Rams Dynasty

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

New Look Rams Go Undefeated in Preseason

The St. Louis Rams turned some heads around the league by going 4-0 in preseason.

The Rams beat Tennessee, San Diego, Baltimore, and Kansas City. The startling thing is they did it with a bunch of rookies. Gone are fan favorites WR Drew Bennett and DE Leonard Little. Only 11 Rams from 2007 survived the trades and cuts made by new head coach Ken Joslin.

More shocking is the number of rookies that are starting. Out of the 24 starting positions on offense, defense, and special teams 11 are filled by rookies this year (another 5 are filled with free agents, and the last 8 by former Rams.) These aren't your dad's Rams.

GM Ray Zest said that the team made a nice profit on game programs throughout the preseason because of all the new players. GM Zest who helped HC Joslin put the 2008 Rams together has become something of a scouting expert with in depth contacts and insiders in almost all college programs, small, medium and large.

The Rams look to build on their success next week when they face the Philadelphia Eagles.

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

The Rams Start Strong

Week 1: Rams @ Eagles-sim
Rams 3/10/0/14 27
Eagles 7/ 7/3/7 24

The Rams debut their West Coast Pass Heavy philosophy and show just how young they are. QB Marc Bulger clearly struggled with the playbook completing only 43% of his passes and having 2 interceptions. The Rams trailed for most of this one, but some heroics by FB Dan Kreider at the end of the half and at the end of the game allowed the Rams to start the season with a win.

Week 2: Giants (1-0) @ Rams (1-0)-played
Giants 0 / 7/ 7/7 21
Rams 14/19/23/28 84

HC Joslin wanted to make a statement in their first home game and he did with an exclamation point. QB Marc Bulger looked much more comfortable in the offense going 20/36 for 399yds and 6 TDs. HB Steven Jackson dominated as well adding 264yds and 4 TDs on the ground. On the defensive side of the ball, the team had two safeties.

Week 3: Rams (2-0) @ Seahawks (1-1)-sim
Rams 10/ 7/7/3 27
Seahawks 0/10/6/0 16

This one was closer than it looks with the Rams only pulling away in the last part of the second half. The Seahawks actually amassed more yards passing and rushing than the Rams, but in the end quality counts more than quantity.

Week 4: Bills (3-0) @ Rams (3-0)- sim
Bills 0/ 7/0/0 7
Rams 0/14/7/14 35

Two unexpectedly undefeated teams met and one had to go home a loser. QB Marc Bulger struggled again throwing a headache inducing 5 picks! Fortunately the St. Louis defense didn't let QB Daunte Culpepper do anything with them holding him to 6 of 22 for only 74yds, 1 TD and 2 INTs. QB Bulger redeemed himself with 4 TD throws, but Coach Joslin has to be wondering is Bulger the right man for the job?

Week 5:Bye

Week 6: Rams (4-0) @ Redskins (2-3)
Rams 7/14/0/14 35
Redskins 0/ 6/7/10 23

A last quarter surge gave the Redskins the lead, but two quick TD's by HB Steven Jackson put an end to Washington's upset. QB Bulger posted another 300+yards passing, while HB Steven Jackson settled for only 12 carries. Why aren't the Rams using Jackson more? Will St. Louis meet HB Jackson's demand for $10m a season?

Week 7: Cowboys (5-1) @ Rams (5-0)-sim
Cowboys 7/ 7/ 0/7 21
Rams 3/14/21/7 45

The Rams roll over the Cowboys, putting in the backups by the 4th quarter. QB Bulger amassed 433yds, 4 TDs and 2 INTs with a 72% completion percentage. HB Steven Jackson had only 11 carries netting 44yds and 2TDs. The Cowboys kept shooting themselves in the foot with QB Tony Romo throwing 5 interceptions.

Week 8: Rams (6-0) @ Patriots (6-0)-played
Rams 21/28/21/21 91
Patriots 7/10/ 0/7 24

HC Joslin and the Rams went to Foxborro to show the Patriots and the league that they could play with the big boys. They did that and more. QB Marc Bulger put up an amazing game going 15 of 20 for 312yds and 4 TDs before HC Joslin put in backup QB Andre Woodson (who netted 3 TDs of his own.) HB Steven Jackson also had a big game going for 299yds and 6 TDs on 28 carries. Jackson was a big part of the offense due to heavy rains in Foxborro.
The lone bright spot for the Patriots was WR Wes Welker who scored 2 kickoff returns for TDs.
In injury news, after QB Bulger had been taken out of the game he went in to play special teams and was injured while covering a kickoff return. What the h@)) was he doing out there in the first place? The team is awaiting x-rays on his hand to see how serious the injury is.

Week 9: Cardinals (5-2) @ Rams (7-0)- Sim
Cardinals 0/ 7/ 0/0 7
Rams 7/14/7/7 35

With QB Bulger out with a broken thumb for the week, QB Andre Woodson got the start. Woodson showed his inexperience, throwing 3 interceptions, but he also showed his potential racking up 343yds and 4 TDs while completing 70% of his passes. With the Rams in charge, QB Alex Brink even got to play a series.

Coming up next...Mid Season Report

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

Rams Mid Season Report

Total Offense: 1st
Pass Offense: 2nd
Rush Offense: 5th
Points Scored: 1st

47.3 points per game, 4055yds of offense, 2980 pass, 1075 rush, 33 PTD, 17RTD, 10 sacks allowed

Total Defense: 6th
Pass Defense: 17th
Rush Defense: 5th
Points Against: 8th

143 points allowed, 4891yds allowed, 3713 pass, 1178 rush, 18 INTs, 6 fumble recoveries, 29 sacks

Special Teams
Avg Punt: 18th
Field Goal %: 23rd
Avg Yards Per Return: 14th
Special Teams TDs: 4th

Penalties: 318yds given up on penalties (6th in the league)

Player Stats:
QB Marc Bulger 155/260 59% for 2476yds, 26 TDs, 12 INTs

HB Steven Jackson 118 for 885yds (7.5 avg) 16 TDs, 3 fumbles, 29 broken tackles

WR Tory Holt 51 for 605yds and 7 TDs
WR Mario Manningham 35 for 550yds and 4 TDs
WR Desean Jackson 24 for 536yds and 7 TDs
HB Steven Jackson 26 for 584yds and 6 TDs

DE Vernon Gholston 22 tackles, 13 TFL, 11 sacks, 3 deflections, 33 hurries

CB Tye Hill 36 tackles, 5 INTs, 4 deflections, 1 forced fumble

OLB Tavares Gooden 35 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 3 INTs, 4 deflections, 2 forced fumbles, fumbe recovery, 8 hurries

K Alexis Serna 6/10 (60%), 50yd long, 51/51 xpts, 13 punts for 560yds, 43.0 avg/ 39.0 net avg.

Salary Cap and Personell

HB Steven Jackson gets a new deal: 6yr $53.9M deal with $22M bonus

other resignings:

QB Alex Brink 2yr $580K no bonus
FB Dan Kreider 2yr $2.7M deal with $1.5M bonus
FB Oren O'Neal 2yr $800K deal no bonus
C Roy Schuening 6yr $3.3M deal with $500K bonus
RG Damien Woody 3yr $4.2M deal with $500K bonus
RG Tony Hills 2yr $480K deal no bonus
RG Donny Brownstein 2yr $480K deal no bonus
MLB David Vobora 2yr $480K deal with $50K bonus
FS OJ Atogwe 5yr $11.9M deal with $5.5M bonus

Trade:

WR Eddie Kennison was wanting $3M a year to be a WR4 for the Rams, and that earned him a ticket to Oakland. St. Louis sent Kennison to the Raiders for Oaklands 3rd and 7th round picks in 2010. The Raiders then signed Kennison to a 2yr deal worth $3M with a $1.5M bonus and incentives for 1000yds recieving and 10 TDs (he has 175yds and 1 TD after 9 weeks.)

In an odd side note, the Raiders top two WR's (WR1 Kennison and WR2 Dorien Bryant) were both acquired in trades with the Rams...costing the Raiders 4 picks in 2010 (2nd round, 3rd round, 6th round, 7th round.)

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

2008 Draft 1st Round Recap, How are they doing?

1 Mia- LT Jake Long: The Dolphins wanted a tackle to build around and they got it in this guy. OVR 95, LT1, 16 pancake blocks, 9 sacks allowed...he's still learning, but a great pick

2 KC- RE Chris Long: Wanting to improve their pass rush, the Chiefs bring in the other Long. OVR 90, RE1, 38 tackles, 19 TFL, 10 sacks, INT, 3 deflections, forced fumble, 58 hurries...he has to be the top contender for defensive rookie of the year.

3 ATL- QB Matt Ryan: Looking for a Franchise QB, HC Mike Smith grabs QB Matt Ryan. OVR 77, QB2, 6/17 (35%) for 71yds...The Falcons are bringing Ryan along slowly, letting him learn from veteran FA starter Trent Green.

4 OAK- DT Glenn Dorsey: Al Davis wanted someone to dominate the middle and they think they got their man in the strong and fast Dorsey. DT1, OVR 87, 10 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack...Dorsey can't seem to stay healthy.

5 BAL- DE Derrick Harvey: The Ravens go for a defensive guy. LE1, OVR 87, 19 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 deflections, 36 hurries...not too bad but he could be doing a lot better.

6 CAR- OLB Keith Rivers: The best LB in the draft. The Panthers make an already impressive LB corps better with Rivers. ROLB 1, OVR 89, 55 tackles, 4 deflections, forced fumble...The Panthers have to give this kid more opportunities to make plays, he will only get better.

7 NE- HB Darren McFadden- The most physically gifted player in the draft goes to arguably the best team in the league. The Patriots must be doing something right. HB2, OVR 89, 27 for 150yds...Coach Openheimer is sticking with starter HB Maroney, so McFadden isn't seeing nearly the playing time he should.

8 STL- CB Mike Jenkins- Arguably the best cover corner in the draft. The Rams didn't want to get Jenkins this high, but couldn't work a trade to go down. CB1, OVR 84/91, 41 tackles, 1 TFL, INT, 4 DEFL, 2 FFUMB, 1 FMBREC, thrown at 47 times allowing 26 catches (55%) and 4 TDs...Rams DB Coach stinks hampering CB Jenkins development.

9 CIN- DT Sedrick Ellis- The Bengals wanted to improve the interior line so they brought in DT Oshinowo and picked Ellis. DT1, OVR 85, 22 Tackles, 5 TFL, Sack...not too bad for an interior lineman

10 NYJ- RT Jeff Otah- The Jets wanted to improve their OL and found a keeper in Otah. RT1, OVR 88, 18 PCAKE, 2 sacks allowed...Otah looks to be a top tackle for years to come.

11 BUF- QB Joe Flacco- Lacking confidence in Trent Edwards as a long term solution at QB the Bills bring in Flacco. QB3, OVR 54, no stats...Joe didn't do well in camp and was beaten out by both incumbent Trent Edwards and FA QB Daunte Culpepper. Maybe in a few years he will get his shot as Culpepper and Edwards don't look to be a long term solution.

12 DEN- LT Ryan Clady- Continuing the trend to upgrade the OL the Broncos take a LT. LT1, OVR 92, 13 PCake, 2 sacks allowed...the Broncos got a steal in Clady, who upgraded an already good OL.

13 WAS- LG Brandon Albert- The Skins needed an upgrade and they got it in this guy. LG1, OVR 90, 19 Pancakes, 4 sacks allowed...Albert will anchor this line for years to come.

14 STL- OLB Vernon Gholston- GM Ray Zest wanted Gholston at #2, but HC Joslin wouldn't pull the trigger. The Rams moved Gholston to DE where he is thriving. LE1, OVR 90, 22 tackles, 13 TFL, 11 sacks, 3 deflections, 33 hurries...Gholston is a premier edge rusher, who could contend for defensive rookie honors.

15 CAR- CB Dominique Cromartie- The Panthers traded away Chris Gamble, so they were looking for a starting CB. CB4, OVR 77, 9 tackles, deflection...unfortunately Cromartie hasn't lived up to the hype. He failed to beat out Ken Lucas, Jacque Reeves and Richard Marshall...so he doesn't see much action.

16 ARI- CB Leodis McKelvin- The Cardinals needed an upgrade to the secondary so they snatched up McKelvin. CB2, OVR 83, 18 tackles, INT, 5 deflections, thrown at 26 times allowing 11 catches (42%)...solid player, only time will tell if he develops into a star.

17 SEA- HB Rashard Mendenhall- The Seahawks address a major concern by drafting a HB. HB1, OVR 84, 106 carries for 394yds (3.7 avg) 1 TD, 3 fumbles...Mendenhall doesn't get too many opportunities in a pass heavy offense, but he should be doing more with the ones he gets.

18 NE- CB Antoine Cason- The Patriots lose Asante Samuel and go for the bargain replacement in Cason. CB2, OVR 82, 22 tackles, TFL, 3 INT, 4 deflections, thrown at 27 times allowing 7 catches (25%)...the Patriots system is making him into a solid player into a star.

19 PHI- LT Chris Williams- The Eagles pick the best player on their board with this one. With one of the best OL out there they didn't need him, but add depth with this pick. LT2, OVR 89, 2 pancakes...Williams doesn't see much playing time...on another team he would of been an instant starter.

20 TB- CB Aqib Talib-The Buccanneers look for some insurance for the aging Ronde Barber. CB3, OVR 76, 4 tackles, INT, DEFL...Talib doesn't see too much playing time, but could improve his stock when Barber retires in a couple of years.

21 STL- SS Kenny Phillips- The Rams had a gaping hole at SS and they filled it with Phillips. SS1, OVR 85, 27 tackles, TFL, sack, 2 INTs, 3 DEFL, thrown at 29 times allowing 16 catches (55%)...lots of potential, could become great with better coaching.

22 DAL- DT Kentwan Balmer-The Cowboys interior DL looked bad, but with the addition of Balmer it is getting better. DT1, OVR 83, 6 tackles, 3 TFL, sack...not great, but a significant improvement from what was there previously.

23 PIT- RT Gosder Cherilus-The Steelers improve the OL with this pick. RT1, OVR 88, 26 pancake blocks, 2 sacks allowed...Cherilus is a road grader and provides an instant boost to the Steelers run game.

24 TEN- LE Lawrence Jackson- The Titans were looking for someone to create some pressure, and hope they've found their man in Jackson. OVR 80, LE1, 18 tackles, 12 TFL, 2 sacks, DEFL...Jackson has been battling injuries all season...if he can get and stay healthy he could make some noise.

25 SEA- TE Dustin Keller- A horrible year to be drafting a TE. TE1, OVR 65, 15 catches for 121yds, 2 TDs...Not a big fan, but the Seahawks needed a TE desperately.

26 OAK- OLB Jerod Mayo- The Raiders wanted Mayo bad and were willing to mortgage their future to get him. LOLB1, OVR 82, 25 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks, DEFL...not the most productive guy out there, Rob Ryan was hoping for more.

27 SD- LT Sam Baker- A little confused by this pick. The Chargers felt that Baker was the best player out there so they got him, despite a plethora of talented OL already on their roster. LT3, OVR 84, no stats...Baker would be starting for another team...for now he just has to wait.

28 DAL- LT Duane Brown- The Cowboys wanted Baker so bad they could taste it, but when SD scooped him up they had to settle for Brown. LT3, OVR 77, no stats...if the Cowboys had managed to get Baker he'd be starting, but Brown just isn't as talented...maybe he'll develop in a few years.

29 SF- CB Brandon Flowers- The 49ers needed a bookend for CB Nate Clements and think they've found it in Flowers. CB2, OVR 84, 49 tackles, 4 INT, 8 DEFL, 2 FFUMB, 1 FMBREC, thrown at 50 times allowing 26 catches (52%)...he gets a lot of looks with Clements on the otherside and so far he's holding up pretty well.

30 DEN- HB Felix Jones- The very fragile Felix Jones goes to Denver. HB3, OVR 81, 6 carries for 35yds...despite being the most physically gifted HB on their roster, the Broncos have Jones behind Selvin Young and Julius Jones. I don't care for Jones, feeling he's too injury prone, but come on...he's your best back..****n him.

31 NYG- TE John Carlson- A bad year for TEs. TE3, OVR 68, 1 catch for 1 yd, TD...Why even draft this guy? You already have Shockey and Boss...did you really need a TE3 that badly? Waste of a pick.

32 TB- DT Trevor Laws-The Buccaneers wanted to improve their interior DL. My question is did they? DT1, OVR 74, 12 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks...Laws is making a living off the system. He isn't that good, but the Tampa 2 hides that well.

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

The Rams Finish Strong

Week 10: Rams (8-0) @ Jets (3-5)
Rams 9/17/14/10=50
Jets 3/0/0/7= 10
QB Bulger continues to struggle with interceptions, giving the Jets the ball 3 times. Fortunately the defense stepped up and didn't let QB Kellen Clemons and the Jets do anythhing with the ball. The defense adds another safety, making 4 for the season.

Week 11: Rams (9-0) @ 49ers (1-8)
Rams 17/17/7/7= 48
49ers 0/0/3/0= 3
QB Marc Bulger rebounds from a subpar performance last week to rock the 49ers with a 391yd 4TD performance. Backup QB Andre Woodson sees some action after this one was out of reach.

Week 12: Bears (3-7) @ Rams (10-0)
Bears 0/6/0/0= 6
Rams 7/14/3/10= 34
QB Marc Bulger yoyos back to mediocrity putting up a 321yd performance with 2 TDs and 2 INTS. WR Tory Holt has a big game with 12 catches for 134yds TD. DE Vernon Gholston reappears after going sackless for several games, netting 3 sacks in this one. Six different players sacked Bears QB Brodie Croyle in this one.

Week 13: Dolphins (2-9) @ Rams (11-0)
Dolphins 0/7/0/0= 7
Rams 13/13/21/14= 61
Sticking to form, QB Marc Bulger has a big game going for 431yds and 5 TDs, no INTs. Backup QB Andre Woodson adds another TD in garbage time. QB Bulger's main target in this one was WR Mario Manningham who racked up 12 catches for 186yds and 2 TDs. SS Kenny Phillips came up big with 2 INTs.

Week 14: Rams (12-0) @ Cardinals (5-7)
Rams 7/0/13/23= 43
Cardinals 9/10/0/0= 19
The Cardinals looked to have the upset as they led 19 to 7 at the end of the half, but then the Rams defense stepped up and smothered QB Matt Leinart in the second half. QB Marc Bulger threw 2 INTs early but settled down to go 27/46 for 390yd 5 TDs and 2 INTs. The defense came up big again with their 5th safety of the season.

Week 15: Seahawks (7-6) @ Rams (13-0) (played)
Seahawks 7/0/7/7= 21
Rams 7/21/17/28= 73
QB Marc Bulger was victimized by FS Brian Russell, who intercepted Bulger twice. Add another pick by Bulger and it should of been a bad game for the Rams. Fortunately, HB Steven Jackson stepped up until Bulger could calm his nerves. HB Jackson amassed 220yds and 2 TDs on 37 carries, he also proved a deadly threat from the backfield making 14 catches and adding another 4 TDS. DE Vernon Gholston sacked QB Matt Hasselbeck 4 times, knocking him out of the game for 2 quarters.

Week 16: 49ers (2-12) @ Rams (14-0)
49ers 0/0/0/0=0
Rams 7/14/10/14= 45
QB Marc Bulger continued to struggle with interceptions giving the ball the 49ers twice. He did manage to earn 426yds and 3 TDs to counter the picks. QB Andre Woodson added another 111yds and a TD in relief play. Both WR Tory Holt and WR Desean Jackson ammased over 130yds receiving each. The Rams defense added 7 sacks and 3 INTs to help insure the 49ers never got back into this one.

Week 17: Rams (15-0) @ Falcons (2-13)
Rams 7/0/7/14= 28
Falcons 0/3/7/10= 20
The Falcons almost had this one. Going into the 4th quarter the Falcons led 20 to 14, but with only 4 minutes left the Rams managed two scores to go undefeated. QB Marc Bulger topped 300yds passing yet again, throwing for 3 TDs and 2 INTs. SS Kenny Phillips came up with the 4th quarter interception that opened the door for the Rams to make a comeback.

Coming Up Next...Pro Bowl Selections

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

The Rams Invade the Pro Bowl

Last year the Rams sent QB Marc Bulger, HB Steven Jackson and WR Tory Holt to the Pro Bowl. This year they will have plenty of company.

NFC Pro Bowl Team
QB1 Marc Bulger (receiving the most votes of any Pro Bowl player)
HB1 Steven Jackson
FB1 Dan Kreider
WR2 Tory Holt
WR5 Mario Manningham
DE1 Vernon Gholston
DT1 Adam Carriker
OLB3 Tavares Gooden
CB2 Tye Hill
SS2 Kenny Phillips

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

Rams End of Season Report

Total Offense: 1st
Pass Offense: 1st
Rush Offense: 6th
Points Scored: 1st

47.5 points per game, 8421yds of offense, 6494 pass, 1927 rush, 67 PTD, 32RTD, 17 sacks allowed

Total Defense: 4th
Pass Defense: 12th
Rush Defense: 5th
Points Against: 4th

229 points allowed, 8425yds allowed, 6343 pass, 2082 rush, 31 INTs, 9 fumble recoveries, 66 sacks

Special Teams
Avg Punt: 16th
Field Goal %: 31st
Avg Yards Per Return: 7th
Special Teams TDs: 2nd

Penalties: 77 for 624yds given up (7th in the league)

Player Stats:
QB Marc Bulger 362/576 62% for 5655yds, 57 TDs, 26 INTs

HB Steven Jackson 214 for 1377yds (6.4 avg) 27 TDs, 4 fumbles, 47 broken tackles

WR Tory Holt 115 for 1334yds and 17 TDs
WR Mario Manningham 87 for 1268yds and 8 TDs
WR Desean Jackson 43 for 978yds and 10 TDs
HB Steven Jackson 59 for 1435yds and 13 TDs

DE Vernon Gholston 47 tackles, 27 TFL, 21 sacks, 4 deflections, 64 hurries

SS Kenny Phillips 41 tackles,TFL, Sack, 8 INTs, 6 deflections, THAT 59, CALD 24 (40%)

OLB Tavares Gooden 53 tackles, 5 TFL, 5 sacks, 5 INTs, 7 deflections, 2 forced fumbles, fumbe recovery, 16 hurries

K Alexis Serna 16/21 (76%), 50yd long, 99/100 xpts, 32 punts for 1344yds, 42.0 avg/ 37.8 net avg.

[kdmajoslin]

St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Sports Section

Awards and Playoff Picture

Three teams finished the regular season with a perfect record, the Rams, the Colts and the Buccaneers.

Rams HB Steven Jackson named League MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and RB of the Year (Rams QB Marc Bulger was the runner up for league MVP)

Rams WR Mario Manningham was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year (WR Desean Jackson, Rams was the runner up)

QB Marc Bulger wins QB of the Year honors.

Coach Ken Joslin, Rams wins the Coach of the Year Award.

Wildcard Week

Bills 9-7 @ Chargers 12-4

Cowboys 10-6 @ Eagles 13-3

Broncos 11-5 @ Steelers 8-8

Giants 12-4 @ Vikings 12-4

Colts, Rams, Buccaneers, and Patriots have a bye