Sam Bradford

Rams Only A Quarterback Away From Contention

After a 52-0 blowout victory over the Raiders on Sunday afternoon, the Rams improved to 5-7 on the season. Remembering that the team lost starting quarterback Sam Bradford before the season began, the team has been very impressive competing in one of the toughest divisions in football.

Playing the way they have in 2014 with a combination of Shaun Hill and Austin Davis, the Rams have a lot to be proud of and more importantly, a lot to look forward to in 2015, writes Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The club has signature wins against the Broncos, Seahawks, and 49ers, with very close and competitive losses against the Eagles, Chargers, and Cowboys.

The team has already put together an impressive defense full of first-round picks. The defensive line has a cornerstone, with Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Michael Brockers, and Aaron Donald all developing exceptionally and providing a foundation for the team. Beyond the line, the team also has seen strides from linebacker Alec Ogletree, and has gotten solid play from 2009 second-round pick James Laurinaitis.

The Rams also have hope for former first-round pick Mark Barron, who was acquired via trade with the Buccaneers. Add to that a young secondary that needs to be more consistent, and the defense should only improve next season.

On offense is where the surprises have come. Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, Brian Quick, and Stedman Bailey have all improved as the season has progressed, turning from a meager group of wideouts into a set of players who are able to make plays down the field. Third-round pick Tre Mason has set himself up to be the running back of the future, showing game-breaking speed to go along with the ability to be a lead back and absorb a heavy workload.

As long as the offensive line does not regress, it can be solid enough to round out the team, especially if second-overall pick Greg Robinson makes the leap as the left tackle next season.

Neither Hill nor Davis will likely be the starter going into 2015. If the Rams solve their quarterback problem, they could see an uptick in wins next season, and could compete in the tough NFC West. Their fifth win of the season will likely catapult them out of a top-10 pick, and move them out of the running for Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. If those two are selected before the Rams’ pick arrives, they might not have another passer on the board worth taking.

That will leave the team to search out other options at the position. There are some current NFL players who may be looking for starting jobs in 2015. Robert Griffin III might be on the outs with Washington, and Mark Sanchez may be playing his way into a starting job as well if the Eagles decide not to retain his services. Brian Hoyer played well for stretches early this season, but may not be wanted back in Cleveland.

Either way, this team more than most might be only one player away from the playoffs. Unfortunately, that player may not be very easy to find.

Rams Place Bradford On IR, Roster Down To 75

The Rams have formally placed Sam Bradford on season-ending injured reserve, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter). The move had been expected, but now – with this afternoon’s first cutdown deadline looming – it has been made official.

St. Louis came into the day with 79 players on its active roster, so in addition to putting Bradford on IR, the team also made three other roster moves. Thomas tweets that seventh-round center Demetrius Rhaney, who has a knee injury, will join the quarterback on the team’s injured reserve list. Additionally, safety Matt Daniels and defensive end Sammy Brown have been waived, according to Thomas (Twitter links).

The Rams’ final cutdown this weekend will draw a little more national attention than usual, as we wait to see whether seventh-round defensive end Michael Sam is among the 53 players the team will carry into the regular season.

Reaction To Sam Bradford’s Season-Ending Injury

The Rams confirmed yesterday that quarterback Sam Bradford had re-torn his ACL, an injury that will end his season before it begins. It’s a tragic turn for the young QB, and it will force St. Louis to answer many questions in the coming weeks and months. Is Shaun Hill capable of leading a team? Are there better alternatives available? And will Bradford’s contract prevent him from staying with the Rams in 2015? Let’s look at some reactions to the news from around the league:

  • While Jeff Fisher and the rest of the Rams’ staff will meet to discuss quarterback options available through free agency and trade, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported (Twitter link) they hadn’t done so as of yesterday afternoon.
  • Rapoport adds (via Twitter) that St. Louis might simply be content with Hill, it feels it’s a defensive-oriented team with a strong running game. In fact, the “team believes it has more talent around the QB than [it has] in years.”
  • Despite reports that there is “no chance” the Eagles trade Mark Sanchez, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets that the Rams do want to acquire him, but accept that such move is a longshot. Cole continues, saying that the Rams are also considering Ryan Mallett.
  • Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald thinks (on Twitter) that the Rams should call the Dolphins about Matt Moore‘s availability.
  • Field Yates of ESPN Insider (subscription required) examines the Rams’ options both this year (possible trades for Kirk Cousins or Mike Glennon) and beyond (sticking with Bradford versus drafting a quarterback in 2015).
  • Regarding Cousins, a source tells Mike Jones and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post that the Redskins are wary of trading Cousins while Robert Griffin III continues to struggle with Jay Gruden’s offense.
  • Because the Rams can save almost $13MM against the cap in 2015 by releasing Bradford, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap writes that it’s impossible to conceive him sticking on the Rams after this season.
  • Bill Barnwell of Grantland agrees, writing that it would be a massive mistake for the Rams to keep Bradford around for next season.
  • St. Louis might have trouble trading for a quarterback (specifically, a QB’s salary) as they rank last in the NFL with just $1.678MM in cap space, per Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). Corry points (on Twitter) to Chris Long and James Laurinaitis as candidates to have their contracts restructured in an effort to free up cap room.

Sam Bradford Tears ACL, Will Miss 2014 Season

A MRI has revealed Rams quarterback Sam Bradford has suffered a torn left ACL, reports Chris Mortensen of ESPN (via Twitter). Bradford will miss the entire 2014 season. The Rams will hold a news conference later today to confirm the news.

The injury, which occurred in last night’s contest preseason game against the Browns, afflicts the same ACL which Bradford tore during Week 7 last season. Bradford, the 2008 Heisman winner and the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, has had trouble staying healthy in his career, starting only 49 out of a possible 64 games. Additionally, he hasn’t been very successful when he has played, averaging just 2,766 yards through the air, with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over four years, while his career completion percentage sits at just 58.6%.

Rumors of Bradford’s release surfaced over the offseason, and though he was ultimately retained, there’s virtually no scenario in which he returns to St. Louis in 2015. The Rams could save nearly $13MM against the cap next year by releasing Bradford, who is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. For his part, Bradford’s 2015 potential free agency prospects look grim — as Evan Silva of Rotoworld tweets, Bradford will likely enter the market not only coming off back-to-back ACL tears, but having missed 31 of out a possible 80 games.

The Rams will presumably turn to backup Shaun Hill, who was signed to a one-year deal over the offseason, to take over as their starting quarterback. If St. Louis wants to look to bring in depth behind Hill, it could either look to find a trade partner, or scan the list of available free agent quarterbacks.

Adam Schefter of ESPN was the first to report the Rams’ concern that Bradford might have re-torn his ACL.

West Notes: Carr, Crabtree, Broncos, Rams

Raiders rookie quarterback Derek Carr sustained a concussion and injured ribs last night, with SI’s Austin Murphy reporting (via Twitter) Carr told a team doctor, “I just heard a crunch. I don’t know if my rib’s broken. But it hurts.”

Here’s some more links from the AFC and NFC West divisions:

  • Healed from a July hamstring pull, 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree participated in his first full practice Friday. Afterward, he told reporters to expect a more impactful version of himself in 2014. According to SFGate.com’s Eric Branch, Crabtree was a “diminished” receiver last season when he came back from a torn Achilles weighing 230 pounds. Crabtree will play at approximately 215 pounds this season.
  • Optimism is flowing in Broncos camp, particularly because defensive ends Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware look healthy and are gelling, according to the Coloradoan’s Arnie Stapleton. Additionally, Quanterus Smith‘s “ability to create pressure off the edge continues to impress coaches,” per the Denver Post’s Troy Renck, who says Smith is soaking up veteran advice from Ware.
  • Speaking of optimism. . .Rams receiver Kenny Britt, who is being given another chance by Jeff Fisher, is 100 percent and drawing praise in camp. That’s not surprising. But an article headlined “Rams hoping Kenny Britt can be a leader” is.
  • Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez paints an optimistic picture of Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, who enters a make-or-break season with a confidence boost derived from the organization’s confidence in him.
  • Although it was just a second preseason game, the Chargers were humbled by the Seahawks, writes Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune.

Wagoner On The Rams

Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com recently hosted an online chat with fans about the Rams’ offseason, what questions the team must answer as they head into training camp next month, and what to be expected of certain players this year. The entire conversation is worth a read, but here are some of the highlights:

Wagoner generally cautions, and rightfully so, about making any bold proclamations based upon what transpired in OTAs and minicamp. For example, in response to a question as to whether any of the Rams’ receivers flashed the ability to become a true No. 1 receiver, Wagoner writes, “The receiver group had some really nice moments in camp, from guys like (Kenny Britt) and (Chris Givens) on down to someone like Emory Blake. But in the grand scheme, it doesn’t mean a whole lot.” Similarly, Wagoner adds, Brian Schottenheimer said (Brian Quick) was the most improved player in camp. He definitely had some good moments. But that’s nothing new, either. Quick has always showed great promise in practice. It’s about doing it in games. Let’s see where he’s at when the real stuff begins.”

On what the Rams could reasonably expect to pay if they wanted to extend Sam Bradford:

“I’d think he’d be in the $15 million range on an annual basis depending on how well he plays. Jay Cutler‘s contract would be a likely baseline, I’d think. Again, that’s based on him playing well enough for the Rams to want to do an extension.”

On Kenny Britt‘s potential impact:

“Hard to say but if the season started today, I’d think some combination of Givens, Britt and (Tavon Austin) would get the first crack at the receiver spots. But a long way to go.”

Whats moves to add veteran depth might the Rams make before the season begins?

“As of now, they don’t seem to be in a hurry to do anything else in terms of vets and they will need some cap space to get through the season with injuries and such. If they do, I think (outside linebacker and safety) would make the most sense, especially a veteran linebacker.”

How many quarterbacks might the Rams keep, and who are they?

“If neither (Austin Davis) nor (Garrett Gilbert) shows much, I could see the Rams keeping two and then putting Gilbert on the practice squad. If Gilbert plays well in the preseason, I think they keep all three. But I do think Davis would have to really surprise to make it.”

On if the three big contracts on the team’s books for Bradford, Jake Long, and James Laurinaitis will unduly hinder the Rams:

I don’t think it’s much of an issue because, as we sit here right now, what has it really cost them? Long and Laurinaitis have been good, productive players. And both of them have cap numbers that reduce in the next two years (especially in the case of Laurinaitis). Bradford’s contract is really nobody’s fault, it was the going rate for a No. 1 overall pick at the time. Have the Rams got the return on that investment? No. But as you point out, the Rams have the ability to move on from him soon without paying much dead money soon enough if he doesn’t take the next step or stay healthy in 2014.

On Aaron Donald‘s potential:

“I could see him getting seven or eight sacks as a rookie. I think he’ll work on sub package stuff a lot early on, coming in on passing downs. He should be able to do some damage there right away given his polish.”

 

Sam Bradford Throws At Rams’ OTAs

Sam Bradford‘s rehabilitation from a knee injury last season is moving along quickly, as the quarterback took part in 7-on-7 drills at Rams’ OTAs earlier today, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Bradford also participated in some 11-on-11 drills, specifically the two-minute drill. He was not expected to be involved in the full team drills.

Bradford took the field wearing a knee brace to protect his injury as he continues to rehab, but he looked sharp throwing the football, writes Thomas. He had good velocity on his throws, completing an array of passes including an impressive deep out to Justin Veltung.

He also threw two touchdown passes during the 7-on-7 period, to tight end Jared Cook and wide receiver Austin Pettis, and showed some mobility moving in the pocket.

“Obviously, it’s good having Sam back just for team morale and everything,” said Pettis. “Sam is one of the better players on this team clearly, and he’s a leader out there, especially on the offensive side. So just having him back in the huddle, we’re kind of more in our comfort zone. . .and we’re able to click a little bit better. Him being back, especially as soon as he has, is definitely a positive for everyone.”

West Notes: 49ers, Davis, Bradford

Everyone seems to be weighing in on Colin Kaepernick‘s deal, except for Andrew Luck. “I think it’s odd to comment on anybody’s contract in any industry,” the Colts QB said, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. When it comes time for Luck’s new deal, you can expect him to earn even more than the possible $21MM per season that Kaepernick will earn under his new deal.

  • Vernon Davis told ESPN’s NFL Live earlier today that he approached the 49ers last season about restructuring his deal, long before the current OTAs that he’s skipping, writes Cam Inman of the Mercury News. While the tight end, under contract through 2015, has taken some criticism for staying home, he doesn’t seem to stressed about it. “It’s not mandatory and that’s what I have to keep reminding people,” Davis said.
  • Through all the rumors and speculation, Rams QB Sam Bradford never doubted his place with the team, writes Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. “I didn’t [worry about my job security]” Bradford said. “Throughout the end of last year I was in communication with [general manager] Les [Snead] and (coach) Jeff [Fisher], and they made it very clear what their plan was. Throughout the offseason they continued to make that clear. I knew what my position on this team was.
  • Broncos prized free agent addition Emmanuel Sanders believes that he DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and T.J. Ward are bringing a new energy to Denver’s locker room, writes Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today Sports. “We are guys that are bringing a different hunger. More hunger to this team,” Sanders. “I feel like that’s what it needs, because these guys have been playing football since February, the offseason was so short, and you’ve got us coming in here being like, ‘Let’s go.’ It’s time to get back there and win it all this time.

Extra Points: Contracts, Vikings, Football In LA

In his weekly Sunday column, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe describes an interesting phenomenon regarding “offset language.” Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill was the first top-10 pick to have offset language put into his contract, language that allows a team to avoid paying the full balance of a player’s salary if the player is cut and signed by another team. Since the 2011 CBA essentially reduced all rookie contracts to little more than boilerplate, Volin notes that the issue of offset language is one of the few negotiating points left.

In exchange for the salary offset, the Dolphins converted half of Tannehill’s base salary into bonus money, and eight of the top 12 draft picks in last year’s draft had similar language inserted into their deals. Of the top picks in the 2014 class that have already signed, only Raiders‘ LB Khalil Mack and Falcons‘ OT Jake Matthews have offset provisions in their contracts, but more are sure to come. For your edification, ESPN’s Field Yates tweets a complete definition of the term “contract offsets.”

Now let’s have a look at some notes from around the league:

  • Chargers GM Tom Telesco held an online chat with fans earlier this week, and a couple of interesting tidbits came out of it. For instance, Telesco addresses his team’s relatively conservative approach to free agency this season and writes that this year was more about re-signing core players than making a splash with players from other clubs.
  • Albert Breer of the NFL Network touched on a couple of rookie storylines in a brief segment on the network’s Total Access program, noting that the Rams plan to start first-round pick Greg Robinson at left guard in his rookie season–much like the Ravens did with Hall-of-Fame LT Jonathan Ogden in Ogden’s rookie year–and the Cowboys will start Zack Martin at right guard.
  • Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch lists 10 reasons as to why Sam Bradford remains the Rams’ best option under center.
  • Breer also tweets that the Vikings will allow Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel, and Teddy Bridegwater to get reps with the first team in the offseason, but they would like to go into training camp with an established depth chart.
  • Tim Graham of the Buffalo News writes that, although Bills fans have been worried about the team’s potential relocation to Los Angeles for years, neither the Bills nor any other club in the league will be heading to Hollywood anytime soon. According to Graham, there are just too many political, social, and historical obstacles for Los Angeles to land an NFL team in the foreseeable future.
  • Citing a league source, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that a new league policy concerning DUI infractions is on the horizon. Once the league and the players’ union iron out the last few details surrounding HGH testing, the NFL will implement the policy, which would impose a one-game suspension and fine for a first DUI offense. Currently, the league punishes first-time DUI offenders with a two-game fine; a suspension is not typically imposed until a player is convicted of a second DUI.
  • Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune tweets that Mike Glennon definitely has a chance at starting for the Buccaneers this year, and will get his opportunity should Josh McCown get hurt or falter.

NFC Notes: Cowboys, Bradford, Bortles, Lions

The Cowboys didn’t come away from the 2014 draft having selected a new quarterback, which head coach Jason Garrett says is just fine. Garrett explained the thinking to Todd Archer of ESPN.com:

“The thing you’re concerned about is developing them for somebody else,” Garrett said. “You develop them for two, three, four years and he goes and plays for another football team. We don’t think that’s a worthwhile thing. There’s been a theory around the league, teams like Green Bay for years always took a guy late and if that player develops into something that was a good thing for their team or to trade to somebody else. … It’s a philosophy a lot of teams, they agree with that. But when you have other issues on your team I think it becomes a little bit of a luxury to do that.”

Here’s more from around the NFC:

  • While there have been rumblings about possible Sam Bradford trade talks lately, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said on today’s Dan Patrick Show that the club has neither made or received any calls about Bradford’s availability (link via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk).
  • If the Jaguars hadn’t selected Blake Bortles with the third overall pick, neither the Vikings or Titans would have drafted him, but the Cowboys would’ve considered it at No. 16 and the Cardinals would’ve pulled the trigger at No. 20, according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network (via Twitter).
  • The Lions strongly considered picking a quarterback on the third day of the draft, but the club’s targets came off the board before Detroit had a chance to select them, writes Justin Rogers of MLive.com.
  • If the conditional pick traded to the Eagles by the Bills in this weekend’s Bryce Brown trade doesn’t change hands next year, it can become a 2016 third-rounder if Brown rushes for 800+ yards in either of the next two seasons, according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter).
  • Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News provides an interesting look at how safety Jimmie Ward became the 49ers’ man in the first round last Thursday.
  • Longtime Vikings college scouting director Scott Studwell resigned from the position following this weekend’s draft, and will transition into a new role within the organization, writes Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune.