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SportsAugust 24, 2011

The Rams QB will get his final extended preseason action Friday vs. the Chiefs

The Associated Press
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

~ The Rams QB will get his final extended preseason action Friday vs. the Chiefs

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford is looking for one thing from Friday's exhibition game at Kansas City.

"Consistency," said the first overall pick in the 2010 draft. "One of the biggest things is we've got to be more consistent."

Bradford has shown flashes of brilliance in helping the Rams to a 2-0 record this preseason. He also has struggled at times, going 15 of 27 for 183 yards and two touchdowns. He has thrown one interception and has a 85.9 quarterback rating.

Bradford was 8 of 15 for 138 yards in a 17-16 win over Tennessee on Saturday, including an 83-yard scoring pass to Brandon Gibson on the first play from scrimmage. But the first-team offense sputtered the rest of the half before exiting at the break.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, left, is sacked for a 10-yard loss by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, left, is sacked for a 10-yard loss by Tennessee Titans Will Witherspoon during the second quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

The struggles seemed to bother Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo. The first unit had appeared razor sharp in a 33-10 win over Indianapolis on Aug. 13 when Bradford put up 17 points on his first four possessions.

That type of execution was missing Saturday.

"In order to be a good offense in this league, you've got to be able to put good plays together," Bradford said. "We've just got to get into our rhythm."

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Bradford expects to play at least three quarters against Kansas City in what is traditionally the last dress rehearsal before the start of the season. Regulars usually play just a series or two in the final exhibition game.

So Bradford is hoping the offense will start rolling against Kansas City.

"If you're going to put together scoring drives, you've got to put together eight, 10, 12 plays in row," Bradford said.

The Rams are learning a more complex offense under new coordinator Josh McDaniels. Bradford has excelled during the crash course and says he's learned more in the last few weeks under McDaniels than he had in his previous year in the league.

St. Louis receiver Danny Amendola, who had a team-high 85 catches last season, likes the way Bradford is handling the new schemes.

"He really seems to be getting a hold of this offense," Amendola said. "We all acknowledge him as our leader out there and he's doing a good job."

Bradford, the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, threw for 3,512 yards and 18 touchdowns in leading St. Louis to a 7-9 mark. He set a rookie record by throwing 169 successive passes without an interception.

Noteworthy

* Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui has a strained calf muscle and will be out at least two weeks, according to Spagnuolo.

* Wide receiver Danario Alexander had an MRI on his left knee. There was no structural damage although there is some loose cartilage that will cause discomfort. Alexander says he will try and play through the injury.

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