Chris Long - Rams' DE Long restructures contract

Source: The Huddle

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long has restructured his contract, saving the team $4.5 million of cap space.
Huddle Up: Long, who has posted double-digit sack totals in each of the past 2 years and hasn't missed a start in the past 3 seasons, has been one of the shining lights in the otherwise dismal previous 5 years of the franchise.

Rams | Chris Long restructures contract

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long restructured his contract Monday, April 22, saving the team $4.5 million of cap space.

St. Louis Rams not getting a Ryan

Source: Draft Sharks

Turns out the Rams won't be making Rob Ryan their new DC after all. The team announced today that philosophical differences killed the deal. No specific details appear to be available beyond that. It's reasonable to assume, however, that Ryan favored a 3-4 scheme while Jeff Fisher preferred to stick with the 4-3. Ryan has primarily been a 3-4 guy throughout his time as a DC. Frankly, his absence in St. Louis is good news for IDP owners. Such a scheme shift there would have undoubtedly turned Robert Quinn and Chris Long into OLBs. Each might very well prove ideal for such a position, but their fantasy values are much stronger as D-linemen. The Rams did announce the hiring of Frank Bush. He served as DC when the Texans ran a 4-3 base

Rams | Chris Long fined

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long was fined $15,750 for hitting Arizona Cardinals QB Ryan Lindley in the head in Week 12.

Week 8 IDP – DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Howard Smith / US PRESSWIRE

The Eagles made a change at defensive coordinator during the bye week in hopes of turning things around. Who knows if it will do any good, but I can’t imagine both Trent Cole and Jason Babin will continue to perform at such a low level from where we grown accustomed to seeing them.

Atlanta comes to town and fortunate for the Eagles they have a history of giving Michael Turner problems. If his struggles continue, it will greatly help both ends odds of harassing Matt Ryan in the pocket.

I also have a feeling we will see less of a rotation on the front line, giving both ends a chance to get into the flow of a game. That’s just a guess, but after a big change in

Week 7 IDP – DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Jason O. Watson / US PRESSWIRE

Both Jeremy Mincey and Matt Shaughnessy have terrific matchups as the Jaguars and Raiders face off in Oakland this week. Both have had their ups and downs in their careers but we should put them in the lineup this week.

When playing, Shaughnessy has proven to be a DL1 option and we should expect that production going forward.

Mincey on the other hand, had a disappointing day against the Bears, but the Jaguars fell behind early and it put the Bears in a situation to run more high percentage plays, and unfortunately Mincey didn’t get it done in tackles. That can happen even to the best defensive linemen so consider it just a bad day and get him in the lineup

Week 6 IDP – DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Thomas Campbell / US PRESSWIRE

This continues to be a frustrating season for defensive linemen that were considered elite on draft day. Over the years it’s been sound advice to go after one of the top options at this position as your first IDP selection because of the inconsistency at the position overall.

Grab a Jared Allen, Jason Pierre-Paul or Trent Cole and usually that means a no brainier to start weekly. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case in 2012.

Cole and Jason Babin are struggling as the Eagles prefer to use a rotation on the line. Pierre-Paul was a super star last year and still is today, but unfortunately everyone team in the league knows that now and will continue to

Week 6 Team Defense Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Charles LeClaire / US PRESSWIRE

The Steelers lost Troy Polamalu to another injury against the Eagles, but they should make quick work of the Titans on Thursday night. Around this time last year Pittsburgh was struggling and a beat-up Ben Roethlisberger led them to a big victory against a Tennessee defense that appeared to be on the rise.

The Titans should get something going as the season moves along but for now they are likely the worst team and offense in football.

What Did We Learn From Week Five?

- It appears the 49ers struggles in Minnesota were

Week 3 IDP DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Jake Roth / US PRESSWIRE

We knew coming into the season the Titans were projected to be thin on the depth chart behind Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley at defensive end. Both are off to good starts this season and with the Titans defense on the field with regularity, we should look to them as weekly starters.

Both defensive ends were interesting stories coming into this season, but Morgan was the player whom I watched closely in the preseason. Week one, Morgan didn’t look great but came away with a sack against the Seahawks. That said, his intensity off the ball was much better against the Buccaneers and Cardinals.

It appears he looks all the way back from a torn ACL injury from the

Week 2 IDP Rankings – Defensive Linemen

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Ron Chenoy US PRESSWIRE

Ahh the life of defensive lineman in the world of IDP fantasy football. Draft a top lineman like Jared Allen, expect big things, and get nothing to show for it opening weekend. Allen wasn’t he only top lineman on draft day with a disappointing week one, and we can bet many of them will turn things around this weekend.

Inconsistency is always a problem for this position but we have a few rookies that stood out last week. One is Chandler Jones of New England and another is Derek Wolfe from the Denver Broncos.

Week 2 IDP  Rankings –

Rams give LB James Laurinaitis a five-year, $41.5 million extension

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Middle linebackers don't usually earn big money contracts in spite of their often high-profile roles with their teams. That's why St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis should be proud to have inked a five-year, $41.5 million contract extension which includes $23.5 million in guarantees. Laurinaitis is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will make $620,000 this year. The Rams are going the extra mile to secure their front seven defenders. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Laurinaitis had 142 total tackles last season, good enough to make him a very reliable IDP in tackle-heavy scoring formats. He's entering his fourth season out of Ohio State. The Rams' defense could improve dramatically this season with the additions of rookie

IDP – Week 1 DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Talk about a great kickoff weekend for defensive linemen as many of the top-flight studs have favorable matchups. To get the party started we have Jason Pierre-Paul, Just Tuck and Osi Umenyiora will face off against a Cowboys offensive line that has serious continuity issues.

Not good for Tony Romo, and even if the veteran quarterback is precise with his pre-snap reads it’s likely he will have a few busted plays and these lineman will re-introduce him to the Giants home field, literally.

Speaking of MetLife Stadium, the Jets will also host a home game this weekend as Mario Williams and the Bills imposing front four come to town. Look for Williams and Mark Anderson to harass Mark Sanchez as the Jets right tackle

2nd-Round Mock Draft Results: 2012 Fantasy Football Strategy, PPR Leagues

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

In the second round of this 10-team PPR mock draft we have a couple running backs with high upside, but carry with them health concerns in Ryan Mathews and Adrian Peterson. Of the two I give Mathews the nod as the running back worthy of selecting in this round.

Peterson may find the field first, but he’s still coming back from a major knee injury and it’s likely to take time before we see the runner we used to know.

11. Tom Brady (ADP 1.08)-

Offensive line problems are a

10-Team PPR Mock Draft Results: 2nd Round

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: David Butler II / US PRESSWIRE

In the second round of this 10-team PPR mock draft we have a couple running backs with high upside, but carry with them health concerns in Ryan Mathews and Adrian Peterson. Of the two I give Mathews the nod as the running back worthy of selecting in this round.

Peterson may find the field first, but he’s still coming back from a major knee injury and it’s likely to take time before we see the runner we used to know.

Follow us on Twitter: @FanInfo

11. Tom Brady (ADP

Fantasy Football Rankings 2012: Complete Look at NFL Defenses

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

When it comes to drafting a defense in fantasy football, you should look to wait until the final couple rounds of your draft. The best strategy as a fantasy football owner for defenses is to go with the best matchups. Every week there will be a defense in your waiver wire that will be going up against one of the worst offenses in the league.

However, if you are a fantasy owner that looks to draft a defense around the 10th round, here is a list of defensive rankings for your 2012 fantasy football season.

 

1. San Francisco 49ers

Led by Patrick Willis, the

Fantasy Football Rankings 2012: All 32 Defenses

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Defense may not win Super Bowls as often as it used to, but it occasionally helps you win fantasy football leagues. 

Training camps are open, preseason games are around the corner and fantasy owners should be shaping up their cheat sheets. And while many fantasy owners are worried about ranking the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, defenses should not be forgotten. 

Turnovers, sacks, defensive touchdowns and shutouts can help win fantasy games just as much as Aaron Rodgers touchdown tosses and Arian Foster 20-yard runs. So let’s look at all 32 NFL defenses and rank them

Rams | HC loses Wide Nine defensive philosophy

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher has abandoned his 'Wide Nine' philosophy for defensive ends, which placed them outside the open shoulder of offensive tackles. Des Chris Long and Robert Quinn can line up more in the faces of ends, but each has the pass-rushing skills to get to the quarterback.

Rams | Chris Long contract update

Source: Footballguys.com

Updating a previous report, St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long signed a four-year contract extension worth $58 million. The deal includes $36.76 million in guaranteed money.

Rams | DL might be team's best unit

Source: Footballguys.com

The starters are set among the defensive line for the St. Louis Rams, with DL Chris Long at left end, DL Robert Quinn at right end and DLs Michael Brockers and Kendall Langford at the tackle spots. The backups will be DLs William Hayes and Eugene Sims at the end positions, and DLs Trevor Laws and Darell Scott at the tackle spots.

Rams extend DE Long after 13-sack breakout - Chris Long | STL

Source: Rotoworld Football

Rams agreed to terms with LE Chris Long on a four-year extension through 2016.

Rams | Chris Long signs extension

Source: Footballguys.com

The St. Louis Rams have signed DE Chris Long to a four-year contract extension. Financial terms were not disclosed.

10 NFL Defensive Ends Who Could Break Double-Digit Sacks in 2012

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

NFL teams are always on the lookout for pass-rushing defensive ends, and fantasy football owners are on the same search. 

IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues are becoming more prevalent in the fantasy football world, so fantasy owners are paying closer attention than ever to pass-rushers who can get them 10-20 sacks. And considering so many of today’s pass-rushers are outside linebackers, it's harder than ever to find defensive ends who consistently pressure passers. 

So here are 10 defensive ends who could break double-digit sacks in 2012:

Jared Allen, Minnesota

Rams | Will work on signing Chris Long, James Laurinaitis

Source: Footballguys.com

The St. Louis Rams will make every effort to sign DE Chris Long and LB James Laurinaitis to contract extensions this season since both are in the final year of their contracts.

Juggernaut Index No. 31: The St. Louis Rams

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Another year, another new offense for Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. He enters his third NFL season with his third offensive coordinator. Bradford had a promising rookie campaign in 2010 in Pat Shurmur's West Coast system, completing 60 percent of his throws for 3512 passing yards, but he took a backward step in 2011 under Josh McDaniels. He'll now look to bounce back in 2012, directing Brian Schottenheimer's version of the Coryell offense. Maybe next year he'll run the Wishbone.

Bradford's new head coach, Jeff Fisher, clearly isn't going to allow his team to dwell on the mistakes and low-lights of last season. He's hitting the re-set button and moving forward, as the team has turned over a significant percentage of the

Rams | Have started extension talks with two players

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff said the team has begun preliminary contract extension talks with DE Chris Long and LB James Laurinaitis.

2012 IDP Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Scott Rovak / US PRESSWIRE

With James Hall out of the picture, it’s time to view second year defensive end Robert Quinn as one of the breakout IDP players of this year. Quinn will start and while no one should expect the Rams to break the sack record, they will likely have to ends with double digit sacks.

Improvements in the secondary should benefit Quinn as quarterbacks like Alex Smith, Matt Flynn and Kevin Kolb struggle through their progressions. Couple in that all of those quarterbacks have below average pass blocking lines, and it’s almost a given Quinn

Defensive Linemen – 2012 IDP Projected Stats

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Phil Sears / US PRESSWIRE

Last year Jabaal Sheard broke onto the scene and put together an unexpected DL2 performance for IDP fantasy owners. Could Andre Branch be the second coming?

Only time will tell, but it appears he will earn a three down role right away, and while he probably won’t play the same high snap count we saw from Sheard, his prospects of a breakout rookie year are encouraging.

With emerging star Jeremy Mincey playing opposite bookend, expect opposing offenses to focus on the veteran is the first option for double teams and chips.

Branch was one of the better pass rushers in college last year, and while I don’t expect him to reach double digits, he was brought into Jacksonville

Rams | Feel DL can be dominant

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams general manager Les Snead believes the team has the makings of a difference-making group at defensive line after selecting DL Michael Brockers in the first round of the NFL Draft. 'We've got two young ends,' Snead said in reference to DL Chris Long and DL Robert Quinn. 'We've added (Kendall) Langford. We've got Darell Scott coming back. Bam! You throw in Brockers, and all of a sudden that unit gets strong. Now the defensive line becomes a dominant unit.'

Chris Long - Rams have no defensive coordinator

Source: The Huddle

The St. Louis Rams announced their full coaching staff without new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who was suspended indefinitely for his role in the New Orleans bounty program. St. Louis has elected not to replace their defensive coordinator. However, this could change before the start of the season. 'I've got Dave McGinnis on staff, Chuck Cecil on staff,' head coach Jeff Fisher said. 'I'll remind you that the playbook that Gregg has originated in my office, so I have a pretty good feel for the defense. At this point, I don't have liberty to say who is going to make the calls and the decisions, but it'll get done and it'll get done effectively.'
Huddle Up: The "Bountygate" scandal has many branches on the tree, some

Fantasy 2011 Lesson Learned No. 2: Get Your Top Pick Right

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

Welcome to the second in a series of articles on Fantasy Football Lessons Learned, intended to help us learn from the what the 2011 season taught us.

In case you missed it, the first Lesson Learned was to beware of your cheat sheets.

The second Lesson Learned involves the importance of your top draft pick.

This may sound elementary, but too many fantasy owners take for granted how critical the first-round pick is. After all, fantasy owners all have those cheat sheets that

Rams | Chris Long questionable

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 30. He is listed as questionable for Week 17 but is expected to play.

Rams | Chris Long limited

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Dec. 29.

Rams | Two expected to play Week 16

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long (ankle) and CB Josh Gordy (abdomen) were limited during practice Friday, Dec. 23. Both are listed as questionable for Week 16 but are expected to play.

Week 16 IDP – DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Mark Anderson vs. Dolphins -

With Andre Carter lost for the season, expect Mark Anderson to see an up tick in his snap count, as he came through with another great performance against the Broncos with two sacks, a forced fumble and a recovery. With the Dolphins coming to town, Anderson should have at least a DL-2 worthy performance as Tom Brady should build up a lead, and allow Anderson to focus on getting to the quarterback, just like last week.

Justin Tuck @ Jets -

Perhaps I would be better off, just saying nothing about Justin Tuck because a few weeks ago I recommended him as a worthy start against the Cowboys, and then he fell to injury, during the game. As soon as I was ready to wright-off Tuck for good this

Rams | Four miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams QB A.J. Feeley (thumb), DE Chris Long (ankle) and CBs Josh Gordy (abdomen) and Justin King (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Rams | Sam Bradford misses practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams QBs Sam Bradford (ankle) and A.J. Feeley (thumb) missed practice Tuesday, Dec. 20. However, Bradford was out of his protective boot. Feeley still cannot squeeze a football due to swelling in his thumb. QB Kellen Clemens will start again in Week 16 if Bradford can't play. CB Justin King (shoulder), DL Chris Long (ankle) and WR Brandon Lloyd (illness) also didn't practice. CB Josh Gordy (oblique) was limited.

Rams | Two linemen expected to play

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long (ankle) and DT Fred Robbins (back) are listed as questionable for Week 15 but are expected to play. Robbins fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 16, while Long was limited during practice.

Rams | Five miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams QB A.J. Feeley (thumb), DL James Hall (chest), CB Justin King (shoulder), OT Mark LeVoir (groin) and DL Chris Long (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 15.

Chris Long sits out of practice

Source: Draft Sharks

Rams LDE Chris Long missed practice Wednesday after coming out of the Monday night game with a very sore ankle. Long has been playing through an ankle sprain for a while and has missed practice time here and there throughout. There doesn't seem to be concern for his active status come Sunday, but we'll keep an eye on the injury reports.

Week 15 IDP – DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Terrell Suggs @ Chargers, Jason Pierre-Paul vs. Redskins -

Last week had some massive days from defensive lineman but Terrell Suggs and Jason Pierre-Paul probably top the list in my book, and surprise, both have terrific matchups this week. T-Sizzle gets to face a busted up Chargers offensive line that is sure to give up some easy opportunities, as Rivers holds the football, waiting for his receivers to get open down the field.

JPP gets to take on the Redskins and Rex Grossman with Osi Umenyiora out, and Justin Tuck out or limited by a foot injury, suffered last week. Both have the type of matchups that can help you advance to the Super Bowl, as they could be in-store for 20 point performances in Big Play leagues, once

Rams | Chris Long injury update

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DL Chris Long (ankle) was sore Tuesday, Dec. 13, after playing Monday, Dec. 12, with an injured ankle. Long did not practice much last week.

Rams | Sam Bradford very sore

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford (ankle) said he was 'extremely sore' after playing in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks, and he could be limited in practice Wednesday, Dec. 14. DL Chris Long (ankle) is in the same situation as Bradford.

Rams | Chris Long expected to play in Week 14

Source: Footballguys.com

Updating a previous report, St. Louis Rams DL Chris Long (ankle) did some light work Saturday, Dec. 10, and was officially listed as a limited participant in practice. He is expected to play in the Week 14 game Monday, Dec. 12, against the Seattle Seahawks despite a questionable tag.

St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Source: Bleacher Report NFL

With the NFC West all but awarded to the San Francisco 49ers, the divisional battle of the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks will be a pride game.

Neither team has the coaching staff or personnel to mail it in, so I would expect this seemingly meaningless game to be an absolute war.

 

Where: CenturyLink Field, Seattle, WA

When: Monday, December 12, 8:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Streaming Audio:

Rams | Three questionable for Week 14

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams FB Brit Miller (knee), DE Chris Long (ankle) and DT Fred Robbins (back) are listed as questionable for Week 14. Long was limited during practice Saturday, Dec. 10, while the other two did not practice.

Rams | Chris Long misses practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 9, but is expected to play in Week 14.

Rams | Three miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DL Chris Long (ankle), RB Quinn Porter (abdomen) and DL Fred Robbins (back) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 8.

Week 14 IDP – DL Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Justin Tuck @ Cowboys –

The former DL-1 stud put up another five tackle performance against the Packers last week, and he finally found his way to the quarterback for the first time in over a month. No, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that Tuck had the kind of performance that would make me believe he’s a DL-1 play going forward, but he’s worthy of using in your lineup.

What I can say is that Tuck probably looked as good on video as he has in awhile and that could suggest he’s ready to have a breakout game soon. This week the Giants will be in an all-important division game against the Cowboys, and Tuck is worthy of a DL-2 ranking, as he should have opportunities against an offensive line that made the Cardinals

Rams | Chris Long dealing with soreness

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DL Chris Long (ankle) was sore after the Week 13 game, but head coach Steve Spagnuolo said Monday, Dec. 5, that Long got through the game 'OK.'

Rams | Chris Long continues sack streak

Source: Footballguys.com

St. Louis Rams DL Chris Long racked up two more sacks in the Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers, giving him an even dozen on the season. Long has recorded at least one sack in six consecutive games.