By:  StlouisramsX

ST. LOUIS — Steve Spagnuolo wanted to see Sam Bradford post back-to-back performances.

Well, he did.

So? Now what?

No doubt, facing the Baltimore Ravens’ without Mt. Cody, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and company made the task a bit easier, but not many thought it would be effortless. The Ravens, outside of the cornerback position, are a deep and well-coached football team. That didn’t stop Sam Bradford from going 6 for 6 for 68 yards and a touchdown to open the Rams’ 27-21 victory over Baltimore on Thursday night.

So? Now what?

Coach Steve Spagnuolo remained tight-lipped about who would be his opening day starter against the Arizona Carindals, saying he and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur would meet to discuss the lineup.

“You’re talking about all the positions?” he joked. “I get you.”

Said Bradford about the possibility of becoming the starter on September 12th, “It’s not up to me, it’s up to our coaches,” adding, “I trust what they believe. If they think I’m the guy, I am. If not, that means I’ve got to work that much harder and get that much better before I am.”

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh did not hold back in his own evaluation of Sam Bradford; saying, “He’s going to be a star, there isn’t any question about it.”

The Ravens (3-1) held out all of their starters, plus backup quarterback Marc Bulger in his return to St. Louis after getting released by the Rams in April. This did deny fans a chance to express either their appreciate or discontent for the former Rams QB, but that, ultimately, was probably for the best. As a member of a few message boards across the internet, the perceived feelings for Marc Bulger are most certainly mixed. Though, in my opinion, the pendulum did swing toward “discontent” without having returned over the past few years.

The lack of starters on defense certainly manifested itself in a sound waxing for the Ravens, especially in the first quarter when they were outgained 157-19. The first three preseason games, the Ravens allowed only one touchdown. In the first quarter of Thursday’s game, they gave up two to the Rams.

“I know they didn’t play a lot of their guys, I do understand that,” Spagnuolo said. “We’ll take some good out of it.”

Baltimore did have one highlight-reel play, when reserve linebacker Dannell Ellerbe took advantage of a bobbled Brandon Gibson reception and turned it into an interception. Ellerbe was so far out in front of the Rams’ offense that he had time to hold the ball out in front of him right after the pick, pause at the goal line, hold the ball over the line, and finally step into the end zone.

The celebration led to Harbaugh’s chasing down Ellerbe and screaming at him for an extended period on the sidelines. In fact, it reminded me of the Tom Hanks scene in ‘A League of Their Own’.  Harbaugh couldn’t get to Ellerbe fast enough as he wildly gesticulated.

Said Harbaugh in his post-game presser, “I love the play we made on the interception, but I didn’t like the finish to that.  That’s not who we are.  To his credit, the guy who did that realized that right away and said, ‘I can do better than that.’”

Undoubtedly nothing even close to what was said when the two were up close and personal.

On the defensive side of the ball for the Rams, special teams standout Chris Chamberlain was able to make the highlight reel as well.  After the Ravens lined up to try to score on a 4th and 1 from the Rams’ 3 yard line, QB Troy Smith dropped back to pass and had the ball tipped at the line.  Chamberlain snatched the ball from the air, got on his horse and rummmmmmbled 83 yards before running out of steam and forced out of bounds at the 12 yard line by Baltimore RB, Jalen Parmele.   Said Chamberlain, “I was thinking I was going to score.  Then I looked at the video board and saw a guy was closing and ran out of gas and quickly realized I wasn’t going to score.  I was extremely disappointed, but happy to make a play at the end there and keep them out of the endzone.”

The Rams were ranked third in the league against the rush going into this game and ended up holding the Ravens to 88 total rushing yards.  A far cry from last year that had the Rams ranked 27th against the rush, and 31st overall.  Troy Smith led the way for Baltimore with 7 rushes for 56 yards and a pair of scores.  The Rams’ defense was playing a lot of 5 under/2 deep against the Ravens which gave Smith the opportunity to exploit the soft zone coverage.  18 for 38 for 237 yards and a pair of interceptions.

Josh Brown kicked a 54-yard field goal in the third quarter for St. Louis, finishing the preseason 8 for 8, putting to rest any question about the status of his hip.

By:  Warner4Prez

The final preseason game has been a long road coming. From the ugly beginnings of the Vikings and Browns games to the roller coaster ride that was last weeks’ game against the Patriots; it’s been a ride for this team. Week four is where you separate the men from the boys though and we won’t see much excitement from the first string. Baltimore comes to town as a team still rising after the past two years and looking to claim a seat atop the AFC throne.

Even more importantly, they’re a team that doesn’t slow down during the preseason. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has aired it out 62 times this preseason, more than any other starting QB. It’s doubtful he’ll see much, if any time in the game Thursday, but be sure that former Ram Marc Bulger will see plenty of action and will definitely try and stick it to his former employers here in St. Louis.

Sam Bradford will get the starting nod Thursday as AJ Feeley still recovers from a banged up thumb. Early reports seem to suggest that none of the first team offense will see much more than a quarters’ worth of action in this game. It would seem that the more snaps Bradford receives, the better off he is; so it will be interesting to see how much game time he actually receives. It’s widely regarded that the Ravens are very thin in the secondary, so look for Coach Spagnuolo and O.C. Pat Shurmur to attempt to exploit that perceived weakness. Something that no one else has been able to do this preseason.

Last weeks’ injury to Donnie Avery was as bad as it looks and will cost him the entire 2010 campaign, so there are questions to be answered on the WR front. It seems as though Laurent Robinson is a favorite to take one starting spot, but he’s still done little to prove it throughout camp. Robinson is likely to get the starting nod this week, and early indications are that Danny Amendola will start opposite of him. It’s still wide open behind those two with guys like Keenan Burton and Brandon Gibson hungry to save their jobs, as well as Mardy Gilyard still fighting to prove he was worth the draft pick used to grab him. Mike “Uh-Oh” Hoomanawanui has entrenched himself as the favorite TE after a huge game last week, and may have edged Daniel Fells out of a roster spot. Watch closely to see how playing time is divided there.

The ground game will likely be devoid of Steven Jackson this week, so expect the bulk of the work to go to Kenneth Darby and Keith Toston; both of whom had solid showings against the Patriots and are looking to steal a spot away from Chris Ogbonnaya. Toston has the only rushing TD for the team in the preseason, and sadly, there isn’t a back (not named Steven Jackson) with more than 2.9 yard per carry. The battle for backup RB figures to be wide open.

Defensively the Rams are looking confident with who their front line starters will be. The biggest surprise could likely be who’ll be starting next to Fred Robbins on the interior. Gary Gibson looks to be the favorite at the end of the preseason, but Darrel Scott has had a great camp as well as young guys like E.J. Reid and Jermelle Cudjo. Though it’s unlikely the two will have made a case to start, either could steal a roster spot.

The starting LB corps has looked solid thus far, featuring Larry Grant and Na’il Diggs on the outside, and with James Laurinaitis in the middle. Newly acquired LB Bobby Carpenter has played solidly. Maybe not quite strong enough to start, but will be a rock solid third down defender and special teamer. David Vobora should have a strangle hold on the other backup LB slot leaving Josh Hull as my likely vote for the final reserve. Even though he’s somewhat limited to just the middle spot, he’s had an incredible preseason and is worth keeping around to develop further.

The backfield appears to be pretty well stocked and set as well. Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher have looked very impressive since returning from injury and should be a stout pairing — maybe one of the best in our division. Beyond them, Kevin Dockery is a steady veteran who can hold the nickel back spot until Jerome Murphy is ready. Quincy Butler has had a solid camp with a pick and a couple of passes defensed. H e should round out the CBs with Justin King likely missing the cut. The safeties will have a show down for the final spot with OJ Atogwe, Craig Dahl and James Butler taking the top three spots. I’d expect Darian Stewart to take the last spot allowing the Rams to avoid giving the Bears a compensation pick for Kevin Payne.

Get familiar with these names because much of Thursday’s matchup will be dominated by them. Of course as previously mentioned, much of the Baltimore story line will revolve around Marc Bulger’s return to St. Louis. Joe Flacco was openly disappointed after Bulger was signed, as he felt Troy Smith was deserving of the second QB role. So far Bulger and Smith have split the QBing opportunities between each other so each will likely see a lot of playing time. Another player to watch will be Willis McGahee who is rumored to be on his way out of Baltimore and has been denied a lot of playing time thus far.

The Ravens defense will always bring a lot of heat and the pressure will be on this young Rams roster to showcase their talents, make a case for themselves, and impress the coaches. It should play out to be a pretty entertaining game.

Kick-off is Thursday at 8:00 ET and the replay will be Friday at 9:00 AM ET.

Go Rams!

By:  Joey Bittick

There isn’t much I can say that has not been said before about Isaac Bruce. He has done it all on the field, to the tune of 1,024 catches, 15,208 receiving yards, and 91 touchdowns over 16 amazing seasons.  As incredible and unforgettable as these stats are, the truly amazing thing about Isaac Bruce is that he is not just content to be great on the football field; he is a great human being off the turf as well.

Isaac made it a point to give back to the community throughout his career, and in 2006 he started The Isaac Bruce Foundation to reach out to youth and encourage healthy living and education. The Rams will be retiring Isaac’s Number 80 on October 31 in the upcoming season. As is par for the course for such a giving, generous individual, Isaac shared a few moments of his time to talk to Rams on Demand about that event, his days as a Ram, his Foundation, and working as a coach.

*********

Rams On Demand: First, I want to thank you for all of the wonderful memories you have given Rams fans. If there is any number that should be hanging from the rafters at the ED, it is yours. Has it sunk in yet that you won’t be suiting up on Sundays anymore? Have you started your Hall of Fame speech yet?

Isaac Bruce: I haven’t started the beginning of the speech but I have put some of the meat in between the bread.  I have about two slices of the meat right now.  I am secure in my decision to retire.  I am really looking forward to the next chapter.

Rams On Demand: The trade for Marshall Faulk and the signing of Trent Green before the 1999 season seemed to put the Rams on the right track. People expected big improvements. Then, Trent went down after that hit by Rodney Harrison. One visual that sticks with me from that game is of you doubled over on the turf pounding your fists. What was going through your mind at that moment? And at what point did you begin to realize Kurt was a special QB and the team was in great shape with him at the helm?

Isaac Bruce: Honestly, I was just thinking about Trent.  He was a guy that had been through so much starting as a low draft pick and finally had his opportunity in his hometown.  We were good friends as well.  Rodney almost got to Trent the play right before that.  They ran the exact same blitz the next play and my heart just went out to Trent.

Kurt played good the first game against Baltimore.  By the time we went to Cincinnati, he had a mindset that he belonged and it was his job.

Rams On Demand: 1999 was an unforgettable season for any Rams fan. The moment that sticks out in my mind when I thought “This team is special” was the game against the 49ers when you guys finally beat them after so many losses in a row. What was your feeling after that game?

Isaac Bruce: I was definitely excited.  For years of frustration, the Rams had a mindset that we just could stay close in the games.  That week as we prepared, I saw a huge change in the focus and the way we approached that game.  The inner image was completely changed.

Rams On Demand: I am sure you get asked this all the time, but what did it feel like to make “the catch” in the Super Bowl against the Titans? Were you aware of how huge it was as it was happening, or did it take a while to sink in?

Isaac Bruce: The magnitude of the situation I didn’t pay attention to.  I just knew I was in a game that was tied and I wanted to score.  As I watched myself on the jumbotron, I looked back later that evening and realized something huge just happened.

Rams On Demand: What do you think is missing from the current Rams team? Do you foresee them making huge strides this season, or do you think it is going to take another season or so to see major improvement on the field?

Isaac Bruce: The biggest thing they were missing is confidence but I don’t think they are missing that anymore.  The coaches and players are all showing confidence.  I definitely expect big changes in a positive way.

Rams On Demand: You were a great leader and role model for your young teammates (especially Torry Holt). What does it take to be a leader in an NFL locker room and on the field? Do you see a player on the Rams roster who is capable of being that leader? Is Steven Jackson that guy?

Isaac Bruce: I believe you have to walk your talk.  The loudest guy in the room isn’t necessarily the most confident guy in the room.  OJ Atogwe is a great leader both on and off the field.  And, Steven has no choice but to be a leader.  He will truly be the face of the franchise and he needs to pull other guys into Pro Bowl type seasons.  The moment he does that, there will be playoff appearances.

Rams On Demand: In your role with the Bears you are getting the chance to coach up young players. Is this something you could see yourself doing long-term as a coach? What would you say to the young Rams receivers who struggle to run correct routes (one of your strengths) and get good separation (another of your strengths) to correct these issues?

Isaac Bruce: Yes I could see myself coaching.  Give more attention to detail and more attention to what is going on in meetings.  Listen to the coordinators and coaches. Put down the things that distract you.  Do the little things and do them well.  Consistency leads to breakthroughs.

Rams On Demand: You started the Isaac Bruce Foundation in 2006. Can you tell our readers about your foundation and its mission?

Isaac Bruce: The Isaac Bruce Foundation focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education.  Through the Foundation, I reach out to youth and teach them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle with a focus on education.  You can find more information on my Foundation at www.isaacbruce.org.

Rams On Demand: The Rams are retiring your jersey and your Number 80 on October 31, 2010. On the Friday before that, we are told you will be hosting an event at Lumiere Place Theatre.  Can you tell us a little about that and where fans can go to find information about the event?

Isaac Bruce: The event will take place at the Lumiere Place Theatre on Friday, October 29 at 7 p.m. and will feature live music by the Ralph Butler Band, other great entertainment, and a live and silent auction featuring unique memorabilia, trips and experiences.   We have some really incredible auction items already!  Each attendee will receive an autographed limited edition print that was produced exclusively for this jersey retirement weekend. I will be joined by some of my teammates from the “Greatest Show on Turf” as well as some current Rams’ players and other celebrities to raise money for the Isaac Bruce Foundation.

Tickets start at $80.  To purchase tickets for the event, visit www.isaacbruce.org or call
Tiffani Wilson Burris at 314-369-4074 or tiffwilson@aol.com.

Rams On Demand: You have been one of the classiest men to ever play in the NFL.  You have worked countless hours off of the field to improve the lives of others. You have deservingly won Sportsmanship and Man of the Year awards. You are a future Hall of Famer and have thrilled thousands who have watched you play in the NFL.  When people like me tell our kids, who will not have a chance to watch you play, about “Isaac Bruce,” what do you hope we would say?

Isaac Bruce: Every team I saw Isaac Bruce play, I saw the Isaac Bruce that I had heard of.  No one was ever disappointed in who I was as a football player, wide receiver, route runner and competitor.

**********

When I think of some of my most memorable moments watching St. Louis Rams football, I think of Number 80 streaking toward the sideline and plucking a ball out of the air as he taps his back toe just inside the boundary. It still hasn’t sunk in for many Rams fans that we will no longer have the joy of watching Isaac Bruce on Sundays. Thanks so much to Isaac Bruce for his illuminating answers here, and also to Tiffani Wilson Burris, Executive Director of the Isaac Bruce Foundation for her help in facilitating this interview.

This just in: The St Louis Rams have themselves a bona fide quarterback.

By: StlouisramsX

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Rookie QB Sam Bradford made his first start in three exhibition games tonight against the Patriots, replacing A.J. Feeley who missed the game with a sprained thumb. And based on the way Bradford handled himself tonight, he may have just surpassed Feeley on the depth chart. Bradford drove the Rams to a touchdown on their opening drive and threw two touchdown passes to rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. As painful as it may be, announcers are going to have to practice the pronunciation of “Big Mike” if he continues to display the hands and athleticism he showed in Foxborough.

Bradford finished the night 11-of-15 for 189 yards (68% completion) and 2 TD’s, with a passer rating of 125.0. Despite a couple of pedestrian performances in the first two preseason games in which Bradford played, this game showed the side of the former OU QB that piqued the interest of the Rams way back in March of this year. Bradford was calm, collected, ran through his progressions, recognized blitzes, found his second and third receivers, and checked down very well tonight. His ability to get rid of the ball to avoid sacks and roll out to give his receivers more time was also on display. And just when you thought that the Rams would fall victim to their own redzone woes, Bradford showed Rams fans that there would be no more of that nonsense on his watch.

Also showing up in this game was Pat Shurmur. This was a nicely called game with lots of deep passes and scripted plays that kept Bradford in manageable 3rd down situations. Even without Steven Jackson for most of the game (5 rushes for 22 yards), the Rams showed a propensity to move the chains seemingly at will the entire first half.

The Patriots, on the other hand, were stymied by the Rams in the first half. They could not stop the Rams on offense, and the defense was unyielding. It wasn’t until Steve Spagnuolo pulled his starters that the Patriots showed “signs of life.” If showing life translates to leaving your starters (including Brady) in the game until the 4th quarter and you’re playing against 2nd and 3rd string defensive players, then yeah. The showed signs of life (cue rolling-eyes emoticon).

Speaking of rolling eyes, there was clearly a look of disgust on Belichick’s face when it was evident that Spagnuolo wasn’t going to let this game get by him. Spagnuolo lined up his offense after a 4th quarter score by Keith Toston (2 yards) to try and tie the game at 35-35. Yes, CLEARLY a classless act to try and tie a game that this young Rams team needs after the past three seasons. And CLEARLY classless to try and do so after watching the opposing coach run roughshod over your 2nd and 3rd string defense for the past 1.5 quarters with his starters. However, as fate would have it, a holding penalty on the Rams moved them back and Thaddeus Lewis was unable to get a clean release after New England sent the house on a blitz. Lewis threw a corner fade that was overthrown, and the score remained 35-33.

But not for long.

Once Belichick sent out HIS 2nd and 3rd stringers, they were once again unable to move the ball successfully and Keith Null took over with roughly 4 minutes remaining. You just knew it was going to end with a field goal off the foot of Josh Brown, and just like that…. Steve Spagnuolo 2, Bill Belichick zero. Another meeting in the middle of the field with Belichick unwilling to meet the eyes of his (now) greatest nemesis, and this one is in the books.

Unfortunately, no good deed goes unpunished.

Donnie Avery, who was expected to be the Rams’ top wide receiver this year, left the game with what appeared to be a serious right knee injury when he went down hard trying to catch a deep pass from Bradford in the 2nd quarter.

NBCSports.com described the situation:

“Avery’s knee buckled, and he immediately reached for it in pain once he hit the ground. He was down for several minutes. Avery was carted off.”

There was no immediate information on the extent of Avery’s injury, but in all likelihood it’s going to be bad. Avery’s foot clearly got tangled up in the Foxboro turf as he came down, and his leg shook in a manner that you knew there was something seriously wrong.

Before Avery was carted off the field, Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker went over and extended his hand in true sportsmanship fashion (he didn’t learn that from Belichick). Welker is no stranger to knee injuries, as he is playing again after having surgery for a torn ligament in his left knee in February.

We can only hope it’s not serious, but again, in all likelihood it’s going to be. A source told Fox Sports Analyst, Adam Caplan that the injury looks to be season ending. The loss will take away the Rams’ deep threat for the time being. Newly signed Mizzou receiver, Danario Alexander is going to have to be brought up to speed rather quickly, and this may present a new course and direction for the rookie in the coming weeks.

The Real Deal

As is the case with most 3rd week preseason games, the first half is a demonstration of the starter’s abilities against the other team’s starters, and it’s as close to a regular season as you’re going to get at this stage of the NFL season. Given that OBVIOUS protocol, we’re going to take a look at ONLY the first half stats. The stats that had the Rams absolutely OWNING the Patriots. Fortunately for New England, they registered a quick 7-0 lead off of a nice opening kickoff return by 2nd year receiver, Brandon Tate. Outside of that, it was all Rams.

TOTAL FIRST DOWNS
Rams: 15, Patriots: 4

First Downs Rushing-Passing-by Penalty
Rams: 2 – 12 – 1, Patriots: 0 – 4 – 0

THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY
Rams: 4-7-57%, Patriots: 0-4-0%

TOTAL NET YARDS
Rams: 241, Patriots: 106

Total Offensive Plays
Rams: 42, Patriots: 18

NET YARDS RUSHING
Rams: 59, Patriots: 16

NET YARDS PASSING
Rams: 182, Patriots: 90

Gross Yards Passing
Rams: 189, Patriots: 103

At the end of the first quarter, the St Louis Rams had outgained the Patriots on offense by a margin of 159 to 20.

********

You can quote me on this

“I don’t think we played well,” he said. “Or coached well. We just didn’t do a good job tonight.”
– Bill Belichick

“We’ve got to get back to the drawing board and do a better job, in every area,”
– Same dude.

“They were able to move the ball at will,” “It was demoralizing.”
– Patriots safety James Sanders

“It was a blast out there tonight,” he said. “I had fun. I was used to doing what I was doing — moving the offense up and own the field.”
– Sam Bradford

“He was putting the ball on the money,” “You can tell he really knows the offense. I’m really impressed with how far he’s come in a short time.”
– Steven Jackson (on Sam Bradford)

“Before I went out there, I took a deep breath and said, `Do what you know how to do,’ ”
– Sam Bradford

At the home game against the Carolina Panthers on October 31, the St. Louis Rams will be retiring Isaac Bruce’s jersey, number 80.  The Friday before the big game, the Isaac Bruce Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser that will give Isaac a chance to thank the fans for 16 great seasons in the NFL and 14 seasons as a Ram.

The event will take place at the Lumiere Place Theatre on Friday, October 29 at 7 p.m. and will feature live music by the Ralph Butler Band, other great entertainment, and a live and silent auction featuring unique memorabilia, trips and experiences.  Food will be provided by Lumiere Place while Anheuser Busch is donating beer products and W.J. Deutsch will be providing HobNob wines.  Each attendee will receive an autographed limited edition print that was produced exclusively for this jersey retirement weekend.

Isaac will be joined by some of his teammates from the “Greatest Show on Turf” as well as some current Rams’ players and other celebrities to raise money for the Isaac Bruce Foundation.

The Isaac Bruce Foundation focuses on health, wellness, nutrition, fitness and education. Through the foundation, Isaac reaches out to youth and teaches them at an early age the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Tickets start at $80.  All donations are tax deductible.  All ages are welcome but a limited number of tickets are available so register early!  To purchase tickets for the event, visit www.isaacbruce.org or mail in the attached form with payment.

Please feel free to contact Tiffani Wilson Burris at 314-369-4074 or tiffwilson@aol.com should you need further information.  Thank you for your support!

By:  Warner4Prez

From Saturday to Thursday makes a pretty short week in the football world, but these guys aren’t much for complaining. The Rams are geared up the travel to New England for a Thursday night match-up against perennial playoff contenders the Patriots.  The game should prove to be a great test for both sides of the ball as Belichick invented the defense capable of stopping the Bill Walsh west coast offense during his days with the NY Giants, and there’s the subtle story line of how Steve Spanuolo ended Belichick’s reign of terror in Super Bowl 42.

Last week AJ Feeley took a helmet to his throwing hand.  After a couple of days it became obvious that Feeley was going to be unable to go, and Sam Bradford was going to be given the starting nod for Thursday’s game.  Though Feeley hasn’t looked great thus far in the preseason, he has led the team to the end zone.

Last week against the Browns he and the rest of the Rams offense came out swinging on a well oiled and very efficient 10 play 65 yard TD drive. It was during that same drive the hit occurred and set the stage for Bradford’s early arrival into a game that didn’t exactly shake out how the team had hoped for him.

Things looked pretty meek on offense while Bradford went 6 of 14 for 24 yards, but this week it looks to change as Bradford takes the start and trots onto the field with Steven Jackson and the rest of the first team offense in tow.  The starting offensive line played well together against the Browns and carries over another week healthier blocking for the franchise’s $50 million dollar man.  To add to it, it looks like the forecast calls for clear skies in Foxboro, MA.  Surely it will be a welcome change from the torrential rains that plagued the game Saturday.

The key to offensive success has got to be the play calling with Bradford in the game.  Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur and Sam have to set the tempo early and find ways to keep a tough Patriots defense off kilter.  Defensively the Patriots boast a great set of linebackers, as well as a very impressive group of young secondary players.  If you were hoping to see the Rams stretch the field, this might not be the week to get your hopes up.

Last week the defense drew the ire of coach Spagnuolo after taking bad angles and failing to wrap up on routine tackles.  Hopefully they took heed of the boss’ orders, because thus far in the preseason the Patriots have run the ball quite well.  The Rams front seven will face one of the deepest rotations of runners in the NFL and each Pats runner features a slightly different style.   This is just compacted by the fact that you’ve got all-pros Randy Moss and Wes Welker to watch out for.  Last week Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher looked in great shape after each returning from injuries, and they certainly get an exercise in game speed this week against Tom Brady.

There’s still some uncertainty on the injury front going into this week as well.  George Selvie’s status is still unclear after he was wandering the sidelines in a boot this past week.  Thankfully rookie Hall Davis seems to have found his groove after bagging a couple of sacks. B randon McCrae seems to have returned after a bad ankle sprain sustained a couple of weeks ago,  but Mardy Gilyard is still missing time due to an illness.  I’m sure he’ll tough it out for game day though.

This really should be a great test for the Rams as the Patriots really don’t lack depth at any position and are a solid team from top to bottom.  The game kicks off Thursday at 7:30 ET and will be rebroadcast at (gasp!) 11:00PM ET that night on NFL Network.