St. Louis Rams Football

Ram Hero Kurt Warner retires from the NFL

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:37:00 GMT

Kurt Warner took a job stocking grocery store shelves in Iowa after his first rejection from the National Football League, just one of the stops on Warner’s unorthodox path to stardom. There was no stint at a top college or selection in a high draft round. Instead, Warner wound through the backwaters of the Arena Football League and the now-defunct N.F.L. Europe.

Kurt Warner retired from the NFL after a dozen years in the N.F.L., he went out as a possible future Hall of Fame selection, having built an extraordinary career with one Super Bowl title and two league Most Valuable Player awards from an out-of-nowhere start and stunning resilience.

Kurt Warner walked away with a year remaining on a two-year, $23 million contract, and he displayed as much dignity during his exit as he did during the twists and turns of his playing years.

“Obviously, it’s been 12 unbelievable years, some of the best years of my life,” Warner said at a news conference in Glendale, Arizona. “But I want everybody to know that I’m just as excited about the next 12, that I’m excited about what lies in front of me. I’m excited about spending more time with my family, and seeing what God’s going to do next.”

The humble beginning to Warner’s career — he did not start his first N.F.L. game until he was 28 — gave way to one in which, with surgical precision, he resurrected two also-ran franchises, carrying both to the Super Bowl while also becoming known as one of the league’s most charitable players. Warner, his wife, Brenda, and their seven children routinely select a family at a restaurant and anonymously pay their dinner tab, as a way to teach the children charity.

In 1998, the St. Louis Rams gave Warner the break he needed. Having signed him the previous December, they allocated him to N.F.L. Europe, where he led the league in several statistical categories. By 1999, the Rams had made him the backup to Trent Green. When Green tore a knee ligament during the preseason, the unknown quarterback was thrust into the starting job, and the Greatest Show on Turf was born. He was the league and Super Bowl most valuable player that season. He was the league’s M.V.P. again two years later, when the Rams lost the Super Bowl in the final seconds to a burgeoning dynasty from New England.

“We all learned great lessons from Kurt’s humility, dignity and grace,” the Rams’ owner, Chip Rosenbloom, said in a statement. “We will forever be thankful for the success he brought us and the unparalleled generosity he has shown the St. Louis community and beyond.”

Those seasons now seem a mere prelude to remarkable turns he took after them. He played poorly in 2002 and was replaced as the starter after being sacked six times and sustaining a concussion against the Giants to start the 2003 season. He was written off as a has-been. In 2004, the Giants signed him, and he won five of his first seven games. But a two-game losing streak opened the door to the Eli Manning era, and Warner was washed up once more.

But then came the final turn, when the Arizona Cardinals, a perennial laughingstock, signed Warner in 2005. He briefly lost his job there to Josh McCown in 2005 and then to the rookie Matt Leinart in 2006. But he won the job back in 2007, when the highly regarded Leinart faltered. Leinart could not hold Warner off again in 2008, and he led the Cardinals to an improbable Super Bowl appearance, where they narrowly lost to the Steelers.

In a 51-45 victory over the Packers in this year’s playoffs, Warner threw more touchdown passes (five) than incompletions (four) in a 29-of-33 performance for 379 yards. It will be the last victory of his career.

In five years, Warner will be eligible for consideration to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his credentials during the N.F.L.’s pass-happy era seem to make him a solid contender. In 125 regular-season games, Warner completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 32,344 yards and 208 touchdowns. Fourteen quarterbacks have been elected to the Hall of Fame in the last 25 years, and Warner has a better completion percentage, more net yards per pass attempt and more yards per game than all of them.

Only Dan Marino — who never won a Super Bowl — had more career 300-yard passing games. Warner was the fastest player in N.F.L. history to 10,000 yards passing, and he tied Marino as fastest to reach 30,000. Warner also has the top three passing performances in Super Bowl history. His 1,147 yards passing in the 2008 playoffs broke the N.F.L. record of 1,063, which he set with St. Louis in 1999.

Warner’s departure turns the Cardinals over to Leinart. Leinart has the pedigree Warner lacked — he is a Heisman Trophy winner and a first-round draft pick. But neither he nor anyone else might ever again have Warner’s storybook career.

QB Sam Bradford, The Ram’s Number 1 Draft Pick In 2010

RamFan — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:24:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams started off the 2010 NFL Draft with what was to be expected, choosing Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford in the coveted number 1 spot.

The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner was able to convince Rams management after various showing that the shoulder injury he had suffered last October was healed and that he was in top form playing shape.

In any case the Heisman Trophy winner can’t do much worse for the team than last years 1-15 year record or their 6-42 record over the last three years. We expect Bradford to see playing time immediately, especially if that shoulder really is in as good of shape as he’s convinced the Rams it is.

Bradford, the 2008 winner of the Heisman Trophy, joins a Rams team that was 1-15 last season and scored a league-low 175 points. The Rams cut incumbent Marc Bulger in the offseason.

Bradford appeared in only three games in 2009, his junior year, before undergoing right shoulder surgery. His recovery has been so complete that the Rams didn't hesitate to make him the future face of the franchise.

An hour before the draft, Bradford, looking dapper in a gray suit, admitted he was nervous.

A little while later, he could relax — at least until he gets on the field behind the Rams' weak offensive line.

His selection opened the first NFL draft to begin in prime time, and was greeted with a mixture of cheers and jeers by the audience at Radio City Music Hall.

Detroit then chose Suh, considered the best defensive tackle prospect in more than a decade. He won the Lombardi, Bednarik and Nagurski trophies in 2009 and comes off a dominant Big 12 title game in which he had 12 tackles with 4 1/2 sacks.

McCoy should boost a Tampa defense that once was feared but flopped last season when it yielded 400 points. He displayed his Buccaneers jersey to the crowd and pumped his fist high in the air as "Pirates of the Caribbean" played on the loudspeakers.

The Big 12 draft party kept rolling when Washington took Oklahoma All-America Trent Williams to fill a huge hole at tackle left by the retirement of Chris Samuels. Williams engulfed commissioner Roger Goodell in a hefty bear hug onstage.

Tennessee safety Eric Berry, also an All-American, went fifth to Kansas City, breaking the Big 12 stranglehold. Berry, noted for his versatility, also has the potential to play cornerback.

Mike Holmgren Makes Final Push For Sam Bradford

RamFan — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:09:00 GMT

Mike Holmgren loves Sam Bradford. Holmgren appears ready to make one final push to obtain the signal caller from Oklahoma. Pending a trade, the St. Louis Rams are expected to make Sam Bradford the first overall selection in the 2010 draft.

According to a report from ESPN.com, Mike Holmgren and the Cleveland Browns may be tempted to pay a king’s ransom in exchange for the first overall pick. It may seem unusual to sacrifice so many draft picks in such a deep draft, but no one knows quarterbacks like Mike Holmgren.

I’m not sure we can expect a “Mike Ditka” trade for the first overall pick, but the Browns will definitely have to compensate the Rams in order to swap first-round selections. In the 1999 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints and Mike Ditka traded their first-, third-, fourth-, fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-round picks in 1999 plus first- and third-round picks in 2000 to obtain the fifth overall selection and draft Ricky Williams.

We’ll see just how much Mike Holmgren really likes Sam Bradford. Or maybe he secretly likes Jimmy Clausen, the other quarterback who everyone is quietly forgetting about. Don’t trust anyone or believe in any rumors this close to the NFL Draft.

St Louis Rams and Cowboys swap former first-round picks

RamFan — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:10:00 GMT

ST. LOUIS —The Cowboys and St. Louis Rams have swapped underachieving former first-round picks, with offensive tackle Alex Barron going to Dallas and linebacker Bobby Carpenter headed for St. Louis.

Bobby Carpenter made only two starts in four seasons for the Cowboys, one in the regular season and one in the playoffs, and was a backup inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense last season. The Rams have a 4-3 defense and the 250-pound Carpenter could start alongside fellow Ohio State products James Laurinaitis , a second-round pick last year, and Na’il Diggs . A fourth St. Louis linebacker, Larry Grant , also played for the Buckeyes.

Bobby Carpenter was the 18th pick of the 2006 draft and Barron was the 19th choice in 2005. The trade was finalized Monday and Carpenter welcomed a fresh start.

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Alex Barron played in 76 games for St. Louis, all but two of them starts, and has been at least a mild disappointment after moving full-time to left tackle last year as the replacement for Orlando Pace . Barron had been a restricted free agent before agreeing to a one-year tender.

Barron drew five holding calls and 14 penalties last season, most in the league by an offensive lineman, according to STATS. The service said Barron also is the most frequently whistled offensive lineman since 2005 with 73 penalties, 23 more than Flozell Adams , who’s next on the list.

Alex Barron was benched for disciplinary reasons the second half of a loss to the 49ers last October.

The Cowboys last month released Adams, a five-time Pro Bowler, although fourth-year player Doug Free is expected to fill that opening. Free was a fourth-round selection in 2007 and started the final seven games at right tackle for injured Marc Colombo , and stepped in for an injured Adams in the second half of the NFC divisional playoff game at Minnesota. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement that Barron was “just entering his prime years in the NFL.”

The St. Louis Rams drafted Rodger Saffold of Indiana to open the second round of this year’s draft and could start him at one tackle opposite Jason Smith , the second overall pick of last year’s draft. Those two young players would lead the protection for quarterback Sam Bradford , the first overall pick of the draft.

Carpenter was drafted by Bill Parcells, who coached Carpenter’s father, Rob, a running back with the Giants from 1981-85. Carpenter became dispensable when the Cowboys moved up four spots in the second round of this year’s draft and took Penn State linebacker Sean Lee with the 55th pick.

St Louis Rams make Sam Bradford top NFL draft pick

RamFan — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 04:36:00 GMT

St. Louis MO - The St. Louis Rams have made Oklahoma quarter-back Sam Bradford top pick in the NFL draft. Bradford, 22, was heavily tipped to de drafted first and the Rams confirmed he would be joining their ranks next season on day one of the three-day event at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Bradford, who was the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner, started 31 games for the Sooners, setting school records by completing 67.64 per cent of his passes for 8,403 yards and 88 touchdowns.

The Detroit Lions were second up and, like the Rams before them, declined to take their full 10-minute window as they picked up Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Suh, son of a Jamaican mother and Cameroonian father, was considered the best defensive player in the draft and a potential No 1 pick.

Bradford's Oklahoma team-mate Gerald McCoy, another defensive tackle, was selected third with Tampa Bay Buccaneers recruiting him.

Washington Redskins ensured that three of the top four picks would be Oklahoma alumni, with offensive tackle Trent Williams next to be called.

Kansas City Chiefs were next to pick and they summoned University of Tennessee strong safety Eric Berry, who made seven interceptions last term and made 265 interception-return yards.

Russell Okung, Oklahoma State's offensive tackle, was drafted sixth by Seattle Seahawks, Florida cornerback Joe Haden went to Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders added University of Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain to their roster.

CJ Spiller of Clemson was the ninth name called, by the Buffalo Bills, becoming the first running back to be contracted, while California's Tyson Aluala rounded out the top 10 after being selected by Jacksonville Jaguars.

St. Louis Ram owners agree to sell the team

RamFan — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:17:00 GMT

The majority owners of the St. Louis Rams agreed to sell the team to an Illinois auto parts magnate who reportedly doesn't want to move the team. The Rams confirmed the pending sale Thursday.

If approved by a 75% vote of NFL owners, Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez, the children of famed Rams owner Georgia Frontiere, will sell their 60% stake in the team to Shahid Khan, the 55-year-old president of an auto parts manufacturer in Urbana, Ill.

Forbes magazine recently estimated the Rams franchise has a value of $913 million, 25th out of 32 teams, though some experts have said a more realistic sale price will be closer to $750 million.

Stan Kroenke, a billionaire from Columbia, Mo., owns the remaining 40% of the franchise as well as the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and other sports franchises.

The Rams also announced Thursday that a permanent, artificial turf surface will be installed at their home, the Edward Jones Dome, in time for the 2010 season.

Before the sale can be approved by the full membership (a three-fourths vote of the 32 owners is required), Khan still must obtain the OK of the finance committee. And although most have assumed that the purchase from the Rosenbloom family is a done deal, the nine-man committee has plenty of questions.

A native of Pakistan who has built his business, Flex-N-Gate, into a power, Khan faces questions on a variety of subjects: How will he reconcile the 40 percent stake owned by Stan Kroenke, who has a right of first refusal on any sale and has 60 days to make his intentions known? What about the lease at the Edward Jones Dome? Will the franchise remain in St. Louis long-term? And what about Khan's dealings with the IRS, to whom he had paid millions to settle a tax dispute (at least temporarily)?

Khan bid $750 million for full control of the franchise. Should Kroenke opt to retain his 40 percent, Khan's bid will be reduced by that much. Local businessman Dave Checketts, the St. Louis Blues owner who recently bolstered his bid by including Texas billionaire Gerald J. Ford in his group, will keep his proposal alive in case Khan's falls through.

Khan, a self-styled Rams fan who has attended many games in St. Louis and who likely will keep the franchise there, probably will gain control of the club. His bid is seen locally as a plus. But he is "no sure thing," according to the finance committee member, and there is a long way to go before a sale (expected to be discussed at the annual NFL meeting in March and perhaps the spring caucus in May) is finalized.

The No. 75 jersey of Deacon Jones will be retired

RamFan — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:14:00 GMT

The jersey of Deacon Jones, the St. Louis Rams defensive end who coined the term “quarterback sack,” will be retired before the St. Louis Rams’ home opener against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Jones’ No. 75 will be unveiled on the Ring of Honor at the Edward Jones Dome during the game between the St. Louis Rams (0-2) and Packers (1-1). Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo loves the idea of honoring Jones, who played for the Rams from 1961-71. 2009 St Louis Rams Schedule

“I think it’s great,” Coach Spagnuolo said. “I remember watching him when I was growing up and it will be an honor and a real pleasure to meet him.”

Deacon Jones, dubbed the “Secretary of Defense,” had 159 1/2 sacks with the Rams and finished his career with 173 1/2 sacks. He reached double-digit totals seven times, andhad three seasons of 20 sacks or more, including 21 in 1967, even though the NFL did not make sacks an official statistic until 1982.

Those numbers astound 1999 St Louis Rams veteran defensive end Leonard Little(notes).

“He was one of the best defensive ends of all time,” Leonard Little said. “I can’t imagine 21 sacks. The most I’ve ever had was 14 and I thought that was a lot. He was one of the greatest.”

Second-year defensive end Chris Long said he’s seen Deacon Jones only on film.

“That’s a man right there. That’s the best way I could describe him,” Long said. “He played the game ferociously, and it was pretty awesome to hear about how he carried himself.”

During the 1967 season, Jones became the first defensive lineman to record 100 solo tackles.

The NFL honored Deacon Jones as the Defensive Player of the Year twice, in 1967 and ’68. He was voted to the Pro Bowl nine times, including seven consecutive seasons (1964-1970) with the St. Louis Rams.

Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980, Jones was part of the famous Rams line that was nicknamed the “Fearsome Foursome.” Along with Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier formed one of the best defensive lines in NFL history.

“The thing we’ve got to remember being players in this era is to really respect the game ‘back when,’ because those guys could really play,” Long said. “Deacon Jones is a perfect example. This whole league and everybody in this game should honor the past and the players who played in that era. Those guys paved the way for us.”

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Preview: Houston Texans (6-7) at St. Louis Rams (1-12)

RamFan — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:03:00 GMT

In the teams’ only meeting, St. Louis won 33-27 in overtime Nov. 27, 2005, in Houston.

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The Houston Texans look to build on its first win in six weeks Sunday when it faces a St. Louis Rams team that has dropped 11 straight at home.

After opening 5-3, the Texans appeared to be in position to not only improve upon the franchise-record eight wins set in each of the past two seasons, but to make the playoffs for the first time.

Houston Texans dropped four straight before getting back on track last Sunday with a 34-7 victory over The Seattle Seahawks. Matt Schaub completed 29 of 39 passes for 365 yards and tossed two touchdowns to Andre Johnson, who had season highs with 11 receptions and 193 yards. Matt Schaub has a franchise-record 3,814 passing yards, threw for 336 in the first half as Houston (6-7) built a 27-7 lead.

Matt Schaub, Johnson and the Texans’ fourth-ranked passing offense could have another big day against a St. Louis defense yielding 27.8 points per game - 31st in the NFL.

“There are no excuses if you give up 40 points in a game,” Rams Middle Linebacker James Laurinaitis said following last Sunday’s 47-7 loss at Tennessee. “That is not acceptable on any level, whether it’s high school, college or professional.”

St. Louis Rams (1-12), which has lost 22 of 23, also hasn’t been able to accomplish much on offense. The St. Louis Rams have scored 10 points or fewer seven times and are averaging a league-worst 11.2.

With rookie Rams Quarterback Keith Null possibly making his second straight start Sunday, those numbers might not improve against a Texans defense that is playing better of late.

When Rams Quarterback Kyle Boller couldn’t go last week due to a sore thigh, Null, a sixth-round pick from West Texas A&M, made his NFL debut. He completed seven of his first eight passes and finished 27 of 43 for 157 yards with a TD and five interceptions.

“You put a guy in a tough situation, but Keith’s pretty solid. He’s got some resolve, so I’m going to hope that he will be able to shake it off,” said Ram's Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo, who has not committed to Null or Boller as the St. Louis Rams look for their first home win since Oct. 19, 2008, over Dallas.

Whomever is taking the snaps will face a Texans defense that had three sacks, a forced fumble and 15 tackles for loss last Sunday. Mario Williams had a pair of sacks and linebacker DeMeco Ryans matched a season high with 12 tackles.

The Houston Texans which held the Seahawks to 62 yards rushing, will try to slow down St Louis Ram Running Back - Steven Jackson, who is second in the NFL with 1,279 yards. RB Jackson ran for a season-low 47 yards against Tennessee.

Jackson will not be running behind left guard Jacob Bell or right guard Richie Incognito. Bell was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a torn hamstring, while Richie Incognito was released a day earlier after picking up two personal fouls in the first half last Sunday and then picked up off waivers by the Buffalo Bills.

Chris Johnson runs for 117 yards, Titans 47 Rams 7

RamFan — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:36:00 GMT

The Tennessee Titans aren’t giving up on their playoff hopes yet and still seem bitter about the 2000 Superbowl. Chris Johnson ran for 117 yards and two touchdowns and also took a short pass 66 yards for another score and the Tennessee Titans stayed alive by routing the St. Louis Rams 47-7 Sunday. The Tennessee Titans must win out and get plenty of help after their 0-6 start, but they are focusing on what they control.

The Tennessee Titans started a three-game homestand by beating up on the struggling St. Louis Rams who suffered a fifth straight loss even with Vince Young injured and sidelined by a strained right hamstring most of the game. Titan QB Young started despite playing through a painful right knee. Young played well until pulling up at the end of a 44-yard run—the longest of his career—midway through the second quarter. He left with a 14-0 lead and watched from the sideline as QB Kerry Collins finished off the win. Coach Jeff Fisher called the injury a mild strain. Whether Young plays next against Miami remains to be seen.

The Tennessee Titans intercepted five passes they turned into 20 points, ruining the NFL debut of rookie Keith Null as St. Louis’ third quarterback this season. Rob Bironas kicked four field goals with a long of 50 yards, Vincent Fuller returned an interception 45 yards for a TD and Collins tossed a TD pass. Keith Bulluck and Cortland Finnegan had two interceptions apiece.

Chris Johnson, the NFL’s leading rusher, became the fifth player in NFL history to reach 2,000 yards from scrimmage in his team’s first 13 yards, joining Jim Brown, Walter Payton, O.J. Simpson and Priest Holmes . Johnson also set a couple of franchise records as his 17-yard run at the end of the first half pushed him past Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell’s mark of 1,981 yards from scrimmage in 1980. Johnson also has the team mark with eight straight 100-yard rushing games, breaking his tie with Campbell at seven. Johnson has 1,626 yards rushing and is on pace to finish with 2,001 yards at this rate. Steven Jackson came in second only to Johnson in rushing. Tennessee held the Rams’ top offensive threat to a season-low 47 yards on 19 carries.

“Instead of standing here embarrassing myself, and my family, I’m just going to say I’m tired. I’m just tired. I’m tired. You fill in the blanks. However you want to write the article, however you want to say it, I’m just tired,” Steven Jackson said after the game.

Kyle Boller had been limited in practice with a sore thigh. No lineup change was announced before Null took the field for the Rams’ first series for his first NFL snaps even though St. Louis coach Steve Spagnuolo said earlier this week he hoped not to use the sixth-round pick this season. QB Boller couldn’t push off the leg in pre-game warmups, so Null started. Spagnuolo wouldn’t commit to which quarterback will start next week. Null started well enough, completing 7 of his first 8 passes for 42 yards. Then it went downhill, and he finished 27 of 43 for 157 yards.

The Rams did score a rare TD when Null found Randy McMichael with an 11-yard pass in the fourth quarter, a score set up when Spagnuolo called a fake punt on fourth-and-7. Kenneth Darby had a big hole as he ran 51 yards to the Tennessee 13. Right guard Richie Incognito didn’t help the Rams either, picking up personal fouls for head-butting Sen’Derrick Marks in the first quarter and for pushing over Fuller after a play ended. Titans defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch pushed Incognito over with a hand, and a flag flew. The 15-yard penalty went to Incognito. The Rams were flagged 10 times for 82 yards.

The Titans were much sharper including Young, who posted a perfect passer rating in the first quarter at 158.3 as he completed five of his first six passes for 132 yards with a TD. He showed no signs of a balky knee as he moved around and even took off running. But Young pulled up at the end, grabbing at the back of his right leg. He went into the locker room and watched the second half from the sideline. Collins, benched for Young after that winless start, came in and kept the scoring going. The Titans led 33-0 before the Rams avoided the shutout. This is the 7th time this season the St. Louis Rams have been held to 10 or fewer points.

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Preview: St. Louis Rams (0-1) at Washington Redskins (0-1)

RamFan — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:30:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams and Washington Redskins each entered 2009 hoping to change last year’s poor season. St. Louis and Washington try to bounce back from disappointing season-opening efforts when they meet Sunday afternoon at FedEx Field.

The Washington Redskins opened 6-2 last season but limped to an 8-8 finish and missed the playoffs, while the Rams lost a franchise-record 14 games in failing to reach the postseason for the fourth straight year.

Washington was thoroughly outplayed in a 23-17 road loss to the New York Giants and St. Louis was routed 28-0 at Seattle.

The Washington Redskins’ playoff hopes this year hinge on the play of Jason Campbell , and the fourth-year quarterback struggled in the opener. He threw an interception while across the line of scrimmage and was also stripped by Osi Umenyiora , who scooped up the ball and ran it back for a touchdown.

Campbell went 19 for 26 for 211 yards and a TD, which didn’t come until the last drive of the game, when the Redskins scored their only offensive touchdown to make the final score close.

“We made too many mistakes and left a lot out there,” defensive lineman Andre Carter said. “You can’t do that against a team like this because it will hurt you. The downside of this is we are 0-1. The upside is we have 15 games left.”

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth clogged the middle and finished with four tackles in his Washington debut, but the Redskins allowed 351 yards.

“We’re going to get better as we go along,” coach Jim Zorn said. “We played in a disciplined fashion on the D-Line. I was happy with Albert’s push at times.”

Rams first-year coach Steve Spagnuolo, who served as the Giants’ defensive coordinator the past two seasons, wasn’t pleased with his team’s play on either side of the ball last week.

St. Louis scored 232 points, fewest in the NFC and the franchise’s lowest mark since 1993, last season and continued to struggle offensively against the Seahawks, amassing 247 yards.

Marc Bulger was 17 of 36 for 191 yards and got sacked three times, while Steven Jackson rushed 16 times for 67 yards.

“We’d drive the ball and then shoot ourselves in the foot,” Bulger said. “We have to find a way to get past that 30 and start handing the ball to Jack. He’s too good of a player to not be able to use, and that’s on all of us.”

The Rams committed 10 penalties for 85 yards and gave up 446 yards in losing their 11th straight and falling to 5-28 since the beginning of the 2007 season.

“The 2009 Rams stand on their own,” Coach Spagnuolo said. “They have nothing to do with teams coming forward or any teams going backward. It’s all just about the 2009 Rams and we lost a football game, we lost one football game.”

Spagnuolo may want to look at the effort last year’s team put forth in a 19-17 victory at Washington in Week 6, when Josh Brown kicked a 49-yard field goal as time expired. That was the Rams’ last road win.

The Washington Redskins holds a 20-8-1 advantage in the series with the St. Louis Rams but has dropped the past two meetings.

St Louis Rams vs Seattle Seahawks game notes

RamFan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:53:00 GMT

A closer look at the St Louis Rams’ opponent in their regular-season opener:

When: Sunday, 3:15 p.m., Qwest Field

Records: Seahawks 4-0 in preseason; Rams 3-1

Series: Seahawks lead 12-9, including an eight-game winning streak

Star power: Steven Jackson. With Torry Holt gone and Marc Bulger hurting, the Rams’ best offensive option is handing the ball to Jackson. Even on a 2-14 team last season, and despite missing four games, Jackson ran for 1,043 yards and a 4.1-yard average and caught 40 passes. He also scored eight touchdowns, twice as many as the next player on the team. But in two games against Seattle last season, the Seahawks held him to averages of 2.9 and 3.8 yards.

Unsung hero: Donnie Jones. The former Seahawks’ draft choice (seventh round, 2004) was a second-team All-Pro selection last season, when he averaged a Rams’ record 50.0 yards on 82 punts with a net average of 41.1 yards. In fact, the left-footed Jones became only the second player in NFL history to average 50 yards per punt. The other? Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh (51.4-yard average in 1940).

On the spot: Alex Barron. With seven-time Pro Bowler Orlando Pace now in Chicago, the Rams’ former first-round draft choice (2005) moves to left tackle. Last year, while starting at right tackle, Barron helped the Rams allow 45 sacks, the fewest yielded by the team since 2003. But Sunday, he’ll have to deal with Patrick Kerney and Darryl Tapp, and also could face rookie Aaron Curry

Will Marc Bulger play? The former Pro Bowl QB has been sidelined since breaking his right pinkie in the preseason opener. He took some shotgun snaps on Monday and has been throwing. But Wednesday’s practice will be pivotal, because Bulger is expected to take snaps under center for the first time since being injured. If Bulger can’t play, Kyle Boller will start against the Seahawks.

Familiar faces: In addition to Jones, kicker Josh Brown also played for the Seahawks (2003-2007) and defensive coordinator Ken Flajole (1999-02) and defensive backs coach Clayton Lopez (1999-2003) coached for the Seahawks. Flajole also coached at Washington (1979) and Pacific Lutheran University (1977-78). Fullback Mike Karney played at Kentwood High School. Wide receivers coach Charlie Baggett coached at Washington (2007-08)

The last word: “If we had a game tomorrow, I could play. It’s a pain thing. Guys find ways, there’s ways to get around it. You don’t want to do it too much so when the time comes if it’s still an issue, it won’t be an issue.” – Bulger

Kyle Boller leads St Louis Rams over Cincinnati Bengals 24-21

RamFan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:02:00 GMT

St Louis Ram QB Kyle Boller played better Thursday night in his second game filling in for Marc Bulger , completing a flurry of short passes during a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also had one moment of bravado that made the Rams shudder.

Kyle Boller got his helmet knocked off on a hit by linebacker Keith Rivers at the end of an 8-yard scramble, waiting too long to start his slide. Unfazed, QB Boller got to his feet, found his helmet and completed his next two passes, including a 3-yard shovel pass to running back Samkon Gado for a touchdown.

“I could have slid a little earlier,” said Boller, who was 14 of 20 for 96 yards. “It is what it is. My chin strap hit just above my eyes. It was a good scramble, but maybe if I can get down a little sooner, the coaches would like that. I was just trying to get to the ball,” said Rivers, who had his jaw broken on a hit from Pittsburgh’s Hines Ward last season. “It wasn’t anything intentional.”

The St Louis Rams lost Marc Bulger to a broken pinkie finger on his passing hand before the last game and couldn’t afford another quarterback setback. Bulger is hoping to be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 at Seattle. Boller struggled as his replacement last week in a 20-13 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but seemed much more comfortable against the Cincy Bengals.

“He moved the team,” coach Steve Spags said. “He drove us down there after the bad start. When you score on a drive, the quarterback deserves the credit.”

Both teams were missing their starting quarterbacks, turning the game into a preview of how it might be if their injuries linger. The Bengals were reminded that they really need Carson Palmer back for their opener against the Denver Broncos.

J.T. O’Sullivan was sacked three times, lost a fumble and had two passes batted away at the line. His best moment was an improvised underhand pass to running back Brian Leonard that went for 25 yards and set up a touchdown. O’Sullivan was 7 of 13 for 94 yards while playing into the third quarter.

With Carson Palmer sidelined the last two games by a sprained left ankle, the offense has moved the ball in spurts but failed to get many points because of penalties and mistakes. O’Sullivan’s fumble at the Cincinnati 20-yard line set up the Rams’ second touchdown.

“We’ve just got to find a way to eliminate it,” O’Sullivan said. “It puts you in such a disadvantage any time you turn the ball over. That’s one of the things that has to change immediately.”

Running back Bernard Scott , a sixth-round draft pick from Abilene Christian, had a fumble that safety James Butler who returned 73 yards for a St Louis Rams touchdown. James Butler also intercepted one of Jordan Palmer’s passes in the third quarter and returned it 68 yards before the third-string quarterback tackled him (yikes).

The Bengals have lost five fumbles and thrown three interceptions in three preseason games. Quan Cosby, an undrafted receiver from Texas, returned the Rams’ first punt 49 yards for a touchdown, breaking through the front line of defenders into the clear. He ran past punter Donnie Jones to get to the end zone. Donnie Jones also had a punt returned 44 yards by Tom Nelson in the third quarter.

Rams Kicker Josh Brown missed wide left on a 50-yard field goal try at the end of the first half and missed again on a 51-yard attempt with 3:10 left in the game.

Atlanta Falcons jump St Louis Rams early in 20-13 win

RamFan — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:33:00 GMT

The Atlanta Falcons starters were flawless and St. Louis Rams starters had no answer, even against the second-stringers.

Michael Turner accounted for all but 12 yards on the opening 77-yard drive and Matt Ryan was 7 for 8 for 81 yards with a touchdown pass in two series before he, too, called it a day in a 20-13 preseason victory Friday night. The Falcons had a 14-point cushion before the end of the first quarter.

Steven Jackson had three carries for 10 yards in one series for the Rams (1-1), a bust in new coach Steve Spagnuolo’s first home game as head coach in a half-empty Edward Jones Dome. Announced attendance was 46,958 in an arena that holds 66,000.

St. Louis, 5-27 the last two years, had approached the game with confidence after beating the Jets on the road in their preseason opener. Besides getting steamrolled early on defense, the Rams struggled to move the ball minus two offensive line starters and quarterback Marc Bulger .

The Falcons gave up 191 yards against Detroit in its preseason opener.

Offensive tackle Jason Smith , the second pick of the draft, got his first start for St. Louis after Alex Barron was scratched due to knee soreness. The Rams totaled 79 yards on 30 carries after totaling 193 yards rushing against the Jets.

“There’s a lot of things I need to do better to help the team,” Smith said. “As the offensive line goes, so goes the offense.”

Turner had seven carries for 65 yards on the opening drive against a defense he burned for 208 yards in last year’s regular-season finale in Atlanta. He busted a 43-yard gain on the second play and finished the drive, scoring untouched on a 1-yard run over the left side, before spending the rest of the game on the sideline.

The Falcons (1-1) were good enough to overcome three turnovers that resulted in all 13 points for St. Louis. Atlanta’s defense has allowed three points in the first half of both preseason games.

Atlanta faced one third down each of the first two drives, with Tony Gonzalez capping the second possession with a 14-yard reception for a 14-0 first-quarter lead. Gonzalez had two receptions for 25 yards and Roddy White had back-to-back catches for 33 yards.

Gonzalez attributed the Falcons’ lightning start to Ryan’s play. “He’s a great quarterback,” Gonzalez said. “It’s obvious he’s figuring things out. He has a great arm, talent, and knows how to play with poise.”

The St Louis Rams trailed 14-3 at the half and mustered 109 yards behind second-string quarterback Kyle Boller , the lone score coming after they failed to capitalize on rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis’ interception of a tipped pass by third-string quarterback D.J. Shockley . St. Louis gained no yards in three plays before settling for a 43-yard field goal by Josh Brown .

Brock Berlin , fighting for the Rams’ third-string quarterback job, hit Derek Stanley on a slant for a 20-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. That score came two plays after Shockley fumbled after Larry Grant’s sack.

The Rams drove to the 13 late in the game before Eric Brock intercepted Keith Null in the end zone on 4th-and-6 in the end zone.
Atlanta Falcons rookie S William Moore , who starred at Missouri, has a knee injury and did not dress. The Rams’ 14-year-old stadium has undergone $30 million in improvements with some features not completed until Thursday.

St Louis Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith could start tonight

RamFan — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:30:00 GMT

St Louis Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith, the second overall pick of the NFL draft out of Baylor may get to start because fellow offensive tackle Alex Barron has missed recent two practices with knee soreness. It’s also evidence that he’s making progress.

Smith refuses to lobby for a promotion with new coach Steve Spagnuolo or gripe about waiting on the sideline for so long, aside from a few special teams snaps. He’s willing to prove he’s worth the five-year, $62 million contract he signed the day before training camp opened, and still refers to veteran teammates as Mr. Jackson, Mr. Bulger and so on.

There was 4:29 left in the second quarter when the second team offensive line hit the field in last week’s 23-20 victory over the Jets. Smith lined up at right tackle for the first time.

That goes for the season opener, too. He’s likely to open the year as the starter for a franchise building from the ground up after totaling five victories the last two seasons, but is making no assumptions.

If he plays well in the second preseason game, Smith said working against Leonard Little and James Hall in practice will be a major reason. He’s also had to adjust to a three-point stance after playing in a spread offense at Baylor, but said dealing with speed has been tougher.

The 310-pound offensive lineman Jason Smith also credits Adam Goldberg , who started at right tackle in the preseason opener, for helping ready him for the pros. Goldberg would likely move to left tackle, Barron’s spot, if Barron isn’t ready to go on Friday.

Goldberg played at four spots on the offensive line last season, filling in for various injured players. He said it’s part of his job to tutor Smith to take over at right tackle.

Running back Steven Jackson echoed those sentiments, observing that Smith is “full of humility.”

“He’s not afraid to be picked on,” Jackson said. “He knows his stuff, he’s going to work hard, and you like to see that. He’s always upbeat.”

Most of the time, at least.

Rams Rookie offensive lineman Jason Smith dropped the yes sir, no sir routine at the end of an interview when asked about keeping his weight up during two-a-day practices that ended Tuesday. His answer: “Lions eat meat. Whatever runs by.”

Coach Spagnuolo said starters could play the first half against the Falcons when they play here Friday. That means potentially a lot more action for Jackson, who had two carries for 15 yards in the opener.

Eric Bassey’s knee injury maybe season ending

RamFan — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:17:00 GMT

There was no official word from the Rams on Saturday, but indications were that safety Eric Bassey’s knee injury was serious and could be season-ending.

In both 2007 and 2008, Bassey worked his way up from the practice squad to appear in 18 regular-season games for St. Louis. He showed some promise on special teams, recording 25 special teams tackles in those two seasons.

But Bassey’s quest to make the ‘09 Rams roster may have ended Friday night. The third-year player from the University of Oklahoma suffered a knee injury in the team scrimmage at Lindenwood University. Bassey finished the evening sitting on a bench with his right knee wrapped on the sideline, crutches nearby.

Following the scrimmage, coach Steve Spagnuolo canceled Saturday’s practice, making it a short work day for the players at Rams Park. They lifted weights and watched film of the scrimmage, and then headed out.

St. Louis Rams sign second-round draft pick James Laurinaitis

RamFan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:14:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams have signed second-round draft pick James Laurinaitis(notes), the All-America linebacker from Ohio State.

Terms were not disclosed Wednesday. Laurinaitis, who had 375 tackles in college, was the 35th overall pick in the April draft.

Rookies and selected veterans begin workouts on Thursday in suburban St. Louis, with the rest of the squad beginning practice on Friday.

St Louis Rams prepare for battle in Earth City - July 31

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:55:00 GMT

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When St Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo dismissed his players about a month ago at the conclusion of the club's offseason program, he warned them to be prepared for a rigorous training camp.

Coach Spags wasn't kidding.

Bucking the trend around the league, Steve Spagnuolo will drill his troops twice on most days during the 3½-week camp to be held at Rams Park in Earth City. Many NFL teams have cut down on the number of two-a-days, but not Spagnuolo.

Camp will open July 30 with two workouts that will be limited to quarterbacks, rookies and selected veterans. The first full-squad practice is scheduled for July 31.

A total of 32 practices, plus a scrimmage Aug. 7 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, will be open to the public. Admission and parking for the sessions at the St. Louis Rams Park are free.

Also, autograph sessions with selected St. Louis Rams players will follow the morning practices and the scrimmage.

source: stltoday.com

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St Louis Rams trade for WR Ronald Curry

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:36:00 GMT

The St. Louis Rams have added some much-needed experience _ and size _ to their wide receiver corps. League sources told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday that the team has acquired WR Ronald Curry from the Detroit Lions in a trade for defensive tackle Orien Harris.

Harris’ tenure with the St. Louis Rams was a short one, he was acquired from Cincinnati on May 7 in a trade for running back Brian Leonard.

Curry, 30, is 6-2, 210. He caught 19 passes for 191 yards and two TDs last season with Oakland. The Raiders released him in February, and he was signed as a street free agent by the Lions in April.

A seventh-round draft pick by the Raiders out of North Carolina, Curry had spent his previous seven seasons with Oakland. There, he had three seasons of 50-plus catches, including a career-best 62 receptions for a career-high 727 yards in 2006.

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Drew Bennett: Working Out For Ravens

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:33:00 GMT

Drew Bennett will try out along with D.J. Hackett(notes) and two other receivers who have yet to be named, though Bennett and Hackett are expected to be the most recognizable of the four. The fact that the Ravens are targeting only mid-level receivers right now could be an indication that they believe the recently retired Derrick Mason(notes) can be swayed into returning. Bennett was set to be the Rams’ No. 2 receiver last season before breaking his foot in the opener after only one reception.

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Coach ‘optimistic’ WR Derrick Mason will play in 2009

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:30:00 GMT

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Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is “optimistic and hopeful” that wide receiver Derrick Mason(notes) will come out of retirement and rejoin the team during training camp.

Mason surprised the Ravens on July 13 by abruptly ending his 12-year NFL career. The 35-year-old Mason led Baltimore in catches and yards receiving last year, but said he was “ready to see what else life has to offer.”

After speaking with Mason on the phone Tuesday night, Harbaugh maintained hope that Mason would have a change of heart soon after the start of training camp next week.

Harbaugh said his conversation with Mason covered “family, his contract, the team, his feeling about competing and playing, what it’s like to have a long career.” The two also discussed the death of Steve McNair, Mason’s close friend and former teammate.

Upon announcing his retirement, Derrick Mason said he would decline interviews over the next two weeks.

Mason caught 80 passes for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns last season. He also had 12 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown in three playoff games. Without him, Baltimore’s most accomplished wide receivers are Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams.

“From a coaching standpoint, I think we have a chance to be a really good team, and if Derrick Mason is a part of it, that makes us even stronger,” Harbaugh said. “But if he’s not, we’re still going to be a really good team. It comes down to Derrick and where his mind is at. He’s the only one that can decide that.”

The Ravens will hold a tryout for several second-tier receivers Friday, but probably won’t make a major move before they’re sure Mason won’t be back.

“Up until Derrick officially retires, then he’s still a member of the Baltimore Ravens,” general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “We’re OK with what we have, but we’re always trying to get better. If there was a player we available in May or June that we thought could help our football team, we would have gotten him at that point.”

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Pittsburgh Steelers’ sale paperwork complete

RamFan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:25:00 GMT

The NFL Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney’s four brothers signed papers this week transferring majority ownership of the six-time Super Bowl champions to Rooney and son Art Rooney II, the team president.

The complicated sale, ongoing for nearly a year, is expected to close within the next several weeks.

The sale allows Dan Rooney, now the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, and Art II to control 30 percent of the team’s shares, as required of a principal owner under NFL rules.

Dan Rooney and his son are taking on about $250 million in debt to complete the takeover, with their shares used as collateral for a loan arranged by PNC Bank.

Previously, the five sons of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr.—Dan, Pat, John, Art Jr. and Tim—each owned a 16 percent stake.

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Tim and Pat Rooney are selling their entire 16 percent stakes, while Art Jr. and John Rooney are selling about half of their shares. Tim Rooney and Pat Rooney run the family’s race track business, which now involves gambling operations not permitted by NFL rules.

Some of the 20 percent share previously held by the McGinley family of Pittsburgh also will be sold to Dan Rooney and his son. The late John “Jack” McGinley helped Art Rooney Sr. reacquire the Steelers in 1941, after Rooney briefly sold the team and bought into the Philadelphia Eagles.

To help them complete the transaction, Dan Rooney and Art II added additional investors, including movie producer Thomas Tull; James Haslam III, the president of truck-stop operator Pilot, and the Paul family of Pittsburgh.

Art Rooney II is running the Steelers with his father in Ireland, although he has largely done so since becoming team president six years ago.

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Dave Checketts declares his intention to buy St Louis Rams

RamFan — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:18:00 GMT

In a brief but exclusive e-mail exchange with the Post-Dispatch on Monday, Checketts interrupted a short vacation to strongly declare his intention to put together a group of investors to purchase the controlling share of the Rams from majority owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez.

"We have the ability to get this done and we have communicated this to the Rams," Checketts wrote in an e-mail. "We approached this with the Rams months ago and have since that time put together a partnership of both concerned St. Louisans and outside capital.

"Last week, we communicated to Chip Rosenbloom in no uncertain terms, that he now has a clear St. Louis buyer. We are that buyer.

"We have reason to believe the NFL would approve our group as we have carefully explored their ownership requirements."

That's strong language from Checketts, who politely declined to elaborate on his plans or reveal the identity of willing investors.

But Checketts clearly is trying to stake out his turf here.

By confidently expressing his belief that he can land the Rams, Checketts is trying to galvanize public, private and political support. It's a smart move. Checketts can attract more investors by making a convincing case that he's a serious player for the Rams.

Checketts already is popular with Blues fans. If he can get Rams fans to rally behind him, even more momentum will shift to Checketts' foray into NFL football.

Rosenbloom and Rodriguez are selling their 60 percent stake in the franchise and have enlisted Goldman Sachs investment firm to help expedite the sale.

Cynics would suggest that Checketts lacks the personal wealth to pull off the purchase of an NFL team. Forbes magazine estimates the Rams' value at $929 million, so Checketts would probably have to raise between $450 million and $500 million to acquire 60 percent of the franchise.

Is Checketts getting in over his head? I heard similar doubts expressed when Checketts entered into negotiations to buy the Blues from Bill Laurie in 2005.

And Checketts has been a success on multiple fronts. Scottrade Center was cold and mostly empty for hockey games as Checketts took over as Blues chairman for the 2005-2006 season. And now the arena is filled again.

The Blues were the worst team in the National Hockey League at the end of Checketts' first season, but the franchise made a triumphant return to the NHL playoffs in April 2009.

Checketts is also in position to pull off another long shot, working with St. Louis city and securing some public dollars to renovate and reopen Kiel Opera House.

As chairman of New York-based SCP Worldwide — an investment firm that focuses on sports, media and entertainment assets — Checketts has displayed an uncanny ability to recruit investors and raise cash.

If Checketts is able to work his magic again, it's unclear what his role would be with an NFL team in St. Louis.

Full-fledged owner? Managing partner? Chairman? It's hard for me to say, because I don't know the identity of Checketts' potential partners or what their feelings are about an ownership structure.

While refusing to disclose specific details, two sources close to Checketts framed some of the activity that's occurred behind the scenes:

— Checketts has had multiple discussions with Rosenbloom and "exchanged valuations" on the sale of the football team. A source close to Rosenbloom confirms the conversations with Checketts.

— The investors who reportedly are linking with Checketts are local St. Louis businessmen "of significant value," who share Checketts' desire to keep the Rams in St. Louis and sort through stadium issues here. I was told that two of the names of investors would be "recognizable" to St. Louisans. Another was described as a "heavy hitter" financially.

— Checketts has informed his friend, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, of his efforts to pursue the Rams.

In 2008, when Checketts first informed me of his interest in buying the Rams, the reaction was generally skeptical. That's understandable, since Checketts' name never appears on the lists of the nation's wealthiest individuals. There's a tendency to underestimate him.

So go ahead and scoff. But I wrote it before and I'll do it again: It would be a mistake to dismiss Checketts. He's resourceful, focused, organized and doggedly determined to get what he wants.

And here's another reason I would consider Checketts a contender for the Rams: He has a friend in the right place.

That would be Chip Rosenbloom, who genuinely likes Checketts.

Checketts has gotten Rosenbloom's attention. Now comes the difficult part: coming up with enough money to get Rosenbloom's football team.

Source: ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Three St Louis Ram scouts and longtime director of security replaced

RamFan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:24:00 GMT

The personnel roster continues to change at the St Louis Rams Park, three scouts have been replaced, as has the longtime director of security.

Rams general manager Billy Devaney let go three of the Rams' eight field scouts: Cary Conklin, *** Daniels and Mel Foels had a total of 20 years with the team.

"I didn't make any changes when I first came in last year (as player personnel chief). I wanted to go through the process in the whole season, and I did that," Devaney said. "After the draft, there were some guys available that I'd worked with before, and I just decided to bring them in."

The new scouts are Drew Casani, Jonathan Gannon and Joel Patton. Brad Holmes was promoted from combine scout to area scout, with Gannon assuming Holmes' previous duties.

Steve Miller, formerly a member of the police department at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, has taken over for Dan Linza as the Rams' head of security. Linza, a retired police chief in Kirkwood, had served in the post for 10 years.

"I have a good relationship with Steve," Devaney said. "It wasn't a reflection on anybody. But again, it was a chance to bring somebody in that I got to know since I've been here."

Team photographer Bill Stover also has been dismissed. His replacement has yet to be named.

The St. Louis Rams have added wide receiver Sean Walker to their roster. Walker, 6 feet and 178 pounds, is an undrafted rookie from Vanderbilt. He practiced Friday as organized team activities continued at Rams Park.

Drew Bennett wants to be a Titan again

RamFan — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:07:00 GMT

Free-agent wide receiver Drew Bennett, who was cut earlier this year by the St. Louis Rams and who has visited the Browns and the Falcons, went back to Tennessee on Monday for a physical.

It sounds like he hopes that the stay will at some point be extended.

“I feel like if something gets done here that I can come in and help complement the guys they have,” Bennett said, according to Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper. “I know I wouldn’t be coming in as a No. 1 guy. They have a lot invested in guys like Nate Washington and Justin Gage and also the first-round pick, Kenny Britt. But I think I could come in and compete and complement those guys, maybe fill in some holes and work in certain packages.”

Contract talks could begin as soon as Monday night - Drew Bennett started his career in Tennessee. He signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Rams in 2007.

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But his career there was marred by injury; he played in only one game last season. Bennett now thinks that he’s back to 100 percent.

“I met with Dr. Burton Elrod and the staff and there was nothing didn’t indicate to me anything that might be cause for concern,” Bennett said. “Actually, I’ve been running for a couple of months now, running routes and everything. And the rest of my body, except for the foot, got a chance to rest last season because of the injury, so I’m probably healthier than I’ve been in a while.”

The Titans could use him. Beyond Gage and Washington, they don’t have much in the way of players with NFL experience at any of the receiver positions.

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Pisa Tinoisamoa to visit the Buffalo Bills

RamFan — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:03:00 GMT

Well, it seems like somebody likes Pisa's work on the field!

just a few days after being cut by the St. Louis Rams despite leading the team in tackles again last season, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, according to Tim Graham of ESPN.com.

Per the report, Pisa Tinoisamoa is “excited” about the pending meeting.

Pisa Tinoisamoa is undersized, reportedly playing last season as light as 220 pounds even though he’s officially listed at 240 pounds. It’s a factor that may have led to his departure from St. Louis as new Rams coach Steve Spagnolo is known to prefer larger linebackers.

Plus, the St. Louis Rams drafted former Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis in the second round.

Pisa Tinoisamoa is extremely productive, though, registering 135 tackles last season as well as three sacks and two forced fumbles.

For his six-year NFL career, Pisa Tinoisamoa has led the St. Louis Rams in tackles four times. The former University of Hawaii standout has recorded a total of 445 career tackles, 10 sacks and seven interceptions.

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