SB Nation St. Louis - Rams Vs. Colts: Andrew Luck Helps Send St. Louis To 38-3 Losshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49009/stl-fave.png2012-08-16T09:00:24-05:00http://stlouis.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30015772012-08-16T09:00:24-05:002012-08-16T09:00:24-05:00Andrew Luck Hype Machine Begins Throwing Off Controversies, Achieves Self-Awareness
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<p>Look, I've seen a few NFL rookie quarterback hype machines, as Ryan Van Bibber dubs the phenomenon, and as enormously high as the expectations for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> rookie <span>Andrew Luck</span> are going into the 2012 season, a hype machine doesn't <i>really</i> begin in earnest until it begins to throw off controversies with every move the quarterback makes. Thanks to RVB, we're getting there: He noticed that the weird touchdown pass Luck threw against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> to open his in-game career last Sunday was predicated <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/8/13/3240430/andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-touchdown" target="_blank">on a clear hold of Michael Brockers</a>, the Rams' own first-round pick. </p>↵<p>This isn't quite a full-blown hype machine controversy, because it's a) interesting and b) still about football; for a <i>real</i> one, see anything <span>Tim Tebow</span> has done off the field in the last four years. But like his not-quite-real career-opening touchdown, it's the harbinger of great things for Andrew Luck as an attention-sucking public figure—a hard thing to pull off operating out of Indianapolis. </p>↵<p>The Rams, alas, won't see Luck in the regular season, which means we'll have to settle for the <span>Robert Griffin III</span> show on September 16. I wonder if they've spun up the hype machine in Washington yet?</p>↵
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/8/16/3245568/andrew-luck-hype-colts-rookieDan Moore2012-08-14T09:00:27-05:002012-08-14T09:00:27-05:00Real Talk For The St. Louis Rams' Preseason Week 1
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<p>Some real talk on the St. Louis Rams' preseason Week 1 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. I think we're all a bit shocked at how bad this revamped roster actually looked in action. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> football is back.</p>
<p>Feel. The. Excitement.</p>
<p>What? 35 point thrashings against teams that won two games the year before don't get you high? Reeeeellllaaax, it's only the pre-season people. Jeff Fisher is just hiding the big guns on offense for the REAL season.</p>
<p>Maybe?</p>
<p>Please?</p>
<p>Here's to the start of the 'Real Talk' weekly recap of the Rams game that was.</p>
<p><b>1.</b> Of course <span>Andrew Luck</span> threw a touchdown with his first pass in the NFL. The Rams are givers like that. Now Luck's bio starts out "With his first NFL pass..." So instead of looking at this like a NegaNancy, let's applaud the Rams for taking a meaningless pre-season game and getting themselves into the history books. Besides, most of the Rams were probably uncomfortable in Lucas Oil Stadium anyway. 35,000 boners have a way of throwing you off your game.</p>
<p><b>2.</b> Speaking of wood, have the Rams actually fired Gregg Williams, or was his 3,000 game suspension technically enough to get him off the Rams' tax rolls?</p>
<p>I have no idea if having a defensive coordinator makes a difference in an NFL game. I'd think that it would, but I could be wrong. I can tell you that not having one and letting up 38 points to a shit team isn't going to make my job writing about these games any harder.</p>
<p>Get rolled up by 38 to a 2-14 team, PFFFFT—Defensive Coordiantor, Defensive Schmoordiantor.</p>
<p><b>3.</b> Jason Smith is in midseason form already. This guy is a machine!</p>
<p>A false start, sack surrendering machine. But, hey... <i>consistency!</i></p>
<p><b>4.</b> The (replacement) referee in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>/Rams game was a white guy named Don King. He talked like a bad SNL impression of Teddy Kennedy and looked like the short Bob from Office Space. I'm not choosing sides in the NFL vs Refs battle, but I am going to ask that we keep Mr. King involved after the dust settles on that kerfuffle.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance, NFL.</p>
<p><b>5.</b> It's weird seeing Jeff Fisher on the sideline and not going to that hate portion of your brain right away. Maybe it's because I lived in Nashville at the height of Rams vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>. But it's going to take me more than one game to get used to Little Elvis on the good guys.</p>
<p>Training camp has a way of wearing the best of ‘em down, but anyone else think Fisher looked a little ragged? Maybe the gravity of what he got himself into hit him around the fourth quarter Sunday.</p>
<p>Twitter Reacts:</p>
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<p>Ouch. Faux John Madden is a little more edgy than the real Madden, but he's kind of got a point here. Especially if McNeese State nabs Tyrann Mathieu. Might be closer than we'd all would like.</p>
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<p>Oh (however you type that name), oh no. You saw that? I'm so sorry. Please don't judge us on that. It might not get any better, but still... (Side: They're playing Rams games on Al Jazeera?)</p>
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<p>Worse, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> took a gut-shot loss from the Phillies. And the US Team didn't medal in Rhythmic Gymnastics. All in, a pretty crap day for the Big 3 in STL.</p>
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<p>Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, people want to add Chad Johnson in the mix?</p>
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<p>We mentioned Jason Smith earlier, but just in case you missed it. Remember how awesome <i>The Blind Side</i> was? Well that movie was based on <span>Michael Oher</span>. He went 23rd in <span>Jason Smith's</span> draft. Three spots before <span>Clay Matthews</span>. Just putting that out there.</p>
<p><b>Preseason Record:</b> 0-1</p>
<p><b>Real Meter</b> (Where we project the Rams win total for the year): 3</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/8/14/3239680/st-louis-rams-preseason-newsAaron Hooks2012-08-14T07:01:00-05:002012-08-14T07:01:00-05:00Andrew Luck's Preseason Debut And More Feeling Sad About Sam Bradford
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<p><span>Andrew Luck's</span> <a href="http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/8/13/3238969/andrew-luck-colts-debut-vs-rams/in/3001577" target="_blank">stellar performance in the Indianapolis Colts' preseason opener</a> would have invited a lot of angry insistence on beginners luck and promises he'd get crushed next time if it had happened against most teams, but this was the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>—we've spent most of our time being sad about Sam Bradford, instead. This is not the confident fanbase that went to the Super Bowl twice in three years a decade ago—we don't have much to feel good about, anymore. </p>↵<p>So here's something else to feel bad about: <span>Sam Bradford's</span> <i>own</i> preseason debut. Luck's debut certainly isn't itself a harbinger of great things; the Rams were outstanding in last year's late preseason. But if you were hoping Bradford was a perfect analogue for what Luck will deal with in the future—well. Back in 2010, against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, Bradford began what will hopefully still be an illustrious career by going 6-for-13 with 57 yards in a 28-7 loss.</p>↵<p>So he's improved! </p>↵<p>And if you <i>do</i> still want to make <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> fans nervous, feel free to point out that <i>that </i>day, the Rams got 310 yards and three touchdowns put on them by You Guessed It, <span>Sage Rosenfels</span>. </p>↵
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/8/14/3241221/andrew-luck-preseason-colts-sam-bradfordDan Moore2012-08-13T09:00:48-05:002012-08-13T09:00:48-05:00Which St. Louis Rams Rookie Repulsed You The Least Sunday?
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>' <a href="http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/8/12/3238172/rams-colts-recap-final-score-nfl-preseason-2012">38-3 preseason-opening loss to the Indianapolis Colts</a> is in the books, and while it might have just felt like another Rams game by point 30 it was also your first chance to see the Rams' haul from their supersized 2012 NFL Draft in action. Unfortunately, kicker (and No. 171st-overall-pick) <span>Greg Zuerlein</span> was the only one who got on the board, though I think it's fair to say that the loss wasn't exactly their fault. </p>↵<p>So who impressed you most, in their limited action? <span>Isaiah Pead</span> <a href="http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/8/12/3237638/st-louis-rams-isaiah-pead-fantasy">was the player I was most excited to see</a>, given his status as the Rams' running back of the future, but he got off to a very shaky start before moderating late. After that, you got reasonably sized looks at WR Chris Givens, CB <span>Janoris Jenkins</span> and <span>Trumaine Johnson</span>, and DT <span>Michael Brockers</span>, at least, in addition to Zuerlein, even if there wasn't quite as much <span>Brian Quick</span> as I was hoping for after <span>Danario Alexander</span> fell off the bottom of the earth again. </p>↵<p>So with all that in mind, a poll—which of these 2012 NFL Draft picks impressed you most? (No cheating and selecting <span>Andrew Luck</span>.)</p>↵↵
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/8/13/3238993/st-louis-rams-rookies-preseason-2012Dan Moore2012-08-13T08:01:11-05:002012-08-13T08:01:11-05:00Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams Suffer Same Old Offensive Line Problems Vs. Colts
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<p>Once again, in Sunday's 2012 preseason opener against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>' offensive line proved it could straddle the line between incompetent and criminally negligent in its protection of erstwhile franchise savior <span>Sam Bradford</span>. Don't get me wrong: Bradford's 7-for-9, not-very-many-yards line, a Rams staple by now, is the product of a number of external factors, including a mediocre wide receiving corps and a tentative coaching staff.</p>
<p>He also missed on some plays he had to make—and plays <span>Andrew Luck</span> <i>did</i> make—particularly that airmailed bomb to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> Steve Smith. He looked uncomfortable, if not quite as uncomfortable as he did by the end of last season. But I have to imagine Bradford would have shown a little more arm by now if he were able to look downfield without sudden, pervasive thoughts of impending doom. </p>
<p>This'll get a little better—as Turf Show Times <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2012/8/12/3238178/rams-vs-colts-recap-andrew-luck-sam-bradford#storyjump" target="_blank">notes in its recap</a>, the line is still in flux, and major acquisition <span>Scott Wells</span> still hasn't returned to the field. But if the Rams want to ever get their money's worth from Bradford, they'll have to keep him from developing a permanent case of shell-shock. On Sunday the defense was constantly in his face.</p>
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/8/13/3238966/sam-bradford-rams-2012-preseasonDan Moore2012-08-13T07:01:16-05:002012-08-13T07:01:16-05:00Andrew Luck Beats Up On Sam Bradford, The St. Louis Rams
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<p>It didn't take long for <span>Andrew Luck</span> to force the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>' inferiority complex about their own No. 1 quarterback, <span>Sam Bradford</span>, in Sunday's preseason opener: With more than a little help from <span>Donald Brown</span>, Andrew Luck and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> turned a pass just beyond the line of scrimmage into a 63-yard touchdown pass. Luck threw two touchdown passes overall, and put up 188 yards, and even if you wipe out that near-shovel-pass as beginner's luck he finished 9-for-15 with 125 yards, a Y/A of 8.3. </p>↵<p>He definitely topped Sam Bradford, who finished 7-for-9 with 57 yards and, in his defense, once more face constant pressure behind an offensive line that continues to define incompetence. </p>↵<p>For the Colts, at least, it was a welcome sign that the rookie they dumped <span>Peyton Manning</span> for might be at least half as good as advertised. Of course, it might have also been a bit of a warning, with Luck's romp coming at the expense of another No. 1 overall franchise savior. Bradford and company, after all, have had great preseasons too.</p>↵<p>More <a href="http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/8/12/3237536/rams-vs-colts-preseason-opener-features-andrew-lucks-in-game-debut" target="_blank">Rams vs. Colts coverage</a> from SB Nation St. Louis:</p>↵<p> </p>↵<ul>↵<li><span style="font-size: 12px;">Altogether, <a href="http://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/8/12/3238172/rams-colts-recap-final-score-nfl-preseason-2012" target="_blank">the Rams lost 38-3 in the Lucas Oil Stadium bloodbath</a>. </span></li>↵</ul>↵
https://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2012/8/13/3238969/andrew-luck-colts-debut-vs-ramsDan Moore2012-08-12T15:40:46-05:002012-08-12T15:40:46-05:00Rams Vs. Colts Final Score: St. Louis Gets Crushed 38-3 In Preseason Opener
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> are hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2011 this year, but they didn't get off to a great start on Sunday. In the team's preseason debut, St. Louis got crushed 38-3 by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, as 2012 No. 1 overall pick <span>Andrew Luck</span> made his in-game debut.</p>
<p>Considered a potential franchise player, Luck didn't disappoint on Sunday, completing his first pass for a 63-yard touchdown before ultimately finishing 10-of-16 for 188 yards and two touchdowns while leading the Colts to a 21-3 halftime advantage.</p>
<p>Even with Luck off the field, things didn't get much better for the Rams in second half as the Colts simply expanded their lead. St. Louis never got in the end zone, finishing the game with 215 total yards, two turnovers and a single field goal in the second quarter after a solid drive led by <span>Kellen Clemens</span>.</p>
<p>The Rams played solid run defense throughout the game, but they struggled to stop the Colts' passing game. Between Luck, back-up <span>Drew Stanton</span> and third-stringer Chandler Harnisch, the three combined to complete 21-of-30 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions, plus they only got sacked a combined one time.</p>
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https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/8/12/3238172/rams-colts-recap-final-score-nfl-preseason-2012Satchel Price2012-08-12T13:54:35-05:002012-08-12T13:54:35-05:00Rams Vs. Colts Score Update: Indianapolis Leads 21-3 At Halftime In Preseason Opener
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<p>If the first half of the first preseason game of the season is any indication, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a> are going to have another rough year in 2012. Through 30 minutes of play on Sunday, the Rams are trailing 21-3 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>, as 2012 No. 1 overall pick <span>Andrew Luck</span> put on a show against St. Louis defenders.</p>
<p>Expectations for Luck are extremely high this year, but he's met them so far in his first professional competition of any kind. Leading the Colts down the field for three scores, Luck has completed 10-of-16 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, the kind of big numbers that you don't often see in a preseason game.</p>
<p>The Rams offense hasn't fared as well, compiling just 115 total yards with one turnover in the first half. <span>Sam Bradford</span> looked decent in his 2012 debut, completing 7-of-9 passes for 57 yards, but the Rams weren't able to get onto the scoreboard until <span>Kellen Clemens</span> took over at QB in the second quarter. And even then, it was a field goal.</p>
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https://stlouis.sbnation.com/2012/8/12/3237964/rams-colts-score-update-nfl-preseason-2012Satchel Price