Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
October 14, 2014 at 9:12 am in reply to: SF game post-mortem, articles & vids… Wagoner, Thomas, & more #9642
RamBillParticipantRams head coach Jeff Fisher recaps the 31-17 loss to 49ers with D’Marco Farr and Steve Savard.
http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-recaps-rams-loss-to-49ers-radio-interview/
October 14, 2014 at 9:04 am in reply to: SF game post-mortem, articles & vids… Wagoner, Thomas, & more #9640RamBillParticipantThe Rams jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead, but couldn’t hold on as they fell 31-17 to the 49ers. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas and CineSport’s Chad Cutler discuss the loss. (3:01)
http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-rams-waste-hot-start-vs-49ers-video/
October 14, 2014 at 1:12 am in reply to: SF game post-mortem, articles & vids… Wagoner, Thomas, & more #9610RamBillParticipant49ers squeeze the life out of the Rams
• By Jim ThomasThe Rams came out breathing fire. All things considered it was a fair approximation of the group being honored Monday night at the Edward Jones Dome — the Super Bowl XXIV champion Rams of 1999.
In his fourth NFL start at quarterback, Austin Davis did his best impersonation of Kurt Warner, leading the Rams on an 11-yard, 80-yard touchdown drive off the opening kickoff. The Rams lead grew to 14-0 before the end of the first quarter, but the 49ers slowly but completely squeezed the life out of the Rams.
Gaining momentum with an 80-yard touchdown strike in the closing seconds of the first half, San Francisco scored 24 unanswered points in the second and third quarters. A late Rams field goal made things briefly interesting, but San Francisco recovered an on-side kick and in the final minute tacked on seven points with a “pick six” interception return by Dontae Johnson for a 31-17 victory before a crowd announced as 56,851.
The Rams fell to 1-4, for the worst start in Jeff Fisher’s three seasons in St. Louis. San Francisco, after scuffling to a 1-2 start, won their third in a row to improve to 4-2. Things get no easier for the Rams, what with defending Super Bowl champion Seattle coming to town on Sunday.
The big strike on the opening drive was a 39-yard completion over the middle to tight end Jared Cook on third-and-5 from the St. Louis 25.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer pulled a lot of things out of his playbook on the drive, including two carries by Tavon Austin up the middle that produced a first down in 49ers’ territory.
Tre Mason — yes, running back Tre Mason — caught a 12-yard pass on the drive that carried to the San Francisco 5. The going was tough from there, with the 49ers’ defense yielding yardage grudgingly. Two carries by Zac Stacy produced minus-2 yards. But an illegal contact penalty by San Francisco safety Eric Reid helped out, giving the Rams a fresh set of downs on the 3.
Finally on the fifth play after the Rams reached the 5, Benny Cunningham bounced a run outside left to score a 1-yard touchdown and give the Rams a 7-0 lead 7 minutes into the game.
Later in the first quarter, the 49ers made it into St. Louis territory for the first time on their second possession, when Colin Kaepernick completed a 21-yard pass to backup tight end Vance McDonald. McDonald was moving down field for more yardage when Rams safety Rodney McLeod knocked the ball loose. Linebacker James Laurinaitis recovered the fumble and return it 17 yards to the Rams’ 45.
Mason then took his first NFL carry 24 yards, well into San Francisco territory. Two plays later, the Rams faced a third-and-1 from the San Francisco 22. With their jumbo package of extra blockers in the game, Davis got much of the San Francisco defense to bite on a play-fake up the middle to Cunningham.
Davis fired to a wide-open Lance Kendricks for a 22-yard touchdown and a 14-0 Rams lead with 53 seconds left in the first quarter.
At this point, the 49ers were very much on their heels. But they regrouped and finally got three points on the board on a 54-yard field goal by Phil Dawson midway through the second quarter.
But one big play in the final minute of the first half changed everything. Backed up on their 30 with 27 seconds left in the half, the 49ers faced a third-and-6 from their 20. Kaepernick threw deep to former Ram wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. Defender Janoris Jenkins bit on a double move, leaving Lloyd all by himself running down field.
It was an easy throw-and-catch with Lloyd outracing Jenkins to the end zone for an 80-yard touchdown. That made it 14-10 Rams with just 14 seconds left in the first half. And the 49ers were just getting started.
Taking the opening kickoff in the third quarter, the 49ers drove 80 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. They completed three third-down opportunities, and even a successful challenge by Fisher — negating what would have been a 27-yard completion to Frank Gore — couldn’t keep San Francisco out of the end zone.
Once again, Jenkins was victimized on the TD pass, an 11-yard pass to Anquan Boldin. Under pressure, Kaepernick rolled to his left to escape pressure and lobbed a pass off his back foot that got over Jenkins and to Boldin for a 17-14 lead with 9:58 left in the third quarter. Jenkins got caught watching Kaepernick and lost track of Boldin.
The Rams were limited to 21 yards in the third quarter; meanwhile, the 49ers rang up 155. The 49ers’ lead reached double digits late in the third quarter when Kaepernick connected with Michael Crabtree for 32 yards and a 24-14 lead. Once again, it was a double move; this time, the victim was Missouri rookie E.J. Gaines who was badly beaten.
October 13, 2014 at 5:10 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9558RamBillParticipantESPN’s 49ers reporter Paul Gutierrez and Rams reporter Nick Wagoner discuss the keys to the Monday night showdown between the 49ers and Rams.
http://www.rams-news.com/espns-wagonergutierrez-49ers-rams-keys-video/
October 13, 2014 at 4:44 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9556RamBillParticipantSports Illustrated’s Aaron Nagler and Chris Burke preview the Monday Night game between the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.
http://www.rams-news.com/si-mnf-preview-49ers-vs-rams-video/
October 13, 2014 at 4:25 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9555RamBillParticipantThe EA Madden simulator predicts the outcome of the 49ers-Rams matchup on “Monday Night Football. Their prediction: 49ers 24 Rams 16
http://www.rams-news.com/madden-mnf-simulation-49ers-at-rams-video/
October 13, 2014 at 9:37 am in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9536RamBillParticipantGet pumped up for Monday Night Football against rival San Francisco! (1:04)
October 13, 2014 at 9:30 am in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9535RamBillParticipantJoin Steve Savard, D’Marco Farr, and Will Witherspoon as they give their keys to the game for the Rams vs. the 49ers. D’Marco points out that the ’99 team did not know that they had arrived until they beat the 49ers. Farr’s keys to the game are: starting fast, getting good YAC, and have a balanced offense.
http://www.rams-news.com/keys-to-victory-rams-vs-49ers-video/
October 13, 2014 at 9:24 am in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9534RamBillParticipantESPN’s Jon Gruden and Mike Tirico preview Monday’s game between the 49ers and the Rams.
http://www.rams-news.com/grudentiricios-rams-vs-49ers-preview-video/
October 13, 2014 at 1:46 am in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9525RamBillParticipantRams-49ers: 7 for Monday
• By Jim ThomasLIMITING GORE IS FIRST OBJECTIVE
Even if the Rams stop Frank Gore, there’s no guarantee the Rams can upset the 49ers. But it would sure help. The 10-year vet is proving there’s life after 30 for NFL running backs. Gore, 31, comes to St. Louis ranked fifth in the league with 365 rushing yards, and for the first time since the middle of 2011 he’s coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing games. After all these years, the Rams know what to expect from Gore. He does his best work between the tackles but can still bounce it outside. Gore always runs with intensity, and with his compact frame (5-9, 217) and low center of gravity, doesn’t give defenders much to tackle. He almost always enjoys seeing the Rams, with 1,149 yards rushing and 14 rushing TDs in 14 games against St. Louis. That’s the most rushing TDs he’s scored against anyone in his career.
CHASING COLIN
QB Colin Kaepernick still makes head-scratching decisions on occasion, but his arm strength and running ability can be a dazzling combination for the 49ers. Kaepernick is more accurate this season (64.7 percent) than he’s ever been, is throwing more over the middle, and has been more patient going through his progressions. His 205 yards rushing would lead seven NFL teams. He has yet to throw an interception against the Rams, encompassing 100 passes.
RECEIVING OPTIONS
Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree remain the main men at WR for the 49ers, with 25 catches apiece this season. But newly acquired veterans Stevie Johnson and one-time Ram Brandon Lloyd give opposing defenses more to contend with. All four have had at least one 1,000-yard season, and all have good size. (Lloyd is the “shrimp” of the bunch at 6-0, 200.) Their size, savvy and experience will be a huge test for a young St. Louis secondary searching for consistency.
UP FRONT
Fitting the physical nature of the entire San Francisco squad, the 49ers’ offensive line will bloody your nose. A Rams defensive line that has had trouble both stopping the run and getting to the QB needs to step up its game or it will be a long night; rookie DT Aaron Donald is expected to have a bigger role for the Rams tonight, so we’ll see if that helps. The 49ers’ strength is on the left side, where LT Joe Staley and LG Mike Iupati have five Pro Bowls between them.
RAISING THEIR GAME
There’s no doubt the 49ers miss elite pass-rusher Aldon Smith, the University of Missouri product who’s in the midst of a nine-game NFL suspension. The other half of the Smith Bros., Mizzou’s Justin Smith, is doing his part with three sacks and 19 QB pressures — both team highs — and will undoubtedly test the interior of the Rams’ line. Rookie OLB Aaron Lynch is getting only about 20 snaps a game in the nickel package but is second on the team in QB pressures (14).
ON THE BACK END
Seven of the 10 members of the 49ers’ secondary are in their first or second years with the club.
The names may change, but the production always seems to continue. At cornerback, Tramaine Cox (toe) will miss his fourth consecutive game tonight. But veteran Perrish Cox, who’s in his second stint with the team, has starred in his place. Cox has three interceptions, 10 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. He’s produced a victory-clinching interception in San Francisco’s last two games.
ROOM TO RUN?
After missing 1½ games with a knee injury, Tavon Austin had a somewhat limited role last week in Philadelphia. But it looks like he’s full speed, so the 49ers’ leaky punt coverage unit could give him a chance to get going tonight. The Niners rank 31st in punt coverage in the NFL, allowing 14.8 yards a return; Philly’s Darren Sproles went 82 yards for a TD against them two weeks ago. Austin is averaging only 3.8 yards on his eight returns this season, with a long of 19 yards.
October 13, 2014 at 1:13 am in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9524RamBillParticipantAre the Rams ready for prime time?
• By Jim ThomasThe Rams don’t get much prime-time exposure, so there was only one way to go in preparation for their “Monday Night Football” appearance against San Francisco.
To the barber shop.
“Oh you gotta be fresh,” safety T.J. McDonald said. “You know you’re gonna get some TV time. The Colgate’s out, nice white teeth. Nice haircut.”
Offensive guard Rodger Saffold agreed.
“Fresh haircut,” Saffold said. “I’m not gonna say what I’m gonna wear just yet.”
Presumably, he was talking about what he’s wearing to the game, because we know he’ll be wearing a Rams uniform on the field.
“I’m trying to look real good,” Saffold added. “You’ve gotta look good on and off the field, and I just can’t wait to play.”
The Rams played the 49ers as well as anyone in the NFL in 2012, Jeff Fisher’s first year here as coach, with an overtime tie in San Francisco and an overtime victory at the Edward Jones Dome.
Things didn’t go so well last season, however, with an embarrassing 35-11 Thursday night loss in Game 4 in St. Louis followed by a 23-13 setback in Game 12 in San Francisco.
The 2014 Rams come into Monday night’s 7:30 p.m. matchup with a variety of perspectives from that last meeting in the Dome — the Thursday night humiliation.
Quarterback Austin Davis was somewhere between the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad and volunteer coaching at Westminster Christian Academy in suburban St. Louis at the time.
Did he watch it on TV?
“Nope,” Davis replied. “I don’t remember it.”
Probably a good thing given the nature of the bludgeoning, right?
Davis just smiled and let that one go.
A brief refresher course: The Rams were outgained 219 yards rushing to 18. San Francisco running back Frank Gore rushed for 153 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-1 play in the first half. In one of the worst performances of his career, quarterback Sam Bradford was battered, completing only 19 of 41 passes. And 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who won’t play tonight, was all but unblockable. He spent so much time in the St. Louis backfield, he might as well have put on a Rams jersey.
The normally unflappable Fisher was so upset by the loss, he made a brief statement at his postgame news conference, took two questions, then abruptly walked off.
It was insult and injury for safety T.J. McDonald, then a rookie, who suffered a fractured leg in the contest that would sideline him for two months.
“It could have been a sour taste if you want to call it that — the first (San Francisco) game or the second game,” McDonald said. “For us, I can’t say we look back at last season. Our goal is to win the game, no matter who we’re playing, what week it is, what happened last year or last week. We want to win this game.”
All but the newest Rams are very familiar with what it’ll take to topple the Niners. It’s a script that hasn’t changed much over the past few seasons. On defense, it’s all about containing Gore and keeping quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the pocket. On offense, it’s finding a way to run the football against that rock otherwise known as the 49ers’ front seven.
One last thing. As much as anything, if the Rams can’t hold their own in the trenches against the 49ers on both sides of the ball it will be another long, embarrassing night.
That’s it. Pretty basic, really. Playing the 49ers is not for the meek or half-hearted.
“We know these guys really well,” linebacker James Laurinaitis said during the practice week. “Quite frankly, I could go without watching film this week and know what San Fran’s gonna do. There’s a few different things in there, but when you watch film. you’re like, ‘Gosh, I’ve seen that story before.’ And they know us.”
So it’s as much a battle of will and execution as anything else. And make no mistake, regardless of all the reports and gossip about how the 49ers don’t want to play for Jim Harbaugh, or how Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke don’t get along, this is a team that plays with moxie, plays with toughness and is very resilient.
When asked during a conference call if the rumors were a distraction, Harbaugh replied: “No, that just seems like warmed up oatmeal to me.”
Apparently, the 49ers’ coach prefers his oatmeal cold.
As for the 49ers (3-2), they’re warming up after a sluggish start by their standards, defeating playoff contenders Philadelphia and Kansas City over the past two Sundays.
“It’s the same 49er team,” Fisher said. “They’re very, very good. They had a couple issues early on, but they’ve come back. … We’ve had some interesting games against them here in just a couple years. We have to play, obviously, our best football.”
If the Rams are serious about making this a breakout season, it’s time to start winning. Tough schedule or not, if you want to start running with the big dogs, you have to start beating them.
“I think we need to show how far we’ve come,” Davis said. “Our record (1-3) is not what we want it to be, let’s not make any bones about it. But I think we’re better than that, and we need to show it.”
Well, this is the Show-Me State. Show us.
To do that, the Rams must minimize mistakes, cut down on penalties and make the 49ers earn whatever they get. No freebies on busted coverages, botched punt protection, or sack-fumbles allowed on the goal line.
“When you’re a great football team and a winning football team, you don’t say there’s five or six (bad) plays,” Laurinaitis said. “You say: ‘There’s one, there’s two, and we survived them.’ “
The sooner the Rams can get into survival mode, the better.
“We’re improving each and every week,” an upbeat defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said Saturday.
Again, show us.
October 12, 2014 at 10:13 am in reply to: Player vids & articles: Quick, Will Herring, Davis, Donald, Saffold, Watts #9494RamBillParticipantRodger Saffold talks to the media after practice as the Rams prepare to face the 49ers on Monday Night Football.
http://www.rams-news.com/saffold-were-going-to-have-to-be-on-our-a-game-vs-49ers-video/
October 12, 2014 at 10:08 am in reply to: Player vids & articles: Quick, Will Herring, Davis, Donald, Saffold, Watts #9493RamBillParticipantCasey Phillips catches up with running back Trey Watts prior to the Monday Night showdown with San Francisco.
http://www.rams-news.com/trey-watts-on-the-rbs-we-feed-off-each-other-video/
October 12, 2014 at 2:02 am in reply to: Player vids & articles: Quick, Will Herring, Davis, Donald, Saffold, Watts #9485RamBillParticipant
Rams notes: Rams rookie Donald impressing Williams
• By Joe LyonsRams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams likes what he’s seen of rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald and saw positive work from the first-round draft pick in practice this week.
“His acclimation to the pro game, he’s done a tremendous job,’’ Williams said following Saturday’s workout. “He’s had a really, really good week in practice. Looking forward for him to get a chance to have opportunities to play the way we want him to play. It’s the same way he played in college. He’s a very quick, instinctive player. He feels very comfortable in what we’re doing. This week, for whatever reason, it felt like the light came on a little bit more for him.
“When I was watching him practice, watching him prepare … it’s fun to be around him. … He’s the first one here in the morning. He’s the first one in the meeting room, He’s out here on the practice field before the guys set practice up. He takes this thing seriously and it’s fun to be around that kind of guy.”
Donald, a 23-year-old from the University of Pittsburgh who has 20 tackles and the Rams’ lone sack this fall, said he likes to arrive early to watch film.
“It’s something I did in college that helped me,’’ he said. “I’m not going to stop doing what got me here.
“I feel like I’ve been improving each week, getting better, getting more comfortable out there. Things have been slowing down for me out there, so I’m excited about this week. I’m ready for it — this is what I’ve been working for — it’s my time, so I’m just going to try to get out there and fly around.’’
NEW GUY IN TOWN
The newest Ram, linebacker Will Herring, has a little history with the club, but it’s probably something he’ll keep to himself.
In 2010, while playing for Seattle, Herring recorded his first — and only — NFL sack in a 20-3 Rams’ victory here. That same season, in the regular-season finale with the NFC West title and a playoff berth on the line, Herring picked off then-rookie Sam Bradford for Herring’s first NFL interception in the fourth quarter of a 16-6 Seattle victory.
“I’m not going to rub it in or anything,’’ Herring said earlier this week. “But that (interception) was a big moment for me, kind of early in my career. I was fortunate to make a play.’’
Herring, 31, signed with the Rams earlier this week to fill the void created when linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong was waived. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Herring spent the first four years of his career in Seattle and the last three in New Orleans. Last year, he was the Saints’ special teams captain.
“My contract was up and I just never re-signed with them,’’ Herring explained. “I went through the offseason and thought I had a deal worked out with Dallas, (but) it fell through. I just told my agent I’d like to just sit tight … (but) I knew I still wanted to play ball.’’
Herring was one of four linebackers to work out for the Rams on Tuesday. That group also included Marshall McFadden, 28, who was signed to the Rams’ practice squad. McFadden played one game with Pittsburgh in 2012 and four with Oakland last year.
“I’m thrilled to be here, thrilled to be part of this thing Coach Fisher’s got going,’’ Herring said. “I played for (Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams) in New Orleans, so I know what to expect with him. Meeting with ‘Bones’ (Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel), he’s been great.’’
Herring played at Auburn and was the leading tackler in his final two seasons there, making the move from safety to outside linebacker as a senior. A fifth-round draft pick by Seattle in 2007, he has a reputation as a solid special teams player.
“I’ve kind of embraced that (special teams) role the last few years,’’ he said. “I’m excited to just come in and do whatever they ask of me.’’
Rams coach Jeff Fisher likes Herring’s versatility.
“He could be plugged in anyplace on our special teams … because he’s done everything,’’ the coach said. “He automatically walks in and has the respect of the room because people that played against him know. They know what he’s capable of doing. He understands hard work and he’s going to prepare himself.’’
Herring, who said he’s doing everything he can be ready for Monday night’s game with San Francisco, played some defense with the Saints under Williams in 2011.
“He fits in very well as a leadership locker room guy and he’ll fit in very well with his special teams play,’’ Williams said.
INJURY REPORT
After another full practice on Saturday, running back Zac Stacy is listed as probable for the 49er game.
“Feeling pretty good, got a chance to move around a little, just getting ready for Monday,’’ said Stacy, who left last week’s game with a strained calf. “The trainers did a great job. I’m ready to go.’’
Wide receiver Kenny Britt (knee) and defensive end Eugene Sims (groin) are also probable, with linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (groin), center Barrett Jones (back), running back Chase Reynolds and defensive tackle Alex Carrington (knee) as questionable. Cornerbacks Trumaine Johnson (knee) and Brandon McGee (foot) have been ruled out for Monday’s game.
San Francisco has ruled out cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) and have tackle Anthony Davis (knee/ankle), tight end Vernon Davis (back), center Marcus Martin (knee) and linebacker Nick Moody (hamstring) listed questionable. The 49ers’ probables are defensive end Justin Smith (not injury related), defensive end Tony Jerod-Eddie (shoulder), defensive end Ray McDonald (knee), defensive tackle Ian Williams (ankle), punter Andy Lee (ankle) and cornerback Chris Cook (quadriceps).
Brock and Davis have not practiced this week.
Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
RamBillParticipant‘Greatest Show on Turf’ set for curtain call
• By Jim ThomasFifteen years have passed since coach Dick Vermeil made flowers bloom in a gridiron desert. Namely guiding the woebegone Rams from worst to first in the NFL, winning the first Super Bowl for the St. Louis.
“Oh it’s scary,” Vermeil said. “It really is scary how fast it goes.”
Except for a function the following summer in St. Louis in which players, coaches, and front office members received their Super Bowl rings, the 1999 Rams haven’t met since defeating Jeff Fisher’s Tennessee Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV, in Atlanta.
Until now. Almost the entire team and many of the coaches have descended on St. Louis for a variety of events commemorating the 15th anniversary of the ’99 Rams. The highlights are a Greatest Show on Turf celebration at Union Station Hotel on Sunday night, and halftime ceremonies during the Rams’ Monday night game with San Francisco at the Edward Jones Dome.
Who knows. It could be the last time this group is together again as a team.
“It might be. Might be,” Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk said. “You never know.”
And if there’s a 20th or 25th reunion, it could be held in Los Angeles — what with the threat of the franchise moving back to the West Coast.
But for the next two days, it’s nothing but joy and warm memories for a team that didn’t just win — it won with style points.
The Rams were dazzling, they were dashing, they were dominant. After all, only the very best of the best earn a nickname that will last through the decades.
No disrespect to the reserves and specialists, because they were amazing players in their own right. Players such as the fearless Tony Horne on kickoff returns; the electrifying Az-Zahir Hakim; the kicker known as “Money” — Jeff Wilkins; the clutch Ricky Proehl; or the unlucky Trent Green.
But because of time and space limitations, we highlight the 22 starters from that Super Bowl XXXIV contest, what they’re up to now, and their memories from a magical season.
RamBillParticipantHead coach Jeff Fisher discusses the upcoming Monday Night matchup in his press conference on Saturday.
http://www.rams-news.com/hc-jeff-fisher-post-practice-press-conference-oct-11-video
October 11, 2014 at 8:04 pm in reply to: Player vids & articles: Quick, Will Herring, Davis, Donald, Saffold, Watts #9471RamBillParticipantAaron Donald ready for expanded role
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12562/aaron-donald-ready-for-expanded-role
EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams wasn’t shy about his praise for rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald when asked about him Saturday afternoon.
Williams pointed to Donald’s ability to quickly acclimate to the NFL game in the first four weeks and his professional approach as reasons he’s been impressed. Apparently, he’s been good enough to merit an expanded role against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
“He would be a guy that I hope you guys have a chance to take a good look at this week,” Williams said. “He’s had a really, really good week of practice. Looking forward for him to get a chance to have opportunities to play the way we want him to play. It’s the same way he played in college. He’s a very quick, instinctive player. He feels very comfortable in what we’re doing. This week for whatever reason, it felt like the light came on a little bit more for him, even a little bit more.”
Through his first four games, Donald has been coming off the bench as part of the team’s defensive line rotation. He’s averaged right at 25 snaps per game in those appearances, mostly in pass situations.
Donald has fared well enough in those limited opportunities that his getting more chances was a matter of when, not if. According to Rams’ coaches review of the game film, Donald has been one of the team’s most productive defensive linemen and clearly the most productive among the interior group. Their reviews have Donald down for 20 tackles, the team’s lone sack, four quarterback pressures and four quarterback hits.
Clearly, Donald has been better than just a situational role player and from the sound of it, he’ll soon be used as such.
“I feel like I’ve been improving each week, getting better, getting better, getting more comfortable out there,” Donald said. “Come game time, things are slowing down out there for me so I’m excited about this week. I’m ready for it. This is what I’ve been working for. It’s my time so I’m just going to try to get out there and fly around.”
Beyond his early production in games, Donald has also left a positive impression with how he carries himself in the locker room. According to Williams, Donald is one of the first players in and last players to leave in nearly every situation. Donald regularly arrives at Rams Park up to two hours before he’s supposed to so he can watch extra film, a practice he began at the University of Pittsburgh and has brought with him to the NFL.
“It’s fun to be around him and you guys don’t get a chance to see it as much as I do, is that he’s the first one here in the morning,” Williams said. “He’s the first one in the meeting room. He’s out here on the practice field before the guys set the practice up. He takes this thing seriously and it’s fun to be around that kind of a guy. Hopefully success wise, he gets a little bit of success and he’ll only prosper.”
October 11, 2014 at 11:37 am in reply to: Player vids & articles: Quick, Will Herring, Davis, Donald, Saffold, Watts #9455RamBillParticipantAustin Davis set for toughest test yet
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12517/austin-davis-set-for-toughest-test-yet
EARTH CITY, Mo. — St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis has been one of the team’s most pleasant surprises in this young season.
Pushed into starting because of an injury to veteran Shaun Hill, Davis not only held the fort but played well enough to earn the starting job on a more permanent basis. Through three starts and four games, Davis is completing 67.8 percent of his passes with 1,129 yards and six touchdowns. And, over the past two weeks, Davis has put together back-to-back games with at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in the air, the first to do that since Kurt Warner in 2001.
Davis deserves plenty of credit for faring well in those games but it’s worth noting he’s been doing it against Tampa Bay (30th in the NFL in pass defense), Philadelphia (29th) and Dallas (18th). Obviously, Davis has helped skew those numbers as well but he and the Rams have yet to face a defense as imposing as San Francisco’s second-ranked unit.
The Niners enter Monday night’s matchup fourth in the league in pass defense, allowing just 205.6 yards per game in the air, and fifth in run defense, surrendering just 77.2 yards per game on the ground.
In other words, this will be a big step up for Davis and the Rams and it’s only the beginning of a stretch in which the Rams are set to face other top defenses such as Seattle, San Diego and Kansas City, all of whom rank in the top 12 in the league.
“We don’t look ahead,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “But, four of our next five are in the division and so we’re going to find out a lot about ourselves. That’s not only Austin but everybody on both sides of the ball.”
For Davis, though, it might be the biggest leap considering he’s been present but hasn’t played against a defense as physical and talented as what the Niners are bringing to the table. Even without suspended star pass-rusher Aldon Smith and injured lynchpin linebacker NaVorro Bowman, the beat simply goes on in San Francisco where the Niners plug someone else in and he produces.
And even without Smith and Bowman, the Niners still boast dominant mainstays like lineman Justin Smith, linebackers Patrick Willis and Ahmad Brooks, and safety Antoine Bethea.
“I think they’re probably the best all-around defense we’ve seen so far,” Davis said. “The secondary’s really good. They’ve got probably the best linebacker in the game in Patrick Willis. Everyone knows what he can do. They’re really good up front. Huge, huge challenge for us and I think we’re ready for it.”
For as long as Jim Harbaugh has been in charge in San Francisco and employed Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator, there hasn’t been much guesswork when it comes to figuring out what San Francisco wants to do defensively. The Niners still work from a base 3-4 defense which goes about its job without much pomp and circumstance.
It’s a simple concept but the Niners do what they do extremely well at all levels. That means very little blitzing (their 14.9 percent blitz percentage is second-lowest in the league) and relying on the defensive front to generate pressure.
“Their system’s outstanding,” Fisher said. “They plug people in. They’ve always had great depth. They don’t give up a lot of big plays. They keep things in front of them and they’re very good against the run. So, it’s going to be a huge challenge for us to find a way to run the football because we’re going to need to do that to keep their offense off the field.”
Davis has made a strong impression in his first three starts but his long-term future as the starting quarterback will come into focus more as more of the top defenses line up across from him. It begins on Monday night.
RamBillParticipantOffensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer breaks down the 49ers prior to Monday Night Football. (4:42)
http://www.rams-news.com/brian-schottenheimer-itll-be-a-tremendous-challenge-video/
RamBillParticipantHead coach Jeff Fisher breaks down the 49ers prior to Monday Night Football. (2:01)
http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-i-expect-it-to-improve-video/
October 10, 2014 at 5:55 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9434RamBillParticipantCBS Sports’ Pete Prisco and Pat Kirwan preview the NFL Week 6 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams. Prisco expects the Niners to run Gore a lot, while Kirwan wonders what happened to the Rams D-line. Both pick the Niners to win. (3:09)
http://www.rams-news.com/prisco-kirwans-49ers-vs-rams-preview-video/
October 10, 2014 at 5:25 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9430RamBillParticipantRams show respect for Justin Smith
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12498/rams-show-respect-for-justin-smith
EARTH CITY, Mo. — Asked by a group of St. Louis reporters Thursday afternoon when he planned to retire, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith offered a simple response befitting one of the game’s best but most simplistic players.
“I’m week to week,” Smith said.
The week-to-week approach has served Smith well in his 13-plus seasons in the NFL. He is widely regarded as one of the game’s strongest and toughest defensive linemen, earning five Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections.
At 35, Smith doesn’t seem to be slowing down much, if at all. He has 16 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the first five games this season, and has helped keep the 49ers near the top of the defensive rankings despite the notable absences of linebackers Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman.
“He’s just the same every single year,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “He appears to be very healthy right now. He’s playing a lot of snaps and he’s playing hard. He’s an emotional player and kind of referred to (running back Frank) Gore as kind of their nerve center of their football team on offense. Everything’s built around them. And you can make a case that Justin is the guy there on defense.”
Smith’s workmanlike career has been the envy of many players around the league. Rams defensive end Chris Long this year cited Smith as an example of the type of career he’d like to have when Long suffered the ankle injury that ended his consecutive games streak. And to a man, the Rams’ offense is well aware they better be prepared for a physical, brutal battle whenever Smith is on the other side.
Even Niners coach Jim Harbaugh, who rarely is willing to offer much beyond surface-level description, lights up at the mention of Smith and offers a little humor in describing his defensive fulcrum.
“Everybody respects Justin,” Harbaugh said. “He is a ‘football player.’ That’s everything that you could possibly say good about a football player and a person, that is Justin Smith, a stalwart. A man everybody truly respects. Chuck Norris calls Justin Smith, ‘sir.'”
Smith has had his share of game-wrecking performances against the Rams. In 2009, he set a personal best in sacks with three and a half, and he had eight tackles and another sack in a 2012 meeting against the Rams. That doesn’t include the down-to-down impact Smith brings when taking on multiple blockers and allowing his linebackers to run free to the ball.
That is why Fisher wouldn’t mind it one bit if Smith decided his week-to-week plan would come to an end sometime around Saturday or Sunday.
“Yeah, if you can talk him into retiring this weekend that would be great,” Fisher said, laughing. “I’ll go to his retirement party.”
October 10, 2014 at 5:10 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9429RamBillParticipantOn this episode of Football Friday, Post-Dispatch columnist Bryan Burwell & Rams beat writer Jim Thomas preview the Rams matchup with the 49ers and discuss the status of a potential move to LA. (4:41)
http://www.rams-news.com/burwelljt-rams-going-back-to-la-video/
October 10, 2014 at 9:19 am in reply to: Player vids & articles: Quick, Will Herring, Davis, Donald, Saffold, Watts #9414RamBillParticipantCasey Phillips talks with newly signed Rams linebacker Will Herring.
http://www.rams-news.com/get-to-know-new-rams-lb-will-herring-video/
October 10, 2014 at 9:14 am in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9413RamBillParticipantESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando delivers stats to help you make a pick for San Francisco at St. Louis. numberFire projects the Niners winning by about 4. The Niners have had 38 explosive plays and have allowed only 17, making them +21. That’s #1 in the NFL. The Rams are -2 in explosive play differential. An explosive play is a run of 10+ yards or a pass of 20+ yards.
http://www.rams-news.com/espns-inside-edge-explosive-plays-comparison-between-49ers-rams-video/
RamBillParticipantQuarterback Austin Davis talks with the media on Thursday prior to Monday Night Football.
http://www.rams-news.com/davis-i-think-were-better-than-our-record-need-to-show-it-video/
RamBillParticipantHead coach Jeff Fisher talks with the media on Thursday prior to Monday Night Football.
http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-monday-night-is-going-to-be-special-video/
October 9, 2014 at 5:09 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9381RamBillParticipantRams need more from special teams
By Nick Wagonerhttp://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12466/rams-need-more-from-special-teams
EARTH CITY, Mo. — All things considered, the St. Louis Rams had an opportunity to beat the Philadelphia Eagles last week in the closing moments.
They had the ball with enough time to put together a game-winning drive but came up short when quarterback Austin Davis’ fourth down pass to receiver Brian Quick fell incomplete. That they were even in that position was testament to an offense that finally got going in the second half and a defense which mostly held up against the Eagles’ uptempo approach.
The 34-28 loss was a total team defeat with everyone playing their part, but one phase that didn’t provide much help was the special teams.
“The things that happened in the ball game on the offensive side of the ball were difficult to overcome,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “Some of the things that happened on the defensive side of the ball were difficult to overcome. You can overcome them if you get production and plays and break even on special teams. [On Sunday], we did not, and so we’re disappointed in the special teams production. I think that’s the first time I’ve stood up here and said that.”
Indeed, of the many problems the Rams have had in their two years under Fisher, special teams would rarely rank near the top aside from a spate of penalties in the first part of the 2013 season. This is mostly the same personnel that last season finished third in the league in total points expected added by special teams (33.11), a formula that calculates total special teams production and offers a number on what that production translates to in points scored. It’s also the same group that set an NFL record for net punting behind the leg of punter Johnny Hekker.
Which is why the lack of production to this point in the season has been something of a surprise. Fisher was only discussing the Eagles game when talking about the special teams struggles but there have been other alarming trends in the early part of the season from that unit.
Through four games, the Rams are 30th in punt return average (3.4 yards per attempt), 23rd in punt coverage (allowing 9.7 yards per attempt), 19th in kickoff return (22.7 yards) and 24th in kickoff coverage (25.3 yards).
T.J. McDonald’s big performance in the win against Tampa Bay, in which he blocked a punt and a field goal, only serves to further Fisher’s point. When the Rams make plays on special teams, they have more success. When they don’t, it can be the difference in the game.
No play was bigger in the outcome of the loss to Philadelphia than the blocked punt that took place on the Rams’ fourth play from scrimmage. It was the first blocked punt in Hekker’s 173 tries as a professional, but it was a big one. James Casey got to the kick and Chris Maragos recovered it for a touchdown and a quick 7-0 lead. On a day when the Rams lost by six, it’s not hard to do that math.
“It started with the punt, and there was a number of other things that happened,” Fisher said. “But, fourth play of the game and you give up a touchdown on the road, those things are hard to overcome.”
More familiar to Rams fans was seeing their team earn more flags on special teams. Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong, who has since been released, cost the Rams 15 yards with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and Chase Reynolds chopped another 10 yards of field position off for an illegal block in the back. The Eagles managed 10 points on drives after those two errors, another easy calculation when it comes to the final score.
“We’re going to get it fixed and corrected and move on,” Fisher said. “We’ve got too talented of a group. They’re taking responsibility for it. It’s not blame, it’s just take responsibility for it and learn and move on.”
The Rams special teams did that a year ago after the early onslaught of penalties. But the sooner they can do it this year, the better for a team that needs help from all phases to find victories.
October 9, 2014 at 4:45 pm in reply to: Journalists set up the 9ers game (Wagoner, Thomas, audios, vids, etc.) #9379RamBillParticipantThe Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas and CineSport’s Justin Shackil preview the Rams home tilt against the 49ers on Monday Night Football while focusing on Austin Davis and St. Louis’ run defense. (2:41)
http://www.rams-news.com/jim-thomas-davis-rams-face-stiff-test-vs-s-f-video/
RamBillParticipantRams coach Jeff Fisher explains his reasons for cutting linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong.
http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-on-decision-to-cut-ray-ray-armstrong-video/
-
AuthorPosts
