Pre4 at JAC
Pre4 at JAC
Pre4 at JAC
2011 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON (3-0) Day Date Opponent Sat. 8/13 Indianapolis Sat. 8/20 Tennessee Fri. 8/26 at Kansas City Thurs. 9/1 at Jacksonville REGULAR SEASON Sun. 9/11 Philadelphia Mon. 9/19 at N.Y. Giants Sun. 9/25 Baltimore Sun. 10/2 Washington Sun. 10/9 Bye Week Sun. 10/16 at Green Bay Sun. 10/23 at Dallas Sun. 10/30 New Orleans Sun. 11/6 at Arizona Sun. 11/13 at Cleveland Sun. 11/20 Seattle Sun. 11/27 Arizona Sun. 12/4 at San Francisco Mon. 12/12 at Seattle Sun. 12/18 Cincinnati Sat. 12/24 at Pittsburgh Sun. 1/1 San Francisco Time W W W 6:30 p.m. Noon 7:30 p.m. 3:05 p.m. Noon Noon 3:15 p.m. Noon 3:15 p.m. Noon 3:05 p.m. Noon 3:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Noon Noon Noon
DE Chris Long
Last week in Kansas City, the Rams rushed for 170 yards as a team, including 72 from Steven Jackson on 15 carries, and QB Sam Bradford tossed two touchdown passes while the St. Louis defense held the Chiefs to just 58 yards on the ground.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TELEVISION Fox (KTVI, Ch. 2 in St. Louis) Play-by-Play: Andrew Siciliano Color Analysts: Marshall Faulk, Orlando Pace Sideline Reporter: Maurice Drummond RADIO WXOS (101.1 FM) Play-by-Play: Steve Savard Color Analyst: DMarco Farr Sideline Reporter: Tony Softli
Tuesday, August 30
-Practice: 11:50 a.m. -Coach Spagnuolo available on field after practice -Players available on field after practice
Wednesday, August 31
Travel Day No Availability
Thursday, September 1
Rams at Jaguars EverBank Stadium 6:30 p.m. (CST)
Friday, September 2
Coach Spagnuolo Conference Call TBD
Saturday, September 3
TBD
AT
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
NOTABLE CONNECTIONS
Former Rams: Jaguars DE Leger Douzable spent the 2009 season and 2010 offseason with the Rams. Jaguars DT Montavious Stanley spent the first week of the 2006 season on the Rams practice squad before signing with Jacksonville. Former Jaguars Rams WR Mike Sims-Walker spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Jaguars. Missouri Ties: Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert is a St. Louis native and attended Parkway West High School and the University of Missouri. Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of Missouri (Columbia, Mo.) from 1989-93. Jaguars DE C.J. Mosely is from Waynesville, Mo. and played at the University of Missouri. Jaguars CB Kevin Rutland played at Missouri.
Florida Ties: Rams WR Mike Sims-Walker is from Orlando and played his college ball at the University of Central Florida. Rams General Manager Billy Devaney attended Biscayne College in Miami, Fla., before earning his degree from Elon College in North Carolina. Rams Defensive Line Coach Brendan Daly was an assistant coach at Ridgewood High School in New Port Richey, Fla. Rams DT Fred Robbins and DE George Selvie are from Pensacola, Fla., and Selvie played at the University of South Florida. Rams WR Mardy Gilyard is from Bunnell, Fla., QB Thaddeus Lewis is from Opa Locka; CB Al Harris hails from Pompano Beach. Rams C/G Drew Miller played at the University of Florida. Coaching Connections: Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter was the head coach at Boise State when Rams S Quintin Mikell played for the Broncos. Rams Running backs Coach Sylvester Croom coached with Jaguars Linebackers Coach Mark Duffner for the Green Bay Packers in 2003. Duffner coached Rams LBs Brady Poppinga and Nail Diggs when he held the same position with the Green Bay Packers. Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker coached at Ohio State when Rams LB Nail Diggs played for the Buckeyes. Jaguars Defensive Assistant Craig Auckerman held a similar position with the Denver Broncos when Rams Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels was the teams head coach. NFL Teammate Connections: Jaguars DE Aaron Kampman and OL Tony Moll played with Rams LBs Brady Poppinga and Nail Diggs with the Green Bay Packers. Jaguars S Dawan Landry was teammates with Rams DT Justin Bannan and C Jason Brown with the Baltimore Ravens. Jaguars WR Kassim Osgood played with Rams QB A.J. Feeley and LB Ben Leber with the San Diego Chargers. College Teammate Connections: Jaguars T Eugene Monroe and DT Nate Collins with Rams DE Chris Long at Virginia. Jaguars LB Daryl Smith and S Dawan Landry with Rams S James Butler at Georgia Tech. Jaguars WR Armon Binns and Rams WR Mardy Gilyard at Cincinnati. Jaguars C John Estes and Rams WR Greg Salas at Hawaii. Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert and CB Kevin Rutland with Rams WR Danario Alexander at Mizzou. Jaguars WR Armon Binns and Rams WR Mardy Gilyard at Cincinnati. Jaguars WR Jason Hill and Rams WR Brandon Gibson at Washington State. Jaguars OL Tony Moll and Rams G Harvey Dahl at Nevada-Reno.
RB Steven Jackson rushed for a career-high 179 yards and one touchdown in the Rams 24-21 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars (10/30/05).
DEFENSE
LDE Chris Long Moved to the left side on a full-time basis and had a career-best 8.5 sacks in 2010. Led Rams with 16 quarterback pressures and 21 quarterback hits. Also logged 26 tackles. LDT Fred Robbins - Twelve-year veteran tied for fourth among all NFL defensive tackles with 6.0 sacks, which marked a career high. Also had 24 tackles, including four for loss, eight quarterback hits and seven passes defensed on the year. Passes defensed total ranked second among NFL DTs, according to StatsPass.com. RDT Justin Bannan Ten-year veteran joins St. Louis after stints with Buffalo, Baltimore and Denver. Has appeared in 129 career games. RDE James Hall Led the Rams with 10.5 sacks and led all St. Louis defensive linemen with 57 tackles on the year. Sack total is second highest of his 11-year NFL career. Had 2.0 sacks in three different games. SLB Nail Diggs Started the first 12 games of the season before a shoulder injury landed him on reserve/injured. Brought a veteran presence to the defense and posted 37 tackles in his 11th NFL season. MLB James Laurinaitis Rams leading tackler for the secondconsecutive season as he posted 129 stops in 2010. Also posted three sacks and seven passes defensed while playing in a teamhigh 1,093 snaps. WLB Bryan Kehl Recorded 26 tackles in 14 games, including one start, in 2010. Was a key contributor on special teams with 11 tackles in the kicking game. LCB Ron Bartell Led Rams with 13 passes defensed last season and had 72 tackles on the year. RCB Bradley Fletcher Bounced back from a severe knee injury as a rookie to lead the Rams with four interceptions. Ranked third on the team with 91 tackles and second with 12 passes defensed on the season. SS Craig Dahl Rams second-leading tackler with 93 stops on the season. Also posted two interceptions and 16 special teams stops on the year, tied for second most among Rams. FS Quintin Mikell First-year Ram led the Eagles with 111 tackles while also recording 14 pass breakups and three interceptions in 2010. Earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
DE C.J. Ah You Recorded a career high 4.0 sacks to go along with 19 tackles (two for loss) and seven quarterback hits. S Darian Stewart Rookie free agent had 11 tackles and five quarterback hits while manning the dime safety role for the Rams. CB Justin King Fourth-year Ram logged 19 tackles and two passes defensed in eight games last season while manning the nickel corner position. S James Butler Started four games at free safety last season and tallied 26 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
RB Cadillac Williams Has rushed for 3,677 yards and scored 24 combined touchdowns in six NFL seasons. TE Lance Kendricks Rams second-round draft pick was a Mackey Award finalist at Wisconsin last season after catching 43 passes for 663 yards. TE Michael Hoomanawanui Hauled in 13 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in 2010. RB Jerious Norwood Free agent averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 9.5 yards per reception during five seasons with Atlanta.
Jack Del Rio begins his 9th season as Jaguars head coach and is the is the seventh-winningest active head coach in the NFL. Last season, on the strength of the leagues third-ranked rushing attack, Del Rios Jaguars shared first place in the AFC South in five of the final six weeks, marking the latest the team had been in that position since 1999. Three Jaguars were selected for the AFC Pro Bowl squad, the most in ten years, and among the individual team records broken were those for touchdown passes, completion percentage and touchdown receptions. In 2002, Del Rio served as the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers. From 1999 to 2001, Del Rio served as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens, helping the team win Super Bowl XXXV over the New York Giants. During the Ravens 2000 season, the defense set the NFL 16-game record by allowing only 165 points and recording four shutouts, one shy of the post-1970 record. Del Rio began his coaching career where he started his playing career in New Orleans under Ditka. He spent two seasons with the Saints as assistant strength coach in 1997 and linebackers coach in 1998. Drafted in the third round (68th overall) by the Saints in 1985, Del Rio was named to the NFLs All-Rookie team and earned the Saints Rookie of the Year award. Following two seasons in New Orleans (1985-86), he played for the Kansas City Chiefs (1987-88), Dallas Cowboys (1989-91) and Minnesota Vikings (1992-95). He led the Vikings in tackles three straight years and played in the Pro Bowl following the 1994 season. Del Rio was a four-year starter from 1981-84 at Southern California, where he earned consensus All-America honors as a senior and was runner-up for the Lombardi Award. Drafted out of high school by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981, Del Rio batted .340 while playing catcher on Southern Californias baseball team in 1983 and 84. He was a teammate of now-retired pitcher Randy Johnson and St. Louis Cardinals batting coach Mark McGwire. A graduate of Hayward (Calif.) High School, the alma mater of Bill Walsh, Del Rio starred in football, baseball and basketball. He holds a political science degree from the University of Kansas, which he earned while playing for the Chiefs. Born April 4, 1963 in Castro Valley, Calif., he and his wife, Linda, have three daughters, Lauren, Hope and Aubrey, and a son, Luke.
SPAGNUOLO,
20092007-08 2004-06 2001-03 1999-2000 1998 1996-97 1994-95 1994 1993 1993 1992 1990-91 1987-89 1984-86 1983 1982-83
AT A
GLANCE
St. Louis Rams New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles Frankfurt Galaxy (NFLE) Bowling Green University Rutgers University University of Maine University of Maine San Diego Chargers Barcelona Dragons (WLAF) University of Connecticut University of Connecticut Lafayette College Washington Redskins University of Massachusetts
Head Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers Defensive Backs Defensive Assistant Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Defensive Backs Defensive Backs Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Defensive Backs Scout Defensive Line/Special Teams Defensive Coordinator/Def. Backs Defensive Backs Defensive Line/Special Teams Player Personnel Intern Graduate Intern
DEL RIO,
20032002 1999-2001 1998 1997 Jacksonville Jaguars Carolina Panthers Baltimore Ravens New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints
AT A
GLANCE
Head Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers Coach Linebackers Coach Assistant Strength Coach
RB Steven Jackson
RB Steven Jackson
Jackson entered last season ranked third in franchise history in rushing. In Week 4, he passed Marshall Faulk (6,959) to move into second place on the franchises all-time rushing list and has distanced himself from Dickerson as well. Rams Career Rushing Yards Leaders Steven Jackson (2004- ) Eric Dickerson (1983-87) Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79) Dick Bass (1960-69) Yards 7,948 7,245 6,959 6,186 5,417
Rams Career Rushing TD Leaders Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) Eric Dickerson (1983-87) Steven Jackson (2004- ) Dan Towler (1050-55) Dick Bass (1960-69) TD 58 56 47 43 34
SIX IN A ROW
With 1,241 yards in 2010, RB Steven Jackson became the first player in Rams history to record six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His streak of six straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons is the longest active streak in the NFL Jackson finished eighth in the NFL and third in the NFC in rushing in 2010. Since becoming a starter in 2006, Jackson posted yearly rushing totals of 1,046, 1,528, 1,002, 1,042 and 1,416 yards in addition to his 2010 total. Consecutive 1,000-Yard Rushing Seasons In Rams History Consecutive Seasons Years Steven Jackson 6 2005-10 Eric Dickerson 4 1983-86 Marshall Faulk 3 1999-2001
CENTURY MARK
RB Steven Jackson reached the century mark four times in 2010 to give him 27 100-yard rushing performances on his career. With a 102-yard performance in Week 13 in Arizona, RB Steven Jackson tied Marshall Faulk for second most 100-yard rushing games in team history with 27. His next 100-yard game will put him alone in second place in team history. Jacksons other 100-yard games in 2010 RB Steven Jackson included 110 yards on 22 carries in Week 7 against the Buccaneers; 109 yards in Week 6 against San Diego; and a season-best 114 yards in Week 5 at Detroit. Career 100-yard Games in Rams History Eric Dickerson (1983-87) Steven Jackson (2004- ) Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79) 38 27 27 22
RB Steven Jackson looks to extend his franchise record for 1,000-yard seasons to seven.
CATCHING ON
Throughout his career RB Steven Jackson has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and while lined up at receiver. In addition to leading the team in rushing, Jackson ranked third among Rams in receptions (46) in 2010. With 327 career catches, Jackson ranks ninth in team history in the category. Since 2006, Jackson has registered 265 receptions for 2,161 receiving yards (8.2-yard average). During that time, Jacksons 265 receptions and his 2,161 receiving yards rank among the best running backs. In 2006, Jackson registered career highs with 90 catches for 806 yards. The 90 catches rank sixth in NFL history in one season among running backs. Receptions Leaders Among Running Backs, 2006-Present
Reggie Bush / NO Steven Jackson / STL Brian Westbrook / PHI-SF Frank Gore/SF L. Tomlinson/SD-NYJ Rec 294 265 262 255 240 Yards 2,142 2,161 2,203 2,152 1,931 Avg. 7.3 8.2 8.4 8.4 8.0 Long 74 64t 62t 48 51t TD 12 5 16 9 7
On the season, Jackson averaged 101.5 scrimmage yards per game, marking the fifth consecutive season hes averaged at least 100 yards from scrimmage per game. The streak dates back to his first year as an NFL starter in 2006. He averaged 145.9 scrimmage yards per game in 2006. In 2006, Jackson recorded 2,334 yards from scrimmage, the fifthhighest single-season total in NFL history. That season Jackson rushed for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns on 346 attempts. He added 806 yards receiving on 90 catches. The 90 catches rank sixth in NFL history in one season among running backs. Yards From Scrimmage/Game Leaders, 2006-Present
Steven Jackson / STL Adrian Peterson / MIN* Frank Gore / SF L. Tomlinson / SD-NYJ Brian Westbrook / PHI-SF Games 71 61 70 77 66 Touches 1,755 1,317 1,499 1,637 1,151 Yards 8,390 6,952 7,958 7,974 6,303 Yds/Game 118.2 114.0 113.7 103.6 95.5
RB Steven Jackson dives for the end zone on touchdown reception. The catch was one of 327 in Jacksons career.
MAKING HISTORY
A week after becoming the franchises all-time leading rusher, Steven Jackson made another move towards a significant Rams record. With 64 total yards in Week 8 against Carolina (59 rushing, 4 receiving), Jackson passed WR Henry Ellard for fourth in franchise history in yards from scrimmage. In Week 10, Jackson became the fourth Ram and 80th player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career scrimmage yards. Last season, Jackson ranked third in the NFC and ninth in the NFL with 1,624 scrimmage yards.
A WORKHORSE BACK
Throughout his career, RB Steven Jackson has been the definition of a bell cow back as hes willingly carried a sizeable workload for the Rams. Last season was no exception, as few in the NFL handled the football more than Jackson. SJ39s 330 carries were second most in the NFL in 2010, trailing only Atlantas Michael Turner. In addition, Jackson caught 45 passes, which gave him 376 scrimmage touches, second most in the NFL. 2010 NFL Leaders, Total Touches
RB Steven Jackson
Jackson now has 10,618 career scrimmage yards. Ellard, who played for the Rams from 1983-93 and later coached the teams wide receivers, posted 9,816 total yards while wearing the horns. Entering 2011, Jackson needs just 412 scrimmage yards to tie Marshall Faulk for second all time among Rams. Rams All-Time Leaders, Yards From Scrimmage
Isaac Bruce Torry Holt Marshall Faulk Steven Jackson Henry Ellard Years 1994-07 1999-08 1999-05 20041983-93 Rushing 150 57 6,959 7,948 55 Rec. 14,109 12,660 4,071 2,670 9,761 Total 14,259 12,717 11,030 10,618 9,816
Arian Foster / HOU Steven Jackson / STL Ray Rice / BAL Chris Johnson / TEN Cedric Benson/ CIN
Rec. 66 46 63 44 28
RB Steven Jackson finished second in the NFL in carries and total touches as the Rams once again benefitted from his reliability.
A ROOKIE NO MORE
Sam Bradford, the top overall pick in last years draft, was the only rookie quarterback to start all 16 games in 2010. Bradford led the Rams to a 7-9 record while passing for 3,512 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Bradford is one of just a handful of NFL quarterbacks to start 16 games as a rookie. Below is a look at how Bradford fared in his first NFL campaign compared to other NFL signal callers who were first-round draft picks and played as rookies.
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
QB Sam Bradford made his mark on the NFL record books with a spectacular season that turned out to be one of the best ever by a rookie quarterback. Bradford set NFL rookie records for completions (354) and attempts (590), and his 3,512 passing yards in 2010 are the second most by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Peyton Mannings 3,739 in 1998. Bradfords 18 touchdowns are tied for fifth most among rookies in NFL history. The top overall pick in last years draft is one of just three rookie QB Sam Bradford quarterbacks in NFL history to pass for 3,000 yards in a season. During a midseason stretch, Bradford set an NFL rookie record with 174 consecutive attempts without an interception. Bradford was named Offensive Rookie of the Year by The Associated Press.
QB Sam Bradfords numbers during his rookie season compare favorably with other quarterbacks chosen in the first round in recent years.
QB Sam Bradford
Bradford took over a team that went 1-15 in 2009 and led the Rams to a 7-9 record. Most Wins By a Rookie Quarterback Chosen #1 (Since 1970) Year Team Record Sam Bradford 2010 Rams 7-9 Jeff George 1990 Colts 6-7 Jim Plunkett 1971 Patriots 6-8 Drew Bledsoe 1993 Patriots 5-7 John Elway 1983 Broncos 4-6 David Carr 2002 Texans 4-12
IRON SAM
Rams QB Sam Bradford didnt miss an offensive play last season, making him one of just three quarterbacks in the NFL to be on the field for all of his teams snaps in 2010. Baltimores Joe Flacco and Indianapolis Peyton Manning were the other two. In addition, Bradford is one of just four rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to handle all of his teams snaps in a 16 game season. The other three are Peyton Manning (1998), David Carr (2002) and Matt Ryan (2008).
QB Sam Bradford
TURNOVER STORY
Turnovers can often tell the story in the NFL, and they certainly painted a big portion of the picture for the 2010 Rams. St. Louis was 6-1 last season when they won the turnover battle. St. Louis committed just 21 turnovers this season, tied for 8th fewest in the NFL. The Rams committed 33 in 2009. The Rams were aided by superb ball protection from their player who handles it most often. When RB Steven Jackson lost a fumble in Week 14 in QB Sam Bradford and C Jason Brown New Orleans, it was his first lost fumble in 562 touches. Hes lost just 14 fumbles in 2,205 career touches. As a team, St. Louis lost just six fumbles in 2010, tied for the second fewest in the NFL on the year.
PROTECTION PLAN
One year removed from allowing 44 sacks, the Rams kept their quarterback upright at a much better rate in 2010. Sam Bradford was dropped by opponents just 34 times last season. The 10-sack decrease was the sixth-best improvement in the NFL over 2009 team totals. Making the single-year improvement more impressive is the fact that the team accomplished the feat with both a rookie quarterback and rookie left tackle in Rodger Saffold. The T Jason Smith teams starting right tackle, secondyear pro Jason Smith, entered the season with just five career starts under his belt. No team in the NFL had fewer combined starts at the right tackle, left tackle and quarterback position than the Rams did going into 2010, yet St. Louis still enjoyed an increase of 7.2 points per game offensively. The Rams finished the season ranked 12th in the NFL in sacks per pass play at 5.76 percent, a dramatic improvement over their 8.1 rate in 2009, which ranked 25th in the NFL. A leading cause for the offensive lines success was its consistent health and continuity. St. Louis five opening day starters on the offensive line combined to miss just one start in 2010. Biggest single-year sacks allowed differential from 2009-2010
Team 2009 2010 Differential
Rams TE Michael Hoomanawanui helped give the Rams a spark on offense, which resulted in St. Louis experiencing a drastic improvement on the scoreboard last season.
CAREER YEARS
The Rams coaching staff found ways to get everyone involved in 2010, and the result was career years for numerous St. Louis players on offense. Of the Rams three wide receivers and two tight ends (not including rookies) who were on the roster for at least eight games in 2010, four set new career highs in receptions last year, and a fifth came up just shy of his previous career best. WRs Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson along with TEs Billy Bajema WR Brandon Gibson and Daniel Fells reached their previous career bests, while Laurent Robinson fell three catches short of his. In addition, rookies Danario Alexander, Mardy Gilyard and Michael Hoomanawanui combined for 39 receptions and four touchdown catches. Career Highs for Rams Veteran Pass Catchers 2010 Total Previous Best Danny Amendola 85 43 Brandon Gibson 53 34 Laurent Robinson 34 37 Billy Bajema 14 8 Daniel Fells 41 21
Kansas City Chiefs Detroit Lions New York Giants Buffalo Bills Green Bay Packers St. Louis Rams
42 43 32 46 51 44
22 26 16 30 36 34
SACK ATTACK
Pressure on the quarterback has always been a trademark of a Steve Spagnuolo defense, and the Rams were among the NFLs best at getting to the passer in 2010. The Rams recorded 43 sacks on the season as a team, which ranked seventh in the NFL. St. Louis saw a dramatic improvement last season when it comes to reaching the opposing quarterback. In 2009, the club ranked 30th in the NFL with 25 sacks. No team in the NFL experienced a bigger increase in sacks last season than the Rams 18. Detroit also enjoyed an 18-sack increase, while Kansas City (+17) and the New York Giants improved by 14 sacks. St. Louis was paced by DE James Hall, who in his 11th NFL season turned in his second highest total of his career. Hall led the team with 10.5, followed by DE Chris Long with 8.5. 2010 NFL Leaders, Team Sacks Team 1. Pittsburgh Steelers 2t. Green Bay Packers 2t. Oakland Raiders 2t. San Diego Chargers 5. New York Giants 6. Detroit Lions 7. St. Louis Rams 8t. New York Jets 8t. Tennessee Titans 10. Three tied
Sacks 48 47 47 47 46 44 43 40 40 39
DE James Hall drops Philip Rivers for one of his two sacks in Week 6. Hall had two of St. Louis seven sacks in the teams win over San Diego, and the Rams had 43 as a team in 2010.
TAKE IT AWAY
Steve Spagnuolos swarming defense saw an increase in takeaways last season, which played a major factor in each of the teams seven wins. St. Louis finished the season with 26 takeaways, which was six more than the Rams had in 2009. Rams defenders intercepted eight passes in 2009 and had 14 in their second season under Spagnuolo. The Rams forced 19 fumbles as well, which was the fifth most in the NFL according to StatsPass.com.
ACCESS DENIED
The Rams were one of the stingiest teams in the NFL when it came to protecting their end zone in 2010. St. Louis gave up just 32 total touchdowns in 2010, tied for fourth fewest in the NFL. Opponents scored just seven rushing touchdowns against the Rams, which was also tied for the fourth fewest in the league. The Rams have allowed just one touchdown in each of their first two preseason games.
LB James Laurinaitis
S Craig Dahl
NFL Leaders, Fewest Touchdowns Allowed 1. Pittsburgh Steelers 2. Green Bay Packers 3. Baltimore Ravens 4t. St. Louis Rams 4t. Chicago Bears 4t. New Orleans Saints 4t. Tennessee Titans 8. Atlanta Falcons 9t. Four teams tied TDs Allowed 22 24 27 32 32 32 32 35 36
Two weeks ago in their preseason opener, the Rams recorded three interceptions which led to a touchdown and two field goals in their 33-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts. St. Louis finished the year plus-5 in turnover ratio, which was 10th best in the NFL. In 2009, the Rams finished the season tied for 30th with a minus-13 turnover ratio, a plus-18 swing in turnover ratio.
A HALL OF A PLAYER
DE James Halls 11th NFL season was one of his best for the veteran leader of St. Louis defense. He led the team with 10.5 sacks on the year and has also recorded 57 tackles, including two for loss. Hall also led the Rams and tied for second in the NFL with six forced fumbles in 2010. In the Rams Week 16 win over San Francisco, Hall recorded 2.0 sacks in a game for the third time last season. His other two came in Week 4 against Seattle and Week 6 versus San Diego. Hall now has 57.0 career sacks. His 10.5 sacks was his secondhighest single season total of his career (11.5 in 2004). He finished the season ranked ninth in the NFC in sacks.
DE James Hall had 10.5 sacks in 2010, which was his second-best season total of his 11-year career. Hes seen here sacking Donovan McNabb in Week 3.
MARKED IMPROVEMENT
Defensively, the Rams were among the most improved teams in the NFL in 2010. St. Louis finished in the top 10 in the league in sacks (7th), third down defense (2nd) and total touchdowns allowed (4t). In addition, the Rams experienced significant increases over 2009 in several key areas. St. Louis ranked 12th in points per game allowed (20.5) after finishing 31st a year earlier (27.3). In all, the Rams allowed 108 fewer points in 2010 than they did in 2009.
Linebacker James Laurinaitis enjoyed another productive season as he led the Rams in tackles and made numerous plays in the passing game while rarely leaving the field.
The Rams improved 10 spots in total defense as they ranked 19th in 2010 after finishing 29th in 09, and they ranked 17th against the run (113.1 yards per game), compared to 27th in 2009 (137.6).
LONG ON TALENT
DE Chris Long enjoyed a breakout season in 2010, his third NFL campaign. Long posted a career-high 8.5 sacks on the season and recorded at least 1.0 sack in seven of his last 11 games. Additionally, he led the Rams with 16 quarterback hits and 21 pressures. In Week 16, he dropped Alex Smith and forced a fumble that Fred Robbins recovered to end a fourth DE Chris Long quarter drive. In Week 12 in Denver, his relentless effort on the games final drive helped the Rams hold on to a victory. With St. Louis clinging to a three-point lead in the final minute of Sundays game, Long sacked Kyle Orton on second down and pressured him into an errant throw on fourth down. In Week 6 against San Diego, Long turned in his first two-sack performance of the season and his second of his career. For his efforts, Long was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
DANDY DANNY
In his first season with the Rams, WR Danny Amendola set new team records in the return game. In year two in St. Louis for Amendola, he became a key component of the offense as well. Amendola led the Rams with 85 receptions for 689 yards in 2010. He finished ninth in the NFL and fifth in the NFC in catches last season. He also averaged 11.3 yards per punt return. In 2009, his first season on an NFL roster, Amendola caught 43 passes for 326 yards in 14 games. He surpassed both totals by midseason in 2010 and added three touchdowns as well. In addition, Amendola was one of the leagues best on third down. His 29 receptions on third down were third most in the NFL in 2010. 2010 NFL Leaders, Third-Down Receptions 1. Roddy White, ATL 2. Stevie Johnson, BUF 3. Danny Amendola, STL 4t. Davone Bess, MIA 4t. Kellen Winslow, TB 4t. Jason Witten, DAL Third Down Rec. 36 30 29 28 28 28
A BIG ADDITION
One of the biggest moves the Rams made last offseason was the acquisition of veteran DT Fred Robbins, and the addition of the 11th year pro quickly paid dividends. Robbins set a new career high with 6.0 sacks on the season and had a big impact on the Rams defense. He held off blockers to allow James Laurinaitis to run free, and his pass rush acumen drew the attention of opposing offenses and helped his defensive line mates. In Week 6, Robbins had a sack and three quarterback hits in the Rams win over San Diego, and following the win, teammate Chris Long said the inside push Robbins provided helped Long enjoy a two-sack day that led to Long being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. On the season, Robbins had 24 total tackles, including four for loss, eight quarterback hits and seven passes defensed. Hes a big reason why the Rams saw a big improvement against the run and on third down. Robbins came to the Rams after six seasons with the New York Giants. During two of those seasons, Steve Spagnuolo was the Giants defensive coordinator. Its no coincidence that those two campaigns were perhaps the best of Robbins career as he tied his previous career high in sacks (5.5) in each of those seasons and was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2008. He played a key role in New Yorks run to their Super Bowl XLII championship.
The former Texas Tech Red Raider led the NFL in all-purpose yardage in 2010 with 2,364 yards. Amendola was the only player in the league to lead his team in punt return, kick return, and receiving yardage. Amendolas 85 catches this season ranked 13th in Rams history for a single season. Hes caught at least one pass in every game since joining the Rams in Week 2 of the 2009 season, a streak of 30 consecutive games with a reception.
WR/PR Danny Amendola gave the Rams a boost on offense and in the kicking game in 2010. His 85-catch performance this season was one of the best in team history.
GIBSONS GRABS
WR Brandon Gibson set new career highs last season with 53 receptions for 620 yards. Both totals ranked second among Rams. He looks to build on those totals as he enters his third NFL campaign and second full season with the Rams. Two weeks ago against Tennessee, Gibson caught an 83-yard touchdown pass from QB Sam Bradford on the first play from scrimmage. The score gave the Rams a 7-0 lead just seconds into the contest.
WR Brandon Gibson
Rams DT Fred Robbins drops Seattle RB Justin Forsett for a loss. After joining St. Louis as a free agent last spring, Robbins made a big impact on a much-improved Rams defense in 2010.
Gibsons catch is the second-longest play from scrimmage by any player this preseason and is the longest play in preseason since the Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995.
KICKING IT
Midway through last season, Rams RB Steven Jackson and K Josh Brown showed up to practice wearing blue t-shirts that read, Vote Don Jones for Pro Bowl 2010. The shirts were special ordered by teammate Hank Fraley as Rams players voiced their opinion on which punter should represent the NFC in Hawaii. Jones was eventually named an alternate to the All-Star game after another strong season. He finished eighth in the NFL and fourth in the NFC with a gross punting P Donnie Jones average of 45.5 yards per kick. He also ranked third in the NFL and second in the NFC in net punting average (40.0). Jones specialty is pinning opponents deep in their own territory. He tied for fifth in the NFL with 32 punts inside the opponents 20-yard line last season. In Week 10 in San Francisco, Jones turned in perhaps his most impressive single game performance of his career. He punted 10 times for a 43.7 average and didnt allow a single punt to be returned, making him the only punter in the NFL last season to produce a game with 0 return yards on nine or more punts. The Rams signed Jones as a restricted free agent prior to the 2007 season, and during his time in St. Louis, Jones ranks second among NFL punters in gross and net average. NFL Leaders in Gross Punting Avg., 2007-present Gross Avg. 1. Shane Lechler, OAK 49.1 2t. Donnie Jones, STL 47.3 2t. Andy Lee, SF 47.2 4. Mat McBriar 46.9 5. Mike Scifres 45.9 NFL Leaders in Net Punting Avg., 2007-present Net Avg. 1. Shane Lechler, OAK 41.8 2. Donnie Jones, STL 40.6 3. Andy Lee, SF 39.9 4. Matt McBriar, DAL 39.9 5. Dustin Colquitt, KC 39.2
*Min. 120 punts
RETURN TO SENDER
WR Danny Amendola led the Rams in receiving in 2010, and his versatility also served St. Louis well in the return game. Amendola averaged 11.3 yards per punt return last season, sixth best in the NFC and 12th best in the NFL. He gave the Rams a big-play boost and helped the club gain advantageous field position. Amendola had seven punt returns of 20 yards or more last season, second only to Chicagos Devin Hester, who finished the year with nine.
In just two seasons, Amendola ranks fourth in Rams history in kickoff return yards (2,760), ninth in punt return yards (812) and third in combined return yards (3,572).
BLOCK PARTY
Last April, the Rams were thrilled to find Indiana T Rodger Saffold available at the top of the second round. St. Louis chose Saffold with the 33rd overall pick and quickly inserted him in the starting lineup. Saffold started all 16 games in 2010, making the former Hoosier the only rookie left tackle to start every game for his team last season. According to Statspass.com, Saffold allowed only 3.5 sacks all season while playing for a team that tied for the fifth most passing attempts.
McDANIELS: IM LOVING IT
When Steve Spagnuolo went in search of a new offensive coordinator this spring, his mind immediately went to a man whom Spagnuolo found among the most difficult in the NFL to game plan against. That led to the hiring of Josh McDaniels, who matched wits against Spagnuolo in Super Bowl XLII when Spagnuolo and the Giants defeated McDaniels Patriots. Wherever McDaniels has been, his offense has produced. During McDaniels first season in Denver, QB Kyle Orton set career highs for pass attempts, completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and passer rating while tying his career low for interceptions. In 2010, the Broncos ranked seventh in the NFL in passing yards per game and finished 13th in total yards per game. WR Brandon Lloyd led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,448 and finished second in the AFC with 11 touchdown catches en route to his first Pro Bowl invitation. Under McDaniels tutelage, 2007 NFL MVP Tom Brady broke the NFL record for touchdown passes in a season (50) and led the league in both passing yards (4,806) and passer rating (117.2). Brady also set franchise marks in nearly every major passing category, while WR Wes Welker set the franchise record for receptions in a season (112) and WR Randy Moss broke the NFL record for touchdown receptions with 23.
T Rodger Saffold
Saffold was the fifth offensive tackle and seventh offensive lineman taken in the 2010 draft.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels chat during a recent training camp practice at the Russell Training Center.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo celebrates a home victory with his team.
DT Dan Muir 6-2, 310 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Colts
- Started 24 games for the Colts over the last three seasons, including 14 in 2010. - Led all Indianapolis defensive linemen with 66 tackles in 2009.
DT Dan Muir
DT Justin Bannan
G Harvey Dahl 6-5, 305 - 6th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons
- Has started 43 games at right guard over the past three seasons. In his rst season as a starter, the Falcons ranked sixth in the NFL in total offense and second in rushing.
G Harvey Dahl
RB Jerious Norwood 5-11, 209 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons
- Has averaged 5.3 yards per attempt and returned kicks for an average of 25.5 yards per try throughout his career. - Also averaged 9.5 yards per reception during ve NFL seasons.
- In each of his three seasons as a starter, the Falcons ranked in the top 10 in fewest sacks per pass play.
RB Jerious Norwood
LB Zac Diles 6-2, 245 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Texans
- Started eight games in 2008 & moved into a starting role full time in 2009 when he started 12 games. - In his four seasons, he has 223 tackles, a sack, a safety, an interception and 3 FFs.
T Quinn Ojinnaka 5-10, 203 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons/Patriots
- Has appeared in 47 games with 12 starts. - Has spent time with Falcons and Patriots and plays both tackle spots.
T Quinn Ojinnaka
LB Zac Diles
CB Al Harris 6-1, 190 - 14th NFL season 2010 Team: Packers, Dolphins
- Two-time Pro Bowler who was an alternate for three years before getting an overdue invite to Hawaii. - Boasts 21 career INTs, 470 tkl and 4 sacks; played for Steve Spagnuolo with the Eagles.
CB Al Harris
LB Ben Leber 6-3, 244 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Vikings
- Has started 111 of 136 career games and logged 483 tackles, 12 FFs & 5 INTs. - Was a starter on the NFLs top-ranked run defense each season from 2005-08.
LB Ben Leber WR Mike Sims-Walker
S Quintin Mikell 5-10, 203 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Eagles
- Earned his rst Pro Bowl bid in 2009 after racking up 90 tackles, 13 passes defended and a pair of interceptions. - - Career totals include up 444 tkls., 4.0 sacks, 46 PDs, 10 INTs, 7 FFs & 7 FRs.
RB Cadillac Williams 5-11, 204 - 6th NFL season 2010 Team: Buccaneers
- Boasts career average of 3.8 yards per carry and has scored 20 rushing touchdowns. - 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,178 and 6 touchdowns.
RB Cadillac Williams
S Quintin Mikell
DE Robert Quinn
S Jermale Hines
TE Lance Kendricks
CB Mikail Baker
WR Austin Pettis
- Finished his college career with more than 400 tackles including 108 as a senior - Played in some games as a running back as a freshman, averaging 5 yards per carry
WR Greg Salas
S Jonathan Nelson
St. Louis Rams / Week 4 / Through Friday, August 26, 2011 / Preseason Won 3, Lost 0
Rushing W W W 33- 10 17- 16 14- 10 Indianapolis Colts Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs St. Louis 57 20 35 2 23/47 48.9% 1/1 100.0% 31:59 946 315.3 202 4.7 383 127.7 102 563 187.7 4/25 588 96/58 60.4% 3 18/44.1 40.6 14/108 0/0 7 2 5 0 Q1 31 16 TD 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 7 3 Ru 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 Pa 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 5 2 Q2 13 6 Rt 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q3 17 14 PAT 7/7 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 7/7 3/3 Q4 3 0 FG 5/5 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 5/5 5/6 OT 0 0 2Pt 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Opponent 45 17 25 3 13/41 31.7% 2/3 66.7% 28:01 972 324.0 175 5.6 370 123.3 79 602 200.7 3/28 630 93/46 49.5% 4 18/41.7 38.9 17/120 1/0 3 1 2 0 Pts 64 36 Pts 22 12 6 6 6 6 6 64 36 C.Williams S.Jackson K.Toston J.Norwood V.Stumon S.Bradford T.Lewis B.Miller E.Wide Team Opponents Receiving L.Kendricks M.Gilyard D.Amendola D.Alexander G.Salas D.Avery J.Norwood B.Gibson F.Onobun C.Williams M.Sims-Walker B.Guidugli K.Toston S.Jackson J.West A.Pettis B.Bajema B.Miller Team Opponents Interceptions J.Butler Q.Mikell C.Dahl J.Hines Team Opponents Punting D.Jones Team Opponents Punt Returns M.Gilyard A.Pettis G.Salas Team Opponents Kickoff Returns M.Gilyard C.Reynolds E.Wide Team Opponents Field Goals J.Brown Team Opponents 1-19 0/ 0 0/ 0 0/ 0 No 18 18 18 Yds 794 794 751 Ret 10 1 0 11 11
No. 29 21 15 19 8 2 4 3 1 102 79 No. 8 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 58 46 No. 1 1 1 1 4 3 Avg 44.1 44.1 41.7 FC 2 2 1 5 3 No. 7 2 1 10 7 20-29 1/ 1 1/ 1 4/ 5
Yds 116 82 66 53 18 18 15 9 6 383 370 Yds 82 51 38 61 42 49 19 108 23 19 32 18 16 9 11 6 4 0 588 630 Yds 33 25 18 16 92 15 Net 40.6 40.6 38.9 Yds 50 0 0 50 43 Yds 173 53 20 246 133 30-39 1/ 1 1/ 1 0/ 0 TB 1 1 0
Avg Long 4.0 3.9 4.4 2.8 2.3 9.0 3.8 3.0 6.0 3.8 4.7 15 25 15 17 4 13 10 4 6 25 46
TD 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 TD 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 TD 0 0 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 TD 0 0 0 0 0 TD 0 0 0 0 0 50+ 2/ 2 2/ 2 0/ 0
3rd Down: Made/Att 3rd Down Pct. 4th Down: Made/Att 4th Down Pct. Possession Avg. Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost Gross Yards Attempts/Completions Completion Pct. Had Intercepted Punts/Average Net Punting Avg. Penalties/Yards Fumbles/Ball Lost Touchdowns Rushing Passing Returns Score By Periods Team Opponents Scoring J.Brown L.Kendricks C.Williams M.Sims-Walker D.Avery B.Gibson K.Toston Team Opponents
Avg Long 10.3 15 8.5 14 6.3 13 12.2 18 8.4 13 12.3 19t 4.8 8 36.0 83t 7.7 12 6.3 19 16.0 26 9.0 12 8.0 8 4.5 5 11.0 11 6.0 6 4.0 4 0 0 10.1 83t 13.7 44t Avg Long 33.0 33 25.0 25 18.0 18 16.0 16 23.0 33 5.0 15 In 4 4 8 Lg 58 58 55
Avg Long 5.0 17 0.0 0 0 0 4.5 17 3.9 17 Avg Long 24.7 32 26.5 31 20.0 20 24.6 32 19.0 28 40-49 1/ 1 1/ 1 1/ 1
2-Pt. Conversions: Team 0/ 0, Opponents: 0/ 0 Sacks: J.Hall 1.0, R.Quinn 1.0, J.Laurinaitis 1.0 Team: 3.0, Opponents: 4.0
Att 43 36 17 96 93
Cmp 24 23 11 58 46
TD 4 1 0 5 2
Int 2 1 0 3 4
Int% Long 4.7% 83t 2.8% 19t 0.0% 13 3.1% 83t 4.3% 44t
Sack 3/ 0/ 1/ 4/ 3/
Lost 24 0 1 25 28