The week prior to Long's debut in his first NFL game he said,"I'm pretty even-keeled. I'll be excited when it's time to be excited, but right now it's just time to work and study my stuff and relax and rest up." Coach Scott Linehan said that the week before the game against the Eagles was Long's best week of practice yet. He was very focused and determined in every drill and even every meeting.
On September 7, 2008 Chris Long played in his first NFL game ever with the St. Louis Rams. The Rams began the season against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly. Chris Long was dressed wearing number 72 and he started as right defensive end. Long was fired up and kept that intensity throughout the game.
Long had his first tackle in the NFL in the first quarter with eight minutes and thirteen seconds left. Long's tackle held the Eagles' running back, Bryan Westbrook, to a three yard gain. Long had another tackle later in the game and was very close to sacking McNabb twice. He also put good pressure on the offense after every single snap.
Long was slightly outmatched by the eagles' left tackle, Tra Thomas. Thomas is a three time pro bowl selection and has a very good amount of experience behind him. He is also four inches taller and seventy two pounds heavier than Chris Long.
Even though the outcome wasn't quite what Long and the other Rams had hoped for, Long was happy he had the opportunity to Learn from Thomas. Long told the Philadelphia Daily News, "I knew Thomas was a great player. I might have gotten him a couple of times, but he got me a lot. It’s good to know that’s as good a guy as you’re going to see.”
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