Los Angeles Rams, Rams beat Seahawks 42-7, Jeff Fisher says he left Rams in 'good shape (LOL),' Rams will clinch Division with Win, Jamon Brown, Sports Illustrated, Santa Sleigh Ride Through Watts, Rams Visit Cedars-Sinai, Five Rams Selected to Pro Bowl, Gurley Offensive Player of Week, Massive Injury Reports (Cody Davis Returns, Greg Zuerlein on IR & Sam Ficken will now do the kickin'
Did you see the articles about how Jeff Fisher is saying that 'he left Rams in 'good shape'?
Is he as delusional as our POTUS?
Does he realize that some of his off season decisions over the last 5 years including this one were god awful?
Let's set aside his coaching chops because that is not what is in question here, but for him to want some form of credit for the way the team is playing today is ludicrous. Or, that the team assembled today was all about his decidions?
I knew from Week No. 1 in this year's pre-season that we were finally in good hands under the new coaching system (http://donlichterman.blogspot.com/2017/08/week-in-review-ramsraiders-todd-gurley.html). Jeff Fisher was such a bad coach that I could tell in the first set of downs that the team this year would finally compete and play to their top level.
Hell, in a loss to the Eagles on one of the last plays that put the nail in the coffin so to speak in that game was when Chris Long, a player Fisher gave a way a few years ago, forced a fumble to again, give the game to the Eagles that day.
I can name 5 more players that Fisher literally gave away for free before they started to not only thrive on other teams, most of them have won Super Bowl's since they left the Ram team.
The team is solid today and has been for years but we could be better personnel wise. We gave away players that we could use today.
And, again about his coaching abilities, look at the Rams this year. Then, look at how Sam Bradford played before his annual injury this year which then of course led way for Case Keenum, last year's Ram starting QB, whom is putting up MVP numbers this year while guiding a Viking team to having the second best record in the entire NFL.
Do you see the trends here?
Did Fisher have something to do with the Vikings success this year too?
I won't read the articles or view the content in that interview. My feeling is that if he is going to coach the Bears next year or wherever he ends up next year, get your head into that and do NOT worry about the Rams. I also cannot help to think that he is lobbying on behalf of himself as way to get some interviews for any vacant coaching gigs next year.
As far last week's game, it was a flawless game. We dominated from the first minute of the game and other than that touchdown we let up late in the game, we shut them down and almost shut them out all game.
This week, we can clinch with a mere win vs. The Tennessee Titans.
We will clinch the division the week.
Gurley Named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
For the second time this season, running back Todd Gurley has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Gurley recorded a season-high 152 yards rushing in Los Angeles’ 42-7 victory over Seattle, totaling 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. Gurley’s 57-yard touchdown toward the end of the second quarter was his longest run of the season and second longest of his career, and at the time gave L.A. a 34-0 lead.
The Georgia product now leads the league with 17 total touchdowns, is No. 2 with 1,817 yards from scrimmage, and No. 3 with 1,187 yards rushing. With those kinds of numbers, has Gurley entered into the MVP conversation?
“I think so,” quarterback Jared Goff said on Sunday. “He had four touchdowns today. In my eyes — I might be a little bit biased — but I think he is the best running back in the league and the most complete back. He can do it out of the back field, can do it in the pass-protection game, and obviously the way he runs is special.”
“I think he certainly has gotten himself into legitimate conversations with that just based on the production and what he’s meant to our team,” head coach Sean McVay echoed on Monday.
Gurley takes home the Rams’ seventh NFC Player of the Week award of 2017. Aside form his own award, kicker Greg Zuerlein has won two, plus quarterback Jared Goff, cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and kick returner Pharoh Cooper have each received the honor. Additionally, Gurley was the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, and Zuerlein was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for both October and November.
Rams Join LAPD for Santa Sleigh Ride Through Watts
On Tuesday, December 5, Rams safety JOHN JOHNSON III, defensive back BLAKE COUNTESS and tackle CORNELIUS LUCAS took a ride on Santa’s Sleigh with LAPD officers as they distributed candy and gifts to kids. In what is becoming a community tradition, the Santa Sleigh ride serves as an opportunity for LAPD officers to form relationships with people in the community and bridge the gaps of communication that might have hindered those relationships in years past.
As an executive director with Operation Progress, a non-profit organization that strives to empower underserved youth to become educated, ethical and productive, Theresa Gartland has collaborated with LAPD officers to work with children to develop the skills necessary to lead a healthy and successful life while giving back to their community and contributing to society at large. She believes LAPD’s “Santa Sleigh Ride” is such a unique way to bring joy and solidarity to the community during the holidays, especially with a recognizable organization like the Rams involved.
“It’s a great way to see the community in a positive way. You’re in this open sleigh, driving through Watts and you meet the kids and their families and they’re so excited,” said Gartland. “To have the Rams players on the sleigh was really phenomenal. Just to see the kid’s reactions to the players and their faces, their spirit was contagious. The Rams are helping the kids of Watts see the police in a different way for generations to come and their impact will be huge. When you have a legitimate organization like the Rams, who are so down to earth and so giving, you’re really able to get things done in the community.”
Rams tackle Cornelius Lucas was thrilled to see delighted faces trickle out in the streets to the sounds of holiday cheers and enthused Rams players. Lucas believes that LAPD’s ‘Santa Sleigh’ efforts are a useful way to facilitate positive relationships with authorities and the communities they serve.
“I had a blast. It’s something I would definitely love to do again,” said Lucas. “It was good to be out in the community and to see those kids and their smiling faces. Things like this can help bridge the gap between the authorities and how they’re perceived throughout the community.”
Lucas isn’t the only player who wants to take another ride on ‘Santa’s Sleigh.’ Defensive back Blake Countess and safety John Johnson III enjoyed their time serving as Santa’s helpers, passing out candy and gift bags to youth.
“I had a great time. I’m first in line and next up to do it again,” said Countess. “Kids were really excited and were running around and following us. I think it was great to provide that positive reinforcement to the community.”
“It was great, everything is for the kids,” said Johnson. “It’s about giving back to the community and giving kids a positive role model to look up to and showing that we care.”
As the creator of the “Santa Sleigh,” LAPD Officer Ron Harrell has seen his idea evolve into a local tradition. He has seen the program grow from a few volunteers stuffing stockings during the holidays to a 5-day-a-week holiday campaign that has been embraced by the entire community and has received a lot of public support. He is hopeful the Rams’ engagement can set a precedent for other professional sports teams to further immerse themselves in the Watts community.
“Every year the legend grows because more people know about it,” said Officer Ron Harrell. “The kids were really appreciative the players came out themselves. We weren’t expecting that. I’ve worked with other professional sports teams throughout my career, the Rams are really bringing it. I live in Inglewood and I’ve seen what they’re doing in that city. They’re transforming this community and they’re doing it on a wide scale with pride and dignity. Even though they just got here, they really are local rock stars.”
Rams Players Visit Cedars-Sinai to Lift Holiday Spirits
On Tuesday, December 5, a few Rams players decided to tap into the giving spirit of the holidays with a visit to Cedars-Sinai Hospital to interact and engage with patients.
Rams receiver PHAROH COOPER and safety CODY DAVIS each walked through the pediatric and oncology units of Cedars-Sinai Hospital connecting with patients and their family members. Cooper and Davis simply wanted to direct patient’s focus away from aid and recovery for a brief moment, and provide them some delight and comfort.
“It was a really fun time to get out there and bring some joy and hope to families who are in the hospital facing real trials and tribulations,” said Rams safety Cody Davis. “We were just trying to see the fans and the kids and bring a smile to their face. It was fun to see them smile and to talk about some of their favorite things and what they’re asking Santa for this year.”
Wide receiver and Pro Bowl return specialist Pharoh Cooper echoed his teammate’s response regarding his time spent with Cedars-Sinai patients. As a professional athlete, Cooper believes it’s essential to use his platform for the betterment of his community and to give inspiration to those in need of an uplifting spirit.
“It was great to see how excited they were to see us,” said Cooper. “It was a great experience, being able to use this platform to put a smile on kids’ faces. That’s what it’s all about.”
Courtnay Caufield, Associate Director of Pediatrics with Cedars-Sinai Hospital, believes the players visit meant just as much to the patient’s parents as it did to the kids. The Rams’ visit was the talk-of-the-halls for the remainder of the week, and the smiles and joy of patients were infectious to parents, hospital staff, and players.
“The delight that the players visit brought to the kids cannot be replaced with words,” said Caufield. “They felt special and to parents and caregivers, watching their children smile, brought them comfort and joy as well. This really shows us that the efforts of the Rams players are truly intended to bring joy to others on their day off. Their efforts do not go unappreciated and our staff spoke about it for days.”
Cooper and Davis, who are accustomed to the bright lights of the NFL, found themselves out of the spot light during their visit. Fans fill stadiums all around the country to watch Cooper and Davis play America’s most celebrated sport as they support their favorite team on Sundays. But on this day, it was Davis and Cooper who wanted to pay a visit and support the fans that need them most. The players left Cedars-Sinai Hospital with many new fans, as the patients they touched celebrated their newfound heroes.
“It was like the patients were the superstars and the LA Rams came to see them,” said Caufield. “The players brought joy and hope to our kids and the Rams brought positivity and warm wishes to our patients and their families. The moment that the Rams entered each patient’s room, smiles and grins were abound! We love our team and the Rams have a whole lot of cheerleaders watching them on the field from their hospital beds every week because we appreciate the love and joy they bring us.” For more information about the Rams community outreach initiatives, please visit rams.com/community.
Jamon Brown Nominated for Sports Illustrated’s Most Valuable Performer
For most football fans, the MVP title is reserved for players who showcase the best on-the-field talents throughout the NFL season. But this year, Sports Illustrated and CBS have teamed up to recognize those players with the best off-the-field talents — creating the Most Valuable Performer Award.
Players have been submitting their talent auditions to be used in four qualifying rounds hosted on SI.com. And this week, Rams right guard Jamon Brown is up for the honor.
His talent? Singing.
And if you check out the video below of him crooning John Legend’s “Ordinary People,” you’ll see he’s pretty good.
“I’ve been singing pretty much longer than I’ve been playing football,” Brown said with a smile. “So, I’ve been singing my whole life.”
When he’s not working on his football skills and techniques, Brown can be found singing in the locker room, humming on the walk to meetings, or breaking out in song in the player’s cafeteria.
“I would assume that [my teammates] would say I sing quite a lot,” Brown said. “It’s just a habit of mine, like biting your fingernails. I just kind of sing and don’t even realize when I’m singing sometimes.”
“He does,” right tackle Rob Havenstein said. “But that’s not a bad thing because he’s a good singer.”
But now it’s up for the fans to decide. To vote for Brown and to find out the other players up for Week 3’s MVP title, click here. And if you need any more convincing as to why you should vote for Brown, check out his personal sales pitch below:
“I mean everybody likes JB right?” Brown joked when asked why fans should vote for him. “But, I think I have some pretty good talent. I obviously want the people to go and check it out for themselves and vote for me if they would like to. I would love their votes.”
Five Rams Selected for the 2018 Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl selections are in and the Rams will have at least five players headed to Orlando in January. Running back Todd Gurley, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, kicker Greg Zuerlein, punter Johnny Hekker, and return specialist Pharoh Cooper have all been elected to the Pro Bowl.
The five Rams representatives are the most for the franchise since the 2003 season, when offensive tackle Orlando Pace, wide receiver Torry Holt, defensive back Aeneas Williams, defensive end Leonard Little, quarterback Marc Bulger, and kicker Jeff Wilkins were each selected.
"The presence of five of our players on the Pro Bowl roster is a testament to the collective effort of our football team," Rams Head Coach Sean McVay said. "While we emphasize football as a team sport, we appreciate their individual contributions to our overall success. We’re extremely proud of them, and it’s great to see other players, coaches and fans recognize their achievements as well."
Gurley earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl for his outstanding rookie campaign in 2015, which he finished with
1,106 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. This season, the Georgia product has re-established himself as one of the best running backs in the league — making plays both on the ground and in the air.
Through 14 games this season, Gurley ranks first in the NFL in total touchdowns (17) and rushing touchdowns (13). He also ranks second in yards from scrimmage (1,817), third in rushing yards (1,187), and second among all running backs in receiving yards (630). He is the the only player this season to score at least three touchdowns in multiple games.
This year will mark Donald’s fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, as he’s gone each year of his career. The former Pittsburgh standout is widely considered one of the best interior linemen in the league and he has continued to display his dominance this year. Donald has a team-high 11.0 sacks so far and 39.0 sacks in his career, putting him past D’Marco Farr (36.5) for ninth on the Rams all-time career sack list. Through Week 15, he has been Pro Football Focus’ highest graded interior defender (94.9) by a wide margin.
Hekker will also be making his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl in January. The three-time All-Pro has attempted just 54 punts through 14 games this season — the fifth fewest of any team in the league. But he ranks atop the NFC in both average yards per punt (47.6) and net yards per punt (45.6). Hekker has also registered the second-longest punt of the season, booming the football a whopping 70 yards in Week 13’s win over the Cardinals.
The Oregon State product will be joined in Orlando by two of his fellow special teamers in Zuerlein and Cooper.
Zuerlein will be making his first trip to the Pro Bowl this year after a record-breaking 2017 season. With 158 points, Zuerlein is currently the NFL’s leading scorer. He is on pace for 181 points overall, which would bring him to second in league history behind running back LaDainian Tomlinson (186 points for the Chargers in 2006). The Missouri Western product has also made a league-best 38 field goals this season and has made six of seven field goals of at least 50 yards.
Capping off the Pro Bowl special teams unit is Cooper. The second-year receiver out of South Carolina will be making his first trip as the conference’s return specialist. Cooper has excelled in the role this year, ranking No. 2 with an average of 28.2 yards per kickoff return. He is also one of just three players in the NFL to record a kickoff returned for a touchdown this season, and his 13.4 yards per punt return trail only the Lions Jamal’ Agnew.
In addition to the Rams’ five Pro Bowl selectees, the NFL also announced QB Jared Goff (first), LT Andrew Whitworth (first) and CB Trumaine Johnson(second) as Pro Bowl alternates.
Check out the full NFC Pro Bowl Roster below:
Arizona Cardinals
Baker, Budda — Special Teamer
Fitzgerald, Larry — Wide Receiver
Jones, Chandler — Outside Linebacker
Peterson, Patrick — Cornerback
Atlanta Falcons
Jones, Julio — Wide Receiver
Mack, Alex — Center
Carolina Panthers
Kuechly, Luke — Inside/Middle Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys
Frederick, Travis — Center
Lawrence, Demarcus — Defensive End
Martin, Zack — Guard
Smith, Tyron — Tackle
Detroit Lions
Slay, Darius — Cornerback
Los Angeles Rams
Cooper, Pharoh — Return Specialist
Donald, Aaron — Interior Lineman
Gurley, Todd — Running Back
Hekker, Johnny — Punter
Zuerlein, Greg — Placekicker
Minnesota Vikings
Barr, Anthony — Outside Linebacker
Griffen, Everson — Defensive End
Rhodes, Xavier — Cornerback
Thielen, Adam — Wide Receiver
New Orleans Saints
Brees, Drew — Quarterback
Ingram, Mark — Running Back
Jordan, Cameron — Defensive End
Kamara, Alvin — Running Back
Lattimore, Marshon — Cornerback
Thomas, Michael — Wide Receiver
New York Giants
Collins, Landon — Strong Safety
Philadelphia Eagles
Brooks, Brandon — Guard
Cox, Fletcher — Interior Lineman
Ertz, Zach — Tight End
Jenkins, Malcolm — Strong Safety
Johnson, Lane — Tackle
Wentz, Carson — Quarterback
San Francisco 49ers
Juszczyk, Kyle — Fullback
Seattle Seahawks
Graham, Jimmy — Tight End
Thomas, Earl — Free Safety
Wagner, Bobby — Inside/Middle Linebacker
Wilson, Russell — Quarterback
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McCoy, Gerald — Interior Lineman
Washington Redskins
Kerrigan, Ryan — Outside Linebacker
Scherff, Brandon — Guard
Williams, Trent — Tackle
Rams vs. Titans
Top stories
Does he realize that some of his off season decisions over the last 5 years including this one were god awful?
Let's set aside his coaching chops because that is not what is in question here, but for him to want some form of credit for the way the team is playing today is ludicrous. Or, that the team assembled today was all about his decidions?
I knew from Week No. 1 in this year's pre-season that we were finally in good hands under the new coaching system (http://donlichterman.blogspot.com/2017/08/week-in-review-ramsraiders-todd-gurley.html). Jeff Fisher was such a bad coach that I could tell in the first set of downs that the team this year would finally compete and play to their top level.
Hell, in a loss to the Eagles on one of the last plays that put the nail in the coffin so to speak in that game was when Chris Long, a player Fisher gave a way a few years ago, forced a fumble to again, give the game to the Eagles that day.
I can name 5 more players that Fisher literally gave away for free before they started to not only thrive on other teams, most of them have won Super Bowl's since they left the Ram team.
The team is solid today and has been for years but we could be better personnel wise. We gave away players that we could use today.
And, again about his coaching abilities, look at the Rams this year. Then, look at how Sam Bradford played before his annual injury this year which then of course led way for Case Keenum, last year's Ram starting QB, whom is putting up MVP numbers this year while guiding a Viking team to having the second best record in the entire NFL.
Do you see the trends here?
Did Fisher have something to do with the Vikings success this year too?
I won't read the articles or view the content in that interview. My feeling is that if he is going to coach the Bears next year or wherever he ends up next year, get your head into that and do NOT worry about the Rams. I also cannot help to think that he is lobbying on behalf of himself as way to get some interviews for any vacant coaching gigs next year.
As far last week's game, it was a flawless game. We dominated from the first minute of the game and other than that touchdown we let up late in the game, we shut them down and almost shut them out all game.
This week, we can clinch with a mere win vs. The Tennessee Titans.
We will clinch the division the week.
For the second time this season, running back Todd Gurley has been named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Gurley recorded a season-high 152 yards rushing in Los Angeles’ 42-7 victory over Seattle, totaling 180 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. Gurley’s 57-yard touchdown toward the end of the second quarter was his longest run of the season and second longest of his career, and at the time gave L.A. a 34-0 lead.
The Georgia product now leads the league with 17 total touchdowns, is No. 2 with 1,817 yards from scrimmage, and No. 3 with 1,187 yards rushing. With those kinds of numbers, has Gurley entered into the MVP conversation?
“I think so,” quarterback Jared Goff said on Sunday. “He had four touchdowns today. In my eyes — I might be a little bit biased — but I think he is the best running back in the league and the most complete back. He can do it out of the back field, can do it in the pass-protection game, and obviously the way he runs is special.”
“I think he certainly has gotten himself into legitimate conversations with that just based on the production and what he’s meant to our team,” head coach Sean McVay echoed on Monday.
Gurley takes home the Rams’ seventh NFC Player of the Week award of 2017. Aside form his own award, kicker Greg Zuerlein has won two, plus quarterback Jared Goff, cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and kick returner Pharoh Cooper have each received the honor. Additionally, Gurley was the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, and Zuerlein was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for both October and November.
On Tuesday, December 5, Rams safety JOHN JOHNSON III, defensive back BLAKE COUNTESS and tackle CORNELIUS LUCAS took a ride on Santa’s Sleigh with LAPD officers as they distributed candy and gifts to kids. In what is becoming a community tradition, the Santa Sleigh ride serves as an opportunity for LAPD officers to form relationships with people in the community and bridge the gaps of communication that might have hindered those relationships in years past.
As an executive director with Operation Progress, a non-profit organization that strives to empower underserved youth to become educated, ethical and productive, Theresa Gartland has collaborated with LAPD officers to work with children to develop the skills necessary to lead a healthy and successful life while giving back to their community and contributing to society at large. She believes LAPD’s “Santa Sleigh Ride” is such a unique way to bring joy and solidarity to the community during the holidays, especially with a recognizable organization like the Rams involved.
“It’s a great way to see the community in a positive way. You’re in this open sleigh, driving through Watts and you meet the kids and their families and they’re so excited,” said Gartland. “To have the Rams players on the sleigh was really phenomenal. Just to see the kid’s reactions to the players and their faces, their spirit was contagious. The Rams are helping the kids of Watts see the police in a different way for generations to come and their impact will be huge. When you have a legitimate organization like the Rams, who are so down to earth and so giving, you’re really able to get things done in the community.”
Rams tackle Cornelius Lucas was thrilled to see delighted faces trickle out in the streets to the sounds of holiday cheers and enthused Rams players. Lucas believes that LAPD’s ‘Santa Sleigh’ efforts are a useful way to facilitate positive relationships with authorities and the communities they serve.
“I had a blast. It’s something I would definitely love to do again,” said Lucas. “It was good to be out in the community and to see those kids and their smiling faces. Things like this can help bridge the gap between the authorities and how they’re perceived throughout the community.”
Lucas isn’t the only player who wants to take another ride on ‘Santa’s Sleigh.’ Defensive back Blake Countess and safety John Johnson III enjoyed their time serving as Santa’s helpers, passing out candy and gift bags to youth.
“I had a great time. I’m first in line and next up to do it again,” said Countess. “Kids were really excited and were running around and following us. I think it was great to provide that positive reinforcement to the community.”
“It was great, everything is for the kids,” said Johnson. “It’s about giving back to the community and giving kids a positive role model to look up to and showing that we care.”
As the creator of the “Santa Sleigh,” LAPD Officer Ron Harrell has seen his idea evolve into a local tradition. He has seen the program grow from a few volunteers stuffing stockings during the holidays to a 5-day-a-week holiday campaign that has been embraced by the entire community and has received a lot of public support. He is hopeful the Rams’ engagement can set a precedent for other professional sports teams to further immerse themselves in the Watts community.
“Every year the legend grows because more people know about it,” said Officer Ron Harrell. “The kids were really appreciative the players came out themselves. We weren’t expecting that. I’ve worked with other professional sports teams throughout my career, the Rams are really bringing it. I live in Inglewood and I’ve seen what they’re doing in that city. They’re transforming this community and they’re doing it on a wide scale with pride and dignity. Even though they just got here, they really are local rock stars.”
On Tuesday, December 5, a few Rams players decided to tap into the giving spirit of the holidays with a visit to Cedars-Sinai Hospital to interact and engage with patients.
Rams receiver PHAROH COOPER and safety CODY DAVIS each walked through the pediatric and oncology units of Cedars-Sinai Hospital connecting with patients and their family members. Cooper and Davis simply wanted to direct patient’s focus away from aid and recovery for a brief moment, and provide them some delight and comfort.
“It was a really fun time to get out there and bring some joy and hope to families who are in the hospital facing real trials and tribulations,” said Rams safety Cody Davis. “We were just trying to see the fans and the kids and bring a smile to their face. It was fun to see them smile and to talk about some of their favorite things and what they’re asking Santa for this year.”
Wide receiver and Pro Bowl return specialist Pharoh Cooper echoed his teammate’s response regarding his time spent with Cedars-Sinai patients. As a professional athlete, Cooper believes it’s essential to use his platform for the betterment of his community and to give inspiration to those in need of an uplifting spirit.
“It was great to see how excited they were to see us,” said Cooper. “It was a great experience, being able to use this platform to put a smile on kids’ faces. That’s what it’s all about.”
Courtnay Caufield, Associate Director of Pediatrics with Cedars-Sinai Hospital, believes the players visit meant just as much to the patient’s parents as it did to the kids. The Rams’ visit was the talk-of-the-halls for the remainder of the week, and the smiles and joy of patients were infectious to parents, hospital staff, and players.
“The delight that the players visit brought to the kids cannot be replaced with words,” said Caufield. “They felt special and to parents and caregivers, watching their children smile, brought them comfort and joy as well. This really shows us that the efforts of the Rams players are truly intended to bring joy to others on their day off. Their efforts do not go unappreciated and our staff spoke about it for days.”
Cooper and Davis, who are accustomed to the bright lights of the NFL, found themselves out of the spot light during their visit. Fans fill stadiums all around the country to watch Cooper and Davis play America’s most celebrated sport as they support their favorite team on Sundays. But on this day, it was Davis and Cooper who wanted to pay a visit and support the fans that need them most. The players left Cedars-Sinai Hospital with many new fans, as the patients they touched celebrated their newfound heroes.
“It was like the patients were the superstars and the LA Rams came to see them,” said Caufield. “The players brought joy and hope to our kids and the Rams brought positivity and warm wishes to our patients and their families. The moment that the Rams entered each patient’s room, smiles and grins were abound! We love our team and the Rams have a whole lot of cheerleaders watching them on the field from their hospital beds every week because we appreciate the love and joy they bring us.” For more information about the Rams community outreach initiatives, please visit rams.com/community.
For most football fans, the MVP title is reserved for players who showcase the best on-the-field talents throughout the NFL season. But this year, Sports Illustrated and CBS have teamed up to recognize those players with the best off-the-field talents — creating the Most Valuable Performer Award.
Players have been submitting their talent auditions to be used in four qualifying rounds hosted on SI.com. And this week, Rams right guard Jamon Brown is up for the honor.
His talent? Singing.
And if you check out the video below of him crooning John Legend’s “Ordinary People,” you’ll see he’s pretty good.
Rams guard @NFLRAMS_jbrown is a big man with a big voice. Will his golden pipes earn win him our NFL player talent contest?
VOTEon.si.com/2Bq0CKQ
When he’s not working on his football skills and techniques, Brown can be found singing in the locker room, humming on the walk to meetings, or breaking out in song in the player’s cafeteria.
“I would assume that [my teammates] would say I sing quite a lot,” Brown said. “It’s just a habit of mine, like biting your fingernails. I just kind of sing and don’t even realize when I’m singing sometimes.”
“He does,” right tackle Rob Havenstein said. “But that’s not a bad thing because he’s a good singer.”
But now it’s up for the fans to decide. To vote for Brown and to find out the other players up for Week 3’s MVP title, click here. And if you need any more convincing as to why you should vote for Brown, check out his personal sales pitch below:
“I mean everybody likes JB right?” Brown joked when asked why fans should vote for him. “But, I think I have some pretty good talent. I obviously want the people to go and check it out for themselves and vote for me if they would like to. I would love their votes.”
Pro Bowl selections are in and the Rams will have at least five players headed to Orlando in January. Running back Todd Gurley, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, kicker Greg Zuerlein, punter Johnny Hekker, and return specialist Pharoh Cooper have all been elected to the Pro Bowl.
The five Rams representatives are the most for the franchise since the 2003 season, when offensive tackle Orlando Pace, wide receiver Torry Holt, defensive back Aeneas Williams, defensive end Leonard Little, quarterback Marc Bulger, and kicker Jeff Wilkins were each selected.
"The presence of five of our players on the Pro Bowl roster is a testament to the collective effort of our football team," Rams Head Coach Sean McVay said. "While we emphasize football as a team sport, we appreciate their individual contributions to our overall success. We’re extremely proud of them, and it’s great to see other players, coaches and fans recognize their achievements as well."
Gurley earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl for his outstanding rookie campaign in 2015, which he finished with
1,106 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. This season, the Georgia product has re-established himself as one of the best running backs in the league — making plays both on the ground and in the air.
Through 14 games this season, Gurley ranks first in the NFL in total touchdowns (17) and rushing touchdowns (13). He also ranks second in yards from scrimmage (1,817), third in rushing yards (1,187), and second among all running backs in receiving yards (630). He is the the only player this season to score at least three touchdowns in multiple games.
This year will mark Donald’s fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, as he’s gone each year of his career. The former Pittsburgh standout is widely considered one of the best interior linemen in the league and he has continued to display his dominance this year. Donald has a team-high 11.0 sacks so far and 39.0 sacks in his career, putting him past D’Marco Farr (36.5) for ninth on the Rams all-time career sack list. Through Week 15, he has been Pro Football Focus’ highest graded interior defender (94.9) by a wide margin.
Hekker will also be making his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl in January. The three-time All-Pro has attempted just 54 punts through 14 games this season — the fifth fewest of any team in the league. But he ranks atop the NFC in both average yards per punt (47.6) and net yards per punt (45.6). Hekker has also registered the second-longest punt of the season, booming the football a whopping 70 yards in Week 13’s win over the Cardinals.
The Oregon State product will be joined in Orlando by two of his fellow special teamers in Zuerlein and Cooper.
Zuerlein will be making his first trip to the Pro Bowl this year after a record-breaking 2017 season. With 158 points, Zuerlein is currently the NFL’s leading scorer. He is on pace for 181 points overall, which would bring him to second in league history behind running back LaDainian Tomlinson (186 points for the Chargers in 2006). The Missouri Western product has also made a league-best 38 field goals this season and has made six of seven field goals of at least 50 yards.
Capping off the Pro Bowl special teams unit is Cooper. The second-year receiver out of South Carolina will be making his first trip as the conference’s return specialist. Cooper has excelled in the role this year, ranking No. 2 with an average of 28.2 yards per kickoff return. He is also one of just three players in the NFL to record a kickoff returned for a touchdown this season, and his 13.4 yards per punt return trail only the Lions Jamal’ Agnew.
In addition to the Rams’ five Pro Bowl selectees, the NFL also announced QB Jared Goff (first), LT Andrew Whitworth (first) and CB Trumaine Johnson(second) as Pro Bowl alternates.
Check out the full NFC Pro Bowl Roster below:
Arizona Cardinals
Baker, Budda — Special Teamer
Fitzgerald, Larry — Wide Receiver
Jones, Chandler — Outside Linebacker
Peterson, Patrick — Cornerback
Atlanta Falcons
Jones, Julio — Wide Receiver
Mack, Alex — Center
Carolina Panthers
Kuechly, Luke — Inside/Middle Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys
Frederick, Travis — Center
Lawrence, Demarcus — Defensive End
Martin, Zack — Guard
Smith, Tyron — Tackle
Detroit Lions
Slay, Darius — Cornerback
Los Angeles Rams
Cooper, Pharoh — Return Specialist
Donald, Aaron — Interior Lineman
Gurley, Todd — Running Back
Hekker, Johnny — Punter
Zuerlein, Greg — Placekicker
Minnesota Vikings
Barr, Anthony — Outside Linebacker
Griffen, Everson — Defensive End
Rhodes, Xavier — Cornerback
Thielen, Adam — Wide Receiver
New Orleans Saints
Brees, Drew — Quarterback
Ingram, Mark — Running Back
Jordan, Cameron — Defensive End
Kamara, Alvin — Running Back
Lattimore, Marshon — Cornerback
Thomas, Michael — Wide Receiver
New York Giants
Collins, Landon — Strong Safety
Philadelphia Eagles
Brooks, Brandon — Guard
Cox, Fletcher — Interior Lineman
Ertz, Zach — Tight End
Jenkins, Malcolm — Strong Safety
Johnson, Lane — Tackle
Wentz, Carson — Quarterback
San Francisco 49ers
Juszczyk, Kyle — Fullback
Seattle Seahawks
Graham, Jimmy — Tight End
Thomas, Earl — Free Safety
Wagner, Bobby — Inside/Middle Linebacker
Wilson, Russell — Quarterback
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McCoy, Gerald — Interior Lineman
Washington Redskins
Kerrigan, Ryan — Outside Linebacker
Scherff, Brandon — Guard
Williams, Trent — Tackle
Cody Davis Returns to Practice
Currently on injured reserve after suffering a quad injury, S Cody Davis has been cleared to return to practice.
The Rams will take to the road this holiday season, travelling to Nashville to face off against the Titans. The Christmas Eve contest will be broadcast live on FOX with a kickoff time set for 10:00 a.m PT. Check below for all the information you need to watch Sunday’s game:
BROADCAST INFO
— TELEVISION: The game will be available live on Fox with play-by-play provided by Chris Myers and color analysis from Daryl Johnston. Laura Okmin will be the sideline reporter.
— RADIO: Sunday’s contest will be broadcast on Sports USA National Radio with play-by-play and analysis from Larry Kahn and Hank Bauer. 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.
