Questions about the St. Louis Rams

…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!