During OTA and training camp there were a lot of talk about the use of the TEs this year where is it? They are not throwing to the TE anymore than last year. Best way to help out a QB is using the TE.

Hello my friends.

Well the European dominated Ryder Cup (one of the best sporting events in my opinion) is almost upon us and I wondered what you thought of the comments on the article below?

http://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/2016/09/27/pete-willett-i-aint-partisan-hes-my-brother/

I think Danny Willett will be pleased with what he said and can expect a nice welcome!

Come on EUROPE!!

Practice Report 9/28: Offense Striving for Improvement, Consistency

By Myles Simmons

[www.therams.com]

Los Angeles’ offense took some steps forward during Sunday’s 37-32 victory over the Buccaneers. The unit broke the ice by getting its first touchdown, then scored three more over the course of the game in Tampa Bay.

“It was another step. I think it was a step in the right direction,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras said on Tuesday. “There’s a lot of positives that we’re going to try to build on. And just like any time you play a game, there’s a lot of things there that were mistakes or things that we left out there that we know we can do better. It was, again, a step, probably a bigger step than it was the week before and we’re going to continue to get better.”

Wide receiver Brian Quick was the first to cross the goal line on a 44-yard reception from quarterback Case Keenum. The long ball was a result of good preparation for the coverage Los Angeles received in the situation.

“I saw the coverage — we practiced it so I was just alert, which I am every play,” Quick said Wednesday. “I know [Kenum] saw the coverage — that’s all it was. He’s going to give me a chance to make the play regardless. He made a hell of a throw. We made a great play.”

For Keenum, scoring the Rams’ first touchdown on a long ball like that wasn’t everything, but it also wasn’t nothing.


“Anytime you score touchdowns, I tend to get pretty juiced up — especially when you throw them,” Keenum said. “On a third-down conversion to have my guy Quick make a big play down the field — it felt really good.”

The same goes for adding more touchdowns as the game went on.

“It’s a step. I think each week is. We’re trying to get better. I think for us, it’s not something that we dwell on, not scoring touchdowns,” Keenum added. “That’s something we came here to do, and we’re all used to doing, everybody in that meeting room, we’re used to scoring touchdowns. It felt normal, felt right, felt good.”

L.A. was also able to accomplish more on the ground with running back Todd Gurley. He gained 85 yards on 27 carries, but the way he was able to gain chunks in certain situations helped set up multiple play-action passes for the offense.

As head coach Jeff Fisher said in his press conference on Monday, Boras noted just how impressive Gurley’s 15-yard run in the red zone was on Saturday.

“That one run he had down in the low red zone that he took from the 16 down to the one was about as good of a 15-yard run as I think you’re ever going to see,” Boras said. “I think, again, as effective as he was, it’s going to continue to get better for us.”

Plus, Gurley was able to get two touchdowns on one-yard runs, which is important to do that deep in opponent territory.

“Getting down to the red zone — even with negative plays, you know, we overcame those things,” Keenum said. “Got in goal-line situations, and let ‘30’ do what ‘30’ does.”

Still, the offense knows there is much work to be done. Right tackle Rob Havenstein said the Rams have to do a better job at getting the run game going earlier in games.

“We want to get them at least a little crease early, because with those guys back there, they’re going to take a little crease and make it into a big crease,” Havenstein said, adding the Rams must improve “staying on your guys, making sure you’re on the right assignment, using the right technique, and just not letting guys fall off.”

Wide receiver Kenny Britt pointed out his own fumble as the kind of turnover that must be eliminated. But with the chemistry the club has built on offense, players have shown resiliency and an ability to still make plays.

“We came back and Case believed in me and I caught a couple,” Britt said. “And regardless of what happens out on the field, we know we can overcome it.”

That’s part of what is encouraging about the team at this point. There have been mistakes, the offense has not yet fired on all cylinders, but Los Angeles is still carrying a 2-1 record into Week 4.

“You can tell guys are getting excited about the offense. It took a while for us to get it going in the first two weeks, and you can see it all coming together and what we can really be like,” Britt said. “We still made mistakes out there — it wasn’t a perfect game — [but] we put up points.

“Now, if we go out there and have a perfect game,” Britt added, “imagine what we could do.”

SCORE ONE FOR QUICK

Wide receiver Brian Quick went through an intense rehab process to come back from his season-ending shoulder injury in 2014. Working extensively with Rams physical therapist/assistant athletic trainer Byron Cunningham, Quick was able to get on the field in 2015 and see some game action.


But Sunday’s first touchdown was not only the first for the 2016 L.A. Rams, it was also Quick’s first since Week 5 of the 2014 season.

Quick said he didn’t take too much time to reflect on that, but it was meaningful for both him and Cunningham.

“It kind of went through my mind after the play with Byron,” Quick said, adding that the rehab process gave the pair a bond. “I told him I was going to give him the ball when I scored.”

“It meant a lot to me,” Quick continued. “He has it right now and he feels special right now.”

INJURY REPORT

The Rams have six players listed for their Wednesday injury report, adn there is some good news for potential returning players on it.

First, though, defensive tackle Dominique Easley (illness), defensive end William Hayes (ankle), and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner (toe) all did not particiapte.

Wide receiver Tavon Austin (shoulder) was limited.

And wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (shoulder), cornerback E.J. Gaines (thigh), and wide receiver Nelson Spruce (knee) were all full participants.

http://thesportsdrop.com/11-worst-t...sCloseUp&utm_campaign=nfl_worst_teammates_ysa


11. Bill Romanowski


Bill Romanowski was well-known for his unsportsmanlike behaviors, including spitting in J.J. Stokes’ face, kicking Larry Centers in the head, and hitting quarterback Kerry Collins with a helmet-first shot that broke Collins’ jaw. But when Romanowski’s bullying began to affect his own team, that’s when people realized just how bad his behavior had truly gotten. In 2003, after a brief — and routine — training camp scuffle with teammate Marcus Williams, Romanowski slugged Williams, shattering his eye socket and chipping his teeth. Williams testified that after he blocked Romanowski during a running drill, Romanowski grabbed his helmet and then ripped it off before the crushing blow was delivered. As you can see, the impact of the punch wasn’t pretty. Williams, who never played another snap in the NFL, later sued Romanowski in court, and was awarded $340,000 in damages.

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

10. Keyshawn Johnson


Where do we begin with Keyshawn Johnson? After playing just one season in the NFL with the New York Jets, Johnson published a controversial book, in which he ripped his head coach (Rich Kotite) and called his quarterback (Neil O’Donnell) “a stiff.” The book, along with several other narcissistic actions, ultimately led his teammates to label him with the nickname “Me-Shawn.” If all that wasn’t already bad enough, there was also his ongoing (and one-sided) feud with undrafted wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, whom Johnson loathed even though Chrebet was one of the most beloved players on the team. According to teammates, Johnson resented the love and attention Chrebet (who was far less talented) received from the fans and media. The Jets eventually traded Johnson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Johnson openly feuded with head coach Jon Gruden. That led to the Buccaneers trading Johnson in 2004, making it twice Johnson was traded in five seasons. Few players in recent history have done a better job of sabotaging their own career.

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

9. Ryan Leaf


Coming out of Washington State in 1998, Ryan Leaf was an extremely gifted quarterback prospect. It sounds crazy to think about it now, but there was a time where it was a legitimate debate as to whether he should be taken ahead of Peyton Manning in the 1998 NFL draft. The problem was, Leaf’s arrogance and narcissistic attitude exceeded any physical gifts he had. As soon as he faced adversity in the NFL, as a rookie in San Diego, he immediately began to lash out at everyone around him: teammates, coaches, and the media. His ego simply didn’t allow the idea that he could be a part of the problem to ever cross his mind, and his teammates eventually began to resent his totally lackadaisical and detached attitude towards his career and his team. Since retiring from the NFL — after three of the worst seasons in league history — Leaf has been arrested at least 5 times for burglary and drug possession. Maybe his experience in prison has taught him how to play well with others…

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

8. Terrell Owens


Terrell Owens will go down as one of the most decorated wide receivers in NFL history, but his candidacy for the Hall of Fame will be very fragile because of how much controversy he brought to nearly every stop in his career. In San Francisco, Owens made remarks to Playboy magazine suggesting that his quarterback, Jeff Garcia, was a homosexual. In Philadelphia, he publicly questioned quarterback Donovan McNabb’s conditioning after the Eagles lost the Super Bowl, and had a very public holdout for more money (which included plenty of interviews where he made negative comments about the team’s front office and ownership). In Dallas, he had public outbursts when he felt he wasn’t being used correctly in the offense, and also never shied away from making public comments about whatever was on his mind. Let’s put it this way… Terrell Owens made Keyshawn Johnson look like an angel, and that’s saying a lot!

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7. Percy Harvin


Percy Harvin wasn’t exactly known for handling disagreements in a professional manner beforehe got to the NFL. During his high school days, Harvin was suspended numerous times for unsportsmanlike behaviors and disagreements with game officials. And as his national accolades grew — Harvin was a five star recruit coming out of high school — so did his ego. His inflated sense of self-worth always annoyed those around him. Things finally reached a boiling point in 2014, when Harvin was a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Not only did Harvin voluntarily sit out a game over his disapproval from the way the Seahawks were using him, he routinely started fist-fights with other receivers on the Seahawks, teammates Doug Baldwin and Golden Tate. Before the Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos, Harvin punched Tate during practicing, leaving him with a black-eye that was obvious to see during media events. Unfortunately, a Super Bowl ring wasn’t even enough to make Harvin happy, and keep him from fighting teammates. After more physical altercations with teammates in Seattle, the Seahawks shipped Harvin to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick.

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

6. Tim Tebow


How incredibly ironic that a person with almost no personal flaws, a person so deeply grounded in their faith, and a person so beloved by teammates and fans alike in college, could turn out to be one of the most disliked players in the NFL? Yet, that’s exactly what happened with Tim Tebow during his NFL career. The thing was: nobody actually disliked Tebow as a person, because there was little they could dislike about him as a human being. But the constant media attention and scrutiny around his ultra-conservative beliefs quickly caused resentment from his teammates who got sick of answering questions about a guy who they didn’t really respect as a player. Wherever he went, an extra slew of media cameras followed, which annoyed teammates to no end. It’s safe to assume history will repeat itself as Tebow attempts to make a name for himself as a baseball player.

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

5. Lawrence Phillips

Photo via: Getty Images

It’s not usually the best practice to talk poorly of the deceased, but it’s hard to dispute the fact that Lawrence Phillips, in general, was a pretty awful human being. When St. Louis Rams’ head coach Dick Vermeil benched Phillips, thanks to his string of inconsistent performances and continued troubles off the field, instead of taking the move as a wakeup call, Phillips stormed out of Vermeil’s office and skipped that day’s meeting and practice. After he bounced around the NFL, and NFL Europe, the 49ers signed Phillips in 1999. Unfortunately, things didn’t go any better while Phillips was in San Francisco. He was such an unwilling pass blocker that he couldn’t be used in passing situations. He famously whiffed on the block that ended up being the hit that ended Steve Young’s career. Eventually, Phillips was waived later that season, ending his embarrassing three year career in the NFL.

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

4. Richie Incognito


The attention we have in today’s culture around anti-bullying campaigns, and the focus we’ve placed on creating environments both for our children, and in the workplace, might have originated from the scandal that made Richie Incognito persona non grata with the American public. Incognito was always one of those guys who teammates never wanted to get on the wrong side of, and once he began to sense some level of weakness in former teammate Jonathan Martin, he began to bully and torment Martin. Incognito’s behavior included him sending messages with racial slurs — for being different than your stereotypical “jock.” Incognito was out of the NFL for the entire 2014 season as a result of the waves his behavior created.

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3. Deion Sanders


As a member of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty in the 1990’s, Deion Sanders was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and a four-time All Pro selection. Unfortunately, for his teammates and coaches, he was also a world class headache. According to teammates and coordinators, Sanders would sit totally disinterested in defensive meetings, arrogantly stating he would take care of shutting down his guy, and it was up to the rest of the defense to worry about the scheme. According to former teammate Kevin Smith, Sanders was a horrible influence on his teammates — “when Deion came in, something changed for the worst. Guys who should have been studying football on a Wednesday…were focused on other things.” Some teammates took things a step further, providing this quote for sportswriter Jeff Pearlman, “he was just a bad dude, a bad teammate, a bad example, a bad egg, who happened to be a real good football player.”

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

2. Jeff George


As a pure passer, Jeff George was one of the most gifted prospects of his generation. There was good reason he was the #1 overall pick in the 1990 NFL draft. The problem was, there was also good reason he bounced around eight different NFL teams over his 14 year career. For as gifted a passer as he was, nearly everyone around him felt he relied far too much on his physical gifts alone, and never really wanted to put in the work to be a leader. There were constant refrains from people, when describing George: didn’t want to prepare, didn’t want to be a good teammate, didn’t want to compete. We can all agree these are essential qualities of anyone seeking to be a good quarterback in the NFL.

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

1. Charles Haley


We saved the best (but really the worst) for last… Charles Haley is the only player in the storied history of the NFL with five Super Bowl rings. But some of the other stories about Haley’s behavior in the locker room are just as unprecedented. Haley was known to try and push the buttons of any teammate he possibly could, looking for players he believed to be mentally weak, so he could bully them. To further prove the extent of his manhood, he was fond of pulling out his “junk” wherever he pleased — sometimes even in team meetings — and either showing off its size, or pleasuring himself while talking about other player’s wives. According to former teammates, Haley cut a hole in the roof of teammate Tim Harris’ car, got on top, and pissed inside. Haley, a member of the Hall of Fame, is lucky he played in an era that did not have a 24 hour news cycle or social media.

By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/201...ound-the-secret-to-big-play-at-the-right-time




If you watch sports long enough you realize pretty quickly one trait separates the good teams from the bad: The ability to make the big play when the big play absolutely needs to be made.

And in a finite league like the NFL, where parity runs rampant and the fine line between winning and losing is as thin as ever, it’s not unusual for a 60-minute game consisting of 130 or so plays to essentially boil down to a handful or less of really big ones.

Uncanny, then, how the consistently good teams like the New England Patriots or Seattle Seahawks or Denver Broncos always seem to execute those opportunities to favorable results.

And so many others don’t.

You can take the easy way out and chalk it up to a sheer talent issue, but when the Patriots are rolling off wins with their third-string quarterback it makes you wonder.

You can argue it’s nothing more than randomness and happenstance, and on some level make a valid point.

But again, what a coincidence the same teams just randomly come up with the critical play more often than everyone else.

Sure seems like there is more to it than all that.

“It’s hard to put a finger on it, but it’s just something the really good teams find a way to do over and over and over,” said Rams safety T.J. McDonald.

And the bad ones don’t.

“It’s such a borderline thing,” said Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers. “A lot of teams, or times, it’s about good coaching and players being in the right spot.

“Some of it is the player maybe watching a lot of film and reacting to something he knew was coming and making the play when it’s there to be made. It’s hard to really boil it down to just one thing, it’s a combination of a lot of different things.”

For years the Rams were among the later, their 27-36 record since 2012 a frustrating reminder of their inability to unearth the necessary magic or mojo or ability to come up with the critical play at the critical time.

But that might be changing.

Their modest two-game winning streak is the epitome of a small sample size, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer some compelling evidence that something bigger might be brewing.

In two close wins, the Rams figured out ways to execute two huge plays to come out on top.

Two weeks ago Alec Ogletree came out of nowhere in the closing minute to strip Seahawks running back Christine Michael of the ball, then from his knees lunged at it to corral a game-saving fumble recovery in the Rams’ 9-3 victory.

To illustrate Brockers point about watching film and being prepared, Ogletree initially lined up 20 yards off the line of scrimmage just prior to the snap, but then noticed Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson checking down to a different play. Ogletree trusted his preparation that the ball would end up closer to the line of scrimmage, and took off running in that direction as a result.

That allowed him to be in position to make the jarring hit that caused the fumble he eventually recovered.

“You can’t necessarily say when that critical play is going to happen – because you just don’t know – but you definitely have to study and practice it during the week in terms of making those kinds of plays,” Ogletree said. “So that when it comes down to it, when that opportunity arrives, you’re ready to capitalize.”

On Sunday it was Robert Quinn hustling to chase down Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston at the Rams 5-yard line, then throwing him to the ground as time expired to preserve a 37-32 win over the Bucs.

Quinn admitted afterward he was dog tired after a long afternoon playing in the Florida humidity – not to mention the toll an hour and 10-minute weather delay took on his body – but he emptied his tank chasing down Winston five yards from the goal line to push the Rams to the top of the NFC West standings.

As the Rams huddled together in those closing moments, they challenged each other to step up and make a stop.

“We were literally out there saying: We can’t let them in the end zone, that’s the bottom line,” defensive tackle Aaron Donald said. “So someone needs to make a play here. We have to stop them some way, some how. We’re all tired, but someone needs to step up.”

Up stepped Quinn.

“Look, it’s not like it’s on call at all times,” McDonald said. “But you keep pressing and pressing and pressing at it and eventually the good teams find a way to do it.”

And that doesn’t even account for another other critical play on Sunday: Trumaine Johnson knocking the ball loose from Tampa Bay wide receiver Charles Sims with two minutes remaining in the first half, and a hustling Mark Barron grabbing it out of the air for an interception.

The Buccaneers led 20-10 at the time and were looking to stretch the lead before intermission.

Johnson’s big hit, and Barron hustling to be in position to make the pick, set up the Rams

They eventually cashed in with a Todd Gurley touchdown run to cut the Bucs lead to 20-17 and create the necessary momentum for a second-half comeback.

Happenstance?

Luck?

Random?

Or maybe something deeper?

“It’s something you’re actually talking about on the field,” Brockers said. “Almost like you’re speaking it into existence and then playing as fast as you can to be in position to make it happen.”

The Barron interception a case in point.

“When Tru knocked that ball out, who knows if Mark is there to grab it if he wasn’t hustling and running trying to tackle the receiver? He put himself in position to make that play.”

It’s such a small sample size, but for a team that for years couldn’t cook up that special something in key moments, their ability to do so the last two weeks is a hopeful sign they may have found the recipe.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-rams-palmer-goff-20160928-snap-story.html



Carson Palmer was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NFL draft out of USC, so theArizona Cardinals quarterback knows something about what Rams rookie Jared Goff is experiencing.

Palmer did not play his entire rookie season before he became the starter in 2004.

While rookies such as Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott are starting, Goff, the No. 1 pick in the draft, has not played. He is the backup for veteran Case Keenum, who has helped lead the Rams to a 2-1 record that puts them at the top of the NFC West heading into Sunday’s division game at Arizona.

“There’s such a fine line between throwing a guy in there, making him play ... and he knows he’s going to go in and struggle because the team’s not good like some guys have been,” Palmer said Wednesday during a conference call. “The Rams are different. That’s a very good team. They don’t need to throw a rookie in there and him learn on the run and the team suffer.

“They’ve got a veteran who has the team at the top of the division.”

Goff struggled during the exhibition season. Coach Jeff Fisher made him inactive for the opener against the San Francisco 49ers and then elevated him to No. 2 on the depth chart against Seattle and Tampa Bay.

“I just think every situation is so different, every team is so different and every organization is so different,’ Palmer said. “The head coach makes the decision about what’s best for the team. And, obviously, he thinks it’s best for the team for Jared to sit and watch and learn.”

Palmer said there was much to gain from waiting before playing.

“You have a chance to watch how you prepare as a starter, how you go about your business as a starter, especially if you’re coming from a very non pro-style offense,” he said. “Seeing how offenses prepare, seeing the different pressures you’re going to see and the different defenses you’re going to see.

“It’s tough if you’re not ready and you get thrown in there. If you struggle it can linger, so I think it’s important.”

[av]http://play.podtrac.com/espn-bestofespnla/c.espnradio.com/s:5L8r1/audio/3057470/espnlamorningshowcuts_2016-09-28-130310.64k.mp3[/av]

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/rand_getlin/status/781260185524375554



Could be a good pickup for them.

Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians – Conference Call – September 28, 2016


(On what has led to a slow start for Arizona in the last couple of games)
“It’s dropped balls; just not converting third down like we normally do.”

(On the play of QB Carson Palmer)
“Carson has been very solid. He didn’t have an interception until the fourth quarter the other day, when he was trying to force some things down the field. But, he’s been extremely solid for us.”

(On if QB Carson Palmer has been better this year, in comparison to years in the past)
“Yeah, I’ve been so familiar. That’s one of the things that’s a little bit disturbing, because we’ve had some miscommunication with the receivers. But, it’s more on the receivers than it is on him.”

(On his impression of the Rams defensive line these last few games)
“It’s been more than the last few games; it’s been the last few years. They’re outstanding; probably one of the best, just straight foursomes, that there is in the game right now. You got two complete game wreckers, and two really, really good players.”

(On his thoughts about DE Robert Quinn)
“It looks like he’s back to himself, full speed. He handles the run as well as the pass, but he’s just a tremendous player coming off that edge.”

(On his thoughts about DT Aaron Donald)
“Same thing; when you have a game wrecker up the middle, and a game wrecker off the edge, that’s probably as good of pair you can have. Aaron is a high-motor guy, strong, can blow up the running game. Obviously, he puts a lot of pressure in the middle of the pocket. So, it’s a great challenge for our offensive line.”

(On what he knows about RB Todd Gurley now, that he wishes he would’ve known last season)
“[There’s] probably nothing that we didn’t know. Coming out of Georgia, we didn’t know how healthy he was when he played against us. But, he was obviously healthy. Loved him coming out of Georgia, had a high, high grade on him. Nothing he’s done has surprised me, because I thought he was a top first-round pick”

(On how QB Carson Palmer has handled his injuries and other adversities over the years)
“I don’t know if there’s a more resilient guy that I’ve ever coached. He takes the bad, and just looks it in the eye with a smile and a smirk, and says, ‘Hey, bring it on.’ You love that in your quarterback and your leader. Doesn’t point fingers, just goes to work, and a tireless preparation guy.”

(On if the end of last season was a motivation for QB Carson Palmer going into this season)
“There was motivation for all of us, because that ending of last season was a 53-man roster and a coaching staff that stunk.”

(On if he sees anything different in LB Alec Ogletree playing middle linebacker, in comparison to weak-side linebacker)
“Same guy; runs fast, hits hard, he’s a perfect Mike linebacker for that system, because of his speed, and he can hang on the pass, and then still make up for it on the run. I always thought he’d be a great Mike in that system.”

(On if he’s had the change the plan of attack for RB David Johnson)
“He’s fun to have, because he can do so many things, whether it be running the football, receiving it coming out of the backfield, or just lining up out wide. You try to create things where you can get a match-up that you really like each week with him in space, or just let him pound the ball.”

(On how impressed he’s been with S Tyrann Mathieu coming back from a season-ending injury last year)
“He thought the second time, mentally, was easier for him. He’s getting close to being his old self. He made a play the other day. I know he’s back when he picks it up and scores, because he’s the only guy I know that can make that play. I was shocked when he didn’t pick it up and score. But he’s getting closer, and closer to his old self. Great kid, a tireless worker.”

(On if there’s anything different in QB Case Keenum’s performance as a Ram, than when he played for Houston)
“No, I liked him then. He had a solid game against us. You see him getting more comfortable week-to-week now with his guys. Obviously, they had success in Tampa. I think they’re trying to build on that. It’s going to be a great chore for our defense.”

(On if it’s possible to overestimate the importance of having a consistent long snapper)
“No. I promise you, you don’t.”

The Arizona Cardinals host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in a Week 4 matchup where they hope to rebound from a 1-2 start against a 2-1 team that currently leads the NFC West.

Here is the official NFL injury report for Sunday’s game.



Player Position Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
Drew Butler P Left calf DNP — — —
Frostee Rucker DT Knee DNP — — —
Justin Bethel CB Foot Limited — — —
Tyvon Branch S Groin Limited — — —
Michael Floyd WR Concussion Limited — — —
Markus Golden LB Shoulder Limited — — —
Kareem Martin LB Knee Limited — — —
Tyrann Mathieu S Knee Limited — — —
Evan Mathis OG Toe Limited — — —
Darren Fells TE Back Full — — —
Larry Fitzgerald WR Knee Full — — —
Robert Nkemdiche DT Ankle Full — — —





Player Position Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
Dominique Easley DT Illness DNP — — —
William Hayes DE Ankle DNP — — —
Lamarcus Joyner CB Toe DNP — — —
Tavon Austin WR Shoulder Limited — — —
Pharoh Cooper WR Shoulder Full — — —
E.J. Gaines CB Thigh Full — — —
Nelson Spruce WR Knee Full — — —



Daily Practice Designations:
DNP-Did Not Participate
Limited-Limited Participation (Less than 100% of normal repetitions)
Full-Full Participation (100% of normal repetitions)

Game Status Designations:
Out-Will not play
Doubtful-Unlikely to play
Questionable-Uncertain if player will play

http://www.mensfitness.com/sports/f...leys-5-essential-exercises-explosive-strength



Los Angeles Rams star Todd Gurley is redefining the running back position in the NFL.

The 6’1”, 227-pound workhorse has a combination of power and speed that makes him one of the hardest players in the league to tackle.

Battering Ram: Todd Gurley is the New Face of Football in Los Angeles >>>

Whether he’s speeding untouched through the hole for a massive gain, hurdling over opponents to avoid a tackle, breaking through defenders for touchdowns, or tossing Packers linebacker Clay Matthews aside with ease, Gurley has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.

Need more proof? Just watch this brilliant run from Week 3 of the 2016 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Gurley uses his fantastic agility to deftly maneuver through a shifting line, bursting past a defender before twisting his way past another two defenders to gain an extra 10 yards before going down:

Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/780806167538860032


Plays like that are why Gurley stands apart from his NFL counterparts at his position. And while the former Georgia Bulldog is key player for the Rams as they settle into their new city, he’s not taking anything for granted. Sure he's got the ability. But he also trains five to six days per week in the offseason and has an intense focus when he’s in the gym.

“Lower-body workouts are so important for me as a running back,” Gurley says. “They build strength and speed—that’s where the power comes from.” Gurley uses a range of exercises to get himself strong and stay in shape, including barbell back squats, deadlifts, box jumps, and glute raises.

“My favorite exercises are squats and my least favorite to do is upper-body stuff,” says Gurley. “Deadlifts, squats, and power cleans are big for my leg strength and stamina—I’m always squatting when I work out. I try and switch it up every week, but I do a lot of quad exercises, leg extensions, and hamstring curls to keep myself strong and get going.”

Gurley spoke to Men’s Fitness about his training and revealed some of the essential exercises he uses to dominate on the field.

The worlds of music, fashion, and football are all coming together with a new limited line of NFL team T-shirts designed by a wide-ranging group of musicians, including Eminem, Fergie, Mac Miller, Linkin Park, and KISS.

The NFL and Teespring, an online custom T-shirt company, recruited 30 different artists to design shirts for their favorite teams. All the NFL teams are represented except for the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, and Green Bay Packers; meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Rams scored two different T-shirts.

Artists were allowed creative freedom, and while Eminem went with a traditional Detroit Lions design, Jason Mraz’s design for the San Diego Chargers features a drawing of his face, and Fergie put her name under the Miami Dolphins logo, a team she happens to be a minority owner of.

Stu Smith, head of music and entertainment at Teespring, told Billboard that the design process varied for each artist. For example, he said that Walk the Moon was very hands-on with their Cincinnati Bengals shirt, while a Frank Sinatra-influenced New York Giants shirt was designed under the direction of the late singer’s estate.

The T-shirts, which will be available for $25, are on sale here for the next two weeks.

Check out a few of the designs below.

Linkin Park x LA Rams: My Team My City

For the first time ever, a select group of artists have joined forces with the NFL to represent their teams and cities by creating unique, official NFL gear. These limited edition shirts are perfect for Rams fans that are also Linkin Park fans and will be available for a short time only and, after that, they'll never be sold again.


YG x LA Rams: My Team My City

For the first time ever, a select group of artists have joined forces with the NFL to represent their teams and cities by creating unique, official NFL gear. These limited edition shirts are perfect for Rams fans that are also YG fans and will be available for a short time only and, after that, they'll never be sold again.



http://collabs.teespring.com/NFL/

Poor guy was putting deer corn out and got struck in the foot. Evidently, the fang caught a vein because they had to put him in a coma due to his organs shutting down. They say the next 72 hours will determine if he lives or not. He fell and detached a retina trying to get out of the woods too. Bad bad day for the guy. Prayers would be appreciated.

Marqui Christian - DB - Rams
Rams claimed S Marqui Christian off waivers from the Cardinals.

The Cardinals waived him on Tuesday. The fifth-round rookie hasn't played a snap this season.
Related: Cardinals

Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter
Sep 28 - 4:56 PM

I'm disgusted with Simms. He's slow, commits way too many penalties and has a fucked up attitude. He got tossed out of the Buc's game in the 2nd qtr, and after Hayes got hurt Hayes had to come back in because they were short handed. Now it looks like Simms is in the doghouse with Fisher. Rams just added a DE to the PS. Not sure when Longacre can come back, I think after game 6,, Simms play is weakest link on Rams DL.

Am I out of line or has anyone else not cared for Simms play so far?

Anybody watch this guy? I'm interested in anyone that has seen him play...
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/archive/1737426

Trail arrived at Florida as a top high school recruit, but after coach Urban Meyer left, he also chose to leave, winding up at Norfolk State where he played the last three years, the past two seasons as the full-time starter. So far in his Norfolk State career, Trail has combined for 38 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 229 total tackles.

"Lynden certainly stands out on the field with his size and ability," an AFC East executive told NFLDraftScout.com. "In my opinion, he's still discovering how good he can be and as he learns better reaction to movement and better recognizes what blockers are doing, this player should get better. A lot of football left in his future."

It has been a long road for Trail, who did not start playing football until he was "10 or 11" because he had epilepsy and his mother feared he would have a seizure if hit too hard.

He played on the same team as Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater growing up, and played wide receiver his first year of junior varisty. He considered quitting football before his sophomore year, but was spurred by a coaching change and went on to catch 17 touchdown passes.

A wide receiver/tight end 'tweener, Trail switched to defense the following year and racked up 77 tackles and 14 years. That caught the eye of the Florida coaching staff even before Trail backed it up with 95 tackles and 20 sacks on defense and eight touchdowns on offense as a senior.

"When I made transition to defense, I fell in love with it," Trail told NFLDraftScout.com. "I could go hit someone and not get in trouble for it? That felt great. I thought I was getting pretty good at it, so maybe I could make a profession at it."

Trail said he made the decision to redshirt his freshman season at Gainesville to add strength, and put on 40 pounds. But Meyer left after the season and Trail was soon gone, along with 16 other recruits from his class.

"My hard work was getting overlooked. It was my time to depart," Trail said. "I don't want to be where I'm not wanted."

Trail was highly sought-after, but did not want to go the junior college route and looked into Norfolk State on the advice of his high school coaches. He has excelled in the team's 3-4 defensive scheme.

Trail is now seeking to become only the second Norfolk State player drafted since 1997.

"That would be huge. It would totally be a blessing," he said of potentially being drafted. "To help put Norfolk State back on the map. More scouts need to come here."

Trail is raw in some fundamental areas with his anticipation, hand use and point of attack power, but offers intriguing tools to develop and projects as an intriguing mid-to-late round investment.

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

STRENGTHS: Certainly passes the eye test with his tall, lengthy frame, but he also looks the part in motion, showing impressive movement skills for his body type. He is a flexible athlete with smooth change of direction skills and long strides to accelerate quickly in pursuit.
Trail has the body bend to dip and run the arc at 45-degree angle without losing speed, displaying good get-off quickness and a consistent motor. He uses his length well to corral ballcarriers and is at his best when he extends at the point of attack to properly work off blocks.

WEAKNESSES: When rushing off the edge, can be slowed by contact at times and struggles to quickly get back up to full speed, not consistently converting speed to power. He needs to continue and develop his hand use and overall strategy to shed blocks quicker. Has a lean lower body and with his taller stature, leverage will likely never be a strength.
Plays mostly linebacker in Norfolk State's 3-4 base scheme, but also has experience with his hand on the ground, which is likely his best NFL position.
--Dane Brugler

http://www.nsuspartans.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2276

2014 (Senior)
Started all 12 games for the second year in a row … became just the second NSU defensive player in the Division I era (since 1997) to earn first-team All-MEAC honors and some form of FCS All-America recognition in three straight years (DB Terrell Whitehead was the other, from 2007-09) … voted to the All-MEAC first team at linebacker … named to The Sports Network and Associated Press FCS All-America second team … a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS defensive player for the second straight season … finished the season with 91 tackles (11th in MEAC), 11.5 tackles for loss (17th in MEAC) and 5.0 sacks (tied for 17th in MEAC) … also registered nine quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two blocked kicks and one fumble recovery on the year … helped NSU finish the season ranked No. 2 in the nation in the FCS in total defense and seventh in scoring defense … NSU’s first-ever Senior Bowl invitee … also invited to the 2015 NFL Combine, the first Spartan to be invited to the combine since 2009 … also was invited to participate in the East-West Shrine Game, FCS Senior Scout Bowl and NFLPA Bowl … opened the season with eight tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery at defending CAA champion Maine … was named the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) FCS National Defensive Performer and Linebacker of the Week as well as the HBCU Defensive Player of the Week by both Boxtorow and the Batchelor Pad after the Maine game … at Maine, his four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two PBU and two forced fumbles all tied single-game career highs … had five tackles and half a sack against Liberty … made seven stops with half a sack, a quarterback hurry and a blocked punt at William & Mary … was in on eight tackles (five solo) with one sack and a quarterback hurry at FBS Buffalo … also had eight tackles in each of his next two games, against Morgan State and Savannah State … made a season-high 12 tackles, including half a sack, and blocked a field goal against Delaware State … had two QB hurries in consecutive games at Hampton (two tackles) and Florida A&M (seven tackles) … recorded 11 tackles, 1.5 for loss, against nationally-ranked Bethune-Cookman … made nine tackles, half for loss, vs. N.C. Central … capped the year with six tackles and a sack at South Carolina State.

Click to expand...

http://mmqb.si.com/2015/02/25/lynden-trail-nfl-draft

Who Is Lynden Trail?
Linebacker or defensive end? (For that matter, offense or defense?) From Florida to little Norfolk State, how Trail grew into the 2015 draft’s most intriguing mystery man

Click to expand...

interesting listen.....he seems very flexible...like, he'll do anything...and I love the measureables....

http://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/...olk-states-lynden-trail-getting-nfl-attention

There are a number of great players in HBCU football. There’s no question about that. However, Norfolk State senior linebacker Lynden Trail has put himself in a very special category with his brilliant play the last two seasons.

Trail, a 6-foot-7, 250-pounder, can do it all. He has the size, speed and experience to play the pass as well as the run, and he knows how to pick his spots in terms of rushing the passer. These qualities have made him a candidate for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented annually to the top defensive player at the FCS level.

At 6-foot-7, former Florida Gator Lynden Trail is now receiving attention from NFL scouts as a linebacker at Norfolk State. Courtesy of Norfolk State University
In addition, NFL scouts have been coming out in droves to see the Spartans' talented defensive player. Trail has attracted nearly every NFL team to Norfolk to watch him play the game at an extremely high level. Some scouts have even come several times to see him..

Trail started his college career at the University of Florida before transferring to Norfolk State; this is his third season with the Spartans. He really opened a lot of eyes last season when he was named a first-team All-American by The Sports Network and was a Black College All-American by the Sheridan Broadcast Network. He had 95 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 2013.

Trail has put together another impressive season in 2014 for the Spartans. He has 21 solo and 37 total tackles, with 8.5 tackles for loss. These numbers, along with his overall play, have kept a steady stream of NFL scouts at his games.

“This is the second or third time, probably the fourth time, in my years as a coach here we’ve had a player who will probably be selected in the top three rounds,” Norfolk State head coach Pete Adrian said. “That’s what happens at this level. We’ve had over 100 scouts here at the start of the season.

“We get three, four, five a day. Now, we’re getting people back for the third and fourth time. We’ve had heads of scouting, assistant GMs and all that stuff. They want make sure a player who plays at this level of competition can go on and play at the next level. I give Lynden a lot of credit. He’s staying focused and thinking about the football season and letting cards fall where they may.”

Trail has apparently been playing his cards right. Adrian has seen him develop on and off the field.

“He’s a really focused young man,” Adrian said. “He’s done a great job. He started out at the University of Florida and for whatever reason decided to leave and he’s been here for three years. He works hard in the offseason. He works hard on the practice field. He’s going to graduate in December with his degree, which everyone is excited about, and it certainly looks like he’ll have the opportunity to play at the next level.”

Norfolk State (3-5 overall, 3-1 MEAC) will visit Florida A&M (2-6 overall, 2-2 MEAC) Saturday in Tallahassee for an important conference matchup. The Spartans are one of six teams in the MEAC with one loss. They want to stay in the hunt for the league championship, so it’s a big game for NSU. You can expect a good crowd at the game as well as plenty of NFL scouts on hand to take another peek at Lynden Trail.
edit
Senior bowl stuff
http://jacksonville.com/sports/foot...er-lynden-trail-makes-plays-shows-versatility

“I’m not at my peak yet,” Trail said. “There’s a lot of room for improvement. I’m big, but I’m still learning how to use my body in certain ways. If I get the right coaching to mold me into what they want me to be, I feel like I can be a freak for years to come.”

Click to expand...

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...e-learned-from-day-3-of-senior-bowl-practices

Norfolk State prospect Lynden Trail caught the eye of plenty of NFL scouts during his time on the practice field, and he played multiple positions. He lined up at defensive end with his hand in the ground and stood up as an outside linebacker, trying to cover the flat against running backs and tight ends. He really flashed on Thursday, though, showing off what he could do at tight end.

Click to expand...

http://www.scout.com/nfl/texans/story/1556174-the-sky-is-the-limit-for-the-texans-lynden-trail

Football players like Trail, with his size, length and speed, do not come around often. Trail realizes that the real test to prove he belongs is still yet to come.

“My dream isn’t officially realized just yet. My thing is, you just have to keep pushing and keep working hard to get where you want in life. Nothing is going to be handed to you.”

Click to expand...

http://wavy.com/2015/04/29/from-nsu-to-the-nfl-lynden-trail-hoping-to-fulfill-dream/

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...t-could-miss-rest-of-season-with-back-injury/

J.J. Watt could miss rest of season with back injury
Posted by Michael David Smith on September 27, 2016

Football’s top defensive player could be done for the year.

Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt has re-injured his back and is expected to miss significant time, possibly the rest of the season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

According to the report, the Texans are still gathering information about the injury, which he apparently suffered Thursday night in New England.

Watt was dealing with a back injury throughout the offseason, and after he underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc, there were some reports over the summer that he might not be able to return in time for the beginning of the regular season. He has played all three games this year, but he hasn’t looked like himself.

Now the Texans may be looking at playing the rest of 2016 without the three-time NFL defensive player of the year. That would be a massive loss to the playoff hopes of the team that is currently leading the AFC South.
---------
https://theringer.com/j-j-watts-injury-is-a-devastating-blow-2fe58d3daa27#.wa0zn14n0

J.J. Watt’s Injury Is a Devastating Blow for the Texans and Football Fans Everywhere
Nothing and no one can replace the offense-wrecking force
By Robert Mays


Getty Images

It might be time to cancel the AFC South: J.J. Watt has reinjured his back, and the Texans are reportedly planning to place him on injured reserve. After an array of offseason surgeries, including an operation to repair a herniated disk in late July, Watt’s health was a serious question mark entering the season, and though he managed to make it back for Week 1, the threat of a setback was always a possibility.

Still, it’s crushing news for the 2–1 Texans, who despite laying an egg in Foxborough last week remained clear division favorites. If Houston fans want to start a weekly support group, let me know; I’ll bring the guacamole.

We need to talk about Houston’s playoff chances, which obviously take a hit. But let’s start with the big-picture take away: This sucks. Watt has been the best defensive player in football these past few years, causing an unprecedented level of destruction. Only two players in NFL history have earned three Defensive Player of the Year Awards: Their names are Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt — and Watt managed the feat in five seasons.

No one has been more dominant than Watt relative to the players at his respective position, and it isn’t close. Since Watt entered the league in 2011, he’s owned every major statistical category for defensive linemen. He’s amassed 23 more sacks than anyone else. He’s totaled 213 quarterback hits, soaring past Carlos Dunlap, who is second with 132. Watt has registered 133 tackles for loss, nearly double Michael Bennett’s 76. When healthy, Watt is the most devastating offense-wrecking force alive.

And so for line-play nerds like me, a serious Watt injury is about the worst on-field football news possible. Watching Watt unleash some fresh hell was often my favorite thing on a Sunday. Him going down after three injury-riddled games is like my favorite band releasing three singles recorded with a snapped guitar neck and a ripped bass drum, then scrapping the rest of the album.

Of course, it’s as bad for the Texans as it is for Watt’s admirers. This injury robs Houston of both its most valuable and most versatile defensive piece. Coordinator Romeo Crennel deploys Watt in ways that make the defensive end the centerpiece of Houston’s entire unit.

Watt had been spending a lot of time on the edge this year — likely to keep him and his injured back from dealing with the big bodies and double teams that come inside — but ideally, his ability to play all over the defensive line would allow the Texans to assemble a collection of pass-rush lineups that accentuate the skills of every player in their front four.

The options they have to replace him — Christian Covington, Devon Still, and the recently signed Antonio Smith — are all better suited for traditional 3–4 end roles and snaps on the inside.

Now, there will be a trickle-down effect that weakens the entire front seven. Absent Watt, the looks that might involve outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus standing up over a guard or end Jadeveon Clowney lining up as a 3-technique tackle might have to be scrapped as the Texans settle into a more traditional approach defensively.

With Covington, Smith, and Still seeing the field more, Mercilus, Clowney, and linebacker John Simon will likely all be asked to play more snaps on the outside, and that means far fewer surprises and far less punch for a pass rush that should have been this team’s best weapon.

And those concerns don’t even account for the effect on Houston’s run defense, which was already giving up an average of 4.8 yards per carry with (an albeit injured) Watt.

While it’s impossible to overstate how much Watt means to the Texans, there’s solace to be found in how Houston has played in stretches this year without him being 100 percent. This defense is loaded with talent, and even if the pass rush stumbles a bit, the secondary is capable enough to pick up some of the slack.

Without Watt, this group could still be a top-10 unit, but even that might not be enough: The offense is already struggling under new quarterback Brock Osweiler, and Houston’s 2016 hopes seemed to hinge on fielding one of the very best defenses in football. The question now becomes whether the rest of the AFC South is so hapless that a Watt-less Houston is still the best team in the division.

It might be, but the gap between Houston and Indianapolis is clearly smaller now (yes, even though the Colts needed a Week 3 miracle to beat a Chargers team that’s one chandelier falling on Philip Rivers away from finishing the worst run of injury luck ever).

With new NFL rules allowing one player per team to return from IR after eight weeks, it’s possible that Watt could still make his way back if Houston is in the playoff mix. As much as I’ll miss watching him play, though, I hope both he and the Texans practice some restraint with his rehab. Watt may barely be human, but trying to play seven weeks after back surgery was always a massive risk, and now he’s paying the price.

At this point, the focus has to be on more than just this season. Back problems can be career-threatening for linemen on either side of the ball, and losing one season is a better fate than losing the best version of Watt for the rest of his career.

Watt’s return is a decision for another time, though. For now, the Texans’ defense will fight to keep Houston’s postseason chances intact without its undisputed star, and NFL fans everywhere will spend this season looking for the game’s new — if temporary — defensive king. All we can hope is that when Watt does return, he’s the Watt we know. Football is just better that way.

Carson Palmer, Cardinals seek bounce-back performance vs. Rams
By Alden Gonzalez

[www.espn.com]

LOS ANGELES -- Perhaps you don't quite recognize this year's version of the Arizona Cardinals, a team widely expected to contend for an NFC Championship. They were just dismantled by a bad Buffalo Bills team on Sunday, their defense allowing 208 rushing yards and their quarterback throwing four fourth-quarter interceptions. The Cardinals have now lost four of their last six games dating back to 2015, three of them by 15-plus points.

The Los Angeles Rams hope they don't suddenly come to life this Sunday, in a Week 4 matchup from University of Phoenix Stadium that kicks off at 1:25 p.m. PT. The Rams are coming off a thrilling 37-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, moving to 2-1 -- good enough for first place in the NFC West -- for the first time in 10 years. Now they'll face a tough road test against a divisional opponent that has beaten them four out of the last five times.

Below are six opposing players to watch, courtesy of ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss.


Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer are searching for answers after a disappointing 1-2 start.
OFFENSE

WR Larry Fitzgerald: He’s off to a blazing start with 20 catches for 218 yards and three touchdowns, showing there’s still plenty of life left in his 33-year-old legs. He’s coming off a 60-yard outing against the Bills, but Fitzgerald has shown he’s still capable of exploding for a big game. He hasn’t eclipsed 100 yards receiving just yet, but it’s coming.

QB Carson Palmer: When Palmer can find a rhythm, he’s one of the toughest quarterbacks in the NFL to defend -- but he didn’t find one often on Sunday. He bounced early passes into the hands of John Brown and he threw four fourth-quarter interceptions as he tried to force the Cardinals back into the game. But in between, Palmer looked calm -- as he always does when Arizona is losing -- and was able to orchestrate a couple of long drives that resulted in points. But even at 36, Palmer still needs to figure out ways to eliminate bounce passes.

RB David Johnson: If somebody in the stands has paid to watch Johnson, they’ll be getting their money worth. He played 79 of 82 snaps against the Bills and has become a staple of the Cardinals offense through three games. Despite Arizona’s offensive line struggling to block the Bills’ front seven, Johnson still ran for 83 yards and two touchdowns, and caught another three passes for 28 yards, making Sunday the third straight week Johnson went over 100 all-purpose yards.

DEFENSE

OLB Chandler Jones: He’s on pace to have the best season of his career -- and no, it’s not too early to say that. Jones is tied with Markus Golden, his fellow outside linebacker, with a team-high three sacks. While he hasn’t been flashy early, he’s been consistent, and Jones causes headaches for offenses who have to game plan around one of the league’s top young pass rushers.

S Tony Jefferson: The undrafted veteran safety has emerged as the Cards’ top defender through the first three games with a team-high 30 tackles as he plays closer to the box, filling Tyrann Mathieu’s role as the Honey Badger continues to strengthen his right knee, which he injured late last season. Jefferson is one of four Cardinals with a sack and he had a forced fumble last week against Buffalo. Where Jefferson causes problems for offenses is his versatility. He can blitz, play nickel corner or retreat to deep safety and patrol the secondary.

OLB Markus Golden: The biggest beneficiary of Arizona trading for Jones may be Golden, who is tied for the team high in sacks with Jones with three. His pressure gives Arizona a bookend of talented young pass rushers. He’s quick and strong, despite being 6-foot-2, and his ability to get to the quarterback has been on display.

Rams’ DB Lamarcus Joyner is hanging tough

By Rich Hammond

[www.dailynews.com]

THOUSAND OAKS >> Rams cornerback Lamarcus Joyner has nine healthy toes and one strong spirit, and that’s good enough for a secondary that faces another significant test this week.

Joyner is hanging in there, still playing through a broken toe he suffered in the season opener. Not only is Joyner surviving, he’s thriving as the Rams’ nickelback against some teams that aren’t shy about throwing the ball, and the Rams face another one Sunday at Arizona.

The Cardinals are averaging 39 pass attempts per game this season, but if they think they test Joyner, there’s not much evidence that they will succeed. Joyner, whose role on the team was questioned at the start the season, arguably has been the Rams’ top cornerback, even with a sore left foot.

”It’s all mental,” Joyner said after Tuesday’s practice at Cal Lutheran. “Once the game starts, the adrenaline starts rushing, so if you’re mentally prepared, your body will follow you.”

Joyner left practice wearing sandals and no indication of a bad toe, but said he expects the recovery process to take two more weeks and that the toe becomes more sore during games, when he runs around at full speed. Joyner’s play, however, hasn’t indicated any discomfort.

A third-year pro out of Florida State, Joyner is a full-time starter for the first time in his career and leads all Rams defensive backs with 21 tackles. He’s thriving after a tumultuous training camp.

Joyner was ejected from the Rams’ second preseason game, then starred in a nationally televised drama when an episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” captured Joyner in the office of Coach Jeff Fisher. Joyner talked about his frustration with his role and how he was prepared to “go work at Walmart.”

Fisher promised Joyner that his role on the team would be significant, and there was no deception.

The Rams primarily have played a nickel defense this season, and Joyner has been on the field for 134 of their 148 defensive snaps (84.5 percent). Joyner was called for defensive holding twice in the season opener but went penalty-free in victories over Seattle and Tampa Bay.

Joyner is in his third season with the Rams and playing more than ever.

“You can never predict what’s going to happen,” Joyner said, “but the coaches said I was going to have a big role, and so far they have fulfilled their words. I’ve been put in positions to help this defense out a lot, so I’ve really been enjoying that this year.”

The Rams have played so much nickel, with only two linebackers on the field, that at times during the Seattle game, adjustments forced Joyner, listed at 5-foot-8, 184 pounds, closer to the line of scrimmage alongside linebackers Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron. And he’s doing it with a sore foot.

“That’s why we drafted him,” Coach Jeff Fisher said. “We watched him for a couple of years there at Florida State, and he’s one of those guys. He shows it every day.”

It’s tough to imagine Joyner getting a bigger test than the one he passed last week at Tampa Bay, on a humid, steamy late afternoon when Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston attempted 58 passes.

Now, though, the Rams must face a pass-happy Arizona offense that is looking for a bounce-back effort. Quarterback Carson Palmer threw five touchdowns in his first two games this season, but in last week’s loss to Buffalo, Palmer threw zero touchdowns and four interceptions.

Joyner knows the Cardinals will look to get their passing game back on track.

“It makes it fun for the secondary,” Joyner said. “As a defensive back, you want the quarterback to throw the ball around. It gives you more opportunities. It was fun. Then you have a great quarterback like Jameis Winston, so it can be kind of scaring because he’s a guy who can embarrass you out there. It makes you focus in and play fundamentally strong.”

In the familiarity that AZ and LA rosters have with one another, one thing AZ is not used to is Donald on the edge. And tbh I think putting him out there at LDE on key passing downs might be a thing that the staff starts doing, because he's demonstrated the speed and agility you want for the contain and also I seriously doubt there's a RT in this league that can stone him play to play in space.

Not going to go so far as to say that he'd be better served in this current defense at LDE. But I think he could do much more than a good job out there, and check out this DL:

LDE: Donald
LDT: Easely
RDT: Brock
RDE: Quinn

Now vs Arizona in particular you want him matching up inside vs the interior of that line, as their center Shipley is the weak link and their interior of their line is a mismatch vs Donald and Brock. But Brock and Easely should also do quite well in there on some of those obvious passing downs, while Donald terrorizes the RT.

IMO that would really put the Cards OL on their heels in this one.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher – Press Conference – September 27, 2016



(On if making big plays at the end of games recently is something that is random or if something is developed)
“There’s a lot of plays that are made during the course of the games, you end up focusing on the one at the end. Yeah, ‘Tree’s’ (LB Alec Ogletree) play was huge against Seattle, (DE) Rob’s (Quinn) effort was tremendous, we needed that. You take the wins however you can – in a perfect world, you’d like to think you don’t need to make that play at the end. But that’s something you can hang your hat on and you can always go back and say ‘Hey, you made plays at the end, so if it comes up again, just go do it. Do what you’ve done before.’”


(On what he has said to the team about the number of penalties they’ve gotten so far in the early part of the season)
“I’m not going to go into specifics, that’s my presentation. But we had a long discussion today about it. It’s nice to be able to discuss it after a win. You look at the penalties and they’re like anything else. The big thing, as I mentioned yesterday, is the ones that don’t have anything to do with the play – and that’s what kind of gets under the coach’s skin – the false starts, the defensive offsides and the things that happen after the play. You’re in control of that. The things that take place during the course of the down, you’re really not in control unless you’re grabbing as a defensive back. And then you look, if you really look at them, there’s five or six or seven that I disagree with. Penalties are penalties, but at this rate, it’s not good. We have to coach better and we have to talk about things and we have to be aware of a hard count on second-and-10 or third-and-one. Just bring it to their attention and we did that. Our focus is more on Arizona, however, than it is on our team penalties.”


(On if there’s anything that he can take away from the game plan that Buffalo had after they intercepted Arizona QB Carson Palmer four times)
“No, if we go and change our defense and do what they did, then we don’t have a chance of being successful. We have a system, they have a system, there’s familiarity with both of these two teams. Buffalo made some plays – a ball was overthrown, a snap was misdirected – they made plays and they capitalized on it, they were home and they got some momentum. (Cardinals Head Coach) Bruce (Arians) is a good coach and he’ll have them ready to play. We respect them, as I said. We have a long week ahead of us (and) we’ll put together the best plan we can and go out and execute.”


(On WR Brian Quick having problems catching the ball in training camp and having a big game last week against Tampa Bay)
“His problems weren’t holding onto the ball, they were catching the ball. He didn’t have a (WR) Kenny Britt fumble, they were drops. He’s worked on that, he’s not dropping them on purpose and he made a couple really good plays in the game. It’s just about him being consistent. You don’t want to see the drops, drops are hard to overcome, we had four this weekend at Tampa and they’re hard to overcome – we had one or two on defense. You have to catch the football when you’re given the opportunity.”


(On if it’s nice to see Quick make a play like his 44-yard reception because of everything that he’s been through, including coming back from his injury)
“From that standpoint, yes, but that’s expected. We expect him to make that play, that’s his job – run past the corner in that particular defense and go make that play and he made it. The alternative would not have been good, but he made the play and he’s got to do it again.”


(On if RB Todd Gurley not having a big run is more of a factor of opposing teams focusing in on him or Gurley getting rust off)
“It’s not necessarily Todd, it’s really a situation where we’re just really close. A double-team that comes off that’s efficient and he hits the crease, he’s on his way, a good block by the receiver. Todd feels great; if anybody has any question as to how Todd feels, look at his 16-yard run, that was impressive.”


(On what he would like to see improvement on the defensive line)
“Last year, we didn’t have a sack for four or five weeks to start the season or something like that. Not that we started slow, but people are aware of the talent level up front, so they’re protecting the quarterback, the ball is coming out quickly. From a defensive line standpoint, I couldn’t ask any more of them from what we got out of them in this game, considering the numbers went down and the weather conditions. We’ll rest them, we’ll get them recovered and we’ll go out. We’ve typically had success from a standpoint of pressuring Arizona’s quarterbacks, so we’ve got to do that this week. We have to get relentless pressure on him and make the ball come out quick.”


(On how important it would be for the defense if QB E.J. Gaines can play this week and if he expects him to play)
“Won’t know until later on the week, it’ll be a day-to-day thing. He’s feeling good, he had a really good pregame workout in Tampa and felt really good, had no setbacks. So we’ll see how he is and just kind of work him in.”


(On what Gaines would add to the defense)
“Just the experience. The experience and the knowledge of our system, the depth there and the flexibility because he can go inside or play outside.”


(On what he has thought of DT Aaron Donald’s performance in the first three games)
“He hasn’t had a sack, but he’s probably had 20 quarterback hits. Whether the quarterback has the ball in his hands or not, he’s making contact with the quarterback legally. And they know that, so he’s getting double teamed and he’s getting all those scheme things that you get offensively. It creates other opportunities for someone else. We have to keep moving him around a little bit and create the one-on-ones. He’s been very productive even though he numbers aren’t reflecting it, he’s very productive.”


(On if the success that other rookie quarterbacks are having influences QB Jared Goff’s development)
“No, I spoke on that. I’m happy for young quarterbacks when they have success, but we have our own sense of timing here with him. The quarterbacks are having success because of injuries. As I mentioned last week, had we not had the injuries that we did in the league, probably all four of those quarterbacks either would be inactive or backups.”

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


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http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_29?Page=0

Jim Thomas - NFL Chat

How does an NFL scouting operation miss so badly on a prospect as the Rams missed on Goff? I mean, maybe he'll come around, but it's so obvious other rookie QBs like Wentz and Prescott were NFL-ready. And just as obvious, I guess, that Goff wasn't.

Well, it's way too early to say that Goff was a miss. But it obviously isn't a good look for the Rams to see all of these other rookie quarterbacks off to good starts and Goff can't get on the field. I've heard pros and cons on Goff. From Mike Martz, who told me he was very impressed with Goff's quick release. . .to someone who was very familiar with what went on at Rams training camp who said Goff lacked leadership skills.
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Jim, I appreciate your honesty, but your article on the Rams winning because of TBs mistakes sound like sour grapes. Will you guys bash the LA Rams forever? I became a STL Ram fan quickly, but you guys are relentless with your grudges. GO RAMS.



Oh, you mean when I wrote about how the Rams played with resiliency, how the undermanned defensive line came up with a huge play on the scoop and score, how Case Keenum made some clutch throws, Tavon Austin flashing his big-play ability, Greg Zuerlein's strong field goal kicking on grass so far this season, Robert Quinn having more forced fumbles than anyone in the NFL since 2012/ Man, that's really some bashing.

You're right. I apologize. And then I point out how there was a busted coverage by Tampa on the Rams' first TD, how a poorly designed blitz doomed Tampa on Austin's score, and how crazy-bad the Bucs' game management was at the end of the game. I admit, making such points constitutes vicious low blows against the Rams.

http://www.thesarcasmdetector.com/
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I sure hope Pharoah Cooper and Spruce make a difference when they start playing because the other rookies sure don't look like difference makers. This draft sure looks like a bad one.



Cooper and Spruce certainly flashed in the preseason, although it was just the one game for Spruce before his injury. But it may take them a while to get up to NFL regular-season game speed. And if Spruce and Cooper dress, who sits? OK Mike Thomas for one. But after that? Obviously, you don't sit Britt or Austin. Quick is coming off a game in which he caught a touchdown pass. And Marquez is one of the team's top special teams players.
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Three games in, your assessment of the Rams special teams play?

Would like to see more in the return game, although Cunningham had that nice KOR Sunday in Tampa. (The decision to have Austin on the 20 on that last KOR almost backfired in the worst way.) The kicking and punting game work has been excellent.

You'd never know that Zuerlein had struggled on grass surfaces in the past based on his work so far this season. And the coverage units good. Special teams coordinator John Fassel is one of the best in the business.
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Did you catch "The Rise and Fall" piece channel 5 put out? Your thoughts?

Yeah, I watched it over the weekend. Frank and the rest of the folks at KSDK did an excellent job. My only quibble is that it would have been great to see Bernie Miklasz interviewed for the piece. He had a front-row seat for the Greatest Show. But anyway, I've always wondered why ESPN never did a 30-for-30 on the Greatest Show. There's certainly a lot to work with. The Cuz piece certainly was 30-for-30 quality.
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When can we expect the next "2-Sport Town" podcast?

Thanks for asking. It should be available Wednesday afternoon. We're not taping until tomorrow, but our scheduled guest this week is Dan Dierdorf, who will fill us in on Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, his fellow St. Louis Pro Football Hall of Famer (Orlando Pace), this week's "St. Louis Bowl" _ Cardinals vs. Rams, and more.
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What's your parade meter for the Rams this year?

By rule, I never change it once the season starts. (That would be cheating.) So it was established at 6 this year.


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Very painful to watch 2 bad teams like the Rams & Bucs out fumble and out stumble each other. That game was not about winning, but more about who would lose it. More like having a root canal

Hey, the effort was there. But not always the execution, or the coaching strategy.
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Wow, reading the comments on your excellent, honest, fact-based article today, you would think there has never been a critical article written about the rams. Does the new fan base have that thin skin?

I'm surprised as well by the thin skins. Which surprises me, because they have the Rams. Nothing that's said or written in St. Louis will change that. So enjoy them LA. But hey, they're in the honeymoon stage in LA and I get that. A win is a win, no matter how it comes about. But I think I would've written basically the same article had the team still been in St. Louis.


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The Rams passing game seemed to turn a corner, last Sunday. Or was it just the Tampa Bay DBs?

Someone last week mentioned that STL should pursue a CFL team instead of an Arena League team, and I've been thinking the same thing. I've been watching the CFL for a couple of years and following it fairly closely this year and I have to say I've grown to like the style of play better than the NFL, mainly due to better work by the referees and the lack of a headhunting tackling culture that still persists in the NFL.

I know the CFL's "American Experiment" from a couple decades ago didn't end well, but I think St. Louis could be the exception if they wanted to try again given our town's disdain for the NFL right now. And the smaller size of the CFL means that a team could share whatever MLS stadium comes to fruition (and I certainly hope it will).



Sorry, two questions popped up. So to first answer if the Rams' passing game has turned a corner. . .It was good to see Austin make some plays down field. He needs to be more than just a bubble-screen, quick-toss pass catcher to truly be worth the investment. . . .But I wouldn't call 183 yards passing, plus a pick-6 thrown by Keenum to be turning a corner.

As to the CFL question. . . .Again, I think there's now a rule in place that the CFL can't expand to the U.S. But I'll check on that for you.
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Is there a seating chart out for the Inglewood stadium? I'd like to see where my seats will be.

I believe a survey has been sent out on possible prices at Inglewood, but I'm not aware that it included a seating chart.
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What happens vs. Arizona?

Who knows? The league is so unpredictable. I would've never thought the Rams would score 37 in Tampa (Or anywhere based on what we'd seen in the first 2 weeks.) I would've never thought Buffalo smokes Arizona. Or Minnesota wins at Carolina minus Bridgewater and AP.

Or Wentz and Philly wins by 31 _ 31? _ vs. Pittsburgh. Logic says the Cardinals bounced back with a vengeance. Then again, the Cardinals don't seem quite right this year.
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I really like Joyner and Barron playing the hybrid linebacker spots but I can't see those two holding up physically over the long season. Do you see Josh Forrest playing more to help with that problem?

I agree with your assessment. A physical, strong running team would seem to give that hybrid LB alignment big troubles. I thought that might be the case vs. Seattle, but it didn't happen. Partly because of Russell Wilson's ankle problems. But yeah, I think in time Forrest would have to contribute more.
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I have had this debate with a few poeple, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. How do you rate Belichick in the history of coaches? Yes he has had some problems with the league. But can you name another coach that can win with a 3rd string rookie QB? He schemes his way to wins and his game plans are always evolving. I say he's best ever.

I've got to admit, watching how the Patriots carved up Houston with Brissett _ against a Belichick disciple no less in Bill O'Brien _ was fascinating. And based strictly on the won-loss record and the Super Bowls, Belichick certainly has to be near the very top of the list. But to me, there's always going to be that asterisk, because of the other shenanigans. The illegal taping of a walk-through the day before a Super Bowl, if true, (and Mike Martz is convinced it's true), is no small thing.
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Rams, TB game. Seems like the fix was in.

Again, I'm not a big believer in Oliver Stone theories.
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I think the last thing "blocking fullback" "appreciates" is your honesty. Keep telling it like it is and send them to an la rag if they want nice fluffy (demoff-driven) stories.

Again, I do realize it's the honeymoon period in LA.
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It's a bad look that Goff is on the bench, when the Eagles, Cowboys and Patriots are winning with rookies, especially when the Rams passing game has been so bad but maybe it isn't Goff but the coaches who would've rendered Wentz, Prescott and Bissett bench-worthy, too.

Food for thought. . . .

(Yes, let's throw our future franchise quarterback to the wolves and ruin him because a segment of the fan base is restless.) :deadhorse:
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The defensive comeback speaks volumes

What defensive comeback are you talking about? In Rams vs. Tampa Bay? Yes, the Rams got the scoop and score in the 4th quarter. But the Bucs gained 245 yards and scored two TDs in the 4th quarter. Tampa was on the doorstep of a third TD in the 4th quarter and may have scored were it not for probably the most inept end-of-game decision-making I've ever seen.
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What is Mannion's long term future with the Rams? He hasn't gotten much of a chance to play, but he certainly looked pretty promising vs. Dallas.

Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAdQLCwKBO8


Well, Dallas was the preseason. And the first game of the preseason. Mannion did look much-improved compared to last year. But the No. 1 overall pick (Goff) is going to get more chances to succeed or fail _ or a better chance _ than the guy you took in the third round.

That's just the way it is. So I think Mannion bides his time. It will probably have to take some combination of poor play and injury for him to get a chance this season
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With Goff still having issues with the Playbook, and Keenum being Keenum, what are your thoughts on why they are reluctant to to give Manion a shot?

It's pretty simple, really. Fisher really likes Keenum _ for his energy and his leadership skills. And how do you bench a guy who's 2-1 as a starter? And Goff is the No. 1 overall pick, and a guy you traded a boatload of draft picks to get. They're going to get the first bites of the apple. And maybe the second.
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If the Rams win this weekend, will people finally take them seriously, or will the narrative just be about how the Arizona Cardinals lost it?

If the Rams' defense gives up 245 yards and two TDs in the fourth quarter, and then narrowly escapes allowing a third TD because of some incredibly inept clock and game management at the end by Arizona, the narrative will probably be how Arizona lost it. Just a guess.


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What did Sims do to be ejected? Rams still seem undisciplined and thuggish at times.

Don't know. And didn't have a chance to look at coaches' tape to see if it showed anything. But Sims has had some hotheaded moments in the past, and committed his share of foolish penalties. And for those scoring at home, that's now 3 Rams ejected in 7 preseason and regular season games (Joyner, preseason vs. KC; Donald regular season vs San Francisco, and now Sims.)
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The LARams fans wo e jumped on the Rams bandwagon are setting themselves up for a big letdown when the lambs play games against playoff caliber teams not named Seahags. I did not watch the games vesus TB but was not expecting the Lady sheep to play well enough to win based on past experience. Your take?



History says you're right. But maybe the Rams will make a new history in LA.
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I sense some cap problems coming in a few years for the Rams. It seems that have handed out some large extensions the last couple of years for players that have not necessarily performed up to those figures so far. it is trending that the Rams will have a couple more large extensions to hand out in a few to keep Donald and Gurley.

Will this cause the Rams to always have one of the youngest rosters so that they can pay most of their players close to the minimum? If so, they will never be able to compete for trophies in my mind. Your thoughts?

Kevin Demoff and Tony Pastoors do a very good job managing the cap. I think the Rams are in excellent cap shape this coming offseason. Keep in mind, the cap has continued to grow each year, more than anticipated.
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What are your thoughts on Hill replacing Sensabaugh? I like it, Hill is a good tackler and seems closer to the WR's he is covering than what Sensabaugh showed.

Hill has gotten picked on a fair amount. But he's got some feistiness to him and is a good tackler. I like him better than Sensabaugh back there. But eventually, it may be a healthy E.J. Gaines there anyway.
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Why aren't more receivers the point after holders? It seems they have the best hands?

Good question. And don't know what to tell you on that one. But for the most part, the punters and backup QBs have done a pretty good job, don't you think?
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I am experiencing a different kind of mental torture this year with the Rams. For at least the past 12 years, I have rooted for them to be successful, and they have laid more eggs than all the Easter bunnies combined. This year I want to root for the players to win but I don't want StanK to make the additional money that an owner will make when his team wins some games and has a dedicated followers. A different kind of torture.

I think he will make enough money just by being in the league. So, it is a different kind of torture. For the last 12 years, all Rams fans would gladly cut off StanK's left arm for a couple ugly wins like the Rams have had the last two weeks. What is a fan to do? How much does Jim Thomas therapy cost?

Many fans are going through the same thing right now. They hold nothing against the players. Therapy by the way, is free of charge and available every Tuesday right here at the Post-Dispatch NFL chat.
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Glad they won, but Fisher always seems to pull out enough wins to save his job and I liked Wentz better from the start. Think we made a mistake? I know my Philly friends are happy.

Gary, I liked Wentz better coming out as well.
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when will fisher get his extension on his contract?

Somehow, I get the feeling it's already agreed to and they simply don't want to announce it.
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What is the issue with Rams' OL? The run blocking has been poor. Is it individuals or playing as a unit?-------by LA Troll

With all due respect, just seeing the words LA Troll I'm sure upsets some of our St. Louis participants. So in the future please change that name in order to participate in the chat.



But for now, I don't think the run-blocking has been as bad as it's looked. Teams are loading the box, and until the Rams start completing more downfield passes _ yes, they did get a couple, three vs. Tampa Bay _ that will continue.

With the recent limitations on practices time and contact during offseason and training camp practice time, I think it takes a little longer league-wide for running games to get going. For example, there were only 7 individuals who rushed for 100 yards over the first two weeks of the season combined. But in Week 3 alone there were eight 100-yard rushers.
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I thought the Rams made a bad move by letting go Laurinaitis, but so far he hasn't played very well. Your thoughts?

Just based on what I saw last night vs. Atlanta, he was active early but didn't look like he was running well.
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Any thoughts on G Robinson so far this year?

He seems a little bit more consistent, but still having some bad moments. That's my thumbnail. Still gets caught lunging, gets off-balance, and thus has trouble with speed rushers. Looks like the holding penalties have decreased, so far.
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What has been the general feel around the league about the impact of moving the Extra Point back and the resulting misses?

I think it's here to stay. It's put just enough uncertainty into the play to make it interesting. I'm sure the kickers hate it, because it puts that much more strain on them _ physically, but especially mentally.


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How would you simplify the rule that determines what is and what isn't a catch?

Tough call. I liked the part about making a "football move" and "completing the football act." That all makes sense to me, and makes sense when I watch plays from the luxury of the press box or on slow-motion on TV. But it's a tougher call on the field. It's a fast-moving game.

And the more you ask game officials to interpret what they see, the more difficult it is to make such split-second judgments. It becomes more subjective. So I don't know how you simplify the rule.
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Overall, in the history of NFL football in STL, who would you say was the greatest head coach?

I've got to rate Vermeil as No. 1 because he won a Super Bowl and united a building (at Rams Park), infusing positive energy into what very much was a negative atmosphere. I think you put Don Coryell and Mike Martz (who idolized Coryell growing up) on the medal stand as well.
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I know this is a moot point now and hope this has not been discussed in another thread but it's been bothering me reading some of the negative comments regarding this play.

This is my take on the play.

Take a look at the picture or better yet the video if you got it. If Tavon lets that ball bounce it looks like it will hit the playing field before the goal line. If he lets it go and it takes a forward bounce it's a live ball. We really can't tell which way the ball was spinning but I think Tavon had no choice but to field it. His momentum carried him into the end zone but he has to bring it out. I had to get that off my chest, carry on.