REGULAR SEASON (3-4)
Day Date Game Time TV
Sun. 9/12 Arizona L 17-13
Sun 9/19 at Oakland L 16-14
Sun. 9/26 Washington W 30-16
Sun. 10/3 Seattle W 20-3
Sun. 10/10 at Detroit L 44-6
Sun. 10/17 San Diego W 20-17
Sun. 10/24 at Tampa Bay L 18-17
Sun. 10/31 Carolina Noon FOX
Sun. 11/7 Bye Week
Sun. 11/14 at San Francisco 3:15 p.m. FOX
Sun. 11/21 Atlanta 3:15 p.m. FOX
Sun. 11/28 at Denver 3:15 p.m. FOX
Sun. 12/5 at Arizona * 3:15 p.m. FOX
Sun. 12/12 at New Orleans * 3:15 p.m. FOX
Sun. 12/19 Kansas City * Noon CBS
Sun. 12/26 San Francisco * Noon FOX
Sun. 1/2 at Seattle * 3:15 p.m. FOX
* Subject to Flex Scheduling
2010 SCHEDULE
WWW.STLOUISRAMS.COM/MEDIA • USERNAME: ramsmedia • PASSWORD: rams
Wednesday, October 27
-Practice: 11:35 a.m. -Open locker room: 1:55-2:40 p.m.
-Coach Spagnuolo & QB Sam Bradford available on field after practice. - Conference Calls: Player TBD 1:20 p.m. Coach John Fox 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 28
-Practice: 11:35 a.m. -Open locker room: 1:55-2:40 p.m.
-Coach Spagnuolo & RB Steven Jackson available on field after practice. - Defensive Coordinator Ken Flajole & Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur available on field.
Friday, October 29
-Practice: 10:45 a.m. -Open locker room: 12:35-1:20 p.m.
-Coach Spagnuolo available on field after practice.
Saturday, October 30 No Availability Sunday, October 31 Panthers at Rams Noon (CT) Edward Jones Dome
Monday, November 1
Coach Spagnuolo Press Conference
2 p.m.
R
EGULAR
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8
C
AROLINA
P
ANTHERS
(1-5)
AT
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T
. L
OUIS
R
AMS
(3-4)
Sunday, October 31, 2010, Edward Jones Dome, Noon (CT)
The St. Louis Rams will honor one of the greatest play-ers in franchise history as they go for a fourth-consecu-tive home victory Sunday.
Isaac Bruce, who spent 14 seasons with the Rams and holds every major receiving record in team history, will have his number 80 jersey retired in a pregame cere-mony before the team hosts the Carolina Panthers at the Edward Jones Dome. Many of Bruce’s former teammates will be on hand for the ceremony, and the Rams will wear throwback uniforms that feature the tra-ditional white, blue and yellow-gold color scheme that the team wore from 1973-99.
The Rams’ honoring of a historical team figure comes a week after RB Steven Jackson recorded a significant event in team history. Last week in Tampa Bay, Jackson passed Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson to become the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.
Sunday’s matchup marks the 19th meeting between the Rams and Panthers and 18th in the regular season. Carolina leads the all-time series, 11-7 and won last matchup between the clubs, a 27-13 contest in 2007.
RAMS HOST PANTHERS, HONOR BRUCE
THIS WEEK’S MEDIA AVAILABILITY
TED CREWS - SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
[email protected] - 314-516-8797
ARTIS TWYMAN - DIRECTOR, MEDIA RELATIONS
[email protected] - 314-516-8759
JULIA FARON - MEDIA RELATIONS COORDINATOR
[email protected] - 314-516-8766
CASEY PEARCE - PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
[email protected] - 314-516-8765
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TELEVISION
FOX
(KTVI, Ch. 2 in St. Louis)
Play-by-Play: Dick Stockton Color Analysts: Charles Davis
RADIO
WXOS (101.1 FM)
Play-by-Play: Steve Savard Color Analyst: D’Marco Farr Sideline Reporter: Brian Stull
Wide receiver Isaac Bruce, the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, retired as a St. Louis Ram in June, and Sunday the franchise will celebrate the career of one of the greatest receivers in NFL and Rams history. The Rams traded with the San Francisco 49ers to acquire Bruce so that he could retire in St. Louis.
Bruce’s number 80 jersey will be retired during a pre-game ceremony at midfield of the Edward Jones Dome. Bruce will be joined by his family and several of his former teammates. Also, during Sunday’s game the Rams will don their throwback jerseys reminiscent of the ones the club wore during its 1999 season, one that culminated with a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Bruce spent 14 seasons with the Rams after being drafted by Los Angeles in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft, and holds every major receiving record in team history, including most career receptions (942), career receiving yards (14,109) and receiving touchdowns (84). He is one of only 15 players in NFL history who lead their franchise in the three major receiving categories. Bruce also is the Rams’ leader in postseason receiving yards (759) and is the only player in team history with four 100-yard receiving games in the postseason.
In his accomplished 16-year career, Bruce ranks seventh in the NFL with 1,024 career receptions, one of only seven players in NFL history to have 1,000 career receptions. He ranks third in the NFL with 15,208 career receiving yards. His
91 career receiving touchdowns rank ninth in the league.
Bruce made an immediate impact on the Rams, gaining 3,391 receiving yards in his first three seasons. Only Jerry Rice (3,575) and John Jefferson (3,431) recorded more receiv-ing yards in their first three seasons.
In 1995, Bruce had his best statistical season of his career. He set franchise season records with 119 receptions for 1,781 receiving yards. His 119 receptions rank seventh in NFL history, while his 1,781 receiving yards rank second in the NFL annals, only behind Jerry Rice’s 1,848 receiving yards that same year. Bruce became the first Ram to catch 100 passes in one season, and also set the team record for most consecutive 100-yard receiving games (six) and most 100-100-yard games (nine) in a season. He became the first player in NFL history to record three consecutive games with at least 170 receiving yards (181, 191, 173).
Bruce followed that season with 84 receptions and led the NFL with 1,338 receiving yards in 1996, earning his first Pro Bowl berth. He became the first Rams player since Henry Ellard in 1990 and 1991 to post back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons and the first Ram to lead the league in receiv-ing yards since Ellard in 1998. Bruce joined Tom Fears (1949-50) and Ellard (1989-91) as the only receivers in team history to post consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons (WR Torry Holt became the fourth in 2000-01).
In 1999, en route to a historic victory in Super Bowl XXXIV, Bruce gained his third 1,000-yard receiving season and second Pro Bowl appearance. In the play-offs, Bruce posted two 100-yard receiving performances. In the NFC Divisional Playoff game vs. Minnesota, Bruce caught a 77-yard touchdown reception from QB Kurt Warner, the second-longest pass reception in team playoff history. In Super Bowl XXXIV, Bruce caught the game-winning, 73-yard touchdown reception that capped a 162-yard receiving game.
Bruce earned Pro Bowl invitations following the 2000 and 2001 seasons, after becoming the then franchise leader in career 100-yard games and then just the second player in team history to post 500 career receptions.
Bruce posted his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season in 2002, while becoming the first player in team history with at least 600 career receptions.
In 2004, Bruce continued to break NFL receiving records, starting the season with four consecutive 100-yard receiving games, the first player to accomplish the feat since Houston’s Charley Hennigan in 1963. In 2006, Bruce notched his eighth-career 1,000-yard receiving season, tied for most in the team’s history.
Bruce spent 2008-09 with the San Francisco 49ers. On Dec. 21, 2008, while playing for the 49ers, Bruce made his 1,000 career reception against the Rams, at the place where he made most of his career receptions – in the Edward Jones Dome.
KROENKE TAKES THE REINS
On August 25, E. Stanley Kroenke became the majority owner of the St. Louis Rams when National Football League owners unanimously voted to approve his bid to purchase the organization. Kroenke is the seventh majority owner in the team’s 73-year history.
“Stan has been a familiar and respected figure in the National Football League for more than 15 years,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “He is a proven businessman and has experienced success in all of his sports franchises, as well as serving as a responsible com-munity leader. We look forward to him continuing to uphold the goals and values of the NFL as he becomes the majority owner of the St. Louis Rams.”
Prior to becoming the majority owner of the Rams, Kroenke was the minority owner of the team. He was vital in the effort to bring professional football back to St. Louis in 1995. With his real estate development expertise, Kroenke was instrumental in the building of Rams Park, now known as the Russell Training Center.
“We are delighted with today’s vote by NFL owners. It is one of the very high points of our long association with the NFL,” Kroenke said last Wednesday. “We look forward to working with our fellow owners and Commissioner Goodell as the transaction is finalized and in the years ahead.
"The Rosenbloom family deserves our thanks for all their efforts on behalf of a great football organization and a great city.
“Building organizations that win consistently is a challenge that we understand. We are excited about the opportunity as principal owner of the St. Louis Rams.”
“Fifteen years ago, my family entered a partnership with Stan Kroenke and it has been a wonderful relationship,” said Chip Rosenbloom. “Although today is an emotional day and the end of an era for our family, it is also the beginning of a new chapter in the rich history of the St. Louis Rams. We look forward to Stan continuing the great tradition of the organization. On behalf of my sister Lucia and our entire family, we congratulate Stan and the Kroenke family on becoming the majority owner of the Rams.”
Kroenke currently is the owner of the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), the Colorado Rapids (MLS) and the Colorado Mammoth (NLL). He is also the largest shareholder of Arsenal FC of the English Premier League.
The Pepsi Center in Denver, also owned by Kroenke, hosted the 2001 NHL All-Star game and the 2005 NBA All-Star game. This facility also played host to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. In 2004, Kroenke launched the Altitude Sports & Entertainment television network. The 24-hour regional sports network is home to the Nuggets, Avalanche and the Mammoth.
Kroenke’s extensive business interests include serving as chairman and owner of The Kroenke Group, a private real estate investment and development company with offices throughout the United States and Canada, with headquarters in Columbia, Mo. Kroenke is one of the nation’s leading developers of shopping centers and commercial real estate.
Kroenke has undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Missouri and is an active supporter of Mizzou athletic programs. In February 2009, Kroenke was enshrined into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Joining him in the class of 2009 was former Rams defensive end Grant Wistrom.
E. Stanley Kroenke, named after baseball legends Enos Slaughter and Stan Musial, was born in Cole Camp, Mo., and grew up in Mora, Mo. Stan and his wife, Ann, have a daughter, Whitney, and a son, Josh.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM WEEK 7 AT TAMPA BAY
- RB Steven Jackson passed RB EricDickerson (7,245) to become the Rams all-time leading rusher with 7,324 career yards. Jackson rushed for 110 yards on 22 carries, his 26th 100-yard game of his career and third-straight game in which he’s reached the century mark.
- DE Chris Long sacked QB Josh Freeman for a 14-yard loss under the two minute mark. Long has 3.5 sacks on the season, 12.5 career. Three of his sacks have come in the last two games.
- QB Sam Bradford finished the game completing 13-of-26 passes for 126 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a season-high passer rating of 89.6.
- P Donnie Jones punted four times and placed three inside the 20. Jones has had 17 punts downed inside the 20 this season, second most in the NFL.
TE Michael Hoomanawanui
- DE James Hall and DT Jermelle Cudjo teamed up to sack Bucs QB Josh Freeman for a 9-yard loss in the first quarter. The sack pushed Hall’s season mark to 6.5 and 53.0 for his career. The sack marked Cudjo’s first of his career.
- WR Danny Amendola and TE Michael Hoomanawanui each scored their first touchdowns of the season. Hoomanawanui’s, which came on a 2-yard pass, was the first touchdown catch of his career.
- DE C.J. Ah You tallied his second sack of the season, third career. Ah You’s last sack came Week 1 against Arizona (9/12/10). The three team sacks by the Rams gave them 20 on the season, just five short of their 2009 season total.
- The Rams held Tampa Bay to just 3-of-15 (33 percent) on third down, including 1-of-5 in the first
R
EGULARS
EASONW
EEK8: C
AROLINAP
ANTHERS ATS
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OUISR
AMS• Overall Regular Season Series: Panthers lead series, 10-7 • Postseason Series Record: Panthers lead, 1-0
• Rams Regular Season Home Record vs. Panthers: 3-5 • Rams Regular Season Road Record vs. Panthers: 4-5 • Current Streak: Panthers, four games (2003-07) • Rams Longest Streak: 6 games (1984-92)
• Panthers Longest Streak: Two games, (1995, 1999, 2001) • Regular Season Point Total: Rams 357 - Panthers 352 • Most Points, Rams: 48, Rams 48-14 (2001)
• Most Points, Panthers: 45, Panthers 45-13 (1996) • Most Points, both teams: 70, Rams 38-32 (2001) • Fewest Points, Rams: 0, Panthers 15-0 (2006) • Fewest Points, Panthers: 10, Rams 31-10 (1995) • Fewest Points, both teams: 15, Panthers 15-0 (2006)
THE SERIES AT A GLANCE
2010 Statistics
Rams (rank) Panthers (rank)
17.1 (27) Points Per Game 12.5 (32)
310.7 (22) Total Offense 259.8 (31)
112.4 (13) Rush Offense 95.7 (23)
198.3 (21) Pass Offense 164.2 (31)
31:17 (9) Time Of Possession Average 27:36 (29) 18.7 (8) Opponent Points Per Game 21.7 (18)
330.0 (15) Total Defense 311.0 (7) 108.1 (15) Rush Defense 128.5 (24) 221.9 (18) Pass Defense 182.5 (4) 20/147 Sacks Made/Yards 9/63 5/48 Interceptions By/Yards 10/100 -1 (16t) Turnover Differential -6 (27t)
10.8 (9) Punt Return Average 6.9 (26)
21.4 (22) Kickoff Return Average 23.6 (16)
8.0 (14) Punt Coverage 9.4 (19)
28.2 (30) Kickoff Coverage 23.7 (18)
37/45.3 Punts/Average 33/43.4
TALE OF THE TAPE
NOTABLE CONNECTIONS
Former Rams:
• Panthers Head Coach Jox Fox was a consultant with the Rams in 1996. • Panthers Defensive Coordinator Ron Meeks coached the Rams’ second-ary in 2001.
• Panthers Defensive Line Coach Brian Baker held the same position with the Rams from 2006-08.
• Panthers Secondary Coach Ron Milus was the Rams’ assistant secondary coach from 2006-08.
Former Panthers:
• Rams LB Na’il Diggs played for the Panthers from 2006-09. • Rams QB A.J. Feeley played for the Panthers in 2009.
• Rams DT Gary Gibson spent two seasons with the Panthers (2007-08). • Rams Defensive Coordinator Ken Flajole coached Carolina’s linebackers from 2003-08.
• Rams Linebackers Coach Paul Farraro was the Panthers’ special teams assistant/assistant strength & conditioning coach in 2005.
• Rams Quality Control/Defense Coach Matt House was the Panthers’ spe-cial teams assistant/assistant strength & conditioning coach in 2008.
Carolina Ties:
• Rams C Jason Brown is a native of Henderson, N.C. and played at the University of North Carolina.
• Rams DT Fred Robbins played his college ball at Wake Forest. • Rams DT Darell Scott hails from Columbia, S.C. and played at Clemson. • Rams S Darian Stewart played at South Carolina.
• Rams Quality Control/Defense Coach Matt House coached the defensive line at Gardner Webb in 2005 and was a graduate assistant at North Carolina from 2003-04.
Front Office Ties:
• Rams General Manager Billy Devaney and Panthers General Manager
Marty Hurney worked together under Bobby Beathard with both the San
Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins.
• Panthers College Scout Jeff Beathard was drafted by the Rams with the 333rd pick in 1988, making him “Mr. Irrelevant.” Beathard worked for the Rams from 1992-94 and worked with Devaney in San Diego.
Coaching Connections:
• Panthers Head Coach John Fox and Rams Running Backs Coach
Sylvester Croom coached together in San Diego from 1992-93.
• Panthers Offensive Coordinator Jeff Davidson was Rams C/G Hank
Fraley’s position coach with the Browns.
• Panthers Defensive Line Coach Brian Baker was Rams DE James Hall’s position coach during Hall’s rookie year with the Lions in 2000.
• Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and Panthers Offensive Line Coach
Dave Magazu were teammates at Springfield College. College Teammate Connections:
• Rams T Jason Smith with Panthers WR David Gettis and CB C.J.
Wilson at Baylor.
• Rams CB Bradley Fletcher and Panthers S Charles Godfrey at Iowa. • Rams QB Sam Bradford with Panthers LB Nic Harris at Oklahoma. • Rams DT Clifton Ryan with Panthers C Chris Morris and WR Devin
Thomas at Michigan State.
• Rams WR Mardy Gilyard and Panthers QB Tony Pike at Cincinnati. • Rams S Darian Stewart and Panthers DE/LB Eric Norwood at South Carolina.
• Rams FB Mike Karney with Panthers LB Jamar Williams at Arizona State.
• Give the Rams a 4-4 record in the 2010 season.
• Give the Rams a 144-150-7 record in the month of October. • Give the Rams their fourth consecutive home win victory. • Improve the Rams record against the Buccaneers to 10-7 in the regular season.
• Give Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo his fifth career victory as a head coach.
• Give the Rams franchise 508 regular season victories.
A RAMS WIN WOULD...
SERIES HISTORY
Regular Season Panthers lead series, 10-7
Year Result Location
1995 Rams, 31-10 Car Rams, 28-17 LA 1996 Panthers, 45-13 Car Panthers, 20-10 STL 1997 Panthers, 16-10 STL Rams, 38-10 Car 1998 Panthers, 24-20 STL Panthers, 20-13 Car 1999 Rams, 35-10 STL Rams, 34-21 Car 2000 Panthers, 27-24 TB Panthers, 16-3 Car 2001 Rams, 48-14 STL Rams, 38-32 Car 2004 Panthers, 20-7 Car 2006 Panthers, 15-0 Car 2007 Panthers, 27-13 STL Postseason Panthers lead series, 1-0
THE HEAD COACHES
S
TEVE
S
PAGNUOLO
NFL Coaching Year: 12th year
Rams Head Coach: 2nd year
Regular Season: 4-19 (.174)
Postseason: 0-0 (.000)
S
PAGNUOLO,
AT AG
LANCE2009- St. Louis Rams Head Coach
2007-08 New York Giants Defensive Coordinator
2004-06 Philadelphia Eagles Linebackers
2001-03 Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Backs
1999-2000 Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Assistant
1998 Frankfurt Galaxy (NFLE) Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
1996-97 Bowling Green University Defensive Backs
1994-95 Rutgers University Defensive Backs
1994 University of Maine Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
1993 University of Maine Defensive Backs
1993 San Diego Chargers Scout
1992 Barcelona Dragons (WLAF) Defensive Line/Special Teams
1990-91 University of Connecticut Defensive Coordinator/Def. Backs
1987-89 University of Connecticut Defensive Backs
1984-86 Lafayette College Defensive Line/Special Teams
1983 Washington Redskins Player Personnel Intern
1982-83 University of Massachusetts Graduate Intern
Steve Spagnuolo is in his second season as head coach of the St. Louis Rams. Through impressive individual achievements and per-severance through adversity, the Rams formed a bond during Spagnuolo’s first season at the helm, and became what Spagnuolo envisioned – a team.
“The inner-makings of this team, is a team, and that was one of the primary goals when we first started putting this thing together,” Spagnuolo said at the conclusion of last season.
Along the way Spagnuolo adopted his formula for success, built on what he calls the Four Pillars: Faith. Character. Core Values. Team First.
Spagnuolo came to the Rams after a stellar career as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants and was the architect of the defense that shut down the high-octane New England Patriots in the Giants’ stunning 17-14 win in Super Bowl XLII.
Spagnuolo spent eight seasons (1999-2006) with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as defensive assistant/safeties from 1999-2000, defensive backs coach from 2001-03 and linebackers coach from 2004-06. From 1999-2005, the Eagles played in four NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl.
Spagnuolo coached for 18 years in the college ranks and in profes-sional football in Europe before joining the Eagles. Spagnuolo served as defensive line/special teams coach with the Barcelona Dragons of the WLAF in 1992 and was defensive coordinator/line-backers coach for NFL Europe’s Frankfurt Galaxy in 1998.
A wide receiver at Springfield (Mass.) College from 1978-81, Spagnuolo coached collegiately at Massachusetts (1982-93), Lafayette (1984-86), Connecticut (1987-91), Maine (1993-94), Rutgers (1994-95) and Bowling Green (1996-97). Spagnuolo also worked as a pro personnel intern for the Washington Redskins in 1983 and as a scout with the San Diego Chargers in 1993.
A native of Whitinsville, Mass., Spagnuolo is married to wife, Maria.
J
OHN
F
OX
NFL Coaching Year: 22nd year
Panthers Head Coach: 9th year
Regular Season: 72-62 (.537)
Postseason: 5-3 (.625)
In eight seasons under John Fox, the Panthers have made three playoff appearances, won one NFC Championship, claimed two NFC South titles, reached two NFC Championship games and played in one Super Bowl.
Fox culminated a 20-year odyssey when he was named head coach of the Carolina Panthers on Jan. 26, 2002. It is fitting that Fox achieved his opportunity the old fashioned way, beginning as a graduate assistant in 1978 and making 12 stops in 17 years before being named defensive coordinator of the New York Giants in 1997.
If Fox coaches with a passion, it could be that he had something to prove after so many stops. Boise, Idaho. Ames, Iowa. Lawrence, Kan. They were all on his résumé before reaching the NFL as a sec-ondary coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1989. Even then he stayed on the move - San Diego from 1992-93, Oakland from 1994-95 and St. Louis in 1996 - before reaching New York.
Before serving as a consultant to the Rams in 1996, Fox engineered Oakland's defense to a 10th place finish in total defense in 1994 and 11th in 1995. Prior to joining the Raiders, Fox was the second-ary coach under Ross at San Diego in 1992 and 1993. Fox started his NFL coaching career with Pittsburgh as a defensive back coach from 1989-91, overseeing the NFL's top-rated pass defense in 1990. Fox moved to the Steelers from the University of Pittsburgh, where he served as defensive coordinator and secondary coach from 1986-88.
Prior to his three-year stay at Pittsburgh, Fox made eight moves in as many seasons as he worked his way through the coaching ranks, including a foray into professional football with the Los Angeles Express of the USFL in 1985. Starting as a graduate assistant at his alma mater of San Diego State in 1978, Fox became an assistant at United States International University a year later and made a suc-cession of moves to Boise State in 1980, Long Beach State in 1981, Utah in 1982, Kansas in 1983 and Iowa State in 1984.
A native of Virginia Beach, Va., Fox grew up in the San Diego area after moving at age 15. He played football at Southwestern Junior College in Chula Vista (1974-75) before going to San Diego State, where he played defensive back for the Aztecs. He graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor's degree in physical education and earned a secondary education teaching credential in 1977.
F
OX,
AT AG
LANCE2002- Carolina Panthers Head Coach
1997-01 New York Giants Defensive Coordinator
1996 St. Louis Rams Consultant
1994-95 Oakland Raiders Defensive Coordinator
1992-93 San Diego Chargers Secondary
1989-91 Pittsburgh Steelers Secondary
1986-88 Univ. of Pittsburgh Def. Coordinator/Secondary
1985 Los Angeles Express Secondary
1984 Iowa State Secondary
1983 Kansas Secondary
1982 Utah Secondary
1981 Long Beach State Secondary
1980 Boise State Secondary
1979 U.S. International Assistant Coach
THE LAST TIME
Last MeetingPanthers 27- RAMS 13 September 9, 2007 - Edward Jones Dome
The Rams suffered their first loss of the 2007 campaign in the season opener, falling 27-13 to the Carolina Panthers. After Carolina QB Jake Delhomme found WR Drew Carter in the end zone on the game’s opening drive, QB Marc Bulger connected with WR Torry Holt on a 3-yard touchdown strike, evening the score at seven.
Late in the second quarter, T Orlando Pace left the game and was lost for the season with a torn labrum and rotator cuff. K Jeff Wilkins gave the Rams a 10-7 halftime lead, converting a 42-yard field goal attempt as time expired in the second quarter. WR Dante Hall opened the second half with an 84-yard kickoff return, but the Rams were unable to find the end zone. The return did, however, put Wilkins in position for his second field goal of the day, extending the Rams lead to 13-7.
Carolina regained the lead after Delhomme found WR Steve Smith deep for a 68-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 14-13. A fumble by RB Steven Jackson again gave Carolina pos-session, with the Panthers continuing to move the ball effectively before LB Brandon Chillar forced and recovered a fumble inside the Rams 5-yard line.
The combination of a third Delhomme touchdown pass and a pair of successful field goal attempts by K John Kasay put the Panthers on top for good by a final score of 27-13.
The Rams’ secondary was busy throughout the game, as two safeties finished with at least eight tackles. Oshiomogho Atogwe finished with a team-high 10 tackles, and C. Chavous registered eight stops.
Offensively, the Rams used a diverse passing attack, as Bulger connected with eight different receivers for his 22 completions. RB Steven Jackson had difficulty finding running room against the Carolina defense, finishing with 58 yards on 18 carries.
Rams WR Torry Holt hauls in a touchdown catch during St. Louis’ last meeting with the Panthers, which came in the 2007 season opener.
1 2 3 4 OT TOTAL FIELD GOALS
Visitor Carolina Panthers 7 0 7 13 0 27 J. Kasay 47WR (34) (32)
HOME St. Louis Rams 7 3 3 0 0 13 J. Wilkins (42) (28)
Clock
TEAM Qtr Time Play (Extra Point) (Drive Info) Visitor Home
Panthers 1 9:20 D. Carter 10 yd. pass from J. Delhomme (J. Kasay kick) (9-78, 5:40) 7 0
RAMS 1 2:00 T. Holt 3-yd pass from M. Bulger (J. Wilkins kick) (15-67, 7:20) 7 7
RAMS 2 0:00 J. Wilkins 42 yd. Field Goal (8-34, 1:50) 7 10
RAMS 3 12:51 J. Wilkins 28 yd. Field Goal (4-7, 2:09) 7 13
Panthers 3 8:33 S. Smith 68 yd. pass from J. Delhomme (J. Kasay kick) (2-74, 0:46) 14 13
Panthers 4 14:56 J. Kasay 34 yd. Field Goal 17 13
Panthers 4 7:15 D. Carter 9 yd. pass from J. Delhomme (J. Kasay kick) (12-65, 6:32) 24 13
Panthers 4 1:04 J. Kasay 32 yd. Field Goal (J. Kasay kick) (9-40, 4:03) 27 13
SCORINGSUMMARY
FINALTEAMSTATISTICS
PANTHERS RAMS
TOTAL FIRST DOWNS 21 16
By Rushing 13 4
By Passing 6 9
By Penalty 2 3
THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY 4-12-33% 7-16-44% FOURTH DOWN EFFICIENCY 0-0-0% 0-1-0% TOTAL NET YARDS 387 238
Total Offensive Plays 65 64 Average gain per offensive play 6.0 3.7 NET YARDS RUSHING 186 76 Total Rushing Plays 38 21 Average gain per rushing play 4.9 3.6 Tackles for a loss-number and yards 4-8 4-7 NET YARDS PASSING 201 162 Times thrown - yards lost att. a pass 0-0 2-2 Gross yards passing 201 167 PASS ATT.-COMP.-HAD INT. 27-18-0 42-22-0 Avg. Gain Per Pass 7.4 6.1 KICKOFFS #-In End Zone-TB 6-2-1 3-1-0 PUNTS Number and Average 3-52.7 5-47.2
Had Blocked 0 0
PANTHERS RAMS
FGs - PATs Had Blocked 0-0 0-0 Net Punting Average 52.7 47.2 TOTAL RETURN YARDAGE 85 151 No. and Yards Punt Returns 3-21 2-5 No. and Yards Kickoff Returns 4-50 5-146 No. and Yards Interception Returns 0-0-0 0-0 PENALTIES Number and Yards 3-10 5-40 FUMBLES Number and Lost 1-0 2-1
TOUCHDOWNS 3 1
Rushing 0 0
Passing 3 1
EXTRA POINTS Made-Attempts 3-3 1-1 Kicking Made-Attempts 3-3 1-1 FIELD GOALS Made-Attempts 2-3 2-2 RED ZONE EFFICIENCY 2-5-40% 1-3-33% GOAL TO GO EFFICIENCY 1-2-50% 1-1-100%
SAFETIES 0 0
FINAL SCORE 27 13
TIME OF POSSESSION 34:07 25:53
FINALINDIVIDUALSTATISTICS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD
D. Foster 17 94 5.5 20 0 D. Williams 15 62 4.1 12 0 B. Hoover 2 16 8.0 10 0 J. Delhomme 3 12 4.0 11 0 S. Smith 1 2 2.0 2 0 Total 38 186 4.9 20 0
PASSING ATT CMP YDS SK/YD TD LG IN
J. Delhomme 27 18 201 0/0 3 68 0
Total 27 18 201 0/0 3 68 0
RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD
S. Smith 7 118 16.9 68 1 J. King 5 35 7.0 12 0 D. Carter 3 19 6.3 10 2 D. Williams 1 11 11.0 11 0 K. Colbert 1 9 9.0 9 0 D. Foster 1 7 7.0 7 0 Total 18 199 11.1 68 3
INTERCEPTIONS NO YDS AVG LG TD
Total 0 0 0.0 0 0
PUNTING NO YDS AVG NET TB/I20 LG
J. Baker 3 158 52.7 51.0 0/1 58
Total 3 158 52.7 51.0 0/1 58
PUNT RETURNS NO YDS AVG FC LG TD
R. Robinson 3 21 7.0 0 14 0
Total 3 21 7.0 0 14 0
KICKOFF RETURNS NO YDS AVG FC LG TD
R. Robinson 3 64 21.3 0 25 0
Total 3 64 21.3 0 25 0
ST. LOUIS RAMS
RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD
S.Jackson 18 58 3.2 13 0
B. Leonard 3 18 9.5 14 0
Total 15 65 3.6 14 0
PASSING ATT CMP YDS SK/YD TD LG IN
M.Bulger 42 22 167 1/5 1 18 0
Total 42 22 167 1/5 1 18 0
RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD
T. Holt 8 73 9.1 18 1 I. Bruce 3 20 6.7 15 0 B. Leonard 3 12 4.0 8 0 R. McMichael 2 24 12.0 16 0 D. Hall 2 18 9.0 12 0 D. Looker 2 10 5.0 10 0 M. Hedgecock 1 7 7.0 7 0 S. Jackson 1 3 3.0 3 0 Total 22 167 7.6 18 0
INTERCEPTIONS NO YDS AVG LG TD
Total 0 0 0.0 0 0
PUNTING NO YDS AVG NET TB/I20 LG
D. Jones 5 236 47.2 43.0 0/2 57
Total 5 236 47.2 43.0 0/2 57
PUNT RETURNS NO YDS AVG FC LG TD
D. Hall 2 5 2.5 1 6 0
Total 2 5 2.5 1 6 0
KICKOFF RETURNS NO YDS AVG FC LG TD
D. Hall 5 146 29.2 0 84 0
[TOUCHBACK] 1 0 0 0 0 0
WR Brandon Gibson – Caught one pass for 11 yards vs. Tampa Bay and has 12 receptions for 161 yards on the season.
LT Rodger Saffold – Second-round pick is the only NFL rookie to start all seven games at left tackle this season and helped the Rams rack up 161 rushing yards last week at Tampa Bay.
LG Jacob Bell – Seventh-year lineman has blocked for four 1,000-yard rushers, opening holes for Tennessee’s Chris Brown, Travis Henry, LenDale White and the Rams’ Steven Jackson.
C Jason Brown – 2009 Pro Bowl alternate started his 67th consecutive game last week, sixth-longest active streak among NFL centers. Helped the Rams rack up 161 rushing yards last week at Tampa Bay.
RG Adam Goldberg – Has played in 87 career games with 49 starts and two years ago was the only offensive lineman in the NFL to start at four different positions during the season (LT, RT, LG, RG).
RT Jason Smith – Former second-overall pick has started all six games at right tackle this season and helped the Rams rack up 161 rushing yards last week at Tampa Bay.
TE Billy Bajema – Crafty veteran blocker and pass catcher has seven receptions for 65 yards on the season.
WR Danny Amendola – Leads the Rams with 39 receptions for 351 yards and had his first touchdown catch of the season last week. Is tied for third in the NFL with 14 receptions on third down this season.
QB Sam Bradford – Top overall pick in April’s draft has complet-ed 146-of-260 passes (56.2 pct.) for 1,483 yards and nine touch-downs.
FB Mike Karney – Second-year Ram helped helped pave the way for St. Louis to rush for 161 yards as a team last week.
RB Steven Jackson – Two-time Pro Bowler rushed for 110 yards and became the franchise’s all-time rushing leader last week. Has rushed for 100 yards in last three games.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
TE Daniel Fells – Tied for third on the club with 16 receptions and has 153 yards on the season.
RB Kenneth Darby – Has rushed for 85 yards on 26 carries and has scored two touchdowns. Leads all Rams with seven special teams tackles as well.
TE Michael Hoomanawanui – Recorded his first career touch-down reception last week at Tampa Bay and has four catches on the season.
OFFENSE
LDE Chris Long – Recorded a sack for second straight game last week to give him 3.5 on the season. Leads Rams with nine quarter-back pressures and nine quarterquarter-back hits.
LDT Fred Robbins - Eleven-year veteran joined the Rams in March. Has 2.0 sacks and 15 tackles, including three for loss, on the year.
RDT Gary Gibson – Has recorded 15 tackles and a quarterback hit while starting each of the first seven games this season.
RDE James Hall – Leads the Rams with 6.5 sacks, which is sixth in the NFL. Had 0.5 sacks last week vs. Tampa Bay to give him 53.0 for his career.
SLB Na’il Diggs – Eleven-year pro and first-year Ram has started all seven games and has 19 tackles, including two for loss, on the year.
MLB James Laurinaitis – Rams leading tackler with 53 stops on the season. Also has a sack and two passes defensed.
WLB Larry Grant – First-year starter has started all seven games this season. Has 20 tackles and two forced fumbles on the year.
LCB Ron Bartell – Had four total tackles last week at Tampa Bay. Leads Rams with nine passes defensed this season and has 29 tackles on the year.
RCB Bradley Fletcher – Leads Rams with two interceptions and has 41 tackles and four passes defensed on the season.
SS Craig Dahl – Had three tackles last week against Tampa Bay to give him 30 tackles on the year.
FS Oshiomogho Atogwe – Ranks second among Rams defenders with 50 tackles and four quarterback hits this season. Recorded his 20th interception of his career when he picked off Philip Rivers two weeks ago.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
S James Butler – Sixth-year veteran had two tackles against Tampa Bay and has 26 stops, one interception and one fumble recovery on the season.
CB Justin King – Has logged 12 tackles while manning the nickle cornerback spot this season.
DE George Selvie – Rookie seventh-round draft pick has 1.5 sacks, 10 total tackles and two quarterback hits on the year.
CB Jerome Murphy – Third-round draft pick has 18 tackles and an interception this season.
DEFENSE
PROBABLE STARTERS THIS WEEK
RB Steven Jackson raced into Rams histo-ry last week as his 110-yard effort in Tampa Bay pushed him past Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson and into the top spot on the franchise’s all-time rushing list.
Jackson entered last week needing just 32 yards to surpass Dickerson, and his 3-yard run in the second quarter allowed him to take the franchise rushing crown. Jackson now has 7,324 career rushing yards, and Dickerson gained 7,245 during his Rams tenure.
Four weeks ago against the Seahawks, Jackson passed Marshall Faulk (6,959) to move into second place on the franchise’s all-time rushing list. With three consecutive 100-yard performances against Detroit, San Diego and Tampa Bay, he’s now ahead of Dickerson.
Rams Career Rushing Yards Leaders
Yards Steven Jackson (2004- ) 7,324 Eric Dickerson (1983-87) 7,245 Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) 6,959 Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79) 6,186 Dick Bass (1960-69) 5,417
JACKSON PASSES DICKERSON
RB Steven Jackson
RB Steven Jackson looks to run his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to six in 2010. Last year, Jackson became the first running back in Rams’ history to record five consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He surpassed the previous team record of four consecu-tive seasons set by Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson from 1983-86.
Jackson ranks fourth in the NFL and second in the NFC with 617 yards through seven games this season. As a rookie in 2004, Jackson rushed for 673 yards. Since that season, Jackson posted yearly rushing totals of 1,046, 1,528, 1,002, 1,042 and 1,416 yards.
Consecutive 1,000-Yard Rushing Seasons In Rams History Consecutive Seasons Years
Steven Jackson 5 2005-09
Eric Dickerson 4 1983-86
Marshall Faulk 3 1999-2001
FIVE IN A ROW
RB Steven Jackson is on his way to extending his franchise record for 1,000-yard seasons to six.
RAMS ALL-TIME LEADING RUSHERS
Eric Dickerson 7,245 yards Marshall Faulk 6,959 yards Steven Jackson 7,324 yards Lawrence McCutcheon 6,186 yards Dick Bass 5,417 yards
With three-consecutive 100-yard games in the last three weeks, Steven Jackson needs to reach the century mark just once more to tie Marshall Faulk for the second-most 100-yard outings in Rams history.
Jackson posted 110 yards on 22 carries last week against the Buccaneers. He gained 109 yards two weeks ago against San Diego and posted a season-best 114 yards in Week 5 at Detroit. Jackson will try to make it four in a row this week against Carolina. It would mark the second time in his career that he’s accomplished the feat, the last time being last November.
Career 100-yard Games in Rams History
Eric Dickerson (1983-87) 38 Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) 27 Steven Jackson (2004- ) 26 Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79) 22
CENTURY MARK
RB Steven JacksonRB Steven Jackson scored his second touchdown of the season and 43rd rushing touchdown of his career when he found the end zone from 7 yards out two weeks ago against San Diego.
Jackson’s score allowed him to tie Dan Towler for the third-most rushing touch-downs in franchise history. SJ39 looks to take sole posession of third place on Sunday.
Rams Career Rushing Touchdown Leaders TD Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) 58 Eric Dickerson (1983-87) 56 Steven Jackson (2004- ) 43 Dan Towler (1050-55) 43 Dick Bass (1960-69) 34
RUSHING TO TOUCHDOWN HISTORY
Throughout his career RB Steven Jackson has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and while lined up at receiver. In 2009, Jackson led the Rams with 51 receptions and he’s tied for third on the team with 16 receptions this season. With 299 career catch-es, Jackson ranks ninth in team history in the category.
Since 2006, Jackson has registered 235 receptions for 1,943 receiv-ing yards (8.2-yard average). Durreceiv-ing that time, Jackson’s 235 recep-tions and his 1,943 receiving yards rank among the best running backs. In 2006, Jackson registered career highs with 90 catches for 806 yards. The 90 catches rank sixth in NFL history in one season among running backs.
Receptions Leaders Among Running Backs, 2006-Present
Rec Yards Avg. Long TD
Reggie Bush / NO 269 1,997 7.4 74 12
Brian Westbrook / PHI-SF 249 2,078 8.3 57t 15
Frank Gore/SF 246 2,041 8.3 48 9
Steven Jackson / STL 235 1,943 8.2 64t 5
Maurice Jones-Drew/JAC 218 1,922 8.8 51t 7
CATCHING ON
RB Steven Jackson dives for the end zone on a 12-yard touchdown catch vs. Pittsburgh (12/20/07). The catch was one of 295 in Jackson’s career.
RB Steven Jackson has shown the ability to contribute in the rushing game and in the receiving game. Since the start of the 2006 season, Jackson leads the NFL with 121.7 yards from scrimmage per game (minimum 40 games).
Since 2006, Jackson has 1,520 touches for 7,403 yards. His touches are the most over that time period and his scrimmage yards are second most to Frank Gore.
This season, Jackson ranks third in the
NFC and fourth in the NFL with 782 scrimmage yards.
In 2006, Jackson recorded 2,334 yards from scrimmage, the fifth-highest single-season total in NFL history. That season Jackson rushed for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns on 346 attempts. He added 806 yards receiving on 90 catches. The 90 catches rank sixth in NFL history in one season among running backs.
Yards From Scrimmage/Game Leaders, 2006-Present
Games Touches Yards Yds/Game
Steven Jackson / STL 62 1,544 7,548 121.7
Adrian Peterson / MIN 52 1,155 6,141 118.1 Frank Gore / SF 66 1,422 7,567 114.7 L. Tomlinson / SD-NYJ 68 1,477 7,289 107.2 Brian Westbrook / PHI-SF 57 1,064 5,843 102.5
JACK OF ALL TRADES
RB Steven Jackson
BIG PLAY SUCCESS
QB Sam Bradford has helped giveSt. Louis’ offense a big-play spark this season.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, the Rams are tied for sixth in the NFL in passing plays of 30 yards or more this season. St. Louis has posted nine aerial strikes of 30 yards or more, including Sam Bradford’s 38-yard touchdown pass to Danario Alexander two weeks ago.
Of the nine drives this season on which the Rams have had a pass
play of 30 yards or more, six have ended with St. Louis scores.
Here’s a look at the Rams’ big passing plays this season.
Opponent Receiver Yards Result of Drive
SD D. Alexander 38 38-yard touchdown
Det. B. Gibson 30 Fumble
Sea. M. Clayton 34 B. Gibson 15-yd. TD
Sea. S. Jackson 49 K. Darby 12-yd. TD
Wash. M. Clayton 30 J. Brown 29-yd. FG
Oak. D. Fells 36 Missed FG
Ari. M. Clayton 39 L. Robinson 1-yd. TD
Ari. D. Amendola 36 J. Brown 46-yd. FG
Ari. M. Clayton 33 Interception
WR Danario Alexander celebrates his 38-yard touchdown catch against San Diego.
On Sunday, former Rams WR Isaac Bruce will become the ninth member of the Rams organiza-tion to have his jersey number retired. Bruce’s number 80, which he wore during each of his 14 seasons with the organization, will head to the rafters during a pregame ceremony prio to Sunday’s game.
Bruce spent 14 seasons with the Rams after being drafted by Los Angeles in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft, and holds every major receiving record in team history, including most career receptions (942), career receiving yards
(14,109) and receiving touchdowns (84).
Here’s a look at the other Rams who have had their jerseys retired.
No. Player Years Played Yr. Retired
7 Bob Waterfield 1945-52 1952
28 Marshall Faulk 1999-2006 2007
29 Eric Dickerson 1983-87 1987
40 Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch 1949-57 1957
74 Merlin Olsen 1962-76 1976 78 Jackie Slater 1976-95 1995 85 Jack Youngblood 1971-84 1984 75 Deacon Jones 1961-71 2009 80 Isaac Bruce 1994-2007 2010
NUMBERS GAME
WR Isaac BruceNFL teams often set a goal of holding their opponents to 17 points or less each week, and the Rams have done just that in each of their four home games this season and five of seven total games.
Last week, the Rams narrowly missed that goal as Tampa Bay scored 18 points at Raymond James Stadium. Still, St. Louis trimmed its average points per game allowed to just 18.7 points per game, eighth best in the NFL.
The Rams have been particularly impressive at home this season. In four games at the Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis has allowed just 13.3 points per game, the fourth-best total at home in the NFL.
2010 NFL Leaders, Scoring Defense
Team Opponents PPG
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 13.7
2. Chicago Bears 16.3
3. Tennessee Titans 16.7
4. New York Jets 16.8
5. Seattle Seahawks 17.8
6. Baltimore Ravens 18.4
7. Kansas City Chiefs 18.7
8. St. Louis Rams 18.7
9t. Atlanta Falcons 19.0
9t. Washington Redskins 19.0
KEEPING SCORE
Through six weeks, the Rams have been one of the NFL’s best defenses on third downs. Opponents have convert-ed just 33.7 percent of their third downs against St. Louis, which ranks the Rams tied fifth in the NFL in the cate-gory.Last week in Tampa Bay, the Rams held the Buccaneers to just 5-of-15 on third down (33.3%), including just 1-of-7 on third down in the first half.
Three weeks ago, Seattle converted just
4-of-15 on third down (27%) and was 0-for-6 in the second half. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense held Washington to 1-for-10 (10%) on third-down conversions in Week 3.
2010 NFL Leaders, Third Down Defense
Team Third Down Pct. Rate
1. Chicago Bears 26.59 2. Dallas Cowboys 32.86 3. Washington Redskins 33.33 4. Tennessee Titans 33.63 5t. St. Louis Rams 33.68 5t. Baltimore Ravens 33.68 7. Seattle Seahawks 33.71
8. New York Giants 34.12
9. Kansas City Chiefs 34.15
10. Carolina Panthers 35.63
THIRD-DOWN POUND
DT Fred Robbins
One of the reasons the Rams have been so successful getting off the field on third down is their opportunistic pass defense. Opponents are completing just 57.4 percent of their passes against the Rams, which is the ninth-lowest total in the NFL.
The New York Jets lead the way at 49.5 percent, followed by the Seahawks (53.7), Oakland (54.7), Eagles (54.9), Giants (55.4), Panthers (55.5), Tampa Bay (56.7), San Diego (57.1), and St. Louis (57.4).
A PASSING GRADE
CB Ron Bartell Linebackers James Laurinaitis (left) and
David Vobora celebrate a Rams defensive stop. The Rams are giving up just 13 points per game at home this season.
Pressure on the quarterback has always been a trademark of a Steve Spagnuolo defense, and the Rams are among the NFL’s best at get-ting to the passer.
In last week’s game against the Buccaneers, St. Louis sacked Josh Freeman three times to give them 20 on the season.
Two weeks ago in a win over San Diego, the Rams sacked Philip Rivers seven times, the most the seventh-year pro had ever been dropped in a game. The seven sacks were the most by the Rams in one game since they recorded eight against Minnesota on Nov. 30, 2003.
The Rams are now sixth in the NFL with 20 sacks this season. In 2009, the club had 25 sacks all season. Hall leads the way with 6.5, which is the sixth most in the NFL.
2010 NFL Leaders, Team Sacks
Team Sacks
1t. Tennessee Titans 25
1t. San Diego Chargers 25
3. New York Giants 24
4. Green Bay Packers 22
5. Philadelphia Eagles 21 6. St. Louis Rams 20 7. Seattle Seahawks 19 8. Pittsburgh Steelers 18 9t. Miami Dolphins 17 9t. Washington Redskins 17
SACK ATTACK
DE James Hall drops Philip Rivers for one of his two sacks last week. Hall had two of St. Louis’ seven sacks in the team’s win over San Diego, and the Rams now have 20 as a team this season.
Last week, the Rams held Tampa Bay to a field goal after the Buccaneers recovered a fumble inside the St. Louis 10-yard line.
The score was just the second allowed by the Rams in the opening from this season, and their six first quarter points allowed is the second lowest total in the NFL this season. The Jets have yet to give up a first quarter score.
The Rams have not allowed an oppo-nent to score in the first quarter at the Edward Jones Dome this season.
In addition, St. Louis has outscored its opponents 34-6 in the first quarter this season. The Rams’ +28 point differential in the first quarter is the third best mark in the NFL.
First Quarter Scoring Differential in 2010
Team 1st Quarter Scoring Diff.
Green Bay Packers +34
New Orleans Saints +30
St. Louis Rams +28
New York Jets +20
Tennessee Titans +20
Sam Bradford, the top overall pick in April’s draft, is the only rookie quarterback to start all of his team’s games this season. Bradford has led the Rams to a 3-4 record while passing for 1,483 yards with 9 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Below is a look at how Bradford has compared in his first five starts compared to other NFL signal callers who were first-round draft picks and played as rookies.
NFL Rookie Starting Quarterbacks, Through Five Games
Player Comp.% Yards TDs INTs
Peyton Manning 54.6 1,595 9 14 Mark Sanchez 52.5 1,178 6 10 Matt Ryan 56.6 1,441 7 5 Matthew Stafford 54.3 1,489 6 12 Troy Aikman 50.3 1,209 4 12 Joe Flacco 62.3 1,216 3 7 Sam Bradford 56.2 1,483 9 8
HEY ROOKIE!
Quarterback Sam Bradford is the ninth Heisman Trophy winner to either play for the Rams or be draft-ed by the organization. Bradford won the award following the 2008 season, one in which he passed for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns with just eight interceptions.
In April, Bradford became the 14th Heisman Trophy winner drafted number one overall and the first since Cincinnati Bengals took Carson Palmer with the top pick in 2003.
Here’s a look at each of the nine
Heisman Trophy winners affiliated with the Rams.
Player Heisman Year Yrs. w/Rams
QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma 2008 2010-present
WR Eric Crouch, Nebraska* 2001 2002
RB Charles White, USC 1979 1985-89
RB John Cappelletti, Penn St. 1973 1974-78
QB Terry Baker, Oregon 1962 1963-65
RB Billy Cannon, LSU** 1959 -
RB Glenn Davis, Army 1946 1950-51
RB Les Horvath, Ohio State 1944 1947-48
RB Bruce Smith, Minnesota 1941 1948
Italics indicate Heisman Trophy Winners who were drafted by the Rams.
*Crouch was drafted by the Rams in the third round in 2002 but was injured during the preseason and never played in a regular-season game with St. Louis.
**Cannon was the first overall pick in both the NFL and AFL drafts but chose to sign with the Houston Oilers rather than the Rams.
STRIKING THE POSE
Sam Bradford shortly after accepting the 2007 Heisman Trophy.
QB Sam Bradford’s numbers through seven starts compare favorably with other quarterback chosen in the first round in recent years.
STARTING FAST
K Josh Brown’s first quarter field goal allowed the Rams to play from ahead throughout their Week 6 win over San Diego.
CLUTCH WHEN IT COUNTS
Success on third down is key to anyoffense, and Rams QB Sam Bradford’s third-down prowess has been a huge factor in each of his seven starts this season.
In the Rams’ three wins, Bradford is 23-of-36 on third down (64%), and 18 of his completions have gone for first downs. Two weeks against San Diego, Bradford was 7-of-12 for 76 yards on third down.
Last week, Bradford was 6-of-9 for 51 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions on third down.
On third downs this season, Bradford is tied with Drew Brees for the most completions (46), has the NFL’s 10th best passer rating (93.4), second most yards (535) and has thrown four touchdown passes and no interceptions.
Bradford has been particularly clutch on and-long. On third-and-11 or more, the former Heisman trophy winner has completed 11-of-14 passes, giving him the NFL’s seventh best completion per-centage (78.6) in such situations. His 10 completions on third-and-11 or more have gone for 172 yards.
Rams P Donnie Jones was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2009 and is trying to make an early case for a postseason trip to Hawaii this season.
Through seven weeks, Jones is 11th in the NFL and sixth in the NFC with a gross punting average of 45.3 yards per kick. He also ranks eighth in the NFL and third in the NFC in net punting average (39.6).
Jones’ specialty is pinning opponents deep in their own territory. He is second the league with 17 punts inside the opponents’ 20 yard line this season.
The Rams signed Jones as a restricted free agent prior to the 2007 season, and during his time in St. Louis, Jones ranks second among NFL punters in gross and net average.
NFL Leaders in Gross Punting Avg., 2007-present Gross Avg.
1. Shane Lechler, OAK 49.7
2. Donnie Jones, STL 47.6
3. Andy Lee, SF 47.3
4. Mat McBriar 46.4
5. Mike Scifres 46.1
NFL Leaders in Net Punting Avg., 2007-present Net Avg.
1. Shane Lechler, OAK 42.4
2. Donnie Jones, STL 40.6
3. Andy Lee, SF 40.1
4. Dustin Colquitt, KC 39.7
5. Matt McBriar, DAL 39.4
*Min. 50 punts
KICKING IT
P Donnie Jones K Josh Brown hit a key 48-yard field goal
in the fourth quarter that proved to be the difference in the Rams’ win over San Diego. Long kicks have been a big part of Brown’s repertoire. In 2009, he converted six of seven attemps from 50 or more yards.
The six 50-yard field goals tied the team record for most field goals from 50-plus in a season. Brown previously tied the record in 2008 after Tony Zendejas set it in 1993.
Since entering the NFL in 2003, Brown has made 25 field goals from 50-plus yards, most among active kickers during that time. Brown’s 66.7 career field goal percentage is fourth among active kickers (min-imum of 10 field goal attempts) during that time period.
Most 50+ yard Field Goals By Since 2003
50+ FG Pct. Josh Brown 25 66.7 Jason Hanson 24 70.6 Sebastian Janikowski 23 51.1 John Kasay 18 50.0 Ryan Longwell 16 69.6
LONG DISTANCE
K Josh BrownOne of the biggest moves the Rams made this offseason was the acquisition of veteran DT Fred Robbins, and the addition of the 11th year pro has paid early dividents.
Robbins had a sack and three quarterback hits in the Rams’ Week 6 win over San Diego. Following the win, teammate Chris Long said the inside push Robbins provided helped Long enjoy a two-sack day as well. Four weeks ago, Robbins recovered a fumble and had two stops in a win over the Seahawks. In his Rams debut, Robbins recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack.
On the season, Robbins has 15 total tackles, including three for loss, six quarterback hits, two sack and two passes defensed.
Robbins came to the Rams after six seasons with the New York Giants. During two of those seasons, current Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo was the Giants’ defensive coordinator. It’s no coin-cidence that those two campaigns were perhaps the best of Robbins’ career as he tied his career high with 5.5 sacks in each of those sea-sons and was a Pro Bowl Alternate in 2008. He played a key role in New York’s run to their Super Bowl XLII championship.
WELCOME ABOARD
Rams DT Fred Robbins drops Seattle RB Justin Forsett for a loss. After joining St. Louis as a free agent this spring, Robbins has made a big impact on a much-improved Rams defense this season.
BLOCK PARTY
Last April, the Rams were thrilled to find Indiana T Rodger Saffold available at the top of the second round. St. Louis chose Saffold with the 33rd overall pick and quick-ly inserted him in the starting lineup.Saffold has started each of the Rams seven games, and the former Hoosier is the only rookie left tackle to start every game for his team this season.
T Rodger Saffold
FRONT AND CENTER
C Jason Brown has anchored the Rams’ offensive line since his arrival in the spring of 2009, and he’s been a model of consis-tency throughout his six NFL seasons.This week, Brown will make his 68th con-secutive start, which is the sixth-longest longest active streak among NFL centers. Brown hasn’t missed a start since entering the Ravens’ starting lineup in 2006, his sec-ond NFL season.
During his career, Brown has blocked for three different 1,000-yard rushers: Steven Jackson (1,416 in 2009), Jamal Lewis (1,132 in 2006) and Willis McGahee (1,207 in 2007).
Rams LB James Laurinaitis was one of seven linebackers chosen on the first day (Rounds 1-2) of the 2009 NFL Draft. Based on statistics obtained from each of the seven linebackers’ teams, Laurinaitis led all of the first day linebackers with 146 tackles last season.
Top Tacklers Among Linebackers Selected on Day 1 of 2009 Draft
Player / Team Round/Overall Total Solo Asst. Sacks
James Laurinaitis / STL 2/35th 146 98 48 2.0
Brian Cushing / HOU 1/15th 134 87 47 5.0 Rey Maualuga / CIN 2/38th 80 44 36 1.0
Aaron Curry / SEA 1/4th 60 53 7 2.0
Clay Matthews / GB 1/26th 58 42 16 10.0 Robert Ayers / DEN 1/18th 18 13 5 0.0
Clint Sintim / NYG 2/45th 10 7 3 1.0
BEST AMONG 2009 DRAFT CLASS
In June, Rams S Oshiomogho “O.J.” Atogwe signed a long-term extension with the Rams that will keep him in St. Louis for the foreseeable future. That deal came because he’s shown a knack for making big plays in his career. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2006, Atogwe has 39 combined forced fumbles and intercep-tions (20 forced fumbles, 19 intercepintercep-tions), most in the NFL during that time.
Atogwe has 20 career interceptions and 19 since the start of 2006. Atogwe’s 19 inter-ceptions are fifth most in the NFL during
that time, trailing only Philadelphia CB Asante Samuel (32), Green Bay CB Charles Woodson (29), Baltimore S Ed Reed (26). Washington’s DeAngelo Hall also has 23 during that time period.
His playmaking ability was key in the Rams’ win over San Diego two weeks ago. Late in the first quarter, he went up and stole a Philip Rivers pass after fighting Malcom Floyd for the ball. Instead of the Chargers taking a 7-3 on the play, Atogwe’s interception led to a Rams touchdown drive and subsequent 10-0 St. Louis lead.
BIG PLAY O.J.
S Oshiomogho Atogwe
In 2009, CB Bradley Fletcher’s rookie sea-son was off to a bang before a torn ACL ended it seven games in. After an exhaus-tive offseason of rehab, Fletcher is back and earned the starting right cornerback job this season.
Fletcher has intercepted two passes and has played a key role in a revitalized St. Louis secondary. Against Seattle, he snared a Matt Hasselbeck pass and returned it to the 4-yard line. In Week 3 he recorded his first interception when he picked off Donovan McNabb in the fourth
quarter to clinch a Rams victory. In Week 1, he made his first career fumble recovery.
FLETCH IS BACK
CB Bradley Fletcher The Rams have a
bit of an anomaly at the linebacker p o s i t i o n . S t . Louis currently has three line-backers on its ros-ter that played at
Ohio State, and the trio make up the start-ing linebacker unit.
James Laurinaitis, who led the Rams in tackles as a rookie last season, mans the middle. The Rams signed veteran Na’il Diggs as a free agent this spring and he starts at the Sam linebacker spot. Diggs spent the previous four years with the Carolina Panthers. A third former Buckeye, Larry Grant, won the starting Will spot this summer. Grant appeared in all 16 games for the Rams last season and is a valuable special teams contribu-tor in addition to his role on defense.
“THE” RAMS LINEBACKERS
Na’il Diggs
James Laurinaitis
Linebacker James Laurinaitis was the fifth linebacker selected in the 2009 NFL Draft but was the leading tackler among those taken on the first day.
DE James Hall’s 11th NFL season has been an extremely productive one for the veteran leader of St. Louis’ defense. He leads the team with 6.5 sacks on the year and has also recorded 24 tackles, includ-ing two for loss.
Last week against Tampa Bay, Hall shared a sack with DT Jermelle Cudjo to give him 6.5 on the year. Two weeks ago against San Diego, Hall recorded his second two-sack game of the season and seventh of his career. In Weeks 2-4, Hall recorded at least 1.0 sacks in three straight games for the first time in his 11-year. He can match that streak should he drop Matt Moore this Sundy when the Panthers come to town.
Hall now has 53.0 career sacks and has already surpassed his 2009 total of 4.5 sacks in 14 games. With 6.5 sacks on the year, Hall ranks in the NFL in sacks this season.
2010 NFL Sack Leaders
Player Sacks
Clay Matthews, GB 8.5
Osi Umenyiora, NYG 8.0
DeMarcus Ware, DAL 8.0
Brian Orakpo, WAS 7.0
Shaun Phillips, SD 7.0
James Hall, STL 6.5
A HALL OF A PLAYER
DE James Hall has 6.5 sacks this season and has recorded at least one sack in each of the Rams last two games. He had 0.5 sacks last week at Tampa Bay.
DE Chris Long, the second overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, has played a key role in a Rams defense that is among the NFL’s top 10 in sacks, scoring defense and third down defense.
Last week against the Buccaneers, Long sacked Josh Freeman to give him 3.5 sacks on the season.
Two weeks ago against San Diego, Long turned in his first two-sack per-formance of the season and his sec-ond of his career. For his efforts, Long was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Long now has 3.5 sacks on the season and has continually gotten after opposing quarterbacks. He leads the Rams with nine quarter-back pressures and nine quarterquarter-back hits. Should long record a sack this week, it would mark the second time in his career that he’s had sacks in three consecutive games. The other came Weeks 8-11 in 2009.
LONG ON TALENT
The Rams’ defense has stood its ground when it counts this season as evidenced by the team’s defensive statistics in the red zone.
On the season, St. Louis is ninth in the NFL in red zone defense. Opponents have scored touchdowns on just 40.0 percent of their drives inside the St. Louis 20-yard line. During a four-game stretch from Weeks 2-5, the Rams held opponents without a touchdown on five consecutive trips to their red zone. That streak came to an end in Week 5 at Detroit.
In all, the Rams have given up just 77 points on 20 possessions by their opponents inside their 20. The 77 points allowed in the red zone is tied for the sixth fewest in the NFL this season.
RED LIGHT IN THE RED ZONE
S Oshiomogho Atogwe and LB Larry Grant lead a charge to stop Darren McFadden at the goal line. The Rams are among the league’s best in red zone defense this season.
Announcers often struggle to prounounce the name of Rams rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (huh-OH-muh-NOW-uh-NEW-ee), who his teammates refer to as “Uh-oh” or simply Illinois Mike. If Hoomanawanui continues his strong play, people better get used to saying his name.
Last week at Tampa Bay, Hoomanawanui recorded his first career touchdown catch on a two-yard pass from Sam Bradford. The clutch catch came in Hoomanawanui’s second game back from an ankle injury that cost him four weeks of action.
UH-OH!
Rams rookie wide receiver Danario Alexander made quite a splash in his NFL debut two weeks ago against San Diego. The 6-5, 215-pound rookie, who is a local favorite due to his stellar career at the University of Missouri, led all Rams with four receptions for 72 yards in his first NFL game.
Alexander provided the play of the day when he hauled in a 38-yard touchdown pass from Sam Bradford, the longest scoring pass of the season for St. Louis. He added one reception last week at Tampa Bay.
Alexander, who caught 113 passes for 1,781 yards and 14 touch-downs during his senior year at Mizzou, went undrafted last April after undergoing a fourth operation on his left knee. He signed with St. Louis in August and spent the first five weeks of the regular season on the team’s practice squad before being elevated to the active ros-ter last week.
BIG DEBUT
WR Danario Alexander DE Chris Long drops Philip Rivers.
DANDY DANNY
WR Danny Amendola continues to have an impact on special teams, but in his second season with the Rams, he’s become a big part of the offense as well.
Amendola leads the Rams with 39 receptions for 351 yards. He ranks ninth in the NFL in catches this season.
Two weeks ago, Amendola posted career highs with 12 catches for 95 yards in Detroit. In his first season on an NFL roster last season, Amendola caught 43 passes for 326 yards in 14 games. He’s already surpassed his yardage total from a year ago and is just four receptions besting his 2009 total in catches.
In addition, Amendola is one of the league’s best on third down. His 14 receptions on third down are tied for third most in the NFL.
NFL Leaders in Third-Down Receptions This Season Third Down Rec.
1. Roddy White, ATL 16
2. Davone Bess, MIA 15
3t. Danny Amendola, STL 14
3t. Kellen Winslow, TB 14
3t. Mike Williams, SEA 14
NEW TO THE RAMS IN 2010
QB Sam Bradford6-4, 235 pounds Oklahoma
D1 – 2010 (1st overall)
• Has started all seven games and thrown for 1,483 yards and nine touchdowns. • 2008 Heisman Trophy winner holds school records for passing yards (8,403), touchdown passes (88) and completion percentage (67.64)
• One of just four quarterbacks in major college history to pass for 50 or more touchdowns in a season.
OT Rodger Saffold 6-5, 323 pounds Indiana
D2 - 2010 (33rd overall)
• Is only NFL rookie to start every game at left tackle for his team this season. • Second-team All-Big 10 after recording 91 knockdown blocks and 12 touchdown-resulting blocks as a senior.
CB Jerome Murphy 6-0, 196 pounds South Florida
D3 – 2010 (65th overall)
• Has one interception and has been a standout on special teams through seven weeks.
• Named to All-Big East First Team by Phil Steele after finishing third on the team with 77 tackles and tied for the team lead with four interceptions.
WR Mardy Gilyard 5-11, 194 pounds Cincinnati
D4 – 2010 (103rd overall)
• Has six catches for 63 yards and has handled a majority of kick return duties for Rams.
• Unanimous All-Big East after catching 87 passes for 1,191 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior.
• Ranks second in Big East history with 204 career receptions.
TE Michael Hoomanowanui 6-4, 265 pounds
Illinois
D5a – 2010 (132nd overall)
• Caught a pass in NFL debut in Week 1 but suffered a high ankle sprain that side-lined the next five weeks. Recorded first career touchdown catch last week. • 2009 Mackey Award Candidate finished career at Illinois with 40 receptions for 490 yards and four touchdowns.
TE Fendi Onobun 6-6, 249 pounds Houston
D6a – 2010 (170th overall)
• Has two catches for 15 yards on the sea-son and has contributed on special teams. • Played one season of football at Houston after four-year collegiate basketball career at Arizona.
DE Eugene Sims 6-6, 250 pounds West Texas A&M
D6b - 2010 (189th overall)
• Has five tackles and a pass defensed on the year.
•Two-time Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year.
•Recorded 17 sacks in two seasons at WTAMU.
George Selvie 6-4, 251 pounds South Florida
D7b - 2010 (226th overall)
• Has 1.5 sacks and 10 total tackles while serving as a regular in the defensive line rotation.
• Two-time All-American for South Florida Bulls.
• Recorded 29 sacks during collegiate career. Sam Bradford Rodger Saffold Jerome Murphy Mardy Gilyard Fendi Onobun Eugene Sims George Selvie
