Players That Should Still Make The List

Chris Long should once again make the list this year. He’s not on the list yet, but he should be on it soon. If he doesn’t end up making the list it should be a crime. Long ranked tied for 9th in total sacks last year among all defensive players and ranked 5th among defensive ends with 11.5 sacks. Long may have not gotten as many sacks as he did last year, but he was still in the double digits, and he opened things up for Robert Quinn and Michael Brockers to make plays. Long has yet to make a pro bowl in his career, but as the team hopefully continues to win, Long should be making his pro bowl debut soon.

Although he still isn’t on the team, Steven Jackson will forever be a Ram, and he should also make the list. Jackson ranked 37th last season and should be in the same area this season. Look for him on the next episode. If Chris Johnson can make the list by being almost non-existent since rushing for 2,000 yards, Steven Jackson should be able to make this list by rushing for over 1,000 yards the past eight seasons. Jackson has earned the respect among fellow players throughout the years and without a doubt will be on the list soon.

Players That Will Get Snubbed

This will probably be the biggest snub on the team, but without a doubt James Laurinaitis should be on the list, but probably wont make it. Laurinaitis lead the NFL in tacks last season and has consistently been a good player on the Rams defense. Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson made the list at number 59 and Laurinaitis had more tackles, combined tackles and more interceptions than Johnson. In every other category Laurinaitis and Johnson were dead even or pretty close, with Johnson having the slight edge in sacks with two compared to Laurinaitis’ 0.5. Laurinaitis will get on the list as the team starts winning, but for now, James may just get snubbed.

Another big name player on the Ram that will probably get snubbed is Robert Quinn. As good as Quinn is, Long gets most of the credit and is seen as the main guy on the Rams defensive line. However, Quinn did tie for the 17th most sacks last season and ranked 7th among DE’s in sacks. Quinn has a shot at still making the list, but with how far along the list is, it is highly unlikely. Quinn plays a major role on the Rams defensive line, but because of the Rams and their losing ways, Quinn will miss out.

One of the snubs that I am going to be most disappointed with is that of Janoris Jenkins and Corland Finnegan. I am going to be more disappointed with Jenkins not making the list, but Finnegan deserves to be on it as well. Jenkins however was tied for 11th in the NFL in interceptions with four and tied for 17th in the NFL in passes defended. Jenkins was also tied for first in the NFL in interceptions returned for touchdowns. Last season it seemed like every time Jenkins touched the ball he was in the end zone. With Richard Sherman and Darrell Revis already on the list, it seems doubtful that Jenkins or Finnegan will make it. If both players play as well as they did last year or even better, both players will not only have a shot at making the list, but making the pro bowl as well.

Honorable Mentions

Sam Bradford had a good season last year, and it’s disappointing that a guy like Cam Newton makes the list, but Sam doesn’t. If Sam takes advantage of his playmakers this season and has a career year like he’s projected to have, Bradford could be on the list next year.

Michael Brockers also will just miss out this season, but if he plays just a little better than he did last year, it wont be long before he is on the list.

Greg Zurlein is also a player that I wouldn’t mind seeing on the list. Zurlein was the first player to make a 50 and 60 yard field goal in the same game. Zurlein set a rookie NFL record for longest field goal by making a 60 yarder and was the first player in NFL history to make two field goals of 58 yards or more in the same game. He also set a record for most 50+ yard field goals attempted in a season. Zurlein set many records, but because he is a kicker, he will probably miss out.

Chris Givens is another player that will miss out on the list. However, there is no doubt Givens could become one of the best receivers in the game and could make this list within the next few seasons.

Unfortunately because the Rams have had a tradition of losing for the past decade, many of their players that deserve to go to the pro bowl or be on a top 100 list, aren’t. With winning, will come recognition. These lists are usually a big popularity contest and players always get ranked too high, too low, or players that shouldn’t make the list do. It is impossible to get these lists 100% accurate as everybody has their own opinion, and for Rams fans, their opinion is that their players may be getting snubbed.

November 11, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during overtime at Candlestick Park. The against the San Francisco 49ers tied the St. Louis Rams 24-24. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

As the Rams look to build on their spirited performance at Candlestick Park, here are a few notable factors that could cause the Jets to crash land in St. Louis:

1. Continue the offensive progression

By no means are the Rams close to what they strive to be on offense, but averaging 17.9 points per  is a heck of a lot better than the touchdown and two safeties they averaged a year ago. (11.1) Fresh off his bye week, Sam Bradford showcased what he can do when he has time in the pocket as he finished with two scores, no interceptions and another clutch drive late, only to have it wiped away twice by penalties. Second-year pro Lance Kendricks is finally providing dividends and Brian Quick has checked out of witness protection after scoring his first touchdown on a 36-yard catch and run.

Let’s not forget a warm welcome back to the swiss army knife, Danny Amendola.  Bradford connected with Amendola on 11 out of 12 targets on his first game back from injury. The offense will also look to welcome back speedster Chris Givens as he and fellow rookie sat out last week’s game for violating team rules.

As important as it is to continue the progression of the offense through Bradford, the Rams should ride on the coat tail of Steven Jackson after a breakout performance against the 49ers vaunted defense. After gaining 101 yards on 29 carries against the NFL’s 7th ranked defense, Jackson, Daryl Richardson and even Isaiah Pead  should feast on the Jets rush defense who is giving up 145 yards a game.

2. Sack Sanchez

The Rams young and talented defensive line sacked Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick for a combined five times after netting zero in the debacle against the Patriots in London. It is imperative that Chris Long and company harass Mark Sanchez until the final blow of the whistle. Robert Quinn is tied for 7th among the NFL sack leaders with 8.5 sacks. He is proving he is the team best pure pass rusher.

According to ProFootballFocus, Sanchez has ranked at the bottom or near the bottom when he’s under duress. In 2010, Sanchez’ accuracy percentage under pressure was 49.1 percent resulting in 36th out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks, 2011 it was 49 percent resulting in 34th out of 36 qualifying quarterback, and last season he again came in last with a percentage of 49.2 out of 34 qualifying quarterbacks.

3. Turnover Time Vault

Through the early portion of the season, St. Louis sat atop of the leader-board as one of the league’s leaders in takeaways by having multiple interception games.

Over the past 5 games, the Rams have gone on a dry spell by forcing a whopping total of zero interceptions.

Zilch.

Not to mention only two forced fumbles through the first half of the season. Terrorizing Sanchez will hopefully cause a few arid throws. Cortland Finnegan, Janoris Jenkins and the rest of the Rams’ secondary should have the upper-hand against a depleted and diminutive Jets’ receiving core.

4. Gang on Green

Even though the Jets are ranked in the middle of the pack, 16th in rushing, the Jets are still known as “ground and pound team.” The Rams’ rushing defense has been stopping opposing teams at the point of attack in recent weeks. The pocket Hercules, Frank Gore, was practically bottled up if you take his late 20 yard run. The return of rookie mammoth DT Michael Brockers, has been a force in his own right after coming back from injury notching 2.5 sack.

Stalwart middle linebacker James Laurinaitis is 4th in the NFL with 81 tackles. His running mate Jo-Lonn Dunbar has been a good acquisition thus far.

5. Tebow Time?

The Jets are stuck on trying to prove that trading up to the number 5 overall pick in the 2009 draft to select Sanchize, wasn’t a mistake. I can’t help but to think the Jets will deploy Tim Tebow more than we think. Colin Kaepernick slashed the Rams repeatedly on long 3rd downs. Tebow isn’t as nearly as quick or shifty, but he is just as strong of an  inside runner, like Kaepernick who is used in goal line situations. It remains to be seen what the Jets will do at the quarterback position, but Sanchez nor Tebow looks to be involved in the future.

NOV 20, 2011; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (22) runs for a touchdown behind Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long (77) against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

The St. Louis Rams have come off an amazing Primetime performance, showing the football nation that they’re no longer a team that can be walked over. But is there something called a Thursday night football ‘hangover’? Out of the four teams that have won on Thursday night football this year (Rams and Titans don’t count because they’re yet to play after their Thursday night game) only one team, the Baltimore Ravens, have maintained their winning streak as they scraped across the line against a struggling Kansas City Chiefs.
Is the 10 day rest too long for players? Does it switch the players’ minds off football for too long? Teams haven’t managed themselves well after playing on a Thursday night, resulting in a poor performance the following week.
It will be interesting to see how the Rams apply themselves against an underrated Miami Dolphins.

Rams Defensive Line Vs Reggie Bush
This match up will separate the winner from the loser. Since graduating from college, running back Reggie Bush is only now starting to live up to the high expectations of performing at a truly elite level. Over time, he has formed into a dynamic running back with the ability to hurt a team in the passing game. Bush is averaging a little over 102 yards a game from scrimmage and has collected three total touchdowns for the season. The Rams defensive line have only had one good game in stopping the run. Five games into the season and the Rams have already given up 586 yards and six touchdowns. If the Rams are to have any chance against the Dolphins, they must stop giving up 115+ yards and a touchdown every game – so containing Reggie Bush is essential.

Rams Offensive line Vs Dolphins Defense
We all know how good Sam Bradford can be when he has the time to let a play unfold. Unfortunately, it isn’t going to be so simple. The Rams offensive line is banged up, while the Dolphins pass rushers are in white hot form. The Rams offensive line will need to perform the way they have been in recent weeks if Bradford is to have any time in the pocket. Although keeping Bradford on his feet is the primary focus, the offensive line must create holes for Steven Jackson and Daryl Richardson to establish a good balance between passing and rushing. A good rushing game will allow offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to be more creative with play calling throughout the game. Current Rams left tackle Wayne Hunter, will need a big game as he will be up against a dominant Cameron Wake. If Hunter plays a poor game, things could get ugly.

Robert Quinn Vs Jake Long
It took three sacks on Primetime for defensive end Robert Quinn to make a name for himself outside of St. Louis, athough he was up against a struggling rookie left tackle. This week is another chance for Robert Quinn to take the next step in his young NFL career, as he will be up against All-Pro left tackle Jake Long. There is no better opportunity for Quinn to cement his name as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. Jake Long hasn’t made a great start to the season as he has already given up an unlikely five sacks in only five games. If Quinn is able to make his presence felt early, quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be in for a long day. Although Long has had a bad stretch of games, don’t be surprised if he brings his ‘A’ game, as he is more than capable of being a shut down left tackle. This match up is simply the one to watch. One player trying to prove that he is a top NFL pass rusher, while the other is trying to maintain his reputation as one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

While the Dolphins are trying to reach the .500 record, the Rams are trying to maintain their position above .500. Both teams have improved immensely since their dismal 2011 seasons and are still looking to make a statement in the NFL. One of two scenarios will be created after this game in the NFL world. Either the Rams will become a serious playoff contender, moving their record to an impressive 4-2, or the Rams lose and become just another unnoticed 3-3 team, that will be up against the likes of the Green Bay Packers and the New England Patriots before their bye week. Rams must win games on the road before they’re mentioned as a playoff team. This is their chance to prove that they aren’t just a dull 6-10 or 7-9 team, but in fact reaching to be a serious playoff contender. The Rams very seldom win a game comfortably and the Dolphins game will be no exception. It will come down to the last two minutes. Be prepared for sweaty palms and shorter finger nails – this game will go down to the wire.