Turf Show Times

St. Louis Rams fantasy report, week 11, Rams vs. Arizona

2009-11-20T16:20:49Z

by Michael Conroy - AP

Can Donnie Avery give fantasy owners something to dance about?

One win and a near upset of the undefeated New Orleans Saints and all of the sudden the St. Louis Rams aren't so easy for fantasy players to ignore. The team still lacks reliable, every week fantasy players outside of RB Steven Jackson. At this point, guys like Donnie Avery, Brandon Gibson and Daniel Fells offer respectable, sneaky bye week options. This week's game against the Arizona Cardinals will go a long way toward answering whether or not those players could move beyond bye week fill-ins to guys worthy of keeping on your roster. The first question we need to ask is whether or not we are seeing real progress from the Rams offense? Three things indicate that the answer is yes.

The offensive line is playing well. Signing C Jason Brown and drafting Jason Smith represented a major investment for the team and provided the basis for the rebuilding project as Spagnuolo builds from the foundation up. Smith is anchoring the right side of the line, overcoming any preseason questions about his adjustment to the three-point stance. The Rams favor the middle and right side for their running game, and Jackson continues to rack up more and more yards thanks to the entire offensive line functioning well as a unit.
Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is finally opening the play book. Besides a stellar job in run blocking, the OL is giving Marc Bulger time in the pocket, and the passing game is now throwing the ball downfield to Donnie Avery, forcing defenses to respect his speed and ability to get behind safeties.
The WR situation may be resolved. Maybe. Last week, Bradon Gibson, acquired from Philly in the Will Witherspoon trade, made a real impression, pressed into service for the injured Keenan Burton. One week wonder or not? It's hard to say, but against the Saints Gibson showed great hands and the athleticism to get yards after the catch, exactly what the Rams have been missing from the wide receivers this season. If he's the real deal, the Rams might have an effective enough passing game to score some points.

Obviously, Steven Jackson is a must start this week or any week. The Cardinals gave up 123 yards to Justin Forsett against the Seahawks last week. In week 8, DeAngelo Williams picked up 158 yards.

Donnie Avery looks like a good player to start this week too. The Cardinals allow 253.4 yards passing on average, and have allowed the fourth most, 32, passing plays of 20 yards or more.

Brandon Gibson is a risky start because he's still relatively unknown. If he has another good week, definitely grab him off the waiver wire.

Ah You serious? Rams lose another for the season

2009-11-20T12:33:52Z

More photos » by Ted S. Warren - AP

C.J. Ah You becomes the latest Ram to hit the IR list

Browse more photos »

The St. Louis Rams will send their ninth player this season to the injured reserve list. This time it's defensive end C. J. Ah You.

Ah You surprised everyone this year, earning a roster spot and fitting into a nice job as a role player. Spags used him inside on those 4 DE packages. He had some surprise moments you'll recall. He was a Spagnuolo favorite...or so it seemed.

It's a tough break for the Rams.

Fun with numbers: Rams offensive line

2009-11-19T21:50:39Z

by Jeff Roberson - AP

St. Louis Rams offensive tackle Jason Smith is making his presence known.

View full size photo »

Offensive line stats are a strange animal, but leave it to the guys at Football Outsiders to measure the grunts up front who make it happen. As anyone following the St. Louis Rams knows, head coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney have made the rebuilding the offensive line a top priority, investing lots of money to get younger and tougher up front. How's the investment paying off so far?

Well, early in the season there were times when the line looked like the same old unit that caused so much consternation in seasons prior. It was a little rough at first, as players learned the system and how to function as a unit. The pass protection has been mostly solid all year long, with a few exceptions here and there. But over the last few games, the offensive line has looked like a much better, more cohesive unit, getting the best of both the Lions and the Saints defensive fronts. Let's look at some numbers.

(a quick note, FO uses the Adjusted Line Yards (ALY) measurement, which account for the OL's role in terms of yards gained on rushing plays, i.e. they take the running back out of the equation. Here's the full definition for ALY.)

First of all the total ALY for the Rams this year, through nine games is 4.08 ALY, good enough for 17th best in the league. Last season, that number was 3.73 ALY, and in 2007 it was 3.72 ALY. Both numbers from the past two seasons ranked 28th in the league.

The directional numbers are the most interesting, showing big jumps over the last two games.

Check it out, through week 10:

Left End, 4.61 ALY, 11th
Left Tackle, 6.28 ALY, 1st
Mid/Guard, 3.91 ALY, 23rd
Right Tackle, 4.71 ALY, 5th
Right End, 2.05 ALY, 30th

In two games, their ALY at Right Tackle have gone from 3.97 ALY to 4.71 ALY. Wow. That's a huge jump, and Jason Smith gets lots of credit for that. They've improved at Mid/Guard too, up from 3.74 ALY. I don't worry about the middle as much, since that's where the Rams 51% of the rushes, and teams are cramming the box to hold back Steven Jackson.

Progress.

Rams guard Richie Incognito and Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett rank first and fifth,...

2009-11-19T20:54:53Z

Rams guard Richie Incognito and Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett rank first and fifth, respectively, among the dirtiest players in a Sporting News poll of 99 peers.

Bad boys. Incognito will be out this week when the Rams take on the Cardinals at the Ed Jones Dome.

Jackson running into the record books

2009-11-19T12:00:14Z

by Jeff Roberson - AP

Steven Jackson is running his way into the Rams' record books.

View full size photo »

St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson was his usual dominant self in the team's near upset of the undefeated New Orleans Saints last week, rushing for 131 yards on 26 carries and scoring his second touchdown in two weeks. It was Jackson's third 100+ yard performance in a row and fifth of the season, giving him 915 yards rushing on the season, third best in the NFL.

He also ran his way into the history books, passing Lawrence McCutcheon for third on the Rams all-time leaders in rushing yards. To date, SJ39 has a 6,206 rushing yards for his career, spent entirely with the Rams. He trails legends Marshall Faulk who 6,959 yards rushing and Eric Dickerson with 7,245 yards rushing.

Jackson needs just 753 more yards to pass Faulk and 1,039 to pass Dickerson. Can he pass those Rams icons this season and engrave his name into the team's history?

Right now, Jackson is averaging 101.7 yards rushing per game. At that pace, he'll pick up another 711 through the Rams' last seven games. Of course, the schedule will have something to say about that. Below is a chart with the Rams next seven opponents and their average yards rushing allowed per game (note: The Rams have two more games against Arizona, so I've only included them once in this list).

Team	Avg Rush YPG
ARI	101
SEA	105
CHI	118.4
TEN	109.3
HOU	108.7
SF	87.7

That's not the best predictor for Jackson's chances in the weeks ahead, but give you some idea of the kind of rushing defenses he'll face. At his current pace, Jackson will finish the season with 1,626 rushing yards, his best total ever. That will leave him just 42 yards short of Faulk's total with the Rams. However, if the line continues its strong play and the team stays inspired from their recent run an extra 42 yards might be well within reach.

Sometime early next season, Jackson should be the Rams all-time leader in rushing yards.

Random Ramsdom: Nov 19th, 2009

2009-11-19T07:20:39Z

I don't know about any of you, but I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for this Sunday to come up. I can't wait to see if the Rams can continue the success we've seen through the last month (it's almost been that long since Detroit!?) and hopefully come out with a win against a good team. Going right into the buffet today, we have:

Jim Thomas takes a look at the chimera approaching that is Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston. The Rams might not be able to sit back in the blitzing department this week, as dropping into coverage against these guys isn't going to be easy. Arizona has a tall, fast and physical passing game and it is going to take some creativity (gulp) to try and stop these guys.
Mike over at Ramsgab has his Ram View series about the Saints game. The link is to part five, where he breaks down some of the defensive line play. This week, the view isn't from the couch, as he was at the game. How will the Rams defensive line play against Arizona? Hopefully we can contain Beanie Wells.
The one and only Mike Sando takes a look at our emerging powerhouse offense. Ok, maybe that's going to far, but one can't hope to be optimistic. A number to remember? 796. That is the total amount of yards the offense has gained. In the last two games.
Andrew from Revenge of the Birds is here to answer any questions you may have about the Cardinals game this Sunday. I'd say he thinks the Cardinals need to have a better gameplan then not party too much the night before (rub it in, rub it in).
In case you missed it, here is the link to an excellent edition of Turf Show Radio. VanRam and his PIC 3k take a look at college football, the draft, plato, forehead tattoo's and more. I'd have to agree, we are definitely a good bad team. I wouldn't mind a flip of the two by the end of the season but that may be too wishful of thinking.

Enjoy your Thursday and GO RAMS

Turf Show Radio, tonight, 7 p.m. Central

2009-11-18T21:59:55Z

Trolling for some Wednesday evening fun? Nobody to talk pigskin with after a long day at work? Man, have we got a deal for you. Get your St. Louis Rams and football fix tonight on Turf Show Radio, happening live at 7 p.m. Central. Listen and call in at this link.

Can't make it? Use this thread to post comments and questions for 3k and I to answer on the show.

(Note from 3k: In case you don't take notes while you're listening, and you know you damn well should, here's my watch list for Saturday's college football action. Also, if you're listening live, you can catch Dan LeFevour (QB, Cent. Michigan) right now over on ESPN2.)

Random Ramsdom 11/18

2009-11-18T18:05:30Z

Some quick hits for the rest of the afternoon:

Jim Thomas gives us a little background on Brandon Gibson.
A little more on the newest Ram WR, Jordan Kent.
Mike Sando counts Adam Goldberg and Brandon Gibson among his Super Subs for the NFC West.
The Rams are +7 at home against the Cardinals this week. Even though the wins aren't there yet, it seems Vegas is respecting the Rams more and more each week. Earlier in the season this line would have been much higher.
Jim Thomas on the tough schedule for the Rams in the past few weeks. And, of course, Kurt Warner is coming back to town.

GO RAMS

The Bills have signed ex-Ram TE Joe Klopfenstein

2009-11-18T16:35:24Z

The Bills have signed ex-Ram TE Joe Klopfenstein

Yikes. Just a quick note for thought: DE Aaron Maybin, the Bills top draft pick in the '09 draft has 6 tackles through 9 games. Detroit TE Brandon Pettigrew, who I consisently mocked to Buffalo, has 23 receptions for 262 yards so far. Yikes.

Fun with numbers: Marc Bulger, week 10

2009-11-18T15:44:46Z

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

Geez, what do you guys want from me!?!?

Browse more photos »

Poor Marc Bulger. The embattled St. Louis Rams starting quarterback muscled through his best game of the year last week, nearly upsetting the undefeated New Orleans Saints. For some, that just wasn't enough.

Football Outsiders runs down the week's individual performances in their "Quick Reads" column, and for once Bulger's numbers stood out as above average. His total DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement) was 124 yards, meaning he waas worth 124 more yards than a scrub off the bench. That was good enough for 7th best for week 10. His Pass DYAR was 120 yards, and his rush DYAR was 5 yards. That wasn't good enough for FO, who said:

If this was the best Marc Bulger had left, well, it's good, but not good enough. His conversion on fourth down to Brandon Gibson to extend the game with 1:21 left nearly ended it; he saw an open receiver and promptly hit him in the shoelaces. Converting four of the 12 third downs he faced wasn't particularly impressive, especially considering the good situations he was being placed in by the effective running of Steven Jackson -- on those third downs, he had an average of 7.2 yards to go. That leaves a fair amount of makable ones that weren't, especially considering that one of the plays he converted was his 29-yard touchdown pass to Donnie Avery on third-and-15.

Ouch. I can't pin the loss on Bulger, but I can't excuse him totall either. A game that close could have been decided by any one play, and ugly dropped balls from McMichael and Amendola get make great targets to point you inger at too. However, it is clear that Bulger's skill set is fading, reflected in diminished accuracy and some questionable decision making, i.e. the mid-field check downs on the two minute drill. Yes, I wonder what he might have been able to do with just another better-than-competent WR to throw to. More and more it looks like his best course for the future is a backup on a well-stocked team.

Meet Jordan Kent, the Rams newest wide receiver

2009-11-18T13:02:55Z

The St. Louis Rams made Jordan Kent the latest receiver to cycle through the roster yesterday. He's a big guy at 6'4" and hasn't played football since last season.

The Seahawks released him before the start of this season because of an ankle injury. Tampa Bay and Cleveland were also interested in Kent, but the Rams made the call yesterday. He'll join the team for practice today as part of the 53-man roster, nabbing that coveted 5th receiver spot...which should come with some sort of voodoo insurance policy since being a Rams receiver is now considered a high risk job.

Interesting tidbit about Kent: he's a former high school classmate of Rams LB David Vobora. Kent didn't play football in HS though.

Here's ESPN's Mike Sando:

The Seahawks spent two seasons working with Kent, a former record-setting track athlete at Oregon who needed considerable polish as a receiver.

Here's the scouting report from SBNation:

A supreme athlete with long frame. Former track star and basketball player who brings elite speed and leaping ability to the field.

A late bloomer. Still very raw in terms of technique. Doesn't have a lot of experience producing big numbers at any level.

That kind of makes him sounds like a real diamond in the rough. We'll see about that. The great thing about a team like the Rams this season is that it's a great place for guys to buff out the rough and let the diamond show through. And, yes, a 5th wide receiver merits more than one post for the Rams. Will he see any playing time? Eventually, but remember Spagnuolo seems strangely committed to keeping just 4 receivers active on Sundays.

Don't forget to tune into Turf Show Radio tonight at 7 p.m. Central, it'll be titillating.

Disheartened or Dangerous?

2009-11-18T00:02:12Z

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

Will Atogwe go another 8 games without a turnover?

Browse more photos »

It's been a long time coming, but two days ago this Rams teams finally started to play with a ferocity, finally started to lay it all on the line. The team that has all to often given up by the fourth quarter, by the half, finally found some swagger. Marc Bulger wasn't sliding a yard short for first downs, Donnie Avery had more touchdowns then fumbles, ~~Alex Barron didn't almost cost us the game~~. All was good. But how long will this nothing-to-lose strategy apply for?

Sure, the team is 1-8. They really don't have that much too lose in the way of...well, anything this year. But mentally, having come so close to defeating the Saints, it must have been quite deflating to see the scoreboard after the game. To know it was in your grasp, yet have it slip through. It was definitely a tough loss for the team to go through.

These next few weeks are going to be crucial for the development of this team, for them to trust in Coach Spagnuolo. It's one thing to point at glaring deficiencies and huge mistakes that cost the team a chance at competing. It's one thing to see all the problems that went on during a game and see the score be a blowout. "Same old Rams," you could say. But this team gave it their all against the Saints and narrowly came up short. The Rams next few opponents aren't nearly as complete of a team as the Saints, which means that the Rams easily have a chance to win (if they can almost beat the Saints, they can almost beat anybody, in my opinion). Granted, there were areas to improve upon, but that game has to have been the high point so far in the season.

Spagnuolo has this team competing, their is no doubt about that. But after the win against the Lions, everyone said the team needed the win. Going 0-8 into the bye, people thought the team would've crumbled. That same chance of crumbling away has reared it's ugly head again. Can the team pick itself back up after the disheartening loss? Can they keep up the swagger? Or will they crumble apart? Was this merely a flash in the pan or will Bulger return to 2006 form? (Do you even want him to, or are you done with him at this point?)

Everyone is about to see what this coaching staff and team is made of. The team believes in Spagnuolo, sure, but their morale at 1-8 surely isn't, "sitting on the top of the world." If Spagnuolo can guide this team out of the darkness right now, then the future looks extremely bright.

Poll

Can the Rams continue to play at the level they displayed against the Saints?

A Rams source has confirmed the team will sign wide receiver Jordan Kent this afternoon to replace...

2009-11-17T23:43:47Z

A Rams source has confirmed the team will sign wide receiver Jordan Kent this afternoon to replace the injured Keenan Burton.
Kent (6'4, 219) played in nine games, with one start, for Seattle last season but has no career receptions. He did have three special teams tackles.

Per 101ESPN's Brian Stull, we get the above news. (h/t Sando)

Locker to stay at Washington another year?

2009-11-17T23:17:37Z

While we're on the St. Louis Rams and the 2010 NFL Draft, I thought this story abotu Washington QB Jake Locker was worth passing on. Locker's head coach Steve Sarkisian thinks the QB is likely to stay at Washington for one more season.

That's not a huge surprise considering he's tailed off this season, throwing 7 INTs. If Sarkisian can get some talent to play around Locker, he could really up his draft stock. We'll see what happens soon enough.

Hey, wanna talk more about who the Rams might pursue in the 2010 NFL Draft? Then you need to check out Turf Show Radio, tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Central. 3k, otherwise known as Mel Kiper without hair, and myself will be taking your draft and all other Rams QnA, before 3k heads off on a talent scouting mission in Iraq. Do not miss it.

2010 prospect watch (DT edition) - Nov. 17th

2009-11-17T17:12:25Z

More photos » by Gerry Broome - AP

Marvin Austin is a microphone magnet. Once he gets improved tutelage and less focus from opposing offensive lines, NFL quarterbacks could be Marvin Austin magnets.

Browse more photos »

There were a couple lessons to be learned from Sunday's game against the Saints; IMO, one of the most important was that our defensive front is unable to pressure QBs on their own. As to whether that is mainly due to the defensive ends or tackles is a fair debate. What's not open to debate is the fact that there are some very talented DT prospects in the 2010 NFL draft. While there's not too many games left for some of these future professionals, there's enough time for some fluctuation among each other and on big boards as a whole.

For reference, here's my QB board from Oct. 6th and my most recent mock draft. Here's how my DT board looks in mid-November (* denotes underclassmen, parenthetical links are for scouting reports):

1 - Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (ESPN)

First, I feel I have to help out Van here - it's en-dom-ah-ken soo. Of course, if you would rather call him damn-you-Kong!, feel free. Name aside, Suh is an absolute terror. He's stronger than his 6'3"-295 lb. frame suggests, and he's incredibly quick. Less than two weeks ago, the Cornhuskers faced off against Oklahoma; Suh made the most out of one of the bigger stages he's played on. He anchored a line that brought pressure on OU QB Landry Jones all day, resulting in a Cutleresque 5 picks. For good measure, he blocked a FG too.

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 27 at Colorado , 3:30pm ET (ABC)

Rest of the board after the fold.

2 - Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma (ESPN , MTD)

McCoy has been disrupting offenses for three years, missing just one game due to a hand injury two years ago. I've seen him at the top of many a DT board, and it's hard to argue; he explodes out of his stance. Once he does so, he's got a full menu of moves that he executes very well: swim, power rip, spin, and even his power rush, though that last one still needs some work. Really, that's his one flaw is raw power, and juxtaposed against Suh, it's even more evident. Still, he's been a model student-athlete at Oklahoma, acting as president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a team captain, and avoiding the kind of off-field troubles that many of his peers seem to enjoy.

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 28 vs. #12 Oklahoma St., 12:30pm ET

3 - Marvin Austin*, North Carolina

Austin heads up the second tier of DTs right now, IMO. He's got a great skill set that applies to both run and pass defense, but he's part of a very funky D-line, that includes two other solid DTs (Cam Thomas & Aleric Mullins) and a 375-lb. DE (Earl Wilson). I think that he could be a great pick in a 4-3 or even as a 3-4 DE. His biggest flaw is his technique; he's still a bit raw, but with a coach to mentor him (Spagnuolo?), he could be very successful in the NFL.

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 21 at Boston College, 12:00pm ET (ESPN2)

4 - Arthur Jones, Syracuse (ESPN, MTD)

Jones is the first real injury plagued prospect on this board. He tore a chest muscle working out this spring, and he injured his knee in the Pittsburgh game earlier this month. Still, what he was able to prove in his 4+ seasons at Syracuse was plenty to go off of. He's a very good run-stopping DT who competes every play. and he succeeded from time to time facing double teams. He's not a strong pass rusher, but that shouldn't hurt his draft stock. Plenty of teams would love to get his run stuffing skills on their lines.

Next notable evaluation: N/A

5 - Terrence Cody, Alabama (ESPN)

Terrence Cody is large human being. At 6'3" and anywhere from 370-400 lbs., he obviously presents a huge roadblock for offensive lines to deal with. Since transferring to Bama last year, he's been a fan favorite for obvious reasons. Still, you have to wonder if he can play anything but a 3-4 NT in the NFL. He's slow (in NFL terms. For his size, he's blazing fast. Try and find someone around 400 lbs. who can A.) run and B.) run anywhere near as fast as Cody), and he's sloppy. His technique revolves around the power rush, and that includes his stints on the offensive side of the ball as a FB or RB where Alabama has used him from time to time. The bottom line is, a body this big will be in demand, especially for 3-4 defenses who need a true NT.

Next notable evaluation: Dec. 5 vs. Florida (SEC Championship - neutral site), 4:00pm ET (TBD)

6 - Jared Odrick, Penn St. (ESPN)

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 21 at Michigan St., 3:30pm ET (ABC)

7 - Vince Oghobaase, Duke (ESPN)

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 21 at Miami, 12:00pm ET (ESPNU)

8 - Brian Price*, UCLA

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 28 at USC, 10:00pm ET

9 - Dan Williams, Tennessee

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 21 vs. Vanderbilt, 7:00pm ET (ESPNU)

10 - Geno Atkins, Georgia (ESPN)

Next notable evaluation: Nov. 21 vs. Kentucky, 7:45pm ET (ESPN2)

Poll

Vote for the next big board position...NOW!

The Rams have been waiting for former first-round pick Chris Long to have a good game, and Sunday...

2009-11-17T15:27:43Z

The Rams have been waiting for former first-round pick Chris Long to have a good game, and Sunday he played well. Long had been rushing from the inside at tackle, but he moved out to end and was effective, getting a sack and two hits on Drew Brees.

That's from Michael Lombardi at the National Football Post. I haven't seen Long inside at DT much, but Spags does move around his front four.

Changing the route on Rams receiver needs

2009-11-17T15:24:41Z

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate...could he be what the Rams are looking for at WR?

Browse more photos »

Over at his NFC West blog, Mike Sando takes a quick look at the St. Louis Rams wide receivers, reviewing some of the surprises and struggles.

We started the season with some glaring question marks at that position, but hasn't been all bad for the Rams at WR this year. Laurent Robinson established a rythm with Marc Bulger right out of the gate. Donnie Avery struggled through the first half, dropping passes and looking unfit for a #1 WR type of role. You notice this week, his best of the season, the Rams used him down the field and played to his strengths. Keenan Burton started to come on recently too, playing hard and catching some balls over the middle. This week also featured the impressive debut of Brandon Gibson, and while it's hard to base an analysis off of one week, he looks to have been a real find.

Now, the rest of the receivers, uh, they leave a little to be desired. But what about next season? Through the first half of this year, finding a true blue #1 WR has been a need fans have agreed upon. For many, that position is in the conversation for a first round pick in the upcoming draft. And then we played the Saints.

In the game thread, someone mentioned that the Rams WR situation got a lot more interesting with Robinson, Avery and Gibson in mix next year. For Avery and Robinson, experience will no longer be lacking. Looking a group that starts with those three makes the debate about a first round WR much more interesting.

One thing to remember about that group. Avery and Robinson have had trouble staying healthy, and adding Burton into the mix as a 4th WR, you get a group that's sat out as many NFL games as they've played, or so it seems. In other words, don't get too comfortable with the idea that the Rams can sacrifice the chance to take a WR in the first round, especially if they end up winning a few more games and getting out of Suh territory.

The Rams still need a receiver next season. I can't concede that point. Gibson looks like a nice complement to Avery, but we still need some time to really get a sense of what we've got in him. The Rams have lots of needs to fill, but we've seen what happened through the first 8 games with the offense because of the WR issue (of course, some of that's on the QB too).

We do have a little more room to see what kind of player becomes available in the second or third rounds. Maybe someone like an Eric Decker or Golden Tate. Thoughts? Do we still need a solid #1 WR?

Deep thought: Would a better #2 running back have made a difference for the Rams?

2009-11-16T19:51:40Z

A deep thought...

Taking nothing away from the otherwordly Steven Jackson, but how much would a solid #2 RB have helped the Rams yesterday...and beyond?

Besides the obvious concern of not wanting to completly exhuast Jackson, it seems to me, that another competent runner would have opened up the playbook a little more, allowing the Rams to do some different things when Jackson was not on the field. Typically, in those situations team can be assured that the Rams will be passing, since Samkon Gado doesn't present much of a threat.

Darren Sproles is scheduled to be a free agent after this season; he's currently playing on a franchise tender. That might be a little pie-in-the-sky, but that's the kind of player I'm thinking of to complement Jackson. Leon Washtington would be another fit of that type. Of course, there's always a bruiser, short-yardage option type of guy, like LenDale White.

And, here's another question, what happened to Kenneth Darby?

Random Ramsdom: Nov. 16th, 2009

2009-11-16T16:30:35Z

You won't find much complaining here today. This has to be the most optimistic the Rams fanbase has been for any loss this season. Almost stealing a win from the Saints? Here are you stories for today:

Jim Thomas says we don't have the gift of grab. I'm not too sure what he means when he says that, but I think the team was pretty lucky. Interceptions aside, getting that fumble/touchback was a big break for them. Another note he points out is that the Rams not only won in time of possession, but out-gained the Saints high powered offense.
Bernie Miklasz believes the Rams are finally earning some respect. It's about time. I don't think you'll hear anyone say the gameplan is to not party too much the night before anymore. It's actually funny that they said that, because we almost caught them with their pants down. Again.
Will over at Ramsherd believes the week was a real loss. He has a few observations per quarter, and commends Quincy Butler for playing well, even against Drew Brees and his targets.
Jeff at Ramsgab has a Monday Rams-for-sale update. All things considered, I'd have to say it doesn't look that bad right now on that front. He points out that one of the reasons for selling the team is the estate tax, but they wouldn't actually have to start making huge payments out for a while.
Mike Sando has his silver linings feature. So close to being three weeks without a Rams silver lining...So close. Like everyone else, he saw a good amount of improvement.

Enjoy your Monday's everyone.

What does an upset bid look like?

2009-11-16T14:24:00Z

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

4 days ago: New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) fumbles the ball as he is hit at the goal line by St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (21) as Rams defenders Paris Lenon (53) and Ron Bartell look on during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in St. Louis. The ball went out of the end zone for a touchback, but the Saints went on to win 28-23. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

Browse more photos »

The St. Louis Rams held the New Orleans Saints' feet to the fire right up until the last play of the game, almost coming up with the upset of the year. It was a moral victory for a team that had been struggling all season, a milestone in the franchise rebuilding project. And what does a moral victory look like?

Click on the pictures above to see more shots from the game.

Turf Show Times

St. Louis Rams fantasy report, week 11, Rams vs. Arizona

Ah You serious? Rams lose another for the season

Fun with numbers: Rams offensive line

Rams guard Richie Incognito and Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett rank first and fifth,...

Jackson running into the record books

Random Ramsdom: Nov 19th, 2009

Turf Show Radio, tonight, 7 p.m. Central

Random Ramsdom 11/18

The Bills have signed ex-Ram TE Joe Klopfenstein

The Bills have signed ex-Ram TE Joe Klopfenstein

Fun with numbers: Marc Bulger, week 10

Meet Jordan Kent, the Rams newest wide receiver

Disheartened or Dangerous?

Can the Rams continue to play at the level they displayed against the Saints?

A Rams source has confirmed the team will sign wide receiver Jordan Kent this afternoon to replace...

Locker to stay at Washington another year?

2010 prospect watch (DT edition) - Nov. 17th

1 - Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (ESPN)

2 - Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma (ESPN, MTD)

3 - Marvin Austin*, North Carolina

4 - Arthur Jones, Syracuse (ESPN, MTD)

5 - Terrence Cody, Alabama (ESPN)

6 - Jared Odrick, Penn St. (ESPN)

7 - Vince Oghobaase, Duke (ESPN)

8 - Brian Price*, UCLA

9 - Dan Williams, Tennessee

10 - Geno Atkins, Georgia (ESPN)

Vote for the next big board position...NOW!

The Rams have been waiting for former first-round pick Chris Long to have a good game, and Sunday...

Changing the route on Rams receiver needs

Deep thought: Would a better #2 running back have made a difference for the Rams?

Random Ramsdom: Nov. 16th, 2009

What does an upset bid look like?

2 - Gerald McCoy*, Oklahoma (ESPN , MTD)