More here:

http://dal.247sports.com/Bolt/WATCH-Cowboys-Rams-involved-in-WWE-style-brawl-38815976

@DezBryant takes a shot from #Rams FB Zach Laskey during the brawl. Video credit @arnoldpayne #WFAACowboys pic.twitter.com/L3qPVgWqp2

— Joe Trahan (@JoeTrahan) August 19, 2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwFYGmKuI28

I was watching Rams defense on other field, but told it all started when Randy Gregory dumped Tre Mason.

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) August 19, 2015

@jthom1 G Rob got his helmet ripped off and then attacked a Cowboys DE.

— Christopher Dowell (@pikebishop) August 19, 2015

Second fight started when DE Randy Gregory threw Rams 77 to ground. Rams OT came from behind and jumped Gregory from behind. They went at it

— Brandon George (@DMN_George) August 19, 2015

Rosey Grier of Fearsome Foursome fame talking to Rams D-line. pic.twitter.com/Dfwt6xBMEf

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) August 18, 2015

Jerry Jones has even come down to check on Zack Martin. Huge concern right now on Cowboys sideline.

— Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) August 18, 2015

Zack Martin walking off without assistance. Going to locker room with head athletic trainer Jim Maurer. pic.twitter.com/5bQyBlAz1w

— Schuyler Dixon (@apschuyler) August 18, 2015

Fun one-on-one session between Rams CBs and Cowboys WRs. Tru Johnson showed out. Couple of good PBUs.

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 18, 2015

Trumaine Johnson continues talking trash almost non-stop w/Romo, Cowboys WRs.

— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) August 18, 2015

The intensity is increasing at #Cowboys & #Rams practice… Getting chippy…

— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) August 18, 2015

Rams WRs pretty much dominated Cowboys CBs there. Best CB was Tyler Patmon

— Dan Turner (@dtsturner) August 18, 2015

Dez Bryant: There'd be no talking if I was out there. They can hold me all they want, I'll catch it any way

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 18, 2015

Looked for a second like Johnson and Bryant would go head-to-head….but the coaches shut that down before it got going.

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 18, 2015

Looks like Saffold will be sitting today out. He's considered day-to-day at this point with a right shoulder injury.

— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 18, 2015

Is 2015 make-or-break year for Jeff Fisher?

Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/20458/is-2015-make-or-break-year-for-jeff-fisher

From the outside, there’s every reason to believe that there’d be a lot of scrutiny on St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher as he enters his fourth season with the team.

To this point, the Rams have yet to post a winning record or even reach. 500 under Fisher. Granted, Fisher has elevated the Rams from awful to mediocre, but the team has yet to take the next step. But does that make 2015 a make-or-break season?

Over at Grantland.com, Bill Barnwell previews the Rams by asserting that, indeed, this is a big year for Fisher’s future with the team. It’s an excellent read and has some real insight into what the Rams are dealing with going into the season.

However, as much as it would make sense for this to be considered a make-or-break year for Fisher and his staff, it isn’t as dire as it might sound. In fact, it would take a big surprise for Fisher’s job to be in danger after this year.

First and foremost, Fisher has another year on his contract at nearly $7 million. Second, Fisher has been through a relocation from his time with the Oilers/Titans and would be a logical person to lead the Rams through a move back to Los Angeles. It has been reported that Rams owner Stan Kroenke even asked Fisher about how he did that during the interview process.

Patience might be wearing thin among the fan base, and understandably so, but the Rams don’t seem to feel the same way at this point. Things are always subject to change but make or break might be a bit of an overstatement at this point in the preseason.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher– 8-17-15

(On the reaction from the crowd at the first Oxnard practice)
“The Rams used to be here so we’ve got a lot of Ram fans obviously and it was a great for them to come out. It was a great opportunity for them to see us in person. I remember last year when we played the Chargers in San Diego, we had a great group of people there that were really pulling for us. So, it was great to see them out.”

(On Rams Owner Stan Kroenke being at Monday’s practice)
“I thought it was great. He and (Cowboys Owner) Jerry (Jones) are close and you’ve got two teams practicing against each other. Why not come out as an owner and watch them?”

(On if he thinks the team’s presence signals anything bigger to the people of Los Angeles)
“No, I don’t read between the lines. We open against the Seahawks and our focus is on getting better so we can compete with them.”

(On the quality of the practice)
“I thought the work was great. (Cowboys Head Coach) Jason (Garrett) and I both talked to our teams about getting things done, respecting each other, because tempers have a tendency to fly when you compete against other people. We had a couple of push and shove things but other than that, I thought they worked really well together.”

(On what he’d say to the St. Louis fans who are nervous about the team being in southern California this week)
“I’ve said this numerous times: we started this early in the offseason and I talked to a number of clubs to try to set something up to where we could practice because we needed it. It’s like buying yourself an extra preseason game. This is the best thing for us. It worked out. It has nothing to do with LA or anything else. We were just happy we had quite a group of fans here, but from a practicality standpoint and a convenience standpoint, this worked out best for us.”

(On if he felt the support of the fans)
“Yeah, it was pretty impressive. We came by yesterday and we had a lift and they let us use their weight facility yesterday. They came out and it was all Cowboy fans here yesterday. It was great. We hope they do the same thing for us again tomorrow.”

(On the blow that the team suffers by losing CB E.J. Gaines for the season)
“It is. He played just about every game for us…had a little issue at the end. To come in as a sixth-round pick and come in because of injury and keep the job, I thought it was a very impressive effort for him. We were counting on him. We were going to create competition between Trumaine (Johnson) and (Gaines) this year to see what happened and it’s just unfortunate and just a part of it. He’ll be back. He’ll be back 100 percent. He’s just not going to return this year. Tru is off to a great start. Marcus (Roberson) is playing well and Lamarcus (Joyner) also is doing a good job for us there and Jenks (CB Janoris Jenkins) is Jenks. We’ve got a good group and unfortunately we’re down one.”

(On if it’s special to him to be close to where he grew up)
“Yeah, I got to go home and Mom cooked me a home-cooked meal last night, so that was good. Yeah, we’re staying in the same general vicinity. It’s kind of coincidental that we’re here. I’ve driven through this area many, many times.”

(On if he learned anything through the Houston to Tennessee move that he can lean on in the current situation his team is in)
“At this point I don’t know much. I’ve been through it before. Once we got through it and got settled, we were a pretty good football team.”

(On how he evaluates the work he can get with another team)
“You’ve got two different schemes offensively and defensively, and then the competition we had on special teams was outstanding. You’re not going against yourself every day. Players have to react. Obviously this is a 12-win football team last year so it’s good work for us.”

(On his memories of Southern California football fans)
“I grew up here and went to school here and it’s a great area. I actually was here, I came back in 1991 with the Rams. They miss their pro team. It’s understandable. That’s why there’s so much talk about the potential of bringing a franchise out here.”

Rams Quarterback Nick Foles- 8-17-15

(On the fans at practice)
“They were awesome. Team’s been in L.A. before, so a lot of fans still support the St. Louis Rams and it was exciting for them to be out here supporting us, yelling throughout this practice with the Cowboys. We got a lot of good work in today and we can definitely feel them yelling and screaming, so it was exciting.”

(On if he felt any pressure with Rams Owner Stan Kroenke in attendance)
“No, I don’t feel any pressure. It was awesome having him here and awesome getting to meet him. He does a great job with this organization.”

(On if this was the first time he’s met Kroenke)
“Yeah, this was the first time. He’s a busy man, so I was able to meet him. Great guy. I can’t say enough about what him and Coach Fisher do.”

(On what they talked about)
“Just getting acquainted.”

(On if he had any idea there was still this many fans in southern California)
“I had an idea. My wife is form this area, I played in the Pac-12, so I know this area a little bit and know they still support the Rams and still love the Rams. You could see it out here today. They were excited having us out here and we were excited to be in here.”

(On playing in the NFC East the last two years and knowing the Cowboys and if that was helpful)
“I’ve played against them, but there’s been some changes. There was a change in D-coordinator last year and I didn’t play last year against them, so it was a little bit different. Personnel wise, I was a somewhat familiar, but it was great. I’m in a different offense, so it’s fun just competing. We have respect for them and they have respect for us, so we got a lot of great work in today.”

(On what the offense needs to work on after the Oakland game)
“In general, I think we need to continue to execute early. When we get the ball in the red zone, we really need to come away with touchdowns. I think we just made too many mistakes, penalties, maybe missed opportunities with reads, but that happens this time of year. You’re getting back on the field, you’re getting things going, game plan wise you’re only out there for a couple of series. With the film, watching the film you see so many things that you come out here and correct. I thought the guys came out here today and we’ve improved. We still have a ways to go, but I see us moving in the right direction.”

(On if he’s ever gotten a standing ovation just for stepping off of a bus)
“Maybe high school.”

(On how he felt the guys did today)
“Yeah, we got a lot of great work in. I leave the field today feeling great about the work we did. There’s stuff we need to clean up of course, but that happens every day. The effort the guys gave today was tremendous and we have to come out tomorrow and do the same thing. “

(On if the fans made them feel at home)
“Yeah, they were just as loud as the Cowboys fans, if not louder, which is exciting. It’s hard to expect that when you come into their training camp, but I thought the support today was tremendous and we could hear it and had a lot of fun seeing all of the Rams jerseys.

Rams Tight End Jared Cook- 8-17-15

(On if he was surprised by the reaction of the fans today)

“Yeah, I was. They told us it was going to be a lot, but I wasn’t really expecting that many.”

(On him not seeing that kind of crowd at a practice or scrimmage)

“Not at all. And they’re not that rowdy either. With the Rams, this used to be their home city. I wasn’t expecting to see that many people. It was pretty cool.”

(On how he balances the talk of possible transition to LA)

“All you can do is focus on your craft. You’re here to play football. You’re not here to make any executive decisions. That’s really the only occupational decisions we make is focus on our craft and focus on things you can control, which is us.”

(On how he thought practice went today)

“I felt like it was really good. It felt good going up against a team that you don’t see everyday and that’s not predictable. So it was really good.”

(On Head Coach Jeff Fisher getting the team together before practice to talk about how to handle the physicality of the practice today)

“Yeah, I mean it wasn’t anything big. It was just things get heated. Tensions get high. They run high, but it was no big deal. It was good quality work against those guys.”

(On how he feels the offense is progressing coming off of the preseason game)

“You know, when was that? It was on Saturday. No Sunday. Sunday, we just went out and just worked on a lot of things that needed to be corrected from the game. I think we’re starting to get a little bit more attitude. Guys are starting to understand, especially the young guys, on how the game tempo goes and just how the game worked. I think it’s going pretty well so far this week.”

(On how he thinks facing a team that had 12 wins last year will help their progress)

“It’s huge. You’re facing a playoff team. They have good quality football players and guys that can fly around the ball, so it gives you kind of a game speed to the reps that you do get out of practice out here. So it’s really good for us.”

(On if he enjoyed the home field advantage today)

“It was nice having those guys come out and support us. It was pretty awesome of them.”

(On his reaction to when he came off of the bus to the fans chanting)

“I just couldn’t believe it man. I think we had a lot more fans out here than Dallas did. It was pretty awesome.”

by Nic Moody

http://archauthority.com/2015/08/17/rams-making-progress-after-joint-practice-with-cowboys/?utm_source=FanSided&utm_medium=Network&utm_campaign=Around%20the%20Network

The St Louis Rams gathered in Oxnard California today for a scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys. Ignoring all of the political arguments of the crowds, the trolling, or Stan Kroenke showing his face, the Rams actually performed pretty well at practice. The Rams need all of the practice they can get, after their less than par showing at Oakland last Friday, it has been made apparent that this Rams team (that usually starts slow) needs to get as much work in as humanly possible.

The Rams started out by giving up eight pass plays in a row on defense. Janoris Jenkins got burned down the sideline for a 30 yard touchdown on the first play, not helping his case for the fans who want him gone. The Rams secondary still needs plenty of work before the season begins, and fans can already feel the loss of E.J Gaines before the season has began.

The Rams shined on offense, however. The receivers were able to return the favour and run around the Dallas defensive backs on multiple plays. The most impressive was Tavon Austin, who apparently “nobody could cover”. Austin caught multiple passes while being covered by multiple defenders, which included a 80 yard touchdown pass from Nick Foles. This is wonderful news if you are one of the many fans who have been waiting for Austin to shed his “bust” status and return to his former self. (Please see “Tavon Austin College Highlights” video for reference)

Foles was not perfect, he did throw a terrible interception, but most of the day was on point. The run game was effective as well, with a couple wonderful runs by Tre Mason. To end the day, Dez Bryant (who didn’t practice) apparently was very upset that the practice didn’t have more fights/ trash talk. Because who needs sportsmanship, right? I mean does anyone expect a player who wouldn’t show up for the first game of the season because he didn’t get a long term deal to act any differently? I’m not taking a shot at Dez, but it’s saddening if the report is true.

Regardless, it was a good practice that offered some real competition for the players. the Rams had a lot of hiccups, but for the most part, they seemed to improve a vast amount from the Raider game. Granted it’s just practice, but it’s still live football. The Rams have another scrimmage and practice in Oxnard, and then will play the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

Fresno was Vegas

I couldn’t get around to see what I wanted due to the crowd. So I just parked myself and watched what I could. My “takeaway” is two words.

TAVON AUSTIN

The guy is absolutely RIDICULOUS! Stop and go, left and right, spin and move, there is no way to keep up with this guy. He makes people look completely overmatched. I’m serious. Tavon looked like the best football player on the field. You can’t cover him and he’s learned a little about getting off of press coverage. He uses his size to HIS advantage. Go head and press the little guy, he will slip around you and make you look retarded when he runs by you.
In drills Austin got pressed hard for a ball thrown into the corner of the endzone. Austin slipped away and hit a gear I didn’t know was humanly possible. He is FAST! The ball was thrown perfectly to the corner by Foles and it looked like it would drop incomplete because Austin got pressed. Austin hit another gear and went and got that ball for the score. It was unbelievable.
The cowgirls were tough on Austin in the drills, and he made them pay. Every. Single. Play. The TD Austin caught on the 2nd play of scrimmage was just Foles flinging it and Austin going and getting it.

Britt- obvious leader of the WR corps. Made some good plays. Looks steady and solid.

Quick- wearing a cap on his helmet to indicate injury. He can get hit but not tackled.
Quick is bigger than I thought. Uses his size well to shield defenders. Good camp today for Quick. One scrimmage play Quick caught a pass and several cowgirls stood him up and smacked him to the ground. Britt and Bailey attacked the defense and a small brawl ensued. The crowd loved it!

Bailey- I didn’t see him in scrimmage but he looks good in drills.

Givens- Made some play and looked good.
Cook- Dropped an easy pass, had a fumble on a different play. I didn’t see much else.
#15 looked decent but I don’t think he replaces Givens.

TJ Mac- My Fresno boy is the obvious leader of the DB’s. I watched DB’s more than anything since they spent the most time nearby. These guys love to hit each other. TJ and Ogletree seem to get along very well as does 52 and 12. Ogletree seems to command respect on the team. Players like him, he’s a leader.

At the suggestion of PF I watched some line drills. I didn’t get to see many but it was exciting at times. These guys were slugging it out.
There was a strange drill –
5 RAMS OL lined up, 1 cowgirl DL. QB in shotgun. First snap DL is against RT, next snap RG next snap C etc. OL and DL were rotating players. In that drill G Rob got embarrassed by 94 cowgirl. Other than that I noticed nothing to report.

FOLES- He looks like a QB. His ball has zip and he’s accurate. He trusts his receivers to catch the ball. The WR’s were getting pushed and held but Foles would fling it where they were supposed to be. Austin and Bailey really impressed me with escapability. Britt and Quick just shoved the defender out if the way. Bottom line Foles knows where to throw the ball and he’s not scared to throw it. I was pleasantly surprised by Nick Foles today.

If you think I suffer from “homerism” you are quite incorrect. I don’t suffer one bit.

Due to the crowd it’s hard to get around and see everything. I hope to see more tomorrow I wanted this little report to be about football rather than anything else.

Nick Foles Oxnard Press Conference – 8/17

Watch quarterback Nick Foles talk about the benefits of practicing and competing against the Cowboys.

http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/Nick-Foles-Oxnard-Press-Conference—817/5e46ae19-4738-40d0-bdda-2504b5373e81

Big fan turnout welcomes Rams at Southern California workout

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13458937/st-louis-rams-fans-turn-force-oxnard-training-camp-practice

OXNARD, Calif. — If the St. Louis Rams are headed back to Southern California, their long-suffering fans there are ready to welcome them home.

The Rams were greeted by a huge contingent of jersey-wearing, flag-waving fans chanting “L.A. Rams!” as they took the practice field Monday in Oxnard, an hour northwest of Los Angeles.

The Rams are in Ventura County for three days of workouts at the Dallas Cowboys’ training complex. They’re also providing a tantalizing appetizer for fans who know the franchise is weighing a return to Los Angeles, its home for 49 years prior to 1995.

Two decades away haven’t dimmed the passion of the fans whose shouts of “Whose house? Rams’ house!” echoed through an Oxnard crowd packed with the jerseys of players ranging from Los Angeles favorites Vince Ferragamo and Jack Youngblood to St. Louis stars Robert Quinn and Nick Foles.

Even Rams owner Stan Kroenke was spotted at the Cowboys’ training complex, which encompasses most of a hotel a few miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Kroenke, the billionaire who lives much of the year in Malibu, rarely attends camp in Missouri. He has purchased land in Inglewood and partnered with developers to build a palatial football stadium capable of housing two NFL teams — but he has done it all without explicitly saying he intends to move the Rams.

The Rams traveled to Los Angeles after a preseason loss in Oakland on Friday, and they had the weekend off.

Many players spent the weekend checking out the town: Linebacker James Laurinaitis ran into Arnold Schwarzenegger while working out at Gold’s Gym in Venice, and running back Benny Cunningham hit Hollywood’s famed Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles.

Inglewood mayor James T. Butts Jr. also turned out for the Rams’ Oxnard trip. He said the stadium site is getting utility and sewer lines, and he believes it will be ready for construction in mid-December.

Butts was impressed but not surprised by the fan turnout in Oxnard.

“I think it’s a huge message to the Rams’ popularity here in Southern California,” Butts said. “The Rams are the team that most of us as children grew up with. Roman Gabriel. Jack Snow. The Fearsome Foursome. That is part of our DNA growing up, so there is no team that can claim they are more integrated into the psyche of the people that were old enough to attend football games than the Rams. That’s hands-down. And then would come the Raiders.”

The Rams became the first major pro sports team in Los Angeles when, drawn to the growing market and postcard-perfect weather of the West Coast, owner Dan Reeves uprooted his 1945 NFL champion team after eight seasons in Cleveland.

The Rams were a Southland institution for the next five decades. They won the 1951 NFL title and reached the Super Bowl after the 1979 season. Although they went through long stretches of poor play, the Rams made generations of fans with their distinctive uniforms, star players and tradition.

For this three-day engagement, Southern California fans organized $30 round-trip bus rides and packed the parking lots hours before practice. They planned to wrap up each day with food, drinks and partying at a nearby restaurant.

Ray Soto has been a Rams fan since 1960, and he made the drive from Bakersfield to Oxnard to attend practice with his son and grandson. While his brothers gave up on the team after its move to the Midwest, Soto stayed faithful to the franchise that has been in his family’s life since he gave a blue-and-white helmet to his son as a child.

“I feel sorry for the St. Louis fans, and I appreciate them taking care of our team,” Soto said. “I know for sure they’re coming back because Kroenke knows how much value they’ll have to bring them back here.”