Guv's Cup: Morning after thread

Meh. The fringe guys didn't exactly make their case, did they? Our backups did start out playing KC starters though. Some thoughts:

• What's the deal with special teams? Two blocked punts in two games is not acceptable. Players lining up wrong at this stage can't happen. With our schedule, muffed punts and kicks will lose a game. On the returns, it's obvious we need to get Dante Hall healthy. He's the only Rams returner who put up solid numbers in the preseason; the Hall as #3 WR talk ends now.
• Lance Ball continued to make his case last night with 70 yards on 13 carries and a TD. I think they'll keep him on the practice squad, but had he not missed his assignment on the punt team, resulting in a blocked punt last night, he'd have a much stronger case for the 53-man roster.
• The rushing numbers also point to solid work from the o-line backups. That's a good thing, except for the 3 sacks.
• And the winner is...Marques Hagans in the fringe wide receiver race. I'm operating under the assumption Dane Looker's already made it. 
• The offense didn't look like much to brag about after two consecutive three-and-outs to start the game. Berlin still impressed in the two minute offense though. 
• I think maybe the Rams should hang on to S Eric Bassey, keep him on the 53-man roster. He's shown some inspired play this month and as the 4th safety and a special teams guy can play at a higher level than Jerome Carter.
• Score board aside, the most troubling thing about the game was the injury to Donnie Avery, who left with a sprained right knee. No word on his status yet, but he should be okay.
• It was an ugly start, but you've got to be happy that these fringe guys kept at it and made it a 4 point game in the end.