FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Blast From the Past II: Jackie Slater http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/24/blast-from-the-past-jackie-slater/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/24/blast-from-the-past-jackie-slater/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/24/blast-from-the-past-jackie-slater/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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In 1976, Jackie Slater, like many rookies reporting to their first NFL training camp, held a lofty personal goal. His objective was, 'to become the best offensive tackle in the history of the game.' But his more immediate goal, he confessed, 'was just to make the team.'

Obviously, Slater did more than just make the team. He went on to become the mainstay of the Rams' offensive line for two decades. His 259 regular-season games played, at the time of his retirement, were the most ever by an offensive lineman, he was the first player in NFL history to remain with the same team for 20 years.

Slater served what he called "a good apprenticeship" for three years backing up linemen Doug France and John Williams. His apprenticeship ended, however, in 1979 when he stepped in and started every game at right tackle. That year the Rams made their first Super Bowl appearance.

The following season, Slater, fully entrenched as a starter, was a key component of an offensive line that surrendered just 29 sacks and helped the Rams' offense finish second in the NFL in total yards gained with 6,006. Although in just his second season as a starter, pundits were already referring to Jackie as "overlooked" when post-season honors were announced.

It wasn't until 1983 that he finally was named to his first of seven Pro Bowls. That season, Slater and his offensive line mates demonstrated their power and versatility. Together they allowed a league-low 23 quarterback sacks while also paving the way for Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record of 1,808 yards.

 

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]]> Jackie Slater, Slater, offensive linemen, Rams, Los Angeles RamsJackieSlater,Slater,OffensiveLinemen,Rams,LosAngelesRams,St.Loui Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-24T14:33:00 00:00 Blast From the Past: Jack Youngblood http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/23/blast-from-the-past-jack-youngblood/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/23/blast-from-the-past-jack-youngblood/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/23/blast-from-the-past-jack-youngblood/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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He was born Herbert Jackson Youngblood III on January 26, 1950 in Jacksonville, Florida and went on to be one of the best defensive ends the Rams organization would ever come to know. He would become known as one of the toughest defensive ends to ever play the game. Pure and simple Youngblood was simply 'Ram Tough' and it wouldn't be surprising if Dodge did not have this indestructible lineman in mind when their advertising department came up with their slogan 'Ram tough'.

And just how tough was this man? Everyone who knows anything about football probably already knows how he played in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl with a broken fibula. But that doesn't say how tough this character was.

He knew it was broken, he didn't have to wait for the doctors to examine the X-rays to tell him that, after all he was quoted as saying 'I heard it snap like a pencil.' as he fell over Dallas lineman Rayfield Wright in a divisional playoff game of 1979.

Youngblood's aggravation mounted at an alarming rate as he sat their impatiently listening to the team doctor try to explain to him the severity of his injury. He recalled getting so angry at the doctor that he finally bellowed out 'Daggummit, it's Dallas, just tape the thing up.'

Not only did Youngblood go out with it taped up to finish the game he took that daggum broken leg with him to the NFC Championship game as well as the Super Bowl. Jackie Slater recalled how impatient Youngblood was when they were trying to fit him with a brace for his leg and all he could say was 'Hurry up, I've got a game to play.'

Youngbloods pain tolerance wasn't high, it was beyond high, it was more like Wile E. Coyote, drop an anvil on my head and I'll still keep coming, or kick me off the cliff and I'll dust it off, type of pain tolerance.

From 1978 - 1980 Youngblood played with a pinched nerve in his left shoulder that caused him to lose 50 percent of the strength in his arm, by 1981 the injury had finally caused a life threatening blot clot that had to eventually be removed. After which they weren't even sure if he'd ever be able to play football again. Yet he continued on three more years with the Rams.

 

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]]> Jack Youngblood, defensive end, Rams, Los Angeles Rams, Hall ofJackYoungblood,DefensiveEnd,Rams,LosAngelesRams,HallOfFame,Nfl,F Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-23T20:12:00 00:00 Contrary to Popular Belief There Still Are 32 Teams in the NFL http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/22/contrary-to-popular-believe-there-still-are-32-teams-in-the-nfl/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/22/contrary-to-popular-believe-there-still-are-32-teams-in-the-nfl/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/22/contrary-to-popular-believe-there-still-are-32-teams-in-the-nfl/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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As the final two are left standing, the Colts and Bears, believe it or not, there still are 30 other teams left in the NFL. And as these two teams rest up and prepare during the upcoming two weeks, believe it or not, there still are 30 teams left waiting for the new season to begin. And the Rams still happen to be one of those teams.

As Colts and Bears fans get ready for the big show, there are far more fans out there not nearly as excited as they (the winning teams fans) would like for us to be, while their two teams get ready for that big show. And that includes Rams fans who will half heartily watch the commercial rich, fireworks filled Super Bowl just because it's football.

Just because 30 other teams fans may be watching the event, doesn't mean that they're supporting either team and some may not even care what the outcome is unless they've got a few bucks on the game. In fact some of us go through the motions and look more forward to the commercials come Super Bowl Sunday, than the game itself.

Believe it or not, we will continue to support our team, write about our team, and look forward to the upcoming season all the while during the Super Bowl hype, and deluge of cocky fans supporting the Bears and Colts. Although congrats are in order for both teams and their fans, that won't stop any of us from continuing to support our teams.

And with that said....Go Rams!

 

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]]> Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-22T10:49:00 00:00 Help Wanted - Rams Desperately Seeking Help in Areas of Defense http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/21/help-wanted-rams-desperately-seeking-help-in-areas-of-defense/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/21/help-wanted-rams-desperately-seeking-help-in-areas-of-defense/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/21/help-wanted-rams-desperately-seeking-help-in-areas-of-defense/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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The Rams have been struggling immensely for three years now on defense in way of not being able to stop the run. Linehan had his first off season try in 2006 and he made as many moves as he possibly could with what he had available. After bringing in Haslett there was just so much that could be done.

After finishing a dismal 31st in the league out of 32, the Rams once again find themselves in dire need of doing something to find a way to stuff the run.

'We've certainly got an area that we have prioritized and that's to improve our run defense.' Linehan said to reporters. 'Whether it's in our front or our linebackers. Whatever it is that's going to help us, we're going to scour the league and see if there is somebody there that fits what we lack. I think it would be too early to say that it is a certain position, but we will address that, if we can, right away in free agency.'

The Rams did make key improvements by replacing Chris Claiborne and Adam Archuletta with Will Witherspoon and Corey Chavous. Unfortunately though, the rest of the defense didn't make that much improvement and Witherspoon, the secondary, and linebackers found their jobs extremely difficult against the run.

Finding a big body and one that knows his job in free agency will be a tough task for the Rams to take care of. And as for the draft, they've not had much luck in the past three years, leaving only Jimmy Kennedy out of those drafted to cover the line.

'That's the biggest disappointment,' Haslett said to the Post Dispatch. 'We did well the last three weeks, but in order to play really well in this league you have to stop the run. We have two issues here on that. We didn't play well and when the offense cranks it up like they did at the end of the season, teams want to run the ball to keep the offense off the field and run the ball because it can be effective. That's one issue we are going to have to address. We have to do a better job on the run next year.'

Last year they brought in Glover mainly for leadership and rotation, but due to a lack of depth at the position, Glover had to play more downs than the Rams wanted to have to ask of him.

The possibility exists that the Rams may start looking at some of these linebackers in free agency in the coming months. Chicagos' Lance Briggs, Baltimores' Adalius Thomas, and Buffalos' London Fletcher-Baker just a few of the best of the bunch. Haslett has also said he would like to try and keep Witherspoon in the middle, but that depends on whether or not they add a big tackle up front.

No matter how you look at it, the 'Help Wanted' sign is posted and applications are being taken now.

 

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]]> rams need help, help wanted, defense help needed, st louis rams,RamsNeedHelp,HelpWanted,DefenseHelpNeeded,StLouisRams,Nfl,Footba Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-21T13:52:00 00:00 Scott Linehan - Next Stop the Senior Bowl http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/20/scott-linehan-next-stop-the-senior-bowl/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/20/scott-linehan-next-stop-the-senior-bowl/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/20/scott-linehan-next-stop-the-senior-bowl/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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Last year about this time, Scott Linehan's head was spinning. Coming into the Rams organization as first time head coach, he not only had to try and evaluate the team, but he also had to try and put together a coaching staff that would work well with his plans and ideas. And so when it came down to checking out the players during the 2006 Senior Bowl, there wasn't much time for him to really pay much attention to what was going on.

That has all changed this year. With just one coaching spot to fill with the loss of defensive quality control coach, Joe Baker heading off to Denver, he has far less on his plate this time around.

Last year at the Senior Bowl, Linehan admitted that everything was just a blur and most of the time he spent locked up in his hotel room ordering room service, just to be able to try and figure out exactly what he was going to do with this Rams team, let a lone check out 50 or more anxious senior players waiting for him down in the hotel lobby.

This year will be different though. This time he will be able to devote all his time for the Senior Bowl, going to their practices, meeting with the players, doing the whole deal, to see what these players have to offer and just where they might fit into the Rams draft plans for 2007.

Linehan and his staff will leave Sunday for Mobile and will be joined there by the scouting crew along with president of football operations Jay Zygmunt.

'The Senior Bowl's the best evaluation we've got other than the NFL scouting combine,' Linehan told the St. Louis Post Dispatch. 'The campus workouts are fine, but they rank No. 3 in my book. At the Senior Bowl, you get to watch them practice football. And doing what we do. It's a pretty good measuring stick.'

Linehan will meet with the scouting department Monday and Tuesday in Mobile, to review both rosters in the Senior Bowl. Then they plan to meet with players Monday and Tuesday nights. This is a common practice generally done during the combine, which is next month, but Linehan simply wants a head start on the rest of the NFL this year. Linehan knows you only get about 60 reviews at the combine and by getting a head start on it at the Senior Bowl, he'll be giving his staff an extra 30-40 reviews.

The staff will return to St. Louis on Thursday with their findings and start preparing themselves for the combine next month and start building that draft board for April.

 

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]]> Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-20T12:19:00 00:00 Was it a Mistake to Release Ryan Pickett? http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/18/was-it-a-mistake-to-release-ryan-pickett/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/18/was-it-a-mistake-to-release-ryan-pickett/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/18/was-it-a-mistake-to-release-ryan-pickett/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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A lot of fans may say that Pickett should have been gotten rid of without a doubt, and a lot did say it before the 2006 season started, and well, they got their wish. The Rams failed to re-sign Picket at the beginning of the season, where he went off to Green Bay for a very modest price tag.

With the departure of Pickett, this led way for an opportunity for Jimmy Kennedy to start at nose tackle. Once thought to be a player that would be a benefit for the Rams in a big way because of his bulk, turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments on the defense. Instead of being an improvement over Pickett he was a downgrade. Contributing to some of the worst rushing defense in the NFL.

Meanwhile, back in Green Bay, Pickett may not have been one of the best but he was active and was above the average standards at stuffing the run, far more than Kennedy ever exhibited. Even with an average effort to stop the run, the Rams may have been able to win one or two more games, enabling them to get into the playoffs, or even win the NFC West.

Instead, the Rams decision to let Pickett go, replace him with Kennedy was a failure. Instead of fixing their problem, they worsened it and fell to next to last in the NFL against the run, and once again find themselves scratching their heads and wondering where they can find someone, anyone, from anywhere to help patch up the gaping wounds rushers created all during the 2006 season.

 

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]]> Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-18T15:45:00 00:00 Rams Receivers Could Have Different Look in 2007 http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/16/rams-receivers-could-have-different-look-in-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/16/rams-receivers-could-have-different-look-in-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/16/rams-receivers-could-have-different-look-in-2007/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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When training camp opens for 2007, the receiving corp of the St. Louis Rams may have a different look to it than what we've been accustomed to. With the likelihood that Kevin Curtis may have coaches pounding on his door this off season, despite his decline in numbers from 2005, teams have seen enough of him to know that he's good enough to be a starter on any team.

Shaun McDonald on the other hand may not end up with as many invites as Curtis, but since the team doesn't seem to have any interest in keeping him once training camp comes along, look for McDonald to become a casualty of roster cuts.

Should both these receivers be lost, this will probably open the door of opportunity for both Marques Hagans and Dominique Thompson to try and grab roster spots on the team as replacements for Curtis and McDonald.

Hagans who was a quarterback at Virginia, has been trying to make the transition from quarterback to wide receiver and kick returner since, while being on the practice squad the entire 2006 season. At five foot, 10 inches, and 205 pounds he has good bulk as well as good hands and elusiveness but lacks great top end speed like Curtis, Holt, or Bruce.

Thompson, who has been on the practice squad for two years now, has pretty good size at six foot one, 190 pounds and decent speed and over the past two years on the practice squad he has improved his skills well enough to be considered a possible roster spot.

And let's not forget about the fact that Dane Looker, Wilkin's favorite ball handler for kicking, is a very reliable possession receiver, who was all but forgotten in 2006, except by Wilkins, may also have another opportunity to see more action in 2007 should the Rams lose both Curtis and McDonald.

There's no doubt in anyone's minds though, that the mainstay of this Rams receiving corp will continue to be Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.

 

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]]> Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-16T09:25:00 00:00 Rams Coaching Staff - Plenty of Room For Growth http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/15/rams-coaching-staff-plenty-of-room-for-growth/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/15/rams-coaching-staff-plenty-of-room-for-growth/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/15/rams-coaching-staff-plenty-of-room-for-growth/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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If there's one thing we found out for certain about Scott Linehan, it's that he's a man of character, a man of his word, and that he refused to allow his ego get in the way of his decision making. Never was it so evident that he would not allow ego to blind his reasoning as in the dreadful shutout against the Panthers.

After the humiliating meltdown of his team he did not allow it to fluster him, he did not allow his ego as head coach get the better of him. Instead he remained calm, focused and even keeled when he decided that perhaps calling the plays just wasn't going to work for him as head coach and decided to hand those duties over to his offensive coordinator Greg Olson, and by sticking with this decision the rest of the season and into the 2007 season. By doing this, he was able to salvage a season that was teetering on the edge of being worse than the 2005 season. In making this decision he allowed himself to have more insight into what was going on with the entire team and individual players. His decision to cast aside ego paid off, especially in the last four games of the season where his offense began to flourish and he finally became the head coach each and every game day.

One flaw though was his reluctance to play the younger players a good part of the season. But in the end, he threw them in and discovered that he might actually have a few diamonds in the rough.

Jim Haslett on the other hand had a far harder task to undertake with the defense and even though they put out some big bucks for some players, the overall result of Haslett's first season as defensive coordinator was a major disappointment. The entire year it seemed they were still shy of three to four major players needed at key positions on the defense.

They've had enough time now to see where they need to go for them to reach the next level. In the off season there will be plenty of time and room for this coaching duo to grow and improve upon their shortcomings of 2006.

Overall Grade: C+

 

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]]> coaches, Scott Linehan, Jim Haslett, defense, offense, Rams, St.Coaches,ScottLinehan,JimHaslett,Defense,Offense,Rams,St.LouisRam Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-15T11:21:00 00:00 Only Two Players Special On Rams Special Teams http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/14/only-two-players-special-on-rams-special-teams/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/14/only-two-players-special-on-rams-special-teams/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/14/only-two-players-special-on-rams-special-teams/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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The only players that truly made any kind of impact on the Rams special teams were kicker Jeff Wilkins and punter Matt Turk. Wilkins, who still remains one of the league's top kickers, with his 32 field goals on the year, is the second highest in his career and he tied the season for the lead with Robbie Gould of the Bears. Although he may be losing a little distance in his kickoffs, he still remains far above average in the league in that area.

His counter part, punter Matt Turk, who ran into Scott Linehan before the season started, told the coach that if he needed a punter in St. Louis to just give him a call. That call came sooner than Matt expected and he easily won the punter's position with his leg strength and directional skills. Turk proved to be a godsend for the Rams with his punting abilities. Matt was seventh over all in net yardage and tied for 11th for punts within the 20 yard line with 26.

Both Wilkins and Turk are the good news for the Rams special teams, but that's where it ends and the bad news begins. The bad news is that the Rams kickoff coverage finished 28th, finished 26th in kickoff returns, and 25th in punt returns.

The Rams allowed three kickoff/punt returns for touchdowns, while scoring none themselves. More often than not the blocking on kickoff returns fell just shy of being hideously inept. Although there was an obvious effort on their part to try and improve the coverage unit, the same thing can't be said for their efforts to find a true return man that could actually make a difference.

Other than Wilkins and Turk this unit still remains a mess and will have to once again be addressed along with the defense.

Grade: C+

Tomorrow: Coaching

 

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]]> Special teams, Rams special teams, Matt Turk, Jeff Wilkins, RamsSpecialTeams,RamsSpecialTeams,MattTurk,JeffWilkins,Rams,StLouisR Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-14T12:25:00 00:00 Rams Defense Loved By Opposing Teams http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/13/rams-defense-loved-by-opposing-teams/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/13/rams-defense-loved-by-opposing-teams/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/13/rams-defense-loved-by-opposing-teams/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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And why wouldn't opposing offenses love the Rams, they only allowed 2,327 rushing yards for 2006, third worst in Rams history. I guess one could blame it on the fact that the defense rarely had playing time when they were a head, they played 10 teams that had 1,000 yard rushers, three of them being Tomlinson, Johnson, and Gore. But what was the excuse for the other 6 games that they allowed rushers to gash through the line?

Face it, the Rams rush defense was just simply embarrassing. Jimmy Kennedy didn't get the job done at nose tackle, Brandon Green, high in enthusiasm didn't make many noteworthy plays, Glover had some bright moments, but it would suit him better if he were to play less downs. Claude Wroten may not be the answer with what little he showed in 2006. Even Leonard Little's tremendous Pro Bowl caliber season was enough to help this group. After all, it's impossible to expect one man to do the entire job.

Will Witherspoon was asked to do a lot for the team by switching positions and showed that he had tremendous sideline to sideline speed and was one of the few bright spots on the defense leading the team in tackles on the year. Pisa Tinoisamoa suffered from so many injuries that they finally forced him off the field for the season, despite his insistence upon continuing to play. But even with the efforts of these two warriors, it just wasn't enough to make up for the rest of the defense's inability to some how figure out the fundamentals of stuffing the run.

A lot of the reason for their inability to stuff the run comes from the fact that so many of the players simply are not big enough to handle some of the bruising backs that have emerged in the NFL and this will be a key issue for the Rams coaching staff to focus on this off season. They must commit themselves to finding a couple of players that are not only big but ones that have attitudes to go with the bulk.

Although there were a few players on the defense that played hard enough and determined enough to deserve far better grades, it's just not feasible to give them higher, because the overall performance of the group was abysmal.

Grade: D

Tomorrow: Special Teams

 

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]]> Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-13T18:05:00 00:00 Scott Linehan and Rams Already Planning for 2007 http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/scott-linehan-and-rams-already-planning-for-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/scott-linehan-and-rams-already-planning-for-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/scott-linehan-and-rams-already-planning-for-2007/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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The minute Rams Nation heard that Scott Linehan was hired as head coach, rumors began circulating that there was no doubt that he'd be pursuing the likes of Daunte Culpepper or even drafting Jay Cutler, and that Bulger's career with the Rams was in question. Which led everyone to believe that Linehan simply was not sold on Bulger.

But just like most rumors, it turned out to be nothing but fanciful thoughts spurred on by perhaps bored sportswriters with nothing else to do but try and stir up controversy. In fact Bulger's career year under the guidance of Linehan has basically written his stay with the Rams in stone. Linehan has indicated he wants Bulger to stay with the Rams as long as he wants to stay a quarterback in the NFL and he's already lobbied the front office to start working on his contract extension now.

Others that are already being scrutinized by the Rams and Linehan are:

Jon Alston: Although Alston, usually a linebacker, who didn't see much action in 2006, still has a possible future with the Rams. Because of his size, barely weighing in at 220 pounds, Haslett doesn't feel he's suited for linebacker position unless he puts on some bulk. But Linehan is highly intrigued at trying him as a box safety playing close to the line to help stuff the run and because of his speed they feel he could be groomed to eventually take over the spot of Corey Chavous in a year or two.

Dominique Byrd: Rookie tight end only caught two passes and one for an impressive touchdown, didn't make the first or second spot at tight end when the season began, but late in the season in practice he impressed the coaching staff so much that they decided to give him a shot and he made good use of every second he had on the field. So much so that the Rams now envision using him in 2007 as a slot receiver and out of the backfield as an H-back.

Free Agency: With contract extensions already in place for both Pisa Tinoisamoa and Leonard Little, the Rams could breath easier knowing that were keeping two of their best. Earlier in 2006 they had tried to pursue wide receiver Kevin Curtis, but once he fired his agent they were not able to approach him for any type of contract negotiations. Now with his hiring of Tom Condon and showing some interest in the free agency market, it's expected that he'll draw a lot of interest and the possibility of a team outbidding the Rams is eminent making the likelihood of the Rams losing Curtis a reality. Shaun McDonald, the Rams fourth receiver may also be lost to free agency since the Rams have not shown any interest in bringing him back.

With the possibility of losing two receivers in the off season, who knows, maybe Denzel's boy, John David Washington, will get a shot at playing with the 'big boys'.

 

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]]> Rams, free agents, St Louis Rams, NFL, football, sportsRams,FreeAgents,StLouisRams,Nfl,Football,Sports Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-12T09:11:00 00:00 Rams Offensive Line More Like a 'Sack Fest' http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/rams-offensive-line-more-like-a-sack-fest/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/rams-offensive-line-more-like-a-sack-fest/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/12/rams-offensive-line-more-like-a-sack-fest/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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Standing behind the Rams offensive line in 2006 for Marc Bulger was similar to taking your life into your hands, with 49 sacks on the season, it was the second highest total sacks allowed in franchise history. Somehow though, Bulger was able to withstand the punishment under the new offensive scheme of Scott Linehan.

Sure, we can blame some of it on the fact that starters such as Pace, McCollum, Timmerman were injured and left gaping holes to be filled with their absence and add the fact that Alex Barron played the last third of the season with a knee injury, which will require surgery in the off season. None of this helped the offensive lines cause. If we look back we can see that in 1999 five of the starters combined for 78 starts out of a possible 80 and in 2001 they combined for 77 starts out of a possible 80, but in 2006 those numbers dropped dramatically to 54 combined starts out of a possible 80.

But still, taking that into account simply does not justify the outrageous amount of sacks allowed and far too many stupid penalties, many attributed to Alex Barron's inability to stay put long enough for the play to develop, killing potential scoring drives.

In the last few weeks of the season we did see glimpses of the offensive line's future. Richie Incognito, a fierce player, Brett Romberg a player with lots of savvy and rookie Mark Setterstrom a strong and impressive rookie, all showed in the end, that with a little discipline these three, along with Pace and Barron could eventually shore up a very potent offensive line and give both Bulger and Jackson hope that the line will be there to depend upon and to help make their jobs easier.

For now though, this unit simply can't be given a grade higher than a C-.

Tomorrow: The Defense.

 

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]]> Rams offensive line, offensive linemen, Rams, St. Louis Rams, NFRamsOffensiveLine,OffensiveLinemen,Rams,St.LouisRams,Nfl,Footbal Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-12T08:17:00 00:00 Rams Receiving Corp Receives Above Average Grade http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/11/rams-receiving-corp-receives-above-average-grade/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/11/rams-receiving-corp-receives-above-average-grade/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/11/rams-receiving-corp-receives-above-average-grade/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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Although the Rams receiving corp is comprised of Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis, Shaun McDonald and Dane Looker, Holt and Bruce still remain the key players in the offense. They also remain the golden standard for one of the finest receiving duos in the NFL.

There are a lot of teams out there that would like to own the bragging rights to a duo like this that consistently performs at an elite level. No matter what, it still takes two good corners to shut these players down. Because when you focus on let's say Holt one game, that will open it up for Bruce to have a big day and visa versa.

Although Holt did not make 1,300 yards for a seventh straight season, he still holds the record with six straight and managed to pull in 1, 188 and 93 catches along with 10 touchdowns.

Bruce was able to silence those who thought that his demise was inevitable this year by racking up 1,000 yards for the eighth time in his career with 70 catches and his 14.8 per catch average was fifth in the NFL among players with over 70 catches.

Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald were forgotten men practically in Linehan's offense especially with the emergence of Steven Jackson as a receiving back with 806 yards receiving. Rookie tight end Joe Klopenstein didn't do as well as the coaching staff had hoped for, especially in his blocking skills.

This group could have received a 'A' grade but because of some uncharacteristic drops off and on during the season their grade dropped.

Overall Grade: B

Tomorrow - Offensive Line

 

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]]> Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-11T13:46:00 00:00 Steven Jackson Explodes Onto the Field With An 'A+' http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/01/10/steven-jackson-explodes-onto-the-field-with-an-a/ http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/01/10/steven-jackson-explodes-onto-the-field-with-an-a/ http://fantasy.fanhouse.com/2007/01/10/steven-jackson-explodes-onto-the-field-with-an-a/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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For those of you who may have packed it in early for the season, giving up on the Rams, may not even have noticed the incredibly huge monstrous year that Steven Jackson had. Not only did he come out from under Faulks huge shadow that was cast over him for a couple of years, he lunged out at us and defenders like a wild beast just released from his cage.

The first stat alone should slap you right in the face, his 2,334 yards from the line of scrimmage is the fifth most in NFL history. Surpassed only by Marshall Faulk with 2,429 yards in 1999, Tiki Barber with 2,390 yards in 2005, LaDainian Tomlinson with 2,370 yards, and Barry Sanders with 2,358 yards in 1997.

Jackson proved that he was a tough runner between tackles and finally learned the importance of taking what was there instead of dancing around trying to find something or make something happen. Not one single running back had as many first downs as he did in third and one situations, totally a whopping 14 in those situations.

He also became the main benefactor of Linehan's check down mentality given to Bulger in case he found himself in tight situations. Because of this Jackson ended the season with 436 touches, six shy of Eric Dickerson's franchise record set back in 1983.

Coming into the 2006 season, there were a lot of questions regarding Jackson's durability, but he answered that question quite solidly by only missing a couple of plays all season during the Bears game with leg cramps.

He earned Player of the Week honors, Player of the Month Honors, Rams Team MVP and a spot on the Pro Bowl and showed that when he said "Give me the damn ball" he meant it. And this is why Steven Jackson receives an 'A+' for the 2006 season.

Tomorrow: The receiving corp.

 

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]]> Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-10T10:46:00 00:00 Marc Bulger Receives an 'A' For Effort http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/marc-bulger-receives-an-a-for-effort/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/marc-bulger-receives-an-a-for-effort/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/09/marc-bulger-receives-an-a-for-effort/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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Under Marc Bulger the Rams offense showed flashes of greatness, especially in the last four games of the season when the new offensive scheme finally seemed to actually be gelling completely for the first time all season. And although the Rams did not make an entrance into the playoffs, the accomplishments of Bulger can't be denied.

Even those who may not care for Bulger as much as others may they can't deny that his numbers were statistically impressive.

  • 4,301 yards passing

  • 92.9 overall quarterback rating

  • 24 touchdowns

  • Most impressive though was the 8 interceptions in 588 attempts, breaking a long held record by Roman Gabriel

    • Along with the impressive stats, Bulger stepped up as the leader of this team and when he finally felt he had had enough and thought that the team needed a boost, he not only approached them all but publicly called out the team in their lack of effort. Whether it was what he said or a coincidence, the team did go 3-1 after his outburst.

    He also showed his toughness throughout the year, despite 49 sacks he did not miss a single game due to injury and even took pain injections for sore ribs during the season so that he could go out there and take command of his team.

    Bulger will be the first to admit that unless he gets this team into the playoffs and wins as well as probably a Super Bowl, that Kurt Warner will remain the standard that all quarterbacks will be judged on. Putting that aside though, for what Bulger accomplished this past season, deserves a solid grade of an 'A', you couldn't ask much more of any quarterback.

    Tomorrow - Steven Jackson and his grade for the year.

     

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    ]]>     Marc Bulger, Bulger, Rams quarterback, St Louis Rams, Rams, NFL,MarcBulger,Bulger,RamsQuarterback,StLouisRams,Rams,Nfl,Football, Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-09T13:46:00 00:00     Offensive Lineman Todd Steussie Wouldn't Mind Returning As Mentor http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/08/offensive-lineman-todd-steussie-wouldnt-mind-returning-as-mento/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/08/offensive-lineman-todd-steussie-wouldnt-mind-returning-as-mento/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/08/offensive-lineman-todd-steussie-wouldnt-mind-returning-as-mento/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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    With an obvious trend of going with the young, it appears that the Rams may have discovered the core of their offensive line for 2007 and many years to come. But that doesn't stop Todd Steussie from admitting that he really wouldn't mind coming back to the Rams in 2007 to help mentor the young kids that got their breaks to strut their stuff at the end of the 2006 season.

    The young players that may end up the core of an offensive line that help Steven Jackson surpass 1,500 yards rushing include Ritchie Incognito, Mark Setterstrom, and center Brett Romberg. All of whom looked to Steussie for guidance and help during the 2006 season. Whenever in question about how to do something they would be directed to 'Ask Steussie', or if they wanted to see how a true vet did his job they'd be told to 'Just watch Steussie.' In fact Steussie became to Setterstrom what Stephan Davis ended up becoming for Steven Jackson and his development.

    Steussie though, will go on the free agent market in March because of the new rules in the collective bargaining agreement which does not allow him to re-sign with the Rams until March. As much as he would like to return as a mentor for these young guys, he also feels he owes it to himself to see what else might be out there for him. He realizes that even if he were to return to the Rams, the length of his stay would be numbered by his age. He doesn't want to fool himself, he knows what the league wants for the future of their teams and that's youth.

    'Orlando being here, left tackle is locked up for obvious reasons and we have some young guys that played well at guard. The reality of the league is that the younger option is always the right one. It's about the fact that very best case scenario I am considered a two, three year option at best. You have a young guy who they think they might be able to groom for a 12 year starter, I mean; I just realize that's the situation at hand. So we will see how things play out.'

    Steussie told reporters at the end of the season.

    It will be a couple of months before we know anything about where Steussie might end up but should he be asked to return to the Rams, it's obvious he won't mind and neither will the young guns on the line that grew quickly under his tutelage.

     

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    ]]>     Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-08T22:14:00 00:00     Just 54 Days Until Free Agency and Kevin Curtis Could Be Hot Commodity http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/07/just-54-days-until-free-agency-and-kevin-curtis-could-be-hot-com/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/07/just-54-days-until-free-agency-and-kevin-curtis-could-be-hot-com/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/07/just-54-days-until-free-agency-and-kevin-curtis-could-be-hot-com/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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    Decisions will be being made around key backups and specialists for the Rams in just 54 days. And probably one of the hottest commodities will be wide receiver Kevin Curtis. Although his numbers dropped some in 2006 from 2005 due to no injuries to Holt and Bruce and the emergence of Steven Jackson as a receiving threat. Curtis is still a viable receiving threat and one of the 'fastest white boys' (a little term given to him by several defenders in years past) on the field.

    We all saw what happened the minute Mike Furrey was released and went to the Lions, he ended up with his first 1,000 receiving season. And Curtis has proved that he just as good if not better than Furrey and this could lead to a lot of teams vying for this young man's talents come free agency time. And this could spell a problem for the Rams should they let him explore the depths of free agency.

    There's never anything wrong with having a third, extremely talented receiver on board despite the fact of having players like Holt and Bruce, because no one can ever predict when the 'injury bug' will hit. Curtis proved that he was an incredible stand in for both Holt and Bruce when they came up lame in 2005.

    At this point in time Curtis is uncertain of his future.

    'That's the big question mark,' Curtis said. 'I didn't even have an agent during the season. All I worried about was playing these games. Now I look to the future, and I have no idea. There's a lot of uncertainty. I could be back, but it's really hard to say. I don't know what the Rams have in mind.'

    Curtis fired his agent at the beginning of the season feeling that the communication between the two just wasn't working and hired Tom Condon on the last weekend of regular season play.

    Others that could become free agents in 54 days are:

    • WR Shaun McDonald
    • OL Todd Steussie
    • Punter Matt Turk
    • ST Ace Isaiah Kacyvenski

    It would behoove the Rams if they at least tried to go out and keep Kevin Curtis and Matt Turk.

    Quote compliments of the Associated Press.

     

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    ]]>     Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-07T12:13:00 00:00     Rams Defense the Key Focus For 2007 http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/05/rams-defense-the-key-focus-for-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/05/rams-defense-the-key-focus-for-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/05/rams-defense-the-key-focus-for-2007/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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    Yes, we all know it, the same old story, the Rams can't ever seem to be able to stop the run. Finishing 31st in the league, there's actually someone out there worse than the Rams on stopping the run, if you can believe that. And that would be the Colts, who face Larry Johnson and the Chiefs this Wild Card weekend. Nice to know we weren't dead last I suppose.

    The problem seems to lie in the fact they can't seem to be able to find some big bruiser of a guy that they can put in the middle of that line who can punish the runner and block those huge holes you keep seeing opening up each game. And this will have to be the main focus of Jim Haslett.

    After evaluating the team though, Haslett was able to come up with some bright spots on defense that probably assured all of the players that put a twinkle in his eye during the season, a job this coming 2007 season.

    'Obviously, we're disappointed we didn't make the playoffs and disappointed we didn't rank a little higher in defense," Haslett said. "But I thought the young guys ¿the O.J. Atogwes and the Tye Hills of the world ¿ really improved.'

    And then there was Ron Bartell who came off the bench to start at nickel back, the last five games of the season, who helped his own cause by coming up with some big plays and three interceptions. Not bad for a kid who had never played nickel back before.

    He's a guy that we're trying to find a spot for,' Haslett told reporters. 'And I don't know if that's his spot or not right now. He made some nice plays. But it's a learning process. He did some things that weren't real clean (against Minnesota). But he's a big kid, who can run. He's willing to learn, and he's willing to be a good player. They're going to be good players in the future.'

    Haslett believes that Tye Hill proved on the field this year that he has a good chance of not just being a good corner back but an outstanding one and it won't take much longer for him to develop into just that.

    Haslett also pointed out that he believed that the most improved player on his squad from the start of the season to the finish was O.J. Atogwe.

     

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    ]]>     Rams, St Louis Rams, defense, Jim Haslett, NFL, football, sportsRams,StLouisRams,Defense,JimHaslett,Nfl,Football,Sports Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-05T13:14:00 00:00     Haslett Looking For Another Job? http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/05/haslett-looking-for-another-job/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/05/haslett-looking-for-another-job/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/05/haslett-looking-for-another-job/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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    The Steelers know they will be needing to find themselves a new coach in a couple days, since they expect that Cowher will more than likely be quitting, in the next few days, after 15 years of coaching. No one knows if the front office will go with their own personnel, or if they will look for someone outside of their organization.

    So what does this have anything to do with the Rams you ask? Well, it could have a lot to do with the Rams defense and with Scott Linehan who has already assured Haslett that he was to remain as part of his staff.

    Rumor has it, that maybe Haslett isn't having as much fun as a defensive coordinator he claimed to be having whenever he talked to the St. Louis media.

    Rumors out of Pittsburgh are starting to fly about Haslett wanting to return to Pittsburgh, not as defensive coordinator but as head coach. It's gone as far as Fox Sports out of Pittsburgh claiming that Haslett contacted the Steelers organization and asked them to throw his name in the pot with others they might be considering.

    So Jimmy old boy, are you giving up on the Rams defense so soon?

     

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    ]]>     Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-05T01:29:00 00:00     Offensive Coordinator, Greg Olson Gets the Nod in 2007 http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/03/offensive-coordinator-greg-olson-gets-the-nod-in-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/03/offensive-coordinator-greg-olson-gets-the-nod-in-2007/ http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2007/01/03/offensive-coordinator-greg-olson-gets-the-nod-in-2007/#comments Patti LaRueby Patti LaRue

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    Just one week removed from the 2006 regular season, Scott Linehan has already made his first executive decision for the upcoming 2007 season. And that is letting his offensive coordinator, Greg Olson, know that he'll still be in charge of the play calling come game time.

    Rookie head coach Linehan learned quickly that being a head coach in the NFL isn't the easiest thing in the world. He matured quickly realizing that if he did not relinquish some of his duties to other capable members of his staff that he'd end up going nowhere and nowhere fast.

    After handing over the duties to Olson after week 10, the Rams were able to real back and win four of their last six, instilling confidence in Linehan with what Olson was capable of doing.

    'It's a pretty humbling experience to go through that,' Linehan said Tuesday. 'I also believe it was the right thing to do. It was time I became a head coach and learned to delegate.'

    It's too bad one former head coach, Mike Martz, never matured enough to get that one straight.

    Quote from the Associated Press.

     

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    ]]>     Patti LaRue patti-larue 2007-01-03T10:47:00 00:00