Patti's Ramblings

Let the Moss Grow in Someone Else's Locker Room

2012-02-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

Absolutely NOT! I simply cannot phantom having, of all people, Randy Moss on our team, you might as well invite TO while you are at it! Look, there are reasons why someone ends their career going from one team after another.

They've lost a step and no one wants to waste money on them.
They are a problem child, trouble maker or cancer in the locker room.

Moss could be both! It's amazing that there would even be any kind of ridiculous talk about something like this, even Fisher says he has not ruled out the possibility. Good grief! I know we need an impact player to jump start the offense, but we don't need one that comes with so much baggage.

We need to look closer at free agency before we take someone like Moss coming out of retirement after bouncing from team to team prior to that retirement.

I just think the "Diva" Moss is all wrong for the Rams!

A Look Back - How the Rams Made it to SB 34

2012-02-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

The 1998 Rams went 4-12, only two games better than our 2011 2-14 Rams, and the last thing anyone thought they would do was go to the Super Bowl in 1999. After all the Vegas odds were 200-1. (Man bet there's a lot of us who wished we'd put some money down on that now!) But the Rams did surprise the world and get there and win it all. But, how did they do it? They did it with smart business moves and intelligent decision making, something we hope this new regime is also going to do in 2012.

There is probably not a soul out there right now that thinks this Rams team will be ready to contend in 2012 and most say it will be a couple more years, but, if the 99' Rams did it, couldn't this team do the same thing if they make all the right moves? Let's look back to see what it was exactly the 99' Rams did to make history.

Number One and probably most important thing they did was to make that trade with the Colts for Marshall Faulk. Before the season started they traded a 2nd and 5th round pick to get the Hall of Famer on the roster. Faulk became the "kingpin" of the Greatest Show on Turf and was instrumental in propelling the team into the Super Bowl. Something like this more than likely won't happen this time around, but nothing is impossible in the scheme of things and the Rams need to keep alert to any possibility that could strengthen their roster.

Number Two was strengthening the offensive line with the likes of Adam Timmerman, Andy McCollum (lovingly known as the "Donut Brothers") and Trent Green. Trent Green of course went down to lend way to the fairy tale story of our beloved Kurt Warner. Timmerman was a great addition and helped to solidify the offensive line and giving Orlando Pace much needed help that propelled him to greatness. The 2012 Rams could shore up their offensive line by looking hard in free agency. Some notable free agents they could consider would be Carl Nicks of the Saints, Demetrius Bell of the Bills, Ben Grubbs of the Ravens, Chris Meyers of the Texans, Jeff Saturday of the Colts and Nick Hardwick of the Chargers.

Number Three is when the Rams drafted a wide receiver in the 1999 draft that became an impact player the first time he took the field and that would be Torry Holt from North Carolina State. Even though Holt was hyped up pretty much during the draft, that did not turn out to jinx him and make him a bust, instead he lived up to all of the hype and beyond! Dre Bly was also a great rookie pick up for the Rams that year, otherwise, their draft really was pretty much a bust. But Holt was just what they needed to pair up with Isaac Bruce! The Rams need to draft a receiver that can start immediately and pair up with Brandon Lloyd and make an immediate impact. Rookies that are considered to be of the quality of Holt would be Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, Alshon Jeffery of South Carolina, Michale Floyd of Notre Dame, Kendall Wright of Baylor and Mohamed Sanu of Rutgers. (My personal favorite would be Justin Blackmon).

Number Four was vital to the success of the Rams on both offense and defense and that is when Dick Vermeil, allowed his coaching staff to do their thing without interfering. We all know what that led to..."Mad Martz" creating one of the greatest offensive performances in history. As much as many fans in the end didn't like him, not one fan can deny that he created one of the best offensive units to ever grace the field! But it wasn't just the offense that got the Rams to the Super Bowl and credit must go out to Peter Giunta who put together a pretty good defense. This is probably the easiest thing that the Rams can imitate when it comes to trying to copy the blueprint for this team. Fisher has hired a very aggressive DC in Gregg Williams and Fisher is known to let his assistants do their thing. Plus he has hired Shottenheimer who is a fellow disciple of the Air Coryell, just like Martz.

Number Five is something that has to come from within the heart and soul of a player and that is giving great performances each and every time they are out on the field. This means even from players that no one would expect to see such greatness from. The Rams in 1999 had many that did just this, Kurt Warner of course would be the top but let's not forget Jeff Robinson who converted to a TE or Ricky Prohel who propelled the Rams into the Super Bowl with his only TD catch of the season but there are many more, they all bought into it, into what Vermeil and selling them and it made each and every one of them special. There are a few players right now on this Rams team that could turn into outstanding players if they put their hearts and souls into it and those players would be Josh Gordy, Jason Smith, Austin Pettis and Lance Kendricks, if they put their mind to it, they could have break out years, if they don't buy into Fisher's system, then more than likely, they'll be gone.

So, can the Rams make it to the Super Bowl in 2012, more than likely not, but there is always hope. However, if they try to duplicate what the 1999 Rams did this year, there is absolutely no reason at all why they can't be contenders in 2013 and for years to come after that.

The Rams will immediately improve once some of their key players are back such as Danny Amendola, Greg Salas, Ron Bartell, Jerome Murphy, Bradley Fletcher, and Roger Saffold. These players make impacts on the field and they were sorely missed last season.

Another thing that is going to help the Rams improve this year as well as in 2013 is the fact that they have the largest salary cap in the NFL right now and spending on quality players is not going to be limited in any way.

As we all know, everyone laughed at the thought of the Rams making it in 1999, but they proved to the world that the worst can move to first in a heartbeat in the NFL, so why couldn't it happen in 2012?

"All things are possible."

Can't the Fans Ever Be Happy?

2012-01-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

OK, the fans finally got what they want when it came to finally getting a real coach with real experience. Finally got rid of those rookies that only had assisting on their resumes. But still, there comes grumbling from the crowds in St. Louis.

Unbelievable that the fans can't savor in the fact that one battle has been won thanks to Stan Kroenke and his associates. Shouldn't the fans just bask in it for a time before they start finding another damn bone to pick?

Now, here we go again with the moving to LA bull. Now it seems the fans in St. Louis are getting ticked off because Stan won't come right out and make a solid promise that the Rams will not move in 2014. Good grief aren't these fans ever happy? It's getting old all the whining that is always coming out of St. Louis.

Be happy you got the coach you wanted and now enjoy that as he and his new staff tries to bring respectability and winning back to the team. This is what a REAL fan worries about, this is what a REAL fan cares about, not where the team is playing, for crying out loud there are thousands and thousands of us Rams fans that have NEVER lived in the same city the Rams reside in! Maybe that's why it's easier for us to be concerned more about what really counts for the team!

So let it go St. Louis fans and try to enjoy the good things that are starting to happen. Geez!

It's Over and Done With/Heads Roll

2012-01-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

It may be over and done with when it comes to this disastrous season, but it's only beginning for Stan Kroneke and everyone that has anything to do with the Rams organization. We are soon going to see just what Stan has in store for anyone who had a hand in one of the worst outings the Rams have had in years.

It's inevitable there will be change and more than likely it's going to be aggressive change and it should happen very soon. Just how aggressive is something we all can only guestimate.

There is no doubt that there is probably an awful lot of tension circulating among all the players as well as everyone on the coaching staff and in the front office. Players probably shook hands and gave goodbye hugs not knowing whether or not they'd be seeing each other again come the 2012 season. Can't be a good feeling on top of how horrible it must feel to be walking away from a season that simply couldn't get out of the starting gate for the team.

They all know what has been circulating in the press about the demise of Spags and Devaney and all the bantering among the fans and with good reason. This is what happens when so much expectation is put on a team at the beginning of the year to only end up with a season that quickly crashed and burned without warning.

In all fairness to everyone involved from coaching down to every last player on the roster it would be the kindest thing if Stan would make his decision sooner than later. There is no room here now for trying to spare feelings, it's best that he not make it harder on the people involved than needed. The season was bad enough, they don't need to sit around and wait and wait for the ax to fall if that's what's going to happen. Stan Kroenke needs to step up and step up now and show the fans and the organization what his plans are to resurrect this ailing organization. He has been around this team long enough to know exactly what needs to be done and he shouldn't prolong the agony. It needs to be done now, not tomorrow, not next month but now. He needs to stand up and show everyone that he knows what he's doing, make a decision and stick with it.

We're waiting Stan, it's your call.

AND DURING THIS WRITING STAN THE MAN MADE HIS DECISION SEE BELOW!

Rams fire Spagnuolo, Devaney

The Rams fired coach Steve Spagnuolo after a 2-14 season that ended with a seven-game losing streak.

General manager Billy Devaney, who hired Spagnuolo and reconfigured the entire front office, was also fired.

Reports have circulated for two weeks that Spagnuolo, who went 10-38 in three seasons as Rams head coach, would be replaced by owner Stan Kroenke. ESPN analyst Jon Gruden and former Titans coach Jeff Fisher have been most prominently linked to the job.

"I would like to personally thank Steve and Billy for their dedication to the St. Louis Rams organization over the past several seasons," said Kroenke in a statement. "This was a difficult decision for many reasons. We have tremendous respect for Steve and Billy as people and football professionals.

"No one individual is to blame for this disappointing season and we all must hold ourselves accountable. However, we believe it's in the best interest of the St. Louis Rams to make theses changes as we continue our quest to build a team that consistently competes for playoffs and championships. We wish Steve, Billy and their families the very best in the future and thank them again for their commitment to our organization and the city of St. Louis."

Spagnuolo was thought to be at the controls of a rising team after the Rams, with Sam Bradford starting as a rookie, went 7-9 and lost in Week 17 at Seattle to just miss the NFC West division championship in 2010.

But injuries to Bradford and multiple offensive linemen exposed the Rams' lack of skill position talent, leading to a league-low 193 points scored. A poor defense crippled St. Louis despite the presence of multiple top draft picks up front, led by defensive end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis .

With Bradford, still considered a franchise-caliber quarterback, and running back Steven Jackson to build around and the up-and-coming defense, the job should be an attractive one. Moreover, the Rams are in position to have more salary cap space than any team in the NFL in 2013.

Devaney was assistant to general manager Rich McKay in Atlanta before he was hired by the Rams to run the 2008 draft. He became the Rams' GM late in 2008 and hired Spagnuolo weeks later.

Spagnuolo could be a popular defensive coordinator candidate. Philadelphia and the New York Giants, his previous employers, are among the teams who could come knocking.

Please Put an End to It!

2011-12-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

Enough, is enough! Let this incredibly horrible season be over with. It's like one of those horror stories where no matter how fast you run away you still can't seem to get away from the lunatic that's behind you chasing you!

It's like one of those nightmares that mo matter how hard you try you can't seem to wake up from because when you do wake up you find that you are still dreaming! I mean seriously folks, this season should have been put out of it's misery weeks and weeks ago and yet we still have two more weeks to go? You've got to be kidding me.

Never in my life have I ever prayed, begged, you name for a season to be over with. But this year I've been begging for it to be over with for well over a month now! That's pathetic wanting the season to be over with before the month of December. But, that's just how miserable this season has been for most fans.

We all should have a party to celebrate when it's over.

This season has been so unbelievably bad that PR stopped grading the team, stopped giving out the GH award? Stopped with the videos, stopped with the photos....but how can you continue to look at loss after loss after loss? It gets tough and that's why even we here at PR has to sometimes take a step back and just say "No More!"

But, as we limp off to our corners and lick our deep wounds, we more than likely will begin the new year with nothing but hope and a sparkle in our eyes. That's what Rams fans are good about doing, putting it behind us and looking to the future. We just have to get through the last two weeks of this season! So, please just put an end to it already!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Talk About Courage

2011-12-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

Got to take a lot of courage to stand there and be a Rams fan in Candlestick Park, especially this season. Oh my, don't think I'd have the courage to do it, that's for sure. However, I do believe our buddy BeaverRam was there so if he made it there, then kudos.

I also say kudos to one single Rams player. Despite the fact the team is basically destitute, demolished, destroyed, you name it, there is a glimmer of a true star on defense and that's Chris Long. He's had at least one sack in each of his last six games bringing him to a total of 12 sacks on the season with four games left.

So here's to you Chris, keep it up and get at least 4 more sacks one for each remaining game bringing your total to 16 sacks and who knows, maybe you'll be voted into the Pro Bowl, of course you'd be the only one, but you will have earned it. If they snub you just as they snubbed the best punter for the 2010 season, Donnie Jones, at least know this, there's no doubt your Dad's proud of you!

So Why Did The Rams Lose? Again?

2011-11-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Well for a lot of reasons of course, but here is a count down of the top five reasons why this team lost yet another extremely winnable game against another lousy team.

5. Offensive Line - Yes, there are a lot of injuries, but this is the NFL and every team is going to run into this. For a few weeks there, it seemed they were starting to get it together and it was giving way for SJ39 to really be on a roll, but again injuries and a shift in the line and they no longer could open up holes for Jackson and against a poor team. Sure they seemed to protect Sam better overall but that was only because the game plan had Sam getting rid of the ball sooner.

4. Sam Bradford - Sorry Sam, we all know you've lost some key players that you were comfortable with but there comes a time in every QB's game that they have to take over the show, especially when that player is a number one draft pick! If a player is going to be the star they were drafted to be, there comes a time, that even when everything is falling apart around you that you have to pick the pieces up and start carrying the team on your back. Just ask SJ39. To become a good leader this is what is expected of you Sam, and you have yet to show any of us that you can do this. Sure Sam had an OK passer rating of 85.8, but OK is not what you are looking for from a #1 draft pick.

3. Defensive Line and Linebackers - The play of these guys was close to embarrassing once you realized that the Cards were playing a backup QB, and they made him look like a stud. Plus, playing a backup QB, didn't the Rams defense realize that they just might be running the ball just a tad more? Hello? Enter Beanie Wells and 238 yards later! Good grief, the second time they allowed a player to run wild for over 200 yards rushing! Now that's just simply embarrassing beyond words.

2. Special Teams - Oh my, did we forget about what happened just three weeks ago?

Dear Donnie Jones,
I just want to thank you for making me look like a Hall of Famer. I mean, seriously, I'm a talented dude, and I am a playmaker and all that, but come on, four punt return touchdowns of more than 80 yards for a touchdown? In one season?!? That's crazy!!!
And to think, I returned two of them against the Rams because you kept kicking the ball to me. I don't know if your coaches are just that stupid, or if you didn't do your job and kick away from me. Either way, it's doesn't matter. I'm a superstar now, and I have you to thank for it.
Sincerely,
Patrick Peterson

Someone help me here on this one! What were they thinking kicking it directly to this guy? After all the Cards learned really fast to keep it away from our new guy Nick or nail him after he ran it back for an 84 yard TD!

And drum roll please, the number one reason for losing this game and most of the other ones is......

1. Coaching - We are 2-9 for the year and just 10-33 under Spags for the past three years. They amazingly beat the Saints, one they probably should have lost, and beat an even worse than them Browns team. Oh whoop. Could have easily beaten the Skins and should have beat a horrible Cardinals team both times and they should and could easily be 5-6 right now and not 2-9.

There are just some guys that can find a way to will their teams to win under any circumstance, especially those in which are the close ones. If you are close in a game those coaches that know how to win and know how to get their team to believe in it, they more than likely are going to get that win. However, when your coach has only a 23% winning record, makes bad decisions, manages the clock poorly at key times in the game and has a so called stud for a QB that is regressing instead of getting better, it doesn't bode well for a coach or his team.

Simply put, the Rams do not know how to play winning football with Spags at the helm.

The question is, is there anyone out there that can come in and teach them how to win or is there too much damage already done?

Battered QB Syndrome

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Sam Bradford, with 5 sacks in the Seahawks game on November 21st, has just become the "Poster Child" for Battered QB Syndrome and if it were in the Webster standard dictionary this picture would be listed right next to the description of what Battered QB Syndrome is.

The inability of team officials to bring in the right core of players to protect their $65 million dollar love child is doing nothing but destroy what could be a bright future for a very bright player. But, how long will the light remain on for Bradford if he continues to get his lights knocked out with the abuse that he continues to get from that horrendous offensive line?

Even his statements are beginning to show signs of a player that is doubting if he made the right decision to even accept the drafting from this organization and worse yet, he appears to be doubting himself and whether or not he's cut out to be in this league and that my friends is a crime!

As much as he admits that he does not know how this team has gotten to this point in time he still proclaims he will do all that he can to give it his complete all. However, he has multitude of signs that he's becoming extremely shell shocked so sadly early in his short career.

If something doesn't change soon for Bradford, this organization will have completely destroyed him and even if they find someone to come in to turn things around for the team, it will be too late to save Bradford.

Win Number 2

2011-11-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

Yep we got another win. Not very impressive but we got it anyway. One thing we can say is that it sure didn't have much to do with our ability to score. This time we were the team that had luck on our side with Dawson missing the FG that could have made it the Browns victory and not ours. After all we all know how good or should I say bad we are at finishing games if it comes down to the wire.

No, I suppose I shouldn't be complaining, after all it was a win and we all know a win is a win is a win. However, that kind of changes when it's against another fairly bad team. Now if we'd been pounding it out against a powerhouse of a team then I might say job well done, but in all honesty can't do it.

The consistent player that we have on offense remains our beast in SJ39 otherwise, we're failing there. Bradford has yet to really open up and show us the talent he's being paid for. So, the jury is still out on this. Lloyd looks like he could be the guy for Bradford but they've yet had enough time to get something truly going between the two of them. Unfortunately once they've had enough time, the season will be over for this year.

Bradford has already had to go through two major offensive changes and this could be retarding his growth. But, the way the things are going, he could end up facing one more huge change next season if Spags is handed his walking papers. That in turn is going to be yet another year that's going to be wasted for poor Bradford. So, in his defense I must conclude that a lot of this is probably not his fault because he's not getting the environment that most rookies QB's get when they first start their careers.

It Just Doesn't Quit

2011-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

This horrible Rams saga just doesn't quit does it? I mean if it's not one thing it's another. One week we see a team that makes up believe that all the other weeks were behind us and that the "real" team has finally stepped up and then you get this week. What can you say?

I can say this is that I don't think Bradford was ready to come back and I don't think that this team is going to be able to salavage this season period, end of discussion. No matter how good the defense seems to improve, there seems to always be some unit on this team that screws up one week and then it's another unit that screws up the next week.

Until the coaching can get each and every unit of this team to play together on the same sheet of music all together, all at once as a whole team, it's never going to happen, we're never going to have a winning team. This is not to say that each unit needs to be perfect, that would be asking for a miracle, because that usually doesn't happen with any team, but even if some of their units may have weak spots they are still able to play together as a team and stronger units will help make up for them. Not happening with the Rams and doubt it's going to happen.

Then there's the injuries, come on! Is that ever going to quit? Now, we've lost Greg Salas for the year with a broken leg! Good grief! This kid was on his way to having a pretty good rookie season as well. It's like there is some kind of voodoo curse on the WR's of this team. Maybe we all should start burning some sage to try and get rid of the bad mojo this team's receivers seem to have.

At this point in time seems like we should try anything and everything!

Who Are These Guys?

2011-10-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Seriously, who the heck hog tied the Rams and stuffed them in their lockers during this game, because this really wasn't the same team we've grown accustomed to for pretty much the first half of the season! Really and truly who are these guys?!

My gosh, 6 sacks and 2 INT's one for 6 points! Now that is what you call a defense. They had one of the top QB's in the NFL totally confused and so flustered that by the end of the game you would have thought that it was Marc Bulger that had taken over the place of Drew Brees! Both Laurinaitis and Long were simply brutal! Let's not forget rookie Robert Quinn finally making his presence known with his first sack and a crucial blocked punt.

It's been so long since we won a game, it was like winning the Super Bowl! If the team can do this against a team whom many thought and still do think has a good shot at a run at the Super Bowl this year, why the heck can't they do this to the rest of the teams on their remaining schedule? With such a high like this, there should be enough gas in it for the team to pull strength from in coming weeks!

The offense sputtered quite a bit, especially in the beginning. Feeley simply couldn't seem to get on the same page as his receivers but thanks to the bruising and stubborn play of SJ39 with his 159 yards and two TD's the offense was finally able to pull itself up with it's bootstraps and do a halfway decent job by the end of the game.

Kudos to Jackson for putting his foot down over on the sidelines when it looked as if all the hard work was going to go down the toilet when the Rams started making stupid mistakes at crucial times of the game. Kudos for him jumping on the team and calling them out! Not only did it seem to inspire the offense but the defense as well! SJ39 truly showed his colors as this teams leader, there should be no doubt in anyone's mind after this game!

Let's hope the Rams can ride this win into Sun Devil Stadium come next week and hope they can take the same brutal play to the Cardinals and walk all over the desert birds.

Go Rams!

It Boggles the Mind

2011-10-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just how terribly bad our beloved Rams are! I know that I'm totally confused and frustrated to the point of screaming at the top of my lungs from some mountain top! I mean, what is going on here?! How could players at this level, at this height of competition play so ineptly? It truly boggles the mind to no end!

Is every single player on this entire team that incredibly bad? Or is it something else that is at the heart of the disease that seems to be festering within the core of the team? Is coaching such a huge part of a teams body and soul that without a coaching staff that has true vision and the ability to make their team believe and see that vision, the team just doesn't exist on the same plain as the other teams in the NFL?

Well, I truly find it hard to believe that every single player on the team is this incredibly horrible, which of course leads me to the possibility that there is something terribly wrong with the coaching. As wonderful of virtues and ideas that Spags may have, and more power to him, I'm not seeing where the team is buying into what Spags is trying to sell. He's lost them somewhere a long the line and I think they are far to gone past the point of no return for them to ever find their way back.

If it's neither of these things then what the hell is it? Because it truly boggles the mind!

P.S. Note to Dallas. It might not be all that great of an idea to take stock in all of those 253 yards your unknown Murray made on October 23, 2011. Remember who he did it against. It's like going and betting on a horse that's never done anything before but suddenly sets a speed record racing again an old nag.

What a Nightmare

2011-10-17T09:20:00.000-07:00

I really don't think that there are any words that can be said about just how horrible this entire season has been to this point. The Packers game is just another slap in the face and brutal reminder of just how horrible our poor Rams are.

Even Bradford seems to be already quickly regressing and doesn't even show any signs of greatness as he did in his rookie season when he was honored with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. It's just utterly unbelievable how bad the team is. It's like none of them even know the simple fundamentals of the game.

At this point in time and how they've played so far, there is no way that team could even be able to beat a college team. In fact with some of the things they've been doing, it makes one wonder if they could even beat a high school team right now. About they only thing they might have in their favor would be size.

Sad, really sad.

Hope there is something that can be done to salvage the season but right now it would be nothing short of a miracle to make that happen. Maybe the return of Clayton will help, but he's not Superman.

What a Horrible Season

2011-10-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

They say a picture is worth more than a 1,000 words or something like that. And this picture represents that saying to perfection.

Just looking at the picture nothing more needs to be said. It shows the complete destruction of this team and utter disappointment just in their postures and the looks on their faces.

It expresses defeat at the highest level.

What a horrible, horrible season we are having and after watching this game against the Redskins I don't see it improving any with the bye week leading into a game against the Packers in Lambeau Field. You got to be kidding right?

This loss and well from what I can tell the other losses really didn't have all that much to do with the talent of the other teams. It's the Rams who seem to continue to play more like on a high school level than anything else. In fact I've seen some high school teams play better, sorry to say. The proof is in the stats alone.

Just in the Redskins game alone there were:

7 sacks
9 bonehead penalties
8 dropped passes (5 of which were committed by Mike Sims-Walker) (3 of those dropped passes were TD throws!!! That's 21 points dropped! 21 points!!!! Right there in those 3 dropped TD opportunities we had the Skins beat!!)

Rams lead in penalties
Rams lead in dropped passes
Rams lead in missed tackles

Now those are some great stats to be #1 in!

Barring a miracle there is no way for this team to keep this ship from completely sinking. Too much damage has already been done. This keeps up, the promising career of Sam Bradford is going to go right down with this sinking ship as well and there won't be any way of resurrecting it. He's going to end up having wasted his talents and leaving the NFL a broken man, much like Marc Bulger. Something, anything, needs to be done now, not tomorrow or we're going to see an incredible talent be completely destroyed by the ineptitude of players that should know better!

There was however, one bright glimmer and that was rookie Austin Pettis when they finally put him in to receive. It was refreshing to finally see someone who could catch the ball and not drop it! Maybe they should bench Walkers sorry butt in favor of Pettis in week 5, he sure couldn't do any worse.

More Than Ugly

2011-09-27T12:32:00.001-07:00

Didn't see the game and am glad that I didn't. Only have to listen to the mood around the NFL from other fans to find out that this game was more than just ugly, it was pivotal in the fact that if Spags can't get a better response out of this team next week, the team once again is doomed and Spags might want to start revising his resume, because I can't seen ownership putting up with much more of this kind of embarrassing play.

What's going on here? Are the Rams just a cursed organization that no matter what they do they are cursed to be doomed to be the doormat and embarrassment of the NFL?

I don't know about anyone else but this is really, really getting old and it is way more than ugly!

Not Sams Fault

2011-09-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sam Bradford was handed an offensive game plan directly from McDaniels and was asked to execute it, plain and simple. And Bradford not only executed it as asked to do but did it most of the time with absolute perfect precision. What more can you ask from any quarterback? Not much.

However, now matter how perfectly Sam was able to execute the offense of McDaniels he wasn't getting the help that he should have gotten. Without the aide of Jackson and Amendola it seemed like there wasn't much out there for poor Bradford. Gibson had a few good catches and Alexander has some spectacular ones but he wasn't utilized enough in the game. When it came to the others though, there were just far too many dropped passes and most of the passes that were dropped were perfectly thrown balls.

There simply is no excuse for dropping as many passes that were dropped in that MNF game, no excuses, not even if you are rookie. Greg Salas was pretty much horrible and being a rookie does not excuse you from being able to catch some great passes thrown right at you.

Let's not forget the mental errors as well. Good grief what was #33 Cadillac Williams thinking when he dropped that lateral pass from Bradford. He just stood there after he dropped it and just let the Giants go after it uncontested! It's pretty bad when the closest guy to the runner running into the end zone is your quarterback! Did he not realize that the pass was a lateral? Come on, he's a veteran for crying out loud!

With all the stupidity around him in that game, I truly don't understand how Sam was able to keep his cool.

At least the defense continued to play fiercely throughout the entire game. However, in order to win games they're going to have to learn how to score since the offense doesn't seem to know how to hold onto anything Bradford sends their way, at least not when it really counts!

Sam's stats - 22 of 46 331 yards 1 TD no fumbles, no INTs
Alexander's stats - 3 for 122 yards 1 TD

Hello offense, what more do you want from your leader?!

Can we use Alexander more? Come on McDaniels utilize #84 more!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2011-09-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

It wasn't very long ago that trying to man a 53 man roster was more like trying to find enough warm bodies just to be legally eligible to play the game of football. It was a dismal task for the Rams coaches. It wasn't talent they had to go through but just who could play just good enough to pass for a professional football player.

However, things have changed for the coaching staff. Now it's not so much which warm body do they keep or get rid but how do you let yourself get rid of someone that might just go off and play for another team and do really, really good. Now they have the task of maybe ending up releasing someone that turns out to be a star somewhere else. This is something this team has not seen for some time now. As tough as this might be, it still must be a very reassuring feeling to a coach to know that you finally found some decent depth for your team.

For instance you have at least three defensive ends that are trying to get a job behind Chris Long, James Hall and Robert Quinn. Those names are three who find themselves on the bubble, George Selvie, Eugene Simms and C. J. Ah You. Then you have the decision of keeping two or three QB's. Pretty hard to get rid of a good, tried and true backup like Feeley, yet it's even harder to get rid of a QB that has a certain play making flair about him like Thaddeus Lewis. Let's not forget the receivers and the tough choices that have to be made there as well. And finally there are actually players to choose from in the RB category. There of course will be Jackson and Williams being the main players but you can't ignore Norwood or the others. Which means the Rams have a tough decision when it comes to this position as well.

Finally, the Rams are working with luxury and not so much the dire need of keeping whomever they can just to be able to field a team.

Thumbs Up to Both the Rams & the Chiefs!

2011-08-28T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hats off to both the Rams and the Chiefs for dedicating the Governor's Cup to the victims of Joplin, MO and donating proceeds to the Joplin Fund. I loved the idea that they stressed over and over again that even though the clean up is going well the people of Joplin are going to need all of our help in order to rebuild their city. This could take years. I just came back from New Orleans and it's been 6 years and they still are rebuilding!

However, shame on the NFL for not making this a national televised game. This is a game that was important and it should have been televised to all of the country so that the awareness of everyone could have been raised about this issue.

Even way out here in Portland, OR, my church and I are organizing a fundraiser for these same people. They can't be forgotten like so many are in our own country and again, I applaud both the Chiefs and the Rams for their compassion and caring!

If you would like to contribute to our fundraiser you can mail your checks or money orders to:

St. Joseph the Worker Church
2310 SE 148th Ave
Portland, OR 97236

Make sure to put "Joplin Fund" in the memo section.

Thank You!

New NFL Rule

2011-08-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

When it was first announced that the NFL would be reviewing all scores in every game people were a tad upset about this and felt that it would interfere with the game and make it longer because of the time it would take to do reviews on all scoring plays. However, I've seen a couple of games now and I have to say that I'm quite impressed with the system that they've implemented. It's been so far nearly seamless and hasn't added any extra waiting around like some feared. Case in point, check out the video below.

Without this review rule in place, this more than likely would have been 4th and inches and not a TD. But as you can see in the video it was a TD.

Finally the NFL officials have gotten something right!

It's Finally Here

2011-07-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well, finally we can now start planning our lives around football again. :-) That's right our lives are no longer disrupted or muted by the lack of football. Finally all of the greed was set aside and both sides came to terms with one another and decided to back from all the posturing and chest beating and have agreed that it was time to get along and play nice!

Although the casualties that have been left behind of course will not be reported on. The disappointment by the fans, the confusion caused for those poor season ticket holders and a variety of other things that went on outside of the closed doors of those who were responsible for keeping those doors locked.

We fans hope that they got what they wanted and that the pacifier they all have been given will be strong enough so that the big boys will manage somehow to continue to get along with each other so that life as we know it in the NFL will continue for many years to come.

We all now can get our hopes back up for our teams, we can now come out of the shadows and start talking about our teams and the NFL again. Finally we might actually start seeing worthwhile news to read and discuss about our teams.

Finally things are back to normal! Yeah us!

Where Are They Now? Isiah Robertson

2011-07-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Isiah Robertson grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana with fanciful dreams of being a great football player. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he exhibited immense athletic aptitude. During his high school he excelled especially in football, earned a scholarship to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It was during his collegiate football career that people began to take notice of the extraordinary talent Robertson exuded. He received multitudes of honors, including being named in both Sporting News and Time magazine’s All-American Teams, as well as being named on the AP and UPI College All-American Teams. Robertson, a linebacker, holds the longest interception record (102 yards) and had 11 interceptions in 3 years. He concluded his college career by receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Southern.

In 1971, Isiah was chosen as a first round draft pick for the Los Angeles Rams as an outside linebacker, in which he was the 10th player chosen overall. During his rookie year at the Rams, Robertson achieved the title of All-Pro, was named the Wheaties Rookie of the Year, the Rams Rookie of the Year, and the National Football Conference Rookie of the Year. Robertson started in 163 consecutive games, recovered 14 fumbles, made 13 playoff starts, 24 interceptions for 349 yards (avg. of 14.5 yards) and 4 touchdowns.

Robertson sustained a 12-year career that accredited him no less that a big play maker and an outstanding pass defender. Robertson appeared in 6 All-Pro games having been selected to 6 All-Pro teams. All of that, not to mention being the 5 time Linebacker of the Year.

In July of 1979, Robertson was traded to the Buffalo Bills. In 4 years, Isiah helped Coach Chuck Knox restore Buffalo from one of the worst teams in the NFL to a playoff contender. Robertson was directly involved with Special Olympics for 10 years, coached Little League baseball for 10 years, coached 8 years in the Junior All-American football, and held football camps for underprivileged children in Southern California for 6 years.

Robertson retired from the NFL in 1983. Subsequently, he opened a cellular telephone system franchise in California. As a successful business man, Robertson, among California’s wealthy and elite, became entrapped in California’s wealthy social drug scene. Robertson’s drug use escalated and spun miserably out of control.

Eventually, in the grips of full-blown drug addiction, Robertson lost his 14 homes, his family, his business, and almost his life. Through the loss of those things which he counted so precious, Robertson came to realize his own inadequacy in stopping drugs on his own and faced the fact – he was an addict.

After 3 years of hard work and rehabilitation, being delivered and restored from the pit of perilous chemical dependency, Robertson started the House of Isaiah, a long-term residential recovery program for men. Initially the House of Isaiah started as a shelter, and over the past 17 years it has become a flourishing recovery program offering a clean sober environment, spiritual growth and recovery education, and a second chance to many young men on the verge of having their lives totally consumed by chemical dependency.

For over 17 years Isiah Robertson has been proclaiming freedom from the chains of addiction through the power of spiritual transformation and learning how to live again. He has lectured all over the United States and Canada to thousands with his dynamic platform message: Run To Win!

Where Are They Now?

2011-06-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

Vince Ferragamo

Vince Ferragamo started his collegiate career at the University of California, Berkeley in 1972, but transferred to the powerhouse Nebraska Cornhuskers in 1974. Starting out at Cal, Vince became one of only three quarterbacks from Cal and the only quarterback from Nebraska to start in a Super Bowl. At Nebraska he was coached by the legendary Tom Osborne and led the team to the Fiesta Bowl in 1975 and the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl in 1976.

Vince was an All American and established himself as one of Nebraska’s premier quarterbacks when he set the Husker record for most touchdown passes in a season-22. Although he came to the Huskers 7th on the depth chart he soon became a starter and led the Huskers to a 10-2 overall season and tied Oklahoma for the Big Eight Title. He achieved academic honors as an Academic All American and All Big Eight Academic. He was also a National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholarship Award winner. He was one of 6 Huskers drafted in 1977.

Vince went to the Los Angeles Rams joining football greats Jack Youngblood and Jackie Slater. In 1979 Vince took over the starting job and led the team to SuperBowl XIV. In a game that is still talked about as one the top SuperBowl clashes, the Cinderella Rams went toe to toe with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers prevailed, but the Rams gave a great performance with Vince at the helm. Before leaving the Rams, Vince set many individual and team records including: Most Passes attempted in a season-404 in 1980, Most Passes completed in a season-274 in 1983, Most Touchdown Passes in a Season-30 in 1980 and he passed for 509 yards, completing 30 of 46 passes against the Chicago Bears in 1982.

Although Vince spent time with the Montreal Alouettes, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers, his greatest years were with the Los Angeles Rams. He retired from the NFL in 1986 and began a career in Real Estate.

Vince now makes his home in Anaheim California where he owns and operates Touchdown Real Estate and End Zone Mortgage Companies. He remains active in football by doing color commentary for NFL preseason games and local high schools. He runs a football academy, tutoring young quarterbacks throughout the year and has hosted week long youth football camps.

He is a leader in the community, hosting charitable events including a celebrity golf tournament that generates funds for children’s charities. The Vince Ferragamo Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic is in its 23rd year and has benefited the Special Olympics, Speech and Language Development Center, Ronald McDonald House and many others.

Where Are They Now? Nolan Cromwell Is Where He Belongs

2011-05-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Nolan Cromwell accepted the assistant coaching job in charge of wide receivers with the St. Louis Rams in 2010.

Cromwell, 55, had served on Mike Sherman's staff at A&M for the last two seasons. He helped direct the growth of the A&M offense that ranked among the top 30 teams nationally in rushing, passing, scoring and total offense. Only Boise State was similarly ranked among those four statistical categories among FBS teams in 2009.

But Cromwell's real influence in the offense was lessened because Sherman had most of the play-calling responsibilities.

"I appreciate the passion, energy and work ethic Nolan Cromwell brought to us over these last two years," Sherman said. "You can also add patience, since it is not easy being an offensive coordinator under an offensive head coach."

Cromwell replaces Charlie Baggett, who left St. Louis after one season to be assistant head coach and wide receivers coach at Tennessee.

Cromwell also becomes the second A&M coordinator to resign since the end of the Aggies' 6-7 2009 season. Veteran defensive coordinator Joe Kines resigned after the Aggies' loss to Georgia in the Independence Bowl and has been replaced by former Air Force Academy defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter.

Cromwell has worked 17 seasons as an NFL assistant before joining Sherman's staff at A&M. He played with the Rams in Los Angeles and started his coaching career as a special teams assistant in 1991. He later was special teams coordinator for Green Bay from 1992-97, a wide receivers coach with the Packers in 1998 and spent nine seasons as the wide receivers coach with Seattle before coming to A&M.

"I am excited to be back with the Rams' family," Cromwell said. "I appreciate [St. Louis] Coach [Steve] Spagnuolo for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to working with the receivers on our roster and the coaching staff.This is truly a unique experience getting this opportunity with the organization I care for very deeply."

Cromwell was a second-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1977 after his college career in Kansas, where he was a defensive back who switched to quarterback. He played his entire 11-year NFL career with the Rams, earning Pro Bowl honors four times and finishing as the team's career leader in interception return yardage with 671 yards on 37 interceptions.

Jim Everett QB LA Rams Where Are They Now?

2011-05-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Everett attended ;Purdue University and was selected in the first round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He was selected as the third pick in the first round by the Houston Oilers, and was the first quarterback taken that year. Unable to work out a contract agreement with Everett, the Oilers traded his rights to the Los Angeles Rams, with whom Everett played from 1986-93. He then played with the New Orleans Saints from 1994-96 and ended his career with a stint with the San Diego Chargers in1997.

College career

Jim Everett was a quarterback for the Purdue Boilermakers from 1981-85. Originally recruited out of Eldorado High School in to play either safety or quarterback, Everett was soon slotted into the quarterback role where he narrowly missed out on being a four-year starter at Purdue, as a game day decision before his first game as a freshman led to Scott Campbell getting the nod over Everett. Campbell held off Everett for three years, one of which Everett was able to redshirt to gain an extra year of eligibility. Upon Campbell's graduation to a seven year career in the NFL, Everett took over the reins of the pass-oriented Boilermaker offense. Everett went on to break dozens of Purdue records.

As a junior, Everett led the Boilermakers to the 1984 Peach Bowl, where he passed for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Purdue lost the game to Virginia, quarterbacked by future Green Bay Packers Don Majkowski, 27-24. Everett is also the only Purdue QB to ever beat Michigan, Notre Dame and OSU all in the same season.

During the 1985 season, Everett led the NCAA in total offense (3,589 yards), which at the time was also a school record (since broken by Drew Brees). Everett also finished 6th in balloting for the 1985 Heisman Trophy.

Everett excelled in the classroom at Purdue also, earning regular membership on the Distinguished Students list while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial management. During his time at Purdue, Everett regularly tutored fellow Purdue athletes in courses such as calculus and statistical analysis. He was also initiated into the Sigma Chi Fraternity during his time as an undergraduate at Purdue.

NFL career

Everett had a productive career, especially with the Rams, where he was a statistical leader in several passing categories. His Rams teams were successful early in his career, earning playoff berths in 1986, 1988, and 1989. However, after losing the 1989 NFC Championship game, he would not find himself back in the playoffs for the remainder of his career. Despite that he continued to produce fine statistics, and was rewarded with a trip to the 1991 Pro Bowl game, played in .

The 1993 season was a low point in his career. He played in only ten games but managed to throw twelve interceptions. He only threw eight touchdown passes, tying the lowest amount in his career and matching his rookie total when he only played in six games. The next season in New Orleans he turned his performance around. In three years with the Saints, he threw 22, 26, and 12 touchdowns.

Over his career, he managed to perform well enough to be among league leaders in several passing categories. His 203 touchdown passes rank 25th all-time, and his 34,837 passing yards are good enough for 14th all-time. He also ranks 15th all-time in completions and 16th all-time in pass attempts. On a year to year basis, he was among the top ten league leaders in the following categories: pass attempts (seven times), completions (eight times), pass yards (seven times), and passing touchdowns (six, including leading the league twice).

Jim Rome controversy

Following the 1989 regular season, Everett was reportedly "shellshocked" from the numerous times he was sacked and hit in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers (the 49ers won, 30-3). At one point in the game, Everett was so rattled that he collapsed to the ground in the pocket in anticipation of yet another sack, even though the 49ers' defensive players actually had not yet reached him – a play now known as Everett's "Phantom Sack". From then on he was perceived to shy away from hits, and later acknowledged that his confidence was never fully restored.

This eventually led to a confrontation in 1994 with then Talk2 host Jim Rome. Rome had regularly mocked Everett's aversion to taking hits on the field by addressing him as "Chris" Everett (a reference to female tennis player Chris Evert). When Everett appeared as a guest on Talk2, Rome wasted no time, applying the insult twice within the show's first 30 seconds. Everett warned Rome not to do so again, implying that physical confrontation would ensue otherwise. When Rome did, Everett overturned the table between them and shoved Rome to the floor while still on the air. It took eight seconds before a single white-uniformed security guard intervened to help Jim.

Post-NFL

After his NFL career ended, Everett settled in Southern California. He received an MBA degree from Pepperdine University and started his own asset management business The Jim Everett Company. He also has spent some of his free time coaching children's football as well as raising his children as a single dad.

Cleveland Gary #43

2011-04-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Everette Gary also known as Cleveland Edward Gary is a former professional football player who was selected in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft by the then Los Angeles Rams. Cleveland led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1990 by scoring 14 rushing touchdowns.

Gary began his college career at the University of Georgia before transferring to the University of Miami. After leaving the Hurricanes and before being drafted he was voted MVP in the Senior Bowl.

Gary was involved in the National Indoor Football League, an indoor football organization that operated for a few seasons in the 2000's. He was the registered agent for the league in Florida and served as the agent for several of its teams, including the Green Cove Lions; however, the NIFL ended operating in 2007.

He is Chairman of the first and only Urban TV Shopping Channel (Black Shopping Channel) in America. He has created opportunities for small business owners across America to promote their products and services to an international buying audience. He is also chairman of the Healthway Shopping Network which promotes natural products for a healthy lifestyle. He is Chairman of AMI Capital Group which funds small businesses up to $1 million dollars. He is on the cutting edge of commercializing social networking opportunities for individual business owners to build wealth and establish a presence across the globe. Mr. Gary is also a best selling author of "The Truth Behind the Ball".

#78 The Great Jackie Slater

2011-04-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

As much as we all felt that Orlando Pace was great at what he did on the line, there has never been anyone that could play his position the way that the great #78 did. Will there ever be another player that can fill the big shoes of this man, time will only tell, but as far as this fan is concerned, I don't see that happening for a long, long time.

So, what does Jackie do now with his time? My research has come up with the following:

Jackie Slater's O-Line Technique Seminar Series

Jackie Slater has put in place services that will help young offensive lineman reach their goals, whether it be securing playing time, acquiring college scholarships, to having the type of quality professional career that you want, Jackie Slater can help you accomplish your goals!

Jackie is prepared to share the wealth of knowledge that he has acquired in twenty-nine consecutive years as a player including two decades as an NFL Hall of Fame player. “I feel that certain players can seize a definite advantage during training camp through these training sessions.”

The services provided include, technical teaching, problem solving, strategic planning, recourse technique, debriefing sessions and ongoing consultation for offensive linemen. “I believe that many offensive linemen are not learning the essential techniques needed to not only survive, but to thrive at the line of scrimmage.”

Playing along the offensive line involves much more than just being big and athletic. In fact, I believe that the quickest way for an offensive lineman to lose his job, and forfeit valuable playing time and future opportunities is to rely solely on his athletic ability.

In light of the reality that there is an atmosphere that lacks proven teaching of certain technical staples, it is no wonder that players are not playing as long as they would like nor are they having the success that their athletic ability warrants. The language of dominance, quality technical performance and longevity must be spoken often and taught with proven conviction.

Jackie wants to see young offensive linemen grow and have the kind of success that they desire. With the multitude of opportunities that exist for offensive linemen, it is very important that these young athletes seek and acquire the skills that will allow them to reach their goals. With playing time, college scholarships, and even professional football careers all within their reach, I encourage young linemen and their parents to start today getting ready for tomorrows challenges.

If you are a player that wants to have a definite mental and technical edge going into training camp and practices, Jackie Slater can get you ready for the unique challenges that lie ahead.

Mission

My mission is to help young offensive linemen grow and achieve desired success. To help the linemen achieve success, I will share a wealth of knowledge acquired during my twenty-nine years of playing football. I will facilitate a seminar where I teach the skills needed to play at any level of football. These skills are considered staples and cornerstones of the game.

You can check it out by Clicking Here!

Where Are They Now?

2011-03-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

It was probably almost as important of an even in Rams history as "The Tackle", it's what a lot of Rams fans have called "The Catch". It is the incredible catch that Ricky Prohel made in the corner of the end zone that propelled us past the Bucs and into the Super Bowl. We all know it, we all remember it. Without that catch there was not going to be that amazing Super Bowl a couple of weeks later.

So that's who we are looking to today. Ricky Prohel and what is he doing with his life?

Proehl is the owner of Proehlific Park, a spacious and indoor and outdoor facility in Greensboro, where kids from all over the region flock to develop their abilities in a long list of sports.

Proehl, whose ties to the region began as an all-star and record-breaking receiver at Wake Forest University, is not just the owner of the facility. He is involved in every facet of the business and is very much hands-on when it comes to helping kids develop and learn fundamentals.

Now that he has officially retired, the Triad is their permanent home.

While coaching his children in recreational and travel sports, he recognized the need in the Triad for a sports complex that would enable kids to learn the unlimited and priceless benefits of free play. The premise of Proehlific Park is based on the value of free play for kids but they also offer a multitude of other programs including Family and Adult Memberships, After School Programming, Free Scholarships, Sports Performance Training, Specific Sport Training, Year-Round Camps, Free Concerts, Charity Events, Rec Leagues, Academic Tutoring, FCA Huddles and on and on. Through the Park, Ricky shares the knowledge he has gained from some of the world's best coaches and athletes with Triad youth.

As a father of three, he understands every parent wants nothing but the best for their children. At Proehlific Park, not only is th goal to help children achieve their best athletically, but also to assist families in raising academically, spiritually, and emotionally well-rounded children.

Where Are They Now?

2011-02-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Every off season when the news begins to slow down, I always like to kick off my "Where Are They Now?" feature and who better to start it off with this off season but our beloved Kurt Warner. Yes, he may have retired a Cardinal but there is no doubt in most Rams fans hearts that he will always have a special place in each and every one of our hearts.

First Things First Foundation

Kurt and Brenda highs and lows that have captivated fans the moment that Kurt burst onto the NFL scene when he first played for the St. Louis Rams in 1999. Their varied personal trials and triumphs acts as the inspiration for the outreach of First Things First. The foundation strives to share God's love with others through projects such as trips to Disney World for ill children, building recreation centers in children's hospitals, rewarding single parents for achieving the dream of home ownership and encouraging the inclusion of special needs individuals. All projects are centered on the Warners' life theme of putting faith and family first.

One of the outreach programs is called CHEER or Consciousness Helps Encourage Equal Respect is a high school program that encourages high school students to include their disabled peers and to learn what it is like to experience a disability. The week long program has students spending a day in a wheelchair, on crutches, wearing goggles that impair their vision they participate in a variety of different awareness events all week and when the program is done, those that took on a disability are then asked to get up in front of the school and describe to the other students what it was like to live just one day with a disability.

Basket of Hope is something Kurt and Brenda do on a regular basis by visiting critically ill children in the hospital with their parents. Their basket of hope outreach offers support, prayer and hope that all things are possible with Jesus. Their baskets contain bibles, prayer books, music as well as games, toys and stuffed animals for the children.

Holiday Outreach is very personal to Kurt and his family and every Thanksgiving the entire family goes and helps to feed those who would not have a Thanksgiving meal if it were not for shelters that are supported by foundations like First Things First. On Christmas Kurt manages to go to at least one hospital on Christmas day to deliver gifts and be there during their time of opening each gift. They have also partnered with convalescent homes, teen pregnancy shelters and children's home in Phoenix, St. Louis and Iowa to ensure that these people receive a gift of love during Christmas.

These are just a few samples of what Kurt is doing with his life and how he continues to impact those of whom he comes in contact with.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Faulk Gives All the Credit to Mom

2011-02-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

It wasn't easy for Faulk to get where he got to in life. But from everything we saw of him, we never would have believed that. From the talent we were blessed to experience we would have thought that it was a natural from day one that his incredible player would end up in Canton one day.

Well, we were right about something. But it was anything but easy for the boy from the bad side of town down in New Orleans. When remembering how he got to this point in his illustrious career Faulk remembers how hard it was for a kid from the tough streets of the Ninth Ward.

Faulk admits that it was the love and continual support of his mother a long with his unwillingness to fall victim to the things that surrounded him in his life that led him to the end of the road at Canton.

As fans we all knew of his greatness on the field and that he was more than just a star and team leader but a man who was humble enough to not let his talents get the better of him. He showed his humility upon being announced as one of the newest members of the HOF.....

"Disbelief," he said. "You think about growing up as a kid, and the dream is to just watch a football game. Then you get a chance to play a football game. And now the best thing that could happen to you while playing in this game when you're done ... there's guys in this Hall of Fame I look so far up to. I never thought I'd be in that room with them."

Faulk cried Saturday when asked about what this honor meant to him, considering all of the obstacles he had to overcome in his young life. He cried when he attempted to speak of his mother, Cecile. Without his mother, Faulk doesn't get out of New Orleans, doesn't get to the NFL, doesn't become a Super Bowl champion. And she helped guide him to Canton, too.

You deserve the honor you were one of the greatest and we as fans will always remember the many thrills you gave us for many years.

Will the Rams Go With Julio Jones if Available?

2011-01-25T13:10:00.000-08:00

None of us know if this kid will be there but after seeing some of his stuff, the Rams had better hope he's there at #14 and move on him because, I don't know about you, but he's just what the doctor ordered for Sam the Man.

GO RAMS.....get this kid!

Sam the Man Has Brought Back Hope

2011-01-10T07:33:00.000-08:00

It does not matter how this season ended when it comes down to looking at the beginning of the career of Sam Bradford. In his first year he was able to quiet ALL critics about any questions or doubts they may have had about him. It doesn't matter what the questions or doubts were, Sam was able to answer them all. He was able to turn all of it into oohs and ahs as the talking heads fell deeply in love with a future star in the making.

In one short season this young kid that looks like a kid and it stops there, looks like a kid, did an amazing feat. In fact he did a number of amazing feats and here's a list of what this young man did for a dying organization.

1. Number one and foremost he resurrected a team from the bowels of the NFL pits of hell and put them right back on the map of respectability. Instead of being the laughing stock of the NFL, the NFL punching bag became a team that was talked about, is talked about and will continue to be talked about. They now are considered a young team on the rise and headed in the right direction. Sam did that in one short season.

2. He showed that he was not just another green horn rookie that had to sit on the bench behind a veteran QB before he could earn his right to step out onto the field. From the first moment he stepped out onto that field he immediately took control. Even though he may have had some rough spots, he did enough on the field and in the huddle to immediately gain the respect of the team. The moment he took his first snap he had the team with him and they rode with him the entire year, never flinching at the fact he was just a rookie.

3. He brought back the fans. The fans that were jumping ship left and right but suddenly they turned their heads and took notice that the Rams had finally done something right. They came back in droves to witness the beginning of the career of what could be a super star. They came back to witness history in the making.

4. He proved to everyone that he was tough and durable and after the first few games no one ever mentioned his shoulder or his durability again during the season.

5. He showed that he could face any opponent offered up to him and not let them rattle him. Never did he stand out there looking like a deer caught in headlights, like his predecessor. Nothing rattled this kid, nothing scared him off. He has shown no matter what, he will get right back up and still be in control of his emotions.

6. He found himself right up there statistically in his rookie year with some of the best, breaking many of the rookie records Peyton Manning had set and held for years. He found himself right there in the thick of the top QB's during the year as well. His stats were not super star, not yet but they were good enough to get him noticed and noticed big time. Every defense he played most of the year were doing everything they could to fluster or rattle him. But he stood his ground just like the other tough veterans around the league.

7. He brought back hope to the team and it's fans. Instead of dreading the upcoming season all fans around the country are finally looking forward to what the Rams have to offer because Sam has us all believing that there is nowhere else but up from here.

If he doesn't win Rookie of the Year it will be a travesty.

Dear God...What Was That?!

2011-01-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Right out of the starting gate it started. The minute I saw it happen I simply knew the team was doomed and it was not only going to be a long night but we were headed for a loss. When was that? Well the very first drive. The Seahawks were driving but the defense stuffed them and was about to force them to a field goal. But wait....suddenly out of nowhere came a flag and the Rams were called for holding. Funny thing is, after the announcers showed us a variety of different camera views none of us, including the announcers saw any holding. So right off the bat the Rams were doomed with a phantom holding call!

Am I going to blame the loss on the officiating? No, but it is something that must be addressed. The Rams however; lost for a variety of reasons and let me list those before I go on with my officiating rant!

A Variety of Reasons:

Only running Jackson 11 times. What was up with that? Against a team that ranked at the bottom of the list in run defense.
Dink and dunk passes of just 3 and 4 yards.
Dropped passes by each and every one of the wide receivers including SJ39. Oh, one exception...Hoomanawanui....couldn't drop any passes because even though he was suited up and cleared to play, they didn't utilize Bradford's huge target.
No Hoomanawanui....what was up with that?
Very little blitzing and pressuring of Whitehurst. Didn't they look at the game the week before? Pressure the guy and he can't play worth a damn! We pressured him only a handful of times and you bet ya, he couldn't play worth a damn and always threw if away or was incomplete.
Coaching was the worst ever, plain and simple.
Officials had their hand in part of it as well.

Now, speaking of the officiating, win or lose, of all the games I watched all season, this game was indeed the worst officiated game of the year. I've never seen anything like it. Just to name a few:

Of course the phantom holding call
At least 4 missed holding calls that should have gone against the Seahags.
The blatant off sides call that wasn't called against the Seahags, one that the entire Rams team thought was a free play including Bradford who could be seen saying to the officials dumbfounded "Wasn't that offsides?!" The announcers pointed it out several times as well, showing the infraction several times.
And last but not least close to the end of the game the Rams stopped the Seahags on 2nd down forcing a 3rd and short, they even called it third and short and just as they began their play, the officials magically called it a first down, before Spags could even send out the challenge hanky! Unbelievable!

I'm sure there were more but those are some fine examples of just how horrible the officiating was in such an important game. It was sickening, I did not believe what I saw and am still in shock over the entire fiasco.

Something needs to be done with the state the officiating is in and Goodell should sit down with those in charge and take a good, long and hard look at what is going on with the officials. This kind of officiating is simply inexcusable and unacceptable!

As for the Seahags winning the division....no, they did not deserve it, but obviously the Refs and the Rams thought they did and helped them out in any and all ways that they could. As for next week's Wild Card game......I hope the Saints destroy the Seahawks, embarrass the hell out of them and have them scrounging around looking for a place to dig a hole and hide somewhere in Qwest Field. GO SAINTS!

GO RAMS in 2011

Good Job

2010-12-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

I was really impressed with how the Rams came out firing and using a game plan that immediately put the 49ers on their heels. Unfortunately, Shurmur went conservative once again and to be honest with you, I really thought we'd end up experiencing another game like against the Chiefs.

However; that was not the case and I'm sure we all let out a collective sigh of relief when the whole team came together in the 4th quarter when it was really needed and really counted! That is the way they need to end each game by making the 4th quarter count. The first 3 quarters mean nothing if you can't take the lead and put a nail in the coffin in the 4th quarter.

It was also great to see Shurmur allow Alexander to play. He and Amendola each in their own ways offer up legitimate threat to opposing defenses and Alexander over and over again when allowed to play has shown he is the shot in the arm the offense needs.

All caution must be thrown to the wind next Sunday night in Seattle! Conservative thinking and behavior MUST be thrown out the window. The Rams must be aggressive both on defense and offense if they want to end the long chain of losses they have experienced at Qwest Field! This is it and the Rams MUST play like it!

What is Going On Here?

2010-12-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone is to blame for this loss except for maybe Donnie Jones, Brown and Amendola who just kept on ticking like a little time bomb on the field.

My God what are the coaches doing? Where's Alexander? Two 4th quarter plays to the only guy other than Jackson that poses a threat for some fireworks! What is up with that? And speaking of the coaches....where was the blitzing? Come on! None last week and only a couple against the Chiefs. And when they did blitz they got to Cassle. Hello?!!

And are we trying to create another shell shocked Marc Bulger here with poor Sam Bradford? Let's get some plays in here that's going to help the kid not diminish his talents! This is ridiculous. Instead of progressing the play calling and coaching is regressing!

Lucky for the Rams however; everyone else lost in the NFC West so they are still in control of their own destiny. But not for long if they continue to go backwards instead of forwards!

Painful Loss

2010-12-12T21:48:00.000-08:00

I'll admit the game at times was painful to watch and at other times the Rams kept giving me the feeling that there was still hope even into the 4th quarter. A little confusing indeed. But I think that's because this is a team that clearly gives off the aura of never giving up on itself. Despite the fact this was one of their worst losses of the season at times I couldn't help but keep watching and thinking, "Just maybe, just maybe, so don't give up now, the team's not."

I will admit that at times Bradford made me feel like he was playing his first rookie game. He simply seemed to finally allow an opponents defense to finally get to him, which was a definite disappointment. He did indeed make some decisions that made it look like he had suddenly digressed instead of continuing to grow. However; there were times when some of the things he did made you truly understand exactly why the team chose this young man to be the leader of this team. He is the right choice, was the right choice to build a very good team around. Despite all the mistakes the team made, not once did this kid give up. He kept playing as hard as he could never once letting the scoreboard be a factor in his behavior.

Even in this painful loss, Bradford came out as a true leader for this team.

Despite this loss, the Rams still are in control of their own destiny if they can simply get past their next three opponents, two of which are at home, they will win the division.

As usual, the Rams need to leave this game behind come this week during practice and move onto to the next team, the Chiefs. Chiefs are having problems, so the Rams need to plan for those problems and take advantage of them.

Go Rams!

This Team Has Grit

2010-12-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

This team not only has quited those who predicted we'd be lucky to win 4 games for the whole season and that was being generous, but this team has proven that they learn from each and every game they play.

Not only are they on an extremely fast learning curve, they probably have a lot more character and downright grit than half the teams in the NFL, and definitely far more than anyone in their own division.

Adversity is no longer a bitter pill that they can no longer swallow. Not only can the Rams take that bitter pill but they can also chew it up and spit it right back out at you. This young team seems to be beginning to thrive off of the adversity. Go ahead, throw some adversity at them. I dare you, cause if you do, they're going to shove it right back at you.

Gone are the days when you would see this team curl up in a corner and cower against the face of any adversity. Gone are the days where other teams can push this rag tag group of grid iron warriors around. Because they are true warriors now and no longer cower in the face of adversity or danger. There does not seem to be much that frightens this team anymore, not even winning on the road.

They believe in the system, the coach, themselves and most of all their new leader, Sam Bradford. Now it's time for us as fans to believe too. Because it won't be long before we'll be riding high again and you don't want to miss out on the excitement of rising to to top with the team!

Go Rams!

4th Quarter Conservativeness

2010-11-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

I don't want to take anything away from this road win, this must win game situation, because the boys did it. And up until the 4th quarter they did it exceptionally well.

Going into half time with a score of 30-13 had everyone thinking man this is great, what a blowout this is going to be. Oops, that was the wrong way to think!

Bradford and the entire receiving group did a splendid job all day long and Bradford again proved that he doesn't really need some superstar WR out there catching passes for him. In fact, Bradford seems to be turning into one of those players that makes other players look good! But that's beside the point. The point is, you are up 36 points and where's the dagger?

Why, and I ask this every time, why does Shurmur ALWAYS go conservative in the 4th quarter when we have the lead? This has simply got to stop! This team needs to finish the opponents off. They need to be taught the "killer instinct" and it is NOT going to happen if all Shurmur does in the 4th quarter is play not to lose, when he needs to continue to play to win!

Coaching needs to not expect the players to have a killer instinct with the vanilla plays they send into them to execute. Being a good sportsman is one thing but that should not stop you from finishing off the opponent and stop letting them get back into the game! Enough is enough, nail the coffin shut next time!

Two Point Conversion?

2010-11-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

Not that it would have had any influence on the game whatsoever, but my question is, why the 2pt conversion when the Falcons already had the game on ice with less than 2 minutes in the game?

This kind of shove it in or rub it in your face kind of football bothers me. So, you're the better team, is it necessary to make sure the opponent doesn't forget? I don't know, it just bothers me when a team does that. Argue all you want that it was because they wanted to make sure that it was a three score game to keep the Rams from tying it up, but come on, didn't they see enough of the Rams inability to hit the endzone in the end to convince them they weren't going to be able to overcome their deficit?

To me it is just another form of taunting or flaunting themselves and slapping the opponent in the face after they were already down. I lose respect for coaches who play football in that manner.

Just my honest opinion.

Need For More Creativity

2010-11-15T12:05:00.000-08:00

This game started off with some creative plays that Bradford again showed he could execute with perfection. Time and time again the kid has proven to all the coaching staff that he has the ability to execute whatever you call into him, even without any deep threat receivers.

What continues to boggle the mind is why Shurmur almost always backs down on continuing to send in those creative plays. He continues to not only bore us to tears but give the opponents a chance to predict what the Rams are going to do.

After the kid has shown Shurmur over and over again that he can do it, why does he continue to go conservative? Sometimes it works but it is apparent that in the long run it simply is not going to work, especially on the road. Chances have to be taken. Chances need to be taken. Taking chances truly cannot turn out any worse than turning to conservative play calling.

Shurmur needs to pull out the stops and start giving up on the boring, conservative play calling. It's going to be his demise.

Let the Past Go

2010-11-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

In a different piece by GeezerRam in this weeks newsletter he mentioned how those who refer back to the Greatest Show on Turf days will begin to get impatient with the offense of the present. Now, is the time however; that we let go of the past. The Greatest Show, was the Greatest Show and can never be brought back. And why would we really want to? Leave it a lone in it's own glory. Wanting to repeat it would take away from the specialness of that part of Rams history and that's what it is, history, just like Bruce, part of Rams history, which will always be there to enjoy for many generations to come.

Bradford and his Rams are a new entity and as the team is built around this young man, he and the rest of the team will begin to build their own history. Good teams do not always have flashy offenses, some instead have a strong defense that allows the team to have a finely tuned precision oriented offense and that is what we are beginning to see with the Rams.

We may evolve into something else once a star receiver or receivers are found but until then we need to understand that what we do have is beginning to work and we need to be patient and enjoy the fact we are watching the growth of a future incredible elite quarterback who is going to be worth every penny of any contract he signs with this team.

Right now, this is good enough for me.

Hail to Jackson

2010-10-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

This may have been another road loss for the Rams, making the last time they won on the road was their only win last year against the Lions! Although there are a lot of negatives to complain about, there should be time set aside for Jackson's personal and professional victory!

Despite the loss and the teams continued road woes, Jackson stood out amongst the crowd when he had his crowning moment of his career by passing the great Eric Dickerson.

On Sunday, Jackson surpassed Dickerson's all time rushing record and moved into first place in Rams franchise history. Even for those who have never quite been on Jacksons side for one strange reason or another have to admit that this was definitely a defining moment and a well deserved honor for SJ39.

Jackson is a beast and a class act that the Rams organization and fans a like should be proud to have such a top notch player on their team.

Thanks for all you do for the team Jackson and congrats!

What a Difference a Week Makes

2010-10-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

And the Chargers couldn't believe it either! How could a team that got beat by 38 points by a winless team come back with such fierceness? But they did. The Rams came into this game forgetting that last week even happened. Forgetting they lost Bradford's favorite go to guy, forgot that they looked like fools just a week prior.

Instead we discover a team that is learning how to come back from all kinds of adversity instead of cowering in a corner and just letting everyone walk all over them. This is a team now that has shown the NFL that they are changing, improving and they do know how to win and they like the taste of victory and the agony it inflicts upon their opponents.

The Chargers and Rivers were beat upon by the Rams defense for the entire first half. They were manhandled severely the first half and the Chargers seemed shell shocked by half time. Although the Chargers were able to adjust in the second half, the Rams defense was good enough to stop the #1 offense from overrunning them and taking over the game.

Although the Rams offensive scheme was probably too conservative in the 2nd half, luckily they were able to pound the ball down their throats with Jackson at the end, gobbling up the time on the clock allowing them to finally just sit on the ball and send the Chargers home shocked and wondering what they had just witnessed in St. Louis.

The Rams made a statement in this game and that was telling the NFL that they refuse to be the NFL's doormat any longer!

Way to go boys! You truly deserved this awesome win!

Things We've Learned

2010-10-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

First thing that should have been learned from this, is that no matter what, Sam Bradford is still a rookie who has yet experienced everything there is to experience. Sunday's game however was a tough lesson to learn and that is the defeat by humiliation. It's better that he had this experience early in his rookie season than later. He has had his first taste of an embarrassing loss and how everything can go wrong even when you think you tried your hardest. This stinging defeat will probably stay in his memory banks for a long time and there is no doubt that he is already teaching himself how to avoid another one like it, because Bradford is not a quitter.

Another thing learned from this game is that this team has a long way to go to learn how to bounce right back from an immediate adversity such as losing Mark Clayton. Other receivers need to be able to step in immediately and support their quarterback. Danny Amendola can not do this on his own, as much as he tried to, he is not going to be able to carry the entire receiving duties on his back a lone.

We also learned that this team is still young and immature as a total unit and they are going to need more time to be able to learn that they must play flawless football to pull off future wins. They simply are not good enough at this point to think they have the ability to screw up and then come back from it and win the game. They have yet to do enough in this league to warrant much respect from their opponents.

Whether we've learned it or not, all of us need to learn that one debacle does not mean the world is going to stop turning, that the season is over for this young team. However; it does mean that yes, the sky is a little darker than it was going into this game and we are in for some troubled weather. But all of us knew that in the very beginning, deep inside we knew the storms had not passed and that it was just a break in the clouds. But there will be other breaks in the clouds and we need to be there to enjoy them!

Hang in there Rams and fans! We'll make it through.

P.S. Planet Rams wants to offer our prayers to Mark Clayton for his devastating injury, just when it looked as if his career was to be resurrected in St. Louis this had to happen. We hope that he can recover from this and rejoin the team healthy next season!

Let's Take Another Look At The Schedule

2010-10-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

After four weeks of play, I don't know about anyone else, but I see a totally different team than what the critics predicted we would see on the field. I see a team that has the heart and determination to go a lot farther than 4 wins, perhaps even more than 6 wins. Before you think I'm nuts, if the Rams continue to improve as they have each week it's possible. So let's take a look at their schedule again.

Rams @ Lions - Come on we beat them last year. (Win)
Chargers @ Rams - It's not impossible to win this game, especially since the home crowd is back in it, but for the skeptics I'll cave on a close one. (Loss)
Rams @ Bucs - Don't look any better than the Skins and we beat them. (Win)
Panthers @ Rams - Come on they are winless at the time of this writing. (Win)
By week 9 we could conceivably be standing at 5-3
Rams @ 49ers - (Win)
Falcons @ Rams - Tough one so I guess I'll go with a loss here. (Loss)
Rams @ Broncos - Denver is not having a good year and I think Rams should be able to pull it off. (Win)
Rams @ Cards - Rams are going to want to make up for the early loss by this time. (Win)
Rams @ Saints - Really tough one in New Orleans. (Loss)
49ers @ Rams - Not in our home this year. (Win)
Rams @ Seattle - The "new" Rams are not afraid of this team. (Win)

So it is possible the Rams led by Sam Bradford could end up with a 10-6 record. If they keep going forward and there are no setbacks in the learning curve, nothing is impossible!

Go Rams!

Bradford Can Handle the Heat

2010-09-27T13:36:00.001-07:00

This should have been the game that alerted everyone to the fact that Sam Bradford can handle it. No matter what it is that he asked to do, this game shows he can handle it.

Sure he got an INT, but then so did McNabb. After that INT Sam was able to simply shake it off and move on as if nothing had happened. He did not allow his anger at himself take over his overall performance.

The loss of Jackson did not send the rookie into a tailspin. Although there is no doubt he would rather have had Jackson in there, he did not let it affect his attitude or decision making.

Once Jackson was gone, it forced the coaching staff to change things up big time and try to create a running game out of nothing. But the biggest thing they had to do was turn the entire game over to the young kid out on the field.

He not only was up for the challenge, he was able to match McNabb stat per stat on the field and lead his team to their first win in the last 11 games.

Now that the coaches have seen that there is nothing that phases the kid, it's time to depend less upon SJ39 and more so on SB8.

Coaching Must Change

2010-09-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

We can blame the players all we want, we can say this guy sucks and that guy sucks, but if you can't get a good game plan out there you can't continue to blame players.

If you have an OC that seems to be afraid to let Bradford try and open it up in the air, you can't blame that on Sam Bradford. This dink and dunk type of offense doesn't work for anyone and never will. It works great for defenses for the opposing team however. The offense is so predictable that a high school defense could figure it out after a couple of quarters playing against it.

And the defensive coaching, no blitzing? What's up with that. They were throwing blitzes at the Cards every time you turned around last week. Why didn't the game plan change when a new QB was put in? They saw right from the start he was going to need to be attacked in a different manner. Yet nothing changed.

The clock is ticking and ticking fast with Stan the Man and with an owner who is use to championship caliber teams, it won't be long before the ax will fall. This is not a man of patience but a man of action. So the coaches had better start feeling the heat and come up with something to show the new owner that the team is improving or heads will roll.

Mark Clayton

2010-09-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

With just a week under his belt being with the Rams, Clayton played a far bigger role on the Rams offense than most would have thought. There may be some that will ignore the facts that overall he did a great job, a lot will look at two keep misses he had. But we need to overlook these two mistakes and take an over all look at the scheme of things.

Sam Bradford in his rookie debut found his main go to guy. Without having more than a couple of days and a few snaps to get to know Clayton it was obvious that the two of them had instant chemistry! And this is a very, very good thing, especially for a rookie QB!

This relationship that Bradford and Clayton already have can only continue to grow and not only will this help the career of Bradford but it could very well give Mark Clayton one of the best years of his career!

Back Up QB Race Tight

2010-09-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

From what I've seen in the last couple of games , Keith Null may have a tough time making the roster. Looks to me as the Rams may have found themselves a real gem in rookie QB Thadius Lewis. His last two games have in themselves have been quite noteworthy.

The first shot he got to play was against the Pats where he went 11 of 14 for 120 yards passing, 1 TD and ended with a QB rating of 96.4. In his next game he went 6 of 8 for 89 yards, 1 TD and ended with a 150.5 QB rating! Amazing numbers especially when his rookie counterpart Bradford had the near perfect rating of 153.5 in the same game! Is it possible that the Rams have maybe found themselves a QB duo? Is it possible that the Rams might be blessed with two top notch quarterbacks? Stranger things have happened.

Unless I'm missing something in the overall scheme of things, I find it hard to believe that the coaching staff would choose Null over Lewis.

STAN IS NOW THE MAN

2010-08-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Stan Kroenke is now officially the new owner of the Rams. So what does that mean for this tattered franchise? It means a mountain of things if you are the Rams.

One major thing that is for certain with all that will come with this new ownership is owner involvement from a sports minded mind. Do not think for one moment that Kroenke will stand for any more of the erosion that has been going on with this team. This is a man who owns teams that are not only use to winning but use to having playoff runs!

Rest assured Rams fans, Kroenke will not stand for their losing ways for long and will not hesitate making drastic non-financial and financial movements to improve this team. The urgency that Spags and Devaney have been feeling will immediately intensify now that Kroenke is full owner.

Now that Stan's the Man in St. Louis change and we mean big change is just around the corner, not somewhere down the road, no, expect to see it happen real soon and right before your eyes suddenly and not gradually. But this is what this team needs. Slow, methodical coddling is not going to work for Stan. It will be sink or swim with Stan the Man. Some people better start updating their resume's.

I welcome it and can't wait till I can hold my head high as a Rams fan again!

Welcome Stan!

Bradford Proves He's Got What it Takes

2010-08-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

The numbers for Bradford may have not been pretty from his NFL debut but at this stage of the game, that is not what is important. What is important is whether or not he showed enough in this debut with regards to being able to handle the pressure.

Not only did Bradford show he could handle the immense pressure that was put on him by the Vikings, but he showed the world that he could do it with poise, calm and intelligence!

Each time pressure was in his face there were absolutely no signs that the rookie was going to fall apart, there were no signs that he was going to crumble under the stress. In fact he simply got up again or walked back into the huddle totally unshaken. With all the pressure that Bradford received on Saturday, even the seasoned veteran might have become flustered and made horrible mistakes, but Bradford would have no part of that and instead was seen taking control and when given a bad situation made sure that he didn't make bad decisions on the field.

Time and time again during his stint on the field he made sure that if a play was not going to unfold as it should, he would make sure that at least the other team wouldn't benefit from it with an inherent pass floating into the hands of the opponents, nor did he have any foolish fumbles that the opponents could benefit from.

Rams fans and coaches alike should be proud of how he handled himself under such pressure and be reassured that they do have the guy that they need to make this a grand organization again. He's going to need help, something he none of on Saturday. There is a lot of work ahead for this team especially on the offensive line and those players had better be finding a way to improve to protect this $78 million dollar investment or they may be finding themselves in the unemployment line in the near future.

Veterans Impressed

2010-08-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Well it seems that Sam the Ram was able to walk onto the field today for his first official practice and pull it off. According to several veterans they were knocked off their feet with how natural he acted on the field. There were no rookie jitters, nothing of the sort. He maturely walked onto the field with both fellow rookies and veterans and took over the huddle as if he'd been working with these same guys for years.

This is a relatively good start for a rookie. The minute you walk onto the field you impress the veterans instead of receiving their scorn you receive their praise. This is good, very good.

Now we need to see how fast he can impress the coaches and if he will truly be ready by Sept. 12th. Rookie or not, we need new blood in there to give us hope.

It won't be long before we finally find out if Sam's the man.

Tom Condon Leaves Bad Taste in Mouth

2010-07-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

I hate the idea of Bradford have Condon as his agent. To me, it doesn't matter just how good this agent is suppose to be, I still have a bad taste in my mouth from him and how he guided some of his other clients in the past.

Bradford needs to be signed in three weeks and they haven't begun the negotiations. We all know from the past that Condon has a reputation of having his clients hold out until the contract is up to Condon's standards and desires and not those of the player.

I have never believed that Condon has the best interests of his clients in mind. Personally I feel it is his best interests first then the players.

I hope that Bradford will somehow be able to rise above the tactics of Condon and is not afraid to stand up for what he thinks is right and not what Condon thinks is right.

Otherwise there could be interference with the growth of our number one pick and that is the last thing this team needs right now is a hold out and the player they are going to build this team around not getting all the training he can get.

You Gotta Feel For This Guy

2010-06-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Vobora is one guy, "Mr. Irrelevant", that I've been secretly rooting for all along. Big time underdog and boy does it ever continue for him. Below is an account of what this poor guy has been going through. I hope that he does clear his name and continues to be a member of the team. I think he's got talent and should be given another shot.

To say the Rams' David Vobora has had an eventful year would be akin to saying
the Gulf of Mexico has a small oil problem. Since training camp last year,
Vobora:

— Earned a starting job at strongside linebacker to begin his second NFL season.

— Was suspended for four games for violating the league's policy on
performance-enhancing substances, costing him $90,588 in salary.

— Regained his first-team assignment after being reinstated.

— Filed a suit in federal court against the company that provided the tainted
workout supplement.

— Was demoted after the Rams signed free-agent linebacker Na'il Diggs and
assigned him to the top strongside spot.

Throughout it all, Vobora has remained resolutely philosophical.

"My whole football career, from high school on into the pros, I kind of feel
like I've sort of been behind the 8-ball. It's been an uphill battle," he said.
"But I wouldn't want it any other way. That's what I'm all about, proving
people wrong. And that's what I've got to do again."

In the courtroom, Vobora wants to prove that he wasn't at fault. His agent said
that before taking the tainted supplement, Vobora called an NFL hot line, read
off the ingredients, and was told that none would produce a positive test.

Although he's seeking compensation for the salary he forfeited, Vobora stressed
that money isn't the motivating factor. Clearing his name is.

"Vindication's the No. 1 thing," he said. "Lost wages is lost wages."

On the field, Vobora wants to prove that he's still worthy of a starting role,
regardless of the competition from Diggs or anyone else. "My approach stays the
same: no matter who that guy is, beat him," he said.

Vobora has overcome long odds before. He was the 2008 draft's "Mr. Irrelevant"
— the last player among 252 selected. The University of Idaho product stuck
with the club, on the practice squad at first.

He moved up to the 53-man active roster in October and wound up playing in
eight games, with one start. He won a first-team spot in training camp last
year and was among the Rams' leaders in tackles after the first three games.

Then came the suspension, keeping him out of action until mid-November. Now,
he's battling again to carve out a role for himself. He's been working mostly
at middle linebacker this spring, behind James Laurinaitis.

"He's settled in and kind of concentrated just at 'mike' linebacker," coach
Steve Spagnuolo noted. "But I think any of the so-called backup linebackers
have to be able to play more than one (position). So somewhere along the way
you'll see him play some outside linebacker, too."

The 6-foot-1, 242-pound Vobora, 24, said he feels comfortable in the middle.
"There's a lot of action," he said. And some stiff mental challenges: the
middle linebacker is charged with making the defensive adjustments based on the
looks the offense presents.

"There are a lot of calls and checks in this defense," Vobora said. "James does
a heck of a job, so I'm just trying to ride off that."

Vobora said he understands the value of soaking up as much information as he
can.

"Just learning from the older guys, being able to listen," he said. "And I
can't tell you how much I've learned just from Spags in general. … Once you
start listening to those tips (from) guys that have been around the game, then
the stuff (on the field) really slows down. You're putting your eyes on the
right things; that way your keys are faster and your footwork's better."

All the better to push his career forward, regardless of what obstacles might
loom.

"I'm excited for this (upcoming training) camp," Vobora said. "Going into year
three, it's time to take it to the next level and be a playmaker, no matter
whether that's defense, special teams, wherever I'm at. That's what I'm looking
to do."

Should Bradford Be Coddled?

2010-06-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of talk about Sam Bradford going to be the face of the franchise but that he should not be rushed into anything. Even the coaching staff is giving off the impression that they are in no hurry at all about starting Bradford.

I'm not really sure if that is really the smartest thing to do in the case of the Rams. If you are going to take a quarterback at such a high pick, outwardly say he's the new face of the franchise, you can't expect him to take second fiddle to A.J. Feely. I'm sorry, it's not right and I don't see how Bradford is going to benefit from this kind of coddling.

If you want your quarterback to learn the ways of the NFL it's not going to happen on the practice field, not with the quarterback position. The only way he is going to learn is to be baptized by fire. He needs to experience the NFL as it really is and not how it looks from the sidelines.

Adversity Builds Character

2010-05-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that all of you have been reading as many things about the rookies that you can get your hands on.

I myself have been touched by the hard luck story of Mardy Gilyard. When you hear stories like his you know that this person knows what the hard knocks of life are all about. You know that they will either fail or thrive because adversity can build fine character or it can create a person who allows themselves to be swallowed by the adversity and come out fighting and holding a grudge against society.

As for Mardy Gilyard it has already be seen that he is letting the adversity to drive his life in a positive manner. Someone who had to live out of his car to finish college is a true test of character and in June he will see the fruits of his labors by graduating from college. Furthermore he comes to a team that is need of not just talent but those with the character to handle adversity.

Mardy will be facing plenty adversity as a Ram, but if how he responded to it in college is any sign at all, we could be blessed with a player who not only makes good impressions on the field but off the field as well.

Welcome to the Rams Mardy!

Argue if You Must

2010-04-26T07:52:00.001-07:00

You can argue all you want about the Rams number one pick. You can say Suh was the best choice hands down until you are blue in the face. But it is not going to change things. The Rams understood just how horrendous the offense was. It was going nowhere under Bulger. There was no room for improvement. They understood that we had the weakest offense out of 32 teams.

The Rams need a young talented player to build around. Steven Jackson needs someone that the team builds around so that he can perhaps let go of some of the burden. It is always better to build a team around a quarter back than any other player on the team. You can't build a team around Suh and besides the Rams defense was actually beginning to improve at the end of the year last year. The defense will have a better shot at improving if their offense isn't as pathetic as it was last year.

Sam Bradford is the real deal and instead of saying we should have taken Suh, we should be welcoming the new face of the franchise.

Where Are They Now? Part 6

2010-03-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

Matt Willig played for the Super Bowl 34 Rams and retired after a stint with the 49ers. He went on to do some acting.

In 2009, he had supporting role as a caveman tormenting Jack Black and Michael Cera in the motion picture Year One. He appeared as a gang member named Little Chino on the Showtime series Dexter (2007). He has appeared as a bodyguard named Uri on the NBC series Chuck, and has also appeared in an episode of My Name is Earl entitled "Bullies". Matt has acted in numerous national commercial campaigns, including a Capital One spot with David Spade, a Bud Light spot, and as an action hero in a Halls commercial. He also appeared in a season 7 episode of Malcolm In the Middle, as a recovering alcoholic named Crash and had a small role in the 1993 Hong Kong action movie Full Contact. He has also appeared in a minor role in iCarly as the "Sledghammer".

He lives in Brentwood, CA with his wife Chris.

Az-Zahir Ali Hakim

1998

Hakim was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. He appeared in nine games including four starts during his rookie season, catching 20 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown. He collected three receptions in first career game at the Chicago Bears on November 8, 1998. He made his first start against the Carolina Panthers two weeks later, making two receptions for 25 yards. He scored two touchdowns (nine-yard touchdown reception, 34-yard run on reverse for a touchdown) in victory over the New England Patriots on December 13.

1999

In 1999, Hakim would have quite possibly his best career season. He would also earn a Super Bowl ring after the Rams beat the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. During the regular season, Hakim appeared in 15 games and caught 39 passes for 677 yards and eight touchdowns. His touchdown total was second on the team behind only Isaac Bruce's 12, while Hakim's 18.8 average remains also remains a personal best. Hakim also added his first punt return touchdown on the season.

Hakim had the best game of his career against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 3, becoming only the fourth player in team history to score four touchdowns in a game. The feat tied the mark previous reached by Bob Shaw, (1949) Elroy Hirsch (1951) and Harold Jackson (1973). His 84-yard punt return for a touchdown tied for the fifth longest in team history and was the third longest in the league during the 1999 season. He also set the team record for punt return yards in a game with 147. All three of his receptions went for touchdowns (9, 51, 18), and he became the first Rams’ player with three receiving touchdowns in a game since December 15, 1996 when Eddie Kennison accomplished the feat against the Atlanta Falcons.

In addition to his career game, Hakim also posted his first 100-yard receiving game against the Carolina Panthers on December 5. Hakim's four receptions, 122 yards and two scores helped St. Louis clinch the division that day.

2000

Hakim continued his impressive production in 2000, setting career highs in multiple statistical categories. His 53 catches, 734 yards, long reception of 80 yards and 32 receptions for first downs remain personal bests. His four touchdowns on the year also represent the second-best total of his career. On special teams, Hakim's 15.8 punt return average led the NFC and was second in the NFL. He also returned his second punt for a score during the season.

The best game of the season for Hakim came in the regular season opener against the Denver Broncos on September 4. During the game, Hakim racked up five catches, 116 yards and two touchdowns. He set a career best with an 80-yard touchdown grab, and also took a punt 86 yards for a score. Hakim was one of three Rams players to surpass 100 yards on offense during the game (wide receiver Torry Holt and running back Marshall Faulk being the others), marking just the second time in franchise history the feat had been accomplished.

Other highlights on the season for Hakim include a November 5 contest against the Panthers when he had eight catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, as well as a 65-yard punt return in the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints on December 30. That game also featured a lowlight for Hakim, as he muffed a Saints' punt in the closing minute, allowing the Saints to retain possession and run out the clock, killing what was nearly an impressive Rams comeback.

2001

In what would be his last season as a member of the Rams, Hakim totaled 39 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns. He appeared in all 16 games for the second straight season and started two of them. His punt return average took a significant dive from the year before, dropping from 15.3 in 2000 to just 9.2 in 2001.

In late September, Hakim joined Henry Ellard, LeRoy Irvin an Eddie Kennison as the only Rams players to amass more than 1,000 career punt return yards. He passed Kennison to move into third place all-time the following month.

Also during the season, Hakim completed his first career pass with a 51-yard touchdown to Isaac Bruce. Hakim also had 90 receiving yards and five rushing yards in a Super Bowl XXXVI loss to the New England Patriots.

2002

Hakim joined the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2002 and proceeded to have a rebound season in terms of receiving yards and in the punt return game. He started all 10 games in which he appeared during the season, catching 37 passes for 541 yards and three touchdowns. He also posted a 14.8 punt return average and had his third career return touchdown.

It didn't take long for Hakim to make a splash with his new team, as he holds the honor of scoring the first touchdown at Ford Field following the team's move from the Pontiac Silverdome. Other season highlights include a career-high nine receptions against the Miami Dolphins and seven catches for 143 yards against and a score on the first offensive play of the game against the Green Bay Packers.

Hakim suffered a hip injury on a shuffle pass against the New York Jets on November 17. He would miss the rest of the season due to the injury, and was the team's leading receiver when he was placed on Injured Reserve on November 10.

2003

Despite missing the first two games of the 2003 season recovering knee surgery, Hakim went on to start 12 of the 14 games he appeared in and become Detroit's leading receiver during the season. He finished the year with 49 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns.

Highlights from the season include a 21-yard pass to fellow wideout Charles Rogers (the second pass and completion of his career), a two-point conversion on a pass from Joey Harrington against the Chicago Bears, and a crucial 18-yard catch on a game winning drive in another contest against the Bears. He had 19 catches over a three-game span during the year, which was the most ever for him in that amount. However, his best game of the season came against his former team, as he totaled 101 yards on offense and scored a touchdown against the Rams.

2004

In 2004, Hakim finished second on the team in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns despite missing four games due to ankle, back and groin injuries during the season. He finished with 31 receptions for 533 yards and three touchdowns.

Early in the season against the Houston Texans, Hakim eclipsed the 3,000-yard receiving mark for his career. In a game against the Minnesota Vikings, he and Roy Williams became the first Lions duo to each reach 100 receiving yards in the same game in nearly five years.

2005

Hakim was released by the Lions in April 2005. He received interest from multiple teams before and on June 15 it was believed he had signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. The move would have reunited him with former Rams head coach Dick Vermeil. However, some provisions in the contracts caused the league to void the deal, and Hakim and Vermeil decided it would be best if he did not join the team. Hakim signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on June 19.

During the season, Hakim was the team's third best receiver and finished with 34 catches for 489 yards and two touchdowns. He set a career high with nine kickoff returns, while his punt return average was the lowest of his career at just 7.6 yards.

2006

Despite receiving some interest in the 2006 offseason, Hakim remained unsigned until the regular season began. He signed a one-year deal to return to the Lions in 2006, despite new head coach Rod Marinelli in charge. Not all was unfamiliar to Hakim, however, as this time around with the Lions he would be working with former Rams offensive coordinator and head coach Mike Martz, who was now the offensive coordinator in Detroit.

Hakim's second tenure with the Lions was not nearly as productive or long as the first. In six games with the team, he caught just 17 passes for 147 yards. He was eventually released on October 30, and remained unsigned until joining the San Diego Chargers on December 14 after wide receiver Malcolm Floyd was placed on Injured Reserve. Hakim was inactive for all three games as a Charger, resulting in the first season of his professional career in which he did not score a touchdown.

2007

After his contract expired following the 2006 season, Hakim once again became a free agent. He received little interest on the open market, but on March 22 he signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. The move reunited him with new Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron, who was offensive coordinator in San Diego the previous season.

2009

Az-Zahir Hakim signed a contract in the UFL and the Las Vegas Locomotives. He also decided to start his own burger establishment called "Quickies" located in the Tempe area.

Where Are They Now? Part 5

2010-03-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tony Horne

Antonio Tremaine Horne (born March 21, 1976) is a former professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). Undrafted as a walk on, he played the 1998, 1999, and 2000 seasons with the St. Louis Rams, where he was primarily used as a wide receiver and kickoff returner. In 1998, he finished sixth in the NFL with 1306 yards on kick returns, adding 892 yards in 1999, and 1379 in 11 games in 2000, when he again finished sixth in the league.^[1] Horne works as a strength and speed coach at D1 Sports Training in Greenville. He attended Richmond Senior High in Rockingham, North Carolina, where he was a quarterback and a wide receiver in college at the University of Clemson. In 2000 he signed on as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs before suffering a knee injury during that preseason that ended his pro career.

Mike Jones

Michael Anthony Jones (born April 15, 1969, in Kansas City, Missouri) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. During his NFL career, which started in 1991 and ended after 2002, Jones played on three teams: the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, the St. Louis Rams, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jones attended college at the University of Missouri, where he originally played as a running back. He was converted to the linebacker position when he signed with the Raiders as a rookie free agent.

He is well known for his actions during the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV, known as The Tackle, when he tackled then-Titans receiver Kevin Dyson at the one-yard line to preserve a Rams victory. He also had a superb performance during the regular season that year, recording 1 sack and 4 interceptions, which he returned for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also recovered 2 fumbles, returning them for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Jones finished his 12 seasons with 9 sacks, 8 interceptions, 132 return yards, 5 fumble recoveries, 94 return yards, and 4 touchdowns (2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries) in 183 games. He is currently the head coach of the football team at Hazelwood East High School in Hazelwood, Missouri.

London Fletcher

London Levi Fletcher-Baker (born May 19, 1975 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He spent four seasons with the Rams before joining the Buffalo Bills in 2002. On March 2, 2007, Fletcher and the Redskins agreed to a 5-year, $25 million contract with a $10 million signing bonus. Known as one of the most consistent and knowledgeable linebackers in the game, Fletcher has never missed a game in his lengthy career, a feat further magnified by the intense physicality of the middle linebacker position.

St. Louis Rams

Fletcher began his professional career with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent.He was one of the two rookie free agents to make Rams’ opening day roster, he played in all 16 regular season games, starting the season finale at San Francisco. Fletcher earned the Rams Rookie of the Year Award as teams’ Rookie of the Year^[1].

In 1999, Fletcher led the Rams in tackles after winning the starting middle linebacker position during training camp, he led the Rams with 138 tackles for the season were the most by a Ram since Roman Phifer collected 149 in 1995 season^[1]. He was a starting linebacker for the Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV, in which the Rams defeated the Titans 23-16. He also was named to the All-Madden team. In 2000, he again led the team with 193 tackles, eclipsing old franchise mark of 185 set by LB Jim Collins in 1984. Fletcher earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the first time in his career after making 14 tackles (9 solo) and tying a career-high with two sacks against the Minnesota Vikings on November 10^[1]. He established season and career highs in sacks (5.5), interceptions (4), and quarterback pressures (9) and adding a forced fumble^[2].

In 2001, Fletcher earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice, first in the game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 23, he led the team with a career-high 21 tackles, 15 solo. The second time was after his big performance against the New England Patriots on November 18 as he led the team with 17 tackles with one pass deflection; forced a fumble on the Rams’ three-yard line that led to a 97-yard scoring drive to end the first half and intercepted a Tom Brady pass with 5:18 left in the third quarter for an 18-yard return^[3]. This season the Rams made the Super Bowl XXXVI but were defeated by the Patriots 20–17, after kicker Adam Vinatieri made a game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired.

Buffalo Bills

After 2001 season, Fletcher was signed by the Buffalo Bills and immediately made an impact on Bills defense, setting a career high and franchise record with 209 tackles, breaking the old mark of 206 set by Chris Spielman in 1996^[1]. He also was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate eight times though he has never actually been a Pro Bowler^[4]. Since 2002, Fletcher started all 16 regular season games for the Bills until his last season in 2006, when he Recorded a team-high 157 tackles, including nine for loss, set a career high with 14 deflections and tied a career high with four interceptions. On September 10, in the first regular season game, Fletcher scored his first career touchdown after recovering a fumble by patriots´Tom Brady and returning it five yards for a touchdown only 12 seconds into the game^[5]. Fletcher was named a 2007 Pro Bowl alternate in his last season as a Bill.

Washington Redskins

On March 2, 2007, he signed with the Washington Redskins for five years and $25 million^[6]^[7]. He currently serves as a captain for the defense. Fletcher was named to the NFC squad in the 2010 Pro Bowl after Jonathan Vilma's New Orleans Saints qualified for Super Bowl XLIV.^[8] Fletcher was also one of three candidates for the 2009 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which was ultimately won by the Kansas City Chiefs's Brian Waters^[9] He also finally made the 2010 Pro Bowl as a Washington Redskin, but only due to the other players ahead of his declining to go to the Pro Bowl.

Prior to the 2006 season, he adopted the "Baker" to his last name to honor his late grandmother.
Fletcher and his wife Charne have two children, a daughter who was born during the 2007 offseason and a son who was born in August 2008.^[1].
in 2008, the Redskins nominated Fletcher as their Walter Payton Man of the Year Award representative^[10].
In 2007, he was named co-winner of the B.J. Blanchard Award, along with quarterback Jason Campbell, an honor given annually to a Redskins player who best helps the local media do their jobs^[1].
Has been named a Pro Bowl Alternate 9 times. He made his first Pro Bowl after the 2009 season via replacing Jonathan Vilma, due to prepping for the Super Bowl. Fletcher once considered himself the NFL version of Susan Lucci, who won a Daytime Emmy in 1999 in her 19th attempt.

Where Are They Now? Part 4

2010-03-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

This time around we are focusing on Kevin Greene a much loved Ram for years by Rams fans from all over the country. The latest on Greene is from last year.

When former linebacker Kevin Greene called seeking an interview for a job, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers had only one question for him.

"Are you sure you're ready?"

In the five previous years, Greene had served brief summer stints in Pittsburgh, Miami, Jacksonville, St. Louis and Cincinnati as a volunteer assistant coach, and if asked then, his answer would have been no. But when he saw Capers, his old coach in Pittsburgh and Carolina, had landed a coordinator's job in Green Bay, he decided there was no time like the present.

"We had talked over the years and I never thought it was the right time," Greene said in a telephone interview Monday from his home in Florida. "I told him when I called him this was the right time. I wanted to get into it."

"I'm humbled," said Greene, whose long, blond hair and frenzied style of play were as much his trademark as his 160 sacks during a 15-year career. "I'm tickled to death. It's an awesome day for me. The opportunity to be a coach for the Green Bay Packers . . . good googly."

Given Moss was passed over for the defensive coordinator's job and now has to share responsibilities with the linebackers, it wouldn't be surprising if the working relationship between Moss and Greene was a bit strained. But McCarthy had them meet when Greene came to town and the two spent time getting to know one another.

"We spent about an hour together and I don't think there will be any issue," Greene said. "Winston is old school, just like me. My first year was 1985. His was 1987. He's a guy who would hit you just like I would. He believes in the same kind of physical mentality that I do. We hit it off."

Given that in his final season in the NFL, Greene went after Carolina assistant coach Kevin Steele on the sideline with an intent to fight him, it could get interesting with the two volatile coaches working side by side. Greene, however, had gotten good reviews from the Steelers for his work last summer with the team's linebackers and Capers figured he needed someone to help him make the transition to a 3-4 scheme.

Greene personified the 3-4 outside linebacker in Capers' blitz-happy defense, finishing third on the NFL's all-time sack list behind Bruce Smith and Reggie White. His understanding of the position will help potential outside linebackers Aaron Kampman, Brady Poppinga, Desmond Bishop and Jeremy Thompson adjust to a new position.

"He gave us a lot of technique tips," Steelers linebacker James Harrison, the 2008 NFL defensive player of the year, said during a Super Bowl XLIII media gathering Monday. "He's going to be real intense."

Defensive end Brett Keisel, a seventh-year pro, said he really enjoyed it when Greene visited camp, even it was only for a week. He said Greene had a presence among many of the defensive players and showed the same passion he did when he was playing.

"I love Kevin," Keisel said. "He's, like, one of the greatest guys I've ever met. Not only did I watch him and idolize him growing up and as a young player, he came out to training camp and helped not just the linebackers but the D-linemen.

Greene, 46, was not the typical NFL player. While attending Auburn University, he took ROTC classes and later became an Army paratrooper. For 19 years he served as a captain in the Army Reserves, using his offseasons to fulfill his commitment.

He played for Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Carolina and San Francisco, finishing his career in 1999. His fiery personality and penchant for the dramatic drew him to professional wrestling where in 1997 he teamed with former Chicago Bear Steve McMichael in the WCW.

The NFL ordered him to give up wrestling.

Now an assistant coach, Greene said his job would be to get the outside linebackers accustomed to the 3-4 defense and play with the same kind of intensity he did.

"I played four years with Dom, two in Pittsburgh and two in Carolina," Greene said. "Two of those years I led the NFL in sacks. We were always very productive with our 3-4 blitz scheme. I'm very familiar with what he's trying to implement."

"I'm just fired up. I played fired up as you probably know. I played with passion and desire. I have 15 years of on-field experience and my knowledge of how to play this position is second to none."

Where Are They Now? Part 3

2010-02-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

Adam Timmerman

Former South Dakota State Jackrabbit, .then NFL offensive lineman Adam Timmerman retired as a player after the 2007 season.

And now he's gone back to his hometown of Cherokee Iowa.

After making millions of dollars in a 12-year NFL career with the Packers and Rams. Coming home to Cherokee was an easy choice for the Timmerman family.

Adam Timmerman "That was always the plan...the longer we were in the NFL...we got to love the cites...when we were in Green Bay...we loved Green Bay...when we were in St. Louis...we loved St. Louis...but at 35...I wasn't working...and I needed something."

Jana Timmerman "We grew up here...and no everyone...but at first people were shy or stand offish...because they thought we were different...but we're not different...we haven't changed."

Adam spends much of his time helping run five John Deere dealerships and working on the family farm...

Timmerman "I was going to come back and farm with my dad...but he passed away 10-years ago...so I farm with my brother...we can do it together."

Timmerman played two Super Bowls with the Packers, and two with the Rams, winning one with each team. His rings are a popular attraction

Timmerman "I don't wear them...they're pretty gaudy and would draw a lot of attention...but that's not me. Sometimes people say they want to see the rings...so I'll bring them around...I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time in my career with my teammates...it was fun."

Adam has also got into some coaching. He coached his son Mason's 3rd and 4th grade football team last fall.

Timmerman "That was an eye opening experience...I hope I was able to help the kids...it was fun as the season went on to see them progress...they had a bet on the first night of practice...as to whether I was going to show up in a limo...I showed up in my truck."

Where Are They Now? Part 2

2010-02-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

Although this is not a true Where Are They Now, it is someone that stole many of Rams hearts with his great quarterbacking ability and his goodness as a human being.

Warner will always be remembered by all Rams fans and we hope that we will be able to share in some way the next chapter in his life.

Below is a Q & A session between Dan Patrick and Kurt.

Q & A With Kurt Warner

DP: Remember a couple of years ago, you said to me, what do I have to do to be a Hall of Famer?
KW: I definitely remember that conversation. You asked me if I was a Hall of Famer, and I asked you and you said 'not yet,' but if … you can finish the story.

DP: I said if you got to the Super Bowl, then I think that would put you over the edge. How much did what you've accomplished and if it was enough to be a Hall of Famer [factor in to your decision]?
KW: It didn't really factor in. The one thing about my career, I don't know if it would have mattered how much longer I had played -- one year, two years ... the whole question is going to be that time in the middle. Did he play enough football? I'm never going to have the overall stats. I'm never going to have played in as many games as all these great ones who have played 17, 18 years. The question is going to be what did he accomplish in the time he was on the field?

DP: But you feel like you're a Hall of Famer?
KW: I do. I feel like when I've had an opportunity to play, I've played it as well as anybody. To me, that's what the Hall of Fame is all about. It shouldn't be built on stats and all those other things.

DP: How confident are you that Matt Leinart will be your successor?
KW: I'm confident he's going to have a job and have an opportunity to prove whether he deserves it. Beyond that, I think there's just a lot of questions. Even playing with him and seeing what he's capable of doing on the practice field and even sometimes in game situations. I still don't know what Matt Leinart's gonna be. I still don't know what his resume's gonna be when he's all done. I just haven't seen him play enough. I haven't seen him in numerous situations. I haven't seen him play game after game after game and do things consistently. Jus like anybody, it takes time to develop and figure out what you're going to be.

DP: Do you think it's more mental or physical with Matt?
KW: I think it's a combination of both. I think he's got the physical skills. I think he’s got the mental ability to be able to play this game. Understands the game, understands reads and the system were in. But for me, great quarterbacks [have] the ability to put bother of those things together. To be able to see things. To react quickly to what you see. And then being able to have your body do what you want it to do. ... He's gotta put all that together. I haven't seen him do all those things and do them at a high level.
But now, I'm going to be out of the picture. He's not going to feel that pressure to live up to that expectation as far as me being behind him. Now we'll see if he can settle into that position and let his skills take over.

DP: Super Bowl's on the line, you can throw to one of your former wide receiver, who are you throwing to?
KW: Where am I at on the field, what's' the situation?

DP: You need a touchdown, you're at the 15-yard line. One last play, you need a touchdown to win the Super Bowl.
KW: If I'm throwing the ball into the end zone, I'm throwing it to Larry Fitzgerald so he can go up and get it. If I'm not throwing it into the end zone, I'm throwing it to Anquan Boldin because he's as good as anybody I've been around at catching the ball making the catch and making guys miss and making plays after the catch.

Where Are They Now? - Returns

2010-01-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

Last year we started the series Where Are They Now for the off season. I decided that we could try it again this year.

We'll start the series off with....

Wendell Tyler

In his 10-year NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, Tyler rushed for 6,387 yards and scored 50 touchdowns. But he also fumbled 64 times—more than all but eight other running backs in NFL history. "I either gave the fans a thrill or a chill," says Tyler, 47. "There was no in-between."

Overall wear and tear, including a knee injury, forced Tyler to retire in 1987, and for the next 10 years he owned a landscaping business in his hometown of Lancaster, Calif. After getting his real estate license in 1994, he bought, renovated and resold houses. Since 2000 he has worked for Century 21 Yarrow & Associates.

In his spare time he helps coach Marc's team. "I love being around the game," says Tyler, who with his wife of 31 years, Carmen, have four children: Candace, 31, Wendell Jr., 28, Megan, 23 and Marc 22. "I tell the kids that you have to have confidence—even if you fumble."

Growing up in Louisiana, Tyler dreamed of playing in the NFL. He started making his case to the pros in the final game of his junior season at UCLA, the 1976 Rose Bowl, in which he rushed for 172 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown dash, in a 23-10 upset of No. 1 Ohio State. The Rams took Tyler in the third round of the '77 draft. He didn't get much playing time in his first two seasons, but he broke loose for 1,109 yards in '79 and 1,074 in '81. Three years later, as part of a potent 49ers backfield that included fullback Roger Craig, he gained 1,262 yards and then was the leading rusher (65 yards) for San Francisco in its 38-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX.

But the defining moment of Tyler's life came on the night of July 4, 1980. He was in the passenger seat of his brother-in-law's car on a mountain road in West Virginia when the vehicle crashed into a concrete storm drain. Tyler suffered a dislocated hip and missed all but four games of the following season. "That accident changed me," says Tyler, who became a born-again Christian soon after. "I had taken my life and ability for granted. After the accident I realized there was someone higher than me."

He returned to form the next season, but he still had trouble holding onto the football. "I was always trying to go for extra yards," says Tyler of why he fumbled so often. "I tell my son to protect the ball. All good backs fumble."

Thank God It Is Over!

2010-01-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

I thought I was glad to see 2008 end. That was nothing compared to this year. This miserable year just drug on and on and on, wasn't even sure if I was going to make it out with my sanity in tact.

Now it is time to lick our huge gaping wounds and take a look at the mess they call the Rams. To our dismay, the fans, we've come to realize that this was probably the worst Rams team to ever don those wonderful horns. The absolute worst. How sad is that?

We have no one qualified to be a QB
We have just one stud, in Steven Jackson on offense. We didn't get to find out about Laurent Robinson who looked as if he might have had a shot at being a stud.
We still can't stop the run. The brightest star on the defense was rookie James Laurenitis.
Our corners and safeties are too small, Bartell would have to be the best so far.
The only thing we seemed to improve upon, which has always been our weekness and that would be Danny Amendola for kick returns. We may have found something there.

So with this knowledge, what the heck are they going to do with first round draft pick? Some say QB, some say defense. I believe if you pick a QB in the first round, then you better be darn sure that he is good enough to start, otherwise forget it. I would suggest that the Rams focus on Suh of Nebraska, this is one guy that I feel could make all the difference in the world for the defense. He is an immediate impact player combined with Long and Laurenitis, we might just have a defense that improves on the spot with just one player.

As for QB, according to all the scouts this is a QB rich draft which means we could wait until the second round before trying to fill that need, even so, with a rookie QB and three pieces of dead weight on the roster, the Rams will still have to look outside of the draft to get a decent veteran on the team. (Ahhh had we just kept KW).

There is far more work to do on this team than it looks like Spags anticipated. 2010 will have to show some major improvement or Spags' days as a HC in the NFL could be numbered.

The End Will Soon Be Here

2009-12-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

How sad this season has been. No one really expected a real good season, but I don't think that the team would end the season with just one win. Which it probably will be same time next week.

There are some things we've found out during this painfully long season.

1. We do NOT have a quarterback that can lead this team.
2. We only have one superior player in Steven Jackson.
3. Our receiving corp will never be anything like the that of Bruce & Holt.
4. The defense still can't figure out to stop the run.
5. Even with Spags the team seems undisciplined with all the mistakes they continue you make week after week.
6. Shurmur is not the answer with his more often than not vanilla and predictable offensive scheme.
7. About the only unit on the team that doesn't need help is Special Teams.

Spags has a lot more work to do in the off season and he and Devaney had better get it done right or his career as a head coach in St. Louis could be over sooner than expected. Some sort of improvement must be seen in 2010.

Go Rams!

Steven Jackson, He's What's Right With Football

2009-12-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

I will not claim to have written the following because I didn't. But I felt it should be shared in case you didn't see it. And because I agree with every word of it. My hat's off to SJ!

By Doug Farrar
Yahoo Sports

St. Louis Rams halfback Steven Jackson has never enjoyed a winning season since he was drafted in 2004 -- the best the Rams have done is two 8-8 seasons in Jackson's time there, and they've won a grand total of six games in the last three years. Amid severe personnel and coaching turnover in the last few seasons, Jackson has been the team's one constant -- he's never rushed for under 1,000 yards in a full season, even when he was sharing time with Marshall Faulk early on and running behind patchwork lines and working with aging or inept quarterbacks more recently.

But for all his team's troubles, you'll never see Jackson give anything less than full effort. In St. Louis' 16-13 loss to the Houston Texans today, Jackson rushed for 82 yards on 20 carries in the face of a defense focused almost completely on him. Because when your quarterback is the legendary Keith Null, opposing defenses can commit eight to the box without question. Jackson can counter all that attention because he still has every bit of the speed and strength that has made him one of the NFL's best at his position.
Jackson also has an ability to transcend his surroundings and play above the efforts of those around him. His team is 1-13 and he's got a back injury that has prevented him from practicing for the past month. Friends and family want him to stop and recuperate for next season, but Jackson is having none of it.
"I love football, I love this team ... "(Shutting it down) has been whispered in my ear, and that's from people on my side looking out for what's best for my future, but I love to play. I only have two more games to play this season. I'm just going to gut it out.''
Against the Texans, he also exchanged a little smack talk with safety Bernard Pollard and then got into a fight with Pollard that left Jackson with a fat lip. It didn't stop him from giving his all. Nothing does.
"I think he instills it in everybody else," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo told Steve Korte of the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat. "He's fiery, and you have to love that in this league. He gives us that all the time. He's never changed that way, and I hope he never does.''
It's easy, and even understandable, for players on horrible teams to gear it down as the season comes to a close. But the guys who don't understand anything but all-out effort under any circumstances should be recognized and appreciated, and that's exactly what Steven Jackson is.

What More is There Left to Be Said?

2009-12-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

I mean really? It's the same thing over and over and over again. Every week. It's like you just naturally say each week "So who are they going to lose against this week?" How much more losing can any one of us take? I know that it is wearing me out.

It's the same thing QB, no matter who he is seems to be allergic to the red zone. Never fails, drive the team down the field, but god forbid that you remember how to play once you get in scoring position. Boller is no better than Bulger. Boller, Bulger, Bulger, Boller, wouldn't matter, matching bookends for QB's. It's so sad that our team has become such a joke in the NFL.

It is time to put the kid in, Null. Come on, they need to stop using the excuse that he's not ready. I don't know about the rest of you, but did Bulger and does Boller ever look ready? How could he do any worse. Neither one of the others can win so what's the big deal if Null does the same thing? But he's never going to know if he himself is ready if they don't let him play.

Guess It's Never Going to End

2009-11-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

Well at least not this year. Doesn't seem to matter what QB you throw in, how much some of the young receivers improve, or how damn hard Jackson works, this team simply can't seem to find a way to win.

It is almost looking like the one win that they have thus far was a fluke. What else could it have been?

Even when they seem to have improved from week to week, they still can't seem to hang in there to win. Boller started off well and gave a lot of Rams fans hope early in the game, but just like Bulger he just didn't seem to have what it takes to keep it going for four quarters.

The Red Zone woes just seem to continue. They can drive the ball, there doesn't seem to be a problem there, but once they hit that Red Zone it's as if they are allergic to something in that 20 yard space of turf.

Spags has got more than a lot of work a head of him, he might be in need of a miracle if he can't find himself a quarterback especially, that can run this team and lead them to more than one or two victories a year.

GO RAMS!

Jackson Is the Man

2009-11-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

Time has come for some of the people of St. Louis, who for whatever reason have never warmed up to Steven Jackson, to let it go.

It's time that they pay attention. He's the face of the franchise now. It's time to stop entertaining the thoughts of using him as trade bait and picking up players that may not even come close to what he has to offer. He IS the face of the franchise.

Jackson's time has come. He has quieted his critics, he has opened the eyes of the NFL to his brilliant talent, it's time that folks in St. Louis give in and finally realize that the future of this franchise rests on the back of Steven Jackson and from here on out the team will be built around him.

This is a man that despite the teams losing record has still managed to gain respect all over the NFL, has been able to become a franchise leader historically with his 5th consecutive 1000+ yard season just this week and still has 6 more games to go.

He makes no demands on his coaches, works harder than anyone on the team, never gives up, doesn't whine to the press and keeps his nose clean off the field. What more could a group of fans want?

Steven Jackson deserves respect. It's time that it's truly given to him.

Losing This One

2009-11-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

Just didn't quite feel the same as all the other, often times embarrassing losses this year.

In fact this game actually gave us hope. The Rams had us believing again that they could win, that they had improved. Even down to the last few seconds they had us believing they could pull it off.

Of course it didn't happen and it really wasn't expected that we would against a team that is almost the equivalent of the long gone Greatest Show. But they did however; play much improved football where even they believed they could win.

OK, so it was only a moral victory, but it was a type of moral victory that this young team can feed off of. I guess you could say it was a win within a loss.

I hope that this positive trend will continue throughout the season and help them build a brighter and more successful season in 2010.

GO RAMS!

P.S. Bulger still has to go.

We Won, We Won, We Won!

2009-11-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Funny though, doesn't feel as good as I thought it might feel.

Maybe, it's because the same glaring problems still exist and beating our counterparts, the Detroit Lions simply made you realize just how glaring those problems are.

I'm glad we won, I'm glad we're not headed for 0-16, because had we not beat the Lions, that's where we'd be going. It's just that winning one game doesn't take away the following facts:

Bulger just stinks it up. You can make all the excuses you want to make, bad offensive line, still learning Spags' offense, whatever. None of the changes the fact that the man sucks it up as a quarterback. Even Josh Brown can throw for a longer pass that ends in a touchdown! All Bulger can do is throw INT's in the red zone.

We have no true wide receivers that stand out as being well, really good. With all the injuries that Avery has had, he's not beem able to prove anything except that he's a walking accident waiting to happen.

Pat Shurmur still has miles to go before his offensive scheme will be a threat to anyone, but then his cast of characters aren't anything to write home about either. But still you'd think Bulger could do something with it, it doesn't look too complicated that's for sure.

The only true talent to this very day that we have on offense is Steven Jackson. Even those who seemed to always find a reason not to like Jackson are now beginning to appreciate the talent this young man brings to the team. And heart, no one should ever question his heart. Jackson is a true leader and he's doing it without any help whatsoever. Reminiscent of the days when the great Barry Sanders played for a Lions team that had the worst offensive line in the NFL for the entire time Sanders played the game.

Yes, it was great to finally get a "W" in the win/loss column but somehow it's bitter sweet knowing that it might be the last one we get for the rest of the season.

Just Close the Coffin On This One

2009-10-26T15:37:00.000-07:00

End the misery already will you?

I tried drinking the kool aid that GeezerRam is drinking but just tastes too bitter to me to even swallow. Guess he forgot to put the sugar in it. (just kidding with you Geezer)

Seriously though, it's a tough season to digest, just when you thought that last year was the worst, this year comes around and slaps you right back into reality.

Only thing to hope for is no wins and get the #1 pick.

Oops, wait a minute, this is the Rams drafting isn't it?

GO RAMS

Does it Get More Heartbreaking?

2009-10-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought the season couldn't get more heartbreaking, along comes this game against the Jaguars.

One of the best games of the season for the defense. Heck they even tried to win it themselves with their grit, heart and Leonard Little showing them just how it's done, how not to ever give up, to play until the final whistle blows.

With all that the defense did for the offense, for it to end in yet another loss is almost too much to take. But to play so hard that you take it to OT and lose, it simply rips your heart out as a fan.

One thing that is so glaringly obvious is the fact that must be faced by Spags soon, not next month, not in the off season, not next week, but now....that the big bad truth is Bulger is one of the biggest problems we have on offense. How can you play with a guy that looks scared to death to play even when being protected well, or can't muster up a pass any farther than 8 yards. This pathetic display of leadership and skill or lack there of is more than this team can handle. I truly believe that with Bulger the Rams need to accept the fact that they are NOT going to win a game this year.

No Boller is not the answer, but why not try the kid out, why not give Knull at least one game and see what he can do. What can he do worse than Bulger, lose? Bulger isn't winning so where's the risk?

Just a thought.

GO RAMS

Can It Get Any Worse?

2009-10-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Just when you think it couldn't get any worse, it does.

It's just incredible how many mistakes this team continues to make each week. I just don't get how you can't learn from them and stop repeating them!

If you were to look at the stats alone, you would have thought the score would show that the Rams won the game. But it's hard to win a game when you gift wrap 21 points and hand them over to the opposition. 21 points should NOT have been on the scoreboard for the Vikings. It just leaves you with an empty, sick feeling.

This is my team, and yes, I will continue to support them, but I've decided to go into each game knowing that it's going to be a loss. Perhaps that way, when and if a win should come our way, it will be a pleasant surprise. And if it's yet another loss, well the let down really isn't there if you went into the game expecting a loss.

Let's hope that Spags and company though can figure out how to show these guys how to win, especially since there are only a couple of players left on the team that have ever seen the Rams win a game!!

Hanging Themselves

2009-10-05T08:10:00.001-07:00

Shooting themselves in the foot is too kind of a statement to express just how horrendous our team has become.

I sat through the entire Chiefs game waiting for the Rams game this week and while watching it I thought to myself "Wow, this team is really bad. I've never seen the Chiefs play worse than this. Man they might just be worse than the Rams.

Well that thought of the Chiefs being worse than the Rams got silenced once the Rams got on the field. After this recent debacle with the Rams, I'm afraid I've got to admit that the Rams have got to be the worst team in the NFL. How sad is that? I've been following the Rams since 1964 and this is the worst team I've ever witnessed. They actually surpass the dismal squad of the terrible 90's.

Every time they turn around they are doing stupid things. Not just an occasional oops but just downright stupid things. They pretty much hang themselves each time they go out onto that field on Sundays.

Maybe the horns on the helmets should be replaced with a noose.

It Was Bad Enough....

2009-09-28T11:55:00.000-07:00

That I had to try and write something for the website.

It's just so tough to try and stay positive in a sea of negativity.

I hope that the coaches eyes have been opened regarding Bulger. He really needs to be benched injury or no injury. I think given time Boller can get the team to respond even more. He seemed to inspire the team a little more than Bulger does.

It's worth a shot. What's it going to hurt benching Bulger and starting Boller? Another loss? Big deal we're use to that.

You want to improve a team, you can't play it safe, you have to take chances. That's the bottom line.

GO RAMS!

A Lesson in Futility

2009-09-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

OK, your star running back gets over a 100 yards rushing and you can only muster up 7 points on the scoreboard? What's wrong with this picture?

On the other side of the ball you have a unit stopping the opposing team over and over again in the red zone, holding them to mere field goals or even forcing punts from inside the end zone. There's half a team doing it's job. What's up with the other half?

For those who really try on this team, it's got to be heart wrenching to still see L's in the win/loss column. It must bring a feeling of futility. How long will it be before the entire team begins to totally give up again?

For all who seem to want to defend Bulger with their last breath, let's just try to give up on that awhile and look at what he's done for this team. Hmmmmm, I'm looking, I'm looking. In all my attempts to find something that I can bring up on his behalf, my search just ends in futility. So, since he's done zippo, nada, nil for this team, why is it unthinkable or unfair to bench him? Why?!! Didn't seem to bother anyone when someone who DID do something for this team (KW), was benched in favor of little ol' Bulger. I think his time has come and gone and it's time to try some new blood.

If we don't at least try, we'll never know the truth about Bulger. If the team wins without him that would be glaring proof, if not then nothing lost. But the team and the fans deserve to know.

The Fire Is Out Already

2009-09-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

St. Louis Rams. Matt Hasselbeck was nice enough to spot the Rams two interceptions, but the Rams appreciated the gesture so much that they turned right around and said, "You know what? Why don't you go ahead and just beat the hell out of us?" And then they did. The Seahawks almost doubled up the Rams in first downs and in total yards. Hasselbeck, after a rough start, rebounded for a nice day. (Yahoo Sports)

Well, that pretty much sums up how I feel right now about our first outing on the big stage. Pretty damn humiliating if you ask me.

For some strange reason, I was all fired up for the first game, but thanks to the ineptitude of our offense and the Seahawks, that fire was put out, not even leaving an ember left for next week.

I really hope that this is the beginning of the end of Bulger's career with the Rams because this Rams fan has simply had all she can take of him.

Unless Spags can work a miracle within a week, not only is he in for one very long season, so are the fans. And the fan base in St. Louis will be thinner than onion paper when wet and 2014 won't arrive fast enough for the fans there. Because they'll be packing the Rams bags for them.

Offense Vanilla - Defense Getting It Done

2009-09-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to say except that Spags is beginning to look like a defensive genius. Sure he has a defensive coordinator but....that does not mean that Spags' hands aren't all over this defense.

Even though the team did not register as many takeaways as they did against the Bengals, when they did register them, they were crucial to the Rams pulling off this win.

Also the strength that the Rams defense showed in holding the Chiefs to just field goals is a statement on it's on. Last year it wouldn't have mattered who the team was, the defense would have folded like a cheap lawn chair.

As always, my concerns still lie with the inability to stop the run, but if they can continue to stop teams in other ways, like they have been doing, this unit may end up as one of the most improved units in the NFL.

As for the offense. Still a lot isn't known about this unit right now. They're pretty vanilla at this point, but I realize we need to see a regular season with Jackson and I would assume Gado in full action.

Thumbs up to the D for yet another powerful performance.

GO RAMS!

Did Someone Wake Up?

2009-08-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

OK, three weeks into the pre-season and we've already won as many games as we did all season last year. You say, so what? It's just pre-season. This may be true, but any kind of win is going to build your teams confidence and that's what this team needs.

I think that Samkon Gado definitely is making a statement on who should be the back up to Steven Jackson. His performance in Thursday's game was flawless and pretty to watch as well. The Giants use to have their two back running game called Thunder and Lightening and now, I think we've found ours. Not to take anything away from Jackson, but Gado appears to be more of a compliment to Jackson and not just a back up. This could be our one, two punch that our offense needs. With type of running game, the QB is going to live a lot longer.

The defense was very impressive with their aggressive play against the Bengals with 2 batted passes, one INT, 6 sacks and 4 fumbles. Now that's what I'm talking about! This is the kind of defense we've been missing since the days of the "Greatest Show" was around. And kudos to James Butler with his 73 yard TD dash! And Laurinaitis is showing some real promise and may end up actually being one heck of a rookie impact player this year, this kid is impressive!

Only drawback with the Rams defense AGAIN is the running game. Still to this very day they have a tendancy to allow long bursts from runners no matter who the runner is. I don't know if they have problems reading the running plays or just don't get it, but something needs to be done, it's really old hat.

All and all though the Rams and all their units did well against the Bengals.

P.S. Just discovered Bengal fans are worse than Rams fans. With still about 5 minutes left in the game the stadium was all but empty, by the 2 minute warning, it was empty except for probably some Rams fans, media and the teams. Pathetic. Pre-Season or not that was pathetic!

GO RAMS!

Ouch! What Happened?

2009-08-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's hard to say what really happened in this past game. I even got to see it this week and I was hoping to see some of what I read about from last week's game. But alas, I was utterly disappointed. The defense that seemed to have improved overnight, from what I could see had dropped back down to it's "norm" of unable to stop the run. The over tackling was just out of control and it didn't help that we started piling up the penalties this game.

It was like night and day.

But not to fret, there were a couple of very bright spots, especially at wide receiver. I was truly and utterly impressed with Laurent Robertson! This guy is a talent and it's more than obvious he will be starting along side Avery when the season opens. He is pure talent, has great hands and speed. It also looks like we may once again have a player that actually has YAC even with Bulger throwing the ball, we might see some YAC this year.

We also appear to perhaps have a semi-bright spot in the return game with Kenneth Darby. Although he didn't show much in the running game, once they put him on returns he began to show some flashes of talent there. We've not had a return game in eons. Would be nice to see it come to life!

All and all, it's way too soon to be judging the team. They have one more week to fix some of the bugs in the new system. But come the final pre-season game, dress rehearsal for the season, we can begin our more critical evaluation of the team.

Go Rams!

O-Line Still Needs Work ~ D Improving

2009-08-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

From the few highlights and excerpts I've been going over, it looks like the offensive line is still in some need of improvement.

I understand that it's only preseason but three sacks are an indicator that we've still got some issues there.

At least for now if I were the coach I would really focus on this problem prior to the season hitting full swing, otherwise rookie Null may be seeing playing time well before anyone expected.

On a more positive side. From what I can tell, the defense is immensely improved, especially against the run. Something we've been so far behind on the past few years, it was refreshing to see that the defense actually kept it to where we had the most rushing.

Also, from what little I saw, I'd say that this defense is being trained to be extremely heavy hitters and are very hungry for the ball. This is a good thing. But to be expected from a coach that once coached the Super Bowl Champion Giants defense.

All and all it appears the Rams did fairly well for their first outing under Spags.

I have just one beef though. The media. Even though the Rams won, it was the Jets that got all the "kudos". So what the Rams were terrible last few seasons. This is a different team with a whole set of new coaches. You'd think there would be some interest in that.

Flying low under the radar, maybe is a good thing....hopefully this time will carry wins under their shoulder pads as well.

Quaterback Concerns

2009-08-09T09:48:00.001-07:00

News out of camp, especially regarding a recent scrimmage the Rams had is that our QB's aren't anything to write home about.

Bulger appears to not be picking up too well on the new offense and it had been hoped by many. Still continues to be intercepted and this is just a simple scrimmage.

Boller I hear is simply ineffective and we may have been better off getting an old timer like Jeff Garcia.

Berlin, same old same old. Absolutely worthless.

The only QB that seemed to halfway impress anyone was Null. Seems he has a very strong arm, great accuracy with great poise in the red zone. Seems he's the only one that could get a score during the scrimmage.

I don't know about anyone else, but this doesn't sound very promising. Yes, it's just a scrimmage but that should not matter about how well you play. If you can't perform well in a scrimmage how do you expect to perform well under true pressure!

I think we need to be very concerned about this position. Doesn't look good.

A New Tougher Team

2009-08-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

It's great to hear that Spags is not all talk and no action type of coaching. Something we've been lacking for quite some time. After all, if you have a coach that doesn't go for the one, two punch, it stands to reason that the team won't either.

But since the beginning Spags has come across as a hard nosed, no nonsense kind of guy and the type that doesn't believe in being soft on any player no matter who he is on the team.

From the beginning with Spags the Rams are going to have their character and stamina tested by Spags and it's either going to be sink or swim. There won't be any life preservers thrown out to them by this coach.

By far this is what this team has needed for years. After they get through this grueling training camp, I think we're going to be seeing a far tougher and nastier team than anyone is expecting.

Where Are They Now? Part 4

2009-07-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Vince Ferragamo

Vince Ferragamo started his collegiate career at the University of California, Berkeley in 1972, but transferred to the powerhouse Nebraska Cornhuskers in 1974. Starting out at Cal, Vince became one of only three quarterbacks from Cal and the only quarterback from Nebraska to start in a Super Bowl. At Nebraska he was coached by the legendary Tom Osborne and led the team to the Fiesta Bowl in 1975 and the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl in 1976.

Where Are They Now? Part 3

2009-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Dennis Harrah Offensive Lineman

Invited as a guest by his one-time Los Angeles Ram teammate Jackie Slater to attend the recent NFL Hall of Fame ceremony, Dennis Harrah thoroughly savored his three-day visit to Canton, Ohio.

During the inductions of Slater and another Ram teammate, Jack Youngblood, Harrah even heard his name mentioned in the speeches given by Youngblood, Slater and the gentleman who introduced Slater, John Robinson.

"There I am sitting in a crowd of thousands of people right next to my wife, two sons and mom and dad at this great event, and my name keeps popping up," relates the six-time Pro Bowl guard who played 13 seasons with the Rams and retired in 1988. "What a great feeling. At least people haven't forgotten me."

How could anyone forget Dennis Harrah, as colorful a character who ever played for the Rams, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound bulldog of a blocker who helped escort Eric Dickerson to a NFL-record 2,104 yards in 1984, who scratched, clawed, gouged, fought and gave every ounce of his energy on a football field, who was a wise-cracking, fun-loving party guy of legendary proportions during the 10 years he resided in the Long Beach area?

Indeed, it would seem only just and proper that one day Dennis Harrah is able to return to Canton not as a guest but as a Hall of Fame inductee himself, a deserving honor considering the exemplary work he dispensed during his career.

"Oh, that would be nice to make it into the Hall of Fame," acknowledges Harrah. "But it's something I don't even think about, or even worry about. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to take my two sons back to Canton, and to see some of the old guys like Fred Dryer, Mike Fanning, Vince Ferragamo, Lawrence McCutcheon, along with Slater and Youngblood.

"What a blast we had, and no one enjoyed it more than Clyda Geraldine Harrah, my mom. She just loves football, and when she saw Fred Dryer, she hugged him and started hanging out with him. She had become a big fan of Freddie when he was doing 'Hunter.',"

Dennis Harrah these days lives on a five-acre spread 12 miles from Temecula with his wife, Teresa, considered one of the top aerobic teachers in the country, and two sons, Tanner, 14, and Blake, 11.

He is serving as a volunteer coach with the Temecula Valley High freshman football team, and closely monitors the progress of Tanner, a cornerback candidate.

"Tanner hasn't had his growth spurt yet, and is only 5 foot 4 and weighs about 123 pounds," says Harrah. "I also was a late bloomer. But the genes are there for my sons. My wife is 5 foot 8. And I'm 6 foot 5, so my sons figure to eventually have some size."

Since his retirement from the Rams in 1987, Harrah has dabbled in the health club business in his native Charleston, W.V. - he still owns a 300-acre ranch in the area - and operated a resort motel in the Florida Keys.

Now he's peddling real estate in Temecula for a company called All Star Realty that he and a partner started.

"I studied more in three months in preparing for my real estate test than I did in the four years I attended Miami," says Harrah, who did wind up with a degree in business for his efforts in college. "There was no way I wanted to flunk the test and for people to say, 'Ol' Dennis Harrah is just another dumb football player.' I might be dumb, but at least I'm book smart."

Harrah has even been conferring with Vince Ferragamo, who owns Touchdown Real Estate in Orange County, about pooling their companies' resources.

"We're looking for some multimillionaires interested in building a tract of homes, and using our services to sell them," says Harrah. "I think people might remember who we were, and would feel comfortable buying from us. At least that's the thought."

Even when he was playing with the Rams, Dennis Harrah always was business oriented.

He and John Morris started Legends, and he also owned another Belmont Shore saloon called the Acapulco Inn.

"I had a lot of great memories in Long Beach - at least the ones I can remember," he says.

He is now the consummate Family Man, doting on his wife and sons, tending to his yard ("killed seven rattlesnakes last year") and taking care of his two horses and two dogs.

He has a natural sense of humor, and eventually would like an opportunity to do some broadcasting.

That might be in the near future, since ESPN radio has been interested in him doing a local football show.

"No one ever has called me boring," says Dennis Harrah. "And no one can ever say I've lived a boring life, except perhaps at this stage of it."

Dennis Harrah was among one of the most elite offensive lines the NFL has ever seen!

Where Are They Now? Part 2

2009-06-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

This week, we did some research on RB Cleveland Gary and found out the scoop on what he's been up to since he retired.

Financier Cleveland Gary will be hosting The Cleveland Gary Show. The show will focus on entrepreneur empowerment.

The former first round NFL all pro running back has become one of the most recognizable faces in the financial world. He is Chairman of the first and only Urban TV Shopping Channel (Black Shopping Channel) in America. He has created opportunities for small business owners across America to promote their products and services to an international buying audience.

He is also chairman of the Healthway Shopping Network which promotes natural products for a healthy lifestyle.

He is Chairman of AMI Capital Group which funds small businesses up to $1 million dollars. He is on the cutting edge of commercializing social networking opportunities for individual business owners to build wealth and establish a presence across the globe.

Mr. Gary is also a best selling author of "The Truth Behind the Ball".

Where Are They Now?

2009-06-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd do something different for the next few issues called Where Are They Now. What I'll be doing is researching some past Rams and see what they might be up to these days.

Does anyone remember #39 Robert Delpino? Well below is where he is now.

CORONA - As a running back in the National Football League for six seasons, Robert Delpino carried the ball 502 times for 1,815 yards. He had 18 rushing touchdowns and nine touchdowns when he caught passes.

Now 43, the Corona resident has a second, off-the-field career in social work. His chosen pursuit is not unlike the life work of his mother, Reva, who raised eight children on her own after her divorce.

Delpino, a former Los Angeles Ram and Denver Bronco, who had a peak annual salary as a player of $700,000 in 1993, is trying to help young people with the difficulties in their lives.

Delpino is the program services manager for the LeRoy Haynes Center for Children and Family Services in La Verne that assists 80 abused, disadvantaged and probationary boys ages 8-18.

He is responsible for extra-curricular, athletic and artistic activities, as well as tutoring and campus safety.

"He has the passion and energy that is necessary for that position," said Derrick Perry, who as director of program services supervises Delpino. "He's responsible for all the enrichment activities... He used to play pro football. He has an influence over the boys who want to enter into the athletic arena. If they have questions or doubts, he emphasizes the importance of education and remaining motivated."

Reva Delpino, 67, supplied the energy that still drives her youngest child. To support her family, she stamped packaged meat in a meat packing plant in Dodge City, Kan. She worked on early computers in an insurance office.

There were times when she couldn't afford to pay all the bills and the power would be turned off to their home. Robert Delpino said his mother never let her children sink into despair. He said he can "directly connect" his determination to his mother and "how she survived."

"She provided for us," he said. "On a deeper level, she was able to convince us that first of all we didn't have it that bad. If we ever started feeling sorry for ourselves, she was able to instill in us a belief that we can get through it."

His mother said: "I raised my kids to believe in life, to be thankful for every day you wake up is a gift from God. If you live everyday with a positive attitude, you can't go wrong."

She added that Robert is like his seven siblings -- "They all have the same work ethic. They all love children and love people."

Now divorced, Robert said he remains involved in the lives of his two children, Darionne, 12, and Robert Jr., 9. He recently chaperoned a student dance at Corona Fundamental Intermediate School where Darionne is a student. He said he loves to take his children to movies.

Delpino said he wanted to be a social worker while attending the University of Missouri on a football scholarship. However, he fell behind in his academics and left in 1988 without a degree.

When his professional playing days ended after the 1993 season, he had to play catch up to earn his degree. He squeezed work, school and family responsibilities into a very busy life. He earned his bachelor's degree in social work from the University of La Sierra in 2004. He received an administrative certificate in 2005. He plans to start work on a master's degree at Cal Baptist University in Riverside.

He said his work is very satisfying.

"You're contributing to a kid's life on a daily basis," he said. "You're helping that kid overcome developmental difficulties. Sometimes it's physical. Sometimes it's emotional. Sometimes it's mental. More so than not, it's all combined."

His career in social work has some of the teamwork that football had.

"You're working with a team, psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers, managers, educators," he said. "You're developing treatment plans that improve the quality of his life. That's so fulfilling to see that come into fruition."

Headed For Another Long Season

2009-05-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

I predict that this season with regards to the over all record, won't be much better than it was the past couple of seasons. But it won't be for lack of trying.

The majority of the team now are young pups without all that much experience and this year will be a learning year for most of them

Fans need to ready themselves for a slow start out of the starting gate again this season and must be patient with the new coaches and new players.

As the season progresses, we will probably see improvement as the end of the season approaches which will lead them into a high note going into the 2010 season.

I also predict that the Rams will finally tire of Bulger and sever ties with him in 2010.

The Top Five Wide Receivers in the Draft

2009-04-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick look at the top five wide receivers available in this years draft.

1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech – Has all the tools to be the best receiver to come out of this draft. His production in two seasons is unmatched by any wide out ever. The only questions about him center on speed and his ability to recover from a Jones fracture in his foot.

2. Jeremy Maclin, Missouri – Scintillating performer who has blazing speed and excellent return ability to complement his receiving skills. Still, hasn’t proved he can run NFL-caliber routes and some scouts question his desire to go over the middle.

3. Percy Harvin, Florida – Play maker who was used in a variety of capacities for the Gators. His speed and elusiveness make him dangerous when he has the ball but some wonder what position best suits him in the NFL.

4. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland – Perhaps the best combination of size and speed in the draft. Isn’t terribly strong and struggles against press coverage making him a bit of a boom or bust prospect.

5. Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina – Great strength and balance make Nicks one of the best in the draft at run after the catch. Not the fastest guy around but draws comparisons to Anquan Boldin for his ability to catch anything thrown his way and make something happen after the catch.

Holt Gone...Avery Must Carry Load

2009-03-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

And that my friends is a load of crap! Avery is good mind you but he definitely has NOT had enough NFL experience to be the lead receiver on this team. What the heck was this organization thinking by leaving the offense without a high caliber veteran receiver?

And wow we cleared $1.75 mil in cap space by releasing Holt as well. Man, that really helps a bunch.

And leading our offense we're still stuck with the "deer in headlights" $65 mil dollar stick in the mud QB.

I think I need a padded wall because I'm really getting tired of banging my head against the wall each time the Rams make a decision. Now not only do we need to pick up a top notch OT we also now need to pick up a top notch, experienced WR to work alongside Avery.

But hey, Spags has sure gone to work on that defense.

Hmmmm, maybe they'll be able to score us some points too!

The Draft Is Coming

2009-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

With the draft just little over a month away I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the candidates that seem to be high on the Rams list this year.

Aaron Curry OLB

Overall Football Traits

-Production- Wake Forest red-shirted Curry in 2004. He started 10 of the 11 games he appeared in during the 2005 season finishing with 45 total tackles, 28 unassisted tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack and five pass breakups. Curry started all 14 games of the 2006 season finishing with 83 total tackles, 52 unassisted tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble. He started 12 of the 13 games of the 2007 season finishing with 99 total tackles, 61 unassisted tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss, three sacks, four pass breakups, four interceptions including three he returned for touchdowns and two forced fumbles. (1)

-Height-Weight-Speed- Curry has the blend of height, weight and speed and NFL teams covet at the outside linebacker position. (1)

-Durability- Curry is a three-year starter who has yet to miss a game with an injury. (1)

-Character- Wake Forest didn't start Curry in the 2007 Navy game because he missed a class earlier in the week. (3)

OLB Traits

-Instincts/Recognition- Locates the ball carrier quickly. Doesn't always see pulling offensive linemen when tight end blocks down and can get kicked inside. Doesn't always take sound pursuit angles. (3)

-Pursuit/Point of Attack- Aggressive and quick enough to disrupt running plays in the backfield. Plays with adequate leverage, extends arms once locked on and can set the edge though occasionally turns shoulders too quickly creating a seam for the back. Shows a strong punch and can shed blockers in time to make a play. Shows sideline-to-sideline range but effort in pursuit is a little too inconsistent. (2)

-Tackling- Squares up to the ball carrier, wraps up and drives legs once in position though can wrap up too high and struggles to stop ball carrier's forward momentum when that happens. (2)

-Pass Coverage- Reads quarterbacks' eyes and shows above-average range but doesn't always get deep enough when asked to drop into zone coverage and doesn't appear to read routes all that well either. Takes too long to open hips and is going to have some problems turning and running with some NFL tight ends. (3)

-Pass Rusher- Explosive enough to turn the corner at the NFL level and shows ideal closing speed. Shows good body control and can recover when gets knocked off balance. Active hands and relentless but may rely on quickness too much and needs to become more polished in terms of pass rush moves. (2)

Jason Smith OT

Overall Football Traits

-Production- 2004: Baylor red-shirts Smith was redshirted. 2005: Appeared in all 10 games (eight starts) at tight end, recording six catches for 70 yards and and a touchdown. 2006-07: Moved to left tackle and started in 19 games. (3)

-Height-Weight-Speed- While neither is ideal, he does possess adequate height and bulk for an OT. He also shows above average top-end speed for position. (2)

-Durability- Missed five games with an MCL injury last year. (3)

-Character- N/A

OT Traits

-Strength/Toughness- A tough, aggressive finisher. Shows good overall strength. Gives excellent effort and will play to the echo of the whistle. (2)

-Agility- Covers a lot of ground when working as a second-level blocker. At his best moving forward but lateral mobility is below average. Struggles to adjust on the move and has some problems getting into position as a result. (3)

-Awareness- Continues to improve with more experience at the OT position. However, he recognizes and reacts to pressure quickly. Shows ability to recover when caught out of position. (2)

-Pass Protection- Uses long arms and strong punch to keep rushers at bay. Gets set quickly but lacks ideal mirror-and-slide skills. Gets caught on his heels too much. Struggles to hold ground working against bull rushers. (2)

-Run Blocking- Uses long arms and strength to cut off defenders. Stands up too much and struggles to root defenders off the ball when they are able to get under his pads. (3)

Eugene Monroe OT

Overall Football Traits

-Production- Monroe appeared in every game of the 2005 season seeing time at left tackle and right guard. He started six games at left tackle and appeared in all 12 games in 2006. Monroe started 10 of the 11 games he appeared in at left tackle during the 2007 season. He also missed two games two games with an injury (see durability) that year. Monroe started all 12 games as a senior in 2008, earning second-team All-America honors from the AP. (2)

-Height-Weight-Speed- Monroe has adequate-to-good height and adequate bulk. Has the frame too add more weight if necessary and he shows above-average range for his size. (1)

-Durability- Monroe dislocated kneecap in the spring of 2006, underwent surgery to repair the injury, slowed by knee injury during the 2006 season and missed two games with a knee injury during the 2007 season. He did stay healthy as a senior in 2008, though; starting all 13 games for the Cavs. (4)

-Character- Has never had an off-the-field issue to our knowledge. Battled back from some early career injuries. One of 16 children in his family, including 11 boys. (2)

OT Traits

-Strength/Toughness- Doesn't dominate the point of attack like should. Lacks ideal base to anchor. A finesse OT that doesn't look to dominate the point of attack as much as we would like to see. He does, however, have long arms and a strong upper body. Displays a powerful punch and will control DL once he locks on. (4)

-Agility- Excellent feet. Gets set quickly, shows elite agility and plays with outstanding overall balance. One of the premier athletes at the OT position in the 2009 class. (1)

-Awareness- Has really improved when it comes to picking up stunts/blitzes. Wasn't a major issue but called for two false start penalties in four games we watched of him as a senior. (2)

-Pass Protection- Excellent in pass pro. Can mirror and slide with some of the best pass rushers CFB has to offer. Was able to keep USC's Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing in check early in 2008 season. Shows active feet and can slide with defender once he gets his hands on him. Shows a quick kick step, has a wide frame and uses long arms to ride edge rushers past the pocket. Only real concern in this facet is that powerful bull rushers will give him some minor problems at time. (1)

-Run Blocking- Not physical enough. Not going to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. Lacks ideal mean streak for the position. Plays too high and is going to have problems driving NFL defenders off the ball until learns to play lower to the ground. However, he gets in position and does a decent job of walling off the defender as a run blocker. Doesn't always take sound angles to downfield blocks but reaches the second level quickly and can adjust to moving targets in space. (2)

Andre Smith OT

Overall Football Traits

-Production- Started every game (49) of his three-year career at Alabama (2006-'08) prior to his suspension for the 2009 Sugar Bowl. A consensus All-American and Outland Trophy winner as a junior in 2008. (1)

-Height-Weight-Speed- Adequate height for a tackle. Massive wide-body who could stand to lose a few pounds in the interest of improving his agility. (2)

-Durability- Some concern regarding potential weight issues. However, he never missed a game due to injury during three seasons as fulltime starter for the Crimson Tide. (2)

-Character- Was suspended for 2009 Sugar Bowl vs. Utah for improper dealings with an agent. Otherwise, he has had no off the field issues and coaches/teammates speak highly of him as a person. (2)

OT Traits

-Strength/Toughness- Massive OT prospect. Thickly built. Good upper-body strength and elite lower-body strength. Can create a new line of scrimmage in the run game and can anchor versus powerful bull rushers when set in pass pro. Rarely loses a battle at the point of attack. Plays with a mean streak at times but is a bit inconsistent with his motor. (2)

-Agility-Displays good initial quickness and agility for his size. Shuffles well laterally when coming out of his stance and when working in one direction (either right or left). But he struggles when asked to change directions. He will occasionally be a step late getting into position as a second-level blocker. He lunges a lot when moving forward and struggles to recover. (3)

-Awareness- Shows adequate-to-good awareness. Understands assignments and picks up the blitz consistently (from an awareness standpoint). If he misses an assignment it's almost always due to physical, not mental. He knows the angles and where he's supposed to be almost always. He will stick with a play and find someone to hit if the ball carrier changes direction back his way. (2)

-Pass Protection- Can anchor versus top bull rushers when he's set with leverage. Shows adequate quickness in his pass pro set. Usually gets in position to protect the edge initially, but doesn't show ideal mirror-and-slide skills. Struggles to adjust to quick second-move. Falls off far too many blocks. Doesn't jar DE's with his hand punch as effectively as he should. (3)

-Run Blocking- An absolute mauler. Overpowering at the point of attack. Takes solid angles and is almost always in position if the block is at the line of scrimmage. Shows good upper-body power and even stronger in the lower body. Drives defenders off the line of scrimmage. Only small concern here is that he sometimes is a bit slow getting into position as a second-level run blocker. (1)

Jeremy Maclin WR

Overall Football Traits

-Production- 2006: Maclin is expected to see substantial playing time as a true freshman but sustains a season-ending knee injury during seven-on-seven drill in July. 2007: Maclin starts 12 of the 14 game he appears in catching 80 passes for a total of 1,055 yards and nine touchdowns. He rushes for 375 yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries. Maclin throws two passes and one gets intercepted. He returns 25 punts for a total of 307 yards (12.3 yard avg.) and two touchdowns and 43 kickoffs for a total of 1,039 yards (24.2 yard avg.) and one touchdown. 2008: Maclin starts all 14 games catching 102 passes for a total of 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns. He rushes for a total of 293 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries. Maclin returns 23 punts for a total of 270 yards (11.7 yard avg.) and one touchdown and 42 kickoffs for a total of 1,010 yards (24 yard avg.) and one touchdown. (1)

-Height-Weight-Speed- Adequate-to-good height, adequate bulk and exceptional top-end speed. (2)

-Durability- Sustained season-ending knee injury in July 2006. Injures left ankle in fourth quarter of 2008 Illinois game and does not return. (3)

-Character- (2))

WR Traits

-Separation Skills- Quick and fast but doesn't sink hips and explode out of breaks, so is going to have a harder time separating from man coverage at the NFL level. At his best working quick-hitting routes, vertical sideline routes and dragging through zones. But lacks experience versus press technique and has lots to learn in regards to setting up defenders in man-coverage. (3)

-Ball Skills- Can catch waist-high passes without breaking stride. Does a good job of tracking the ball downfield and can haul in over-the-shoulder catches without breaking stride. Times jumps fairly well and shows above-average body control in the air but doesn't always extend arms and snatch ball out of the air when going up for jump balls. (2)

-Vertical Speed- Explodes off the line and has the second gear to run past corners when doesn't get slowed down at the line of scrimmage. (1)

-Run After Catch- Fluid turning upfield, can make the first defender miss and reaches top speed quickly. Great instincts and he can spin away from corners after catching the ball with his back to the defense. Reads blocks well and can turn a bubble screen into a long gain in a flash. Can bounce off arm tackles and flashes an effective stiff arm. Coughs the ball up a little too much. (1)

-Competitiveness and Toughness- sn't afraid to go over the middle. Isn't afraid to launch body and extend ball over pylon. Doesn't appear to take much pride in blocking and lacks a mean streak. At times runs out of bounds when could fight for a couple extra yards. (3)

Spags and Staff Are Ready

2009-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

The first player casualty was announced a few days ago with the release of Corey Chavous. At least though Chavous knew it was coming and asked to be released early so that he might have a shot at finding a spot elsewhere. Perhaps Chavous was slowing down some and didn't fit the new coaches scheme on defense, but I'm sure that his leadership will be missed by younger players and his committment to the game.

With the first cut under his belt, coach has a long ways to go before he is satisfied with what he's got. Will Holt and Pace be released or will Spags feel there's a need to keep one or both by restructuring their contracts?

Will Bartell and Otogwe be resigned, deservedly so, despite a horrible season for the team, both these young players had record seasons for their young careers and are developing into very good players and deserve at shot at continuing under Spags.

Will Withespoon be kept and moved to his natural postion or will one of the team leaders be let go?

So many questions to be answered and so little time.

Can he do it? Will the team improve? Will the team succeed? How many faces will any of us recognize by opening day?

Only time will tell.

Go Rams!

Could It Happen?

2009-02-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Could Spags turn this team around in one season?

Sure anything is possible, anything. And that gets a lot of fans extremely excited about the 2009 season.

The problem with this newly found excitement in St. Louis is the fact that the fans there are so fickle. Those who have gotten their hopes up and putting everything they've got on Spags could be let down for a rude awakening.

Spags doesn't promise a miracle and that's what the fans should be listening to, not looking around the league to see what other young coaches have done with their teams.

The team has a lot of needs far more than probably be taken care of in one season that is why we need to approach this season with caution. Don't put too many of your expectations on the shoulders of our new head coach. He's got enough to deal with it as it is.

We need to be patient with the new coach and not turn our backs on him the moment it looks like things are going sour.

Spags will be fine, the team will be fine, just don't expect a miracle the first season. And if it does happen, then the surprise will be better than anticipated.

Go Rams!

Spags Has Principles

2009-01-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

From the moment he was hired it has been a focal point about his core principles...faith, character, core values and team first. With principles like that how can we as fans not regain a little hope for our team.

This is a man, similar to Kurt Warner, who is proud to be Christian, doesn't care who he tells, doesn't care if they like it or not because it's the way he believes.

He won't push it onto the team, but those who truly believe in the manner of Spags or Warner, don't have to push it on anyone, what they do and say speaks for themselves and others are touched by it.

Our team has been lacking a type of leadership that brings them closer together in faith, character, core values, etc. Remember the days of Warner when all you would hear would be the character of this team, how high their core values were, etc.? And during that time, that led to a very successful team as well.

Our team has been missing this for some time now and Spags has arrived on the scene as our team lay dying and bleeding lacking in everything from faith in themselves, others and maybe even God. Spags couldn't have come at a better time and being a man of strong faith as he is, I believe that he feels the same way. So many thought that he was out of our reach, that he would go for sure winners or possible winners to coach....but Spags has already shown he's the type of man who goes where he's truly needed.

Welcome aboard coach!

You have a long road a head of you, but we believe you can do it!

Go Rams!

And the Winners Are....

2009-01-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

We have to admit the response to voting was disappointing but we couldn't wait around forever for more votes to come in so we went with what we received and here are the winners for 2008.

GOLDEN HEART PLAYER FOR 2008!

Receiving 50% of the votes, our winner this year is...

O.J. Atogwe

Planet Rams 2008 MVP Awards

Special Teams MVP

Hands down....receiving 100% of the votes our winner is

Donnie Jones

Defensive MVP

With a resounding 83.3% of the votes the winner this year for the defensive MVP is

O.J. Atogwe.

Offensive MVP

This one was a tough one and came down to a tie in votes and there is no tie breaker so there are two Offensive MVP's for this season...

Steven Jackson and Donnie Avery

Rookie of the Year

With receiving 100% of the votes, this one was another no brainer...

Donnie Avery

Team MVP

It was a close one, but receiving 50% of the votes we do have our Team MVP....

O.J. Atogwe

There is No Doubt

2008-12-29T08:14:00.001-08:00

That there are players on this team that want to come back and make a difference in 2009. Sunday's game proved that.

It would be wise of Deveany if he took a good close look at the following players and keep them on next years roster.

Torry Holt
Donnie Avery
Jason Craft
Victor Adeanju
O.J. Atogwe
Ron Bartell
Will Witherspoon
Steven Jackson
Antonio Pittman
Leonard Little
Chris Long
Adam Carriker
And the kickers are no brainers

These players should be kept at all costs and from there go for depth, which of course is what Deveany believes is important for a successful team.

In the weeks and months a head, it should be very interesting to see, if our new GM truly is allowed to make all the important decisions that will make or break this organization. But he should at least be given the chance to do it on his own without anyone breathing down his neck.

Here's to the future!

The Off Season

2008-12-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

We all know that this season will be put out of it's misery as of this weekend, but what about the off season?

With the incredible and embarrassing decline of our team, who would really want to play for us? For that matter who would really want to coach us?

Is there a player out there or a coach out there who wants to make a conscious and deliberate decision to play for a team, or coach a team that has fallen so far off the radar that not even the most up to date equipment could pick up their existence?

Devaney has grand plans, and all sound great should he truly get complete control of player personnel, but will those grand plans be realized if he can't find players who'd be willing to join an organization that's been stripped of it's honor and pride?

Mastering the Art of Losing

2008-12-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

Well if the Rams have accomplished anything at all in the past two seasons, it's mastering the art of losing. And I've got to admit it, they've become pretty good at it. They've almost reached the top at losing. The Lions seem to have gotten top dog for this skill.

No matter what the situation, no matter what the score or who the opponent is, the Rams seem to be able to squander all leads whenever there might be won and find yet one more way to lose.

They had the perfect opportunity to blow away the Seahawks, but instead the second half was just another showcase of futility.

All we can hope for next year is a bunch of new faces trying to figure out why the heck they're in St. Louis.

Brown Baggin It

2008-12-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

After nearly two years of complete humiliation and dropping almost as low as you can possibly get, unless of course if you're the Lions, the Rams have continued to dismay short time and long time fans.

It's a sad day in Rams Nation when you begin to feel like you need to pack all your Rams gear away in a cedar hope chest filled with moth balls. You start to feel like you sure don't want to be caught dead let a lone alive in public sporting your blue and gold.

And now, a lot of fans are faced with the dilemma of deciding on whether or not they want plastic or paper at the grocery store.

Because "brown baggin it" has taken on a whole new meaning here in Rams Nation.

Thankful I Cancelled NFL Sunday Ticket

2008-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would hear that coming from me, saying I was thankful for ridding myself of the financial burden of NFL Sunday Ticket. But after two years of such ineptitude from our team, it's the smartest thing I could have done. At least now I don't have to pay for the misery that is our team.

Oh, I still get to see it, a week hasn't gone by that I've not been able to punish myself by finding a live stream of each game on the Internet. But at least I'm not having to pay for the punishment.

It's tough to be a Rams fan and painful. Sure it's just football but it's a pass time and aren't pass times suppose to be enjoyable?

And as bad as we're doing this season, you'd think we'd be first in line for the #1 draft pick. NOT! We can't even be given that hope with Detroit winless, Bengals with one win and the Chiefs and Seahawks clawing, scratching, and breathing down our necks to try and get that #1 pick! We can't even win that.

Pretty much sums up the season.