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Check Out This Chief Fan's New Tattoo
- By Selassie I
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 15 Replies
It's Andy Reid as The Mandalorian and Pat Mahomes as Baby Yoda
Wide receivers will continue to provide stability for Rams in 2020
- By ROD-BOT
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 1 Replies
Wide receivers will continue to provide stability for Rams in 2020
The wide receiver position has had perhaps the most continuity of any offensive position for the Los Angeles Rams.
www.therams.com
Over the last two seasons, Rams quarterback Jared Goff has enjoyed throwing to a dependable cast of wide receivers. In 2020, that will be no different thanks to the position's continuity and consistency.
"They're great players that are great people," Rams head coach Sean McVay said last September. "They're as selfless a group as I've ever been around. They play hard for one another, they play hard for their teammates.
They compete with and without the ball. It's more than anything, just a reflection of the character that they have. They make each other better. I think (wide receivers coach) Eric Yarber and (then assistant wide receivers coach) Liam Coen do an excellent job leading that room. I've never been around a group that's as special as this one is and you certainly don't take it for granted."
Last season, those efforts were highlighted by wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who led the team with 94 receptions for 1,161 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns – all career highs – while playing in all 16 games this past season. It marked first 1,000-yard receiving season of his career, too.
However, he was not the only one who either set a new career high or franchise record statistically.
Robert Woods posted his second-straight 1,000-yard season, recording 90 receptions for 1,134 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Cardinals in Week 13, he tallied a new career-best with 172 receiving yards. Woods also surpassed 400 career receptions in 2019 and played in his 100th NFL game overall. When it comes to his availability, he's missed only one regular season game over the last two years.
Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks chipped in 42 catches for 583 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 14 games. He played a pivotal role in the Rams' early-season wins over the Saints and the Browns, finishing with three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown against the former and eight receptions for 112 yards against the latter.
When Cooks sustained a concussion against the Bengals in London in Week 8, Josh Reynolds filled in capably, finishing with three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown in a 24-10 L.A. victory. He played in all 16 games, collecting 21 receptions for 326 yards. Though Cooks, Woods and Kupp get the majority of the snaps, both Goff and McVay last August said they consider Reynolds a starter.
"I just think the confidence," McVay said in the preseason, when asked about the biggest jump made by Reynolds from last season. "I think he's getting better, really, in all phases."
Although Kupp missed eight games in 2018 to a season-ending ACL injury, Woods has missed only one and Cooks just two over the last two seasons. Reynolds has played in every possible regular season game during that span.
All told, each of the four receivers are under contract through the 2020 season – Woods through 2021 – and will provide Goff and the offense with continuity at a key offensive position.
Rams are one of the top two teams to land Darius Slay
- By Stl2La
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 34 Replies
Where is Darius Slay most likely to land?
I am told right now the two teams at the top of the pack to land Slay are the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams are interesting considering they traded for Jalen Ramsey last year. The Broncos are expected to lose Chris Harris in free agency so Slay would slide right in.
www.profootballnetwork.com
I am told right now the two teams at the top of the pack to land Slay are the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams are interesting considering they traded for Jalen Ramsey last year. The Broncos are expected to lose Chris Harris in free agency so Slay would slide right in.
Pauline Mailbag: Redskins already set on their first round draft pick? | PFN
In this week's mailbag, Tony Pauline shares some big news on the Washington Redskins and their draft plans, where Darius Slay may end up, and much more.
www.profootballnetwork.com
2020 NFL arrests and lawsuits
- By OldSchool
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 133 Replies
Let’s start the new year off with a former Ram.
www.tmz.com
Browns' Greg Robinson Busted For 157 Lbs. Of Weed, Facing Up To 20 Yrs In Prison
Cleveland Browns lineman Greg Robinson is in custody after officials say he was found with A LOT of marijuana at a border patrol checkpoint.
www.tmz.com
Rams could make changes on offense following disappointing 2019
- By BonifayRam
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 41 Replies
Rams could make changes on offense following disappointing 2019
www.espn.com
Lindsey ThiryESPN
The Los Angeles Rams' offense lost its way last season but will attempt to correct course in 2020. Following a 9-7 season, the offense will continue under the direction of Rams coach Sean McVay but will also receive plenty of input from new offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. Similar to last season, the Rams are scheduled to return each skill position starter. It wouldn't be shocking, however, if some shake-ups are made this offseason.The offensive line, like in 2019, is the biggest concern as it could potentially undergo another round of changes because of two experienced players who are scheduled to reach free agency next month.
Here's a look at questions facing each offensive position group this offseason.
Quarterbacks
Can quarterback Jared Goff return to form? And who will back him up? The Los Angeles Rams' offense lost its way last season but will attempt to correct course in 2020. There's no debate, last season was a disappointment for Goff, who passed for 22 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions and had a total QBR of 48.5, which ranked 23rd in the NFL. Goff's upcoming fifth season is already notable because of his $36 million salary cap hit -- the largest cap hit in the NFL. While Goff, who turns 26 in October, attempts this season to find the path he set in 2018 -- when he passed for 32 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions, and helped lead the Rams to Super Bowl LIII -- he must do so in the midst of another transition.
O'Connell represents the fourth change at offensive coordinator since Goff was drafted in 2016 and the new OC also will work closely with Goff as a quarterbacks coach -- his fifth in five seasons. The Rams signed Blake Bortles last season to a one-year, $1 million contract and Bortles is scheduled for free agency next month. It's uncertain how much Bortles can earn on the open market after five uneven seasons starting for the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by minimal playing time last season.
Running backs
Perhaps no group caused as much confusion about the Rams' offensive identity last season than the running backs. An unstable offensive line was part of it, but the game plans, which relied on Goff and a platoon of backs, did not provide the group any favors. That must change in 2020.Todd Gurley is unlikely to ever appear as the same breakaway, hurdling star that he was in 2018, but that doesn't mean he can't be the offensive focal point. The Rams' chances of winning correlate directly to the number of touches Gurley receives.
Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson were expected to play significant supporting roles last season, but both were hindered because of an unstable offensive line and injuries. It will be interesting to monitor how touches are dispersed between the three backs moving forward.
Receivers
The Rams are scheduled to return their trio of starting receivers -- Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp -- for a third consecutive season, but it wouldn't be entirely surprising if this group underwent change. Cooks is in the midst of a five-year, $81 million contract, and while his speed provides a dynamic difficult to replicate, his production last season (42 catches for 583 yards and two touchdowns) did not match that of a No. 1 receiver. That was, in part, because of the multiple concussions he sustained, causing him to miss three games. Cooks' history of head injuries could play a part in the Rams' decision about his future.
After experiencing a midseason lull, and missing a game because of what he cited as a family issue, Woods took his play to a new level in the final six weeks of last season. He is expected to return as a go-to target for Goff.Kupp shined through the first half of last season, highlighted by a 220 receiving-yard performance in a Week 8 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, as he enters the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, the former third-round pick is due a lucrative extension. Josh Reynolds remains as a solid option as a fourth receiver. He also is entering the final season of his rookie deal.
Tight ends
The 4-year, $29 million contract the Rams awarded Tyler Higbee before last season raised a few eyebrows, until Higbee produced a breakout December that included four games with more than 100 receiving yards. He is now one of the most intriguing Rams players to watch entering next season. Higbee's extension and subsequent breakout leaves Gerald Everett's future with the Rams in question as he enters the final season of his four-year rookie contract. After overcoming a knee injury that sidelined him three games, Everett played a minimal role in the final two games.
Offensive line
The Rams' offensive line struggled last season and could be a concern again in 2020, especially since veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard/center Austin Blythe are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next month. Without a clear-cut choice to replace Whitworth, the Rams must consider re-signing the 38-year-old. Last season, Whitworth earned a $10.3 million base salary. Finding a number that works for both sides must be a priority, but the Rams can't overpay. Whitworth has some leverage given the Rams have no clear choice to replace him.
Blythe, who has played left guard, right guard and center in his three seasons with the Rams, is expected to test the free-agent market. It remains to be seen how the Rams handle the situation at right tackle. Rob Havenstein regressed last season before suffering a knee injury that kept him sidelined several weeks. Havenstein returned to practice as a full participant in Week 15 but remained inactive for the final three games.
As for the rest of the line? Bobby Evans showed steady improvement at right tackle in seven games and it appeared that David Edwards solidified a future at right guard and Austin Corbett provides an option at left guard. Left guard Joe Noteboom, who was drafted in 2018 as the eventual replacement for Whitworth, and center Brian Allen are expected to return from season-ending knee injuries. Expect this group to be under construction deep into training camp.
Following a 9-7 season, the offense will continue under the direction of Rams coach Sean McVay but will also receive plenty of input from new offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. Similar to last season, the Rams are scheduled to return each skill position starter. It wouldn't be shocking, however, if some shake-ups are made this offseason. The offensive line, like in 2019, is the biggest concern as it could potentially undergo another round of changes because of two experienced players who are scheduled to reach free agency next month.
Rams could make changes on offense following disappointing 2019
A position-by-position look at the questions facing the offense in L.A. following a 9-7 season.
The Los Angeles Rams' offense lost its way last season but will attempt to correct course in 2020. Following a 9-7 season, the offense will continue under the direction of Rams coach Sean McVay but will also receive plenty of input from new offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. Similar to last season, the Rams are scheduled to return each skill position starter. It wouldn't be shocking, however, if some shake-ups are made this offseason.The offensive line, like in 2019, is the biggest concern as it could potentially undergo another round of changes because of two experienced players who are scheduled to reach free agency next month.
Here's a look at questions facing each offensive position group this offseason.
Quarterbacks
Can quarterback Jared Goff return to form? And who will back him up? The Los Angeles Rams' offense lost its way last season but will attempt to correct course in 2020. There's no debate, last season was a disappointment for Goff, who passed for 22 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions and had a total QBR of 48.5, which ranked 23rd in the NFL. Goff's upcoming fifth season is already notable because of his $36 million salary cap hit -- the largest cap hit in the NFL. While Goff, who turns 26 in October, attempts this season to find the path he set in 2018 -- when he passed for 32 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions, and helped lead the Rams to Super Bowl LIII -- he must do so in the midst of another transition.
O'Connell represents the fourth change at offensive coordinator since Goff was drafted in 2016 and the new OC also will work closely with Goff as a quarterbacks coach -- his fifth in five seasons. The Rams signed Blake Bortles last season to a one-year, $1 million contract and Bortles is scheduled for free agency next month. It's uncertain how much Bortles can earn on the open market after five uneven seasons starting for the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by minimal playing time last season.
Running backs
Perhaps no group caused as much confusion about the Rams' offensive identity last season than the running backs. An unstable offensive line was part of it, but the game plans, which relied on Goff and a platoon of backs, did not provide the group any favors. That must change in 2020.Todd Gurley is unlikely to ever appear as the same breakaway, hurdling star that he was in 2018, but that doesn't mean he can't be the offensive focal point. The Rams' chances of winning correlate directly to the number of touches Gurley receives.
Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson were expected to play significant supporting roles last season, but both were hindered because of an unstable offensive line and injuries. It will be interesting to monitor how touches are dispersed between the three backs moving forward.
Receivers
The Rams are scheduled to return their trio of starting receivers -- Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp -- for a third consecutive season, but it wouldn't be entirely surprising if this group underwent change. Cooks is in the midst of a five-year, $81 million contract, and while his speed provides a dynamic difficult to replicate, his production last season (42 catches for 583 yards and two touchdowns) did not match that of a No. 1 receiver. That was, in part, because of the multiple concussions he sustained, causing him to miss three games. Cooks' history of head injuries could play a part in the Rams' decision about his future.
After experiencing a midseason lull, and missing a game because of what he cited as a family issue, Woods took his play to a new level in the final six weeks of last season. He is expected to return as a go-to target for Goff.Kupp shined through the first half of last season, highlighted by a 220 receiving-yard performance in a Week 8 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, as he enters the fourth and final season of his rookie contract, the former third-round pick is due a lucrative extension. Josh Reynolds remains as a solid option as a fourth receiver. He also is entering the final season of his rookie deal.
Tight ends
The 4-year, $29 million contract the Rams awarded Tyler Higbee before last season raised a few eyebrows, until Higbee produced a breakout December that included four games with more than 100 receiving yards. He is now one of the most intriguing Rams players to watch entering next season. Higbee's extension and subsequent breakout leaves Gerald Everett's future with the Rams in question as he enters the final season of his four-year rookie contract. After overcoming a knee injury that sidelined him three games, Everett played a minimal role in the final two games.
Offensive line
The Rams' offensive line struggled last season and could be a concern again in 2020, especially since veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard/center Austin Blythe are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next month. Without a clear-cut choice to replace Whitworth, the Rams must consider re-signing the 38-year-old. Last season, Whitworth earned a $10.3 million base salary. Finding a number that works for both sides must be a priority, but the Rams can't overpay. Whitworth has some leverage given the Rams have no clear choice to replace him.
Blythe, who has played left guard, right guard and center in his three seasons with the Rams, is expected to test the free-agent market. It remains to be seen how the Rams handle the situation at right tackle. Rob Havenstein regressed last season before suffering a knee injury that kept him sidelined several weeks. Havenstein returned to practice as a full participant in Week 15 but remained inactive for the final three games.
As for the rest of the line? Bobby Evans showed steady improvement at right tackle in seven games and it appeared that David Edwards solidified a future at right guard and Austin Corbett provides an option at left guard. Left guard Joe Noteboom, who was drafted in 2018 as the eventual replacement for Whitworth, and center Brian Allen are expected to return from season-ending knee injuries. Expect this group to be under construction deep into training camp.
Following a 9-7 season, the offense will continue under the direction of Rams coach Sean McVay but will also receive plenty of input from new offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. Similar to last season, the Rams are scheduled to return each skill position starter. It wouldn't be shocking, however, if some shake-ups are made this offseason. The offensive line, like in 2019, is the biggest concern as it could potentially undergo another round of changes because of two experienced players who are scheduled to reach free agency next month.
2020 NFL strength of schedule
- By ROD-BOT
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 5 Replies
2020 NFL strength of schedule rankings: Ravens and Steelers have it easiest, Patriots face roughest ride
Here are the strength of schedule rankings for all 32 teams heading into the 2020 season
www.cbssports.com
Remember all those years when everyone complained that New England had the easiest schedule in the NFL? Well, no one's going to be able to make that complaint this year, and that's because the Patriots will have the league's most difficult strength of schedule in 2020. Based on the final standings from 2019, the Patriots will be going into 2020 with a strength of schedule of .537, making them one of only two teams in the NFL -- along with the Jets -- that will have a strength of schedule above .530. Bill Belichick better get his quarterback situation figured out quickly because the Patriots will be facing a brutal schedule that includes seven games against teams that qualified for the playoffs last year (Bills x 2, Ravens, Texans, 49ers, Seahawks), which is tied for the most in the NFL.
A big reason the Patriots schedule is so difficult is that they'll be playing both Super Bowl LIV teams in 2020 (Chiefs and 49ers). As a matter of fact, all four teams in the AFC East will have to face both the Chiefs and 49ers, and not coincidentally, those four teams will be playing four of the most difficult schedules this season (the Saints are the only other team in the NFL that will face both Super Bowl teams in 2020). Behind the Patriots, the Jets have the second most difficult strength of schedule in the league, the Dolphins have the third and the Bills have the fifth. It could be a long year for the AFC East.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you're looking for a division that could produce a few surprise teams next season, then you might want to look at the AFC North. Collectively, every team in the AFC North actually has a pretty easy strength of schedule in 2020, with all four teams set to play a schedule that ranks among the six easiest.
Don't be surprised if the Ravens repeat as division champs, and that's because Baltimore has BY FAR the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL at .437. To put that in perspective, no other team in the NFL has an SOS below .455. As for the other teams in the division, the Steelers have the second easiest strength of schedule in the NFL (.457), the Browns have the fourth-easiest and the Bengals have the sixth-easiest, which means if Joe Burrow gets drafted at No. 1 overall by Cincinnati, he'll likely be able to help the Bengals top their 2019 win total.
If you're looking for a team out of the NFC that could have a big 2020 season, don't be surprised if the Cowboys put together a solid year. In his first year as coach in Dallas, Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys will be facing an SOS of .459, which is the least difficult in the NFC. Basically, now might be a good time to jump on the Cowboys bandwagon, and the good news is, if you do jump on now, you'll be there before most actual Cowboys fans, who only jump on when the team is winning.
As for the two teams from Super Bowl LIV, the Chiefs probably have a better chance of repeating if we're looking at SOS only. The Chiefs are one of two teams that have a strength of schedule of exactly .500 (The Panthers are the other). On the 49ers end, they'll be playing the fourth-most difficult schedule in the NFL, and that mostly has to do with the fact that they have the hardest first-place schedule of any team. For winning the NFC West, the 49ers have to play the Packers and Saints in 2020, two teams that had a combined record of 26-6.
Now, before you complain about another team's strength of schedule, keep in mind that the schedule is inherently the same for everyone, whether you're playing a first place schedule or a last place schedule. Each team will play four games against a team that finished in first place in 2019, four games against teams that finished in second, four games against teams that finished in third and four games against teams that finished in last place (At the bottom of the page, you'll be able to see the formula the NFL uses to put the schedule together each year).
This formula is why a team playing a "last place" schedule (like the Dolphins) can have the fourth-most difficult schedule overall (Since all schedules are inherently the same, the biggest difference in each schedule is the division that you get stuck playing each year, and this season, the AFC East is playing the NFC West).
This formula is also why a team playing a "first place" schedule (like the Patriots) can have the most difficult schedule in the NFL while another team playing a "first place" schedule (like the Ravens) can have the easiest.
The biggest difference for those two teams is that the Ravens will have a much easier divisional schedule, as the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns combined to go 32-64 (They went 16-32, but you double both numbers since the Ravens play each team twice). On the other hand, the Patriots AFC East opponents went 44-52. Also, the Patriots are stuck playing the AFC West and NFC West, who combined to go 69-58-1. As for the Ravens, they get to face the AFC South and NFC East, two divisions that combined to go 56-72.
Advantage: Ravens.
The one thing about strength of schedule is that there's no perfect way to measure schedule difficulty before the season kicks off. Between injuries, free agency and the draft, a lot can change between now and the start of the season in September. That being said, strength of schedule does give you a good idea of what your favorite team will be facing in the upcoming season.
Here's the 2020 strength of schedule rankings for each team (combined 2019 record of all 16 opponents, combined winning percentage).
| 1 | New England Patriots | 137-118-1 | .537 |
| 2 | New York Jets | 136-119-1 | .533 |
| 3 | Miami Dolphins | 135-120-1 | .529 |
| 4 | San Francisco 49ers | 134-120-2 | .527 |
| T-5 | Buffalo Bills | 134-121-1 | .525 |
| T-5 | Detroit Lions | 134-121-1 | .525 |
| T-5 | Atlanta Falcons | 134-121-1 | .525 |
| T-8 | Arizona Cardinals | 132-123-1 | .518 |
| T-8 | Houston Texans | 132-123-1 | .518 |
| T-10 | Minnesota Vikings | 131-123-2 | .516 |
| T-10 | Los Angeles Rams | 131-123-2 | .516 |
| 12 | Denver Broncos | 131-125 | .512 |
| T-13 | Chicago Bears | 129-125-2 | .509 |
| T-13 | Seattle Seahawks | 129-125-2 | .509 |
| 15 | Green Bay Packers | 128-126-2 | .504 |
| T-16 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 128-127-1 | .502 |
| T-16 | Indianapolis Colts | 128-127-1 | .502 |
| T-18 | Kansas City Chiefs | 128-128 | .500 |
| T-18 | Carolina Panthers | 127-127-2 | .500 |
| 20 | Tennessee Titans | 127-128-1 | .498 |
| 21 | Las Vegas Raiders | 127-129 | .496 |
| 22 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 126-129-1 | .494 |
| 23 | Los Angeles Chargers | 126-130 | .492 |
| 24 | New Orleans Saints | 125-130-1 | .490 |
| 25 | Philadelphia Eagles | 124-131-1 | .486 |
| 26 | New York Giants | 123-132-1 | .482 |
| 27 | Cincinnati Bengals | 122-134 | .477 |
| 28 | Washington Redskins | 118-136-2 | .465 |
| 29 | Cleveland Browns | 118-138 | .461 |
| 30 | Dallas Cowboys | 117-138-1 | .459 |
| 31 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 117-139 | .457 |
| 32 | Baltimore Ravens | 112-144 | .438 |
If you're curious about the scheduling formula, here's how the NFL does it. Under the formula implemented in 2002, every team plays 16 games as follows:
- Home and away against its three division opponents (six games).
- The four teams from another division within its conference on a rotating three-year cycle (four games).
- The four teams from a division in the other conference on a rotating four-year cycle (four games).
- Two intra-conference games based on the prior year's standings (two games). These games match a first-place team against the first-place teams in the two same-conference divisions that the team is not scheduled to play that season. The second-place, third-place, and fourth-place teams in a conference are matched in the same way each year.
- Beginning in 2010, a change was made to how teams are paired in the schedule rotation to ensure that teams playing the AFC West and NFC West divisions would not be required to make two West Coast trips (e.g., at Los Angeles Chargers and at Raiders), while other teams in their division had none (e.g., at Kansas City and at Denver).
Time has come for LA Rams to extend CB Jalen Ramsey
- By BonifayRam
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 39 Replies
The time has come for the Los Angeles Rams to extend CB Jalen Ramsey
It’s officially time to ensure the leagues best cornerback is in Los Angeles for the long term.
www.turfshowtimes.com
It’s officially time to ensure the leagues best cornerback is in Los Angeles for the long term.
By Sosa Kremenjas 2/18/2020
Halfway through the 2019 NFL Season, the Los Angeles Rams felt a weakness in their cornerback group, choosing to address it by trading a boatload of assets for former superstar Jacksonville Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey.
Ramsey — who was sidelined with a “back injury” — requested a trade, citing irreconcilable differences with the front office. The Rams elected to secure what many believed was a splash move, though the addition of Ramsey must be viewed as not only the short-term boost it proved to be, but a long-term addition that should significantly improve the defense moving forward.
Ramsey is a three-time pro bowler and one-time First-Team All-Pro selection back in 2017. Not only has Ramsey been recognized as a special talent by media members, but his numbers reiterate just how dominant the eccentric cornerback has been since entering the league in 2016. Since his rookie season in 2016, Ramsey ranks 13th in interceptions with 10 and ranks 10th in pass deflections with 49 among all CB’s in the NFL.
Dating back to 2018, here are Ramsey’s in-depth statistics (courtesy of Pro Football Reference):
Interceptions:
2018: 3
2019: 1
Targeted:
2018: 113
2019: 68
Completions:
2018: 61
2019: 45
Completion percentage:
2018: 54%
2019: 66.2%
Yards allowed:
2018: 856
2019: 549
Yards/completion:
2018: 14
2019: 12.2
Yards/target:
2018: 7.6
2019: 8.1
Touchdowns allowed:
2018: 3
2019: 1
Rating when targeted:
2018: 76.4
2019: 89.6
The numbers may lead you to believe this season presented something of a regression from Ramsey, though a lot of that can be explained rather easily. First, Ramsey very well could have been unmotivated playing in Jacksonville in his three contests in 2019. A highly-emotional player, Ramsey made it clear he was tired of playing for a franchise lacking any offensive firepower and a consistent loser. Not only did the lack of motivation potentially play a role, but Ramsey may or may not have suffered a legitimate back injury which seemingly cleared up rather quickly once he was traded to Los Angeles. Lastly, getting traded midseason and needing to learn a new scheme, defensive coordinator’s tendencies, new teammates, and everything in between presents a major challenge.
With Ramsey being afforded the opportunity to gel with teammates and the appropriate time to learn the scheme from newly appointed Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley this offseason, it is fair to expect a rebound season from arguably the most talented cornerback in the league.
Now, that brings me to the discussion at hand: What should the Rams do with Ramsey?
The answer to that question is incredibly simple: pay him.
The Rams didn’t trade two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick without the intent to extend Ramsey. There isn’t really a question when it comes to paying Ramsey, the only decision to be made is when is the right time. Ramsey is currently slated to play on his fifth-year option from his rookie deal, costing the Rams $13.703m in 2020.
Much has been discussed about the lack of cap space the Rams currently have. They’re currently hovering around $20m in cap space (once Over The Cap updates the retirement of S Eric Weddle).
The lack of current cap space for the Rams is very relevant as it pertains to a potential contract extension for Ramsey. Not only would they be locking in a fantastic and young talent, but extending Ramsey would allow the Rams to actually lower his 2020 cap hit, opening up a rather significant amount of cap space for a team that’s currently cap-strapped.
According to Over The Cap, a Ramsey extension would actually free somewhere in the range of $10.3m. That figure may seem excessive, and I am no cap expert, but if the Rams save even half of the figure stated, the savings could be considered significant:
But, the positives to extending Ramsey don’t end there for the Rams. Another reason — and potentially even more important than opening some cap space — for the Rams to get the extension done as soon as possible is due to the number of quality cornerbacks slated to reach free agency, or receive their own extensions.
The list includes:
Denver Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr.
Tennessee Titans CB Logan Ryan
Houston Texans CB Bradley Roby
Baltimore Ravens CB Jimmy Smith
Dallas Cowboys CB Byron Jones
Kansas City Chiefs CB Kendall Fuller
Detroit Lions CB Darius Slay (entering last year of deal, potential trade and extension talks)
The list is quite loaded with high-end CB talent, giving the Rams even more motivation to ramp up extension talks with Ramsey, ideally hammering out a deal that works for both sides prior to the NFL’s free agency period (March) opening up. If the Rams do elect to wait (or Ramsey’s camp does), the price tag could very well continue to rise with the CB market sure to be reset by one of the aforementioned studs reaching the open market.
Currently, the highest paid CB in the league is Miami Dolphins’ Xavien Howard. Howard received a five-year $75.25m (15.05m APY) extension with $46m in guarantees nearly one year ago. Ramsey’s next deal is sure to eclipse all of those marks, potentially coming in around $16-17m APY and $50m+ in guarantees.
With all of these extenuating factors hovering above the heads of the Rams, General Manager Les Snead (and right hand man Vice President Tony Pastoors) have to be motivated in securing a long-term deal for Jalen Ramsey. One thing to note: a lot of talking goes on between NFL teams and agents (and in turn players) at the NFL Scouting Combine. The combine is a playground notorious for sparking the fire between the two sides at the negotiation table.
Keep your eyes on a potential record-setting extension on the horizon for Jalen Ramsey and the Rams.
Rams & Other Teams Find Themselves in Salary-Cap Hell
- By BonifayRam
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 19 Replies
Rams & Other NFL Teams That Find Themselves in Salary-Cap Hell
BY Mike Tanier / February 18, 2020
Welcome to the Salary Cap Inferno, the bad place where teams are punished for their financial sins of the past.
NFL free agency is fast approaching, and while some teams are getting ready for a spending spree, others find themselves in financial H-E Double Hockey Sticks. Instead of bidding on big names and hoping to get better, they'll be forced to let their own free agents go, release or restructure the contracts of some of their starters and hope the austerity program doesn't make them significantly worse.
There's more to the Cap Inferno than just being low on cap space. Teams that have lots of budding superstars under contract, are a heartbeat away from the Super Bowl or know they are preparing for a full-scale rebuild don't qualify. The rings of the Cap Inferno are reserved for teams guilty of overspending, bad planning, wishful thinking or living the high life for too long, plus some minor venial sins like inking a few too many regrettable contracts.
So abandon all hope, ye who enter here: It's time for a truly hellish journey through the realm of salary-cap nightmares.
Ring of the Cap Inferno: Los Angeles Rams (Cap space: $14.7 million)
Mortal sin: Building a tiny Super Bowl window
The Rams assembled their roster and their budget around winning in 2018 or 2019, and they almost pulled it off. But they now must pay the price. Their ledger is top-heavy with massive cap numbers, a few of which are worth the money (Aaron Donald at $25 million), many of which are not (Jared Goff at $36 million), and at least one of which needs to be renegotiated pronto (Jalen Ramsey at $13.7 million in the final year of his rookie contract). The Rams also traded away their first-round picks until 2022 for Ramsey, leaving them with neither an easy way to get better nor an exit strategy for moving on from pricey veterans.
Venial sin: Seduced by rushing stats.
The Rams are reportedly working on ways to extract themselves from the clutches of the extension they gave Todd Gurley II in 2018, which runs through 2023 and will cost $17.25 million in cap space this season for near-replacement-level running back performance.
Penance:
The Rams are sentenced to tread water at the wild-card level for the foreseeable future. They may be forced to spend a chunk of their little available cap space this offseason retaining 38-year-old left tackle Andrew Whitworth so the whole offensive line doesn't crumble, taking Goff and Gurley with it. Deals like that will only result in the roster getting older and more expensive before it gets better. But the Rams have so much invested in Goff and others and so little draft capital that they couldn't rebuild even if they wanted to.
View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2876758-rams-bears-jaguars-and-other-nfl-teams-that-find-themselves-in-salary-cap-hell
Click above to read more of other teams mentioned in this article.
BY Mike Tanier / February 18, 2020
Welcome to the Salary Cap Inferno, the bad place where teams are punished for their financial sins of the past.
NFL free agency is fast approaching, and while some teams are getting ready for a spending spree, others find themselves in financial H-E Double Hockey Sticks. Instead of bidding on big names and hoping to get better, they'll be forced to let their own free agents go, release or restructure the contracts of some of their starters and hope the austerity program doesn't make them significantly worse.
There's more to the Cap Inferno than just being low on cap space. Teams that have lots of budding superstars under contract, are a heartbeat away from the Super Bowl or know they are preparing for a full-scale rebuild don't qualify. The rings of the Cap Inferno are reserved for teams guilty of overspending, bad planning, wishful thinking or living the high life for too long, plus some minor venial sins like inking a few too many regrettable contracts.
So abandon all hope, ye who enter here: It's time for a truly hellish journey through the realm of salary-cap nightmares.
Ring of the Cap Inferno: Los Angeles Rams (Cap space: $14.7 million)
Mortal sin: Building a tiny Super Bowl window
The Rams assembled their roster and their budget around winning in 2018 or 2019, and they almost pulled it off. But they now must pay the price. Their ledger is top-heavy with massive cap numbers, a few of which are worth the money (Aaron Donald at $25 million), many of which are not (Jared Goff at $36 million), and at least one of which needs to be renegotiated pronto (Jalen Ramsey at $13.7 million in the final year of his rookie contract). The Rams also traded away their first-round picks until 2022 for Ramsey, leaving them with neither an easy way to get better nor an exit strategy for moving on from pricey veterans.
Venial sin: Seduced by rushing stats.
The Rams are reportedly working on ways to extract themselves from the clutches of the extension they gave Todd Gurley II in 2018, which runs through 2023 and will cost $17.25 million in cap space this season for near-replacement-level running back performance.
Penance:
The Rams are sentenced to tread water at the wild-card level for the foreseeable future. They may be forced to spend a chunk of their little available cap space this offseason retaining 38-year-old left tackle Andrew Whitworth so the whole offensive line doesn't crumble, taking Goff and Gurley with it. Deals like that will only result in the roster getting older and more expensive before it gets better. But the Rams have so much invested in Goff and others and so little draft capital that they couldn't rebuild even if they wanted to.
View: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2876758-rams-bears-jaguars-and-other-nfl-teams-that-find-themselves-in-salary-cap-hell
Click above to read more of other teams mentioned in this article.
Jadeveon Clowney looking for ‘market-setting money’
- By Mojo Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 96 Replies
Seahawks star Jadeveon Clowney looking for ‘market-setting money’ in free agency
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadaveon Clowney is currently a free agent. And after three Pro-Bowl seasons in the last four years, the former No. 1 overall pick is looking for “market-setting money” per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.
Clowney also made headlines after the Seahawks’ Divisional Round loss to the Green Bay Packers, stating that he wants to join a team that can win him a ring.
There aren’t a ton of teams that are ready to compete for a Super Bowl while also having the cap space to afford the kind of contract that Clowney desires.
Regardless, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound pass rusher has proven to be an impact player since he entered the league.
After five seasons with the Houston Texans, Clowney was traded to Seattle just before the season. In 13 games with the Seahawks, Clowney recorded 31 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, four forced fumbles, and one interception.
In exchange for Clowney, the Seahawks sent linebackers Jacob Martin and Barkevious Mingo as well as a 2020 third-round pick to Houston
While Clowney certainly made an impact on a Seattle team that needed his pass-rushing abilities, the 27-year-old failed to make the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2015.
While exact numbers of Clowney’s contract demands are unknown, you can take a look at the contracts of other premier players at similar positions across the league.
Chicago Bears star Khalil Mack signed a six-year, $141 million dollar ($23.5 million per year) deal with the team in 2018 while two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald’s comtract is worth $135 million over six seasons.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadaveon Clowney is currently a free agent. And after three Pro-Bowl seasons in the last four years, the former No. 1 overall pick is looking for “market-setting money” per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.
Clowney also made headlines after the Seahawks’ Divisional Round loss to the Green Bay Packers, stating that he wants to join a team that can win him a ring.
There aren’t a ton of teams that are ready to compete for a Super Bowl while also having the cap space to afford the kind of contract that Clowney desires.
Regardless, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound pass rusher has proven to be an impact player since he entered the league.
After five seasons with the Houston Texans, Clowney was traded to Seattle just before the season. In 13 games with the Seahawks, Clowney recorded 31 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, four forced fumbles, and one interception.
In exchange for Clowney, the Seahawks sent linebackers Jacob Martin and Barkevious Mingo as well as a 2020 third-round pick to Houston
While Clowney certainly made an impact on a Seattle team that needed his pass-rushing abilities, the 27-year-old failed to make the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2015.
While exact numbers of Clowney’s contract demands are unknown, you can take a look at the contracts of other premier players at similar positions across the league.
Chicago Bears star Khalil Mack signed a six-year, $141 million dollar ($23.5 million per year) deal with the team in 2018 while two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald’s comtract is worth $135 million over six seasons.
REPORT: Jadeveon Clowney Is Looking For 'Market-Setting Money' In Free Agency
Seattle Seahawks impending free agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is looking for "market-setting money" this offseason in free agency.
clutchpoints.com
Greg Zuerlein or... who?
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 75 Replies
The Cowboys and Titans certainly are also in the market for kickers.
I’ve included an article that was written from the Cowboys perspective, but a good write up on some of the college prospects.
As far as free agents, not very deep.
———
www.bloggingtheboys.com
Five college kickers to know in the 2020 NFL draft class
Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia
Blankenship is undoubtedly the most well-known kicker in this draft. That’s what happens when you combine playing for a powerhouse program, being good at kicking the football, having a memorable name, and wearing unique glasses under his helmet.
Blankenship became a reliable scorer for the Bulldogs, frequently coming through in clutch moments. In four years as the kicker, he hit 80 of his 97 attempts for a career 82.5% rate and never missed an extra point. Blankenship has also never missed a field goal inside the 30-yard line and made nearly 70% of his kicks between the 40- and 50-yard line.
Blankenship saw a drastic increase in attempts in 2019, largely due to an at-times lackluster offense, and that contributed to a lower field goal percentage than he had posted in his previous two years. Still, Blankenship was awarded the Lou Groza award for the nation’s best kicker and is a good bet to be the first (and possibly only) kicker drafted this year.
Sam Sloman, Miami (OH)
Sloman won’t get as much hype as Blankenship and others because of the small school he attended, but he might just be the best of the bunch. After being average in his sophomore and junior year, Sloman made a big improvement in 2019. He had a perfect PAT rate and his 86.7% field goal rate was the highest in the nation among kickers with 30 or more attempts.
Sloman only missed four field goals in total, with three of them coming beyond 40 yards; but he still made 78.6% of those attempts, a pretty high mark. Sloman’s career long is 53 yards, and he hit that in 2019, so leg strength may be a bit of a question mark. Nevertheless, the consistency with which Sloman played is going to catch some eyes.
Dylan Barnas, Central Florida
Barnas had an incredible year, but the 2019 season was the only one in which he actually played during his time for the Knights. That’ll raise some concerns over how sustainable his impressive play was, but the fact remains that Barnas was one of the nation’s best.
He hit 88.2% of his field goals, including a perfect rate beyond the 40-yard line. The efficiency at which the Knights offense ran meant a limited amount of long attempts for Barnas, but he was consistent nonetheless. He did miss one extra point, but still finished 10th in the nation in total points scored for the year. The big question is if he can be that productive on a consistent basis.
Dominik Eberle, Utah State
Much like Sloman, Eberle is a player who made a big jump his senior year. As Utah State’s kicker for three years, Eberle has the experience but was only average the first two years, hitting under 79% of his field goals both seasons. But in 2019, he jumped up to 87.5% despite trying around the same number of field goals as the previous two years.
Leg strength is a clear weakness for Eberle, though, as all three of his misses this year were beyond 40 yards; similarly, his career long is 52 yards and came in his sophomore year. But Eberle was perfect on extra points for his whole career, and it was clear the coaches trusted him in 2019 as he saw a new high in attempts beyond the 40. Much like Forbath, Eberle doesn’t have the booming leg that Maher did, but he’s reliable.
Jonathan Song, Texas Christian
First things first with Song: of all kickers who tried over 20 attempts in 2019, he had the highest field goal percentage by a long shot. Song hit 23 of his 24 (95.8%) attempts and was perfect on extra points. When TCU asked him to put points on the board, he did it.
The concern, though, lies in when TCU asked him to do so. He only tried four field goals between 40 and 50 yards, and hit three of them. Additionally, Song has attempted exactly zero field goals beyond 50 yards in his career. He has 44 career attempts, and none of them were from a distance you typically want to see from an NFL kicker. It’s rather bizarre, and perhaps it’s solely because of the team’s philosophies around that part of the field, but it sticks out either way.
Apart from that, Song is very good and reliable. His pro day will answer some questions about leg strength and range, which could vault him into the discussion for a draft selection. If not, Song is at least someone who can be relied on to make kicks closer to the goalpost, which is more than Maher could say in 2019.
I’ve included an article that was written from the Cowboys perspective, but a good write up on some of the college prospects.
As far as free agents, not very deep.
———
Five college kickers to know in the 2020 NFL draft class
The Cowboys could certainly use a reliable kicker this year.
www.bloggingtheboys.com
Five college kickers to know in the 2020 NFL draft class
Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia
Blankenship is undoubtedly the most well-known kicker in this draft. That’s what happens when you combine playing for a powerhouse program, being good at kicking the football, having a memorable name, and wearing unique glasses under his helmet.
Blankenship became a reliable scorer for the Bulldogs, frequently coming through in clutch moments. In four years as the kicker, he hit 80 of his 97 attempts for a career 82.5% rate and never missed an extra point. Blankenship has also never missed a field goal inside the 30-yard line and made nearly 70% of his kicks between the 40- and 50-yard line.
Blankenship saw a drastic increase in attempts in 2019, largely due to an at-times lackluster offense, and that contributed to a lower field goal percentage than he had posted in his previous two years. Still, Blankenship was awarded the Lou Groza award for the nation’s best kicker and is a good bet to be the first (and possibly only) kicker drafted this year.
Sam Sloman, Miami (OH)
Sloman won’t get as much hype as Blankenship and others because of the small school he attended, but he might just be the best of the bunch. After being average in his sophomore and junior year, Sloman made a big improvement in 2019. He had a perfect PAT rate and his 86.7% field goal rate was the highest in the nation among kickers with 30 or more attempts.
Sloman only missed four field goals in total, with three of them coming beyond 40 yards; but he still made 78.6% of those attempts, a pretty high mark. Sloman’s career long is 53 yards, and he hit that in 2019, so leg strength may be a bit of a question mark. Nevertheless, the consistency with which Sloman played is going to catch some eyes.
Dylan Barnas, Central Florida
Barnas had an incredible year, but the 2019 season was the only one in which he actually played during his time for the Knights. That’ll raise some concerns over how sustainable his impressive play was, but the fact remains that Barnas was one of the nation’s best.
He hit 88.2% of his field goals, including a perfect rate beyond the 40-yard line. The efficiency at which the Knights offense ran meant a limited amount of long attempts for Barnas, but he was consistent nonetheless. He did miss one extra point, but still finished 10th in the nation in total points scored for the year. The big question is if he can be that productive on a consistent basis.
Dominik Eberle, Utah State
Much like Sloman, Eberle is a player who made a big jump his senior year. As Utah State’s kicker for three years, Eberle has the experience but was only average the first two years, hitting under 79% of his field goals both seasons. But in 2019, he jumped up to 87.5% despite trying around the same number of field goals as the previous two years.
Leg strength is a clear weakness for Eberle, though, as all three of his misses this year were beyond 40 yards; similarly, his career long is 52 yards and came in his sophomore year. But Eberle was perfect on extra points for his whole career, and it was clear the coaches trusted him in 2019 as he saw a new high in attempts beyond the 40. Much like Forbath, Eberle doesn’t have the booming leg that Maher did, but he’s reliable.
Jonathan Song, Texas Christian
First things first with Song: of all kickers who tried over 20 attempts in 2019, he had the highest field goal percentage by a long shot. Song hit 23 of his 24 (95.8%) attempts and was perfect on extra points. When TCU asked him to put points on the board, he did it.
The concern, though, lies in when TCU asked him to do so. He only tried four field goals between 40 and 50 yards, and hit three of them. Additionally, Song has attempted exactly zero field goals beyond 50 yards in his career. He has 44 career attempts, and none of them were from a distance you typically want to see from an NFL kicker. It’s rather bizarre, and perhaps it’s solely because of the team’s philosophies around that part of the field, but it sticks out either way.
Apart from that, Song is very good and reliable. His pro day will answer some questions about leg strength and range, which could vault him into the discussion for a draft selection. If not, Song is at least someone who can be relied on to make kicks closer to the goalpost, which is more than Maher could say in 2019.
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Poll
Rank the XFL Uniforms
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 30 Replies
I feel like the XFL did a nice job with their logos and uniforms.
Vote for your favorite 4... Let’s see how they rank.
Vote for your favorite 4... Let’s see how they rank.
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Poll
Which of these game day on field jobs is for you?
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 19 Replies
I have no idea if these are jobs, 
but you see people doing them...
So... which job do you pick, and why?
Line of scrimmage flag holder
Right along the LOS. Doesn’t sound like a bad place to be. A little dangerous. Has responsibilities. Get bossed around by “the real refs”.
Guy that holds the microphone-cone-thingy for the sideline TV cameras
Doesn’t sound like a good job until you consider you have super ears and snooping the field action. Every once in a while you get flat-out creamed by sideline action.
Game ball sideline manager
Sounds important. Pays the best on this list. Right there with all the bench action. Can get autographs and photos easy. Requires focus though. So, no weed.
Collector of the football from FG’s and XP’s from the netting
Get to get sort of float around, roam the sideline until kick time. Most free time on this list. Need to run some. Sometimes stuck in endzone and a bad place to see action. Drunks give you shit all game for having such a girly job.
but you see people doing them...So... which job do you pick, and why?
Line of scrimmage flag holder
Right along the LOS. Doesn’t sound like a bad place to be. A little dangerous. Has responsibilities. Get bossed around by “the real refs”.
Guy that holds the microphone-cone-thingy for the sideline TV cameras
Doesn’t sound like a good job until you consider you have super ears and snooping the field action. Every once in a while you get flat-out creamed by sideline action.
Game ball sideline manager
Sounds important. Pays the best on this list. Right there with all the bench action. Can get autographs and photos easy. Requires focus though. So, no weed.
Collector of the football from FG’s and XP’s from the netting
Get to get sort of float around, roam the sideline until kick time. Most free time on this list. Need to run some. Sometimes stuck in endzone and a bad place to see action. Drunks give you shit all game for having such a girly job.
Who's your pick to be the breakout quarterback of 2020?
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 25 Replies
NFL experts predict: Underrated free agents, offseason trades, more
The Vikings have a safety teams should covet next month. The Patriots could lose key players besides their QB. Our crew of insiders weighs in.
Patrick Mahomes in 2018. Lamar Jackson in 2019. Who's your pick to be the breakout quarterback of 2020?
Bowen: Drew Lock, Broncos. Lock has all the traits of a top-end thrower -- plus decent movement skills -- to make the second-year jump under new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. Up next for Denver? Bolster the offense around its quarterback, adding more speed to pair with the big-play ability of wide receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant.
Clay: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. Mahomes and Jackson broke out in their second professional season, and I fully expect that to be the case for Murray. The first overall pick in 2019 got plenty of experience as a rookie, ranking ninth in the league in pass attempts and third in carries. With a better supporting cast and in coach Kliff Kingsbury's second season, Murray is primed for a giant step forward.
Fowler: Daniel Jones, Giants. He makes big plays, he's mobile, and the Giants should have better support around him. If he learns to take care of the ball -- he had 12 interceptions and fumbled 12 times last season -- he'll be a huge presence in the NFC East.
Graziano: Daniel Jones, Giants. The turnovers are a major problem, but they were for Jackson this time last year, too. Jones gets that problem ironed out under a new, more engaged coaching staff, and we see more of the splash games from a Giants team that ... I mean, it has to get better one of these years, right?
Kimes: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. Until the end of the 2019 season, when he was banged up, Murray displayed many of the tools that compelled the Cardinals to take him first overall -- athleticism, a live arm and an electric ability to make plays outside the pocket. Both he and Kingsbury improved as the season went on, and I expect the pair to take another leap forward in 2020.
Reid: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. He'd might as well wear a T-shirt that reads "Next."
Seifert: Baker Mayfield, Browns. While Murray is the obvious (and possibly correct) answer, we shouldn't overlook the potential impact of the Browns' new coaching staff on Mayfield. I expect Kevin Stefanski to do the same thing for Mayfield that he did for Kirk Cousins in 2019: Identify what Mayfield does well and emphasize it throughout every game plan. The Browns have more than enough weapons to make it work around him.
Yates: Kyler Murray, Cardinals. There are too many positive signs from this season to look past Murray. I'm champing at the bit to watch him next season.
