Rams take wraps off Todd Gurley as regular season starts vs. 49ers

By Gary Klein

[www.latimes.com]

Todd Gurley’s national profile began rising almost immediately after the NFL approved the Rams move from St. Louis to Los Angeles.

The star running back — the only player featured in the Rams’ relocation pitch to NFL owners — signed endorsement deals, appeared in television commercials and was featured prominently this summer in the opening montage for HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”

In two days, Gurley takes perhaps his biggest star turn yet when the Rams open the season against the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football.”

“I love it,” Gurley said Friday. “I love the big games. Everybody’s watching. That’s what we’re made for.”

Gurley, the reigning NFL offensive rookie of the year, was in college at Georgia when the Rams made their last appearance on “Monday Night Football” in 2014.

Now he is perhaps the main attraction in a game between teams rekindling what was once a bitter L.A.-San Francisco NFC West rivalry.


Gurley, 22, rushed for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He did so despite sitting out the opener while recovering from knee surgery, not starting until the fourth game, and being held out of the season finale against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium for precautionary reasons.

In his only game against the 49ers, he rushed for 133 yards in 20 carries and scored on a 71-yard touchdown run in a 27-6 victory at St. Louis.

Chip Kelly was coaching the Philadelphia Eagles at the time.

Now the 49ers’ first-year coach is game-planning to stop the 6-foot-1, 227-pound Gurley.

“He’s faster than people give him credit for, maybe,” Kelly said. “But he’s also such a big, physical runner — you’re going to have to get a lot of guys around him and you’re going to have to gang-tackle him.”

To keep Gurley physically sound for the season, Rams Coach Jeff Fisher limited him to only one series during the exhibition season.

Fisher said Friday that there was “no such thing as a sophomore slump” for running backs.

“I would assume that this thing’s going to get better and better, as we get better up front … and we’re able to stay in games and get the ball in his hands,” Fisher said.

Rams players said Gurley appears ready for the opener.

Offensive linemen are especially eager to block for a back who rushed for more than 100 yards in each of his first four starts last season.

“It always makes the offensive line look good when your running back gets about 20 or 30 yards,’’ on a play, guard Rodger Saffold said. “It’s a lot better when you score in four plays than when you score in 12.”

Gurley was selected as an offensive team captain along with quarterback Case Keenum.

Defensive tackle Michael Brockers cited “maturity” when asked if he noticed a difference in Gurley as the back prepared for his second season.

“Taking his craft and taking his game to another level,” Brockers said. “Finishing plays, going down and finishing in the end zone.

“Just the little things you do that show he’s a real professional.”

Gurley worked during the off-season and in training camp to improve his pass-catching skills. Last season, he had 21 receptions for 188 yards but never reached the end zone.

“It’s about time for me to get a receiving touchdown,” he said. “This year, hopefully, I get at least one.”

But the bulk of his work will be as a runner.

On Monday night, he will go up against a defense that features All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman.

“It’s the best versus the best,” Gurley said. “Somebody’s got has to come out on top, somebody has to lose.”

Quick hits

The Rams terminated the contract of offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds, who had been on the injured list. Reynolds received an injury settlement. He is eligible to return after Week 6…. Tackle Rob Havenstein (foot) and linebacker Bryce Hager (concussion) were full participants in practice. Cornerback E.J. Gaines (thigh) and receiver Pharoh Cooper (shoulder) did not practice for the second day in a row.

Rams QB Jared Goff must learn to be a backup

By Vincent Bonsignore, Los Angeles Daily News

[www.sgvtribune.com]

THOUSAND OAKS >> The starting point is nowhere near were Jared Goff originally imagined. In that respect, he’s no different than anyone else. The Rams included.

If anyone says they would have predicted or anticipated or been OK with the first overall pick starting his NFL career at the back of the Rams quarterback line, they’re either lying or not in the loop.

Goff was generally regarded as the most National Football League quarterback available in last April’s draft, and that wasn’t an opinion exclusive to the Rams.

Off that distinction, he separated himself from the rest of the quarterback group and the Rams built their justification to trade six picks to the Tennessee Titans to move from the 15th pick to the first pick overall to take Goff over North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz.

So to say there isn’t even a hint of disappointment that Goff didn’t distinguish himself as the second-string quarterback, let alone the starter, would be disingenuous.

“My whole life, I’ve been the starter,” Goff said.

Now he’s third string. And that takes some getting used to.

For everyone.

Instead of returning home to the Bay Area the starting quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams, he’ll be standing on the sideline in street clothes.

Instead of preparing for the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, he’s focused on a long-range plan that will eventually lift him from the raw prospect he looked like during training camp to the player everyone assumed he’d rapidly be upon the Rams taking him with the first overall pick.

It’s about having faith in the process rather than trusting this week’s game plan.

“And there is a process,” Goff said. “You’re just going to trust the process, and know that it’s all going to work out.”

He said this with conviction in his voice. But more and more the conversation about Goff is based on hope rather than certainty.

Based on how he performed during training camp and the preseason, it’s all we really have.

Yes, the Rams preached patience with Goff going all the way back to their pre-draft evaluation of him. And in talking to the former Cal Golden Bear, Rams coach Jeff Fisher was up front that getting him on the field could be swift or a prolonged ordeal.

“He talked about if (prolonged) was the case, there will be no rushing,” Goff said. “Whenever it’s time, it’s time. If it needs to happen early, it happens early. If it needs to happen a little bit later, it happens later. I’m just going to continue to trust him and to trust the process, and know that they have a really well thought-out plan in place, and I’m still a part of it.”

But completion of that plan seems so much further away than anyone could have imagined.

And that’s disappointing considering the home run swing the Rams took to acquire Goff.

It was move made for reasons both obvious and subtle.

No question they wanted to make a bold first step back into the Los Angeles market, and it doesn’t get much grander than trading for the first overall pick and grabbing a future face of the franchise at the most important position on the field.

Just as importantly, in talking to Rams folks, there is a sincere belief they are inches away from taking that next step in the growth process rather than feet. Closing that gap was predicated primarily on better quarterback play.

With one mighty swing of the bat, they felt they achieved both objectives.

Nothing like making a bold move to stir up the second-biggest market in the country.

And nothing like adding a dynamic new quarterback to carry the team to the next level.

That didn’t happen, obviously.

Goff performed through training camp and preseason like a prospect still in need of major seasoning. Without the benefit of the minor leagues for more fine tuning, he’ll toil away behind the scenes trying to get up to speed.

To the untrained eye, Goff looks at least a year away from making a significant contribution. That goes for his level of play to his physical stature. He’s every bit the 6-foot-5 he’s listed. But 205 pounds never looked skinnier stretched over his lanky frame.

Meanwhile, starter Case Keenum and second-year man Sean Mannion significantly out-played Goff. So when the Rams drew up their depth chart for Monday night’s season opener, there was no justification to elevate Goff over the two veterans.

Discouraging.

But prudent.

And for the kid for whom so much was expected, about as humbling as you can imagine.

His name was called first overall among 253 players drafted last April.

But no telling when his named will be called upon.

Nobody had that in the script.

“I’m just going to be patient, wait until my number is called, and continue to get ready out on the field, and continue to practice as hard as I can,” Goff said. “When my number is called, be ready.”

Goff’s NFL future pretty much depends on it.

His ability to process and compartmentalize what can only be deemed a set back and learn and grow and emerge better for it are the keys to everything.

And he’ll have to do it as much mentally as he does physically.

With practice time cut down in the NFL over the years and reps at a premium for the starter and back up, third-string quarterbacks get precious few chances to get snaps during the course of the week. So Goff will have to rely on his eyes and ears watching Keenum and Mannion almost as much as his legs and arm.

“Just continue to learn and take mental reps,” he said. “I’ve never done it before, so I am learning how to do that as well. Just trying to try to learn from what they do well, and then learn from their mistakes. Case has been in the league for a long time now. I just pick his brain and ask him as much as I can, and get to know as much as I can before my number is called, so I can be ready.”

When that time comes is anyone’s guess.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher –– September 9, 2016

(On what concerns him the most about the 49ers)
“They’re very well-coached. Their defensive side, they can be exotic at times, but they’re very sound. They’re gap-sound, they’re run-game sound. Look at the way Cleveland operated last year – they do a great job communicating on the defensive side. Offensively, they’re big up front, they can run it and they’re going to run it. They’ve averaged 184 yards a game rushing in the preseason and (49ers QB Blaine) Gabbert can extend plays. You have to play solid defense and get off the field. And then special-teams-wise, they’ve got good players, they have some good matchups that will be created this game.”

(On if the foundation comes down fundamentals just like any other game)
“It’s execution. You take the fundamentals for granted, but this is all about going out and executing and taking the stuff that we’ve done out here onto the field.”

(On if he has had weeks, as a head coach, where he has felt like the team was very ready and then they lost the upcoming game and vice versa or if he has a feeling about it this week)
“No, you don’t because it’s like if there’s a mistake in a Thursday practice or a Friday practice, you just correct it. You rather that it takes place during the week than on Sunday or Monday, so no. The same thing is the case with the pregame warm-ups – sometimes I, personally, will come in and say ‘I don’t know if these guys are ready to go’ and then we jump out to a 21-point lead. And then sometimes when you think they’re really going, then things don’t work out. It’s about being consistent, and that’s the thing. So the practice sessions need to be consistent. What you have to do is you have to set the bar in Week 1 and then make sure you get back there every week. And they’ve done that this week.”

(On if there is anything to being in the same time zone as the divisional opponents)
“Yes and then, again, as I said, I have an appreciation for what the other three division opponents have had to do over the years because we’re going to find out very full-well how difficult it is to go out and play at 10 AM your time. But as far as the division is concerned, yeah, I think they’re probably glad that we came out here.”

(On if there has been anything in common once successful rookie running backs, like RB Todd Gurley, enter their second year)
“No, there’s no such thing as a ‘sophomore slump’ with running backs, that just doesn’t happen. It’s about, I would assume, that this thing’s going to get better and better, as we get better up front, for him and we’re able to stay in games and get the ball in his hands. I’ve never seen a ‘sophomore slump,’ as it relates to running backs.”

(On if he personally has any pregame rituals or superstitions)
“No. the Monday night thing is a little bit different in that it’s a long day. So we’re going to try to keep them calm. But personally, no, I pretty much follow the same routine and that’s prepare myself and get back in the rule book when I have got some time.”

(On if there’s a particular song he listens to before the game)
“There was in high school, but there isn’t now.”

(On what his song was in high school)
“I knew you guys would ask. You pick it – it was Jethro Tull, so you pick it.”

(On if Monday Night Football is still as big of a deal for him as it was in high school)
“It’s a big deal for them, it really is. For the next however many Mondays, they’re going to be watching the games – and so are Thursdays, for that matter because the guys watched the game last night. It is a big deal for the players. Coaches would prefer not to have Monday night games, because we’re going to jump right in to a short week next week. We don’t arrive until 2:30, 3:00 in the morning and we have to get going again. Coaches are creatures of habit and you just kind of like the normal game weeks. But it’s exciting, it’s exciting for the players. Things have changed, back in the day when Howard (Cosell) and Don (Meredith) and the rest of them were doing it, that was the only way you got to see highlights from the weekend, were halftime highlights. Now you get to see highlights moments after they happen.”

(On if there’s a sense of excitement with Todd Gurley getting a full workload as opposed to the limited carries he had in the preseason)
“Yeah, we did that on purpose. He looks great, he feels great and he’s ready to go. (RB) Benny (Cunningham) is going to play a little bit and you may even see (RB) Malcolm (Brown) in the game at times, but Todd is the workhorse now.”

(On if he has the same feeling as the players who have the feeling that the team is on the edge of being successful after winning three of the final four games in 2015)
“Their expectations are high, but they also understand the one-at-a-time thing. Like we say every year, you win 11 games or 12 games in a season and go to the playoffs, you can’t just come back the next year and escrow your success and expect to draw on it and go from there, you have to start over every year. That’s what we’ve done, we’ve started over with high expectations.”

(On what jumped out about LB Cory Littleton in rookie camp)
“Cory missed the rookie camp because of the quarter system. Cory really didn’t get to do much until he got to training camp – I think that speaks volumes for him because he had a short period of time and he showed us what he can do.”

(On what he tells players about recuperating from the short week)
“We’ve had the discussions from this standpoint. The things that you do from this evening through the game are going to carry over into next week. It’s the sleep, it’s the rest, it’s recovery, it’s diet, it’s all those things. and then we have to quickly get into the short-week routine where it’s all about recovery. And they all have different needs – some guys play 60 plays, some guys play 10 and some guys don’t play. They all have different needs, but we address them individually.”




Rams RB Todd Gurley – September 9, 2016

(On his thoughts about being named one of the team captains)
“It means a lot. Just for coach and the team to vote on me as a team captain. I’m honored. I’m going to take that role and try to lead this team as much as I can.”

(On if he knows how unusual it is for a player as young as he is to be named a team captain)
“Yeah, for sure, most definitely, most definitely.”

(On his concerns about increased playing time, after a lighter preseason load)
“I’m not too worried about it. I feel like my practice habits have been pretty good. Just as far as finishing my runs, and just out here every day going hard as much as possible. Once the game comes, I feel like I’ll be fine.”

(On his level of anxiety entering Monday night)
“I’m ready, I’m ready. Football is back. It started last night. Everybody is ready.”

(On if it was difficult sitting out the first game of last season)
“It was, but hopefully I have a long career. I have many more games to come, so I wasn’t worried about the first or second game.”

(On if he was on the sideline watching last year’s season opener)
“Yeah, I was still there.”

(On if he watched Monday Night Football growing up)
“No, I didn’t even know about Monday Night Football, probably not until I got to high school or college. But, I’m ready for it.”

(On if he enjoys being in the spotlight)
“Yeah, I love it, I love it. I love the big games, everybody is watching. That’s what we’re made for.”

(On if he did anything differently in the preseason to prepare himself for the workload he’s about to endure)
“I try to keep it the same. Just work a little harder. Obviously, this offseason, I was able to do a lot more than I was the past offseason, because of my knee. I was able to actually do extra, extra workouts, and stuff like that.”

(On his thought regarding taking on a heavy workload entering the season)
“It’s whatever. I’ve been running the ball my whole life, same thing.”

(On if he still has trouble with his knee)
“I still do a little maintenance stuff twice a week. Just make sure I get a couple extra strength exercises. But other than that, that’s about it.”

(On if people will see anything different from him this year, in comparison to last season)
“I can’t predict the future. We’ll see, we’ll see what happens when the season comes.”

(On if he has any pregame rituals or traditions he partakes in)
“I might listen to a couple old songs from high school, or something that I used to play before a Friday night game or a college game.”

(On what songs he listens to before games)
“Anything, honestly. Maybe like some old Wiz Khalifa, or old Lil Wayne. Just something to remind me of an old game or something like that.”

(On which Lil Wayne album is his favorite)
“I’m a Carter II type of guy.”

(On his thoughts regarding the 49ers defense)
“Obviously, their linebackers are great. They have some great linebackers; inside, outside, the interior. The defensive linemen are pretty good. I know they have a couple guys banged up, but it’s the first game of the year. They’re going to be ready to play as much as we are. Monday night, at their place; their definitely a great team for sure.”

(On his thought regarding LB NaVorro Bowman)
“It’s the best versus the best. Somebody got has to come out on top, somebody has to lose.”

(On how much pride he takes in his receiving skills/pass catching game)
“Yeah man, it’s about time for me to get a receiving touchdown this year. Hopefully I get at least one. So that’ll be an improvement from last year, for sure.”

(On if it’s his goal to notch a receiving touchdown this season)
“Yeah, yeah, most definitely; to at least get one”

(On if he watched last night’s game between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers)
“I did. It was a good game, good game man.”

(On if watching the game last night inspires him, or if it’s just another game)
“No, it inspires me. Seeing what (Denver RB) C.J. (Anderson) did last night, it’s like, ‘Oh! He did that against the Super Bowl runner-up team.’ So, I’m excited to go out there and be able to try to run the ball just like he did last night.”

(On if he saw Denver LB Von Miller’s custom made ‘Yeezy’ cleats last night)
“I did. You know I’m a Nike guy so…I don’t care too much about Yeezy’s”

These are unique games for the below listed teams because they open the 2016 season with new starting quarterbacks for their current NFL Teams.

Of the 9 New opening day Starting Quarterbacks, Trevor Siemian already broke the ice with a 21-20 Victory vs Carolina.

Which of the remaining new opening day NFL starting QB's will get a Victory?


Trevor Siemian WON 21-20 vs the Carolina Panthers

VS


Sunday's Games

Dak Prescott home vs New York Gians
VS

Carson Wentz home vs Cleveland Browns Robert Griffen III
VS

Jimmy Garoppolo at Arizona Cardinals
AT

Brock Osweiler home vs Chicago Bears
VS

Shaun Hill/Sam Bradford at Tennessee Titans
AT


Monday Night

Case Keenum at San Francisco 49ers Blaine Gabbert
AT

I'm going to take a shot and say of the 8 remaining new opening day starting quarterbacks, the winners will be?

I predicted Trevor Siemian to loose vs the Panthers so I'm 0-1 with 8 new starting QB's to go.

Dak Prescott Loss

Carson Wentz Win
vs
Robert Griffen III Loss

Jimmy Garoppolo Win

Brock Osweiler Win

Shaun Hill/Sam Bradford Loss

Case Keenum Win
vs
Blaine Gabbert Loss

If you think you know these new Signal callers fate for week 1, I'm interested to know your predictions.

Login to view embedded media View: http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/Game-Trailer-Rams-at-49ers/36413637-ed0a-44b4-a3b5-c9a3db1bea52


I like how they used the old Wild West theme music




I know all of us Rams Fans are.............

ready for the real bullets to fly Monday night.

This is supposed to be a show with Rams fans in the audience, talking about the Rams up coming game. Really? We got Eric Davis, Keshawn Johnson, Marcellus Wiley, and another couple of fools talking about everything BUT the Rams. None of these guys care about the Rams, and I think some were pushing hard about wanting the Raiders and not the Rams last year to come back to LA....The only Rams talk there has been, is complaining about Goff and a little bit about Fisher...Most of the rest of the cr@p is about Kaepernick , marijuana legalization in the NFL, and about Can Newton getting hit on the noggin four times.

What about the Oline?
What about the RB group?
What about the Rams Dline?


I hate these stupid, Rams hating MOTHERFU#%$^#@!

I'm talking just rushing yards here, do y'all think he goes over or under? I'm thinking over because he's fresh and will probably bust a long run. They are definitely going to be focused on him though.

Locally, I'll have the privilege of watching two of the big SuperBowl contenders this year: the Browns/Eagles.

After that, desert, will be a serving of Giants/Cowboys. Eeeeech.

I may scan the games but will probably mostly watch RedZone.

Hi all, Been a busy summer, remodeling the house and all. Hopefully I can get back to couch potato status on Sunday and Monday night. Go Rams ball:

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/09/05/mmqb-staff-nfl-predictions-2016-super-bowl-51-winner

The MMQB 2016 Season Predictions
Our staffers make their bold selections for individual award winners and provide some contrasting viewpoints on who’ll hoist the Lombardi in Houston in Super Bowl 51
by The MMQB Staff

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Peter King: Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle. Without the subtle/overt pressure of Marshawn Lynch in the locker room and huddle, Wilson, already a beautiful thrower of the deep ball, takes his game to its highest level--and takes Seattle into January again.

Albert Breer: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh. No LeVeon Bell until October. No Martavis Bryant until who knows when. No problem.

Jenny Vrentas: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay. Bolstered by the return of Jordy Nelson, and Mike McCarthy’s day-to-day involvement in the offense again, we welcome back the Aaron Rodgers we’re used to seeing.

Robert Klemko: Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati. Don't @ me.

Emily Kaplan: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh. He has the most talented cast, and there should be nothing preventing Big Ben from having a highly productive year.

Tim Rohan: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina. He gets his No. 1 receiver (Kelvin Benjamin) back, and he’s on a mission to avenge the Super Bowl loss.

Andy Benoit: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh. Has mastered the system of the most dynamic offense in the league.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

King: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota. Again, and unfortunately, Minnesota puts its season on Peterson's shoulders. Again, he performs superbly, with an 1,800-yard rushing season.

Breer: Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles. There will be bumps in the Rams’ return-to-L.A. campaign. So they’ll give Gurley the ball. A lot.

Vrentas: Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh. MVPs are for QBs, but this award can go to a skill position player based on the sheer volume of offense he generates. And Brown, who has caught more than 100 balls each of the last three years, is sure to generate a high volume of offense.

Klemko: Rob Gronkowski, TE, New England. He’s the greatest tight end ever, and now he has the benefit of fellow big man Martellus Bennett to stress defenses in the red zone. I’m thinking career year.

Kaplan: Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh. Consider his gaudy numbers in 2015—which included five games of Landry Jones and Michael Vick quarterbacking. Brown rarely drops passes, he’s always improving and I expect nothing but a monster 2016.

Rohan: Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh. Brown puts up video-game numbers again.

Benoit: Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh. Will be the most productive player in the NFL’s most prolific offense.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Peter King: Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland. Nice of J.J. Watt to cede this. Once. Mack has a 20-sack season in him one of these years, and I think it's this year, starting with a favorable matchup opening day in New Orleans.

Breer: Tyrann Mathieu, DB, Arizona. He became the NFL’s human highlight reel in 2015, and the comeback from ACL surgery will just add to his legend.

Vrentas: Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland. J.J. Watt’s back surgery perhaps opens the door for someone else to win this title. A good bet is Mack, who was once famously described by Hue Jackson as “a rolling ball of butcher knives.”

Klemko: Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona. Probably one of the more under-appreciated superstars in the NFL.

Kaplan: Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland. The league’s next dominant pass-rusher is going to be a household name after a 20-sack season.

Rohan: Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland. The Raiders’ linebacker takes the next step, rises to J.J. Watt territory.

Benoit: Khalil Mack, LB, Oakland. But only if voters realize that he’s an even better run defender than pass rusher.

OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Peter King: Ronnie Stanley, LT, Baltimore. Now, the assignment is my pick for offensive rookie--not the guy who will win it. And almost certainly someone who touches the ball will win it. But Stanley, a vital guy for Baltimore's future, is the best offensive rookie this year. And Indy center Ryan Kelly is second.

Breer: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas. The hashtag #FEEDZEKE gets imported from Ohio to Texas. With Tony Romo down, the Cowboys will oblige.

Vrentas: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas. As our Albert Breer wrote in June, one reason the Cowboys drafted Elliott was so their offense could be more competent in the event they lost Tony Romo again. Well, they’ve lost Romo for a while again, and the rookie has the great fortune of running behind the league’s best OL.

Klemko: Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas. I freely admit to drinking the Kool-Aid. Great offensive line, with the benefit of Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. I can't remember a rookie QB in a better position to thrive. Okay I can: Roethlisberger.

Kaplan: Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee. Maybe this is a hot take considering Henry isn’t the Titan’s No. 1 back. But I think Tennessee is going to run the ball 40 times a game and Henry will shoulder a fair share of the load — especially on the goal line.

Rohan: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas. With Tony Romo out, the Cowboys will lean on Elliott and their superb offensive line.

Benoit: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas. As Elliott himself has already said, with Dallas’s O-line, his job is easy.

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Peter King: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Tampa Bay. He had a superb preseason. Nothing was a surprise for him. Unfortunately, he'll have to get six or eight picks to be in the running for this award. With his instincts, he just might get that many.

Breer: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Jacksonville. This freakish LB-sized CB/S will be used every which way—and show why he was considered such a unique prospect.

Vrentas: Myles Jack, LB, Jacksonville. For cornerbacks to win this award, they have to rack up a lot of interceptions. Jack, assuming his scrutinized knee holds up, will turn heads with a sideline-to-sideline athleticism that creates big plays.

Klemko: Jalen Ramsey, DB, Jacksonville. Incredible nose for the ball has been evident this preseason; my only trepidation is that teams will be able to throw away from him against this defense. Runner up: Arizona CB Brandon Williams, who will have plenty opportunities for interceptions playing opposite Peterson.

Kaplan: Myles Jack, LB, Jacksonville. I’m a sucker for a good story, and the Jaguars linebacker making other general managers look foolish for passing on him will be a great one.

Rohan: Myles Jack, LB, Jacksonville. Racks up a ton of tackles and helps lead the Jags’ resurgence.

Benoit: Karl Joseph, S, Oakland. Raiders D and its strong pass rush will generate turnovers. Typically, safety is the one capping those forced turnovers.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Peter King: Gus Bradley, Jacksonville. Year four (after going 12-36 in his first three Jag seasons) is significantly more friendly to Bradley. His patience with players pays off in a big way, with an AFC South title.

Breer: John Fox, Chicago. I’m buying in on Fox’s patented second-year bounce—and the roster implosion that Ryan Pace has overseen.

Vrentas: Ben McAdoo, Giants. Sitting in the same seat one occupied by Tom Coughlin and Bill Parcells, the first-time head coach earns this honor by leading the Giants back to the postseason after a four-year drought.

Klemko: Jack Del Rio, Oakland. The AFC West looks wide open and the Raiders are in a great position to take advantage, provided recent offensive line expenditures and a re-tooled secondary get the job done. Runner up: Marvin Lewis.

Kaplan: Mike Zimmer, Minnesota. It will be impossible not to choose him after he leads Minnesota to the playoffs with Sam Bradford under center.

Rohan: Mike Zimmer, Minnesota. Guides the Vikings to the playoffs despite the quarterback shakeup on the eve of the season.

Benoit: Bill Belichick, New England. With Martellus Bennett now opposite Rob Gronkowski, New England's two tight end system will border on unstoppable. Remembering that they were without their Hall of Fame QB for the first quarter of the system, voters will credit this success to New England's Hall of Fame head coach.

COMEBACK PLAYER

Peter King: Tyrann Mathieu, rover, Arizona. When I saw him in camp, he was playing deep safety. He'll play lots of press corner, and some inside linebacker. All coming off an eight-month-old knee reconstruction. Runner-up: Dante Fowler, pass-rusher, Jacksonville.

Breer: Tyrann Mathieu, S, Arizona. If I’m gonna pick him for DPOY, this one is academic.

Vrentas: Tyrann Mathieu, S, Arizona. Few players in the NFL are the kind of Tasmanian Devil of energy—those are GM Steve Keim’s words—that Mathieu is. He transforms the personality of the Cardinals when he’s on the field, and he’s back after his second ACL

Klemko: Robert Griffin III, QB, Cleveland. Robert will have to split this award with Hue Jackson, who will work wonders with the guy who was a healthy scratch all of last season in Washington.

Kaplan: Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego. Before his season-ending knee injury, Allen had 67 passes through eight games, which ranked third-most in NFL history. He’ll pick up right where he left off.

Rohan: Tyrann Mathieu, S, Arizona. Coming back from an ACL tear, Mathieu becomes the face of the Cardinals defense.

Benoit: Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay. Nelson’s healthy return will get Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense back on track.

* * *

NFC PLAYOFF TEAMS

NFC East/ NFC North/ NFC South/ NFC West/ Wild Cards

Peter King- Washington, Green Bay, Carolina, Arizona, Seattle, Minnesota
Albert Breer- Washington, Chicago, Carolina, Arizona, Seattle, Minnesota
Jenny Vrentas- NY Giants, Green Baym, Carolina, Arizona, Seattle, Atlanta
Robert Klemko- Washington, Green Bay, Carolina, Seattle, Arizona, NY Giants
Emily Kaplan- NY Giants, Green Bay, Carolina, Arizona, Seattle, Minnesota
Andy Benoit- Washington, Green Bay, Carolina, Seattle, Arizona, Atlanta
Tim Rohan- Washington, Minnesotam Carolina, Arizona, Seattle, Green Bay

* * *

AFC PLAYOFF TEAMS

AFC East/ AFC North/ AFC South/ AFC West/ Wild Cards

Peter King- New England, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Oakland, Denver, Pittsburgh
Albert Breer- New England, Pittsburgh, Houston, Oakland, NY Jets, Denver
Jenny Vrentas- New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Baltimore, Denver
Robert Klemko- New England, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Oakland, Kansas City, Pittsburgh
Emily Kaplan- New England, Pittsburgh, Houston, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Oakland
Andy Benoit- New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Denver, Oakland, Jacksonville
Tim Rohan- New England, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Denver

* * *

SUPER BOWL 51

King: Green Bay 30, Pittsburgh 26. The Steelers rise from the sixth playoff seed to fall one possession short in a rematch of Super Bowl 45. Aaron Rodgers finishes his season of redemption with a Super Bowl MVP game.

Breer: New England 30, Arizona 23. I came very close to giving Tom Brady the MVP, so let’s just hand him his record fourth Super Bowl MVP instead. No matter what happens over the season’s first month, this team is loaded with 20-something talent on D, and New England’s 12-game finish will be something to see.

Vrentas: Arizona 31, Pittsburgh 24. All of the Cardinals’ star players had a bad game on the same day in last year’s NFC Championship. Don’t count on that happening again. Go-big-or-go-home coach Bruce Arians is the perfect coach to shepherd the Super-Bowl-or-bust Cardinals.

Klemko: Carolina 21, Cincinnati 20. I felt Andy Dalton had turned a corner last season before his injury, with just seven picks in 13 starts and the highest completion percentage of his career. I'm banking on TE Tyler Eifert coming back strong from his ankle injury, and LB Vontaze Burfict coming back fit and dominant after his three-game suspension. In the end, I think Carolina survives the fact they did nothing this offseason to improve the offensive line simply because all the elite pass rushers are in the AFC (with the exception of Seattle, which has bigger problems on its own offensive line).

Kaplan: Cardinals 28, Steelers 24. The best offense in football (Pittsburgh) has made enough improvements in the front seven to go deep in the playoffs. But Arizona has too much talent, and the right coach, to beat anyone.

Rohan: Cardinals 35, Steelers 28. The Cardinals’ innovative defense – led by Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Deone Bucannon – slows Big Ben and Antonio Brown just enough. Carson Palmer redeems himself from last year’s playoff dud. Brown gets two touchdowns anyway, and Ryan Shazier gets three sacks, but Palmers throws four touchdowns to four different receivers. John Brown scores the winning touchdown in a close one. How’s that for a pick?

Benoit: Pittsburgh 31, Green Bay 27. Pittsburgh has the most explosive offense in the NFL, even without Martavis Bryant. And that defense is schematically complex and full of young players reaching their primes. The Packers have all of their weapons back and should be able to regain the identity that they lost in 2015.

Rams QB Case Keenum gearing up for first Week 1 start
By Alden Gonzalez

[www.espn.com]

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The backdrop was carried into the locker room, Case Keenum took his place in the middle of it and a mob of media members swelled around him late Thursday afternoon, four days before the Los Angeles Rams will open their season. Then came the first question ...

Case, your first NFL start. What's it like?

"Well ... it's my 16th NFL start, just so you know," Keenum said. "So, I have done it before."

Yes, in case anybody forgot, he has. But Keenum has only ever been the guy by default, starting with the Houston Texans because Matt Schaub injured a foot and an ankle in 2013, and starting for the Rams because Nick Foles wasn't good enough in 2015. This is the summer when Keenum actually won a job, holding off a developing No. 1 pick to do it.

This is the summer when Keenum will finally start a regular-season opener -- on Monday Night Football, against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, in the first meaningful game back in Los Angeles.

"It’s the first time for it to be my show starting out, and not just taking over like, 'Oh crap, send out Case now,'" Keenum said. "It’s been something I’ve prepared for for a long time. I’m excited. I really am."

Keenum left Houston as the NCAA's all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns and completions, but a relatively small stature and a weak throwing arm left him undrafted in 2012.

He spent that season buried on the Texans' practice squad, then started eight games in 2013, throwing for 1,760 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Keenum spent a chunk of the next year on the Rams' practice squad, then returned to the Texans, started the final two regular-season games, winning both. He returned to the Rams for a seventh-round pick in March 2015.

Keenum went on to supplant Foles, the man he was brought in to back up, and returned from a concussion to start the final four games last season, a stretch in which he threw for 692 yards, completed nearly 65 percent of his passes and led the Rams to three victories.

In the eight months that followed, the Rams have seen continued growth.

"Every week seeing just more and more command of the offense, which is comforting," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said of Keenum. "He’s going to get up there and make the right decision. The position itself is hard to play, but he’s going to give us a chance with checking in and out of run stuff, changing protections, getting the ball down the field, making plays, extending plays with his legs."

Keenum is coming off a solid preseason, one that saw him complete 75 percent of his passes without committing a single turnover.

That's all the Rams really need from the 28-year-old: just enough to keep opposing defenses from stacking the box against star running back Todd Gurley.

But Keenum starting is in no way an ideal scenario for the Rams. He shoulders a 38.2 QBR that is the fifth worst among quarterbacks who have attempted at least 400 passes over the past three seasons. And the guy the Rams truly want ready, of course, is Jared Goff, the first overall pick who cost an assortment of high-round draft choices for the right to select him.

Keenum hasn't forgotten that.

The line of questioning won't let him.

"I’m still batting a thousand," Keenum said. "Every interview I’ve ever done, somebody has asked [about Goff]. It is what it is. I compartmentalize it. People are going to ask what they want to ask. He was the first pick of the draft. Obviously some attention there, but I’m just going to go out and do my job. My job is to be the quarterback of this team and get the ball in the right people’s hands and convert on third downs and score points."

Rams' WR situation seems tenuous heading into opener
By Alden Gonzalez

[www.espn.com]

The Los Angeles Rams are carrying seven receivers on their 53-man roster, tied with the Green Bay Packers for most in the NFL -- and that isn't necessarily a testament to their depth at the position.

Rams wideouts racked up the fewest yards, the fewest first downs and the fourth-fewest touchdowns last season. And the unit appears just as unsteady heading into the Week 1 opener on Monday night, regardless of the volume. Two of the seven receivers might not play, another might be hobbled, another has struggled with drops, another is a late-round draft pick, and the two best ones haven't produced like top-end receivers in recent years.

Here's a look at where the group stands heading into the Monday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers from Santa Clara, California. ...

Tavon Austin: The Rams gave Austin a lavish four-year, $42 million extension based largely on what his production could be. Austin is coming off his best season, which included 473 receiving yards and 434 rushing yards. The dynamic playmaker basically only touched the ball one time in the preseason, but that isn't any indication of where he fits in the offense. The Rams hope to double -- yes, double -- Austin's production and are being secretive about his usage.

Kenny Britt: He's the veteran of the group, having compiled 3,879 yards over the course of his seven-year career. His 1,429 yards in the last two seasons rank 50th. But it isn't all Britt's fault. The 27-year-old specializes in stretching the field for an offense that doesn't throw the ball deep very often, particularly with Case Keenum at quarterback. The Rams had the fewest passing plays of 20 yards or more last season with 35.

Pharoh Cooper
The Rams like the potential of Pharoh Cooper, but he won't likely make his regular-season debut Monday because of a shoulder injury.
Pharoh Cooper: The Rams are excited about their fourth-round pick out of South Carolina, a versatile receiver who can contribute a multitude of ways and is a menace after the catch. Cooper had already cemented himself as the Rams' No. 3 receiver, but he suffered a shoulder injury on an acrobatic catch in Week 3 of the preseason and will probably miss the opener. The Rams hope he can make it back shortly.

Brian Quick: Quick might not have even made the final roster if not for the Rams' uncertainty at this position. That's a crazy thought when you consider his projections upon being drafted 33rd overall out of Appalachian State in 2012. Quick has struggled to catch the football. His catch percentage last season, 31.3, was the eighth-lowest in the NFL. He had 32 targets and reeled in only 10 of those, then continued to drop passes during the preseason.

Bradley Marquez: The second-year wide receiver was in a walking boot after Week 2, but only missed about a week of action with an injury to his right ankle. He returned for the preseason finale 12 days later, connected with Jared Goff on a 30-yard pass play in the opening possession and hobbled back to the huddle. Marquez remained in the game and the Rams hope he is completely healed by the opener. Marquez caught 13 passes for 88 yards as an undrafted rookie last season.

Mike Thomas: A sixth-round pick out of Southern Miss, Thomas compiled 52 receiving yards in the preseason, hauling in four of his 10 targets. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Thomas is good at catching passes in traffic. He became one of the country's most productive amateur receivers after leaving junior college, finishing 2015 with 71 catches for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Nelson Spruce: The Rams -- and their fans -- are excited about Spruce, a possession receiver who flashed his ability to create space and secure catches by racking up a team-best 51 yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. But Spruce also sprained his knee in that game and hasn't practiced with the team since, though he has done some light work on his own. Upon return, Spruce could become a focal point of the offense. But he'll likely sit out Week 1.

Rams lineman Aaron Donald small in stature, huge in impact

By RYAN KARTJE / STAFF WRITER

[www.ocregister.com]

IRVINE – Since the advent of the forward pass, conventional knowledge dictates a pass rush should be built from the outside. For decades, that meant the NFL’s most feared defenses were crafted around freakish defensive ends or rush linebackers, most of whom appeared predisposed to terrorize quarterbacks. Glory – and glamorous paychecks – were earned collecting gaudy sack totals. Sack artists, they were so glowingly labeled.

Just a few feet inside, meanwhile, their counterparts at defensive tackle were often cast as oversized workmen, plugging rush gaps and forcing double teams, toiling away in relative obscurity. They were almost always paid less. Rarely were they counted on to get after the quarterback.

On the all-time, single-season sacks list, only three defensive tackles crack the post-merger top 50. From 2003-12, the position was even more bereft of pass-rushers: Only six defensive tackles tallied double-digit sack totals in a season during that stretch, while 40 defensive ends reached that mark.

At the outset of the 2016 season, though, that balance of power on the defensive line might finally be shifting inside. In March 2015, the Dolphins made defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL with a six-year, $114.375 million deal. The Buccaneers and Bills also locked up their own interior weapons in Gerald McCoy and Marcell Dareus, respectively, signing them each to deals of $95 million or more.

This June, the mega-deals continued, as the Eagles’ contract extension with Fletcher Cox surpassed nine figures – and included about $4 million more in guaranteed money than Suh’s deal. After years of anonymity, the interior renaissance finally is upon us.

As it stands, five of the nine biggest NFL contracts on defense belong to defensive tackles. But still missing in that group is the most feared interior rusher in all of the NFL, who – at 25 years old, with only a $2.7 million cap hit – might very well redefine the defensive tackle position as we know it.

“The game has changed,” says Aaron Donald, that rare talent who over the course of two seasons, 20 sacks, and an endless highlight-reel of nightmare-inducing bullrushes, has almost singlehandedly turned the Rams into a defensive force.

It’s the final week of his third training camp with the Rams, and on the practice field in Irvine, Donald is explaining just how an undersized defensive tackle became the new prototype at a position once defined by size and brute strength.

“It’s more of a speed game now,” he says. “There’s a lot more zone schemes, a lot more running sideways. You can be a guy who’s 285 and 6-foot-1, as long as you can hold a double-team sometimes and do your job.”

Of course, to suggest that Donald wouldn’t succeed in a different era is to ignore everything he has demonstrated in his two seasons. His speed on the interior is unmatched. His strength is akin to that of a much larger, bulkier tackle, even after he cut his body fat percentage below 10 percent in the offseason. He easily slices through double teams.

Quite simply, Donald is as close to unstoppable as one finds in the NFL. And as an already-pass-heavy league continues to evolve in his favor, football’s new prototype in the middle is ready to wreak havoc on NFL offenses, and – in due time – take that havoc to the bank.

* * *

The first time Mike Waufle sat across from Donald in his office, the Rams defensive line coach told his first-year defensive tackle something he’d never, in 14 years of coaching, considered telling another NFL rookie. But after playing and replaying Donald’s highlights from Pitt, watching him win every collegiate defensive award, obliterate his competition at the Senior Bowl, and then, run the fastest 40-yard dash for a defensive tackle at the combine since 2000 (4.68), it was clear Donald required a different approach.

That Donald fell all the way to 13th overall, where the Rams had been waiting with their second first-round pick of the 2013 draft, was no less than a miracle to Waufle. Unlike others, he was not deterred in the slightest by Donald’s “undersized” frame. As an assistant with the Raiders and Giants, he routinely used smaller, quicker linemen on the interior. With the Giants, he once used 263-pound end Justin Tuck as a nose tackle during the team’s Super Bowl run.

In his office, Waufle looked his rookie straight in the eye: “I’m going to say a lot of things in this room,” he told him. “However, I do not want you to listen to one word I say. Just play like you did in college.”

Still, Donald asked Waufle to cut up highlights of Vikings Hall of Famer John Randle and other great, undersized defensive lineman such as Warren Sapp of the Bucs and La’Roi Glover of the Saints, both of whom stood 6-foot-2. Donald studied the film obsessively.

Such obsession is part of his personality, he explains. From high school into college, he was so determined to become a pingpong virtuoso that he played for hours on end, challenging anyone willing to play – coaches, teammates, strangers. “It was non-stop,” he says. But it worked. As one episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” showed, Donald is an exceptional pingpong player.

In training camp that fall, that thirst to be the best was instantly clear. The Rams offensive line couldn’t block him. During his first week, nose tackle Michael Brockers remembers sitting down to casually watch Donald’s college highlights on YouTube that first week. He ended up consuming all 14 minutes.

By October, Donald announced his presence to the entire league. In a Week 7 win over the Seahawks, he burst through the line and body-slammed running back Marshawn Lynch in the backfield for a violent 5-yard loss. Teammates were stunned.

“I remember thinking then this might be the best football player I’ve ever seen,” defensive end William Hayes says.

Donald was named Rookie of the Year and followed that with a more dominant 2015 season. He tallied 11 sacks – already startling for a defensive tackle – though, he almost certainly could have had more. According to Pro Football Focus, Donald hit or hurried quarterbacks 37 times last season – 14 more than any other defensive tackle.

In an increasingly pass-heavy league, Donald’s size – or lack thereof – has become one of his greatest assets. At 6-foot-1, he has a lower center of gravity than most defensive tackles, which allows him to get under an offensive lineman’s pads easier than the likes of Brockers, his interior counterpart, who stands five inches taller. In addition, his fast first step makes it nearly impossible for linemen to keep their footing in front of him.

“It’s all about leverage and speed,” Waufle said. “He has a whole lot of both.”

He also has an advantage in Waufle, whose career has been tailored to exploit such a unique skillset. Waufle learned the nuances of defensive line play from respected assistant John Teerlinck, who helped popularize the 3-technique defensive tackle with John Randle in the 1990s. Like Donald, Randle was 6-foot-1, and as Waufle enters Year 3 with his transcendent young tackle, he is using Teerlinck’s work with Randle as his guiding light. This season, Donald will move around even more on the Rams’ line. He might even rush off the edge.

Donald insists he’s more comfortable in that role as this season begins. He’s quicker. His understanding of the scheme is more complex. His pass-rushing technique has improved. He promises he should get to the quarterback even more often in 2016.

“He’s the best defensive player in football,” Hayes said. “That’s the reality, and I don’t think it’s even really that close. He’s just different. Different than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

* * *

Most of the NFL’s best defensive tackles are still towering, 300-pound behemoths. The five highest-paid players at the position stand at least 6-foot-3 and weigh at least 295 pounds.

But with Donald, that is destined to change. The 2018 season, once his option is picked up, will be the final year of his rookie contract. Before then, the Rams will almost certainly offer Donald a contract that could make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, one that could eclipse six years and $120 million.

Such a deal would fall just short of the deal handed to Andrew Luck by the Colts this offseason – a significant investment in any non-quarterback, let alone a defensive tackle. In Donald’s case, though, he looks to be worth it.

Until then, he will keep studying film of past undersized greats, gleaning as many details as he can.

“When you talk about 3-techs – the John Randles, the Warren Sapps, the La’Roi Glovers – I want my name in that conversation,” Donald said. “I’ve got a lot more work to do, but that’s my mindset. I want to be great.”

In the Rams’ own building, one of those greats has watched closely over his first two years in the NFL. A four-time All-Pro with the Saints at just 6-foot-2, 290 pounds, Glover, now the Rams’ director of player engagement, has offered his advice to Donald on occasion, one undersized defensive tackle to another.

But as Waufle understood, Glover isn’t sure how much he can really teach Donald, either. After watching these last two dominant seasons, in fact, he wonders if Donald might already be on a level of his own – an undersized but overpowering nightmare at tackle, with the capability of changing how defenses value the interior.

“I’m not afraid to say it,” Glover said. “He has the potential to be the best ever.”

I apologize if this has been posted previously.

If you can’t get enough of Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, then The Jeff Fisher Show is for you. It airs on September 13 starting at 6:00 p.m. PT on ESPNLA 710 AM. Via the team’s official Twitter: Fisher will be joined by J.B. Long (ESPNLA Rams radio network play-by-play) and former Rams defensive tackle D’Marco Farr. The show will air every Monday night after the premiere. It will be taped live from Bogies at the Westlake Village Inn and open to the public.

Marshall talks about Goff and the Rams, the NFL, and more.....

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Thoroughly enjoyed watching that.

__"Welcome Back NFL"

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Rapoport: Broncos kept tabs on Case Keenum



Trevor Siemian will make his first professional start in Thursday night's 2016 NFL Kickoff.

If not for a few twists and turns last month, it could have been Case Keenum starting for the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl 50 rematch with the Carolina Panthers.

Denver kept tabs on Keenum during the preseason, going as far as to conduct trade talks with the Los Angeles Rams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via a source informed of the discussions.


The Rams would have required a "huge pick or player compensation" to move their Week 1 starter, Rapoport added, but the Broncos never offered a high enough draft pick or a talented cornerback such as Aqib Talib or Bradley Roby.

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak has a familiarity with Keenum going back to their days with the Houston Texans, when the former University of Houston standout started eight games over Matt Schaub during the 2013 season.

Once Siemian showed enough in training camp and preseason action to instill confidence in Denver's coaching staff, though, the Broncospulled the plug on trade talks.

It's hard to imagine general manager John Elway surrendering a high draft pick or a valuable chip on his dominant defense for a physically limited quarterback who was winless in eight starts under Kubiak three years ago. The same quarterback was free for the taking in November of 2014 when Keenum was a street free agent for nearly two months after being waived by the Rams.

Even if rookie Paxton Lynch ends up displacing Siemian as the starter within the next couple of months, Kubiak and Elway ultimately reached the sensible conclusion on Keenum's value.

"Hey Jared. It's Sam. Great seeing you. You got a sec?....Great! I understand you'll be in street clothes Monday Night. No wait, man! I'm not trying to rub it in! Come back!......Great. Thanks for giving me a chance."

"So, I don't know if you know. I spent a bit of time in street clothes when I was with the Rams,....no, it's true. So being that you're going to be in front of a national audience, and all, I thought it was important to look good. Have you thought about what you are going to wear? ...No? Good. Because I'd like to introduce you to Sam Bradfords Sideline Hoodie Collection!!

Yeah, that's right. It's all the rage for us #1 overall picks. Whether you've torn an ACL, or just been deactivated because you are a slow-witted dork. This line of Rams-wear will help you look stylin', as you cozy up to the first stringer, and pretend you are relevant as the TV cameras zoom-in during a red zone time-out. Or maybe you're spittin' seeds and laughing with one of the lineman, as if to tell the TV public, 'I got this'. You like seeds, right Jared? I mean.... you're a baseball guy."

"So without further ado:"



"This hoodie is awesome, and preferred choice for night games. And you know it gets cold in San Francisco, right Jared? What was that saying...you know...from Mark Twain?....(oh that's right...the 'sun-rise' guy). Well he once said, 'the coldest winter I ever spent, was a summer in San Francisco.' Santa Clara, whatever. Consider the vinyl/cotton hoodie."


"Next is another great hoodie with the blue, and a gold streak on each sleeve. This one is a little thicker, which might suit you well. You're about my height, but you could use some bulk. What do you weigh about a buck-fiddy?....Hey...hey... I'm just messin'. We boys, right?"



"This next...woah!!!...how'd that get there? Oh Yeah.....just a thought. Maybe before the national anthem you pull the hoodie and pace the sidelines, and give Kaepernick your best Phelpsface?....no? Alright. Moving on..."



"This one is kind of a 'throw-back' look. You're in L.A. now. It might really appeal to some of the REALLY old-timers in the Ram fan base...like @RamFan503 and @DaveFan'51 . Some of the young, virile guys like @Roman Snow and @Tron may like it, too.




"Jared, when I was spittin' seeds, and counting Stan's money, this little number looked particularly good on me. Notice the NFL logo still planted firmly on my sleeve? Don't ever be like that other bay area dork Brady and 'dis' the league, man. I mean, Super Bowl titles are nice, and everything, but when your a sideline stud, like you and me?....You gotta wear the shield proud."




"And finally, during military month, heres my 'hoody fatigues'. UUUURahhhh!! as the Marines say! You might look across and see that twisted Kaepernick in your second meeting wearing a Fidel Castro, or Black lives Matter hoodie.....Oh....I'm not saying you'll still be on the sidelines, Jared....but you know. Maybe Sean can wear this.....but wear it proud, my friend."

So there you have it Jared. The Sam Bradford Sideline Hoodie Collection! Care to place an order?


But wait! There's more! Act now and I'll throw in a case of these little babies to help ease away the time standing next to Chase Reynolds:




Order five or more garments, and I'll bump you up to the Hot N Spicy!!



"So how many would you like Jared? Cuz...I gotta go. Some people have a playbook to learn." :neener:

:fuelfire:

Carolina Panthers.

Denver Broncos.

Who ya got?

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Rams defensive coordinator Mike Waufle joins Mason and Ireland to discuss the Rams defensive system, Aaron Donald's impact and Colin Kaepernick's anthem protest.

[av]http://cdn16.castfire.com/audio/303/2111/22714/2996640/masoncuts_2016-09-08-173040-8006-0-0-0.64k.mp3[/av]

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...aight-years-of-a-rookie-starting-qb-in-week-1

Nine straight years of a rookie starting QB in Week 1

• By Conor Orr
• Around The NFL Writer
• Published: Sept. 8, 2016

Carson Wentz's debut for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday against the Browns and Dak Prescott's start against the New York Giants will keep alive a recent trend surrounding rookie quarterbacks in the NFL.

According to the NFL, this is the ninth straight year that at least one rookie passer starts on opening weekend, which more than doubles the second-longest streak in the Super Bowl era (1968-71).

The previous quarterbacks during the streak?

» 2008 - Matt Ryan (Atlanta, W), Joe Flacco (Baltimore, W)

» 2009 - Mark Sanchez (NYJ, W), Matt Stafford (Detroit, L)

» 2010 - Sam Bradford (StL, L)

» 2011 - Andy Dalton (Cin, W), Cam Newton (Car, L)

» 2012 - Robert Griffin III (Was, W), Andrew Luck (Ind, L), Ryan Tannehill (Mia, L), Brandon Weeden(Cle, L), Russell Wilson (Sea, L)

» 2013 - E.J. Manuel (Buf, L), Geno Smith (NYJ, W)

» 2014 - Derek Carr (Oak, L)

» 2015 - Jameis Winston (TB, L), Marcus Mariota (Ten, W)

Given recent trade developments in Philadelphia and Prescott's white-hot preseason, it's safe to say that this debut is on par with last season's Winston-Mariota battle to start the season in terms of anticipation. The Eagles have entrusted Wentz with their future -- and after only 12 completions over 24 attempts in one preseason game.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman recently gushed about the quarterback in an appearance on Good Morning Football, comparing his movement to that of a gazelle and hinting that his offensive acumen is on the cutting edge of the league’s development arc.

The Cowboys have already seen Prescott -- starting in place of an injured Tony Romo -- against starting-caliber competition and could use his mobility to add a new wrinkle to their high-powered offense alongside first-round pick Ezekiel Elliott.

And honestly, what would opening weekend be without at least one new quarterback to break down? The last time we were deprived of the option was back in 2007, when JaMarcus Russell was taken with the No. 1 overall pick and Brady Quinn went No. 22 to the Browns.

Russell got his first start on Dec. 30 that season in a 30-17 loss to the Chargers. Quinn, meanwhile, had to wait until 2008 to make his debut on Nov. 6 in a loss to the Broncos.

Well we are going to get these kind of media exploits every week until Goff takes his first regular season snap.. Oh well It changes my opinion of JG 0%. Keenum holds all the cards as long as he plays well and who in their right minds would root for him to fail?

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