Ramblin' Fan » Ben Leber

Rams Promote Brandstater, Bradford Status Questionable

Justin Stine — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:35:22 +0000

We still don’t have a final word on the status of Rams quarterback Sam Bradford for Sunday’s game, but the team took a precautionary measure on Saturday by promoting QB Tom Brandstater to the active roster. If Bradford is unable to go, Brandstater would back up AJ Feeley when the Rams tangle with the San Francisco 49ers in the Bay Area. I don’t know that this move necessarily means that Bradford won’t play, but his status is obviously questionable enough that the team doesn’t want to take a chance that Feeley will be the only QB available.

To make room on the roster, the team waived LB Ben Leber. I have nothing against Leber, but it’s safe to say he was a monumental disappointment after being signed as a free agent. Cutting him was the right move, but it would have been a far better move to cut him instead of rookie Jabara Williams earlier in the season. For all the problems the Rams have had this season, I think the cutting of Williams and him subsequently going to Chicago might make me the most angry.

Also on the injury front, Darian Stewart will miss Sunday’s game with a concussion. It wasn’t looking good for Stewart earlier in the week when he still hadn’t been cleared by doctors, so it’s no surprise he won’t go Sunday. Stewart has certainly been one of the few bright spots for the Rams this season, so being without him hurts. More on next page…

Rams Beat Browns 13-12 On Botched Snap

Justin Stine — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:25:47 +0000

Well it obviously wasn’t pretty, but I think the Rams will take it. Thanks to a missed field goal on a botched snap in the final minutes of the game, the Rams were able to get past the Cleveland Browns on the road by a score of 13-12. It was kind of nice to see bad luck/shooting yourself in the foot happen to someone else instead of the Rams for a change, but all in all I thought we played pretty well. The mistakes were still there - some worse than others – but I saw plenty of good things on both sides of the ball. If you didn’t get a chance to see the game, here are some of the most important things you should know:

1. The Rams were hammered again by the injury bug, as numerous players were forced to leave the game. We won’t get an official report from Spags until Monday, but initial reports are that Michael Hoomanawanui and Al Harris could miss the rest of the season with knee injuries. Rodger Saffold left with a possible concussion and didn’t return, Darian Stewart left a couple of different times and suffered a neck injury, and Cadillac WIlliams left with a quad injury. Again, stay tuned tomorrow for a full report from Spags.

2. Steven Jackson carried the offense again, as he finished with 128 yards on 27 rushes and 23 receiving yards as well. This was his third 100-yard game in a row, and he looked unstoppable for much of the day. He is really starting to peak right now after starting the season off with injury, so this offense needs to be better around him to take advantage.

3. Brandon Lloyd again led the team in receptions and receiving yards, and he also made it into the end zone for the only TD of the game for either team. His touchdown catch was very nice, but he made a one-handed catch on the sideline that was absolutely astounding. This guy is special, and if you haven’t seen the catch you should find a clip. More on next page…

Jackson Not Looking Good For Sunday

Justin Stine — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:14:02 +0000

We are getting closer to Sunday, and the news on Steven Jackson isn’t looking promising. After giving it a go in practice on Thursday, SJ39 did not participate on Friday and is still being called a game-time decision for Sunday against the Ravens. Honestly, I really thought Jackson would be good to go this week, and he still might play, but at this point it’s not looking good. As far as Cadillac Williams goes, he was limited today and will also likely be a game-time decision. It sounds as if Caddy is the more likely of the two to be active, but right now it doesn’t sound like we will know much before Sunday.

Ben Leber was limited in practice as well today, and he’s being called questionable for the Ravens. If I had to put money on it, I’d say he’s going to play but we don’t know for sure at this point. I think Leber is going to be an important factor if he does suit up, so let’s hope for the best.

For the Ravens, it looks like wide receiver Lee Evans will be out Sunday, and David Reed, Ben Grubbs and Jimmy Smith have all missed practice this week. Cory Redding and Terrance Cody have been limited this week, but they are both expected to play.