St. Louis Rams' offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Sam Bradford is "a thousand years" ahead of where he was one year ago.

"The day Sam walked back into the building [this offseason] we started making adjustments," Schottenheimer said. "We are a thousand years ahead of where we were last year."

The Rams hope that the new pieces around Bradford will help him finally reach his full potential as an NFL quarterback.

Bradford had an 82.6 passer rating last season.

Deacon Jones has passed away at the age of 74.

Jones' death was announced by the Washington Redskins as general manager Bruce Allen's father, George Allen, coached Jones with the Rams and Redskins.

Jones had been treated for lung cancer and heart problems.

Jones became the prototype for the pass-rushing defensive end.

Jones was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and was one of three defensive ends on the all NFL 75th anniversary team in 1994.