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Talk about soft hands.
- By DaveFan'51
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 2 Replies
I'm calling it " THE Catch! That rocked the World!"
Rams at Giants
- By RamWoodie
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 895 Replies
Best thing to add on to the Rams BEAT DOWN of the Giants is THE HAGS LOST!!! 
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New York Times: How the Rams Went From Laughingstock to Contenders
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 0 Replies
How the Rams Went From Laughingstock to Contenders
Jared Goff during the Rams’ win over the Giants on Sunday. He has thrown 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions this year.CreditJulio Cortez/Associated Press
Every year, aspiring actors head to Hollywood in hopes of remaking themselves as movie stars.
The Los Angeles Rams are doing their own version of that transformation. In less than a year, they have gone from being a laughingstock to a playoff contender. In their return to Los Angeles last season, they were the lowest-scoring team in the N.F.L. Now they are the highest-scoring team, with a good shot at winning their division.
That turnaround was underscored on Sunday, when the Rams throttled the Giants, 51-17, in New Jersey. Through eight games the Rams are 6-2 and in first place in the N.F.C. West. It’s the Rams’ best start since 2001, when they went 14-2 and made it to the Super Bowl.
Before Sunday, the Rams trailed only the Houston Texans in scoring. But after dominating the Giants, the Rams are now scoring 32.9 points a game, while the Texans, who lost to the Indianapolis Colts in their first game without the injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, fell to 28.6 points a game.
“There were a lot of great individual efforts; the offensive line continues to protect well,” Coach Sean McVay said. “We’re eager to see if we can continue to play good football.”
At this time last year, the Rams were a modest 3-5 but lost all but one of their remaining seven games to finish 4-12. Naysayers began to ask whether the N.F.L. owners had made a mistake in letting the Rams leave St. Louis and return to Southern California, where they had played until 1994.
Although questions remain about how much fans in Los Angeles will embrace the Rams — they are ranked 27th in attendance this season — it’s clear the team has found a way to recreate itself on the field.
One of the keys was changing coaches. After firing Jeff Fisher, who came with the team from St. Louis, the Rams ripped up the playbook and hired McVay, who was then Washington’s offensive coordinator. At 31, he is the youngest head coach in N.F.L. history.
Another key has been quarterback Jared Goff. Last year, the Rams made a splash by trading six draft picks to acquire the first choice, which they used to select Goff. New to the league, he struggled and lost all seven games that he started.
In the off-season, the Rams added players to help Goff. They signed center John Sullivan and left tackle Andrew Whitworth to bolster the offensive line, and acquired receivers Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods. The Rams made the most of their limited draft picks by taking tight end Gerald Everett from South Alabama in the second round and wide receiver Cooper Kupp from Eastern Washington in the third round.
(On Sunday, Woods had two touchdown catches. For the season, Everett has eight receptions and one touchdown, while Kupp has 26 receptions and three scores.)
A stronger offensive line and extra receivers have helped Goff. He has been sacked 10 times this season; in seven games last season, he was sacked 26 times.
With more time to throw, Goff has more touchdown passes and fewer interceptions this season. He has thrown for 13 touchdowns (including four on Sunday) and four interceptions, compared with five scores and seven interceptions last season. His adjusted yards per attempt (which accounts for the impact of interceptions) rose to 7.7 from 4.3 last season.
Goff and the Rams have also benefited from Todd Gurley, a first-round pick in 2015 who has rebounded after a lackluster 2016. He has seven rushing touchdowns in eight starts after having six in 16 starts last season. He is averaging 4.3 yards a carry after averaging 3.2 (and the proverbial cloud of dust) in 2016. He has also caught three touchdown passes this season.
For all their success, the Rams have a lot of work to do secure a playoff spot. They face the Texans at home next week, and must face Philadelphia, New Orleans, Tennessee and Minnesota — all division leaders. They also must play their division rivals Seattle and Arizona on the road.
Still, considering where they were last season, the Rams seem comfortable with their newfound fortune.
“We have to keep doing what we’re doing and not take our foot off the gas pedal,” Goff said after Sunday’s game.
[www.nytimes.com]
Jared Goff during the Rams’ win over the Giants on Sunday. He has thrown 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions this year.CreditJulio Cortez/Associated Press
Every year, aspiring actors head to Hollywood in hopes of remaking themselves as movie stars.
The Los Angeles Rams are doing their own version of that transformation. In less than a year, they have gone from being a laughingstock to a playoff contender. In their return to Los Angeles last season, they were the lowest-scoring team in the N.F.L. Now they are the highest-scoring team, with a good shot at winning their division.
That turnaround was underscored on Sunday, when the Rams throttled the Giants, 51-17, in New Jersey. Through eight games the Rams are 6-2 and in first place in the N.F.C. West. It’s the Rams’ best start since 2001, when they went 14-2 and made it to the Super Bowl.
Before Sunday, the Rams trailed only the Houston Texans in scoring. But after dominating the Giants, the Rams are now scoring 32.9 points a game, while the Texans, who lost to the Indianapolis Colts in their first game without the injured quarterback Deshaun Watson, fell to 28.6 points a game.
“There were a lot of great individual efforts; the offensive line continues to protect well,” Coach Sean McVay said. “We’re eager to see if we can continue to play good football.”
At this time last year, the Rams were a modest 3-5 but lost all but one of their remaining seven games to finish 4-12. Naysayers began to ask whether the N.F.L. owners had made a mistake in letting the Rams leave St. Louis and return to Southern California, where they had played until 1994.
Although questions remain about how much fans in Los Angeles will embrace the Rams — they are ranked 27th in attendance this season — it’s clear the team has found a way to recreate itself on the field.
One of the keys was changing coaches. After firing Jeff Fisher, who came with the team from St. Louis, the Rams ripped up the playbook and hired McVay, who was then Washington’s offensive coordinator. At 31, he is the youngest head coach in N.F.L. history.
Another key has been quarterback Jared Goff. Last year, the Rams made a splash by trading six draft picks to acquire the first choice, which they used to select Goff. New to the league, he struggled and lost all seven games that he started.
In the off-season, the Rams added players to help Goff. They signed center John Sullivan and left tackle Andrew Whitworth to bolster the offensive line, and acquired receivers Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods. The Rams made the most of their limited draft picks by taking tight end Gerald Everett from South Alabama in the second round and wide receiver Cooper Kupp from Eastern Washington in the third round.
(On Sunday, Woods had two touchdown catches. For the season, Everett has eight receptions and one touchdown, while Kupp has 26 receptions and three scores.)
A stronger offensive line and extra receivers have helped Goff. He has been sacked 10 times this season; in seven games last season, he was sacked 26 times.
With more time to throw, Goff has more touchdown passes and fewer interceptions this season. He has thrown for 13 touchdowns (including four on Sunday) and four interceptions, compared with five scores and seven interceptions last season. His adjusted yards per attempt (which accounts for the impact of interceptions) rose to 7.7 from 4.3 last season.
Goff and the Rams have also benefited from Todd Gurley, a first-round pick in 2015 who has rebounded after a lackluster 2016. He has seven rushing touchdowns in eight starts after having six in 16 starts last season. He is averaging 4.3 yards a carry after averaging 3.2 (and the proverbial cloud of dust) in 2016. He has also caught three touchdown passes this season.
For all their success, the Rams have a lot of work to do secure a playoff spot. They face the Texans at home next week, and must face Philadelphia, New Orleans, Tennessee and Minnesota — all division leaders. They also must play their division rivals Seattle and Arizona on the road.
Still, considering where they were last season, the Rams seem comfortable with their newfound fortune.
“We have to keep doing what we’re doing and not take our foot off the gas pedal,” Goff said after Sunday’s game.
[www.nytimes.com]
Bonsignore: Rams are making believers of us all
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 0 Replies
Bonsignore: Rams are making believers of us all
Los Angeles Rams’ Sammy Watkins runs from New York Giants’ Landon Collins for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
By VINCENT BONSIGNORE | vbonsignore@scng.com | Daily News
PUBLISHED: November 5, 2017 at 6:30 pm | UPDATED: November 5, 2017 at 7:29 pm
EAST RUTHERFORD N.J. – In an utterly ironic Rams season — the worst offensive team we’ve seen in years is now one of the best, a franchise that hasn’t had a winning season in 13 years now stands among the NFL’s elite, and the boring, mundane product they’ve typically produced is suddenly and undeniably must-see TV — it’s only appropriate the early knockout punch they delivered to the New York Giants on Sunday was dripping with irony.
It’s been that kind of season for the Rams.
And they are making believers of us all. Even if they sometimes can’t themselves.
Such was the case on Sunday when Jared Goff lofted a high, arching pass downfield toward Sammy Watkins, only to instinctively grimace believing he put too much air under it.
“Right away I thought that might be too much,” he’d say later.
Watkins, running as fast as he could while tracking the ball, had little faith he’d arrive in time to make the catch.
“I didn’t know I would get there,” he admitted.
And after months and months of practice trying to finally hook up on a long pass, wouldn’t you know it, the play and route and throw unfolding in front of 76,877 fans at wet, cold MetLife Stadium represented the first time the Goff and Watkins had actually worked on it together.
“That was the first time he’s ever ran that route,” Goff explained.
Yet, much like the magical Rams season playing out before our very eyes — the one turning a previously 90-pound weakling into the NFL’s version of the Hulk while going coast to coast to convert skeptics into believers, just as the ball majestically descended from the gray skies above Watkins stretched his arms out as far as he could.
And into his hands the football softly settled.
Watkins, still in full stride, burst past the remaining Giants defenders on his way to a 67-yard touchdown to put the Rams up by 17 points. They’d eventually pummel the Giants 51-17 for their third straight win.
“It felt great,” Watkins said of the long touchdown.
It wasn’t supposed to happen, yet it did.
The Rams aren’t supposed to be 6-2, yet they are.
They aren’t supposed to be in first place, yet that’s exactly where they sit.
It was expected to take Sean McVay years to breathe life into a Rams offense that barely averaged 14 points per game last year, if he did it at all.
Yet with the calendar flipping from October to November the Rams are averaging 32.9 points per game, easily the best in the NFL
What isn’t supposed to be actually is. Decisively so.
How’s that for irony.
And here’s the thing: Just as the ball fell from the sky organically and naturally into Watkins hands – as if it was meant to be – there is nothing about the Rams right now that seems distorted or fictitious or false.
It’s real. It feels right.
And as each week passes and another powerful statement gets delivered, the Rams record, their place in the NFL and the brightness of their future is becoming as believable as it is apparent.
Even if the most ardent of skeptics continues to worry about the other shoe falling.
As many did when the Rams first embarked on their month long odyssey away from Los Angeles after the gut-punch loss to the Seahawks in early October.
Here we go again, some thought.
They’ll wilt in the heat and humidity of Jacksonville, they warned. They’ll fall victim to the time difference and ordeal of traveling to London to play the Cardinals, some cautioned a week later.
The rust of the bye week, the cross-country travel to New Jersey and the trap being set by the lowly Giants will certainly get them, others worried this week.
“We’ve struggled so much in the past so it’s hard to go all in on us week to week,” veteran guard Rodger Saffold said. The skepticism is understandable as a result.
Albeit waning by the minute after they aced their month-long test with a cumulative score of 111-34 while dominating the Jaguars, Cardinals and Giants.
Three up, three down. And they barely broke a sweat in the process.
Goff threw for a career-high four touchdowns while completing 14 of 22 passes for 311 yards. His passer rating was 146.8, the ninth highest for a single game in franchise history.
Robert Woods scored his first two touchdowns of the season and caught four passes for 70 yards.
The offense scored on eight of their first nine possessions. They scored 40 points for the second time this season.
Keep in mind they didn’t score 40 points in a game in the past two seasons combined.
The defense forced three turnovers, leading to 17 points. Special teams blocked their second punt in three games.
On and on it goes. And the Rams keep getting better and better. Something special is going on here, folks.
As for that other shoe? It high-stepped it out of town.
Maybe it’s time we all recognized.
“The more we win these games the more people are going to believe this is a true and competitive football team that’s going to put us in position to be a top team in this league.” Saffold said.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve seen enough.
I’m all in.
Talk about irony.
[www.ocregister.com]
Los Angeles Rams’ Sammy Watkins runs from New York Giants’ Landon Collins for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
By VINCENT BONSIGNORE | vbonsignore@scng.com | Daily News
PUBLISHED: November 5, 2017 at 6:30 pm | UPDATED: November 5, 2017 at 7:29 pm
EAST RUTHERFORD N.J. – In an utterly ironic Rams season — the worst offensive team we’ve seen in years is now one of the best, a franchise that hasn’t had a winning season in 13 years now stands among the NFL’s elite, and the boring, mundane product they’ve typically produced is suddenly and undeniably must-see TV — it’s only appropriate the early knockout punch they delivered to the New York Giants on Sunday was dripping with irony.
It’s been that kind of season for the Rams.
And they are making believers of us all. Even if they sometimes can’t themselves.
Such was the case on Sunday when Jared Goff lofted a high, arching pass downfield toward Sammy Watkins, only to instinctively grimace believing he put too much air under it.
“Right away I thought that might be too much,” he’d say later.
Watkins, running as fast as he could while tracking the ball, had little faith he’d arrive in time to make the catch.
“I didn’t know I would get there,” he admitted.
And after months and months of practice trying to finally hook up on a long pass, wouldn’t you know it, the play and route and throw unfolding in front of 76,877 fans at wet, cold MetLife Stadium represented the first time the Goff and Watkins had actually worked on it together.
“That was the first time he’s ever ran that route,” Goff explained.
Yet, much like the magical Rams season playing out before our very eyes — the one turning a previously 90-pound weakling into the NFL’s version of the Hulk while going coast to coast to convert skeptics into believers, just as the ball majestically descended from the gray skies above Watkins stretched his arms out as far as he could.
And into his hands the football softly settled.
Watkins, still in full stride, burst past the remaining Giants defenders on his way to a 67-yard touchdown to put the Rams up by 17 points. They’d eventually pummel the Giants 51-17 for their third straight win.
“It felt great,” Watkins said of the long touchdown.
It wasn’t supposed to happen, yet it did.
The Rams aren’t supposed to be 6-2, yet they are.
They aren’t supposed to be in first place, yet that’s exactly where they sit.
It was expected to take Sean McVay years to breathe life into a Rams offense that barely averaged 14 points per game last year, if he did it at all.
Yet with the calendar flipping from October to November the Rams are averaging 32.9 points per game, easily the best in the NFL
What isn’t supposed to be actually is. Decisively so.
How’s that for irony.
And here’s the thing: Just as the ball fell from the sky organically and naturally into Watkins hands – as if it was meant to be – there is nothing about the Rams right now that seems distorted or fictitious or false.
It’s real. It feels right.
And as each week passes and another powerful statement gets delivered, the Rams record, their place in the NFL and the brightness of their future is becoming as believable as it is apparent.
Even if the most ardent of skeptics continues to worry about the other shoe falling.
As many did when the Rams first embarked on their month long odyssey away from Los Angeles after the gut-punch loss to the Seahawks in early October.
Here we go again, some thought.
They’ll wilt in the heat and humidity of Jacksonville, they warned. They’ll fall victim to the time difference and ordeal of traveling to London to play the Cardinals, some cautioned a week later.
The rust of the bye week, the cross-country travel to New Jersey and the trap being set by the lowly Giants will certainly get them, others worried this week.
“We’ve struggled so much in the past so it’s hard to go all in on us week to week,” veteran guard Rodger Saffold said. The skepticism is understandable as a result.
Albeit waning by the minute after they aced their month-long test with a cumulative score of 111-34 while dominating the Jaguars, Cardinals and Giants.
Three up, three down. And they barely broke a sweat in the process.
Goff threw for a career-high four touchdowns while completing 14 of 22 passes for 311 yards. His passer rating was 146.8, the ninth highest for a single game in franchise history.
Robert Woods scored his first two touchdowns of the season and caught four passes for 70 yards.
The offense scored on eight of their first nine possessions. They scored 40 points for the second time this season.
Keep in mind they didn’t score 40 points in a game in the past two seasons combined.
The defense forced three turnovers, leading to 17 points. Special teams blocked their second punt in three games.
On and on it goes. And the Rams keep getting better and better. Something special is going on here, folks.
As for that other shoe? It high-stepped it out of town.
Maybe it’s time we all recognized.
“The more we win these games the more people are going to believe this is a true and competitive football team that’s going to put us in position to be a top team in this league.” Saffold said.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve seen enough.
I’m all in.
Talk about irony.
[www.ocregister.com]
National Love Your Red Hair Day
Did anyone actually read the words in this post? Speakin of red heads, Karen Gillan is a hottie...
Traffic Jam
- By MTRamsFan
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 0 Replies
A friend of mine heading to Georgetown Lake was greeted by some of Montana's wildlife. Horns Up!
Edit: Not football related, so Mods can move.
Edit: Not football related, so Mods can move.
Every 20 Years the Rams get a Coaching Hire Right!
- By tempests
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 8 Replies
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/1999/playoffs/articles/rams18.htm
Martz Will Succeed Vermeil – Eventually
By Leonard Shapiro
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 18, 2000; Page D7
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 17 – The St. Louis Rams' first home playoff victory in the city's pro football history had an immediate impact on the future of offensive coordinator Mike Martz. The Rams announced today that Martz, who was expected to be pursued as a head coach by other NFL teams, would become the team's head coach whenever Dick Vermeil decides to step down.
Vermeil himself initiated the move, in which Martz will sign a two-year contract extension to remain as the team's offensive coordinator. Vermeil, 63, said he intends to quit coaching when his contract runs out in two years. Other sources in the organization said Vermeil could retire sooner if the Rams win the Super Bowl this year or next.
"We promised to offer Mike the head coaching job, if it's available," team president John Shaw said today. He added that the prospect of losing Martz, 48, the architect of the league's No. 1 offense, to another team seeking a head coach "was a serious factor in what's taken place here. No one in this organization wants to lose Mike Martz."
But Shaw also said: "As far as I'm concerned, Dick can coach as long as he wants."
Martz's extension will prevent owners such as Jerry Jones in Dallas and Robert Kraft in New England from speaking with Martz about coaching vacancies. Green Bay, New Orleans and the New York Jets also have openings.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," said Martz, the Redskins' quarterback coach in 1997-98 before taking the Rams job last season. "It's from Dick's intervention that this opportunity could work out for me. I'd just like to say this is where I want to be. I don't want to be the head coach anywhere else but St. Louis."
Said Vermeil: "Mike and I are here for one reason, to win football games, and we're doing it together. I don't want to work my rear end off and get it at a level up here and not have a qualified guy to take it to the next level. My plan is to coach through my contract, two years."
