Los Angeles Rams, Vikings to Meet in Matchup of First-Place NFC Teams, Rams beat Houston 33-7, Between The Horns, Rodger Saffold, Holidays for Heroes, The Coach McVay Show, Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, Greg Zuerlein NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Robert Woods on ESPN LA Radio, Rams Honor TAPS Members
This week's game is the most important game the team has had since 2003. Next week's game if they win this week, will be even more important but first things first, the team plays against our old Quarterbacks.
Rams Honor TAPS Members with Invite to Practice and Salute to Service Game
As part of the Los Angeles Rams’ Salute to Service efforts, the team continued their partnership with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to honor and recognize 60 fallen service men and women from the Los Angeles region, who passed while serving in the armed forces or from injuries sustained while serving in the post 9/11 era.
The Rams hosted the families of these fallen service members at a private practice on Veteran’s Day where they had the chance to meet the player that wore their family member’s initials on his helmet during Sunday’s Salute to Service game against the Houston Texans. The TAPS families then had the opportunity attend the Salute to Service game and were honored with the lighting of the iconic Coliseum torch during the pregame ceremony prior to kickoff.
For many of the TAPS members, attending a private practice provided unique opportunities for families to share the stories of their fallen family member to Rams players and team personnel. Touching and reflective moments were shared, as the mentions of names, memories, and passions were surfaced. There was a level of comfortability and ease in which the players and TAPS families engaged one another. Different stories were told and disparate perspectives were heard, yet all shared a common denominator that united them, the love of football and the appreciation for the sacrifices made by our service men and women.
“To the families it’s especially important,” said TAPS Manager Leigh Edmonds. “To hear their loved ones’ names spoken, to see their initials on a helmet, to hear their story told is important because it means the story continues to live on.”
As the widow of a fallen service hero and TAPS member, Heather Fankhauser was moved to know that the professional football players she sees on TV every Sunday were willing to take the time to show their gratitude and appreciation for their family member’s dedication to serving our country.
“Getting to meet all of our players and them knowing who our husbands were and knowing about who they were, and just having a conversation with them, you see a real side of a person,” said Fankhauser. “It’s not just this person you see on TV every Sunday.”
Wearing the initials “JF” on his helmet in honor of Fankhauser’s husband was perennial Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Fankhauser and Donald spent some one-on-one time together chatting, laughing, and even scheming up a “sack dance” together in her and her husband’s honor.
“I have to make up a dance for you when I get a sack,” Donald said to Fankhauser before she proceeded to show him her favorite dance move, which he adopted quite naturally. “When you see me do that, it’s for you,” Donald told her before embracing her with a hug.
The opportunity to connect with those who have suffered the loss of loved ones battling overseas left a mark on Rams players and staff. The team’s Salute to Service efforts are intended to support not just those who have lost friends and family, but all service men and women who sacrifice at great lengths for the freedoms and liberties of our Country.
“Salute to the Service, not just to these families, but all the families around the world that protect us every day,” said star wide receiver Sammy Watkins. “I tip my cap to those guys because every day I can come out here to work with a free mind and it’s because they do a great job with what they do.”
For more information on the Rams’ Salute to Service initiatives, please click here.
I want Case keenum big time. I have been psyched for this matchup for weeks. (Sam) Bradford is on the Injured reserve list after he got off to a decent start this year.
What I thought was odd is how they were even considering starting Teddy Bridgewater.
As for last week's win vs the Houston Texans. It started off slowly but what I loved was how they just simply pulled away after wearing them down throughout the game. They won 33-7 but it did not feel that way. Robert Woods had a huge day. Jared Goff had another monster bomb thrown from inside their own end zone (eight receptions for a career-high 171 yards receiving and two touchdowns, including a 94-yard touchdown in the third quarter.) That play was the franchise’s longest from scrimmage since 1964. Todd Gurley had another big game with over a hundreds yards again. The defense played insane. Aaron Donald had another big game.
But, they need to play a full game at the top level this week. Same goes with next week.
Rodger Saffold Nominated For Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award
Rams left guard Rodger Saffold is one of 32 players nominated for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. The award recognizes players across the league who exemplify the qualities of outstanding sportsmanship on field — this includes fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.
According to a press release from NFL Communications, the award was created three years ago in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.
A panel of former players from the NFL Legends community — comprised of Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg, and Leonard Wheeler — will select eight finalists from the 32 nominees.
Those eight finalists will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote on Friday, Dec.15. From the list, each team’s players will submit a consensus vote of their choice for the winner. The final recipient will be revealed at the NFL Honors event held before Super Bowl LII.
Should Saffold be named the winner, he would receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. He would also receive a trophy that represents the important role sportsmanship plays in the game.
Past recipients of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award include Colts’ RB Frank Gore (2016), Raiders’ DB Charles Woodson (2015), and Cardinals’ WR Larry Fitzgerald (2014).
Rams left guard Rodger Saffold is one of 32 players nominated for the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. The award recognizes players across the league who exemplify the qualities of outstanding sportsmanship on field — this includes fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.
According to a press release from NFL Communications, the award was created three years ago in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hall of Famer Art Rooney Sr.
A panel of former players from the NFL Legends community — comprised of Warrick Dunn, Curtis Martin, Karl Mecklenburg, and Leonard Wheeler — will select eight finalists from the 32 nominees.
Those eight finalists will be listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the NFL Sportsmanship Award category when players vote on Friday, Dec.15. From the list, each team’s players will submit a consensus vote of their choice for the winner. The final recipient will be revealed at the NFL Honors event held before Super Bowl LII.
Should Saffold be named the winner, he would receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice. He would also receive a trophy that represents the important role sportsmanship plays in the game.
Past recipients of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award include Colts’ RB Frank Gore (2016), Raiders’ DB Charles Woodson (2015), and Cardinals’ WR Larry Fitzgerald (2014).
Zuerlein Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week
The accolades continue to keep coming for Los Angeles, as kicker Greg Zuerlein has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after a strong performance against Houston.
Zuerlein connected on four field goals — from 27, 33, 50, and 33-yards out — and three extra points in Sunday’s 33-7 victory. With the seven successful kicks, Zuerlein now leads the league with 114 points — 29 field goals and 30 extra points.
With Sunday’s third field goal, Zuerlein set a new career high with 27 successful attempts. That will only go up as Los Angeles’ season continues.
Averaging 12.7 points per game, Zuerlein is currently on pace to score 201.6 points in 16 games. That would shatter not only the league’s points scored by a kicker — 166, set by San Francisco’s David Akers in 2011 — but also the 186-point overall record set by Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson back in 2006.
This is Zuerlein’s second Player of the Week award this season. He previously earned the honor after kicking seven successful field goals and two extra points against Dallas in Week 4. Zuerlein was also the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October.
Los Angeles has now been awarded six NFC Player of the Week awards. Quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and kick returner Pharoh Cooper have also received the honor. Additionally, Gurley was the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.
The accolades continue to keep coming for Los Angeles, as kicker Greg Zuerlein has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after a strong performance against Houston.
Zuerlein connected on four field goals — from 27, 33, 50, and 33-yards out — and three extra points in Sunday’s 33-7 victory. With the seven successful kicks, Zuerlein now leads the league with 114 points — 29 field goals and 30 extra points.
With Sunday’s third field goal, Zuerlein set a new career high with 27 successful attempts. That will only go up as Los Angeles’ season continues.
Averaging 12.7 points per game, Zuerlein is currently on pace to score 201.6 points in 16 games. That would shatter not only the league’s points scored by a kicker — 166, set by San Francisco’s David Akers in 2011 — but also the 186-point overall record set by Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson back in 2006.
This is Zuerlein’s second Player of the Week award this season. He previously earned the honor after kicking seven successful field goals and two extra points against Dallas in Week 4. Zuerlein was also the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October.
Los Angeles has now been awarded six NFC Player of the Week awards. Quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and kick returner Pharoh Cooper have also received the honor. Additionally, Gurley was the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.
Rams Visit Three Elementary Schools in Holidays for Heroes Effort
In light of Veteran’s Day and last weekend’s Salute to Service game, Los Angeles Rams players, cheerleaders and staff members took time out of the office on Tuesday, November 7, to visit three local elementary schools to help students personalize Rams-branded holiday cards of thanks for our veterans and military members.
The “Holidays for Heroes” campaign is an initiative that the Rams have been doing for several years. When the team returned home to Los Angeles, the Rams approached the local American Red Cross with their interest of bringing the holiday military appreciation effort to L.A. They loved the idea and this year Mariposa School of Global Education in Agoura Hills, Oak Street Elementary in Inglewood, and Grape Street Elementary in Watts each had a group of Rams players visit students in class to engage youth in acknowledging our service men and women and the sacrifices they make. The Rams supplied holiday cards that featured starting defensive tackle Michael Brockers, with a message inside that read: “Our defense defends our goal line. Our military defends our country. Thank you for your service.”
Brockers volunteered to play a lead role in the ‘Holidays for Heroes’ campaign this season after being involved in the effort for several years. Given the sacrifices made by service members all year round, he thought it was important to take the time to discuss the importance of their dedication to service and the extents to which they sacrifice for our freedoms, especially over the holidays.
“We have troops that sacrifice every day for us to live the life we live and go to school freely,” said Brockers. “To have the kids understand that, but also to have them understand it’s the holidays and the troops don’t get to see their family and friends over the holidays. As long as we can shine light on that, help the kids have a good day, and show them a good role model, I think we’ll be doing a good job.”
The star defensive lineman also was honored to know that it would be his face service men and women will see upon receiving their tokens of gratitude and appreciation.
“I’m honored. This year my face is the big one on the card,” said Brockers. “It’s fresh, it’s new. It’s an honor to be on there and to do this for the troops and to do this with the elementary school.”
The appearance of Rams players in support of our Veterans and active service members left an imprint on Eli Rosenfeld, a 6th grader from Mariposa. After completing his card of thanks with the assistance of Brockers crouched down at his desk, Rosenfeld was awestruck. The young Rams fan was excited to share his message to vets and service members, and announce that he not only met a Rams player, but worked closely with one.
“This experience is really cool to me because I’ve always really liked football and the Rams and now I’m getting to meet a player,” said Rosenfeld. “In my card with Michael, I told the veterans that we all pray for their safety and that they’re true American Heroes.”
As the Principal of Mariposa School of Education, Leslie Martinez believes it’s crucial for her students to understand the power of giving. She believes her students were even more inspired and engaged in the week’s honorary initiatives with the Rams’ presence on campus, given her students’ excitement had been accruing as the team’s visit was the talk-of-the-campus leading up to Tuesday.
“We really value kids doing things for others. So we jumped right on board with this to engage our kids. The kids were so excited once they found out. It’s been all the buzz all week with kids asking ‘When are the Rams coming?’ We’re really excited to have them here. “
Bill Walrath, a Board member for the LA region Red Cross, is proud of his organization’s continued commitment to supporting our military, and doing so in solidarity with the Rams. With the players involved, Walrath believes the Rams and Red Cross provided a unique experience for the students, and one that he hopes leads to continued support of the country’s military for the future generations to come.
“The Red Cross and LA Rams are here today to support our military. The Red Cross has supported the military for over 130 years. Our founder was a teacher, which is great that we’re at a school here today and it’s a great opportunity for the players to inspire our kids to understand how important it is to support our military during the holidays, let them know that we’re thinking about them and that everything they do is very much appreciated.”
For more information on the Rams’ Salute to Service initiatives, please click here. If you would to know more about Red Cross’ ‘Holidays for Heroes’ campaign, please visit their website here.
The “Holidays for Heroes” campaign is an initiative that the Rams have been doing for several years. When the team returned home to Los Angeles, the Rams approached the local American Red Cross with their interest of bringing the holiday military appreciation effort to L.A. They loved the idea and this year Mariposa School of Global Education in Agoura Hills, Oak Street Elementary in Inglewood, and Grape Street Elementary in Watts each had a group of Rams players visit students in class to engage youth in acknowledging our service men and women and the sacrifices they make. The Rams supplied holiday cards that featured starting defensive tackle Michael Brockers, with a message inside that read: “Our defense defends our goal line. Our military defends our country. Thank you for your service.”
Brockers volunteered to play a lead role in the ‘Holidays for Heroes’ campaign this season after being involved in the effort for several years. Given the sacrifices made by service members all year round, he thought it was important to take the time to discuss the importance of their dedication to service and the extents to which they sacrifice for our freedoms, especially over the holidays.
“We have troops that sacrifice every day for us to live the life we live and go to school freely,” said Brockers. “To have the kids understand that, but also to have them understand it’s the holidays and the troops don’t get to see their family and friends over the holidays. As long as we can shine light on that, help the kids have a good day, and show them a good role model, I think we’ll be doing a good job.”
The star defensive lineman also was honored to know that it would be his face service men and women will see upon receiving their tokens of gratitude and appreciation.
“I’m honored. This year my face is the big one on the card,” said Brockers. “It’s fresh, it’s new. It’s an honor to be on there and to do this for the troops and to do this with the elementary school.”
The appearance of Rams players in support of our Veterans and active service members left an imprint on Eli Rosenfeld, a 6th grader from Mariposa. After completing his card of thanks with the assistance of Brockers crouched down at his desk, Rosenfeld was awestruck. The young Rams fan was excited to share his message to vets and service members, and announce that he not only met a Rams player, but worked closely with one.
“This experience is really cool to me because I’ve always really liked football and the Rams and now I’m getting to meet a player,” said Rosenfeld. “In my card with Michael, I told the veterans that we all pray for their safety and that they’re true American Heroes.”
As the Principal of Mariposa School of Education, Leslie Martinez believes it’s crucial for her students to understand the power of giving. She believes her students were even more inspired and engaged in the week’s honorary initiatives with the Rams’ presence on campus, given her students’ excitement had been accruing as the team’s visit was the talk-of-the-campus leading up to Tuesday.
“We really value kids doing things for others. So we jumped right on board with this to engage our kids. The kids were so excited once they found out. It’s been all the buzz all week with kids asking ‘When are the Rams coming?’ We’re really excited to have them here. “
Bill Walrath, a Board member for the LA region Red Cross, is proud of his organization’s continued commitment to supporting our military, and doing so in solidarity with the Rams. With the players involved, Walrath believes the Rams and Red Cross provided a unique experience for the students, and one that he hopes leads to continued support of the country’s military for the future generations to come.
“The Red Cross and LA Rams are here today to support our military. The Red Cross has supported the military for over 130 years. Our founder was a teacher, which is great that we’re at a school here today and it’s a great opportunity for the players to inspire our kids to understand how important it is to support our military during the holidays, let them know that we’re thinking about them and that everything they do is very much appreciated.”
For more information on the Rams’ Salute to Service initiatives, please click here. If you would to know more about Red Cross’ ‘Holidays for Heroes’ campaign, please visit their website here.
Rams Honor TAPS Members with Invite to Practice and Salute to Service Game
As part of the Los Angeles Rams’ Salute to Service efforts, the team continued their partnership with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to honor and recognize 60 fallen service men and women from the Los Angeles region, who passed while serving in the armed forces or from injuries sustained while serving in the post 9/11 era.
The Rams hosted the families of these fallen service members at a private practice on Veteran’s Day where they had the chance to meet the player that wore their family member’s initials on his helmet during Sunday’s Salute to Service game against the Houston Texans. The TAPS families then had the opportunity attend the Salute to Service game and were honored with the lighting of the iconic Coliseum torch during the pregame ceremony prior to kickoff.
For many of the TAPS members, attending a private practice provided unique opportunities for families to share the stories of their fallen family member to Rams players and team personnel. Touching and reflective moments were shared, as the mentions of names, memories, and passions were surfaced. There was a level of comfortability and ease in which the players and TAPS families engaged one another. Different stories were told and disparate perspectives were heard, yet all shared a common denominator that united them, the love of football and the appreciation for the sacrifices made by our service men and women.
“To the families it’s especially important,” said TAPS Manager Leigh Edmonds. “To hear their loved ones’ names spoken, to see their initials on a helmet, to hear their story told is important because it means the story continues to live on.”
As the widow of a fallen service hero and TAPS member, Heather Fankhauser was moved to know that the professional football players she sees on TV every Sunday were willing to take the time to show their gratitude and appreciation for their family member’s dedication to serving our country.
“Getting to meet all of our players and them knowing who our husbands were and knowing about who they were, and just having a conversation with them, you see a real side of a person,” said Fankhauser. “It’s not just this person you see on TV every Sunday.”
Wearing the initials “JF” on his helmet in honor of Fankhauser’s husband was perennial Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Fankhauser and Donald spent some one-on-one time together chatting, laughing, and even scheming up a “sack dance” together in her and her husband’s honor.
“I have to make up a dance for you when I get a sack,” Donald said to Fankhauser before she proceeded to show him her favorite dance move, which he adopted quite naturally. “When you see me do that, it’s for you,” Donald told her before embracing her with a hug.
The opportunity to connect with those who have suffered the loss of loved ones battling overseas left a mark on Rams players and staff. The team’s Salute to Service efforts are intended to support not just those who have lost friends and family, but all service men and women who sacrifice at great lengths for the freedoms and liberties of our Country.
“Salute to the Service, not just to these families, but all the families around the world that protect us every day,” said star wide receiver Sammy Watkins. “I tip my cap to those guys because every day I can come out here to work with a free mind and it’s because they do a great job with what they do.”
For more information on the Rams’ Salute to Service initiatives, please click here.
Robert Woods on ESPN LA Radio
Rams' wide receiver Robert Woods — who had a career day in Week 11, catching eight passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns — joined Adam Schefter as the main guest in this week's "Know Them From Adam" podcast on ESPN LA Radio.
The USC product talked to Schefter about his recent success with the Rams. He also discussed L.A. being in the playoff hunt this season, the camaraderie he feels with his teammates, and what has stood out to him about quarterback Jared Goff. Finally, he talked about the team's tough schedule ahead and whether or not he expected this type of success when he joined the Rams earlier this year.
To listen to the full audio interview, be sure to click the link below. Woods' interview begins at 17:06: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
The USC product talked to Schefter about his recent success with the Rams. He also discussed L.A. being in the playoff hunt this season, the camaraderie he feels with his teammates, and what has stood out to him about quarterback Jared Goff. Finally, he talked about the team's tough schedule ahead and whether or not he expected this type of success when he joined the Rams earlier this year.
To listen to the full audio interview, be sure to click the link below. Woods' interview begins at 17:06: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
The Coach McVay Show with Sean McVay
On Tuesday, Rams' head coach Sean McVay made his weekly appearance on ESPN LA's radio show, the Coach McVay Show with JB Long and D'Marco Farr. McVay discussed the Rams winning their fourth straight game over the Texans on Sunday with Los Angeles now sitting atop the NFC West standings. He also talked to the guys about wide receiver Robert Woods' performance last weekend and looked ahead to the team's upcoming matchup with the Vikings. You can listen to the full audio interview by clicking the link below. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
The Rams will travel to Minnesota in Week 11 after a dominant 33-7 victory over the Texans last weekend. On Sunday, Los Angeles will face off against the Vikings with the hopes of recording their fifth-straight win. The game will be broadcast live on Fox with a kickoff time of 10:05 a.m.
BROADCAST INFO
- TELEVISION: The game will be available live on Fox with play-by-play provided by Kevin Burkhardt and color analysis from Charles Davis. Pam Oliver will be the sideline reporter.
- RADIO: Sunday’s contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPN Radio (Play-by-play: Adam Amin, Color Analysis: Bill Polian, and sideline reporting: Jeff Darlington. It will also be available on ESPN LA English Radio on ESPN 710 AM and 93.1 Jack FM (Play-by-play provided by: J.B. Long, Maurice Jones-Drew and D’Marco Farr). Plus, tune into 1330 AM for ESPN Deportes' live Spanish broadcast of the game with Troy Santiago and Ricardo Lopez on the call.
- SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Rams on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchatfor live updates and behind-the-scenes content before, during, and after the game.
- ONLINE: The game will not be available live via NFL Game Pass*. However, fans will still be able to watch replays of every game and so much more! Click here to sign up for your FREE 7-day trial and start getting unprecedented access to every game, all year long.
*For domestic subscribers NFL Game Pass does not include live regular season, playoff, or Super Bowl game broadcasts, as well as some preseason games broadcasts. Access to these games is available within NFL Game Pass on an on-demand basis in the NFL Game Pass archives. International subscribers are able to watch both preseason and regular season games as they happen with certain restrictions. Audio feeds may be subject to availability. 2009-2011 games are temporarily unavailable. For a full description of features, requirement, limitations, and other information, visit our FAQ at NFL.com/help/GamePass.
Diary Of A Ram Fan. A satirical look at more than 75 years of Football's Rams history, combined with discussions of American Exceptionalism and almost 50 years of personal experience in the life of a Rams Fan. The history parallels and intertwines life to form a humorous, yet serious look at American History, World History, an American Football team, and Political Science.
