The Original HERD's Message Board System Welcome to our new message board system. We hope you enjoy the new features, and please post any issues or problems in the Help and Support forum. There are also several tutorial videos posted there to help you get familiar with some of the changes. Registration is required to post.http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/index.phpSat, 19 May 2012 10:33:09 +0000 Phorum 5.2.13 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248209,248250#msg-248250 Rest assured it's Fisher...nmhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248209,248250#msg-248250 RFIP Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 10:14:17 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248249#msg-248249 Good post but don't doubt it.http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248249#msg-248249
Grits]]> GreatRamNTheSky Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 10:02:35 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248248#msg-248248 Unlike STL did for the Rams in 1995 LA isn't about to pay for a stadiumhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248248#msg-248248
Back when the Texans were awarded to McNair and company down in Houston, that team was really suppose to go to Los Angeles
but LA refused to pop for the extra millions demanded by the NFL as ransom. Mc Nair did. See, LA isn't going to bend over to
get a team, but they don't have to. They have AEG handling the team acquisition for them.

LA has had many pro football teams.

LA Dons, Bulldogs, Chargers, Rams, Raiders, Southern California Sun (WFL), L A Express (USFL)

Other sports, Dodgers, Angels Kings, Ducks, Lakers, Clippers. All LA Teams. How many pro teams on the major league level doe STL have?

Lets see Currently you have the Blues, Rams and Cardinals that can be considered major professional teams. You haven't had an NBA team
since the Hawks left and the LA Area has two and might have three if the Sac Kings move to Anaheim.

LA is going to have a NFL team again soon but on it's terms.

Grits]]> GreatRamNTheSky Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 09:51:06 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248247#msg-248247 You may have a shift of AFC teams onlyhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248247#msg-248247if the Jags were to move to CA.

Grits]]> GreatRamNTheSky Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 09:39:06 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248246,248246#msg-248246 Fisher wants to break sack record..http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248246,248246#msg-248246Marc Sessler
Published: May 18, 2012 at 8:04 PM
The St. Louis Rams notched 39 sacks in 2011, tied for 15th in the NFL. Coach Jeff Fisher is raising the bar for 2012.

In his first season guiding the team, Fisher is asking the St. Louis defense to chase down the opposing quarterback 73 times, according to CBSSports.com . That figure would break the NFL record of 72 sacks set by the 1984 Chicago Bears .

(Dear AFL historians: Yes, the 1967 Oakland Raiders recorded 73, but sacks weren't an official statistic in that rough-and-tumble league of old. )

That's a tall order for a roster that might not be up to the task, but the Rams' 4-3 scheme flashes some potential along the defensive line. Chris Long recorded a team-best 13 sacks last season, and Robert Quinn is an emerging pass-rusher who totaled five sacks as a rookie in 2011. End James Hall had six, but he's currently a free agent.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports chronicled the organization's desire to land defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the draft after Justin Blackmon vanished off the board. Brockers is a big, run-stuffing inside man who will help St. Louis shore up a run defense that allowed too many big plays on the ground last season (Football Outsiders had the Rams D-line ranked 23rd against the run in football last season).

We don't see where 34 more sacks would come from (14 teams totaled 33 or less in 2011), but why not aim high, Mr. Fisher?

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Twitter]]> Rampage2K- Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 08:27:55 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248245,248245#msg-248245 ESPN Mel Kiper Breakout players from 2011 draft classhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248245,248245#msg-248245insider.espn.go.com]

Every year people get fired up for the NFL draft, only to be disappointed when they don't see immediate dividends. I do it too. But the reality is that many consider the jump from college to the NFL as bad or worse than the jump from high school to college. It's like the old cliché about sitting down in your first college class at Yale, and the teacher asks "How many of you were valedictorians?" Half the hands go up.

Same deal with the NFL. Nearly every one of these guys was an impact player in college. So I like to look at some guys who saw the field as rookies, or maybe didn't see much but could make a big jump in their second year. I call them my "Leap Year" players.

There could be a few dozen from the 2011 draft, but here are some who jumped out at me based on where they play and the situation they could be in. And remember, if they had a really great rookie year, they won't be on this list. These are in no particular order.

Leonard Hankerson, WR, Redskins
I thought Hankerson was just about to really get it going last year when a hip injury derailed his season. While the Redskins went out and made several moves at wide receiver, I think Hankerson could put up big numbers as a down-the-field threat in Mike Shanahan's offense. He's a bigger target, something this offense lacks otherwise, outside of tight end Fred Davis.

Tyron Smith, OT, Cowboys
How could I have Smith here after he started 16 games for the Cowboys in 2011? It's not that he started, it's where he starts. Smith won't be 22 until December, and the Cowboys worked the youngster in on the right side last year. But if he takes over at left tackle, in a division with the kind of pass-rushers the NFC East has, it'll be a true test of his value. I think he'll do well.

Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Jets
I had Wilkerson pegged as a very promising lineman out of Temple in 2011, but I said that if he waited another year, he had the chance to be a top-10 pick in the 2012 draft. Well, the Jets were sold on the promise, and I think after a year of development, Wilkerson will arrive in 2012. The addition of Quinton Coples will help in the matchups game as well.

Jake Locker, QB, Titans
Now, Locker needs to win the job outright. But look at the situation he could come into. Chris Johnson could be reinvigorated, the offensive line should be improved, and the return of Kenny Britt plus the addition of Kendall Wright (and Nate Washington can still play) make this offense a lot more formidable. Among the three first-round QB picks from last year who really need to make the jump, including Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert, I like Locker's chances in 2012.

[+] Enlarge
Richard Mackson/US Presswire
Flanked by Marion Williams, Marcell Dareus could be more productive in 2012.
Marcell Dareus, DT, Bills
When he lines up at the 4-3 DT position in 2012, Dareus will be able to look to his right and see Mario Williams. To his left will be Kyle Williams. Something's gotta give. I like Dareus in this scheme better, and I think he can really take off as a penetrator from the DT position in 2012. The guy will wreck some pockets.

Robert Quinn, DE, Rams
I fully expected Quinn to have a so-so rookie season after sitting out his entire final season at North Carolina. But now comfortable, he could easily double the 5.0 sacks he notched last year. Too much talent to keep down.

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings
He caught 26 passes as a rookie, and Rudolph could double that in 2012 as he and Ponder get on the same page. He has great hands and made his share of circus catches last year. If Ponder can get comfortable, Rudolph benefits.

Marvin Austin, DT, Giants
This is more of a long shot because Austin isn't even slated to start, but while he got hurt last year and never really got his season on track, I think he can be a big part of the rotation in 2012 if his health is there. This is an immensely talented kid who just needs to keep his motor running; Tom Coughlin will get him going.

Randall Cobb, WR, Packers
We saw Cobb's explosiveness in the return game last year, but I think he can become a bigger part of the passing game. Remember, this is a former college QB, so there's a learning curve. Give him a full training camp, and with the year under his belt, it's hard to imagine that Green Bay won't want him to get more touches. He's a big-play threat every time he touches the ball.

Justin Houston, OLB, Chiefs
Houston got the tweener tag in a bad way during the draft and fell down the board. Converted to a 3-4 OLB under Romeo Crennel, he began to show off some of his natural pass-rushing skills toward the end of last year. Look for him to emerge as he comes into 2012 comfortable in his role.

Clyde Gates, WR, Dolphins
This is another longer shot because Gates didn't show us much last year. But Miami lacks weapons in the passing game, and this kid can fly if he can become a dependable pass-catcher. Interested to see if he develops into a player. The potential is there for a leap, though.

Jimmy Smith, CB, Ravens
He wasn't healthy to start the year, and Lardarius Webb rightly drew a lot of the attention. But with QBs looking to stay away from Webb, I wouldn't be surprised to see a healthy Smith play at a Pro Bowl level in 2012. The guy has a ton of talent; he just needs to stay healthy and get comfortable in the system.]]> RustyRay Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 07:26:07 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248238,248244#msg-248244 Re: Rams have an opening at LG-- Joe Long doesn't mind being a long shot/PDhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248238,248244#msg-248244 Everett11 Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 06:59:58 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248238,248243#msg-248243 Re: Rams have an opening at LG-- Joe Long doesn't mind being a long shot/PDhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248238,248243#msg-248243
To invite the draft picks parents in, give them a great view of a practice and then have a private dinner for them just flashes class and provides hope that this regime will not only do this sort of thing...but bring back Rams greats and have them around the team.

I hope soon we hear about Jack Youngblood working with the DEs....or just being at the facility and being around the team.

The more stuff that happens like this and the more things you hear....the Rams made the right move hiring Fisher....and then to land Snead who isnt just a Fisher yes man...but a real GM with a dynamic idea on how to do things...makes my darn day as a fan of this franchise.

I know its a small deal overall...but to me it says alot.]]> RustyRay Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 06:36:44 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?11,248038,248242#msg-248242 Rams News Review--May 18http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?11,248038,248242#msg-248242
James Laurinaitis on NFL Network Total Access–Vid Link
Joe Long doesn’t mind being a long shot–PD
Rams Have An Opening at Left Guard–PD
Jeff Fisher asks Rams D to break NFL sack record
Rams Claim TE Brody Eldridge Off Waivers From Colts
Jim Thomas Tweets and Clements Rapid Reports–May 18
How Big of an Asset Are the Rams?–Venturi
Who’s getting older, younger in NFC West–Sando

Catch Up With Articles You May Have Missed
[www.rams-news.com]]]> RamBill The Original HERDSat, 19 May 2012 06:16:28 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248037,248241#msg-248241 Rams News Review---May 18http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248037,248241#msg-248241
James Laurinaitis on NFL Network Total Access–Vid Link
Joe Long doesn’t mind being a long shot–PD
Rams Have An Opening at Left Guard–PD
Jeff Fisher asks Rams D to break NFL sack record
Rams Claim TE Brody Eldridge Off Waivers From Colts
Jim Thomas Tweets and Clements Rapid Reports–May 18
How Big of an Asset Are the Rams?–Venturi
Who’s getting older, younger in NFC West–Sando

Catch Up With Articles You May Have Missed
[www.rams-news.com]]]> RamBill Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 06:15:03 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248236,248240#msg-248240 Falsehttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248236,248240#msg-248240
Quote
RamBill

(Dear AFL historians: Yes, the 1967 Oakland Raiders recorded 73, but sacks weren't an official statistic in that rough-and-tumble league of old. )

The Raiders had 67 sacks in 1967.]]> Blue and Gold Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 05:50:47 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?11,248239,248239#msg-248239 Rams have an opening at LG-- Joe Long doesn't mind being a long shot/PDhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?11,248239,248239#msg-248239[www.stltoday.com]

BY JIM THOMAS • jthomas@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8197 | Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2012 12:05 am

There is absolutely no doubt in coach Jeff Fisher's mind that the Rams' starting left guard for 2012 is currently on the roster.

"Yeah, he's here," Fisher said. "And he'll play well for us."

He just can't tell you who that person is just yet.

"We've got a lot of options, and we'll continue to rotate guys in there," Fisher said. "But he's here."

It could be Bryan Mattison, who started the last four games at right guard last season after joining the team in late November.

It could be 2012 fifth-round draft pick Rokevious "Rok" Watkins, the wide-body from South Carolina.

Maybe Quinn Ojinnaka, a free-agent pickup who was in Rams training camp last summer. Or Robert Turner, signed as a free agent from the New York Jets earlier this offseason. Or even Mizzou product Tim Barnes, who spent all but one week of the 2011 regular season on the Rams' practice squad.

"We're going to put a lot of guys in the mix and really let 'em compete for that left guard spot," general manager Les Snead said. "And sort the backups from there."

It could be like some wrestling-royale event to see who's the last man standing.

"Put us in the cage, you know," Mattison said. "Come off the top rope."

The unassuming, low-key Mattison is the leader of the pack right now. Although the Rams have rotated other players in, Mattison took the bulk of repetitions with the starting unit at left guard this week during the Rams' practice sessions.

"I know our guys are high on him; think he's got a chance," Snead said.

Mattison, 6-3, 310, entered the league as an undrafted rookie with the New York Jets in 2008, but he entered the league as a defensive end. The University of Iowa product switched over to offense in 2009 but didn't play in his first NFL game until 2010 with Baltimore.

So he's no overnight sensation, and he's still relatively new to the position. But Mattison has been around long enough to realize it's a long way from mid-May at Rams Park to Sept. 9 in Detroit (the Rams' opener). He has anything but a stranglehold on the job.

"That stuff will work itself out down the line," Mattison said. "You always want to be out there with the first unit but when I'm not — when I'm with the second unit — I'm just as excited to do the play right. Competition's good for anybody, no matter what happens."

Fisher, in fact, made it a point to stress that there are several options at the position.

"There's ability there," he said. "We've got flexibility. And I wouldn't rule out Rok either because Rok's showed in just a couple days that he's heavy-handed, he's smart, and he can move people. And that's what we're looking for."

Watkins said he had no idea the Rams were interested in him before getting drafted April 28. He wasn't just a little surprised.

"I was a lot surprised," Watkins said. "I don't even think I talked to the (Rams') guys at the combine."

According to Snead, Watkins piqued the Rams' interest at South Carolina's pro day by getting a "plus" grade for his work there. That led to more film study of his games at South Carolina by the Rams' scouting department and coaching staff. Apparently, the more they saw the more they liked.

Listed on the Rams' roster at 6-3, 338, Watkins said he has played as heavy as 368 pounds back in his junior-college days at Georgia Military College. That would make him more Boulder than Rok.

During spring ball at South Carolina in 2010, Watkins found himself, uh, wasting away to 319. "I felt a little weak so I went back up and I played the season between 330 and 335, but I still was in shape," he said.

Watkins played all over the place at South Carolina, starting games at right tackle, left tackle and right guard in 2011, and starting at right guard and left guard in '10. But his body type and skill set make him a natural fit at guard in the NFL. He also seems to have the mentality that line coaches love.

"I take pride in the physicality," Watkins said. "It's nothing better than grabbing a defensive lineman and slamming him on his neck."

Then he added with a hearty chuckle, "I enjoy it, and it's legal."

At the moment, starting is about the last thing on his mind. Like just about every Rams rookie this early in his NFL experience, Watkins is trying to grasp the playbook.

"Being a competitor, you're going to always want to start," Watkins said. "But you don't want to come in there too fast if you don't know what you're doing, so I'm just going to try to learn anything I can. The more you know the faster you can play."

==========

Joe Long doesn't mind being a long shot
[www.stltoday.com]

BY JIM THOMAS • jthomas@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8197 | Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2012 12:00 am

The Long brothers have covered the spectrum of how to enter the National Football League. In 2008, Jake Long was the No. 1 overall pick by the Miami Dolphins out of the University of Michigan.

Four years later, along comes little brother Joe, an undrafted rookie offensive lineman signed by the Rams.

"I'm not him," Joe Long said. "I'm a completely different person. I had to do it the hard way, and that's fine. I'm a hard worker just like he is. It definitely was a different path, and I gotta get out here and grind and earn my spot on the team. I'm going to do whatever I can to do that."

The Long brothers both attended LaPeer (Mich.) East High about an hour north of Detroit. But while Jake went to the heralded and tradition-laden Michigan program, Joe cast his lot with Division II Wayne State in Detroit.

The only Division I looks Joe got was as a preferred walk-on. He knew at the Division II level he not only would get some scholarship money, but he'd have a chance to play earlier in his college career. Things couldn't have worked out better.

Long was a four-year starter at left tackle, making a school record 49 consecutive starts. This past season, he won the Gene Upshaw Award as the top lineman (offensive or defensive) in Division II. And the Wayne State Warriors reached the Division II national championship game, losing 35-21 to Pittsburg State.

Even though Long had a private workout with the Detroit Lions and a pre-draft visit with the New York Jets, his name wasn't called in the draft.

"I knew that coming from a Division II school it's kind of hard to get drafted," Long said. "That's fine. I just wanted to have a shot somewhere. When the Rams called me up, I was really excited. So just to be out here with a team and working out, practicing, that's all I wanted."

He knew there was some interest from the Rams because the team contacted both him and his agent the week of the draft. At 6-5, 304, Long has gotten most of his work at left tackle so far with the Rams but knows that eventually he could be moved around.

Joe and Jake are close, they talk nearly every day, and big brother has helped in terms of knowing what to expect from these first few days in the NFL.

"He is the best resource because he's gone through it all," Long said. "So I came in like ready, kind of knowing what's going to happen."

Relaxed football

There was almost a festive atmosphere to Friday's practice session at Rams Park. During practice, team sponsors and potential sponsors were invited on the practice fields to watch the team up close.

On the balcony overlooking the fields were parents of Rams 2012 draft picks. Later that evening, the parents were invited to a dinner in what used to be the private suite of late owner Georgia Frontiere on the second floor of the facility.

A street was blocked off adjacent to the Rams Park parking lot for a barbecue fundraiser held by the St. Louis County Police Department's central precinct, with the Rams' blessing. And Sage, the golden retriever (of assistant coach Brandon Fisher) who's quickly becoming an unofficial team mascot, was seen walking the grounds and showing interest in the barbecue aroma.

Taking in Friday's practice was former wide receiver great Isaac Bruce, who is in town for his foundation fundraiser.]]> RamBill The Original HERDSat, 19 May 2012 05:35:08 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248238,248238#msg-248238 Rams have an opening at LG-- Joe Long doesn't mind being a long shot/PDhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248238,248238#msg-248238[www.stltoday.com]

BY JIM THOMAS • jthomas@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8197 | Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2012 12:05 am

There is absolutely no doubt in coach Jeff Fisher's mind that the Rams' starting left guard for 2012 is currently on the roster.

"Yeah, he's here," Fisher said. "And he'll play well for us."

He just can't tell you who that person is just yet.

"We've got a lot of options, and we'll continue to rotate guys in there," Fisher said. "But he's here."

It could be Bryan Mattison, who started the last four games at right guard last season after joining the team in late November.

It could be 2012 fifth-round draft pick Rokevious "Rok" Watkins, the wide-body from South Carolina.

Maybe Quinn Ojinnaka, a free-agent pickup who was in Rams training camp last summer. Or Robert Turner, signed as a free agent from the New York Jets earlier this offseason. Or even Mizzou product Tim Barnes, who spent all but one week of the 2011 regular season on the Rams' practice squad.

"We're going to put a lot of guys in the mix and really let 'em compete for that left guard spot," general manager Les Snead said. "And sort the backups from there."

It could be like some wrestling-royale event to see who's the last man standing.

"Put us in the cage, you know," Mattison said. "Come off the top rope."

The unassuming, low-key Mattison is the leader of the pack right now. Although the Rams have rotated other players in, Mattison took the bulk of repetitions with the starting unit at left guard this week during the Rams' practice sessions.

"I know our guys are high on him; think he's got a chance," Snead said.

Mattison, 6-3, 310, entered the league as an undrafted rookie with the New York Jets in 2008, but he entered the league as a defensive end. The University of Iowa product switched over to offense in 2009 but didn't play in his first NFL game until 2010 with Baltimore.

So he's no overnight sensation, and he's still relatively new to the position. But Mattison has been around long enough to realize it's a long way from mid-May at Rams Park to Sept. 9 in Detroit (the Rams' opener). He has anything but a stranglehold on the job.

"That stuff will work itself out down the line," Mattison said. "You always want to be out there with the first unit but when I'm not — when I'm with the second unit — I'm just as excited to do the play right. Competition's good for anybody, no matter what happens."

Fisher, in fact, made it a point to stress that there are several options at the position.

"There's ability there," he said. "We've got flexibility. And I wouldn't rule out Rok either because Rok's showed in just a couple days that he's heavy-handed, he's smart, and he can move people. And that's what we're looking for."

Watkins said he had no idea the Rams were interested in him before getting drafted April 28. He wasn't just a little surprised.

"I was a lot surprised," Watkins said. "I don't even think I talked to the (Rams') guys at the combine."

According to Snead, Watkins piqued the Rams' interest at South Carolina's pro day by getting a "plus" grade for his work there. That led to more film study of his games at South Carolina by the Rams' scouting department and coaching staff. Apparently, the more they saw the more they liked.

Listed on the Rams' roster at 6-3, 338, Watkins said he has played as heavy as 368 pounds back in his junior-college days at Georgia Military College. That would make him more Boulder than Rok.

During spring ball at South Carolina in 2010, Watkins found himself, uh, wasting away to 319. "I felt a little weak so I went back up and I played the season between 330 and 335, but I still was in shape," he said.

Watkins played all over the place at South Carolina, starting games at right tackle, left tackle and right guard in 2011, and starting at right guard and left guard in '10. But his body type and skill set make him a natural fit at guard in the NFL. He also seems to have the mentality that line coaches love.

"I take pride in the physicality," Watkins said. "It's nothing better than grabbing a defensive lineman and slamming him on his neck."

Then he added with a hearty chuckle, "I enjoy it, and it's legal."

At the moment, starting is about the last thing on his mind. Like just about every Rams rookie this early in his NFL experience, Watkins is trying to grasp the playbook.

"Being a competitor, you're going to always want to start," Watkins said. "But you don't want to come in there too fast if you don't know what you're doing, so I'm just going to try to learn anything I can. The more you know the faster you can play."

==========

Joe Long doesn't mind being a long shot
[www.stltoday.com]

BY JIM THOMAS • jthomas@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8197 | Posted: Saturday, May 19, 2012 12:00 am

The Long brothers have covered the spectrum of how to enter the National Football League. In 2008, Jake Long was the No. 1 overall pick by the Miami Dolphins out of the University of Michigan.

Four years later, along comes little brother Joe, an undrafted rookie offensive lineman signed by the Rams.

"I'm not him," Joe Long said. "I'm a completely different person. I had to do it the hard way, and that's fine. I'm a hard worker just like he is. It definitely was a different path, and I gotta get out here and grind and earn my spot on the team. I'm going to do whatever I can to do that."

The Long brothers both attended LaPeer (Mich.) East High about an hour north of Detroit. But while Jake went to the heralded and tradition-laden Michigan program, Joe cast his lot with Division II Wayne State in Detroit.

The only Division I looks Joe got was as a preferred walk-on. He knew at the Division II level he not only would get some scholarship money, but he'd have a chance to play earlier in his college career. Things couldn't have worked out better.

Long was a four-year starter at left tackle, making a school record 49 consecutive starts. This past season, he won the Gene Upshaw Award as the top lineman (offensive or defensive) in Division II. And the Wayne State Warriors reached the Division II national championship game, losing 35-21 to Pittsburg State.

Even though Long had a private workout with the Detroit Lions and a pre-draft visit with the New York Jets, his name wasn't called in the draft.

"I knew that coming from a Division II school it's kind of hard to get drafted," Long said. "That's fine. I just wanted to have a shot somewhere. When the Rams called me up, I was really excited. So just to be out here with a team and working out, practicing, that's all I wanted."

He knew there was some interest from the Rams because the team contacted both him and his agent the week of the draft. At 6-5, 304, Long has gotten most of his work at left tackle so far with the Rams but knows that eventually he could be moved around.

Joe and Jake are close, they talk nearly every day, and big brother has helped in terms of knowing what to expect from these first few days in the NFL.

"He is the best resource because he's gone through it all," Long said. "So I came in like ready, kind of knowing what's going to happen."

Relaxed football

There was almost a festive atmosphere to Friday's practice session at Rams Park. During practice, team sponsors and potential sponsors were invited on the practice fields to watch the team up close.

On the balcony overlooking the fields were parents of Rams 2012 draft picks. Later that evening, the parents were invited to a dinner in what used to be the private suite of late owner Georgia Frontiere on the second floor of the facility.

A street was blocked off adjacent to the Rams Park parking lot for a barbecue fundraiser held by the St. Louis County Police Department's central precinct, with the Rams' blessing. And Sage, the golden retriever (of assistant coach Brandon Fisher) who's quickly becoming an unofficial team mascot, was seen walking the grounds and showing interest in the barbecue aroma.

Taking in Friday's practice was former wide receiver great Isaac Bruce, who is in town for his foundation fundraiser.]]> RamBill Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 05:27:03 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248236,248237#msg-248237 Re: Jeff Fisher asks Rams D to break NFL sack recordhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248236,248237#msg-248237
Quote
RamBill
Jeff Fisher asks Rams D to break NFL sack record

By Marc Sessler

[www.nfl.com]

The St. Louis Rams notched 39 sacks in 2011, tied for 15th in the NFL. Coach Jeff Fisher is raising the bar for 2012.

In his first season guiding the team, Fisher is asking the St. Louis defense to chase down the opposing quarterback 73 times, according to CBSSports.com. That figure would break the NFL record of 72 sacks set by the 1984 Chicago Bears.

(Dear AFL historians: Yes, the 1967 Oakland Raiders recorded 73, but sacks weren't an official statistic in that rough-and-tumble league of old. )

That's a tall order for a roster that might not be up to the task, but the Rams' 4-3 scheme flashes some potential along the defensive line. Chris Long recorded a team-best 13 sacks last season, and Robert Quinn is an emerging pass-rusher who totaled five sacks as a rookie in 2011. End James Hall had six, but he's currently a free agent.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports chronicled the organization's desire to land defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the draft after Justin Blackmon vanished off the board. Brockers is a big, run-stuffing inside man who will help St. Louis shore up a run defense that allowed too many big plays on the ground last season (Football Outsiders had the Rams D-line ranked 23rd against the run in football last season).

We don't see where 34 more sacks would come from (14 teams totaled 33 or less in 2011), but why not aim high, Mr. Fisher?

Did he offer 'em money to do it? :wink2]]> MamaRAMa Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 05:26:18 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248236,248236#msg-248236 Jeff Fisher asks Rams D to break NFL sack recordhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248236,248236#msg-248236
By Marc Sessler

[www.nfl.com]

The St. Louis Rams notched 39 sacks in 2011, tied for 15th in the NFL. Coach Jeff Fisher is raising the bar for 2012.

In his first season guiding the team, Fisher is asking the St. Louis defense to chase down the opposing quarterback 73 times, according to CBSSports.com. That figure would break the NFL record of 72 sacks set by the 1984 Chicago Bears.

(Dear AFL historians: Yes, the 1967 Oakland Raiders recorded 73, but sacks weren't an official statistic in that rough-and-tumble league of old. )

That's a tall order for a roster that might not be up to the task, but the Rams' 4-3 scheme flashes some potential along the defensive line. Chris Long recorded a team-best 13 sacks last season, and Robert Quinn is an emerging pass-rusher who totaled five sacks as a rookie in 2011. End James Hall had six, but he's currently a free agent.

Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports chronicled the organization's desire to land defensive tackle Michael Brockers in the draft after Justin Blackmon vanished off the board. Brockers is a big, run-stuffing inside man who will help St. Louis shore up a run defense that allowed too many big plays on the ground last season (Football Outsiders had the Rams D-line ranked 23rd against the run in football last season).

We don't see where 34 more sacks would come from (14 teams totaled 33 or less in 2011), but why not aim high, Mr. Fisher?]]> RamBill Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 05:20:31 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248209,248235#msg-248235 Re: there have been more Rams featureshttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,248209,248235#msg-248235
I can't figure out if that is Fisher being connected in NFL circles or something else but something is up]]> Speed_Kills Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 05:14:11 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,248169,248234#msg-248234 Maybe not a TV show, but a movie yes...http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,248169,248234#msg-248234 Atlantic Ram The Cyber PubSat, 19 May 2012 05:06:00 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248233#msg-248233 Re: Looking forward to seeing Pettis and Salashttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248233#msg-248233
3rd and 4th round WRs always take time to develop. ALWAYS. People expecting Givens to have some kind of break out year are dreaming. Heck Quick will struggle it may take two seasons before we see the kind of production from quick that so many on this board fantasize about.

I was surprised DX wasn't cut last year given his knee.

The Rams really need another veteran WR]]> Speed_Kills Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 05:05:49 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248232#msg-248232 I'll chime in here....http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248232#msg-248232
I have some suggestions, and it sounds like our age and music likes are roughly the same so here's a little blip on the classic rock radar that hardly gets a mention nowadays by April Wine. They really got into soft rock in their later years (kinda like Chicago) and thats probably why no one talks much about 'em now. This song however, really is pure unadulterated guitar rock with a nice little homage to the Beatles and the Stones at the end:





Also, my first USAF assignment was in England in the late 80's/early 90's, and there was a group called the Charlatans that really caught my eye. They're still around and still big in the UK, but I think their early stuff was the best. Their 1st album had quite the the late 60's acid rock sound, kinda like an early Deep Purple almost:



]]> sgtram The Cyber PubSat, 19 May 2012 04:30:53 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248231#msg-248231 Pink Martini = great! Thanks!http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248231#msg-248231
By the way, there is A Perfect Circle song that was on eMotive (a bunch of covers that APC did) that I think is great. It's called Passive. That album also includes a version of Imagine and When the Levy Breaks and What's Going On.

To see the video click on the link and it will take you to it.



]]> Atlantic Ram The Cyber PubSat, 19 May 2012 04:24:23 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,248169,248230#msg-248230 The question is. . .http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,248169,248230#msg-248230 RAMbeau The Cyber PubSat, 19 May 2012 04:21:16 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?11,248229,248229#msg-248229 James Laurinatis was on Total Access--Vid Linkhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?11,248229,248229#msg-248229
[www.nfl.com]]]> RamBill The Original HERDSat, 19 May 2012 04:18:51 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,248169,248228#msg-248228 Waiting for them to do a remake of the $6 million manhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,248169,248228#msg-248228
I would go to the theater to see it.

Here's the intro from the original show.



]]> Atlantic Ram The Cyber PubSat, 19 May 2012 04:06:26 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248227#msg-248227 I think the Who were accepted by punk rockers to some extenthttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248227#msg-248227
Punk is an interesting genre of mostly average musicians but there were several stand outs. Stiff Little Fingers, IIRC, are somewhat palatable but still definitely punk. "All The Best" is a solid compilation from one of the better true punk bands. Check out Mr Fire Coal Man or Suspect Device. I can still listen to it but I really liked it more when I was a teenager.

Anyway, I was a huge YES and King Crimson fan for the longest time. I still love them and listen to them on occasion. Bill Bruford remains my favorite drummer.

Here is a video of Chris Squire doing Hold Out Your Hand from Fish Out of Water. It's not a great album but definitely a solid effort.



]]> Atlantic Ram The Cyber PubSat, 19 May 2012 03:53:10 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248226#msg-248226 LOL! Well, thanks Les...http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247862,248226#msg-248226
What was that you just aimed at me - a gay joke?

Wow! I guess I was WAY off on your maturity level!! :rolleyes

By the way, since you keep mentioning this...

My "style" and "manners" have won me many dear friends from this board that will last a lifetime, and several people I love dearly and keep in constant touch with off the board - even some who come to visit me when they take vacations!

But hey - sorry you think I'm a "girl" with no manners whom everyone hates...or something. 8-)

(Seriously, buddy - it probably woulda looked better for you if you had just copped to being an immature goon lately! But feel free to keep projecting!) :lol

sanfRAM]]> sanfRAM Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 03:44:13 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248225#msg-248225 Re: DX...Can't be elite_ he is unavailablehttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248225#msg-248225 BumRap Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 03:35:40 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248224#msg-248224 Re: They will give him until Training Camp likelyhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248224#msg-248224 BumRap Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 03:32:12 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248223#msg-248223 Re: I think Pettis will be a good one...http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247403,248223#msg-248223 BumRap Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 03:29:40 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247902,248222#msg-248222 Re: good byehttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?5,247902,248222#msg-248222 BumRap Ramsrule.com Football ForumSat, 19 May 2012 03:25:58 +0000 http://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248221#msg-248221 Here's something that made my ipod from Dynamite Hackhttp://www.ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,247888,248221#msg-248221
After the 80's disaster the 90's were a godsend. And now were back to really crappy music again. Some good stuff sporadically thrown in with junk from the freakin black eyed peas and the like. barf.

Like CeeZar, I am always looking for something new. I don't really have a genre that I don't like but my prerequisite for any music is excellence in some respect. It could be a great vocalist, lyricist, song writer, etc. I don't like anything pop in any genre though. Generally speaking I prefer music with a lot of heart. Oh and heavy metal... I respect the genre because there are a lot of great musicians but I just don't like it in nearly any form... unless you call Black Sabbath or Deep Purple heavy metal.

I really like Rage Against the Machine. I don't always buy into the message but I do buy into their belief in their message.

My top 3 are: Zeppelin way at the top, and then the Beatles and then a tie for 3rd are about 10 or 20 bands/artists. Some days its the Rolling Stones or A Perfect Circle or Pink Floyd or YES or Beck or Hendrix or Neil Young or Eric Clapton or even RATM. But Zeppelin and the Beatles are the standard that I hold everything else to and 3rd place is a pretty long way from 1st and 2nd place most days.

Anyway, here's a fun song that I get a kick out of. Ben Folds does a similar song...



]]> Atlantic Ram The Cyber PubSat, 19 May 2012 03:25:23 +0000