Rams-Cleveland recap

The Rams fell into a 17-0 hole thanks to an Isaiah Pead fumble and poor special teams and went on to lose 27-19 to the Browns in the preseason opener. The recap is on its way up now at ramview.com and has been up at the usual spots I post it since Friday afternoon. Think we're going to give up on the Usenet group, though, that place looks like a wasteland.

Positives: I was impressed with Sam Bradford. Thought the starting o-line pass-protected well and run-blocking was good. Chris Givens and Stedman Bailey popped at WR. Brian Quick's showing progress. Greg Zuerlein is already in top form, with 54- and 55- yard FGs.

Negatives: Rodger Saffold got beat badly on his second snap of the game and got injured. More below. Receivers had serious case of the drops, at least eight. Isaiah Pead was a wreck similar to what he was last preseason, fumbling his first carry and playing like he'd never attempted to return a kick in his life on special teams. Speaking of special teams, other than the kickers, they sucked. Returns were poor and they gave up a far-too-easy 91-yard punt return TD. Starting defensive line didn't even touch Brandon Weeden and the starting defense couldn't get the Browns, who opened with an eight-minute FG drive, off the field, missing tackles and blowing assignments.

Yes, that's a lot more negatives than positives, but I was still pretty happy with this first effort of preseason. Granted, my expectations were not very high, and things have to go up from here. But no reason to think they won't.

Injuries: I feared much worse, but Rodger Saffold has "just" a dislocated shoulder, and is only expected to miss one or two preseason games. Joseph Barksdale is now the starting right tackle, with Barrett Jones and Chris Williams also getting work over there in practice Saturday. Elsewhere on the injury list:
- Sammy Brown did not play Thursday, calf injury, current status unreported.
- Jermelle Cudjo's foot is out of the boot it has been in and he's closer to making a return. I'll bet he is. Did you see Conrath and Brodine Thursday night? Pretty impressive.
- Terrance Ganaway did not practice Saturday, leg injury.
- Matt Giordano did not practice Saturday, calf injury.
- Sean Hooey did not practice Saturday due to an ankle injury. He has a history of chronic ankle injuries; that and his bad outing Thursday night might be the writing on the wall, unfortunately.
- Andrew Helmick did not practice Saturday due to a hamstring injury, but we'll have to keep an eye on him as he appears to be coming along faster than originally projected.
- Lance Kendricks remains out due to his knee.
- Zac Stacy played Thursday but did not practice Saturday. He has been dealing with a leg injury.
- Jabara Williams did not play Thursday, hamstring injury, current status unreported.


I'll drop Matt Daniels from the list; he's been practicing since Monday and I imagine he's a go for Green Bay on the 17th.

Photo AP/ESPN.com

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