Projected Rams 2014 Starting Roster

This is only a projection on which player will be in the starting lineup come September. This lineup will likely change every now and then depending on the each players progress during Training Camp and Pre-Season Games.

Offense:

WR - Kenny Britt
TE1- Jared Cook
LT - Jake Long
LG - Greg Robinson
C - Scott Wells
RG - Rodger Saffold
RT - Joe Barksdale
TE2 - Lance Kendricks
WR2 - Chris Givens

QB - Sam Bradford
RB - Zac Stacy

Defense:
LE - Chris Long
NT- Michael Brockers
UT - Aaron Donald
RE - Robert Quinn

LLB-Alec Ogletree
MLB - James Laurinaitis
RLB - Jo-Lonn Dunbar

LCB - Janoris Jenkins
RCB - Trumaine Johnson
SS - TJ McDonald
FS - Rodney McLeod

Special Teams:
P - Johnny Hekker
PK - Greg Zuerlein
LS - Jake McQuaide
KR - Benny Cunningham
PR - Tavon Austin

Going Old School is the Rams formula to success

Unaware to most NFL fans, the NFC West has gradually step back to the "old school" ways by establishing a more defensive presence while having a more balance offensive attack. The Rams in particular has found their offensive identity by adapting the the run-first approach of the old Jeff Fisher days in Houston/Tennessee. Running back Zac Stacy has emerge as Jeff Fisher newest workhorse who was almost reached 1,000 yards in with only 12 games. His emergence would greatly benefit quarterback Sam Bradford.

The Rams enter the third year of the Jeff Fisher-Les Snead administration with a lot of optimism. Entering the off-season, the Rams was lucky to get Rodger Saffold back, which they considered priority number one in their free agency list. Then they later signed their very first free agent in former Buffalo Bills defensive lineman in Alex Carrington. Carrington provide more depth at the very talented group that includes three former 1st round picks in All-Pro defensive end Robert Quinn and Chris Long and Michael Brockers.

Another area of concern that the Rams will address is the secondary. The loss of Cortland Finnegan creates a void in the nickelback but Rams will likely move safety Rodney McLeod to that role and hope they can either sign a free agent Free Safety or draft one in person of HaSean Clinton-Dix or Terrence Brooks.

Ultimately the biggest acquisition of the Rams offseason was Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams. If you may all recall the 2012 Rams was the best defensive unit that the Rams had despite not having Gregg Williams calling the plays. Now that he is officially back and with new good players in place, the emergence of Robert Quinn to elite status, the Rams has a bigger chance to reach the playoffs and hopefully represent the NFC in the SuperBowl. 

Rams Mock Draft Version 3

It's been a while since a posted a new mock draft for the St. Louis Rams and today I made some significant changes to the mockdraft.

Before the I go over the mock draft there are certain situations that I would post before going proceeding to the mock draft itself to better understand the mock draft itself.

Free agency Signings
Rodger Saffold (Right Guard)
Tim Barnes(Center)
Shelley Smith (Guard) - 1 year minimum

March Cuts
Harvey Dahl
Scott Wells

Post June 1 Cuts
Cortland Finnegan
Kendall Langford

Mock Draft

Trade:

Rams trade Round 1 Pick2 to the Pittsburgh Steelers for (Round 1 pick 15, Round 2 pick 14, Round 4 pick 18).

Round 1 pick 13: Darqueze Dennard CB | Michigan State:
This is a surprise to some but this make sense since the Rams are very thin at corner back so the Rams will draft the best available cornerback in Darqueze Dennard. Dubbed "No Fly Zone" Dennard would provide the Rams the same ballhawk skills and physicality that Cortland Finnegan provides and instantly solidify the cornerback corp.

Round 1 pick 15: HaSean Clinton-Dix, FS | Alabama:
The Rams have been looking for a solid Free Safety since O.J. Atogwe so the Rams would draft the best "hybrid" safety in Clinton-Dix. "Ha Ha" is so good on both deep pass coverage as well as against the run and has played in a very tough college conference.

Round 2, Pick 12: Xavier Su'a-Filo OG/OT | UCLA:
The Rams needs to solidify the left guard position since Chris Williams AND Shelley Smith are average at best. Su'a-Filo also has Left Tackle experience so he provides versatility too. He's a bit raw for now but we all know how Paul Boudreau coaches his O-linemen.

Round 2, Pick 14: Ra'shede Hageman DT | Minnesota:
With the Rams releasing Kendall Langford, the Rams needed an upgrade and Rashede Hageman is the upgrade. Hageman is a freak of an athlete 6'6" 308lbs and is being compared to former Pat/Raiders Richard Seymour. There are some questions about his off-the-field attitude but that does not deter the Rams to get their own version of Albert Haynesworth (the good side hopefully).

Round 3, Pick 11: Jarvis Landry, WR | LSU:
With the Austin Pettis becoming a free agent next season, the Rams would add a receiver who has played in the same offensive system as the Rams who has good route running skills and good hands and good game speed. What stands out for Landry is his physicality specially when blocking. Having a good blocker down field would benefit Zac Stacy and the other runningbacks on running plays.

Round 4,  Pick 10: Christian Jones ILB/OLB | Florida State:
The Rams need to replace Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Christian Jones would not only provide the Rams the toughness and speed, but he will also give the Rams some versatility as he can be either play middle linebacker, rush 'backer/ blitzer and a defensive end on nickel/dime packages. He is also great analyzing plays against red-option offenses like the Panthers, Seahawks and the 49ers.

Round 4, Pick 14: Zach Mettenberger  QB | LSU:
The Rams needed an upgrade at backup QB who can potentially challenge Sam Bradford. Mettenberger has a benefit of playing in pro-style offense under Cam Cameron so his transition would not be as difficult.

Round 5, Pick 13: Wesley Johnson, OT | Vanderbilt:
Wesley Johnson is one of the top Offensive Lineman in the SEC. He help Zac Stacy rack up 2000 yards in his last two years in Vanderbilt and what good about Johnson is his versatility to play all FIVE o-lineman position. He's practically another Barrett Jones but much better body frame and more disciplined.

Round 6, Pick 12:  Chris Coyle, Fullback / H-back / Tight End | Arizona State
Mike McNeil is a free agent and the Rams replace his production in both special teams and on Ogre Formations (Two Tight-end, 1 Full back formations).

Round 7, Pick 11: Dontae Johnson, FS/CB | North Carolina State
The Rams needed more depth in the secondary and with Darian Stewart now a free agent Johnson can play play both Free Safety and cornerback.

2014 Rams Mock Draft version 2

The his my first version of my mock draft that will be updated every week.

The Pre Draft Scenario:
-Rams didn't sign any Free Agents
-Didn't re-sign any own free agents

Pre-draft trade:
#2 pick to the Cleveland Browns for #8 and #24 (Colts pick)

Round 1:

Pick #8: Sammy Watkins WR, Clemson;
-Sammy Watkins is the beast Wide Receiver of this class in the level of A.J. Green. He is explosive and has great hands. He will start opposite Chris Givens.

Pick #13: Ha'Sean "Ha Ha" Clinton-Dix FS, Alabama

-Last year Rams were in a position to draft Kenny Vaccaro but traded up to pick Tavon Austin, this year the Rams again will draft the best safety in Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He is durable and played very well at high level.

Pick #24: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT/DE, Minnesota

-You might ask why a defensive tackle when the Rams already have Michael Brokers. This scenario is assumed that Kendall Langford is allowed to test the free agency market so we have a glaring hole in the middle of the defensive line. Hagemon is a freak as he is explosive and athletic for his 6'6" 311lbs frame and he very versatile that he can play either defensive tackle or defensive end. He reminds me of Richard Seymour AND J.J. Watt who can rush the passer from the interior of the line which the Rams needed to succeed in the NFC West.

Round 2:

Pick #13: Cyril Richardson OG, Baylor
-Rams needs to protect Sam Bradford and Chris Williams is not the answer at LG. Richardson is one of the best available Guard in the draft next to David Yankey. What's great about Richardson is that he can slide out at LT and still play at a high level. Versatility is a one trait that Jeff Fisher likes with his offensive lineman.

Round 3: Pick #13: E.J. Gaines CB, Missouri

-Gaines is the best cornerback in the SEC conference as he has covered the opposing team's top receivers despite his 5' 11" stature. He effective shutdown Texas A & M's Mike Evans without problem.

Round 4: Pick #13: Zach Mettenberger QB, LSU

-Rams are in need of an upgrade at backup QB and Zach Mettenberger is the best available prospect. Mettenberger has the typical body frame of a QB and has played in a pro style offense under Cam Cameron. With his recent ACL injury, I would assume Mettenberger will drop into day 3. 

Round 5: Pick #13: Wesley Johnson OT, Vanderbilt

-Rams needed to add depth at offensive line and Johnson is the best at this juncture for several reasons:

• Has been a starter for 4 years at Vanderbilt
• Has played all five offensive line positions which shows versatility.
• Has not called been called "false start" since his freshman year that shows good football presence and discipline.
• Playing in the SEC shows that he faced the best competition.

Round 6: Pick#13: Denicos Allen LB, Michigan State

-Allen is part of the best defense in Big 10 conference and his only flaw is his height of 5'11". Despite this height Allen has lead his team tackles. He will add depth at linebacker with the loss of Jo Lonn Dunbar and Will Witherspoon to free agency.

Round 7: Pick#13: Keith McGill DB Utah

-Rams continue to add secondary depth by picking Keith McGill. McGill is a big at 6'3" 203 lbs and has played FS, SS and Cornerback.

Rams Offseason 2014 Projection: Re-signing Players

The St. Louis Rams finished the season with a 7-9 record and by this time the Rams off-season has started. As of the moment, the Rams are only allowed to re-sign their own players and also cut players. Here are the notable free agents:

• Rodger Saffold T/G  UFA 
• Chris Williams  G  UFA 
• Darian Stewart S  UFA 
• Jo-Lonn Dunbar LB  UFA 
• Kellen Clemens QB  UFA 
• Shelley Smith G  RFA 
• Matt Giordano S  UFA 
• Mike McNeill TE  RFA 
• Will Witherspoon LB UFA 
• Tim Barnes  C ERFA
• Austin Davis QB  RFA 
• Quinton Pointer S  RFA 
• Sammy Brown DE RFA

Among the unrestricted free agents on this list, I personally want Rodger Saffold to return as to play Right Guard full time. Aside from playing guard at very high level, he can also play offensive tackle so it gives the Rams the best versatile O-lineman in the roster for years to come.

Another player that the Rams should consider signing back for at least two years is Shelley Smith. Rams needed good veteran depth at the interior of the offensive line, Shelley Smith has done a good job so far.

Tavon Austin and the Rams blow out the Colt 38-8

For the passed 9 games leading into the Colts game, Tavon Austin, the Rams 8th overall pick has not been a significant factor in the offense and in the punt return game due to drop passes and penalties. 

Today was Austin's time to shine as he scored 3 touchdowns (two as a touchdown pass from Kellen Clemens) and a spectacular 98 punt return for a touchdown.

Aside from Austin breakout performance, the defense also got involve in the scoring salvo as Chris Long scoop up a Robert Quinn force fumble for a quick score early in the game. The defense limited the Coltsground gain to about 18 yards on 1.3 yards per rush and intercepted Andrew Luck 3 times.

Zac Stacy continue to poind the rock on 26 carries for 62 yards and a score while fellow rookie Benny Cunningham contributed 7 carries for 72 yard and 1 screen pass reception for 18 yards.

The win help keep them stay in contention as they enter the bye week before facing the Chicago Bears at home on November 24,2013 

Keys on How the Rams can beat The Colts

The St. Louis Rams will get their hands full as they will be on the road to battle Andrew Luck and the AFC South division leader Indianapolis Colts. Personally I believe the Rams can beat the Colts as they have a weak offensive line and injuries has plagued their skills position players.


Run the ball with Zac Stacy and control the time of possession.
If I'm Coach Fisher, I'd watch some of the Chargers vs. Colts tapes on which the Chargers ran the ball more against a porous Colts run defense. With Zac Stacy running the ball, the Rams can keep Andrew Luck on the sidelines for a long time and keep the defense well rested.

Pressure Andrew Luck and Play Better Pass Defense: 
With Reggie Wayne injured, There's a bigger chance of Andrew Luck will rely on T.Y. Hilton and on Coby Fleener. And with a subpar offensive line, I won't be surprise if the Rams D-Line will have a good day similar to the Seahawks game. The Rams might have a much better day on stopping the run this week as Trent Richardson has yet to breakout as the Colt's best running but still the Rams will need treat Richardson like they treat Marshawn Lynch and not be complaicent (They should have learned from the CJ2k/Shonn Greene incident last week).

Avoid Turnovers and minimize play-killing penalties: 
Rams should, at all cost, avoid committing turnovers in order for them to win the game. The Rams so far were able to minimize penalties that negates good plays and hope they can continues to do so.

Keys to Victory: Titans vs. Rams

In a short week, the Rams will be facing a well rested Tennessee Titans who Jeff Fisher coached for over 10 seasons before coming to the Rams. This game will be the first time for Cortland Finnegan, William Hayes, Will Witherspoon and Jared Cook to face their former team and I'm sure they will "play hard for coach Fisher".

1.) Continue to Stop the Run: The Rams where very dominant last week when they hold Marshawn Lynch to only 2+ yards a carry. This time they will be facing a much swiftier opponent in Chris Johnson who is currently struggling to gain some ground yards. If they contain Chris Johnson the Rams chances of winning are very high.

2.) Play much better pass defense: Rams got burned twice by Russell Wilson twice despite sacking him 7 times. They will need to continue pressuring the quarterback using the front four.

3.) Feed the Juggernaut: Zac Stacy has been the consistent factor in the Rams offense averaging 5+ yards per carry. Continue to run the ball effective will keep the defense honest and help open up the pass.

4.) Just catch the ball: The Rams receivers MUST catch the balls pass to them as much as possible if they want to win.

5.) Limit penalties: The Rams will also need minimize penalties inorder to win.

Rams fell short despite good running game and defense

The St. Louis Rams defense has shown up and limit Marshawn Lynch to about 30 yards while sacking Russell Wilson 7 times but was able to score enough to win 14-9 on a final defensive stop. 

The rookie Running back Zac Stacy rack up over 130 yards but several drop passes and penalties have prevented the Rams from scoring touchdowns.

Keys On How The Rams can beat the the Seahawks on Monday Night

With Sam Bradford gone for the season, the Rams will be lead by backup quarterback Kellen Clemens but I don't expect Clemens to duplicate what Sam does but rather play smart football. Based on the last three games,  Jeff Fisher and Brian Schottenheimer's  offensive philosophy right now is to run the football to open up the passing game AND play tough defense. Here are the keys on the Rams can beat the Seahawks.

1.) Force Turn Overs and Play Smart Defense: The Rams real strength are their defensive line with Robert Quinn leading the league with 4 forced fumbles and has 6 sacks. Since the Seahawks offensive line right now is subpar at best because of injuries to key players, I'd expect the D-Line to have a great day going after Russell Wilson and hopefully the front seven can slow down Marshawn Lynch like they did with DeAngelo Williams last week. We only hope the Rams secondary can hold off the Seahawks receivers.

2.) Zac Stacy leads the offense. The Rams for several weeks has reverted to the smash-mouth type of play by running the ball between the tackles and open up the passing game. So far it has been effective and Stacy has been racking up the ground yards consistently.  

3.) And Finally.. Cut Down Stupid Penalties: The Rams Achilles Heel for sometime now is their penchant for committing penalties that negate good plays. Once they can eliminate these stupid penalties Rams have a chance to win the game.

Rams Lose to Panthers and Bradford got injured

Since the game was not broadcasted in our local cable provider, I resorted to follow the game via Twitter. It's rather unfortunate that the Rams lost this game to the following factors: drop passes, bad play calls or bad coaching, and the ugliest factor: bad officiating (and no I'm not crediting the Panthers for the win). Things turned to for the worse when QB Sam Bradford was injured late in the game to a apparent knee injury.

My take: This is another game that got away because of over-all inconsistencies and I expect that the Rams would do some careful planning ahead since they will be facing the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night. Rams will surely sign a free agent QB to act as a backup to Kellen Clemons or possibly a stop-gap game manager. one article has mentioned that they might consider Vince Young, who has played with Jeff Fisher in Tennessee.

  

The Good the Bad and the Ugly: Rams vs. Texans

After several days I was able to watch the Rams vs. Texans game in full and I was able to
understand some of the critic's comments and praises about the game.


The Good:

• Rams where able to establish the run game with Zac Stacy leading the charge (no pun intended). 
• The Rams were able to produce defensive stops on key situation particulary in the red zone and force turnovers on defense and special teams
• There are almost no stupid penalties particularly in special teams.

The Bad:

• The Rams receivers need to catch the ball better specially play action plays. The one play with Sam Bradford passes to Chris Givens on a deep pass should have been a catch. 

The Ugly:  

Arian Foster still racks up 100+ yard running the ball on 7.1 yards per carry which mean the run defense still needs fixing with the Rams facing a Carolina Panthers teams that likes to run the ball more with DeAngelo Williams and Cam Newton.

Keys on how the Rams can beat the Texans

After an unimpressive win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Rams are gonna face one of the league's top defense lead by the league's top sacker last season in the person of J.J. Watt. On the otherside of the ball, the Rams will also face one of the leagues best running back in Arian Foster. Basically this is the real test for the Rams.

Here are several keys so that the Rams can beat the Texans:

Establish the run to open up the pass:
The Rams are slowly establishing their running game by starting Zac Stacy for the 2nd straight week. The Texans got gashed by 49ers last week by running the ball effectively.

Stop the Texans running game:
With Matt Schaub struggling in the passing game, the Texans will have to run the ball using the one-two punch of Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Rams will have to be disciplined in their gap assignments and force the Texans to become one dimensional and force them to pass the ball more.

Avoid penalties at all cost:
For five straight weeks the Rams' Achilles heal is the penalties particularly in the special teams. The Rams should be disciplined enough to avoid these penalties in order for them to win the field position.

Rams Win Over the Jaguars: The Breakdown

Even though this post is a day late, I had watch the video again so that I can make a much better review of the game as I break down the game on each phase of the game. Bottom line is: "a win is a win is a win" and as critics will use the excuse that this win came off "the Jaguars", it's still a win.

Offense: 
The Rams where able to establish the running game as the Rams started Zac Stacy instead of Daryl Richardson. The offensive line where able to create running lanes and it evident on Stacy's stats (14 rushes on 78 yards). The passing game was average at best as Sam Bradford misses some of his passes to some of the open receivers and some of those incompletions are drops.

Defense:
Overall, I would rate the defense as average as the same problems are present as with the last game. Pass defense is still spotty (as seen on the Justin Blackmon Touchdown) and the defensive line only produced 2 sacks against a Jaguars "sub-standard" offensive line. Rams however where able to limit Maurice Jones-Drew to a total 70 yards.

Special Teams:
The only problem that I see on this unit is the persistent and recurring "stupid" penalties that kills the punt return plays by Tavon Austin. And the violators are the same people who commit the penalties for the past weeks. Personally if I'm Jeff Fisher, I'd start cutting players and put John Fassel's job on the line. I think Alan Lowry (of the Music City Miracle fame) is available, Les Snead should keep that in mind.

Keys on how the St. Louis Rams will win over the Jacksonville Jaguars

With extra days off, the St. Louis Rams are gonna face the Jacksonville Jaguars who are considered the "worst team" in the National Football League right now. But with the Rams' recent performance, there a bit of a doubt. Personally as long as Jeff Fisher is the coach, I believe the Rams can win this game as long as the following happens:

Establish the Running game - This has been Jeff Fisher's mantra for weeks right. Establishing the running game can keep the offense balance and keep the defense honest. With the Jaguars having the the worst defense in the league, the Rams should give the other running backs a chance to play. Personally I wanna see  Zac Stacy run against this "porous" defense.

Better defense: The Jaguars will exploit the notion they the Rams too has a porous defense based on the last two matches but with the recently signing of Jo-Lonn Dunbar, the Rams should get some boost on their run defense. Injuries to the secondary are a concern too as there's a possibility that Cortland Finnegan will not play this game and will relegate Rodney McLeod to the nickel corner and have Darian Stewart and Matt Giordano play the safeties (which is a scary proposition).  As long as the Rams cover Justin Blackmon and stop Maurice Jones-Drew, the win is assured.

Play Smart Football and get better field position:  As always, penalties has been the bane for the Rams in past weeks specially on special teams. I also expect Tavon Austin would have a break out game here. 

Rams Should Tailor their Offense around Sam Bradford

After Week 4 in the 2013 NFL Season, the St. Louis Rams are currently 1-3 and loosing the last three games on average of 18+ points and as a Rams fan it's very disappointing. I have re-watch all four games to check what went wrong and I come into conclusion: The offensive scheme doesn't bode will with Sam Bradford's skills sets. 

Skillset-wise Sam Bradford is a product of a no-huddle spread offense in Oklahoma and running the no-huddle practically WON the game for the Rams. 

Personnel-wise, Isaiah Pead, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey all thrive into a similar type of no-huddle spread offense. Even Daryl Richardson fits as a scatback in a spread offense who is better in space. 

The only runningback that fits Brian Schottenheimer's offensive scheme is Zac Stacy yet they didn't gave him opportunities in the last game. 

The Rams are about to face a then mediocre team in Jacksonville Jaguars yet their past performance would make it more of a grudge match rather than a clear cut win unless the Rams gave in to the facts that the no-huddle would give them a much better chance to win games. 

If I were to quote STLToday.com's Bryan Burwell: "The Rams need to unchain Sam Bradford".

Coaching Revamps that the Rams can explore

After a quarter of a season the Rams just manage to post a 1-3 record with the last two games losing in a blow out.

As of now the Rams are in recovery mode for 10 days to fix their problematic offense and defense and here are some of the suggestions that MIGHT help

Hire Mike Martz: One of the most successful offensive coordinators in the Rams history is Mike Martz and it won't hurt to hire him as a consultant for now. With the personnel the Rams have I'm sure coach Martz would love to create some plays off of them.

Demote Tim Walton to DB Coach and promote Chuck Cecil as DC: The Rams have a bevy of experienced Defensive Coordinators in the current coaching and I'm scratching my head why up to know they promote any of them, in this case Chuck Cecil gets my vote to be promoted as DC and Tim Walton taking his place as secondary coach.

These are only my personal opinion but if the Rams wants to win their remaining games these suggestions are by far the best moves they can do.

49ers trampled the Rams 35-11

As if the Week 3 beat down by the Cowboys was not enough, the Rams got their butt kicked by a 49ers squad that has no Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith on defense and Vernon Davis at 85% at best.

As usual the reasons the Rams list is the same: failure to establish the running game, the defense can stop the run and pass, penalties on key plays, etc.

The good side after the loss is that they will have at 10 days before they face the next opponent which are the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. 

the 10 days off should give the Rams time to view the tapes of the last two games. It's also a good time for the Rams to add help at the secondary because of the injuries to TJ McDonald and Cortland Finnegan. 

Keys on How the Rams can beat the 49ers on their Week 4 match

Week 4 match is the is big one for the St. Louis Rams as they battle a division rival in San Francisco 49ers at the Edward Jones Dome. Both team are coming of a similar blow out losses and this match is considered a turning point for both teams. Here are some keys on how the Rams can beat the 49ers:

Score early and fast: 
For the last three games, the Rams have not scored in the first quarter and the win against Arizona was come from behind victory. If the Rams can score early and fast that would help them control the clock more in the later part of the game.

Establish the running game:
Regardless of not having an establish/talented runningback in the roster, the Rams should always establish the running game to keep it balanced. If they are to run a "running back by committee" approach then it's high time they do so by giving Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead and Zac Stacy some reps. That way they can exploit mismatches. They can even include Tavon Austin on this if needed.

Offensive line should step up
The offensive line has been good in pass protection but they have problems opening running lanes for the runningbacks. Giving the Richardson and Stacy some good running lanes would help the play action plays.

Go Vertical:
The Rams have three of the fastest receivers in the roster in Wide receivers Chris Givens, Tavon Austin and Tight End Jared Cook. Sam Bradford should take advantage of his weapons and not always to resort in check down passes.

Reduce Penalties: 
As always one factor that the Rams lost in the last three games is penalties. If the Rams can plays smart football for 60 minutes the chances of winning are high.

Time to Use Zac Stacy

Since Steven Jackson left for free agency and subsiquently signing with the Atlanta Falcons, We expect that the Rams running game would suffer because of the inexperience in the runningback unit.

Before the regular season started Daryl Richardson was name starter with Isaiah Pead as the main backup with Zac Stacy, Benny Cunningham and Chase Reynolds rounding up the group. After three games the running game is still very subpar to the point they become one dimensional. The Rams usually dresses 4 runningbacks every week and Stacy is usually the one in the inactive list.  

As I recall during the offseason, Les Snead and Jeff Fisher was very high on Zac Stacy to the point they traded up and pick him in the fifth round because he's a 2,000 yard runner against a touch SEC conference in college. Zac Stacy is effective runner specially in between the tackles and since Daryl Richardson is currently ineffective due to his foot injury why not Coach Fisher make good in his "runningback by committee" approach and de-activate Daryl Richardson so that he can recover from his injury and dress Zac Stacy to backup Isaiah Pead who has finally shows his skills against the Cowboys.