Let’s start where we usually start: Sam Bradford. Bradford attempted to explain the team’s inability to score in the red zone by saying there are too many mental lapses when the team gets inside the 20. “I think it’s a lack of concentration once we get down there. Some of the mistakes that we do make down there, there’s no reason for them, and we’ve got to find a way to eliminate those.” Bradford went on to say “We get down there and we just continue to shoot ourselves in the foot with either penalties or negative plays that put us behind the chains and put us into bad situations.”The sooner we can eliminate those negative plays, I think the sooner we’ll finally start to see rewards.”

Well, they always say admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. I think everything he said has been painfully obvious to everyone who has watched this team, but it’s nice to hear him say it. Maybe now that it’s out there, we will see more concentration in those situations. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking.

Also in the news today, it looks like the Rams have benched center Jason Brown in favor of Tony Wragge. Brown said he was informed by the coaches he won’t be starting on Sunday, but he gave no explanation for the change. I find it curious that the team would make this move now after the offensive line has looked much better over the last few weeks, but I have no problem with shaking things up. Also, the team activated Mark Clayton and added him to the 53-man, so it looks like he will make his 2011 debut against Cleveland this weekend. More on next page…

As far as the rest of the injury report goes, it’s a little longer this week. First, let’s talk Sam Bradford. According to Spags, Bradford was a little sore after the game, but everything looks pretty good on that front. Danario Alexander is questionable for practice Wednesday, but it sounds like he is improving. Josh Hull is dealing with a hamstring, and Lance Kendricks is being called day-to-day with a foot sprain. The news on Kendricks is better than expected after he left the game on Sunday. Jerious Norwood has a hamstring issue, and Gary Gibson has a back thing. Darell Scott is hoping to get back this week, but Jason Smith is still doubtful. Darian Stewart has a minor ankle issue, and Brandon Gibson has a minor thigh contusion.

Speaking of position battles, the Rams re-signed DT Gary Gibson today, adding him to what has suddenly become a pretty large group of quality players at the position. Gibson was a starter last season, but I was a little surprised the team brought him back after signing Justin Bannan and Dan Muir earlier in the week. I kind of like Gibson, but I’m just not sure there’s much room for him on this roster. I guess we will just have to see how the competition plays out. 

In rumor news, apparently veteran tight end Bo Scaife is set to visit the Rams as he continues to look for work. There are already plenty of tight ends on this roster, so I would be surprised if Scaife joins the team. But I guess you never know.