2011 PRESEASON WEEK 1
ST. LOUIS RAMS (0-0) VS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-0)
Saturday, August 13, 2011, Edward Jones Dome, 7 p.m.
2011 SCHEDULE PRESEASON Day Date Opponent Sat. 8/13 Indianapolis Sat. 8/20 Tennessee Fri. 8/26 at Kansas City Thurs. 9/1 at Jacksonville REGULAR SEASON Sun. 9/11 Philadelphia Mon. 9/19 at N.Y. Giants Sun. 9/25 Baltimore Sun. 10/2 Washington Sun. 10/9 Bye Week Sun. 10/16 at Green Bay Sun. 10/23 at Dallas Sun. 10/30 New Orleans Sun. 11/6 at Arizona Sun. 11/13 at Cleveland Sun. 11/20 Seattle Sun. 11/27 Arizona Sun. 12/4 at San Francisco Mon. 12/12 at Seattle Sun. 12/18 Cincinnati Sat. 12/24 at Pittsburgh Sun. 1/1 San Francisco
RAMS OPEN 2011 PRESEASON VS. COLTS
Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
TV KTVI KTVI KTVI KTVI
Noon 7:30 p.m. 3:05 p.m. Noon
Fox ESPN CBS Fox
Noon 3:15 p.m. Noon 3:15 p.m. Noon 3:05 p.m. Noon 3:15 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Noon Noon Noon
Fox Fox Fox Fox Fox Fox Fox Fox ESPN CBS Fox Fox
The St. Louis Rams kickoff their 2011 preseason schedule Saturday as they host the Indianapolis Colts at the Edward Jones Dome. Saturday’s contest marks just the second time the Rams and Colts have faced each other in the preseason. St. Louis won the only previous meeting, a 19-17 decision in the 2006 preseason opener.
RB Steven Jackson
The Rams are set to begin their third season under Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and were one of the NFL’s most improved teams in 2010. St. Louis finished 7-9 last season, second in the NFC West.
The St. Louis offense will again be led by RB Steven Jackson, who earned his third trip to the Pro Bowl last season, and 2010 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford. The group will be aided by key free agent additions G Harvey Dahl, WR Mike Sims-Walker and RBs Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood. Defensively, the Rams ranked 12th in the NFL in points allowed, and the group returns 10 starters, including MLB James Laurinaitis, DEs Chris Long and James Hall and DT Fred Robbins.
BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION NBC (KTVI, Ch. 2 in St. Louis) Play-by-Play: Andrew Siciliano Color Analyst: Ross Tucker Sideline Reporters: Orlando Pace, Maurice Drummond
RADIO WXOS (101.1 FM) Play-by-Play: Steve Savard Color Analyst: D’Marco Farr Sideline Reporter: Tony Softli
THIS WEEK’S MEDIA AVAILABILITY Tuesday, August 9 -Walkthrough: 10:15 a.m. -Practice: 2:30 p.m. -Coach Spagnuolo available on field after practice. -Players available on field after practice
Wednesday, August 10 -Walkthrough: 10 a.m. -Practice: 2:30 p.m. -Coach Spagnuolo & RB Steven Jackson available on field after practice -Players available on field after practice
Thursday, August 11 -Walkthrough: 10:15 a.m. -Practice: 5 p.m. -Coach Spagnuolo & QB Sam Bradford available on field after practice. -Players available on field after practice
Friday, August 12
Saturday, August 13
Sunday, August 14
-Walkthrough: 10:10 a.m. -Practice: 2:30 p.m. -Coach Spagnuolo available on field after practice. -Players available on field after practice
Rams vs. Colts Edward Jones Dome 7 p.m. (CST)
Coach Spagnuolo Conference Call 2 p.m.
VISIT OUR NEW MEDIA WEBSITE AT MEDIA.STLOUISRAMS.COM 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
PRESEASON WEEK 1: ST. LOUIS RAMS VS. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
THE SERIES AT A GLANCE • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
NOTABLE CONNECTIONS
Overall Regular Season Series: Colts lead series, 23-18-2 Overall Preseason Series: Rams lead series, 1-0 Rams Regular Season Home Record vs. Colts: 13-9 Rams Regular Season Road Record vs. Colts: 5-14-2 Current Streak: Colts, two games (2005 - present) Rams Longest Streak: Four games (1950-54) Colts Longest Streak: Six games (1963-66) Regular Season Point Total: Colts 928 - Rams 914 Most Points, Rams: 70, Rams 70-27 (1950) Most Points, Colts: 56, Colts 56-21 (1956) Most Points, both teams: 97, Rams 70-27 (1950) Fewest Points, Rams: 2, Colts 14-2 (1962) Fewest Points, Colts: 0, Rams 48-0 (1954) Fewest Points, both teams: 16, Colts 14-2 (1962)
SERIES HISTORY VS. INDIANAPOLIS Regular Season Colts lead series, 23-18-2 Year Result Location 1950 Rams, 70-27 LA 1953 Rams, 21-13 BAL Rams, 45-2 LA 1954 Rams, 48-0 BAL Colts, 22-21 LA 1955 Tie, 17-17 BAL Rams, 20-14 LA 1956 Colts, 56-21 BAL Rams, 31-7 LA 1957 Colts, 31-14 BAL Rams, 37-21 LA 1958 Colts, 34-7 BAL Rams, 30-28 LA 1959 Colts, 35-21 BAL Colts, 45-26 LA 1960 Colts, 31-17 BAL Rams, 10-3 LA 1961 Colts, 27-24 BAL Rams, 34-17 LA 1962 Colts, 30-27 BAL Colts, 14-2 LA
Year 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1971 1975 1986 1989 1995 2001 2005 2009
Result Rams, 17-16 Colts, 19-16 Colts, 35-20 Colts, 24-7 Colts, 35-20 Colts, 20-17 Colts, 17-3 Rams, 23-7 Tie, 24-24 Rams, 34-10 Colts, 27-10 Colts, 28-24 Rams, 27-20 Colts, 13-7 Colts, 24-17 Rams, 24-13 Rams, 24-7 Rams, 31-17 Colts, 21-18 Rams, 42-17 Colts, 45-28 Colts, 42-6
Location LA BAL BAL LA BAL LA LA BAL BAL LA BAL LA BAL LA BAL LA IND LA IND STL IND STL
TALE OF THE TAPE
Former Rams: • Colts Special Assistant to the Defense Rod Perry played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1975-82 and coached the secondary for the Rams from 1992-94. • Colts Defensive Line Coach John Teerlinck coached for the Los Angeles Rams in 1991. Former Colts: • Rams Running Backs Coach Sylvester Croom was the running backs coach for the Indianapolis Colts in 1991. • Rams DT Dan Muir played for the Colts from 2008-10. Missouri Ties: • Colts WR Chris Brooks is a St. Louis native. Indiana Ties: • Rams T Rodger Saffold played at the University of Indiana. Coaching Connections: • Colts Quarterbacks Coach Frank Reich (1997-98) and Offensive Quality Control Coach Pete Metzelaars (1997) played for the Detroit Lions while Rams Running Backs Coach Sylvester Croom (1997-98) was the team’s offensive coordinator. • Colts Linebackers Coach Mike Murphy and Rams Offensive Line Coach Steve Loney coached together for the Arizona Cardinals in 1993. • Rams Defensive Coordinator Ken Flajole (2003-05), Linebackers Coach Paul Ferraro (2005), and Defensive Quality Control Coach Matt House (2008) coached with Colts Special Assistant to the Defense Rod Perry for the Carolina Panthers. • Colts DT Antonio Johnson played at Mississippi State when Rams Running Backs Coach Sylvester Croom was the Bulldogs’ head coach. • Rams Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels was on Bill Belichick’s staff in New England when Colts K Adam Vinatieri played for the Patriots. NFL Teammate Connections: • Rams G Harvey Dahl, RB Jerious Norwood and OL Quinn Ojinnaka were teammates with Colts DE Jamaal Anderson with the Atlanta Falcons. • Rams LB Zac Diles and Colts QB Dan Orlovsky played together with the Houston Texans. • Rams S Quintin Mikell played with Colts LB Ernie Sims with the Philadelphia Eagles.
2010 Final Stats Rams 18.1 (26t) 302.9 (26) 98.6 (25) 204.3 (21) 30:51 20.5 (12) 336.8 (19) 113.1 (17) 223.6 (19) 43/290 14/161 +5 (10) 11.3 (8) 23.7 (21) 9.7 (21) 23.7 (21) 94/45.5
Points Per Game Total Offense Rush Offense Pass Offense Time Of Possession Average Opponent Points Per Game Total Defense Rush Defense Pass Defense Sacks Made/Yards Interceptions By/Yards Turnover Differential Punt Return Average Kickoff Return Average Punt Coverage Kickoff Coverage Punts/Average
Colts 27.2 (4) 380.8 (4) 92.7 (29) 288.1 (1) 29:41 24.3 (23) 341.6 (20) 127.0 (25) 214.6 (13) 30/196 10/206 -4 (19t) 6.9 (29) 19.6 (28) 10.7 (23) 25.8 (29) 69/42.2
College Teammate Connections: • Colts DB Antoine Bethea and Rams CB Ron Bartell were teammates at Howard University. • Colts RB Joseph Addai was a teammate of Rams P Donnie Jones at Louisiana State University. • Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez played with Rams LB James Laurinaitis at Ohio State University. • Colts LB Pat Angerer and Rams CB Bradley Fletcher at Iowa. • Colts WR Austin Collie and Rams LB Bryan Kehl at BYU. • Colts TE Brody Eldridge and Rams QB Sam Bradford at Oklahoma. • Colts CB Jerraud Powers and Rams RB Cadillac Williams at Auburn.
2011 RAMS PROJECTED STARTERS OFFENSE
DEFENSE
WR Brandon Gibson – Recorded new career highs with 53 receptions for 620 yards, both of which ranked second among Rams in 2010. Started 12 of 14 games.
LDE Chris Long – Moved to the left side on a full-time basis and had a career-best 8.5 sacks in 2010. Led Rams with 16 quarterback pressures and 21 quarterback hits. Also logged 26 tackles.
LT Rodger Saffold – Second-round pick was the only NFL rookie to start all of his team’s games at left tackle last season. Allowed only three sacks in 590 pass attempts according to StatsPass.com.
LDT Fred Robbins - Twelve-year veteran tied for fourth among all NFL defensive tackles with 6.0 sacks, which marked a career high. Also had 24 tackles, including four for loss, eight quarterback hits and seven passes defensed on the year. Passes defensed total ranked second among NFL DTs, according to StatsPass.com.
LG Jacob Bell – Eighth-year lineman started all 16 games at left guard. Marked second time in his career he’s started 16 games. Has blocked for four 1,000-yard rushers. C Jason Brown – Started all 16 games in 2010 and has started 76 consecutive games, sixth-longest active streak among NFL centers. Helped Steven Jackson reach 1,000-yards in sixthstraight season. RG Harvey Dahl – Mauling road grater joined the Rams in July as a free agent. Started 43 games over the last three seasons for one of NFL’s top offenses. RT Jason Smith – Former second-overall pick started 15 of the team’s 16 games at right tackle in 2010. Opened holes for Steven Jackson to rush for 1,241 yards and earn Pro Bowl honors. TE Billy Bajema – Crafty veteran blocker and pass catcher set new career highs with 14 receptions and 145 yards last season. Recorded his first two touchdown catches of his career in Week 12 in Denver. WR Danny Amendola – Led the Rams with 85 receptions for 689 yards and tied for the team lead with three touchdown catches. Finished ninth in the NFL and fifth in the NFC in receptions. Tied for ninth in NFL with 11.3-yard punt return average. QB Sam Bradford – Top overall pick in 2010 draft set new NFL rookie records for attempts (590) and completions (354). His 3,512 yards are second most by a rookie in NFL history. Threw 18 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions. FB Brit Miller – Appeared in nine games with two starts at fullback last season after joining the 53-man roster prior to Week 6. Finished second among Rams with 16 special teams tackles. RB Steven Jackson – Earned his third career trip to the Pro Bowl after rushing for 1,241 yards. Also caught 46 passes for 383 yards. Became Rams all-time leading rusher in Week 7. Current streak of six-consecutive 1,000-yard seasons is longest active streak in the NFL.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS RB Cadillac Williams – Rushed for 107 yards on 34 carries and scored three touchdowns. TE Lance Kendricks – Rams second-round draft pick was a Mackey Award finalist at Wisconsin last season after catching 43 passes for 663 yards. TE Michael Hoomanawanui – Hauled in 13 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in 2010. RB Jerious Norwood – Free agent averaged 5.3 yards per carry and 9.5 yards per reception during five seasons with Atlanta.
RDT Justin Bannan – Ten-year veteran joins St. Louis after stints with Buffalo, Baltimore and Denver. Has appeared in 129 career games. RDE James Hall – Led the Rams with 10.5 sacks and led all St. Louis defensive linemen with 57 tackles on the year. Sack total is second highest of his 11-year NFL career. Had 2.0 sacks in three different games. SLB Na’il Diggs – Started the first 12 games of the season before a shoulder injury landed him on “reserve/injured.” Brought a veteran presence to the defense and posted 37 tackles in his 11th NFL season. MLB James Laurinaitis – Rams leading tackler for the secondconsecutive season as he posted 129 stops in 2010. Also posted three sacks and seven passes defensed while playing in a teamhigh 1,093 snaps. WLB Bryan Kehl – Recorded 26 tackles in 14 games, including one start, in 2010. Was a key contributor on special teams with 11 tackles in the kicking game. LCB Ron Bartell – Led Rams with 13 passes defensed last season and had 72 tackles on the year. RCB Bradley Fletcher – Bounced back from a severe knee injury as a rookie to lead the Rams with four interceptions. Ranked third on the team with 91 tackles and second with 12 passes defensed on the season. SS Craig Dahl – Rams’ second-leading tackler with 93 stops on the season. Also posted two interceptions and 16 special teams stops on the year, tied for second most among Rams. FS Quintin Mikell – First-year Ram led the Eagles with 111 tackles while also recording 14 pass breakups and three interceptions in 2010. Earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008.
KEY CONTRIBUTORS DE C.J. Ah You – Recorded a career high 4.0 sacks to go along with 19 tackles (two for loss) and seven quarterback hits. S Darian Stewart – Rookie free agent had 11 tackles and five quarterback hits while manning the dime safety role for the Rams. CB Justin King – Fourth-year Ram logged 19 tackles and two passes defensed in eight games last season while manning the nickel corner position. S James Butler – Started four games at free safety last season and tallied 26 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed.
THE HEAD COACHES STEVE SPAGNUOLO
JIM CALDWELL
NFL Coaching Year: 13th year Rams Head Coach: 3rd year Regular Season: 8-23 (.258) Postseason: 0-0 (.000) Steve Spagnuolo enters his third season as head coach of the St. Louis Rams. In 2010, Spagnuolo’s team made a six-game improvement from 2009, finishing in second place in the NFC West. The six-game swing marked the second best turnaround in the NFL from 2009 to 2010. The Rams finished with a 5-3 home record, the first home winning record since 2004. In addition, the Rams improved their team net turnover ratio from -13 in 2009 to +5 in 2010. The Rams forfeited only six fumbles, the second fewest in the NFL. Spagnuolo’s 2010 Rams made considerable improvements in all three phases last season. Defensively, the Rams jumped 10 spots in total defense in 2010. On the offensive side of the ball, the Rams averaged 7.2 points per game more in 2010 than in 2009, largely by playing smart football that saw the team rank tied for eighth with 21 turnovers last season. 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 professional 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/linebackers 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.
SPAGNUOLO, 20092007-08 2004-06 2001-03 1999-2000 1998 1996-97 1994-95 1994 1993 1993 1992 1990-91 1987-89 1984-86 1983 1982-83
AT A
St. Louis Rams New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles Frankfurt Galaxy (NFLE) Bowling Green University Rutgers University University of Maine University of Maine San Diego Chargers Barcelona Dragons (WLAF) University of Connecticut University of Connecticut Lafayette College Washington Redskins University of Massachusetts
NFL Coaching Year: 11th year Colts Head Coach: 3rd year Regular Season: 24-8 (.750) Postseason: 2-2 (.500)
Jim Caldwell was named head coach of the club on January 13, 2009 and enters his third season as head coach of the Colts. Prior to succeeding Tony Dungy as head coach, Caldwell served as an assistant with the club for seven years. He was elevated to associate head coach with the club on January 21, 2008. Caldwell spent his first three seasons as quarterbacks coach before earning the expanded title of assistant head coach prior to the 2005 season. In his first two seasons at the helm, Caldwell has directed the Colts to 14-2 and 10-6 regular-season records, winning consecutive AFC South titles, an AFC Championship and a berth in Super Bowl XLIV. Caldwell’s leadership has helped the Colts annually have one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses. Indianapolis ranked 1st in NFL passing in 2010. The Colts have ranked in the top four in NFL scoring offense in nine of the past 12 years. The club has ranked in the top three in AFC passing offense and top six in the NFL for 13 consecutive seasons, leading the conference seven times and the league three times. In 2010, the Colts won the division title and earned the AFC’s third playoff seed. In 2009, the Colts won their first 14 games, took the AFC title and advanced to the Super Bowl for the second time since 2006. The club had seven fourth-quarter comeback wins, the most by any team since the 1970 NFL Merger. The Colts had a league-record five straight comeback wins during weeks 8-12, setting an additional NFL mark during those first four games by winning four straight comebacks by a total combined margin of 10-or-fewer points. Caldwell joined Indianapolis from Tampa Bay, where he served as quarterbacks coach during the 2001 season. Caldwell has more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience. Caldwell spent 1993-2000 as head coach at Wake Forest and served as an assistant coach at Southern Illinois (1978-1980), Northwestern (1981), Colorado (1982-84), Louisville (1985) and Penn State (1986-1992). Caldwell was a four-year starter (1973-76) as a defensive back at Iowa and worked as a graduate assistant for the Hawkeyes in 1977. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa. He was born January 16, 1955 in Beloit, Wis. Jim and his wife, Cheryl, have four children: Jimmy, Jermaine, Jared, and Natalie.
GLANCE
Head Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers Defensive Backs Defensive Assistant Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Defensive Backs Defensive Backs Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Defensive Backs Scout Defensive Line/Special Teams Defensive Coordinator/Def. Backs Defensive Backs Defensive Line/Special Teams Player Personnel Intern Graduate Intern
CALDWELL, 20092008 2005-07
Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts
AT A
GLANCE
Head Coach Associate Head Coach Assistant Head Coach/ Quarterbacks 2002-04 Indianapolis Colts Quarterbacks 2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterbacks 1993-2000 Wake Forest University Head Coach 1988-92 Penn State University Passing Game Coordinator/ Quarterbacks 1987 Penn State University Quarterbacks 1986 Penn State University Wide Receivers 1985 University of Louisville Assistant Coach 1982-1984 University of Colorado Assistant Coach 1981 Northwestern University Assistant Coach 1978-80 Southern Illinois University Assistant Coach 1977 University of Iowa Graduate Assistant
RAMS ALL-TIME LEADING RUSHERS
Dick Bass 5,417 yards
Lawrence McCutcheon 6,186 yards
JACKSON STANDS ALONE
Marshall Faulk 6,959 yards
Eric Dickerson 7,245 yards
RUSHING TOUCHDOWN HISTORY
RB Steven Jackson raced into Rams history midway through the 2010 season 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.
As RB Steven Jackson climbed to the top of the franchise’s all-time rushing list in 2010, he continued to gain ground on the Rams’ all-time rushing touchdown list. Jackson scored six times this season to give him 47 rushing touchdowns on his career.
During pregame warm ups prior to the Rams’ Week 8 win over Carolina, Jackson donned a pair of “rec specs” goggles that Dickerson famously wore. Jackson made the gesture as a way to honor Dickerson.
In Week 10 at San Francisco, Jackson’s touchdown run allowed him to pass “Deacon” Dan Towler for the third-most rushing touchdowns in franchise history. RB Steven Jackson
RB Steven Jackson
Jackson entered last season ranked third in franchise history in rushing. In Week 4, he passed Marshall Faulk (6,959) to move into second place on the franchise’s all-time rushing list and has distanced himself from Dickerson as well. Rams Career Rushing Yards Leaders Steven Jackson (2004- ) Eric Dickerson (1983-87) Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79) Dick Bass (1960-69)
Yards 7,948 7,245 6,959 6,186 5,417
CENTURY MARK RB Steven Jackson reached the century mark four times in 2010 to give him 27 100-yard rushing performances on his career.
Steven Jackson 7,948 yards
Rams Career Rushing TD Leaders Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) Eric Dickerson (1983-87) Steven Jackson (2004- ) Dan Towler (1050-55) Dick Bass (1960-69)
TD 58 56 47 43 34
SIX IN A ROW With 1,241 yards in 2010, RB Steven Jackson became the first player in Rams history to record six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. His streak of six straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons is the longest active streak in the NFL Jackson finished eighth in the NFL and third in the NFC in rushing in 2010. Since becoming a starter in 2006, Jackson posted yearly rushing totals of 1,046, 1,528, 1,002, 1,042 and 1,416 yards in addition to his 2010 total. Consecutive 1,000-Yard Rushing Seasons In Rams History Consecutive Seasons Years Steven Jackson 6 2005-10 Eric Dickerson 4 1983-86 Marshall Faulk 3 1999-2001
With a 102-yard performance in Week 13 in Arizona, RB Steven Jackson tied Marshall Faulk for second most 100-yard rushing games in team history with 27. His next 100-yard game will put him alone in second place in team history. Jackson’s other 100-yard games in 2010 RB Steven Jackson included 110 yards on 22 carries in Week 7 against the Buccaneers; 109 yards in Week 6 against San Diego; and a season-best 114 yards in Week 5 at Detroit. Career 100-yard Games in Rams History Eric Dickerson (1983-87) Steven Jackson (2004- ) Marshall Faulk (1999-2005) Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79)
38 27 27 22
RB Steven Jackson looks to extend his franchise record for 1,000-yard seasons to seven.
JACK OF ALL TRADES
CATCHING ON Throughout his career RB Steven Jackson has shown the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and while lined up at receiver. In addition to leading the team in rushing, Jackson ranked third among Rams in receptions (46) in 2010. With 327 career catches, Jackson ranks ninth in team history in the category. Since 2006, Jackson has registered 265 receptions for 2,161 receiving yards (8.2-yard average). During that time, Jackson’s 265 receptions and his 2,161 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 Reggie Bush / NO Steven Jackson / STL Brian Westbrook / PHI-SF Frank Gore/SF L. Tomlinson/SD-NYJ
Rec 294 265 262 255 240
Yards 2,142 2,161 2,203 2,152 1,931
Avg. 7.3 8.2 8.4 8.4 8.0
Long 74 64t 62t 48 51t
TD 12 5 16 9 7
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 118.2 yards from scrimmage per game (minimum 50 games). Since 2006, Jackson has 1,755 touches for 8,390 yards. His touches and scrimmage yards are the most over that time period. Last season, Jackson ranked third in the NFC and ninth in the NFL with 1,624 scrimmage yards.
RB Steven Jackson
On the season, Jackson averaged 101.5 scrimmage yards per game, marking the fifth consecutive season he’s averaged at least 100 yards from scrimmage per game. The streak dates back to his first year as an NFL starter in 2006. He averaged 145.9 scrimmage yards per game in 2006. In 2006, Jackson recorded 2,334 yards from scrimmage, the fifthhighest 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
RB Steven Jackson dives for the end zone on touchdown reception. The catch was one of 327 in Jackson’s career.
MAKING HISTORY A week after becoming the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, Steven Jackson made another move towards a significant Rams record.
Games 71 61 70 77 66
Touches 1,755 1,317 1,499 1,637 1,151
Yards 8,390 6,952 7,958 7,974 6,303
Yds/Game 118.2 114.0 113.7 103.6 95.5
A WORKHORSE BACK Throughout his career, RB Steven Jackson has been the definition of a “bell cow” back as he’s willingly carried a sizeable workload for the Rams. Last season was no exception, as few in the NFL handled the football more than Jackson.
With 64 total yards in Week 8 against Carolina (59 rushing, 4 receiving), Jackson passed WR Henry Ellard for fourth in franchise history in yards from scrimmage. In Week 10, Jackson became the fourth Ram and 80th player in NFL history to reach 10,000 career scrimmage yards. Last season, Jackson ranked third in the NFC and ninth in the NFL with 1,624 scrimmage yards.
Steven Jackson / STL Adrian Peterson / MIN* Frank Gore / SF L. Tomlinson / SD-NYJ Brian Westbrook / PHI-SF
SJ39’s 330 carries were second most in the NFL in 2010, trailing only Atlanta’s Michael Turner. In addition, Jackson caught 45 passes, which gave him 376 scrimmage touches, second most in the NFL. 2010 NFL Leaders, Total Touches RB Steven Jackson
Jackson now has 10,618 career scrimmage yards. Ellard, who played for the Rams from 1983-93 and later coached the team’s wide receivers, posted 9,816 total yards while wearing the horns.
Arian Foster / HOU Steven Jackson / STL Ray Rice / BAL Chris Johnson / TEN Cedric Benson/ CIN
Rush 327 330 307 316 321
Rec. 66 46 63 44 28
Total 393 376 370 360 349
Yards 2,220 1,624 1,776 1,609 1,289
Entering 2011, Jackson needs just 412 scrimmage yards to tie Marshall Faulk for second all time among Rams. Rams All-Time Leaders, Yards From Scrimmage Isaac Bruce Torry Holt Marshall Faulk Steven Jackson Henry Ellard
Years 1994-07 1999-08 1999-05 20041983-93
Rushing 150 57 6,959 7,948 55
Rec. 14,109 12,660 4,071 2,670 9,761
Total 14,259 12,717 11,030 10,618 9,816 RB Steven Jackson finished second in the NFL in carries and total touches as the Rams once again benefitted from his reliability.
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
A ROOKIE NO MORE Sam Bradford, the top overall pick in last year’s draft, was the only rookie quarterback to start all 16 games in 2010. Bradford led the Rams to a 7-9 record while passing for 3,512 yards with 18 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Bradford is one of just a handful of NFL quarterbacks to start 16 games as a rookie. Below is a look at how Bradford fared in his first NFL campaign compared to other NFL signal callers who were first-round draft picks and played as rookies.
Significant NFL Rookie Starting Quarterbacks Player Comp.% Peyton Manning 56.7 Matt Ryan 61.1 Joe Flacco 60.0 Ben Roethlisberger 66.4 Sam Bradford 60.0
Yards 3,739 3,440 2,971 2,621 3,512
TDs 26 16 14 17 18
INTs Rating 28 71.2 11 87.7 12 80.3 11 98.1 15 76.5
QB Sam Bradford made his mark on the NFL record books with a spectacular season that turned out to be one of the best ever by a rookie quarterback. Bradford set NFL rookie records for completions (354) and attempts (590), and his 3,512 passing yards in 2010 are the second most by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Peyton Manning’s 3,739 in 1998. Bradford’s 18 touchdowns are tied for fifth most among rookies in NFL history. The top overall pick in last year’s draft is one of just three rookie QB Sam Bradford quarterbacks in NFL history to pass for 3,000 yards in a season. During a midseason stretch, Bradford set an NFL rookie record with 174 consecutive attempts without an interception. Bradford was named Offensive Rookie of the Year by The Associated Press.
NFL Rookie Passing Records
QB Sam Bradford’s numbers during his rookie season compare favorably with other quarterbacks chosen in the first round in recent years.
JUST WIN, BABY! During his standout rookie season, Rams QB Sam Bradford saw his name attached to numerous NFL rookie records. While proud of his statistical accomplishments, Bradford has always maintained that the win-loss column is really the only item he’s interested in tracking. That being the case, Bradford did make an impact in his favorite statistic. His seven wins are the most by a rookie quarterback drafted number one overall since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
QB Sam Bradford
Bradford took over a team that went 1-15 in 2009 and led the Rams to a 7-9 record. Most Wins By a Rookie Quarterback Chosen #1 (Since 1970) Year Team Record Sam Bradford 2010 Rams 7-9 Jeff George 1990 Colts 6-7 Jim Plunkett 1971 Patriots 6-8 Drew Bledsoe 1993 Patriots 5-7 John Elway 1983 Broncos 4-6 David Carr 2002 Texans 4-12
Attempts Sam Bradford (2010) Peyton Manning (1998) Chris Weinke (2001) Rick Mirer (1993) David Carr (2002)
590 575 540 486 444
Completions Sam Bradford (2010) Peyton Manning (1998) Chris Weinke (2001) Matt Ryan (2008) Joe Flacco (2008)
354 326 293 265 257
Yards Peyton Manning (1998) Sam Bradford (2010) Matt Ryan (2008) Joe Flacco (2008) Chris Weinke (2001)
3,739 3,512 3,440 2,971 2,931
Touchdown Passes Peyton Manning (1998) Charlie Conerly (1948) Dan Marino (1983) Jim Plunkett (1971) Sam Bradford (2010) Fran Tarkenton (1961) Joe Namath (1965)
26 22 20 19 18 18 18
IRON SAM Rams QB Sam Bradford didn’t miss an offensive play last season, making him one of just three quarterbacks in the NFL to be on the field for all of his team’s snaps in 2010. Baltimore’s Joe Flacco and Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning were the other two. In addition, Bradford is one of just four rookie quarterbacks in NFL history to handle all of his team’s snaps in a 16 game season. The other three are Peyton Manning (1998), David Carr (2002) and Matt Ryan (2008)
QB Sam Bradford
TURNOVER STORY Turnovers can often tell the story in the NFL, and they certainly painted a big portion of the picture for the 2010 Rams.
OFFENSE ON THE RISE Last season, the Rams’ offense made great strides in the most important statistical category, which led to the team winning six more games than it did in 2009. Although St. Louis had no significant changes at the wide receiver, tight end and running back positions, the Rams scored 114 more points in 2010 than they did in 2009, an increase of 7.2 points per game.
St. Louis was 6-1 last season when they won the turnover battle. St. Louis committed just 21 turnovers this season, tied for 8th fewest in the NFL. The Rams committed 33 in 2009.
The jump was a significant one for St. Louis. Among NFL teams, only Oakland experienced a greater increase in points scored in 2010.
The Rams were aided by superb ball protection from their player who handles it most often. When RB Steven Jackson lost a fumble in Week 14 in QB Sam Bradford and C Jason Brown New Orleans, it was his first lost fumble in 562 touches. He’s lost just 14 fumbles in 2,205 career touches.
Biggest Differential in Points Scored from 2009-2010 2009 2010 Difference Oakland Raiders 197 410 +213 St. Louis Rams 175 289 +114 Detroit Lions 262 362 +100 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 244 341 +97
As a team, St. Louis lost just six fumbles in 2010, tied for the second fewest in the NFL on the year.
PROTECTION PLAN One year removed from allowing 44 sacks, the Rams kept their quarterback upright at a much better rate in 2010. Sam Bradford was dropped by opponents just 34 times last season. The 10-sack decrease was the sixth-best improvement in the NFL over 2009 team totals.
Rams TE Michael Hoomanawanui helped give the Rams a spark on offense, which resulted in St. Louis experiencing a drastic improvement on the scoreboard last season.
Making the single-year improvement more impressive is the fact that the team accomplished the feat with both a rookie quarterback and rookie left tackle in Rodger Saffold. The T Jason Smith team’s starting right tackle, secondyear pro Jason Smith, entered the season with just five career starts under his belt. No team in the NFL had fewer combined starts at the right tackle, left tackle and quarterback position than the Rams did going into 2010, yet St. Louis still enjoyed an increase of 7.2 points per game offensively. The Rams finished the season ranked 12th in the NFL in sacks per pass play at 5.76 percent, a dramatic improvement over their 8.1 rate in 2009, which ranked 25th in the NFL. A leading cause for the offensive line’s success was its consistent health and continuity. St. Louis’ five opening day starters on the offensive line combined to miss just one start in 2010.
CAREER YEARS The Rams coaching staff found ways to get everyone involved in 2010, and the result was career years for numerous St. Louis players on offense. Of the Rams’ three wide receivers and two tight ends (not including rookies) who were on the roster for at least eight games in 2010, four set new career highs in receptions last year, and a fifth came up just shy of his previous career best. WRs Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson along with TEs Billy Bajema WR Brandon Gibson and Daniel Fells reached their previous career bests, while Laurent Robinson fell three catches short of his. In addition, rookies Danario Alexander, Mardy Gilyard and Michael Hoomanawanui combined for 39 receptions and four touchdown catches.
Biggest single-year sacks allowed differential from 2009-2010 Team
2009
2010
Differential
Kansas City Chiefs Detroit Lions New York Giants Buffalo Bills Green Bay Packers St. Louis Rams
42 43 32 46 51 44
22 26 16 30 36 34
-20 -17 -16 -16 -15 -10
Career Highs for Rams Veteran Pass Catchers 2010 Total Previous Best Danny Amendola 85 43 Brandon Gibson 53 34 Laurent Robinson 34 37 Billy Bajema 14 8 Daniel Fells 41 21
GET OFF THE FIELD! The Rams’ ability to get off the field on third down defensively was a crucial part of their success in 2010.
SACK ATTACK Pressure on the quarterback has always been a trademark of a Steve Spagnuolo defense, and the Rams were among the NFL’s best at getting to the passer in 2010. The Rams recorded 43 sacks on the season as a team, which ranked seventh in the NFL. St. Louis saw a dramatic improvement last season when it comes to reaching the opposing quarterback. In 2009, the club ranked 30th in the NFL with 25 sacks. No team in the NFL experienced a bigger increase in sacks last season than the Rams’ 18. Detroit also enjoyed an 18-sack increase, while Kansas City (+17) and the New York Giants improved by 14 sacks.
St. Louis finished the season ranked second in the NFL on third down as opponents converted just 33.5 percent against the Rams. In Week 16, the 49ers con- S Craig Dahl and DE C.J. Ah You stop Knowshon verted just 4-of-16 (25 pct.) on Moreno short of the marker on third down in Denver. third down, and in the Rams’ first meeting with San Francisco last season, St. Louis held the 49ers to 0-of-11 on third down. The Rams’ performances against San Francisco was one of many strong ones by the Rams when it came to third down defense. Their Week 12 win in Arizona, one that saw the Cardinals convert just 1-of-11 (9 pct.) on third down, marked the fourth time in 2010 that they held their opponent to 12 percent or less on third down. In Week 4, Seattle converted just 4-of-15 on third down (27 pct.) and was 0-for-6 in the second half. In Week 12 at Denver, the Broncos were just 1-of-9 on third down (11 pct.). Steve Spagnuolo’s defense held Washington to 1-for-10 (10 pct.) on third-down conversions in Week 3.
St. Louis was paced by DE James Hall, who in his 11th NFL season turned in his second highest total of his career. Hall led the team with 10.5, followed by DE Chris Long with 8.5. 2010 NFL Leaders, Team Sacks Team 1. Pittsburgh Steelers 2t. Green Bay Packers 2t. Oakland Raiders 2t. San Diego Chargers 5. New York Giants 6. Detroit Lions 7. St. Louis Rams 8t. New York Jets 8t. Tennessee Titans 10. Three tied
Sacks 48 47 47 47 46 44 43 40 40 39
2010 NFL Leaders, Third Down Defense Team 1. New York Giants 2. St. Louis Rams 3. Pittsburgh Steelers 4. San Diego Chargers 5. New Orleans Saints 6. Chicago Bears 7. Oakland Raiders 8. Washington Redskins 9. Green Bay Packers 10. New York Jets
Conversion % 31.7 33.5 33.5 33.7 34.5 34.7 34.9 35.0 36.2 37.0
TAKE IT AWAY Steve Spagnuolo’s swarming defense saw an increase in takeaways last season, which played a major factor in each of the team’s seven wins. St. Louis finished the season with 26 takeaways, which was six more than the Rams had in 2009. Rams defenders intercepted eight passes in 2009 and had 14 in their second season under Spagnuolo. The Rams forced 19 fumbles as well, which was the fifth most in the NFL according to StatsPass.com.
DE James Hall drops Philip Rivers for one of his two sacks in Week 6. Hall had two of St. Louis’ seven sacks in the team’s win over San Diego, and the Rams had 43 as a team in 2010.
ACCESS DENIED The Rams were one of the stingiest teams in the NFL when it came to protecting their end zone in 2010. St. Louis gave up just 32 total touchdowns in 2010, tied for fourth fewest in the NFL. Opponents scored just seven rushing touchdowns against the Rams, which was also tied for the fourth fewest in the league.
NFL Leaders, Fewest Touchdowns Allowed S Craig Dahl
CB Bradley Fletcher lead the Rams with four interceptions, while seven different defenders recorded at least one interception for St. Louis in 2010. St. Louis finished the year plus-5 in turnover ratio, which was 10th best in the NFL. In 2009, the Rams finished the season tied for 30th with a minus-13 turnover ratio, a plus-18 swing in turnover ratio.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 2. Green Bay Packers 3. Baltimore Ravens 4t. St. Louis Rams 4t. Chicago Bears 4t. New Orleans Saints 4t. Tennessee Titans 8. Atlanta Falcons 9t. Four teams tied
LB James Laurinaitis
TDs Allowed 22 24 27 32 32 32 32 35 36
PASSING THE TEST
A HALL OF A PLAYER DE James Hall’s 11th NFL season was one of his best for the veteran leader of St. Louis’ defense. He led the team with 10.5 sacks on the year and has also recorded 57 tackles, including two for loss. Hall also led the Rams and tied for second in the NFL with six forced fumbles in 2010. In the Rams’ Week 16 win over San Francisco, Hall recorded 2.0 sacks in a game for the third time last season. His other two came in Week 4 against Seattle and Week 6 versus San Diego. Hall now has 57.0 career sacks. His 10.5 sacks was his secondhighest single season total of his career (11.5 in 2004). He finished the season ranked ninth in the NFC in sacks.
The Rams defense showed vast improvement in several areas last season, and one of the biggest statistical jumps St. Louis made came in opponent passer rating. After finishing 31st in the NFL in 2009 as opposing passers posted a 96.9 rating against the Rams, Steve Spagnuolo’s group was 9th in the league in the category in 2010. Opponents’ passer rating against St. Louis was 80.4. The drop off came in large part to a pass S James Butler rush that finished seventh in the NFL in sacks. Also, only six teams allowed fewer touchdown passes than the Rams last season, which had a big impact on opponents’ ratings. NFL Leaders, Fewest Touchdowns Allowed
DE James Hall had 10.5 sacks in 2010, which was his second-best season total of his 11-year career. He’s seen here sacking Donovan McNabb in Week 3.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE LB James Laurinaitis led all NFL rookie linebackers in tackles in 2009, and he followed up his stellar rookie campaign with a strong performance in his sophomore NFL season. Laurinaitis led St. Louis with 129 stops last season and became the first Ram since Pisa Tinoisoma to record 100 tackles in each of his first two seasons. Laurinaitis rarely came off the field as he played in a team-high 1,093 snaps in 2010, and his ability to help in the passing game was a huge asset for the Rams. The former Ohio State Buckeye had seven passes defensed, one interception and three sacks on the year. Among Rams, only starting cornerbacks Ron Bartell (13) and Bradley Fletcher (12) had more pass breakups. On Denver’s final drive in Week 12, the Broncos targeted TE Daniel Graham deep down the field, but Laurinaitis got a hand in and knocked the ball loose to help preserve the victory. In Week 8, he ended Carolina’s opening possession with an interception.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Opp. Rating 67.2 73.1 74.4 76.2 76.4 77.1 77.6 78.1 80.4
Green Bay Packer Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears San Diego Chargers Baltimore Ravens New York Jets Tampa Bay Buccaneers Atlanta Falcons St. Louis Rams
SHORT YARDAGE SUCCESS Both offensively and defensively, the Rams were among the league’s best last season when it came to short yardage situations. On offense, St. Louis converted an 80.8 percent of its 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1 opportunities, the second highest mark in the NFL. The league average was 65.8 percent. Defensively, the Rams allowed opponents to convert just 53.8 percent of DT Fred Robbins such situations, third best in the NFL and well above the league average of 65.8 percent.
MARKED IMPROVEMENT Defensively, the Rams were among the most improved teams in the NFL in 2010.
Linebacker James Laurinaitis enjoyed another productive season as he led the Rams in tackles and made numerous plays in the passing game while rarely leaving the field.
St. Louis finished in the top 10 in the league in sacks (7th), third down defense (2nd) and total touchdowns allowed (4t). In addition, the Rams experienced significant increases over 2009 in several key areas. St. Louis ranked 12th in points per game allowed (20.5) after finishing 31st a year earlier (27.3). In all, the Rams allowed 108 fewer points in 2010 than they did in 2009.
CB Ron Bartell
The Rams improved 10 spots in total defense as they ranked 19th in 2010 after finishing 29th in ‘09, and they ranked 17th against the run (113.1 yards per game), compared to 27th in 2009 (137.6).
LONG ON TALENT DE Chris Long enjoyed a breakout season in 2010, his third NFL campaign. Long posted a career-high 8.5 sacks on the season and recorded at least 1.0 sack in seven of his last 11 games. Additionally, he led the Rams with 16 quarterback hits and 21 pressures. In Week 16, he dropped Alex Smith and forced a fumble that Fred Robbins recovered to end a fourth DE Chris Long quarter drive. In Week 12 in Denver, his relentless effort on the game’s final drive helped the Rams hold on to a victory. With St. Louis clinging to a three-point lead in the final minute of Sunday’s game, Long sacked Kyle Orton on second down and pressured him into an errant throw on fourth down. In Week 6 against San Diego, Long turned in his first two-sack performance of the season and his second of his career. For his efforts, Long was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
A BIG ADDITION One of the biggest moves the Rams made last offseason was the acquisition of veteran DT Fred Robbins, and the addition of the 11th year pro quickly paid dividends. Robbins set a new career high with 6.0 sacks on the season and had a big impact on the Rams defense. He held off blockers to allow James Laurinaitis to run free, and his pass rush acumen drew the attention of opposing offenses and helped his defensive line mates.
DANDY DANNY In his first season with the Rams, WR Danny Amendola set new team records in the return game. In year two in St. Louis for Amendola, he became a key component of the offense as well. Amendola led the Rams with 85 receptions for 689 yards in 2010. He finished ninth in the NFL and fifth in the NFC in catches last season. He also averaged 11.3 yards per punt return. In 2009, his first season on an NFL roster, Amendola caught 43 passes for 326 yards in 14 games. He surpassed both totals by midseason in 2010 and added three touchdowns as well. In addition, Amendola was one of the league’s best on third down. His 29 receptions on third down were third most in the NFL in 2010. 2010 NFL Leaders, Third-Down Receptions 1. Roddy White, ATL 2. Stevie Johnson, BUF 3. Danny Amendola, STL 4t. Davone Bess, MIA 4t. Kellen Winslow, TB 4t. Jason Witten, DAL
Third Down Rec. 36 30 29 28 28 28
The former Texas Tech Red Raider led the NFL in all-purpose yardage in 2010 with 2,364 yards. Amendola was the only player in the league to lead his team in punt return, kick return, and receiving yardage. Amendola’s 85 catches this season ranked 13th in Rams history for a single season. He’s caught at least one pass in every game since joining the Rams in Week 2 of the 2009 season, a streak of 30 consecutive games with a reception.
In Week 6, Robbins had a sack and three quarterback hits in the Rams’ win over San Diego, and following the win, teammate Chris Long said the inside push Robbins provided helped Long enjoy a two-sack day that led to Long being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. On the season, Robbins had 24 total tackles, including four for loss, eight quarterback hits and seven passes defensed. He’s a big reason why the Rams saw a big improvement against the run and on third down. Robbins came to the Rams after six seasons with the New York Giants. During two of those seasons, Steve Spagnuolo was the Giants’ defensive coordinator. It’s no coincidence that those two campaigns were perhaps the best of Robbins’ career as he tied his previous career high in sacks (5.5) in each of those seasons and was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2008. He played a key role in New York’s run to their Super Bowl XLII championship.
Rams DT Fred Robbins drops Seattle RB Justin Forsett for a loss. After joining St. Louis as a free agent last spring, Robbins made a big impact on a much-improved Rams defense in 2010.
WR/PR Danny Amendola gave the Rams a boost on offense and in the kicking game in 2010. His 85-catch performance this season was one of the best in team history.
DOWN TOWN JOSH BROWN
KICKING IT
K Josh Brown is among the NFL’s best when it comes to kicking from long distance.
Midway through the season, Rams RB Steven Jackson and K Josh Brown showed up to practice wearing blue t-shirts that read, “Vote Don Jones for Pro Bowl 2010.” The shirts were special ordered by teammate Hank Fraley as Rams players voiced their opinion on which punter should represent the NFC in Hawaii.
Brown connected on a 52-yard try in Week 15 against the Chiefs, his second 52-yarder in 2010. He also hit one as part of a 4-for-4 afternoon in Week 13 at Arizona. Brown hit six field goals of 50-plus yards in 2008 and 2009, tying the team record for K Josh Brown most field goals from 50-plus in a season. His 2008 and ‘09 seasons are tied with Tony Zendejas for most 50-yard field goals in a season in team history. Brown now ranks sixth in NFL history in successful field goal tries from 50 yards or more. Of the five players who rank ahead of Brown - Jason Hanson (45), Morten Andersen (40), John Kasay (40), Jason Elam (39) and Sebastian Janikowski (29) - all but Janikowski played at least nine more seasons than Brown. Janikowski entered the NFL three seasons before Brown. Since entering the NFL in 2003, Brown has made 28 field goals from 50-plus yards, most among active kickers during that time. His 68.3 percentage on field goals of 50 yards or more is second best since ‘03. Most 50+ yard Field Goals Since 2003 (active kickers) 50+ FG Pct. Josh Brown 28 68.3 Sebastian Janikowski 25 52.1 Jason Hanson 24 70.6 John Kasay 19 51.4 Neil Rackers 19 50.0 Brown set a new career high with 33 field goals made in 2010, passing his previous best of 31 in 2008. Brown scored 125 points as well, third best in the NFC and sixth in the NFL among kickers.
ALEXANDER THE GREAT WR Danario Alexander gave the Rams a big-play spark in his rookie season. Alexander, a local favorite due to his stellar career at the University of Missouri, entered this season on the Rams’ practice squad after rebounding from offseason knee surgery, his fifth knee operation of his college career.
Totals, 2010 Rams Date Catches 9/12 10 12/26 6 10/10 12 11/28 4 9/26 5 10/17 4
Jones’ specialty is pinning opponents deep in their own territory. He tied for fifth in the NFL with 32 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line last season. In Week 10 in San Francisco, Jones turned in perhaps his most impressive single game performance of his career. He punted 10 times for a 43.7 average and didn’t allow a single punt to be returned, making him the only punter in the NFL last season to produce a game with 0 return yards on nine or more punts. 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 49.1 2t. Donnie Jones, STL 47.3 2t. Andy Lee, SF 47.2 4. Mat McBriar 46.9 5. Mike Scifres 45.9 NFL Leaders in Net Punting Avg., 2007-present Net Avg. 1. Shane Lechler, OAK 41.8 2. Donnie Jones, STL 40.6 3. Andy Lee, SF 39.9 4. Matt McBriar, DAL 39.9 5. Dustin Colquitt, KC 39.2 *Min. 120 punts
RETURN TO SENDER
He finished the season with 20 receptions for 306 yards and averaged a team-high 15.3 yards per reception. He was a key factor in wins over San Diego WR Danario Alexander (4 catches for 72 yards), Denver (4 for 95) and San Francisco (6 for 99), and posted three of the Rams’ five highest single-game receiving yardage totals. Highest Single-Game Receiving Game Mark Clayton ARI Danario Alexander SF Danny Amendola DET Danario Alexander DEN Mark Clayton WAS Danario Alexander SD
Jones was eventually named an alternate to the All-Star game after another strong season. He finished eighth in the NFL and fourth in the NFC with a gross punting P Donnie Jones average of 45.5 yards per kick. He also ranked third in the NFL and second in the NFC in net punting average (40.0).
Yards 119 99 95 95 85 72
WR Danny Amendola led the Rams in receiving in 2010, and his versatility also served St. Louis well in the return game. Amendola averaged 11.3 yards per punt return last season, sixth best in the NFC and 12th best in the NFL. He gave the Rams a big-play boost and helped the club gain advantageous field position. Amendola had seven punt returns of 20 yards or more last season, second only to Chicago’s Devin Hester, who finished the year with nine.
WR/PR Danny Amendola
In just two seasons, Amendola ranks fourth in Rams history in kickoff return yards (2,760), ninth in punt return yards (812) and third in combined return yards (3,572).
FLETCH BOUNCES BACK
McDANIELS: I’M LOVING IT
In 2009, CB Bradley Fletcher’s rookie season was off to a bang before a torn ACL and LCL ended it seven games in. After an exhaustive offseason of rehab, Fletcher bounced back and earned the starting right cornerback job in 2010.
When Steve Spagnuolo went in search of a new offensive coordinator this spring, his mind immediately went to a man whom Spagnuolo found among the most difficult in the NFL to game plan against. That led to the hiring of Josh McDaniels, who matched wits against Spagnuolo in Super Bowl XLII when Spagnuolo and the Giants defeated McDaniels’ Patriots.
Fletcher was extremely productive in his return. He led the Rams with four interceptions, finished third on the club in tackles (91) and second in passes defensed (12).
Wherever McDaniels has been, his offense has produced. During McDaniels’ first season in Denver, QB Kyle Orton set career highs for pass attempts, completions, passing yards, touchdown passes and passer rating while tying his career low for interceptions.
His interception in New Orleans gave him CB Bradley Fletcher two interceptions in as many weeks, as Fletcher was around the ball regularly last season. Against Seattle in Week 4, 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.
In 2010, the Broncos ranked seventh in the NFL in passing yards per game and finished 13th in total yards per game. WR Brandon Lloyd led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,448 and finished second in the AFC with 11 touchdown catches en route to his first Pro Bowl invitation.
Fletcher’s road back wasn’t an easy one. He underwent an operation to reconstruct his LCL. After rehabbing from his first surgery, he again went under the knife, this time to repair and reconstruct his ACL. Still, Fletcher made it back to the field for the start of 2010 training camp and was a huge asset to the Rams. For his efforts, Fletcher’s teammates named him the club’s Ed Block Courage Award winner.
Under McDaniels’ tutelage, 2007 NFL MVP Tom Brady broke the NFL record for touchdown passes in a season (50) and led the league in both passing yards (4,806) and passer rating (117.2). Brady also set franchise marks in nearly every major passing category, while WR Wes Welker set the franchise record for receptions in a season (112) and WR Randy Moss broke the NFL record for touchdown receptions with 23.
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 quickly inserted him in the starting lineup. Saffold started all 16 games in 2010, making the former Hoosier the only rookie left tackle to start every game for his team last season. According to Statspass.com, Saffold allowed only 3.5 sacks all season T Rodger Saffold while playing for a team that tied for the fifth most passing attempts.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels chat during a recent training camp practice at the Russell Training Center.
DOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
Saffold was the fifth offensive tackle and seventh offensive lineman taken in the 2010 draft.
The Edward Jones Dome was kind to the Rams last season as the team enjoyed a “dome field advantage” that helped St. Louis finish with a 5-3 record at home in 2010.
FRONT AND CENTER
Opponents averaged just 17.6 points per game at the Edward Jones Dome, giving the Rams’ defense the eighth best total in the NFL at home last season. St. Louis held its opponents to 17 points or less in six of its eight home games last season, including each of the first five.
C Jason Brown has anchored the Rams’ offensive line since his arrival in the spring of 2009, and he’s been a model of consistency throughout his six NFL seasons. Brown started all 16 games last season and has started 76 consecutive contests, 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 second NFL season.
Of the Rams’ 43 sacks last season, 24 came with the help of their home crowd, tied for the fourth best total in the NFL.
C Jason Brown
During his career, Brown has blocked for three different 1,000-yard rushers: Steven Jackson (1,416 in 2009 and 1,241 in 2010), Jamal Lewis (1,132 in 2006) and Willis McGahee (1,207 in 2007). Brown was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2009.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo celebrates a home victory with his team.
2011 RAMS VETERAN FREE AGENTS
DT Justin Bannan
G Harvey Dahl
LB Zac Diles
CB Al Harris
S Quintin Michael
DT Justin Bannan 6-3, 310 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Broncos
DT Dan Muir 6-2, 310 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Colts
- Started all 16 games for Denver last season, posting 35 tackles with a sack, a forced fumble and four passes defended.
- Started 24 games for the Colts over the last three seasons, including 14 in 2010.
- Has totalled 237 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception in nine NFL seasons
- Led all Indianapolis defensive linemen with 66 tackles in 2009. DT Dan Muir
G Harvey Dahl 6-5, 305 - 6th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons
RB Jerious Norwood 5-11, 209 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons
- Has started 43 games at right guard over the past three seasons. In his first season as a starter, the Falcons ranked sixth in the NFL in total offense and second in rushing.
- Has averaged 5.3 yards per attempt and returned kicks for an average of 25.5 yards per try throughout his career.
- In each of his three seasons as a starter, the Falcons ranked in the top 10 in fewest sacks per pass play.
RB Jerious Norwood
- Also averaged 9.5 yards per reception during five NFL seasons.
LB Zac Diles 6-2, 245 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Texans
LB Brady Poppinga 6-3, 250 - 7th season 2010 Team: Packers
- Started eight games in 2008 and moved into a starting role full time in 2009 when he started 12 games.
- Started 39 games over a three-year period with the Packers from 2006 through 2008.
- Had his best season in 2010 when he posted 82 tackles. In his four seasons, he has 223 tackles, a sack, a safety, an interception and three forced fumbles.
- Has been a standout special teams performer throughout his career LB Brady Poppinga
CB Al Harris 6-1, 190 - 14th NFL season 2010 Team: Packers, Dolphins
WR Mike Sims-Walker 6-2, 214 - 5th season 2010 Team: Jaguars
- Two-time Pro Bowler who was an alternate for three years before getting an overdue invite to Hawaii.
- Career totals include 122 receptions for 1,648 yards and 14 touchdowns and has caught 7 touchdown passes in each of last two seasons.
- Boasts 21 career interceptions, 470 tackles and 4 sacks; played for Steve Spagnuolo with the Philadelphia Eagles.
WR Mike Sims-Walker
- In 2009, he recorded career highs with 68 catches for 869.
S Quintin Mikell 5-10, 203 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Eagles
RB Cadillac Williams 5-11, 204 - 6th NFL season 2010 Team: Buccaneers
- Earned his first Pro Bowl bid in 2009 after racking up 90 tackles, 13 passes defended and a pair of interceptions.
- Boasts career average of 3.8 yards per carry and has scored 20 rushing touchdowns.
- Has played in 123 games and put up 444 tackles, four sacks, 46 passes defended, 10 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles & 7 fumble recoveries.
- 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,178 and 6 touchdowns. RB Cadillac Williams
2011 RAMS DRAFT PICKS
DE Robert Quinn
DE Robert Quinn D1 (14) - North Carolina
S Jermale Hines D5 (158) - Ohio State
- Racked up 86 tackles, 13 sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss and eight forced fumbles in just 25 games at North Carolina
- Began his career on the weak side at linebacker; played in 11 games as a sophomore after moving to nickel back and was part of one of the nation’s best defenses
- Had a breakthrough season in 2009 when he was first team All Atlantic Coast Conference as he finished second for the league’s Defensive Player of the Year
S Jermale Hines
- As a sophomore, posted 52 tackles and 11 sacks in 13 games starting at right defensive end
TE Lance Kendricks
TE Lance Kendricks D2 (47) - Wisconsin
CB Mikail Baker D7a (216) - Baylor
- Enjoyed a breakout season in 2009, starting nine games and finishing with 29 catches for 356 yards and three touchdowns
- Finished career as one of the most prolific returners in Baylor history, finishing with 1,610 yards on kick returns which is second in school history
- Had his best season in 2010 as a senior, hauling in 43 catches for 663 yards and five touchdowns on his way to being a finalist for the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end
CB Mikail Baker
WR Greg Salas
- Played receiver for four seasons before moving to defensive back - Twice received medical hardship waivers because of a knee injury and a broken collarbone which allowed him to play for the Bears for six seasons.
- Played a key role in Wisconsin running game that was second in the Big 10 and 13th nationally in rushing last season
WR Austin Pettis
- Emerged as one of the nation’s most touted safeties as a senior, earning All Big Ten honors as he started 12 games as he finished with the third most tackles (66) and an interception.
WR Austin Pettis D3 (78) - Boise State
LB Jabara Williams D7b (228) - Stephen F. Austin
- Played in 51 games with 229 receptions for 2,838 yards and an astounding 39 touchdowns
- Was a two-time All American and two time all Southland Conference selection at linebacker and
- His receptions total is first in school history, while his yardage total is second. His 39 touchdowns is also first in Broncos’ history and is third in Western Athletic Conference annals
- Named 2010 SLC Defensive Player of the Year honor LB Jabara Williams
- Finished his college career with more than 400 tackles including 108 as a senior…
- Was first team all conference two consecutive seasons to cap his productive college career
- Played in some games as a running back as a freshman, averaging 5 yards per carry
WR Greg Salas D4 (112) - Hawaii
S Jonathan Nelson D7c (229) - Oklahoma
- Started 40 of his 49 games, posting 285 catches for 4,345 yards and 26 touchdowns
- Had a breakthrough 2009 junior campaign in which he earned All Big 12 Conference honorable mention
- Reception total ranks third in WAC records and 15th in NCAA history. Receiving yardage total places him first in school history, third in WAC annals and tied for sixth in NCAA history - Caught 119 passes for 1,889 yards and 14 touchdowns on his way to third-team All American status in 2010
S Jonathan Nelson
- Entered starting lineup for final 3 games as a junior; had 11 tackles in his first start and picked up an interception in each of those final three games… -Was a full time starter for the first time as a senior in 2010, posting 102 tackles with a pair of interceptions and seven pass breakups.
