St.louis

Chuck Cecil is a name that most St. Louis Rams fans should know well. He's a long-time Jeff Fisher associate, once his defensive coordinator in Tennessee, and now his defensive backs coach with the Rams. He's also a former NFL defensive back, and was kind of a big hitter himself back in the day. In 1993 Cecil, then with the Cardinals, delivered a brutal hit on Redskins tight end Ron Middleton. He nailed him right in the chest, knocking Middleton's helmet off and sending him to a more ephemeral world for a few minutes. The hit cost him $30,000, one of the largest penalties every leveled at the time. If it had happened under Roger Goodell rather than Paul Tagliabue, Cecil would surely have been suspended, especially with the rule changes since then. Here's a Sports Illustrated article on the incident from 1993. That's the cover story. It's called "Too Vicious for the NFL?" The most insane part is Cecil admitting he was in another place immediately after the hit, unable to recall exactly what happened. He played the game with a nasty streak, which has carried over to his coaching style. Exhibit A: It's impossible to find video of the hit, apparently. So if you have video of it, please let us know. You can get a taste of Cecil's playing style here Freak outs following his big hits with this one from his Packers days. That's Neil Anderson he takes out. (h/t Reddit NFL) Seriously, HIVEMIND, go try and find that Cecil hit on Ron Middleton. There's a free TST t-shit in it for you if you do.

Memphis vs. Round Rock, 6:05pm - Boone Whiting Springfield vs. Midland, 6:09pm - Richard Castillo Palm Beach @ Jupiter, 5:35pm - Jonathan Cornelius Peoria vs. Wisconsin, 6:30pm - Kyle Helisek

The Reds have become that nuisance of a little cousin who won’t leave you and your friends alone when you’re trying to have fun. The Cardinals own the best record in baseball at 31-6 with a .660 winning percentage. If the Cardinals were in the East, their record would give them a three game cushion over the Braves. If in the West, the Cardinals would be four ahead of the Diamondbacks and Rockies. Yet the Cardinals are playing in baseball's toughest division. The Reds have been nipping at the Cardinals’ heels for weeks now, sitting a mere game and a half behind and waiting for a Cardinal mid-season slump to take form. Yet the Reds’ .625 winning percentage masks a telling fact and a stroke of scheduling luck. The Reds are crushing. There is no denying it. However, even those in Cincinnati will admit—the Reds have been playing weak teams. For example, the Reds were afforded the luxury of playing the hapless Miami Marlins seven times already. It was an early season gift that, as of today, only the Phillies have been given as well. The Cardinals will not face the Marlins until the middle of June. In the Reds’ five recent series (including the current one versus the Cubs), the Reds have played four teams that are playing near .400 or below. The Cardinals have played two. But credit needs to be given to both the Reds and the Cardinals (but especially the Reds). Both are beating the teams they need to beat. The Cardinals are 17-7 against clubs under .500. The Reds are an impressive 24-5. Only the Braves, at 16-3, have a better winning percentage. Herein lies the Reds’ deception: Against winning teams the Reds are an abysmal 6-13. The Met’s have a similar line, holding a record of 5-14. Of all the Major League teams who lead their respective divisions, three—the Braves, Rockies, and Diamondbacks—have sub .500 records when facing winning teams. But compare the Red’s .315 winning percentage against those of the Rockies (.433) and Braves (.444). This may be a fluke that will balance out. If it is not, however, the month of June may be very cruel to the Reds. They will see their honeymoon schedule end--of the nine teams they play, seven have winning records, and two sit atop their divisions. (Cardinals will play five winning teams.) So let's sit back and see how long that 1.5 games behind lasts. The Reds have become that nuisance of a little cousin who won’t leave you and your friends alone when you’re trying to have fun. The Cardinals own the best record in baseball at 31-6 with a .660 winning percentage. If the Cardinals were in the East, their record would give them a three game cushion over the Braves. If in the West, the Cardinals would be four ahead of the Diamondbacks and Rockies. Yet the Cardinals are playing in baseball's toughest division. The Reds have been nipping at the Cardinals’ heels for weeks now, sitting a mere game and a half behind and waiting for a Cardinal mid-season slump to take form. Yet the Reds’ .625 winning percentage masks a telling fact and a stroke of scheduling luck. The Reds are crushing. There is no denying it. However, even those in Cincinnati will admit—the Reds have been playing weak teams. For example, the Reds were afforded the luxury of playing the hapless Miami Marlins seven times already. It was an early season gift that, as of today, only the Phillies have been given as well. The Cardinals will not face the Marlins until the middle of June. In the Reds’ five recent series (including the current one versus the Cubs), the Reds have played four teams that are playing near .400 or below. The Cardinals have played two. But credit needs to be given to both the Reds and the Cardinals (but especially the Reds). Both are beating the teams they need to beat. The Cardinals are 17-7 against clubs under .500. The Reds are an impressive 24-5. Only the Braves, at 16-3, have a better winning percent

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports There was point in time during this offseason where the St. Louis Rams weren’t sure what type of drama they would be facing when offensive tackle Rodger Saffold finally arrived at the team’s facilities. The majority of the roster and the entire fan base were thrilled when the club announced the signing of left tackle Jake Long during the peak of the free agency period. Saffold was a member of the minority in this case. It only stands to reason that if someone is brought in at the same position as you at your vocation of choice you would be a tad upset. The same applies in the NFL where word after the big ticket signing from the Rams is that they were receiving the silent treatment from their now former left tackle. His displeasure was something the team had to have seen coming, but thankfully all is right in St. Louis now. When asked about the incident, Saffold said: “This game is a business; that’s just the way it is. I talked to my coach and basically they told me that they had a lot of faith in me to play right tackle and try to use my versatility as an advantage for the team. I went home, back to Cleveland, just to get away from football for a little bit. But I came back ready to work. I’m a hard worker; I’m a loyal guy to my team.” Although the initial unhappiness with the signing of Long has since worn off, Saffold is still having to deal with the ripple effect of the move. Transitioning to the right side and position that he hasn’t played since he was a freshman in high school has been a bit of a process. The effort has paid off thus far according to Saffold. He said: “It’s just a matter of getting used to it, the muscle memory, the change in stance. Honestly, it hasn’t been as hard as I thought it was going to be. As far as the smaller details, that’s what I’m constantly working on. It’s just the second day out here, so I just want to continue to work and to learn. I think I got better today than I was yesterday and I intend on getting better again tomorrow.” That type of attitude from the player who was ready to be traded two months ago is certainly nice to hear for Rams fans. And much of the credit has to go to Head Coach Jeff Fisher for mediating the situation as he does so well. Of Saffold’s progress on the right side, the coach said: “Football’s football. Responsibilities are the same. He’s just at the point of attack when the ball goes to the right now. He’s done a great job since we switched him over.” How’s that for a shot in the arm? Fisher has a way of getting players to buy into a collective goal and playing for one another rather than themselves. With Saffold in a contract year this season, it clearly would have benefited his bank account to remain on the left side for 2013. Just ask Jake Long. But that hasn’t deterred the lineman from doing his job and buying into the ultimate goal of every player going through organized team activities (OTAs); winning the Super Bowl. Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

Last week I read on article by Greg Rosenthal about the worst defensive positions in the NFL, and the Rams just happened to get an honorable mention for the safety position, which is understandable because the Rams have a rookie and a guy that’s in his 4th year and doesn’t have a lot of experience. This week Greg Rosenthal wrote an article about the worst offensive positions (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000169313/article/worst-position-groups-in-the-nfl-offense), and once again the Rams were on the list getting honorable mentions at both the running back and wide receiver positions. This got me thinking, are Rams fans fooling themselves by telling themselves that the Rams are ok at these positions and don’t need a veteran or big name guy to fill the holes? Do the Rams actually have one of the worst running back and wide receiver groups? Lets start with the wide receiver position. The Rams have not had a true number one receiver since Torry Holt left. If it’s one team who has gotten unlucky with the wide receiver position it’s the Rams. The Rams have a franchise quarterback and a good defense, all they are missing are weapons to put around Sam Bradford in order to take the next step. Chris Givens showed a lot of promise last season, and from what I’ve heard, Givens and Bradford have had a good connection so far in camp and have connected on the deep ball multiple times. Givens may just be that number one guy the Rams have been searching and nobody else except the Rams see it right now. Aside from Givens however, the other guys are hit and miss. The team just drafted Tavon Austin and until he steps foot on the football field, there is no telling what he is going to be able to do. Teammate Stedman Bailey was also drafted by the Rams, and he was one of the more pro ready wide receivers in the draft. Like Austin, he is small, which is something that both players are going to have to overcome. And don’t forget about Brian Quick. Quick showed promise last season and it’s just a question of whether or not he is finally ready to be put in full action, if he is…watch out.  It is understandable why Rosenthal put the Rams on the list as they have a bunch of guys who have yet to prove themselves. There is no doubt the Rams have the potential to be on the other side of this list this time next year. Rosenthal had this to say about the Rams running back situation, “ The Rams don’t have any big names, but they weren’t listed because I like their young talent.” The Rams just lost Steven Jackson, and due to their big free agent signings in Jake Long and Jared Cook, the team wasn’t able to go out and get a veteran guy, not that they would have anyway. The Rams have a lot of faith in their young guys, and once again the Rams are only on this list because they have guys that still need to prove themselves. Daryl Richardson showed a lot of promise last season when he stepped in for Jackson rushing for 475 yards on 98 attempts. Isaiah Pead also has the talent and potential to be the starter and be a good running back in the NFL. Both players are speedy backs that have the ability to take it the distance every time they touch the ball. The Rams also just drafted hard hitting Zac Stacy out of Vanderbilt, and don’t forget about the physical monster Terrance Ganaway. It is understandable as to why Rosenthal put the Rams where he did. It is a fair assessment. The Rams don’t have a running back on the depth chart that has starting experience in the NFL. This group has the potential to be pretty good, however, as of now, the bottom of the pack is where they will be. Rosenthal had good reasoning as to why he put the Rams where he did. However, it is very possible that the Rams will prove him wrong. The Rams have a lot of young players with a lot of potential and could end up being superstars in this league. With the lack of experience, it is hard to dete

The redemption team. Jake Long has critics to silence, and so does Michael Vick. The bottom line: Have an off an year, earn the enmity of the media. Long had two straight years of nagging injuries before he signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Rams. Broken bones in his hands, and he STILL catches everything thrown his way... Calvin Johnson revealed he spent much of last season with broke fingers. More remarkable, is how he broke Jerry Rice's single season receiving yards record with 1,964 yards on 133 receptions. The tight end evolution continues unabated... Have a look at the chart of yardage by tight ends from 1992 to 2012. If only your 401k could experience THAT kind of growth. Moving the NFL Draft to May isn't all they're thinking about... It's not just scheduling issues at Radio City Music Hall that has the NFL wondering about shifting the date of the NFL Draft to early May. The Welker - Amendola debate is going to heat up as the season approaches. Go to 11:35 on the video to hear what they have to say about the dual between two Texas Tech alums. Six minutes... NFL Films put together a video capsule for the 2012 season. Enjoy! 8 to 1 odds the Rams win the NFC West? There's little denying Seattle and San Francisco are leading candidates for one of them to make it to the Super Bowl this season. More interesting still, the Rams are getting some "spec-love" as a possible third NFC West team to make the playoffs. Jaws doesn't know what to think of Chip Kelley's offense... Ron Jaworski has his doubt about the Eagles' new head coach and his high flying college offense translating to the NFL: "I just don't see NFL passing concepts in this offense," Jaws continued. "It's a movement offense by the quarterback, off the run-action, off the read-action. A lot of short, quick passes, dart routes, bubble screens. Very few plays down the field with NFL passing concepts." Jason Garrett isn't playing for his job? Really? Well Jerry Jones said so, so it must be true... Sorry, I'm not buying it. Garrett finishes the season under .500, he'll be hitting the unemployment line. How will Michael Crabtree's injury effect the 49ers? The Achilles injury to the 49ers wide receiver could expose the team's vulnerability and lack of proven talent at WR. While I don't think it will hamper a team known for it's "Run First" reputation, it could limit total offensive output. With Manningham and Williams coming off injuries - hopefully by the time training camp starts - they'll be thin at best. RGIII has come back from major knee surgery at a lightning fast pace. I know how he's doing it too. His doctors used Super Glue, right? I remember when a knee injury put you on the sidelines for a year, but not anymore. How about some Stedman Bailey in the red zone? I have to admit, I never consider the West Virgina wide receiver as a red zone threat, but this video shows he has a nose for the ball in the end zone. Skip Bayless says Tavon Austin is Barry Sanders... So it must be true, eh?

via dy.snimg.com First off lets end this make or break year, crap. When Fisher got the job he said two things about Bradford. The top reason he took this job was because of Bradford and his potential and the belief around the league in the coaching circles that he could be one of the great ones. Last year (2011) has been erased and to him its like he is coming off his rookie season (now second season). Meaning in Fisher's eyes no regression has taken place. So in a nutshell what I am saying is Sam Bradford is not going anywhere for a long time. Now without further ado, lets begin. Sam Bradford has only "SEEMED" average, but the truth is he has not even been close to average. He was playing with scraps and seemed pretty good (average). Let me list some guys who are/were also considered average by a lot of analyst: Joe Flacco Andy Dalton Matt Schabb Eli Manning In Bradford’s 3 NFL season’s I have heard average come right before these players name countless times. Being average (also known as game managers) is not such a bad thing. Before I continue here is the list of elite’s: Tom Brady Aaron Rogers Peyton Manning Drew Brees Now, in Bradford’s 3 seasons the average QB’s may not have the eye popping numbers during the regular season but they are winning when it counts. The 4 average QB’s have a combined 9 playoff appearances out of a possible 11. And in those playoffs they have accumulated more playoff victories than the elites, as well as more Super Bowl rings (2-1). These are the QB’s Sam is being compared to??? That’s fine with me. BUT, no one wants to be average, everyone wants to be elite and win rings, which is what all 4 elite QB’s have done, just not all since Sam has been around. Here’s why I Believe Sam is elite. These average QB’s are being called average with much more to work with than Bradord. The talent around Sam has easily been in the bottom 5-7 teams since he got here. But yet he has still been "average" (average guys get rings). They say elite QB's can make an inferior supporting cast seem a lot better than they really are. Well correct me if I am wrong, but did his top two targets both just leave after getting two contracts, and both contracts were much more than originally projected for them? Both Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson were really short on talent. Go back and watch the Cowboys Hard Knocks from 2008. All the coaches kept talking about was how Danny is small, and if you're going to be small you have to have something to stand out. Albeit speed, routes, hands, DURABILITY, something!!! But, he had nothing. Aside from one game against the Texans that preseason he made no plays and ended up being apart of the final cuts. He was tough and worked hard but physically was not a pro, and made a ton of mental mistakes. It was the same exact scenario when he was with the Eagles. Speaking of the Eagles, that's also where Gibson came from. While he could make a really nice catch look easy at times, Gibson had skillet-hands. He also had zero YAC ability. He was not overly strong or quick, to make plays from brute force (Anquan Bolden), or just being quicker than fast (Mario Manningham). And that's not to say Amendola was some YAC master himself. His 8.81 yards per reception is the lowest average in NFL history by a wide receiver with at least 100 receptions. Meaning the more hyped WR between the two, and the one who got more money, happens to be the lesser talented one. But because Sam made him his go to guy and elevated his game it didn't appear that way. Amendola was on his last leg before Bradford, thanks in large part for being on Hard Knocks and the world seeing his flaws. And Gibson was viewed as nothing more around the league than a special teams and/or a 4th option at best. Now because Bradford elevated their play they have just signed two contracts with a combined worth over $40mil, and a combine

Memphis was only farm-club to win as the system went 1-3 W-L overall. Maikel Cleto tossed a 5-hitter through 6 innings of impressive scoreless work. Kolten Wong with another multi-hit game. Big southpaw Kevin Siegrist made his Triple-A debut in a brief relief stint. Memphis 7, Round Rock 0 Kolten Wong smacked three singles in 5 at bats and stolen his 5th bag of the season continuing to punish the ball when he makes contact. Wong is currently on a 10 game hit streak in that span he's hit .457/.500/.826 (21-for-46) with 3 HR's and 5 RBI's. Ryan Jackson hit an RBI single and walked. Brock Peterson was 2-5 with a double. Jermaine Curtis hit an RBI two sacker and walked. Rob Johnson was 3-4 with a home run and 3 RBI's. Maikel Cleto pitched 6 impressive shutout innings by only walking three and striking out 2. This is a very encouraging outing for Cleto whom threw 91 pitches-55 for strikes that's a good ratio for a guy desperate to find control. Kevin Siegrist pitched 2 scoreless innings while striking out 2 in his Triple-A debut. If Siegrist dominates Triple-A hitters like he did Double-A hitters you could see him in the big leagues before long if a need for a left handed specialist opens up. Eric Fornataro pitched a scoreless 9th in relief. Springfield 4, Frisco 5 Mike O'Neill singled twice. Seems like every night he contributes getting on base either walking more than once or singling to get on base what he does exceptionally well. Chris Swauger was 2-4 with a double. Xavier Scruggs hit an RBI double. Starlin Rodriguez went deep for the 4th time this season it was a 2-run shot. Nice to see him using that bat speed to hit for power. Gone. Starlin Rodriguez sends on into the jet stream, carrying over left-center. SgfCards down 5-4 bot4. #boatracin— Kary Booher (@karybooherNL) May 25, 2013 Jake Lemmerman hit a solo homer his 5th on the season. Seth Blair gave up 10 hits on 5 earned runs in 5 innings only walked 1 and struck out 5. The lone walk signifies he was around the plate often that's a good sign. Keith Butler remains to not be scored upon in 11 2/3 innings in Springfield after throwing a clean 9th. Palm Beach 2, Jupiter 5 Colin Walsh smacked in an RBI double. Stephen Piscotty recorded 2 hits (2B and 1B) in 4 at bats. Tyler Melling pitched 5 innings giving up 10 hits on 3 earned he walked 2 and struck out 2. Peoria 1, Kane County 8 Not much offense for Peoria as they were shut down by Missouri native Pierce Johnson drafted last year as a sandwich pick for the Cubs. Ildemaro Vargas was 2-4 with a double. Carson Kelly had the most productive Peoria hit in which was sac fly. Matthew Young the athletic outfielder in his full-season debut singled twice. Tyrell Jenkins reverted back to the Jenkins of old by pitching 5 innings giving up 5 hits on 4 runs (3 earned) walked 4 and struck out 4. Positive thing is Jenkins was still able to manage to induce 8 groundouts in this outing. Samuel Tuivailala pitched a scoreless frame struck out 1 batter.

Andrew Helmick, a record-setting receiver from nearby Lindenwood University, is hoping to make the most of his shot with the Rams.

After brief flashes as rookies, they hope to break out.