Tavon Austin has 316 receiving yards and 184 rushing yards so far this season. Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images




Rams still waiting for Tavon Austin to pay off


Alden Gonzalez
ESPN Staff Writer

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Los Angeles Rams receiver Tavon Austin went from 15 targets against the New York Giants to two targets against the Carolina Panthers.

It's been that kind of year.

Weeks before the start of the regular season, the Rams gave Austin a four-year, $42 million extension with the expectation that his production would only increase. But that has yet to be the case. Austin is on pace for 149 fewer yards from scrimmage in 2016. He finished the 2015 season with a career-high 907 yards, gaining 473 through the air and 434 on the ground. This year, Austin is on pace for 632 passing yards but only 126 rushing yards.

The Rams are using him far less on the ground and targeting him a lot more as a receiver, but the production hasn't necessarily been what they expected.

"That's how football is," Austin said. "You look at last year, I probably had eight or nine touchdowns already."

Actually, Austin had seven by the midway point of the 2015 season.

This year he has two.

"Teams are not crazy," Austin went on. "They definitely know what they're doing, and they have their guys that they try to take out of the game. They're not going to let you keep beating them with the same thing. That's how this league goes. You might have one good year, and next year, it might get a little harder for you. That's what it's about."

Austin is seeing "a lot of different types of looks" this year, making it difficult for the Rams to get him the ball in open space. His 316 receiving yards are tied for 83rd, his 4.30 average yards after the catch rank 91st, and his 56.1 reception percentage ranks 136th.

Asked if he has put added pressure on himself because of the extension, Austin said: "Not at all. I don't look at it like that. Everybody likes money, but I'm not in it for the money. I definitely don't put no pressure on myself. I just go out there and try to have fun. Whatever plays come to me, I just try to make the best of them."

[www.espn.com]

ractice Report 11/11: Attacking a Strong Run Defense; Britt's Homecoming

By Myles Simmons

As a team, Los Angeles ranks No. 29 in rushing through nine weeks of the 2016 season. To say that’s unexpected would be an understatement, particularly given how the club finished No. 7 in the same category last year and features a healthy Todd Gurley in his second NFL season.

That’s why getting Gurley going is an important factor for the Rams’ second half of the season.

“We’re looking [for] overall improvement. We want to see the arrow go up with respect to the whole football team — and that includes Todd, and that includes his touches, and that includes his production,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “But that’s an offensive team-oriented challenge that we have to face and we have to meet.”

“Just make sure I’m doing the things to help me out as far as helping out [blockers] as well,” Gurley said of his objectives heading into the final eight games.

The 2015 offensive rookie of the year currently has 451 yards rushing with three touchdowns. But over the Rams’ last three games, Gurley has averaged just 14 carries while the Rams have averaged about 44 passing attempts. Last week against Carolina, Gurley had just two carries in the game’s second half.

That’s not the ideal distribution for Los Angeles’ offense, and Fisher said this week Gurley’s reduction in carries has been in part because the club has been behind and faced so many passing situations. But it’s an issue L.A. has been working hard to correct this week.

“He’s feeling good,” Fisher said. “The are down for a lot of different reasons, but we’d
but we’d like to see the numbers increase — out of the backfield as well as the carries.”

“Part of it is, we’ve got to do better on first and second down, and stay on the field, and sustain some drives,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras said this week. “I know what the numbers are. At the end of the first half last week on first and second down, we had nine runs and 10 passes, and we had seven third downs, and then four plays in two-minute. Then when we got behind two scores in the second half, we had 20 plays of two-minute there at the end.”

And that doesn’t help a running back in terms of trying to get into a rhythm — be it Gurley or Los Angeles’ usual third-down back, Benny Cunningham.

“For any runner, and especially a guy like Todd and/or Benny, it’s the more carries they’re going to get, that the more that they’re going to settle in,” Boras said. “Not only as a runner, but as the blockers — the O-line, the tight ends, and the fullback if that be the case. Part of that again is staying on the field, and sustaining some drives, and eliminating three-and-outs, and that’s obviously a stress what we’re trying to get done.”

As a strong runner for much of his life, Gurley knows what it takes to excel when he does get into a rhythm and receives multiple carries in a row.

“Obviously, being a running back, you want the ball,” Gurley said. “So, you’ve just got to be mentally tough in getting those carries play after play. And the biggest thing with that is, that’s when endurance comes in. You start seeing stuff when you’re tired. So you have to make sure you’re doing the same thing that first carry that you’re doing at that 25th carry.”

And while Gurley would surely like better results than he’s had this season, it hasn’t changed the way he’s approached going about improving.

“I’ve said it before, I’ve been impressed with Todd as much success he had last year, and how well he handled the success last year as a 22 year old, or whatever he was last year. I think he’s handling what’s happened this year just as well,” Boras said. “Again, that’s a sign of his character and what he’s all about. I’m not saying that he’s not frustrated, but he’s not showing it. He’s a team guy. He’s willing to do protection-wise, route running – whatever it’s going to take for us to get first downs and ultimately score touchdowns.”

It seems like the Rams have faced some of the toughest defensive fronts week after week, and they’ve all loaded the box to stop the run. That’s going to be the case this Sunday, too, as L.A. takes on the Jets — currently No. 4 in run defense.

“Obviously, they’re very athletic,” center Tim Barnes said of the Jets’ front. “They play really hard, fast. You see some of those guys, they’re running down plays — so you know what you’re dealing with. Big guys, but they’re very athletic. They’re playing at a high level right now.”

“Just have to stay consistent, read your tracks, and just stay patient,” Gurley said.

New York is also multiple with its defense, employing both even and odd fronts depending on the situation. That’s can be a challenge for any team in terms of preparation.

“You have to really get into your playbook. And you do that every week, but especially when you have different looks for everything like we do, you just have to make sure everyone’s on their game together,” Barnes said, stressing the Rams have been focusing on communication. “We’re going to be away, so we’re going to have to communicate in the noise — things like that. We know that we have to do everything together correctly.”

And given the Jets strength against the run, might it mean a bit more if this was the week where the Rams finally broke out in a big way?

“Absolutely. And we want to get the run started bad. It’s something that’s bothering everybody,” Barnes said. “It means something to us. So we just want to make sure that we do everything we can to get it going.”

“That’s our focus. They know it and we know it. It’s easier sand than done,” Fisher said. “We have to finish plays and we have to find a way to hand the ball off to Todd and Benny late in the game. That’s how you win games at the end.”


BRITT’S HOMECOMING

Wide receiver Kenny Britt is a Jersey boy. Now in his eighth pro season, Britt hails from Bayonne, N.J. — a town just under a half-hour away from MetLife Stadium, the site of Sunday’s game against the Jets. While he had offers to play his college ball elsewhere, Britt chose to stay closer to home, becoming arguably the best receiver in Rutgers history.

So, as you can imagine, Sunday will represent a kind of homecoming for Britt.

“Near home? We’re right there, baby!” Britt exclaimed earlier this week.

“I love playing in New Jersey,” Britt said. “It’s something that I always dreamed of as a little kid, coming back and playing in that stadium — either playing for them, or just playing in there.”

This will actually be Britt’s third time playing at the Meadowlands site, but his second at MetLife. In his rookie year with the Titans, Britt played the Jets at old Giants Stadium as a rookie in 2009, making four receptions for 59 yards in a 24-17 loss. But he played at MetLife in its inaugural season against the Giants, making two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown in a 29-10 victory.

“This is my second time back, so hopefully we go out there and have a great one, and get a celebration afterwards,” Britt said.

INJURY REPORT

While Gurley (thigh) did not practice on Wednesday — and would not have been able to Thursday, according to the Rams’ practice estimate — he was a full participant on Friday. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday.

“I felt pretty good today, so we’ll just leave it at that,” Gurley said.

Defensive tackle Michael Brockers (groin), cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle), and defensive backLamarcus Joyner (back) also participated in full on Friday and are listed as questionable.

Defensive end Matt Longacre (hip) did not practice on Friday for the first time this week and is listed as questionable. Wide receiver Nelson Spruce (calf) has been declared out.

For the other side, Jets head coach Todd Bowles told reporters quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will be a game-time decision on Sunday. Fitzpatrick suffered an MCL sprain last week against Miami. If he cannot play, second-year quarterback Bryce Petty would start.

Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said it is not necessarily too challenging not knowing whether Fitzpatrick or Petty will be behind center because of his knowledge of Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s scheme.

“Conceptually, we scout, I scout coordinators every week, too. And so I’ve gone against Chan, and know that, and have a lot of respect for Todd,” Williams said. “If Fitz plays — I was was with Fitz, too. I was at Tennessee when he was the quarterback [there], went against him in a lot of practices. So I feel like I know quite a bit about him.”

Center Nick Mangold (ankle) has also been ruled out.

[www.therams.com]

Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald sacks the Panthers’ Cam Newton during their NFL game at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Saturday, November 6, 2016. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/SCNG)

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/201...ms-dt-aaron-donald-does-things-i-cannot-coach

THOUSAND OAKS >> Geno Atkins. Gerald McCoy. John Randle.

Those are just a few of the names whom Aaron Donald was compared to before and during his rookie season — a trifecta that has combined for 15 Pro Bowls. Halfway through his third season, and it’s clear that the Rams’ star defensive tackle could end his career as the best of the bunch.

Which is why Gregg Williams never took the bait. In 2014, the media pestered him for comparisons; he declined. In 2015, he did so ago. On Friday, he explained that he had done so to allow Donald — now arguably the best player in the NFL — to chart a path for himself.

“He is his own guy, and he does things I cannot coach,” Williams said. “I can help, maybe speed up a decision – but he has instincts that are rare.

“Not only does he have athletic ability and strength, height and weight and things, but he has instincts that you don’t come around very much. He’s been playing very well, especially as emphasis on offensive protections and emphasis in blocking schemes are going toward him, he’s still being able to find a way to beat it.”

Donald’s impact on the game wasn’t fully captured through the first three weeks of the season, when he went without a sack despite generating constant pressure on the pocket. That’s changed since the start of October. He broke the drought with 1.5 sacks in a road win over the Cardinals, a total that he matched again through his next two outings.

Last Sunday, the Rams lost despite his brilliance. Against the Panthers, Donald notched two sacks, both of which could’ve made a difference if the offense had been more capable. His first — on third-and-nine at the Rams’ 30 — dropped quarterback Cam Newton back 10 yards, knocking Carolina out of field-goal range. The second, which came early in the fourth quarter, forced the Panthers to settle for three points — and likely would’ve caused a fumble on almost anyone other than Newton.

“Just consistent week after week after week,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said of Donald. “The tackles for losses and the pressure that he’s putting on the passer, the hits on the quarterbacks, they’re just consistent week after week. It’s amazing to see him play at that level every single play – come out, catch his breath, go back in and make another play.”

Donald began by becoming the Defensive Rookie of the Year and making back-to-back Pro Bowls. At 25 years old, can he officially claim the title of being the league’s top defensive player?

The absence of injured Texans star J.J. Watt, who claimed the award in three of the last four seasons, helps Donald’s chances. But also in the race with the Rams’ defensive lineman are such players as Broncos linebacker Von Miller — who has 9.5 sacks — or Kansas City cornerback Marcus Peters, who has a league-high five interceptions.

“I’d vote for him,” Fisher said of Donald. “There are a lot of good defensive players in the league right now. Obviously, I’m a lot closer to him than anybody else is, but when you watch the things that he does, it’s really remarkable. We’ll see what happens.”

So whats up with our run game? Is it Gurley? Is it the O-line? Is it scheme?

It's a little bit of all 3. I went back and watched a lot Gurley's runs throughout the season and in this post I want to focus on some of Gurley's missed opportunities for big plays. I made a short video of some plays where Gurley could have broken a possible long run if he hits the hole.

Login to view embedded media View: https://youtu.be/-XH_fZjzctU


Watching Gurley run this year he seems indecisive or sometimes he doesn't wait for his blocks to develop and hits the hole too fast, usually ending up plowing through the backs of his O-line. His vision has not been as good this year compared to last. His burst is lacking some and I begin to wonder if he's playing hurt. If Gurley is to become a top RB he needs to hit on some of these opportunities. The greats make plays and while Todd has made some they have been few and far between this season.

Now, the poor run game isn't all his fault. There have been times when he could have broken a big run if a blocker could have sustained his block. The O-line needs to do a better job of sticking to their assignment and finishing plays (I'm looking at you Saffold and Kendricks.) Todd had his best game against Detroit, a game in where Jamon Brown started for the injured Cody Whichmann. Brown is the better run blocker and its a shame he broke his hand in practice.

I hope the second half of the season is a better one for our rushing attack. We can't be letting Keenum (or Goff when he plays) air it out for 40+ per game.

One last thing I want to say is that this is the first video I have ever made. The time and effort it took to edit and make a video gave me a new found appreciation to anyone who has done it.

I went to one of the local high school football playoff game tonight and was treated to a spectacle. I witnesses a state scoring record. The home team won 92-61! I thought the playoffs were all about defense!

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...s-break-ground-26b-stadium-inglewood-thursday

Rams to break ground on $2.6 billion Inglewood stadium Thursday
5:05 PM ET


THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams will break ground on their $2.6 billion stadium in Inglewood, California, during a ceremony at 11 a.m. PT Thursday.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Rams owner Stan Kroenke and Inglewood mayor James Butts will all be in attendance.

The 70,000-seat stadium and an adjacent, 6,000-seat performance venue will be the centerpiece of a 298-acre, mixed-use development on the site of the old Hollywood Park racetrack, set to be completed for the 2019 season. The Rams are playing at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in the meantime.

The ceremony will mark the start of digging a 100-foot-deep hole where the stadium will reside. Ultimately, the venue will also include a hotel, office space, retail and housing. It is scheduled to host the Super Bowl in 2021 and is in the running to host the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Hollywood Park Land Company has been clearing the site for the past two years. During that time, more than 2.2 million square feet of buildings were demolished and removed, as were more than 11 miles of old underground utilities, according to information provided by the Rams.

I think with Tre' quickness and receiving ability he would of really helped us this year . I thought we were going to have the best running back group in the nfl with them 3 being healthy. Defenses would possibly back off and give us room if gurley wasn't in the game

Ok. I don't know what to think about this. How long is this madness going to continue?...Whether this is another fabricated ploy to stir up more racial propaganda notice how names aren't used?...Only names used are Bellichick/Goodell/Obama...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...om&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

This shi+ is going to get old real fast gents. Hopefully this doesn't affect Football as a whole...

We saw Gurley sparking a bit during last Sunday’s Carolina game when he had his longest rush of 18 yards. Limited to 12 carries he’s been improving ever so slightly during the last three games averaging 4 YPC.

Why? He’s getting help from Benny Cunnningham who has picked up some of Gurley’s workload by giving him more breaks and getting more snaps. Through 8 games this season, when given 17 carries or more Gurley only achieves 2.8 YPC vs 4.0 YPC when limited to 12 or less carries.

Another thought is Cunningham is more explosive and a playmaker. VS Carolina with the Rams on 4th and 9 on a do or die game ending play. Keenum threw short to Bam Bam missing two tackles and breaking 1 to get the first down.

Everyone seems to be saying our offenseive line sucks but in order for us to truly know, we need to put in Cunningham and start splitting carries with Gurley. Maybe something will spark in Gurley.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...44/?siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-enmjgXFXCJJfgrKgPQLh2A

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Although the Rams' defense has been largely outstanding this season, Alec Ogletree is still searching for ways to improve while Los Angeles' losing streak stretches on.

The middle linebacker thinks the defense could take a big step forward by forcing more turnovers.

The Rams (3-5) visit the New York Jets (3-6) on Sunday with a four-game skid, endangering their hopes of returning to the playoffs during their homecoming season.

While Los Angeles has a struggling offense, its outstanding defense is currently ranked eighth overall. But the Rams have forced just one turnover during their four-game slide, and they haven't intercepted a pass since Oct. 2 at Arizona.

"We've just got to keep doing what we're doing, but make attempts to get the ball," Ogletree said. "We've had opportunities and haven't made plays. We had a chance for two interceptions last game and just didn't get them."

The Rams have forced 10 turnovers this season, ranking in the middle of the NFL pack. That's not what Los Angeles expects from a defense that excels against the run and the pass, ranking in the league's top 11 in both categories.

With the combined pressure of the losing streak and the offense's continued struggles, it's no surprise the Rams are ratcheting up their determination to take the ball away this week.

"We have to gear it up and have a sense of urgency when we go after the ball," safety T.J. McDonald said.

The Rams say they repeatedly came close to getting turnovers against Carolina last weekend, but came up empty. The Panthers managed just 244 yards despite keeping the ball for more than 34 minutes, but the Rams' offense didn't score until midway through the fourth quarter of a 13-10 loss.

"We had a chance for two interceptions in that game, and we just didn't get them," Ogletree said. "It's frustrating. We have to keep pressing forward."

The defense's success and the offense's ineptitude could create an awkward dynamic around any team, but the Rams insist that isn't the case. The defense has remained staunchly supportive of an offense ranked 31st in the NFL after its tame effort in the last two games.

"Every time we break it down, we break it down together," McDonald said. "We know that these guys are over there working. We know they're going to turn it around."

Los Angeles was limited to 10 points in each of the last two games, making it nearly impossible for the defense to win by itself. Quarterback Case Keenum has been unspectacular, while running back Todd Gurley is struggling mightily to replicate his rookie season.

The struggles have led to boos from the Coliseum fans who just got the NFL back in their lives a few months ago.

"Fortunately, I've got a headset on, so I don't hear it," offensive coordinator Rob Borassaid Wednesday. "My wife and kids will tell me. No, of course, it's frustrating. I get it, we get it, and I'm not trying to make light of it, and I know it's not something to make light of. It's our job to score points. It's frustrating to all of us."

The offense's job would be easier with good field position created by fumbles or interceptions, but the Rams haven't been able to get them. Their chances should improve this weekend against the Jets, who have already committed an NFL-worst 19 turnovers this season, including 14 interceptions.

"If we get a couple of turnovers a game defensively, and things are different, those are more opportunities for our offense," Los Angeles coach Jeff Fisher said.

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/201...ms-get-more-out-of-tyler-higbee-pharoh-cooper

THOUSAND OAKS >> A few months ago, UC Irvine buzzed with hype around a couple of mid-round gems.

It was training camp, after all, the time when — barring injuries — fans are most often filled with optimism and potential about their NFL teams. For the Rams, who had just returned to Southern California after more than two decades, that dynamic was no different.

No, top overall pick Jared Goff hadn’t yet seized the starting quarterback job, but that felt only like a matter of time. And when he did, he’d have a pair of young targets to throw to in Tyler Higbee and receiver Pharoh Cooper, the Rams’ two fourth-round picks.

Head coach Jeff Fisher wasn’t shy about their promise. In early August, he described Higbee as a potential red-zone target, saying that the 6-foot-5 tight end had a chance to play early and be “a big-time part of our offense.” Two weeks later, he added that Cooper was “obviously” one of the Rams’ top three receivers.

Fast forward through eight games, however, and the duo has combined for just four catches and 40 yards — 31 of which came on Higbee’s grab against the Panthers on Sunday. (Goff, of course, remains on the bench despite starter Case Keenum’s struggles through a four-game losing streak.)

Cooper’s start to the season was delayed by a shoulder injury, but the Rams have not consistently dressed him for games even after he got healthy. Higbee’s absence from that stat sheet is more inexplicable. Coming out of Western Kentucky, the scouting report was that he — like many other college tight ends — needed to develop as a blocker, but had good hands and the body control to make catches in traffic.

“Obviously, I’ve been asked to do a little bit more than I did in college,” Higbee said, when asked about blocking. “Originally, I was struggling a little bit with it. But I’ve come a long way with that — technique, stuff like that.”

Still, the Rams have been confident enough to give him 196 offensive snaps, including 60 in his last two games. That he’s good enough to get be on the field with the offense more than 37 percent of the time would suggest that his blocking has come along.

And yet, before this past weekend, he had only seen seven targets. If he’s already on the field, why not make use of his best talents?

Asked what he wants to see out of both Higbee and Cooper before using them more as pass-catchers, offensive coordinator Rob Boras said that their lack of production isn’t solely a function of their individual performance.

“You can run a good route and not get the ball thrown to you,” Boras said this week. “I know not everybody might recognize it. We see a guy creating separation, but the play design, or the progression, or the shell of the coverage might not have dictated the ball will go that direction.”

Cooper might have a tougher path ahead. Veteran receiver Brian Quick, who has been relatively productive after an awful preseason, has passed him on the depth chart. And this is an offense that hasn’t successfully gotten the ball to big names like Todd Gurley and Tavon Austin, whose touches have decreased sharply in the last couple of weeks.

“For all intents and purposes, we’re going to continue to work him in,” Fisher said of Cooper. “He’ll probably see a little bit more playing time offensively. I’m pleased with where he is right now. We just need to get the ball in his hands.”

Seeing Todd struggle with this terrible offensive line makes me think of Steven Jackson, who through his ENTIRE CAREER suffered from the likes. Steven

Remember the Saints game of 2011? Jackson had 3 TDs and played like the WARRIOR he was. Remember when there was a moment when the Saints made a push to get back in the game and on the next offensive drive Rodger Saffold had the second straight false start of the Oline (while the Rams were driving) and Steven Jackson put his foot down! He told the whole offense with his voice and body language that this wont be tolerated! Lets be professionals and get this sh!t done!

We need that right now!

I miss #39 on the field. Jackson was a WARRIOR. Gave all he had on every play. He was truly an inspiration.

We need that spark!

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Since Week 2, every game but one has been decided by at least two TD's. And the one that wasn't was 21-3 in the 4th quarter. Keep it around for Thanksgiving, of course, but enough of this unwatchable BS!

‘My pocket presence was not where it needed to be,' Rams quarterback Case Keenum said of Sunday's loss to Carolina. ‘I could have prevented a few sacks and a few batted balls by just trusting my protection and stepping up.' (AP Photo/Ryan Kang)




Rams' Case Keenum, Rob Boras feeling the heat to get offense on track

By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER

THOUSAND OAKS – The temperature reached 90 degrees at Cal Lutheran on Wednesday afternoon, so one can only imagine the feeling under the collars of Case Keenum and Rob Boras.

Keenum, the Rams’ quarterback, and Boras, the offensive coordinator, have received increasing heat this season, as the losing streak has reached four games and the offense has sputtered. Keenum’s starting job has come into question, as has Boras’ pass-happy play-calling and the Rams’ lack of a run game.

Forecasts call for a chilly afternoon in New York on Sunday when the Rams play the Jets, so Boras and Keenum won’t have to sweat and won’t have to worry about the boos from the Coliseum crowd, like they heard during last Sunday’s loss to Carolina.

“Fortunately, I’ve got a headset on, so I don’t hear it,” Boras joked. “My wife and kids will tell me. No, of course it’s frustrating. I get it. We get it. I know it’s not something to make light of. It’s our job to score points, and it’s frustrating for all of us. We believe in what we’re doing and we believe in one another.”

The Rams, and in particular Coach Jeff Fisher, apparently still believe in Keenum, who will remain the starter this week even as fans continue to call for rookie Jared Goff to take over.

Keenum has led the Rams’ offense to only 10 points in each of the past two games, and he has totaled two touchdowns and five interceptions in those two games. Another subpar performance could lead to a Goff sighting, but Keenum said he’s not encumbered by recent shortcomings.

“I’m over it,” Keenum said. “Obviously there’s still a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth, but winning cures that. Winning cures a lot of things. So we expect to go out and win this week.”

That will require greater balance on offense. Running back Todd Gurley, the NFL’s third-leading rusher last season, has totaled only 41 carries in his last three games and increasingly has been invisible in the fourth quarter of tight games.

NFL coaches rarely like to tip their hand, but Fisher has been upfront this week in saying that Gurley’s carry total must rise, even against a Jets defense that has been solid against the run this season. Boras, who calls the offensive plays, said he has “seen the numbers” and knows the need for a more-prolific run game.

“The more carries (Gurley and Benny Cunningham) get, the more they’re going to settle in,” Boras said, “not only as the runner but the blockers, the O-line, the tight ends, the fullback. Part of that is staying on the field and sustaining drives and eliminating three-and-outs.”

Gurley missed Wednesday’s practice with an apparent thigh injury, but that’s likely just midweek maintenance, given how Fisher and Boras talked about Gurley’s importance this week.

Keenum, by all accounts, is at full health, and talked about his need for improvement. Fisher said Keenum is “good” from a mental standpoint, and isn’t putting excessive pressure on himself. Keenum talked about subtle ways in which he could improve his game and make his teammates – and the Rams’ offense in general – look better.

“I think my pocket presence was not where it needed to be,” Keenum said. “I could have prevented a few sacks and a few batted balls by just trusting my protection and stepping up. Sometimes I make it tough on my tackles, so I worked on that this week.”

INJURY REPORT

On Tuesday, Fisher said he “hadn’t ruled anybody out” of Wednesday’s practice because of injuries, but five players ended up on the “did not participate list.” Gurley, defensive tackle Michael Brockers (groin), cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle), cornerback Lamarcus Joyner (back) and receiver Nelson Spruce (calf) all missed practice.

Some of that is normal. Brockers and Johnson are playing through injuries, Spruce has been hurt for several weeks and the Rams regularly have players miss mid-week practices but still play.

SERVICE DAY

Several Rams players will volunteer time on their day off Thursday to help local schoolchildren create holiday cards for military members overseas. Events will be held at elementary schools in Thousand Oaks and Inglewood.

Also, Fisher has been selected as the Rams’ nominee for this year’s NFL “Salute to Service award,” given to someone “who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.” The winner will be announced in February.

[www.ocregister.com]

Two sad-sack fanbases, smh. If any Jets fans are reading this, we can relate. Start Goff, start Petty but do something different.


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http://forums.theganggreen.com/thre...s-at-3-6-new-york-jets-official-thread.87552/

Week 10: (3-5) Los Angeles Rams at (3-6) New York Jets Official Thread

Wow. It's Thursday and no thread has been made on this game yet. You can feel the enthusiasm between both of these fan bases!


There actually could have been some if it was Jared Goff vs. Bryce Petty.

Case Keenum vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick does not have as great of a feel.

Thoughts on the game? I think the Jets play their most complete game in awhile and win 24-13.
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Fitz gets knocked the fuck out. But in this story, instead of getting his chain stolen, it'll be his wedding ring
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I plan to be doing lots of this as I watch the game...


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(4-6) going into the BYE would be bad, but (3-7) going into the BYE after losing at home to a Rams team who has lost 4 in a row and looks like one of the worst teams in football would be beyond embarrassing. The Jets will do all they can to win.
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Agreed, and it will likely be just enough. Then we will get our hopes up that if we can just beat NE, we are back in the playoff race. Then NE will destroy us and we will want to fire/cut everyone. Rinse and repeat.
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Should be a barnburner. 45-44 Jets win
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I'm afraid the rams defense is going to kill the jets Oline, they are very good upfront.

We know Gailey will be in empty backfield most of the game, it could be a bad day for the jets.

The only bright spot for jets is that the rams offense is putrid as well.
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Well, there is another upside... If Gailey goes empty backfield long enough, we might get lucky since Fitz can't run.. There was a time I'd root for the loss looking ahead to draft position but I have a feeling they'd fck that up drafting BPA defense instead of BPA Need.
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Should have started this thread on Monday so that the whole week was fucked.
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http://forums.jetnation.com/topic/129722-we-all-hate-this-team/

We all hate this team

When was the last time you truly hated the NY Jets?

This current team is easy to hate. I can't stand team right now. I can't stand to look at Bowles with his cigar store Indian act. I absolutely ABHOR Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets wasting time with him. I can't stand Chan Gailey, who has zero creativity, it's like I was transported back to the 1990s with his inside handoff for 1 yard, inside handoff for 1 yard, 3rd & 8, punt. I found it hilarious that he was so afraid to let Petty throw it in the redzone but they bring Fitz back in & he literally closes his eyes & throws a pick to a Miami defender with not a Jet in sight.

I hate our new 85 million dollar man Mo Wilk, or the invisible man as I like to call him. I hate Kacey Rogers with a passion. I hate Calvin Pryor. I hate the fact we're paying David Harris 8 million dollars (I don't hate Harris but he's done as an NFL player). I hate Revis & his ole tackling, I hate Skrine who literally holds on every play, I hate Sheldon Richardson & his stupid comments, I hate Marcus (Charmin) Williams, I hate Woody Johnson, especially when he wears his Jet hat with a suit on.

I really hate this whole group but for a few youngsters. I hate the fact that Marshall, Decker & Mangold lobbied for the worst QB in football, stunting the growth of a guy like Petty. Nick Foles @ 1.8 million would have been a better decision than Fitz who will still cost us 5 million on 2017s salary cap.

I don't even know who our special teams coach is but does he know you can squib kick if you think your kicker can't get it to the endzone. I've seen Belichick do that a few times in close games, I'm sure Ernie Adams figured, don't give up a big return.

I hate this team as much as I've ever hated some of the worst Jet regimes. Herm (barbecue) Edwards, Bruce Coslet, Rexs last year. I can't even put Rich Kotite in the mix because his team fought like hell, and he discovered Chrebet.

This is for sure one of the unlikeable Jet teams in history. It's amazing with this group of misfits that we're right up against the salary cap! You can see there's too many players here that don't give a sh*t, well neither do I. Like others here I'm not even watching unless they move on to Petty. I hope there's 30,000 empty seats next weak if Fitz gets the start.
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As a longtime diehard fan I hate this team also I hate the brillo bearded head coach and the rag armed bearded clam QB.

Sundays and football are supposed to be fun this team drains the life out of you.
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Oh I forgot but today's game reminded me, I also hate the human false start himself Breno Giacomini another overpaid undisciplined loser of a player, who thinks he a tough guy by pushing people around AFTER THE PLAY.

F*ck this team!
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I hate revis more than any player in my life.

But that's about it
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It literally blows my mind that this organization doesn't have a clue that you have to take a few steps back (Play the young QBs) to hopefully move forward. It better be that Petty is still slightly injured otherwise what was the point of even keeping him?
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Stop the sh*t and play Petty! But OMG he might make a mistake if we let him throw the ball, lol. Meanwhile a 12 year vet leads the league in interceptions. Ridiculous.
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Im seriously considering putting away all my Jets stuff and not watching anymore of this crap this season.
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Im skipping watching until they put petty in.. This is just torture otherwise

He's a free agent after this year

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When it comes to the Jets’ offense, much of this week’s focus — if not this entire year’s focus — has been on the team’s quarterback situation.

After a career year in 2015, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a one-year deal with the Jets on the eve of training camp, immediately re-claiming his status as the team’s starter. Last year, Fitzpatrick completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for 3,905 yards with 31 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. His strong performance helped drive New York to a 10-6 record in Todd Bowles’ first year as head coach.

This year, however, has not gone nearly as well. Fitzpatrick has been particularly turnover prone in 2016, tossing a league-high 13 interceptions. He threw six picks against the Chiefs in the Jets’ 24-3 loss in Week 3. He eventually lost his starting job to Geno Smith in Week 7, but Smith suffered a torn ACL in the middle of his Week 7 start against Baltimore.

In the two games since, Fitzpatrick has earned the backing of Bowles, though the quarterback has completed just 53.2 percent of his 62 passes for 421 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Fitzpatrick, however, did suffer an MCL sprain last week against the Dolphins. While Fitzpatrick has been limited in the Jets’ first two days of practice, Los Angeles is still expecting to see him rather than second-year quarterback Bryce Petty behind center on Sunday.

“We don’t know what the status of the quarterbacks are, but we expect to see Ryan,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said early in the week. “And we expect to see him at his best, because this is an important game for them.”

“Right now, we’re still expecting Fitzpatrick to play. He got hurt and came back into the game, and finished out the game,” middle linebacker Alec Ogletree said. “But we’re going to prepare how we prepare every week and get ready to play our style of football.”

That brand includes wanting to force more turnovers. In the Rams’ current four-game skid, the club has only one takeaway — a fumble early in the matchup with the Giants in London.

“I think our biggest thing now is just creating more turnovers, and being able to help our offense out and give them more offensive possessions,” Ogletree said.

If there were ever a favorable matchup for Los Angeles to do just that, it would be this one. The Jets have the most giveaways in the league at 19 — 14 interceptions and five fumbles. They also have the No. 31 turnover differential at -11.

As Ogletree put it, the defense wants to do its part to put the other side of the ball in better position to score.

“If we can do that as a defense, I think that will help us be a much better defense,” Ogletree said.

Perhaps Fitzpatrick’s best offensive weapon is wide receiver Brandon Marshall. The well-traveled wideout, now in his 11th NFL season, has caught 40 passes for 585 yards with just two touchdowns. This after making 109 receptions for 1,502 yards with a league-leading 14 touchdowns last year. It may have to do with the play of Marshall’s quarterback, but he’s caught a career-low 46.5 percent of his targeted passes so far this season.

Still, at 6-foot-4, he can pose significant problems for a defense.

“We’ve played guys his size,” safety Maurice Alexander said. “Our corners, they’re very confident and they compete very well. So, we’re just going to play him as we do every week.”

Rams defensive end William Hayes believes in mermaids, but not dinosaurs so late night host Jimmy Kimmel decided to take him on a field trip to the Natural History Museum here in Los Angeles to try and change that. Here's a sneak peek of their visit;

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The HBO series Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Los Angeles Rams introduced the world to Hayes' anti-dinosaur believes and love of mermaids. Tonight on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, we get to enjoy it a little bit more. Rams fan can tune in tonight and enjoy the laughs at 11:35 p.m. PST on ABC.

Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights at 11:35|10:35pm CT on ABC.

Just to get y'all started

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You can morph it from here. :wow:opcorn::shades::snicker:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rex-ryan-fires-back-at-pete-carroll-for-coach-your-own-guys-jab/

It all started when Richard Sherman steamrolled Bills kicker Dan Carpenter just before halftime on Monday night. The Seahawks cornerback was flagged for jumping offsides, but inexplicably, not for roughing the kicker. For good measure, officials botched another call seconds later, and the Bills ended up missing the field goal.

Fast forward to later in the game when Sherman intercepted a Tyrod Taylorpass near the Bills' sidelines and used the opportunity to taunt Bills coach Rex Ryan.

"He's mean-mugging like he's always doing and whatever," Ryan told reporters after the game. "Guy's a great player, but he does, you know. I guess it wasn't as bad as I thought, I thought he roughed our kicker. It was a ridiculous play, no question. Then he's over on the sideline basically taunting us, so I had some words. I think I said 'You're too good a player to act like an ass.' I think that's what I said."

It is with some irony that Ryan, a man known for his bluster, would call out someone else. That said, he ain't wrong. Still, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll didn't appreciate it, telling 710 ESPN Seattle, "I just wish he'd coach his own team. That's it. Just coach your own guys."

And because we're talking about Rex Ryan, he of course had a response to Carroll's response to Ryan's initial response.

"I do coach my own guys but I forgot, I guess I should have asked Pete when somebody asked me a question about one of his players, I should have asked Pete about the appropriate response I guess," Ryan said on a Tuesday conference call.

In related news: Carroll accused one of Ryan's players -- kicker Dan Carpenter -- of over-acting.

"He hams it up a little bit too [much], which makes it bad," Carroll said, ignoring his own advice.

Any word on Nelson Spruce's severity of his injury? He was poised to play against the Cardinals in week 4. Is he ever going to play this season?

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