Just for fun, of course.

Well, the term is subjective, certainly.

Here's my loose definition for the purposes of this thread.

A "steal" is a player that never should have been there at the Ram's pick but we got him anyway. Blind luck, really.
OR a player that was found in UDFA.
OR a FA acquired that has vastly exceeded expectations after becoming a Ram.
OR a player acquired via trade that has greatly exceeded his projected production while as a Ram over his previous production with his former team.

AND the acquired player must be a significant contributor since becoming a Ram. No back benchers allowed, iow.

That said, here is my list and in no particular order...

Keenum
Gurley
Benny Cunningham
Barnes
Wichmann
Hayes
Donald
Easley
Quinn
Ogletree
Barron
TruJo
Gaines
Troy Hill
Hekker
Zuerlein
McQuaide

When you think about it, all these guys fit one, or more, of the above definitions. And where would we be without them?

Seems like a lot, at least to me.

I hope that soon the following will be worthy of addition to the above list:

Spruce
Higbee
Cooper

But so far, they've shown only tantalizing potential, huh?

Kudos to Snead, btw. All but Quinn of the above were acquired on his watch, I believe. Either Snead is one lucky sonuvagun, or he's reeeeeal good. Lol.

Did I miss a steal, btw?

Rex Ryan laughs off 2014 dig at Aaron Donald, praises him as player - NFL Nation- ESPN (via http://ble.ac/teamstream-) http://teamstre.am/2dKOTGC

Saying Sheldon Richardson should've made the Pro Bowl instead of Donald in 2014 was probably one of the dumber things Rex has ever said. I'm glad he can admit when he's wrong though.

http://boards.buffalobills.com/showthread.php?532939-Aaron-Donald-is-not-a-Rex-fan

Aaron Donald is not a Rex fan....

I think it's a bit ridiculous, but Rex made some comments 2 years ago and this guy still holds a grudge...these athletes have a long memory....

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ns-words-well/
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Aaron Donald is the best.
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Oh I know...and he's having a great start so far this year...he's a beast.....
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I remember that video at the combine, or wherever pre-draft, when Cyril Richardson was pancacked by Aaron Donald. I remember being less interested in Cyril being pancacked and wayyyyy more dazzled by Aaron Donald. That was the moment I had wished we could have had him. Obviously we were and are stout at DT, so it wouldn't have been a stellar pick, but still.
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The single best example I've seen of "don't overthink it" in the draft. That guy's college film was so ridiculous.
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Rex needs to learn to keep his trap shut
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I guess Donald was only going to give it 85-90% effort in this game, but now based on Ryan’s comments from 2 years he’s going to go for the full 100%."
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I think anytime you add arguably the best defensive player in the league (certainly not outside of the Top 3-5), you've made a stellar pick.

I thought Donald would be interesting for Buffalo had they stayed at nine. Could have slotted right into Kyle Williams' spot.
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I guess that was Rex being Rex. Maybe he would be better off sometimes by guarding his tongue, in that instance figuring out a way to promote his own guy without tearing down somebody else, but Rex is always going to say what he thinks.

The question is, can Aaron Donald actually play better than he's already playing just because he didn't like what Rex Ryan said two years ago? I do think Rex will probably say some nice things about Aaron Donald if he's asked this week.
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Doesn't really seem like very many people on this board, in the media (Florio, amongst many) or anywhere else are Rex fans.

Rex is probably used to it by now.
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Im glad Donald brought that up , im sure we were going to game plan for him regardless ,
But maybe now Rex will throw some extra seasoning in there .....
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Rex will stand up for his players , that's why most of his players love him , and I'm sure that's more important to him then what every other idiot thinks about him .....
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Donald is probably only 2nd to JJ Watt when healthy....
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I still remember praising Donald during his senior year at Pitt and people here telling me he's too small to be a starting NFL DT.
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It seems like no player type goes as consistently undervalued as the "undersized bowling ball DT."

For whatever reason, FO's are hesitant to take a "small" DT that plays with a ton of power and leverage despite the fact that the biggest assets for that sort of DT are...power and leverage. Low man wins, and all that.
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Donald is a beast, but this thing is much ado about nothing
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Rex's mouth is now the O-Line's problem lol.
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Donald just might be the best player in football.

Love Dareus but I would take Donald over him every day of the week.
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Take Donald over Dareus any day. He is a much better player and not a headcase.
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He's a generational talent
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http://forums.twobillsdrive.com/topic/189013-todd-gurley-nowhere-to-run/

Todd Gurley has Nowhere to Run

http://deadspin.com/...dium=socialflow

Todd Gurley Has Nowhere To Run
Tom Ley

Remember how excited you were for a full season of Todd Gurley, one of the few running backs in the NFL with the necessary combination of youth, ability, and a team with no pesky passing game, to emerge as one of the NFL’s last true feature backs? Well, the damn Rams don’t want you to have nice things.

Gurley ran for 33 yards on 19 carries against the Cardinals on Sunday, bringing his season total to 216 yards on 82 carries. He’s averaging 2.8 yards per rush, and his longest run of the season went for 16 yards. Going by DVOA, Gurley ranks as one of they very worst running backs in the league.

It’s unlikely that Gurley simply forgot, between the end of last season and the start of this one, how to find and run through a hole, so his struggles must owe something to factors beyond his control. Logically, you’d wonder if defenses unafraid of Case Keenum are keying on Gurley with eight- and nine-man defensive fronts. Not quite:

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/ScottBarrettDFB/status/782956980767956992


Gurley’s getting the same treatment from defensive coordinators that Ezekiel Elliot and Isaiah Crowell are, but that hasn’t stopped either of them from steamrolling defenses. The problem Gurley is facing seems to be much more basic, and thus much more worrying: the Rams just can’t block for shit.

Watching Gurley try to find open space is one of the more depressing experiences the NFL currently has to offer. It’s almost easier to count the number of times he is met by a lineman in the backfield than it is plays on which he’s given room to operate. This is the shit he’s been dealing with through the first four weeks:



Gurley’s just taken the handoff, and he already has to face two linemen who have pushed their way behind the line of scrimmage.

Here’s the Buccaneers’ line getting straight into the backfield and blowing up a run on first and 10:



And this is mostly what he saw against the Seahawks in Week 2:



These are a few cherry-picked examples, but the numbers aren’t any kinder to the Rams’ offensive line. Through Week 3, the unit ranked as one of the worst run-blocking lines in the NFL. According to Football Outsiders, the Rams’ offensive line allowed 19 percent of its team’s rushing attempts to be stuffed at or behind the line of scrimmage, and only allowed Gurley and the other backs to earn 0.82 second-level yards (yards gained between 5-10 yards past the line of scrimmage) per carry. With yesterday’s dismal performance, those numbers are only going to get worse.

The Rams can certainly make adjustments to their scheme, but nothing they do is going to make much of a difference if the offensive line simply can’t block anyone. Gurley did manage to catch five balls for 49 yards yesterday, and spoke in the preseason about wanting to be more involved in the passing game. Maybe that’s a good way to get him useful touches, but a 1,500-yard rushing season seems like a real long shot at this point.
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No surprise there--they got rid of one of their only passing game weapons (Cook) in the offseason, and don't really stretch the field.

He's going to get bottled up until they can back people off--anyone else wondering why they chose to give Tavon Austin $10M per year if he can't back defenses off?
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It is especially interesting considering how freely the Bills seemed to run on the Cardinals D.
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A really bad qb brings a lot of guys into the box.

Great rb, who's killing my fantasy teams, but he will be priority #1. Their passing game is trash.
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Who is afraid of Case Keenum and their WRs beating them downfield?
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That oline has been decent in pass protection, If we are going to win on the west coast I feel like we are going to have to win that matchup and force mistakes.
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I picked him #1 overall in my fantasy league draft. I think he's supremely talented, but with Keenum back there, forget it - it's like the Cowboys running game last year after Romo went down.
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This dude can break one at any moment. Their play calling is bad, and their line is worse. However, if he gets any daylight, he can take it to the house. Let's not give him any daylight.

I hate the Rams. I really really want this win for the sake of my town. Both towns, actually.
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This is the perfect setup...

Gurley having a rough year

Dareus back

Coming off beating the Pats in Foxboro

Fan expectation is growing!...

Prepare for Gurley to get loose and put up 250yds and 4 TDs right up our gut.
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Nothing like a little Buffalo fan optimism.

It’s been a long time coming for E.J. Gaines, as the cornerback made his first regular-season appearance since Week 16 of the 2014 season on Sunday against the Cardinals. While Troy Hill started on the outside opposite Trumaine Johnson, Gaines subbed in and played well.

Head coach Jeff Fisher said after the game Gaines played for most of the second half, and, as it turns out, Gaines was in for 69 percent of Los Angeles’ 77 defensive snaps.

“Man, it felt good to actually get out there in a regular-season game and try to help this defense,” Gaines said after Tuesday’s practice.

The cornerback said he didn’t necessarily have butterflies, but he was ready to play.

“It was more just excited and geeked to kind of get out there and help this offense, help this defense, help this football team — regardless of what it was. Getting out there and trying to help this team more,” Gaines said.

Gaines tied for the team lead with seven tackles and also had two passes defensed in Arizona, playing well in his first action.

“There was no evidence of any injury, or anything,” head coach Jeff Fisher said. “He just went out there and played like he did a year ago.”



Gaines started 15 of the Rams’ 16 games as a rookie in 2014. As a sixth-round pick out of Mizzou, the cornerback led the team with 14 passes defensed. With that, Gaines provides a boost.


“It’s a year of starting experience at the position in our defense,” Fisher said. “That’s what’s helpful for him.”

With Gaines playing such significant snaps, it stands to reason that he can reclaim his starting spot on the outside sooner than later. But for him, just being on the field to help the team is what’s important.

“If that was me starting or not starting, whether it was special teams or whatever — but getting out there and starting with the defense, it’s a feeling that I haven’t felt for a while,” Gaines said. “But I’m excited to do that.”

That’s especially because the Rams’ next game will be at the Coliseum. Gaines, of course, was inactive for the home opener while still recovering from his thigh injury.

“Well for me, it’ll be really exciting to get out there in from of the home [crowd] and try to make some plays,” Gaines said. “And, hopefully, the stands will be rocking and the fans will be ready for us to come home.”

EXCELLING ON SPECIAL TEMAS

One of the reasons Los Angeles has gotten off to a 3-1 start this season is the solid play of its special teams unit.

Kicker Greg Zuerlein has made all five of his attempted field goals and each of his extra point attempts. PunterJohnny Hekker leads the league with 15 punts downed inside the 20-yard line, and has not yet recorded a touchback. And though the Rams do not get many punt return opportunities with wide receiver Tavon Austin’s strength in the area, they made the most of the one they received on Sunday with a 47-yard return to set up the go-ahead touchdown.

“We blocked it like we blocked it out on the practice field,” Fisher said of the return. “We’re hoping that we get those opportunities. Tavon is not someone that you want to punt to deep down the field, and we understand that. But when we get an opportunity, we have to make it count.”



Hekker’s punting ability also gives the Rams a distinct advantage given the way the defense has been playing.


“I don’t think he has a touchback yet this season, so he’s putting the ball down where they have to fair catch it at the 10 or the eight or the 12,” special teams coordinator John Fassel said. “A 90-yard field for an opposing offense against our defense — we just don’t think they’re going to score, so that’s critical.”

As for Zuerlein, it’s no secret that the kicker had a tough 2015 season. That’s part of why Fassel said he’s been proud of how well the start of the season has gone for him.

“He’s made every field goal, he’s made every PAT – which, I don’t know how many kickers, after four weeks, can say that. His kickoffs have been solid,” Fassel said. “He’s worked really hard, he’s really good, and you have to keep it going.”

EXTRA POINTS

— One of the byproducts of Gaines coming back to play corner is Hill will see less time on the outside. But, that also means Hill will be free to play more snaps on special teams, which is a lift for that unit.

“The last two games, we haven’t been able to use him because he’s started at corner – and we were planning on using him a lot, but once he starts at corner, we lessen the load on special teams,” Fassel said. “If we get him back, he’ll be on all of them. He’s a good runner, super slippery as a cover guy, as far as teams having to try to block him, he’s got a good sense as a blocker – usually as a corner, you’re a tackler – but now, on the return game, you’re a blocker, which is usually an offensive skill. He’s kind of got that knack for doing that.”

— Defensive end Ethan Westrbooks started Sunday’s contest against the Cardinals, and defensive endMatt Longacre was active for the first time in 2016. Both played 56 percent of the Rams’ defensive snaps, which, according to Fisher, provides a boost at the end of games for the club’s other starters like defensive tackleAaron Donald and defensive end Robert Quinn.

“Ethan got an opportunity to start, and Matt an opportunity to play 30 or 40 plays, and he was productive,” Fisher said. “That’s the key, is that you have to have depth, and you have to keep them fresh all the time. When you get to the end of the game when you need a play, you’re getting the plays out of Aaron and out of Rob because they’ve been subbed for, and they’ve got an opportunity.”

[www.therams.com]

I'll be emailing this article to The Ringer and the author of this article, Danny Kelly, at the end of the season along with this...


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Don’t Let Their Record Fool You: These Are the Same Old Rams
If Jeff Fisher’s team finishes 7–9 again, you can’t say we didn’t warn you
By Danny Kelly

Remember when the Rams looked like the worst team in NFL history? In their first game since moving to Los Angeles, they got blanked, 28–0, by the Blaine Gabbert–led San Francisco 49ers, could only manage a whopping 185 yards of total offense, and saw their superstar defensive lineman, Aaron Donald, get ejected midway through the fourth quarter.

On Hard Knocks, Jeff Fisher told his players at training camp, “I’m not fucking going 7–9.” And after Week 1, it looked like he’d be lucky to lose only nine games.

Well, three weeks later, the Rams haven’t lost another game. They’ve won games against supposed Super Bowl contenders and in-division competitors Seattle and Arizona. And now they’re 3–1, two games over .500 for the first time since Week 7 of the 2006 season, tied atop the NFC West.

In the past four years, the Rams have consecutively finished 7–8–1, 7–9, 6–10, and 7–9. In those seasons, they’ve always had the combination of a bad offense and a good-not-great defense: They’ve ranked 25th, 21st, 21st, and 29th in points scored over the past four years, while finishing tied for 14th, 13th, tied for 16th, 13th in points allowed.

The efficiency stats from Football Outsiders paint the same exact picture: The Rams ranked 29th, 25th, 22nd, and 21st in offensive DVOA in Fisher’s last four seasons, while finishing seventh, ninth, 11th, and seventh in defensive DVOA. It had gotten to the point where no matter what players Fisher had on the field, the Rams were essentially going to be the same exact team every single year.

Despite their winning record, this year’s team isn’t likely to change that.


The Rams gave the Titans two first-, two second-, and two third-round picks for the opportunity to take Jared Goff no. 1 in April’s draft. Yet, while no. 2 pick Carson Wentz has led the Eagles to an undefeated start, Goff hasn’t left the bench. Until he cracks the starting lineup, L.A.’s offense will go as far as Case Keenum will take it — and that isn’t going to be very far if he continues with a 55 percent completion rate, a 4–3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, 6.8 yards per attempt, and a 77.3 passer rating.

Through four weeks, just 22.9 percent of the Rams’ offensive drives have ended in a score (30th in the league). They’re 30th in points per game (15.8), last in yards per play (4.6), 31st in first downs (57), tied for 21st in passing touchdowns (4), and 23rd in yards per attempt (6.8).

Running back Todd Gurley is supposed to be the foundational piece of their offense, but a combination of poor reads and bad blocking from the offensive line, which ranks 27th in Football Outsiders adjusted line yards, has last season’s Rookie of the Year sitting at just 2.6 yards per rush attempt and 54 yards per game.

After the team signed Tavon Austin to a four-year, $42 million contract extension in August, Fisher clearly wanted to get him to 100-plus catches this year, but the fourth-year wideout hasn’t done his part. The speedy slot receiver has seen 36 targets — almost 30 percent of the team’s total — but has just 16 catches for 159 yards (9.9 yards per catch) and one touchdown.

In comparison, Brian Quick has turned his 14 targets into eight catches, 153 yards (19.1 yards per catch), and three touchdowns, while Kenny Britt has turned 26 targets into 18 catches for 281 yards (15.6 yards per catch). If it isn’t the league’s worst, the Rams’ passing game is certainly among them. So, if they’re going to contend for the playoffs this year, it’s going to be because of their defense.


For the Rams to correctly emulate the model the Broncos used to win the Super Bowl — i.e., the “let’s ride our defense to the playoffs” plan — they have to be world-beaters on the defensive side of the ball. So far, they’ve been very good, but as in the previous four seasons, they haven’t been great.

If there’s one reason to expect this group to take a leap, it’s because of its improved health. The Rams finished as the seventh-ranked defense per DVOA last year despite missing cornerback E.J. Gaines (all year), defensive end Robert Quinn (eight games), linebacker Alec Ogletree (12 games), and safety T.J. McDonald (five games) for long stretches of the season.

Gaines, Quinn, Ogletree, and McDonald are all back, and because they each play a key role in L.A.’s defense, this Rams group has the potential to be better than ever.

Coming off the back surgery that sidelined him last year, Quinn is already back to consistently creating pressure on the edge, and pairing him with Aaron Donald is terrifying for opposing offensive lines. Through four games, Donald has 25 pressures and his 13.4 pressure percentage (pressures divided by rushes) is best in the league per Pro Football Focus. That’s impressive in and of itself, but it’s even more ridiculous when you remember that he’s an inside rusher and not a defensive end.

At his current rate, Donald would finish with 100 pressures, 21 more than the 79 he finished with last season. He’s absurdly good, and having a healthy Quinn next to him means that only one of them is getting double-teamed. And if any team is dumb enough to not double-team either of them, then it’s curtains for quarterbacks.

Take this play from last week. On a key Arizona third-and-8 midway through the second quarter, the combined pressure that Quinn and Donald brought from the right and up the middle forced Carson Palmer to get rid of the ball too quickly. Since the timing was off, Chris Johnson turned his head too late, and the drive was dead.

View: https://cdn-e1.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/3elm.mp4?token=1476890130_f4ae58eea42c1b45fa6a7175b98120a62889b261

Donald can pretty much do it on his own, too. Early in the third quarter, he beat D.J. Humphries with a great swim move, sacked Palmer, and forced a fumble that the Rams recovered.

View: https://cdn-e1.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/hk1x.mp4?token=1476890123_43784d0801e82bd8c1d295ef199a247178286cbc

When the Rams aren’t getting pressure from Donald, they do a good job of manufacturing it by sending a corner, safety, or linebacker in to try to overwhelm the line. In the first quarter, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams sent safety Maurice Alexander off the edge, and he beat Johnson’s pickup to sack Palmer.

View: https://cdn-e1.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/1ti3.mp4?token=1476890053_d704cb85e7d58bb7ae5b6feee301ca8ddeee6cac

In the second quarter, Williams dialed up a blitz that saw nickelback LaMarcus Joyner rush off the edge and Ogletree rush through the B gap. The pressure they created forced Palmer to throw quickly, and cornerback Trumaine Johnson almost picked it off.

View: https://cdn-e1.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/846h.mp4?token=1476890752_8d4c487f395818570e913f79afe63512baa0226c

Through four games, Johnson has shown why the Rams franchise-tagged him back in March. Against Arizona, he was targeted 12 times, gave up just five catches, and had six pass breakups and an interception.

View: https://cdn-e1.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/kozi.mp4?token=1476890747_6724525c6ec67eeacfb1df730d8c7e01904ca588

While the Rams have an excellent, disruptive pass rush and have racked up nine takeaways (tied for third in the league), most key defensive stats paint the picture of a “good” defense, not an elite unit that can carry their offense to the promised land. L.A. ranks ninth in opponent points per game (19) and 10th in yards per play (5.1). They’re surrendering 3.7 yards per carry (11th) and 6.6 yards per attempt (8th). They’ve allowed four rushing touchdowns (tied for 20th) and five passing scores (tied for 11th). And they rank 12th in defensive DVOA.

To improve, they need to get more consistent tackling from their linebacking corps and play a little more disciplined in their run gaps, and between Troy Hill, Coty Sensabaugh, and Gaines, they have to iron out the rotations among their cornerbacks that play opposite Johnson.

Those big in-division wins over the Seahawks and Cardinals are certainly impressive, but as the saying goes, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to 7–9 seasons for eternity. Under Fisher, the Rams are 13–13–1 in NFC West games and 17–24 against everyone else.

They’re no stranger to surprising wins, either. They beat Seattle twice and won in Arizona last year, but ended up winning just seven games. They beat the Seahawks and Broncos in 2014, but won just six games. To their fans’ everlasting chagrin, those “statement” games tended to be followed by duds.

Considering all that, it should take more than two division wins and a comeback victory over the Bucs to convince anyone that the Rams are for real. While they sit at 3–1, they have been outscored by 13 points. They’re still just 29th in ESPN’s Football Power Index and rank 24th in Football Outsiders DVOA. The offense is a mess, and the current improvements on defense won’t be enough to mask just how bad they are on the other side of the ball over the course of a 16-game season.

The Rams are the perfect example of why you shouldn’t trust what happens in Week 1. But they’re a pretty good example for why you shouldn’t trust what happens in weeks 2 through 4 either.

Week 4 has come and gone and it was a great one!!! Upsets and surprises all over the place. My pickem is going to crap, and very fast

Anyways.......Lets get this show on the road shall we!!!!

http://www.ramsondemand.com/powerrankings/trons-power-rankings.8/

.

here are the rams bits from the article. to read it all click on the link.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...eset-vikings-are-here-to-stay-at-quarter-mark

3) The NFL season has so many plot twists, we could already hand out an award for "Comeback Team of the Year." The two leading candidates are separated by 2,500 miles and will face off this week in Los Angeles.

Rex Ryan out-coached Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels Sunday, and Rex knew it. His newly installed offensive coordinator, Anthony Lynn, and Billsquarterback Tyrod Taylor set the tempo with three long scoring drives to start Buffalo's win in New England. Ryan is coaxing sensational performances out of free-agent afterthoughts like Zach Brown andLorenzo Alexander. This outcome wasn't just about the Patriots starting their third quarterback. Buffalo has dominated the line of scrimmage two consecutive weeks against two Super Bowl contenders (Arizona and New England). This all took placeafter Ryan fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman and the team sustained injuries that had most of us leaving his group for dead. That's when Ryan does his best work.

The Rams, subject to many a punchline after their Week 1 shutout loss in San Francisco, have improbably won three straight, including wins over the Seahawks and Cardinals. We don't blame Jeff Fisher for spiking the football in Bruce Arians' face, even if this current Rams winning formula is problematic. The Rams are dead last in yards per play on offense and continue to be plagued by bone-headed penalties.

We'll take the positive approach: The Rams are winning without getting much from Todd Gurley orTavon Austin offensively. There is room to get better, and they are going to be aggressive, right down to blitzing on a game-ending Hail Mary. The Rams know who they are. Speaking of which ...

Stories that should be getting more attention

1) Start the Aaron Donald for Defensive Player of the Year campaign now. If Donald keeps it up, keep him in mind for MVP. The Los Angeles defender is the best player on the field in every Rams game, destroying so many snaps where he never even shows up in the box score. Credit coordinator Gregg Williams for diversifying Donald's attack this year, using him at defensive end and on increased stunts around the edge. Donald's Pro Football Focus grade this year is more than double that of any other defensive player.

Perhaps it will take J.J. Watt's injury and the Rams winning for everyone to realize that Donald is a generational talent. He might have the quickest first step in NFL history for an interior lineman.

.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...e-best-player-in-the-nfl/?tid=pm_sports_pop_b

One reason the L.A. Rams are 3-1? They have the best player in the NFL.

Let’s take a look at the two biggest factors behind the Rams’ surprising 3-1 start, and how the two fit so well together.

A shift in scheme

Instead of inventing new coverage principles, Fisher and company turned back the clock to a tried-and-true defensive scheme from the 1970s.

When Lovie Smith was fired from his head coaching position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after last season, many thought it signaled the death of the Tampa-2 defense, a scheme in which two safeties are responsible for the two deep zones with the cornerbacks and linebackers responsible for five underneath zones. The truth is that the coverage scheme as a philosophy was already all but abandoned. Tampa Bay was running cover-1 more often than the scheme with the city’s namesake in 2015 as the Tampa-2 accounted for only 29 percent of their coverage – still a much higher rate than anyone else in the league though. The defense that rose to fame when Tony Dungy was hired to the same position 20 years prior was now a coverage employed almost exclusively on third-and-long and end-of-game situations.

CONTENT FROM JAGUARRogue moments that rocked our world
Revisit history's most radical, transformative moments in time.
[If Colts want to win, they need to protect Andrew Luck]

Outside of the coverage aspect, there is still one last thing the defense requires to run properly: a dominant defensive line against both the run and pass. Against the run, keeping both safeties deep means there’s one fewer man in the box and the middle linebacker can’t play nearly as downhill because of his deep coverage responsibilities against play action. Against the pass the Tampa-2 requires defenders to drop to a spot instead of matching up with receivers, making the defense susceptible to spacing issues when certain route combinations pull defenders to the edges of their zones. To counteract this, receivers are jammed at the line of scrimmage to slow down that pulling effect, but the defensive line still needs to be getting home and forcing the ball out quickly, as big holes in the zone will eventually be created.

And that’s where the NFL’s best player comes in.

Donald’s dominance

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Lucky enough for the Rams they currently have the single most adept player in the NFL at rushing the passer and stopping the run. And with J.J. Watt out for the season it really isn’t close. The kind of impact defensive tackle Aaron Donald is having snap-to-snap from his spot exclusively between the tackles is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. When I talked about the Rams’ need to force the ball out quickly, it’s Donald who has done just that. He may only have two sacks, but he’s on pace for 100 total pressures on the season and has been unblockable in one-on-one situations. In 10 years of data, Watt’s 2014 season is the only one that’s cracked 100 pressures (119).

[That surprising Sam Bradford trade has so far produced the NFC’s two best teams]

The biggest concerns about Donald coming out of college were if he’d be able to hold up against the run with his small stature (6-foot-1, 285 pounds) in the NFL. Those concerns have been proven dead wrong at this point. Even at sub-300 pounds, Donald could likely be one of the best nose tackles in the NFL if he wanted to be and he routinely plays there with 58 of his 232 snaps coming over the center this season. Through four games he’s made a stop on 14.5 percent of his snaps, the third highest rate in the NFL. As mentioned before, stopping the run with the safeties removed from the box is a difficult task for most teams in the NFL. So far, on the 29 carries against the Rams this year where that’s been the case, opposing offenses are averaging only 3.28 yards per carry.

I said BEHOLD!

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[av]http://c.espnradio.com/s:5L8r1/audio/3084796/russilloaudio_2016-10-04-150836.64k.mp3[/av]

Hey guys, about a month ago I posted a thread about me almost getting a my first full time career in Houston, and lo and behold I got it!!!!!! I was done with grad school in May 2015 and it was a long, frustrating, maddening, and sad process but that journey is FINALLY over. I had PMd some of you about various places in Florida and California but they didn't work out. So @Selassie I and @bluecoconuts I greatly thank you for the advice and offering to help.

If you read that thread, I wanted this job badly but had family squabbles that live there (petty stuff that added up) and many of you advised me to get my own place. Well that is exactly what I'm doing!

Soooo for the next couple weeks I'm gonna be MIA while I make a special trip to sign a lease and get myself moved. I might pop in now and then, but don't count on it. I def. will follow the Rams/Bills game. I'm hoping everything gets done this week and early next when I make my move official.

Take care guys, cya in a few weeks.

Lets stop running him out of bunched and power formations where he is getting collapsed on.

Lets spread the field and run him out of 4 Wr sets and other formations.

We should be doing this anyway because everyone is loading 8-9 in the box.

Opening statement:

Alright guys I don’t have a whole lot to say so I will open it up for questions.

Q: Will Marcell Dareus coming back to the team this week, or will he be delayed?
A: No, I expect him to play. He has already been delayed four games. So yeah he will play. What capacity, how much he really plays I am not sure. He is definitely going to play.

Q: Is he here? Is he back in the building today?
A: Yeah he was in our building, I personally didn’t see him. But he was in our building.

Q: Is his rehab completed, what do you know on that?
A: No I am not sure. I am not going to get into specifics on his, what he is doing off the field or anything like that. My understanding is he is in good spirits and looking forward to getting back out there with his teammates.

Q: He is ready to fully commit to the team?
A: Yes.

Q: Seantrel?
A: Seantrel (Henderson) yeah we will see how he looks. Will he play this week? I am not real sure. We are going to find out. But I think with Marcell (Dareus), he is definitely going to play.

Q: How does it affect the chemistry of getting Marcell back that is built after the last two games?
A: Well I think Marcell (Dareus) is going to come in and add to it. I think everybody, all his teammates are looking forward to having Marcell back out there.

Q: You have till Saturday for roster exemptions, will you make moves earlier or later in the week?
A: I think we will let the week play out then we will make some moves.

Q: How much of an added bonus is it to be 2-2 and you get one of your best players back.
A: It feels good. I mean it will be, the guys I will tell you what, Corbin Bryant in particular has stepped in and played that nose tackle spot. Even though Corbin is more a tackle, end type, but he jumped right in there. Unselfish guy and he just wants to help the team. I thought he did an outstanding job in place of Marcell (Dareus). Obviously he is going to fit in big time in the rotation we will have, that should be much stronger now that it even was.

Q: Zach Brown’s game was impressive, what was it like watching it on again on tape?
A: Tell you the most impressive play, the 18 tackles that is pretty impressive, two forced fumbles, sack, so I will be shocked if he doesn’t win national awards for his performance. But the one that was most impressive is the one that doesn’t count and thank goodness it didn’t, is when he chased (Julian) Edelman down at the one yard line. I don’t think there are many linebackers if any linebackers in the league that are going to make that play other than him.

Q: What role does Reggie Bush have at this point?
A: Well right now it is, it is tough too because with the kind of talent he has it is almost being patient, because each game plan is different. We brought him in initially to be our primary kick and punt returner, and then playing a pony package which is a two tailback package and do different things. We still have that available it is just this last game in particular he wasn’t up because we really weren’t doing that package. You know he has got, he is healthy which I think is a great thing. He is still a player that has a lot of juice. To me I think, you don’t go through this season unscathed, I am pleased that he is on our football team. He will have a role, albeit sometimes it is a different role depending on game plan and certain weeks.

Q: Are you expecting to hear anything from the league on the pregame scuffle?
A: No. I mean, my take on it, I wasn’t in the middle of it or whatever I was on the other side. When I walked over there is was already gone. Sometimes those things happen but I don’t think it escalated.

Q: We are close to when Shaq Lawson can return, how far away do you think he is from returning?
A: I think he is going to be ready to roll. When his time is up, he is doing a really good job in the weight room and things. Now he is not going to be in football shape, so don’t expect him to come in and being starting. He hasn’t even been through one practice, one NFL practice, but we will definitely work him in when he gets back. I would anticipate him getting back as soon as he is eligible.

Q: So you expect him to play in week seven?
A: Yes.

Q: Brandon Spikes played on the edge a little yesterday and that is something we haven’t seen before?
A: We just love his temperament, and the type of player he is. Physical, downhill player, we are just trying to get out best players on the field. So if there is a role for that then that is where we are going to play him. The two inside guys are playing so well right now it is hard to get (Brandon) Spikes or (Ramon) Humber in there but we are trying to find something for them. Spike is such, he is, he has got some leadership to him as well, he builds people up. He elevates other people’s game. So you try to find a role for him every week.

Q: You are going back to the Coliseum do you have any memories there, or the old LA Rams, did you collect cards?
A: More Fred Dryer cards, than Jack Youngblood’s I think. Oh yeah and I got an old Philadelphia gum you know Merlin Olsen cards he is posing like this with his helmet on and things. So I was definitely into. I get sets from the 50’s you know football cards and all that. So I am just a fan, I am a fan of sports, football, baseball, whatever. I remember being in LA I remember when the Vikings played a Super Bowl there and my dad was the defensive line coach and it was not one of our prouder moments when they played the Raiders and they ran the ball a zillion times. Right behind Art Shell and Gene Upshaw, but I remember that, it wasn’t good. Other than that it is, it is just an unbelievable venue so I am excited about that.

Q: The visiting locker room is just a tiny box, remember that?
A: No I don’t remember, I was never in the locker room there. It can’t be worse there used to be some that they just put a nail up there, so I think there were two shower heads for the whole team. Might be worse, maybe alright, but we will see.

Q: Will you travel on Friday to adjust?
A: No. We looked at doing different things but quite honestly we couldn’t make it work. So we are going to head out Saturday.

Q: Your third down offense improved, was it something Anthony Lynn changed, or what can you attribute to that?
A: It is a lot of different things for us. You hit on it. It is a big thing for us. It is a team stat, time of possession a lot of times is a team statistic and we needed improve drastically from the previous year offensively. I think we are headed in the right direction. Part of that is staying in front of the sticks, your pass protection holds up. We had an opportunity to win some battles, I think we have done that. Also having the opportunity to run the ball some. When you have a player like Tyrod (Taylor), you got a player like Shady (LeSean) McCoy I think it gives you that you better try to stop them if not we will just give the ball off to him and let him run for it. It opens up your passing game a little bit and our guys, I think we are taking advantage of the talent that we have. I think our guys are doing a good job of that, Anthony in particular.

Q: Where are things at with Sammy and his foot?

A: The only thing I can tell you is that he’s on IR right now and that’s all I can tell you.

Q: How much are you looking forward to seeing Shaq Lawson when he gets back? Are there any expectations?

A: We’re definitely looking forward to it. I think he’s an outstanding player and he loves to play the game. As a passionate guy, I think he’s going to fit right in with the guys we have and it’s only going to help us. When you’re able to keep a guy like Lorenzo Alexander fresh, you give Jerry Hughes a couple of plays off. I think that helps the whole team.

Q: What’s the difference between the team now compared to the team after week two?

A: We just had a horrible day. We can say what we want. We had a horrendous day week two. Week one, we sputtered a little bit offensively. The real bad day was week two. Our defense played poorly. It wasn’t what we were expecting by any stretch of the imagination. This is more the type of team we expected and we just have to stay the course. We dug ourselves out to this point, being 0-2 to get to 2-2, because of how hard we worked and all the preparation time and the accountability to each other. Not letting each other down and demanding a lot from each other. I think that’s the only reason we’re where we’re at now, the 2-2 thing. And we still need to keep digging. We’ll never make up for that 0-2 start but we’re just going to keep taking that dirt off of us and keep working.

Q: Eric Wood said on the radio that even though it was victory Monday, every single player came in. Was that just because it was Patriots or what was the turnout today and how encouraging was that for you?

A: It’s about the same thing today too, so that’s where the team’s at. I think we know the team. We’re getting everything this team has. That’s why I feel great about it.

Q: Was it 100% today, every single guy?

A: I never took attendance but I would be shocked if it wasn’t.

Q: Is there a tendency to have early burials for teams, at least from an outside perspective?

A: I think it’s a long season. Well a team’s struggling at that record, we’ve hit the quarter pole. I think it’s too early and you can’t count out any team and you can’t crown any team right now, in my opinion.

Q: Can you say what kind of team you have at the quarter pole?

A: I think we’re definitely finding ourselves. We know we need to improve as a team but we know how to do it. We know it’s through hard work and it’s through preparation. That’s how this team’s going to get better.

Q: How quickly do you think you can get Justin Hunter up to speed?

A: I have a possibility that we’ll see him this Sunday. I know he’s been at it. He’s been studying. He’s doing all that. So we’ll see how he is on a practice field. I hope he can help us. I’d like to get that big body, that kind of size and speed he has. I think that can really help us. In particular in the red zone. Hopefully he’ll get up to speed quickly.

Q: Did you like him coming out of Tennessee and did you ever have to coach against him at any point in the pros?

A: Yes to both of those. I did like him when he came out. He was a big play receiver. They had a couple good receivers coming out of his team and he might have been the most talented receiver on his team. Then facing him, I remember we were playing Tennessee and I’m like, “they’re just going to throw a vertical shot up to this guy.” Well they did for a touchdown. It’s like right before half, I’m like, “you’ve got to be kidding.” We know it’s coming up but we couldn’t defend it because he does have this kind of length and height. He’ll go up and compete for the football. Those are things I know about him. The other part, we’ll find out.

Q: You had a play on offense, you declined a penalty and kicked a field goal, you could’ve gone 3rddown over for a shorter distance, your defense was playing well, what went into that decision?

A: That was it. I thought that was going to be a much easier field goal. I thought that there was no slide on our offense at all. I could have done it but this is where this team, New England, historically makes a ton of plays in this area, and I’m like, “Why do it? Let’s go up 10.” We’re playing and I just felt really confident. Let’s get the three more points on the board and that’s why I did it.

Q: Robert Woods and Charles Clay had a big impact, what did you see from them and will you maybe expand that going forward?

A: We we’ll see. It’s hard to double both of those guys and a lot of that has to do with our running game. So, they might be able to double one but it’s hard to double both. It was good. We had both those guys winning their one-on-one battles and Tyrod was accurate with the football, so there were some good signs for us.

Q: Besides the faster pace on offense, is there anything you can point to that’s working better?

A: I don’t want to say anything that way because I think it’s a slight maybe to Greg or someone who did an outstanding job for us. It’s just, things are a lot tighter. We don’t quite have the volume but we have plenty. It’s not like we’re going in there with just three running plays and 12 passes or something. We have plenty. We’re practicing it, we’re doing a good job. I think we’re confident in what the plan is.

Q: A couple of Patriots players said they were still upset about the pregame scuffle and said they’re going to remember it going forward. Have you addressed it with your team at all or are you concerned that it’s something will put a target on your back.

A: No. I really don’t want to comment on it. It had nothing to do with the outcome of the game. We were there for one reason and one reason only. That was to win a football game, and we can check that box off so you can remember that.

Q: Did you happen to see the Ben Affleck video of him commenting about the Bills beating the Patriots?

A: No, I have not.

Q: Would you like to?

A: No. They’re saying no. That’s okay. I upset somebody? That’s a shock.

Q: The Rams are 30th in offense, 23rd on defense, but they’re 3-1. Do you think those numbers are where they are?

A: Well I think first off, the only one that matters is the 3-1 record. I’d take those stats for our football team if we were 3-1. I would much rather be 3-1 than 2-2. I don’t think at this stage, it’s a true, telling stat. At this stage, they can run the football, they’re physical on offense. They’ve got some playmakers and on defense they create a lot of turnovers and have an outstanding front four. If they’re not the best in the league, they’re certainly in the conversation.

Q: Rex you said that you had Patriots sources that said Brissett was playing quarterback. Preston Brown said you had inside knowledge of that.

A: Absolutely. As far as you guys know. That’s just great. I stirred the pot and you know they’re sitting back saying, “who is it? Who is it?” I was BS-ing the whole time. If people are worried about it, that’s awesome. That’s good. Let them think they got someone

Q: Are you sure you don’t want to see the Ben Affleck video?

A: I’m pretty sure I don’t want to see it.

Vic Carruci
http://bills.buffalonews.com/2016/1...ive-bills-must-get-physical-rams-immediately/



Here are my five takes on the Buffalo Bills' game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday at the L.A. Coliseum:

1. Get physical right away. The Rams' greatest strength is their defensive line. Besides their Pro Bowlers, tackle Aaron Donald and end Robert Quinn, they're equally solid with tackle Michael Brockers, end William Hayes and the fifth man in their rotation, Eugene Sims.

Just as it did on Sept. 25 against Arizona, the Bills' offense must come out with the intention of imposing its will with a strong running game. Center Eric Wood and guards Richie Incognito and John Miller must immediately establish the ability to get a strong push to allow LeSean McCoy and Mike Gillislee find openings between the tackles.

With a persistent ground attack, the Bills are capable of wearing down the Rams' front. It will also open the door to some play-action throws and help the Bills establish the quick-rhythm passing attack that was so effective in last Sunday's victory at New England.

2. Another week, another opponent the defense can dominate. In so many ways, it's hard to figure out how in the heck the Rams are 3-1 and leading the NFC West.

Their supposed best offensive player and last year's Offensive Rookie of the Year, running back Todd Gurley, has consistently found nowhere to run and has yet to crack 100 rushing yards. Their quarterback, Case Keenum, throws a whole lot of short passes, only making the fact top overall pick Jared Goff can't see the field even more of a concern.

Consider the following: The Rams beat Arizona, 17-13, last Sunday despite having 12 first downs to the Cardinals' 26 and running 55 plays to the Cardinals' 75.

The Bills are stout enough up front not to allow Gurley to have his first strong performance of the season, especially with tackle Marcell Dareus returning from his four-game suspension with presumably fresh legs. And that should help them give Keenum the Jacoby Brissett treatment, attacking him with relentless pressure.

3. Take advantage of weak cornerbacks. With Sammy Watkins on the injured-reserve list, the Bills don't have much in the way of tremendous talent at wide receiver. But as they proved against the Patriots, the players they have at the position -- especially Robert Woods and Walter Powell -- are good enough to have success when operating with a sound game plan and when Tyrod Taylor has consistently strong pass protection.

Keeping Taylor upright and able to function as effectively from the pocket as he did last Sunday will be a challenge against the Rams' pass-rushers. However, the Rams' cornerbacks are vulnerable, so look for the Bills to try to work them over with a combination of short, intermediate and long throws.

Expect Taylor to again take a few early deep shots to Marquise Goodwin. Taylor just has to avoid misfiring on them as he did at Foxborough, Mass. The Bills also should be able to get more than a few favorable matchups for tight end Charles Clay and running back LeSean McCoy.

4. Stay as disciplined as possible. The Bills weren't happy with their six penalties against New England for 60 yards. However, the Patriots were uncharacteristically flagged a whopping nine times for 74 yards.

In their victory against the Cardinals, the Rams were the ones with nine penalties, for 84 yards, while Arizona had six penalties for 45 yards.

Given their physical, sometimes chippy style of play, the Rams are prone to drawing yellow flags. The Bills have a tendency to lead with their emotions -- as they demonstrated once again with last Sunday's altercation between Buffalo and New England players during pregame warm-ups -- but they need to keep them under control and let the Rams self-destruct with penalties.

5. Match the Rams' resilience. The common thread through the Rams' surprising start is the ability to win close games. Their defense keeps teams out of the end zone and their offense capitalizes on opponents' mistakes that the defense forces.

The Bills have to stay strong mentally and avoid frustration if they aren't able to find success offensively. The Rams count on their ability to do the right thing at the right time, while the other team is lulled into a false sense of security.

The Bills have to be smart, with decision-making by players, and especially with play-calling and clock management. Those are usually the determining factors in close outcomes.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – Press Conference – October 3, 2016


(Opening Remarks)
“It’s nice to be able to turn the page after winning and move on to the next opponent. But before you do so, you have to take a hard look at it, and we did. We still have a lot of room for improvement, in at least the two phases, I thought the special teams was outstanding. But offensively and defensively, we’ve got a lot of room for improvement. Too many big plays defensively, struggles when were supposed to run, same thing lack of run game offensively, and then just the inability to go get points when we got around midfield. Players understand it, they were very receptive today, where we are and we’ve corrected things and we’ve moved on. We’re looking forward, as I said last night, to being home, finally – feels like it’s been a while. Health-wise, we came through it pretty good. (RB) Benny (Cunningham) was the one question mark after the game, but he felt much better today, so he’s got a chance to get on the filed before the weeks up.”

(On evaluating not only the events of last night’s game against the Cardinals, but also how the team has come back from the season opener against the 49ers)
“I’ll address the last couple hours, what I did was went back and looked at the penalties – look at them agreeing or disagreeing with the calls. Then I started the tape on Buffalo. We addressed everything as a staff this morning, and with the players. You know, we can’t change what happened, and I said that three weeks ago. But we’ve moved forward, we’ve won some games and now we got a really talented opponent coming to town, that’s feeling pretty good about themselves right now. To me, the focus is clearly on Buffalo.”

(On whether he saw a turnaround coming after the loss against the 49ers)
“As I told you guys, and I told them the previous day or if you look at the weekend – you know, fifteen other teams lost in the opening weekend. A number of those teams that suffered losses in the opening weekend were good football teams, and I told them that they were good football team, so let’s move on. That’s what they’ve done.”

(On if having experience winning close games carries over from season to season)
“It’s a different group, it’s a young group. The guys that won some close games last year understand there’s no sense of panic. You have to keep fighting, and keep working, and the expectation is to find a way to win. The last three all come down to the last play of the game basically. It would be nice to have one that you can sit down and relax a little bit. But, winning close games is harder to teach a team, than it is the other side of that, which is get up and relax in the fourth quarter. In the National Football League, you can’t relax. You never know what’s going to happen.”

(On the success against NFC West opponents, in comparison to teams outside the division)
“Well, two weeks ago we played a team that wasn’t in our division, on the road, and beat them. Yeah, that’s been the case, that’s been the talk out there. We’re out of the division now, and we’re going to be out of the division for a while. So now we have to learn how to win on the road, learn how to win against uncommon opponents rather, and that’s a challenge. What you have to do during the week is you have to become familiar with the uncommon opponent. Familiarize yourself with them, the match-ups, what they do; it increases the study time, the preparation time. It’ll be a good experience for us this week.”

(On his philosophy behind the decision to challenge plays against Arizona)
“Understand there’s a difference between on the road, and a difference between being at home. On the road, you’re not going to get a review. That’s just the way things are. Anything that’s questionable, with respect to us, I’m not going to able to look at the jumbotron to see it. And keep in mind that the jumbotron feed is different from the replay feed. I didn’t get the benefit of it, nor did the assistants upstairs. I’m basing those challenges on things that I saw live on the field. That’s what replay is for. If (WR) Tavon (Austin) has got his hand underneath that ball…these are two big plays. I felt like we had a timeout left, and I felt like we needed to take a look at it. I didn’t personally see the ball on the ground with, respect to (WR) Brian (Quick’s) catch either. I go upstairs, and we don’t have anything, I haven’t seen anything. In Tavon’s case, they went to commercial. That’s the advantage of being at home, that you’re going to get those feeds. Now it’s not guaranteed that replay is going to have the same feeds, but at least you get a better opportunity to evaluate the play.”

(On if the possibility of using a timeout ever comes into play when making a challenge)
“Oh yeah, timeouts are critical. I’m the only one that uses them, and I’ll use them at a discretion. In both these instances, I was prepared. I knew I would be out of challenges with the second one, hoping that something didn’t come up later in the game. But, in both these instances, I thought they were worthwhile based on what I saw in person. My view is a lot different than your view, and when we don’t get the reviews upstairs or the replay upstairs in the box, then it’s up to me.”

(On what he saw from RB Todd Gurley yesterday and if he plans to use him more in the passing game going forward)
“The pass plays, those were two extraordinary plays he made in the pass game – the one-handed catch to keep the drive alive and the third-and-eight to keep the drive alive. So, yes, we’re attempting to do that. The line of scrimmage was full of Cardinals yesterday and we knew that, and that’s why we made our plays down the field. But we’re very close, we’re very close and he’s healthy, he’s feeling good. We just have to, obviously, put a good plan together this week.”

(On if there is something to be said about the resiliency of the team after winning three close games)
“Yeah, there is. It’s a young group and it’s a close group. They practice, they prepare and they have confidence in each other. And they do it together – the offense is pulling for the defense and vice versa. We have a combination of players on special teams that are doing their jobs. It’s nice, it’s not easy – you look around the league and there are some good teams that don’t have the same record that we do. Finding ways to win at the end is very, very important, it carries you a long way.”

(On if he saw the right vibe in the meeting room today from the players in terms of wanting to learn what they can improve upon)
“Yeah, they were attentive and they were ready to go put this one behind us and learn from it. Again, it’s the 24-hour rule – get it corrected and then get focused on your next opponent.”

(On how far back his relationship with Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan goes after working and playing for Buddy Ryan)
“Or (Bills assistant head coach/defense) Rob (Ryan) – yes, both of them. Since they were about this big. They would hang around training camp in Chicago when I was playing and then I’ve followed their careers throughout. Buddy was very, very close with them. That was a hard loss this summer when we lost Buddy – I talked to both of them – I was unable to make the funeral. They’re both outstanding coaches, they’re passionate. They’re coaching for their dad right now, I know that. He’s going to have his team ready.”

(On what he’s seeing from the Bills)
“I’m just a couple hours into it, although, we did look at last week’s game. Defensively, they’re very, very talented, they’ll come from all different directions – they’re going to attack your protection, they’re going to stop your run, they’re going to make the plays down the field. Offensively, creative, they had, obviously, the coaching change, but it’s built around ‘Shady’ (RB LeSean McCoy) and the quarterback can extend plays. They’re going to miss (WR) Sammy (Watkins), but they’ve got weapons on offense. It’s a well-coached team and they play good special teams, as well, they’re in to special teams – unlike some of the other teams we’ve faced.”

(On what he thought of T Greg Robinson’s game yesterday and how he would assess his season to this point)
“Greg’s doing fine. He’s doing a good job protecting. I wasn’t crazy about the holding call on (QB) Case’s (Keenum) scramble down inside scoring territory. But he’s doing fine, he’s playing hard and he’s not making the mistakes that he made as a rookie or even at times last year. He’s playing solid.”

(On the guys who made their season debuts yesterday, including DE Matt Longacre)
“Matt did well. He made plays, had a couple tackles for losses and had some pressures on the passer. He played for us last year, so he’s familiar. He’s flexible in that he can line up at both end spots, which is a must for us. (TE) Temarrick (Hemingway) got to play a lot of core special teams and graded out pretty well. In addition to that, so did (S) Marqui Christian – Marqui, what an experience for him from that standpoint, to have been on the other sideline last week and come over and have a chance to have an impact on special teams. I was pleased with their efforts.”

(On his postgame conversation with the team that was on camera regarding giving them a Christmas present and if he took a little extra joy in the win)
“No, I was complimenting the players, I wanted them to know what a big win it was. Oftentimes, (Cardinals Head) Coach (Bruce) Arians is complimenting his players from the same perspective. I just wanted to let them know that this was a big one for us and we’ll see them after Christmas, so Merry Christmas.”

These are selected questions and answers. To read the whole chat click the link below.


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http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_30

Jim Thomas - NFL Chat

Do you think for 21 years here the rams were the LA rams of St.Louis?

Nope, not in any way shape or form. By those standards, during the time the team spent in Los Angeles and then Anaheim, they should be the Cleveland Rams of Los Angeles/Southern California.


Harry Mattos, Mike Sebastian, Bud Cooper, Stan Pincura
of the Cleveland Rams
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Hey Jim quick question from New Zealand. Do the NFL players socialise after the games? I mean is there some sort of function where they make mundane speech's thanking the opposition etc over a couple of beers and a sandwich? I do realise often they need to catch planes etc. but did wonder about this.

No, the socialization with the opposition comes on the field before the game (to a degree) and then to a larger degree on the field after the game. The visiting team has a plane to catch. It's a pretty tight window.
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WR Austin is as fast as anyone in the NFL, yet the team mostly gives him the ball near the scrimmage line. Why don't they try to get him more deep passes?

Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTzk7qV7NxY


Yes, it would be nice to get Austin the ball more on downfield routes. But he's never been a very good route runner. And at his size, he can get jammed at the line and bumped off his route pretty easily _ assuming opponents can get their hands on him.
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Is G Robinson going to be a bust?

So far, from what I've seen he's playing better than last year. Now, he's a long way from being the next Orlando Pace, but he's getting better. I think you can put the "bust" word back on the shelf for a while.
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Looks like the Rams might just possibly maybe earn that parade by the bye week, huh?

Uh, let's not get carried away. At least not yet.


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Who's getting carried away? I said the Rams "might just possibly maybe" get to 6 wins by the bye. That's a lot of "mights" and "maybes." The point is, it's different being 3-1. That's all.

Well, as someone who witnessed 12 straight non-winning seasons, and 15-65 from 2007-2011 _ the worst five-year stretch in NFL history _ I'm just saying I'll have to see it to believe it.
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I mean, how happy does Sam Bradford have to be these days?

He's winning games. He's healthy. And by golly, people are saying nice things about him. That hasn't happened very often in his career. When I talked to him after the Philly-Indy preseason game in Indy, he seemed very happy with the Eagles. A week later came the unexpected trade to Minnesota. So far I'd say he's making lemonade out of lemons.
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300 yards by Julio also known as a season total for a Lamb. Julio and his 300 yards. you know, a season total for the Rams number 1.



Well, a half a season's worth of production at least.
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Do you think Carroll saying that this year's Seahawks team has a chance to be the best has any real truth to it? They have had some pretty dominant teams the last few years.

Carroll's always a positive thinker.. I chalk it up more to coach-speak. They've yet to display the kind of running game they featured with Marshawn Lynch.
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Will Jared Goff get any snaps this year?

Not if they keep winning.
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Jim, do you think the current Rams' winning streak is an anomaly or evidence of a trend? I am hoping for anomaly. Thanks.

The Tampa Bay win was fluky because of the Bucs' bizarre late-game clock management coupled with Jameis Winton's wandering through the desert on the last play. But there was nothing fluky about the Arizona game. The Rams' defense put a physical beating on the Big Red. If the defense continues to play like that _ and recent history has told us the Rams won't be able to sustain that level of play _ then the Rams will be in every game.

But based on the way the offense has been playing _ yeah, it's has improved, but far from good enough _ it's a fine line to victory. Turnovers are helping a lot. The Rams were plus-4 against Arizona. And those kinds of games usually don't happen that often.


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What is holding Gurley back? Stacking the box? o-line? Obvious play calls? They really ought to get him involved coming out of the backfield more.....that was an excellent catch he made last week and great move to gain a couple more after the catch.

Yeah, I've long thought the Rams should throw the ball more to Gurley out of the backfield. He showed what he could do in the passing game in a big way on the couple of plays he got the ball in the air vs. Arizona. Teams are loading the box, three's no doubt.

They're putting a lot of emphasis on stopping the run _ that's very clear. More success in the passing game could help open things up for Gurley, but I still have doubts this group is capable of doing that consistently with Keenum at quarterback and the current group of receivers.
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Is Bruce Arians as big a jerk as he seems?

He can be gruff and blunt, there's no doubt. But I wouldn't call him a jerk.


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I know you respect Arians, but I think he's a whiner. The latest was claiming the hit to Palmer warranted a flag. It wasn't.

Yeah, but all coaches have a little whiner in them. I looked at that play several times, and I don't think it's a penalty either.
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Last year, I believe, you mentioned an anonymous exec telling you that Arizona was a fluke. Guess he was right eh?

No, it was a source who said he thought the Cardinals' window was closing due to the age of Palmer and Fitzgerald.
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Interesting story about Fisher ball. The problem with it, I think, is that a whole lot of things have to go right, play after play, for it to work. If you can throw the ball deep though, you don't need it to work every time to be successful.

You're exactly right. A lot of things have to go right for it to be a consistent formula. It doesn't leave much margin for error.
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After one-quarter of the season, the best teams in each conference are . . .?

I think you have to go with Minnesota in the NFC. Talented defense, talented coaching. Making a bold trade like the Vikings did for Bradford shows a confidence in the team by the front office and ownership. A confidence that this is a contending team.

In the AFC it's either New England or Denver. but I'll give a slight edge to the Pats. Given what they went through at the QB position it's somewhat amazing the team is 3-1. And let's not forget either, that they have gotten next to nothing so far from Gronk due to injury.
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When will Cooper and Spruce get a chance to show what they can do? Maybe they are the upgrades at WR we need?

Once rookies fall behind, it's very difficult to catch up. Or at least catch up quickly. And it's hard to see both of them squeezing out a spot on a game day roster. Who do they replace other than Thomas?
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During your pre-season predictions, did you have a W or L for the Bills game?

We didn't make any game-by-game predictions for the Rams this year. I would have to think the Rams would be favored in this one.
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The Falcons have scored the most points in the league by a lot. They've also given up more points than every team but three. Can they be considered a serious contender as long as they are giving up so many points? What's your view of their defense so far? Can they get better?

I'm going to maintain a little skepticism. Let's see where they are _ particularly their offense _ after playing at Denver and at Atlanta in the next two weeks. To me, the defense looks a little better than what I remember from recent years. But losing Weatherspoon, the linebacker from Missouri, for the season hurts. Haven't seen much of a pass rush either.
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There is a lot of conspiracy theory on the ole interwebs accusing the No Fun League of fixing games. Minus the blowout first game, all the Rams wins have been by a TD, with at least some sketchy things going on in each game. If the Rams make the playoff this year, I am CONVINCED games are being fixed...... just sayin.....



Appreciate the thought, but I'm not a big one for the Oliver Stone theories.
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In our new bizarro world, do we have a parade if the Rams lose enough games?

I think that ended once 0-16 became mathematically impossible.


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I have not been able to see all of the games, but from what I have seen, it appears that Davis and Alexander are doing a pretty good job replacing McLeod. What is your take on their play so far?

When I was at Irvine for the first weekend of training camp, some of the coaches were telling me how far they thought Alexander had come over the past year. They were also encouraged by the improvement from Davis. I think what we've seen in the first four games, for the most part, bears that out. And that's not to take anything away from McLeod. He's playing very well in Philly.
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First head coach to get fired this year?

It seems to change every week. Fisher after Week 1, Buffalo's Rex Ryan after that Thursday night game in Week 2. I would've said Gus Bradley after Week 3, then they beat Jacksonville on Sunday in London. For this week, I'm going to say Mike McCoy in San Diego.
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What's the chance Bradford makes the Pro Bowl this year?

If he maintains that 105.5 passer rating throughout the season, I'd say he has a pretty good chance
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What is your theory on why Gurley hasn't gotten much traction yet. Take away the 2nd half of the Tampa Bay game...

Yeah, it's hard to put a finger on any one thing. We can all see that opponents are stacking the box. We all know that it's a young line still feeling it's way. But similar things were at play last year, and Gurley was able to break his share of long runs. We haven't seen those long runs in a while now. And that, I'd say, is the most puzzling thing.
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I've been very critical of the Rams this year and I still think they will find a way to lose. But, I have to give them props this week for a strong game. I do believe the lack of running game and blocking up front will end up hurting them. But the defensive line looks amazing!

How much longer do the Rams hold out hope that Greg Robinson is going to materialize as a quality left tackle?

It was a dominant defensive performance against Arizona. As for Robinson, I do think he's getting better.
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Is there something physically wrong still with J. Brown or has Wichmann just out played him? I thought members of the Rams were saying last year that Brown had Pro-Bowl potential?

The head coach was saying that about Brown. But you know the old saying in the NFL. . .Not For Long. While Brown was sidelined with injury, Wichmann was improving. It must have been close coming out of the presason, because they alternated in the opener _ which is very rare.
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In retrospect, what if we kept Bradford and landed a true #1 WR. How much better would Rams be?

Hard to say. Does this Rams coaching staff know how to maximize talent at QB and WR?
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Naturally i curse the rams once they leave and decide hey the cardinals used to play here, its an easy team name to cheer for, my dad likes them, why not be a fan? Then this start and i am beginning to think i am the problem.

Now, now. . . .
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There has been a lot of talk about the inconsistent way the refs/NFL throw flags for taunting (Deadspin has a great article about it today showing Josh Norman getting flagged for pretending to shoot a bow and arrow, and then the SNF broadcast opening montage showing Travis Kelce doing the same thing). Any way the NFL gets their act together about this or people just get sick of it and tune out?

It's my theory that there's too much subjectivity allowed in officiating crews on what is a penalty and what isn't. I know in some ways it's an impossible standard to maintain, but what's a penalty and what's not a penalty should be made as cut and dried as humanly possible. And it's just not on taunting penalties.

Look at pass interference from week to week, game to game, and crew to crew. It seems like there's a dozen different interpretations. For example, I thought the crew that worked the Jax-Indy game was calling things pretty tight on P.I.
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Do you know if James Laurinitis and Chris Long are doing well with the Saints and Pats? I look at the number of points the Saints have given up this year and think that he hasn't made much of a contribution. Which makes me think the Rams did the right thing in releasing him. Your thoughts?

Glad you asked that. Hopefully, it will be posted tonight. And if not tonight then tomorrow on stltoday.com But we will have updates on all 28 ex-St. Louis Rams that are with other NFL teams this season.

The short answer is that Long is playing well and has fit in quickly in New England. I watched the Atlanta-New Orleans game a week ago Monday with a particular eye on Laurinaitis. He started out quickly, but as the game progressed didn't seem to be running that well. I don't know if that was a product of the quad injury that kept him out of the San Diego game or what.

As much as I admire Laurinaitis and respect what he did in St. Louis for many years, at this point it doesn't look like the Rams miss him.
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Minus JL55, what current or former Lamb making the leap into pro wrestling? Kyle Turley was my first thought.....

(Try calling Aaron Donald a Lamb.)

Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN1ZUuvts1s


Following Rams release, Quinn Ojinnaka left the NFL for pro wrestling.


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I think I can answer the Gurley question- Why hasn't he busted out? It's Keenum's arm. It's high school at best. Opponents don't respect the arm. So until Case torches a defense for 350, they'll continue to stack the box with nine man fronts, playing run first.

I'm not disputing what you're saying. But why wasn't that the case last year with Keenum and Foles, who doesn't have a rocket for an arm either?
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I agree with a chatter earlier, there has to be a lot going right for Fisher's offense to be very effective long term. Reminds me of the baseball Cardinals offense 2-3 years ago when they had to string together 4 singles to score a run.

When, if ever, will this Rams team add some power to their offensive lineup to score in bunches like the Cardinals did this last year? With Fisher and Snead evaluating talent, I do not see it happening soon. Your thoughts?

They've drafted a lot of wide receivers during their tenure but none of them have clicked. So you wonder about that, even factoring in that there is some luck involved. Maybe Goff turns out to be the next Joe Montana.
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The Rams being favored is usually the kiss of death.

This is true.
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Hi Jim, when you are not onsite somewhere on Sunday seeing a game live, how do you spend your Sundays? In your living room with multiple tv's, each one turned to a different game? In your nearest sports bar? in the P-D's state of the art tv room?

Heading out to Indy this week for Bears-Colts, Kind of an early-season survival game. But I've been at home the past couple Sundays and it's been different. Watch games on TV, just one is fine. Check out other games online, follow Twitter, and keep notes.

This Sunday, I did that for about 14 hours, with Indy-Jax on early, followed by Bears-Lions and Bills-Patriots in the noon slot, Cards-Rams in the late game, and the Chiefs-Steelers Sunday nighter. In trying to broaden my knowledge of the league after primarily covering one team for all those years, I'm also watching and taking notes on Monday night and Thursday night, and watching some games on the NFL's Gamepass service. I'm starting to get a better feel for the league.
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Fisher said he threw the red flags in the 2nd half against AZ because he had no good intel to tell him they were bad challenges.

On the second play that was later challenged, I was yelling at the TV set to snap the ball before Fisher decided to challenge again. They snapped the ball and I said out loud "Thank God". Then wait, a red flag is on the field, Fisher has managed to get the challenge in prior to the snap. Ugh.

For an organization worth $billions, can they not afford like $25 a month for a Sunday Ticket subscription and dedicate one guy to watch the game on TV and call down whether to challenge or not? It seems like an embarrassing oversight given all of the tablets, headphone sets and other tech gear they employ.

Otherwise, great game.

Thanks.

The Rams have used 10 draft picks over four years in the Fisher era. One first, one second one third and the rest are 4-7 rounds. For those of you keeping track at home, this list is an issue.

I still am unsure about Robinson, but I am some what sure Havenstein is on his way to a solid career. Thats 1/10. Not good enough and it shows specifically on run downs. The lack of push we get is pathetic. In fact they are almost instantly pushed back 2 yards. We need strength!

Do we blame Snead/Fisher for the drafting? Paul Boudreau for the development?

Just so sick and tired of having a weak Oline. You win games in the trenches and its no wonder we have been so bad for so long, because we haven't had a stable OLine since 2003.

I'll be driving, so I am able to catch it on the radio. :yess: Coming up in a few minutes...

Any of you local LA guys able to call in?

Rams are getting more recognition. Barron has been balling.

We'll be talking about Goff till the cows come home or he starts. But how about Keenum?

Was Sunday's game his ceiling? Good leadership, running grit, some great, accurate throws but some missed receivers, spotty accuracy and marginal arm strength that shows up on every ball not thrown with perfect mechanics.

Could he possibly improve during the season?

Call it the Cowboys and Patriots network because that's all they talk about . It's almost sickening to watch any of the morning talk shows these days . Let them have thier own show so fans of other teams can delete it and actually hear something about our teams .

After reading a bunch of whining Cardinals fans try to make excuses for losing to the Rams in their last two games played at the red litter box in the desert, I've noticed a trend of blaming Fisher and Williams for being dirty.
It's hilarious because I can't think of one time that we've crippled their QB on a "dirty" play.
When the team plays hard and lays big hits, they're labeled as dirty.
When the GSOT was carving up opposing defenses with precision, they were called "finesse".

Speaking of the GSOT, the only special QB the Cardinals have ever had was better as a RAM!

Can anyone help me to remember how many times in the Fisher era that the Rams have knocked AZs QBs out of the game?