Much ado about Marc Bulger
by VanRam on Dec 2, 2008 10:12 AM CST
34 comments
First of all, some housekeeping. I apologize for being out of pocket since Sunday. My wife and I had our first child early (really, really early) on Monday morning, so we're at the hospital until tomorrow afternoon. I have a couple short posts set to go between now and then as we get ready for the Cardinals game this week. I would encourage everyone to take full advantage of the fanposts; there's still plenty to discuss about the Rams, two wins or not.
Anyway, back to football, and with what else, a Marc Bulger post. (Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't change the name of this site to the Marc Bulger Times...gives you an idea of how central a QB is to a team's personality. So let's just go ahead and make this the official Marc Bulger answers thread.
Like it or not, the Rams are stuck with Bulger at least through the 2009 season. His contract is just too big to give them any kind of flexibility through a trade or even an out and out cut. The only possibility would be a renegotiation, and I just can't imagine that would be as easy as it sounds. Through 2006 Bulger was one of the best QBs in the league, earning his contract. The Rams neglect for the o-line made him into a shell-shocked punching bag, good for three INTs a game since then.
His performance Sunday made it clear that he's part of the problem. The o-line has taken, deservedly, it's fair share of criticism, but they were solid last week, giving Bulger every chance to make things happen. Steven Jackson's return to significance in the offense also took away a canned excuse for Bulger's performance. Now what about the rest of the season? There are four games left and Rams fans, to say nothing of the ownership, would like to see the team at least make it interesting.
The solution I'm most fond of is benching Bulger, forcing some recovery time. Understanding of course that neither Trent Green or Brock Berlin offer the Rams much more in the way of a field general. What should the Rams do with Bulger for the rest of the season?
And what about 2009? it's clear they need to start grooming a QB for the near future, but they've got several options. The Rams can pursue a fill-in free agent to compete with Bulger and draft a first rounder in 2010. Or they can draft a QB in April, at the expense of other key needs like OT and MLB. What options make the most sense? What options give the Rams the best chance of turning things around in 2009?
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Congrats!
Best wishes to you and the wife and the baby. Enjoy it. And stop thinking about Marc Bulger for a couple of days … slip some of your wife’s pain meds if you have to.
"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 Dec 2, 2008 10:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Congrats, Van!!!
Compared to the lack of sleep you and the missus are in for, the Rams problems are minor, indeed.
Did you say you named your child after one of the current Rams? maybe Donnie Jones?? LOL!!
by tbell61 on Dec 2, 2008 11:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nah.
His name is Le’Roi.
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 Dec 2, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yes congrats!
and its too early for me to think about the rams qb situation….dont want my head to start hurting before 10am
by FunkeeC on Dec 2, 2008 11:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Congrats Van!
My opinion is to go after a QB in the draft. Start Bulger again next year and hopefully our young QB will be ready to start by 2010. That’s wishful thinking but I don’t think we have many other options. We can’t go out and spend more money on a free agent QB when we have to pay Bulger and I don’t think any other teams would be willing to trade for him so we’re stuck. Maybe after some time off in the offseason he can return next season and play for his job.
by ksmooth on Dec 2, 2008 11:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Drafting a qb will be expensive enough
they can’t really go out and sign one as well. Especially if you draft one in the first round.
Btw, who is even a realistic pick in the first round? I can’t say Tim Tebow really excites me, but who knows. I typically stay away from the draft stuff since I never really seem to know much about the college guys. But, what’s realistic?
And I agree with ksmooth here. I think they need to draft a QB this year and stick with Bulger as the starter at least through next year and then make it a competition in 2010, maybe. Waiting 2 or 3 years on developing a qb is not a bad thing, and with the youth of the Rams receivers and the long contract for Jackson should allow them time to groom a qb behind the scenes while re-building the o-line and defense.
Btw, is it realistic to think they could draft the qb of the future in the second round? They’d have at worst the 2nd pick of the 2nd round, so they could still probably get something of value there and whoever it ended up being would cost a hell of a lot less than the 2nd overall pick of the draft. Ugh…I guess I’m gonna have to start looking up draft crap now….
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 Dec 2, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
2nd Rd QB
Is not a stretch…Boomer Esiason and Jake Plummer were both second round picks. You can pick up a damn good quality qb in the second round, but generally they are not expected to jump into the starters roll right away. My opinion is, since your team is gonna suck anyway, why not let the kid out there and earn his stripes (or lumps, as it were) and play? He’s not gonna hurt you with his mistakes as a rookie when the rest of the team is garbage…
Tim Tebow is merely a Junior, so there is no guarantee he’s coming out, anyway. I like Graham Harrell outta Texas Tech myself. I think you could pick him up in the early third round (will have to see how the combine goes).
"Wherever you go, there you are"
by brik on Dec 2, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
David Carr was ruined by the Texans allowing him to "earn his stripes"
It makes no sense to put a valuable piece like that behind a shitty line. They don’t learn anything except that they don’t like getting hit. Peyton Manning is an exception and not the norm.
If you have protection then okay, but if he’s just going to get his ass kicked there’s no need. You’re just basically hoping he doesn’t get hurt.
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 Dec 2, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
David Carr sucked to begin with
His problem wasn’t just a shitty line, but mainly that he was highly overrated to begin with (see Akili Smith, Alex Smith for examples).
"Wherever you go, there you are"
by brik on Dec 2, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here here
David Carr would’ve been sucktacular no matter where he started his career. Very Alex Smith-ish.
by bigwood25 on Dec 2, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Say what you want about Carr
but he was never given a shot to do anything other than get his ass kicked. I’m not saying he was the second coming of Joe Montana, but getting a rookie sacked constantly does nothing for their development and is way too risky of a strategy.
Btw, I believe David Carr had been sacked the most of all NFL qbs during his career and was just surpassed by Marc Bulger.
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 Dec 2, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
2nd round QB...
I found this interesting… At least one draft board doesn’t even have a quarterback going in the first round of this year’s draft. Granted, a lot can change between now and then, but it seems that there are no Peyton Mannings (or even Eli Mannings) in this year’s crop.
Link: http://stl.scout.com/a.z?s=124&p=9&c=12&nid=83&lnid=124&yr=2009
"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 Dec 3, 2008 8:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, I just noticed that only seniors are ranked in that list. Nonetheless, the amount of talent ranked above Graham Harrell is formidable.
"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 Dec 3, 2008 8:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats!
Good health to you and yours!
I agree with ksmooth, a free agent for QB is not the way to go. This team sucks, pure and simple. It’s gonna suck in ‘09, and unless Moses is there to coach the team, it’s gonna suck in ‘10. So draft a stud outta college and let him take the reigns. Look at what Matt Ryan is doing in Atlanta, look at what Flaco is doing in Baltimore. Both teams, out of playoff contention last year, are in the hunt this season. Now, I know Rams need a lot more than just a change under center to compete, but it’s a DAMN GOOD START. And in the weak NFC West, maybe it’s all you need.
"Wherever you go, there you are"
by brik on Dec 2, 2008 12:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Congrats Ryan.
Hell, I didn’t even know you were married (of course, I realize you don’t have to be married to have a child, but….), but I don’t know how I would have known that anyway…..
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 Dec 2, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats on the little one!
I would draft an offensive lineman and maybe even sign another in free agency to see if Bulger could regain his old form with a proper offensive line first.
If he still struggles next year after revamping the line, then I would say it’s time to let him go.
As for this season, there really is no reasons to have him take any more of a beating.
Let Trent Green earn all that money he’s getting
by Option27 on Dec 2, 2008 2:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I honestly fear for Trent Green's safety.
As much as I’d like to see Bulger benched to allow for maximum healing, I’d had to send Green out there and that’s really unfortunate. It’s unfortunate both that the Rams looked at him as a legit backup and it’s unfortunate that he looked at the Rams and was desperate enough (I’m assuming it was desperation) to sign with a team that could seriously get him hurt.
Might as well just send Berlin out there to take a beating. Plus, he might at least be fun to watch. He’s sorta reckless.
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 Dec 2, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Brock Ber-lin (clap, clap) Brock Ber-lin
as I’ve been saying for the last few weeks, we might as well give this young guy one more shot to develop something with our young WRs. At least you enter the game with HOPE because you don’t know exactly what to expect. With Bulger, you KNOW going in he’s going to look shaky, miss WRs, left and right and constantly throw off his back foot to the opposing team. Why not let Berlin hand off to SJ, manage the game to some degree with some dump offs, and allow him to stretch the field with his deep ball a few times?
by bigwood25 on Dec 2, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There's no hope with Berlin and there's no one more shot.
He’s not any good and he’ll be gone when the season is over. But right now, he’s the best option because he’s durable, somewhat mobile, and entirely expendable which are three things that Bulger and Green are not.
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 Dec 2, 2008 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Top QB's in next years draft
MATTHEW STAFFORD, QB, GEORGIA*
SAM BRADFORD, QB, OKLAHOMA*
QB, Colt McCoy, Texas*
QB, Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida *
*Underclassmen (may or my not enter draft)
There are definitely some quality QB’s here and with a top pick in round 2 could land us Tebow or Graham Harrell. We’d have to reach and take one of the others with our first round pick. Could be a great QB class if they all enter the draft.
by ksmooth on Dec 2, 2008 2:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I like Stafford alot
I think you could nab him in round 2, provided of course he comes out. Georgia still likes to think that they can compete with Alabama and Florida in the SEC so he may come back for “unfinished business”.
"Wherever you go, there you are"
by brik on Dec 2, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding me.
Stafford will be top 10 if he comes out. My guess would be first pick to the Lions.
I have witnessed time and time again.
by srdmad on Dec 2, 2008 11:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would go with Tebow first then Bradford.
As for the rest, I wouldn’t draft them with our first round pick, I just don’t have that much confidence in them and this might not even be a question if all these guys stay.
I have witnessed time and time again.
by srdmad on Dec 2, 2008 11:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But I have seen scouting reports saying that Tebow should be the top pick, others
top 3 pick, some people 3rd round, some people 3rd to fifth round, if other teams don’t think he is a first round guy, then I would take someone else in the first round and take him with our second round pick, but again he and the other quarterbacks are all underclassman, except Harrell.
I have witnessed time and time again.
by srdmad on Dec 2, 2008 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The knock on Tebow
Tebow will be docked because he is a “system quarterback,” just like Graham Harrell – or for that matter, David Ware, David Klingler, Joey Harrington, Rex Grossman and every other product of Steve Spurrier’s “fun and gun” offense, etc. In Tebow’s case, he runs 99% of his offensive snaps from the shotgun, running a spread offense that would get eaten up against a pro defensive line, and has since high school.
The thing I like about Tebow is that he’s a physical monster, like a Daunte Culpepper in his prime. Huge arm, weighs 230+ and can move, can even throw a block to spring a cutback run if needed. But you absolutely could not draft him and then start him in a pro offense the same year. Harrell neither. These guys need the time to sit back and absorb a pro offense before they can realistically be trusted to start.
"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 Dec 3, 2008 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I completely missed the Culpepper comparison with Tebow.
I was thinking he has a chance to become Ben Roethlisberger (mainly because I don’t want to see a running quarterback….they just get hurt way too often), but like you said, he’s going to have a difficult transition to the NFL. He might be able to overcome a lot of that because of his physical makeup, but I would want him to learn for a year or two before getting the reigns handed to him.
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 Dec 3, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats.
I wonder if Vobora can play some qb…..
by mpire on Dec 2, 2008 2:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Something I noticed last night watching the Texans/Jaguars game
Jeff Zgonina still plays football.
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
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 Dec 2, 2008 3:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
CONGRATS!
Congrats on your new arrival, VanRam—my wife and I just had our first (a baby girl named Caitlyn) 3 1/2 months ago. Oh, are you in for some hard work the next few weeks. But hang in there, there will eventually be some sleep in a few weeks!
by bigwood25 on Dec 2, 2008 3:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I have little to add.
I won’t even touch the Marc Bulger situation. I defended him all season and this game, as Van said, the excuses weren’t there on Sunday and he stunk it up. I have little to no idea what happened to the Marc of old.
I’ll put up some draft diaries this week to look at LB, OT, and QB’s coming into the draft (and updating the old rankings on LBs and OTs).
Jay Zygmunt, fire yourself.
by 3k on Dec 2, 2008 3:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
my 2 cents
I’d rather see the rams use their early pick(s) on the offensive line. If they can get some impact lineman, especially ones that can give SJ some gaps, that might be enough to take the ball out of Marc’s hands enough to give the team a chance. Take a qb with some later picks to keep the price down while we see if their actually worth anything.
And oh yea, congrats on the kid Van, mine is still in the oven, expected arrival in 7 weeks. :-o
by hex706f726368 on Dec 2, 2008 7:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hex
I agree with Hex…O-Line is a top priority and then look for a steal at QB in the 2nd round. The problem is we also need LB’s, a DT, and CB. We need to try and stockpile some picks if possible. The draft is going to be extremely important for the Rams future moving forward.
by ksmooth on Dec 2, 2008 8:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
QB
I’d only go for a QB in the 1st round if it would be Matt Stafford, but since he almost assuredly will be taken by Detroit or Kansas City by the time we’re selecting. So I would say hold off on QB until next off-season or grab a Curtis Painter type in the 3rd round and give him a try.
by Gnick on Dec 3, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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