Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

St. Louis Rams' C.J. Ah You is out for rest of season

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November 20

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"After spending 1½ seasons on the Rams' practice squad, defensive end C.J. Ah You made the "varsity" this September as one of the team's bigger roster longshots. There was a field-goal fiasco opening day in Seattle, when Ah You blocked a kick that was returned for an apparent touchdown but wiped out by a penalty for 12 men on the field. (Ah You was that 12th man.) There were times early in the season when the undersized Ah You got bounced around by opposing blockers when used in the Rams' four-defensive end pass rush package. But he got better and better, and just when he was playing his best ball of the season, the injuries struck. After missing the Detroit game with a high ankle sprain, ..."

Arizona Cardinals and Kurt Warner break 'Super swoon'

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November 20

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Having witnessed the "Super Bowl Swoon" firsthand, Kurt Warner couldn't help but wonder if his Arizona Cardinals were bound to become the latest victims when they dropped two of their first three games this season. Only one of the last eight teams to lose in the Super Bowl returned to the playoffs the following season - Seattle in 2006, by winning the NFC West with a 9-7 record. New England is the only other Super Bowl loser during that span to post a winning mark the following season - 11-5 last year. The Patriots didn't qualify for the postseason, however. The six other runners-up compiled an overall 38-58 record. That group includes the 2002 Rams, who tumbled to 7-9 after going 14-2 ..."

Even at 1-8, Jackson, Rams upbeat

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November 19

Arizona Republic

"Ken Whisenhunt wasn't just being kind Wednesday when he said the St. Louis Rams don't look like a 1-8 team. When the Cardinals coach broke down game film of Arizona's opponent this Sunday, the Rams' won-loss record wasn't to be seen. But he did see a ton of heart, energy and aggression. "To me, they look like a good team on tape," Whisenhunt said. "They play hard, they play disciplined. They make mistakes like we all do, but I've got to give these guys credit. They play hard. They don't look like a team that has their record." Rams running back Steven Jackson is glad somebody is starting to notice. Despite a handful of blowout losses this season, St. Louis no longer is the pushover team ..."

Wide receiver Jordan Kent ready to jump in

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November 19

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Nervous but determined, Jordan Kent approached his father a few years ago, asking, "Will you still love me if I do something?" Ernie Kent was shaken. "He thought I was getting married," Jordan recalled, laughing. "I said, 'No, I want to play football.'" Because Ernie Kent is the basketball coach at the University of Oregon and Jordan was a member of his squad, you can imagine his initial reaction. "He wasn't really for it at the time," Jordan said, "but he gave his blessing about a week later. He's been one of my biggest fans since then." Now, Ernie has a new team to support. Jordan, a 6-foot-4, 219-pound wide receiver, signed a free-agent deal with the Rams on Tuesday. He practiced with ..."

Rams face Arizona Cardinals' triple threat

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November 19

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"For the St. Louis pass defense, every week brings its own set of challenges. Perhaps none bigger than the three-headed monster coming to town this week — otherwise known as the Arizona wide receiver corps. Last season, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston became only the fifth trio in NFL history with 1,000 yards receiving apiece. They also became just the fifth trio in league history with 75 catches each. Despite some injury problems for Boldin and Breaston, they're not far off that pace this season. "They're definitely a special group," safety Oshiomogho Atogwe said. "They're almost playing on a different level. It's almost like they're not running an offense off a (play) ..."

Rookie is quick study

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November 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"As Brandon Gibson made one catch after another Sunday against New Orleans, the collective thought throughout Rams Nation must have gone something like this: "OK, now we know why they traded for this guy." With fewer than a dozen practices under his belt since being acquired from Philadelphia in the Will Witherspoon trade, Gibson posted the most receptions (seven) for a Rams wide receiver and the most reception yards (93) for any Rams player this season. Gibson, a rookie from Washington State, is the first to admit he was nervous against the Saints. At the same time, he exudes confidence, although not in a cocky way. "Some people know what I'm capable of," Gibson said. "But there were ..."

St. Louis Rams' Keenan Burton is latest receiver to go down

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November 17

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"With the NFL season just past the halfway mark, the Rams have only one wide receiver - Donnie Avery - left on their active roster who was with the team during training camp. The rest either have been released or have suffered season-ending injuries. The latest to go down is Keenan Burton, scheduled for surgery after hurting his right knee in the first quarter of Sunday's 28-23 loss to New Orleans. He'll join wideouts Laurent Robinson (leg) and Brooks Foster (ankle) on the injured-reserve list."

Schedule sends St. Louis Rams another strong opponent

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November 17

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"At least the Rams don't play an unbeaten team this week. Then again, the visiting Arizona Cardinals are unbeaten on the road this season. "Thanks," coach Steve Spagnuolo said, with mock sarcasm. The news of Arizona's road success wasn't exactly the pick-me-up he was looking for after Sunday's 28-23 near miss against New Orleans. But that's the way things have gone this season for the Rams - one hurdle after another. The Rams' first four home opponents in 2009 - Green Bay, Minnesota, Indianapolis and New Orleans - are a combined 31-5. In comparison, the NFC West-leading Cardinals are a "modest" 6-3. "We've got a division game, a rival," defensive tackle Clifton Ryan said. "High-powered ..."

WR Keenan Burton out for the season

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November 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Wide receiver Keenan Burton entered Sunday's game as the Rams' leading receiver this season with 25 catches. But his season ended in the first quarter against New Orleans with a knee injury when he landed awkwardly on a Marc Bulger pass that was intercepted by Usama Young. "It's a patella injury," Spagnuolo said. "It's a pretty (bad) injury." Burton will become the eighth Rams player overall, and the third wide receiver, to go on the injured reserve list this season. The other wideouts on IR are Laurent Robinson and 2009 draft pick Brooks Foster. "You can't control injuries," Spagnuolo said. "I don't get frustrated about that. Keenan Burton I love. I mean, he's stepped up to become a ..."

Rams notebook: Jackson reaches milestone in defeat

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November 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Steven Jackson doesn't seem to be all about numbers anymore. The days are long gone when the Rams' running back made bold predictions about his yardage totals. But in a Rams franchise known for its star running backs over the years, Jackson is now No. 3 in career rushing yards. With a 7-yard run with 8 minutes, 3 seconds left in the third quarter Sunday against New Orleans, Jackson moved past Lawrence McCutcheon for the No. 3 spot. "It'd mean a little more if we got this win," Jackson said following Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Saints at the Edward Jones Dome. "But I'm a fan of 'Clutch,' and to be able to pass him, it means a lot. It says more for my offensive line and what we're doing as a ..."

Rookie Brandon Gibson stands out in first test

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November 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Never figuring that he'd have to wait 2½ months to have an opportunity to make a splash in the NFL, rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson acknowledged that he was a bit frazzled Sunday. "I was actually kind of nervous the whole game, just because it was my first real action, and with Keenan (Burton) going down, your number's called quite a bit," Gibson said. "I just wanted to go out there and make plays and help this team." Burton, the Rams' No. 2 wide receiver, suffered what apparently is a season-ending knee injury about midway through the first quarter. That moved Gibson alongside Donnie Avery as the team's top two wideouts the rest of the way against the unbeaten New Orleans Saints."

Rams lack the gift of grab

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November 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"These are the games players dream about, especially players on a young, victory-starved team like the Rams. "Coming into this game, not a lot of people gave us a chance to even hang around in this game," running back Steven Jackson said. Truth be told, why should they? The Rams had played two unbeaten teams previously at home this season - Minnesota and Indianapolis - and lost by a combined score of 80-16. Why should Sunday be any different against a New Orleans team on pace to become the highest-scoring squad in NFL history? Well, it was. On Sunday, the Rams became the first team in league history to play three straight home games against unbeaten teams. They came close to making more ..."

N.O. defense finds groove in second half

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"It wasn't a good sign when St. Louis running back Steven Jackson burst into the Saints' secondary for a 30-yard gain on his first carry. It was even more troubling that the Saints went into halftime against the struggling Rams tied at 14, thanks to 100 yards rushing by Jackson. But the Saints can credit their adjustments on defense -- specifically their ability to tackle Jackson -- for helping them escape St. Louis with a 28-23 victory to remain undefeated. For the third consecutive game, Jackson, 6 feet 2, 235 pounds, powered his way to more than 130 yards. He had 134 against Indianapolis, 149 at Detroit, and he finished with 131 against the Saints. But after that 100-yard outburst on ..."

Saints able to turn ugly into victory

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Yes, the journey is getting tougher. But admit it. You're getting spoiled. You were sitting there, wondering how many touchdowns your heroes would make against a team that had given up 29 and managed to make only eight in its first eight games. That one statistic was enough to make you feel sorry for the St. Louis Rams. Then they kicked off Sunday, and you were introduced to a guy most of you Who Dats never heard of. On your fantasy list of running backs, I'm guessing Steven Jackson ranked somewhere down there, after names like Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, DeAngelo Williams, Ricky Williams, Jamal Lewis, Brandon Jacobs, Ronnie Brown, Frank Gore. In some cases, that's how it is ..."

OFFENSE

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"OFFENSE 2 fleur de lis. The big plays and the big mistakes canceled each other out in this one. The Saints' offense scored three touchdowns (a Reggie Bush run, a Bush catch and a pass from Drew Brees to Robert Meachem). And Bush and Meachem broke loose for runs of 55 yards and 41 yards on non-scoring plays. But the Saints also turned the ball over three times (two Brees interceptions and a fumble by Marques Colston at the goal line). And they failed to make a first down on their final three drives, which kept the Rams alive. The Saints finished with 203 rushing yards, but tailbacks Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell combined for 67 yards on 19 carries (a 3.5 average). DEFENSE 2 fleur de lis. ..."

Extent of Porter's leg injury unknown

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints officials provided few details on the extent of cornerback Tracy Porter's left leg injury but based on his body language as he left the locker room Sunday, it appears to be serious. With the aid of two crutches and a helping hand from assistant trainer Reggie Stone, Porter limped to a waiting cart, which whisked him off to a team bus and eventually the two-hour flight home to New Orleans. Porter looked up from under his hooded designed sweatshirt and declined comment. He left others to speak for him. "Nothing right now," Coach Sean Payton said moments after the heavily favored Saints remained unbeaten with a riveting 28-23 victory against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones ..."

GAME RECAP

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"He continued his recent struggles Sunday, throwing as many interceptions (two) as touchdown passes against the St. Louis Rams. He now has thrown one more interception (seven) than touchdown passes (six) in his past four games after throwing 13 scoring passes and just two interceptions in his first six games. Brees was sacked once and completed 18 of 26 passes for 223 yards for an 89.1 passer rating. "We're not content with where we're at and the way we've played these last few weeks," said Brees, who threw a laser to wide receiver Robert Meachem for a 27-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. "We as an offense need to close the game out when we're given the opportunity. We didn't do that ..."

GOOD ENOUGH Saints hold off stubborn Rams to remain undefeated

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November 16

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"This story's getting awfully familiar, isn't it? The Saints went into St. Louis on Sunday, didn't play their best game, coughed up the ball too much, allowed too many rushing yards and suffered another costly injury on defense, yet they still escaped with a 28-23 victory. New Orleans has been flirting with disaster for so long now that it might want to consider buying an engagement ring. But at 9-0, the Saints remain perfect in the one area that matters most. "I don't know if satisfaction is the right word. But we're excited; 9-0 is a great place to be. What's even more exciting is how much better we can play," Saints offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb said while trying to put another ..."

Key matchups: Bulger vs. Sharper

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November 15

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"An ageless wonder at 34, Saints FS Darren Sharper is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions this season. He has returned three for TDs and has 317 interception return yards. To put that in perspective, only one Rams player (Steven Jackson) has produced that many yards on OFFENSE. "Darren, he's an experienced guy that runs around and sometimes he's not where you think he's supposed to be," Rams QB Marc Bulger said. "He has that experience. And they do give him a little more slack back there." Normally, there are landmarks where safeties are supposed to be in certain coverages, such as the hashmarks or yard-line numbers on the field. But Sharper doesn't always follow form. He will ..."

Hargrove has a fresh start

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November 15

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"On the field was never a problem for defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove. "He's the most athletic guy I've ever seen probably at that size," said Leonard Little, a veteran of 12 NFL seasons with the Rams. "He weighed like 280, 285 back then. He could run like a 4.5 and do backflips. Do a 360 dunk." But off the field was another story. Hargrove loved to party, and did more than dabble. Alcohol? Marijuana? Cocaine? "All of the above," Hargrove told the Post-Dispatch. In St. Louis, this came to a head in September 2006. Out late with friends at an area casino, Hargrove continued the party at his house. As the Rams convened for practice on a Wednesday morning, Hargrove wasn't there. No one at ..."

Intrigue behind Rams sale

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November 15

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Bernie Miklasz

"Let's get down to business. It's time to update the attempted sale of the St. Louis Rams. The process has been secretive for the most part. Obviously, there's a lot that I don't know. But after making several rounds of phone calls this week and talking to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, I'll share what I know. And I'll also discuss the ongoing effort of Blues chairman Dave Checketts, who is attempting to put together a consortium to purchase the 60 percent of the Rams owned by Chip Rosenbloom and his sister, Lucia Rodriguez. Checketts is carrying the football on behalf of St. Louis. That's a positive, but there is a downside, and later in the column I'll explain ..."

Nothing for granted

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November 15

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"The Rams may look harmless, with a 1-7 record and a sputtering offense that has them averaging an NFL-low 9.6 points per game. Still, the Saints -- who are averaging a league-high 37.9 points -- don't need to search very hard for motivation heading into this afternoon's game in St. Louis' Edward Jones Dome. Two years ago, these same Rams were 0-8 when they visited the Superdome and dominated the Saints in a 37-29 victory in a game New Orleans trailed by as much as 34-7. When asked what lesson the Saints learned from that experience, Coach Sean Payton said, "I think it's the lesson that's existed as long as this league's existed. If you're not ready to play a game, you can get beat and ..."

It's a Brees for Saints

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November 14

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Because he's generally otherwise occupied, New England quarterback Tom Brady doesn't get to tune in to many live NFL games. But he doesn't miss the weekly highlights. And even though New Orleans is on pace to outscore and outgain the vaunted Patriots of 2007, whose high-powered attack carried them to 18 consecutive wins before the Super Bowl surprise, Brady enjoys watching the Saints the most. "They're good at every skill position," said Brady, a connoisseur of delectable offenses. "They have a great quarterback, some great receivers, and a running game that really complements their passing game." With Brady putting up unworldly numbers - 50 touchdown passes vs. just eight interceptions ..."

Mike Karney braces for his ex-team

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November 14

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Other than the timing - he was cut last spring on the day before his wedding - Rams fullback Mike Karney harbors no ill will toward his former team, the New Orleans Saints. "I've completely moved on from that whole situation," Karney said. "There ain't none of that left in my system at all. That was eight months ago, and does you no good." Even so, Karney admitted he has a little extra motivation playing his old team Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. "You have a little bit more of an edge, but it's the National Fooball League," he said. "Every week you've got to get up and get ready to play, because you're going against the best of the best." Karney was a fifth-round draft pick by the ..."

Cornerback Ron Bartell toughs it out

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November 12

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Tempting as it might have been to simply take a couple of weeks off and let his sore thigh heal, Rams cornerback Ron Bartell just couldn't do it. "Your pride kind of kicks in," he explained. "I felt like this team needs me, just like we need everybody. We've already had a lot of injuries. I felt like I was good enough to play, despite the leg. But I have to play better." No one realizes more than Bartell that his season hasn't gone as well as planned - especially after he received a four-year contract in the offseason that could max out at $28 million. The thigh injury, which has nagged him for about two months, undoubtedly has been a factor. But Bartell, a second-round draft choice in ..."

St. Louis Rams pay tribute to military vets

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November 12

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Normally at the end of practice, Rams players huddle up en masse in the middle of the field. Coach Steve Spagnuolo makes a few remarks about the day's work or the upcoming game. And that's it. But on Wednesday, Veterans Day, it took a little longer than usual. This time, the entire team kneeled, heads bowed. At the request of Spagnuolo, safety Oshiomogho Atogwe was leading the Rams in prayer. "The team was just really saying a prayer and thanks for veterans," Spagnuolo said. "Not only the ones in the past, but the troops that are over there fighting for us now." Atogwe has no immediate family members in the military, but he has friends who have served. "I think it's important to honor the ..."

New Orleans Saints' scouting report for the St. Louis Rams

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November 11

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Called "The Greatest Show on Turf" during their Super Bowl-winning 1999 season, the Rams in recent seasons pretty much have become a comedy show. St. Louis (1-7), which didn't play last week, snapped a franchise-record 17-game losing streak with a 17-10 road victory against Detroit on Nov. 1. Against the Saints, the Rams will be trying to snap an eight-game home losing streak. First-year coach Steve Spagnuolo came to the Rams from the Giants with credentials as a top defensive coach. He built the unit that was the backbone of New York's Super Bowl championship team two seasons ago. In St. Louis, Spagnuolo has plenty of work to do. The Rams went 2-14 last season and 3-13 in 2007. This ..."

Rams' special teams are making strides

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November 11

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"At the start of the 2009 season, it looked like there were going to be enough Rams special teams blunders to fill a reel of football follies. - There was a lost fumble on the season-opening kickoff return by Donnie Avery in Seattle. - A blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by Quincy Butler in that same game was negated by a penalty for having 12 men on the field. - Anthony Smith's holding penalty wiped out a 92-yard kickoff return by Danny Amendola to open the San Francisco game. - And the ultimate in muffed punts in that same 49ers game, resulting in a San Francisco touchdown. (The ball struck Butler in the leg; he compounded the problem by trying to pick up the ball in the end ..."

Rams' Long stays positive

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November 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"When the Rams' snapped their 17-game losing streak last Sunday in Detroit, it wasn't the only dubious streak to end that day at Ford Field. Rams defensive end Chris Long had gone 16 consecutive games without a sack before dropping Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford for a four-yard loss in the third quarter. "It's a big weight (lifted), I'm not going to lie," Long said. "It's just crazy to go through seven games with zero sacks (this season). It just doesn't make sense. You're playing better ball than last year and you've got less sacks.""

Incognito will not practice this week

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November 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Right guard Richie Incognito has discarded the protective boot worn on his left foot the past couple of weeks. But coach Steve Spagnuolo says Incognito won't practice this week. If that turns out to be the case, Incognito will miss Sunday's game against New Orleans. Any work Incognito gets "will be in a controlled training room setting and not out here," Spagnuolo said after Monday's practice at Rams Park. "He's still getting treated." Once again, the Rams are expected to go with Adam Goldberg at right guard and rookie Jason Smith at right tackle against the Saints. Incognito hasn't played or practiced since suffering a mid-foot sprain Oct. 25 against Indianapolis. Incognito was the only ..."

With Saints ahead, Rams get down to work quickly

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November 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Refreshed and relaxed after a four-day break for their bye week, the Rams returned to practice Monday. But if you think coach Steve Spagnuolo had a big speech waiting for his squad on what lies ahead over the second half of the season, think again. "No, just got right back into the normal week," Spagnuolo said, blinders on as usual. That's probably a good thing considering that this week's opponent is the unbeaten New Orleans Saints - 8-0 and proud possessors of the NFL's top-ranked offense. No need to look beyond that."

Buffalo Bills' Jairus Byrd pilfers passes at a rapid rate

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November 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The ball, zipped over the middle Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium near Buffalo, was streaking toward Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson. Just as Johnson began to gather it in, it was ripped away from him. The thief was Bills free safety Jairus Byrd, a rookie who is making a habit of pilfering balls intended for others. The interception was his seventh of the season, tied for the most in the NFL. "He's just been sensational," Bills coach Dick Jauron told reporters. "He's clearly got skills that are not ordinary for this level, and he's using them." Byrd's skills were on display here in 2003 and '04, when he was an all-purpose star — quarterback, free safety, punter, punt ..."

Rams' Long stays positive

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November 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"When the Rams' snapped their 17-game losing streak last Sunday in Detroit, it wasn't the only dubious streak to end that day at Ford Field. Rams defensive end Chris Long had gone 16 consecutive games without a sack before dropping Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford for a four-yard loss in the third quarter. "It's a big weight (lifted), I'm not going to lie," Long said. "It's just crazy to go through seven games with zero sacks (this season). It just doesn't make sense. You're playing better ball than last year and you've got less sacks." Long was almost sheepish talking about the sack, because it wouldn't have been his had not teammate Clifton Ryan whiffed on tackling Stafford after ..."

Jaguars nab safety Smith

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November 7

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"The Green Bay Packers came close to reacquiring safety Anthony Smith on Friday but lost out to the Jacksonville Jaguars because of the National Football League waiver system. An executive in personnel for an AFC team confirmed what had been reported on nationalfootballpost.com, that Jacksonville was awarded Smith over a claim put in by Green Bay. The waiver system at this time of year is based on inverse order of the standings. At 3-4, the Jaguars had claiming priority over the Packers, 4-3. If Smith had been awarded to the Packers, they would have had to remove a player from the 53-man roster. A good guess is that the club would have released one of three backup safeties: Matt Giordano, ..."

In a down economy, NFL viewership is up

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November 6

Washington Post

"When this NFL season began with some franchises struggling to sell tickets, there were concerns about the impact that the uncertain U.S. economy would have on the nation's most prosperous sport. While those concerns have turned out to be justified in a few NFL cities and unfounded in others, there has been an unforeseen development: The NFL's television ratings are soaring this season, and some analysts say it appears to be the result of consumers cutting back on other, more costly leisure activities in favor of watching pro football on TV. "I think there's only one answer and that is the NFL and television are actually getting the so-called 'benefit' of the recession," said Neal Pilson, ..."

Tight ends shoulder the load for St. Louis Rams

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November 5

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Who would've guessed that at the midway point of the season, the Rams' touchdown leader would be Daniel Fells and fellow tight end Billy Bajema would have the team's highest yards-per-catch average? "I'll tell you who would've guessed that - the tight ends would've guessed that," Fells shot back in mock indignation. The 6-foot-4, 272-pound Fells has found the end zone three times, most recently on Sunday in the Rams' 17-10 victory in Detroit. Fells hustled 36 yards after taking a short pass from kicker Josh Brown on a fake field goal."

Marc Bulger takes criticism for slide in stride

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November 5

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Bulger-bashers everywhere received more ammunition Sunday when the Rams quarterback went into a slide to avoid contact on a third-down scramble in Detroit. In what was a 10-2 game in the Rams' favor at the time, Marc Bulger's slide ended a 5-yard gain to the St. Louis 46. Trouble was, the Rams needed 6 yards for a first down with 9 1/2 minutes to go in the third quarter. On Wednesday, in his first comments about the controversial slide, Bulger offered no apologies or mea culpas for the play. "I was close (to a first down)," Bulger said. "There's been times this year I've gone in head first and it's hurt me for a couple weeks. So I thought I had it, but I didn't." And then, cognizant of ..."

St. Louis Rams' Steve Spagnuolo takes stock of team

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November 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"At the halfway mark of the season, the Rams find themselves in last place in the NFC West, last in the NFL in scoring (77 points) and last in the league in points yielded (221). But they did hit the midway point - and their bye week - on the heels of their first win in more than a year, a 17-10 triumph Sunday in Detroit. So, coach Steve Spagnuolo's informal "State of the Team" address Tuesday was generally upbeat. "There were some struggles; there were some good things," he said. "But we've built something. We talked this morning about the foundation we wanted to build. There's some trust, there's mutual respect, there's unity on the team. I think more than anything, we take that away" ..."

Rams fans finally can appreciate Steven Jackson

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November 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"On Tuesday afternoon as he went rummaging through the bottom of his locker room stall to find his shoes and socks, Steven Jackson really didn't look any different from how the big Pro Bowl running back has for most of his six years as a Ram: same long, flowing dreadlocks, same toothy smile, same oversized middle linebacker's body that has been tenderizing defenses on a weekly basis since he became this team's go-to offensive weapon. But there was something different. At long last, Steven Jackson seems to be accepted. "I think (the public) has had a chance to get to know me and I have had a chance to get to know them," Jackson said. "Some of the things I may say now might not take them ..."

Rams look for boost from bye week

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November 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The bye week comes at an ideal time for the Rams - the halfway mark of the season for their new head coach, his new staff and a roster brimming with new players. Or, so it would seem ideal. "The conventional wisdom would say that," coach Steve Spagnuolo said. "But I would throw this at you: In 2003 in Philadelphia, we had the bye after the second game. When we got that schedule, everybody was like, 'That's a terrible time to have the bye.' "But we were 0-2 and had all kinds of injuries after the first two games. So it came at a perfect time." After opening with losses to Tampa Bay and New England, the Eagles went 12-2 the rest of the way and won the NFC East. That's not saying something ..."

Rams coach praised for first NFL win

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November 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"A week ago, after his team had fallen to 0-7 with a 42-6 loss to Indianapolis, Steve Spagnuolo was asked if he received words of encouragement from friends or coaching counterparts. "When you're winning, you get a lot of phone calls," Spagnuolo joked. "When you're not, everybody's afraid to (call). But really, that's when you want 'em. That's when you need 'em." Spagnuolo was a winner Sunday for the first time as an NFL head coach, when his Rams edged Detroit 17-10 at Ford Field. But there's no champagne or parade planned for the bye week, and Kiener Plaza hasn't been booked for a celebratory rally. Mayor Francis G. Slay won't present Spagnuolo with a key to the city. The coach said he ..."

Rams' trick earns a treat

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November 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The last time Rams kicker Josh Brown launched a pass, he was playing eight-man football at tiny Foyil (Okla.) High. As of Sunday afternoon, Brown is one for one - with a perfect passer rating of 158.3 - as a pro. His short toss to tight end Daniel Fells on a fake field goal late in the first half resulted in a 36-yard touchdown and gave the Rams a 10-2 lead on their way to a 17-10 victory over the Detroit Lions. "I hadn't run a fake in seven years, in my time in the league," Brown said. "It worked to perfection." At first, the Rams lined up to go for a first down on fourth and 8 with 1 minute, 7 seconds left in the half. Quarterback Marc Bulger aborted the attempt by calling a timeout. ..."

Rams find daylight

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November 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"As with many things in the game of football, timing is everything when it comes to the celebratory Gatorade shower. "It's got to be perfect," defensive tackle Leger Douzable said. "It can't be too early, 'cause he'll see you. If it's too late, he might be already on the field." But like so many things this season for the woebegone Rams, it didn't come easy. When Douzable and safety James Butler - both former Giants who were with coach Steve Spagnuolo in New York - found the orange Gatorade bucket, it was ... empty. "So we had to put water in, get the ice," Butler said. "We had to do all that." But they did it, and so did the Rams. After 17 consecutive losses, over 378 days, St. Louis' ..."

Rams rise to challenge

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November 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Bryan Burwell

"Our local nightmare was at long last about to come to an end, only we didn't know it yet, and quite frankly, neither did Steven Jackson. He'd already endured 378 agonizing, disgusting, frustrating days and nights of winless football. And with less than 2 minutes to go Sunday afternoon in half-empty Ford Field, the rambunctious audience of 40,857 raw-lunged Lions fans were cranking up the noise and sensing that somehow, some way Jackson's woebegone Rams would figure out another excruciating way to extend a 17-game losing streak to one more luckless game. These Lions fans - connoisseurs of the unflattering art of NFL futility - thought they knew what a truly bad team looks like when it is on ..."

Jackson, Brown are stars for Rams

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November 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Steven Jackson's rushing heroics and kicker Josh Brown's touchdown pass were the attention grabbers in the Rams' 17-10 victory Sunday over Detroit, and rightfully so. Jackson's 25-yard touchdown run snapped a 10-10 tie in the fourth quarter, and Brown's 36-yard TD pass to Daniel Fells on a fake field goal in the second quarter accounted for the Rams' only other touchdown. But the Rams' defense did its part, limiting the Lions and play-caller Scott Linehan to 10 points and 289 yards offense. Both were the second-lowest totals yielded in those categories by the Rams this season. Linehan, the Lions' offensive coordinator and former Rams head coach, kept the visiting team off-balance early ..."

Steven Jackson carries Rams to a 'W'

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November 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"After driving the defensive lineman in front of him to the ground, Rams center Jason Brown sneaked a peek downfield. And then he let out a whoop. "You look up and you see No. 39 getting smaller and smaller," Brown said, "and you say, 'Thank you ... thank you so much.'" The sight of running back Steven Jackson steaming toward the end zone in the final moments Sunday was a welcome - and long overdue - sight for the Rams. The last time they had walked off a field celebrating a win, Barack Obama was still the junior senator from Illinois. Jackson shed at least three would-be tacklers on his 25-yard burst off right tackle with 1 minute, 38 seconds remaining that gave him his first touchdown of ..."

Sorry Seven didn't get parity invitations

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November 2

Buffalo News

columnist Mark Gaughan

"The bottom is falling out of the NFL this season. Every year there is a handful of really bad teams at the bottom. This year, however, there aren't just two, three or four dregs in the NFL. There are seven. For the first time since 1970, there are two 0-7 teams and one 0-6 team. Only once in the last 40 years — in 1985 — had there been three 0-6 teams. The Sorry Seven right now comprises: St. Louis (0-7), Tampa Bay (0-7), Tennessee (0-6), Cleveland (1-6), Kansas City (1-6), Detroit (1-5) and Oakland (2-5). We'll have to see if any other teams spiral downward and join this group. The increasing number of blowouts is another sign of the bad getting worse. Last week six of 13 games were ..."

Drops sink Lions chances against Rams

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November 2

Detroit News

"It's becoming apparent that no Calvin Johnson equals no offense for the Lions. Without the superstar receiver in the lineup, the Lions have managed just 17 points over their last 10 quarters -- and the lone receiving touchdown was by Dennis Northcutt against the Steelers. With Johnson sidelined for a second straight game because of a right-knee injury, the Lions needed someone -- anyone -- to step up from Sunday against the Rams. And what they got was practically nothing in a 17-10 loss. Only two of quarterback Matthew Stafford's 14 completions came from the receiver position. Northcutt dropped three passes and Bryant Johnson two. The Lions dropped six in the game. "Obviously a big ..."

Lions unable to best NFL-worst Rams

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November 2

Detroit News

"Somebody had to win Sunday's game between the Lions and St. Louis Rams, two teams that entered a half-empty Ford Field with a combined two wins in 45 games since the start of the 2008 season. But did it have to be the Lions? Well, yes, quite frankly. The way they played in a 17-10 loss to the Rams, who snapped a 17-game skid with their first win since Oct. 19, 2008, this was no fluke. And while it wasn't the sheer volume of dropped passes, missed tackles and bad penalties that dropped the home team's record to 1-6 -- same as the visitors' -- the Lions proved once again that their timing is impeccably bad. Asked what it felt like to celebrate a victory -- rookie coach Steve Spagnuolo got ..."

It's scary, but Rams have a chance

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November 1

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

columnist Bryan Burwell

"Halloween weekend is a particularly troubling time of the year in this rugged and depressed industrial city. For more than 20 years, the good civic-minded citizens of the Motor City have hit the streets on foot and on roller skates, on bicycles and small organized car patrols in hopes of averting the rather disturbing local holiday tradition. Halloween arson fires. Under the cover of night, packs of scoundrels annually roam the city streets setting fire to abandoned buildings and cars. No one has ever been able to figure out any rhyme or reason as to why this twisted Halloween ritual (they call it "Devil's Night") was started, but it has become a major civic embarrassment for this ..."

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