Hey Rams Fans! My Week 7 game preview is live and I would love to hear what you think. Who's waking up at 6:30am PT to watch the game on Sunday? #beatthegiants

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(On the team’s accomplishments this week leading up to the game)

“We’ve still got some work to do. We’re going to go down and see the stadium tomorrow and have a walk-thru. They’ve got to rest a little bit because we had three straight days. But, feel good with where we are, have some guys healed up. We had a good week of practice.”


(On WR Tavon Austin’s involvement in the offense)

“We’ve got other people to get the ball to, as well. Really, there’s a lot of things that are called, and there’s checks and there’s adjustments and sometimes he gets it and sometimes he doesn’t. Any time we get to him in space, we’re creating problems for the defense.”


(On how the receiving corps has come on)

“They’ve stepped up – the whole group has stepped up. Even (WR) Bradley (Marquez) had a nice catch and run last week. You talk about what (WR) Kenny (Britt) is doing and what (WR) Brian (Quick) is doing, I think the guys are there and making plays. It starts with the quarterback trusting them and he’s putting the ball up and they’re making the plays. That’s going to have to happen Sunday, because there’s going to be some tight throws and some tough catches and they’re going to have to make the contested catches.


(On how the time adjustments and travel will impact the game)

“I know it’s clearly behind us now. We’re sitting here, Friday, and they adjusted. We got up early and they had meetings and they were going. They’ve enjoyed their limited time off. They’ve taken advantage of it. Now, as we get closer to kickoff it becomes more focused on your job.”


(On WR Tavon Austin’s disappointment in the loss to the Lions)

“The only way you get past that is you’ve got to win the next game. They all understand. We’ve had opportunities that we’ve let go, but that’s the case all around the league – games are close, you have to win close games. But, you have to definitely look to the next one and I know he’s done that. He did it on the practice field.”


Rams Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams – Post-Practice – October 21, 2016



(Opening remarks)

“The football team we’re getting ready to play is very well coached. That family of coaches, I know pretty well and they’ve got some dominant wide receivers, a good front, and one of the best quarterbacks in the league. We’re going to have to do a good job. Hopefully, we’ll show up, the field conditions will be good, we’ll be able to keep our feet and play. I think this is one of the better teams that you’ll see with them in the passing game on getting yards after catch, so we’ve got to do a good job tackling. I don’t think we tackled as well last week as we normally do. Very versatile in all of the things that they’re asking that quarterback to do. And again, here’s another quarterback that is like an offensive coordinator in this league – where he has his package of plays – a lot of checks, a lot of audibles. It will be a chess match, but it will be fun.”


(On if QB Eli Manning will try to catch them off guard with quick counts and no huddles)

“A lot of quick counts, a lot of no huddles – we’ve been prepared for that. We do a good job and the head coach here does a good job of picturing those things up in practices. And we’ve already faced several teams like that, but it is fun to see when you watch how far Eli has come – a lot of these quarterbacks, if they can make it 10 years in the league and all of the sudden, from their 10 years on, if their physical skills haven’t declined, all of their mental skills are even better. They’ve seen so many looks, so many different ways to do things and it’s pretty hard to fool him. We just have got to go down with great technique, good toughness and hopefully to challenge as much as we can.”


(On what he sees from the Giants’ receiving corps)

Very good run after catch. Not only do they catch the ball very well, but they turn in into running backs once they get a chance to catch the ball. They’re bigger wide receivers in body type, as far as in space. They’re able to break tackles, tremendous hand skills, good foot speed, but I don’t like defending it. But, you have to respect their running skills after they catch the ball.”


(On what he’s seen from the cornerback group this season)

“All of those guys, it’s really nothing that’s happened here that hasn’t for many years in my career, all kinds of places and stuff. That’s why I’m real proud of the staff of why we coach every single guy that the head coach and the general manager gives us. We don’t pick the personnel, but we coach the personnel. Whether it is the fifth, sixth, seventh corner on our team, they all get coached the same way. We try to even up the reps to help them out, too. They’ve all grown because we have a next man up philosophy, to be able to step up, do your job in this league. If you make a team in the league, you deserve to be in this league. So, now, hopefully we can tweak a few things scheme-wise because I’ve had so many different kinds of athletics body types, hopefully schematically we can adapt to your strengths and somewhat hide your weaknesses. Sometimes it gets exposed and that’s what happens in space plays, and we try to minimize space plays by themselves as much as possible. It’s a really good, tough group and I like the way they’re being coached, I think (DBs Coach) Dennard Wilson and I think (DBs Coach) Brandon Fisher do a really good job coaching that backend, it’s one of the most comfortable environments that I’ve had with the backend getting done right.”


(On how the leaders on the defensive side of the ball addressed the team’s performance following the Lions game)

“We’re all in this together. Anytime you hear the players say that, it makes me smile because I talk about empowerment all of the time. It really doesn’t make any difference how I feel – it’s how they feel. I don’t play anymore, I try not to get in the way during the game. I try to help during the game. The fact that they’re so prideful and there’s so many guys that played so doggone good, had some of their better performances, but when you don’t do well out there on the edges, not very many balls travelled very far in the air - they threw the ball in very short intermittent, intermediate distances and we didn’t tackle in space. Our defensive secondary has to play better to give everybody else a chance to play, because there was a lot of good football played outside of five, six plays in that ballgame. It’s good to hear them say that they were pissed. I won’t say how pissed I was.”

http://boards.giants.com/showthread...-Giants-Rams-game-Can-Aaron-Donald-be-stopped

3 key matchups in Giants-Rams game: Can Aaron Donald be stopped?


Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will pose a challenge for the Giants' offensive line. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo, File)

By Dan Duggan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Giants and Rams will square off in London on Sunday (9:30 a.m., NFL/CBS). It's a matchup of 3-3 teams that could factor into the NFL playoff picture down the road.

Here are three key matchups to watch in Sunday's pivotal game:

Giants offensive line vs. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald

Donald is the most dominant interior defensive lineman in the NFL and it's not even debatable. The 6-foot-1, 285-pound defensive tackle has 35 pressures this season. The next highest interior defensive lineman has 23 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Giants' offensive line is weaker on the perimeter, as guards Justin Pugh and John Jerry have played well this season. Pugh, Jerry and center Weston Richburg will be responsible for blocking the explosive Donald, who gets off the ball with incredible quickness.

The Giants rank 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (76.0) and they have struggled mightily on the ground in the past two games (2.5 yards per carry). The Rams rank 23rd in the NFL in rushing defense, but controlling Donald will be key to the Giants' run game.

Giants defensive ends vs. Rams left tackle Greg Robinson

Giants defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon are each stuck on one sack after six games. While both players have generated pressure at times, the bottom line is they aren't getting opposing quarterbacks on the ground.

Pierre-Paul and Vernon have an opportunity to exploit Rams left tackle Greg Robinson. The Rams are allowing 2.17 sacks per game and Robinson has struggled.

Getting pressure on Rams quarterback Case Keenum is key. Keenum has been effective when given time this season. When he has 2.6 seconds or more to pass, he has the eighth-best QB rating in the league (106.4). He drops to 31st in QB rating when he has 2.5 seconds or less to throw (76.6).

The Giants have been effective when blitzing, but they need their top pass rushers to step up their play.

Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham vs. Rams cornerbacks

Beckham missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a hip injury, but it would be a surprise if the Giants' star is unable to play in the game. Beckham will be looking for an encore to his eight-catch, 222-yard, two-touchdown performance last week.

The Rams could be without top cornerback Trumaine Johnson, who is dealing with an ankle injury. The Rams rank 16th in the NFL, allowing 246 yards passing per game. They have done a good job limiting big plays, allowing just 10 passes of 25 yards or more this season.

Beckham finally broke loose against the Ravens on Sunday with catches of 43, 66 and 75 yards. The Giants will need to keep hitting big plays in the passing game to overcome their ineffective rushing attack.
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I am very worried about Eli getting any time to throw the ball on Sunday. Donald, Quinn and Hayes are going to be a nightmare for our OLine
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This is the game for Pugh to earn his money. Giants just picked up his 5th yr option. Plus, they picked him at 19th overall. At first, Reese said that Pugh could play OT - no issue with the short arms. When they found out this was untrue, they moved him to OG. So if you are going to pick an OG that high, he better be a good one. Though Pugh has gotten a bit stronger, he's still not a mauler. The way for Pugh to justify that high pick and 5th yr pickup is to be able to neutralize Donald. But if Donald is still able to dominate, that speaks volumes.

In addition, Giants should learn from the Rams front 4. As Rams have demonstrated, to have an effective pass rush, it's not enough to have good edge rushers (like Quinn). You've got to have at least 1 interior guy who is usually a bit lighter, but faster and can penetrate in the middle. Rams have that in Adams. But Giants instead have two 330+ huge run stuffers. You need one of those. But two is too much.
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http://boards.giants.com/showthread...ficiating-for-this-London-game-will-be-a-mess

I think the officiating for this London game will be a mess...

So the Rams play "whistle to whistle" - we'll, actually past the whistle, and dirty.

The Giants are aware of the Ram's game, and will now be watching Beckham's back.

The officials should be particularly monitoring all this, and penalties might be enforced early - to keep it all under control.

But wait - how does the NFL sell it's game to the other side of the pond, based on a penalty filled product, and impinging on the physical aspects?

Oh, and it's being played in a Rugby stadium.
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Actually ......
The atmosphere at Twickenham is electric and will be much better than Wembley.
The pitch is in excellent condition.
The 80,000 fans who will be there will mostly be fanatical and knowledgeable NFL fans
There is no reason at all to believe that the Refs will do a poor job.
It will be a great game to watch and a celebration for all of us in the UK who are massive Giants fans.
Hope you enjoy it too
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Ron Torbert and his team are the officiating crew for the game . They are a decent experienced NFL crew.

Would you rather have Jeff Triplette again?
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Do the Giants retaliate ? They might have to, that's why Pugh said something out loud. The league better be on the Ram defense. Fisher and Williams(DC) have both been known to be dirty never mind cheap.
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Sorry, but if McAdoo let's the Giants retaliate & draw 15yd flags, then the Giants deserve to lose this game. The Giants have to maintain team discipline at all costs. The Rams know they are not a match for us on an even playing level & have to resort to making the Giants commit stupid Unsportsmanlike penalties to either keep drives alive or negate Giants offensive drives. Our D cannot get hit with any RTP flags.

Rams O is 24th ranked in the NFL & only throw for 220ypgs, we have to stack the box & force Keenum to beat us with his arm, we do that, we win this game. No way should we let Gurly have a breakout game against us. Their run game is only 4yds better than ours 80ypg to our 76ypg. So we need to stuff their run game even more. They cannot win a shootout with us. I say we win 31-20
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I highly doubt it, if anything, they will have the crosshairs dead on OBJ & the Rams D, especially their secondary knows this. OBJ cannot allow them to do something stupid to cost the Giants 15yd flags & kill drives. If the Giants engage with the Rams in multiple altercations that cost this team the game, then I will Know for sure that McAdoo has zero control over this team & therefore has no authority to be HC of this team.
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http://boards.giants.com/showthread...tand-behind-Odell-Beckham-against-chippy-Rams

Giants take stand behind Odell Beckham against chippy Rams

http://www.newsday.com/sports/footba...ams-1.12472064

“We know what happened in that game two years ago when we played there,” guard Justin Pugh said. “Obviously they were trying to get after him and hit him, so we have to make sure that we go out there and play within the whistles and make sure that we are protecting our guys at the same time. Obviously we have to make sure that this game is more focused on going out and playing football than fighting.”

But the Giants will be ready for both.

“I mean, they are going to try and stop him,” Pugh said. “By any means necessary I guess is their motto. I watched them on ‘Hard Knocks,’ so you kind of see what kind of mentality they have in those rooms.”
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This is where it all started 2 years ago.... Wonder when Odell will explode. good or bad.
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OBJ is like that little twerp in a bar that starts fights with everyone and you have to bail him out. I hope the Giants players let him eat dirt to teach him a lesson.
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OBJ is a child. He has shown the league how easy it is to get under his skin, which may not take him out of a game, but it will make him more likely to give back some yards on penalties at the very least. He makes it very easy on the defense. Needs to grow up and stop taking the bait. Best thing he can do know is not even hear the defense and let his play do the talking for him. If you get hit late, act like you don't feel it.

He's like a poster on here who tries to get rid of a troll by responding to it. Never gonna work.
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You are so far off base on that. Don't know how many games you watch but the Ram game 2 years ago the Rams gave him cheap shots all day and not a single Giant stood up for their teammate. Never have I witnessed a team lay down and not stick up for their best player. And Pugh just stood up and said it's not going to happen again. All you guys want leadership well here it is.
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Jeff Fisher and his band of merry thugs...could be interesting
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Rams game plan will most likely be to make OBJ kill Giants drives with stupid flags by hitting him late, talking smack in his ear & hoping to get a rise outta him where he will retaliate. Now I'm pretty sure the Giants coaching staff & other players have already told him to be ready for the Rams antics & to just ignore them.

I will say this, I better see the refs throwing flags at Rams players if they are taking extra shots at him or taunting him. This is a game the Giants should win going away if they stay away from the stupid flags & turning the ball over like they have done in every single game this yr.
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Odel is acting immaturely on the field and allowing other players to irritate him. This makes him more likely to make foolish errors in judgement and take penalties, even if it isn't effecting his production. Though I think in some games it is effecting his production.
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I'll never forget that game against the Rams. On one play, a Ram defender goes CLEARLY headhunting on Odell. He moves out of the way and the Rams defender crashes helmet first into one of his teammates, injuring them both.

One of the best ****ing examples of karmic justice I've ever seen. I was laughing and hollering in my living room.

Let's hope that if anyone goes headhunting this game that they make a wrong turn on their leg and end their ****ing career.
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As fans, we gotta stand up for our guys too. Support Odell and josh brown no matter what
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http://giantsfans.net/message_board/index.php/topic,39306.0.html

Eye On the Rams: Breaking down the matchup
Michael Eisen/Senior Writer/Editor

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants will try to win their second European game and take some momentum into their bye week when they face the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in Twickenham Stadium in London. Both teams are 3-3, but the Giants defeated Baltimore last week, while the Rams have lost two games in a row to Buffalo and Detroit.

In 2007, the Giants were the first NFL team to win a regular-season game outside North America when they defeated the Miami Dolphins, 13-10, in the inaugural International Series game.

>> KEYS TO VICTORY VS. RAMS

The Giants have won their last six games against the Rams dating back to 2002, but trail in the all-time regular-season series, 25-15. The postseason series is tied, 1-1.

What is the Rams’ biggest strength?

An extremely disruptive defense. The unit’s numbers aren’t particularly impressive – Los Angeles is 17th in the league in both yardage and points allowed – but the unit has come up big when it counted, getting late stops to clinch victories in one-possession games vs. Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Arizona. The Rams’ formula for victory is to unleash a swarming defense that keeps points down, generates turnovers, and find a way to pull it out in the fourth quarter.

What player is key to the Rams’ offense?

The Rams like to feed the ball to running back Todd Gurley. The second-year pro is tied for third in the NFL with 119 rushing attempts. But they have accounted for just 346 yards, a 2.9-yard average. He has run for 100 yards just once in the last 14 games (but he still rushed for 1,108 yards as a rookie despite missing two games).

When he gets untracked, so does the entire offense because Gurley puts the Rams in favorable down and distance situations, which enables them to take shots deep down the field. Gurley is big, strong and fast, and can catch the ball out of the backfield.

What is the strength of the Rams’ offense?

Talented skill players. In addition to Gurley, the Rams line up with wide receivers Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, and Brian Quick, and tight end Lance Kendricks. That group can give any defense headaches. And while quarterback Case Kessum is supposed to be keeping the seat warm for No.1 overall draft choice Jared Goff, he completed 27 of 32 passes (84.4 percent) for 321 yards and three touchdowns for a 126.7 passer rating last week vs. the Lions.

>> GIANTS VS. RAMS STORYLINES

What player is key to the Rams’ defense?

Tackle Aaron Donald, who is playing as well as any defensive player in the league. Though not particularly big at 6-1 and 285 pounds, Donald leads the NFL with 15 quarterback hits and 37 total pressures, and the team with 3.0 sacks. He has uncommon quickness, athleticism and explosiveness, and though is left tackle, Donald lines up anywhere he chooses along the defensive front. Donald is arguably the NFL’s most disruptive defender.

What is the strength of the Rams’ defense?

The Donald-led defensive line – when everyone is healthy, which hasn’t been the case lately. In right end Robert Quinn and Donald, the Rams have two of the NFL’s dominant pass rushers. Quinn missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, but has practiced this week and hopes to face the Giants. He has excellent speed off the edge and is the master of the strip sack.

Left end William Hayes missed two games with an ankle injury before returning last week in Detroit. Right tackle Michael Brockers, who does the dirty work inside, is battling a thigh injury. Reserve end Ethan Westbrooks has been a consistent pass rusher.

What player is key to the Rams’ special teams?

Two-time Pro Bowl punter Johnny Hekker. A field-changer, he leads the NFL with 16 punts down inside the 20-yard line, and his 43.3-yard net average is sixth in the league. Special teams coordinator John Fassel is not afraid to attempt the unusual to give his players an advantage.

Based on the scouting report, the Giants must do this to win:

Protect Eli Manning. Then Rams’ defensive linemen can harass opposing quarterbacks with a force and relentlessness that few other units can match, and dominate a game by themselves.

Statistic you should know:

Since 2013, Quinn has forced 17 fumbles, far more than any other NFL player.
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Geez.

That article makes the Rams sound like a really good team.

Looks like a game that might be decided by turnovers (or absence thereof).
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The Rams and the Giants have some similarities from the Offensive and Defensive scores to their record but beyond that. The Rams have a disruptive Defensive Line and a key player in Aaron Donald. The Rams have struggled in Running the ball with an average of 3.1 yards per game and do not have a runner with a 100 yard game.

The stats of Eli Manning and Case Keenum are similar although Keenum has been a running threat. The tendencies on pass by direction are similar. The Rams will run the ball more on longer down and distance and the Giants will go to the pass more.

The Rams have given up 13 sacks and have sacked the opposition 10 times. Eli has been sacked 11 times and have 6 sacks total. Britt is big and strong and is catching 75% of his passes. Both he and OBJ average about 16.5 yards after the catch.

Both these teams are going to look to establish the run and put pressure on the QB. Donald can be neutralized by Pugh or Jerry with the help of Richburg. I like the Giant's Defensive Line in limiting Gurley. I like the Giant's Secondary and the way the Linebackers played last game. Keenum doesn't often stretch the field for over 20 yards but that would be Britt on Jenkins and Jenkins is playing some of his best ball right now.

The problem with the Giant's Offense has been the ability to get the ball to other Receivers other than Odell for any significant big plays. A couple were to Cruz and they haven't been getting Shepard the ball other than in the Slot. If OBJ is limited or doesn't play they will need other Receivers to step up like Roger Lewis and Tavaris King.

Having Jennings on the field will help in Pass Protection for Eli but they need to get that Rock to the outside so I would hope to see more of Paul Perkins. Like every other team, the Rams will be in Cover 2 and make the Giants move the ball incrementally with the run and short passes and screens. The Giants need to hit Donnell and Tye early between the hashes to bring the Safeties away from the sidelines.

I like the Giants chances on Defense. The Giants can run on this team as their opponents average over 4 yards a game and the Rams give up 400 total yards a game. They need to protect Eli and they can get it done and come home with a win.
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Saw the Rams in game 1 vs. SF and they were putrid.

How is it that their defensive line is so dominant, yet they get run on consistently? Doesn't add up to me.
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"Britt on Jenkins and Jenkins is playing some of his best ball right now. ".......

isn't the height difference here against our JJ quite a bit?? it gives the WR britt quite an edge.
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He's an inch taller than Dez Bryant at 6'3". It is an edge, no doubt. Especially on a fade route. I think they are going to try to get him on Jenkins instead of the taller DRC. Jenkins plays taller than he is. I really don't see the Giants moving around their Corners.
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Drc should be the one who plays against Britt.... He matches up much better than Jenkins would.
This guy was drafted right after we picked ours... He is now producing and our guy is out of NFL!
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http://www.bigblueview.com/2016/10/...th-turf-show-times-odell-beckham-aaron-donald

Five questions with Turf Show Times: Beckham or Donald, and much more
We turn to Turf Show Times to learn more about the Los Angeles Rams
by Ed Valentine @Valentine_Ed

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants are, finally, in London this morning as their Sunday morning matchup with the Los Angeles Rams draws closer. Let’s learn more about the Rams from Joe McAtee, editor of SB Nation’s Rams’ web site, Turf Show Times. Joe took the time to answer our “Five Questions” this week.

Ed: If I offered you a straight-up trade, Odell Beckham Jr. for Aaron Donald, would you take it? Why or why not?

Joe: Oh man, that's tough. As good as OBJ is (and as fun as he is for coverage), I'll stick with Donald only because I can't conceive of not having him. Plus, there's a good chance that if Odell were stuck in Fisherball, he'd be half the wide out he is with you guys and I'd hate to be complicit in a crime against humanity.

Ed: What's your feeling on the whole "playing in London" thing? Are Rams fans unhappy about losing a home game?

Joe: Somewhat. I think fans are more upset about losing all the other games (heyooooooooooooooooo). It goes back to something we started covering last year with the leaks that Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead were getting a contract extension: winning football games is not the top priority for this franchise right now.

The culture at the top of the franchise (read: Owner Stan Kroenke and COO Kevin Demoff) doesn't value winning over everything else. There's much more interest in expanding the brand and marketing the team than improving the on-field product. It's why the Rams have committed to sacrifice a home game each of the next three seasons to play abroad.

It's why they marketed the hell out of Todd Gurley this offseason to maximize his exposure ahead of rushing for a whopping 346 yards in the first six games this season. It's why they sought to be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks earlier this year. It's likely why they traded up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to take a QB and then sit him on the bench while some of his peers are starring through nearly the first half of the year.

My feeling on playing in London? I'm relatively ambivalent about it overall. I'm much less enthused that the Rams care more about hyping up the fact they're doing so instead of...winning more football games and offering some shred of accountability when they don't.

Ed: I find it hard to believe that Todd Gurley is averaging 2.9 yards per carry and doesn't have a run longer than 16 yards far. What's up with that?

Joe: THE RAMS ARE UP WITH THAT.

It's a combination of multiple factors. The offensive line isn't great, too often making little room for him to run. The scheme isn't great, too often asking him to run through crowded eight-man boxes or worse. The execution on his part isn't great, too often lacking the patience and/or vision to identify lanes.

Te one caveat I'd offer here is that for five weeks, we said that the Rams had to start taking advantage of opposing defenses shunting defenders into the front to keep a lid on Gurley by passing the ball around them. In Week 6, the Rams were offered the porous Detroit Lions defense and finally did just that - pass around them as QB Case Keenum had a career day going 27-32 for 321 yards, three passing TDs and a rushing TD en route to taking the franchise record for consecutive completions ... before throwing a game-ending interception on the Rams' final possession.

Until the threat of that happening again gets embedded into opposing defensive gameplans, it's going to be very hard for Todd Gurley to product the kind of numbers Rams fans anticipated ... and that the entire NFL machine sold fans on.

Ed: How long can Jeff Fisher and the Rams hold out before replacing Case Keenum at quarterback with Jared Goff?

Joe: Until time mathematically ends.

Jeff Fisher does not operate on a conventional logic equilibrium. He operates in the Nether, the Upside Down. He is the NFL's version of the multiverse, a validation of all of Schrödinger's work, of the Copenhagen interpretation.

Jared Goff is currently not playing and playing at the same time. He is both the Rams' No. 1 overall draft pick and never drafted.

Welcome to the many worlds, Giants fans.

Ed: If you could take one player off the Giants' roster -- other than Beckham -- and put him the Rams' lineup, who would it be? Why?

Joe: Odell is the obvious answer (and Sterling Shepard to a lesser degree) given the Rams' offensive struggles, but as I mentioned before I'm not certain their skills alone would be sufficient to re-align the Rams' entire offensive application. Ereck Flowers would be an option less because of the play of Ereck Flowers and more because of the play of Rams LT Greg Robinson.

So I'm going to go with Kelvin Sheppard. The Rams have moved Alec Ogletree from OLB to MLB after cutting longtime Rams MLB James Laurinaitis early this calendar year. Sheppard would allow Tree to move back outside and help improve the run defense with some physicality the Rams are lacking from the linebacking group.
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The Rams SB Nation writer doesn’t seem too happy with the Rams front office and coaching staff.
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He sounds pissed.
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We haven't had a winning season since 2003 - 3K
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Yeah its 3K, who some see as just a straight up negative nancy but can also be seen as just brutally honest. I do enjoy the honesty and the perspective on that site. My favorite line is "too negative".
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I thought our fan base hated the coach. It’s a love-fest compared to the Rams.
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Ogletree is supposed to be a super beezer. Maybe he’s all athleticism and no instincts?
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He's a WILL only

I know they moved Barron to WILL, but I agree. Ogletree doesn’t look physical enough to play inside.
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I'm surprised Giants fans are still here today supporting the team after that last 24 hours of "fun"

Seriously though, I think this is the worst of the 5 questions we’ve had thus far. This guy seems so annoyed at his club and Sheppard on top of that??? Yikes…
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Please run against the Kelvin Sheppard wanting Rams

The most experienced LB is Mark Barron, who might be 230 lbs, Ogletree in the middle makes no sense to me.

If you can’t believe there are weaker LB groups out there, check this group. Kelvin is our highest drafted LB, a 3rd rnder.

We run, Donald has to think twice before he unleashes the power. He’s the only scary matchup.
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TJ McDonald is a thumper at SS. Not to sure about his coverage though, but I’ve seen him throw some nasty hits (borderline late/cheapshots). I think he was one of the clowns on the Rams that was chirping at ODBafter the play was done the year they had the brawl. I think he was the db who also blew the coverage where odell took it to the house late in the game.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/sto...kiel-elliott-dallas-cowboys-strike-draft-gold

Here's the third edition of my ranking of the top rookies through Week 6 in the NFL, plus another group of guys who just missed the list. I've also included the rankings of where each player landed on my final top 300 prospects list before the 2016 draft.

Here are the parameters, same as always:

• This is a measure for all games this season, not just last week.
  
  
• Total snap count matters. Staying on the field is a measure of value.
  
  
• Positional value matters, but overall performance and impact on the team matter more.
  
  
• Relative value matters. I ask: Would this player be a starter on most teams or on a good team?
  

1. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Previously ranked: 2 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 114

How can Prescott not move up to No. 1? The fourth-round pick is No. 2 in the league in Total QBR, he just set the record for passes without an interception to open a career (176) and the Cowboys are 5-1. As Tony Romo inches closer to a return from his back injury, an interesting QB1 decision looms.

2. Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Previously ranked: 1 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 7

The No. 2 overall pick has had some expected growing pains the past two weeks. Wentz's Total QBR has taken a plunge -- from No. 8 after Week 4 to No. 25 now -- and the Eagles have lost two straight after a 3-0 start. He completed just 50 percent of his passes in Philadelphia's loss to Washington last weekend. Wentz's future is bright, though. The tools are there.

3. Jack Conklin, OT, Tennessee Titans
Previously ranked: 5 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 4

Conklin is such a steady presence at right tackle. Tennessee, led by a much-improved offensive line, is up to No. 2 in the league in yards per carry (4.9). Conklin is going to have a long career in the NFL.

4. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Previously ranked: 8 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 8

Before the draft, I said Elliott was one of the best running back prospects to enter the league over the past decade, and he is already leading the league in rushing -- by more than 100 yards. He's also leading the league in carries. The Cowboys have relied on him too much so far. How about saving his legs when they're up by two touchdowns?

5. Jatavis Brown, ILB, San Diego Chargers
Previously ranked: 6 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 248

Brown, filling in for Manti Te'o, who's out for the season, leads the Chargers in tackles with 42. Brown was a fifth-round pick after earning the award for MAC defensive player of the year at Akron. He looks promising. After 11.5 sacks last season for the Zips, he has three for San Diego in limited snaps. He has also forced two fumbles.

6. DeForest Buckner, DE, San Francisco 49ers
Previously ranked: 7 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 9

After missing a game with a foot injury, Buckner returned in Week 6 and had two sacks -- the first of his career -- against the Bills. He leads 49ers defensive linemen in snaps and tackles. At 6-foot-7, 300 pounds, he has a unique combination of power and length, and he's still developing his pass-rushing skills.

7. Keanu Neal, S, Atlanta Falcons
Previously ranked: NR | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 50

Neal missed the first two games of the season because of a knee injury. He has adjusted quickly to the speed of the league and is racking up tackles. He had 11 in the loss to the Seahawks last weekend. He also has two forced fumbles this season.

8. Hunter Henry, TE, San Diego Chargers
Previously ranked: NR | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 54

Henry, a second-round pick out of Arkansas, has really been a factor while veteran Antonio Gates has been banged up and not at full strength. My No. 2-ranked tight end in the draft has a touchdown in three straight games. His 59-yard run-and-catch against the Raiders showed off his tools. Henry's 16 first-down catches are tied for the team lead.

9. Yannick Ngakoue, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Previously ranked: 9 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 108

Who could have guessed Ngakoue would have been the top-rated Jaguars rookie? The third-round pick out of Maryland has been a bright spot on the Jags' defense. He has a sack in four straight games. He also has forced three fumbles and picked off a pass. And he's only 21.

10. Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers
Previously ranked: NR | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 2

Bosa's holdout and hamstring injury kept him in the news but off the field until earlier this month. He has been fantastic in the two games he has played, with two sacks and multiple pressures. I said before the draft that the high-motor Bosa had a very high floor -- he's going to be really good for a Chargers team that has three rookies in my top 10.

11. Karl Joseph, S, Oakland Raiders
Previously ranked: 11 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 13

After playing no defensive snaps in Weeks 1 and 2, Joseph took over as the Raiders' starting strong safety. With ball skills and a physical edge, Joseph brings a fear factor to the defense as an explosive, controlled hitter. The No. 14 overall pick had an interception and fumble recovery in the win over the Chargers in Week 5.

12. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
Previously ranked: 14 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 67

Thomas is still raw, and his ceiling is very high. But he leads the Saints in catches and is second in targets in their pass-happy offense. He also has a touchdown in his past three games. The second-round pick was a big-play threat at Ohio State, but he's averaging just 11.8 yards per reception in the NFL. One interesting note: He has no catches between the hashes.

13. Cody Whitehair, C, Chicago Bears
Previously ranked: 13 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 57

When I scouted Whitehair before the draft, I thought he would need to move away from tackle and play guard or center in the NFL. I thought he could be an immediate starter on the interior. Now, he has thrived in the middle of the Bears' offensive line after they initially slated him at guard, then moved him over after signing Josh Sitton. Chicago picked up a guy in the second round who can start for many years.

14. Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
Previously ranked: 5 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 43

The second-round pick's production has taken a dive recently -- he has only 142 receiving yards in his past four games -- but he's still getting targeted by Eli Manning. He's second on the Giants in targets with 41, and he has 26 catches and two touchdowns on the season. Sixteen of his catches have gone for first downs.

15. Rashard Robinson, CB, San Francisco 49ers
Previously ranked: NR | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 245

The 49ers have allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game -- their No. 32-ranked rushing defense is another story -- and Robinson has been a solid addition. The fourth-round pick who played only 20 games at LSU filled in for an injured Jimmie Ward and played well. After suffering a concussion in the loss to the Bills, the 6-foot-1 Robinson could be out this week.

16. Deion Jones, ILB, Atlanta Falcons
Previously ranked: 15 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 49

A second-round pick, Jones has been productive for the 4-2 Falcons. The 6-foot-1, 222-pound defender is undersized, but he can play the pass well in the middle of the Atlanta defense. He had a 90-yard pick-six in the Week 3 win over the Saints. He missed Atlanta's win over Denver because of an ankle injury, but he returned last week.

17. Cody Kessler, QB, Cleveland Browns
Previously ranked: NR | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 184

Kessler, forced to play because of injuries to Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown, has been better than expected. I thought the undersized (6-1, 215 pounds) signal-caller would be a career backup -- he regressed as a senior at USC, and he doesn't have a big-time arm. But he has been efficient early on, completing 65.6 percent of his passes and throwing just one interception (with four touchdown passes). Now, Kessler's efficiency hasn't led to wins for the 0-6 Browns, but his play is one of the few bright spots so far. I ranked him as my No. 13 QB before the draft.

18. Will Fuller, WR, Houston Texans
Previously ranked: 4 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 31

Fuller has dropped here -- he has only one catch in the past two weeks and is dealing with a hamstring injury. He has made some big plays, though; he's averaging 16.4 yards per catch and has two touchdowns. He's a big-play threat on every route, and he has blinding speed when healthy (4.32-second 40-yard dash).

19. Jarran Reed, DT, Seattle Seahawks
Previously ranked: NR | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 21

Don't judge Reed by the stat sheet, although he does have a sack. The second-round pick has played only 130 snaps in the Seahawks' defensive line rotation. The 6-3, 311-pound defensive tackle is a powerful guy up front who can control the line of scrimmage. I rated him as the best run defender in the draft among linemen.

20. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Previously ranked: 12 | Final 2016 Big Board rank: 3

Ramsey has been good, not great. He has been burned a few times. He's a truly gifted player with the size and speed to be an All-Pro defender. The lack of interceptions was the only knock on Ramsey coming out of Florida State; he had only three in his college career, and he's waiting for his first pro pick.

Next in line
Su'a Cravens, LB, Washington Redskins; Blake Martinez, ILB, Green Bay Packers; Cory James, ILB, Oakland Raiders; Ryan Kelly, C, Indianapolis Colts; Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears; Andy Janovich, FB, Denver Broncos; Darron Lee, ILB, New York Jets; Taylor Decker, OT, Detroit Lions; Alex Lewis, OT/OG, Baltimore Ravens; Adolphus Washington, DL, Buffalo Bills; Elandon Roberts, LB, New England Patriots

Hey, this isn't an ethnocentric slam in any way, whatsoever....As Gurley is waiting for his first 100 yard game, it seems the more sullen and withdrawn he gets. He doesn't like interviews, and the guy in the Hardee's commercial isn't to be seen. While talking, those dreadlocks are in front of his face, and it drives me crazy just watching it, because I know I couldn't stand the same obstructions over my face/eyes...Of course, it's not a complete coverage of the face, but it reminds me a lot of of Ricky Williams in post game new interviews at New Orleans. I believe he (Williams) had depression issues, along with drug usage..Not saying Gurley is struggling with either (cuz I don't know), but it make wonder if there is something beyond just the game...Anyone else feel the same?

Anyone else watching this snoozefest? Thursday night football should be ended after this season.

Packers 6/Bears 3 at halftime.

Brian Hoyer was knocked out of the game earlier with a shoulder injury. Matt Barkley has taken his place.

Because they have no running game to speak of, Aaron Rodgers has thrown 30 passes already.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400874429

Remember, his stellar work as DC for the Giants got him the head coaching gig for the Rams. A disaster for him and a disaster for us. So far this season the Giants are ranked 19th on defense with 6 sacks( 2 of those by the free safety Landon Collins) and 2 interceptions(both by Janoris Jenkins). Hope we hang 40 points on his defense.
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http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2016/08/4_downs_with_giants_dc_steve_spagnuolo_pieces_are.html

4 downs with Giants' DC Steve Spagnuolo: Pieces are in place
By Dan Duggan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
August 04, 2016

EAST RUTHERFORD — Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo must have felt like a kid on Christmas morning this offseason. As he licked his wounds from overseeing the worst defense in the NFL last season, Spagnuolo watched general manager Jerry Reese stock up on marquee free agents.

The Giants shelled out nearly $200 million in contracts to defensive end Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive tackle Damon Harrison this offseason. On Thursday, Spagnuolo received another toy with the signing of veteran slot corner Leon Hall.

Spagnuolo met with the media for the first time in training camp after Thursday's practice. Here are four key points the defensive coordinator touched on:

1. The potential is high

Spagnuolo has been at the commands of some good defenses throughout his career and he sees the potential for the Giants to fall into that category this season.

"The more talent you can get with really good coaching, which I think we have in our coaches, the higher chances you have of being good," Spagnuolo said. "There's some things we can't control. Hopefully we won't suffer those things, but if the guys keep working like they have up until this point, I anticipate us getting better and better."

Spagnuolo, of course, is referring to injuries as things they can't control. But if the defense stays healthy, it should be much improved this season.

2. Secondary competition is beneficial

There has been a talent infusion in the secondary with the additions of Jenkins and Hall, as well as early-round draft picks Eli Apple and Darian Thompson. That might make playing time tougher to come by, but after scraping through last season with no depth in the secondary, this is a much better problem to have.

"Jerry is doing a great job of it and always has, of bringing in people to compete. I would anticipate that the level of play and work in the secondary would go up," Spagnuolo said. "There's only so many jobs. This is professional football, so the livelihood of everyone just keeps plugging away...I'd rather have guys complaining because they're not out there rather than guys that accept it. Guys that accept it are not the competitors that we're looking for."

3. There will be a spot for Apple

With so many veterans in the mix at corner, it's obvious to wonder where Apple fits in. Spagnuolo said the 10th overall pick in this year's draft will have a role.

"We'll get him in there," Spagnuolo said. "There's a lot of downs in this league now with three wide receivers, four wide receivers, so I don't anticipate that being a problem. Look, Eli has a long way to go, too. I like what he's doing to this point, but it's going to be a process. We know all the games are completely different from practice or even preseason games, so we'll see where we're at."

Spagnuolo has known of Apple since early in the cornerback's career at Ohio State. Spagnuolo visited an Ohio State practice and he saw Urban Meyer teaching the same type of press techniques, so that has made the adjustment easier for Apple.

4. Bend it like JPP

The praise for defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul continues. Spagnuolo raved about Pierre-Paul's God-given ability as a natural "knee-bender."

"Not all guys have that, especially at his size," Spagnuolo said. "A lot of guys play high. As soon as that ball starts going, they start running and to run fast you have to have high hips and go. But all the game is not played like that. There is a lot of misdirection back and forth and he's able to, if you watch him, he looks like a rubbery Gumby man out there. He can move all over the place, his change of direction, long armed. I'm glad he's here. This time last year we didn't have him."

Pierre-Paul looks like he's returning to his pre-fireworks accident form. If that happens, it will take the Giants' defense to another level.

Says he will start to get more reps regardless of win/loss to Jints and Goff has come a long way since week 1. :yess:
http://sports.yahoo.com/video/los-angeles-rams-switch-qb-205815971.html

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – Post-Practice – October 20, 2016


(Opening statement)
“Good Thursday practice session. I was really pleased with the energy. Meetings started at a decent hour this morning and we got a lot done. They’re flying around. What’s interesting is as the week goes on, as coaches we have more opportunity to study the opponent and I’m becoming more and more impressed with our upcoming opponent, which is not necessarily a good thing for us. They’re playing really good on defense. Their secondary’s playing really well together. They’re flying around and not giving up a lot of points. We’re going to have to be on par, offensively. Then defensively, (Giants QB) Eli (Manning) is Eli, he can make it happen. We’ve got our work cut out. We’ve got some match up concerns going in – the obvious ones are our secondary and our young corners against (Giants WR) Odell (Beckham Jr.). You go back and look at everybody that’s played them, they’re playing close attention to where he is and they’re giving them help. So, we’re going to have to do the same. But great respect for their skilled players on offense. As we move further into the week, it just becomes more apparent that it’s going to be a great game. It’s going to be a great ball game.”


(On adjusting to the eight hour time difference)
“The guys are fine right now. We talked to them in advance and we told them today is the day you’re going to feel better. When you tell them you feel better, then they feel better. That’s kind of our approach. But they had a great day today. We need to finish up tomorrow with a good practice and then excited about going over to the stadium and doing the walk-thru on Saturday.”


(On what he’s seen with Giants CB Janoris Jenkins on film)
“I mentioned in the conference call yesterday, I’ve got great respect for some of the top corners in the league, but it would be hard-pressed to find someone playing better than he is right now. He’s playing within the scheme. He’s challenging receivers, not within the scheme. I’m talking about, if he’s left or right and he’s playing their zone stuff and their matchup stuff, he does a great job. They’re also, if need be, matching him up on the best guy and he’s winning. He’s got a lot of PBU’s, which is pass breakups and he’s tackling well, he’s running well. It looks like he’s in great shape.”


(On DE Robert him injury status)
“He was full practice today.”


(On whether he expects him to play)
“I expect and am hoping. But full practice today is encouraging.”


(On what happens to the defense when he’s not available on game day)
“The attention goes to (DT) Aaron (Donald). I guess that’s most obviously stated. It goes right to Aaron. They feel like they can win the one-on-ones outside. Now we’ve won outside without him – (DE) Will’s (Hayes) won outside, (DE) Eugene’s (Sims) won outside, and the other guys have won as well. But basically, when he is on the edge, the fire power on the edge is going to require help, so that takes one more person offensively out of the routes of distribution.”


(On what he thinks is the best way to handle a player like Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. – a player who displays so much passion that it may sometimes boil over)
“I think they did a good job up there. He’s an emotional player, that’s why he’s so talented. Every play is important to him. He blocks, he’s into the offense and everything. He had his issues, if you watched a couple games, especially the Green Bay game, he settled down completely. He was helping opponents up off the ground, slapping them on the rear end, you know that kind of thing. I think he’s learned. He’s got a chance to go down as one of the all-time bests. He’s really, really special. We have respect for him but we’re going to have to cover him. We’re going to have to tackle him. That’s just what we do.”


(On why he likes Odell Beckham Jr. can become one of the best wide receivers to play the game)
“If he stays healthy over the next five or seven years, he takes a slant and goes 70 yards, just like he did right at the end of the game. There’s not a whole lot of guys right now playing the game, rather than (Falcons WR) Julio (Jones), and some guys that can do that. He can make all the catches and runs all the routes, and the run-after-catch stuff is pretty impressive.”


(On if he believes Beckham is a different player from two seasons ago, from a mental standpoint and with specific regards to a scuffle involving him and Rams players last time the teams played)
“That was his rookie year and I think he’s learned from it. We’re not anticipating anything this week. We’re just going to line up and play. But, something got out of hand there, with respect to both teams. We’re not dwelling on that, we’re not showing that. We’re just dwelling on what they’re doing offensively.”


(On if he’s spoken to his defensive backs about controlling their temper against Beckham)
“What you do is, and it’s a weekly discussion, is just don’t hurt our football team. Regardless of what happens out there, regardless of what is said, or regardless of the reaction out of an opponent, don’t put yourself in a position to hurt the football team. Now, again, I think Odell learned last week when a big touchdown play that shift the game, and he let loose of his emotions, took his helmet off, and now they’re kicking off from the 20-yard line. Those things are hard. I think the whole league needs to learn from that. Give yourself a chance to win. That could’ve cost them a victory last week. So, we don’t want to put ourselves in a position to where those kinds of things happen to us.”


(On if he ever engaged emotional players while he was a defensive back)
“I wasn’t very good. I was just trying to survive (laughs). There’s a lot of stuff that goes on out on the field, that you guys don’t know that’s said. Sometimes the verbal confrontations – they end up in physical confrontations, and you don’t want that to happen. We went out and just tried to win the game.”


(On what stood out to him about the Giants on tape)
“All three phases. Their special teams is just very well coached. I’ve got great respect for Mike Solari, their offensive line coach. He’s done a good job. They’re going to continue to improve in their run game, offensively. The passing game is up to Eli (Manning). Eli knows what is going on. He puts them in the right situations all the time. I guess most importantly, defensively, it’s a stacked defense. It’s a secondary that’s loaded. (S) Landon (Collins) is playing really, really well right now, in addition to Janoris (Jenkins). (CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie) Rodgers is playing well. They have depth, linebackers are running, defensive line is stout. They’ve got what you need to win in the NFC East.”


(On if he foresees a big game out of RB Todd Gurley)
“Yeah, it’s coming. There’s going to be that busted open run. Whether if the ball is handed off to him, or not, or whether it’s thrown to him. He’s in great shape right now. He feels good, he’s patient, and that’s the important thing. He’s not pressing. Patience, it’s a valuable asset as a running back. His time is coming.”


(On if he thinks DT Aaron Donald can go down as one of the all-time greats and something about Donald that doesn’t show up in the box score)
“I think, as coaches, you have to be careful about praising your own players. I may step out of the box here – he’s really good, he’s really good. And he’s been there week after week. He’s very, very disruptive. His sack numbers, as we said, they’re not there, but the pressures and the hits and the disruption and the tackles for losses are all there. He’s special.”


(On if he’s ever had a player as strong as Donald in the interior)
“I’ve had some good ones. I’ve been around some good ones. When I was around the defensive line in Philadelphia with Jerome Brown inside, Reggie White, we put him inside – they were good ones. He’s just getting started, let me just say that. He’s young in his career and he’s just getting started, and I think his production over the last couple of years speaks for itself.”


(On how far in advance he needed to prepare for the London game and how different it is)
“If I hear your question correctly, I didn’t involve the coaching staff and the players with it. But as a head coach, you work with our operations department, you have to plan well in advanced. We had people here at this facility and at the stadium back in March and April. But as far as scheduling is concerned, I personally did that over the last, probably, a month beforehand. It’s important, the scheduling, the little things are important. You have to put the players first and you have to put yourself in the eyes of the player, with respect to every minute of the day. It’s working out, it’s working out good. Again, the time and effort that everybody put in, outside of the coaching staff, with respect to the operations and everything, it’s worked out. So the players are in good shape right now.”


(On if hype associated with the time zone difference and logistics is justified and if it’s a major shift for the players)
“It’s different. I think it’s unique for our standpoint because we went Pacific Coast Time to Eastern Time and then we came here. So, it was a huge shift. So it’s all about what you do before you adjust to Eastern Time with the Detroit game and then what we do here. There’s a lot involved and people have taken different approaches, as well. Sometimes teams just come in on Fridays and they pound on player’s doors and say, ‘Wake up,’ and let’s go play. Our first experience here, we thought we were doing the right things and after the first series on offense, things were really good – we had a four or five or six-play drive against New England and thought ‘Alright, they came here Friday, we got here Monday, everything’s good,’ and we lose (45-7). But I think to give the players the best chance to be successful, three things are key – and that’s rest, recuperation, recovery and then, of course, adjusting to the time change.”


(On what he thinks will be important to see from the team on Sunday to get the win heading into the bye week)
“The win is the ultimate thing. We’ve shown improvement over the last couple of weeks offensively, we’ve not played to our standards on defense. We’re kind of trading back-and-forth on special teams. We need all three phases, and we need big plays. For all intents and purposes, if you compare the two teams, I think you’re, in all likelihood, it’s going to come down to the end, a play at the end.”


(On if he would agree with the players who say they’re going into the game with a chip on their shoulder)
“Yeah, they’re disappointed. From our perspective, a coaching perspective and the player’s perspective, we’ve let two slip that we potentially could have won. They feel like this one’s really important. I don’t know if the chip on the shoulder is the thing, but they’re doing all the extra little things that they need to do – and they’ve done that all year, it doesn’t matter.”

Just a thought,I look for the Rams to employ Mental warfare against
O.B.G.Y.N. this Sunday.His major flaw is his inability to control his
emotions.One of Greg Williams defense's tactical strengths is
understanding how to frustrate players mentally.
an extra chip here an extra chip there mixed in with alot of
verbal harassment and you have a player more focused on
revenge than the game at hand.Will be interesting to see
if we can make it happen.

hopefully good news!!

That title was probably a bit mis leading...because im actually really bummed about not being able to see another game this year.

Anyway, i leave for basic training on monday and will be gone for 22 weeks. Im beyond excited for this new chapter in my life. Just wanted to say its been a real pleasure being part of this board and getting to know all of you. The countless hours ive spent talking rams football with yall has been a highlight of my days since 2012.

Heres to hoping I miss the first magical playoff run in decades. Cheers yall...see ya in a few months :cheers:

And GO RAMS!!

Penalizing a team 40 or 50 yards for a pass interference penalty and affecting the outcome of a game is ridiculous. It should be a 15 yard penalty. Give the defensive backs some more leeway to engage with receivers, instead of penalizing them over and over and affecting the flow of the game. This is how it was done back in the day and it worked just fine.
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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...o-be-15-yard-penalty-for-offense-and-defense/

Richard Sherman wants pass interference to be 15-yard penalty for offense and defense
Posted by Curtis Crabtree on October 20, 2016

Getty Images

Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman absolutely interfered with Falcons receiver Julio Jones on Atlanta’s final offensive play Sunday. However, the flag never came out and Seattle was able to hold on for a 26-24 victory over the Falcons.

But if Sherman had his way with the rule book, the would-be penalty wouldn’t have been nearly as significant to the game’s outcome as it would have been under current rules.

Sherman believes pass interference should be a 15-yard penalty, and not a spot foul, for both offensive and defensive interference penalties.

“I’d make it 15 yards like college,” Sherman said Wednesday. “I’d make both 15 yards, offensive and defensive, because it’s not as much of a penalty. An offensive player can stop a turnover and it’s a 10-yard penalty and they might still get the first down. A defensive player, they can say, ‘Oh, he was about to stop a touchdown,’ so they give him a spot foul. That’s the difference.”

NCAA rules have pass interference as a 15-yard penalty for both offense and defense with defensive pass interference being a spot foul up to 15 yards.The current rules have offensive pass interference as a 10-yard penalty and defensive pass interference as a spot foul.

With Atlanta facing fourth-and-10 and needing to go at least 35 yards to get into field goal range with less than two minutes to play, Matt Ryan basically threw up a jump ball to Jones in the middle of the field where he was covered by Sherman and Earl Thomas. If the flag had been thrown, it would have been approximately a 37-yard penalty, which would have given the Falcons a likely chance to win the game on a field goal.

Sherman feels that the penalty is disproportionately weighted in the offense’s favor, especially when receivers can maul a defensive back in prime position for an interception with the only penalty being 10 yards and the chance to continue their possession.

“That’s the league you play in. Fourth-and-10 for the game, they can just throw one up and hope for a flag. Then you deal with that at the end. It is what it is and we won the game,” Sherman said.

Under Sherman’s scenario (with the penalty actually called), the Falcons would have had the ball at their own 40-yard line with around 90 seconds to play. It’s still a significant penalty assessed against Seattle’s defense but it wouldn’t have completely flipped field position on one play. Because of the spot foul part of the equation, it may also lead officials to not want to “bail out” a desperation jump ball opportunity with such a penal flag.

Sherman also doesn’t believe pass interference should be a reviewable penalty.

“If you watched every offensive snap of the line play in slow motion, it would look like a hold of some sort or hands to the face,” Sherman said. “You know, it’s just football. If you replay everything then it’s going to be on every play, every play on the line, every play on the secondary you can call, a penalty anytime, on both sides of the ball.”

Mid-season Rams Rookie of the Year? None other than LB Josh Forrest by default

http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...ar-None-other-than-LB-Josh-Forrest-by-default

October 19th, 2016 | By: Jake Ellenbogen

Well this is a shock isn't it? I mean come on post-NFL draft no one had Forrest pegged to be the best rookie drafted by the Rams. Everyone however, felt it would be no.1 overall pick Jared Goff and fourth-round WR Pharoh Cooper or even fourth-round TE Tyler Higbee. It's not though surprisingly it's the LB out of Kentucky.

So how good has Forrest been? Well, he really hasn't been amazing but he's improved weekly. He even had a very crucial fumble recovery in the Rams close win over Arizona. Forrest last week had two big tackles for losses when he dissected the play came out of his position and rushed the edge containing the outside and stuffing the ball-carrier behind the line.

It's a very small sample size but Forrest is clearly the Rookie of the year for the Rams with Tyler Higbee being used extremely minimally in the passing game, Goff being the backup to Case Keenum, Temarrick Hemingway failing to stand out, Pharoh Cooper failing to get on the field and Mike Thomas who has made an impact on special teams like Forrest but really can't get on the field during offensive possessions like Forrest can with defensive possessions.

Forrest has flashed the ability with his quick break off the snap to be a possible pass rusher and a run stuffing monster. His size and speed combination is the exact reason the Rams were willing to part with Akeem Ayers. Forrest already has logged over 100 snaps on special teams and over 60 on defense.

Here's Forrest shown on tape with his ability to penetrate through a defensive line and use his speed to tackle a ball-carrier for a loss when coming from the other side of the field.


Picture 1: Forrest is lineup and ready to blitz.

Picture 2: Forrest sees the pulling man going to the right and goes through the empty gap

Picture 3: Forrest explodes through the gap in which many linebackers would not finish this play he is able to close in on RB Zack Zenner and bring him down for a two yard loss. This is also a well designed play in which you can tell Gregg Williams knew the Lions were running here.
The last play I am going to show you is my favorite I have seen all season out of Josh Forrest. It's a 1st down play and the first play of the new drive as the Lions take over at the 40 after Hekker was backed up in his own end zone to punt the ball. Watch what Forrest does here.


Picture 1: Forrest is lined up as an outside linebacker.

Picture 2: Forrest sees a man go in motion and immediately gets out of his position and shows blitz.

Picture 3: Forrest clearly liked his chances versus the TE as he blasts through him preparing to put a hit on the ball-carrier.

Picture 4: Forrest completely blows by the TE and crushes RB Justin Forsett behind the line for a loss of six. This play was huge because it set the tone early on the drive. Unfortunately a great play like this was followed up with a touchdown given up but Forrest really shows some serious awareness on this play.

Now, this isn't me saying Forrest is a future Pro Bowler but I figured he is clearly the Rams ROY so far and quite honestly watching him on tape (seeing as he was the only day three pick I didn't love) he actually is impressing me. I hope Gregg Williams starts to use Forrest more often because he is continuing to get better weekly and that same awareness I said he showed off on the play above, he showed when he recovered that crucial fumble. Hopefully the other rookies get something going but right now Josh Forrest should indeed be your midseason Rams rookie of the year.

How the Rams practice squad looks and chances of each member getting promoted

http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...s-and-chances-of-each-member-getting-promoted

October 19th, 2016 | By: Jake Ellenbogen

It's officially week seven and the Rams have a full practice squad that seems to be oozing with talent. Here are the players who are on the Rams practice squad as of October 19th, 2016 and the odds these ten players have of being promoted.

OG David Arkin
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Arkin is 29-years old and has been on five teams. He probably isn't the best candidate for the practice squad seeing as he is already 29-years old. It's worth noting how he has only played in two games in his whole career.
Chances of Promotion: 4/10

OT Isaiah Battle
Battle realistically makes the most sense to keep on the practice squad. He is a former fifth-round supplemental draft pick that the Rams saw talent in and enough to work with him through a development. Who knows Battle could be being groomed right now to replace Greg Robinson at Left tackle. Hopefully Battle develops and he ends up being worth the pick.
Chances of Promotion: 5/10

DB Blake Countess
One of my favorite guys on the practice squad is the former the Auburn Tiger/Michigan Wolverine Blake Countess. He is very similar to LaMarcus Joyner who is on the active roster as of now. Countess would be great for Gregg Williams defense but I think Countess needs to adjust to the speed of the game before he gets promoted. I think that of course nets him a training camp deal with the Rams at season's end.
Chances of Promotion: 2/10

DT Morgan Fox
Seeing as Fox was already promoted that probably means he's close to getting on that active roster and sticking there. It happened last year with Matt Longacre, Fox just needs to keep trucking along and keep developing. The Rams clearly see some sort of future with Fox.
Chances of (another) Promotion: 9/10

RB Aaron Green
The Rams barely spell Todd Gurley with other backs so I don't see Green really joining the team at any point this season. Malcolm Brown is barely used and he has proven to be very solid. Green is probably close but it's a matter of a crowded backfield.
Chances of Promotion: 4/10

LB Nic Grigsby
He went from originally making the team to being cut and added to the Practice squad. Clearly by that measure, Grigsby has the attention of the coaching staff. Now it's just a matter of time until he makes the team again. With five linebackers on the roster, he's probably an injured linebacker away from getting the promotion.
Chances of Promotion: 5/10

S Isaiah Johnson
He was quick to get the promotion in only just 17 days time. He played immediately in his first game but then was released and brought back on the Practice squad. He unfortunately probably won't be promoted for awhile now that the Rams picked up Marqui Christian.
Chances of (another) Promotion: 4/10

CB Mike Jordan
I assume another CB added to the active roster would end up being Jordan. He probably should have made the active roster to begin with. Jordan has quality size and ball skills. Jordan is probably looking at a late promotion in the later portion of the year if Trumaine Johnson's injury lingers and someone else gets sidelined with an injury at CB.
Chances of Promotion: 6/10

WR Paul McRoberts
I don't know what the plan i but the Rams are keeping seven WRs on the team right now and one of them still has yet to be activated. He would probably get the promotion if two WRs went down with an injury. However, that was the case with Nelson Spruce and Pharoh Cooper and he didn't so right now it's real tough to gauge. McRoberts time on the Practice squad seems like a long-term development and less of a call-up option at this point.
Chance of Promotion: 2/10

TE Bryce Williams
He probably won't get the call-up seeing how the Rams barely use Tyler Higbee and let alone Temarrick Hemingway as is. Williams might be the better option over Hemingway in my opinion but, the Rams don't want to lose their draft pick and that's ultimately why they kept him on the 53-man roster. Williams is a big and physical TE standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 257 pounds. He would be perhaps the most intriguing PS to call up due to his size. This is definitely a player to monitor.
Chances of Promotion: 3/10

Going back to the Rams' championship in '99, 12 head coaches have raised their first Super Bowl trophy. The list below shows how many years the coach had been with his team when he won his first championship and how many years he had been a head coach in the NFL when his team won.

Gary Kubiak - 1st season with Denver / 8th season as HC
Pete Carroll - 4 / 8
John Harbaugh - 5 / 5
Mike McCarthy - 6 / 6
Asshole Face - 4 / 4
Mike Tomlin - 2 / 2
Tom Coughlin - 4 / 12
Tony Dungy - 5 / 11
Bill Cowher - 14 / 14
Bill Belichick - 2 / 6
Brian Billick - 2 / 2
Dick Vermiel - 3 / 10

** Jeff Fisher - X / 21

http://www.totalprosports.com/2016/...&utm_medium=blackadamschefter&utm_campaign=fb

Damn. That's some dark shit right there. Time to take old yeller out back.

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Gary Klein
http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-keenum-20161019-snap-story.html




Rams quarterback Case Keenum likes the surroundings. He’s enjoying the luxurious, sprawling, tree-lined resort where the team is encamped outside the city.

“We’ve got a good pitch here,” Keenum, affecting the appropriate vernacular, said Wednesday after practice on the resort’s field where England’s national rugby team trains.

The Rams just had completed the first day of preparation for Sunday’s game against theNew York Giants at Twickenham Stadium.

Keenum is focused on another kind of finish. The elusive kind. The kind that wins games.

Consider: Last week against the Detroit Lions, Keenum produced perhaps the best statistical performance of his NFL career.

Jeff Fisher said. “The game slowed down for him.”

Said offensive lineman Rodger Saffold: “Nobody knew how well he was doing until after the game…. He didn’t even know it — and he was the one throwing ’em.”

Keenum passed for 321 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown.

“I thought I gave guys chances to make plays down the field,” he said.

It was all for naught.

Keenum had a pass intercepted with a little more than a minute left, sealing the Rams’ 31-28 defeat.

“I’ve got to — we’ve got to — finish,” Keenum said. “To have the ball in your hands with a chance to tie or win the game with a minute-and-half left, you’ve got to do it in this league.”

“It’s something I want to do and I know I can do and know this team can do.”

The game against the Lions was not the first time Keenum came up short.

In the previous week’s defeat against the Buffalo Bills, the Rams had the ball twice in the final minutes. They went three-and-out and then tried an ill-fated fake punt that led to a Buffalo touchdown and an 11-point lead.

Keenum, 28, had been a career backup until Fisher anointed him the starter going into offseason workouts.

He did not flinch when the Rams traded up to the top of the draft to select quarterbackJared Goff. Keenum played well during the exhibition season and kept his job. And his performance in defeat Sunday quelled some of the calls for the Rams to turn over the offense to Goff immediately.

Keenum is still learning about himself, he said.

“I never want to feel like I’ve arrived or gotten ‘there,’ wherever ‘there’ is,” he said. “I think that’s what all the good ones do — they continue to get better, no matter how much they’ve played or how many games they’ve played or how much experience they have.”

But Keenum would like to add to his resume by leading the Rams to victory with a late-game drive.

“All the great ones, they’re known for never being out of a game,” he said. “That’s definitely something that I want to take pride in.

“No matter what the situation is, I want to be able to go down and score points.”

Getting defensive

It’s been several days — and several thousand miles — since the loss to Detroit, but middle linebacker Alec Ogletree still feels responsible.

So there’s a new goal for the unit he leads.

“Play 10 times better on defense,” he said. “It started with me just talking to the guys and getting everybody’s mind right.

“We’re going to have a different approach this week. It’s the same thing we’ve been doing but we just need to just focus in a lot more and make sure we get back to what we were doing.”

The Giants feature quarterback Eli Manning and receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard and Victor Cruz.

“They can put up 40 points in a matter of seconds if you’re not careful,” Ogletree said.

Quick hits

Defensive tackle Michael Brockers did not practice because of a thigh injury. Brockers was sidelined against Buffalo because of a hip injury but returned against the Lions and suffered the new injury. Defensive end Robert Quinn (shoulder) was limited.... Former Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins has two interceptions for the Giants.

Do you guys think we will ever see this guy play?! Is there really even a spot for him now. I want to see him and coop in action. All this preseason/camp hype.

Whether you like it or not (i don't like it for the record), Fisher will be extended.

How many years do you think his extension should be and why?