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Pre2 vs. TEN
Pre2 vs. TEN
2011 SCHEDULE
PRESEASON (1-0) 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 Time W 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Noon 7:30 p.m. 3:05 p.m. Noon 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
This weeks contest marks the 10th time the Rams and Titans have met in the preseason, the first since 2008. Tennessee holds a 6-3 all-time advantage in the preseason, while the Rams lead the regular-season series 6-4. St. Louis also took the most important meeting between the two teams, a 23-16 decision in Super Bowl XXXIV that gave the Rams their only Super Bowl title.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
TELEVISION Fox (KTVI, Ch. 2 in St. Louis) Play-by-Play: Andrew Siciliano Color Analyst: Marshall Faulk Sideline Reporters: Orlando Pace, Maurice Drummond RADIO WXOS (101.1 FM) Play-by-Play: Steve Savard Color Analyst: DMarco Farr Sideline Reporter: Tony Softli
Wednesday, August 17
-Practice: 4:30 p.m. -Coach Spagnuolo & RB Steven Jackson available on field after practice -Players available on field after practice
Thursday, August 18
-Practice 11:15 a.m. -Coach Spagnuolo & QB Sam Bradford available on field after practice. -Players available on field after practice
Friday, August 19
TBD
Saturday, August 20
Rams vs. Titans Edward Jones Dome 7 p.m. (CST)
Sunday, August 21
Coach Spagnuolo Conference Call TBD
NOTABLE CONNECTIONS
Former Rams: Titans DE Hall Davis was drafted by the Rams in the sixth round in 2010. Titans LB Will Witherspoon played for the Rams from 2006-09. Titans Defensive Coordiantor Jerry Gray played for the Rams from 198591. Titans Assistant Offensive Line Coacho Art Valero was an assistant with the Rams from 2008-09. Former Titans: Rams G Jacob Bell was selected by the Titans in the fifth round (138th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft, and played for the Titans from 2004-07. Missouri Ties: Titans Senior Assistant Dave McGinnis was a graduate assistant (1975) and defensive backs coach (1976-77) at the University of Missouri (Columbia, Mo.). Titans WR Justin Gage is a native of Jefferson City, Mo., and attended the University of Missouri. Titans G/C Eugene Amano attended Southeast Missouri State (Cape Girardeau, Mo.). Titans RB Herb Donaldson is a St. Louis native. Tennessee Ties: Rams Assistant to the Head Coach/Football Operations Bruce Warwick was the Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations at the University of Tennessee from 2007-08. Quality Control/Special Teams Coach Derius Swinton was a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee from 2007-08. Rams T Renardo Foster is a native of Ripley, Tenn. Coaching Connections: Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo coached Titans Assistant Secondary Coach Tim Hauck with the Philadelphia Eagles. Spagnuolo was the defensive assistant and defensive backs coach while Hauck played safety for the Eagles from 1999-2002. Rams WR Coach Nolan Cromwell and Defensive Coordinator Ken Flajole were on Mike Holmgrens staff in Seattle when Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck and S Jordan Babineaux played for the Seahawks. Titans TE Daniel Graham and Rams Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels worked together with both the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos. Titans T David Stewarts head coach at Mississippi State was Rams RB Coach Sylvester Croom. Titans RB Coach Jim Skipper worked with Rams Defensive Coordinator Ken Flajole and Quality Control/Defense Coach Matt House in Carolina.
Rams LB Mike Jones makes the play known as The Tackle as he stops Tennessee WR Kevin Dyson 1-yard short of the end zone to preserve the Rams 23-16 victory over the Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV.
NFL Teammate Connections: Titans DT Jovan Haye played with Rams RB Cadillac Williams for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck and S Jordan Babineaux played with Rams K Josh Brown and P Donnie Jones with the Seattle Seahawks. Titans DE Dave Ball and Rams LB Ben Leber played together with the San Diego Chargers. Titans QB Brett Ratliff and DT Shaun Smith played with Rams C Hank Fraley with the Cleveland Browns. Titans TE Daniel Graham and Rams DT Justin Bannan were teamamtes in Denver. College Teammate Connections: Titans LB Patrick Bailey played with Rams QB Thaddeus Lewis at Duke. Titans WR Kenny Britt and CB Jason McCourty Rams DT Gary Gibson at Rutgers. Titans TE Jared Cook and Rams S Darian Stewart at South Carolina. Titans LB Barrett Rudd and Rams K Josh Brown at Nebraska. Titans LB Tim Shaw and Rams LB Josh Hull at Penn State. Titans TE Daniel Graham and Rams DT Justin Bannan were teamamtes at Colorado.
DEFENSE
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. 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. 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 Nail 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.
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.
MIKE MUNCHAK
NFL Coaching Year: 18th year Titans Head Coach: 1st year Regular Season: 0-0 (.000) Postseason: 0-0 (.000)
Mike Munchak became the 16th head coach in franchise history and the first who was a former player for the team, when he was named to the post on Feb. 7, 2011. After a 12-year playing career as a guard for the Houston Oilers, he spent three seasons assisting the coaching staff. Munchak became the offensive line coach in 1997 and held that position for 14 years (1997-2010). Four of his players have totaled 10 Pro Bowl invitations and his offensive lines have paved the way for five different running backs to total an NFL-high 12 1,000-yard rushing seasons since 1997. Munchak, as a coach, is acknowledged as one of the finest teachers in the game. Only twice during his career has he had the benefit of starting the same starting five linemen from one year to the next. His offensive line allowed the second fewest sacks (28.3 sacks per season) in the NFL since he assumed control of the group in 1997. In 2001, he became the fifth franchise player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He earned nine Pro Bowl invitations during his career and was bestowed the honor of having his Oilers number 63 jersey retired in 1996. As a player, Munchak started 156 regular season games (seventh in franchise history) and 10 playoff games for the Oilers between 1982 and 1993. Respected for his play, he was selected to the NFLs All Decade team for the 1980s. Chronic knee problems led him to retire while still at the top of his game. In his final year, he earned All Pro and Pro Bowl honors. A versatile player, he started his career in a run-first offense with Earl Campbell and transitioned to a pass blocker in the Run N Shoot offense guided by Warren Moon. As a player at Penn State, Munchak lettered in 1979 and 1981, as a guard, and he red-shirted during the 1980 season with a knee injury. He entered the draft with year of eligibility remaining, but degree in-hand and became the first offensive lineman selected with the eighth pick overall in the 1982 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. Upon the completion of his career, Munchak joined the front office in 1994 and assisted the coaching staff. He officially became a coach in 1995 as a quality control coach for the offense. Jeff Fisher promoted him to offensive line coach prior to the 1997 season. He remained in that role until becoming head coach this year. Among his many honors, Munchak has been elected to the Pennsylvania, Texas and Polish-American Sports Halls of Fame. Additionally, he was honored as one of the 38 Sports Legends of Houston prior to Super Bowl XXXVIII. Munchak is a native of Scranton, Pa., and is married to Marci. The couple has two grown daughters Alexandria and Julie.
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
GLANCE
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
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
MUNCHAK,
20111997-10 1994-96 Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans Houston Oilers
AT A
GLANCE
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 franchises 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
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
CENTURY MARK
RB Steven Jackson reached the century mark four times in 2010 to give him 27 100-yard rushing performances on his career. 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. Jacksons 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.
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, Jacksons 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
On the season, Jackson averaged 101.5 scrimmage yards per game, marking the fifth consecutive season hes 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
Steven Jackson / STL Adrian Peterson / MIN* Frank Gore / SF L. Tomlinson / SD-NYJ Brian Westbrook / PHI-SF 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
RB Steven Jackson dives for the end zone on touchdown reception. The catch was one of 327 in Jacksons career.
MAKING HISTORY
A week after becoming the franchises all-time leading rusher, Steven Jackson made another move towards a significant Rams record. 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.
A WORKHORSE BACK
Throughout his career, RB Steven Jackson has been the definition of a bell cow back as hes willingly carried a sizeable workload for the Rams. Last season was no exception, as few in the NFL handled the football more than Jackson. SJ39s 330 carries were second most in the NFL in 2010, trailing only Atlantas 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 teams wide receivers, posted 9,816 total yards while wearing the horns. 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
Arian Foster / HOU Steven Jackson / STL Ray Rice / BAL Chris Johnson / TEN Cedric Benson/ CIN
Rec. 66 46 63 44 28
RB Steven Jackson finished second in the NFL in carries and total touches as the Rams once again benefitted from his reliability.
A ROOKIE NO MORE
Sam Bradford, the top overall pick in last years 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.
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
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 Mannings 3,739 in 1998. Bradfords 18 touchdowns are tied for fifth most among rookies in NFL history. The top overall pick in last years 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.
QB Sam Bradfords numbers during his rookie season compare favorably with other quarterbacks chosen in the first round in recent years.
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
IRON SAM
Rams QB Sam Bradford didnt 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 teams snaps in 2010. Baltimores 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 teams 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. 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 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. Hes lost just 14 fumbles in 2,205 career touches. 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. 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 teams 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 lines 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. Biggest single-year sacks allowed differential from 2009-2010
Team 2009 2010 Differential
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.
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. 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
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
SACK ATTACK
Pressure on the quarterback has always been a trademark of a Steve Spagnuolo defense, and the Rams were among the NFLs 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 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
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 teams win over San Diego, and the Rams had 43 as a team in 2010.
TAKE IT AWAY
Steve Spagnuolos swarming defense saw an increase in takeaways last season, which played a major factor in each of the teams 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.
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. Last week against the Colts, the Rams allowed just one touchdown. 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
LB James Laurinaitis
S Craig Dahl
Last week 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.
TDs Allowed 22 24 27 32 32 32 32 35 36
A HALL OF A PLAYER
DE James Halls 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.
DE James Hall had 10.5 sacks in 2010, which was his second-best season total of his 11-year career. Hes seen here sacking Donovan McNabb in Week 3.
MARKED IMPROVEMENT
Defensively, the Rams were among the most improved teams in the NFL in 2010. 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.
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.
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 games final drive helped the Rams hold on to a victory. With St. Louis clinging to a three-point lead in the final minute of Sundays 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.
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 leagues 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
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. 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. Hes 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. Its 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 Yorks run to their Super Bowl XLII championship.
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. Amendolas 85 catches this season ranked 13th in Rams history for a single season. Hes 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.
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.
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.
KICKING IT
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. 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 didnt 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 Chicagos Devin Hester, who finished the year with nine.
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: IM 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. 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.
T Rodger Saffold
Saffold was the fifth offensive tackle and seventh offensive lineman taken in the 2010 draft.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels chat during a recent training camp practice at the Russell Training Center.
G Jacob Bell
While in Nashville, Bell was tutored by Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak, who coached Tennessees offensive line for 14 seasons. Bell wore number 60 as a Titan but chose 63 when he arrived in St. Louis. He did so as a tribute to Munchak, who wore the same number during his Hall of Fame playing career.
Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo celebrates a home victory with his team.
DT Dan Muir 6-2, 310 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Colts
- Started 24 games for the Colts over the last three seasons, including 14 in 2010. - Led all Indianapolis defensive linemen with 66 tackles in 2009.
DT Dan Muir
DT Justin Bannan
G Harvey Dahl 6-5, 305 - 6th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons
- Has started 43 games at right guard over the past three seasons. In his rst season as a starter, the Falcons ranked sixth in the NFL in total offense and second in rushing.
G Harvey Dahl
RB Jerious Norwood 5-11, 209 - 5th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons
- Has averaged 5.3 yards per attempt and returned kicks for an average of 25.5 yards per try throughout his career. - Also averaged 9.5 yards per reception during ve NFL seasons.
- 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
- Started eight games in 2008 & moved into a starting role full time in 2009 when he started 12 games. - In his four seasons, he has 223 tackles, a sack, a safety, an interception and 3 FFs.
T Quinn Ojinnaka 5-10, 203 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Falcons
- Has appeared in 47 games with 12 starts. - Has spent time with Falcons and Patriots and plays both tackle spots.
T Quinn Ojinnaka
LB Zac Diles
CB Al Harris 6-1, 190 - 14th NFL season 2010 Team: Packers, Dolphins
- Two-time Pro Bowler who was an alternate for three years before getting an overdue invite to Hawaii. - Boasts 21 career INTs, 470 tkl and 4 sacks; played for Steve Spagnuolo with the Eagles.
CB Al Harris
LB Ben Leber 6-3, 244 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Vikings
- Has started 111 of 136 career games and logged 483 tackles, 12 FFs & 5 INTs. - Was a starter on the NFLs top-ranked run defense each season from 2005-08.
LB Ben Leber WR Mike Sims-Walker
S Quintin Mikell 5-10, 203 - 10th NFL season 2010 Team: Eagles
- Earned his rst Pro Bowl bid in 2009 after racking up 90 tackles, 13 passes defended and a pair of interceptions. - - Career totals include up 444 tkls., 4.0 sacks, 46 PDs, 10 INTs, 7 FFs & 7 FRs.
RB Cadillac Williams 5-11, 204 - 6th NFL season 2010 Team: Buccaneers
- Boasts career average of 3.8 yards per carry and has scored 20 rushing touchdowns. - 2005 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,178 and 6 touchdowns.
RB Cadillac Williams
S Quintin Michael
DE Robert Quinn
S Jermale Hines
TE Lance Kendricks
CB Mikail Baker
WR Austin Pettis
- Finished his college career with more than 400 tackles including 108 as a senior - Played in some games as a running back as a freshman, averaging 5 yards per carry
WR Greg Salas
S Jonathan Nelson
St. Louis Rams / Week 2 / Through Saturday, August 13, 2011 / Preseason
Won 1, Lost 0 8/13/2011 W 33- 10 Indianapolis Colts St. Louis 21 10 11 0 8/17 47.1% 1/1 100.0% 36:17 342 342.0 72 4.8 169 169.0 41 173 173.0 0/0 173 31/20 64.5% 0 5/38.8 37.8 2/14 0/0 3 2 1 0 Q1 10 3 Q2 13 0 Q3 10 7 Q4 0 0 Opponent 12 5 6 1 2/10 20.0% 0/1 0.0% 23:43 316 316.0 49 6.4 114 114.0 24 202 202.0 0/0 202 25/10 40.0% 3 5/44.0 39.2 1/5 0/0 1 0 1 0 OT 0 0 Rushing K.Toston C.Williams J.Norwood V.Stumon E.Wide T.Lewis B.Miller Team Opponents Receiving L.Kendricks D.Alexander M.Gilyard B.Guidugli D.Amendola J.West K.Toston B.Gibson B.Miller A.Pettis Team Opponents Interceptions Q.Mikell C.Dahl J.Hines Team Punting D.Jones Team Opponents No 5 5 5 Yds 194 194 220 No. 11 11 8 7 1 2 1 41 24 No. 5 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 20 10 No. 1 1 1 3 Avg 38.8 38.8 44.0 Yds 64 40 37 15 6 4 3 169 114 Yds 47 43 21 18 5 11 8 5 0 0 173 202 Yds 25 18 16 59 Net 37.8 37.8 39.2 Avg Long 5.8 15 3.6 11 4.6 17 2.1 4 6.0 6 2.0 3 3.0 3 4.1 17 4.8 23 Avg Long 9.4 15 14.3 18 10.5 11 9.0 12 2.5 3 11.0 11 8.0 8 5.0 5 0 0 0 0 8.7 18 20.2 44t Avg Long 25.0 25 18.0 18 16.0 16 19.7 25 TB 0 0 0 In 2 2 1 Lg 46 46 51 TD 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 TD 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 TD 0 0 0 0 B 0 0 0 TD 0 0 0 TD 0 0 0 0 50+ 2/ 2 2/ 2 0/ 0
Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty 3rd Down: Made/Att 3rd Down Pct. 4th Down: Made/Att 4th Down Pct. Possession Avg. Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing 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 Score By Periods Team Opponents
Scoring TD Ru Pa Rt PAT J.Brown 0 0 0 0 3/3 C.Williams 1 1 0 0 0/0 K.Toston 1 1 0 0 0/0 L.Kendricks 1 0 1 0 0/0 Team 3 2 1 0 3/3 Opponents 1 0 1 0 1/1 2-Pt. Conversions: Team 0/ 0, Opponents: 0/ 0 Sacks
Punt Returns Ret FC Yds 0 24 M.Gilyard 5 Pts Team 5 0 24 33 Opponents 3 0 5 10 No. Yds Pts Kickoff Returns 1 32 15 M.Gilyard 1 20 6 E.Wide 2 52 6 Team 5 87 6 Opponents 33 Field Goals 1-19 20-29 30-39 10 J.Brown 0/ 0 1/ 1 1/ 1 Team 0/ 0 1/ 1 1/ 1 Opponents 0/ 0 1/ 1 0/ 0 Fumbles Lost Opponent Fumble Recoveries
Avg Long 4.8 15 4.8 15 1.7 6 Avg Long 32.0 32 20.0 20 26.0 32 17.4 28 40-49 0/ 0 0/ 0 0/ 0
TD 0 1 0 1 1
Int Int% Long Sack Lost 0 0.0% 18 0/ 0 0 0.0% 15 0/ 0 0 0.0% 11 0/ 0 0 0.0% 18 0/ 0 3 12.0% 44t 0/ 0