2010 Record: 10-6

Draft Position: 26

2010 Season Recap: Click Here

Offseason Needs: Click Here

Free Agents/Team Transactions: Click Here

Draft Grades: Click Here

Key Offseason Moves: None

Ravens Blogger: Derek Arnold

2010 Posts: 

Ravens/Texans Recap, Ravens/Buccaneers Recap, Ravens-Bucs Preview, Ravens-Panthers Preview, Ravens-Falcons Preview, Ravens/Bills Recap, Ravens-Pats Recap, Ravens/Patriots Preview, Ravens-Broncos Recap, Ravens-Broncos Preview, Ravens/Steelers Recap, Ravens/Steelers, Ravens-Browns Recap, Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, Ravens/Bengals Recap, Ravens/Bengals Preview, Ravens 10 Jets 9 (The Most Lopsided 1 Point Game Ever), Ravens-Jets Preview, Baltimore Ravens 2010 Season Preview

Cornerback 

Virginia

6-1 198

Draft Board Overall Cornerback Rank: #5

Draft Board Overall Prospect Rank: #22

Rating: 84 (late 1st) 

40 time: 4.37

4/16/11: Dowling finally finished a workout! He didn’t just finish. He lit it up. After running a 4.40 at The Combine, despite pulling a hammy, he ran a 4.37 at his Pro Day. He also had a 10-8 broad jump and a 38 inch vertical. He looked great in the drills. Health problems are there, but he’s still got a first round grade in my book, and he has had for 2 years. He’ll probably go in the 2^nd round, but several draftniks have given him a first round grade, as I have. 

3/30/11: Dowling is hurt again. After missing most of the season with injury, missing the Senior Bowl with injury, and pulling his hammy running at The Combine, Dowling couldn’t do anything at Virginia’s Pro Day. He’ll have own more shot at it with his own Pro Day next month, but the injury red flags are there. He’s a first round talent, but can he stay healthy at the next level?

2/14/11: Ras-I is an extremely big and athletic cornerback with 3 years of experience in a zone style defense at Virginia. He has thrived playing zone, but also has the ability and athleticism to mirror receivers well in man-on-man coverage. He’s very tall, about 3 or 4 inches taller than the average cornerback, and that well help him as a corner in the red zone.

He can blitz and run support and he’s not afraid to take on a block. He has a great motor and is very instinctive. He doesn’t have great straight line speed and can be burned occasionally by speed receivers. He could be more fluid in backpedal, especially when covering someone man-to-man.

He’s most likely best suited for a zone or cover 2 defense because of his athleticism, closing speed, and awareness and experience playing in the system. He has good hands, both for intercepting passes, and for use in run stopping. His hands are very strong and physical for a cornerback. Dowling has all the tools to be a top cornerback in the right scheme.

NFL Comparison: Ike Taylor

Mathis struggled in 2009 and 2010, allowing a 61.2% completion percentage, 7.7 YPA, and 8 touchdowns to 3 interceptions in 2009 and a 59.1% completion percentage, 9.0 YPA, and 5 touchdowns to 1 interception in 2010. In 2011, he allowed a 66.7% completion percentage, 8.5 YPA, and 3 touchdowns to 1 interception before tearing his ACL in November. 32 in August, Mathis is not fully recovered from his ACL tear yet. So basically he’s an aging, declining, injured cornerback. However, a 1 year, 2 million dollar “prove it” contract with 3 million in incentives makes some sense for the Jaguars, who have all sorts of other needs. Still, I think they need a young cornerback for the long term.

Grade: B

This is an incentive laden deal and everyone knows the 49ers need wide receiver help. So they’re not taking a huge risk by bringing him in and the reward could be great. I don’t buy that Moss will poison the 49ers locker room. Anyone who says that is underestimating Jim Harbaugh and overestimating the impact of one player on a normally sound locker room. If he becomes a headache, they can cut him easily and Moss knows that which is why I think he’ll keep quiet.

The one concern I have is that the Patriots showed absolutely no interest in Moss when he hit the open market. They would best know his abilities and best be able to keep him in check and the fact that they weren’t even interested when they too have a need at wide receiver, especially for a deep threat like Moss, makes me wonder if Moss’ has anything left in the tank. I question his abilities, but I don’t mind the risk.

Grade: B

Wide Receiver

Kentucky

5-10 191

Draft board overall prospect rank: #103

Draft board overall wide receiver rank: #8

Overall rating: 67 (early 4th)

40 time: 4.45

3/29/11: Randall Cobb literally does everything. He started out as a situational quarterback at Kentucky, going 52-99 for 545 yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 picks. He then started playing more and more running back and more and more receiver. In 3 years at Kentucky, he has thrown for 689 yards, rushed for another 1313, caught for another 1661, with 40 total offensive touchdowns, and, just for good measure, he’s also brought 2 punts back to the house.

He’ll probably be drafted as a receiver. That’s where he stood out as a junior, eclipsing the 1000 yard mark with 84 catches for 1017 yards and 7 touchdowns. He has field stretching ability, but can really score any time he touches the ball, no matter where he lines up. He’s similar to Dexter McCluster, who was a 2^nd round pick by the Chiefs in 2010. McCluster caught 21 passes, carried the ball 18 times, and also returned a punt for good measure as a rookie.

Cobb’s problem is that he’s more of a luxury weapon than anything. He doesn’t stretch the field like a Mike Wallace or a DeSean Jackson and, with his lack of size, at 5-10 191, he might have to be a slot receiver only, or a #2 at best. He’s not a true, natural, experienced receiver. His route running is very raw and he relies more on game breaking quickness that anything.

Having a guy who can be a slot receiver, carry the ball out of the backfield, and help on special teams is a great cherry on top of a good team, but teams with other needs might overlook him because he’s not a huge impact player in any one facet of the game. He’s more of an athletic, with good open field moves, good potential, and upside. Some are saying 2^nd round for this kid. I think he slips into the 3^rd. Teams like New England, Atlanta, and Baltimore could give him looks in the late 2^nd.

NFL Comparison: Dexter McCluster

By Vince Vitale 

Despite only 172 yards of total offense (only 107 after the first drive) the St. Louis Rams managed to beat the Cleveland Browns 19-17 behind 4 short field goals by Josh Brown. The Rams took advantage of early turnovers to go up 13-0 13 minutes and 25 seconds into the contest. The NFL is all about winning but in preseason sometimes how the team plays can be even more important, however it was nice to see the Rams put one in the win column.

A.J. Feeley played very well going 4 of 5 for 46 yards and a touchdown pass to Daniel Fells. Feeley was injured on the opening drive hurting both his arm and thumb after a hit from Chris Cogong. X-rays taken last night were negative. The injury let Sam Bradford enter the game earlier than expected. The constant rain throughout the night played havoc with Sam and his ball security. You could tell Sam was unable to get a good grip on the ball as he again bobbled a couple of snaps and threw some wobbly passes down field. Bradford finished 6 of 14 for only 24 yards.

Overall the Rams played much better than they did against the Minnesota Vikings last week. We will break the game down into the Good, Bad, and Ugly of the night.

The Good – While playing in the rain the entire night the Rams forced 5 turnovers while not turning the ball over themselves. Winning the turnover battle is the key to success in the NFL. The offensive line play was much improved as the Rams did not allow a single sack of their quarterbacks. The starting O-line played for the entire first half. A.J. Feeley was solid and I feel confident that if he starts the season against Arizona he will do fine. Steven Jackson saw some preseason action gaining 20 yards on 4 carries. Steven Jackson is the key to the Rams offense, when he is not in the game the Rams are simply unable to move the ball. Mardy Gilyard was able to play with a cast on his wrist. Gilyard returned 3 kickoffs for 70 yards and 3 punts for 49 yards almost busting one. He looks explosive and instinctive in the return game. I can’t wait to watch him get more time at wide receiver when his cast is off. The defense has to get props for creating 5 turnovers and forcing 4 sacks. A much better all around effort than last week.

The Bad – The Rams had to settle for four short field goals and were only able to punch it in for a touchdown on the first drive of the game. After Steven Jackson left the game the Rams backup running backs were only able to gain 45 yards on 25 carries which is just not good enough. The Rams are down right pitiful on offense without Steven Jackson’s presence.

http://www.stlouisramfan.com/

By Vince Vitale 

The St. Louis Rams open their 2010 season with a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Edward Jones Dome Saturday night at 7PM. This will be Rams fans first chance to see Sam Bradford in live action. The Rams went 3-1 in the preseason in 2009, so preseason play is not indicative of how good a team may be. Here are the five things we will be watching Saturday night.

First and foremost is watching Sam Bradford perform. The St. Louis Rams will start with A.J. Feeley for one or two series and then Bradford is supposed to play up until at least halftime. Will Sam Bradford get enough protection and perform well enough in the preseason to be the starter week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

The key to the Rams 2010 season could lie in the offensive line play. This is where the Rams have huge question marks. It appears that rookie Rodger Saffold will start at Left Tackle. Will we get to see Rodger Saffold block Jared Allen. This means the Rams 2009 first round #2 selection Jason Smith is odds on favorite to start at Right Tackle. Overall this make Smith an NFL bust already but at this point we just need the Rams to field the best five blockers. The other battle will most likely be at Right Guard were veteran Hank Fraley will try to win the job over John Greco. When healthy Adam Goldberg is a valuable versatile backup. 

The St. Louis Rams may not have a #1 WR but what they do appear to have for a change is depth. Currently the Rams have 10 wide receivers probably competing for five or six positions. Keenan Burton, Brooks Foster, and Laurent Robinson all finished the 2009 season on the IR and have a lot to prove. I believe Donnie Avery, Laurent Robinson, Danny Amendola and Mardy Gilyard will all make the roster the others need to show what they can do Saturday night.

The St. Louis Rams who were near the bottom in ever defensive category finished 30th in sacks and with team leading (6.5) Leonard Little gone the Rams are in need of a pass rush. Rams hopes hinge on George Selvie out of South Florida to bring an added spark and rush from the end position. Veteran Fred Robbins was added to rotate in at defensive tackle but on paper it looks like the Rams will have a hard time getting to opposing QBs again. 

The secondary could be the most interesting group of all. This group always seem to have injury issues. Ron Bartell, Justin King and James Butler have all suffered preseason injuries already. On paper and when healthy this group could be decent with Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher at corner with James Butler and OJ Atogwe at safety and rookie Jerome Murphy as the nickel. Watch Jerome Murphy in this one he likes to hit people. With 14 secondary players in camp some of these players are going to need to make their mark on special teams.

http://www.stlouisramfan.com/

By Vince Vitale 

The St. Louis Rams were knocked out and finally fell to the mat in 2009 finishing 1-15 and were 6-42 over the last three years. I believe the St. Louis Rams have reached rock bottom. In 2010 the St. Louis Rams will have to crawl before they can walk. With the selection of Sam Bradford the Rams now have a face of the franchise and hope. It is time for the St. Louis Rams to start gathering the pieces to once again be successful.

Offense – The St. Louis Rams have to rebound from having one of the worst offenses in the history of football. The Rams were dead last in scoring in 2009 averaging only 10.9 points per game. In addition the Rams were 29th in total yards, 28th in passing and even with Steven Jackson they finished 20th in rushing. The Rams look to turn things around with the addition of Sam Bradford. The Rams made the correct choice in selecting Bradford over Ndamukong Suh. The Rams will continue to rely on Steven Jackson to run the ball and hopefully open up things for Bradford in the passing game. The Rams also drafted Mardy Gilyard to add to their attack. The Rams will need to acquire a top wide receiver within the next year to take this offense to the next level.

Defense – As anemic as the Rams offense has been you can argue that the defense has been even worse finishing in the bottom 5 in points allowed the previous five years! The numbers don’t get much better from there as the Rams were 30th in sacks, tied for last in interceptions, and opposing QBs had a QB Rating of 97 against them. The Rams offense will have to find a way to keep this defense off the field more in 2010. The Rams have found a great leader on the defensive side of the ball in James Laurinaitis. Chris Long will move over to LDE replacing Leonard Little and will need to have a year worthy of being the 2nd overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft. The Rams have high hopes for draft pick CB Jerome Murphy but did little else to bolster a defense in need of a real hammer. I look for the Rams to pick up a stud defensive end or safety in the next draft or free agent period.

Special Teams – The St. Louis Rams special teams should be very solid with one of the best punters in football Donnie Jones, and Josh Brown looking stronger than ever as the place kicker. Danny Amendola will be the threat returning punts, and explosive Mardy Gilyard will take over the kickoff return duties. I would also like to welcome back Chris Massey the best long snapper in the business from his 2009 season-ending knee injury.

Coaching – I must admit I am still not sold on the coaching staff. Sure they are all very nice guys but do they have what it takes to return the St. Louis Rams to their glory? Steve Spagnuolo was never a head coach at any level prior to getting the head coaching job with the Rams. His claim to fame was being the Defensive Coordinator on the New York Giants when they shut down the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Coach Spagnuolo has only two years experience as a DC in the NFL and has never been on the offensive side of coaching in his 25+ years in the business. I have yet to see any schemes or coaching philosophy changes to improve the Rams, it could simply be because he does not have the horses yet. In Pat Shurmur the Rams have an unproven and totally inexperience offensive coordinator. Shurmur was the tight ends coach for three years and then quarterbacks coach for five years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Shurmur has no offensive coordinator experience and it showed in 2009 as the Rams offense was about as vanilla as you can get. On the defensive side of the ball the Rams have inexperienced Ken Flajole who has never been a defensive coordinator at the NFL level. Will Ken be able to turn around a defense that has been bad for so long? If the Rams have a poor season look for Owner Stan Kronke to clean house.

Intangibles – One word “Inexperienced.” The 2010 St. Louis Rams will experience growing pains. The Rams have 14 rookies on their 53 man roster which comes out to 26% of the roster. Not only are the Rams inexperienced they are inexperienced at key positions. The Rams are not only starting rookie QB Sam Bradford but they are also protecting him with rookie left tackle Rodger Saffold and second year right tackle Jason Smith. In addition the Rams starting wide receivers Laurent Robinson and Danny Amendola have a total of 98 NFL receptions between then and really pose no threat to opposing defenses.

Schedule – Based on 2009 results the St. Louis Rams 2010 strength of schedule (SOS) is .449, 31st overall, or the second easiest schedule in the NFL. On paper the Rams finally catch a break and a big break at that. The Rams have early season match-ups against Oakland, Detroit & Tampa Bay. After starting the past 3 seasons 0-4 the Rams need some success early to build some confidence and their fan base.

My thoughts – While I am very excited to watch Sam Bradford take over as the Rams quarterback the Rams are still a couple years away. From 1 through 22 the Rams should be able to stay in games for quite a while but this team is just super thin and super young. A key injury at almost any position will cripple this team. There are still not enough weapons but they are heading in the right direction. With the early season schedule if they catch a couple breaks you never know, but I just don’t see it happening yet. The inexperience factor has to cost them quiet a lot. A rookie QB in the NFL has a very tough time out of the blocks and to be starting on the worst team in the NFL will make it that much harder for Sam Bradford.

Prediction – (3 – 13) With some early season breaks and some Sam Bradford magic 6 wins is possible.

http://www.stlouisramfan.com/

By DKSB 

The Seahawks have a golden opportunity to take control of the NFC West this Sunday; A win at St. Louis would put them at 3-1 going into their bye week, and unless Arizona pulls a big upset in San Diego, Seattle would be a game clear of their divisional competition. The even better news? Seattle hasn’t lost a game to the Rams since the 2004 NFC Wild Card game. That’s a 10-game winning streak against a divisional opponent, which is a testament to how downtrodden the St. Louis franchise has become. Even when the Hawks were among the NFL’s worst teams in 2008-2009, they still won four games against the even more pathetic Rams. This is still a matchup the Seahawks should EXPECT to win, but it’s unlikely to be a nice, stress-free morning for the Twelve Army. 

Even during the 10-game Seattle winning streak, five games were decided by 6 points or less. In addition, the Rams look to be substantially improved in 2010- They dropped two close ones to the Cardinals and Raiders, then put the boots to DC medium-style last Sunday. One problem facing St. Louis is their distinct lack of a home-field advantage. Thousands of seats remain unsold for Sunday’s game, and a TV blackout in the STL area seems inevitable.

I attended a game at the Edward Jones Dome in 2007, and the experience of watching a game there was a bit boring. The fans rarely did more than clap politely, and the dome itself had the atmosphere of a comfortable, brand new Costco Warehouse rather than an NFL stadium. The stadium was only about 75% full, and most of those folks left with over 5 minutes left in the game. On the plus side, no one gave me any crap the whole day, and more than one person congratulated me on the Seahawks’ win after the final gun. The bottom line? While I don’t respect the Rams “faithful” as football fans, I do respect them as decent human beings.

The Seahawks have had terrible trouble winning on the road throughout their history, particularly during games with 10 am Pacific kickoffs. The lone exception to this trend is when the Hawks visit St. Louis, and while I expect the Rams to put up a fight, it won’t be enough to actually defeat Seattle. Look for Gus Bradley to throw a wide variety of blitzes at rookie QB Sam Bradford, and for the Seahawks to score at least one defensive touchdown (most likely in the 4th quarter to seal the deal for Seattle). The Hawks have relied on defense and special teams in their two wins thus far, and this week should follow the same pattern: Players like Earl Thomas and Leon Washington should consistently put the Seahawks in good field position, and unless Matt Hasselbeck plays like he did at Mile High two weeks ago, the offense should do just enough to ensure another win.

Prediction: Seahawks 28, Rams 17.

http://davekriegsstrikebeard.blogspot.com/ 

By Vince Vitale 

The St. Louis Rams have trimmed their roster to 53 by cutting 20 players and placing two others on IR. There are really no surprising cuts here. For now 53 players are safe but probably not for long. Look for the St. Louis Rams to pick up a WR and/or RB off the waiver wire.

Offense

_ QB Keith Null

_ RB Chris Ogbonnaya

_ FB Dennis Morris

_ WRs Danario Alexander, Jordan Kent, Brandon McRae

_ TE Darcy Johnson

_ G Roger Allen, C Tim Mattran, T Ryan McKee, C Drew Miller, T Eric Young (IR).

Defense

_ DE Victor Adeyanju, DT Ernest Reid

_ LBs Devin Bishop, Bobby Carpenter, Cardia Jackson

_ CBs Quincy Butler, Marquis Johnson, Antoine Thompson

_ Ss Brett Johnson, Kevin Payne (IR)

http://www.stlouisramfan.com/