Random Ramsdom 8/15: Did Wisconsin work?

by Ryan Van Bibber on Aug 15, 2008 8:54 AM CDT in 2008 training camp

A smattering of links to start your Friday morning. But first, a quick programming note. I'm working on a defensive preview for this weekend. That will be up later today.

Could another summer in Mequon be in the cards? The theory behind practicing in far away, exotic Wisconsin reads that the Rams will have better, more focused practices and develop better team chemistry by being sequestered there. Against Tennessee last weekend they looked anything but focused. Expecting a miracle against the Chargers, arguably the league's best team, may be too much to ask, but we'll be watching for tight, well-executed plays and getting beat honestly rather than by themselves to see if the Rams' Mequon Theory holds any water.
O.J. Atogwe emerged into his own last season, his third in the league, when he led the NFC in interceptions and topped all safeties with 8 picks. This season, he's playing with the franchise tag firmly affixed, and signing him ought to be a big priority for the Rams. Playing in his third season this could be Tye Hill's breakthrough year.
From Pete Prisco's camp report, only three starters on defense, Little, Chavous and Brown are over 30.
Over the years we've just grown accustomed to bemoaning Alex Barron's failure to live up to his potential. There is a silver lining though. Rams writer Nick Wagoner makes a point about Barron's reliability. He's started 43 games and was the only guy not to go down during last year's o-line masssacre.

Back at you later.

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Slipped my mind.....

Not really, just felt like using one of my favorite Kids in the Hall lines there….

Anyway, I’ve got a question about Atogwe. Somehow it got by me that he was franchised. Often this situation is met head on with a lot of angst and confrontation. Players don’t like it (and I don’t necessarily blame them, but they should complain to the player’s association about that one) and usually threaten holdouts and all kinds of things.

Has this been pretty much an non-issue? Honestly, it’s not as bad a situation as some might make it out to be. He is guaranteed the money (unlike a typical NFL contract) and he gets a substantial pay raise. Maybe, he’s just smart enough to understand the situation?

In the world I see--you are stalking elk through the damp canyon forests around the ruins of Rockefeller Center. You'll wear leather clothes that will last you the rest of your life. You'll climb the wrist-thick kudzu vines that wrap the Sears Tower. And when you look down, you'll see tiny figures pounding corn, laying strips of venison on the empty carpool lane of some abandoned superhighway.

by Tackle Box on Aug 15, 2008 11:10 AM CDT reply actions