PFF's top-graded Ram on offense: TE Tyler Higbee

As part of our offseason lookback, theRams.com will be taking a look at notable grades and performances for Rams players from scouting service Pro Football Focus (PFF).

First up, the player who finished with the highest offensive grade on the team: Tight end Tyler Higbee.

Higbee's offense grade of 85.9 is the third-highest by a Ram in the last three seasons, behind left tackle Andrew Whitworth's 86.1 and wide receiver Robert Woods' 86.4. It coincided with a historic December statistically which helped boost him to his best offense grade of his career.

In that month alone, the former Western Kentucky standout tallied:

• 43 of his 69 catches
• 522 of his 734 receiving yards
• 2 of his 3 touchdowns

His 69 receptions and 734 yards set new single-season franchise records for a tight end. His three touchdowns set a new single-season career-high.

Meanwhile, here were his stat lines during the final month of the season:

• 7 catches, 107 yards and one touchdown in a 34-7 win over the Cardinals
• 7 catches, 116 yards in a 28-12 win over the Seahawks
• 12 catches, 111 yards in a 44-21 loss to the Cowboys
• 9 catches, 104 yards in a 34-31 loss to the 49ers
• 8 catches, 84 yards and one touchdown in a 31-24 win over the Cardinals

Higbee registered an 81.6 offense grade or higher in three of his final five games (Week 13 vs. Cardinals, Week 14 vs. Seahawks and Week 16 vs. 49ers). Furthermore, 270 of his 401 yards after catch on the season came during that same stretch.

Those strong numbers likely also contributed to him finishing with a team-best 90.0 receiving grade. A grade of 90.0 or higher in any category is considered elite by PFF.

PFF also charts receiving by direction, including receptions, receiving targets, receiving yards, yards after catch, receiving touchdowns, interceptions,NFL Passer Rating when targeted and drops (on-target passes dropped by the receiver).

According to PFF's data, Higbee did the majority of his damage when targeted short, or 1-9 yards past the line of scrimmage, catching 46 of 52 yards for 394 yards and all three of his touchdowns in that range. He also was effective on screens, too, catching 12 of 13 targets for 111 yards with 142 yards after the catch when targeted behind the line of scrimmage.

AFC Divisional Playoff: Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Tennessee Titans playing the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night means there will be a new Super Bowl champion in the NFL come 2020. The Titans ensured that by toppling the Patriots dynasty in a surprise 20-13 upset that knocked the six-time Super Bowl winners out of the playoffs in the Wild Card Round for the first time since 2009 — also the last year they did not have a first-round bye.

The Titans' reward seems more like a punishment: They face the NFL's best team in the regular season on the road. The Ravens, who last made the Super Bowl during the 2012-13 season, are poised to make a serious run behind the play of MVP front-runner Lamar Jackson. Riding a 12-game win streak, the Ravens bulldozed through fellow contenders like the 49ers, Texans, and Seahawks to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Titans, meanwhile, had to fight their way in after late-season losses against the Texans and Saints. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill rallied the troops, beating the Texans' backups in Week 17 to earn a spot before running back Derrick Henry took the team on his back to break the Patriots' run on the AFC in Foxboro.

Can the Titans keep their Cinderella momentum rolling this weekend? Or will the glass slipper crack on the Baltimore turf against a team that shut out the Titans 21-0 the last time they played? This rivalry has been incredibly tight with the Ravens leading the all-time series 12-11, including 2-1 in the postseason.

AFC Divisional Playoff: Tennessee at Baltimore

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Spread: Ravens -10

Three Things To Watch

1. Can Derrick Henry outrun the Ravens' defense?

Henry singlehandedly toppled the Patriots last week, rushing for 182 yards and the game-winning touchdown at the end of the first half. Henry earned every one of the 75 yards for the Titans on that drive; in total, he racked up 75 percent of the Titans' total offense.

And in that game, it's not like the Patriots' defense struggled. Ryan Tannehill was limited to 72 passing yards, and the Titans' offense didn’t score at all in the second half. But in the end, Henry as a one-man wrecking crew was enough to get the Titans over the finish line.

How can he be stopped?

"Start fast," Ravens linebacker Matthew Judon said on "Good Morning Football" this week. "We want to hit him as many times as possible. We know he's a good running back, but it all starts with us. Our communication, our assignment, and our technique. As long as we do that, we're going to be able to attack him in different ways that he hasn't seen this year. We understand that he's one of the best running backs in the league, and we can't sleep on him because once he gets started, he's a hard tackle."

The Ravens were fifth in the NFL against the run, allowing 93.4 yards per game, but they're susceptible to a running back like Henry. Their 4.4 yards per rushing play ranked just 21st in the league, and they gave up more than 100 rushing yards five times in the second half of the season. In one of their two losses, the Browns' Nick Chubb racked up 165 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. Of course, that loss came back in September — a lifetime ago in Ravens land —but is worth noting considering Henry's ascendance.

2. Who will be the offensive superstar for the Ravens... other than Lamar Jackson?

Jackson's MVP status for the Ravens is clear to even the most casual NFL fan. But once any team reaches the postseason, it's hard for the quarterback himself to do it on his own. As we saw with Tom Brady last week, weapons have to be open and available for Jackson to throw to.

Part of opening up the passing lanes is a solid Ravens run game and that's in question with Mark Ingram's calf injury. Ingram went through limited practice Thursday — his first since the Dec. 22 injury and a good sign he’ll suit up for Saturday night's game — but it's clear he’ll be less than 100 percent. Gus Edwards is prepared to go in Ingram's stead, and he's a capable backup, piling up 130 yards on 21 carries in the season finale against the Steelers.

Jackson alone has rushed for 100-plus yards five times this season, racking up a quarterback-record 1,206 yards. It was part of a multi-dimensional rushing offense that led the NFL with 206.0 yards per game. Will the potential loss of Ingram be enough to slow the Ravens down, allowing the defense to focus more on Jackson? Defensively, the Titans ranked 12th against the run but allowed the Patriots to rush for 98 yards, their best performance in a month.

The Ravens receivers, usually bit players, have not had a 100-yard receiving game by any individual the second half of the season. Can rookies Marquise Brown or Miles Boykin step up and make a big catch deep if needed? How about the inconsistent play of Willie Snead? Someone needs to become a "go-to" guy if the Titans are able to stuff the Ravens at the line of scrimmage.

3. Can Jackson overcome last year's playoff demons?

Jackson has been absolutely incredible all year. In a way, you figure the pressure for this game falls on Tannehill, who must figure out how to reignite the offense Saturday night if the Ravens' defense buckles down and stops Henry.

And yet... there are questions here. Jackson had perhaps the worst game of his career last postseason against the Chargers. He fumbled three times, threw an interception, and passed for just 194 yards in a 23-17 loss that had fans seeking out Joe Flacco after an anemic first half.

"I really hate it," he said this week on the Baltimore Ravens website. "I can't wait to play this week coming up. I don't want to really talk about it anymore. It's over."

Certainly, Jackson is a whole different level of player in the way he's matured over the last 12 months. But playoff horror stories don't dissipate until there's a new chapter written in the history books. Jackson has to go out and prove that poor postseason play is behind him. How will he respond to an early turnover? Or if the Titans get on the board early? An MVP candidacy along with the Ravens' Super Bowl hopes will hang in the balance.

X-Factor: Weather

The forecast for this game is iffy for Saturday night. While unseasonably warm (61 degrees at kickoff) there's a 90 percent chance of heavy rain sometime during the evening. Winds will also be kicking up, out of the south at 10-20 mph.

In some ways, that benefits the Ravens in a low-scoring game with one of the best kickers of all time, Pro Bowler Justin Tucker, sitting on their roster. The first-team All-Pro missed just one field goal this season, going 28-for-29 in what was a disappointing year for kickers overall.

But despite the home-field advantage, a raging downpour turns this game into a battle of the trenches. It gives Henry an opportunity to match Jackson run-for-run and cuts down the horsepower of the Ravens' passing offense.

Final Analysis

Of all three teams the Ravens could have faced (Bills, Texans, Titans) it was Tennessee who was always going to provide the most difficult matchup. Can Jackson go out and win a low-scoring game where one bad turnover makes the difference? Can the defense stop Henry?

If there's one upset you’ll see in the divisional round, it will come here. The Titans are playing with house money after putting away the Patriots' dynasty, no small feat, and have one of the game's most innovative new head coaches in Mike Vrabel. Lamar Jackson, still young, has to prove he doesn't need another year of postseason seasoning and those early demons are clearly behind him.

Prediction: Tennessee 17, Baltimore 13

NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers

The No. 1 seed San Francisco 49ers will host the No. 6 seed Minnesota Vikings to kick off NFL playoff action on Saturday in the NFC Divisional Round. It’s loser-go-home football at this point with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line.

Following a snake-bitten 2018 campaign that saw San Francisco win just four games, the 2019 regular season concluded in storybook fashion for the 13-3 Niners. A road victory over division rival Seattle in the season finale provided them with their first NFC West title since 2012. More importantly, the 49ers clinched the top playoff spot in the NFC — earning a first-round bye and the privilege of hosting their first-ever postseason game inside Levi's Stadium. Fresh off that bye, Kyle Shanahan's Niners look to extend their dominant season and advance to the NFC Championship Game with a win over the Vikings on Saturday.

The No. 3 seed Saints had every intention of riding back to the conference title game, beginning with a victory against Minnesota. But Mike Zimmer's Vikings had other plans, as the No. 6 seed stunned the Saints on their home field in a 26-20 overtime thriller in the NFC Wild Card Round last Sunday. It marked Minnesota’s first playoff road win in 15 years, providing a big boost of momentum in the process. But will that be enough for the upset-minded Vikings to steal another playoff victory on the road — this time coming off a short week against the top-seeded Niners? It’s a tall order, but the Vikings can prove the naysayers wrong once again.

Saturday's matchup will mark the 48th meeting all-time between the Vikings and 49ers. The series is deadlocked at 23-23-1, although San Francisco holds a 4-1 edge in postseason games.

NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota at San Francisco

Kickoff: Saturday, Jan. 11 at 4:35 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Spread: 49ers -7

Three Things to Watch

1. The battle in the trenches

There are plenty of intriguing matchups worth paying close attention to in Saturday’s playoff showdown, but none are more compelling than the matchup between the respective offensive and defensive lines for both teams. Minnesota’s offensive line fared reasonably well in keeping a clean pocket for Kirk Cousins during the regular season, allowing just 28 sacks (7th fewest in the NFL) and 68 QB hits (5th fewest in the NFL). However, that could prove to be a tall task on Saturday.

The 49ers pass rush wasn’t quite as dominant down the stretch as it was earlier in the season. But with Dee Ford expected to return from injury to once again join forces with the likes of Nick Bosa (9 sacks), Arik Armstead (10 sacks) and DeForest Buckner (7.5 sacks), this talented group of pass rushers could collectively return to the elite form that wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks during the first half of the season. Fresh off their first open date since Week 4, it’s hard not to like their chances to do just that.

A San Francisco offensive line that gave up 36 sacks during the regular season faces an equally daunting challenge in keeping the heat off Jimmy Garoppolo on Saturday. Not only did the Vikings rack up the same number of sacks as the 49ers during the regular season (48), the Minnesota pass rush can be just as dominant when it's hitting on all cylinders. Just ask a top-5 Saints offensive line, which struggled mightily to contain the Vikings pass rush on its way to giving up three sacks and seven quarterback hits in last week’s losing effort. Minnesota's pressure also forced Drew Brees into two costly turnovers, including a pivotal sack-strip by Danielle Hunter late in the fourth quarter.

Hunter, who has 16 sacks on the season (including 1.5 last week against the Saints), will once again lead the charge against the Niners on Saturday, complemented nicely by fellow pass rushers Everson Griffen (9.5 sacks) and Ifeadi Odenigbo (7 sacks). Hunter will be paired against second-year right tackle Mike McGlinchey, while Griffen and Odenigbo will try to impose their will against 13-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler Joe Staley at left tackle. It should make for a great show in the trenches.

2. The quarterbacks

Despite a successful eight-year career in the NFL, depending on who you ask, the one thing missing on Kirk Cousins resume’ was a playoff win. He finally got it, and he looked good in the process against what was thought to be a superior Saints team on the road. The question is: Can he do it again?

The circumstances are eerily similar to last week. Cousins will once again be on the road, facing what looks to be superior opposition. In addition to trying to remain upright in the face of the aforementioned San Francisco pass rush, Cousins will be matched against the 49ers top-ranked pass defense, which has given up just 169.2 passing yards per game. Further complicating matters, the San Francisco defense could be at full strength for the first time in several weeks if star linebacker Kwon Alexander and safety Jaquiski Tartt are given the green light to return, which appears likely.

The good news is that Cousins has more than enough weapons to overcome such a matchup if he is in top form. Wide receiver Adam Thielen put together a huge 7-catch, 129-yard performance last week and also set up the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Tight end Kyle Rudolph, Cousin's favorite red-zone target, ultimately scored that game-winning touchdown. And while big-play wide receiver Stefon Diggs was relatively quiet last week, it's unlikely that he will be silenced two weeks in a row. Cousins can also count on running back Dalvin Cook and tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the passing game. The only concern is the health of both Thielen and Diggs. Thielen is listed as questionable after receiving stitches for an ankle injury suffered in Wednesday's practice. At this point, the expectation is that he will play but no one, including Thielen, is making any guarantees. Diggs missed practices on Tuesday and Wednesday because of the flu was not listed on the final injury report so he should be good to go for Saturday.

Despite sporting two Super Bowl rings from his time with the Patriots, San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be making his first-ever playoff start on Saturday. And like Kirk Cousins, Garoppolo’s challenge will be significant against a star-studded Vikings defense that managed to temper Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints attack just last week. In addition to Minnesota’s stellar pass rush, the Vikings feature a pair of ball-hawking safeties in Anthony Harris (NFL-best 7 interceptions this season) and Harrison Smith to go along with an All-Pro linebacker in Eric Kendricks that excels in pass coverage.

Fortunately for Garoppolo, the Minnesota pass defense also has its weaknesses. The most glaring of which are at cornerback, where Xavier Rhodes has struggled to regain his All-Pro form this season, and former first-round pick Trae Waynes has yet to really live up to his potential. And with injuries to Mackensie Alexander and Mike Hughes, the Minnesota secondary also finds itself a bit short-handed heading into Saturday. That bodes well for Garoppolo and a solid Niners supporting cast. Dynamic rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel has emerged as a reliable go-to target for Garoppolo, along with veteran wideout Emmanuel Sanders. But as per usual, All-Pro tight end George Kittle will be the key to success for the 49er passing attack on Saturday

3. The running game looms large

While the respective quarterbacks for each of these teams will garner most of the attention heading into Saturday’s NFC divisional tilt, it will likely be the team that puts together the best rushing attack that steals the show. A successful ground game is of particular importance for the Vikings, who will need to lean heavily on running back Dalvin Cook.

The third-year back earned Pro Bowl honors, rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns despite missing the final two games of the regular season with a shoulder injury. The good news is that Cook appeared fresh in his return to action in last week’s playoff win against the Saints, totaling 130 yards-from-scrimmage and a pair of touchdowns. He will look to parlay that success in a favorable matchup against a San Francisco run defense that ranked 17th in the league during the regular season, giving up 113 rushing yards per game.

San Francisco will rely on its three-headed monster to carry the load against a Minnesota run defense that ranked 13th in the NFL this season, allowing 108 yards per contest. The potent trio consisting of Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida, and Raheem Mostert combined for 1,939 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground during the regular season, giving the Niners the second-best rushing attack in the NFL — averaging 144 yards per game.

You can probably expect Mostert, who has emerged as the star of the Niners run game in recent weeks, to do most of the heavy lifting against the Vikings on Saturday. Mostert is averaging an impressive 5.6 yards per carry and has scored at least one touchdown in each of the 49ers last six games.

Final Analysis

This should make for a great matchup between two teams that both feature standout defenses, potent run games, and more than capable passing attacks. A supremely confident Minnesota team will look for momentum to be the great equalizer following last week’s upset of New Orleans. But will it be enough to pull off another colossal playoff upset on the road?

It should help keep things close, along with the possibility of Jimmy Garoppolo coming out of the gate a bit shaky in his first career playoff start. However, coming off a short week to face a well-rested San Francisco squad on their home field is simply too big of a hurdle to overcome. Garoppolo eventually rises to the occasion to help the 49ers survive and advance to the NFC title game with their first playoff victory in six years.

Prediction: 49ers 24, Vikings 20

I have no idea on what the Rams Salary Cap situation will be when Free Agency begins but are there any thoughts and/or opinions on what Free Agents the Rams might pursue? I am guessing the Rams might be looking to improve their OL (Pretty Obvious!), DL and LB but what other positions (RB, Backup QB, KR, etc) do you think they will be keying on during the off-season? Am I wrong that I would like to see the Rams get a little more NASTINESS (I am probably the ONLY Rams Fan that has missed OG Richie Incognito/I know he definitely had some temper issues and he had more than his share of BAD Penalties but I loved his Passion & Physical Play!) from their players next season?

this game was the winner in the polls so will be featured in this weeks PTS contest.

you know the rules, so let's see those predictions

GO

Cancer got him at 67

As we wait for some sort of move by the Rams (it does seem like maybe McVay is waiting for the national championship game to finish) I figured I'd throw up some potentials starting with some assistants around the league who haven't been DC yet but have been under good DCs and coaching staffs with some success.




Mike Caldwell enters his first season with the Buccaneers in 2019.

Caldwell joins Tampa Bay after having spent the past four seasons working as the assistant head coach/inside linebackers coach with the New York Jets under current Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles, then the Jets’ head coach. During Caldwell’s time with the Jets, the team posted one of the best run defenses in the NFL, holding teams to just 4.00 yards per carry, the sixth-lowest figure in the NFL during that span. In Caldwell’s first season with the Jets, his unit was part of a defense that set a franchise record with just 83.4 rushing yards allowed per game.

Under Caldwell’s guidance, Jets linebackers excelled, posting some of the best statistical seasons of their careers. In 2018, Avery Williamson – a free agent addition to the Jets – led the team in tackles, posting a career-high 120, while chipping in 3.0 sacks to go along with career bests in passes defensed (six) and forced fumbles (two). The 2017 season saw Demario Davis post a career-best 135 tackles, while establishing a then-career high with 5.0 sacks.

Before his time with the Jets, Caldwell spent two seasons coaching linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals (2013-14). The Cardinals’ 2013 unit led the NFL in run defense (84.4 yards allowed per game) while posting the sixth-best overall defense.

Caldwell began his coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles, working first as a training camp intern (2007) before spending two seasons as a defensive quality control coach (2008-09). He then spent the 2010 season as the Eagles’ assistant linebackers coach before being elevated to linebackers coach, a position he held for two seasons (2011-12).

An 11-year NFL veteran, Caldwell played with the Cleveland Browns (1993-95), Baltimore Ravens (1996), Arizona Cardinals (1997), Philadelphia Eagles (1998-2001), Chicago Bears (2002) and Carolina Panthers (2003).

He and his wife, Sue, have three children – two daughters, Sydnei and Saniah, and a son, Simeon. His daughter Sydnei is a freshman basketball player at Arizona State University.

Seems to be what the tea leaves are saying...

Storm headed toward Green Bay could dump 8-10 inches Saturday ahead of Packers playoff game

GREEN BAY - As we inch toward the Packers-Seahawks playoff game Sunday, a potential winter storm also inches closer to us.

The Seattle Seahawks will take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field at 5:40 p.m. Sunday, but fans may have to contend with gusty winds and up to 10 inches of fresh snow. Hundreds of fans will be needed to shovel out the stadium, too.

A potential winter storm is shaping up to arrive in the region Saturday night with the heaviest snowfall over Green Bay and other parts of eastern Wisconsin.

The snow will continue overnight, moving out by Sunday. Strong 30 to 40 mph winds will also bring another possible round of ice shoves and flooding Saturday.



The direction of the storm is still unclear, so forecasts of snow amounts could change.

"The storm is still getting its act together, so we need to wait until it's showing consistency and have a better confidence level for the eastern third of Wisconsin," said Tasos Kallas, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Ashwaubenon.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, though, northeast Wisconsin was estimated to get around 8 to 10 inches beginning early Saturday afternoon, said Roy Eckberg, a meteorologist in the National Weather Service office in Ashwaubenon, near Lambeau Field. The snow is expected to taper off by sunrise Sunday.

Strong winds and lingering freezing drizzle also make blowing snow, more ice shoves, and lakeshore flooding possible throughout the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from 3 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday for Door, Waupaca, Outagamie, Brown, Kewaunee, Waushara, Winnebago, Calumet, Manitowoc and southern Oconto counties.

Shovel out Lambeau

The Packers are calling for 700 shovelers to start at 6 a.m. — the first ever such request for the same day as a game, team officials said. The team has paid community members to shovel at least twice earlier this season, but it was before game day.

Folks coming to Green Bay Saturday night will be driving through a snowstorm if they're passing through Milwaukee.

Starting Friday evening, freezing rain and snow are possible from Janesville to Milwaukee. Then the snowstorm will move into southern Wisconsin Saturday night.

Temperatures for the game are still expected to be in the mid-20s, so people may not need to worry about a repeat Ice Bowl just yet.

The Packers' coldest home game on record was minus 13 degrees on Dec. 31, 1967, when they beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17.

The second coldest game at Lambeau was Jan. 20, 2008, when Green Bay lost to the New York Giants in the NFC championship game, 23-20. It was minus-1 at game time.

In their last home playoff game, a wildcard win over the Giants on Jan. 8, 2017, the temperature was 14 degrees.

Saints have a $21.3 million cap charge looming for Drew Brees

The Saints will see the $13.5 million in dead money that the Patriots will carry for Tom Brady in 2020 and raise it by $7.8 million.

Tom Curran’s story of the dead money attached to Tom Brady’s soon-to-be-voiding contract conjured memories of the cap mess to be created by Drew Brees in New Orleans. As explained last March, a restructuring that dropped his cap number for 2019 from $33.5 million to $22.7 million pushed the total for 2020 to be carried in Brees’ name to $21.3 million, whether he’s on the team or not.

And if he’s on the team, a new contract will have to both pay Brees and account for the dead money.

The Saints have been down this road before. Two years ago, Brees had $18 million in dead money that needed to be engineered via his new deal. Eventually, Brees signed a two-year, $50 million deal to stay with the Saints.

Regardless of what happens next, the Saints at some point will have to bite the Brees bullet when he makes his exit, taking the cap charge for millions previously paid to Brees. Fortunately for the Saints, the cap keeps going up and up and up, and it could skyrocket if/when the league and the NFL Players Association reach a new labor deal, followed by a new round of TV contracts.

Making the Hall of Fame case for Torry Holt: By the numbers

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will introduce its newest class on Feb. 1, the night before Super Bowl LIV in Miami. Two Rams legends, wide receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, are among the 15 modern-era player finalists. Additionally, former head coach Dick Vermeil is one of eight coaches who are Centennial Slate Hall of Fame finalists, commemorating the NFL's 100th season.

In the first of a series of articles spotlighting the two players and the coach, theRams.com examines noteworthy numbers from Holt's career that make his case for induction.

13,382 – Career receiving yards, 15th-most all-time in NFL history.

2000-09 – Holt was named to the NFL's all-decade team for the 2000s.

1,696 – Career-high for receiving yards in a single season, recorded in 2003. Holt, who also finished with 1,635 in 2000, is one of only five wide receivers since the 1970 merger to surpass 1,600 yards in a single season twice, according to Pro Football Reference.

920 – Career receptions, 18th-most all-time among wide receivers in NFL history. Only 21 other receivers in league history have surpassed 900 catches.

117 – Career-high for receptions in a single season, 17th-best since the merger.

74 – Career touchdowns.

12 – Career-high for touchdowns in a single season, recorded in 2003.

11 – Seasons played in the NFL, 10 of which were with the Rams.

10 – Games with 100 or more receiving yards in 2003. Only eight other receivers post-merger have had 10 or more games of at least 100 receiving yards in a single season, per Pro Football Reference.

8 – Consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving and 80 or more receptions, both from 2000-07. Per Pro Football Reference, only two other receivers accomplished this feat – Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison – and both are in the Hall of Fame.

7 – Consecutive seasons Holt led the Rams in receiving (2002-08). Holt was also a seven-time Pro-Bowler.

6 – Consecutive seasons with 1,300 plus receiving yards (2000-05). Since the 1970 merger, he was the only player to claim the feat until Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones joined him with 1,394 in 2019, according to Pro Football Reference (2014-19).

1 – Holt helped the Rams win a Super Bowl in his rookie season with the club. He finished with 52 catches for 788 yards and six touchdowns to earn the team's Rookie of the Year award.

Making the Hall of Fame case for Isaac Bruce: By the numbers

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will introduce its newest class on Feb. 1, the night before Super Bowl LIV in Miami. Two Rams legends, wide receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, are among the 15 modern-era player finalists. Additionally, former head coach Dick Vermeil is one of eight coaches who are Centennial Slate Hall of Fame finalists, commemorating the NFL's 100th season.

In the first of a series of articles spotlighting the two players and the coach, theRams.com examines noteworthy numbers from Bruce's career that make his case for induction.

15,208 – Career receiving yards, fifth-most in NFL history. At the time Bruce retired, the total was second-most all-time in NFL history.

1,781 – Receiving yards in his second NFL season (1995), a career-high and fifth-most in a single season in NFL history.

1,024 – Career receptions, 13th-most all-time. Only 13 other players in league history have caught 1,000 or more passes, according to Pro Football Reference.

1996 – Year he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,338.

162 – Receiving yards, plus six catches (including the game-winning 73-yard touchdown catch) in the Rams' 23-16 Super Bowl XXXIV victory.

119 – Career-high for receptions in a single season and 14th-most in a single season in NFL history.

91 – Career receiving touchdowns, 12th-most all-time in NFL history.

34 – Bruce's first career catch was a 34-yard touchdown grab.

16 – Seasons played in the NFL, 14 of which were with the Rams. Only 15 other wide receivers in league history accrued 16 or more seasons, per Pro Football Reference.

12 – Seasons with at least 50 catches. There have been 10 other receivers in league history who have accomplished this feat. Five of them are in the Hall of Fame, while the others are either recently retired and not yet eligible for the Hall of Fame or still active.

8 – 1,000 yard receiving seasons in his career.

4 – Number of Pro Bowls Bruce was named to.

3 – Only player in NFL history with three straight games with 170 or more receiving yards. Bruce had 181 vs. Colts, 191 vs. Falcons and 173 vs. 49ers across Weeks 5-7 in 1995.

2 – Started in two NFC championship games and two Super Bowls.

1 – Bruce retired as the Rams' all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Cameron DaSilva
10 hours ago

The Los Angeles Rams made a big change to their coaching staff this week, parting ways with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. He’s the only defensive coordinator Sean McVay’s had since joining the Rams in 2017, but the Rams opted not to renew his contract and keep him aboard.
The search for a replacement is well underway, though there’s been no indication as to who the Rams will hire. They could promote someone already on the staff such as Aubrey Pleasant or Joe Barry, which would make the transition from Phillips much easier. They’ll also likely interview and consider outside candidates, with Kris Richard being a coach who would make a lot of sense.

Whoever the Rams hire, though, one thing should remain the same: the 3-4 front. When the Rams let go of Phillips, there was rampant speculation and curiosity about them switching back to a 4-3 scheme, which they previously ran.

Different coaches prefer different defensive fronts, be it a 3-4 or a 4-3. With how frequently teams use nickel packages, keeping only two inside linebackers on the field, 3-4 versus 4-3 isn’t as significant a difference as it once was. However, for the Rams, switching to a 4-3 defense would be a major change.
It would also be an unwise one.
They simply don’t have the players to fit the scheme, especially with three key defenders set to hit free agency. The biggest issue comes at one of the most important positions on that side of the ball: defensive end.
Los Angeles doesn’t have any great options to fit that role. Dante Fowler Jr. played there with the Jaguars and would make the transition from outside linebacker easily, but he’s also a free agent who will command a hefty price tag. Clay Matthews wouldn’t play defensive end, and both Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo have only played outside linebacker.
Here’s what a hypothetical depth chart would look like in a 4-3 defense with the players the Rams have under contract.

• DE: Morgan Fox
• DT: Aaron Donald
• NT: Sebastian Joseph-Day/Greg Gaines
• DE: Samson Ebukam
• OLB: Travin Howard
• MLB: Micah Kiser/Troy Reeder
• OLB: Kenny Young

Not exactly an enticing group of players, huh? Of course, having Cory Littleton at one of the outside linebacker spots would help that group immensely, as would Fowler at defensive end. Michael Brockers would be replaced by Joseph-Day or Gaines, making him unlikely to return as a free agent.
And there’s always free agency and the draft to add reinforcements, during which the Rams will focus heavily on defense. That doesn’t mean they’ll be able to find an immediate starter at any of those spots, however.
The transition to a 4-3 defense would come with a lot of growing pains, and it would be a slow switch. In fact, the Rams might have to wait a year to do it – if they hire a coordinator who wants to make that change. It would require them to draft players who better fit a 4-3 scheme this year, who in turn may not fit well in a 3-4 front temporarily.
The defense would endure a real setback in 2020 if the switch is made, which may not be something the Rams can afford with all of their pending free agents. They’d be better off to develop the young talent they drafted for a 3-4 scheme and hope the next coordinator can get the most out of them.

Cameron DaSilva

8 hours ago

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)


The Los Angeles Rams are bound to make several changes to their roster this offseason leading into the 2020 campaign, especially with three coaches no longer with the team. Whether it’s backups working their way into starting roles or free agents and rookies taking over, there will be a lot of new faces next season.

There will also be younger players who will develop and find themselves in bigger roles. These four players, in particular, could become bigger parts of the offense and defense, depending on how the offseason goes for them.


RB Darrell Henderson

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)


Henderson came into the NFL with a great deal of hype surrounding him – especially after Les Snead said he gave the Rams a “Kamara element” at running back. His rookie season came and went without much flare, however. He carried the ball 39 times for 147 yards, catching only four passes for 37 yards.
In a season where Todd Gurley missed one game and was clearly on a load management plan, it’s mind-blowing that Henderson didn’t get more opportunities. He only carried the ball 10 times in the second half of the season, with 22 of his 39 attempts coming in Weeks 7 and 8 against the lowly Bengals and Falcons.
Henderson averaged only 5.6 attempts per broken tackle, compared to Gurley’s rate of 10.6. He eluded defenders at a high rate and showed he can be an effective runner in the NFL. Next season, he deserves a larger role – whether Gurley is back or not.


OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Okoronkwo was blocked by Dante Fowler Jr., Clay Matthews and even Samson Ebukam on the depth chart this season, but Fowler may leave in free agency, Matthews could be a cap casualty and Ebukam isn’t significantly better.

In limited action, Okoronkwo showed the ability to get to the quarterback, even if he didn’t do so consistently enough to earn significant playing time. While not a refined pass rusher, he landed four quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks on only 62 snaps played from Week 7 to Week 10 (three games).

If Fowler and Matthews are both gone in 2020, expect Okoronkwo to get more opportunities at outside linebacker opposite Ebukam and whoever else the Rams bring in.


CB Darious Williams

(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Williams played extremely well down the stretch for the Rams, picking off two passes in the final two games with four total pass breakups. Carving out a role in 2020 will be tough with Jalen Ramsey, Troy Hill and Nickell Robey-Coleman all presumably starting, but he should find himself as the No. 4 cornerback on the depth chart – yes, even ahead of David Long Jr.
That’s all dependent on how each plays during camp and the preseason, of course, but Williams has ball skills that can’t be ignored. The Rams should give him an opportunity to compete with Long for snaps next season as the dime cornerback.
It’s also possible (though unlikely) the Rams decline Robey-Coleman’s option for 2020 and insert either Long or Williams in as a starter, thus moving both players up the depth chart. Again, it’s unlikely to happen, but the Rams can save $4.5 million by moving on from Robey-Coleman.


ILB Travin Howard

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Rams have yet to find a starting-caliber linebacker next to Cory Littleton. Howard received more playing time in the final five games of the season, and for the most part, he held up fairly well in coverage. He broke up three passes and only allowed a completion rate of 60% when targeted. He also didn’t miss a single tackle on 16 attempts.
If Littleton leaves, Howard is a candidate to replace him at inside linebacker. Even if Littleton is back, Howard will have a chance to compete for snaps next to him. The Rams frequently gave those snaps to safety Marqui Christian, but they need a legitimate linebacker to take over that role next season.

The Rams continue to develop there own.

• DB Adonis Alexander
• DL Marquise Copeland
• WR Greg Dortch
• OLB Jeff Holland
• OG Jeremiah Kolone
• OLB Jachai Polite
• C Nate Trewyn
• TE Ethan Wolf
• QB John Wolford

Hated him as a head coach ....... but there's no denying he's one of the best d-coordinators in the game. Would probably be motivated to do great too, because it could lead to getting another gig as as HC somewhere else .

Wednesday, Jan 08, 2020 10:57 AM

Daily Dose: Troy Hill, Nickell Robey-Coleman recognized by PFF
By Stu Jackson

With the offseason underway, theRams.com will be taking a look around the internet for the top Rams headlines of the day. Here’s a look at what’s out there for Wednesday, January 8 about your Los Angeles Rams.

PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS' TOP 25 CORNERBACKS IN 2019 INCLUDE HILL, ROBEY-COLEMAN

The play of cornerbacks Troy Hill and Nickell Robey-Coleman this season landed them among Pro Football Focus' league-wide Top 25 for the position. Robey-Coleman checked in at No. 19, followed by Hill at No. 20.
"Nickell Robey-Coleman continues to solidify himself as one of the league’s best slot cornerbacks," wrote PFF analyst Solomon Wilcots, a former NFL defensive back. "He accelerates with quick closing speed after showing patience in press man-to-man coverage, and he is good enough to stick with receivers at the top of their routes."
Hill, meanwhile drew praise for allowing the fewest receptions (23) of any cornerback with a minimum of 300 coverage snaps.

"Hill was moved into a starting role after the Rams moved on from Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, but he has rewarded the move by developing into a primetime presence in the Rams' promising secondary," Wilcots wrote.

But I'm elderly. 55 last November.

Listen the Seahawks will always be an AFC team to me.

The Joe Montana led 49xxd will continually take a piece of my life daily.