Threads
-
To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.
Oldest Living Member of Inaugural Los Angeles Rams Team is Happy They're Home
- By rdw
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 4 Replies
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/l...Rams-Team-is-Happy-Theyre-Home-393214391.html
When you picture the man who is known as the oldest living member of the original Los Angeles Rams team in 1946, one might conjure up images of a retirement home where patients are pushed around in wheelchairs to arts and crafts or movie night.
Then you meet 93-year-old Jim Hardy, and he bounds up the stairs of the LA Memorial Coliseum like a spry stag leaping through the hills. He's healthy, active, and more fit than most 30-year-olds.
It's no coincidence that Hardy and the Coliseum were born just a week apart. They each represent strength, stability and a legacy. The historic home of the Olympics, MLB, USC, and the Rams is Hardy's church, and he's ready to preach.
He may be in his 90s, but behind the eyes of the oldest living member of the inaugural Rams team is simply an eight-year old boy who fell in love with football.
Jim Hardy on the NFL, Then and Now
Jim Hardy, the oldest living member of the first LA Rams team, talks about some of the big changes in the sport since then. (Published Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016)
"One day in 1931, when I was eight years old, my father took me and my brother to our first Trojan football game at the LA Coliseum," Hardy says, taking us on a trip down memory lane. "It was the last game of the season and they beat Georgia 60-0. I have been a Trojan fan ever since that day. I have seen every home game and every Rose Bowl game since 1931."
It is a conceit of the modern era of football that so many talented athletes auction themselves off to the highest bidder. Gone are the days where posters of favorite players adorn the walls of the NFL's future stars whose sole motivation is loyalty to a team or city.
In a time where college athletes coined the term "one and done," and consistently receive improper benefits by programs in exchange for a commitment letter, Hardy has remained loyal to the Trojans since 1931.
He made it his mission to play football for USC and allow other eight-year old kids to come to the Coliseum and have their eyes light up when they watched the Men of Troy take the field. So Hardy worked hard and played quarterback at USC for four years, he led the Trojans to two Rose Bowl victories in 1944 and 1945, the latter of which he was named the MVP after USC tore apart the Tennessee Vols, 25-0.
Rams Fans Rejoice in LA
The country was at war during that time, and after the Trojans season Hardy spent the next few months in the Navy stationed on the battleship, Maryland, located in the Pacific. After the war ended, he married his college sweetheart, Henrietta, and entered the 1945 NFL Draft.
The Washington Redskins took him eighth overall in the first round, but with the birth of their first son, he didn't want to move his young family across the country. Simultaneously, the reigning NFL Champion, Cleveland Rams, had announced they were moving to Los Angeles. So Hardy asked to be traded and signed with the Rams.
He called it, "the dumbest thing I ever did."
Hardy's biggest rival during his collegiate career was cross-town quarterback Bob Waterfield. The future Hall of Famer led the UCLA Bruins to the Pacific Coast title in 1942 and a Rose Bowl birth in 1943. After a blowout loss to Hardy and the Trojans in 1944, he was selected 42nd overall by the Cleveland Rams.
Jim Hardy Happy About Rams Return
Former Rams and USC quarterback Jim Hardy talks about Los Angeles as a sports town at the time the Rams moved to the city the first time. (Published Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016)
Waterfield won the Rookie of the Year and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player as he led the Rams to the Championship in his first season. So the following year, when the Rams moved to Los Angeles and Hardy joined the team, the two heated rivals had to compete for the starting job with Waterfield having the advantage as the incumbent.
"That was just terrible. It appalled me. I couldn't stand it and I couldn't get into a game in the first year," Hardy said of having to be the backup to a Bruin in Los Angeles. "Bob and I were rivals, we didn't like each other, and it wasn't healthy."
LA Rams Stadium Development in Inglewood
http://www.hollywoodparklife.com and Hart Howerton
Hardy and Waterfield competed against each other for three seasons with the Rams as Angelenos steadily flocked to the flame of the Olympic Cauldron to watch their newest NFL franchise.
"The Trojans owned the town back then," Hardy said of when the Rams arrived. "There was no Lakers, no Kings, no Dodgers. The Trojans were the only act in town. So when the Rams came in, all the Trojans fans became pro football fans, especially, people who didn't go to USC or UCLA. I think the people of LA have been waiting all these long years to have the NFL back with us in Los Angeles."
Jim Hardy Recalls His Eight-Pick Game
Jim Hardy, the oldest living member of the first LA Rams team, looks back on an ignominious record. (Published Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016)
In Hardy's three seasons with the LA Rams he played alongside NFL greats like the aforementioned Waterfield, Kenny Washington (the first African-American to play in the NFL), former Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon, Fred Gehrke (who designed the Rams famous logo) and Red Hickey (who invented the shotgun formation).
"We had some all-time greats on that team," Hardy recalled. "The team had good players back then and now they have to rebuild on that. Kenny Washington was my best friend back then. Kenny was an all-time great then and he would be an all-time great now."
As the NFL became integrated in Hardy's first season, he had a front row seat to the racial divide that plagued Los Angeles after World War II. Despite the attempts of many NFL teams and their owners to block Washington's entrance into the league, Hardy saw his friend simply as a great person and talented football player.
"When we would go out of town, Kenny and those guys would take me with them," remembered Hardy. "They took me to Harlem, the Black Bottom in Detroit, all the black neighborhoods. I became friends with black entertainers and I had a ball with them."
In addition to witnessing the desegregation of the sport, Hardy and his teammates were also part of an era that wore leather helmets. There were no mouthpieces, facemasks, or state of the art protective gear. Ironically, there were also fewer concussions.
"In today's game, everything is an improvement with the equipment except for this huge facemask and that rock they put on their heads that weights a ton," Hardy said of the modern day helmets. "They don't have a bar, they have a fence. You could hit them with a 2x4 in the face and not hurt them."
In Hardy's day, without the protection around the head, defensive players were forced to hit with their shoulders. In today's game, many players lead with their head creating helmet-to-helmet contact that shocks the brain, leading to rampant concussions across the league.
"In my day, you might get a tooth knocked out or break your nose, but that all heals in a week or two," Hardy explained. "In today's game, they break their necks or they get concussions. In my mind, they need to take off that plastic thing on their head and put back on the leather headgear. Yeah, you're going to get a broken nose or one of your teeth knocked out, but you're not going to end up in a wheelchair."
Hardy left Los Angeles in a trade to the Chicago Cardinals in 1949 and set an NFL record that still stands today in his second season with the team when he threw eight interceptions in a single game.
"An hour before that game I was in an automobile accident and totaled my car. I didn't get to the ballpark in time to warm up, I literally ran out and just started in the ball game," explained Hardy of one of the worst days by a quarterback in NFL history. "I don't even remember playing in the game. I played so poorly they should've jerked me in the first quarter. You usually never let a quarterback stay that long in the game. I played so bad they probably should've fired me and released the coach on the same day."
Hardy redeemed himself by throwing six touchdowns the following week (an NFL record at the time), and got revenge on the Eagles—the team that intercepted him eight times—when he led the Cardinals to a 21-10 victory in Philadelphia later that year. Despite the bevy of lifelong accomplishments under Hardy's name, his interception record is one he hopes people forget.
"I can tell you the one place that record won't be," he said with a wry smile creeping across his face. "It's not going to be on my gravestone."
Thankfully, the highlight of Hardy's career came a few years later when he helped lead the Detroit Lions to the NFL Title in 1953. An accomplishment he called "the pinnacle of everything you play for," but his championship ring pales in comparison to his achievements inside the Coliseum while wearing the Cardinal and Gold.
He retired from the game in 1953 after seven seasons in the NFL, but his passion for the game never requited. For the next 63 years, Hardy regularly attended USC practices and home games, a habit he still continues today despite his nearly 130-mile commute from La Quinta, California.
Even his love affair with the Coliseum continued long after he left the field, as Hardy became the General Manager of the Coliseum Commission from 1973 to 1986. His relationship with one of the most famous stadiums in America makes the Rams return extra special, especially when they host former Trojans coach Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks in the first NFL game at the Coliseum in over two decades.
"I'm going to be at the game and I'm going to root for the Rams," said Hardy who plans to attend all the Rams home games this season. "With Pete Carroll coming, he's one of my favorite all-time coaches, but I'll still be a Ram fan."
Hardy is a walking, talking, encyclopedia of the Los Angeles Rams. He joined them when they became the first NFL franchise in the city, was teammates with the first African-American player in the league, watched Gehrke paint the horns on his helmet and saw the formation of the "Fearsome Foursome."
Hardy held court as the Dodgers, Lakers, Kings and Angels all joined the Rams as professional sports franchises housed in the City of Angels. He watched from the sidelines as the Rams went to their first Super Bowl in 1979, and then headed South down the 405 to Anaheim as former USC head coach John Robinson took over the team.
As the dark period in Rams history hovered over the franchise in the early 90s, he observed as owner, Georgia Frontiere, moved the team to St. Louis, and waved goodbye as they traveled halfway across the country under the Gateway Arch.
Twenty-two years later, Hardy has lived through it all as the Rams story comes full circle in their return to Los Angeles.
"I'm glad to see the Rams come back. They were an organization, ownership and talent-wise that has changed a lot, but I'm glad to see the Rams come back to LA because it's a good football town," he said. "People support the team and they'll be home here in the Coliseum for a few years and then go to their own stadium in Inglewood. I think they'll prove to be one of the best teams in the NFL."
Someday, Hardy will have time to look back and reflect on his football life, but for now he's having too much fun living it. There's no doubt that he will be in the stands of the Coliseum on Saturdays and Sundays this season with more energy and vigor than the other 90,000 fans in attendance.
He says his secret is he walks and jogs every morning and goes to the gym four-to-five times a week. Thankfully, the Rams have returned while he's still young and he has no plans of surrendering his love for football anytime soon.
"I have long-range plans. There are a lot of things I haven't done yet," he said in his homespun way. "The good Lord has been good to me and I'm appreciative. I have a healthy outlook. I have a happy life. I have a healthy life and barring I don't get hit by a bus, I'll still go to practice one day a week. Fight on!"
When you picture the man who is known as the oldest living member of the original Los Angeles Rams team in 1946, one might conjure up images of a retirement home where patients are pushed around in wheelchairs to arts and crafts or movie night.
Then you meet 93-year-old Jim Hardy, and he bounds up the stairs of the LA Memorial Coliseum like a spry stag leaping through the hills. He's healthy, active, and more fit than most 30-year-olds.
It's no coincidence that Hardy and the Coliseum were born just a week apart. They each represent strength, stability and a legacy. The historic home of the Olympics, MLB, USC, and the Rams is Hardy's church, and he's ready to preach.
He may be in his 90s, but behind the eyes of the oldest living member of the inaugural Rams team is simply an eight-year old boy who fell in love with football.
Jim Hardy on the NFL, Then and Now
Jim Hardy, the oldest living member of the first LA Rams team, talks about some of the big changes in the sport since then. (Published Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016)
"One day in 1931, when I was eight years old, my father took me and my brother to our first Trojan football game at the LA Coliseum," Hardy says, taking us on a trip down memory lane. "It was the last game of the season and they beat Georgia 60-0. I have been a Trojan fan ever since that day. I have seen every home game and every Rose Bowl game since 1931."
It is a conceit of the modern era of football that so many talented athletes auction themselves off to the highest bidder. Gone are the days where posters of favorite players adorn the walls of the NFL's future stars whose sole motivation is loyalty to a team or city.
In a time where college athletes coined the term "one and done," and consistently receive improper benefits by programs in exchange for a commitment letter, Hardy has remained loyal to the Trojans since 1931.
He made it his mission to play football for USC and allow other eight-year old kids to come to the Coliseum and have their eyes light up when they watched the Men of Troy take the field. So Hardy worked hard and played quarterback at USC for four years, he led the Trojans to two Rose Bowl victories in 1944 and 1945, the latter of which he was named the MVP after USC tore apart the Tennessee Vols, 25-0.
Rams Fans Rejoice in LA
The country was at war during that time, and after the Trojans season Hardy spent the next few months in the Navy stationed on the battleship, Maryland, located in the Pacific. After the war ended, he married his college sweetheart, Henrietta, and entered the 1945 NFL Draft.
The Washington Redskins took him eighth overall in the first round, but with the birth of their first son, he didn't want to move his young family across the country. Simultaneously, the reigning NFL Champion, Cleveland Rams, had announced they were moving to Los Angeles. So Hardy asked to be traded and signed with the Rams.
He called it, "the dumbest thing I ever did."
Hardy's biggest rival during his collegiate career was cross-town quarterback Bob Waterfield. The future Hall of Famer led the UCLA Bruins to the Pacific Coast title in 1942 and a Rose Bowl birth in 1943. After a blowout loss to Hardy and the Trojans in 1944, he was selected 42nd overall by the Cleveland Rams.
Jim Hardy Happy About Rams Return
Former Rams and USC quarterback Jim Hardy talks about Los Angeles as a sports town at the time the Rams moved to the city the first time. (Published Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016)
Waterfield won the Rookie of the Year and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player as he led the Rams to the Championship in his first season. So the following year, when the Rams moved to Los Angeles and Hardy joined the team, the two heated rivals had to compete for the starting job with Waterfield having the advantage as the incumbent.
"That was just terrible. It appalled me. I couldn't stand it and I couldn't get into a game in the first year," Hardy said of having to be the backup to a Bruin in Los Angeles. "Bob and I were rivals, we didn't like each other, and it wasn't healthy."
LA Rams Stadium Development in Inglewood
http://www.hollywoodparklife.com and Hart Howerton
Hardy and Waterfield competed against each other for three seasons with the Rams as Angelenos steadily flocked to the flame of the Olympic Cauldron to watch their newest NFL franchise.
"The Trojans owned the town back then," Hardy said of when the Rams arrived. "There was no Lakers, no Kings, no Dodgers. The Trojans were the only act in town. So when the Rams came in, all the Trojans fans became pro football fans, especially, people who didn't go to USC or UCLA. I think the people of LA have been waiting all these long years to have the NFL back with us in Los Angeles."
Jim Hardy Recalls His Eight-Pick Game
Jim Hardy, the oldest living member of the first LA Rams team, looks back on an ignominious record. (Published Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016)
In Hardy's three seasons with the LA Rams he played alongside NFL greats like the aforementioned Waterfield, Kenny Washington (the first African-American to play in the NFL), former Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon, Fred Gehrke (who designed the Rams famous logo) and Red Hickey (who invented the shotgun formation).
"We had some all-time greats on that team," Hardy recalled. "The team had good players back then and now they have to rebuild on that. Kenny Washington was my best friend back then. Kenny was an all-time great then and he would be an all-time great now."
As the NFL became integrated in Hardy's first season, he had a front row seat to the racial divide that plagued Los Angeles after World War II. Despite the attempts of many NFL teams and their owners to block Washington's entrance into the league, Hardy saw his friend simply as a great person and talented football player.
"When we would go out of town, Kenny and those guys would take me with them," remembered Hardy. "They took me to Harlem, the Black Bottom in Detroit, all the black neighborhoods. I became friends with black entertainers and I had a ball with them."
In addition to witnessing the desegregation of the sport, Hardy and his teammates were also part of an era that wore leather helmets. There were no mouthpieces, facemasks, or state of the art protective gear. Ironically, there were also fewer concussions.
"In today's game, everything is an improvement with the equipment except for this huge facemask and that rock they put on their heads that weights a ton," Hardy said of the modern day helmets. "They don't have a bar, they have a fence. You could hit them with a 2x4 in the face and not hurt them."
In Hardy's day, without the protection around the head, defensive players were forced to hit with their shoulders. In today's game, many players lead with their head creating helmet-to-helmet contact that shocks the brain, leading to rampant concussions across the league.
"In my day, you might get a tooth knocked out or break your nose, but that all heals in a week or two," Hardy explained. "In today's game, they break their necks or they get concussions. In my mind, they need to take off that plastic thing on their head and put back on the leather headgear. Yeah, you're going to get a broken nose or one of your teeth knocked out, but you're not going to end up in a wheelchair."
Hardy left Los Angeles in a trade to the Chicago Cardinals in 1949 and set an NFL record that still stands today in his second season with the team when he threw eight interceptions in a single game.
"An hour before that game I was in an automobile accident and totaled my car. I didn't get to the ballpark in time to warm up, I literally ran out and just started in the ball game," explained Hardy of one of the worst days by a quarterback in NFL history. "I don't even remember playing in the game. I played so poorly they should've jerked me in the first quarter. You usually never let a quarterback stay that long in the game. I played so bad they probably should've fired me and released the coach on the same day."
Hardy redeemed himself by throwing six touchdowns the following week (an NFL record at the time), and got revenge on the Eagles—the team that intercepted him eight times—when he led the Cardinals to a 21-10 victory in Philadelphia later that year. Despite the bevy of lifelong accomplishments under Hardy's name, his interception record is one he hopes people forget.
"I can tell you the one place that record won't be," he said with a wry smile creeping across his face. "It's not going to be on my gravestone."
Thankfully, the highlight of Hardy's career came a few years later when he helped lead the Detroit Lions to the NFL Title in 1953. An accomplishment he called "the pinnacle of everything you play for," but his championship ring pales in comparison to his achievements inside the Coliseum while wearing the Cardinal and Gold.
He retired from the game in 1953 after seven seasons in the NFL, but his passion for the game never requited. For the next 63 years, Hardy regularly attended USC practices and home games, a habit he still continues today despite his nearly 130-mile commute from La Quinta, California.
Even his love affair with the Coliseum continued long after he left the field, as Hardy became the General Manager of the Coliseum Commission from 1973 to 1986. His relationship with one of the most famous stadiums in America makes the Rams return extra special, especially when they host former Trojans coach Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks in the first NFL game at the Coliseum in over two decades.
"I'm going to be at the game and I'm going to root for the Rams," said Hardy who plans to attend all the Rams home games this season. "With Pete Carroll coming, he's one of my favorite all-time coaches, but I'll still be a Ram fan."
Hardy is a walking, talking, encyclopedia of the Los Angeles Rams. He joined them when they became the first NFL franchise in the city, was teammates with the first African-American player in the league, watched Gehrke paint the horns on his helmet and saw the formation of the "Fearsome Foursome."
Hardy held court as the Dodgers, Lakers, Kings and Angels all joined the Rams as professional sports franchises housed in the City of Angels. He watched from the sidelines as the Rams went to their first Super Bowl in 1979, and then headed South down the 405 to Anaheim as former USC head coach John Robinson took over the team.
As the dark period in Rams history hovered over the franchise in the early 90s, he observed as owner, Georgia Frontiere, moved the team to St. Louis, and waved goodbye as they traveled halfway across the country under the Gateway Arch.
Twenty-two years later, Hardy has lived through it all as the Rams story comes full circle in their return to Los Angeles.
"I'm glad to see the Rams come back. They were an organization, ownership and talent-wise that has changed a lot, but I'm glad to see the Rams come back to LA because it's a good football town," he said. "People support the team and they'll be home here in the Coliseum for a few years and then go to their own stadium in Inglewood. I think they'll prove to be one of the best teams in the NFL."
Someday, Hardy will have time to look back and reflect on his football life, but for now he's having too much fun living it. There's no doubt that he will be in the stands of the Coliseum on Saturdays and Sundays this season with more energy and vigor than the other 90,000 fans in attendance.
He says his secret is he walks and jogs every morning and goes to the gym four-to-five times a week. Thankfully, the Rams have returned while he's still young and he has no plans of surrendering his love for football anytime soon.
"I have long-range plans. There are a lot of things I haven't done yet," he said in his homespun way. "The good Lord has been good to me and I'm appreciative. I have a healthy outlook. I have a happy life. I have a healthy life and barring I don't get hit by a bus, I'll still go to practice one day a week. Fight on!"
Proof Positive:They know what we're doing before we do it.
- By tavian
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 3 Replies
Read the red font below
Fisher: Jared Goff could be Rams' backup QB Week 2
After watching Case Keenum author one of the least effective season openers of the 21st century, Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday that he had no plans to change his starting quarterback for Sunday's home opener versus the Seattle Seahawks.
The obvious followup question is when will No. 1 overall draft pick Jared Goff be ready to move up from third on the depth chart?
Fisher told NFL Network's Steve Wyche last week that the plan was for Goff to ascend to the backup role in Week 2, flipping with Sean Mannion.
That plan is not set in stone, however.
During Monday's press conference, Fisher said only that there is a chance Goff will advance enough to handle backup duties this week.
Until he surpasses Mannion, Goff won't be a candidate to see game action.
The conundrum for Fisher and his offensive coaches is that Keenum has thoroughly outplayed Goff, who struggled with pre-snap reads, post-snap reads and the overall speed of the NFL game during August.
"Goff will one day be the starter but not until he is ready," Fisher emphasized to Wyche last week.
Will the rookie's timetable be accelerated after Keenum's Monday night faceplant?
The problems go beyond the quarterback in Los Angeles' offense.
One 49ers player told Wyche that San Francisco's defense could tell by alignment and backfield motion after the snap exactly what the Rams route tree was, Wyche relayed on Tuesday's edition of NFL Network's Up to the Minute with Andrew Siciliano.
If that predictably was a scheming issue, offensive coordinator Rob Boras will have to go back to the drawing board. If it was partially the result of Keenum's obvious physical limitations, there's a danger of rushing Goff into the starting lineup.
The Rams firmly believe their top draft pick will be a "great player" some day. It has been clear for five months, though, that he's going to need time to master his craft with more practice reps before he's ready to orchestrate an NFL offense.
Fisher: Jared Goff could be Rams' backup QB Week 2
- By Chris Wesseling
- Around the NFL Writer
- Published: Sept. 13, 2016 at 09:10 p.m.
- Updated: Sept. 13, 2016 at 09:38 p.m.
After watching Case Keenum author one of the least effective season openers of the 21st century, Los Angeles Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Tuesday that he had no plans to change his starting quarterback for Sunday's home opener versus the Seattle Seahawks.
The obvious followup question is when will No. 1 overall draft pick Jared Goff be ready to move up from third on the depth chart?
Fisher told NFL Network's Steve Wyche last week that the plan was for Goff to ascend to the backup role in Week 2, flipping with Sean Mannion.
That plan is not set in stone, however.
During Monday's press conference, Fisher said only that there is a chance Goff will advance enough to handle backup duties this week.
Until he surpasses Mannion, Goff won't be a candidate to see game action.
The conundrum for Fisher and his offensive coaches is that Keenum has thoroughly outplayed Goff, who struggled with pre-snap reads, post-snap reads and the overall speed of the NFL game during August.
"Goff will one day be the starter but not until he is ready," Fisher emphasized to Wyche last week.
Will the rookie's timetable be accelerated after Keenum's Monday night faceplant?
The problems go beyond the quarterback in Los Angeles' offense.
One 49ers player told Wyche that San Francisco's defense could tell by alignment and backfield motion after the snap exactly what the Rams route tree was, Wyche relayed on Tuesday's edition of NFL Network's Up to the Minute with Andrew Siciliano.
If that predictably was a scheming issue, offensive coordinator Rob Boras will have to go back to the drawing board. If it was partially the result of Keenum's obvious physical limitations, there's a danger of rushing Goff into the starting lineup.
The Rams firmly believe their top draft pick will be a "great player" some day. It has been clear for five months, though, that he's going to need time to master his craft with more practice reps before he's ready to orchestrate an NFL offense.
uke:
Last Nights Game = ...
- By FrankenRam
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 1 Replies
The Greatest Flop On Turf
It was nice of the Rams to want to carry on a tradition, but a bit of a shame they got it a little confused.
Jim Thomas - NFL Chat - 9/13/16...aka...Vent Thread Part 2
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 10 Replies
These are selected questions and answers. To read the whole chat click the link below. Before you get too upset, our vent thread is not much different.
----------
http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_27?Page=0
Jim Thomas - NFL Chat
The LA trolls have been telling us since January that the Rams will be winners now that they're "back home where they belong." How'd that work out last night? it wasn't STL fans who made the Rams losers. Check with kroenke, Demoff, Snead and Fisher if you want to see the real losers
One game does not a season make. When San Francisco won its last Super Bowl, the 49ers lost an early season game 40-8. Obviously, the Rams aren't winning the Super Bowl this year. And obviously there are lots of issues with the team. Including lack of linebackers, a lack of talent at wide receiver, and lack of overall depth. Its amazing to me that the Rams thought coming back without major changes to the WR corps was a good idea.
----------
Out of curiosity I watched some of the Rams game. How in the blue heck do they think they are going to win with Britt, Austin, and Quick as their top 3 receivers? It's laughable. lol lol lol lol
Pretty amazing, isn't it.
---------
How many mistakes does Fisher get - with the draft, FA, etc. etc. - before he is canned?
Apparently, it's a bottomless pit.
---------
What do the Rams need to fix between now and Sunday to make it a close game?
1.) Sign or trade for a veteran linebacker. 2.) Put some vertical plays in next week's game play. 3) Put in some jet sweeps and runs with Tavon Austin. 4.) Cut penalties in half.
---------
What are the chances the Rams can accomplish any of those four items you listed?
Well, history tells us the penalty thing won't change. Don't know who's out there at linebacker. But usually if you can walk or chew gum at the same time, you're on a roster this time of year. As for the vertical plays, and stuff with Austin, they're in the playbook.
----------
That game was great last night please tell me all Rams games will be on St. Louis television? Better than best comedy show on TV.
The Seattle game will be televised next week by Fox 2. After that, I believe it depends on the ratings.
----------
How does releasing Ayers look today?
He looks like Ray Lewis in his prime.
----------
The Rams had 195 yards of offense. Late in the game they had 100+ penalty yards. How long will LA fans put up with that mediocraty?
I wouldn't call that mediocrity
----------
I'm not one to overreact to one game but rams in all phases look awful. Oline, receivers, and qb play is a mess. Hard to see them winning more then 4 games.
It's the NFL. You're allowed to overreact. It's part of the fun of the game. This Seattle game is huge, because after that the Rams are at Tampa Bay _ which looks like an emerging team _ and at Arizona. Lose to Seattle, and you could very well be staring at 0-4.
----------
Just a reminder for next Sunday, we have seen this before out of Fisher teams and just when we think they have no chance of ever winning again, they pull out a great game. The upcoming Seattle game qualifies as one of their upset specials. Remember, they did that here in STL too when we gave them no chance.
No doubt. Agreed.
-----------
Boy, Hekker is really good. What a showcase last night.
He's the best.
-----------
What is a typical shelf-life of an NFL coach in terms of:
1. How long do they stay at a team before the players get bored and stop listening?
2. Their ideas and methods become outdated an they stop getting hired?
Realistically, five years is a pretty good run. It takes sustained success for a coach to last 10 years, which is pretty rare. Usually as long as a team has some success, the players listen to the message. And Fisher remains popular with most of his players. As for question No. 2, teams that rely on the running game and strong defense can still win and win big in this league. Seattle is a great example of that. But the Rams have never really been that under Fisher.
---------
I didn't know if I could watch last night but I did and enjoyed every minute of it. The Rams offense is obviously bad but were you surprised at how the defense looked?
Yes, and no on the defense. There are missing 5 starters from last year's unit and that's a big turnover in any year. Laurinaitis, Long, Jenkins, McLeod, and Jenkins. When I saw that they were lining up with nickel personnel in the red zone against 2 TE sets _ on both of San Fran's first rushing TDs _ I almost fell out of my chair. They need LBs.
Also, there are depth issues at cornerback, particularly with E.J. Gaines sidelined. Sensabaugh looked overmatched in the preseason, and he looked overmatched Monday night against a less-than-stellar receiver corps.
----------
Been a rams fan for 38 years. I didn’t care when they moved to st. Louis and I don’t care that they have moved back to LA. I have loved them, followed them, set my families schedule around them regardless of what city they called home. what I do care about is the $40 I spent to subscribe to HBO for two months so I could watch the rams on Hard Knocks and the $300 I will, again, and have done so for 5 years, spend on the NFL ticket so I can watch the rams every Sunday.
After last night’s, uhhh, performance?, I am so upset with myself for investing any more time or money into these clowns. From kroenke to demoff to fisher and snead to the idiots wrecking go carts, throwing coaches in pools, setting and rising suns, and swimming with mermaids, they are clowns.
They must be clowns…they get laughed at each and every week. I am done. i’ve had it. I will gladly check in with your weekly chat, however. Your chat is amazing therapy for me, there are very few rams fans in these parts. Thank you for what you do!
This chat has kind of degenerated into group therapy, so we do what we can
----------
3 words, describe last nights Rams game...
That's way too easy. In the words of Dana Stubblefield from 1995. . .Same. . .Old. . .Rams. (That of course is the PG verson.)
----------
A smart football man a long time ago said "organizations win championships." So true. It was no accident that the Dallas Cowboys went from an expansion team in 1960 to the championship game against the Browns by 1964. Tex Shram, Gil Brandt and Tom Landry had an organizational plan and stuck to it. But, then again they weren't as interested in making money as much as, you know, winning football games.
Well said.
-----------
The coaching staff will probably view last night's embarrassment as a failure to execute on the offensive side - but isn't it really because of a lack of a vertical game, as Steve Young kept saying, in between his laughter?
That's part of it. But there are other factors, such as, not using Tavon Austin in the running game at all. It wasn't a good night for the offensive line. And well, the receivers are the receivers.
----------
The defense was, as I feared, not very good last night, and the middle was wide open for Gabbert to run through. What happened there?
Yeah, those early runs were huge by Gabbert, who's more athletic than generally given credit for. He kept some early drives alive, and avoided sliding to get the necessary yardage. It's hard to say why the middle was wide open without (sorry, coach-speak alert) looking at game tape.
Perhaps the D-tackles had some kind of stunt going where they both went outside instead of inside. Also, there's often running room when the defense is in man coverage, because the defenders backs are to the QB. But it was strange how often the middle was open on those plays.
----------
The game was an embarrassment that became a disgrace - I was shocked at Donald's behavior. Ogletree though started it. No discipline, even among his best guys??
And don't forget Gurley, throwing the football at Tramaine Brock, drawing a taunting foul, and taking the Rams out of field goal range.
---------
I heard that Snead and Fisher were negotiating extensions of their contracts. Is $ilent $tan really thinking about retaining them despite their ineptitude? They have a free pass this season. LA is ecstatic to have their team back, but at some point $tan will have to sell tickets for his new football palace on 7-9 records and We'll get that fixed replies by Fisher to debacles like last night may have worked in St. Louis, but not in LA with all the recreation options available there?
Yes, I believe this extension talk is serious. Here's the thing. Stan really won't have to worry about selling tickets until the new stadium is open. Does that mean two or three more years of Fisher?
----------
Ray Ray looked pretty good. There's a linebacker we had on the roster a few years ago. Maybe he's available for a first rounder in 2018. #sarcasm
As you may recall, the Boom King was cut because of his lack of discipline. #sarcasm
---------
How much difference do you think not having laurenitis as the captain of that defense calling the signals make last night? 49ers are not a good team and should have been held to well under 28 points. Of course, if you cant score any points, it doesn't really matter I guess.
The Rams coaching staff didn't think much of Laurinaitis at the end. I'll just leave it at that.
---------
Keep in mind if you keep turning over your roster of older players, that point #1- players not listening- wont happen as you keep having the leagues youngest roster. There may be a method here to the madness of Fisher/Snead.
Perhaps, but at 27-37-1, do you think it's working?
--------
Meanwhile, New England tops AZ on the road with no Brady or Gronk and a makeshift front line. Seems they should be primed for another deep run with a well-rested Brady coming in at week 5, eh? They could easily be 4-0 when Brady steps back under center.
Yeah, I watched only a little of that game on replay, I was driving back from Kansas City. But it was a huge victory for the Patriots, no doubt, especially considering the rest of the AFC East lost their openers. I guess Garoppolo looked pretty good, eh? With their next three games at home _ Miami, Houston, Buffalo _ I would not be stunned if the Patriots did indeed start 4-0.
---------
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. That's year five of the Fisher Regime on offensive philosophy. Doesn't matter who the OC is. So my question is, since you were at Rams park everyday, does Fisher influence the game planning on offense? This game, to me, had his fingerprints all over it.
It's not like Fisher was calling the plays. And on game days, he's generally not a meddler. But the overall philosophy of the offense _ of any offense _ comes from the head coach.
-----------
I'm having misgivings about Jeff Fisher. He's obviously clueless about the offensive side of the ball. I think the Rams need an O-wizard and Fisher should just let him handle it. Do you think Rob Boras is that guy?
I think Fisher gives his coordinators a lot of leeway. If you hire someone to do a certain job, you let them do their job. I think Boras is a smart guy, a good coach. His background is the running game, and O-line play, however. And the players he has to work with are the players he has to work with. If you catch my drift.
--------
How does Jeff Fisher keep his job. John Fox had a 46-18 4 year record with the Broncos who let him go. At a winning pace of 7 wins a season, Fisher will have 46 wins in 6.5 years with a lot more losses than 18. Is the only reason Fisher is still around because $tanK thinks Fisher did such a great job when the Houston Oilers were moved to Tennessee?
Well, that's the question, isn't it? Marty Schottenheimer got fired after a 14-2 regular season in San Diego. The rest of the league doesn't operate the way the Rams do.
----------
For fans of NFL football in Los Angeles who may not have been paying much attention while they had no team, here is a primer on what you have:
1. You may be thinking that the 49ers are a great team that would do this to most opponents. No, they are average at best. Your Rams were slightly below average last year, lost 6 starters over the winter, and replaced them with players that were kept on the bench last year by the guys you lost. You added nobody (at least for the moment). Your Rams are in for a long, tough year.
2. You may be thinking that your Rams will win a couple of games that they should lose. They likely will. They will also likely lose a couple of games that they should win.
3. You may think that Jared Goff will save your franchise. He may, but the fact that he is third string is a tell. Note that Carson Wentz is starting. Unless you think that Case Keenum and Sean Mannion are both a lot better than Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel, you might have reason to be concerned.
4. You may think that next year will be better. Think again, you don’t have much for draft picks next year either.
5. You may think that things will get better eventually, that your hero Stan won’t put up with losing long-term. Take a look at the recent championship trophies of the Avalanche and the Nuggets.
Enjoy your team.
I will add this caveat. Even the Arizona Cardinals overcame Bill Bidwill, but it took nearly 20 years and his son taking over the franchise for that to happen.
---------
Will LA fans fill the Coliseum Sunday? How many season tickets did they sell?
Yes. It's a sellout, isn't it? So I think we'll see in the 80,000 to 90,000 range.
---------
How was Fisher ever successful with the Titans? It must have been the personnel he inherited. That is the only explanation.
Hard to do it without the players. Eddie George, Steve McNair and Jevon Kearse were great players to name a few.
----------
Jeff Fisher's agent is Martin Demoff, the father of Kevin Demoff, the only way Fisher gets fired is if Demoff gets fired and Demoff isnt going anywhere. Sorry LA, Fisher is your problem no, and not starting Goff is pure keeping your job strategy. If Goff starts and sucks that is Fisher's fault, however, but not starting Goff, Fisher can wait out another year.
Well, you have connected some dots
----------
How bad does the Rams record need to be before they start Goff at QB?
I'd say 0-1. But I'd also say that judging by what I saw in the preseason, he doesn't look ready.
----------
Will Donald face a suspension?
Don't think so. But he can expect about $40,000 in fines.
----------
when was the last time the Rams had a decent o-line?
Pace, Nutten, McCollum, Timmerman, Tucker.
---------
Jim, any idea on were Orlando Pace would be honored and receive his hall of fame ring? Maybe a Cardinals game or Ohio State football game? Since Rams ownership made it clear they want nothing to do with the last 21 years I can't imagine he would go to LA to be honored.
I believe it's this weekend at halftime of the Rams-Seahawiks game.
----------
Did Chris Berman make some pro stlouis comments?
Yes, he did. I'm paraphrasing here, but it was just kind of shout out to St. Louis fans, realizing they're hurting over the loss of the team. And also realizing that many who were watching from the StL may be rooting for the team to lose.
----------
Chris Long had a good game!!! Good things happen to good people! Hope he gets a Superbowl win!!!
Yeah, it was good to see Chris Long getting after it. Hope he stays healthy.
----------
Would love to find out from Chris Long what he sees as the significant differences between the Rams and Pats in terms of organizational approach, philosophies, etc. Obviously, Bill B vs Jeff is the big one. But beyond the coach. Any chance you'll get to interview him about that?
Don't know if Chris Long will nibble on that one. But I do hope to catch up with him at some point this season.
-----------
I was just looking at the schedule and from my perspective there is a legitimate chance the Rams go 0-16. There isn't one team they play that I feel confident they can beat.
I'm gonna say 5-11, 6-10.
--------
Any thoughts on what Martz thinks about this Rams regime and ownership? You and him should get together and write a book! I don't miss the Rams, but I miss that era in the early 2000s. Even when the team wasn't great, his press conferences were pretty entertaining sometimes.
Mike was always great copy, and he had a true appreciation for the local media and what our jobs were. He took the time to try to get to know us. I'll just put it this way: He's not a huge fan of John Shaw and Jay Zygmunt. Don't think that's a big secret. But he was long gone by the time Demoff arrived, and I could be wrong, but I don't think he had much of a relationship with Kroenke. It was interesting to see him shake Jay's hand at the Pace induction ceremonies in Canton.
---------
What is your opinion on Gurly? I don't remember where I read about it this morning but I saw some stats that showed Gurly's last 9 games have been remarkably worse than his first 4 games. To steal a baseball reference are we still in "too small a sample size" phase with him?
There's no doubt he's a very talented back. He just wasn't breaking off the long runs late last season like he did earlier in the year. The great backs, like Barry Sanders, could be held in check for most of the game, and then rip off a big run or two that helped changed the balance of a game. There's no doubt that Gurley isn't being helped by the fact that the Rams have a non-existent passing game.
----------
Can you give a brief update on how the ex-ram players are doing? The ones from last year?
Glad you asked. We will try to provide of rundown of how the ex-St. Louis Rams are doing from time to time on line. We did an update of all St. Louis area players (who played their high school ball here or are from StL) that's currently onlilne now, and will follow that up with Mizzou players next week. And all ex-StL Rams in a couple weeks.
Laurinaitis is starting and is a team captain in New Orleans. You probably saw that Long had a good game against Arizona. Talked to McLeod a couple of weeks ago when the Eagles played in Indy and he's starting and seems to be doing well.
---------
Is Carson Wentz that much more "NFL Ready" than Jared Goff? To be fair, I doubt Wentz would be able to make it behind the offensive line and with the receivers of the Rams, but would Goff have been as good as Wentz if he were wearing an Eagles uniform?
Out front, I'll tell you that I liked Wentz better as a prospect coming out than Goff. But let's not get too carried away on Wentz. He did it against Cleveland.
----------
Something I can't remember about the GSOT days was what happened to Charlie Armey? Was he pushed out or did he retire on his own? Seems like the architect of one of the best teams of all time (i don't think that's over the top) would be given some leeway. Then, you have the current HC/GM....all they have is leeway....with ZERO results.
Charley was pushed out. He's retired and living in Phoenix. I still talk to him a few times a year, I believe he'll be in town in about a week for a charity golf tourney.
----------
http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/NFL_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_27?Page=0
Jim Thomas - NFL Chat
The LA trolls have been telling us since January that the Rams will be winners now that they're "back home where they belong." How'd that work out last night? it wasn't STL fans who made the Rams losers. Check with kroenke, Demoff, Snead and Fisher if you want to see the real losers
One game does not a season make. When San Francisco won its last Super Bowl, the 49ers lost an early season game 40-8. Obviously, the Rams aren't winning the Super Bowl this year. And obviously there are lots of issues with the team. Including lack of linebackers, a lack of talent at wide receiver, and lack of overall depth. Its amazing to me that the Rams thought coming back without major changes to the WR corps was a good idea.
----------
Out of curiosity I watched some of the Rams game. How in the blue heck do they think they are going to win with Britt, Austin, and Quick as their top 3 receivers? It's laughable. lol lol lol lol
Pretty amazing, isn't it.
---------
How many mistakes does Fisher get - with the draft, FA, etc. etc. - before he is canned?
Apparently, it's a bottomless pit.
---------
What do the Rams need to fix between now and Sunday to make it a close game?
1.) Sign or trade for a veteran linebacker. 2.) Put some vertical plays in next week's game play. 3) Put in some jet sweeps and runs with Tavon Austin. 4.) Cut penalties in half.
---------
What are the chances the Rams can accomplish any of those four items you listed?
Well, history tells us the penalty thing won't change. Don't know who's out there at linebacker. But usually if you can walk or chew gum at the same time, you're on a roster this time of year. As for the vertical plays, and stuff with Austin, they're in the playbook.
----------
That game was great last night please tell me all Rams games will be on St. Louis television? Better than best comedy show on TV.
The Seattle game will be televised next week by Fox 2. After that, I believe it depends on the ratings.
----------
How does releasing Ayers look today?
He looks like Ray Lewis in his prime.
----------
The Rams had 195 yards of offense. Late in the game they had 100+ penalty yards. How long will LA fans put up with that mediocraty?
I wouldn't call that mediocrity
----------
I'm not one to overreact to one game but rams in all phases look awful. Oline, receivers, and qb play is a mess. Hard to see them winning more then 4 games.
It's the NFL. You're allowed to overreact. It's part of the fun of the game. This Seattle game is huge, because after that the Rams are at Tampa Bay _ which looks like an emerging team _ and at Arizona. Lose to Seattle, and you could very well be staring at 0-4.
----------
Just a reminder for next Sunday, we have seen this before out of Fisher teams and just when we think they have no chance of ever winning again, they pull out a great game. The upcoming Seattle game qualifies as one of their upset specials. Remember, they did that here in STL too when we gave them no chance.
No doubt. Agreed.
-----------
Boy, Hekker is really good. What a showcase last night.
He's the best.
-----------
What is a typical shelf-life of an NFL coach in terms of:
1. How long do they stay at a team before the players get bored and stop listening?
2. Their ideas and methods become outdated an they stop getting hired?
Realistically, five years is a pretty good run. It takes sustained success for a coach to last 10 years, which is pretty rare. Usually as long as a team has some success, the players listen to the message. And Fisher remains popular with most of his players. As for question No. 2, teams that rely on the running game and strong defense can still win and win big in this league. Seattle is a great example of that. But the Rams have never really been that under Fisher.
---------
I didn't know if I could watch last night but I did and enjoyed every minute of it. The Rams offense is obviously bad but were you surprised at how the defense looked?
Yes, and no on the defense. There are missing 5 starters from last year's unit and that's a big turnover in any year. Laurinaitis, Long, Jenkins, McLeod, and Jenkins. When I saw that they were lining up with nickel personnel in the red zone against 2 TE sets _ on both of San Fran's first rushing TDs _ I almost fell out of my chair. They need LBs.
Also, there are depth issues at cornerback, particularly with E.J. Gaines sidelined. Sensabaugh looked overmatched in the preseason, and he looked overmatched Monday night against a less-than-stellar receiver corps.
----------
Been a rams fan for 38 years. I didn’t care when they moved to st. Louis and I don’t care that they have moved back to LA. I have loved them, followed them, set my families schedule around them regardless of what city they called home. what I do care about is the $40 I spent to subscribe to HBO for two months so I could watch the rams on Hard Knocks and the $300 I will, again, and have done so for 5 years, spend on the NFL ticket so I can watch the rams every Sunday.
After last night’s, uhhh, performance?, I am so upset with myself for investing any more time or money into these clowns. From kroenke to demoff to fisher and snead to the idiots wrecking go carts, throwing coaches in pools, setting and rising suns, and swimming with mermaids, they are clowns.
They must be clowns…they get laughed at each and every week. I am done. i’ve had it. I will gladly check in with your weekly chat, however. Your chat is amazing therapy for me, there are very few rams fans in these parts. Thank you for what you do!
This chat has kind of degenerated into group therapy, so we do what we can
----------
3 words, describe last nights Rams game...
That's way too easy. In the words of Dana Stubblefield from 1995. . .Same. . .Old. . .Rams. (That of course is the PG verson.)
----------
A smart football man a long time ago said "organizations win championships." So true. It was no accident that the Dallas Cowboys went from an expansion team in 1960 to the championship game against the Browns by 1964. Tex Shram, Gil Brandt and Tom Landry had an organizational plan and stuck to it. But, then again they weren't as interested in making money as much as, you know, winning football games.
Well said.
-----------
The coaching staff will probably view last night's embarrassment as a failure to execute on the offensive side - but isn't it really because of a lack of a vertical game, as Steve Young kept saying, in between his laughter?
That's part of it. But there are other factors, such as, not using Tavon Austin in the running game at all. It wasn't a good night for the offensive line. And well, the receivers are the receivers.
----------
The defense was, as I feared, not very good last night, and the middle was wide open for Gabbert to run through. What happened there?
Yeah, those early runs were huge by Gabbert, who's more athletic than generally given credit for. He kept some early drives alive, and avoided sliding to get the necessary yardage. It's hard to say why the middle was wide open without (sorry, coach-speak alert) looking at game tape.
Perhaps the D-tackles had some kind of stunt going where they both went outside instead of inside. Also, there's often running room when the defense is in man coverage, because the defenders backs are to the QB. But it was strange how often the middle was open on those plays.
----------
The game was an embarrassment that became a disgrace - I was shocked at Donald's behavior. Ogletree though started it. No discipline, even among his best guys??
And don't forget Gurley, throwing the football at Tramaine Brock, drawing a taunting foul, and taking the Rams out of field goal range.
---------
I heard that Snead and Fisher were negotiating extensions of their contracts. Is $ilent $tan really thinking about retaining them despite their ineptitude? They have a free pass this season. LA is ecstatic to have their team back, but at some point $tan will have to sell tickets for his new football palace on 7-9 records and We'll get that fixed replies by Fisher to debacles like last night may have worked in St. Louis, but not in LA with all the recreation options available there?
Yes, I believe this extension talk is serious. Here's the thing. Stan really won't have to worry about selling tickets until the new stadium is open. Does that mean two or three more years of Fisher?
----------
Ray Ray looked pretty good. There's a linebacker we had on the roster a few years ago. Maybe he's available for a first rounder in 2018. #sarcasm
As you may recall, the Boom King was cut because of his lack of discipline. #sarcasm
---------
How much difference do you think not having laurenitis as the captain of that defense calling the signals make last night? 49ers are not a good team and should have been held to well under 28 points. Of course, if you cant score any points, it doesn't really matter I guess.
The Rams coaching staff didn't think much of Laurinaitis at the end. I'll just leave it at that.
---------
Keep in mind if you keep turning over your roster of older players, that point #1- players not listening- wont happen as you keep having the leagues youngest roster. There may be a method here to the madness of Fisher/Snead.
Perhaps, but at 27-37-1, do you think it's working?
--------
Meanwhile, New England tops AZ on the road with no Brady or Gronk and a makeshift front line. Seems they should be primed for another deep run with a well-rested Brady coming in at week 5, eh? They could easily be 4-0 when Brady steps back under center.
Yeah, I watched only a little of that game on replay, I was driving back from Kansas City. But it was a huge victory for the Patriots, no doubt, especially considering the rest of the AFC East lost their openers. I guess Garoppolo looked pretty good, eh? With their next three games at home _ Miami, Houston, Buffalo _ I would not be stunned if the Patriots did indeed start 4-0.
---------
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. That's year five of the Fisher Regime on offensive philosophy. Doesn't matter who the OC is. So my question is, since you were at Rams park everyday, does Fisher influence the game planning on offense? This game, to me, had his fingerprints all over it.
It's not like Fisher was calling the plays. And on game days, he's generally not a meddler. But the overall philosophy of the offense _ of any offense _ comes from the head coach.
-----------
I'm having misgivings about Jeff Fisher. He's obviously clueless about the offensive side of the ball. I think the Rams need an O-wizard and Fisher should just let him handle it. Do you think Rob Boras is that guy?
I think Fisher gives his coordinators a lot of leeway. If you hire someone to do a certain job, you let them do their job. I think Boras is a smart guy, a good coach. His background is the running game, and O-line play, however. And the players he has to work with are the players he has to work with. If you catch my drift.
--------
How does Jeff Fisher keep his job. John Fox had a 46-18 4 year record with the Broncos who let him go. At a winning pace of 7 wins a season, Fisher will have 46 wins in 6.5 years with a lot more losses than 18. Is the only reason Fisher is still around because $tanK thinks Fisher did such a great job when the Houston Oilers were moved to Tennessee?
Well, that's the question, isn't it? Marty Schottenheimer got fired after a 14-2 regular season in San Diego. The rest of the league doesn't operate the way the Rams do.
----------
For fans of NFL football in Los Angeles who may not have been paying much attention while they had no team, here is a primer on what you have:
1. You may be thinking that the 49ers are a great team that would do this to most opponents. No, they are average at best. Your Rams were slightly below average last year, lost 6 starters over the winter, and replaced them with players that were kept on the bench last year by the guys you lost. You added nobody (at least for the moment). Your Rams are in for a long, tough year.
2. You may be thinking that your Rams will win a couple of games that they should lose. They likely will. They will also likely lose a couple of games that they should win.
3. You may think that Jared Goff will save your franchise. He may, but the fact that he is third string is a tell. Note that Carson Wentz is starting. Unless you think that Case Keenum and Sean Mannion are both a lot better than Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel, you might have reason to be concerned.
4. You may think that next year will be better. Think again, you don’t have much for draft picks next year either.
5. You may think that things will get better eventually, that your hero Stan won’t put up with losing long-term. Take a look at the recent championship trophies of the Avalanche and the Nuggets.
Enjoy your team.
I will add this caveat. Even the Arizona Cardinals overcame Bill Bidwill, but it took nearly 20 years and his son taking over the franchise for that to happen.
---------
Will LA fans fill the Coliseum Sunday? How many season tickets did they sell?
Yes. It's a sellout, isn't it? So I think we'll see in the 80,000 to 90,000 range.
---------
How was Fisher ever successful with the Titans? It must have been the personnel he inherited. That is the only explanation.
Hard to do it without the players. Eddie George, Steve McNair and Jevon Kearse were great players to name a few.
----------
Jeff Fisher's agent is Martin Demoff, the father of Kevin Demoff, the only way Fisher gets fired is if Demoff gets fired and Demoff isnt going anywhere. Sorry LA, Fisher is your problem no, and not starting Goff is pure keeping your job strategy. If Goff starts and sucks that is Fisher's fault, however, but not starting Goff, Fisher can wait out another year.
Well, you have connected some dots
----------
How bad does the Rams record need to be before they start Goff at QB?
I'd say 0-1. But I'd also say that judging by what I saw in the preseason, he doesn't look ready.
----------
Will Donald face a suspension?
Don't think so. But he can expect about $40,000 in fines.
----------
when was the last time the Rams had a decent o-line?
Pace, Nutten, McCollum, Timmerman, Tucker.
---------
Jim, any idea on were Orlando Pace would be honored and receive his hall of fame ring? Maybe a Cardinals game or Ohio State football game? Since Rams ownership made it clear they want nothing to do with the last 21 years I can't imagine he would go to LA to be honored.
I believe it's this weekend at halftime of the Rams-Seahawiks game.
----------
Did Chris Berman make some pro stlouis comments?
Yes, he did. I'm paraphrasing here, but it was just kind of shout out to St. Louis fans, realizing they're hurting over the loss of the team. And also realizing that many who were watching from the StL may be rooting for the team to lose.
----------
Chris Long had a good game!!! Good things happen to good people! Hope he gets a Superbowl win!!!
Yeah, it was good to see Chris Long getting after it. Hope he stays healthy.
----------
Would love to find out from Chris Long what he sees as the significant differences between the Rams and Pats in terms of organizational approach, philosophies, etc. Obviously, Bill B vs Jeff is the big one. But beyond the coach. Any chance you'll get to interview him about that?
Don't know if Chris Long will nibble on that one. But I do hope to catch up with him at some point this season.
-----------
I was just looking at the schedule and from my perspective there is a legitimate chance the Rams go 0-16. There isn't one team they play that I feel confident they can beat.
I'm gonna say 5-11, 6-10.
--------
Any thoughts on what Martz thinks about this Rams regime and ownership? You and him should get together and write a book! I don't miss the Rams, but I miss that era in the early 2000s. Even when the team wasn't great, his press conferences were pretty entertaining sometimes.
Mike was always great copy, and he had a true appreciation for the local media and what our jobs were. He took the time to try to get to know us. I'll just put it this way: He's not a huge fan of John Shaw and Jay Zygmunt. Don't think that's a big secret. But he was long gone by the time Demoff arrived, and I could be wrong, but I don't think he had much of a relationship with Kroenke. It was interesting to see him shake Jay's hand at the Pace induction ceremonies in Canton.
---------
What is your opinion on Gurly? I don't remember where I read about it this morning but I saw some stats that showed Gurly's last 9 games have been remarkably worse than his first 4 games. To steal a baseball reference are we still in "too small a sample size" phase with him?
There's no doubt he's a very talented back. He just wasn't breaking off the long runs late last season like he did earlier in the year. The great backs, like Barry Sanders, could be held in check for most of the game, and then rip off a big run or two that helped changed the balance of a game. There's no doubt that Gurley isn't being helped by the fact that the Rams have a non-existent passing game.
----------
Can you give a brief update on how the ex-ram players are doing? The ones from last year?
Glad you asked. We will try to provide of rundown of how the ex-St. Louis Rams are doing from time to time on line. We did an update of all St. Louis area players (who played their high school ball here or are from StL) that's currently onlilne now, and will follow that up with Mizzou players next week. And all ex-StL Rams in a couple weeks.
Laurinaitis is starting and is a team captain in New Orleans. You probably saw that Long had a good game against Arizona. Talked to McLeod a couple of weeks ago when the Eagles played in Indy and he's starting and seems to be doing well.
---------
Is Carson Wentz that much more "NFL Ready" than Jared Goff? To be fair, I doubt Wentz would be able to make it behind the offensive line and with the receivers of the Rams, but would Goff have been as good as Wentz if he were wearing an Eagles uniform?
Out front, I'll tell you that I liked Wentz better as a prospect coming out than Goff. But let's not get too carried away on Wentz. He did it against Cleveland.
----------
Something I can't remember about the GSOT days was what happened to Charlie Armey? Was he pushed out or did he retire on his own? Seems like the architect of one of the best teams of all time (i don't think that's over the top) would be given some leeway. Then, you have the current HC/GM....all they have is leeway....with ZERO results.
Charley was pushed out. He's retired and living in Phoenix. I still talk to him a few times a year, I believe he'll be in town in about a week for a charity golf tourney.
ESPN's Week 2 Power Rankings Are In!
- By TXRams86
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 8 Replies
Week 2 NFL Power Rankings: Packers, Patriots move up
There's a new No. 1 in town. ESPN's power panel (a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities) has shuffled the rankings following Week 1 outcomes, and the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots have moved up to claim the top two spots. Check out the rest of the league and where each team ranks.
ESPN Stats & Information contributed the following information.
1. Green Bay Packers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 6
Jordy Nelson gained only 32 yards in his return, but caught six balls for three first downs in the process. It was a microcosm for the Packers' offense in Week 1 (getting by with just enough), but the Vikings should provide a tougher test in Week 2.
2. New England Patriots
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 3
Tom who? Rob who? Jimmy Garoppolo led the Brady-less and Gronkowski-less Patriots to an impressive victory in Arizona in Week 1 to move up the rankings. Next up? The Dolphins at home. The Pats are 20-1 at home against division foes since 2009.
3. Seattle Seahawks
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 1
The Seahawks were the top-ranked team in our Power Rankings, but a two-point victory at home over the Dolphins doesn't inspire confidence. Seattle could slip lower after a Week 2 matchup at Los Angeles. The Seahawks have lost three of their past four games against the Rams.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 2
If you forgot how good Antonio Brown was, let a 126-yard, two-touchdown Monday night performance serve as a reminder. Look for Brown to have another big game in Week 2 against the division rival that ended his season early with a hit to the head last postseason.
5. Arizona Cardinals
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 4
There are worse things in the world than losing to the Patriots, even withoutTom Brady. But a loss to the Bucs at home in Week 2 would give the Cardinals their first 0-2 start since 2005.
6. Carolina Panthers
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 5
Cam Newton was sacked, hit while throwing or hit while rushing 17 times in Week 1, his most ever in regulation. Newton could certainly use a break already and he may get one in Week 2, as the Panthers host the 49ers.
7. Houston Texans
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 13
Lamar Miller was one of two backs to rush for 100 yards in Week 1, and Will Fuller became the first Texans rookie to gain 100 receiving yards in a season opener. Neither was around last season when the Chiefs -- the Texans' Week 2 opponent -- beat Houston 30-0 in the playoffs.
8. Denver Broncos
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 8
Trevor Siemian was one of three quarterbacks with multiple interceptions in Week 1, but a formula of great defense and good-enough quarterback play worked for the Broncos last season. It will need to work again in Week 2 withAndrew Luck and the Colts coming to town.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 7
Let Week 1 serve as a reminder of how good A.J. Green is, as he dropped 180 yards against a secondary with Darrelle Revis. Green and the Bengals look to get their revenge against the Steelers this week.
10. Oakland Raiders
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 11
Don't worry Jack, we aren't trying to take your job. The numbers simply showed how gutsy a call it was to go for two. Thanks to that conversion, the Raiders will be looking for their first 2-0 start since 2002 when they host Atlanta this week.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 9
Alex Smith did more than just manage the game in the Chiefs' Week 1 comeback win against the Chargers, notching his second-most yards in a single game (363). Smith's reward is a Week 2 date at Houston with J.J. Watt.
12. Minnesota Vikings
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 12
The Vikings' defense scored two touchdowns in Week 1 while the offense scored no touchdowns. It resulted in a win, but that was against the Titans. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will provide a tougher test in Week 2.
13. Baltimore Ravens
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 15
Joe Flacco returned to action in Week 1 with a 65.3 Total QBR and no interceptions. Flacco threw 12 picks in 10 games last season, and had only two games with none. One of those games was against his Week 2 opponent, the Browns.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 24
Four touchdowns in a game is always impressive, but it was against a weak Falcons defense. If QB Jameis Winston can repeat his performance (or come close) against the Cardinals this week, we'll have a better idea of where the Bucs are headed this season.
15. New York Jets
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 10
Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter, but can he finish? In his past two fourth quarters he's 8-of-19 with no touchdowns and four interceptions. Three of those came in Week 17 against the Bills last season, a team the Jets play Thursday, and a team they lost to twice last season.
16. New York Giants
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 17
The Giants held onto a lead and didn't mismanage the clock, so the Ben McAdoo era is already off to a roaring start with a win against Dallas. The new-look defense faced a rookie in Week 1, but Drew Brees threw seven touchdowns against the G-Men last season, and he's coming to town in Week 2.
17. Washington Redskins
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 14
Kirk Cousins threw for at least one touchdown in all 16 games last season, but put up a goose egg in that category in the Redskins' Week 1 loss. The Cowboys' weak pass defense could be the cure for that in Week 2.
18. Dallas Cowboys
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 23
Dak Prescott might be a rookie, but he should still introduce himself to Dez Bryant. The duo connected once for eight yards on five tries in Week 1. The Cowboys are 4-13 when Bryant is held under 35 yards in his career.
19. Indianapolis Colts
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 18
The Colts lost in Week 1, but Andrew Luck didn't throw an interception and took only two sacks, so they have to feel good about that. The reigning champs are up next, but Luck is 3-1 in his career against Denver (including playoffs).
20. Philadelphia Eagles
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 25
Poise counts! Carson Wentz went 8-of-8 against the blitz in his NFL debut and led the Eagles to one of the most lopsided victories of Week 1. Will Wentz continue to shine brightly in Week 2's Monday night game against Chicago?
21. Atlanta Falcons
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 22
The good? Julio Jones got a friend in Mohamed Sanu, who grabbed 80 yards and a score in his Falcons debut. The bad? The Falcons forgot how to run, gaining 52 yards on 22 tries in Week 1. They'll look to find balance at Oakland this week.
22. Detroit Lions
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 20
The wide receivers were supposed to be the focus for the Lions following Calvin Johnson's retirement, but the running backs accounted for 229 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. They look to continue that momentum against the Titans, who limited Adrian Peterson to 31 yards, in Week 2.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 19
The Jaguars need to provide some relief for Blake Bortles, and 48 total rushing yards on 26 tries is not the answer. The Jags might get that relief in Week 2 against the Chargers, who have allowed the third-most yards per rush since the start of last season.
24. New Orleans Saints
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 27
Since the start of last season, Saints opponents have thrown for 46 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. The Saints might need to score 50 points every week to win, which was exactly what they needed to do to beat the Giants last season. New Orleans is at the Giants in Week 2.
25. San Diego Chargers
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 26
It looked like San Diego solved one of its biggest problems, rushing, afterMelvin Gordon scored his first two career rushing touchdowns. But the defense -- the other big problem -- doomed the Chargers in Week 1, and could doom them against a frisky Jaguars team in Week 2.
26. Tennessee Titans
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 30
The Titans scored 16 points in Week 1, didn't allow an offensive touchdown, and still lost by nine. The Titans have now lost five straight, and are 2-14 with a minus-161 point differential in their past 16 games.
27. Buffalo Bills
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 16
The Bills mustered a whopping seven points in Week 1 and didn't even record a first down in the fourth quarter. But with the Jets coming to Buffalo in Week 2, that could change quickly. The Bills went 2-0 against coach Rex Ryan's former team last season.
28. Miami Dolphins
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 21
Ryan Tannehill was sacked four times in Week 1 and had 137 of his 186 passing yards come after the catch. He'll need to be a lot better for Miami to compete, especially with the Patriots up next on the schedule.
29. Chicago Bears
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 29
Jay Cutler was sacked five times and pressured on 40 percent of his dropbacks (tied for highest in NFL) in the season opener. A sign of things to come? We'll see if the Bears can right the ship on Monday night against Philadelphia.
30. San Francisco 49ers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 32
Coach Chip Kelly sure knows how to make an entrance, but the 49ers dominated in Week 1 last season, too. A trip to Carolina in Week 2 will either knock the 49ers back down to Earth, or ... most likely and literally knock them down to Earth.
31. Los Angeles Rams
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 28
The Rams were the first team shut out in a season opener since ... the Rams in 2009. The Rams went 1-15 that season, and if they can't get the offense going against the Seahawks in Week 2, they'll be on be right on track with that 2009 team.
32. Cleveland Browns
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 31
In a week defined by close games and monster comebacks, the Browns took a 19-point beating from a team with a rookie quarterback. The Browns now have a 38 percent chance of getting the first pick in 2017 according to NFL FPI, by far the highest in the league.
There's a new No. 1 in town. ESPN's power panel (a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities) has shuffled the rankings following Week 1 outcomes, and the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots have moved up to claim the top two spots. Check out the rest of the league and where each team ranks.
ESPN Stats & Information contributed the following information.
1. Green Bay Packers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 6
Jordy Nelson gained only 32 yards in his return, but caught six balls for three first downs in the process. It was a microcosm for the Packers' offense in Week 1 (getting by with just enough), but the Vikings should provide a tougher test in Week 2.
2. New England Patriots
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 3
Tom who? Rob who? Jimmy Garoppolo led the Brady-less and Gronkowski-less Patriots to an impressive victory in Arizona in Week 1 to move up the rankings. Next up? The Dolphins at home. The Pats are 20-1 at home against division foes since 2009.
3. Seattle Seahawks
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 1
The Seahawks were the top-ranked team in our Power Rankings, but a two-point victory at home over the Dolphins doesn't inspire confidence. Seattle could slip lower after a Week 2 matchup at Los Angeles. The Seahawks have lost three of their past four games against the Rams.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 2
If you forgot how good Antonio Brown was, let a 126-yard, two-touchdown Monday night performance serve as a reminder. Look for Brown to have another big game in Week 2 against the division rival that ended his season early with a hit to the head last postseason.
5. Arizona Cardinals
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 4
There are worse things in the world than losing to the Patriots, even withoutTom Brady. But a loss to the Bucs at home in Week 2 would give the Cardinals their first 0-2 start since 2005.
6. Carolina Panthers
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 5
Cam Newton was sacked, hit while throwing or hit while rushing 17 times in Week 1, his most ever in regulation. Newton could certainly use a break already and he may get one in Week 2, as the Panthers host the 49ers.
7. Houston Texans
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 13
Lamar Miller was one of two backs to rush for 100 yards in Week 1, and Will Fuller became the first Texans rookie to gain 100 receiving yards in a season opener. Neither was around last season when the Chiefs -- the Texans' Week 2 opponent -- beat Houston 30-0 in the playoffs.
8. Denver Broncos
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 8
Trevor Siemian was one of three quarterbacks with multiple interceptions in Week 1, but a formula of great defense and good-enough quarterback play worked for the Broncos last season. It will need to work again in Week 2 withAndrew Luck and the Colts coming to town.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 7
Let Week 1 serve as a reminder of how good A.J. Green is, as he dropped 180 yards against a secondary with Darrelle Revis. Green and the Bengals look to get their revenge against the Steelers this week.
10. Oakland Raiders
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 11
Don't worry Jack, we aren't trying to take your job. The numbers simply showed how gutsy a call it was to go for two. Thanks to that conversion, the Raiders will be looking for their first 2-0 start since 2002 when they host Atlanta this week.
11. Kansas City Chiefs
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 9
Alex Smith did more than just manage the game in the Chiefs' Week 1 comeback win against the Chargers, notching his second-most yards in a single game (363). Smith's reward is a Week 2 date at Houston with J.J. Watt.
12. Minnesota Vikings
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 12
The Vikings' defense scored two touchdowns in Week 1 while the offense scored no touchdowns. It resulted in a win, but that was against the Titans. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will provide a tougher test in Week 2.
13. Baltimore Ravens
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 15
Joe Flacco returned to action in Week 1 with a 65.3 Total QBR and no interceptions. Flacco threw 12 picks in 10 games last season, and had only two games with none. One of those games was against his Week 2 opponent, the Browns.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 24
Four touchdowns in a game is always impressive, but it was against a weak Falcons defense. If QB Jameis Winston can repeat his performance (or come close) against the Cardinals this week, we'll have a better idea of where the Bucs are headed this season.
15. New York Jets
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 10
Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter, but can he finish? In his past two fourth quarters he's 8-of-19 with no touchdowns and four interceptions. Three of those came in Week 17 against the Bills last season, a team the Jets play Thursday, and a team they lost to twice last season.
16. New York Giants
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 17
The Giants held onto a lead and didn't mismanage the clock, so the Ben McAdoo era is already off to a roaring start with a win against Dallas. The new-look defense faced a rookie in Week 1, but Drew Brees threw seven touchdowns against the G-Men last season, and he's coming to town in Week 2.
17. Washington Redskins
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 14
Kirk Cousins threw for at least one touchdown in all 16 games last season, but put up a goose egg in that category in the Redskins' Week 1 loss. The Cowboys' weak pass defense could be the cure for that in Week 2.
18. Dallas Cowboys
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 23
Dak Prescott might be a rookie, but he should still introduce himself to Dez Bryant. The duo connected once for eight yards on five tries in Week 1. The Cowboys are 4-13 when Bryant is held under 35 yards in his career.
19. Indianapolis Colts
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 18
The Colts lost in Week 1, but Andrew Luck didn't throw an interception and took only two sacks, so they have to feel good about that. The reigning champs are up next, but Luck is 3-1 in his career against Denver (including playoffs).
20. Philadelphia Eagles
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 25
Poise counts! Carson Wentz went 8-of-8 against the blitz in his NFL debut and led the Eagles to one of the most lopsided victories of Week 1. Will Wentz continue to shine brightly in Week 2's Monday night game against Chicago?
21. Atlanta Falcons
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 22
The good? Julio Jones got a friend in Mohamed Sanu, who grabbed 80 yards and a score in his Falcons debut. The bad? The Falcons forgot how to run, gaining 52 yards on 22 tries in Week 1. They'll look to find balance at Oakland this week.
22. Detroit Lions
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 20
The wide receivers were supposed to be the focus for the Lions following Calvin Johnson's retirement, but the running backs accounted for 229 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. They look to continue that momentum against the Titans, who limited Adrian Peterson to 31 yards, in Week 2.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 19
The Jaguars need to provide some relief for Blake Bortles, and 48 total rushing yards on 26 tries is not the answer. The Jags might get that relief in Week 2 against the Chargers, who have allowed the third-most yards per rush since the start of last season.
24. New Orleans Saints
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 27
Since the start of last season, Saints opponents have thrown for 46 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. The Saints might need to score 50 points every week to win, which was exactly what they needed to do to beat the Giants last season. New Orleans is at the Giants in Week 2.
25. San Diego Chargers
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 26
It looked like San Diego solved one of its biggest problems, rushing, afterMelvin Gordon scored his first two career rushing touchdowns. But the defense -- the other big problem -- doomed the Chargers in Week 1, and could doom them against a frisky Jaguars team in Week 2.
26. Tennessee Titans
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 30
The Titans scored 16 points in Week 1, didn't allow an offensive touchdown, and still lost by nine. The Titans have now lost five straight, and are 2-14 with a minus-161 point differential in their past 16 games.
27. Buffalo Bills
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 16
The Bills mustered a whopping seven points in Week 1 and didn't even record a first down in the fourth quarter. But with the Jets coming to Buffalo in Week 2, that could change quickly. The Bills went 2-0 against coach Rex Ryan's former team last season.
28. Miami Dolphins
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 21
Ryan Tannehill was sacked four times in Week 1 and had 137 of his 186 passing yards come after the catch. He'll need to be a lot better for Miami to compete, especially with the Patriots up next on the schedule.
29. Chicago Bears
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 29
Jay Cutler was sacked five times and pressured on 40 percent of his dropbacks (tied for highest in NFL) in the season opener. A sign of things to come? We'll see if the Bears can right the ship on Monday night against Philadelphia.
30. San Francisco 49ers
2016 record: 1-0
Week 1 ranking: No. 32
Coach Chip Kelly sure knows how to make an entrance, but the 49ers dominated in Week 1 last season, too. A trip to Carolina in Week 2 will either knock the 49ers back down to Earth, or ... most likely and literally knock them down to Earth.
31. Los Angeles Rams
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 28
The Rams were the first team shut out in a season opener since ... the Rams in 2009. The Rams went 1-15 that season, and if they can't get the offense going against the Seahawks in Week 2, they'll be on be right on track with that 2009 team.
32. Cleveland Browns
2016 record: 0-1
Week 1 ranking: No. 31
In a week defined by close games and monster comebacks, the Browns took a 19-point beating from a team with a rookie quarterback. The Browns now have a 38 percent chance of getting the first pick in 2017 according to NFL FPI, by far the highest in the league.