said of the defense. “The effort was good and everything. It was just a few plays. Those few plays you have to eliminate, you can’t give them up, because it looks more lopsided than what it was. I feel like you contain a guy with Adrian Peterson, 75 yards, you’re happy with that. But then at the same time you let a guy like Cordarrelle Patterson go off. Those are things we can’t do as a great defense.”
That loss should motivate the Rams going into their Week 2 game at Tampa Bay on Sunday. They want to show that they are better than they looked in that disappointing season-opening defeat.
“I think we put together a good week of practice,” McDonald said. “Everybody is eager to get back and show that that first game isn’t indicative of who we are as a defense.”
September 13, 2014 at 7:09 pm in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7140RamBillParticipantW2W4: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11584/w2w4-st-louis-rams-6
EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick off Week 2 on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET on regional Fox coverage.
Here are three things to watch for from the Rams’ end:
1. Rev the run: Everything the Rams want to do and who they want to be offensively stems from having a successful running game. Last week, the Rams struggled mightily on offense in no small part because the run game never got going. Minnesota loaded the box to slow down backs Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham and dared the Rams to throw the ball. The Rams mostly obliged the Minnesota Vikings but when they did run it, they averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on 22 attempts. Until the Rams show they can beat somebody by airing it out, it’s safe to assume defenses will continue to load up to stop the run. That shouldn’t stop the Rams from trying to run it, however. Stacy and the run game had success last season in a similar situation but it will require a better effort across the board, especially from the offensive line. Tampa Bay allowed 113 yards on the ground against Carolina last week but has a defense built to stop it. If the Rams can get the ground game in motion, they should be able to take shots in play action and move the ball more consistently and effectively regardless of who is getting the carries.
2. Short and simple: The Vikings didn’t do anything fancy to the Rams defense last week, sticking mostly to a game plan full of runs between the tackles and short, efficient passes. Both ploys worked to open things up on the perimeter for receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, and quarterback Matt Cassel had a solid outing without turning the ball over. Cassel averaged the fewest air yards per attempt of any quarterback in Week 1 at just 4.36 yards per pass. It didn’t lead to much in the way of fireworks but it served to protect the ball and keep the chains moving. More important, it helped negate the Rams’ vaunted pass rush as they had just one sack and that came off a botched snap exchange. Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown has big wideouts Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans at his disposal and has favored throwing the deep ball in the past, so it will be interesting to see if the Bucs adopt the Vikings’ blueprint. McCown and the passing game struggled to get anything going in the air against Carolina until late in the game but don’t be surprised if they take a page from Minnesota and at least mix in some underneath plays before taking their shots against the Rams’ secondary.
3. Under center: Rams coach Jeff Fisher has referred to veteran quarterback Shaun Hill as “day to day” all week because of a quad/thigh injury. Fisher has also maintained that if Hill is healthy enough to play, he will start. But Hill didn’t do much in practice this week with Austin Davis getting the bulk of the snaps with the first-team offense and Case Keenum getting a few himself. That would seem to indicate that Davis could be making his first NFL start against Tampa Bay. The Rams would need much more from Davis than they got last week, especially when it comes to recognizing pressure and getting rid of the ball. Of course, if the Rams can do the first thing on this list, that would go a long way toward helping whichever quarterback plays Sunday.
September 13, 2014 at 6:37 pm in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7136RamBillParticipantWill we see some unexpected things from the Rams offense this Sunday in Tampa? ESPN’sRams Insider Nick Wagoner tells Randy Karraker and D’Marco Farr, and previews the game vs. the Bucs.
http://www.rams-news.com/will-we-see-some-unexpected-things-from-the-rams-offense-radio-interview/
RamBillParticipantRobert Quinn’s deal good for both sides
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11632/robert-quinns-deal-good-move-for-both-sides
TAMPA, Fla. — Throughout the offseason and into training camp, the St. Louis Rams seemed to be in no hurry to sign defensive end Robert Quinn to a contract extension.
There were no hard deadlines to meet and Quinn was going to remain under team control for at least the next two seasons no matter what.
A lack of urgency might have been the exact reason the two sides were able to come to terms on a new six-year contract Saturday afternoon, a deal that will keep Quinn in St. Louis through the 2019 season.
Robert Quinn
The Rams and Robert Quinn, who had 19 sacks last season, agreed to a four-year contract extension.
Without having to worry about holdouts or franchise tags, the Rams and Quinn’s representatives were able work toward a resolution that would allow the team to keep its best player in St. Louis.Upon reaching an agreement Saturday, the deal looks to be a good one for both sides. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported it’s worth a total of $66.575 million with $41.2 million guaranteed.
It’s important to note that the deal makes Quinn a Ram through the 2019 season, which means it includes the next two seasons as well. The distinction means the Rams could have a relative bargain on their hands should Quinn continue to ascend as one of the best pass-rushers in the league.
Assuming the numbers are correct, an annual average of about $11 million would be an absolute bargain for Quinn, considering he ranks second only to Houston’s J.J. Watt in sacks with 29.5 since 2012.
After Watt agreed to a six-year, $100 million deal with $51.8 million guaranteed making him the highest paid defensive player in the league on Sept. 2, it was only logical Quinn would be next in line.
What wasn’t clear was how fast the Rams would put a deal together. On one hand, Watt’s deal offered a baseline for Quinn’s, but on the other, Quinn doesn’t have Watt’s lengthy track record of success.
Getting a deal done now allows the Rams to sign Quinn for a number below what Watt received from the Texans, but offers a relative bargain should he continue to perform as he did in 2013 when he posted 19 sacks and seven forced fumbles on his way to first team All-Pro honors.
Had the Rams waited until after the season, they might have faced a price tag closer to Watt’s if Quinn duplicates his 2013 success. In signing Quinn now, the Rams struck a good balance between paying him what he is currently worth, what he could be worth in the future and protecting themselves on the off chance he doesn’t continue at his current trajectory.
For his part, Quinn landed a nice deal with a strong guarantee. That $41.2 million is really the only number that matters here, and it represents a smart play on his part, taking what he can get rather than worrying about it later should he suffer an injury or have a down season.
Put simply, Quinn is the Rams’ only blue-chip talent and they were wise to get a deal done.
Only time will tell whether this is the rare deal that works well for both sides, and we still need to see the exact breakdown of the financials, but at first blush, it certainly looks like a win-win.
RamBillParticipantGregg Williams : “We’ve got to get ready to go”
Watch St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams talk with the media after practice on Friday.
http://www.rams-news.com/gregg-williams-weve-got-to-get-ready-to-go-video/
RamBillParticipantWatch reporter Casey Phillips interview St. Louis Rams wide receiver Chris Givens after practice on Thursday. Givens: “We’re just trying to take advantage of our opportunities and maximize each play.”
http://www.rams-news.com/one-on-one-with-rams-wr-chris-givens-video-2/
September 13, 2014 at 10:18 am in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7086RamBillParticipantRams-Buccaneers: Matchup breakdown
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/11589/rams-buccaneers-matchup-breakdown
EARTH CITY, Mo. — A look at three matchups to keep an eye on when the St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday.
Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins versus Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson
With rookie E.J. Gaines starting on the opposite side of Jenkins, the Rams felt comfortable enough with Jenkins that they allowed him to spend much of the opener isolated one-on-one while sending extra help to Gaines’ side.
Jenkins had a solid first outing against the Vikings last week and has a history of faring better against bigger receivers. But Jackson has had his share of success against the Rams in the past two seasons and his combination of size and speed always makes for a difficult matchup. In those two meetings over the past two seasons, Jackson has posted 12 catches for 206 yards with no touchdowns.
The Rams have generally opted not to shadow receivers with a particular corner so Jenkins might not be matched up with Jackson at all times. With Gaines still adjusting to the league on the other side and Gaines’ previous success against Mike Evans in college, it would serve the Rams well to allow Jenkins to find himself opposite Jackson as much as possible.
Rams right guard Davin Joseph versus Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy
These two former teammates should see plenty of each other this week though McCoy has been known to move all over the line at various points during his time in the league. McCoy is one of the game’s best defensive tackles, an all around player equally adept at stopping the run as rushing the passer. McCoy picked up where he left off last year in the first week with a sack, a quarterback hit, a quarterback hurry and four tackles.
Joseph, meanwhile, is still hoping to regain the form that once made him one of the league’s more effective guards. He struggled against Minnesota last week, a common theme along the offensive line, but he figures to have a little added motivation against the team that released him this week. There’s no way the Rams will leave Joseph on his own to handle McCoy but on the occasions the pair do square off one-on-one, Joseph will have to be at his best to have any chance of preventing McCoy from completely wrecking the Rams’ game plan.
Rams defensive end Robert Quinn versus Buccaneers left tackle Anthony Collins
I promise not to lean on Quinn versu “Fill in the blank” every week for this feature but I’m going back to the well again this week because of what Quinn was able to do against Tampa Bay in 2013. In the season’s second to last week, Quinn thoroughly dominated Tampa left tackle Donald Penn with three sacks, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and six tackles.
Not that Quinn was the sole reason the Bucs went looking for an upgrade at left tackle in the offseason but he certainly did his part to ensure they’d spend $30 million over five years to land Collins. Collins had a solid, if unspectacular debut, against Carolina, allowing a single quarterback hit but not offering much in the run game. He’ll get another tough test in Quinn this week though it stands to reason the Bucs will do plenty to help Collins out.
The Bucs spent plenty of time throwing extra blockers Quinn’s way last season and that will likely continue Sunday. Likewise, the Bucs will probably mix in plenty of short passes to help nullify the Rams’ pass rush like Minnesota did last week. That puts the onus on Quinn to get home and make plays when the rare chance to do so arises.
RamBillParticipantGregg Williams: “Leadership Comes From the Example You Set”
Watch St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams talk with the media after practice on Friday.
http://www.rams-news.com/gregg-williams-leadership-comes-from-the-example-you-set-video/
RamBillParticipantTavon Austin: “Just Get the Ball in My Hands”
Rams reporter Casey Phillips talks with wide receiver Tavon Austin after practice on Friday. (1:25)
http://www.rams-news.com/tavon-austin-just-get-the-ball-in-my-hands-video/
September 13, 2014 at 2:00 am in reply to: Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph) #7074RamBillParticipantRams notes: Healthy again, McGee hopes to help on defense, special teams
• By Joe LyonsAfter 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 13, 2014 at 1:55 am in reply to: Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph) #7073RamBillParticipantJoseph returns to Tampa Bay as Rams starter
• By Jim ThomasDavin Joseph is all smiles when talking about his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even though they unceremoniously released him last March. Then again, he’s usually all smiles anyway.
“It’s a business, right?” Joseph said. “They all say that when they fire you. So it’s a business. I’m going to work. I’m going to do my job, and hopefully we’ll come away with a victory.”
After eight seasons, 100 games and two Pro Bowls with Tampa Bay, which drafted him in the first round in 2006, Joseph was “fired” by the Buccaneers and new coach Lovie Smith.
He wasn’t signed by the Rams until May 28, but a little over three months later finds himself in the starting lineup at right guard and facing his former team Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
The Rams “gave me a heck of an opportunity,” Joseph said. “They gave me all the support, specifically with the strength and conditioning staff, the trainers, coaches.
“And they helped me to be able to compete for a starting position because coming here I was playing off a couple injuries from the previous year. They helped me through that.”
After missing the entire 2012 season with a knee injury for Tampa Bay, Joseph suffered a staph infection in that knee in the summer of 2013. That setback impaired the rehab process. Although he started all 16 games for the Bucs, in looking at Joseph on tape the Rams felt he basically played on one leg last season.
But with the help from the Rams’ training and strength staffs, Joseph’s knee and overall level of conditioning were in top shape when training camp started. Slated for backup duty behind Rodger Saffold at right guard, Joseph found himself starting at right guard in the third preseason game, Aug. 23 at Cleveland.
Saffold was moved to left guard, and No. 2 overall draft pick Greg Robinson found himself on the bench.
“They gave me the reps,” Joseph said. “I tried to maximize them the best that I could. They gave me a chance and I’m running with it.”
Even with the bump up to the first unit midway through exhibition play, Joseph didn’t get a real sense that he was a bona fide starter until being held out of the preseason finale against Miami with the rest of the starters.
So shortly after one door closed in Tampa, another opened in St. Louis.
“Exactly,” Joseph said. “And that’s how the league works. Your time at one city may be done, but you can end up somewhere else and you can earn a job.”
Joseph played all 67 snaps in the opener against Minnesota but realizes he has to keep performing to stay in the lineup. You’ve got to figure Robinson will be starting at some point.
“For me to keep this job, it’s gonna take a lot,” Joseph said. “It’s gonna take a lot of focus, a lot of work, a lot of effort to continue being the starter and help this O-line grow.”
Like the rest of the offensive line, Joseph had some bumpy moments in the 34-6 loss to the Vikings. In the second quarter, Joseph couldn’t get to his block pulling left, resulting in a 3-yard loss by Tavon Austin on a carry out of the backfield.
He gave up a quarterback hit later in the quarter and was penalized for a false start in the third.
“I did OK,” Joseph said. “There’s some things I can do to help myself. There’s some things I can do to help my teammates. And so we’ll focus on that and get it cleaned up.”
As for playing his old team, Joseph said it’s about the Rams, not him. He’s certain to run into one of the Bucs’ top players — defensive tackle Gerald McCoy — frequently on Sunday.
If Joseph can neutralize his former teammate, it could be a successful day for the Rams against a Tampa defensive front that is missing both starting defensive ends because of injury.
As for seeing and facing many of his old friends on the Bucs, Joseph insists Sunday will be no stroll down memory lane.
“They’ll be friends of mine forever, so it’s not like because I’m playing them, they’re enemies,” he said. “But it doesn’t mean I’m not gonna try and kill ’em on Sunday.”
September 13, 2014 at 12:58 am in reply to: Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph) #7069RamBillParticipantQB Davis ready if called upon vs. Bucs
• By Jim ThomasCoach Jeff Fisher said it will probably be a game-time decision Sunday afternoon, but all signs point to Austin Davis making his first NFL regular-season start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in place of the injured Shaun Hill.
After sitting out practice Wednesday and Thursday, Hill was officially listed as limited Friday. Call it extremely limited. Hill, who suffered a thigh injury in the first half of last week’s season opener against Minnesota, took some snaps and made some throws on the side. But he got no work in any 11-on-11 drills.
“Obviously, Shaun didn’t do much today,” Fisher said after Friday’s practice. “He’ll probably be a game-time decision, but we got Austin some reps. Austin’s much better suited to play this game this week because of the starter reps that he’s taken. We’ll see what happens.”
Physically, Fisher said Hill is making progress with the injury. He will be further evaluated today, and it may even come down to how he looks during warmups before Sunday’s 3:05 p.m. (St. Louis time) kickoff at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Fisher said it’s possible that Hill could start Sunday even without taking a single rep of 11-on-11, or 7-on-7 work all week.
“Yes, he can,” Fisher said. “He’s got a good enough feel for what we’re doing.”
But Fisher added: “It’s all about risking additional injury and missing more playing time. That’s what the decision will be based on.”
For his part, Davis says he’s excited about the chance to make his first NFL regular-season start. (He did start the preseason finale in Miami on Aug.28, a game in which Fisher rested all 22 starters.)
“I mean the opportunity to start in your first NFL game? Who doesn’t dream about that?” Davis said. “I’ve been here for a couple years, and definitely looking forward to this opportunity. Absolutely.
“We’ll see what we can do, and get Shaun healthy. But if not, I’ll be ready to go, and have a lot of confidence in myself and what we’re doing offensively.”
Getting a full week of work with the starting offense has been invaluable for Davis, 25, who was born in Ringgold, Ga., but grew up in Collinsville, Miss.
“A lot of help,” he said. “Just more comfortable with the operation in and out of the huddle with Scott (Wells) at center. Better timing with the receivers. And knowing exactly what we’re doing every play.”
After replacing Hill to start the second half against Minnesota, Davis completed 16 of 23 passes for 192 yards. He led the Rams on two field goal drives, accounting for the team’s only points in a 34-6 loss. But he also threw a fourth-quarter interception that was returned 81 yards by safety Harrison Smith for the Vikings’ final touchdown.
“Certainly, you can’t turn the ball over,” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. “And then, there were a few time times he held on to the ball a little too long. Couple of those sacks late in the game were on him. The ball’s got to go someplace.
“All things considered, the situation he came into without any reps, I thought he did a nice job.”
Just in case, the Rams have a small package of plays ready for No. 3 QB Case Keenum, who was claimed off waivers from the Houston Texans less than two weeks ago and, obviously, is still learning the offense.
“We have a decision to make whether we keep two or three (quarterbacks) up right now,” Fisher said after Friday’s workout. “A lot can happen in the next 48 hours.”
September 13, 2014 at 12:41 am in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7067RamBillParticipantBernie: Rams must show up Sunday
• Bernie MiklaszThe Rams are 0-1, they don’t know who will start at quarterback, they’ve lost injured defensive end Chris Long for two months, and they’re already being dismissed as a team that’s worthy of contending for a winning record in 2014.
So what do we expect from the Rams on Sunday at Tampa Bay?
I expect to see a Jeff Fisher team show up and play physical, aggressive and effective football. Well, with maybe fewer penalties. That would help. But seriously. The Rams were never going to have a pretty passing game this season. They were never going to have the Peyton Manning offense in Denver. And the Rams were never going to get through the year unscathed by serious injuries.
The Rams are what they are: a team that, at its best, will line up and prevail through power. A team that will take the ball and grind away on the ground, imposing its will with a stubborn rushing attack. A team that will uncoil a lively and disruptive pass rush, unnerve quarterbacks and force turnovers. A team that should never roll over and become easy prey. At their worst, the Rams should always be a tough out.
That was the most disappointing aspect of the hideous 28-point loss to the Vikings. The Fisher-coached team personality didn’t show up. The Rams didn’t engage the opponent. The Rams didn’t pack a punch, or inspire fear. They were soft, at least for a Fisher team, and that’s hard to watch — or accept.
Tampa Bay (0-1) is nothing special. The Buccaneers lost their opener at home to a Carolina team that played with backup quarterback Derek Anderson. The Bucs are still searching for an identity under new head coach Lovie Smith. This is a winnable game for the Rams.
After last week’s debacle, I’d be stunned to see the Rams come out and get pushed around again. No matter what you think of Fisher’s coaching, his teams have always carried the reputation for being tough and ornery and hard to budge. No matter what you think of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, his defenses have almost always made quarterbacks sweat. No matter what you think of offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, his offenses have shown a consistent ability to crank up a power running game.
With so many people down on them, with all of the gloom and doom circulating around Rams Park, Fisher’s team has a clear opportunity to show us what they really are, rather than succumb and become a punching bag.
The best response to a disastrous start?
Go win the game.
RamBillParticipantSt. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher speaks with the media on Friday. (2:41)
http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-everybody-is-excited-to-go-play/
September 12, 2014 at 9:04 pm in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7036RamBillParticipantRams vs. Buccaneers: Contenders for No. 1 draft pick?
• By Jeff GordonJeff 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.
RamBillParticipantAustin Davis: “I Am More Comfortable”
St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis speak with the media on Friday.
http://www.rams-news.com/rams-qb-austin-davis-i-am-more-comfortable-video/
September 12, 2014 at 5:20 pm in reply to: Bux game set-up: Thomas, Wagoner, Prisco/Kirwan, Sando, NFL Live, Mikasz, etc. #7029RamBillParticipantOn this episode of Football Friday, Post-Dispatch columnists Bryan Burwell and Joe Strauss preview Sunday’s Rams-Buccaneers game and talk more about the Ray Rice situation. (3:53)
http://www.rams-news.com/burwell-strauss-rams-buccaneers-preview-video/
September 12, 2014 at 4:39 pm in reply to: Tampa week: Wagoner, Thomas, etc on players (qbs, McDonald, McGee, Joseph) #7024RamBillParticipantHill still limited in practice; QB decision will be made on Sunday
• By Joe LyonsRams 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.
RamBillParticipantMorning Ram-blings: Prediction time
By Nick Wagonerhttp://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 12, 2014 at 10:26 am in reply to: Fisher, Schottenheimer, 9/11 … transcripts & video #7009RamBillParticipantSchottenheimer “Tavon Has a Lot of Ability”
St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer speaks with the media after practice on Thursday. On Tavon Austin: “He’s got a lot of ability and we intend to use him in a lot of different ways.”
http://www.rams-news.com/rams-oc-brian-schottenheimer-tavon-has-a-lot-of-ability-video/
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