Rams News Recap: Jan. 28

[RamBill]

From the outset, former Rams LT Orlando Pace had HOF Potential –PD
Very early in Orlando Pace’s NFL career, Rams offensive line coach Jim Hanifan called Pace into his office.

Spectacular Effort’ Would be Needed to Keep Rams, CVC Chairman Says –PD
The chairman of the region’s tourism bureau, landlord of the Edward Jones Dome, said on Wednesday that he believes the St. Louis Rams want to leave for Los Angeles.

Plays that shaped Rams’ season: No. 3 –Wagoner
Upset victories against the Denver Broncos and at the San Francisco 49ers in two of the previous three weeks renewed hopes that perhaps the St. Louis Rams could surge to the finish line and, at least, finish with their first winning season since 2003.

Examining Nick Foles As a Fit for the Rams –Wagoner
NFL teams can’t trade players or sign free agents or do business aside from dealing with the guys on their own roster or not in the league until the new league year starts March 10.

Bernie: Warner Hopes Rams Stay in STL
Kurt Warner’s unique NFL career took off in St. Louis, and he’ll always have special, sentimental feelings for the place that gave him his opportunity — which led to his fame, popularity and a Super Bowl ring.

Debating Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack for Defensive Rookie of the Year –Wagoner
The Oakland Raiderss and the St. Louis Rams’ seasons ended last month, but there is still some postseason intrigue involved for both of the non-playoff teams.

Rams Need More than QB/Talent to Compete with Seahawks –Stalter
The two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl have become a war of attrition for football fans.

Morning Ram-blings: Closer to a Move? –Wagoner
It’s been two whole days since we started the Ram-blings with something related to the St. Louis Rams’ potential relocation to Los Angeles.

Torry Holt Talks Rams in the ’99 Super Bowl –Audio

Adam Timmerman On Why He Would Love to Block for Marshawn Lynch –Audio

2014 NFL Season in 160 Seconds –Video

‘Sound FX': Best of the Playoffs –Video

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Ranking young talent
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/15849/morning-ram-blings-ranking-young-talent

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- For St. Louis Rams fans who might not have appreciated the Pro Football Focus study saying the team is 10 players away from being a Super Bowl contender, ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson offered a silver lining earlier this week.

In what's become an annual tradition, Williamson ranked the 32 NFL teams based on their 25-and-under talent. In those rankings, Williamson placed the Rams at No. 3 overall, citing the specific young talent on the defensive line.

The Rams have been one of the youngest teams in the league in each of the three years Jeff Fisher has been head coach. With the many extra draft picks they've accrued in that time, they've remained committed to not only being young but giving many of those young players extensive playing time.

Players like end Robert Quinn, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, safety T.J. McDonald, linebacker Alec Ogletree, offensive tackle Greg Robinson, cornerback E.J. Gaines and running back Tre Mason are just a handful of the key contributors still younger than 25.

Many of those players have either established themselves already or at least flashed promise for the future. Which is why my reaction to the PFF study was that the Rams might not be as far away as the study would indicate. While they still have work to do, many of the "above average" players could already be on the roster but just need a bit more seasoning to reach that level.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Wednesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we looked at the latest story on the Rams and Los Angeles. ... Oakland Raiders reporter Bill Williamson and I debated the race for Defensive Rookie of the Year. ... I then offered thoughts on the potential of Nick Foles as a quarterback solution for the Rams. ... The No. 3 play that shaped the Rams' season looked at Shaun Hill's costly interception in San Diego.

Elsewhere:

Good read from Greg Garber on who should get the most credit for the Patriots' run of success.

Also enjoyed this from Jeffri Chadiha on Marshawn Lynch.

At 101sports.com, Anthony Stalter examines how the Rams need to develop an identity to become contenders.

At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas participated in his weekly chat.

The debate about whether St. Louis can move forward on its stadium project without a public vote is just getting started.