Rams News Recap: Nov. 20

[RamBill]

Alec Ogletree is Back up to Speed –PD
With six games to go, it’s neck-and-neck once again for the team tackling title between linebackers James Laurinaitis and Alec Ogletree.

Chris Long Making Progress –PD
Defensive end Chris Long worked once again in an 11-on-11 setting at Thursday’s Rams practice. But coach Jeff Fisher wasn’t ready to say when Long might return.

Jeff Fisher: “Chris Long Getting Better Each Day” –Video

NFL Films Preview: Rams at Chargers –Video

James Laurinaitis, Davin Joseph Return to Practice –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams returned to practice Thursday, taking the workout outside into the chilly St. Louis weather. But they made it through the exercise and got a couple of players who rested Wednesday back on the field.

Les Snead on How the Win vs. Broncos Helps vs. Chargers –Audio

Bernie: What the Rams Are Playing For –Video

Bernie: Mason Sparks Rams’ Running Game
Rams coach Jeff Fisher had the right idea when he remade the team’s backfield by turning to rookie Tre Mason.

Gordon’s Tipsheet: Rams Make Strides While RG III Stumbles
The RG III Trade looks better for the Rams with each passing week.

Rams Looking for More From Punt Returns –Wagoner
Considering that the most exciting play from the St. Louis Rams this season came on a punt return featuring the height of creativity, it might sound strange but after 11 weeks, the Rams are still searching for the type of punt return game they’d hoped could regularly threaten opponents.

T.J. McDonald Carving His Own Path –Wagoner
The recent ascent of the St. Louis Rams’ defense has been expected if not overdue. But it’s no coincidence it has taken off in recent weeks at the same time some of its young cornerstones have begun coming into their own.

Morning Ram-blings: Examining ACLs –Wagoner
The ACL injury has become one of the most prevalent in all of sports over the years and nowhere has it been more obvious than the NFL.

Wired: Tavon Austin Mic’d Up For the Bronco Game –Video

Rams Coach Jeff Fisher on McLeod Penalty “Do it again.” –Video

Jim Thomas: Fisher Keeping Rams Fresh –Video

Rams GM Les Snead joins What The Hekk Wednesday –Audio

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: Prediction time
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/13905/morning-ram-blings-prediction-time-8

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- Last week, only the coach, Mike Ditka, was willing to put himself out there to predict the St. Louis Rams would beat the Denver Broncos. It paid off bigtime when the Rams pulled off the 22-7 upset.

Now that the Rams have once again proved they are capable of competing with (and beating) just about any team in the league, will the rest of the pundits sit up and take notice?

Let's take a cruise around the various prognostications here at ESPN.com as the Rams head to San Diego to play the Chargers.

This week's Insider's Edge comes with Mike Sando taking a statistical look at the Rams-Chargers matchup.

Our experts have a lot more love for the Rams this week.

The NFL Live crew makes its picks.

As always, my prediction will post a bit later Friday but (spoiler alert) let's say that I too have been persuaded by the Rams' recent efforts.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Thursday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we opened with a look at the ACL and a great story on Carson Palmer. ... We then went to the lighter side of things with a look at guard Davin Joseph's first haircut in 12 years. ... Rams safety T.J. McDonald is playing as well as any safety in the league right now. ... The Rams would like to get more from their punt return unit in the coming weeks. ... We closed the day with our usual injury roundup.

Elsewhere:

Chargers reporter Eric Williams explores how the Rams' defense slowed Denver in advance of Sunday's game against San Diego.

Kellen Clemens is leading the scout team for the Chargers as they prepare for the Rams.

NFL Nation columnist Kevin Seifert has some fun with the Playoff Machine and explores the chances of a 5-11 champion in the NFC South.

At 101sports.com, Anthony Stalter writes that the Rams have found their identity.

Despite the penalty, Jeff Fisher told Rodney McLeod to keep doing what he's doing when it comes to enforcing on the back end.

At stltoday.com, Bernie Miklasz discusses what could happen if the Rams beat San Diego.

Jim Thomas breaks down the recent defensive surge.