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Edwin Jackson of the Colts killed by drunk driver
- By OldSchool
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 26 Replies
http://www.colts.com/news/article-1...-Jackson/ec094cf9-c3a8-4524-8fca-73425264297a
“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson
’s passing. Edwin was loved by all in the Colts organization. We admired his outgoing personality, competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths, and he will be greatly missed in our locker room and throughout our entire organization. We also understand that another person lost his life in the accident, only adding to our sorrow on this day. We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men during this difficult time.”
Reports are another motorist stopped his ride share vehicle when Jackson got ill and the two were standing next to the drivers F-150 when the drunk driver, who also doesn't have a license it seems, plowed into them killing both. Tragic news of yet more lives lost to idiots driving drunk. When will people learn?
“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson
’s passing. Edwin was loved by all in the Colts organization. We admired his outgoing personality, competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths, and he will be greatly missed in our locker room and throughout our entire organization. We also understand that another person lost his life in the accident, only adding to our sorrow on this day. We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men during this difficult time.”Reports are another motorist stopped his ride share vehicle when Jackson got ill and the two were standing next to the drivers F-150 when the drunk driver, who also doesn't have a license it seems, plowed into them killing both. Tragic news of yet more lives lost to idiots driving drunk. When will people learn?
Hall of Fame Class 2018
- By DaveFan'51
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 7 Replies
I haven't seen anyone post this yet, so here are the New Players going into the Hall of Fame!
* Brian Urlacher - LB - Bears
* Terrell Owens - WR - 49ers
* Randy Moss - WR - Vikings
* Ray Lewis - LB - Ravens
* Jerry Kramer - OG - Packers
* Brian Dawkins - Safety - Eagles
* Robert Brazille - LB - Houston Oilers
* Bobby Beathard - GM - Redskins
I guess this mean that Our Man B-R-U-U-U-C-E will make it in next year!! ( they could have gone 3 WR's instead of 3 LBers this year!!
* Brian Urlacher - LB - Bears
* Terrell Owens - WR - 49ers
* Randy Moss - WR - Vikings
* Ray Lewis - LB - Ravens
* Jerry Kramer - OG - Packers
* Brian Dawkins - Safety - Eagles
* Robert Brazille - LB - Houston Oilers
* Bobby Beathard - GM - Redskins
I guess this mean that Our Man B-R-U-U-U-C-E will make it in next year!! ( they could have gone 3 WR's instead of 3 LBers this year!!
Super Bowl: Eagles vs Patriots
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 369 Replies
https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl
Sunday, February 4, 2018
6:30 pm ET
U.S. Bank Stadium
The Backstory
Is there much left to say about this Super Bowl #rematch? The New England Patriots are back where they belong, in the big game for the eighth go-around this millennium. The Philadelphia Eagles, for the first time since Bill Belichick's first dynasty shuttered their dreams for a first Lombardi Trophy in 2005. The jersey colors are the same, but other than that, there is little that links this title game to Super Bowl XXXIX. That is except for one player and one coach.
Tom Brady might look younger now than back in '05 -- he can thank Alex Guerrero and walnut meat for his everlasting boyishness -- but at 40 years of age, he's a far different, far better quarterback now. While many of his contemporaries from the early aughts have fallen victim in Father Time's cruel ax (Peyton Manning, Mike Vick, Carson Palmer), Brady is aging like a fine wine, reminding scribes every Sunday that age ain't nothing but a number. Already the winningest quarterback in Super Bowl history, Brady is left competing only against himself.
After completing the greatest comeback in Super Bowl, nay, sports history in Super Bowl LI, having done the impossible in the process, the question has been asked in whispers this season: Are there any doubters left to silence? What else is there to play for? What's left to prove?
In the aftermath of the Deflategate controversy and his fifth title, Brady responded with a brilliant age-40 season, a historic feat and one that will likely earn him his third MVP award Saturday at NFL Honors. In winning a sixth Super Bowl this Sunday, Brady would raise the G.O.A.T. bar higher, approaching Michael Jordan-esque levels of legend never before experienced in modern football, an untouchable status of godly proportions. What's at stake, what's left to prove this weekend is a legacy, not just in the sport of football and not just Brady's. The Patriots, led by the man-boy wonder, can reach Yankees-like pinnacles in the minds of global sports fans -- impossible dominance in a league designed to discourage it.
With a sixth Super Bowl victory and in completing their second of three-in-four dynasties, the New England Patriots can become what Brady has pined and still pines to be: Immortal.
Philadelphia likes to think of itself as an underdog city, and its football team made clear this week it feels the same way. Despite winning the NFC East with a 13-3 record and securing the top seed in the conference, the Eagles entered the postseason as surprising underdogs, having lost MVP-candidate quarterback Carson Wentz to an ACL tear and replacing him with supposed also-ran Nick Foles.
But something magical, or at the very least unexpected, happened over the course of two weeks. Driven by the national perception that they were doomed, the Eagles embraced the "underdog" role, going so far as to don spooky German Shepard masks as a taunt to their many skeptics, and slew Atlanta and Minnesota in back-to-back weeks.
"Underdog" is a moniker barely warranted by their performance all season, but one that was well worn during the gauntlet that is Super Bowl week. This mentality was best described by Eagles coach Doug Pederson, who before his second season in charge in Philly had his fair share of detractors: "I've been an underdog my whole career, my whole life. Everything I've done, I either haven't been good enough or something negative has been written or said, and I just blow it off. I have confidence in these guys and this team."
The Eagles are taking this personally. Every pregame pick against them, every knock against their quarterback, every shot across the bow of their emotional fan base is a snipe at the individual players wearing midnight green and black. Despite the fact that Philly boasts one of the league's best-constructed rosters, one arguably better built than that of their Super Bowl opponents', many see the Eagles as inferior. Beating the supposed greatest quarterback, coach and organization of all-time would be the ultimate validation of Philadelphia's resolve and city-wide spirit
Players to Watch
Nick Foles, QB, Eagles: The once-mocked, now-celebrated Wentz fill-in is the most surprising, under-prepared quarterback to play in a Super Bowl since Chicago's Rex Grossman in XLI. NFL Network's Gregg Rosenthal ranked Foles 57th out of 60 quarterbacks to start a Super Bowl, ahead of Sexy Rexy, David Woodley and Tony Eason.
Foles' return to form has been fascinating to watch. Cast off by the Eagles in 2015 following an outstanding 2013 season, Foles was about to give up football altogether and become a pastor after unsuccessful stints in St. Louis and Kansas City. But Philly reacquired him in the offseason to back up Wentz, and Foles was called into duty when the starter went down for the count. Foles shrugged off a poor close to the season with two stellar playoff starts, including his unbelievable NFC Championship Game performance; according to Pro Football Focus, Foles had the fifth-best playoff game by any QB since 2006 in the Eagles' blowout win over Minnesota. So the looming question over Minneapolis this week is can Foles do it again? Is this moment, so distant from his mind just half a year ago, too big for him?
From a football standpoint, the book on Foles is this (we think): He performs poorly under pressure (64.2 passer rating), has outstanding success on run-pass option plays (93.8 comp. pct.) and only recently found his deep ball (158.3 rating last week; 7.5 rating entering the title game). In New England, Foles faces a steadily improving pass rush and a secondary that no longer gives up the big plays it did during the season's first quarter. Still, Foles is the ultimate wild card; there's no telling how Foles will react to the big stage against a team that has had two weeks to game-plan for him. His teammates believe in him, but it's fair to wonder: Will we see the flea-flicking gunslinger or the tepid journeyman?
Dion Lewis, RB, Patriots: This is a quasi-revenge game for the former Eagles back. Drafted in 2011 by Philadelphia and jobless by 2014, the undersized and underappreciated Lewis found a home in New England, where he has developed into a top-10 back. His special combination of elusiveness, speed and YAC-ability made him the Patriots' go-to back in a deep stable of runners down the stretch; his game-clinching third-down conversion against Jacksonville was a picture-perfect look at what makes "The Weapon" special.
Last year, James White got the glory -- and 20 touches -- during New England's comeback attempt. This year, with LeGarrette Blount now on the opposing sideline, the onus will be on Lewis to pick up five yards a touch (his league-leading average in 2017), keep the pressure off Brady and keep New England out of a multi-score hole. Set to be a free agent after 2017, Lewis can prove his worth to New England, the league and his former team in one fell swoop
Key matchup
It's too easy, and even incorrect, to say this crucial clash will be determined by Philly's front seven versus New England's offensive line. "But that's how you beat Brady! Knock him on his ass! The Giants and Broncos did it!" Shut your face, figment of my imagination. No QB has been better than Brady under pressure this season (95.5 passer rating, per PFF), and Tommy Boy has finished in the top five in passer rating under pressure in the past three seasons.
The more interesting matchup with those units is between New England's receiving weapons and Philly's young corners. As Danny Amendola's title-game performance proved, Brady can dice up any secondary in the league, even without Gronk on the field, as long as he trusts his receivers and anticipates their timing. Amendola reaped the benefits against Jacksonville, but Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan and even Philip Dorsett all played pivotal roles. With Gronk good to go against Philly, New England has a healthy crew of receiving options to attack an Eagles secondary greatly improved since Ronald Darby returned from injury.
After frustrating Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, can Philly's back line (Darby, Jalen Mills, Patrick Robinson) hold up against New England's dink-and-dunk attack, led by the most incisive quarterback of his generation?
Prediction
Philadelphia boasts the better roster, the hotter defense and the sexier story. If Wentz was healthy and under center, the Eagles might even be favored in the minds of Nevadan lever-pullers. But he isn't, and regardless of how Foles has played the past games, Philly has a significant disadvantage under center.
In a QB-driven league, where so much of a team's fortunes in-season and in-game rely on the split-second instincts of one individual, New England holds the ultimate trump card in Brady, a smoothie-sucking cyborg who can overcome any game situation, whether he is up by one score at halftime or down 25 points with 18 minutes to play.
It sounds cliche, but Brady, Belichick and the Patriots will win their sixth title because they have been here before, more often than any QB-coach pairing in NFL history. Their in-game awareness and ability to adapt mid-game or -drive is unparalleled and lethal. Against this dynasty, all teams have been, are and will be underdogs. The Eagles, regardless of how they feel, are no different.
New England Patriots 24, Philadelphia Eagles 19
Aaron Donald Defensive Player of the Year
- By Young Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 39 Replies
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...donald-named-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year
Aaron Donald named NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Aaron Donald didn't lead the NFL in sacks, tackles, or forced fumbles (almost). It doesn't matter.
Donald is the best defensive player in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle was officially crowned as such on Saturday when he was named 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press at the seventh-annual NFL Honors in Minneapolis.
Donald plays a position that is one of the most difficult to rack up gaudy numbers, yet he impacts a game more than any other player. He routinely rushes right past opposing linemen, using incredible burst. Double teams struggle to contain him. He plays disciplined, powerful defense, engaging a defender and maintaining a neutral position with the ability to shoot either the A or B gaps, depending on where the ballcarrier heads in a technique called "two-gapping."
For those seeking numbers: 32 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and one pass defensed (in 14 games). Per Next Gen Stats, he recorded 65 pressures. Pro Football Focus has Donald at 91 total pressures for the season (66 hurries) and rated him as the NFL's most-productive pass rusher. PFF also gave Donald a 99.7 grade -- the best grade for any player in the entire league.
"When I think about Aaron Donald, he's probably in my opinion, the best defensive player I've ever played against in terms of actually playing in a game against," Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson told reporters in December. "That's a pretty big statement; I've played against some really good guys. I think back to my rookie year and my second year when I played against guys like [Navarro] Bowman and [Patrick] Willis and all of those guys are in my head, the top guys I've ever played.
"I think about a guy like Aaron Donald, he's definitely there too as well, so I have tremendous respect for how he plays the game. He's really, really tough, he's really quick, and he's pretty special. You look forward to those matchups just because those are things that you'll remember and those are the things that you'll tell your kids one day 'I played against this guy,' and those are fun things. He's definitely one of those guys that will probably be a Hall of Famer no doubt."
For those seeking the tape, one can cue up his three-sack performance in a dominant win over division-rival Seattle. They can marvel at the quickness with which Donald moves from momentary hesitation to rushing past a Texans lineman on a sack of Tom Savage. But if they truly want to understand Donald's impact, a four-and-a-half-minute highlight of Donald's play in a playoff loss to Atlanta will do the trick:
Login to view embedded media
Donald only recorded a half-sack in that game, and yet, the reel is almost five minutes long. He was constantly harassing Matt Ryan, frequently on the precipice of a quarterback takedown and almost always in the backfield. That game explained Donald in 60 minutes of action.
He even knocked the socks off veteran defensive genius Wade Phillips, who revamped Los Angeles' defense in his first season, switching from a 4-3 to 3-4 and in turn, teaching his personnel to play in a different style. Despite holding out until Sept. 9, Donald was a quick study.
"Aaron Donald, because he's better than everybody, and I didn't know he was better than everybody," Phillips said in December.
He'll have to continue to battle for a major payday for one more offseason before he's finally freed from his rookie deal, but he's done enough to warrant it now. He is the best defender in the NFL.
Aaron Donald named NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- By Nick Shook NFL.com
- Published: Feb. 3, 2018 at 06:24 p.m.
Aaron Donald didn't lead the NFL in sacks, tackles, or forced fumbles (almost). It doesn't matter.
Donald is the best defensive player in the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle was officially crowned as such on Saturday when he was named 2017 NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press at the seventh-annual NFL Honors in Minneapolis.
Donald plays a position that is one of the most difficult to rack up gaudy numbers, yet he impacts a game more than any other player. He routinely rushes right past opposing linemen, using incredible burst. Double teams struggle to contain him. He plays disciplined, powerful defense, engaging a defender and maintaining a neutral position with the ability to shoot either the A or B gaps, depending on where the ballcarrier heads in a technique called "two-gapping."
For those seeking numbers: 32 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and one pass defensed (in 14 games). Per Next Gen Stats, he recorded 65 pressures. Pro Football Focus has Donald at 91 total pressures for the season (66 hurries) and rated him as the NFL's most-productive pass rusher. PFF also gave Donald a 99.7 grade -- the best grade for any player in the entire league.
"When I think about Aaron Donald, he's probably in my opinion, the best defensive player I've ever played against in terms of actually playing in a game against," Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson told reporters in December. "That's a pretty big statement; I've played against some really good guys. I think back to my rookie year and my second year when I played against guys like [Navarro] Bowman and [Patrick] Willis and all of those guys are in my head, the top guys I've ever played.
"I think about a guy like Aaron Donald, he's definitely there too as well, so I have tremendous respect for how he plays the game. He's really, really tough, he's really quick, and he's pretty special. You look forward to those matchups just because those are things that you'll remember and those are the things that you'll tell your kids one day 'I played against this guy,' and those are fun things. He's definitely one of those guys that will probably be a Hall of Famer no doubt."
For those seeking the tape, one can cue up his three-sack performance in a dominant win over division-rival Seattle. They can marvel at the quickness with which Donald moves from momentary hesitation to rushing past a Texans lineman on a sack of Tom Savage. But if they truly want to understand Donald's impact, a four-and-a-half-minute highlight of Donald's play in a playoff loss to Atlanta will do the trick:
Login to view embedded media
Donald only recorded a half-sack in that game, and yet, the reel is almost five minutes long. He was constantly harassing Matt Ryan, frequently on the precipice of a quarterback takedown and almost always in the backfield. That game explained Donald in 60 minutes of action.
He even knocked the socks off veteran defensive genius Wade Phillips, who revamped Los Angeles' defense in his first season, switching from a 4-3 to 3-4 and in turn, teaching his personnel to play in a different style. Despite holding out until Sept. 9, Donald was a quick study.
"Aaron Donald, because he's better than everybody, and I didn't know he was better than everybody," Phillips said in December.
He'll have to continue to battle for a major payday for one more offseason before he's finally freed from his rookie deal, but he's done enough to warrant it now. He is the best defender in the NFL.
Hall of Fame weekend is a reminder of how criminally underrated Isaac Bruce is
- By JKBOGEN
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 41 Replies
Hall of Fame weekend is a reminder of how criminally underrated Isaac Bruce is
February 3, 2018
By:
Jake Ellenbogen
The Hall of Fame is here once again and it's just about the time for the Rams legendary WR Isaac Bruce to be snubbed once again. When you talk about the Hall of Fame and you talk about Wide receivers, the two just don't go together. It took former leading receiver Art Monk forever to finally get in the Hall. Bruce retired as the second all-time in receiving, only behind the Greatest of All Time, Jerry Rice. So, Bruce has been snubbed consistently since his eligibility in 2015. Why should we believe today won't be any different?
Bruce has remained humble throughout this whole process but lately, you can tell it's starting to get ridiculous to him. Bruce has recently gone on NFL Network and talked about how he checks all of the boxes of being a Hall of Fame receiver and of course, he said he's been a Hall of Famer since 1994, his rookie year. This is not even going to be about Terrell Owens or Randy Moss. Quite honestly, Moss is probably better than both but the overall issue is how much higher Owens and Moss are placed above Bruce. It's easy to forget that Bruce is one of the greatest route runners of all time and the greatest one of all, everyone puts such a premium on Super Bowl rings but are we going to look away from the fact Bruce stepped up to the plate and helped his team win a Super Bowl while Owens and Moss could not do enough to win one?
The comedy of this whole thing is that you have media like ESPN who had their own Hall of Fame vote and Bruce amounted just nine votes out of 675. That's just absolutely appalling. If you need a reminder,
Bruce...
- Averaged more yards per reception than Terrell Owens
- Had the most dominant single-season out of all three of the WR finalists back in 1995 with minimal QB talent (Chris Miller & Mark Rypien)
- Proved before the Greatest Show on Turf he was a dominant receiver putting together good seasons with Tony Banks at QB
- Was only 54 receptions away from Terrell Owens career total and had 42 more receptions than Randy Moss
- Only had 104 less yards from scrimmage than Randy Moss
- Had to share opportunities/targets with Marshall Faulk (470 receptions, 4,071 receiving yards & 85 total touchdowns) and Torry Holt (805 receptions, 11,864 receiving yards & 71 receiving TD's)
Perhaps, maybe Bruce was in the wrong because he didn't do flashy celebrations of taking a pen out of his sock, pouring popcorn into his face-mask or pretending to moon the audience. Perhaps, being a humble and quiet receiver and a non-diva like Bruce was, doesn't get you enough pull with the voters. Look, the most obnoxious argument anyone can make against Bruce is when you penalize him for being in the Greatest Show on Turf. If anything, all the Greatest Show on Turf did for his stats was suppress them. Just between Holt and Faulk, they had a total of 1,275 receptions, 15,935 receiving yards and 156 total touchdowns. That isn't even including the 6,959 yards rushing by Faulk either. Clearly, Bruce is not far off from Owens and Moss even with the massive production split among future Hall of Fame WR Torry Holt and Hall of Fame RB Marshall Faulk. You also can't forget Steven Jackson's 5,000-plus total yards and 36 total touchdowns.
Owens, during his best single-season in 2001 had Garrison Hearst to split production with. After that, J.J. Stokes, who only had 585 receiving yards. Moss' best season with the Vikings he split production with Moe Williams, Kelly Campbell and Nate Burleson. Certainly, not anyone like the Greatest Show on Turf. Moss' best season with 23 touchdowns in New England, he only really had to split production with Wes Welker and Brady ended up throwing 50 touchdowns that season. Sure, being the guy with only a supporting cast around you makes it harder with constant double-teams but when we are talking Hall of Fame caliber players, that should be no problem and they should end up being force-fed the ball. It's quite honestly why Bruce fell short of 100 touchdowns while Owens and Moss had over 150. Impressive, yes, but Bruce also proved he could dominate with lesser talent at the QB spot and no supporting cast around him.
Regardless, when the Hall of Fame class of 2018 is announced tonight it will not be a shock to once again hear more players being put in front of Bruce, who has now waited his turn and will watch as players who have retired in 2012-2013 walk across the stage and be officially enshrined in Canton. Something about that should leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth, but the media's total disregard for Isaac Bruce has been the catalyst to the blatant disrespect he has received from the Hall of Fame. It's easy to say "Oh he will make it someday" it's also easy to look up and see the next wave of receivers that will take priority over him like Calvin Johnson & Larry Fitzgerald, that's not even mentioning the players, in general, that will take priority over Bruce such as Ed Reed, Champ Bailey & Tony Gonzalez. It's not going to be easy and it definitely isn't fair that Bruce will have to continue to wait but that's why he's one of the most criminally underrated players to ever play the game.
February 3, 2018
By:
Jake Ellenbogen
The Hall of Fame is here once again and it's just about the time for the Rams legendary WR Isaac Bruce to be snubbed once again. When you talk about the Hall of Fame and you talk about Wide receivers, the two just don't go together. It took former leading receiver Art Monk forever to finally get in the Hall. Bruce retired as the second all-time in receiving, only behind the Greatest of All Time, Jerry Rice. So, Bruce has been snubbed consistently since his eligibility in 2015. Why should we believe today won't be any different?
Bruce has remained humble throughout this whole process but lately, you can tell it's starting to get ridiculous to him. Bruce has recently gone on NFL Network and talked about how he checks all of the boxes of being a Hall of Fame receiver and of course, he said he's been a Hall of Famer since 1994, his rookie year. This is not even going to be about Terrell Owens or Randy Moss. Quite honestly, Moss is probably better than both but the overall issue is how much higher Owens and Moss are placed above Bruce. It's easy to forget that Bruce is one of the greatest route runners of all time and the greatest one of all, everyone puts such a premium on Super Bowl rings but are we going to look away from the fact Bruce stepped up to the plate and helped his team win a Super Bowl while Owens and Moss could not do enough to win one?
The comedy of this whole thing is that you have media like ESPN who had their own Hall of Fame vote and Bruce amounted just nine votes out of 675. That's just absolutely appalling. If you need a reminder,
Bruce...
- Averaged more yards per reception than Terrell Owens
- Had the most dominant single-season out of all three of the WR finalists back in 1995 with minimal QB talent (Chris Miller & Mark Rypien)
- Proved before the Greatest Show on Turf he was a dominant receiver putting together good seasons with Tony Banks at QB
- Was only 54 receptions away from Terrell Owens career total and had 42 more receptions than Randy Moss
- Only had 104 less yards from scrimmage than Randy Moss
- Had to share opportunities/targets with Marshall Faulk (470 receptions, 4,071 receiving yards & 85 total touchdowns) and Torry Holt (805 receptions, 11,864 receiving yards & 71 receiving TD's)
Perhaps, maybe Bruce was in the wrong because he didn't do flashy celebrations of taking a pen out of his sock, pouring popcorn into his face-mask or pretending to moon the audience. Perhaps, being a humble and quiet receiver and a non-diva like Bruce was, doesn't get you enough pull with the voters. Look, the most obnoxious argument anyone can make against Bruce is when you penalize him for being in the Greatest Show on Turf. If anything, all the Greatest Show on Turf did for his stats was suppress them. Just between Holt and Faulk, they had a total of 1,275 receptions, 15,935 receiving yards and 156 total touchdowns. That isn't even including the 6,959 yards rushing by Faulk either. Clearly, Bruce is not far off from Owens and Moss even with the massive production split among future Hall of Fame WR Torry Holt and Hall of Fame RB Marshall Faulk. You also can't forget Steven Jackson's 5,000-plus total yards and 36 total touchdowns.
Owens, during his best single-season in 2001 had Garrison Hearst to split production with. After that, J.J. Stokes, who only had 585 receiving yards. Moss' best season with the Vikings he split production with Moe Williams, Kelly Campbell and Nate Burleson. Certainly, not anyone like the Greatest Show on Turf. Moss' best season with 23 touchdowns in New England, he only really had to split production with Wes Welker and Brady ended up throwing 50 touchdowns that season. Sure, being the guy with only a supporting cast around you makes it harder with constant double-teams but when we are talking Hall of Fame caliber players, that should be no problem and they should end up being force-fed the ball. It's quite honestly why Bruce fell short of 100 touchdowns while Owens and Moss had over 150. Impressive, yes, but Bruce also proved he could dominate with lesser talent at the QB spot and no supporting cast around him.
Regardless, when the Hall of Fame class of 2018 is announced tonight it will not be a shock to once again hear more players being put in front of Bruce, who has now waited his turn and will watch as players who have retired in 2012-2013 walk across the stage and be officially enshrined in Canton. Something about that should leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth, but the media's total disregard for Isaac Bruce has been the catalyst to the blatant disrespect he has received from the Hall of Fame. It's easy to say "Oh he will make it someday" it's also easy to look up and see the next wave of receivers that will take priority over him like Calvin Johnson & Larry Fitzgerald, that's not even mentioning the players, in general, that will take priority over Bruce such as Ed Reed, Champ Bailey & Tony Gonzalez. It's not going to be easy and it definitely isn't fair that Bruce will have to continue to wait but that's why he's one of the most criminally underrated players to ever play the game.
DTR Draft Profile: Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
- By JKBOGEN
- NFL DRAFT / COLLEGE FOOTBALL
- 3 Replies
DTR Draft Profile: Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
February 3, 2018
Jake Ellenbogen
Who is the 6-foot-3 and 217 pound QB Kyle Lauletta?
He is the QB that is gaining the most buzz after the Senior Bowl. The former FCS prolific passer went to Mobile, Alabama and won the Senior Bowl MVP. He threw three touchdowns on 12 passes and really made a statement. The Richmond QB has gone through four offensive coordinators and has improved every season. Many like Lauletta as a developmental QB that whoever chooses him can groom, but others are starting to feel like Lauletta might be worth a day two pick.
Tape: Kyle Lauletta vs. William & Mary (2017)
Strengths
Lauletta is a quick processor of the game. Sure, he went against FCS competition but he made his presence felt at the Senior Bowl, displaying deep ball placement, escape-ability among other key strengths. Lauletta is very football savvy, he understands the situation and plays accordingly. This is someone that doesn't dominate in any area but is good at just about everything. While most QB's with the higher ceiling have mechanical issues with their throwing motion, Lauletta is clearly ahead of the curve with great mechanics. At the Senior Bowl he showed that no moment is too big for him.
Weaknesses
The only knock that you really hear with Lauletta is level of competition. He's sound in just about every area but doesn't have the arm strength that a top QB prospect would have. However, that was one of the knocks on Aaron Rodgers coming out and as you have seen, he improved on it.
How does he fit with the Rams?
Jared Goff is the guy moving forward, but Lauletta's fit with the Rams could certainly be in a backup/development role. The Rams have Sean Mannion who will hit free agency after the 2018 season and Brandon Allen who was brought over due to former QB coach Greg Olson and is coming off a back injury. Lauletta could quite honestly surpass Mannion as the backup. He has the experience of working with four different coordinators and offenses. The thing with Lauletta is he is eerily similar to Kirk Cousins, the QB that McVay coordinated in Washington. There is an obvious fit for Lauletta but it will depend how long he lasts on the board.
Draft Grade
Rounds 2 - 5
Player comparison
Kirk Cousins
Well, I mention it earlier in the article, Lauletta compares to Cousins. Why? Simply put, Cousins is good in all areas just like Lauletta is, but both of them do not have a mastery in any category. Cousins might have a much better arm but the two are very similar. Cousins was drafted behind a franchise QB and perhaps Lauletta will follow the same suit. Cousins is now about to be the most sought-after free agent in the league once the free agency period starts and Lauletta has a chance to pattern his career in the same way as Cousins. It sure will be interesting but right now this is the best comparison to Lauletta.
February 3, 2018
Jake Ellenbogen
Who is the 6-foot-3 and 217 pound QB Kyle Lauletta?
He is the QB that is gaining the most buzz after the Senior Bowl. The former FCS prolific passer went to Mobile, Alabama and won the Senior Bowl MVP. He threw three touchdowns on 12 passes and really made a statement. The Richmond QB has gone through four offensive coordinators and has improved every season. Many like Lauletta as a developmental QB that whoever chooses him can groom, but others are starting to feel like Lauletta might be worth a day two pick.
Tape: Kyle Lauletta vs. William & Mary (2017)
Strengths
Lauletta is a quick processor of the game. Sure, he went against FCS competition but he made his presence felt at the Senior Bowl, displaying deep ball placement, escape-ability among other key strengths. Lauletta is very football savvy, he understands the situation and plays accordingly. This is someone that doesn't dominate in any area but is good at just about everything. While most QB's with the higher ceiling have mechanical issues with their throwing motion, Lauletta is clearly ahead of the curve with great mechanics. At the Senior Bowl he showed that no moment is too big for him.
Weaknesses
The only knock that you really hear with Lauletta is level of competition. He's sound in just about every area but doesn't have the arm strength that a top QB prospect would have. However, that was one of the knocks on Aaron Rodgers coming out and as you have seen, he improved on it.
How does he fit with the Rams?
Jared Goff is the guy moving forward, but Lauletta's fit with the Rams could certainly be in a backup/development role. The Rams have Sean Mannion who will hit free agency after the 2018 season and Brandon Allen who was brought over due to former QB coach Greg Olson and is coming off a back injury. Lauletta could quite honestly surpass Mannion as the backup. He has the experience of working with four different coordinators and offenses. The thing with Lauletta is he is eerily similar to Kirk Cousins, the QB that McVay coordinated in Washington. There is an obvious fit for Lauletta but it will depend how long he lasts on the board.
Draft Grade
Rounds 2 - 5
Player comparison
Kirk Cousins
Well, I mention it earlier in the article, Lauletta compares to Cousins. Why? Simply put, Cousins is good in all areas just like Lauletta is, but both of them do not have a mastery in any category. Cousins might have a much better arm but the two are very similar. Cousins was drafted behind a franchise QB and perhaps Lauletta will follow the same suit. Cousins is now about to be the most sought-after free agent in the league once the free agency period starts and Lauletta has a chance to pattern his career in the same way as Cousins. It sure will be interesting but right now this is the best comparison to Lauletta.
Kenny Britt Released By Patriots
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 46 Replies
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-super-bowl-patriots-rams-britt-20180201-story.html
Former Rams receiver Kenny Britt goes from winless Browns to Super Bowl with Patriots
By GARY KLEIN
Kenny Britt looks on as the New England Patriots practice ahead of Super Bowl LII on Jan. 31. (Elsa / Getty Images)
A trip to the Super Bowl seemed like a long shot for a player on a winless Cleveland Browns team.
But Kenny Britt, a former Rams receiver, has a chance to win a championship ring after the New England Patriots signed him late in the season.
"It's been a whirlwind, to tell you the truth," Britt said this week. "With the change, coming from L.A. to Cleveland to here now, it's been all good since I've been here."
Britt, 29, had a 1,000-yard receiving season for the Rams in 2016. He was not re-signed, however, as new coach Sean McVay and the Rams attempted to change the team's culture.
The struggling Browns gave Britt a four-year, $32.5-million contract, but his 13-game stay in Cleveland was problematic, if profitable.
Britt was inactive for several games and caught only 18 passes for 233 yards in nine games. He collected a guaranteed $10.5 million.
The first day that new general manager John Dorsey joined the Browns organization he cut Britt.
"To tell you the truth, it was up and down," Britt said of his stint with the Browns. "I'm just glad that part is behind me."
The Patriots signed the 6-foot-3, 223-pound Britt to a two-year contract with three games remaining in the regular season. Coach Bill Belichick told reporters, "We'll see how it goes."
Britt caught two passes, but has been inactive for both playoff games.
"I'm just happy and excited to be here," he said. "This is my ninth year in the league, and I'd never been in the playoffs.
"I'm part of something now, and we're still playing football in December and January, and it's kind of cool.
"So whatever it is, I'm just playing my part."
Britt said he was happy for former Rams teammates who won the NFC West and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
"Hats off to those guys for what they achieved this year," he said. "I had a great time and a great experience when I was there."
Former Rams receiver Kenny Britt goes from winless Browns to Super Bowl with Patriots
By GARY KLEIN
Kenny Britt looks on as the New England Patriots practice ahead of Super Bowl LII on Jan. 31. (Elsa / Getty Images)
A trip to the Super Bowl seemed like a long shot for a player on a winless Cleveland Browns team.
But Kenny Britt, a former Rams receiver, has a chance to win a championship ring after the New England Patriots signed him late in the season.
"It's been a whirlwind, to tell you the truth," Britt said this week. "With the change, coming from L.A. to Cleveland to here now, it's been all good since I've been here."
Britt, 29, had a 1,000-yard receiving season for the Rams in 2016. He was not re-signed, however, as new coach Sean McVay and the Rams attempted to change the team's culture.
The struggling Browns gave Britt a four-year, $32.5-million contract, but his 13-game stay in Cleveland was problematic, if profitable.
Britt was inactive for several games and caught only 18 passes for 233 yards in nine games. He collected a guaranteed $10.5 million.
The first day that new general manager John Dorsey joined the Browns organization he cut Britt.
"To tell you the truth, it was up and down," Britt said of his stint with the Browns. "I'm just glad that part is behind me."
The Patriots signed the 6-foot-3, 223-pound Britt to a two-year contract with three games remaining in the regular season. Coach Bill Belichick told reporters, "We'll see how it goes."
Britt caught two passes, but has been inactive for both playoff games.
"I'm just happy and excited to be here," he said. "This is my ninth year in the league, and I'd never been in the playoffs.
"I'm part of something now, and we're still playing football in December and January, and it's kind of cool.
"So whatever it is, I'm just playing my part."
Britt said he was happy for former Rams teammates who won the NFC West and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
"Hats off to those guys for what they achieved this year," he said. "I had a great time and a great experience when I was there."
-
Poll
Five RB prospects that can fill the 'Chris Thompson' role for the Rams
- By JKBOGEN
- NFL DRAFT / COLLEGE FOOTBALL
- 7 Replies
Five RB prospects that can fill the 'Chris Thompson' role for the Rams
February 1, 2018
| By::Jake Ellenbogen
Last year it was all Todd Gurley in the backfield, however, that doesn't mean the Rams didn't try to get other guys going. Sean McVay, during his time with the Washington Redskins had a player that he used often out of the backfield as a pass catcher that showed excellent run-after-the-catch abilities and that was Chris Thompson. Now, the Rams with McVay have yet to find that type of back and it's likely they will check out this draft to find one. Here are the five running backs that will best fill that role for the Rams this season.
Kalen Ballage, Arizona State (6-foot-2, 222 pounds)
Perhaps my favorite option and least stereotypical option to fill this role is Kalen Ballage. The Sun Devil RB never really got to the level he should have played at in college but it's pretty obvious after the Senior Bowl he is going to have a better pro career than college. Ballage is more of a power back that has speed and quickness which translates to his receiving game. At the Senior Bowl, Ballage demonstrated to the entire audience he is a legitimate receiving threat and including that, he did extremely well as a pass protector.
He doesn't look the part of the Chris Thompson type of player so you should just consider him like Tevin Coleman. Coleman and Devonta Freeman have worked out well as a duo in Atlanta and the Todd Gurley and Ballage duo could be just as lethal. This, of course, is not to take snaps away from Gurley. What Ballage would do is come in on third-downs, situational receiving back plays and of course, the plays Tavon Austin was in this past year.
Ballage really just lacks the ability or at least doesn't finish the runs the way he should. He can be inconsistent at times as well with his pad level but this is why players like this don't go in the top three rounds and the Rams could reap the benefits big time if Ballage falls into their arms.
Round projection: Rounds 4 - 5
Martez Carter, Grambling State (5-foot-9, 205 pounds)
Martez Carter is a little under-the-radar as someone that didn't get a chance to participate in the Senior Bowl like the rest of this list. Carter has the ability to finish runs first and foremost but the thing that jumps out at me is his versatility. This is a guy that can be used as an every-down back after he marinates and grows in the league, but he can also catch passes out of the backfield with ease and return kicks and punts. Carter has the ability to bounce off of tackles and he breaks a lot of them in space.
He actually runs with more power than other backs that are bigger than him and shows terrific balance to completely shred with tackles and stay upright. Carter has the explosive burst in between the tackles which allows him to get to the second-level in an instant and that is when he wins the most. He can bounce runs to the outside or stay inside but out in space with a defender in front of him he can cross up the defender like a basketball player. He's an intriguing guy because no one mentions him in January, but once the process continues to push forward you will start hearing his name or seeing his tape floating around on Draft Breakdown.
Carter looks like a more explosive Benny Cunningham with more balance and straight-line speed so, he would be a really nice back behind Gurley.
Round projection: Rounds 4 - 6
Jaylen Samuels, NC State (5-foot-11, 223 pounds)
Samuels is a former h-back/tight end from NC State that really can be a unique weapon. He's not fast enough to be a traditional running back, he's not big enough to play tight end so that leaves him in that gray area of being a fullback. However, Samuels is no fullback, he offers a unique blend of receiver skills, shiftiness, power and vision to be a threat as an unorthodox version of an Alvin Kamara. It's not to say he is Kamara but he would be used in that way for the team that drafts him. He can pass protect and probably do it as well as anyone in this class which would seriously help out Gurley.
For around 230 pounds, Samuels is faster than you would expect, I think he would be a non-stereotypical guy to take over a role of the scat-back but he has a little bit of everything. Samuels hasn't mastered any specific area but he is good in just about all of them. It will be intriguing where someone like this goes in the draft because the Rams happen to have three sixth-round picks and if he was there and the Rams had not drafted a RB yet, this would be one of those, pick first, ask questions later type of scenarios.
Round projection: Rounds 5 - 6
Ito Smith, Southern Mississippi (5-foot-9, 201 pounds)
Ito Smith had himself a great week last week during the Senior Bowl practices. He put his speed, quickness and vision on display, but what makes him a surefire fit for the Rams is his pass-catching ability. Smith is also a great blocker, so by taking Gurley off of the field, you wouldn't completely skip a beat with Smith in at RB. This is someone that just loves football and always plays until the whistle. That also means he will charge down the field and throw a block for his teammate if he has to, this is the type of guy that would fit McVay's offense.
He has some weaknesses with ball security when he's in traffic but if he can fix that he can turn himself into an every-down back someday. This is another great option for the Rams and likely wouldn't cost them a pick greater than the fifth round.
Round projection: Rounds 5 - 6
Akrum Wadley, Iowa (5-foot-9, 188 pounds)
Akrum Wadley had some buzz coming into the Senior Bowl but it quieted quickly when Ito Smith overshadowed him. Wadley is a solid back that might be Lance Dunbar clone. Someone that can catch the ball out of the backfield, shows off shiftiness, ability to slip out of tackles and use his vision to make big plays after the catch.
Wadley is not extremely bad in any area aside from really pass protection in which he shows little to no awareness on film when letting pass rushers slip by him with ease and putting a punishing blow on his QB. If Wadley can clean that up he will be a nice fit.
Round projection: Rounds 6 - 7
February 1, 2018
| By::Jake Ellenbogen
Last year it was all Todd Gurley in the backfield, however, that doesn't mean the Rams didn't try to get other guys going. Sean McVay, during his time with the Washington Redskins had a player that he used often out of the backfield as a pass catcher that showed excellent run-after-the-catch abilities and that was Chris Thompson. Now, the Rams with McVay have yet to find that type of back and it's likely they will check out this draft to find one. Here are the five running backs that will best fill that role for the Rams this season.
Kalen Ballage, Arizona State (6-foot-2, 222 pounds)
Perhaps my favorite option and least stereotypical option to fill this role is Kalen Ballage. The Sun Devil RB never really got to the level he should have played at in college but it's pretty obvious after the Senior Bowl he is going to have a better pro career than college. Ballage is more of a power back that has speed and quickness which translates to his receiving game. At the Senior Bowl, Ballage demonstrated to the entire audience he is a legitimate receiving threat and including that, he did extremely well as a pass protector.
He doesn't look the part of the Chris Thompson type of player so you should just consider him like Tevin Coleman. Coleman and Devonta Freeman have worked out well as a duo in Atlanta and the Todd Gurley and Ballage duo could be just as lethal. This, of course, is not to take snaps away from Gurley. What Ballage would do is come in on third-downs, situational receiving back plays and of course, the plays Tavon Austin was in this past year.
Ballage really just lacks the ability or at least doesn't finish the runs the way he should. He can be inconsistent at times as well with his pad level but this is why players like this don't go in the top three rounds and the Rams could reap the benefits big time if Ballage falls into their arms.
Round projection: Rounds 4 - 5
Martez Carter, Grambling State (5-foot-9, 205 pounds)
Martez Carter is a little under-the-radar as someone that didn't get a chance to participate in the Senior Bowl like the rest of this list. Carter has the ability to finish runs first and foremost but the thing that jumps out at me is his versatility. This is a guy that can be used as an every-down back after he marinates and grows in the league, but he can also catch passes out of the backfield with ease and return kicks and punts. Carter has the ability to bounce off of tackles and he breaks a lot of them in space.
He actually runs with more power than other backs that are bigger than him and shows terrific balance to completely shred with tackles and stay upright. Carter has the explosive burst in between the tackles which allows him to get to the second-level in an instant and that is when he wins the most. He can bounce runs to the outside or stay inside but out in space with a defender in front of him he can cross up the defender like a basketball player. He's an intriguing guy because no one mentions him in January, but once the process continues to push forward you will start hearing his name or seeing his tape floating around on Draft Breakdown.
Carter looks like a more explosive Benny Cunningham with more balance and straight-line speed so, he would be a really nice back behind Gurley.
Round projection: Rounds 4 - 6
Jaylen Samuels, NC State (5-foot-11, 223 pounds)
Samuels is a former h-back/tight end from NC State that really can be a unique weapon. He's not fast enough to be a traditional running back, he's not big enough to play tight end so that leaves him in that gray area of being a fullback. However, Samuels is no fullback, he offers a unique blend of receiver skills, shiftiness, power and vision to be a threat as an unorthodox version of an Alvin Kamara. It's not to say he is Kamara but he would be used in that way for the team that drafts him. He can pass protect and probably do it as well as anyone in this class which would seriously help out Gurley.
For around 230 pounds, Samuels is faster than you would expect, I think he would be a non-stereotypical guy to take over a role of the scat-back but he has a little bit of everything. Samuels hasn't mastered any specific area but he is good in just about all of them. It will be intriguing where someone like this goes in the draft because the Rams happen to have three sixth-round picks and if he was there and the Rams had not drafted a RB yet, this would be one of those, pick first, ask questions later type of scenarios.
Round projection: Rounds 5 - 6
Ito Smith, Southern Mississippi (5-foot-9, 201 pounds)
Ito Smith had himself a great week last week during the Senior Bowl practices. He put his speed, quickness and vision on display, but what makes him a surefire fit for the Rams is his pass-catching ability. Smith is also a great blocker, so by taking Gurley off of the field, you wouldn't completely skip a beat with Smith in at RB. This is someone that just loves football and always plays until the whistle. That also means he will charge down the field and throw a block for his teammate if he has to, this is the type of guy that would fit McVay's offense.
He has some weaknesses with ball security when he's in traffic but if he can fix that he can turn himself into an every-down back someday. This is another great option for the Rams and likely wouldn't cost them a pick greater than the fifth round.
Round projection: Rounds 5 - 6
Akrum Wadley, Iowa (5-foot-9, 188 pounds)
Akrum Wadley had some buzz coming into the Senior Bowl but it quieted quickly when Ito Smith overshadowed him. Wadley is a solid back that might be Lance Dunbar clone. Someone that can catch the ball out of the backfield, shows off shiftiness, ability to slip out of tackles and use his vision to make big plays after the catch.
Wadley is not extremely bad in any area aside from really pass protection in which he shows little to no awareness on film when letting pass rushers slip by him with ease and putting a punishing blow on his QB. If Wadley can clean that up he will be a nice fit.
Round projection: Rounds 6 - 7
