W2W4 Revisited: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10845/w2w4-revisited-st-louis-rams-3

CLEVELAND — Looking back at three things to watch from the St. Louis Rams’ 33-14 win against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday night.

1. Returning starters
As expected, the Rams got projected starters back in the form of left tackle Jake Long, defensive tackle Michael Brockers, guard Rodger Saffold and cornerback Janoris Jenkins on Saturday. All four started against the Browns, but there were some hiccups along the way. Brockers, who was coming back from an ankle injury, played just 10 snaps before leaving with another ankle injury. Saffold had a similar experience in his return from a stinger in his left shoulder. He started and played 17 snaps at left guard before departing with a right ankle injury. Neither injury appeared serious after the game, but we’ll know more after coach Jeff Fisher’s 6:30 p.m. ET news conference. Long was able to stay on the field for two full series and said he felt good but was clearly rusty as he picked up a couple of penalties and struggled in pass protection on the opening drive. Jenkins appeared to hold up fine for his 19 plays.

2. A better idea
Coach Jeff Fisher made it a point to say he wanted to “stress” his team more in the third preseason game by adding some game planning and preparation for the game. Indeed, the Rams were a bit more open with their play-calling on both sides of the ball, and the results were good. Although it was clearly overshadowed by the rash of injuries that broke out in the first half, the Rams thoroughly dominated Cleveland regardless of which groups were on the field. Beyond the 19-point win, the Rams out gained the Browns 472 to 178 and had an impressive 12-of-19 third-down conversion rate. They averaged 8.3 yards per pass play, nearly twice as much as the 4.2 they allowed. Fisher said after the game that he’d like to get some of his starters more work in the preseason finale against Miami.

3. Running revival
In the first two preseason games, the Rams struggled to get the run game going on offense and stop it on defense. But they were able to give both a bit of a jolt Saturday night. Offensively, the Rams rushed for 142 yards on 34 attempts, an average of 4.2 yards per attempt. Benny Cunningham made a surprise start in place of Zac Stacy, a move Fisher said was based solely on the desire to get Cunningham some work with the first-team offensive line. Cunningham made the most of it with five carries for 32 yards. Stacy again couldn’t find much room with five carries for 11 yards. Further down the depth chart, undrafted rookie Trey Watts outperformed third-round pick Tre Mason with his nine carries, 36 yards and a touchdown to Mason’s 10 for 29 yards. Even more promising was the defense’s improved tackling and run stopping, as that group held the Browns 15 carries for 32 yards, an average of 2.1 yards per attempt. Just like with the previous struggles, none of this is reason to get too high or too low, but it at least looked like progress.

Rams notes: Saffold starts at left guard instead of Robinson
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-saffold-starts-at-left-guard-instead-of-robinson/article_7d1124bb-e0f2-5b00-83ae-b68bb4cae757.html

CLEVELAND • Rodger Saffold made his preseason debut Saturday for the Rams but it came at the expense of No. 2 overall draft pick Greg Robinson.

After missing the team’s first two exhibition games with a stinger, Saffold started at left guard against Cleveland. So that meant Robinson was on the bench at the start of the contest.

The Rams came out with a starting offensive line of Jake Long at left tackle, Saffold at left guard, Scott Wells at center, Davin Joseph at right guard, and Joe Barksdale at right tackle.

Robinson’s head is spinning a bit after switching continuously between guard and tackle during training camp and the preseason. So the Rams decided to cut back on the crash course he has undergone getting ready for the NFL, and decided to back him down a little Saturday.

With the regular season fast approaching, the plan is to have Robinson focus on left guard from here on out, unless he’s needed on an emergency basis at tackle.

Meanwhile, Saffold can’t seem to get over his string of injuries. He played the first couple of series for the Rams but left the game in the first half with a right ankle injury. The team announced that he was taken out of the game for precautionary reasons, an indication that the injury wasn’t serious.

The Rams also made some changes in the lineup at linebacker Saturday because of injuries. Neither James Laurinaitis nor Jo-Lonn Dunbar started. That put the Bash Bros., Ray Ray Armstrong and Daren Bates, in the starting lineup.

BROCKERS’ DEBUT

After missing the New Orleans and Green Bay games with an ankle injury, defensive tackle Michael Brockers made his preseason debut Saturday against the Browns.

Brockers suffered the injury during the team’s FanFest practice Aug. 2 at the Edward Jones Dome. Two years ago, he missed the first three games of the regular season with a high ankle sprain in the same foot, but this injury wasn’t as severe.

“I know after the high one (in 2012), I couldn’t walk for about two weeks,” Brockers said. “Now I’m back on the field after two weeks, so for the most I’m doing good.”

But Brockers didn’t make it through the first half before apparently aggravating the same ankle and leaving for the night.

SITTING IT OUT

Among Rams players sitting out Saturday’s contest were: WR Jordan Harris, CB Brandon McGee, LB Pat Schiller, DE Sammy Brown, C Demetrius Rhaney, C/G Barrett Jones, DT Matt Conrath, and DE William Hayes.

BROWNS CONNECTIONS

The Browns’ roster includes two former Rams draft picks: starting right guard John Greco was a third-round pick in 2008; backup running back Chris Ogbonnaya was a seventh-round pick in 2009.

Browns fullback Ray Agnew, who played at De Smet High and Southern Illinois University, is the son of Rams assistant director of player personnel Ray Agnew Sr. (Agnew Sr. was a starter on the Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV championship team.)

Cornerback Pierre Desir, who has been slowed by a knee injury, played at Francis Howell Central High and Lindenwood University. Christian Kirksey of Hazelwood East High (and Iowa) is a backup weakside linebacker for the Browns.

The Cleveland coaching staff includes running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery, who had the same job for the Rams from 1997-2005 as either running backs coach or tight ends coach.

THE SERIES

Saturday marked the third time in four years the Rams played either a preseason or regular-season game in Cleveland. The team played preseason games here previously in 2010 and 2013, and played a regular-season game here in 2011.

RAM-BLINGS

The Browns unveiled two new giant video boards Saturday, in what was their exhibition home opener. It’s part of a $120 million upgrade project over the next two years at FirstEnergy Stadium. Local taxpayers are kicking in $30 million, or one-fourth of the costs for improvements.

• The Rams have a quick turnaround this week, concluding their preseason Thursday in Miami.

On night of injuries, Bradford re-injures knee in win over Browns
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/on-night-of-injuries-bradford-re-injures-knee-in-win/article_7bfca815-4427-596e-a5c1-283ae76a7b5e.html

CLEVELAND • En route to a 33-14 victory over the Browns. there were big catches by Kenny Britt and Brian Quick. Long runs by Chris Givens (after a catch) and Benny Cunningham. On defense Alec Ogletree had an interception. Rookie Aaron Donald started the second half with a sack fumble deep in Cleveland territory that led to a score.

But for every big play the Rams produced Saturday at FirstEnergy Stadium, they suffered an injury. Seemingly returning to better health, 20 of the Rams’ 22 projected opening-day starters were in the lineup.

But before halftime, five of those starters were out with injury _ two with knee injuries, and three with ankles. And of course, the one injury the Rams absolutely, positively couldn’t afford: an injury to quarterback Sam Bradford’s left knee.

The on-site examination by Rams medical officials proved inconclusive. Bradford will undergo further tests Sunday in St. Louis to see if he has re-injured the anterior cruciate that was torn last October at Carolina.

Bradford went down on second-and-7 from the Cleveland 12 on the opening drive of the night, holding his left knee once he landed. He had been hit by Browns defensive end Amonty Bryant _ who got around left tackle Jake Long _ after releasing an incomplete pass to tight end Jared Cook. Bradford’s left knee buckled as he braced himself after the Bryant hit.

It was Long’s first game of the preseason; he’s coming back from offseason knee injury of his own and looked a little rusty early.

Earlier in the drive, Bradford had completed a pass of 21 yards on third-and-7 to Cook that was wiped out by a penalty. After the penalty yardage was assessed, he connected with Quick for 13 yards and a first down that counted. Then came a 36-yard deep ball to Britt to the Cleveland 15.

But none of that mattered, obviously, when Bradford went down after the Bryant hit. After a couple of minutes on the turf, Bradford got up with some help by the team medical staff. No cart was needed.

After a couple more minutes on the sideline, Bradford then walked off the field into the tunnel to the visitors’ locker room, walking with a slight limp.

The absence of a cart, and Bradford walking under his own power perhaps be seen as good signs. But it probably will take an MRI Sunday to really find out what’s going on with the knee.

Obviously, trying to get through an entire season without Bradford, who has looked good in training camp and in exhibition play, would make the Rams’ hopes for a breakout season next to impossible.

And if only the injuries had stopped with Bradford’s. On the Rams’ first defensive series of the night, defensive tackle Kendall Langford went down with a right ankle injury. Langford got the ankle re-taped and went in for another series, but then was taken out for good _ a precautionary measure, according to the team.

On the first play of the Rams’ second offensive series, left guard Rodger Saffold went down with a right ankle injury. He was done for the night, again a precautionary measure according to the team.

Then, with 5 1/2 minutes to play in the second quarter, cornerback Trumaine Johnson and defensive tackle Michael Brockers were injured on the same play. For Brockers, just coming back from an ankle injury, it was another ankle injury _ the severity of which was unknown.

Johnson suffered a knee injury on the play _ a knee injury that looked serious and could be season ending. Johnson left on a cart and had a towel over his face as he left.

The Rams’ third corner, Brandon McGee, didn’t dress Saturday. He has been slowed by an ankle injury this camp and preseason. Next in line are Missouri rookie E.J. Gaines, as well as Darren Woodard, Greg Reid, and Marcus Roberson.

At quarterback, Shaun Hill finished off the first drive after Bradford’s injury, which ended in a 30-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein. Hill then engineered another drive ending in a 30-yard field goal, one which included a 32-yard completion to Britt and a 21-yard run by Cunningham, who started ahead of Zac Stacy.

But Hill was done after that series, completing two of six passes before giving way to Austin Davis. Davis, playing ahead of rookie Garrett Gilbert for the first time this preseason, saw extended playing time _ all the way into the fourth quarter.

After the Ogletree interception and 27-yard return in the second quarter, the Rams took over at the Cleveland 28 with 8:13 to play in the half. The Rams overcame a false start, and a holding penalty to get their first touchdown on a 6-yard Davis-to-Quick pass for a 13-0 lead.

It was an active night for Quick, who had four receptions for 47 yards on six targets. The Rams made it four scores on five possessions a few minutes later, when Givens grabbed a short pass over the middle on crossing pattern, then turned up field and turned on the jets.

No one could catch Givens, who raced all the way to the end zone for a 75-yard TD and a 20-0 lead with 2:48 left in the half.

The Browns finally got on the board in the final minute of the second quarter, and sandwiched a couple of touchdowns around a third Zuerlein field goal. The second TD came on a 7-yard scramble by Johnny Manziel midway through the third quarter delighting the crowd at FirstEnergy.

But Davis engineered another field goal drive, giving the Rams a 26-14 lead with 11:37 to play in the fourth quarter.

Then came the moment we’ve all been waiting for: Rams defensive end Michael Sam sacked Johnny Football. Sam celebrated by mimicking Manziel’s “Money” gesture. Talk about your ESPN moments.

Garrett Gilbert took over at quarterback after that Browns possession, and the Rams kept moving the ball, all the way down the field until Trey Watts scored on a 12-yard TD run, giving the Rams a 33-14 lead with 5:40 to play.

This was a game the Rams dominated statistically. Following Watts’ TD the Rams had 452 yards of offense, compared to just 120 for Cleveland.

But given the injuries to Bradford and others, that didn’t seem to matter much.

W2W4: St. Louis Rams
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10765/w2w4-st-louis-rams-3

EARTH CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Rams and Cleveland Browns meet in Week 3 of the preseason Saturday night at FirstEnergy Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Here are three things to watch for from the Rams’ end:

1. Returning starters: Last week it was quarterback Sam Bradford making his 2014 preseason debut, but five other important Rams are working their way back onto the field and could do so as early as this week. Left tackle Jake Long is expected to play for the first time since suffering a torn MCL and ACL in December 2013. Defensive tackle Michael Brockers also looks on course to bounce back from an ankle injury after doing most everything in practice this week. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins should also be back on the field after a short hiatus because of a hamstring issue. Linebacker James Laurinaitis (ankle) and guard Rodger Saffold (stinger) are less certain. Saffold has done limited work in team drills during practice but is hopeful that he’ll get to play. Laurinaitis is in a similar boat but may not be pushed. We won’t know who will and won’t play until the game starts, but all five are worth watching either way.

2. A better idea: Rams coach Jeff Fisher has indicated his team will be a bit more active in game planning and preparation this week after an extremely vanilla approach the first two weeks. That could mean more time for the starters than either of the first two games. But just because there will be more scheming doesn’t mean there will be a lot. A blitz here and there might be in the offing, but coming away with any sweeping generalizations from any preseason game (or practice, for that matter) is still not recommended. Still, the more time the starters play, the more chances we’ll have to see what kind of shape the top group is in.

3. Running revival: Through the first two games, there has been plenty of caterwauling about the Rams’ inability to run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense, particularly with the starting groups. While there hasn’t been much game planning going on, the run game often comes down to the basics of blocking and tackling. Those two things should always be a priority and so far the Rams have struggled in those areas. Of course, plenty of teams around the league can say the same thing. On defense, the return of Laurinaitis and Brockers would go a long way toward helping stop the run. Saffold would have a similar effect on the run game. Again, there’s little reason to panic about either area at this point in the preseason, but it’s worth continuing to monitor as the regular season draws near.

Rams notes: Browns FB Agnew prepares to face ‘his’ team
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notes-browns-fb-agnew-prepares-to-face-his-team/article_715b5033-97b2-573a-9e7f-c493e5ac6955.html

Ray Agnew grew up as a huge Rams fan.

That’s what happens when you’re raised in St. Louis and spend your formative years in the Greatest Show On Turf era. That’s also what happens when your dad, also named Ray, played the final three seasons of an 11-year NFL career with the Rams and was a key player on the Super Bowl championship squad in 1999.

The elder Agnew remained with the organization after his playing days and is now the team’s assistant director of pro personnel.

But the younger Agnew, who starred at De Smet and Southern Illinois University, will be wearing No. 48 and playing fullback for the opposition tonight when the Rams take on the Browns in Cleveland.

“It’s our first home game of the preseason, which is special enough, but getting a chance to play the Rams is definitely going to make it special night for me,’’ Ray III said in a recent phone conversation. “My dad’s been with the organization for 20-something years, so obviously the Rams have always been a big part of my life. Last year at this time, I was at Rams Park watching them in training camp and now I’m in training camp myself, trying to win a job with the Browns and getting a chance to play against the team I grew up rooting for. It’s kind of surreal.’’

He continued: “I don’t think it’ll be weird. I just think it’s going to be exciting.’’

When asked about the Rams gear he’d accumulated over the years, Ray III said, “I still have it – in St. Louis – I didn’t see any reason to bring any of that stuff to Cleveland.’’

Agnew, 23, stands 5 feet 10 and weighs 247 pounds. He has seen limited action in the Browns’ first two preseason contests, a pair of one-point losses, but the punishing blocker is listed at No. 1 on the team’s depth chart.

“I’m getting a chance and that’s really all you can ask for, right?’’ he said. “I got more snaps against Detroit (14, with three more on special teams) than against Washington (four, one), but that had more to do with the game plan.’’

Agnew said that Rams made contact during and after the draft but he opted to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Browns.

“Cleveland showed a lot of interest throughout the draft process and they’re a team that uses the fullback quite a bit more than most NFL teams,’’ he said. “It just seemed like the best fit for me.’’

Ray III was a standout linebacker and running back at De Smet when Spartans coach Pat Mahoney approached him about the shift to fullback.

“Of all the backs we had, I was one best suited for fullback. I gave it a shot and the rest is history,’’ he said. “It’s not a position with much glamor or accolades, but it’s a position I’ve really come to love. I enjoy the contact and I don’t mind doing the dirty work.

“It’s not an easy position to play, but if you work hard and do the job, you’re going to earn the respect of your teammates and that means a lot to me.’’

Like a lot of players on the field tonight, Agnew is battling to earn a roster spot in the NFL. The league’s first cutdown, from 90 to 75, will be announced Tuesday.

“If you spend a lot of time worrying about it, it’ll drive you crazy,’’ he said. “Instead, you just have to focus on working hard every day and doing whatever the team and the coaching staff ask you to do. Right now, my entire focus is on trying to knock down whoever is across the line from me.’’

And Ray III said his father has been there every step of the way.

“We talk on the phone all the time, so if I have questions, he’s there to answer them,’’ the younger Agnew said. “Because of my dad’s time with the Rams, I probably have a little better understanding of how the business works. But I’m still an undrafted free agent trying to make a football team, so when I get my opportunities, I have to make the most of them.’’

Agnew is one of three St. Louis-area rookies on the Browns’ roster, joining defensive back Pierre Desir (Francis Howell Central, Lindenwood) and linebacker Chris Kirksey (Hazelwood East, Iowa). Cleveland’s draft class also includes quarterback Johnny Manziel and his trailing media circus.

“It’s been pretty amazing, especially coming from a smaller school like SIU,” Agnew said. “Having ESPN at every practice was a little distracting at first, but eventually you get used to it.’’

Agnew joked that “Johnny Football mania’’ has had a positive impact on the Agnew family. “My mom likes it because she gets a chance to see me every day on ESPN,’’ Ray III said, laughing. “I just have to make sure I’m always standing somewhere close to Johnny.’’

A LITTLE MORE MANZIEL

The Browns have announced Brian Hoyer, a sixth-year pro, will start ahead of Manziel, but … “I’m hoping he gets to play a lot (tonight),’’ Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “He’s an outstanding athlete and he’ll test our defense if he breaks the pocket and takes off running.’’

Dress Rehearsal Demands Attention – But How Much?
By D’Marco Farr

http://www.101sports.com/2014/08/21/rams-dress-rehearsal-demands-attention-much/

I hate rehearsing. Always have. I would much rather get out there and just do it live.

There, I said it. I feel relieved. Liberated. Out of the closet, so to speak.

That being said, preseason games are a delicate balancing act for every single head coach in the National Football League. The overall health of a football team is of paramount importance coming out of exhibition play, but getting players into proper condition for the regular-season grind is what ultimately matters. While it is acceptable to play the starters for an extended amount of time in the unofficial “dress rehearsal,” or third game, you still have to use them carefully and efficiently – somewhere between 30-35 plays – or else your promising season might be wrecked out the gate.

Obviously, the goal for Jeff Fisher this weekend vs. Cleveland is to see an indication of progress offensively, defensively and on special teams. Trying to label the Rams’ performance in the last two preseason games could be foolhardy considering the number of starters and key players out due to precautionary reasons. Quarterback Sam Bradford, for example, has played roughly a quarter of football so far (about 22 plays, give or take penalized snaps).

Meanwhile, the offensive line has juggled multiple combinations the last two games with left tackle Jake Long and guard Rodger Saffold sitting out. I’m a big believer in the theory that the longer you play together, the better you play as a unit. Let’s hope it’s the best five and not just the healthiest five lining up against Minnesota on Sept. 7.

Defensively, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, defensive tackle Michael Brockers and defensive end Williams Hayes have all been on the DNP list to start 2014. Really, this is the group that needs to go out running with the rest of the pack. There’s a big difference between running wind sprints and hunting moose, so I’m excited to see where their conditioning level is at this point. They should be fired up and ready to go Saturday.

The change in atmosphere between the last preseason game and the first regular-season game is so pronounced that the temptation will be there to keep players in longer to establish tempo and continuity. In the past, teams would play their starters through halftime and into the third quarter just to get acclimated to making adjustments for the second half. Training your body to fully warm up again and play full speed after a 20-minute break is tougher than it sounds.

This will be the first exhibition contest in which the Rams are more specific in game planning, and there will be a lot to defend when Cleveland has the football this weekend. The Browns sport four 2014 Pro Bowlers on offense: tight end Jordan Cameron, wide receiver Josh Gordon, center Alex Mack and left tackle Joe Thomas. Browns head coach Mike Pettine is a defensive-minded coach, so moving the football against Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden and company could prove to be difficult, too.

In any event, let the (almost real) action begin.

Morning Ram-blings: NFC Best … ever?
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10773/morning-ram-blings-nfc-best-ever

EARTH CITY, Mo. — It’s no secret that the NFC West has emerged as the toughest division in the NFL over the past couple of years.

In the cyclical world of the NFL, a group that once went by the nickname “NFC Worst” is now being dubbed the “NFC Best.” Eventually, the tide will shift again and it will revert back to landing somewhere in the middle of the pack and on and on it goes.

But for now, the St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers form the toughest quartet in football. On Thursday, our friends from Football Outsiders offered a piece on Insider wondering whether the NFC West could be the best division ever Insider.

There’s plenty to chew on in the piece but one thing I wanted to point out is the argument discussing the strength of the West from top to bottom. It’s easy to see Seattle and San Francisco and label the division as tough, but it’s realistic to think that Arizona and St. Louis would be favorites in a few other divisions around the league.

As for the Rams, Football Outsiders believe what many will agree with: the Rams chances of making a leap this year will hinge heavily on the performance of quarterback Sam Bradford.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Thursday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … In the Ram-blings, we took a look at Mike Sando’s list of 50 players who could be poised for a breakout. … Next, we discussed the Rams’ move to designate running back Isaiah Pead as waived/injured. … From there, we heard from linebacker James Laurinaitis, who is close to returning from an ankle injury. … Defensive tackle Michael Brockers, meanwhile, is even closer and looks like he’s ready to go this weekend. … Offensive tackle Jake Long checked in at No. 63 on the #NFLRank list of the top 100 offensive players in the league. … Finally, we wrapped up the team’s 18th preseason practice with a quick report on the day’s activities.

Elsewhere:

Thursday’s edition of #NFLRank takes us through Nos. 70-61 on offense and defense.

A great read from Tommy Tomlinson on former NFL quarterback Jared Lorenzen.

At stltoday.com, Jeff Gordon looks at who is trending up and who is trending down for the Rams.

Gordon also explored the Forbes’ ranking of the Rams as the NFL’s least valuable team.

Jim Thomas offers his take on the Ferguson-area high schools visiting Rams Park.

At 101sports.com, Kevin Wheeler discusses the development of the Rams’ secondary.

Laurinaitis practicing, but still iffy for Browns
• By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/laurinaitis-practicing-but-still-iffy-for-browns/article_496b62c0-ad41-5e7b-8e68-f741d6b66919.html

The one thing linebacker James Laurinaitis just doesn’t do is miss playing time, be it on the practice field, in exhibition play, or regular-season contests.

But for two-plus weeks at Rams Park — and two preseason games — his world was awry because of an ankle injury. There’s no other way to put it: it just wasn’t normal to see Laurinaitis standing on the sideline.

“It’s not fun,” Laurinaitis said. “It’s not normal watching practice. You try to stay involved and you teach the guys … but I missed my guys out there.”

Laurinaitis returned to the practice field this week, and did a little bit more each day. He got in some 11-on-11 work Thursday, the team’s final full-scale workout prior to Saturday’s preseason game in Cleveland.

“Don’t know whether he’s going to go; it will be very close,” coach Jeff Fisher said following Thursday’s practice.

But there’s no hedging on the other Rams’ defensive starter who has been sidelined by an ankle injury. Fisher said definitively that D-tackle Michael Brockers will play against the Browns.

“Brock is back,” Fisher said after Thursday’s practice.

With perhaps a few individual exceptions, the plan is to play the starters on offense and defense the entire first half — or close to it. Brockers will be no exception even though this is his preseason debut after suffering the ankle injury during the team’s Aug. 2 FanFest.

“We’ve got numbers on the defensive line, and we traditionally rotate ‘em anyway,” Fisher said. “So with rotation, if he’s playing 15-20 plays he’s clearly playing till halftime.”

Fisher also said that left tackle Jake Long, guard/tackle Rodger Saffold, and cornerback Janoris Jenkins are expected to make their preseason debuts against the Browns. Long is coming back from offseason knee surgery; Saffold has been out with a stinger; Jenkins is back from a hamstring injury.

So almost all of the 22 projected opening-day starters will be in action in Cleveland. Laurinaitis remains iffy. Also, strongside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar will sit because of an undisclosed injury.

“I’m kind of excited about getting the secondary together for the first time this year,” Fisher said. “That’s going to be a good thing.”

Laurinaitis, an old-style ironman, is eager to join the party. He has started all 80 regular-season games since entering the NFL in 2009 as a second-round draft pick from Ohio State.

That currently ranks fourth among NFL ironmen at linebacker in terms of consecutive starts, trailing only Minnesota’s Chad Greenway (87), the New York Jets’ David Harris (84), and New Orleans’ Curtis Lofton (83).

Laurinaitis missed a few plays last season against Indianapolis after suffering a cut to an ear, but most seasons he plays every single defensive snap.

“I don’t rest very well,” Laurinaitis said. “It’s not one of my attributes. I don’t like it.”

But an ankle injury just before the FanFest practice necessitated a rare “rest” for Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis was pursuing wide receiver Tavon Austin when he fell over defensive tackle Kendall Langford, who had fallen.

“I twisted my foot in a weird way,” Laurinaitis said. “Freak thing, really. But you know, you get it looked at, and you get it healed, and now I’m ready to go.”

Even so, go-time might not be Saturday in Cleveland.

“I’m not sure it’s fully my decision,” Laurinaitis said, smiling.

Undoubtedly head athletic trainer Reggie Scott and Fisher will have a say in Laurinaitis’ status prior to Saturday’s 7 p.m. kickoff at FirstEnergy Stadium.

“If I don’t play on Saturday, I’ll definitely play against Miami because I need to get out there, and hit blocks and flow and tackle and do all those things,” Laurinaitis said. “That’s why I don’t like kind of standing around.”

The Rams close the preseason on Thursday, Aug. 28 against the Dolphins.

Laurinaitis would be a lot more stubborn about playing if this was Minnesota week — the Rams’ opponent in the regular-season opener.

“If this is Minnesota week, I don’t care how many shots you’ve got to give me, how many pills that they allow,” Laurinaitis said. “I’m going. I pride myself on always being available.

“We always talk about ability or availability — two things that Coach (Gregg) Williams is big on, and I’ve always been big on. I pride myself on the fact that I haven’t missed a regular-season game.”

Williams is the Rams’ defensive coordinator.

In other words, it’s great to have ability. But ability doesn’t mean much if you’re not available on game day.

“It’s just that you’ve got to be smart,” Laurinaitis continued. “Do you go out there, and you’re like, ‘OK, let’s test it. Let’s do all these things.’

“You have a setback and then you’re out another four weeks or another three weeks. That’d be a terrible deal.”

Laurinaitis is one of the key components to the Rams’ run defense — and the defense, period — so the last thing the coaches want is a setback against Cleveland that could compromise his ability to play against Adrian Peterson and the Vikings on Sept. 7.

Laurinaitis had cleanup ankle surgery after the 2013 season. The surgery went well, but this current ankle injury just happened to be to the same ligament as the surgery repaired.

“The exact ligament got stretched a little bit,” he said. “It’s good now.”

Now that he’s back on the practice field, Laurinaitis said his conditioning is good, and his legs are fresh.

“It’s just going out there really next week not even thinking about it anymore — (where) it’s a non-issue,” he said.

Practice Recap: Prepping for Cleveland

By Kevin Orris

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Recap-Prepping-for-Cleveland/22e695e3-1f33-4054-abf7-d39b284c5ab9

The Rams endured the heat in their first post-training camp practice of 2014 at Rams Park on Thursday.

“We tried to familiarize them with Cleveland,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said. “Cleveland’s obviously got a new staff, new coordinators. They’re playing very well on defense, they settled on their quarterback and they’ve got a running game going, so we tried to give them a chance to get familiar with that.”

Though some teams utilize the third preseason game as a dress rehearsal of sorts, Fisher reiterated his intention to build snaps throughout the preseason and play the starters through the first half.

“Some guys may come out a little sooner, but that’ll be our barometer,” Fisher stated.

It does appear Jake Long, Michael Brockers and Rodger Saffold will play against the Browns after participating in today’s practice.

“We got James [Laurinaitis] on the field,” Fisher said. “We don’t know whether he’s going to go. It’ll be very close. Rodger is expected to play, Jake is expected to play and [Brockers] is back.”

With just two games left to play in the preseason and the first round of roster cuts quickly approaching, Fisher hopes to see some of the younger talent on the roster standout.

“We’re looking for improvement out of the younger group of players on special teams,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to minimize our special teams penalties.”

“The roster may look a little bit different than years past because we may have more depth at one position. We may go a little heavier at one position versus another position.”

Fisher also shared his excitement to take on Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel on Saturday.

“I’m hoping he gets to play a lot,” Fisher said. “He’s an outstanding athlete and he’ll test our defense if he breaks the pocket and takes off running.”

Morning Ram-blings: Breakout players
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10724/morning-ram-blings-breakout-players

EARTH CITY, Mo. — In Wednesday’s Ram-blings, we discussed linebacker Alec Ogletree and how his success in 2014 could help make or break the St. Louis Rams’ season.

Today, we refocus on a different list of players with ESPN Insider Mike Sando’s look at 50 potential breakout players. Given the Rams’ relative youth, they would seem to have plenty of candidates, and three Rams did indeed make the cut.

Sando’s criteria for qualifying as a breakout player: no rookies, no players in the #NFLRank top 100, no older veterans and no players who have already signed big second contracts.

The three Rams that Sando has pegged for possible breakouts include quarterback Sam Bradford, receiver Tavon Austin and cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Bradford came in at No. 20, Austin at No. 46 and Jenkins at No. 48 on the list.

Certainly a breakout from any or all of those players would go a long way in taking the Rams to a winning record or even a postseason berth.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Wednesday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … In the Ram-blings, we began with a look at Ogletree’s ability to make or break the Rams’ season. … In this week’s Buzz video, we examined the pending return of four key Rams. … Next, we heard from guard Rodger Saffold as he works his way back from a shoulder stinger. … Forbes released its annual rankings of the most valuable franchises in the NFL with the Rams coming in last. … The Rams invited some Ferguson-area high schools to Rams Park on Wednesday. … And we looked at what the day meant to some kids in need of an escape. … Finally, we wrapped up training camp with a practice report from Wednesday’s final open workout.

Elsewhere:

#NFLRank takes you through Nos. 80-71 of the top 100 players on offense and defense.
At 101sports.com, Anthony Stalter writes that Bradford passed his first test against Green Bay.
At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas takes a look at Saffold’s efforts to return.
Joe Lyons writes that tight end Lance Kendricks is healthy and expecting big things this season.
The Belleville News-Democrat explores whether receiver Brian Quick’s catch against Green Bay can lead to bigger things in 2014.

Rams report: Camp wraps up as team supports Ferguson-area prep squads
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-report-camp-wraps-up-as-team-supports-ferguson-area/article_e9451eb5-fe0f-5ad9-bda0-8c5bd13e0c4d.html

The Rams closed out training camp Wednesday afternoon with a dizzy-bat relay race involving the club’s rookies and interns.

At the 50-yard line, the relay runners were required to spin while leaning over with their head on a bat. At the same time, the veteran players are there to taunt them and to add water to the race.

“Yeah, that was interesting. Probably one of the best,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “What happens is, the guys run out of water in the beginning. They get too excited and run out of water. But we have a good rookie group.”

Fisher continued; “All in all, from a camp standpoint, I thought we got a lot accomplished. We have a challenge ahead of us right now because typically break-camp week is a distraction. Even though camp’s a little different, than it has been in the past, we are breaking camp and now we have to go on the road. So we have to get focused and go into a tough place to play against a team that’s going into its preseason home opener.”

The Rams will travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns Saturday night.

RAMS REACH OUT TO FERGUSON-FLORISSANT SQUADS

The football teams from McCluer and McCluer North worked out and watched practice Wednesday at Rams Park.

The other high school from the Ferguson-Florissant School District, McCluer South-Berkeley, was invited but had a scheduling conflict. The Bulldogs are expected to visit Rams Park soon.

Last weekend, the Rams quietly provided tickets for all three teams.

The high school teams open the season this weekend and the teams from McCluer, McCluer North and McCluer South-Berkeley have been practicing in parks.

Before practice, the Rams went to the sideline to welcoming the McCluer Comets. Later in practice, the McCluer North Stars actually helped out by providing crowd noise for a drill near the Rams’ end zone.

“We invited them over as our guests and it looks like they had a lot of fun,” Fisher said. “They participated in the one drill, simulating crowd noise, and we made a bunch of mistakes. I wouldn’t say they’re Seattle, but pretty close.”

Fisher continued: “It means a lot to us (having them here). We can all imagine what they’re going through in addition to everyone in Ferguson. It’s just very, very sad and we hope that things get worked as soon as they possibly can.

“But this is different. This is football players and football players. I went over to talk to them before practice and they heard nothing I said because they were looking behind me, watching the players walk by…. This will be something that I hope they’ll always remember.”

RAM-BLINGS

According to Forbes Magazine’s annual report, the Rams’ franchise value rank last in the NFL at $930 million. The Dallas Cowboys, at $3.2 billion, are No. 1 in the league.

A year ago, the Rams were No. 29, ahead of Bufalo, Jacksonville and Oakland.

As Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch pointed out, the Rams were valued at $200 million when they moved to St. Louis, meaning the franchise is 4 ½ times more valuable in 2014 than in 1995.

• The Rams waived/injured running back-special teamer Isaiah Pead, who suffered a torn ACL Saturday against Green Bay. He will revert to the Rams’ roster if/when he clears waivers.

Also, the Miami Dolphins waived former Rams tight end Fendi Onobun.

• Hall of Fame defensive back Aeneas Williams watched the Rams practice Wednesday.

• Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis returned to practice and took part in seven-on-seven drills while offensive lineman Rodger Saffold took part in team drills. Players not practicing Wednesday were linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Pat Schiller, defensive end Sammy Brown, cornerbacks E.J. Gaines and Brandon McGee and guard/center Barrett Jones.

• The local Pro Football Writers of America chapter presented plaques to James Laurinaitis and Chris Long as co-winners of the “Good Guy Award” for their excellent work with the media.

(Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.)

Rams notebook: Healthy Kendricks tries to make the most of training camp
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-notebook-healthy-kendricks-tries-to-make-the-most-of/article_fb1ef931-2b5a-594a-80d1-e654af91a74c.html

A year ago, he was injured and biding his time. This year, Rams tight end Lance Kendricks is healthy and looking to take his game to another level.

Following offseason knee surgery, Kendricks was forced to sit out the entire 2013 preseason. Then, after an understandably slow start, he turned in a solid season as a blocker and also came through with 32 catches for 258 yards and four touchdowns.

“It’s great to be out there, making plays, making catches and hopefully building up some confidence as a team,’’ the fourth-year pro from the University of Wisconsin said after Tuesday’s training camp workout. “Last year was definitely frustrating, trying to get back into the rhythm after missing so much time. But this year, with OTAs and camp, we’ve been able to work together and just get the offense going.’’

Kendricks, a second-round draft pick in 2011, has been productive in limited preseason action this summer. He had two catches for 20 yards and took part in 13 offensive plays in the opening-week loss to New Orleans and was in on 12 offensive plays last weekend against Green Bay, coming away with two catches for 15 yards, including the home team’s lone touchdown.

On the 11-yard scoring play with 8:02 left in the first half, Kendricks ran a seam route down the middle and made the grab on a well-placed Sam Bradford pass with Packers safety Micah Hyde draped all over him.

“It’s a play we practice all the time. It’s an up-and-down ball, a timing throw,’’ Kendricks said. “Sam put it right on the money and I was able to make a great catch.’’

Added Rams coach Jeff Fisher: “That was a great throw and catch … it’s a hard throw and a very, very difficult catch.’’

Kendricks, who posted career bests in receptions (42) and yards (519) in 2012, is part of a solid tight end crew that also features Jared Cook, who led the team last year with 51 catches for 671 yards and five touchdowns, and Cory Harkey, a third-year pro who finished last season with 13 catches for 113 yards and two scores.

“Me, ‘Hark’ and Jared, we all work together and we all push each other,’’ the 26-year-old Kendricks said. “We look to be the best tight end group in the league; that’s what we’re fighting for.

“And the young guys, Alex (Bayer), Justice (Cunningham and Brad Smelley), they’re all coming along and following our lead.’’

Kendricks continued: “We’re working hard, trying to get better. I’m just trying to expand my knowledge of the offense. Learning how to read defenses better and just trying to get open.’’

Kendricks isn’t surprised at all by Bradford’s strong start in the preseason.

“Sam’s a grinder, that’s what he does,’’ Kendricks said. “He did a great job of coming back stronger than he was and now he’s just trying to do what he can to rally the team to try and get a win in Week 1.’’

RAM-BLINGS

The Rams will hold their final open-to-the-public practice as training camp wraps up today beginning at 3:30 p.m.

• Tuesday’s practice was one of the hottest the Rams have experienced this year and produced some sloppy play.

Undrafted rookie free agent Jarrid Bryant, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound cornerback, was the standout in Tuesday’s workout. In a span of six or seven plays, he came up with a pair of interceptions and a pass breakup.

• Tuesday’s practice marked the return of several key players. Defensive tackle Michael Brockers practiced and took normal reps with the starters. Right guard Rodger Saffold did individual work while middle linebacker James Laurinaitis did some running on the side and defensive end William Hayes worked on the side with trainers.

Players not practicing included linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, offensive linemen Mike Person, Demetrius Rhaney and Barrett Jones, defensive end Sammy Brown, defensive tackle Matt Conrath and cornerbacks E.J. Gaines, Darren Woodard and Brandon McGee.

• Receiver Tavon Austin wore No. 1 instead of his normal No. 11 on Tuesday. “Just a practice jersey,’’ he explained.

• The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to expand practice squads from eight to 10 players for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

• Rams legend Isiah Robertson, a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker, took in Tuesday’s practice.

“What an honor to have him in the building and out to practice,’’ Fisher said. “Really, really great career. You talk about his numbers and stats and everything. Remember watching him, (he) just played the game the way (you’re supposed to) play at the linebacker position.’’

• A scout for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League was on hand Tuesday. Last week, the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats scouted the Rams.

Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Practice Recap: Vets Return to Work

By Kevin Orris

http://www.stlouisrams.com/news-and-events/article-1/Practice-Recap-Vets-Return-to-Work/57d10ed5-7f87-48d8-b51d-6ca616cc4ce2

The Rams battled the heat in their second-to-last practice of training camp in Earth City this afternoon.

Today’s session was highlighted by the return of veterans Janoris Jenkins, Michael Brockers and Rodger Saffold.

“[Brockers] came back, finished up and was good,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said. “Rodger got involved in a little of the individual stuff, which was good. Janoris [returned] as we expected.”

After missing nearly all of the contact portion of camp, Saffold couldn’t be more excited to return to action.

“I’m probably the only person here who hasn’t hit another person off this team, so I’m just itching,” Saffold said.

Though James Laurinaitis did not practice, he did light workouts on the side.

“We’ve not ruled him out for this week’s game,” Fisher said of Laurinaitis. “He’s turned a corner and he was moving pretty well.”

LEFTOVERS

– Saffold’s status for Saturday night’s game in Cleveland is to be determined, but he is excited about the potentially opportunity to play against his hometown team.

“I grew up loving the Browns, but you know now it’s time to work against them,” Saffold said. “I know some guys on the other side, so it should be a fun time.”

– Undrafted free agent defensive back Jarrid Bryant impressed during today’s practice with two interceptions.

“There are some guys who are down right now, so I’m getting my opportunity,” Bryant said. “I’m trying to make the most of it. Today was a good day. I’m just trying to hang around as long as I can and do my part.”

– Even with Jake Long expected to return this week, Fisher plans to give Greg Robinson more game reps at left tackle.

“It’s a good possibility that Jake plays this week,” Fisher said. “He’ll go to guard when Jake’s in the game. When Jake comes out, we’ll still continue to work him at tackle.”

– Former Los Angeles Rams linebacker and six-time Pro Bowler Isiah Robertson watched practice from the sidelines today.

“It was an honor to have him in the building and out to practice for a couple of days,” Fisher commented.

Morning Ram-blings: Built for speed?
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10669/morning-ram-blings-built-for-speed

EARTH CITY, Mo. — Measuring a team’s overall speed is a task that’s nearly impossible since playing speed and timed speed are two very different things. Still, 40-yard dashes can serve as a sort of baseline for a team’s speed, especially when it comes to the skill positions on offense and perimeter players on defense.

Over at Grantland, NFL writer Bill Barnwell attempted to come up with — using a fairly arbitrary method — a ranking of the NFL team’s from fastest to slowest. Barnwell’s method took the 40 times of quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, tight ends, cornerbacks and safeties and came up with an average.

What Barnwell came up with is a list that placed the St. Louis Rams in a tie with the Indianapolis Colts as the league’s sixth-fastest team.

The rankings put Rams coach Jeff Fisher’s former team, the Tennessee Titans, as the fastest and the New England Patriots as the slowest. Barnwell’s takeaway was that speed isn’t necessarily an indicator of success though he also acknowledges that his measure isn’t an exact science.

Regardless, for the Rams to rank near the top of the league in any measure of team speed is a far cry from what the roster provided just a few years ago. Players like Tavon Austin, Brandon McGee, Chris Givens and Janoris Jenkins boast top end wheels. Of course, none of that speed matters much until it turns into consistent production.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Monday’s Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. … We began the day with this week’s roster projection, including some changes at a few noteworthy positions. … In the Ram-blings, we took a spin around the coverage of the team with a focus on Rams’ fantasy projections. … From there, it was our second Rams rookie review with snap counts and productions of the draft class and a few undrafted rookies. … With the #NFLRank project underway, we checked in with linebacker James Laurinaitis’ appearance at No. 93 on the list. … Finally, we set the table for a busy third week of preseason football with the Rams headed to Cleveland this weekend.

Elsewhere:

In the sports news world, the Rams did well by offering free tickets to some high school football players in the Ferguson, Missouri area last weekend.

At TheMMQB.com, Robert Klemko offers a strong read on Bears defensive end David Bass, who grew up in the Ferguson area.

At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas takes a look at the Rams and preseason penalties.

This week’s edition of rookie diary with linebacker Aaron Hill.

At 101sports.com, cornerback E.J. Gaines discusses how he’s settling in with the Rams.