Reconsidering Jim Haslett
by VanRam on Nov 18, 2008 7:05 AM CST
in 2008 regular season
23 comments
When Jim Haslett took over as head coach, the Rams started looking like a different team. They rattled off two upsets and nearly had a third against the Patriots in New England. Haslett had two of the six wins that could potentially guarantee him the head coaching job for 2009 and fans had a reason to care about the Rams again. Whispers of a shot at the division title even surfaced.
A week after the best stretch of football Rams fans have seen in two years, one quarter against the Cardinals brought the team right back to where they started the season. Since then, the difference between Scott Linehan's Rams and Jim Haslett's Rams has been limited to the name fans and pundits curse in the wake of each week's more stunning loss.
With that, I think it's safe to say the odds of Jim Haslett sticking around as head coach are pretty slim. Duh. I think everyone knew Haslett's job security in St. Louis slipped away with a loss to a team that had been among the league's worst. And now we, as fans, should ask the question whether we would want Haslett back for another year and whether or not he could help right the ship if he did come back.
He can't be blamed for the personnel he has to play with. Years of bad decision making left the team with the talent and lack thereof it puts on the field every week. But still, performances like the last three take much more than just an inferior team losing to a better one. The Rams were perfectly capable of scoring more points and preventing some scores in games against the Cardinals and Jets, and a win at San Francisco was entirely possible. Reading quotes from players bewildered about the disconnect between some good practices and their game-time performance doesn't help the case along either.
Now, with his decision to stick with Marc Bulger at QB, you really have to wonder. I don't feel like an irrational Bulger critic; the line he's had to play behind the last few seasons would injure the conscious of most men, to say nothing of making them gun shy. But given his play the past few weeks, turnover after turnover leading directly to points scored by opponents - the sequence of Bulger's fumble and INT this week was some of the ugliest football I've ever seen - the case to leave Bulger under center completely eludes me. Even in light of his decent play in the second half, I can't see the logic in this one. There were plenty of things not to like about the Rams play the last few weeks - the d-line was every bit as pathetic as the QB play - all of it making Haslett's case hard to defend. Sticking with Bugler, however, might just be the decision that ends Haslett's tenure with the Rams.
Now, what about getting a new coach? One possibility that surfaced yesterday, reported by NFL.com's Adam Schefter, is New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He could be a particularly good fit for the Rams if he can lure soon-to-be free agent QB Matt Cassel to join him. New England assistants are a highly desired pedigree for NFL coaches, and if the Rams have any hope of courting a prospective coach like that, Chip Rosenbloom's rumored changes coming in the front office at Rams Park will have to demonstrate an organizational commitment to winning, a completely new philosophy for the team.
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third option: "undecided"
As strongly as I feel about some things on the Rams, I feel strangely obligated to give Haslett the benefit of the doubt. He did bring up the temperature of the team, raised its intensity level for a few weeks, and instilled some leadership. He essentially rebuilt the team within the team as well, getting all the coordinators on the same page and trying to open the culture around the park. He still deserves good marks for this. I also like to see him putting responsibility for the outcomes of games directly on the players when it’s called for, instead of offering a blanket ‘mea culpa’ at each miserable post-game conference. (Whether the players like that or not, I can’t say.)
However, the decision to keep Haslett involves more than just him. I don’t believe in Rick Venturi — stroll through the Saints message board archives for more insightful opinions — and it remains to be seen whether Haslett is a guy whose teams get better at the fundamentals. Poor tackling, poor execution, poor attention to details is killing the Rams. All the intensity in the world can’t help you if you’re not in position to make a play, or make a bad play when you have the chance.
It also is unclear how committed Haslett is to the Rams. When he was first named head coach, he openly deliberated on whether he should even want the job. And the team’s slide has coincided exactly with the NFL’s decision to “un-guarantee” Haslett’s hiring for next year, based on the Rooney rule. It almost feels like it re-opened the escape hatch for Haslett, and he might be more willing to part ways. That’s admittedly all conjecture, but it feels like the wind is blowing that way.
Even though the loss to the Niners was beyond awful, and I can’t agree with the decision to keep Bulger under center, I kinda want to see how this plays out before casting my vote.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
by taiko on Nov 18, 2008 10:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
haslett
I don’t blame you.
Like I said, the personnel he has to work with is part of the problem. But i’m deeply troubled by the execution. Maybe that’s partly on the assistants, but to me, the head coach has final responsibility for making sure those players are in the right gaps. There’s no doubt the intensity level is better, but it doesn’t matter when a series of gaffs dooms the game in a matter of minutes. Dumping Venturi ought to happen no matter what.
I never thought of Haslett’s commitment to the Rams until you pointd it out. A good observation. I’d think though that he should be just as motivated to win now, without the guarantee. Losses like the SF game don’t exactly build a resume – not for the NFL anyway.
by VanRam on Nov 18, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Put me in the same boat.
Although I did vote “no”, I’ve pretty much written it in pencil keeping open the option to change it based on a few things.
Mainly, I’m wanting to see how the team responds to this second bout of sucking. It doesn’t take much to inspire a football team when the head coach just got fired. But, let’s see if he can pick them up again. He didn’t have much success doing this when he was with the Saints, but maybe he’s learned….
I too find it interesting how quickly shit turned around once the NFL non-guaranteed his contract. It’s definitely something to be aware of and to keep an eye on. Although, I’m not quite buying questioning his desire to stick with the Rams like you suggest. Honestly, I don’t think he has a choice. If he blows it here, he’s not going to get a head coaching job for quite some time. I’m not exactly how long it would take, but it wouldn’t be next year. Who would hire him? Especially, when there’s always new coaches coming on the scene every year.
And as far as a replacement…..I tend to cringe when New England assistants get mentioned. I did a quick wiki search and here’s the list of former NE assistants under Bill Belichek who are now head coaches in either the NFL or College Football. Stop me when you see a name you want coaching the Rams.
Romeo Crennel – Cleveland Browns
Eric Mangini – New York Jets
Nick Saban – University of Alabama
Charlie Weis – University of Notre Dame
Kirk Ferentz – University of Iowa
Al Groh – University of Virginia
Pat Hill – Fresno State University
Pat Hill’s the only one that’s really any good (or has had sustained success), but it’s been done with Fresno State in the WAC. Not that Fresno hasn’t been good and that the WAC isn’t a good conference, but it pales in comparison to the NFL let alone the Big 12 or the SEC.
Our country reeks of trees. Our yaks are really large. And they smell like rotting beef carcasses. And we have to clean up after them. And our saddle sores are the best. We proudly wear women's clothing. While searing sand blows up our skirts.
And the buzzards, they soar overhead. And poisonous snakes will devour us whole. Our bones will bleach in the sun. And we will probably go to hell. And that is our great reward. For be-ing the-uh Ro-yal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen!
by Tackle Box on Nov 18, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
no no no no no! to New England assistants.
I don’t know if I attribute it to the “advantage” they have in New England, or the fact that everyone on NE’s coaching staff is supposed to be hit with the “genius” stick.
Please god no!
The Rams in my opinion would be better off with a veteran coach to turn the ship around. I know Mike Smith has done it in Atlanta as a rookie coach, but the successes are few and far between.
Rams Gab!
www.ramsgab.com
by jroman on Nov 18, 2008 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t argue on the New England assistant comment. But I do argue on the Rams’ need for a “veteran coach.” Outside of maybe Bill Cowher or Marty Schottenheimer, who is out there that you’d want to see here? Jim Fassel? Denny Green? Brian Billick? Dom Capers? Ugh. No thanks.
If we’re going to rebuild from the ground up, I’d rather keep our options open to someone young and hungry. BigBlueShoe from Mocking The Draft had a couple of good suggestions
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
by taiko on Nov 18, 2008 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
continued...
… good suggestions in this thread, but unfortunately it looks like their blog is out of commission. I seem to remember mention of a Packers assistant and a Giants coordinator — probably Sparano.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
by taiko on Nov 18, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
NO to Matt Cassel
To quote a friend of mine, “He has taken a record-setting offense and turned it into a league average offense, that doesn’t quite make him a good quarterback.”
Any QB would look good with the weapons he has at his disposal.
The one and only New England character we should be going after is Scott Pioli to fill our vacant GM posistion.
Rams Gab!
www.ramsgab.com
by jroman on Nov 18, 2008 11:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
pats are down to a practice squad running back
and they have 2 good wrs….
im not sure you are giving cassels enough credit
by FunkeeC on Nov 18, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and a pretty darn good offensive line.
Our country reeks of trees. Our yaks are really large. And they smell like rotting beef carcasses. And we have to clean up after them. And our saddle sores are the best. We proudly wear women's clothing. While searing sand blows up our skirts.
And the buzzards, they soar overhead. And poisonous snakes will devour us whole. Our bones will bleach in the sun. And we will probably go to hell. And that is our great reward. For be-ing the-uh Ro-yal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen!
by Tackle Box on Nov 18, 2008 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and those two good WRs are...
Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
Moss gets double-covered deep stretching the field.
Welker get double-covered short and everyone else is one on one for easy pickings.
Rams Gab!
www.ramsgab.com
by jroman on Nov 18, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and bring back Whtiey Herzog!
I love over-hyped former coaches who quit on their teams!!!!
Our country reeks of trees. Our yaks are really large. And they smell like rotting beef carcasses. And we have to clean up after them. And our saddle sores are the best. We proudly wear women's clothing. While searing sand blows up our skirts.
And the buzzards, they soar overhead. And poisonous snakes will devour us whole. Our bones will bleach in the sun. And we will probably go to hell. And that is our great reward. For be-ing the-uh Ro-yal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen!
by Tackle Box on Nov 18, 2008 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
newbie coach
i don’t know that the Rams are in a position to bring in a rookie head coach. remember the last one they brought in?
I think we need a strong personality and a known ass kicker. sorry to be blunt, but this franchise is not in the position for a rookie…or at least one without sufficient NFL experience and a proven track record. honestly, they ought to find a guy who’s dealt with f’d up franchises before, knows how to play the game. sure the Rams are going to make front office changes, but it’s not an overnight deal.
in reality, i worry that the team doesn’t make the needed changes and show a REAL commitment to winning, making them lucky to get Haslett.
by VanRam on Nov 18, 2008 1:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Don't let the Linehan hiring scare you away
Can we agree that there are only three “veteran” head coaches who fit your description – Haslett, Schottenheimer and Cowher? And next year, there are at least half a dozen job openings across the league:
Rams
Raiders
Browns
Lions
Colts? (Dungy retiring – is there a successor in place?)
Texans?
49ers? (though they likely keep Singletary)
Eagles?
Next year, there will likely be another 6 to 8 choices. These guys can sit back and cherry-pick the best of the best opportunities. And on this list, the Rams rate only above the Raiders in terms of usable talent in place. (I rate the Lions higher because they will probably have more cap room to work with). So unless you’re content getting Haslett, I think we’re in a position where we should be targeting a young, unproven guy who is hungry to make a difference.
If you want to hire a proven ass-kicker, hire him to be GM. We need that leadership up top.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
by taiko on Nov 18, 2008 4:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
front office
to me, the most important changes to be made are the very top. a committed, smart front office can really go a long way to changing the face of the team. If they don’t fix that properly, then any head coach that comes here is eventually going to get eaten up.
by VanRam on Nov 19, 2008 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rich Brooks
was also a pretty awesome rookie head coach.
So, was Mike Martz…..
Our country reeks of trees. Our yaks are really large. And they smell like rotting beef carcasses. And we have to clean up after them. And our saddle sores are the best. We proudly wear women's clothing. While searing sand blows up our skirts.
And the buzzards, they soar overhead. And poisonous snakes will devour us whole. Our bones will bleach in the sun. And we will probably go to hell. And that is our great reward. For be-ing the-uh Ro-yal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen!
by Tackle Box on Nov 18, 2008 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Change a-comin'?
Ship Bulger to San Fran, hire McDaniels, bring in Cassel to QB (while developing a young guy behind him), draft a dominant tackle (Oher from Ole Miss), sign CB Asomugha (THE free agent we need most!) from Oakland, work on patching up our LBs??? Sounds like a winner to me.
by bigwood25 on Nov 18, 2008 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
can’t, meh, no, YES, yes, yes.
"Attaway to stomp 'em. Stomp the piss out of 'em. Stomp 'em when they're down. Kick 'em and stomp 'em. Attaway to go boys. Pound that old Budweiser into you and go get them tomorrow." -- Joe Schultz
by taiko on Nov 18, 2008 4:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No to Cassel and don't turn Bulger into another Warner
There is nothing wrong with Bulger that a better O-line and coaching cannot fix. His situation is very similar to the Warner situation prior to his release: The O-line sucks and the coaching does too. Bulger, when he is given the opportunity to PLAY in a “stretch the field offense” such as the one under Martz and Vermiel, has shown he is more than capable of running the team and winning. When he has been forced to play behind a crappy line and under crappy coaches he looks like Dave Klingler or Akili Smith. I still feel Bulger can be one of hte premier qb’s in the league given the chance. Remember, before Martz gave up on the Rams Bulger led the team to the playoffs and was one of the top-ranked qb’s in the league in yardage, completions, percentage and completions.
by 2112 on Nov 18, 2008 5:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Never expected this thread to generate so much discussion. Maybe I should disappear more often.
As for me, I really don’t care too much about who the head coach is. We need front office changes and personnel changes before a head coach can make a significant difference, IMO. Zygmunt should convince the Seahawks to hire him, and we need a great draft. A splash in free agency (like the above mentioned Asomugha) would be terrific. Unless we get a new GM and players who have the talent to compete, I vote to make VanRam head coach.
Jay Zygmunt, fire yourself.
by 3k on Nov 18, 2008 10:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i'd rather
have the company check book
by VanRam on Nov 19, 2008 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Front office
You have an excellent point. I have been a Ram fan since they had blue and white uniforms and Tommy Prothro was thier coach. In the Carrol Rosenbloom days they won all the time and were usually considered oone of the best, if not the best, team in the NFL…that is until the annual heartbreak in the playoffs.
I saw them go from the Coliseum to a remodeled, boring, Anaheim Stadium and start to lose. The Lounge Singer killed them. I thought that with Vermiel/Martz and the success of the early decade that the Rams Organization had finally realized that winning was gonna make them money. it appears that they have returned to the NFL purgatory that I thought they had grown out of.
Oh well, perhaps in another 20 years they will win again.
by 2112 on Nov 19, 2008 6:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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