Out - Sam Bradford (ankle)
Darell Dorell Scott (concussion)
Jason Smith (concussion)
Doubtful - Danario Alexander (hamstring): more than likely out
Questionable - Justin King (groin)
Brady Poppinga (calf)
Significant upgrade for King. Marquis Johnson is still expected to be activated from PUP.
Probable - C.J. Ah You (wrist)
Also questionable - me, if I can get tickets for the Cardinals' World Series parade. Hey, the Rams game's on TV, and I can see them get smoked any time. You don't get that many chances to see a victory parade. Congratulations, Cards!
-$-
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Rams report, 10/28
Injuries:
Did not practice Thursday: Sam Bradford, Danario Alexander, Justin King, Brady Poppinga, Darell Dorell Scott, Jason Smith.
Returned to practice: Jerious Norwood, Rodger Saffold.
With King likely to miss the Saints game Sunday, it looks like Marquis Johnson will join the main roster from the PUP list. Mark Clayton has some soreness with his Achilles tendon and isn't as likely to go.
Transactions:
For the SECOND TIME THIS YEAR, the Rams have lost one of their 2011 draft picks to another team while trying to get the player through waivers to the practice squad. LB Jabara Williams was claimed by the Bears.
You know, with other teams willing to snap up his draft picks, maybe Billy Devaney's drafting isn't that bad after all. Roster management, well, you know where I stand on that.
-$-
Ex-Rams update, 10/27
10/26: Chiefs re-signed Anthony Becht. They had cut him about a month ago.
Needing a tight end after losing Chris Cooley for the season, the Redskins signed Dominique Byrd.
The Seahawks cut Byrd about six weeks ago.
The Rams worked out Renardo Foster yesterday but opted to sign Mark LeVoir instead.
10/25: Chargers added Eric Young (back) to their practice squad.
Mike Karney had a tryout with the Falcons, who just lost Ovie Mughelli for the season.
George Selvie (who must have been cut by Carolina) tried out with the Lions.
10/24: Mortty Ivy update! Added (back) to Steelers PS. Like Young, and Nate Ness with the Rams, he's a
bouncer.
10/23: A great era in the NFL comes to an end: Saints waive Alex Barron from injured reserve.
10/20: Chauncey Washington tried out with the Lions, looking for RBs after Jahvid Best's concussion.
10/19: Chris Massey and Phil Trautwein had tryouts with the Patriots.
10/17: David Nixon tried out with the Giants.
10/14: The Rams officially waived Mikail Baker from injured reserve.
10/13: Massey tried out with the Giants.
10/12: Jagwires signed Schuylar Oordt to PS.
The NFL suspended Jimmy Kennedy for 4 weeks for violating the performance-enhancing drugs
policy. Though with the Rams, Kennedy's idea of a PED was a Big Mac. (rim shot)
With no apologies for my perverse enjoyment for scanning the waiver wire, I consider this feature caught up once again.
-$-
Needing a tight end after losing Chris Cooley for the season, the Redskins signed Dominique Byrd.
The Seahawks cut Byrd about six weeks ago.
The Rams worked out Renardo Foster yesterday but opted to sign Mark LeVoir instead.
10/25: Chargers added Eric Young (back) to their practice squad.
Mike Karney had a tryout with the Falcons, who just lost Ovie Mughelli for the season.
George Selvie (who must have been cut by Carolina) tried out with the Lions.
10/24: Mortty Ivy update! Added (back) to Steelers PS. Like Young, and Nate Ness with the Rams, he's a
bouncer.
10/23: A great era in the NFL comes to an end: Saints waive Alex Barron from injured reserve.
10/20: Chauncey Washington tried out with the Lions, looking for RBs after Jahvid Best's concussion.
10/19: Chris Massey and Phil Trautwein had tryouts with the Patriots.
10/17: David Nixon tried out with the Giants.
10/14: The Rams officially waived Mikail Baker from injured reserve.
10/13: Massey tried out with the Giants.
10/12: Jagwires signed Schuylar Oordt to PS.
The NFL suspended Jimmy Kennedy for 4 weeks for violating the performance-enhancing drugs
policy. Though with the Rams, Kennedy's idea of a PED was a Big Mac. (rim shot)
With no apologies for my perverse enjoyment for scanning the waiver wire, I consider this feature caught up once again.
-$-
Well, we've got that going for us
An article by Dan Arkush in this week's Pro Football Weekly, in which he interviewed Chicago-based sports business consultant Marc Ganis, ranks the Rams as only the sixth-most-likely team to move to Los Angeles. Quoting the article:
The Rams remain on the L.A. radar screen because of an out clause in their stadium lease with the Edward Jones Dome in 2015 if the stadium isn't classified among the top 25 percent in the league. Rams owner Stan Kroenke's existing business partnerships with [billionaire Philip, the leading man behind a new 70,000-seat stadium in L.A.] Anschutz also add an element of intrigue.
But Ganis seriously doubts the Rams would consider returning to L.A.
"I negotiated the lease there, and I know for a fact that an out clause there would be a real process, if it's even possible," he said.
PFW's favorite to move (back) into Los Angeles? The Raiders. Also receiving votes: the Chargers, Vikings, Bills and Jagwires.
-$-
The Rams remain on the L.A. radar screen because of an out clause in their stadium lease with the Edward Jones Dome in 2015 if the stadium isn't classified among the top 25 percent in the league. Rams owner Stan Kroenke's existing business partnerships with [billionaire Philip, the leading man behind a new 70,000-seat stadium in L.A.] Anschutz also add an element of intrigue.
But Ganis seriously doubts the Rams would consider returning to L.A.
"I negotiated the lease there, and I know for a fact that an out clause there would be a real process, if it's even possible," he said.
PFW's favorite to move (back) into Los Angeles? The Raiders. Also receiving votes: the Chargers, Vikings, Bills and Jagwires.
-$-
Job security can be difficult to explain sometimes
In this faltering U.S. economy, where the job market has been tough for several years, it’s got to be great to be Stephen Spach.
Who’s Stephen Spach? He’s a St. Louis Ram, didn’t you know? While the Rams have thrown away half this season’s draft picks, Spach, in the vital role of fourth tight end, clings to a spot on the Rams’ roster as tenaciously as a sea barnacle to an old boat.
Stephen Spach has been on the Rams’ roster all season, but hasn’t been active since the first week. Why are the Rams cutting draft picks and continuing to suffer through thin roster depth at corner and d-tackle to keep a fourth tight end who’s been active once in six games? Is Stephen Spach this hidden awesome talent at a vital position who’s going to open up the Ram offense as soon as they get him ready, who the Rams will lose instantly to another team if they release him because of his vast untapped potential?
Live long and prosper, Spach, but I don’t think so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like Spach, Dominique Curry has job security on the Rams’ roster to rival Steven Jackson’s. And unlike Spach, Curry is at least an active member of the team, as a special teams player. One thing to note, though, is that Curry does nothing else, though I guess he’s technically the team’s seventh wide receiver. So, for that amount of specialization, what are the Rams getting out of Curry’s roster spot?
Week 1 – committed holding penalty on kickoff that started the Rams possession at their own 14. The drive ended with Josh Brown missing a 47-yard FG. Brown would be a lot more reliable from 37, no? No tackles.
Week 2 – made one tackle, stopping Devin Thomas at the 24 on one kickoff. Average play.
Week 3 – made one tackle, after Lardarius Webb muffed a punt. No gain. Good play.
Week 4 – Curry’s best game of the season. Tackled Brandon Banks after he muffed a punt return. 2-yard gain. Recovered one of Austin Pettis’ muffed punts. Crucial play. Tackled Banks for a 5-yard loss on another punt return. Excellent play. Downed a punt at the 2. Awesome. Also had a false start, but this is the kind of game you’re happy to get out of a specialist. Where’s this been all season?
Week 5 – the dreaded “active but no statistics” game. Hey, at least Spach had an excuse!
Week 6 – a second straight DABNS
So again, the Rams are cutting drafted players, shorting themselves at positions where they barely have any depth, all to keep a “specialist” who’s given them one good game, two ok games and arguably three bad games. Hasn't made a play in two weeks. Jabara Williams couldn’t do that (while also theoretically developing as a LB prospect)? Jonathan Nelson couldn’t do that? Hell, wasn’t Jermale Hines drafted to do that?
The Rams have had copious injuries and that no doubt has interfered with their roster plans. Still, I ask, is this good roster management?
-$-
Who’s Stephen Spach? He’s a St. Louis Ram, didn’t you know? While the Rams have thrown away half this season’s draft picks, Spach, in the vital role of fourth tight end, clings to a spot on the Rams’ roster as tenaciously as a sea barnacle to an old boat.
Stephen Spach has been on the Rams’ roster all season, but hasn’t been active since the first week. Why are the Rams cutting draft picks and continuing to suffer through thin roster depth at corner and d-tackle to keep a fourth tight end who’s been active once in six games? Is Stephen Spach this hidden awesome talent at a vital position who’s going to open up the Ram offense as soon as they get him ready, who the Rams will lose instantly to another team if they release him because of his vast untapped potential?
Live long and prosper, Spach, but I don’t think so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like Spach, Dominique Curry has job security on the Rams’ roster to rival Steven Jackson’s. And unlike Spach, Curry is at least an active member of the team, as a special teams player. One thing to note, though, is that Curry does nothing else, though I guess he’s technically the team’s seventh wide receiver. So, for that amount of specialization, what are the Rams getting out of Curry’s roster spot?
Week 1 – committed holding penalty on kickoff that started the Rams possession at their own 14. The drive ended with Josh Brown missing a 47-yard FG. Brown would be a lot more reliable from 37, no? No tackles.
Week 2 – made one tackle, stopping Devin Thomas at the 24 on one kickoff. Average play.
Week 3 – made one tackle, after Lardarius Webb muffed a punt. No gain. Good play.
Week 4 – Curry’s best game of the season. Tackled Brandon Banks after he muffed a punt return. 2-yard gain. Recovered one of Austin Pettis’ muffed punts. Crucial play. Tackled Banks for a 5-yard loss on another punt return. Excellent play. Downed a punt at the 2. Awesome. Also had a false start, but this is the kind of game you’re happy to get out of a specialist. Where’s this been all season?
Week 5 – the dreaded “active but no statistics” game. Hey, at least Spach had an excuse!
Week 6 – a second straight DABNS
So again, the Rams are cutting drafted players, shorting themselves at positions where they barely have any depth, all to keep a “specialist” who’s given them one good game, two ok games and arguably three bad games. Hasn't made a play in two weeks. Jabara Williams couldn’t do that (while also theoretically developing as a LB prospect)? Jonathan Nelson couldn’t do that? Hell, wasn’t Jermale Hines drafted to do that?
The Rams have had copious injuries and that no doubt has interfered with their roster plans. Still, I ask, is this good roster management?
-$-
Transactions: Rams toss out another draft pick
The Rams added veteran tackle Mark LeVoir to their roster Tuesday. This by itself is not a bad move; it’s even about as good as a midseason waiver wire move gets. LeVoir’s a former Ram and played for Josh McDaniels in New England. Couldn’t have been a much better fit out there. The Rams definitely needed to pick up a tackle after the injury to Jason Smith.
The other half of the transaction, though, deals another jab to Billy Devaney’s drafting reputation. In cutting LB Jabara Williams, the Rams have now cut half of their 2011 draft before even playing half of their 2011 season. Sure, the Rams may yet try to maneuver Williams to their practice squad (and they should – Williams showed promise in preseason), but make no mistake: the early results from the Rams 2011 draft have been dismal.
Round 1 – Robert Quinn has shown some elite-level tools, but has had nothing resembling the impact of fellow defensive rookies Ryan Kerrigan, Adrian Clayborn or Von Miller, even though Miller’s been benched in Denver. The Rams have a whole four tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery out of their first-round pick so far. Make no mistake, the lockout probably screwed Quinn more than anyone else in the draft, since he missed his senior season. But maybe the front office of a team that has fewer sacks than Jared Allen after six weeks should have thought of that and drafted a player who would be more pro-ready. I’m still on board with the Quinn pick, but it’s hurting this team this year.
Round 2 – Lance Kendricks has caught 12 passes for 173 yards but dropped at least six. He’s cost the team a couple of TDs for sure, and was so insignificant a part of last week’s game plan most Rams fans thought he’d been made inactive before the game. I would have beefed up the middle of the d-line instead of drafting Kendricks but he looks like a gifted player. The Rams probably needed a quicker contributor, though.
Round 3 – Austin Pettis looked like he might not make the team in training camp. He has 6 catches for 40 yards but has mostly been used as a punt returner, where he has mainly proved a danger to himself and others. Pettis has outstanding hands but struggles to get open, which the rest of the league appeared to know, judging from the marveling that the Rams took Pettis as high as they did. I was taking Mason Foster here – he hasn’t looked too bad at Tampa Bay. Pettis seemed to fit the Rams’ need for a big, sure-handed red-zone receiver. Is Pettis a failure of Rams scouting? Coaching? Maybe both.
Round 4 – Greg Salas may be the best of the Rams’ 2011 draft picks thus far. He has 15 catches for 158 and looks like a natural slot receiver. The Rams barely threw to him Sunday even though he broke both his catches for first-down gains. Early case of the drops may have made him hard to trust, but it’s time to start feeding him again.
Round 5 – Jermale Hines was cut and then lost to the Colts in an attempt to get him onto the practice squad. Not the greatest pick in retrospect. It was dumb of the Rams to blow a 5th-round pick on a player they were mainly projecting to play special teams. It’s not like they were hurting for in-the-box safeties, and there was no talk of converting Hines to a LB position. Wasted pick from the get-go.
Round 7a – Mikail Baker, another wasted pick. Terrible injury history in college. Seemed to be drafted as a kick returner, but I think the Rams actually thought he’d be a cornerback. He played ONE year there at Baylor. Big shock that Baker didn’t even make it through preseason without hitting the IR. I root for comeback stories as much as the next guy, but this was just a dumb pick. Update: the Rams waived Baker from injured reserve on the 14th.
7b – Jabara Williams, just cut, had a couple of tackles on special teams. Crossing fingers he makes it to the practice squad, it looked like he could play in preseason.
7c – Jonathan Nelson, cut to make practice squad room for Tom Brandstater and center Tim Barnes. I don’t get keeping a center over a DB given all the injuries the Rams have had at the position. And Nelson showed some ability in preseason. At least as much as Marquis Johnson ever did.
Could a 7-9 team last season with definitive weaknesses that kept it from success in 2010 afford to whiff on half its 2011 draft the way the Rams already have? I think going 0-6 and losing every game by an average of 28 to 9 answers that question.
I think we've also got a pretty strong indictment of this coaching staff's ability to coach its young players up. Almost everyone here was drafted with that idea. Trust our coaches with these guys. Our offensive guru's system will get the most out of them. Our defensive guru will develop his people into elite players.
Yeah, not working so far.
-$-
The other half of the transaction, though, deals another jab to Billy Devaney’s drafting reputation. In cutting LB Jabara Williams, the Rams have now cut half of their 2011 draft before even playing half of their 2011 season. Sure, the Rams may yet try to maneuver Williams to their practice squad (and they should – Williams showed promise in preseason), but make no mistake: the early results from the Rams 2011 draft have been dismal.
Round 1 – Robert Quinn has shown some elite-level tools, but has had nothing resembling the impact of fellow defensive rookies Ryan Kerrigan, Adrian Clayborn or Von Miller, even though Miller’s been benched in Denver. The Rams have a whole four tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery out of their first-round pick so far. Make no mistake, the lockout probably screwed Quinn more than anyone else in the draft, since he missed his senior season. But maybe the front office of a team that has fewer sacks than Jared Allen after six weeks should have thought of that and drafted a player who would be more pro-ready. I’m still on board with the Quinn pick, but it’s hurting this team this year.
Round 2 – Lance Kendricks has caught 12 passes for 173 yards but dropped at least six. He’s cost the team a couple of TDs for sure, and was so insignificant a part of last week’s game plan most Rams fans thought he’d been made inactive before the game. I would have beefed up the middle of the d-line instead of drafting Kendricks but he looks like a gifted player. The Rams probably needed a quicker contributor, though.
Round 3 – Austin Pettis looked like he might not make the team in training camp. He has 6 catches for 40 yards but has mostly been used as a punt returner, where he has mainly proved a danger to himself and others. Pettis has outstanding hands but struggles to get open, which the rest of the league appeared to know, judging from the marveling that the Rams took Pettis as high as they did. I was taking Mason Foster here – he hasn’t looked too bad at Tampa Bay. Pettis seemed to fit the Rams’ need for a big, sure-handed red-zone receiver. Is Pettis a failure of Rams scouting? Coaching? Maybe both.
Round 4 – Greg Salas may be the best of the Rams’ 2011 draft picks thus far. He has 15 catches for 158 and looks like a natural slot receiver. The Rams barely threw to him Sunday even though he broke both his catches for first-down gains. Early case of the drops may have made him hard to trust, but it’s time to start feeding him again.
Round 5 – Jermale Hines was cut and then lost to the Colts in an attempt to get him onto the practice squad. Not the greatest pick in retrospect. It was dumb of the Rams to blow a 5th-round pick on a player they were mainly projecting to play special teams. It’s not like they were hurting for in-the-box safeties, and there was no talk of converting Hines to a LB position. Wasted pick from the get-go.
Round 7a – Mikail Baker, another wasted pick. Terrible injury history in college. Seemed to be drafted as a kick returner, but I think the Rams actually thought he’d be a cornerback. He played ONE year there at Baylor. Big shock that Baker didn’t even make it through preseason without hitting the IR. I root for comeback stories as much as the next guy, but this was just a dumb pick. Update: the Rams waived Baker from injured reserve on the 14th.
7b – Jabara Williams, just cut, had a couple of tackles on special teams. Crossing fingers he makes it to the practice squad, it looked like he could play in preseason.
7c – Jonathan Nelson, cut to make practice squad room for Tom Brandstater and center Tim Barnes. I don’t get keeping a center over a DB given all the injuries the Rams have had at the position. And Nelson showed some ability in preseason. At least as much as Marquis Johnson ever did.
Could a 7-9 team last season with definitive weaknesses that kept it from success in 2010 afford to whiff on half its 2011 draft the way the Rams already have? I think going 0-6 and losing every game by an average of 28 to 9 answers that question.
I think we've also got a pretty strong indictment of this coaching staff's ability to coach its young players up. Almost everyone here was drafted with that idea. Trust our coaches with these guys. Our offensive guru's system will get the most out of them. Our defensive guru will develop his people into elite players.
Yeah, not working so far.
-$-
Recent practice squad moves
Sorry that my current job crush has left the blog out of date on some of the Rams’ recent roster moves. I can also blame NFL.com and ESPN.com for sucking at keeping track of transactions. Seriously, the league’s own website can’t be relied upon to keep track of league transactions? ProFootballWeekly.com now gets the nod.
QB Tom Brandstater was called up from the practice squad prior to the game in Dallas. PR Nick Miller was cut from the main roster to accommodate that move. Nate Ness had recently been cut from the Rams PS but re-claimed a spot after Brandstater’s call-up.
This is the Rams’ current practice squad per PFW, and God bless them for making the effort to keep track that the league’s and the team’s own websites won’t.
WR Kris Adams
C Tim Barnes
TE BEN GUIDUGLI
DT John Henderson
G Kevin Hughes
LB Scott Lutrus
T Ryan McKee
S Nate Ness
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QB Tom Brandstater was called up from the practice squad prior to the game in Dallas. PR Nick Miller was cut from the main roster to accommodate that move. Nate Ness had recently been cut from the Rams PS but re-claimed a spot after Brandstater’s call-up.
This is the Rams’ current practice squad per PFW, and God bless them for making the effort to keep track that the league’s and the team’s own websites won’t.
WR Kris Adams
C Tim Barnes
TE BEN GUIDUGLI
DT John Henderson
G Kevin Hughes
LB Scott Lutrus
T Ryan McKee
S Nate Ness
-$-
Rams injury report, 10/27
Injuries:
- Sam Bradford is almost certainly out for Sunday's blowout loss to the Saints. He may not even test his sprained left ankle out until Friday. He has gone from a walking boot to a harder cast back to a walking boot.
- Jason Smith is certainly out for Sunday. We have no long-term projection on Jason other than Jim Thomas' article today calling him "unlikely to return anytime soon". Besides the concussion, Smith's visit to a spinal specialist found he has a bruised neck but nothing structurally wrong.
- Dorell Darell Scott also remains sidelined by concussion. Neither he nor Smith were even in team meetings yesterday.
- Also sitting out yesterday: Danario Alexander (hamstring), Justin King (groin), Brady Poppinga (calf).
- C.J. Ah You (wrist) was a limited participant.
- Rodger Saffold and Jerious Norwood were sent home with the flu.
- No update: Mark Clayton, Marquis Johnson, Brian Jackson.
-$-
- Sam Bradford is almost certainly out for Sunday's blowout loss to the Saints. He may not even test his sprained left ankle out until Friday. He has gone from a walking boot to a harder cast back to a walking boot.
- Jason Smith is certainly out for Sunday. We have no long-term projection on Jason other than Jim Thomas' article today calling him "unlikely to return anytime soon". Besides the concussion, Smith's visit to a spinal specialist found he has a bruised neck but nothing structurally wrong.
- Dorell Darell Scott also remains sidelined by concussion. Neither he nor Smith were even in team meetings yesterday.
- Also sitting out yesterday: Danario Alexander (hamstring), Justin King (groin), Brady Poppinga (calf).
- C.J. Ah You (wrist) was a limited participant.
- Rodger Saffold and Jerious Norwood were sent home with the flu.
- No update: Mark Clayton, Marquis Johnson, Brian Jackson.
-$-
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Rams report, 10/26
* Don't ask me how, or why, but Sunday's home game against the Saints has sold out. So ha, ha, you people at home, you're stuck with this game, too. The Saints are 13-point favorites. I would pick them to double-cover. (I'd be 3-3 betting Rams games so far this year, were I stupid enough to try.)
* As far as the sellout, this could be a big weekend for Stan Kroenke. If there's a lot of Saint fans here, they're sure to be getting drunk, and on the league's most expensive beer at that. Jackpot!
* Here's where the Rams rank in the NFL after six glorious weeks:
Total points: DEAD LAST, we've already noted the Rams have scored fewer points ALL SEASON than the Saints did LAST WEEK. The Jagwires are 31st with 84 points to the Rams' 56, but they have a "game in hand". Think the Rams can score 28 in two weeks and catch up?
Me, neither.
The Rams are not quite on a pace to score 150 points THIS SEASON. Fifteen NFL teams have ALREADY scored 150 points.
CALVIN JOHNSON HAS OUTSCORED THE SAINT LOUIS RAMS BY HIMSELF. 60 to 56.
So have 8 kickers, and Olindo Mare is just a FG away.
Total offense: 28th
Passing offense: 23rd
Team passer rating: 29th
Sacks: TIED FOR DEAD LAST with Seattle, Rams QBs have been sacked 23 times.
Interceptions: Damn Feeley knocked the Rams into 2nd place. 49ers now lead the league with only 2 INTs.
Passing TDs: Still DEAD LAST with 3. Drew Brees threw FIVE TD passes LAST WEEK.
Yards per attempt: 30th
Rushing offense: 26th
Yards per carry: 16th (4.2)
Rushing TDs: Still TIED FOR DEAD LAST with 2, but it's a seven-way tie now.
Individual offensive brilliance:
Sam Bradford: still 30th-rated passer in the league. He did stay ahead of Blaine Gabbert this week. Then again, Sam didn't play. Bradford is 31st in the league in completion % but is tied for the lead with Jay Cutler for most times sacked. So, good thing Bradford isn't playing for Martz, he'd be getting killed, huh?
Steven Jackson: 28th in the league in rushing, 290 yards. Demarco Murray ran for 253 last week. Then again, Steven only gets to practice against the Ram defense, not play against it. Steven's 4.9 per carry does match league rushing leader Adrian Peterson, though.
Brandon Gibson: The Rams' leading receiver, who wasn't even active last week, is 62nd in the league with 17 catches, tied with immortals like Harry Douglas, Ben Obomanu and Legedu Naanee.
Danario Alexander: Leads the team in receiving yards with 296, good for 47th in the league.
Either of the Rams' leading receivers would rank SEVENTH ON THE SAINTS' ROSTER.
Points allowed: 31st on a per-game basis, 28.5 points a game. The Rams allow more points per half than the #1 Ravens do PER GAME.
Total defense: 29th
Rushing "defense": DEAD DEAD DEAD LAST. 183.8 yards a game and now 33 yards a game out of 31st place (Colts). The Rams allow more rushing yards in a half than FIVE NFL teams do PER GAME. Their 5.5 yards allowed per rush is also DEAD LAST in the league. Guess who's next? New Orleans.
Pass defense: Yards per game: 13th, which will surely improve, even, since every future opponent knows they'll never HAVE to pass against the Rams when they can run for 5.5 freaking yards per pop.
Yards per attempt: 15th
Pass completion % against: stunningly, 7th-BEST in the league. 55.7%.
QB rating against: 26th. Chalk that up to the Rams having given up the 2nd-most passing TDs (13).
Sacks: 26th, with 11. Jared Allen has more sacks than the entire Ram defense.
Interceptions: 23rd
Individual defensive brilliance:
Chris Long: Long has as many sacks as Clay Matthews! And Ndamukong Suh! Yeah, 3, good for 28th in the league. Draft busts Aaron Maybin and Amobi Okoye also have 3.
Special teams:
Donnie Jones: Only 23rd in the league in punting average, 19th in net. Look for Donnie to get McQuaided next summer.
Josh Brown: 7 makes in 9 attempts is only good for 25th-best FG%. He's tied with Rob Bironas and right ahead of Adam Freaking Vinatieri, though; not like those two are bad kickers. The Rams' scoring leader with 26 points, Josh ranks 50th in the league. He's 4 points behind Mike Tolbert, who is arguably San Diego's backup RB.
Miscellaneous:
Turnover ratio: 20th (-2)
Penalties: 19th
Wins: TIED FOR DEAD LAST
Losses: Tied for 31st, with Miami. Indianapolis "leads" with 7. The Colts may throw a parade their bye week. Meanwhile, it's completely possible the Rams could be the first team ever to go 0-16 and NOT draft first the following year!
-$-
* As far as the sellout, this could be a big weekend for Stan Kroenke. If there's a lot of Saint fans here, they're sure to be getting drunk, and on the league's most expensive beer at that. Jackpot!
* Here's where the Rams rank in the NFL after six glorious weeks:
Total points: DEAD LAST, we've already noted the Rams have scored fewer points ALL SEASON than the Saints did LAST WEEK. The Jagwires are 31st with 84 points to the Rams' 56, but they have a "game in hand". Think the Rams can score 28 in two weeks and catch up?
Me, neither.
The Rams are not quite on a pace to score 150 points THIS SEASON. Fifteen NFL teams have ALREADY scored 150 points.
CALVIN JOHNSON HAS OUTSCORED THE SAINT LOUIS RAMS BY HIMSELF. 60 to 56.
So have 8 kickers, and Olindo Mare is just a FG away.
Total offense: 28th
Passing offense: 23rd
Team passer rating: 29th
Sacks: TIED FOR DEAD LAST with Seattle, Rams QBs have been sacked 23 times.
Interceptions: Damn Feeley knocked the Rams into 2nd place. 49ers now lead the league with only 2 INTs.
Passing TDs: Still DEAD LAST with 3. Drew Brees threw FIVE TD passes LAST WEEK.
Yards per attempt: 30th
Rushing offense: 26th
Yards per carry: 16th (4.2)
Rushing TDs: Still TIED FOR DEAD LAST with 2, but it's a seven-way tie now.
Individual offensive brilliance:
Sam Bradford: still 30th-rated passer in the league. He did stay ahead of Blaine Gabbert this week. Then again, Sam didn't play. Bradford is 31st in the league in completion % but is tied for the lead with Jay Cutler for most times sacked. So, good thing Bradford isn't playing for Martz, he'd be getting killed, huh?
Steven Jackson: 28th in the league in rushing, 290 yards. Demarco Murray ran for 253 last week. Then again, Steven only gets to practice against the Ram defense, not play against it. Steven's 4.9 per carry does match league rushing leader Adrian Peterson, though.
Brandon Gibson: The Rams' leading receiver, who wasn't even active last week, is 62nd in the league with 17 catches, tied with immortals like Harry Douglas, Ben Obomanu and Legedu Naanee.
Danario Alexander: Leads the team in receiving yards with 296, good for 47th in the league.
Either of the Rams' leading receivers would rank SEVENTH ON THE SAINTS' ROSTER.
Points allowed: 31st on a per-game basis, 28.5 points a game. The Rams allow more points per half than the #1 Ravens do PER GAME.
Total defense: 29th
Rushing "defense": DEAD DEAD DEAD LAST. 183.8 yards a game and now 33 yards a game out of 31st place (Colts). The Rams allow more rushing yards in a half than FIVE NFL teams do PER GAME. Their 5.5 yards allowed per rush is also DEAD LAST in the league. Guess who's next? New Orleans.
Pass defense: Yards per game: 13th, which will surely improve, even, since every future opponent knows they'll never HAVE to pass against the Rams when they can run for 5.5 freaking yards per pop.
Yards per attempt: 15th
Pass completion % against: stunningly, 7th-BEST in the league. 55.7%.
QB rating against: 26th. Chalk that up to the Rams having given up the 2nd-most passing TDs (13).
Sacks: 26th, with 11. Jared Allen has more sacks than the entire Ram defense.
Interceptions: 23rd
Individual defensive brilliance:
Chris Long: Long has as many sacks as Clay Matthews! And Ndamukong Suh! Yeah, 3, good for 28th in the league. Draft busts Aaron Maybin and Amobi Okoye also have 3.
Special teams:
Donnie Jones: Only 23rd in the league in punting average, 19th in net. Look for Donnie to get McQuaided next summer.
Josh Brown: 7 makes in 9 attempts is only good for 25th-best FG%. He's tied with Rob Bironas and right ahead of Adam Freaking Vinatieri, though; not like those two are bad kickers. The Rams' scoring leader with 26 points, Josh ranks 50th in the league. He's 4 points behind Mike Tolbert, who is arguably San Diego's backup RB.
Miscellaneous:
Turnover ratio: 20th (-2)
Penalties: 19th
Wins: TIED FOR DEAD LAST
Losses: Tied for 31st, with Miami. Indianapolis "leads" with 7. The Colts may throw a parade their bye week. Meanwhile, it's completely possible the Rams could be the first team ever to go 0-16 and NOT draft first the following year!
-$-
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Rams report, 10/25
Injury updates:
* Jason Smith suffered a strained neck and a concussion trying to recover a fumble during the Rams’ 3-7 loss in Dallas Sunday. (RamView) He wore a neck brace on the flight home and yesterday morning as a precautionary measure. There’s still the possibility he will be checked out by a spine specialist, but the ongoing concern is the concussion, especially since Smith has a significant concussion history. I’d just assume him out of action until further notice.
* Darell Dorell Scott suffered a concussion Sunday while blocking on a kickoff return. He’ll also be monitored day by day. Again, I think it’d be safe to assume he’s out for at least the next game.
* Sam Bradford will test his sprained left ankle out again on Wednesday. He’s considered day-to-day.
* Danario Alexander strained a hamstring. His status is also day-to-day.
* Justin King became the ten millionth Rams cornerback injured this season. He for certain will not practice tomorrow due to a “relatively serious” groin injury.
* Brady Poppinga pulled up lame with a strained calf. He’s not expected to practice this week. I expect that means he’s out for Sunday.
* We won’t know if Mark Clayton or Marquis Johnson are coming off the PUP list until the end of the week. With Brian Jackson still considered out with his knee injury from the Packers game, the Rams are down to three healthy cornerbacks AGAIN and are probably going to have another job fair for the position this week.
Coming up:
* The Rams next play at home against the New Orleans Saints, who are coming off a 62-7 pasting of the still-winless Colts Sunday night. There’s no line on the game yet, I guess because Bradford’s status is up in the air enough. I personally would not be afraid to install the Saints as 25-point favorites. OK, maybe 23. They are on the road.
* Meanwhile, fantasy football players around the world are shaking in their boots and praying they’re not up against Drew Brees, or any other Saints, this weekend. My Yahoo! league team is up shit creek this week because Aaron Rodgers has a bye. Chase Daniel could be a viable replacement.
The Rams-suck update:
* Demarco Murray’s 253 yards Sunday wasn’t just an all-time Cowboys record. It’s also the most yards the Rams have ever allowed to any running back. I’m just saying, someone should have been fired on the plane ride home for this fiasco.
-$-
* Jason Smith suffered a strained neck and a concussion trying to recover a fumble during the Rams’ 3-7 loss in Dallas Sunday. (RamView) He wore a neck brace on the flight home and yesterday morning as a precautionary measure. There’s still the possibility he will be checked out by a spine specialist, but the ongoing concern is the concussion, especially since Smith has a significant concussion history. I’d just assume him out of action until further notice.
* Darell Dorell Scott suffered a concussion Sunday while blocking on a kickoff return. He’ll also be monitored day by day. Again, I think it’d be safe to assume he’s out for at least the next game.
* Sam Bradford will test his sprained left ankle out again on Wednesday. He’s considered day-to-day.
* Danario Alexander strained a hamstring. His status is also day-to-day.
* Justin King became the ten millionth Rams cornerback injured this season. He for certain will not practice tomorrow due to a “relatively serious” groin injury.
* Brady Poppinga pulled up lame with a strained calf. He’s not expected to practice this week. I expect that means he’s out for Sunday.
* We won’t know if Mark Clayton or Marquis Johnson are coming off the PUP list until the end of the week. With Brian Jackson still considered out with his knee injury from the Packers game, the Rams are down to three healthy cornerbacks AGAIN and are probably going to have another job fair for the position this week.
Coming up:
* The Rams next play at home against the New Orleans Saints, who are coming off a 62-7 pasting of the still-winless Colts Sunday night. There’s no line on the game yet, I guess because Bradford’s status is up in the air enough. I personally would not be afraid to install the Saints as 25-point favorites. OK, maybe 23. They are on the road.
* Meanwhile, fantasy football players around the world are shaking in their boots and praying they’re not up against Drew Brees, or any other Saints, this weekend. My Yahoo! league team is up shit creek this week because Aaron Rodgers has a bye. Chase Daniel could be a viable replacement.
The Rams-suck update:
* Demarco Murray’s 253 yards Sunday wasn’t just an all-time Cowboys record. It’s also the most yards the Rams have ever allowed to any running back. I’m just saying, someone should have been fired on the plane ride home for this fiasco.
-$-
Brilliant quote of the century
"We have got to solve the defensive issues. I think most of it can be solved by tackling."
- Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo
Rams Nation, this is why Steve Spagnuolo gets paid the big bucks.
-$-
- Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo
Rams Nation, this is why Steve Spagnuolo gets paid the big bucks.
-$-
Friday, October 21, 2011
Injury update, 10/21
Sam Bradford is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas, but he has not practiced all week, including today. He's been attempting dropback with the team trainer while wearing a brace on the injured left ankle. Realistically, he will be a game-time decision. I doubt he will play.
Mark Clayton and Marquis Johnson will both remain inactive for the Dallas game. Still too rusty from their long injury layoffs and probably not fully in game shape.
C.J. Ah You and Brian Jackson are both out for Sunday. Ah You due to his long-running wrist injury, Jackson due to a knee injury I believe he incurred in the Green Bay game. I believe Jackson is like the 12th corner the Rams have had who couldn't even get through a week without missing time due to injury.
Eugene Sims missed Friday practice due to migraines but is probable for Sunday.
-$-
Mark Clayton and Marquis Johnson will both remain inactive for the Dallas game. Still too rusty from their long injury layoffs and probably not fully in game shape.
C.J. Ah You and Brian Jackson are both out for Sunday. Ah You due to his long-running wrist injury, Jackson due to a knee injury I believe he incurred in the Green Bay game. I believe Jackson is like the 12th corner the Rams have had who couldn't even get through a week without missing time due to injury.
Eugene Sims missed Friday practice due to migraines but is probable for Sunday.
-$-
Rams rankings, 10/21
Here's how the Rams stack up in some of the NFL's most important categories after five games:
Offense
DEAD LAST in scoring. Should the Rams score 10 points in Dallas Sunday, they'll raise their season average (9.8).
25th in total yards
23rd in rushing yards per game, but tied for 11th in yards per carry (4.4). Hmm, maybe they should run more? Maybe not. They're tied for 30th in rushing TDs, with 1. You know who they're tied with? Dallas. The Chiefs are the only team without a running TD so far this season.
25th in passing yards per game, 30th in yards per pass at 6.0. In a passing game more committed to throwing downfield.
DEAD LAST in passing TDs, with 3. Didn't Aaron Rodgers throw for three TDs in the 2nd quarter last week?
Yes, they're also last in passing TDs per game.
WORST in sacks. The Rams are on a pace to allow a league-leading 70 sacks, 4.4 a game.
Sam Bradford is the 30th-ranked QB in the league with a passer rating of 72.2. He's 3.5 points behind Kyle Orton, who obviously just got benched, and barely ahead of Blaine Gabbert. It's depressing to see how badly some QBs are crushing Bradford. Matthew Stafford, drafted #1 the year before, will always be compared to Bradford? 98.2, 4th in the league. Cam Newton, drafted #1 the year after? 78.3 despite 9 INTs. Colt McCoy, 78.1. Tarvaris Jackson, 81.0. Donovan McNabb, who everyone agrees has been terrible this season? 82.9. Rookie Andy Dalton, 84.3. Michael Vick, 84.4. Curtis Painter, 93.0. ALEX FREAKING SMITH, 95.2.
On the bright side, just two INTs ties the Rams for BEST in the league, though the Colts, Vikings and 49ers have all matched that while playing an extra game. Seems like that would be a good statistic to lead the league in, but two of the four teams are winless and another is 1-5.
Defense
30th in scoring
30th in total yards per game
DEAD LAST in rushing yards per game (161.8), but they're within 22 of 31st place now (Carolina).
25th in yards per rush (4.8)
15th in passing yards per game, 17th in yards allowed per attempt (7.5)
25th in sacks (9)
21st in QB rating against (91.3)
22nd in interceptions (4)
Miscellaneous
The Rams have fallen to 9th in penalties committed, but they're 4th in penalties per game as I eyeball it.
18th in turnover differential (-1).
And last but not least, the Rams are #1 in something in the NFL..... most expensive beer. $9 for a small draft is the highest price in the league, according to a report in Business Insider this week. (reported in Sports Illustrated)
With so many reasons to drown our sorrows, wouldn't it be appropriate for the Rams to drop that price at least a little?
-$-
Offense
DEAD LAST in scoring. Should the Rams score 10 points in Dallas Sunday, they'll raise their season average (9.8).
25th in total yards
23rd in rushing yards per game, but tied for 11th in yards per carry (4.4). Hmm, maybe they should run more? Maybe not. They're tied for 30th in rushing TDs, with 1. You know who they're tied with? Dallas. The Chiefs are the only team without a running TD so far this season.
25th in passing yards per game, 30th in yards per pass at 6.0. In a passing game more committed to throwing downfield.
DEAD LAST in passing TDs, with 3. Didn't Aaron Rodgers throw for three TDs in the 2nd quarter last week?
Yes, they're also last in passing TDs per game.
WORST in sacks. The Rams are on a pace to allow a league-leading 70 sacks, 4.4 a game.
Sam Bradford is the 30th-ranked QB in the league with a passer rating of 72.2. He's 3.5 points behind Kyle Orton, who obviously just got benched, and barely ahead of Blaine Gabbert. It's depressing to see how badly some QBs are crushing Bradford. Matthew Stafford, drafted #1 the year before, will always be compared to Bradford? 98.2, 4th in the league. Cam Newton, drafted #1 the year after? 78.3 despite 9 INTs. Colt McCoy, 78.1. Tarvaris Jackson, 81.0. Donovan McNabb, who everyone agrees has been terrible this season? 82.9. Rookie Andy Dalton, 84.3. Michael Vick, 84.4. Curtis Painter, 93.0. ALEX FREAKING SMITH, 95.2.
On the bright side, just two INTs ties the Rams for BEST in the league, though the Colts, Vikings and 49ers have all matched that while playing an extra game. Seems like that would be a good statistic to lead the league in, but two of the four teams are winless and another is 1-5.
Defense
30th in scoring
30th in total yards per game
DEAD LAST in rushing yards per game (161.8), but they're within 22 of 31st place now (Carolina).
25th in yards per rush (4.8)
15th in passing yards per game, 17th in yards allowed per attempt (7.5)
25th in sacks (9)
21st in QB rating against (91.3)
22nd in interceptions (4)
Miscellaneous
The Rams have fallen to 9th in penalties committed, but they're 4th in penalties per game as I eyeball it.
18th in turnover differential (-1).
And last but not least, the Rams are #1 in something in the NFL..... most expensive beer. $9 for a small draft is the highest price in the league, according to a report in Business Insider this week. (reported in Sports Illustrated)
With so many reasons to drown our sorrows, wouldn't it be appropriate for the Rams to drop that price at least a little?
-$-
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rams report, 10/20
(I may have mentioned that work has been pretty crazy lately. That's not a bad thing, but it does leave me way behind in keeping up with the Rams' quest to become the second 0-16 team in NFL history. Got about an hour break here, let's see how much I can catch up.)
* Transactions. Obviously, the Rams have traded with Denver for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who I assume is starting Sunday against Dallas. He'll wear #83, and hopefully play nothing like the last guy I remember wearing that number here, Drew Bennett. The Rams will give Denver a 5th- or 6th-round pick next year depending on Lloyd's production. Since they just threw away their 5th-round pick in 2011 a couple of weeks ago, they probably feel like they got the infinitely better end of the deal.
Mike Sims-Walker was cut to make roster space for Lloyd. Jacksonville picked him up barely a couple of days later, a sign that the Jagwires may be the most desperate team at wide receiver in NFL history.
Let's see if I can track down the rest of the transactions made since I last had time to report...
In an attempt to make all right with the world again, the Rams brought TE/FB Ben Guidugli back to their practice squad September 29th. They'd cut him this time to clear a roster space for fifth-round pick Jermale Hines, but the Colts got to Hines first.
Safety Nate Ness was added to the practice squad October 9th, but was released Tuesday in favor of WR Gentleman Kris Adams. Chase Reynolds was cut when Ness was originally added. Adams was released from the Bears' practice squad last week.
Bradley Fletcher and Danny Amendola were put on IR October 10th, (ESPN says the 6th. I personally don't remember) ending their 2011 seasons. Their replacements are CB Brian Jackson and WR/PR Nick Miller. Miller was not active against the Packers and is likely to lose his spot when the Rams activate Mark Clayton from PUP.
* Ex-Ram update.
10/18: Baltimore waived OT Mark LeVoir.
Cleveland signed Chris Ogbannaya off of Houston's practice squad. Obie was briefly the Texans' #2 back, but Ben Tate and Derrick Ward are healthy again.
10/11: Jacksonville waived punter Matt Turk, whose career is probably over (he's 43). He helped lose a game for them the previous Sunday by shanking a 22-yard punt from his own end zone.
10/10: DT Daniel Muir returned to Indianapolis.
10/5: Indianapolis signed OT Quinn Ojinnaka. He's already moved into their starting lineup.
10/4: David Vobora is active again with the Seahawks at last word.
OK, back to work.
-$-
* Transactions. Obviously, the Rams have traded with Denver for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who I assume is starting Sunday against Dallas. He'll wear #83, and hopefully play nothing like the last guy I remember wearing that number here, Drew Bennett. The Rams will give Denver a 5th- or 6th-round pick next year depending on Lloyd's production. Since they just threw away their 5th-round pick in 2011 a couple of weeks ago, they probably feel like they got the infinitely better end of the deal.
Mike Sims-Walker was cut to make roster space for Lloyd. Jacksonville picked him up barely a couple of days later, a sign that the Jagwires may be the most desperate team at wide receiver in NFL history.
Let's see if I can track down the rest of the transactions made since I last had time to report...
In an attempt to make all right with the world again, the Rams brought TE/FB Ben Guidugli back to their practice squad September 29th. They'd cut him this time to clear a roster space for fifth-round pick Jermale Hines, but the Colts got to Hines first.
Safety Nate Ness was added to the practice squad October 9th, but was released Tuesday in favor of WR Gentleman Kris Adams. Chase Reynolds was cut when Ness was originally added. Adams was released from the Bears' practice squad last week.
Bradley Fletcher and Danny Amendola were put on IR October 10th, (ESPN says the 6th. I personally don't remember) ending their 2011 seasons. Their replacements are CB Brian Jackson and WR/PR Nick Miller. Miller was not active against the Packers and is likely to lose his spot when the Rams activate Mark Clayton from PUP.
* Ex-Ram update.
10/18: Baltimore waived OT Mark LeVoir.
Cleveland signed Chris Ogbannaya off of Houston's practice squad. Obie was briefly the Texans' #2 back, but Ben Tate and Derrick Ward are healthy again.
10/11: Jacksonville waived punter Matt Turk, whose career is probably over (he's 43). He helped lose a game for them the previous Sunday by shanking a 22-yard punt from his own end zone.
10/10: DT Daniel Muir returned to Indianapolis.
10/5: Indianapolis signed OT Quinn Ojinnaka. He's already moved into their starting lineup.
10/4: David Vobora is active again with the Seahawks at last word.
OK, back to work.
-$-
Rams injury report, 10/20
Sam Bradford - high left ankle sprain, suffered on the Rams' final offensive play of their 24-3 loss to the Packers last Sunday (RamView). Did not practice Wednesday. Says he believes the ankle is improving and that he wants to play Sunday against the Cowboys. Still in a walking boot.
All I know is, a high ankle sprain is usually a 4-6 week injury, and Sam's going to need healthy wheels to be able to get away from Demarcus Ware. And we saw how rushing players back to the field, or practice, worked for Danny Amendola.
Let A.J. Feeley take the pounding this week.
Mark Clayton - has returned to practice but has not been activated from the PUP list. But coach says he looks good, and Clayton says he's ready to go Sunday.
Marquis Johnson - a much needed body for the secondary, Johnson has also returned to practice. I am uncertain of his PUP status.
C.J. Ah You - Honestly, the d-line could use another body, too. Ah You has had the pins removed from his wrist, which he injured in preseason. But the pins were removed because he's got an infection in that hand now. Did not practice Wednesday.
Rodger Saffold - injured during the Green Bay game. That has been diagnosed as a bruised fibula. He returned to practice Wednesday.
Cadillac Williams - the Caddy was reportedly towed off the field in the second half last Sunday, then the Fox broadcast never followed up on the report. When a player gets carted off the field, you figure his season's over. Well, now we know Williams has a bruised thigh. He practiced Wednesday.
And in a (possible) correction from an earlier post, the right knee Bradley Fletcher blew out in practice a couple of weeks ago is apparently the same knee he blew out his rookie year. I had thought it was his left knee back then. It sure would be nice if the media would actually report which knee a player hurts at a given time. They all have two, you know. If he's blown out the same knee twice in three years, don't we have to wonder how much of a career he even has left? At best, Fletcher is now the Danario Alexander of the Ram secondary.
-$-
All I know is, a high ankle sprain is usually a 4-6 week injury, and Sam's going to need healthy wheels to be able to get away from Demarcus Ware. And we saw how rushing players back to the field, or practice, worked for Danny Amendola.
Let A.J. Feeley take the pounding this week.
Mark Clayton - has returned to practice but has not been activated from the PUP list. But coach says he looks good, and Clayton says he's ready to go Sunday.
Marquis Johnson - a much needed body for the secondary, Johnson has also returned to practice. I am uncertain of his PUP status.
C.J. Ah You - Honestly, the d-line could use another body, too. Ah You has had the pins removed from his wrist, which he injured in preseason. But the pins were removed because he's got an infection in that hand now. Did not practice Wednesday.
Rodger Saffold - injured during the Green Bay game. That has been diagnosed as a bruised fibula. He returned to practice Wednesday.
Cadillac Williams - the Caddy was reportedly towed off the field in the second half last Sunday, then the Fox broadcast never followed up on the report. When a player gets carted off the field, you figure his season's over. Well, now we know Williams has a bruised thigh. He practiced Wednesday.
And in a (possible) correction from an earlier post, the right knee Bradley Fletcher blew out in practice a couple of weeks ago is apparently the same knee he blew out his rookie year. I had thought it was his left knee back then. It sure would be nice if the media would actually report which knee a player hurts at a given time. They all have two, you know. If he's blown out the same knee twice in three years, don't we have to wonder how much of a career he even has left? At best, Fletcher is now the Danario Alexander of the Ram secondary.
-$-
Monday, October 17, 2011
Further details on Lloyd trade
* The Rams will give Denver a fifth- or sixth-round pick next year for Brandon Lloyd, depending on the number of catches he has here this season.
* Mike Sims-Walker has been released to allow the Rams to add Lloyd to the roster.
-$-
* Mike Sims-Walker has been released to allow the Rams to add Lloyd to the roster.
-$-
Rams acquire Brandon Lloyd
NFL.com is now reporting that the Denver Broncos will trade wide receiver Brandon Lloyd to the Rams. The Rams' end of the trade has not yet been reported. The assumption here is that the Rams will give up a 4th or 5th-round pick in 2012. The Broncos had opened the bidding around the league at a third-rounder but reportedly hadn't received any offers better than a 7th-rounder.
Lloyd led the NFL in receiving yards last season with 1,448 on 77 catches and scored 11 TDs. His 2011 numbers are nowhere near approaching that so far, just 19 catches and 283 yards in 5 games. He's 30 years old, 6'0, 188. 2010 was easily the best season of Lloyd's 9-year career, so it's worth noting Rams OC Josh McDaniels was Denver's head coach at that time. Lloyd's current contract expires at the end of this season; one assumes the Rams didn't trade for him without being close to an agreement on an extension.
This trade obviously re-unites Lloyd and McDaniels, and almost certainly spells the doom of Mike Sims-Walker's Rams career of dropping balls and forgetting where to line up.
-$-
Lloyd led the NFL in receiving yards last season with 1,448 on 77 catches and scored 11 TDs. His 2011 numbers are nowhere near approaching that so far, just 19 catches and 283 yards in 5 games. He's 30 years old, 6'0, 188. 2010 was easily the best season of Lloyd's 9-year career, so it's worth noting Rams OC Josh McDaniels was Denver's head coach at that time. Lloyd's current contract expires at the end of this season; one assumes the Rams didn't trade for him without being close to an agreement on an extension.
This trade obviously re-unites Lloyd and McDaniels, and almost certainly spells the doom of Mike Sims-Walker's Rams career of dropping balls and forgetting where to line up.
-$-
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Things I hope the Rams did during bye week (but probably didn't)
In no particular order...
1. Gave Chris Chamberlain and Bryan Kehl full opportunity to take over the starting job at WLB, where Ben Leber has put the "weak" back into "weakside". I'm not sure which of the younger players would win out, but I am sure that Leber doesn't deserve to be on this roster after his performance so far this season.
2. Prepped first-round pick Robert Quinn to take over the starting role at RDE. James Hall has not been effective enough this season but could probably contribute more in a spot role.
3. Got Lance Kendricks a new jersey number. The #88 thinks it's got Eddie Kennison in it again. Bad juju. Put Kendricks in #89, Dane Looker had pretty good hands. Then again, jersey juju doesn't explain why Greg Salas is off to such a crappy start in Rickey Proehl's old jersey.
4. Can't believe I'm saying this one. Got Austin Pettis ready to start in the slot. He's got the only reliable hands in the whole receiving corps; he needs to be on the field as often as possible.
5. Cut Mike Sims-Walker. He's useless, and he's bad luck. Yes, I know the Rams won't do this. But they should.
6. Spent about 80 hours in front of JUGS machines.
7. Got a veteran kick returner who actually knows how to play the position and judge things like whether or not he can catch a ball safely without getting creamed by a defender. The Rams signed Nick Miller during the bye week. Let's just say he does not fit the bill. From Paul Gutierrez at ProFootballTalk:
As far as Miller is concerned, he was respected in the locker room for his work ethic. But with the Raiders' depth at receiver, Miller had to stand out as a return specialist to validate his roster spot.
Instead, he struggled mightily on return duty, especially in Buffalo, where he slipped and fell several times and averaged just 15.3 yards on four kickoff returns and 9.5 yards on two punt returns.
1. Gave Chris Chamberlain and Bryan Kehl full opportunity to take over the starting job at WLB, where Ben Leber has put the "weak" back into "weakside". I'm not sure which of the younger players would win out, but I am sure that Leber doesn't deserve to be on this roster after his performance so far this season.
2. Prepped first-round pick Robert Quinn to take over the starting role at RDE. James Hall has not been effective enough this season but could probably contribute more in a spot role.
3. Got Lance Kendricks a new jersey number. The #88 thinks it's got Eddie Kennison in it again. Bad juju. Put Kendricks in #89, Dane Looker had pretty good hands. Then again, jersey juju doesn't explain why Greg Salas is off to such a crappy start in Rickey Proehl's old jersey.
4. Can't believe I'm saying this one. Got Austin Pettis ready to start in the slot. He's got the only reliable hands in the whole receiving corps; he needs to be on the field as often as possible.
5. Cut Mike Sims-Walker. He's useless, and he's bad luck. Yes, I know the Rams won't do this. But they should.
6. Spent about 80 hours in front of JUGS machines.
7. Got a veteran kick returner who actually knows how to play the position and judge things like whether or not he can catch a ball safely without getting creamed by a defender. The Rams signed Nick Miller during the bye week. Let's just say he does not fit the bill. From Paul Gutierrez at ProFootballTalk:
As far as Miller is concerned, he was respected in the locker room for his work ethic. But with the Raiders' depth at receiver, Miller had to stand out as a return specialist to validate his roster spot.
Instead, he struggled mightily on return duty, especially in Buffalo, where he slipped and fell several times and averaged just 15.3 yards on four kickoff returns and 9.5 yards on two punt returns.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A week to forget
Then the Rams lost Danny Amendola for the season, after he tore the triceps in his left arm, a re-aggravation of the dislocated elbow he suffered in week 1. Amendola was the one pushing to return to practice, but it was totally within the Rams' power to shut him down, and they should have, until he healed completely. Poor personnel decisions and performances at wide receiver made everyone too desperate here, and now it's cost the Rams their leading receiver for the rest of the season. It's the kind of decision a poorly-run organization makes when it's scrambling to cover its mistakes.
One of those poor mistakes, Mike Sims-Walker, apparently didn't feel like he'd done enough to screw this team with his repeated dropped passes and inability to line up properly or know what the play is half the time, so he took it upon himself to put the Rams' only good corner, Bradley Fletcher, out for the season. Fletcher blew an ACL after tangling with Sims-Walker during bye week practice. Yes, the Rams even suck during bye week. Knowing his skillset, Sims-Walker was probably trying to walk and chew gum at the same time, tripped over his own feet, and things went downhill from there.
Fletcher's left knee was blown out against the Colts his rookie year and it's his right knee that's blown out now. He came back quicker than normal from his first ACL injury, but odds here are that it'll be lucky if he's ready for the start of the 2012 season. And with Ron Bartell recovering from a broken neck, cornerback has leaped to the top of the Rams' needs not just for the rest of this season, but next offseason as well. They're going to need to make a major cornerback acquisition in free agency and draft one high, too, possibly with the pick we've all been thinking was meant for Justin Blackmon.
Only a team as lousy at this year's Rams could manage to lose two of their best players for the season during their freaking bye week. Even the defensive coordinator got injured!
Enjoy this one last Sunday of football tomorrow, before the Rams spoil things by playing the last twelve weeks.
-$-
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