2011 PRESEASON WEEK 4
ST. LOUIS RAMS (3-0) AT
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-2)
Thursday, September 1, 2011, EverBank Field, 6:30 p.m.
2011 SCHEDULE PRESEASON (3-0) 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 FACE JAGUARS IN PRESEASON FINALE
Time W W W 6:30 p.m.
TV 33-10 17-16 14-10 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 wrap up their 2011 preseason slate as they travel to Jacksonville, Fla. Thursday evening to face the Jaguars at EverBank Field. A win in Jacksonville this week would give the Rams a perfect 4-0 record in the preseason for the first time since 1979. Last week, the Rams won a 14-10 decision in the “Governor’s Cup” game against cross-state rival Kansas City. Thursday will be the third preseason meeting between the Rams and Jaguars but the first since 1996. The teams met in each of Jacksonville’s first two years of existence, which were coincidentally the first two years the Rams were in St. Louis. The Rams won both of the previous preseason contests.
DE Chris Long
Last week in Kansas City, the Rams rushed for 170 yards as a team, including 72 from Steven Jackson on 15 carries, and QB Sam Bradford tossed two touchdown passes while the St. Louis defense held the Chiefs to just 58 yards on the ground.
BROADCAST INFORMATION TELEVISION Fox (KTVI, Ch. 2 in St. Louis) Play-by-Play: Andrew Siciliano Color Analysts: Marshall Faulk, Orlando Pace Sideline Reporter: 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 Monday, August 29 -Practice: 11:50 a.m. -Coach Spagnuolo available on field after practice. -Players available
Tuesday, August 30 -Practice: 11:50 a.m. -Coach Spagnuolo available on field after practice -Players available on field after practice
Wednesday, August 31 Travel Day No Availability
Thursday, September 1
Friday, September 2
Saturday, September 3
Rams at Jaguars EverBank Stadium 6:30 p.m. (CST)
Coach Spagnuolo Conference Call
TBD
TBD
VISIT OUR 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 4: ST. LOUIS RAMS
THE SERIES AT A GLANCE • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Overall Preseason Series: Rams lead series, 2-0 Overall Regular Season Series: Rams lead series, 2-1 Rams Regular Season Home Record vs. Jaguars: 2-0 Rams Regular Season Road Record vs. Jaguars: 0-1 Current Streak: Jaguars, one game (2009-present) Rams Longest Streak: Two games (1996-present) Jaguars Longest Streak: Jaguars, one game Regular Season Point Total: Rams 61 - Jaguars 58 Most Points, Rams: 24, Rams 24-21 (2005) Most Points, Jaguars: 23, Jaguars 23-20 (2009) Most Points, both teams: 45, Rams 24-21 (2005) Fewest Points, Rams: 17, Rams 17-14 (1996) Fewest Points, Jaguars: 14, Rams 17-14 (1996) Fewest Points, both teams: Rams 17-14 (1996)
SERIES HISTORY VS. JACKSONVILLE Year 1996
Regular Season Rams lead, 2-1 Result Location Rams, 17-14 STL
Year 2005 2009
Result Location Rams, 24-21 STL Jaguars, 23-20 (OT) JAC
RB Steven Jackson rushed for a career-high 179 yards and one touchdown in the Rams’ 24-21 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars (10/30/05).
TALE OF THE TAPE 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
Jaguars 22.1 (18) 341.3 (15) 149.7 (3) 191.6 (16) 31:43 26.2 (27) 371.8 (28) 121.6 (22) 250.3 (28) 26/189 13/105 -15 (31) 10.0 (18) 23.8 (12) 6.5 (4) 21.5 (10) 57/43.8
AT
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
NOTABLE CONNECTIONS Former Rams: • Jaguars DE Leger Douzable spent the 2009 season and 2010 offseason with the Rams. • Jaguars DT Montavious Stanley spent the first week of the 2006 season on the Rams’ practice squad before signing with Jacksonville. Former Jaguars • Rams WR Mike Sims-Walker spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Jaguars. Missouri Ties: • Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert is a St. Louis native and attended Parkway West High School and the University of Missouri. • Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of Missouri (Columbia, Mo.) from 1989-93. • Jaguars DE C.J. Mosely is from Waynesville, Mo. and played at the University of Missouri. • Jaguars CB Kevin Rutland played at Missouri.
Florida Ties: • Rams WR Mike Sims-Walker is from Orlando and played his college ball at the University of Central Florida. • Rams General Manager Billy Devaney attended Biscayne College in Miami, Fla., before earning his degree from Elon College in North Carolina. • Rams Defensive Line Coach Brendan Daly was an assistant coach at Ridgewood High School in New Port Richey, Fla. • Rams DT Fred Robbins and DE George Selvie are from Pensacola, Fla., and Selvie played at the University of South Florida. • Rams WR Mardy Gilyard is from Bunnell, Fla., QB Thaddeus Lewis is from Opa Locka; CB Al Harris hails from Pompano Beach. • Rams C/G Drew Miller played at the University of Florida. Coaching Connections: • Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter was the head coach at Boise State when Rams S Quintin Mikell played for the Broncos. • Rams Running backs Coach Sylvester Croom coached with Jaguars Linebackers Coach Mark Duffner for the Green Bay Packers in 2003. • Duffner coached Rams LBs Brady Poppinga and Na’il Diggs when he held the same position with the Green Bay Packers. • Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker coached at Ohio State when Rams LB Na’il Diggs played for the Buckeyes. • Jaguars Defensive Assistant Craig Auckerman held a similar position with the Denver Broncos when Rams Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels was the team’s head coach. NFL Teammate Connections: • Jaguars DE Aaron Kampman and OL Tony Moll played with Rams LBs Brady Poppinga and Na’il Diggs with the Green Bay Packers. • Jaguars S Dawan Landry was teammates with Rams DT Justin Bannan and C Jason Brown with the Baltimore Ravens. • Jaguars WR Kassim Osgood played with Rams QB A.J. Feeley and LB Ben Leber with the San Diego Chargers. College Teammate Connections: • Jaguars T Eugene Monroe and DT Nate Collins with Rams DE Chris Long at Virginia. • Jaguars LB Daryl Smith and S Dawan Landry with Rams S James Butler at Georgia Tech. • Jaguars WR Armon Binns and Rams WR Mardy Gilyard at Cincinnati. • Jaguars C John Estes and Rams WR Greg Salas at Hawaii. • Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert and CB Kevin Rutland with Rams WR Danario Alexander at Mizzou. • Jaguars WR Armon Binns and Rams WR Mardy Gilyard at Cincinnati. • Jaguars WR Jason Hill and Rams WR Brandon Gibson at Washington State. • Jaguars OL Tony Moll and Rams G Harvey Dahl at Nevada-Reno.
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 – Has rushed for 3,677 yards and scored 24 combined touchdowns in six NFL seasons. 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
JACK DEL RIO
NFL Coaching Year: 13th year Rams Head Coach: 3rd year Regular Season: 8-24 (.250) 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.
NFL Coaching Year: 15th year Jaguars Head Coach: 9th year Regular Season: 65-63-0 (.508) Postseason: 1-2 (.334)
Jack Del Rio begins his 9th season as Jaguars head coach and is the is the seventh-winningest active head coach in the NFL. Last season, on the strength of the league’s third-ranked rushing attack, Del Rio’s Jaguars shared first place in the AFC South in five of the final six weeks, marking the latest the team had been in that position since 1999. Three Jaguars were selected for the AFC Pro Bowl squad, the most in ten years, and among the individual team records broken were those for touchdown passes, completion percentage and touchdown receptions. In 2002, Del Rio served as the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers. From 1999 to 2001, Del Rio served as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens, helping the team win Super Bowl XXXV over the New York Giants. During the Ravens’ 2000 season, the defense set the NFL 16-game record by allowing only 165 points and recording four shutouts, one shy of the post-1970 record. Del Rio began his coaching career where he started his playing career – in New Orleans under Ditka. He spent two seasons with the Saints as assistant strength coach in 1997 and linebackers coach in 1998.
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.
Drafted in the third round (68th overall) by the Saints in 1985, Del Rio was named to the NFL’s All-Rookie team and earned the Saints’ Rookie of the Year award. Following two seasons in New Orleans (1985-86), he played for the Kansas City Chiefs (1987-88), Dallas Cowboys (1989-91) and Minnesota Vikings (1992-95). He led the Vikings in tackles three straight years and played in the Pro Bowl following the 1994 season.
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.
Del Rio was a four-year starter from 1981-84 at Southern California, where he earned consensus All-America honors as a senior and was runner-up for the Lombardi Award.
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
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
Drafted out of high school by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981, Del Rio batted .340 while playing catcher on Southern California’s baseball team in 1983 and ‘84. He was a teammate of now-retired pitcher Randy Johnson and St. Louis Cardinals batting coach Mark McGwire. A graduate of Hayward (Calif.) High School, the alma mater of Bill Walsh, Del Rio starred in football, baseball and basketball. He holds a political science degree from the University of Kansas, which he earned while playing for the Chiefs. Born April 4, 1963 in Castro Valley, Calif., he and his wife, Linda, have three daughters, Lauren, Hope and Aubrey, and a son, Luke.
DEL RIO, 20032002 1999-2001 1998 1997
Jacksonville Jaguars Carolina Panthers Baltimore Ravens New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints
AT A
GLANCE
Head Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers Coach Linebackers Coach Assistant Strength Coach
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 13 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. The Rams have allowed just one touchdown in each of their first two preseason games. LB James Laurinaitis
S Craig Dahl
Two weeks ago in their preseason opener, the Rams recorded three interceptions which led to a touchdown and two field goals in their 33-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts. 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.
NFL Leaders, Fewest Touchdowns Allowed 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
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.
Defensive Coordinator Ken Flajole
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.
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.
GIBSON’S GRABS WR Brandon Gibson set new career highs last season with 53 receptions for 620 yards. Both totals ranked second among Rams. He looks to build on those totals as he enters his third NFL campaign and second full season with the Rams. Two weeks ago against Tennessee, Gibson caught an 83-yard touchdown pass from QB Sam Bradford on the first play from scrimmage. The score gave the Rams a 7-0 lead just seconds into the contest.
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 Brandon Gibson
Gibson’s catch is the second-longest play from scrimmage by any player this preseason and is the longest play in preseason since the Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995.
DOWN TOWN JOSH BROWN
KICKING IT Midway through last 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.
K Josh Brown is among the NFL’s best when it comes to kicking from long distance. In the Rams’ preseason opener vs. Indianapolis, Brown hit a 60-yard kick on the last play of the first half, which would have set new personal and team records had it come in the regular season. Brown’s career long is 58 yards, while Jeff Wilkins holds the Rams record of 57. K Josh Brown
Brown is a perfect 5-for-5 on field goal attempts this season, including a 42-yard game-winning kick on the final play of regulation two weeks ago against Tennessee. Brown hit six field goals of 50-plus yards in 2008 and 2009, tying the team record for 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.
FLETCH BOUNCES BACK 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. Fletcher led the Rams with four interceptions, finished third on the club in tackles (91) and second in passes defensed (12). Fletcher’s road back wasn’t an easy one. CB Bradley Fletcher 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.
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). 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 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).
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 while playing for a team that tied for the fifth most passing attempts.
McDANIELS: I’M LOVING IT 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. 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.
T Rodger Saffold
Saffold was the fifth offensive tackle and seventh offensive lineman taken in the 2010 draft.
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 consistency throughout his six NFL seasons.
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. 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.
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. During his career, Brown has blocked for three different 1,000-yard rush- C Jason Brown ers: 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.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED The Rams’ roster features 19 undrafted rookie free agents who are vying for spots on the roster, which will be reduced from 90 to 80 this week and again to 53 prior to the start of the regular season. Last year, DT Jermelle Cudjo, WR Dominique Curry, QB Thaddeus Lewis, S Darian Stewart and RB Keith Toston made the opening day roster after joining the team as undrafted rookie free agents. Other current Rams such as S James Butler, OL Adam Goldberg, DT S Darian Stewart Gary Gibson and S Craig Dahl are among dozens of current NFL players who have experienced success after going undrafted.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels chat during a recent training camp practice at the Russell Training Center.
DOME FIELD ADVANTAGE 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. 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. 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.
In recent years, players such as Cowboys WR Miles Austin, Chargers TE Antonio Gates, Browns QB Jake Delhomme, Steelers LB James Harrison and Rams QB Kurt Warner entered the NFL as undrafted free agents and made the Pro Bowl. 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
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 totaled 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
LB Zac Diles 6-2, 245 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Texans
T Quinn Ojinnaka 5-10, 203 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons/Patriots
- Started eight games in 2008 & moved into a starting role full time in 2009 when he started 12 games.
- Has appeared in 47 games with 12 starts.
- In his four seasons, he has 223 tackles, a sack, a safety, an interception and 3 FFs.
- Has spent time with Falcons and Patriots and plays both tackle spots. T Quinn Ojinnaka
CB Al Harris 6-1, 190 - 14th NFL season 2010 Team: Packers, Dolphins
LB Brady Poppinga 6-3, 250 - 7th season 2010 Team: Packers
- Two-time Pro Bowler who was an alternate for three years before getting an overdue invite to Hawaii.
- Started 39 games over a three-year period with the Packers from 2006 through 2008.
- Boasts 21 career INTs, 470 tkl and 4 sacks; played for Steve Spagnuolo with the Eagles.
- Has been a standout special teams performer throughout his career. LB Brady Poppinga
LB Ben Leber 6-3, 244 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Vikings
WR Mike Sims-Walker 6-2, 214 - 5th season 2010 Team: Jaguars
- Has started 111 of 136 career games and logged 483 tackles, 12 FFs & 5 INTs.
- Career totals include 122 rec. for 1,648 yards and 14 TDs and has caught 7 TD passes in each of last two seasons.
- Was a starter on the NFL’s top-ranked run defense each season from 2005-08. LB Ben Leber
S Quintin Mikell
- Also averaged 9.5 yards per reception during five NFL seasons.
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.
- - Career totals include up 444 tkls., 4.0 sacks, 46 PDs, 10 INTs, 7 FFs & 7 FRs.
- 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
- 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
ST. LOUIS RAMS 2011 PRESEASON DEFENSIVE STATS (based on coaches’ video tape evaluations) TACKLES Total Solo Asst. Darian Stewart 11 6 5 Josh Hull 10 6 4 Daniel Muir 8 4 4 Quintin Mikell 7 5 2 Justin King 7 6 1 Jermale Hines 7 4 3 Tim Atchison 7 3 4 Bryan Kehl 6 5 1 James Laurinaitis 6 4 2 Bradley Fletcher 6 4 2 Craig Dahl 5 4 1 Jonathan Nelson 5 4 1 Ron Bartell 5 3 2 Dionte Dinkins 5 3 2 Brady Poppinga 4 4 0 Darell Scott 4 3 1 Jabara Williams 4 3 1 Chris Chamberlain 4 2 2 Justin Bannan 4 2 2 George Selvie 4 2 2 Robert Quinn 4 2 2 James Butler 4 2 2 Eugene Sims 4 1 3 Ben Leber 3 3 0 Na’il Diggs 3 2 1 Zac Diles 3 2 1 C.J. Ah You 3 2 1 Damario Ambrose 2 2 0 Kenneth Charles 2 2 0 Fred Robbins 2 2 0 Jeremy McGee 2 2 0 James Hall 2 1 1 Pete Fleps 2 0 2 Gary Gibson 2 0 2 John Dempsey 1 1 0 Al Harris 1 1 0 John Henderson 1 0 1 Tae Evans 1 0 1 Chris Long 0 0 0 Total 161 102 59 *Tackle totals include tackles for loss * PD is passes defensed
Sacks Yards 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 11.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 28.0
Int. 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
SPECIAL TEAMS STATISTICS Total Solo Jermale Hines ...................3 2 Chris Chamberlain.............2 2 Pete Fleps .........................2 2 Keith Toston ......................2 2 Dominique Curry ..............2 2 Eugene Sims .....................2 2 George Selvie....................2 1 John Dempsey ..................2 0 James Butler .....................1 1 Jonathan Nelson ...............1 1 Mardy Gilyard ....................1 1 Jabara Williams .................1 1 Danario Alexander.............1 0 Zac Diles ...........................1 0 Bryan Kehl .........................1 0 Brit Miller ...........................1 0 Robert Quinn .....................0 0 Total .................................25 17
Ast. 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 8
FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
BK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
BK Rec 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
*PD 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 18
QB Press. 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 9
QB Hits 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12
*FF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
*FR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
St. Louis Rams / Week 4 / Through Friday, August 26, 2011 / Preseason Won 3, Lost 0
Rushing
8/13/2011
W
33- 10
Indianapolis Colts
8/20/2011
W
17- 16
Tennessee Titans
8/26/2011
W
14- 10
at Kansas City Chiefs
Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty
St. Louis 57 20 35 2
Opponent 45 17 25 3
3rd Down: Made/Att 3rd Down Pct. 4th Down: Made/Att 4th Down Pct. Possession Avg. Total Net Yards
23/47 48.9% 1/1 100.0% 31:59 946
13/41 31.7% 2/3 66.7% 28:01 972
Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing
315.3 202 4.7 383
324.0 175 5.6 370
127.7 102 563 187.7 4/25 588 96/58 60.4% 3 18/44.1 40.6 14/108 0/0 7 2 5
123.3 79 602 200.7 3/28 630 93/46 49.5% 4 18/41.7 38.9 17/120 1/0 3 1 2
Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost Gross Yards Attempts/Completions Completion Pct. Had Intercepted Punts/Average Net Punting Avg. Penalties/Yards Fumbles/Ball Lost Touchdowns Rushing Passing Returns
0
Score By Periods Team Opponents Scoring J.Brown L.Kendricks
Q1 31 16
Q2 13 6
Q3 17 14
0
Q4 3 0
OT 0 0
Pts 64 36
TD 0 2
Ru 0 0
Pa 0 2
Rt 0 0
PAT 7/7 0/0
FG 5/5 0/0
2Pt 0 0
Pts 22 12
C.Williams
1
1
0
0
0/0
0/0
0
6
M.Sims-Walker
1
0
1
0
0/0
0/0
0
6
D.Avery B.Gibson K.Toston Team Opponents
1 1 1 7 3
0 0 1 2 1
1 1 0 5 2
0 0 0 0 0
0/0 0/0 0/0 7/7 3/3
0/0 0/0 0/0 5/5 5/6
0 0 0 0 0
6 6 6 64 36
No.
Yds
C.Williams S.Jackson K.Toston J.Norwood V.Stumon
29 21 15 19 8
116 82 66 53 18
4.0 3.9 4.4 2.8 2.3
15 25 15 17 4
1 0 1 0 0
S.Bradford T.Lewis B.Miller E.Wide Team Opponents
2 4 3 1 102 79
18 15 9 6 383 370
9.0 3.8 3.0 6.0 3.8 4.7
13 10 4 6 25 46
0 0 0 0 2 1
Receiving L.Kendricks M.Gilyard D.Amendola D.Alexander G.Salas D.Avery J.Norwood B.Gibson F.Onobun C.Williams M.Sims-Walker B.Guidugli K.Toston S.Jackson J.West A.Pettis B.Bajema B.Miller Team Opponents
No. 8 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 58 46
Yds 82 51 38 61 42 49 19 108 23 19 32 18 16 9 11 6 4 0 588 630
Avg Long 10.3 15 8.5 14 6.3 13 12.2 18 8.4 13 12.3 19t 4.8 8 36.0 83t 7.7 12 6.3 19 16.0 26 9.0 12 8.0 8 4.5 5 11.0 11 6.0 6 4.0 4 0 0 10.1 83t 13.7 44t
TD 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2
Interceptions J.Butler Q.Mikell C.Dahl J.Hines Team Opponents
No. 1 1 1 1 4 3
Yds 33 25 18 16 92 15
Avg Long 33.0 33 25.0 25 18.0 18 16.0 16 23.0 33 5.0 15
TD 0 0 0 0 0 0
Punting D.Jones Team Opponents Punt Returns M.Gilyard A.Pettis G.Salas Team Opponents
No 18 18 18
Yds 794 794 751
Avg 44.1 44.1 41.7 Ret 10 1 0 11 11
FC 2 2 1 5 3
Net 40.6 40.6 38.9
Avg Long
TB 1 1 0
In 4 4 8
TD
Lg 58 58 55
B 0 0 0
Yds 50 0 0 50 43
Avg Long 5.0 17 0.0 0 0 0 4.5 17 3.9 17
TD 0 0 0 0 0
Yds 173 53 20 246 133
Avg Long 24.7 32 26.5 31 20.0 20 24.6 32 19.0 28
TD 0 0 0 0 0
40-49 1/ 1 1/ 1 1/ 1
50+ 2/ 2 2/ 2 0/ 0
2-Pt. Conversions: Team 0/ 0, Opponents: 0/ 0 Sacks: J.Hall 1.0, R.Quinn 1.0, J.Laurinaitis 1.0 Team: 3.0, Opponents: 4.0
Kickoff Returns M.Gilyard C.Reynolds E.Wide Team Opponents Field Goals J.Brown Team Opponents
Passing S.Bradford A.Feeley T.Lewis Team Opponents
Att 43 36 17 96 93
Cmp 24 23 11 58 46
Yds 278 208 102 588 630
Cmp% 55.8% 63.9% 64.7% 60.4% 49.5%
Yds/Att 6.5 5.8 6.0 6.1 6.8
TD 4 1 0 5 2
TD% 9.3% 2.8% 0.0% 5.2% 2.2%
Int 2 1 0 3 4
No. 7 2 1 10 7 1-19 0/ 0 0/ 0 0/ 0
Int% Long 4.7% 83t 2.8% 19t 0.0% 13 3.1% 83t 4.3% 44t
20-29 1/ 1 1/ 1 4/ 5
Sack 3/ 0/ 1/ 4/ 3/
30-39 1/ 1 1/ 1 0/ 0
Lost 24 0 1 25 28
Rating 87.2 77.1 81.0 82.3 60.8
