More Bad News for the Rams
by ksmooth on Nov 18, 2008 8:11 AM CST
27 comments
The Rams will miss Orlando Pace for 2-4 weeks with a sprained mcl ligament in his knee. This couldn't come at a worse time for the Rams who are reeling after two blowout losses. Hopefully this injury isn't a career ender for Pace but his age is becoming a factor.
Steven Jackson will also be sidelined for the Bears game this week with his quad injury. This will be his 5th straight game missed and this injury seems to be lingering a lot longer than anyone expected. It seems like the Rams aren't going to risk using him anytime soon with the season in turmoil. Antonio Pittman did have a good game and looks like a viable back-up for next season and possible starter for the rest of the year. Look for him to have a good game against the Bears struggling run defense.
Bulger will remain the starter for the foreseeable future. The Rams will defintiely need to look at the QB position in the offseason and possibly go in another direction. This season has been a major dissapointment but maybe this team will show so fight the rest of the season and not pack it in like the previous 2 weeks. We can only hope!
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QB
I agree on the QB, but the big question is what to do with Bulger. Cut him, and the Rams eat a huge hit on their cap number. Trade him? That’s an option, but the return might not be much, esp with his big contract.
by VanRam on Nov 18, 2008 10:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
They'd be lucky to get a 4th rounder for him
Might be able to squeeze a 3rd rounder, but who in the hell is going to make the deal? We don’t really have a GM right now, and whoever we hire probably won’t have a lot of clout to be able to get a good return on him. Plus, you still take the cap hit and the team receiving him has to not only be interested in playing him as their starter (why else would you trade for someone with that contract?) but also be able to fit him into their cap. This is why trading in the NFL is so damn difficult.
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 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Eagles, maybe?
The cap implications are not very good, but at least one writer is suggesting that the Donovan McNabb era should be over. Now this is just wind, but here we have two teams who might potentially be interested in paying their problems to go away, a la the baseball Cardinals and Tino Martinez. McNabb could slot in as our starter, since we have no viable alternative, and Bulger could slot in as training camp competition and ultimately their backup to some kid named Kevin Kolb (who?). Since Kolb is presumably making next to nothing, comparatively, the Eagles are that rare team who could afford to pay big bucks for a backup/ insurance policy.
The problem in the long term is that McNabb’s contract is even uglier than Bulger’s, on paper: he signed a 14-year $115 million dollar extension in 2002 (!!!). This makes it more likely that both players get released than they get traded for each other under their current terms. But from a player/situation perspective, this could be an interesting swap. For McNabb, he gets traded to a far inferior team, but one whose starting job is pretty much guaranteed to be his. Also, he gets to play in a much easier division. For Bulger, it’s a chance to essentially do what Warner did – ride the pine without a major loss of esteem, and start looking like a good option in case the rookie struggles, and maybe rehabilitate his career.
"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 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
28.164
That’s how much our starting quarterback would cost us in “cap dollars” next year if they did that swap. Here’s how it breaks down.
McNabb – 14 year deal (has played 7 years after this season). 13.5M guaranteed (964k per year). 2009 salary = 9.2M.
Bulger – cap ramifications for 2090 = 18M
So, all wrapped together, McNabb would cost his salary (9.2M) + his guaranteed yearly money (964k) + Bulgers cap hit (18M) = 28.164M.
However, if they just keep Bulger, he costs his salary 6.5M + his guaranteed yearly money (2M) = 8.5M in cap dollars.
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 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup, figured it might be pretty ugly. However, if both players were released and resigned, that number could come down significantly, right?
"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 12:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no, wait. Bulger’s cap number is the worst part of that equation. that’s a lot of money to pay to make a problem go away.
ironically, it might be the best thing for the Rams if Rosenbloom sold the team. He might be incentivized to rid the team of its worst contractual obligations before selling, just as the Blues did in 2003 or 04, when Laurie sold the team.
"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 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I was kinda looking at that from a trade standpoint.
Signing McNabb might be the better option, but often players look for more guaranteed money the older they get (and it makes sense because the likelihood of them getting cut is higher) so it might even out. And really, the best thing about McNabb’s contract is the guaranteed money portion. Then again, you can spread a lot of shit pretty thin over 14 years.
I’m just not positive the Rams could do better than 9.2M in cap dollars for McNabb. It’s not a horrible contract from a year to year basis. It just sucks knowing he’s got another 7 years left on that thing after this year.
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 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that's my point
the Rams have no options for Bulger.
Honestly, the best course is to draft a backup.
by VanRam on Nov 18, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another item on the injury wire:
This was buried in the Steven Jackson report. I came across it while sitting in the car repair waiting room:
Haslett disclosed that defensive tackle La’Roi Glover tore cartilage in his knee a couple of weeks ago but should be able to keep playing.
To which I say, “why?” Do we really have no better options than a one-legged old man?
"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 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bulger
I totally agree that the Bulger situation is a mess. I was actually thinking about McNabb earlier today as an option for the Rams but since we’re going to be rebuilding I’m not sure how much sense it would make. The Rams have so many needs this offseason that it’s not even funny. We need to get as many picks as we can get and start getting younger on both sides of the ball. We probably should look at a QB in the 3rd or 4th round if someone with some upside is available. That 2nd round pick of Brian Leonard is haunting us. He hasn’t done anything since we got him. Could have taken a QB there or with one of the TE picks (Klofenstein or Byrd)
by ksmooth on Nov 18, 2008 12:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
They might be better off keeping Bulger for a year or two
and using that time to draft and groom a new quarterback. By that time, Bulger’s cap ramifications would be much less and if he ends up being a backup for the last year or so, it’s not the worst thing. Plus, if for some unknown reason, the line is rebuilt into the 2006 Indianapolis Colts offensive line then he might be well worth hanging on to…….
Btw, if they cut him lose after 2009, the cap ramifications would be 13.5M and after 2010 it would be 9M (keeping in mind the salary cap has increased by 7 million dollars each of the last two years). In 2011 the cap could very well be 137M or thereabouts. In other words, cutting him this year, he’d count for 14.6% of the salary cap, but cutting him after 2010 he would count 6.6% of the cap.
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 12:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True
I agree about keeping Bulger for a year or two. It makes the most sense and then we could groom a quarterback from this year’s draft and move from there. Taking a cap hit by cutting Bulger would be costly. We need to focus on the OT, C, QB, DT, LB, And DB positions. That’s a lot of holes to fill. It might be time to trade Holt while he still has some value for a pick or two. Torry has been great for the Rams but it makes sense. Same thing goes for Little.
by ksmooth on Nov 18, 2008 1:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure Holt really has that much value
If he looks like a non-factor to me, I can’t imagine a real-life NFL scout would think much more. But, you might be able to get a 4th rounder for him, and that’s probably better than nothing.
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 5:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vince Young maybe?
It wouldn’t take that many draft picks to get him. The line is bad and he can run.
I have witnessed time and time again.
by srdmad on Nov 18, 2008 2:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wanna bet.
Just to offset the cap hit the Titans would suffer (12.7M). Doubt there interested in dumping him. Plus, the Rams really aren’t in any position to be throwing away draft picks on a guy with his “history”. Too much of a wild card to jettison draft picks.
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 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Would Young be a gamble, yes.
But, it’s not like the Rams always draft good players any way. I would take a chance on him, just like you take a chance on players that you draft.
I have witnessed time and time again.
by srdmad on Nov 18, 2008 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Young
Vince Young is not a bad thought. I think with the state of our O-Line it would make sense to have a mobile QB until we can build the line back up. Warner and Bulger were both pocket passers with zero mobility and both of them got sacked and banged up. I was thinking about Derek Anderson or Matt Cassel but neither has really proven themselves to be consistent. How about Tavaras Jackson? Are the Vikings done with him? I could see the Vikings going after McNabb in the offseason.
by ksmooth on Nov 18, 2008 3:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jackson is so bad that Frerotte is outplaying him.
I have witnessed time and time again.
by srdmad on Nov 18, 2008 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jackson is absolutely horrible.
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 5:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Derek Anderson would be a viable backup QB signing. In all honesty, the quarterback that absolutely must be cut is Trent Green.
"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 4:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
and they could do it without much of a cap hit (1.4M).
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 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Green
Looks like it makes the most sense to cut Green, keep Bulger and draft a QB. It doesn’t sound like we have any other choice w/out getting killed by the cap hit or losing draft picks which we can’t afford. Any thoughts on the Defense? Obviously we need a complete haulover. I think we should move Carriker to DE and try and get a DT. We need to get bigger on the inside of the D-line.
by ksmooth on Nov 18, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think Carriker should go back to DE too.
If we did that, then what happens to Little, cut, trade. We would need then a DT to pair up with Ryan. We could draft a linebacker first round, either the guy from Ohio State or USC, I would take the guy from USC. Safties are decent/solid, not great, but not average. CB we need help, either the guy from Oakland( I have no idea how to spell his name) or Chris Gamble. I think a defense with those changes could, no would, easily be top 15.
I have witnessed time and time again.
by srdmad on Nov 18, 2008 10:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
McNabb
McNabb is overrated as a QB IMO. To trade/release Bulger and sign McNabb would be trading one poorly performing QB for a QB who has never lived up to the hype. McNabb has lost his mobility and cannot throw the long ball with much accuracy. Throwing the long-ball accurately is what made Warner and Bulger work so well the the GSOT. Bulger’s biggest issue is the offense that the Rams run right now. They went from go for broke and throw the poo outta the ball to dink it down the field. That is not Bulger’s strength. No he does not have Warner’s arm but he has a better arm than most QB’s in the game now.
The other QB’s mentioned are just as bad. Anderson had a fluke year last year, Jackson and Young might be mobile but they are severly hampered by a distinct lack of throwing ability. Cassel might be the best option, other than sticking with Bulger, but he is not playing stellar ball himself. he is a product of a good system right now.
Honestly I see no back-up QB out there who can cure the Rams ills right now. They will have to find a QB in the draft.
by 2112 on Nov 20, 2008 4:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Very well said
and I agree with you about McNabb.
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 20, 2008 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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