St. Louis Rams defense huddle. (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

The home season finale at the Edward Jones Dome didn’t go quite as planned. The score at half time ballooned to 30-7 and the Rams got lost searching for their missing offense. They’ve had a habit of starting games slowly and this time the deficit was too big to overcome.

All Day Made The Rams Pay

I fully expected the Rams to win Sunday. I knew Vikings powerhouse running back Adrian Peterson would run on the Rams. With that being said, I didn’t think I’d witness a 212-yard spanking. He did almost half of the damage on two runs in the second half: 82 yards that resulted in a TD and 52 yards that ended with a 51-yard field goal by kicker Blair Walsh. In all fairness to the Rams defense they did hold Peterson in check for a good portion of the game. It’s just that when he did break a couple of runs he really gored them.

The Usual Penalties 

The Rams offense drudged through the first quarter on their way to eight penalties. So last week’s two flags were the anomaly. Four false starts by the offensive line (seriously who gets called for false starts at home?!),  holding calls on left tackle Rodger Saffold, and my personal favorite the unsportsmanlike conduct taunting flag on wide receiver Brandon Gibson.

Just when the Rams have you believing they are headed in the right direction they take a detour the next game. This latest loss may have directed them out of the playoffs.

» Continue reading “36-22 Loss To Vikings Detours Rams Playoff Chances”

Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Smell that?  That’s the luscious and most intoxicating aroma of a Rams victory Monday.  It only happened twice last season so I can understand if taking a whiff of it is jolting.  But isn’t it great?

See that?  It’s the Edward Jones Dome being sold out for the season home opener filled with fans doning Fisher Staches and a slew of other Rams gear to honor their new head coach and their new look team.

Hear that?  That’s the sound of tens of thousands of Rams fans screaming, stomping, and cheering on their team.  The dome hasn’t rocked like that in a long time.  It was evident even when I was watching the game back the next day.  The fans were dialing it up when the Redskins were on offense.

Taste that?  It’s the sweet flavor of success and I’m hoping to be a repeat customer in the weeks to come.

The St. Louis Rams defeated the Bob Griffin lead Washington Redskins to 28-31.  Yes, you read that number correctly.  Your once bungling St. Louis Rams have scored 54 points in the past two games.  In fact, in 2011, it took the Spags-McDaniels lead squad until week 6 to score 49 points and week 7 to put up 56 points.

It’s only been two games but the Rams have come a long long way since Coach Fisher and Coach Schottenheimer have taken over this offense.  I like where this team is headed.

So let’s see how the Rams answered by Five Questions for week 2.

Q1) Which random pieces will make up what we like to call the Rams offensive line?

» Continue reading “Rams Defeat Redskins 28-31 On Fisher Stache Day”

Rams Teammates Gather A Prayer Circle For Rodger Saffold (Personal Photo)

This is not the same old Rams. Yes, they lost the game with two minutes left in the game. Yes, Sam Bradford went down and took a sack to end the game. Yes, we had the false start, stupid personal foul, and offensive holding. But this is not the same old Rams.

The guys at Turf Show Times asked how I’d describe the new 2012-2013 Rams in one word. My answer:

Fisher.

This was just after a third Rams defensive player intercepted Lions QB Matthew Stafford. CB Janoris Jenkins, LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, and CB Cortland Finnegan (Pick 6) all new Fisher additions to the team.

These Rams are competitive and actually got my heart pumping and my stomach churning – in a good way.  The old Rams just made me take down some pillars.

» Continue reading “Rams Lose 27-23 In A Close One Against The Lions”

Rams OT Jason Smith. 10/23/11 (Courtesy of STLouisRams.com)

With many NFL teams starting to roll out their first team depth charts it seems like the Rams are doing the exact opposite.  Especially when it comes to the offensive line.

Are the Rams trying to keep everyone else guessing or is it that they themselves are not sure who plugs up which gap?

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with competition and using that edge but at some point I’d like to see some of these moving segments come together to form a real line.

It’d also be nice to see that line hold so quarterback Sam Bradford doesn’t get a close up view of the playing surface compared to his first two years in the Rams backfield.

Jim Fadler’s Practice Report –Aug. 9

Jim Fadler (a.k.a. @jimirmsboy) has an excellent review of Thursday’s Rams Camp.  Here are his notes about the offensive line.

Focus of much angst and fury today in the local press. Honestly when I have focused on the line it has not by and large been on (Jason) Smith. What I have seen of him was a vast improvement over some of his previous pass blocking. He has always had a balance and footwork problem which (offensive line coach Paul) Boudreau interprets as attacking too much and not letting the play come to him.

(Barry) Richardson has talent but has always lacked discipline. In the past his play has been erratic and resembles our old friend Alex Barron in terms of penalties.

Joe Long took most of the reps at left tackle with Kevin Hughes and Rok(evious Watkins) at guards. Tim Barnes who whiffed badly several times in running plays played center and Ryan Mckee and Jose Valdez split reps at right tackle. The ones and twos got in there early but those guys took the majority of the reps.  Read more at Rams_News.com >>>>

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: Friday Edition”

St. Louis Rams

Good morning.  Here are your daily news links as we slowly start getting into football mode for the preseason.  You’ll find some oldies but goodies (Oh look, the Rams have concerns to the usual suspects and positions.) and a nice recap of Monday’s practice.

There’s also information regarding a tweetup today after the links so make sure you check that out.

As usual, Alexander is battling - Danario Alexander is the best and worst kind of story at any NFL training camp.  The Rams wide receiver is the guy with the irresistible tale that everyone wants to root for because you know what he’s gone through to get here. But it’s also the star-crossed story that ultimately breaks your heart because pro football’s cruel and impatient nature has no time to wait on the happy ending we all want for the former Mizzou star.  ”He obviously has some talent,” coach Jeff Fisher said. “But we just have to keep him out there.”  Read more at St. Louis Post-Dispatch >>>>

St. Louis Rams Training Camp: Recap of Monday’s Practice - The St. Louis Rams returned to the practice field on Monday after a day off.  The team held its annual scrimmage on Saturday, billing it as “Fan Fest” and holding the event at the Edward Jones Dome for the first time in the franchise’s 18-year stay in St. Louis.  Held out of Saturday’s glorified practice were center Scott Wells, offensive tackles Ryan McKee and Rodger Saffold, rookie fullback Todd Anderson, tight ends Lance Kendricks and Deangelo Peterson, and running back Daryl Richardson.  All but Wells practiced on Monday. The only other player not to participate was defensive tackle Trevor Laws. Read more at Bleacherreport.com >>>> 

Rams’ defensive backfield getting healthier - The Rams were getting so low on cornerbacks for a while during training camp that coach Jeff Fisher cut out a period in practice.  ”We were a little nervous last week towards the end,” Fisher said.  But as expected, three cornerbacks and four defensive backs total returned to the field Monday as the Rams got back to work following a day off Sunday.  Cornerbacks Josh Gordy, Jerome Murphy and Kendric Burney returned, as did safety Darian Stewart. They all took part in 11-on-11 work during Monday afternoon’s practice at Rams Park after being sidelined a few days last week mainly because of general leg soreness and tight hamstrings. Read more at St. Louis Post-Dispatch >>>> 

On an event note, if you’re in town please make sure you come out to Rams Camp today.  Practice is open to the public and starts at 3:30 p.m. at the ContinuityX Training Center in Earth City.  Afterwards, the guys from Turf Show Times is hosting a tweetup with special guests Rams “President” Kevin Demoff and Rams General Manager Les Snead.  If we’re lucky @LesSneadHair may make an appearance, too.  Okay, he probably won’t but hey, a girl can dream.

QB Drills at 07/29/12 Rams Camp (Personal Photo)

Before heading out to Rams Camp I asked Rams fans who or what position they were interested in hearing about.  Most popular requests were Sam Bradford, WR’s, OLB, CB’s, and the O-line.  Less requested but equally as important are the special teams guys – kickers, kick return guys, and snappers.  No one asked for a punter preview which was disappointing because punters are (football) people, too.  Even the face of NFL Network, Rich Eisen, agrees.  (If you don’t know this about me already I’m a huge fan of Rich Eisen.  So this was a nice surprise.)

» Continue reading “Rams Training Camp Day One Notes”

Rams Mini-Camp June 2012 (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Here are some first hand observations from Rams mini-camp which was held June 14-16 in Earth City. (The weather pretty much held up the first couple of days. They were especially nice because Tuesday and Wednesday they took place late afternoon. Thursday’s practice was midday so the heat seemed a bit worse.)

From the first day of mini-camp: Tuesday

– DNP and/or limited action: Center Scott Wells (excused absence as well as what coach Jeff Fisher finally said was partly due to a knee scope; Wells is expected back healthy in time for training camp), cornerback Cortland Finnegan (who was seen leaving OTAs last week with a left hand injury), and tight ends Mike Hoomanawanui (did light workouts on the sidelines) and Lance Kendricks (left practice with an apparent hand injury, according to Rams writer Nick Wagoner).

– Undrafted free-agent rookie running back Nick Schweiger made his full-squad debut today as Dartmouth finally graduated its seniors over the weekend.

– Speaking of Schweiger, he and fellow rookie running back Isaiah Pead looked to be getting some extra reps as they both play catch-up after missing a good chunk of OTAs.

– Sam Bradford and wide receiver Greg Salas connected on what looked like a beautiful fingertip catch by Salas. The Hawaii product also showed some tight footwork during the catch.

–It looked like tackles Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold were getting some good work (not full contact) in this afternoon – a very good sign for Bradford.

» Continue reading “NOTES FROM RAMS JUNE 2012 MINI-CAMP”

May 2012 OTA's (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

It’s the middle of May but by midday you could already get the feeling of the summer training camp weather that awaits the 2012 Rams.  Luckily for them pads weren’t required so the noon heat was bearable.  It will be a completely different and drenched story come July and August though.  Most of the rookies won’t know what hit them as they trudge through the thick wetness of a humid St. Louis summer.  Muhahaha.

Wednesday was the first day media was allowed to observe practice but it was actually the second day of OTA’s (organized team activities) for the entire squad.  Yes, the Rams were finally able to get together as a team.  Well, minus their defensive coordinator (cough, Gregg Williams, cough) and a few absent players.

» Continue reading “Rams Full Squad OTA Notes”

A second chance for Jason Smith. (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Yes, people this is really Jason Smith and he’s really back on the practice field.  He’s got a new look on the outside and a new look on life on the inside.

Personally, I have nothing against Mr. Smith.  If anything I was against his return for his own sake.  I’ve been saying the same for new Broncos QB Peyton Manning – don’t mess with head and neck injuries.  Be careful guys…  Please.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: Jason Smith Returns, Bradford & Blackmon”

It's getting to be about that time...

(Please welcome, Wynnde, a new contributor here at The Pigskin Arch.  She’ll be sharing her vast football knowledge and insight with us as we go through the draft and anticipate the start of the 2012 season.)

In a way, I wish the Rams needed a quarterback.  If they did, their first round pick would be a no-brainer.  Cancel the trade with the Redskins and the Rams would sprint to the podium on April 26^th to turn in their card for the #2 overall pick to make Robert Griffin III (RG3) the face of the franchise.

This is not to say I don’t like Sam Bradford, nor does it mean that I wish the Rams had entertained the trade offers they had for Sam that Jeff Fisher alluded to during the NFL owners’ meetings.  I truly believe Sam is a special talent who, when he has the right pieces around him, will be an elite quarterback in the NFL.

Even though the Rams have many needs, a franchise quarterback is not one of them. But if the Rams needed a quarterback, I would not be feeling the angst I now feel about the Rams first round pick in this year’s draft.

» Continue reading “Rams 2012 Draft Thoughts”