Rams notebook: Fassel credits players' execution on 'special' plays --PD

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RamBill

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Rams notebook: Fassel credits players' execution on 'special' plays
• By Joe Lyons

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_e442f7e1-1199-5c61-ae71-806a49909a1a.html

John Fassel, the Rams’ special teams coordinator, met with reporters Wednesday following practice at Rams Park.

It was his day in the sun — literally and figuratively — after his units produced the big plays that keyed the Rams’ 28-26 win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday.

“It was a good day (and) it really wasn’t a complicated game plan,” Fassel said. “We got the right kick on a couple of things. Coach (Jeff Fisher) made a great call there at the end, we got the look and the guys executed.

“It wasn’t anything that was extravagant. Really, the guys did a great job of executing things that we practiced for quite a while.’’

The three key plays from the special teams:

• Following a field goal that put Seattle on top, the Rams’ Benny Cunningham returned the kickoff 75 yards to the Seahawks’ 31, setting up a touchdown that put the Rams on top 7-3.

“Any time you can make a play that can provide a spark for the offense, it feels incredible,’’ said Cunningham, who is averaging a league-leading 31.6 yards on nine kickoff returns this season.

• With the Rams up 14-3 and the Seahawks forced to punt from midfield, the Rams reached deep into their bag of tricks with “Mountaineer,’’ a return featuring former West Virginia University teammates Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin.

With Austin — and most of the return team — moving as if the ball were punted toward the right corner of the field, Bailey was able to peel off from his gunner position on the left, come up with an over-the-shoulder catch and return the kick 90 yards for a touchdown.

“We study punt charts and tendencies on other teams in all phases,’’ Fassel said. “Of course, it takes a little bit of a perfect storm — the ball to the right spot on the field, the right kick and everybody executing exactly what they needed to do. ... The stars aligned and it was fun to see it work.”

Fassel would’ve liked to review the play on tape, but ...

“You couldn’t really see it on film because our filmers were filming Tavon. By the time they zoomed back to “Sted,’ he was already at the 50, so I really don’t know what happened on (that) side of the field.’’

It was the first time Bailey has fielded a punt — in high school, college or the NFL — and resulted in his being named NFC special teams player of the week on Wednesday.

• With the Rams clinging to a 28-26 lead and facing a fourth-and-3 situation at their 18 with just under 3 minutes to play, the Rams caught the Seahawks napping as punter Johnny Hekker completed an 18-yard pass to Cunningham.

“It’s a game-changing play and (the players) felt good about being trusted to accomplish that,’’ Fassel said.

“It’s a proud moment when you can go out and make plays for a coach (Fassel) who works so hard for you,’’ Cunningham said. “I feel like we kind of let him down a couple of weeks back against Philly, so to go out and today and make plays on special teams that had such a big impact on us getting a big win, it really means a lot.’’

FIRST-ROUND PICKS EXCEL

Top draft picks Greg Robinson and Aaron Donald continue to progress at left guard and defensive tackle, respectively.

Donald, the No. 13 overall pick from the University of Pittsburgh, notched his second career sack and made six solo tackles Sunday. The 6-foot-1, 285-pounder also had five quarterback pressures and a quarterback hit in his second NFL start.

“Very disruptive ... he played very well,’’ Fisher said. “He tied blocks up. He had tackles for loss, obviously had the sack. He played well, had some flushes. He got the quarterback off the spot numerous times. We couldn’t get him down, but (Donald) was responsible for getting Russell (Wilson) moving.’’

Also making his second start, Robinson, the No. 2 overall pick out of Auburn, took another step forward.

“Greg played a little better,’’ Fisher said. “He was physical. Had a few mistakes but was really physical. He’s got to clean up some things up with his hands a little bit. I think he got away with a couple potential holds, but he was dominant in there. He did some good things. That’s an outstanding front four and he hung in there with them.

“He’s actually pretty good when he’s doubling, coming off second level and doing things with (tackle Jake Long and center Scott Wells), but he’s a natural puller.’’

INJURY REPORT

The Rams had six players sit out Wednesday’s practice. That group included starting defensive end William Hayes (illness), safety T.J. McDonald (concussion), receiver Kenny Britt (ankle), cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee), offensive lineman Rodger Saffold (knee) and reserve center Tim Barnes (shoulder).

Linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe) and cornerback Trumaine Johnson (knee) were limited while cornerback Brandon McGee and defensive end Ethan Westbrooks were full participants in the workout.

For the Chiefs, former Rams receiver Donnie Avery (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game at Arrowhead. Fellow receiver Junior Hemingway (hamstring) and cornerback Chris Owens (knee) sat out Wednesday’s practice.

Tight end Travis Kelce (ribs), safety Eric Berry (ankle) and cornerback Sean Smith (groin) were limited, while running back Cyrus Gray (hand) and linebacker Justin Houston (ankle) practiced Wednesday.
 

Legatron4

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With our luck, Donny Avery would have went off for 200+ yards. So I think that's a good thing lol I think our running game dominates KC. We shall see.