Threads
-
To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.
Gonzalez: Special teams should remain a strength for Rams
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 1 Replies
Special teams should remain a strength for Rams
Alden Gonzalez
From now until the start of free agency on March 7, we've taken a position-by-position look at the Los Angeles Rams in eight installments. The Rams -- coming off a 4-12 season that prompted the hiring of rookie head coach Sean McVay -- have about $40 million in cap space but do not have a first-round draft pick. They also have a lot of needs, all of which can feel a little overwhelming without breaking it down by section. We'll do that here. Last but not least: special teams. (Previous: WR/TE, DL, OL, LB, RB, QB, D
Key returnees: P Johnny Hekker, PR Tavon Austin, LS Jake McQuaide
Notable free agents: K Greg Zuerlein, KR Benny Cunningham
Top free agents available (for now): Ks Phil Dawson, Steven Hauschka, Robbie Gould, Nick Novak, Connor Barth
Key stat: The Rams broke an NFL record by placing 51 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2016, with only one touchback. Hekker, invited to his third Pro Bowl, also led the NFL with a 46.0 net punting average, breaking his own single-season record. The Rams' punt coverage team allowed an average of 4.3 yards per punt return, the lowest in the league.
You can critique a lot about these Rams, but not on special teams. Their punter, Hekker, is the best in the business, someone who is also a threat with the pass on fourth down and someone who was worthy of effusive praise from the typically reticent Bill Belichick. Their kick returner, Cunningham, has averaged 27.1 return yards over the last three years, fifth-best in the NFL. Their punt returner, Austin, has returned three punts for touchdowns in his four-year career, with a handful of others called back because of penalties. Their kicker, Zuerlein, has one of the game's strongest legs, with two field goals of 60 yards or longer in his career. And the likes of Bradley Marquez, Chase Reynolds and Cody Davis are solid in coverage.
The Rams have a decision to make with Zuerlein, who returned on a one-year contract last offseason and improved his field-goal percentage from 66.7 in 2015 (dead last among those with at least 15 attempts) to 86.4 in 2016 (10th). They also have to think about Cunningham, who doubles as a valuable change-of-pace running back for Todd Gurley. If Cunningham doesn't return, Pharoh Cooper, a fourth-round pick out of South Carolina in 2016, could take over on kickoff returns. That will be up to the new coaches. And they'll make those decisions alongside longtime special-teams coordinator John Fassel, a team favorite and one of few holdovers from the Jeff Fisher staff.
“I’m very fortunate, really," Fassel, the interim coach for the final three games of the 2016 season, said of returning. "I’m super happy to be back. Coach McVay invited me back. It took about half a second to say yes because this is where I wanted to be. To be here with the new staff, it kind of feels like you’re joining a new team, even though I’ve been here now in my sixth year. It’s a fun, fresh start.”
[www.espn.com]
Alden Gonzalez
From now until the start of free agency on March 7, we've taken a position-by-position look at the Los Angeles Rams in eight installments. The Rams -- coming off a 4-12 season that prompted the hiring of rookie head coach Sean McVay -- have about $40 million in cap space but do not have a first-round draft pick. They also have a lot of needs, all of which can feel a little overwhelming without breaking it down by section. We'll do that here. Last but not least: special teams. (Previous: WR/TE, DL, OL, LB, RB, QB, D
Key returnees: P Johnny Hekker, PR Tavon Austin, LS Jake McQuaide
Notable free agents: K Greg Zuerlein, KR Benny Cunningham
Top free agents available (for now): Ks Phil Dawson, Steven Hauschka, Robbie Gould, Nick Novak, Connor Barth
Key stat: The Rams broke an NFL record by placing 51 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2016, with only one touchback. Hekker, invited to his third Pro Bowl, also led the NFL with a 46.0 net punting average, breaking his own single-season record. The Rams' punt coverage team allowed an average of 4.3 yards per punt return, the lowest in the league.
You can critique a lot about these Rams, but not on special teams. Their punter, Hekker, is the best in the business, someone who is also a threat with the pass on fourth down and someone who was worthy of effusive praise from the typically reticent Bill Belichick. Their kick returner, Cunningham, has averaged 27.1 return yards over the last three years, fifth-best in the NFL. Their punt returner, Austin, has returned three punts for touchdowns in his four-year career, with a handful of others called back because of penalties. Their kicker, Zuerlein, has one of the game's strongest legs, with two field goals of 60 yards or longer in his career. And the likes of Bradley Marquez, Chase Reynolds and Cody Davis are solid in coverage.
The Rams have a decision to make with Zuerlein, who returned on a one-year contract last offseason and improved his field-goal percentage from 66.7 in 2015 (dead last among those with at least 15 attempts) to 86.4 in 2016 (10th). They also have to think about Cunningham, who doubles as a valuable change-of-pace running back for Todd Gurley. If Cunningham doesn't return, Pharoh Cooper, a fourth-round pick out of South Carolina in 2016, could take over on kickoff returns. That will be up to the new coaches. And they'll make those decisions alongside longtime special-teams coordinator John Fassel, a team favorite and one of few holdovers from the Jeff Fisher staff.
“I’m very fortunate, really," Fassel, the interim coach for the final three games of the 2016 season, said of returning. "I’m super happy to be back. Coach McVay invited me back. It took about half a second to say yes because this is where I wanted to be. To be here with the new staff, it kind of feels like you’re joining a new team, even though I’ve been here now in my sixth year. It’s a fun, fresh start.”
[www.espn.com]
Simmons: Johnson Eager to Keep DL as Rams' Strength
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 7 Replies
Johnson Eager to Keep DL as Rams' Strength
By Myles Simmons
If there is any one of the Rams new position coaches with plenty to smile about, it’s Bill Johnson. As the new defensive line coach, Johnson’s taking over the group largely considered the club’s best strength over the last few years.
As a longtime NFL defensive line coach, Johnson plans on having his experience only enhance what’s already in place.
“We’ve been evaluating these guys for the last number of days and they’re really fun to watch,” Johnson said in a recent interview with therams.com. “I feel like it’s a privilege to be able to work with these guys, and see if maybe some of this experience can help one or two of them. But I think it’s a strong nucleus of this football team and that’s what we plan on keeping it that way.”
Johnson is coming off an eight-year stint as New Orleans’ defensive line coach, where he — like offensive line coach Aaron Kromer — was part of the staff to win Super Bowl XLIV. Prior to that, he held the same position for the Broncos and Falcons, coaching with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in Atlanta in 2002 and 2003. The familiarity with Phillips was part of what drew Johnson to join head coach Sean McVay’s staff in Los Angeles.
“Tn the NFL circles, you get to talk to a lot of people,” Johnson said. “And, obviously, Sean’s had a good reputation the last number of years and I sort of knew that he was on track. Age really doesn’t have anything to do with it. It’s knowledge and production — that’s the whole thing in this business.
And then Wade Phillips is a guy that I’ve worked with before, and that sure was a plus for me,” Johnson continued. “So I was excited about coming here with a brand new staff and all new people and start a new beginning.”
With Phillips as defensive coordinator, Johnson will have to help implement some changes to the front seven as L.A. moves to a 3-4 base defense. Johnson said his group will spend plenty of time working on fundamentals in order to prevent on-field errors.
“We’re going to make sure that with a new scheme — I think it’s going to be a multiple scheme, a pressure scheme, a scheme that’s going to fit a lot of these guys more than people think — is make sure they don’t make mistakes,” Johnson said.
One player Johnson is particularly excited to work with is defensive tackleAaron Donald
. While he may have a bit of a different function in Phillips’ 3-4, the defensive coordinator has said eh will do his best to put Donald in as many one-on-one situations as possible. And with Donald’s considerable skill, he should fare just fine.
“He’s a one-of-a-kind-type guy,” Johnson said. “He’s very violent, very strong. You’ve got some natural ability. And instincts play a big part in this. Not only does he have athletic ability, he has tremendous instincts. And that’s a pretty good formula for a football player.”
But for Johnson, the best aspect of his new position with Los Angeles may not have much to do with what’s on the field. Johnson’s son, Billy, is entering his fifth year in the Rams’ personnel department. Now, the father-son duo will get to work alongside one another in the same organization.
“When he finished playing ‘ball at Georgia, he had an opportunity to go to New Orleans, but I thought it was good for us to separate and he go his direction,” Johnson said. “But it just so happens we ended up on the same team. So we’re going to take advantage of that.”
[www.therams.com]
By Myles Simmons
If there is any one of the Rams new position coaches with plenty to smile about, it’s Bill Johnson. As the new defensive line coach, Johnson’s taking over the group largely considered the club’s best strength over the last few years.
As a longtime NFL defensive line coach, Johnson plans on having his experience only enhance what’s already in place.
“We’ve been evaluating these guys for the last number of days and they’re really fun to watch,” Johnson said in a recent interview with therams.com. “I feel like it’s a privilege to be able to work with these guys, and see if maybe some of this experience can help one or two of them. But I think it’s a strong nucleus of this football team and that’s what we plan on keeping it that way.”
Johnson is coming off an eight-year stint as New Orleans’ defensive line coach, where he — like offensive line coach Aaron Kromer — was part of the staff to win Super Bowl XLIV. Prior to that, he held the same position for the Broncos and Falcons, coaching with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in Atlanta in 2002 and 2003. The familiarity with Phillips was part of what drew Johnson to join head coach Sean McVay’s staff in Los Angeles.
“Tn the NFL circles, you get to talk to a lot of people,” Johnson said. “And, obviously, Sean’s had a good reputation the last number of years and I sort of knew that he was on track. Age really doesn’t have anything to do with it. It’s knowledge and production — that’s the whole thing in this business.
And then Wade Phillips is a guy that I’ve worked with before, and that sure was a plus for me,” Johnson continued. “So I was excited about coming here with a brand new staff and all new people and start a new beginning.”
With Phillips as defensive coordinator, Johnson will have to help implement some changes to the front seven as L.A. moves to a 3-4 base defense. Johnson said his group will spend plenty of time working on fundamentals in order to prevent on-field errors.
“We’re going to make sure that with a new scheme — I think it’s going to be a multiple scheme, a pressure scheme, a scheme that’s going to fit a lot of these guys more than people think — is make sure they don’t make mistakes,” Johnson said.
One player Johnson is particularly excited to work with is defensive tackleAaron Donald
. While he may have a bit of a different function in Phillips’ 3-4, the defensive coordinator has said eh will do his best to put Donald in as many one-on-one situations as possible. And with Donald’s considerable skill, he should fare just fine.“He’s a one-of-a-kind-type guy,” Johnson said. “He’s very violent, very strong. You’ve got some natural ability. And instincts play a big part in this. Not only does he have athletic ability, he has tremendous instincts. And that’s a pretty good formula for a football player.”
But for Johnson, the best aspect of his new position with Los Angeles may not have much to do with what’s on the field. Johnson’s son, Billy, is entering his fifth year in the Rams’ personnel department. Now, the father-son duo will get to work alongside one another in the same organization.
“When he finished playing ‘ball at Georgia, he had an opportunity to go to New Orleans, but I thought it was good for us to separate and he go his direction,” Johnson said. “But it just so happens we ended up on the same team. So we’re going to take advantage of that.”
[www.therams.com]
T-Hawks New 5 Round Mock Draft and Offseason
- By T-Hawks
- NFL DRAFT / COLLEGE FOOTBALL
- 5 Replies
I have been starting to dig into free agency and the draft. Here is some of the things that I think that the Rams should do. This is not every player that we should sign or draft. This is just some of my ideas for what the Rams should do this upcoming offseason.
Off season
Resign Trumaine Johnson CB - Rams
Trumaine Johnson should be resigned. He is a #1 CB for this team and his play is great. He has injury concerns, but we need a big physical corner to play on an island by himself in Wade's defense. This is my priority for free agency.
Sign Desean Jackson WR - Redskins
Jackson is coming to LA with Sean. Jackson is from the area and the Golden Bears can team up. Jackson has something this team is lacking. He is a deep threat receiver and he is very special.
Sign Ronald Leary OG - Cowboys
Leary does not have a place in Dallas. Leary immediately comes in and is a starting guard for our offensive line.
Sign Matt Kalil OT - Vikings
Matt has potential. Have him come in and compete with Greg Robinson for that LT spot. Maybe with Matt coming to play in his old college stadium will bring back his glory days.
NFL Draft
Round Two Pick - Jourdan Lewis CB - Michigan
Jourdan is a very impressive CB. He is my favorite player in the draft. He is ultra competitive and he sticks with his receivers like glue. He does not allow any completions. Trumaine and Jourdan will be our two starting cornerbacks for years to come.
Round Three Pick - Chris Godwin WR Penn State
Chris is a very impressive wide receiver. He catches every ball that comes to him. He is a good route runner and he runs very physically. Godwin reminds me a whole lot of Boldin.
Round Four Pick - Kyle Fuller C Baylor
We really need to replace Tim Barnes. Fuller will come in and replace Barnes this season. He is a very good center that should open up some space for Gurley to run.
Round Five - Kenny Golladay WR NIU
Golladay is great value here. He is very tall at 6-4 and he is very fast. I think he can be developed into something special. He was extremely productive at NIU.
WR - Desean Jackson, Chris Godwin, Tavon Austin, Mike Thomas, Kenny Golladay
OL- Matt Kalil, Rodger Saffold, Kyle Fuller, Ronald Leary, Rob Havenstein
LT LG C RG RT
CB- Trumaine Johnson, Jourdan Lewis
FS- Lamarcus Joyner
SS- Maurice Alexander
Off season
Resign Trumaine Johnson CB - Rams
Trumaine Johnson should be resigned. He is a #1 CB for this team and his play is great. He has injury concerns, but we need a big physical corner to play on an island by himself in Wade's defense. This is my priority for free agency.
Sign Desean Jackson WR - Redskins
Jackson is coming to LA with Sean. Jackson is from the area and the Golden Bears can team up. Jackson has something this team is lacking. He is a deep threat receiver and he is very special.
Sign Ronald Leary OG - Cowboys
Leary does not have a place in Dallas. Leary immediately comes in and is a starting guard for our offensive line.
Sign Matt Kalil OT - Vikings
Matt has potential. Have him come in and compete with Greg Robinson for that LT spot. Maybe with Matt coming to play in his old college stadium will bring back his glory days.
NFL Draft
Round Two Pick - Jourdan Lewis CB - Michigan
Jourdan is a very impressive CB. He is my favorite player in the draft. He is ultra competitive and he sticks with his receivers like glue. He does not allow any completions. Trumaine and Jourdan will be our two starting cornerbacks for years to come.
Round Three Pick - Chris Godwin WR Penn State
Chris is a very impressive wide receiver. He catches every ball that comes to him. He is a good route runner and he runs very physically. Godwin reminds me a whole lot of Boldin.
Round Four Pick - Kyle Fuller C Baylor
We really need to replace Tim Barnes. Fuller will come in and replace Barnes this season. He is a very good center that should open up some space for Gurley to run.
Round Five - Kenny Golladay WR NIU
Golladay is great value here. He is very tall at 6-4 and he is very fast. I think he can be developed into something special. He was extremely productive at NIU.
WR - Desean Jackson, Chris Godwin, Tavon Austin, Mike Thomas, Kenny Golladay
OL- Matt Kalil, Rodger Saffold, Kyle Fuller, Ronald Leary, Rob Havenstein
LT LG C RG RT
CB- Trumaine Johnson, Jourdan Lewis
FS- Lamarcus Joyner
SS- Maurice Alexander
Vikings not sure what to do with Sam Bradford beyond 2017
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 25 Replies
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...things-in-flux-with-sam-bradford-beyond-2017/
Rick Spielman: “Everything’s in flux” with Sam Bradford beyond 2017
Posted by Josh Alper on February 23, 2017
Getty Images
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said Thursday that the Vikings haven’t decided what they’ll do with running back Adrian Peterson and the same is true when it comes to quarterback Sam Bradford beyond the 2017 season.
Bradford is entering the final year of his contract and the uncertainty about Teddy Bridgewater’s health means that the Vikings will be picking up the $18 million cap hit. The Vikings traded first- and fourth-round picks for him following Bridgewater’s severe knee injury last summer, something Spielman said that he’d do “over in a second” given the position the Vikings were in.
He was less committal about what the team was thinking about for 2018. Spielman included Bradford among players whose contracts needed to be addressed, but gave no indication about the team’s plans.
“Everything’s in flux right now,” Spielman said, via Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “So, I’ll just leave it at that.”
Spielman said “everybody’s hoping” Bridgewater can play again, but that the quarterback hasn’t done any football drills at this point in his recovery. His progress in the coming months will likely play a role in any decision about Bradford’s future, although it will be hard to give up the bird in the hand should the Vikings find their way back to a winning record in 2017.
Rick Spielman: “Everything’s in flux” with Sam Bradford beyond 2017
Posted by Josh Alper on February 23, 2017
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said Thursday that the Vikings haven’t decided what they’ll do with running back Adrian Peterson and the same is true when it comes to quarterback Sam Bradford beyond the 2017 season.
Bradford is entering the final year of his contract and the uncertainty about Teddy Bridgewater’s health means that the Vikings will be picking up the $18 million cap hit. The Vikings traded first- and fourth-round picks for him following Bridgewater’s severe knee injury last summer, something Spielman said that he’d do “over in a second” given the position the Vikings were in.
He was less committal about what the team was thinking about for 2018. Spielman included Bradford among players whose contracts needed to be addressed, but gave no indication about the team’s plans.
“Everything’s in flux right now,” Spielman said, via Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “So, I’ll just leave it at that.”
Spielman said “everybody’s hoping” Bridgewater can play again, but that the quarterback hasn’t done any football drills at this point in his recovery. His progress in the coming months will likely play a role in any decision about Bradford’s future, although it will be hard to give up the bird in the hand should the Vikings find their way back to a winning record in 2017.
Downtown Rams Draft Profile: Colorado FS Tedric Thompson
- By JKBOGEN
- NFL DRAFT / COLLEGE FOOTBALL
- 5 Replies
Downtown Rams Draft Profile: Colorado FS Tedric Thompson
http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...ams-Draft-Profile-Colorado-FS-Tedric-Thompson
Our new massive series here at Downtown Rams will give you players that catch our eye. We will bring you bring you draft prospects, see where their fit is with the Rams and of course give you a player comparison.
Who is the 6-foot-1, 205 pound FS Tedric Thompson?
A big part of that lethal Colorado Buffaloes secondary, Thompson is the pure meaning of the term ball-hawk. Thompson had himself 13 career interceptions and 26 pass breakups, he by all accounts may have been college football's best cover safety over the last couple of years. Thompson has the ball skills that could make him standout immediately on an NFL football field. A man that doesn't have the crazy measurables by any stretch, makes up for it with his hard work and determination. It's worth noting this kid thought about quitting football due to his concussion, but he has continued to work hard and instill himself as one of the best players in the Pac 12 conference.
Strengths
Good size
Above average leaping ability
Ball skills so good, he looks like a WR high pointing the ball at times
High motor
Solid speed
Quicker than fast
Extremely reactionary
Strong, fluid athlete
Playmaker with the ball in his hands
Weaknesses
Lacks NFL range
Doesn't believe in his one on one tackling ability at times and will throw himself aggressively at the ball carrier
Not much of a hard hitting tackler
How does he fit with the Rams?
Tedric Thompson would likely be a quality day one starter at free safety and allow Maurice Alexander to go into his natural spot at strong safety if the Rams let T.J. McDonald leave. The Rams in my personal opinion are missing a play-maker who can change the game in a second and that is Thompson. I see his fit as a guy who can come in and be the final piece to building this secondary up to where it needs to be. Thompson would be one of the bigger strong safeties the Rams have had in the past. Think of Rodney McLeod. Now, think of a FS who can cover. (You shouldn't be thinking of McLeod anymore). Now, think of one that can intercept passes like he's catching the ball as a receiver? Nope there is no one on the Rams that comes to mind, because the Rams do not have that type of player on their roster. Thompson would definitely be a fit.
Draft Grade
2nd round-4th round
Player Comparison
Darian Thompson
I think Tedric Thompson compares to another Thompson who just finished his rookie year. Darian Thompson and Tedric Thompson both had the college waves by storm when they dominated college teams by picking off tons of passes. Both Thompson's are cover guys that have the hands, ball skills and instincts to intercept a pass. Darian had a year full of injury and struggle but make no mistake he will be a good player. Give him time. With Tedric I think he might be the better Thompson of the two of them. Regardless it is, and will remain close.
http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...ams-Draft-Profile-Colorado-FS-Tedric-Thompson
Our new massive series here at Downtown Rams will give you players that catch our eye. We will bring you bring you draft prospects, see where their fit is with the Rams and of course give you a player comparison.
Who is the 6-foot-1, 205 pound FS Tedric Thompson?
A big part of that lethal Colorado Buffaloes secondary, Thompson is the pure meaning of the term ball-hawk. Thompson had himself 13 career interceptions and 26 pass breakups, he by all accounts may have been college football's best cover safety over the last couple of years. Thompson has the ball skills that could make him standout immediately on an NFL football field. A man that doesn't have the crazy measurables by any stretch, makes up for it with his hard work and determination. It's worth noting this kid thought about quitting football due to his concussion, but he has continued to work hard and instill himself as one of the best players in the Pac 12 conference.
Strengths
Good size
Above average leaping ability
Ball skills so good, he looks like a WR high pointing the ball at times
High motor
Solid speed
Quicker than fast
Extremely reactionary
Strong, fluid athlete
Playmaker with the ball in his hands
Weaknesses
Lacks NFL range
Doesn't believe in his one on one tackling ability at times and will throw himself aggressively at the ball carrier
Not much of a hard hitting tackler
How does he fit with the Rams?
Tedric Thompson would likely be a quality day one starter at free safety and allow Maurice Alexander to go into his natural spot at strong safety if the Rams let T.J. McDonald leave. The Rams in my personal opinion are missing a play-maker who can change the game in a second and that is Thompson. I see his fit as a guy who can come in and be the final piece to building this secondary up to where it needs to be. Thompson would be one of the bigger strong safeties the Rams have had in the past. Think of Rodney McLeod. Now, think of a FS who can cover. (You shouldn't be thinking of McLeod anymore). Now, think of one that can intercept passes like he's catching the ball as a receiver? Nope there is no one on the Rams that comes to mind, because the Rams do not have that type of player on their roster. Thompson would definitely be a fit.
Draft Grade
2nd round-4th round
Player Comparison
Darian Thompson
I think Tedric Thompson compares to another Thompson who just finished his rookie year. Darian Thompson and Tedric Thompson both had the college waves by storm when they dominated college teams by picking off tons of passes. Both Thompson's are cover guys that have the hands, ball skills and instincts to intercept a pass. Darian had a year full of injury and struggle but make no mistake he will be a good player. Give him time. With Tedric I think he might be the better Thompson of the two of them. Regardless it is, and will remain close.
Rams announce "guess our games" contest
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 31 Replies
http://m.therams.com/s/30854/409?itemUri=40892409/14310414141210341021414812265
Fans May Enter at www.therams.com/guessourgamesthrough Friday, March 31
The Los Angeles Rams are launching the Guess Our Games contest, giving fans a chance to win one million dollars for correctly guessing the Rams 2017 schedule. Fans may visit www.therams.com/guessourgames to enter the contest through Friday, March 31.
In order to be eligible to win, a participant must properly identify each of the 16 Rams 2017 regular season games by picking the correct week of the NFL season and the day of week for each of the eight home and away contests. In addition, the Bye Week must be correctly selected.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter and only California residents are eligible to win. The contest is limited to one entry per person and email address.
ENTER HERE: GUESS OUR GAMES
Los Angeles Rams 2017 Regular Season Opponents
Home
Arizona Cardinals*
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints
Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Redskins
Away
Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee Titans
*Game to be played in London at Twickenham Stadium
Fans May Enter at www.therams.com/guessourgamesthrough Friday, March 31
The Los Angeles Rams are launching the Guess Our Games contest, giving fans a chance to win one million dollars for correctly guessing the Rams 2017 schedule. Fans may visit www.therams.com/guessourgames to enter the contest through Friday, March 31.
In order to be eligible to win, a participant must properly identify each of the 16 Rams 2017 regular season games by picking the correct week of the NFL season and the day of week for each of the eight home and away contests. In addition, the Bye Week must be correctly selected.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter and only California residents are eligible to win. The contest is limited to one entry per person and email address.
ENTER HERE: GUESS OUR GAMES
Los Angeles Rams 2017 Regular Season Opponents
Home
Arizona Cardinals*
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints
Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Redskins
Away
Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings
New York Giants
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee Titans
*Game to be played in London at Twickenham Stadium
The Dallas Cowboys are the team to beat in the NFC in 2017
- By CGI_Ram
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 13 Replies
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/h...boys-are-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-in-2017/
The Cowboys surprised most in 2016 by capturing the NFC’s top seed behind exceptional performances from rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. In 2017 they won’t surprise anyone, and it won’t matter. Dallas is the team to beat in the NFC.
This is more than a little premature; after all, NFL free agency will drastically alter the NFL landscape, and the Cowboys are proof about the difference the draft can make on a team’s immediate production.
It’s also very easy to look at the Cowboys and see a team with a huge window that just opened up. Adding Prescott and Elliott behind an offensive line anchored by an absurdly youthful group of studs -- Tyron Smith (26), Zach Martin (26), Travis Frederick (25) and La’el Collins (23) aren’t even in their primes yet -- completely flipped the script of how we believed this team would approach each season.
Jerry Jones was mortgaging the future for one last run with Tony Romo virtually every year and then he struck gold in the draft and set up the Cowboys for the long haul. The Cowboys should have a five-year Super Bowl window with this core of offensive players.
On the other hand, ask someone like Dan Marino how long a window in the NFL really lasts. In his second season in the NFL, Marino threw for more 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, leading Miami to the title game. The Dolphins would lose to the 49ers but surely they’d be back a few more times with their 23-year-old quarterback winging it around. Marino would never appear in another Super Bowl.
It’s a cautionary tale worth remembering, but one that might not really apply for Dallas, a team positioned to be the best in the NFC this year. Let’s examine why.
The offense is loaded for the long haul
The age and talent on offense for the Cowboys heading into 2017 is just incredible. Elliott is a top-five running back after just his first season. Despite a slow start, he led the league in rushing (1,631 yards), even though he also sat during Week 17.
He is fast, strong, an underrated catcher, a tremendous blocker and if he gets in the open field he is going to leave you hanging.
Elliott basically patented the “I’m more athletic than you” hurdle in his rookie season.
The only real concern for Elliott is the wear and tear of a long rookie season. He also led the NFL in carries (322) and the NFL has not been kind to running backs who blow past an admittedly arbitrary 300-carry number.
The Cowboys’ willingness to run Zeke like that in the regular season made their decision to limit his playoff carries (22, when he was averaging 5.7 yards per carry against the Packers’ nickel defense) even more surprising. Finding talented backups to lessen his regular-season load is a must to keep him healthy for the long haul and the future.
On the offensive line, there’s little change coming. Ronald Leary is a free agent and, at age 27, will probably find plenty of interested suitors on the market. The Cowboys thought about dealing Leary before the season for defensive help but held off -- and when Collins went down with a toe injury, they were bailed out in a big way. Doug Free (33) is the only lineman over 27 and has one more year left on his deal. The Cowboys need to continue finding depth in the draft and injury regression could be a concern, but by and large there is no reason to expect the offensive line to struggle in 2017.
If the line holds up its end of the bargain, there’s a trickle-down effect on the rest of the offense.
No sophomore slumps
It’s not unreasonable to be concerned with Prescott taking a step back. He was phenomenal for a quarterback, and not just a rookie quarterback. Prescott broke Tom Brady’s record for consecutive completions to start the season without an interception. Every step of the way, he managed to shrug off critics and step up his game in critical spots.
Even though he made plenty of rookie mistakes, Prescott showed a knack for recovering from them and pulling off clutch plays in big spots .
Nothing was too big for either Prescott or Elliott. Teams will have more time to adjust to the Cowboys’ offensive approach and could potentially limit Prescott. But if the Cowboys are doing what they want to do -- establish the run behind the offensive line with a healthy, dominant Elliott -- then good luck thinking about how to slow down the passing game.
None of this even mentions Dez Bryant. Bryant is still just 28 years old and he looked like his old dominant self for the second half of the season. He averaged five catches, 73 yards and a score in his final seven games (not counting Week 17 when the starters barely played).
A full season of dominant Dez should keep Dak from dropping off too much.
Room to improve the defense
The good news for the Cowboys is the limited losses on offense. Leary, Terrance Williams, Darren McFadden, Brice Butlerand Gavin Escobar are the most notable names leaving on that side of the ball.
Defensively it gets a little tougher. Even though Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne-- both acquired in 2012 during a hyper-aggressive offseason for Dallas -- never lived up to expectations, they are still starting bodies. Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox are free agents as well.
So there’s a lot of work to do. Good news: The Cowboys restructured several contracts to get underneath the projected cap. Bad news: They’re not too far under the projection . Releasing Romo will clear either $5.1 million or $12 million depending on whether Dallas designates him a post-June 1 cut (they could still trade him, but a release seems most likely).
After a Romo cut (post-June 1), Dallas would be at $151.8 million. Add in $5.3 million for the draft and the Cowboys are looking at about $10 million in cap space to work with in free agency. That’s sub-optimal.
That Jaylon Smith pick in the second round looks a lot more prudent right now, doesn’t it? Smith, a linebacker, won’t be playing in the secondary but he could be a “bonus” defensive addition.
The cornerbacks available in free agency actually represent a pretty strong class and there’s ample talent in the draft as well. So Dallas can retool on the fly.
Let’s not forget that the defense wasn’t great to begin with in 2016 either. The Cowboys were a below-average team on defense, but just barely -- Football Outsiders had them at 17th in defensive DVOA for 2016. Not every team is going to be loaded on both sides of the ball, and Dallas showed in 2016 it was capable of providing a defense that is better than the personnel (thanks Rod Marinelli) while also managing to have the offense assist said defense. Clock-chewing drives are your friend.
This is all a very friendly reminder not to judge any offseason moves before we see how they play out in the regular season. The Cowboys were widely expected to be in trouble at quarterback when Romo went down. We saw how that worked out.
The division isn’t drastically improving
The NFC East got a LOT better in 2016. Philadelphia was a frisky seven-win team. The Giants won double-digit games to make the playoffs. The Redskins should have joined them except Kirk Cousins laid a couple eggs late.
But is it getting better again this year?
The Redskins might lose some critical offensive pieces in free agency (Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon). Washington is going to spend half of the offseason trying to figure out whether Cousins is going to get a new contract. There’s a lot of potential loss in the front seven and the Redskins will need some strong work this offseason to make it a better group heading into next season.
The Eagles will have Carson Wentz in his second year, but there are worries about his mechanics and he’s still lacking in terms of weapons. Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham do not look like the answer. Zach Ertz was really good down the stretch but he needs to be more consistent. Philly really needs Lane Johnson to stay on the field.
The defense could be facing some turnover with expected cuts (Connor Barwin) and rumored trades (Mychal Kendricks). Every year is a roster roller coaster with Philadelphia.
The Giants outperformed their roster and Eli Manning didn’t look like himself last year. Odell Beckham got criticized for being on a boat, but he and Sterling Shepard are a strong point on this offense. The running game is not -- Adrian Peterson is perhaps in play, but is he a fit with how many three-wideout and shotgun sets they run? Jason Pierre-Paulcould be leaving in free agency, although that unit should still be dangerous because the secondary is one of the best in the league thanks to Janoris Jenkins, Landon Collins and Eli Apple. Losing a presence up front won’t help the back end however.
The East just doesn’t feel as wide open as it usually does this time of year. There’s a lot of ballgame left, but the Cowboys should be considered the frontrunners.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/h...boys-are-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-in-2017/
The Cowboys surprised most in 2016 by capturing the NFC’s top seed behind exceptional performances from rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. In 2017 they won’t surprise anyone, and it won’t matter. Dallas is the team to beat in the NFC.
This is more than a little premature; after all, NFL free agency will drastically alter the NFL landscape, and the Cowboys are proof about the difference the draft can make on a team’s immediate production.
It’s also very easy to look at the Cowboys and see a team with a huge window that just opened up. Adding Prescott and Elliott behind an offensive line anchored by an absurdly youthful group of studs -- Tyron Smith (26), Zach Martin (26), Travis Frederick (25) and La’el Collins (23) aren’t even in their primes yet -- completely flipped the script of how we believed this team would approach each season.
Jerry Jones was mortgaging the future for one last run with Tony Romo virtually every year and then he struck gold in the draft and set up the Cowboys for the long haul. The Cowboys should have a five-year Super Bowl window with this core of offensive players.
On the other hand, ask someone like Dan Marino how long a window in the NFL really lasts. In his second season in the NFL, Marino threw for more 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, leading Miami to the title game. The Dolphins would lose to the 49ers but surely they’d be back a few more times with their 23-year-old quarterback winging it around. Marino would never appear in another Super Bowl.
It’s a cautionary tale worth remembering, but one that might not really apply for Dallas, a team positioned to be the best in the NFC this year. Let’s examine why.
The offense is loaded for the long haul
The age and talent on offense for the Cowboys heading into 2017 is just incredible. Elliott is a top-five running back after just his first season. Despite a slow start, he led the league in rushing (1,631 yards), even though he also sat during Week 17.
He is fast, strong, an underrated catcher, a tremendous blocker and if he gets in the open field he is going to leave you hanging.
Elliott basically patented the “I’m more athletic than you” hurdle in his rookie season.
The only real concern for Elliott is the wear and tear of a long rookie season. He also led the NFL in carries (322) and the NFL has not been kind to running backs who blow past an admittedly arbitrary 300-carry number.
The Cowboys’ willingness to run Zeke like that in the regular season made their decision to limit his playoff carries (22, when he was averaging 5.7 yards per carry against the Packers’ nickel defense) even more surprising. Finding talented backups to lessen his regular-season load is a must to keep him healthy for the long haul and the future.
On the offensive line, there’s little change coming. Ronald Leary is a free agent and, at age 27, will probably find plenty of interested suitors on the market. The Cowboys thought about dealing Leary before the season for defensive help but held off -- and when Collins went down with a toe injury, they were bailed out in a big way. Doug Free (33) is the only lineman over 27 and has one more year left on his deal. The Cowboys need to continue finding depth in the draft and injury regression could be a concern, but by and large there is no reason to expect the offensive line to struggle in 2017.
If the line holds up its end of the bargain, there’s a trickle-down effect on the rest of the offense.
No sophomore slumps
It’s not unreasonable to be concerned with Prescott taking a step back. He was phenomenal for a quarterback, and not just a rookie quarterback. Prescott broke Tom Brady’s record for consecutive completions to start the season without an interception. Every step of the way, he managed to shrug off critics and step up his game in critical spots.
Even though he made plenty of rookie mistakes, Prescott showed a knack for recovering from them and pulling off clutch plays in big spots .
Nothing was too big for either Prescott or Elliott. Teams will have more time to adjust to the Cowboys’ offensive approach and could potentially limit Prescott. But if the Cowboys are doing what they want to do -- establish the run behind the offensive line with a healthy, dominant Elliott -- then good luck thinking about how to slow down the passing game.
None of this even mentions Dez Bryant. Bryant is still just 28 years old and he looked like his old dominant self for the second half of the season. He averaged five catches, 73 yards and a score in his final seven games (not counting Week 17 when the starters barely played).
A full season of dominant Dez should keep Dak from dropping off too much.
Room to improve the defense
The good news for the Cowboys is the limited losses on offense. Leary, Terrance Williams, Darren McFadden, Brice Butlerand Gavin Escobar are the most notable names leaving on that side of the ball.
Defensively it gets a little tougher. Even though Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne-- both acquired in 2012 during a hyper-aggressive offseason for Dallas -- never lived up to expectations, they are still starting bodies. Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox are free agents as well.
So there’s a lot of work to do. Good news: The Cowboys restructured several contracts to get underneath the projected cap. Bad news: They’re not too far under the projection . Releasing Romo will clear either $5.1 million or $12 million depending on whether Dallas designates him a post-June 1 cut (they could still trade him, but a release seems most likely).
After a Romo cut (post-June 1), Dallas would be at $151.8 million. Add in $5.3 million for the draft and the Cowboys are looking at about $10 million in cap space to work with in free agency. That’s sub-optimal.
That Jaylon Smith pick in the second round looks a lot more prudent right now, doesn’t it? Smith, a linebacker, won’t be playing in the secondary but he could be a “bonus” defensive addition.
The cornerbacks available in free agency actually represent a pretty strong class and there’s ample talent in the draft as well. So Dallas can retool on the fly.
Let’s not forget that the defense wasn’t great to begin with in 2016 either. The Cowboys were a below-average team on defense, but just barely -- Football Outsiders had them at 17th in defensive DVOA for 2016. Not every team is going to be loaded on both sides of the ball, and Dallas showed in 2016 it was capable of providing a defense that is better than the personnel (thanks Rod Marinelli) while also managing to have the offense assist said defense. Clock-chewing drives are your friend.
This is all a very friendly reminder not to judge any offseason moves before we see how they play out in the regular season. The Cowboys were widely expected to be in trouble at quarterback when Romo went down. We saw how that worked out.
The division isn’t drastically improving
The NFC East got a LOT better in 2016. Philadelphia was a frisky seven-win team. The Giants won double-digit games to make the playoffs. The Redskins should have joined them except Kirk Cousins laid a couple eggs late.
But is it getting better again this year?
The Redskins might lose some critical offensive pieces in free agency (Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon). Washington is going to spend half of the offseason trying to figure out whether Cousins is going to get a new contract. There’s a lot of potential loss in the front seven and the Redskins will need some strong work this offseason to make it a better group heading into next season.
The Eagles will have Carson Wentz in his second year, but there are worries about his mechanics and he’s still lacking in terms of weapons. Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham do not look like the answer. Zach Ertz was really good down the stretch but he needs to be more consistent. Philly really needs Lane Johnson to stay on the field.
The defense could be facing some turnover with expected cuts (Connor Barwin) and rumored trades (Mychal Kendricks). Every year is a roster roller coaster with Philadelphia.
The Giants outperformed their roster and Eli Manning didn’t look like himself last year. Odell Beckham got criticized for being on a boat, but he and Sterling Shepard are a strong point on this offense. The running game is not -- Adrian Peterson is perhaps in play, but is he a fit with how many three-wideout and shotgun sets they run? Jason Pierre-Paulcould be leaving in free agency, although that unit should still be dangerous because the secondary is one of the best in the league thanks to Janoris Jenkins, Landon Collins and Eli Apple. Losing a presence up front won’t help the back end however.
The East just doesn’t feel as wide open as it usually does this time of year. There’s a lot of ballgame left, but the Cowboys should be considered the frontrunners.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/h...boys-are-the-team-to-beat-in-the-nfc-in-2017/
-
Poll
Downtown Rams Draft Profile: Fordham TE Phazahn Odom
- By JKBOGEN
- NFL DRAFT / COLLEGE FOOTBALL
- 11 Replies
Downtown Rams Draft Profile: Fordham TE Phazahn Odom
http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...wn-Rams-Draft-Profile-Fordham-TE-Phazahn-Odom
Our new massive series here at Downtown Rams will give you players that catch our eye. We will bring you bring you draft prospects, see where their fit is with the Rams and of course give you a player comparison.
Who is the 6-foot-8, 250 pound TE Phazahn Odom?
He is a physical specimen who would be considered a project at the next level. Phazahn Odom is just the type of TE a team that wants to go vertical would want. With Odom, you see his raw talent and the potential to be a Julius Thomas type of player. Obviously the lack of competition is a concern and how raw of a TE he is but as a late round pick Odom fits the bill.
Strengths:
Tremendous size
Solid hands
Solid speed and acceleration
Versatility
Above average leaping ability
Ability to high point the ball
Above average blocker
Has the ability to re-adjust himself and contort his body in mid-air to make the catch
Creates considerable separation
Flashes the ability to beat his man off the line of scrimmage more often than not
Weaknesses:
Could use some more weight to go with his 6-foot-8 frame
Competition was lacking
Below average route runner
Has trouble staying low while engaged with his man on a block
Catching technique is flawed (as Matt Waldman of the RSP Portfolio points out in the video)
How does he fit with the Rams?
He would seem to be another project that could help down the line if worked with. There is no doubt if Odom is willing to learn and his coaches are willing to work with him and teach him how to run routes and stay low on his blocks. Odom could become a good tight end in the NFL. With Lance Kendricks, Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway on the depth chart, Odom would have to work real hard to make the 53-man roster if drafted. It will depend on what the new coaches think of the TE's on the roster now. Perhaps Odom would be a great option to stash on your practice squad and mold him into a future match up nightmare.
Draft Grade
6th round-UDFA
Player Comparison
Fendi Onobun
I actually see a lot of similarities. The former Rams drafted project pick Fendi Onobun had the potential you see with Phazahn Odom. Onobun just had a hard time putting it all together. He showed flashes of disruptive potential, but eventually it was too much. Odom is actually two inches taller and a much better blocker than Onobun was. If I were to bet I would say Onobun's career is Odom's floor at the moment, he has a chance to be much better. Still, both projects one failed and the other one could succeed. Time will tell...
http://www.downtownrams.com/single-...wn-Rams-Draft-Profile-Fordham-TE-Phazahn-Odom
Our new massive series here at Downtown Rams will give you players that catch our eye. We will bring you bring you draft prospects, see where their fit is with the Rams and of course give you a player comparison.
Who is the 6-foot-8, 250 pound TE Phazahn Odom?
He is a physical specimen who would be considered a project at the next level. Phazahn Odom is just the type of TE a team that wants to go vertical would want. With Odom, you see his raw talent and the potential to be a Julius Thomas type of player. Obviously the lack of competition is a concern and how raw of a TE he is but as a late round pick Odom fits the bill.
Strengths:
Tremendous size
Solid hands
Solid speed and acceleration
Versatility
Above average leaping ability
Ability to high point the ball
Above average blocker
Has the ability to re-adjust himself and contort his body in mid-air to make the catch
Creates considerable separation
Flashes the ability to beat his man off the line of scrimmage more often than not
Weaknesses:
Could use some more weight to go with his 6-foot-8 frame
Competition was lacking
Below average route runner
Has trouble staying low while engaged with his man on a block
Catching technique is flawed (as Matt Waldman of the RSP Portfolio points out in the video)
How does he fit with the Rams?
He would seem to be another project that could help down the line if worked with. There is no doubt if Odom is willing to learn and his coaches are willing to work with him and teach him how to run routes and stay low on his blocks. Odom could become a good tight end in the NFL. With Lance Kendricks, Tyler Higbee and Temarrick Hemingway on the depth chart, Odom would have to work real hard to make the 53-man roster if drafted. It will depend on what the new coaches think of the TE's on the roster now. Perhaps Odom would be a great option to stash on your practice squad and mold him into a future match up nightmare.
Draft Grade
6th round-UDFA
Player Comparison
Fendi Onobun
I actually see a lot of similarities. The former Rams drafted project pick Fendi Onobun had the potential you see with Phazahn Odom. Onobun just had a hard time putting it all together. He showed flashes of disruptive potential, but eventually it was too much. Odom is actually two inches taller and a much better blocker than Onobun was. If I were to bet I would say Onobun's career is Odom's floor at the moment, he has a chance to be much better. Still, both projects one failed and the other one could succeed. Time will tell...
Bad News for Hookers, I'll Have an Estradiol Chaser please, an Apple A Day Keeps Her H***Y....YAY!
Let them eat cake! Obese men last 1 minute 30 seconds LONGER in the bedroom, study says
PUBLISHED: 09:41 EST, 21 February 2017 | UPDATED: 09:42 EST, 21 February 2017
From diabetes to heart disease and a heightened risk of stroke, the dangers of carrying excess weight are well-documented.
But obesity may also have surprising benefits for men - especially when it comes to the bedroom.
Experts claim that those who have excess fat around their stomachs have better stamina during sex.
In fact, they last for one minute and 30 seconds more than their skinny counterparts, a study found.
Eat your heart out: Experts claim that those with an abundance of stomach fat and a higher BMI enjoy better stamina during sex
According to research conducted by Turkey's Erciyes University, there's a direct correlation between physical size and endurance.
The reason behind this is because overweight men have a higher presence of estradiol, a female sex hormone, which actually inhibits the male orgasm.
This result is similar to those provided by delay creams, which help suspend ejaculation by requiring more stimulus to climax.
Specifically, it adds a little longer onto a man's average for penetrative sex - with the duration being six minutes for most.
Waist size matters: The study also noted that patients with lifelong premature ejaculation also tended to be slimmer
The research, entitled Insight on pathogenesis of lifelong premature ejaculation: inverse relationship between lifelong premature ejaculation and obesity, also found a reverse pattern which seemed to substantiate their claims.
They noted how patients with lifelong premature ejaculation tended to be thinner - and that incident rates dropped as weight increased.
However, it seems that healthier eating works better for women.
A 2014 study at Santa Chiara Regional Hospital in Trento, Italy, found women eating apples daily had higher sex drives, increased arousal and more frequent orgasms than those rarely eating them.
The researchers said that chemicals called polyphenols — found in apples and most fruits — contribute to more oxygen-rich blood reaching the genitals during sex.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...-30-seconds-LONGER-bedroom.html#ixzz4ZRGVWayc
- Overweight men last 7.5 minutes in bed, compared to the 6 minute average
- This is thanks to a higher presence of estradiol, which inhibits the male orgasm
- Excess weight also heightens probability of stroke, heart disease and diabetes
PUBLISHED: 09:41 EST, 21 February 2017 | UPDATED: 09:42 EST, 21 February 2017
From diabetes to heart disease and a heightened risk of stroke, the dangers of carrying excess weight are well-documented.
But obesity may also have surprising benefits for men - especially when it comes to the bedroom.
Experts claim that those who have excess fat around their stomachs have better stamina during sex.
In fact, they last for one minute and 30 seconds more than their skinny counterparts, a study found.
Eat your heart out: Experts claim that those with an abundance of stomach fat and a higher BMI enjoy better stamina during sex
According to research conducted by Turkey's Erciyes University, there's a direct correlation between physical size and endurance.
The reason behind this is because overweight men have a higher presence of estradiol, a female sex hormone, which actually inhibits the male orgasm.
This result is similar to those provided by delay creams, which help suspend ejaculation by requiring more stimulus to climax.
Specifically, it adds a little longer onto a man's average for penetrative sex - with the duration being six minutes for most.
Waist size matters: The study also noted that patients with lifelong premature ejaculation also tended to be slimmer
The research, entitled Insight on pathogenesis of lifelong premature ejaculation: inverse relationship between lifelong premature ejaculation and obesity, also found a reverse pattern which seemed to substantiate their claims.
They noted how patients with lifelong premature ejaculation tended to be thinner - and that incident rates dropped as weight increased.
However, it seems that healthier eating works better for women.
A 2014 study at Santa Chiara Regional Hospital in Trento, Italy, found women eating apples daily had higher sex drives, increased arousal and more frequent orgasms than those rarely eating them.
The researchers said that chemicals called polyphenols — found in apples and most fruits — contribute to more oxygen-rich blood reaching the genitals during sex.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/a...-30-seconds-LONGER-bedroom.html#ixzz4ZRGVWayc
Gonzalez: Rams need to replenish depth in their secondary
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 13 Replies
Rams need to replenish depth in their secondary
By Alden Gonzalez
From now until the start of free agency on March 7, we'll take a position-by-position look at the Los Angeles Rams in eight installments. The Rams -- coming off a 4-12 season that prompted the hiring of rookie head coach Sean McVay -- have about $40 million in cap space but do not have a first-round draft pick. They also have a lot of needs, all of which can feel a little overwhelming without breaking it down by section. We'll do that here. Next up: the secondary. (Previous: WR/TE, DL, OL, LB, RB, Q
Key returnees: CB E.J. Gaines, CB Lamarcus Joyner, S Maurice Alexander, S Cody Davis, CB Troy Hill, CB Mike Jordan, CB Blake Countess
Notable free agents: CB Trumaine Johnson, S T.J. McDonald
Top free agents available (for now): S Eric Berry, CB Stephon Gilmore, CB A.J. Bouye, S Tony Jefferson, S Barry Church, S Logan Ryan, CB Morris Claiborne
Key stat: The Rams had a 1.7 percent interception rate in 2016, the seventh-lowest mark in the NFL and their worst since 2009. Johnson had 13 interceptions from 2013 to '15, tied for fourth in the NFL, and a career-high seven in 2015. But he intercepted only one pass in 2016.
The depth in the Rams' secondary has eroded rather quickly. Last offseason, they lost primary cornerback Janoris Jenkins and free safetyRodney McLeod and replaced both internally. This offseason, their new primary cornerback, Johnson, and their stalwart strong safety, McDonald, are headed for unrestricted free agency. There's a chance -- though perhaps a slim one -- that either one will be franchised. But the likely scenario is that the Rams try to bring them back at fair market value, or if they can't then simply move on.
Joyner, only 5-foot-8 but pound-for-pound one of the game's toughest players, emerged as a solid slot corner in 2016. But Gaines, a promising rookie in 2014 who then missed all of 2015 with a serious foot injury, was graded 107th out of 112 qualified cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. And the Rams didn't have much beyond that. Hill, Jordan and Countess, either undrafted or pushed aside by other teams, were next in line at cornerback. And Davis, primarily a special-teams contributor, was pressed into action when Alexander missed time at free safety.
Just as with the offensive line and the receiving corps, the Rams need to address their secondary this spring. They need to do it through free agency, a realm they haven't been very active in since Les Snead became general manager in 2012. And they need to do it through the draft, where they haven't taken a defensive back since 2014.
[www.espn.com]
By Alden Gonzalez
From now until the start of free agency on March 7, we'll take a position-by-position look at the Los Angeles Rams in eight installments. The Rams -- coming off a 4-12 season that prompted the hiring of rookie head coach Sean McVay -- have about $40 million in cap space but do not have a first-round draft pick. They also have a lot of needs, all of which can feel a little overwhelming without breaking it down by section. We'll do that here. Next up: the secondary. (Previous: WR/TE, DL, OL, LB, RB, Q
Key returnees: CB E.J. Gaines, CB Lamarcus Joyner, S Maurice Alexander, S Cody Davis, CB Troy Hill, CB Mike Jordan, CB Blake Countess
Notable free agents: CB Trumaine Johnson, S T.J. McDonald
Top free agents available (for now): S Eric Berry, CB Stephon Gilmore, CB A.J. Bouye, S Tony Jefferson, S Barry Church, S Logan Ryan, CB Morris Claiborne
Key stat: The Rams had a 1.7 percent interception rate in 2016, the seventh-lowest mark in the NFL and their worst since 2009. Johnson had 13 interceptions from 2013 to '15, tied for fourth in the NFL, and a career-high seven in 2015. But he intercepted only one pass in 2016.
The depth in the Rams' secondary has eroded rather quickly. Last offseason, they lost primary cornerback Janoris Jenkins and free safetyRodney McLeod and replaced both internally. This offseason, their new primary cornerback, Johnson, and their stalwart strong safety, McDonald, are headed for unrestricted free agency. There's a chance -- though perhaps a slim one -- that either one will be franchised. But the likely scenario is that the Rams try to bring them back at fair market value, or if they can't then simply move on.
Joyner, only 5-foot-8 but pound-for-pound one of the game's toughest players, emerged as a solid slot corner in 2016. But Gaines, a promising rookie in 2014 who then missed all of 2015 with a serious foot injury, was graded 107th out of 112 qualified cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. And the Rams didn't have much beyond that. Hill, Jordan and Countess, either undrafted or pushed aside by other teams, were next in line at cornerback. And Davis, primarily a special-teams contributor, was pressed into action when Alexander missed time at free safety.
Just as with the offensive line and the receiving corps, the Rams need to address their secondary this spring. They need to do it through free agency, a realm they haven't been very active in since Les Snead became general manager in 2012. And they need to do it through the draft, where they haven't taken a defensive back since 2014.
[www.espn.com]
David Vobora 2008 Draft Pick "Mr. Irrelevant"
- By manmaderam
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 1 Replies
I saw this on facebook today (It's a bit of a dated article but has resurfaced a lot lately) and thought it was a great message and everything so I thought I would share.
Original Source: http://usmclife.com/2016/09/former-nfl-athlete-starts-gym-help-wounded-warriors/
Former NFL athlete starts gym to help wounded warriors
By USMC Life|September 13th, 2016|News|0 Comments
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Login to view embedded media
Fixing broken spirits: This former NFL player created a specialty gym to train and rehabilitate disabled veterans.
…”I’m walking in the boot prints of the men in front of me. Pushing off with my right foot. My left foot’s off the ground and kaboom — everything goes black from all the smoke and dirt flying in the air.” Brian, a Marine amputee featured in the video.
“I’ve had over 30 surgeries. I can’t even describe how much that stuff hurt. And you go and you tell them, “Hey, this still hurts.” And they’re like “Well, you’re abusing your meds”, and I’m like… “I’m going to go buy heroin.” ” — Brian, a Marine vet featured in film.
“The time when I stopped in that parking lot, he [Brian] was severely addicted to heroin. He just got out a second detox and was going to bed every single night with a pistol next to his body. He felt like he couldn’t be the Marine that he was when he left our country to go serve, he was broken. Completely broken, a place that I was familiar with.” — NFL retired athlete David Vobora.
Vobora had a a gym downtown and asked the Marine vet to work with him, even though he’d never trained an adaptive athlete.
The two worked out together every day for 3 months.
“After going there regularly, getting stronger, getting healthier, my body pain decreased tremendously. My confidence levels changed. It all became a lot more feasible… I can do this, this isn’t impossible.”
Original Source: http://usmclife.com/2016/09/former-nfl-athlete-starts-gym-help-wounded-warriors/
Former NFL athlete starts gym to help wounded warriors
By USMC Life|September 13th, 2016|News|0 Comments
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Login to view embedded media
Fixing broken spirits: This former NFL player created a specialty gym to train and rehabilitate disabled veterans.
…”I’m walking in the boot prints of the men in front of me. Pushing off with my right foot. My left foot’s off the ground and kaboom — everything goes black from all the smoke and dirt flying in the air.” Brian, a Marine amputee featured in the video.
“I’ve had over 30 surgeries. I can’t even describe how much that stuff hurt. And you go and you tell them, “Hey, this still hurts.” And they’re like “Well, you’re abusing your meds”, and I’m like… “I’m going to go buy heroin.” ” — Brian, a Marine vet featured in film.
“The time when I stopped in that parking lot, he [Brian] was severely addicted to heroin. He just got out a second detox and was going to bed every single night with a pistol next to his body. He felt like he couldn’t be the Marine that he was when he left our country to go serve, he was broken. Completely broken, a place that I was familiar with.” — NFL retired athlete David Vobora.
Vobora had a a gym downtown and asked the Marine vet to work with him, even though he’d never trained an adaptive athlete.
The two worked out together every day for 3 months.
“After going there regularly, getting stronger, getting healthier, my body pain decreased tremendously. My confidence levels changed. It all became a lot more feasible… I can do this, this isn’t impossible.”
We can all relax now, Tom Brady's jersey has been found...in Mexico
- By Prime Time
- RAMS / NFL TALK
- 41 Replies
Login to view embedded media View: https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/834119973421379588
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...rsey-listed-as-worth-500000-on-police-report/
Tom Brady’s stolen jersey listed as worth $500,000 on police report
Posted by Mike Florio on February 21, 2017
As the hunt for Tom Brady’s Super Bowl LI jersey continues, the authorities have attached an official value to the item: $500,000.
That’s the number appearing on the police report posted on Twitter by James Palmer of NFL Media. And that matters for reasons beyond media coverage or hype; the value makes the crime a first degree felony under Texas law.
The number meshes with an estimate provided by Ken Goldin of Goldin Associates. As a practical matter, the item has limited value because anyone who buys it can’t display it without risk of the authorities seizing it.
The item remains missing, and the bigger issue could be that folks with access to NFL locker rooms have had sticky fingers for years when it comes to game-used memorabilia.
Regardless of whether Brady’s jersey is found, the NFL needs to beef up its efforts to secure property that, as Brady’s jersey demonstrates, can be extremely valuable.
