Rams News Recap: August 4

[RamBill]

Burwell: Rams Have Ability, Experience to Match Expectations
Three years ago when he arrived here with the heady title of “franchise savior” of the St. Louis Rams, it felt as though the biggest part of Jeff Fisher’s new job was far more that of a persuasive salesman than an ingenious football coach.

‘Bobblehead’ Quinn Aims to Keep the Sacks Coming –PD
By a mere one-half sack, Robert Quinn missed becoming the inaugural winner of the Deacon Jones Award, which goes to the NFL’s sack champion.

Rams Notes: Rodney McLeod Emerges as Leader –PD
Since joining the Rams as an undrafted free agent in May 2012, safety Rodney McLeod has made steady progress.

Practice Recap: Plenty of Pops –St.LouisRams.com
The first game week of the season is upon us, and the Rams looked like they were ready to hit another team on Monday. Yes, it’s only preseason, but St. Louis will take on New Orleans Friday night for the team’s first live action of 2014.

Nate Latsch’s Rams Day 9 Camp Report
The Rams had their most spirited practice of training camp on Monday afternoon at Rams Park, including their first fight of camp.

Jim Thomas Talks Rams Training Camp and the First Game –Radio Interview

Rams Report: Scuffle Between Joyner and Pettis Highlights Feisty Workout –PD
With the heat and humidity back to normal August levels, the Rams went through a spirited and somewhat contentious workout before a crowd of 1,003 Monday afternoon at Rams Park.

Rams Camp Report: Day 9 –Wagoner
A daily review of the hot topics coming out of St. Louis Rams training camp:

Gregg Williams Still Sorting Through Options –Wagoner
Much is expected of the St. Louis Rams’ defense in 2014. The Rams have spent the past three offseasons bolstering the talent on that side of the ball, regularly spending premium picks to keep building.

Rams Release Unofficial Depth Chart –Latsch
The Rams released an unofficial depth chart on Monday afternoon in release of their preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints on Friday.

Jeff Fisher’s Post Practice Press Conference Transcript: Aug. 4

Coach O’s Rams Training Camp Report: August 4

Jim Fadler’s Training Camp Report: August 4

Twitter Reports of Rams Training Camp Practice: Aug. 4

Will Witherspoon Outlines Rams’ keys to Success –Radio Interview

Rookie Diary: Aaron Hill Makes the Most of his First Playing Time at the Dome –PD
Aaron Hill was a three-sport standout at Lutheran St. Charles High who walked on at the University of Minnesota, where he started three seasons and helped the Golden Gophers earn trips to bowl games in 2012 and 2013.

Gordon: So far, So good in Rams Camp
The Rams spent their first full week of training camp blending rookies with veterans on the practice field.

Setting Up Rams’ Preseason Week One –Wagoner
It’s not the same as the start of the regular season but if nothing else, we’ve finally arrived at the start of football. Real, actual football began Sunday night when the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills started the preseason in the Hall of Fame game.

St. Louis Rams’ Projected Roster –Wagoner
Examining the St. Louis Rams’ roster

Morning Ram-blings: Donald’s Impact –Wagoner
It’s no secret that St. Louis Rams rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald has impressed in his first NFL training camp.

Nick Wagoner “Still Most Fascinated by the Rams Defense” –Radio Interview

What Should You Expect From Tavon Austin? –ESPN Video

Bernie: Rams Offense on the Rise –Video

Wired: Rams CB Janoris Jenkins Wears A Helmet Cam –Video

One-on-One with Rams Rookie DB Maurice Alexander –Video

Who Could be the Next Rams Hall of Famer? –Video

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Defensive hope
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/10186/morning-ram-blings-defensive-hope

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams are betting big on their defense to take the next step in 2014, something that has been well known since coach Jeff Fisher made the move to get Gregg Williams as coordinator in the offseason.

Plenty has been written and said about that group already in this camp but let's add another insightful piece to the list, shall we? Over at Grantland on Monday, Robert Mays delved into the Rams' great defensive aspirations for the season.

I don't really need to add much here since I have been and will continue writing and talking about the team's efforts to build one of the league's top defenses. But the piece is certainly worth a read to get another perspective on what the Rams are trying to do and how they're trying to do it.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Monday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we began the day with a look at some more national love for rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald. ... This week's roster projection comes with little in the way of tweaks but some positional battles are trending in the direction of change. ... From there, we set up the rest of the week as the Rams head toward their preseason opener. ... Next, we delved into the on-going development of Williams' defense and where it's headed. ... We closed the day with our camp report from the team's ninth practice.

Elsewhere:

For the fantasy footballers out there, Eric Karabell examines Tavon Austin's role heading into the season.

At stltoday.com, Jeff Gordon writes that the Rams are on track during this camp.

Jim Thomas says receiver Stedman Bailey is off to a strong start but the Rams will miss him in September.

Joe Lyons offers the latest update from undrafted rookie linebacker Aaron Hill's pursuit of a roster spot.

At cbssports.com, Jason LaConfora provides his view on all things Rams after a quick stop in St. Louis.