Rams News Recap: Oct. 15

[RamBill]

Rams Notes: Rookie DT Donald makes the most of first NFL start –PD
In his early-week evaluation of his squad’s 31-17 loss to the 49ers, Rams coach Jeff Fisher had high praise for rookie defensive tackle Aaron Donald following the first-round pick’s initial NFL start.

Jenkins Takes Blame, says ‘It won’t happen again’ –PD
After getting beaten for two touchdowns against San Francisco, including a backbreaking 80-yard score by Brandon Lloyd at the end of the second quarter, cornerback Janoris Jenkins wasn’t in the best of moods.

Rams injury report a little longer on Wednesday –Wagoner
Less than 48 hours after Monday night’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the St. Louis Rams’ injury report was a little longer Wednesday night as they began preparations for the Seattle Seahawks.

Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher & QB Austin Davis Transcripts: Oct. 15

The Jeff Fisher Show with GM Les Snead –Video

Austin Davis Disappointed in Performance Against 49ers –Wagoner
Moments after his team’s 31-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis had no interest in finger pointing or passing out blame for the Rams’ shortcomings.

A (Brian) Quick Start –Pearch
On a recent Friday afternoon following practice, a group of reporters huddled around the locker of Rams WR Brian Quick.

The Film Don’t Lie: What the Rams Must Fix –Wagoner
A weekly look at what the Rams must fix:

Three Plays That Defined Rams’ Loss to 49ers –Stalter
While providing the opening statement for his press conference on Monday night, it didn’t take Jeff Fisher long to cite the tipping point in the Rams’ 31-17 loss to the 49ers.

Morning Ram-blings: Ranking Non-Playoff Teams –Wagoner
In a little bit of an offshoot to the usual Tuesday Power Rankings, Bill Barnwell over at Grantland.com took some time to rank the teams who wouldn’t be in the playoffs if they started today.

Jeff Fisher on Florio’s Hot Seat? –Video

Could Tre Mason Spark Rams’ Running Game? –Video

In the Film Room with Jon Gruden: Austin Davis –Video

Rams OT Joe Barksdale: “We have to learn from this” –Video

 

[RamBill]

Morning Ram-blings: A lose-lose trade?
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/12687/morning-ram-blings-a-lose-lose-trade

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- We still aren't a full three years removed from the blockbuster trade the St. Louis Rams made with the Washington Redskins. All of the players selected from those draft picks are still in their formative years in the league and have plenty of developing to do.

On Wednesday, Washington Post writer Mark Maske took a look back at the trade. While he doesn't pass ultimate judgment on the deal, he makes a compelling case that as we sit here today, neither side could realistically be declared a winner.

And the bad news for both teams is that the competition isn't close because all of those players have performed well, but because of a lack of victories produced on the field. The Redskins and Rams are a combined 2-9 and neither appears headed toward a dramatic turnaround that would result in a playoff berth.

From the Rams' perspective, it's hard to argue that they've made the most of the opportunities that bounty of draft picks provided. They have added starters at multiple positions but none has turned into a difference-maker yet. That isn't to say that none of them will, rookie offensive lineman Greg Robinson has only just now become a starter and offers plenty of promise.

But the results on the field for both sides have been nothing short of disappointing for both sides.

I.C.Y.M.I.

A roundup of Wednesday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com: In the Ram-blings, we opened the day with a look at Bill Barnwell's rankings of the non-playoff teams as we sit here today. ... In this week's Buzz Video, I ponder whether running back Tre Mason is ready to give the running game a spark on a consistent basis. ... In the newest edition of "The Film Don't Lie," we took a closer look at the Rams' issues in pass protection. ... Quarterback Austin Davis put the blame on himself for Monday night's loss as he struggled in his first real test against a top defense. ... Finally, we closed the day with our weekly injury report.

Elsewhere:

John Clayton hits on a variety of topics in his weekly mailbag.
At 101sports.com, Anthony Stalter provides his weekly three plays that defined the Rams' loss to the Niners.
At stltoday.com, Jim Thomas writes that Rams coach Jeff Fisher is staying even keel after a rough start.
Joe Lyons offers Fisher's comments on the Rams' approach at running back.
At stlouisrams.com, Casey Pearce offers a good look at the growth of receiver Brian Quick in his third season.