Week 3 brings the Rams home with hopes of getting back on track against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“He’s good in protection, he can take the cut back, and he can come out any place,” Fisher said of Bell’s versatility. “In addition to that, he’s really good between the tackles. We have to do much better in our gap fits and our run responsibilities and try to get them in third down and get off the field.”
Stopping the run starts with the defensive front getting in the backfield, which Aaron Donald hopes to do against his hometown team.
“It’s going to be pretty cool because I grew up watching those guys and watching Big Ben,” Donald said. “I saw him take them to a Super Bowl and now I have the opportunity to play against them, but I’m just going to go out there and try to win. I am going to do my job and take it like any other game.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been able to get to know Donald over the years and said he is a special talent and person. Donald spent some of the offseason working out at the University of Pittsburgh and Tomlin would often see him arriving early to work out.
“He’s just a ridiculous worker,” Tomlin said. “I saw him just about every morning in February when a lot of guys are on beaches and vacationing, this guy was getting out of his car at 6:30 in the morning to work out. That’s not out of character based on the things that I know about him.”
On offense, the Rams experienced success against the Seahawks in Week 1, but production took a dip last week, which is something quarterback Nick Foles attributed to a lack of rhythm.
“That’s on me, I’ve got to make sure to get some easy completions here and there,” Foles said. “Football is such a rhythm game that if you can’t get into a rhythm, it’s very difficult to sustain a drive, convert on third down, and keep your defense off of the field. We didn’t do a good job of converting on third down."
Establishing the run will be crucial in developing that rhythm and can also set Foles up for some shots downfield. Gaining chunks of yards on first and second downs will also help to convert on third.
The Rams haven’t rolled out the full arsenal of running backs in a game this season with the absence of Todd Gurley and Tre Masonmaking his 2015 debut in Week 2. But this Sunday could provide Rams fans with their first glimpse of Gurley on the field. At the conclusion of Friday’s practice, the rookie was listed as questionable, which according to Fisher means there’s a 50/50 chance he sees action.
Throughout the week, Fisher and Rams players noted the threat Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger poses against defenses. They hope to stall his effect on the game by making him uncomfortable in the pocket.
“Pressure is the key to stopping any quarterback,” Fisher said. “I think you have to tackle, you have to minimize gains and you have to make plays and hope he throws a few incompletions.”
Linebacker Alec Ogletree, who’s coming off of an 18-tackle game last week, said the best way to bring Roethlisberger down is to hold on and wait for teammates to get there.
Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said Roethlisberger is in the top echelon of current NFL quarterbacks and commended Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley for the team’s fast start offensively. His answer for that is a simple one.
“We’re not a catch, read and react defense – never going to be that way,” Williams said. “We’re going to shed blocks, we’re going to attack the line of scrimmage and have an attacking form of how we go about calling the game.”
The Rams will look to get back on track at home against Pittsburgh in Week 3. Here are five players to keep an eye on during Sunday’s contest.
1) Aaron Donald - No. 99
The 2014 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year has done well to start his second season, as he currently leads all NFL defensive tackles with 2.5 sacks. And with the Steelers coming to town, this week will amount to a homecoming of sorts for him. Donald, a Pittsburgh native and University of Pittsburgh product, said he’ll have plenty of family in attendance for this weekend’s matchup. It’s a special opportunity for the young D-lineman, but with Donald’s workmanlike approach, he shouldn’t have a problem treating it like any other game.
As always, Donald will be very important in the middle of the defense as the Rams’ three-technique.
2) Alec Ogletree - No. 52
The ‘Will’ linebacker had a particularly strong showing against Washington last week, as he tallied 18 tackles, according to the coaches’ film review. The tally was the most tackles in a single game since London Fletcher racked up 21 in a 2001 contest. Ogletree will be looking for more this week and he should have some good opportunities to make an impact -- especially because Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell will be back from a two-game suspension. Bell has a unique ability to not only run the ball effectively, but also be a strong receiver out of the backfield. If Ogletree plays well, he could have a significant impact in slowing Bell down.
3 Kenny Britt - No. 18
Britt had a nice 40-yard touchdown reception in last week’s game, and will look to have more of the same on Sunday. Known as the leader of the wide receivers group, Britt has a good ability to take the top off the defense and go deep. But in order for Britt to have an opportunity to do so against Pittsburgh, St. Louis’ ground game must get going well. The play-action pass worked well against Washington because that was a point in the game where the Rams had strung together a few successful run plays in a row. If the offense does that with consistency on Sunday, Britt could reap the benefits with some big downfield plays.
4 James Laurinaitis - No. 55
After the coaches credited him with six total tackles last week, Laurinaitis is only two tackles away from breaking the all-time franchise mark currently held by Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen. Laurinaitis has long been the man in the middle of the Rams’ defense, helping set up the unit on every play. Much like Ogletree, Laurinaitis could have plenty of collisions with Bell on Sunday, with the back either running the ball or going out for routes.
5 The Secondary
With Antonio Brown’s receiving ability, it’s difficult to single out just one cornerback to cover him. Instead, the onus falls on the entire secondary to contain one of the league’s premier receivers. Brown has made nine catches in both of the Steelers’ regular-season contests so far, notching 133 and 195 yards receiving in the first and second game, respectively. The connection between Brown and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is special, and can potentially do plenty of damage to any team.
While it will be a difficult task, the Rams’ secondary will have to work to shut down the big plays. It stands to reason that Brown will get his receptions. The key for St. Louis will be to cut those plays off before Brown has a chance to rack up big yards after the catch. If the unit plays with its usual physicality, it will have an even better chance to do a nice job of containing Brown.
The St. Louis Rams will host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday with kickoff set for 12 p.m. CT. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here, calling 314-RAMS-TIX or at the Edward Jones Dome box office starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday. The game, which is sponsored by Bud Light, will air on KMOV-CBS 4 in St. Louis. The game will also be broadcast on 101 ESPN. Below are some of the highlights taking place at Sunday’s game. For more information about the Rams game day experience, click here.
Cherokee Washington HS Band to Perform
The Cherokee Washington High School marching band from Cherokee, Iowa -- home of former St. Louis Rams guard Adam Timmerman -- will perform during pregame. Timmerman’s son Mason plays the alto saxophone and his daughter Alexa is in the color guard. Timmerman, who played for the Rams from 1999-2007, won Super Bowl XXXIV with the team and was voted a Pro Bowl alternate four consecutive seasons from 1999-2002.
Nikko Smith to Sing National Anthem
Nikko Smith is a singer-songwriter and former American Idol Top 10 artist. The son of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, Nikko has carved out his own place in the spotlight and will perform Sunday’s National Anthem.
Rams to Recognize Wounded Warrior
In the second quarter, the Rams will recognize Michael Griffey during this week’s Soldier Salute presented by Boeing. Griffey spent six years in the Army as a military police officer and was deployed to Iraq where he was injured in 2008. Griffey now makes his home in Booneville, Mo., where he grew up.
Youth Football Games at Halftime
During halftime, the South County Tigers will take on the Collinsville Raiders and the Fairfield Jr. Mules will take on the Marquette Jr. Mustangs.
Community Quarterback Award Winner
During halftime, the Rams will honor an outstanding volunteer and Community Quarterback Award winner, Gail Marchbanks, for her efforts on behalf of Kellsie's Hope Foundation. Kellsie's Hope Foundation grants wishes for young cancer patients and will receive a $5,000 grant in honor of Gail's hard work and commitment. The Community Quarterback Award is sponsored by GFI, and has awarded more than $290,000 to local charities.
Rams to Welcome Tom Mack
During the third quarter, the Rams will recognize Pro Football Hall of Famer Tom Mack, who was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the second pick in the 1966 NFL Draft, and played left guard for the Rams for 13 seasons (1966-78). During his NFL career, Mack played in 11 Pro Bowls and appeared in 184 consecutive games, 162 as a starter, over 13 seasons. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Mack and fellow Pro Football Hall of Famers Jack Youngblood and Eric Dickerson attended Rams practices earlier this week. Former Rams attending Sunday’s game will include Adam Timmerman, Isaac Bruce, Orlando Pace, Tony Horne, Mike Lansford, Gregory Bell and Todd Steussie.
Official Bud Light Tailgate Party at Baer Park
The Bud Light Tailgate Party at Baer Park is located on Broadway directly across from the Edward Jones Dome. Every 2015 home game will feature one of St. Louis’ top bands including this Sunday at 9 a.m. when St. Louis favorite, Kim Massie, takes the stage. Fans can also enjoy appearances from Rams Cheerleaders and reduced pricing on food and beverages. Baer Park will also feature a mobile team store where Rams merchandise will be available for purchase, including NFL-approved all-clear Rams Tote bags.
New Tailgate Areas
In 2015, the Rams have two new all-inclusive tailgate areas. The Touchdown Tailgate, located in the sundial on the south side of Baer Park, will feature unlimited food and drink, live entertainment and Rams Cheerleader appearances. The all-new Vivid Seats VIP Hospitality Tent, located in the parking lot directly south of Baer Park, will feature an all-inclusive tailgate brunch menu and beverage station provided by Gamlin Whiskey House and special guest appearances from select Rams personalities.
Bud Light Party Zone and Budweiser Biergarten
Fans looking to enter the Edward Jones Dome early can enjoy the Bud Light Party Zone -- the largest sports bar in St. Louis, which is available to all ticket holders. For early admittance to the Bud Light Party Zone and the Budweiser Biergarten, which is located outside of section 102, fans can enter gate C beginning at 10 a.m. All gates will open at 10:30 a.m.
Merchandise Specials for Sunday’s Game
Rams fans will receive 30% off all infant, toddler and youth apparel.
Season Ticket Members will receive 15% off merchandise by showing their team-issued Season Ticket Member lanyard from Edward Jones.
Rams Extra Points Credit Card holders receive 20% when using their card.
AAA members receive a 15% discount in the Rams Team Store, located in Section 152.
A Record-Number of Season Tickets for Local Charities and Schools
A record-number 38 Rams have purchased season tickets for local charities and school groups to attend 2015 Rams home games. Players participating in the “Rams All Community Team” ticket donation program include: Tavon Austin, Akeem Ayers, Stedman Bailey, Mark Barron, Daren Bates, Kenny Britt, Michael Brockers, Jamon Brown, Jared Cook, Aaron Donald, Nick Fairley, Nick Foles, Chris Givens, Todd Gurley, Corey Harkey, William Hayes, Johnny Hekker, Janoris Jenkins, Lamarcus Joyner, Case Keenum, Lance Kendricks, James Laurinaitis, Chris Long, Tre Mason, T.J. McDonald, Rodney McLeod, Jake McQuaide, Alec Ogletree, Brian Quick, Robert Quinn, Greg Robinson, Rodger Saffold, Eugene Sims, and Greg Zuerlein. Head coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Les Snead, chief operating officer/executive vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff and former Rams great Isaac Bruce are also participating in the program.
NFL Bag Policy
To provide a safer environment for the public and expedite fan entry into stadiums, the National Football League will again implement the league-wide bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into all NFL stadiums, including the Edward Jones Dome. While the NFL strongly encourages fans to not bring any type of bags, outlined below are the bags or packages that are permissible:
Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.”
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand with or without a handle or strap, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5.”
An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
Approved bags may be purchased at www.nflshop.com/allclear or at the team store on game days.
For additional information regarding the NFL bag policy and prohibited items, please visit www.nfl.com/allclear or www.stlouisrams.com/edward-jones-dome/game-day-info.html.
Portion of Broadway to Close for 2015 Rams Games Prior to Kickoff Cole Street between 7th and Broadway will close 4 hours prior to kickoff.
Convention Plaza between 7th and Broadway will close 4 hours prior to kickoff.
Broadway Exit off I-70 Expressway Lanes will close 2 hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff
Broadway Exit off I-44 Westbound will close 2 hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff.
Broadway along the Edward Jones Dome will close 2 hours prior to kickoff.
Please note: The process to begin closing the Broadway exits off I-70 Eastbound Expressway and I-44 Westbound will begin upwards to two and half hours prior to game time to ensure that the Broadway exits are closed by two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff. For more information on road closures, drop-off along Broadway for guests with disabilities and parking north of the Edward Jones Dome, please visit: http://www.stlouisrams.com/edward-jones-dome/driving-directions.html.
