London Fletcher Reflects on Redskins Stifling Defensive Performance Against St. Louis

The Washington Redskins’ Week 4 win over the St. Louis Rams was hardly a thing of beauty. Winnning ugly with stingy defense may just be their recipe for success in 2011. The Redskins improved to 3-1 on the year with an important 17-10 road win over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. The ‘Skins offense controlled the ball thanks to Ryan Torrain’s , while the defense limited Sam Bradford and the Rams’ offense to a mere 172 yards of total offense, and zero points through the first three quarters. They sacked Bradford seven times on the afternoon, led by Brian Orakpo’s 2.5 sacks.

Veteran London Fletcher didn’t get it on the sack parade, and only registered a single tackle. But there’s no denying that Fletcher is still an important presence on a team that’s making a transition to a new scheme with a number of young players.

Fletcher talked about the Redskins’ impressive defensive effort and win on Monday during an interview with 980 ESPN D.C. Let’s take a look at what he had to say about the fine effort and the state of the ’Skins through the first quarter of the 2011 season.

Despite dominating for much of the game, the Redskins still had to sweat out the win in the fourth quarter after the Rams made it a seven-point game with 10 unanswered points to make it a 17-10 game. Fletcher was asked about the defense’s ability to ice the game after stumbling just briefly late in the game:

“Yeah the way the game was going, we thought we would maybe be resting towards the end of the fourth quarter. But that’s just the way it goes in the NFL, no team is ever really out of it. They made some plays down the stretch where they had us to where we had to get another stop….a few more stops actually in the fourth quarter to win that ball game.”

If you’re going to excel in the base 3-4 defense, you have to get great play from your linebackers. Fletcher was asked about the outstanding play of himself and Rocky McIntosh at ILB, and Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo from their OLB positions:

“It’s a very talented linebacking corps. Like you mentioned, the two book ends that we have putting pressure on the quarterbacks — Ryan Kerrigan, he’s a young guy that’s come in and played great; he’s switching from a hands-down defensive end to a stand-up pass rushing outside linebacker, and he’s transitioned very well. Brian with his second year in this defense, third year in the league, he’s creating a lot of havoc on the outside. He’s more comfortable in the system now. And Rocky, he’s playing lights out in his second year in the system, he’s feeling more comfortable as well. So we’ve got an excellent corps.”

Asked to sum up why the Redskins defense is playing at such a higher level this year, Fletcher didn’t waste any words:

“Talent.”

Redskins Vs. Rams: Mike Shanahan Defends Rex Grossman's Play

Mike Shanahan just gave his weekly press conference on the Monday following the Washington Redskins' 17-10 win over the St. Louis Rams. In it, the Redskins' coach defended quarterback Rex Grossman, who was criticized by many following an erratic two-interception performance. Via Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan:

"Every quarterback is going to be judged by if he wins or loses, that’s the nature of the job. Everybody can see from a statistical standpoint how a player does, sometimes it can be a little bit deceiving.. For a quarterback you’ve got to be tough. You’ve got to be thick-skinned. At the end of the day you have to win and at the end of the day you’ve got to be very tough on yourself because you’ve got to think perfection."

Shanahan also addressed other topics, including Ryan Torain's performance. For audio of Shanahan's entire press conference, click here.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams: Ryan Torain Impresses, Creates Needed Competition At Running Back

Ryan Torain's strong performance on Sunday gives the Redskins even more depth at running back. That may be frustrating for fantasy owners, but it's great for the Redskins.

Redskins Vs. Rams: Rex Grossman On His Crucial Late Game Interception

Rex Grossman had an up and down day against the Rams on Sunday, but when the dust settled he had done just enough to earn a Redskins victory; a win that was nearly lost moments earlier with a crucial interception that gave the Rams an opportunity to tie the game. Luckily, they couldn't capitalize and the Redskins escaped with a 17-10 win. Rex Grossman knows that he can't make those kinds of mistakes if the Redskins are going to continue to be successful, according to the D.C. Sports Bog.

“I have to watch the tape, but I HAVE to avoid that,” Grossman continued. “The first one I couldn’t really avoid, but that interception at that time, I’ve got to make sure I see the wide receiver absolutely open. And I did, but I’ve got to know the timing of the play, that that mike backer could get back in play.”

His first pick came as a result of a bobbled ball on Santana Moss' part, but the second one was just a bad throw and an even worse decision. The Rams are not a very good football team and they failed to make the Redskins pay for their mistakes, but against a better team, that interception might have cost them the game.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

VIDEO: Oshiomogho Atogwe Makes Funny Faces After Win Over Former Team

Ryan Torain Emerges As Washington Redskins Top St. Louis Rams

The Redskins went to St. Louis needing a win and will return to Washington at 3-1. They will also return with third runningback Ryan Torain  needing more carries as the Redskin offense continues to evolve.

Torain emerged in the St. Louis game in a big way. On his first carry, it seemed like Torain was shot out of a cannon as he ran over Ram defenders unfortunate enough to get in his way. On his second carry, Torain burst forward for 20 yards, the end zone the only thing capable of stopping him. On the day, Torain finished with 19 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. Torain, with an impressive mix of speed and power, averaged over seven yards per carry.

Though the Redskins now have a crowded backfield with established starter Tim Hightower and rookie Roy Helu, Torain warrants a waiver grab in all fantasy football leagues. Torain's statistics from 2010 showed how good he can be, only injuries derailed the youngster 6'1", 218 lb. runner out of Arizona State. Combined, Helu and Hightower ran 16 times for almost 70 yards against St. Louis. Torain will need to prove he can outrun the injury bug that has thwarted his development like he can outrun defenders.

Questions will undoubtedly come over who should start for the Redskins, and Mike Shanahan has been known to juggle runningbacks in previous years. The Washington backfield will be interesting to watch, but after a big day in St. Louis, Torain will certainly be a part of the conversation.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams Final Score: Washington Hangs On For 17-10 Victory

It wasn't pretty, but the Washington Redskins have moved to 3-1 on the season. The Redskins took an early lead and held off a rally to defeat the St. Louis Rams, 17-10, on the road. The Redskins nearly gave the game away with a couple costly turnovers, but the defense stepped up to get the win.

The Redskins led, 17-0, after three quarters, but the Rams rallied to cut the lead down. Rex Grossman threw two interceptions, and a Steven Jackson touchdown cut the lead to 17-10. St. Louis had the ball with a chance to tie the score, but Sam Bradford's fourth-down pass was incomplete with 2:17 left. The Redskins then put the game away with a first down on the ensuing possession.

Ryan Torain was the star for the Redskins. In his first game action of the season, Torain rushed 19 times for 135 yards and a 20-yard touchdown. Grossman, meanwhile, labored through a 15-29, 143-yard, two-interception effort, but came away with the win.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams Score Update: Steven Jackson Bring The Rams Closer With Touchdown Catch

Just when the Redskins thought they had the game in hand, they give it right back to the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have scored a touchdown when Sam Bradford found

After having a 17-0 lead, Washington has allowed 10 unanswered points to a Rams team that was anemic on offense for most of the day. Now, with just under six minutes to go in the game, the home team is down by just one possession.

The Redskins have only themselves to blame for allowing the Rams to get back into the game. A Rex Grossman interception (which was tipped by Santana Moss) gave the Rams life, as they were able to have their first score in a potential comeback. 

Washington has an opportunity to close this game out by scoring once more or simply holding the ball for the rest of the quarter. If they can, they will head into the bye week at 3-1.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams Score Update: Rex Grossman Interception Leads To Rams Field Goal

Just when it looked like the Washington Redskins had put the game away against the St. Louis Rams, the Rams showed some signs of life. The Rams got a big play on defense when Justin King intercepted Rex Grossman's pass and ran it back to the Redskins' 31-yard line. However, the Rams were forced to settle for a 32-yard Josh Brown field goal to cut Washington's lead to 17-3.

Grossman's pass really wasn't his fault, since it was fumbled by Santana Moss and picked off by King. The Rams later got the ball inside the five-yard line, but a penalty backed them up to the 14. On third down, Sam Bradford threw a strike that was dropped by Lance Kendricks. That forced the 32-yard field goal by Brown.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams Score Update: After 3 Quarters, Redskins Up 17-0

The Redskins are manhandling the Rams. Though the offense did not find the end zone in the third quarter, the Redskins defense began to punish the hapless Rams offense. The defensive line and linebackers are crushing Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, to the point where the poor second-year player out of Oklahoma had blood stains on his uniform.

Far and away the most exciting development of the game began towards the end of the first half and continued in the third quarter. Ryan Torain ran like a man possessed by Earl Campbell crossed with John Riggins. At the end of the third quarter, Torain has 12 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown. That gives Torain an almost 10-yard per carry average. For fantasy football players, get to a computer and make a speculative claim on Torain if he is available. 

Redskin quarterback Rex Grossman continues to play an efficient game. Still turnover free through three quarters, Grossman looks like the veteran presence head coach Mike Shanahan hoped for when he named Grossman the starte

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams Score Update: Washington Leads, 14-0, At Halftime

In taking a 14-0 lead at halftime, the Washington Redskins are significantly outplaying the St. Louis Rams. While the Redskins have looked impressive, the bigger question may be just how bad are the Rams.

In the second quarter the Redskins defensive line began to dial up the pressure on Rams QB Sam Bradford. Bradford is taking a beating from the Redkin pass rush, with three sacks and one forced fumble. Even when Bradford has time to survey the field, rarely do his wide receivers get open. On the rare chance Bradford has time and a receiver is open, through most of the first half Ram receivers dropped open passes.

Rocky McIntosh has impressed in the first half, making tackles all over the field and playing inspired football. Rookie Ryan Kerrigan continues his solid play, both on the sack and forced fumble from Bradford but perhaps even more was a precise tackle in pass coverage. If Kerrigan can master pass coverage, the sky is the limit for the linebacker out of Purdue.

The Redskin offense piled up almost 160 yards in the first half, and more importantly, scored two touchdowns. It appears that previous red zone inefficiency is not the case today. Exciting for Redskin fans was the entrance of runningback Ryan Torain in the game. Torain had two carries in the second quarter, one he busted for a 20-yard touchdown while running over Ram defenders. Runningbacks Tim Hightower and Roy Helu contributed on the ground as well, and the Redskins could be developing a strong three-headed monster in the running game.

Quarterback Rex Grossman played efficient and limited turnovers in the first half. Grossman did have a few bad bounces and lucky breaks, with Ram defenders dropping potential interceptions. At halftime, Grossman is 8-16 for 88 yards and a touchdown.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

VIDEO: Ryan Kerrigan Forces Another Fumble, Continues Amazing Rookie Season

Redskins Vs. Rams Score Update: Ryan Kerrigan Forced Fumble Leads To Ryan Torain Touchdown

The Washington Redskins were looking at a ballgame against the St. Louis Rams. The Rams had driven the ball inside the Redskins' 30-yard line and looked ready to score. Instead, the Redskins forced a turnover, and running back Ryan Torain reintroduced himself to the world with a 20-yard touchdown run to give Washington a 14-0 lead.

The Rams had a third and 7 at the Redskins' 29-yard line before a 15-yard penalty brought it back. On that play, Brian Orakpo pressured Sam Bradford, Ryan Kerrigan forced a fumble and Barry Cofield recovered near midfield. Three plays later, Torain bounced it outside and zoomed into the end zone from 20 yards out for the touchdown.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams: Redskins Lead 7-0 After First Quarter

The Redskins look like the better team after the first quarter in St. Louis. Quarterback Rex Grossman hit wide receiver Santana Moss on an impressive six-yard fade pattern in the left corner of the end zone to go up a touchdown.

Both the offense and defense have outperformed their Rams counterparts so far in the game. The Redskins started the game relying heavily on the pass, though on the team's second drive that resulted in the touchdown the Washington offense leaned more on the running game. Receiver Jabar Gaffney contributed to the offense along with Moss, and rookie running back Roy Helu seems to have more burst today than starter Tim Hightower.

The defensive unit for the Redskins has held Sam Bradford and the Ram offense relatively in check. Rams runningback Steven Jackson has been mostly swallowed up by the Redskins defensive line and linebacker corps. Rocky McIntosh had an impressive tackle on a big third down play for the Rams to force a punt. Though Bradford has not been hit much by either Brian Orakpo or Ryan Kerrigan, the Rams offense has not connected on any deep pass plays.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

NFL Injury Update: Gary Gibson, Jacob Bell Questionable To Return For Rams

The St. Louis Rams may have to play the remainder of their game against the Washington Redskins without two key lineman on both sides of the ball. Defensive lineman Gary Gibson and offensive lineman Jacob Bell are both questionable to return for the Rams, according to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan.

Gibson went down on the field during the Redskins' scoring drive with a right hip injury. He had to be helped off the field. Bell suffered a hamstring injury at one point, though it's unclear exactly when. Both men are key players for the Rams -- Bell with the Rams' run-blocking, and Gibson with his ability to stop the run. They will be missed.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams Score Update: Redskins Draw First Blood With Santana Moss Touchdown Catch

With the Redskins needing to get off to a good start in St. Louis, they do so by scoring the game's first touchdown via a Rex Grossman 6-yard throw to Santana Moss, giving them a quick 7-0 first quarter lead.

Washington's scoring drive lasted 11 plays and went for 69 yards in just under six minutes. The drive was highlighted by a pair of key third down connections from Grossman to Jabar Gaffney.

From there, the Redskins were able to utilize their running back combination of Tim Hightower and Roy Helu to draw them closer to the red zone. Once they got inside the 25 - the part of the field in which they have struggled - they finally cashed in with Grossman lobbing a pass to his left to an open Moss, who secured the catch and toe-tapped in the endzone to give Washington the 7-0 lead.

The Redskins needed to get off to a good start in this game and so far so good.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

PHOTO: Empty Edward Jones Dome Is Empty

Steven Jackson Injury Update: Rams' Running Back To Play Vs. Redskins

The Washington Redskins will have to contend with St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson when the two teams square off on Sunday. According to the latest injury update, Jackson will be active for St. Louis and is expected to start in the 1 p.m. game.

Jackson technically played last week vs. the Baltimore Ravens, but only carried the ball four times. The game was a blowout, so there was no sense in pushing his quadriceps injury. Jackson was taken out early in the Rams' Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, missed the team's Week 2 loss to the New York Giants and barely played last week. On the season, he is averaging 13.2 yards per carry on just six carries.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Week 4 NFL Injury Report: WR Danny Amendola, RB Jerious Norwood Inactive For Rams

Rams quarterback Sam Bradford will miss last year's leading receiver Danny Amendola today. Amendola landed on the inactive list for the game against the Redskins today, leading a list that also includes RB Jerious Norwood, CB Rod Hood, DE C.J. Ah You, WR Greg Salas, TE Stephen Spach, and LB Jabara Williams.

Some takeaways from the inactive list must mean that Rams' runningback Steven Jackson will be ready to play today. Jackson has been dealing with some injury issues of his own, and last week against the Baltimore Ravens he only had four carries for 23 yards. What Jackson can do against the Redskin defense will go a long way towards determining the outcome of today's game.

Last week against the Rams, Bradford only completed half of his passes for 166 yards. Bradford recorded one touchdown and one interception while the Rams offensive line gave up five sacks. 

The Rams come into the game 0-3 with double digit losses in all three games.

Week 4 NFL Injury Report: Darrel Young, Anthony Armstrong Inactive For Redskins

Starting fullback Darrel Young will miss the game against the St. Louis Rams, highlighting a list of inactives that also includes wide recievers Anthony Armstrong and Leonard Hankerson. In a release from the team, fullback Mike Sellers is expected to line up in Young's starting spot. That move will probably make many fans happy, as Sellers served the starting fullback role for years in Washington. For those that liked seeing Chris Cooley lined up at fullback last week against the Cowboys, the Redskin offense may still deploy Cooley in the backfield this week to break up the action on the 36-year-old Sellers.

All of the following layers made the Oct. 2 inactive list: WR Armstrong, WR Hankerson, FB Young, CB Brandyn Thompson, FB Markus White, OT Willie Smith, and DL Darrion Scott.

Armstrong's loss should mean more passes to Santana Moss, Fred Davis and Jabar Gaffney.  Receiver Donte' Stallworth could also have a presence in the Washington passing attack. Last Monday night against the Cowboys, both Moss and Gaffney caught five passes for a combined 130 yards. Stallworth did not register a catch.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week in this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams Time, TV Schedule, Spread And More

The Washington Redskins will look to bounce back from Monday night's loss to the Dallas Cowboys when they travel to St. Louis to face the winless Rams. This is a place that has given Washington trouble over the years. Will this year be different? Here's everything you need to know about the game, including time, TV schedule, announcers and more.

Who: Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams

Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis

When: 1 p.m.

TV Information: Fox will air the game with Chris Myers doing the play-by-play call. Tim Ryan will provide color commentary.

Radio Information: ESPN 980 will broadcast the game. Larry Michael has the play-by-play duties with Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Huff adding color commentary. Rick "Doc" Walker will work the sidelines and give injury updates.

Line: According to the latest word from Vegas, the Redskins are favored by three points.

Last Game: Last week, the Redskins lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 18-16. The Rams were blown out by the Baltimore Ravens, 37-7.

We'll have more on the this game throughout the week iin this StoryStream. For more on the Redskins check out Hogs Haven. For more on the Rams, head over to Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis.

Redskins Vs. Rams: St. Louis Injury Situation Improving But Still Unfavorable For 0-3 Rams

Earlier in the day, we published the Washington Redskins’ official Friday injury report. The most notable aspects of the end-of-week report were LaRon Landry and Chris Cooley both being listed as probable. WR Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), S DeJon Gomes (hamstring), RB Darrel Young (hamstring) are all questionable, so keep an eye out on Sunday as to whether or not they’re active or not.

For St. Louis, the injury report for Week 4 is a bit longer and more troublesome if you’re a Rams fan. The good news though is that more guys participated fully in practice on Friday compared to the longer list who were limited on Wednesday.

Here’s who was limited on Wednesday:

TE Michael Hoomanawanui (back), RB Steven Jackson (quadricep), DT Darell Scott (thumb), RB Carnell Williams (hamstring)

On Thursday, Darrell Scott participated fully. Then on Friday, Carnell Williams was able to go at full strength. Both he and Williams are listed as probable along with Hoomanawanui and Jackson.

For all things Redskins and Rams, make Hogs Haven and Turf Show Times a part of your weekend reading leading up to the teams’ Week 4 matchup.

Redskins Vs. Rams Injury Report: Chris Cooley, LaRon Landry Probable

The Washington Redskins released the official injury report for their game against the winless St. Louis Rams this Sunday, and it includes mostly good news. Of the nine players who appear on the list, the Redskins list only wide receiver Anthony Armstrong, safety DeJon Gomes, and fullback Darrel Young as questionable. Armstrong has made just four receptions for 38 yards this season, ranking him seventh on the Redskins in both categories.

Elsewhere, Washington lists wide receiver Brandon Banks, defensive end Stephen Bowen, tight end Chris Cooley, safety LaRon Landry, offensive lineman Will Montgomery, and defensive back Josh Wilson as probable.

Landry made his season debut for the Redskins against the Cowboys on Monday Night Football, which was a welcome sight for Washington. He tallied four tackles and forced a fumble, a play which the folks at Hogs Haven, SB Nation's Redskins blog, have kindly broken down.

The Rams have yet to publish their injury report for Sunday's game.

Redskins Vs. Rams: Washington Not Practicing In Pads This Week To Limit Contact And Injury Potential

The Washington Redskins look to rebound from their first loss of the season — a heartbreaking 18-16 loss on Monday Night Football to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 — when they travel to St. Louis to take on the 0-3 Rams. Mike Shanahan looks like he’ll have a fairly healthy squad at his disposal at least based on the injury reports from Wednesday and now Thursday. That’s a relief considering the physicality of Monday’s loss against the Cowboys. However, as a precautionary measure, the Redskins are not wearing pads this week in practice and avoiding contact drills to limit the potential for undue wear and tear on his team. They’ve

At practice today, Anthony Armstrong, DeJon Gomes and Darrel Young were limited for the second consecutive day with hamstring injuries. The rest of the roster participated fully in Thursday’s sessions.

For St. Louis, Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson was again limited as he continues to recover from a contusion on his thigh. The Rams desperately need Jackson back close to full strength to help diversify a St. Louis offense that’s relied too heavily on the passing game so far this season.

Redskins Vs. Rams: Facts And Figures For Two Squads In Need Of Week 4 Win

The Washington Redskins appear to be vastly improved from last season, the first of the Mike Shanahan era, and they look to be built in a way that will allow them to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC. Appear is the key word though. It's still early in the 2011 season, and history suggests that it might be hard to win consistently enough without solid quarterback play from Rex Grossman. The once-disgraced QB of the Chicago Bears has resurrected his career admirably in Washington, but in Week 3 showed signs of why he has yet to be able to really piece together a complete season so far in his career.

In Week 4, the Redskins face an interesting test on the road against the St. Louis Rams. If they win, fans and scribes will be quick to say 'well they should beat the Rams, St. Louis is terrible.' There's some truth to that, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The Rams will be playing for their lives this Sunday. At 0-3, they desperately need a win to get their feet underneath them. Because they play in the NFC West, starting 1-3 is hardly an insurmountable hole. Expect the Rams to play as well as their injury-ravaged roster will permit. Consequently, a loss would not in my opinion be an indication that the Redskins' 2-0 start was necessarily a facade. A win though would suggest that Shanahan is well on his way towards restoring the 'Skins once-proud franchise.

How about a hodge podge of facts and figures for both the Redskins and the Rams while we anxiously await the start of Week 4 this coming Sunday?

Redskins Facts and Figures:

• QB Rex Grossman is 1-0 vs. StL (12/11/06, w/ Chi.), completing 13 of 23 (56.5 pct.) for 200 yards with 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs for 114.4 rating. In career as starter, when Grossman has 100+ rating, his teams are 8-0. Has 102.1 rating in 4th quarter.
• RB Tim Hightower has 334 scrimmage yards (111.3 per game; 273 rush, 61 rec.) & 2 rush TDs in past 3 at StL. Has rush TD in 4 of 6 career meetings. In past 2 at StL with 14+ att., has 219 yards (109.5 per game) & TD. When he has 15+ att. (incl. playoffs), his teams are 7-1 (2-0 with Was.).
• RB Roy Helu leads NFL rookies (91 yards, 16 att.) averaging 5.7 yards per carry (min. 10 att.).
• TE Fred Davis ranks 3rd in NFC among TEs with 214 rec. yards.
• WR Santana Moss had 6 catches for 124 yards (20.7 avg.) & TD in last meeting.
• Since start of 2005, TE Chris Cooley is 4th among TEs with 389 catches & 4,386 yards...
• S Oshiomogho Atogwe played 1st 6 years with StL (2005-10) & faces former team for 1st time.
• LB Brian Orakpo had sack in last meeting. Ranks 3rd among players who began career in 2009 with 20.5 sacks.
• Rookie LB Ryan Kerrigan aims for 3rd in row with sack. Ties for NFL rookie lead with 2 sacks.

Rams Facts and Figures:

• Have won 3 of past 4 in series.
• QB Sam Bradford won only career start vs. Was. Aims for 6th win in past 10 home starts.
• In 12/24/06 meeting, RB Steven Jackson had 252 scrimmage yards & 2 TDs. Rushed for 150 yards with TD & caught 6 passes for 102 yards & TD. Since 2006, averages 116 scrimmage yards per game (8,469 yards, 73 games), most in NFL (min. 50 games). 
• RB Cadillac Williams had 122 rush yards in 11/19/06 game vs. Was. (with TB). His teams are 8-1 when he has 100+ rush yards.
• WR Danario Alexander is averaging 30 yards per catch (150 yards, 5 catches). 
• WR Brandon Gibson aims for 11th home game in row with 3+ rec. Had 34-yard TD catch last week. Leads club with 12 catches & 157 rec. yards. 
• WR Mike Sims-Walker is 2nd on team with 10 rec. (133 yards).
• DE James Hall aims for 3rd in row vs. Was. with sack. 
• LB Chris Chamberlain had 1st career sack in Week 3. 
• DE Chris Long ties for 7th in NFL with 3 sacks. Aims for 4th in row with sack. Has sack in 5 of past 6 games.

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Redskins (2-1) Vs. Rams (0-3): NFL Week 4 Game Notes

With their first loss of the 2011 season behind them, Mike Shanahan and the Washington Redskins must get ready for a potential trap game in Week 4 against the St. Louis Rams. Make no mistake about it, the Rams are not playing good football and have not at all lived up to preseason expectations. Injuries have a lot to do with that of course. But don't overlook the Rams just yet if you're a 'Skins fan. At 0-3, St. Louis is far from out of it in the awful NFC West. A home win against Washington would put the Rams right back on track after Week 4, and you better believe Steve Spagnuolo won't allow his team to feel sorry for itself or give up on one another so early in the season.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the two teams' series history, broadcast information for Sunday's matchup in St. Louis, and a few team and individual statistics for both squads.

SERIES

STATS

Week 4 NFL Odds, Redskins Vs. Rams: Washington An Early Road Favorite

These are the current odds for the Redskins vs. Rams.

Redskins Vs. Rams Injury Report: Redskins Pride Only Big Injury

The Washington Redskins are coming off a tough loss on Monday Night Football to the Dallas Cowboys. The only real big injury the Redskins sustained was to their pride when the field goal fest was finally over and they fell to 2-1 on the season. Heading into the match up with the St. Louis Rams, the Redskins are relatively healthy. No one missed practice for the 'Skins on Wednesday, but wide receiver Anthony Armstong, safety DeJon Gomes, and running back Darrel Young were all limited with hamstring injuries.

Also on the report were receiver Brandon Banks (knee), defensive end Stephen Bowen (elbow), tight end Chris Cooley (knee), safety LaRon Landry (hamstring), center Will Montgomery (knee), and corner Josh Wilson (back). All had full participation in practice.

For the Rams, receiver Danny Amendola is still out with an elbow injury. Running back Steven Jackson, who played last week but in a limited role, was limited in practice with a quad injury. Quarterback Sam Bradford was listed on the report with a toe injury, but participated fully. Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (back), defensive tackle Darell Scott (thumb), and running back Carnell Williams (hamstring) were all limited in practice.

For more on the Redskins vs. Rams, visit this StoryStream. Visit Hogs Haven for more on the Redskins, and visit Turf Show Times and SB Nation St. Louis for more on the Rams.

Redskins Vs. Rams: DeAngelo Hall Clarifies Monday Night's Post-Game Comments

ASHBURN - Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall spoke for the first time Wednesday since Monday night's post-game rant regarding defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's play selection on one of the key plays in the game - a 3rd and 21 completion to help move the Dallas Cowboys towards the decisive field goal.  On the play, Hall was left in single coverage with Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, who beat him for the first down. 

On Wednesday, Hall backpedaled from his profanity-laced comments from Monday night.

"I might have been a little overzealous," the Pro Bowl cornerback told reporters."You guys know me. [I'm] passionate about football."

Hall said he reviewed the play with head coach Mike Shanahan and Haslett felt that it was he who needed to take responsibility, not the coaching staff.

"There's a couple things in that play that I could have done a lot better," he said. "I take full responsibility for that play."

One of the takeaways from Hall's comments was that it didn't have much effect in the locker room. Hall, one of the more outspoken members of the team, didn't appear to offend any of his teammates. 

"DHall is DHall," tight end Chris Cooley said. "Everyone knows that. He says what he says. We take DHall as a leader of this team, a guy that we count on, a guy that plays well. He says what he wants to say. No one in this locker room is going to say anything about it."

The Redskins defensive captain, London Fletcher, echoed Cooley's sentiment. 

"I think a lot of times when things happen, there's emotions that come into play," Fletcher said. "Everyone's disappointed we lost. DeAngelo is a very competitive player and person, things happen."

All in all, the feeling around Redskins Park is no harm, no foul. 

"No matter what's called, we got to go out and execute it," Hall added. " I might have said a couple of ‘F' bombs in between that, but I definitely did say that no matter what's called we got to go out and execute. "

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