The Cardinals had a chance to cut their deficit in the Central division to five games behind the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds lost to the Colorado Rockies 4-3. But, the Cardinals failed to take advantage, and will remain six games back.
Kyle Lohse continued to struggle on the mound. In only 5 innings he gave up 4 runs (all earned), but he was able to strike-out five, and only walked two batters. Mitchell Boggs had a solid outing in the 6th inning, he got a strike-out, and gave up no hits. Blake Hawkesworth was shaky in the the 7th inning, giving up two hits, but he got out of the inning with no damage done. Hawkesworth bounced back in the 8th inning, getting three straight outs.
Catcher Yadier Molina, and outfielder Colby Rasmus, had the Cardinals' only two RBI's on the night. Only Rasmus had multiple hits for the Cardinals tonight. When the score was 4-2 in the 8th inning, Molina represented the leading run at the plate, but did not get the hit when it counted, he went down on a called third strike; it was his second strike-out of the night.
The Cards had no hope of a comeback in the 9th inning. The Brewers, and the away crowd, were so jacked up over Trevor Hoffman's possible 600th save (which he achieved), that there was just no way that Randy Winn and Aaron Miles were going to battle that intensity (neither of them belong in the Majors, they are both disgustingly awful players, 100% useless to this team, or any team).
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Rams Future WR Watch: WEEK 1
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| AJ Green may be the best, but is currently benched due to NCAA investigation |
Everyone knows that when drafting a franchise QB number one overall (Sam Bradford), the first step is to protect him (Roger Saffold-2nd round 2010, Jason Brown- Free Agency 2009, Jason Smith- 1st round 2009); and the second step is to surround him with reliable targets.
I think Mark Clayton was a good start. He is a very talented receiver, who has been under-performing due to external circumstances (Kyle Boller, Steve McNair injury, and his 2009 divorce with his wife). The one season everything was going right for Clayton (2006), he had a good relationship with his family at home, and a good quarterback, which resulted in 900+ yards receiving. Not that I'm saying nothing is his fault, but when he has been in the right situation, he has been an effective receiver.
But even if Clayton has a big year, his past indicates that the Rams can't count on him to put up big numbers year-in and year-out. Danny Amendola has been a pleasant surprise, but he will never be anything more than a slot receiver. Not that there is anything wrong with that, he is great in the slot, but a slot receiver can not be a big, sure target for the quarterback. And Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson, and Keenan Burton have been haunted by injuries.
So therefor, I think many Rams fans are looking at the 2011 draft as the draft where we find Bradford a primary target; a prototypical sized receiver that can rack up receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
The 2011 draft should be loaded with receivers in the first round. The four main receivers that fans are watching this collegiate season: Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd- 6'3" 227 lbs. JR age:20; Georgia WR AJ Green- 6'4" 212 lbs. JR age:22; Alabama WR Julio Jones- 6'4" 220 lbs. age:21; Pittsburgh WR Jonathan Baldwin- 6'5" 230 lbs. JR age:21
I will follow the progress of these receivers, week-by-week. Starting with this past weekend:
WEEK ONE
MICHAEL FLOYD- NOTRE DAME 6'3" 227 lbs: Week 1 VS. Purdue- 5 receptions 82 yards 0 TDAJ GREEN- GEORGIA 6'4" 212 lbs: Did not play, under investigation by NCAA for illegal contact with an agent.
JULIO JONES- ALABAMA 6'4" 220 lbs: Week 1 VS. San Jose St.- 6 receptions 93 yards 1 TD
JONATHAN BALDWIN- PITTSBURGH 6'5" 230 lbs: Week 1 @ Utah- 4 receptions 71 yards 1 TD
It look like Jones is off to the best start. Jones was plagued in 2009 by a lot of drops, he will be looking to improve his focus. A young receiver does NOT want to get labeled by scouts as a guy who drops balls. Green needs to get on the field, he is very likely the best of the bunch, but not playing will really hurt his stock. Floyd and Baldwin both has decent starts to their seasons. Floyd will look to stay healthy all year, after being plagued by injuries during his college career. It should be a tight race.
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| Floyd has the talent to be the best, but has been plagued by injuries. |
Cardinals defeat the Brewers 8-6
The Cardinals have won three out of their last four games, beating the Brewers 8-6. Their deficit in the Central division is now 6.5 games behind the Reds (who are currently losing by one run, in the 6th inning against Colorado). If the Reds lose today, then the Cards will be 6 games behind.
Starting pitcher Jake Westbrook pitched for 6 innings. He gave up 5 hits, and 2 runs. Both of his runs were earned, and they came off of a pair of home-runs, hit by Ricky Weeks and Corey Hart. Reliever Mitchell Boggs replaced Westbrook in the 7th inning, and picked up the win. Boggs had 2 SO in 1.1 innings, but also have up a hit and a run. Kyle McClellan, who pitched .2 innings, was the only Cardinal pitcher to not give up a run. Trevor Miller (1 run) and Ryan Franklin (2 runs) also made appearances.
Yadier Molina was the star for the Cards at the plate today. He hit his 6th HR of the season, a grand-slam off of Todd Coffey in the 8th inning. His grand-slam was what ultimately won the game, and Molina was the only Cardinal to get multiple hits (2-for-4). But, Albert Pujols, Pedro Feliz, and Matt Holliday all had RBI's as well.
The Cardinals will have their work cut out for them tomorrow, with Kyle Lohse (2-7) on the mound vs. Chris Narveson (10-6). The Reds are in the middle of a tough series against the rolling Colorado Rockies. The Cards need to make the most of the opportunity, and dominate Milwaukee.
Starting pitcher Jake Westbrook pitched for 6 innings. He gave up 5 hits, and 2 runs. Both of his runs were earned, and they came off of a pair of home-runs, hit by Ricky Weeks and Corey Hart. Reliever Mitchell Boggs replaced Westbrook in the 7th inning, and picked up the win. Boggs had 2 SO in 1.1 innings, but also have up a hit and a run. Kyle McClellan, who pitched .2 innings, was the only Cardinal pitcher to not give up a run. Trevor Miller (1 run) and Ryan Franklin (2 runs) also made appearances.
Yadier Molina was the star for the Cards at the plate today. He hit his 6th HR of the season, a grand-slam off of Todd Coffey in the 8th inning. His grand-slam was what ultimately won the game, and Molina was the only Cardinal to get multiple hits (2-for-4). But, Albert Pujols, Pedro Feliz, and Matt Holliday all had RBI's as well.
The Cardinals will have their work cut out for them tomorrow, with Kyle Lohse (2-7) on the mound vs. Chris Narveson (10-6). The Reds are in the middle of a tough series against the rolling Colorado Rockies. The Cards need to make the most of the opportunity, and dominate Milwaukee.
Rams trade for Raven's WR Mark Clayton
Chris Mortensen of ESPN has announced over twitter that the St.Louis Rams have traded for the Raven's WR Mark Clayton. The 28 year old Clayton is a former 1st round pick, and has been the Raven's #2 WR (opposite Derrick Mason) for the past five seasons. The Rams will likely have to send a late round 2011 pick to the Ravens for compensation.
Clayton's best season came in 2006, he had 939 yards and 5 TDs. In 2009 he only had 480 yards and 2 TDs, but was injured for 4 games. Clayton figures to be a suitable replacement for the injured Donnie Avery, but Clayton has a history of injury himself- In his five NFL seasons, he has yet to play a complete 16 games; but, he has played at least 10 games in every season. Having a replacement for Avery for 10 games is better than no replacement at all.
Danny Amendola, Mark Clayton, and Laurent Robinson should be the top three receivers for the Rams; with Brandon Gibson, Mardy Gilyard, and Keenan Burton as back-ups.
Clayton's best season came in 2006, he had 939 yards and 5 TDs. In 2009 he only had 480 yards and 2 TDs, but was injured for 4 games. Clayton figures to be a suitable replacement for the injured Donnie Avery, but Clayton has a history of injury himself- In his five NFL seasons, he has yet to play a complete 16 games; but, he has played at least 10 games in every season. Having a replacement for Avery for 10 games is better than no replacement at all.
Danny Amendola, Mark Clayton, and Laurent Robinson should be the top three receivers for the Rams; with Brandon Gibson, Mardy Gilyard, and Keenan Burton as back-ups.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Cardinals take the series from the Reds
The St.Louis Cardinals defeated the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon 4-2, the Cardinals have now won the series 2-1. The Cardinals have had pretty good success against the Reds in 2010, and they will now look to carry the momentum through September.
Starting pitcher Chris Carpenter was phenomenal. He picked up his 15th win of the season, and he struck out 11 batters. He gave up 6 hits in 7.1 innings, and gave up 2 runs (both earned). Trevor Miller and Kyle McClellan finished the 8th inning for Carpenter, and Ryan Franklin closed the game, getting the save. None of the relief pitchers gave up a hit.
Matt Holliday was the star at the plate. He hit his 25th HR of the season in the 6th inning off of Homer Bailey. It was a 3-run shot that made the game 4-2. Pedro Feliz got the only other RBI in the game, he got a base hit in the 5th inning, scoring Colby Rasmus. Holliday and Rasmus both had multiple hits on the afternoon; and Holliday, Rasmus, and Jon Jay all had extra-base hits.
The Cardinals are still 7 games behind the Reds in the Central Division, but they remain in the hunt. The Cards have had pretty good success against the Reds this season, and if the Redbirds can squeeze into the playoffs (via wild-card), then they should be able to beat the Reds in a playoff series. But they have to get on a hot streak, or else their season is done. It is now or never for the 2010 Cardinals.
Starting pitcher Chris Carpenter was phenomenal. He picked up his 15th win of the season, and he struck out 11 batters. He gave up 6 hits in 7.1 innings, and gave up 2 runs (both earned). Trevor Miller and Kyle McClellan finished the 8th inning for Carpenter, and Ryan Franklin closed the game, getting the save. None of the relief pitchers gave up a hit.
Matt Holliday was the star at the plate. He hit his 25th HR of the season in the 6th inning off of Homer Bailey. It was a 3-run shot that made the game 4-2. Pedro Feliz got the only other RBI in the game, he got a base hit in the 5th inning, scoring Colby Rasmus. Holliday and Rasmus both had multiple hits on the afternoon; and Holliday, Rasmus, and Jon Jay all had extra-base hits.
The Cardinals are still 7 games behind the Reds in the Central Division, but they remain in the hunt. The Cards have had pretty good success against the Reds this season, and if the Redbirds can squeeze into the playoffs (via wild-card), then they should be able to beat the Reds in a playoff series. But they have to get on a hot streak, or else their season is done. It is now or never for the 2010 Cardinals.
Receivers Alexander and McRae signed to the practice squad
Mizzou fans can take a sigh of relief; because star Missouri Tiger WR Danario Alexander is back with the Rams. Alexander, an un-drafted free-agent, signed a two-year contract with the Rams in August. But yesterday, teams were required to cut their rosters down to 53 players, and Alexander was one of the cuts, along with his fellow WR Brandon McRae. Alexander and McRae were both signed again today, this time to the practice squad.
Alexander and McRae both have prototypical NFL receiver measurables. McRae is 6'4" and 205 lbs. Even more impressive is Alexander, who stands in at 6'5" and 221 lbs. Alexander ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.4 seconds, and he also led the NCAA in receiving yards, with 113 reception for 1781 yards and 14 TDs.
Alexander has not been able to practice at full-speed ever since the Rams signed him. He has a history of knee injuries, and he is still experiencing atrophy in his left knee, as a result of his latest knee surgery. But when Alexander heals, he figure to have monster potential. If everything goes as scheduled, then I would expect to see Alexander on the field, for the Rams, by mid-to-late season.
Alexander and McRae both have prototypical NFL receiver measurables. McRae is 6'4" and 205 lbs. Even more impressive is Alexander, who stands in at 6'5" and 221 lbs. Alexander ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.4 seconds, and he also led the NCAA in receiving yards, with 113 reception for 1781 yards and 14 TDs.
Alexander has not been able to practice at full-speed ever since the Rams signed him. He has a history of knee injuries, and he is still experiencing atrophy in his left knee, as a result of his latest knee surgery. But when Alexander heals, he figure to have monster potential. If everything goes as scheduled, then I would expect to see Alexander on the field, for the Rams, by mid-to-late season.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Your 2010 St.Louis Rams...
It's probably not 100% official, General Manager Billy Devaney will likely look at some players that were cut from other teams. There will probably be a few tweaks with the roster, hopefully in the form of a back-up RB, or a WR. But for now, the Rams have met the 6:00 PM deadline, and have cut their roster down to 53 players.
Here is the final roster, as of now:
OFFENSE:
QB- Sam Bradford, AJ Feeley, Thad Lewis
WR- Danny Amendola, Laurent Robinson, Keenan Burton, Brandon Gibson, Mardy Gilyard, Dominique Curry
RB- Steven Jackson, Kenneth Darby, Keith Toston
FB- Mike Karney
TE- Daniel Fells, Mike Hoomanawanui, Billy Bajema, Fendi Onobun
OT- Roger Saffold, Jason Smith, Renardo Foster
OG- Jacob Bell, Adam Goldberg, John Greco
C- Jason Brown, Hank Fraley
DEFENSE:
DE- Chris Long, James Hall, George Selvie, CJ Ah You, Eugene Sims
DT- Fred Robbins, Gary Gibson, Clifton Ryan, Darrel Scott, Jermelle Cudjo
OLB- Na'il Diggs, Larry Grant, Chris Chamberlain
MLB- James Laurinaitis, David Vobora, Josh Hull
CB- Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, Kevin Dockery, Jerome Murphy, Justin King
S- OJ Atogwe, Craig Dahl, James Bulter, Darian Stewart
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K- Josh Brown
P- Donnie Jones
LS- Chris Massey
Cardinals lose to Reds 6-1
The Cards took the first game of the series last night, shortening their lead to 7 games behind the Reds. But the Reds took their 8 game lead right back, beating the Cardinals Saturday afternoon 6-1.
Cincinnati's starting pitcher, rookie Travis Wood only gave up 5 hits and 1 run to the Cardinals. Wood was also able to help his own cause at the plate, hitting a solo HR in the 4th inning. Reds' rookie relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman took care of business in the 8th inning. Chapman's fastball can hit 100mph pretty consistently.
Wood and Chapman were just too much for the Cardinals' bats. Matt Holliday was the only Cardinal to get an RBI, and he was the only Cardinal to get multiple hits in the game. The Cards did not have any extra-base hits the entire game.
Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, once again, struggles to find his 18th win of the season. Wainwright only pitched 5 innings, and gave up 7 hits and 5 runs; although only 2 of the runs were earned.
If the Cardinals would've swept the Reds this series, the would only be 5 games behind leaving the series. Now, the best they can do is leave the series 7 games behind. October is nearing, and the division race seems to be done. The Cardinals' only hope is the wild-card.
Cincinnati's starting pitcher, rookie Travis Wood only gave up 5 hits and 1 run to the Cardinals. Wood was also able to help his own cause at the plate, hitting a solo HR in the 4th inning. Reds' rookie relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman took care of business in the 8th inning. Chapman's fastball can hit 100mph pretty consistently.
Wood and Chapman were just too much for the Cardinals' bats. Matt Holliday was the only Cardinal to get an RBI, and he was the only Cardinal to get multiple hits in the game. The Cards did not have any extra-base hits the entire game.
Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, once again, struggles to find his 18th win of the season. Wainwright only pitched 5 innings, and gave up 7 hits and 5 runs; although only 2 of the runs were earned.
If the Cardinals would've swept the Reds this series, the would only be 5 games behind leaving the series. Now, the best they can do is leave the series 7 games behind. October is nearing, and the division race seems to be done. The Cardinals' only hope is the wild-card.
Rams make some more cuts... UPDATE: More players cut (5:50PM)
The Rams have made some more cuts as they near the 6PM deadline. All NFL teams must have their rosters down to 53 players by the deadline.
-OLB Bobby Carpenter, who was acquired via the Alex Barron trade with Dallas.
-CB Marquis Johnson
-OL Ryan McKee
-DE Victor Adeyanju
-WR Brandon McRae
5:50PM UPDATE:
More cuts...
-WR Denario Alexander
-RB Chris Ogbannaya
-LB Devin Bishop
-C Drew Miller
-OLB Bobby Carpenter, who was acquired via the Alex Barron trade with Dallas.
-CB Marquis Johnson
-OL Ryan McKee
-DE Victor Adeyanju
-WR Brandon McRae
5:50PM UPDATE:
More cuts...
-WR Denario Alexander
-RB Chris Ogbannaya
-LB Devin Bishop
-C Drew Miller
Sam Bradford named Rams starter; Rams may be looking at Vincent Jackson; Rams make some cuts
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| Rookie #1 overall pick- QB Sam Bradford, will start for the St.Louis Rams in 2010 |
Not that the Rams coaches were going to start AJ Feeley, at least not with a straight face, but an announcement will come today, from the Rams organization, announcing that Sam Bradford will be the starting quarterback for the St.Louis Rams.
Several different Post-Dispatch writers, and ESPN writers, have confirmed this via Twitter.
Bradford had a tremendous preseason, in the past two games he was 24-for-28 with 204+ yards and 3 TD passes. The Rams achieved a 3-1 record in the preseason, and the Sam Bradford era will officially begin September 12th in St.Louis vs. the Arizona Cardinals.
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| Rams may be interested in WR Vincent Jackson |
Jackson will serve at least a 3-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. If Jackson has another violation, then he will be suspended for the entirety of the 2010 season. Jackson does not fit coach Steve Spagnuolo's "4 Pillars" philosophy (Faith, Character, Core, Team Values), but he certainly would be a weapon for the Rams offense.
Meanwhile, the Rams have cut QB Keith Null, and have opted to keep rookie QB Thad Lewis from Duke. Null has some experience as a starter from the 2009 season, but Lewis and his mobility bring the potential of a wild-cat package.
Also getting cut from the Rams today (9/4) : S Kevin Payne, DT Ernest Reid, and LB Cardia Jackson; on top of TE Darcy Johnson, WR Jordan Kent, S Brett Johnson, C Tim Mattran, LB Devin Bishop, and CB Antoine Thompson, who were all cut yesterday (Friday, 9/3)
Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter has gone completely insane
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| SI writer Jim Trotter has lost his mind, diving head first into the Pete Carroll love fest. |
When the discussion of the NFC West comes up, concerning the 2010 season, most rational football fans agree that the clear-cut favorite in the division is the San Fransisco 49ers. No one really disputes that, given that the reigning NFC West champion's, the Arizona Cardinals, lost some key players this past off-season (Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby, among others).
Most realistic people would probably have the Arizona Cardinals finishing in 2nd place. They won't have the same pop as they did in '09, obviously, but they still have the best WR in the game (Larry Fitzgerald), and they also have a duo of solid running-backs that can carry the load (Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower). No one expects great things from Arizona, but they are the favorite to finish in 2nd place, and rightfully so.
The only real dispute in the NFC West is- who will finish in 3rd place? A rationale argument could be made for either the St.Louis Rams, or the Seattle Seahawks. Personally, I don't even think it is close, I think that the Rams clearly have a superior team in every way.
But in Sports Illustrated's 2010 NFL Preview edition- SI writer Jim Trotter not only put Seattle ahead of St.Louis, he put them ahead of Arizona as well. He had the Seattle Seahawks finishing in 2nd place in the NFC West, and in the process he made it clear to all of his readers that he is 100% completely insane.
It would be one thing if I could see where he is coming from, but I can't. The Seahawks do not have one single star player. The Rams have Steven Jackson, and the Cardinals have Larry Fitzgerald. Who do the Seahawks have? Deion Branch? Give me a break.
Seattle has a 35-year-old, ineffective, washed-up QB in Matt Hasselbeck. They have a sub-par RB in Julius Jones. Their best WR is TJ Houshmandzadeh, who is a number 2 at best, and is pretty useless with Hasselbeck at QB. On the defensive side, they have LB Lofa Tatupu, and that's about it. They have the potential of Aaron Curry and Earl Thomas, but that doesn't mean much.
The only possible explanations for Trotter's decision is 1) It was a shot in the dark, a random pick, because he wanted to throw a curve-ball and make things interesting. Or (most likely) 2) The National media's inexplicable love affair with head coach Pete Carroll continues.
I know that Carroll was a big shot at USC, and coached a great team there. But, he hasn't had a lot of success in the NFL. His combined record as an NFL head coach is 33-31. It is not a terrible record, but it certainly doesn't warrant the hype, and expectations, that the media has built up for him. He coached the Trojans, which is a school in a large market (L.A.), and it is on a coast; combine both of those facts, and it is a recipe for a love fest with the national media. That is why his Seahawks were picked to finish 2nd; because he came from a large market, and a coast team, so Jim Trotter and the rest of the national media refuses to make a rational opinion, and decide to kiss Carroll's feet instead.
Have fun Seattle... Because your SI preseason ranking will be the highlight of your season.
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| The National media is kissing Carroll's ass like never before. |
Friday, September 3, 2010
Cardinals break losing streak, beating the Reds 3-2
Tonight (9/3/10) the Cardinals were able to snap their five game losing streak, beating the Cincinnati Reds 3-2. Brandon Phillips received a warm welcome from the Busch Stadium crowd. The Reds have now lost five games in a row to the Cardinals, and have not beat the Cards since Phillips made his negative comments. If the Cardinals can miraculously meet the Reds in the playoffs then it seems as though they will have the edge.
Skip Schumaker and Jon Jay each had 1 RBI and 1 run scored; Jay's RBI came off a triple in the first inning. Albert Pujols got the team's third RBI of the night (2nd inning). Schumaker and starting pitcher Jaime Garcia were the only Cardinals with multi-hit nights.
Garcia picked up win number 13 on the season. He continues to make a strong case for the ROY award. In 6.2 IP he had 6 SO, but also gave up 3 BB and 6 hits, including a HR hit by Paul Janish (3rd inning). Garcia gave up 2 runs, both of them were earned.
Reliever Mitchell Boggs had a solid outing, including a SO, when he finished the 7th inning for Garcia. Set-up man Kyle McClellan faced some tough at-bats, but he manage to get the hold. Closer Ryan Franklin sealed the deal in the 9th, he got 1 SO, and picked up his 23rd save of the season.
The Cardinals have a long way to go if they want to see the playoffs. But winning the series against Cincinnati (or even better, sweeping them) would certainly be a good start. If the Cards do have a solid series against the Reds, then let's hope that this time they are able to carry the momentum over to the next series, unlike last time.
Skip Schumaker and Jon Jay each had 1 RBI and 1 run scored; Jay's RBI came off a triple in the first inning. Albert Pujols got the team's third RBI of the night (2nd inning). Schumaker and starting pitcher Jaime Garcia were the only Cardinals with multi-hit nights.
Garcia picked up win number 13 on the season. He continues to make a strong case for the ROY award. In 6.2 IP he had 6 SO, but also gave up 3 BB and 6 hits, including a HR hit by Paul Janish (3rd inning). Garcia gave up 2 runs, both of them were earned.
Reliever Mitchell Boggs had a solid outing, including a SO, when he finished the 7th inning for Garcia. Set-up man Kyle McClellan faced some tough at-bats, but he manage to get the hold. Closer Ryan Franklin sealed the deal in the 9th, he got 1 SO, and picked up his 23rd save of the season.
The Cardinals have a long way to go if they want to see the playoffs. But winning the series against Cincinnati (or even better, sweeping them) would certainly be a good start. If the Cards do have a solid series against the Reds, then let's hope that this time they are able to carry the momentum over to the next series, unlike last time.
Video Update 9/3/10
Those of you is search for the video of Bradford's performance... It's not going to happen this week. I know the videos are the main attraction around here, so I apologize.
The local station that aired the game had the movie "Changing Lanes" in the time slot (when it was suppose to be the game). I didn't realize they were actually airing the game instead until about 30 minutes into the game. I saw last week that NFL Network would be airing the game at 8PM tonight, but they aren't airing the game anymore (or I misread it), so I won't be able to do a Bradford video this week.
Check back during the regular season, I'll continue to post video of Bradford's entire performance every game this season (which should be every offensive play). Hopefully by then I can figure out a more sophisticated way to record the videos, but no promises.
Thanks you for reading,
-Steven G. of STLsportblog
The local station that aired the game had the movie "Changing Lanes" in the time slot (when it was suppose to be the game). I didn't realize they were actually airing the game instead until about 30 minutes into the game. I saw last week that NFL Network would be airing the game at 8PM tonight, but they aren't airing the game anymore (or I misread it), so I won't be able to do a Bradford video this week.
Check back during the regular season, I'll continue to post video of Bradford's entire performance every game this season (which should be every offensive play). Hopefully by then I can figure out a more sophisticated way to record the videos, but no promises.
Thanks you for reading,
-Steven G. of STLsportblog
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Rams vs. Raven Post Game 8/2/10
*If you're looking for the videos, read the note at the bottom of this article.
The Rams finished the preseason on a high note, beating the Baltimore Ravens 27-21, and obtaining a 3-1 record for the preseason. The team looked sloppy against Cleveland, and had some low points against Minnesota (they also had a lot of positives against the Vikings). But the team looked very dominate against the New England Patriots, and dominated again against the Baltimore Ravens. Here is a look at tonight's game; The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly:
THE GOOD:
Is there any question about who will be starting at quarterback week 1? If Sam Bradford's performance against New England didn't seal the deal, then his game against the Ravens did. Bradford was perfect on the night, going 6-for-6 passing, with 68 yards, and a TD pass to TE Billy Bajema. If coach Steve Spagnuolo does not start Bradford after his sharp performances this week and last week, then it'll be clear that the coaches predetermined (a while ago) that Bradford won't be the starter, for at least the beginning of the season.
DT Fred Robbins continues to look like a solid addition, at a position that needed some help. He was able to get some pressure tonight, something that Rams fans have not seen out of the DT position for a while. And the defense as a whole was finally able to create pressure, and even create some turnovers (something we haven't seen a lot of in the preseason).
As I suspected, star RB Steven Jackson was held out of the game completely; but back-up RB Kenneth Darby was able to move the ball just fine; he averaged over 6 yards per carry. Keith Toston continues to look decent, he had 10 carries for 47 yards (4.7 average).
The success of the passing game, and the running game, can be attributed to the offensive line. The front five looks light-years ahead of where they were against the Vikings three weeks ago. The o-line will likely be 100% healthy come week 1, and if they stay healthy the whole season, then it will be the first time in three years that the majority of the line has been healthy for most of the season.
THE BAD:
Even though the pass defense look slightly improved, they still did not do a good enough job. Bradley Fletcher had a good night overall, but the rest of the unit needs some more work. Troy Smith was able to put up 237 yards passing, but lucky for the Rams, Smith is a little erratic, and blessed them with two interceptions.
Chris Ogbannaya continues to look useless out of the backfield. He has yet to average even 2 yards per carry in the preseason. He started as the primary back-up in the first preseason game against Minnesota; but by the end of the preseason tonight, he was only used in garbage time.
Also on the "bad" side... The coaches' upcoming decision for a third-string QB. Keith Null and Thad Lewis have both looked good in the preseason, but they can only keep one of them. Null comes with some regular season experience, but he didn't play very good in the games he appeared in. I could go on the field and play QB for the Rams in a real game, and do terrible, but why would I get any credit for that? Lewis lacks the experience, but I think he should be the pick, given his potential as a wild-cat QB.
THE UGLY:
Chris Chamberlain's speed. The last play of the second half, the ball was tipped when leaving QB Troy Smith's hands, was grabbed by Chamberlain, and he was off to the races. It was a great play, and the only reason I'm putting this play in the "Ugly" section is because there was really nothing else to put here. He had about a 15 yard head-start on number 34 for the Ravens (RB Jalen Parmele), and made it to about the 15 yard line, but Parmele was able to save the TD. It was much more entertaining than disappointing, but I probably wouldn't feel the same way if that happened in the regular season (last play of the half), and the Rams were losing.
OVERALL:
Rams fans have to be encouraged by the team's performance during the preseason. The rookie franchise QB is performing better than anyone could have possibly expected at this point. The defense is looking like a unit that can win some games. Steven Jackon is running well, despite his back surgery this past off-season. The offensive-line is looking much better than three weeks ago. And to top it all off, they have an easy schedule. You know things are good when the Rams are generating more buzz than the St.Louis Cardinals.
*NOTE: Thanks to the fine people at KRBK, who listed the movie "Changing Lanes" in the Rams' time slot, I did not know the game was on TV until 30 minutes into the game (the only thing their station has that's worth a crap, and they don't know what to do with it) So therefor, the video of Bradford's performance won't be up until tomorrow night.
The Rams finished the preseason on a high note, beating the Baltimore Ravens 27-21, and obtaining a 3-1 record for the preseason. The team looked sloppy against Cleveland, and had some low points against Minnesota (they also had a lot of positives against the Vikings). But the team looked very dominate against the New England Patriots, and dominated again against the Baltimore Ravens. Here is a look at tonight's game; The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly:
THE GOOD:
Is there any question about who will be starting at quarterback week 1? If Sam Bradford's performance against New England didn't seal the deal, then his game against the Ravens did. Bradford was perfect on the night, going 6-for-6 passing, with 68 yards, and a TD pass to TE Billy Bajema. If coach Steve Spagnuolo does not start Bradford after his sharp performances this week and last week, then it'll be clear that the coaches predetermined (a while ago) that Bradford won't be the starter, for at least the beginning of the season.
DT Fred Robbins continues to look like a solid addition, at a position that needed some help. He was able to get some pressure tonight, something that Rams fans have not seen out of the DT position for a while. And the defense as a whole was finally able to create pressure, and even create some turnovers (something we haven't seen a lot of in the preseason).
As I suspected, star RB Steven Jackson was held out of the game completely; but back-up RB Kenneth Darby was able to move the ball just fine; he averaged over 6 yards per carry. Keith Toston continues to look decent, he had 10 carries for 47 yards (4.7 average).
The success of the passing game, and the running game, can be attributed to the offensive line. The front five looks light-years ahead of where they were against the Vikings three weeks ago. The o-line will likely be 100% healthy come week 1, and if they stay healthy the whole season, then it will be the first time in three years that the majority of the line has been healthy for most of the season.
THE BAD:
Even though the pass defense look slightly improved, they still did not do a good enough job. Bradley Fletcher had a good night overall, but the rest of the unit needs some more work. Troy Smith was able to put up 237 yards passing, but lucky for the Rams, Smith is a little erratic, and blessed them with two interceptions.
Chris Ogbannaya continues to look useless out of the backfield. He has yet to average even 2 yards per carry in the preseason. He started as the primary back-up in the first preseason game against Minnesota; but by the end of the preseason tonight, he was only used in garbage time.
Also on the "bad" side... The coaches' upcoming decision for a third-string QB. Keith Null and Thad Lewis have both looked good in the preseason, but they can only keep one of them. Null comes with some regular season experience, but he didn't play very good in the games he appeared in. I could go on the field and play QB for the Rams in a real game, and do terrible, but why would I get any credit for that? Lewis lacks the experience, but I think he should be the pick, given his potential as a wild-cat QB.
THE UGLY:
Chris Chamberlain's speed. The last play of the second half, the ball was tipped when leaving QB Troy Smith's hands, was grabbed by Chamberlain, and he was off to the races. It was a great play, and the only reason I'm putting this play in the "Ugly" section is because there was really nothing else to put here. He had about a 15 yard head-start on number 34 for the Ravens (RB Jalen Parmele), and made it to about the 15 yard line, but Parmele was able to save the TD. It was much more entertaining than disappointing, but I probably wouldn't feel the same way if that happened in the regular season (last play of the half), and the Rams were losing.
OVERALL:
Rams fans have to be encouraged by the team's performance during the preseason. The rookie franchise QB is performing better than anyone could have possibly expected at this point. The defense is looking like a unit that can win some games. Steven Jackon is running well, despite his back surgery this past off-season. The offensive-line is looking much better than three weeks ago. And to top it all off, they have an easy schedule. You know things are good when the Rams are generating more buzz than the St.Louis Cardinals.
*NOTE: Thanks to the fine people at KRBK, who listed the movie "Changing Lanes" in the Rams' time slot, I did not know the game was on TV until 30 minutes into the game (the only thing their station has that's worth a crap, and they don't know what to do with it) So therefor, the video of Bradford's performance won't be up until tomorrow night.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Rams vs. Raven Preveiw
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| Ravens' QB Marc Bulger will return to St.Louis for the preseason finale. |
Former Rams QB Marc Bulger will return to St.Louis, and will be looking for some revenge during the fourth week of preseason play. How will the St.Louis crowd react? How fired up will he be? We shall see. Bulger is currently fighting with QB Troy Smith for the Ravens' back-up QB job. Meanwhile, rookie QB Sam Bradford (who will start again; AJ Feeley is still out with a thumb injury), and the rest of the Ram' offense, will look to build on their success against the New England Patriots.
When most people think of the Baltimore Ravens, they think of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, and the great defense they've built. The Ravens' offense has been playing second fiddle to their defense for a while now; but recently, the offense has been gaining some attention, with the emergence of Joe Flacco, the acquisition of WR Anquan Boldin, the ageless receiver Derrick Mason, and the solid 2009 campaign of RB Ray Rice.
The Rams' offense will not feature two starting wide-outs; Donnie Avery (out for the season, with a torn ACL), and Laurent Robinson (mid-foot sprain). Keenan Burton would be starting, considering the injures to Avery and Robinson, but Burton is injured as well (swollen knee), and will also be held out of the game. Danny Amendola is currently the team's top, healthy receiver, but the Rams might not risk Amendola, due to the other injuries. Mardy Gilyard should get a decent amount of reps; and it will also be interesting to see if Denario Alexander makes his debut as a Ram.
Star running-back Steven Jackson will be limited. He might play the first series, or two, with Bradford; but the Rams will likely pull him early. Kenneth Darby, Keith Toston, and Chris Ogbannaya will get the majority of the carries on the ground.
The Rams' defense had a solid showing against the Patriots last week. But the defensive backfield continues to struggle against the pass. The weak pass defense, so far this preseason, could possibly be due to the lack of a consistent pass rush. Look for the Rams to call more blitzes in order to utilize the linebackers into the pass rush; and also, watch for Chris Long to elevate his game. Those two aspects may improve the pass rush, and the pass defense in general.
Starting players barely play in the last preseason game. It is usually a series or two, and then they are pulled. It would be nice to see if Bradford can move the ball against a top defense, like Baltimore; because that could give him an extra confidence boost before the season, and it will make the decision (who to start at QB?) easier for coach Spagnuolo (as if it's not already an easy decision).
But the primary goals of this game should be- 1) Don't get any key players injured; And 2) Play the back-ups as much as possible, so the coaches can make an educated decision on who makes the roster, and who gets cut.
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