http://nflspinzone.com/2016/10/16/jeff-fisher-rams-locker-room-media/



In Week 6 action between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions, both teams provided fans in attendance a solid matchup. In the end, the Lions won a nailbiter of a game with the final score being 31-28.

In tough losses, it’s always best to be professional and do your best to bounce back the following game. As a head coach, it’s imperative to set the tone, culture, and expectations in victory and, even more so, in defeat.

Head coach Jeff Fisher once again displayed poor judgment and made a terrible decision just moments after the game. Fisher was so irate about the loss, he kicked out members of the media before talking to the team.

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/DailyNewsVinny/status/787748461923831808

There is no doubt that the Rams have been underperforming so far this season after having some rather high expectations heading into 2016. After a second consecutive loss that puts them at 3-3 on the year, things aren’t going as envisioned for a franchise entering their first year in the city of angels.

Consistency is key, but in the grand scheme of things, so is handling everything in stride. Fisher undoubtedly must have given his team an earful following such a loss to hopefully ignite a fire under this team. At the same time, however, showed that frustration is easily flowing through the organization.

Overall, Fisher is facing pressure to deliver with a franchise that has its fanbase calling ultimately calling for quarterback Jared Goff to finally be unleashed to the football world. Maybe Fisher is feeling the heat. But at the end of the day, actions like this don’t bode well for the impressions he’s giving off that the Rams are already heading in the wrong direction.

GRob has been slow to develop and he certainly has room to improve, but the last couple of games I have seen him get flagged for holding and really did not see it at all. Both of the calls were while his hands were within the DE's pads and he did not turn, tackle or pull the player. Sometimes players get a rep, but he is improving. Has anyone else these ticky tack holds on Grob?

I watch a lot of college and NFL football and I can not understand why the officials in the NFL games seem to be twice as bad as the ones at the college level. They are destroying the integrity of the game and I will not be watching anymore NFL games until I hear that it has improved. Why are these people not held accountable, I know at my job if you do not perform your job responsibilities well they will replace you. These NFL officials are not worth the powder to blow them to hell.

After watching this game, I came away...encouraged.

How is that? I'm not going to rehash any issues beyond saying that the Vent thread is ---> and I and others have contributed.

BUT!!! I also saw a LOT of really good things.

1) I think, for the first time, we saw that we may have a big WR tandem that could be really, REALLY dangerous.

2) Gurley is finding his way now that he's not facing 12 in the box.

When I look at this roster, we actually have a pretty high level of talent.

So what's holding us back? Why aren't we at the level of the Pats, Broncos, Steelers, Packers, etc?

Well, I've thought about what we'd need to do and I figured I'd just spell it out. This is based on what I saw in the off-season, pre-season AND thus far in-season.

1) Fire Coach Fisher. The lack of discipline has been a serious issue and lack of production from several positions is simply unacceptable. Moreover, the lack of a coherent team philosophy has seriously hindered this team. Just saying, "this is who we are" doesn't mean anything. That's coach speak for "I'm doing what I want". Good teams, you know what they are about, even if they are struggling in certain aspects. You KNOW who the New Orleans Saints are. They are a team trying to drop a 50 burger on you. In your house. Their D may give up 49, but their O feels confident they can outscore you.

2) Install the Perkins/Earhardt offense. Two of the best QBs in the game currently run it in Brady and Roethlisberger, neither of which are the sharpest tools in the shed (seriously, if you've heard either of them outside of football...they're not Ryan Lochte stupid, but man...incoherent is a word that could describe either of them). Yet...BOTH are masters of the football universe. How? System. Yep, that's how powerful this system is compared to other systems. Now just imagine a young man who's NOT dumb as a stump like our young Goff running that system? With his tools? With weapons like Britt, Quick, Hendricks, Higbee, Tavon as a /slash player AND Gurley!!! This offense WITH THIS PERSONNEL PACKAGE could be downright dominant.

3) Hire a HC both with a record of success, high standards AND known for teaching. Someone like David Shaw from Stanford. He's adapted his program to win with and without a QB and even with the high academic standards of Stanford, he's still gotten his program into the top 25 against SEC programs that lower the academic bar so low, gnats couldn't limbo under it. Moreover, he's consistent, SMART, gets players to play for him, is an EXCELLENT communicator and is equally adept on O and D.

That alone may be enough. Obviously, if Fisher goes, GW will likely go as well. I'm on the fence a little on GW because when he had JJ and Tru, he played more man in situations than he does now, so some of it may be an issue of personnel. In order to keep the plays in front, he just may lack the personnel to play man in this scheme. I DO know this year that the DL gap integrity has been REALLY lax, especially compared to last year. I can't explain that. We used to over-emphasize the DL crashing down the line and DEs would lose contain that way. Now, we lose contain blasting upfield and being taken out of the play that way. I have no idea what they're seeing on the all-22 that makes that seem better... So I dunno if losing GW is better or if it's really an issue of personnel depth at this moment.

Even still, with a consistent HC like David Shaw helming an offense running the P/E system with Goff at the helm with all the tools we have now???

Yeah... we'd be DOMINANT. I'd make the caps bigger, but you get the point.

And THAT may be a lot of why folks are upset. At varying levels of fan "expertise", we can SEE the parts...we can SEE what's there. Some can see how some parts fit together. I think that if these parts are configured this way...we have ourselves a Supercar capable of winning it all...more than once. To once again tread Rams holy ground...potentially capable of eclipsing the GSOT.

I dunno if that's what others see, but that's what I see and that's why I sometimes get frustrated... to see that Fisher may get an extension...to see that we may saddle Goff with this broken, hybrid, craptastic scheme that doesn't have answers for every scenario or every personnel situation (we've seen with NE that P/E certainly DOES)...well...it's frustrating.

Still, I'm encouraged. A few years ago, we couldn't say we had the parts, even. Now, I think we have the parts. And we really COULD be dominant. Of that, I'm 100% convinced.

The KEYS would be switching to a P/E offense and having someone like David Shaw to helm it. (I'd say or a Harbaugh because I've drawn the parallels of Fisher to Singletary's 9ers a number of times, but I'm not picky)

Sorry, the other one got deleted when merging posts into it.
That's my bad.

Have back at it. I'm sure you have plenty left in the tank. lol.

Again, sorry. That's on me.


As per usual, do not debate in here if you don't want to vent.
And if you don't want to vent, or read venting, then you shouldn't even be reading *this*.

Alas I have lost all my RODollars betting on the Rams ( and the Browns) this week and I am broke

Please give me a post like and I promise I won't spend it all on the Rams again. Just Whiskey, women and cigars !!!

Simple vote to see where ROD stands on the pre-Halftime choice.

I really don't feel like venting. I'd rather talk to people who can control their emotions and discuss some of the things we can improve upon. Feel free to join in. I'd like to have a little corner of this site for rational discussion, even if it's just for a few minutes.

1. Case had a phenomenal game. That last pass that resulted in a pick was a 50/50 play, but I guess it was ill-advised considering it was such tight coverage. I'm guessing (since I can't rewind it) that the Lions were taking away the sidelines.

2. SOMEBODY has to step up at corner if we're going to be without Trumaine or Gaines or both. I know they're trying to find a replacement, but Sensabaugh wasn't it. Hill wasn't it. Maybe Gratz is the guy, I don't know. If we're going to be weak back there, though, then we're gonna have to dial up more exotic blitzes and find a way to bring consistent pressure.

3. Defenses are backing off now that they see Case isn't a "noodle arm" as many of our posters here at ROD would describe. He made some great timing throws and can hit the deep pass. This should continue to give Gurley more running lanes and more opportunities. That said, Cunningham was given a bigger load in this game. I'm wondering if the coaches are seeing something they don't like in Gurley himself.

4. Nice to see Britt have a career-type of game. He was due. And he's fighting HARD for those extra yards. Good example for the young guys coming in. He's showing what it means to be the guy.

5. Maybe it's time for Goff, maybe it isn't. His pre-season play left me with lingering doubts about whether he could have the type of game Keenum just had, but we won't know until he gets his shot. As good as Keenum played, I think maybe it's time to find out. That said, NO WAY Fisher pulls the plug on Case after a game like that. Unless he thinks that Case can't be clutch when it counts. But I doubt that too, because the've come from behind twice with him under center, so.... who knows.

6. Really missing Quinn back there. I think this isn't even close if he plays.

You know the drill boys!

Think I might stop by publix before the game and grab some hot and spicy wings. If they don't have any maybe get some ribs. Or might get both and make ribs next Sunday. Damnit now I'm getting hungry talking about this.

Maybe some spicy peanuts or chips and dip too. Undecided.

Rams secondary of primary concern against Lions

By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER

DETROIT – The Rams’ top cornerback was out with an injury, so another stepped up and made a game-changing play. It happened last season against Detroit, so can it happen again?

To be sure, the loss of Trumaine Johnson is no small thing for the Rams. He’s been playing well, and while he’s out with an ankle injury the Rams secondary will be challenged, particularly on Sunday against the Detroit Lions and strong-armed quarterback Matthew Stafford at Ford Field.

“Everybody knows that Tru is a great corner for us,” safety Maurice Alexander said this week. “It’s hard, but it’s the ‘next man up’ philosophy. That’s what we live by on defense.”

That man, now, is E.J. Gaines. In last year’s game against Detroit, top cornerback Janoris Jenkins was out with a concussion. Johnson stepped into the No. 1 spot and returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown in the Rams’ 21-14 victory.

Now, with Johnson out, Gaines moves into the top spot. Set to be a starter in 2015, before a season-ending foot injury, Gaines missed much of training camp with injuries but has looked strong in his last two games.

“I feel like, every game, I’m getting it a little more back and getting back into the swing of things,” Gaines said. “After you sit out a whole year, it takes a while, but I’m just trying to make as many plays as I can for this defense.”

Opponents have tested the Rams secondary, which has defended 198 passes, the sixth-highest total in the NFL. The Rams have held opponents to a 60.1 completion percentage and 6.5 yards per pass attempt, and the Rams defense ranks in the top seven in both categories.

The Rams have done a good job against strong-armed quarterbacks Carson Palmer (Arizona) and Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay) and have yet to allow a touchdown pass of longer than 8 yards.

Now comes the biggest challenge to date. Stafford, in five games this season, has completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,378 yards, 10 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He’s thriving without former star (now retired) receiver Calvin Johnson and with significant injuries at running back.

“He’s a challenge to prepare for,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. “He can see the field, he knows where to go with the football. You can’t trick him, you can’t surprise him.”

And, if you’re the Rams, you can’t play your top defensive back. Late in last week’s loss to Buffalo, Johnson suffered an ankle injury when a Bills fullback rolled into the back of his leg.

At cornerback, the Rams will go with Gaines, who missed the first three games of this season with injuries, and Troy Hill, who has two career NFL starts. Lamarcus Joyner will play his usual nickelback role and newly signed cornerback Dwayne Gratz might contribute, although he’s still learning the defense.

That’s something of a scary proposition, given that the Rams have to face the NFL’s leading receiver, Marvin Jones, who had a 205-yard, two-touchdown game three weeks ago against Green Bay.

Gaines likely will draw the matchup against Jones, but Hill has some familiarity with the star receiver. They played together in Cincinnati last season when Hill spent most of the season with the Bengals.

“I got a feel for him,” Hill said. “When his number is called, he’s making plays. You’ve just got to stay focused. He’s explosive and he can make moves.”

Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, creative and aggressive, probably will have something new for the Lions. That’s been the trend this season.

The Rams, in the season opener, exclusively played their nickel package on defense. The next week, they went to more of a Tampa 2 zone style, and incorporated a little bit of both in their next two games.

Last week against Buffalo, the Rams played with only one safety deep, with Alexander typically manning the middle of the field while T.J. McDonald played very close to the line of scrimmage.

In that game, the Rams wanted to keep an eye on dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running back LeSean McCoy, but it didn’t really work out. Now, with what should be a pass-happy Detroit offense – the Lions have three injured running backs – it’s fair to assume a more traditional defense will return.

Gaines should be fine, given his skill and experience. The question is whether Hill can handle the Lions’ other receivers, although the Rams might get a break because Anquan Boldin is listed as questionable with an ankle injury.

Hill, signed off waivers by the Rams late last season, started this season against Tampa Bay and Arizona, after Coty Sensabaugh struggled (and was later released). Hill was a mild upgrade, but easily lost his job opposite Johnson when Gaines returned to health.

Now, Hill gets another chance to prove he can thrive as a starter, and he said he has learned.

“I’ve just got to play the game, and not try to make the big plays,” Hill said. “Just stay calm and just stay focused, stay with my technique and fundamentals and let things come to me.”

[www.ocregister.com]

Let's go get the "W".

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/f...is-byrd-killed-car-accident-article-1.2832085


New York Jets' Dennis Byrd and his family at their home.
(Wyke, Michael)
Daniel Popper
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Saturday, October 15, 2016, 9:34 PM
Former Jets defensive lineman Dennis Byrd was killed in a car crash Saturday on a state highway north of Claremore, Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed. He was 50.

Fox23 reports that Byrd was behind the wheel of a 2004 Hummer H2 when a 17-year-old male driving a 2000 Ford Explorer “traveled left of center” and struck Byrd’s vehicle.

Byrd was pronounced dead on the scene. The teen and a 12-year-old passenger in Byrd’s car were taken to the hospital for injuries, according to Fox23.

Byrd was born in Oklahoma City and played four seasons with the Jets after playing college ball for the University of Tulsa. On Nov. 29, 1992, Byrd suffered a spinal injury after colliding with a teammate during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The broken vertebra in his neck left Byrd paralyzed from the waist down for a brief time. However, he eventually was able to walk again after physical therapy.

The Jets retired Byrd’s No. 90 jersey during a ceremony in October of 2012.

Can Chip Kelly make Colin Kaepernick a franchise quarterback again?

Kaepernick has garnered plenty of attention over the last few months for his social activism. Now that he is returning to starting lineup in the San Francisco 49ers' visit to Buffalo, the 28-year-old signal caller is back under the microscope of the scouting community. Can the previously dynamic playmaker resurrect his career under Kelly, beginning Sunday against Rex Ryan's defense?




Now, I'm sure some observers will tune in to see if the polarizing star will fall flat on his face after creating a national conversation with his anthem protest. But there are number of intrigued scouts, executives and coaches curious to see if the 6-foot-4 passer still has some of the magic that propelled him to stardom when he led the 49ers to the cusp of a Lombardi Trophy with an electric style that prompted hyperbolic projections about his future. While I didn't go as far as some analysts at the time who seemingly began taking his measurements for a gold jacket, I did believe Kap could be "the face of the future at the position" based on his remarkable talents as a dual-threat playmaker. Back in 2012 and '13, he displayed an explosive set of skills that reminded me of Randall Cunningham. Also, in his first few years under Jim Harbaugh, Kaepernick was featured in a system that allowed him to maximize his gifts as a dynamic run-pass threat on the edges.

Despite watching Kaepernick fail to live up to those lofty expectations the past two years due to a variety of factors (scheme fit, deteriorating supporting cast and his poor performance from the pocket), I believe he is perfectly positioned to bounce back under Kelly. I know that statement will be met with eye rolls and snickers, but hear me out before trashing my positive outlook.

Say what you want about Kelly and his system, but there's no disputing his ability to generate production at the NFL level. During his time with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2013 to 2015, his team ranked third in point per game (26.9) and total offense (392.8 yards), as well as fourth in rushing yards per game (131.3). In addition, the Eagles recorded the second-most running plays of 10-plus yards (176) and the fourth-most passing plays of 25-plus yards (109). That's significant output from an offense that had pedestrian quarterbacks like Sam Bradford, Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez directing a scheme that featured a ton of zone-read and option concepts (RPOs) designed to force opponents to account for the quarterback as a potential runner.

With Kaepernick at the helm, Kelly has a legitimate dual-threat trigger man. Although Kap reportedly isn't the same guy who dazzled America with his explosive athleticism and running skills in 2012 an '13, he returns to his comfort zone directing an attack that features read-option plays and straightforward pass concepts. (Kaepernick amassed over 10,000 passing yards and 4,000 rushing yards running Chris Ault's pistol attack at Nevada.)

"He gives Chip [Kelly] a Marcus Mariota-type playmaker," said an NFC scout familiar Kaepernick and Kelly. "He is not as smooth or fluid, but he is dynamic and explosive with the ball in his hands. ... He is a much different point man than we've seen run his stuff [in Kelly's NFL days]."

Speaking to that point about Mariota and how the offense could flow with an athletic playmaker, I believe the 49ers' fourth preseason game against San Diego provided a glimpse of how well Kaepernick could perform as the QB1 in Kelly's system. Looking at the All-22 Coaches Film of that game, I was impressed with Kaepernick's decisiveness, athleticism and ball handling while executing the zone-read. He has a keen understanding of when to hand the ball off or keep it, based on the designated defender's reaction. In addition, Kaepernick's willingness to carry out his fakes forces defenders to account for him, which creates bigger lanes for the running back on inside runs.




As a passer in that game, Kaepernick was quick and decisive delivering the ball to his receivers on the perimeter. Part of his efficiency and effectiveness was due to the straightforward nature of the passing game: The 49ers ran a number of simple catch-and-throw concepts with one or two receivers in the progression. Although quarterback gurus would refer to these plays as "remedial" passing concepts, they are route combinations that are routinely featured in high school and college spread offenses. Considering Kaepernick's success at Nevada with these kinds of plays, the utilization of them puts the QB in his comfort zone, which raises his confidence and overall effectiveness.

The naysayers will point out that I'm probably making too much of a preseason performance that featured a host of backups and eventual cast-offs, but I believe all reps matter. And there's no disputing that he performed well in that setting with limited practice time and a ton of pressure on his shoulders due to the attention from his peaceful protest.

When I look ahead to how Kelly could tweak his system to further enhance Kaepernick's skills, I believe you will see the 49ers play at a faster pace and incorporate more throws designed to attack the edges of the field (outside the numbers). By adding more tempo to the offense, Kelly can take the call sheet out of the opposing defensive coordinator's hands, leading to fewer complex blitz and coverage combinations. In addition, the rapid pace wears down defenders and creates more mental mistakes from undisciplined players forced into survival mode on the field.

The 49ers naturally will incorporate more movement passes (bootlegs and sprint outs) to take advantage of Kaepernick's athleticism. San Francisco also will repeat successful concepts, particularly mesh (crossing) routes, from multiple formations throughout the game. This has been a staple of Kelly's system since his days at Oregon and he continued to use similar methods in Philadelphia.

"Kelly's a tendency coach," an NFC pro personnel director told me. "Once he figures out what you're doing against him, he's going to relentlessly attack you with the same play over and over again. With the offense operating at a warp-speed pace, he can dictate the terms and make life easy for his quarterback."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...perfect-for-chip-kelly-patriots-nightmare-duo

• By Bucky Brooks
• NFL Media analyst

For all of the flack Kelly has received for his "quarterback-friendly system" of late, he is the same coach who helped Foles play at an MVP level in 2013 (119.2 passer rating and a 27:2 TD-to-INT ratio). He also helped Bradford play at a high level in the second half of last season with straightforward concepts that frequently produced an open receiver running free across the field.

Kelly enjoyed success at the collegiate level with limited passers like Darron Thomas and Jeremiah Masoli directing a high-powered offense at Oregon, so I'm more than willing to bet on the clever play caller crafting a series of game plans that help Kaepernick recapture his magic as an electric playmaker.

"Oh, I think he's going to kill it," said the NFC scout. "He's in the perfect system for his skill set. ... I would expect him to do well under Chip."

I know Kelly has attempted to quell expectations, but count me as one of the observers who's anxiously waiting to see if Kaepernick can get back to being the special playmaker who captured the football world's attention a few years ago.

So, the Rams are apparently one of the most average teams in the NFL right now. Do you agree with that premise? I don't really know how I feel about this team right now, 15 feels a little high to me honestly.

After futher research it would appear I may have jumped the gun.They may play.but it is not guaranteed.
My apologies to you guys.Guess I got a little excited .My Bad.

Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer

Rams got some good news with their defensive line. Robert Quinn, Michael Brockers and Will Hayes all practiced on a limited basis today and all seemingly have a chance of playing. Same with guard Cody Wichmann. Brian Quick (calf) appeared on the injury report Friday and is questionable. Trumaine Johnson (ankle) is out, as expected. Here's Jeff Fisher on his three starting defensive linemen ...

play0:12
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I know this probably belongs on the injury thread,but this
great news and wanted to make sure everyone saw it.

http://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/31249/rams-defensive-line-may-be-healing-up

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

Sad. Too young for a heart attack.

Not *our* record. This isn't one of those threads where you're called upon to be the next Nostradamus.
I just felt like messing around. I know this will get picked apart for various reasons, but I don't care.

Now let's play <Wink Martindale voice> GUESS. THAT. RECORD!

"Our first contestant is QB A. QB A is originally from Kentucky and is the son of a farmer where he enjoyed milking cows, slinging shit out of stables, and eating maple bacon. He now lives in New Jersey with his wife and 3 children. Welcome to the show, QB A."

"These are some garbage stats you had, QB A. How did you manage to be so horrible?"



"Well, Wink, I just gave 110% and trusted in my teammates, and you know, football is a team sp..."
"Yeah, that's great. Thanks. On to our next contestant."

----------------------------------------------

"Our second contestant is RB A RB A is originally from Fort Bragg North Carolina."
"Coincidentally, RB A played football with QB A during the same season, and currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and two kids."

"Welcome to the show, RB A. Those are some nice numbers you had that year, despite QB A's efforts."



"Thanks Wink. You know, Frankenstein never scared me. But marsupials do. Cuz they're fast."
"Well, uh, <nervous chuckle> thank you, RB A. We're looking forward to your next random outburst."
"I like bisgetti."
"Right. Let's move on, we have a big show ahead."

----------------------------------------------

"In the audience we have QB A's wide receivers. Let's welcome them to the show."
"Judging from your stats, I assume only one of you could afford the tickets to get in here? <Canned audience laughter>"



"Now let's take a look at the big board here, contestants."
"RB A? Over here, RB A <snaps fingers>. Hey! <whistles>"
"Sorry, Wink, I tawt I taw a putty tat."
"Wow. Okay, let's everyone take a look <glares at RB A> OVER HERE at the defensive statistics from that year."




Ready?

<audience, in unison>, "GUESS. THAT. RECORD!"

_______________________________


But wait. Bonus round.

Same year. QB on team Y. Why Y? Why not.



RB on Team Y.



Receivers...



And defense.




"GUESS. THAT. RECORD!" ________________


And the impatient, tl;dr crowd can skip to the spoiler here.

Had a very vivid dream of Mike Thomas making an incredible, laid-out, fingertip, bobbling catch in the left corner of the end zone in Detroit.

Documenting said dream here because I am always looking for a glitch in the simulation. This could be it.

I know nothing of Mike Thomas - he did make the team, right? Has he been active? Is he getting any offensive snaps?

DENVER -- Turns out, the billionaire owner known as "Silent Stan" doesn't mind talking when he's walking his dog around the halls of the Pepsi Center.

On his stroll Friday with his German shepherd, E. Stanley Kroenke briefly chatted with The Associated Press about his football team, the Los Angeles Rams ("we're competitive," he said), his Barclays Premier League soccer squad Arsenal ("I'm there every month") and what occupies his time these days ("How do I spend my time? I spend my time on my businesses and my family").

In 2010, the NFL approved Kroenke's bid to become principal owner of the Rams. In 2014, he became sole owner.

And after last season, the team moved to Los Angeles.

Asked what he would say to Rams fans after relocating the franchise from St. Louis to L.A., he responded: "We're building a team, and we're excited for the future of the Rams. The response in receiving the team back to Los Angeles was absolutely fantastic. It's been a great experience."

"We're young," Kroenke said. "I think it's the fifth year in a row we're the youngest team in the NFL. We've been building this team."

On the new stadium front, Kroenke said developers appear on pace to open the 70,000-seat, clear-roofed football stadium in Inglewood, California, in August 2019. The stadium will serve as the main attraction of a sprawling campus that includes a 6,000-seat theater, about 2,500 residential units, 895,000 square feet of retail space, a 300-room hotel and office space. There will also be at least 25 acres of parks, playgrounds and green space.

"We're building a small city to the centerpiece of which is a great, big stadium," said Kroenke, whose name, E. Stanley, is an ode to baseball icons Enos Slaughter and Stan Musial.

In addition to the Rams, Kroenke is the majority shareholder of Arsenal and also owns the Denver Nuggets, along with the Colorado Avalanche. His son, Josh, oversees the Nuggets and Avalanche.

"Hopefully, they're going to have some great teams this year," Kroenke said. "We've got some exciting players. We're looking forward to it."

Kroenke's Denver-based company, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, runs the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. His subsidiary companies oversee cable channels such as The Outdoor Channel and the World Fishing Network. He has also served on boards for companies such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame.

"There's always a lot going on," Kroenke said, before hopping on the elevator with his dog.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17795964/competitive

http://www.bigplay.com/raiders-moving-to-las-vegas/

NFL
Raiders Moving to Las Vegas

ByMike Petras
Posted on October 14, 2016


A plan to use $750 million in tax payer funds for an NFL stadium in Las Vegas cleared the Nevada Legislature, and will head to the desk of the governor.

The Raiders’ owner Mark Davis released a statement today, essentially cementing the move from Oakland to Sin City.

“I would like to thank Governor Sandoval, the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee, and the members of the Nevada Legislature on this historic day. All parties have worked extremely hard to develop and approve this tremendous stadium project that will serve as a proud new home for the entire Raider Nation.”

Vegas finally broke through and garnered an NHL expansion team starting in 2017, and now it appears the Raiders will find a perfect home in the desert.

It’s been a difficult year for Oakland fans. First, they blew a 3 – 1 lead with the unanimous MVP in the NBA Finals, and now their football team is heading for the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Login to view embedded media View: https://soundcloud.com/101sports/john-clayton-thinks-that-the

If you haven't watched this I highly highly recommend it.

....but it will make you hungry for Goff

Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1iMKwMmdRs

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/14/americas/cuba-cigars-us-embargo-lifted/index.html



Havana, Cuba (CNN)For decades, Cuban cigars have been famous in the US for their intense, earthy flavor and near-unattainability.

The US embargo against Cuba prevented Americans from bringing home Cuban cigars, even if they were purchased in third countries.
Two years ago the limit was eased, but travelers could still bring home only $100 worth.
Perhaps suspecting that US sanctions would last for a while, shortly before President and cigar aficionado John F. Kennedy signed the embargo into law in 1962, he sent aide Pierre Salinger to buy all the Cuban smokes he could find in Washington, DC.
According to Salinger, he brought Kennedy back a stash of 1,200 cigars.
In the years that followed, US Customs agents seized cigars they found in travelers' bags as contraband or even tore the smokes apart in front of their would-be owners.
But Cuban cigars are no longer a forbidden luxury, as President Obama on Friday issued a directive that would allow Americans to engage in more commerce with the communist-run island, including potentially allowing Cuban state-run pharmaceutical companies to sell their low cost, innovative medications in the US.
Today @POTUS took another major step forward in our efforts to normalize relations with Cuba. What you need to know: https://t.co/2khWEh27b2 pic.twitter.com/Li14GOMAf8

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 14, 2016
But it was the news that American travelers can now bring back an unlimited amount of Cuban alcohol and tobacco -- including the famous cigars -- that captured many people's interest.
"You can now celebrate with Cuban rum and tobacco," said National Security Adviser Susan Rice, while discussing the changes in a speech Friday.
The imported tobacco and alcohol must be in carry-on baggage and for personal use, and US restrictions still prohibit the sale of Cuban cigars.
Still, the executive editor of Cigar Aficionado magazine, David Savona, said the change will have a major impact.
"It now allows people who love great cigars to travel the world and bring back Cuban cigars and enjoy them," Savona said. "If you go to Cuba, you want to buy cigars and try Cuban cigars. They go hand in hand."

Rolando, 84, says he's worked growing tobacco for Cuba's famed cigars almost his entire life.
Already, though, with the boom in tourism in Cuba, some of the top and most sought-after brands are disappearing from store shelves. Some aficionados worry that the cash-strapped Cuban government will cut corners and produce an inferior product.
Stories from Cuba

But on a recent visit to Cuban tobacco grower Maximo Perez's farm, where his family has produced the crop for three generations, those worries were quickly dismissed.
"The first thing we have to do with the Americans is create an appetite for our product, because they have lost that," Perez said.
"But since what we make is excellent, as soon as they try it, they will see the difference."