Questions about the St. Louis Rams
Got a question about the St. Louis Rams ahead of this week's game?
This is Van Ram from SBN's Rams site, Turf Show Times. Hit me up with your Qs and I'll get back with some As.
The Rams were struggling before injuries took their toll, and now the team is really hurting for lack of talent. Rookie third QB Keith Null will probably get the start this week, and Steven Jackson is questionable with the flu. It's been a rough season, so take it easy on us...at least for the QnA.
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35 comments
Comments
How impressed are you with Spagnuolo's scheme?
I can disregard the results to an extent given the talent base, but how do you feel about the defensive scheme?
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Dec 18, 2009 2:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My buddy, a Rams fan,
keeps saying that you guys are “a couple players away” and even (when drunk) claims that you’ll win the division in 2010. Care to sign on to this?
Yay, sports.
by MDC on Dec 18, 2009 2:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Will the Rams being playing in LA anytime soon?
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Dec 18, 2009 3:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What's the fan debate on the draft pick?
Will you guys go Suh? Maybe Clausen? Or other?
by TexansDC on Dec 18, 2009 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Do I start Jackson if he plays?
I’ve been riding him all year, if he plays should I start him or go with Ganther vs. NY/Foster vs. you guys?
by chrisjay84 on Dec 18, 2009 3:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
1) How do you feel about Spagnuolo as a head coach? Do you think he’ll eventually be successful?
2) I see you don’t have much at QB, but how are your receivers?
by cubic on Dec 18, 2009 6:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
2) I can try to answer this with my limited knowledge of Rams football
but larger knowledge of Texas football, high school and college. Their top 2 receivers are Donnie Avery and Danny Amendola. Avery is the Rams’ best offensive player sans Stephen Jackson. Avery is from Houston and went to University of Houston, this is his 2nd NFL season. I havent seen him play much but if I was giving a comparison I would probably use DeSean Jackson. Avery is small, fast, and very athletic but not as polished as Jackson right now, probably because DeSean has Donovan McNabb throwing him the ball while Avery has Bulger/Boller/Null. Amendola is another local kid. He played high school ball at The Woodlands, my first high school, and then played college ball at Texas Tech. He is a rookie that I have watched many times, but not much recently. He reminds me of a very poor man’s Wes Welker, or in other words, David Anderson.
"Every time you turn on ESPN you see Bama" - Earl Thomas' answer when asked what excites him most about the National Championship.
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
by TexasHoosier on Dec 19, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So it sounds like they
have some pieces. A RB, a #2 and slot WR…..I know a lot of their defense is young…..so maybe they draft Suh or an OL at #1, grab a veteran QB in FA (with a rookie in the 2nd round like Pike or McCoy or Keenum), and a possession WR somewhere….and they’re competitive.
by TexansDC on Dec 19, 2009 5:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How pumped are you for Michael Vick to be your starting Quarterback?
Jags? Playoffs?? 2009???
by JamMasterJesus on Dec 19, 2009 5:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Are there any Ram fans left ?
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Dec 19, 2009 1:46 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
Hello...knock,knock....
is anyone home?
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Dec 19, 2009 3:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
They are too busy running mock drafts
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Dec 19, 2009 5:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The Texans could be a real spoiler in that
if they let them win….
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Dec 19, 2009 8:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Or
jumping in front of Leonard Little’s car.
Yay, sports.
by MDC on Dec 20, 2009 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Maybe he's warming up for the game
I heard they were pulling players off the street for this game…
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Dec 20, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why did you guys ban me for no reason?
http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2009/12/20/1209929/rams-13-texans-16-rams-lose-a#27478164
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Dec 21, 2009 12:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
You should remove your troll advertising from your signature and opposing bloggers would receive you better.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Dec 21, 2009 7:02 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Thats ok, I like my sig.
If they want to ban me for asking what evidence they have of Pollard being dirty, thats fine by me. Just shows they would rather ban someone after 5 innocent comments than lose an argument.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Dec 21, 2009 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you are missing my point
I saw they commented about you obviously being a troll, as you have the trophies of past bannings in your trophy case. They are only happy to oblige you and ban you from their blog, regardless of how nicely you criticize their team or players or their blog, so you can put another trophy in your case.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Dec 21, 2009 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget to update your sig.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 22, 2009 6:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you mean trophy case?....
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
by Rip Jersey on Dec 22, 2009 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm also banned
from Silver screen and roll, the Lakers blog. Don’t ever call Derick Fisher a dirty player over there, it is unacceptable.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Dec 22, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I responded to that guy Tim.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
The ROSENFAIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAKAKE-uq-8&feature=related
by TexansForever on Dec 21, 2009 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Appreciate it.
Funny that they have no reply, other than banning of course.
You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.
by CFHTim on Dec 21, 2009 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like how they said the true statement was that Pollard was a punk.
Although it’s completely subjective since we don’t know why Jackson and Pollard got into it since we weren’t on the field.
I don’t know how anyone in St. Louis can comment on the game, not like anyone saw it on Sunday.
by TexansDC on Dec 21, 2009 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey guys, I'm up pretty late here on the WC but I'll answer some of your questions...
…Not that you guys care much about the Rams since we already played, but it seemed rude to not answer since you asked.
Normally, the site’s editor at TST 3k answers the questions, but he was recently deployed to Iraq and won’t be back till October, which therefore impeded him from answering your questions. In the linked article, he basically describes where the Rams and their faithful are better than I ever could, but I’m here to answer specific questions to the best of my abilities.
“riversmccown” asked whether or not we’re impressed with Spagnuolo’s scheme :
I have to say we are to this point. While statistically we haven’t improved (as a matter of fact, we’re down from 28th to 29th from last year), it’s clear that the defense is at least a little better than last year, despite the loss of veterans like Tye Hill, Chris Draft, and Will Witherspoon.
The reason the defensive statistics look ugly is because our offense has generally failed in almost every imaginable way, thus forcing our defense to be on the field longer than it should. That being said, help seems sorely needed on the defensive line, both at end (opposite Chris Long) and Defensive Tackle, since the Rams are a poor 30th in sacks and 27th against the run.
As a matter of fact, we wonder how our stud Mike Linebacker James Laurinaitis has had the year he has (T-3rd in the League in Solo Tackles) without help up front. We’ve also had a few season-ending injuries that have crippled the D’s potential in DTs Adam Carriker and Gary Gibson, as well as star safety OJ Atogwe and upcoming rookie CB Bradley Fletcher.
We’re not too happy with the Defensive Line play, but for now we’re chalking it up to the lack of talent overall. We’re also surprised we haven’t seem more blitzes, but the aforementioned reason is probably the cause.
“MDC” asked whether or not we would contend in the division next year:
I’d have to say, it isn’t out of the question. While Arizona has looked impressive, and San Fransisco shows flashes, Seattle seems on a downward spiral. The Rams would have the 3rd most money to spend in Free-Agency if the current cap remains, thus enabling them to potentially make a splash in Free Agency. They will likely hold the #1 pick in the Draft, as well as 9 other picks in later rounds acquired via trades. From the 2009 draft, picks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 have all contributed and look like potential future starters, so it isn’t inconceivable that the Rams would get maybe 4 starting caliber players in the next draft with so many picks. Also, if there’s a division in football where a splash can be made instantaneously, with the right personnel, it’s the maligned NFC West. Not saying it’ll happen, but in this division, keeping our fingers crossed might do the trick.
“Rip Jersey” asked if the Rams will be back in LA anytime soon:
To the ire of most fellow Rams’ fans, I have to say I would love the Rams back in my hometown at the new stadium being built. Unfortunately (or fortunately for my St. Louis brothers), the Rams have a current lease with the Edward Jones Dome through 2014 or 15 (not quite sure), and the owners, Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez haven’t formally put the team on sale yet. At this point, the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers seem more likely to move to Los Angeles than the Rams do, particularly considering that the new stadium owners would likely want a team in place sooner rather than later.
“TexansDC” asked where the fan draft debate lies among the Rams’ fans:
Boy, that Suh kid looks amazing. From a personal standpoint, given the sad defensive statistics I mentioned earlier, combined with the defensive background Spagnuolo has (especially on the DL) and the need to protect/free Laurinaitis and aid Long, I think Suh is the dream pick. He seems like the kind of player that can make a whole defense better, especially these current high draft picks.
That being said, there are serious considerations on the other side of the ball. Quarterback seems most glaring seeing as Marc Bulger may have played his final down as a Ram. I’ve always believed the guy just hasn’t had much to work with, but it’s hard to say he’s absolved from blame at this point, and his injuries aren’t making him any better. This makes prospects like Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford especially attractive. Some believe that a true #1 receiver is the biggest need, and Oklahoma State’s Dez Bryant certainly looks the part.
In an ideal scenario, the Rams could trade down for more 1st or 2nd round picks, but it’s hard to argue that Suh is the BPA, and an impact player is needed. I would say that most would favor a trade down, but if we stay and pick #1, Suh looks like the obvious choice, especially given the high probability of good talent available in Rd. 2 at QB.
There’s a LONG way to go till April however. So much can change so quickly.
“cubic” asked about our WRs:
We’re missing a true #1, plain and simple. Watching Andre Johnson play is a thing of animalistic beauty. If we had a true #1, Avery, Laurent Robinson, Brandon Gibson, Keenan Burton and Danny Amendola would look so much better being demoted a slot, because they are all 3rd or 4th WR caliber players.
“CFHTim” asked why he was banned:
And I think your friend Rip Jersey answered it pretty well. Look, I’m not saying it was right to ban you, and if I owned the banhammer, I wouldn’t have. I will say however, that you’ve got to know that mentioning our player’s busted lip at the hands of your own isn’t going to go over well.
For a change, you can try mentioning the stiff arm he gave Pollard right before that almost knocked him on his ass, or the Pollard season-ending injury to Tom Brady BELOW THE KNEES, or this strange display of, whatever this is, split and everything .
Just kidding, Pollard is a pretty decent safety, and it’s unclear who started the scrum, but mentioning it as the highlight of the game, as you did, isn’t going to elicit a positive response.
I don’t think you should have been banned from either site, but for future reference, it’s 4-Time NBA Champion DEREK Fisher. :D Go Lakers!
As for those mentioning the Leornard Little incident:
Here is a typed up article from ESPN Mag documenting Little’s struggles since. I know nothing changes the fact that he killed someone, and to my horror he was caught drinking and driving again, but the man is sorry for what he did. That is clear to me, and kicking a man while he’s down is unfair if you ask me. He has been a model citizen that truly loves serving people now. No one should have to die for that kind of contribution to occur, but there isn’t a day that he doesn’t feel horrible about what he did. He’ll be forever tainted, and that’s deserved, but there is no need to rub it in or make jokes about it. I doubt that’s the level of class any fans of the Texans would want for their players if (God forbid) one of them found himself in Leonard’s position.
TexansDC mentioned that no one saw the game on Sunday:
I sure did, and have been watching every game for the past 3 years via DirecTv in Cali with as many as 20 fellow Rams’ fans at my place. There’s plenty all over Los Angeles that meet and watch the games. I also know that my fellow TurfShowTimes brothers in St. Louis scratched and clawed to find working feeds for any blacked-out games, as well as this weeks. You didn’t think we’d pass on watching Andre Johnson right? Come on!
I hope I answered your questions well, I did so as thoroughly as I could. I’m sorry if there were a few jabs here and there, but they were normally as responses to some of your questions/comments. I didn’t mean much by them, but you’ve got to admit the Bernard Pollard dancing was weird. ;P In any case, I wish you and your team well. Our teams are worlds apart, and I hope we can one day reach a level of competitiveness on par with the current Houston Texans again. Andre Johnson is clearly the best receiver in football, and I don’t really think it’s that close between him and Fitzgerald. Keep in mind, I see Fitz play quite often, and I still don’t think it’s as impressive as Johnson week in and week out.
Back in April, I knew you guys struck gold with Brian Cushing. As a current USC undergrad, I’ve watched the last two years of USC football in person and the previous 4 or 5 growing up as a kid in high school wanting to go to USC. Cushing was great while he was here, and he looks to have picked up exactly where he left off, which will probably lead to a DROY honor at the end of the year, and a well deserved one at that (unless Clay Matthews gives him a run). I’m interested to see how that defense of yours will form behind him and Mario Williams, your future looks bright indeed.
Good luck on the playoff run, and get that Indianapolis monkey off your backs already! This is like how the 49ers beat us to a pulp before it all came together in 1999-2000. Believe me, all these losses to those guys will only make the breakout game that much sweeter. It’ll come, you’ve got the talent. Just get a new kicker!
Cheers and hopefully the Rams and Texans can play in a much bigger game someday. We’re sorry we didn’t answer these questions sooner. Go Rams!
PS: Seriously, get a new kicker. Good luck!
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
-Kobe Bryant
A mantra for all athletes.
by TrojanRam on Dec 24, 2009 4:12 AM CST reply actions 5 recs
Thanks for this
Better late than never. Rec’d and good luck the rest of the way.
Proudly supporting the Qatar National Falconry Team since December 6, 2009.
by tehGrindCrusher on Dec 24, 2009 6:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Goo'd
Thanks for the answers.
I find it really interesting to see that the Rams have LA and St. Louis for a cohesive fan base (saying that because you show respect for STL in that post even though you’d prefer to have them back in LA).
Good luck the rest of the way, I’ll be interested to see how you guys continue to building process.
by TexansDC on Dec 26, 2009 12:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

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