Bradford and Rams Shine Beat Patriots 36-35

After the New England Patriots Rod Owens returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown the St. Louis Rams completely dominated the first half of play and led 20-14 at the half behind great play from Sam Bradford. Bradford who only played the first half was outstanding going 15 of 22 for 189 yards and two touchdowns, with a 125 QB rating. Both touchdown passes were to rookie TE Michael Hoomanawanui. Both teams played their starters during the first half and the Rams dominated leading 241-106 in total yards and had a 15-4 edge in first downs.

After taking a 27-14 lead in the 3rd quarter behind a Thaddeus Lewis touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson the Patriots scored 21 straight points to go up 35-27. The surprising part was that the New England Patriots played Tom Brady and Randy Moss into the 4th quarter. As usual the Patriots got away with this risky move and Rams fans had yet another reason to hate Bill Bilichick and the New England Patriots. The Rams still rallied late behind a Keith Toston touchdown run and a 37 yard Josh Brown field goal at the buzzer to beat the Patriots 36-35. Ah sweet revenge. We did not win a Super Bowl XXXVI ring on Thursday night but we may have gained a little respect and for the first time in a long time a little hope.

Rams Start to Negotiate With Sam Bradford

With NFL training camps set to open in less than two weeks there are still no first round draft picks signed to contracts. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora and Michael Lombard confirmed the St. Louis Rams started contract negotiations with Sam Bradford's agent Tom Condon on Friday.

As a Rams fan I am still a little worried that the Rams still have not been sold to Stan Kroenke, and now it looks like the ownership will need to shell out around $50 million dollars in guaranteed money to sign Sam Bradford. This must be a nightmare for current owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez. The economy is in terrible shape, the Rams are coming off a 1-15 season and the current draft structure is basically going to force them to pay Sam Bradford more than the $41.7 million that the Detroit Lions gave Matthew Stafford last year. What can they do?

The NFL would like to implement a rookie wage scale as part of the new collective bargaining agreement. This has caused some to, believe it or not say the Rams should play hard ball with Sam Bradford during these negotiations. Some have actually stated that the Rams should just offer Sam Bradford the rookie minimum of slightly over $300,000 and if he doesn't like it he can sit out the season. Well that seems a little absurd for a franchise that has won 6 games in 3 years, is up for sale, and has a stadium lease issue.

Bottom line is the St. Louis Rams need to sign Sam Bradford and Rodger Saffold as soon as possible and get them in here for a full training camp. With Steven Jackson turning 27 and not much else to get excited about the Rams simply can't afford not to draft and sign their franchise quarterback. Also if the Rams were not prepared to pay out a huge sum of money for the number one overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft they simply would have traded out of the spot. Currently television networks are paying $20.4 billion to televise the NFL, and as long as that money keeps poring in a large portion will continue to go to its marquee players. The Rams absolutely have to sign Sam Bradford prior to the 2010 training camp starting and I believe that is exactly what they will do. The fact that talks have officially begun is very good news. Look for the vault to open soon.

By Stlvinnie - http://www.stlouisramfan.com

Evan Silva Says Sam Bradford To Rams

I know everyday more and more mock drafts are being created. I have yet to create one, but will soon. Today Evan Silva has posted his on profootballtalk, and once again we have another vote for Sam Bradford. Silva says:

1. Rams: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Bradford's athleticism, smarts, and accuracy make for an ideal match in Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur's West Coast system. Marc Bulger will likely be released after the draft.

Who do you think the St. Louis Rams will draft with the first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft? Please cast your vote on our poll.