Rams trade Will Witherspoon to the Eagles
by VanRam on Oct 20, 2009 3:51 PM CDT
in News
115 comments
The St. Louis Rams made a big move at the NFL trade deadline, sending one of their top linebackers to the Philadelphia Eagles for a much-needed wide receiver and a 2010 draft pick.
Since coming to the Rams in 2006, LB Will Witherspoon had been miscast as the team's middle linebacker. This season, he was moved back to the weakside to take advantage of his speed and athleticism. The Rams linebackers have been much better this season thanks in part to the decision to move Witherspoon and the emergence of 2009 second round pick James Laurinaitis, the team's first true MLB since London Fletcher. Ironically enough, it sounds like the Eagles will move Spoon to the middle.
In exchange for Witherspoon the Rams get WR Brandon Gibson and a fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft. It sounds like Gibson is not without talent. By all accounts he's said to have a great work ethic and dedicated to his team, i.e. he meets the "four pillars." To me, he seems like a decent enough complement to Avery's deep speed and Amendola in the slot. Could Gibson be the Laurent Robinson replacement the Rams need? He was a sixth round pick in this year's draft. I can't imagine that he won't suit up with the receiver depleted Rams.
I'm shocked by this move. Witherspoon has been among the Rams better defensive players in recent seasons. Of course, for a defense that's set records for their ineptness, that means nothing. Witherspoon will be 30 next season, and the Rams don't have many players left on the roster over 30, an intentional move on the part of the team's leadership. This leaves a hole on defense right now. Paris Lenon most likely takes over on the weakside once David Vobora returns after this week's game against the Colts.
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I don't get it
Witherspoon is only 29, a team leader, and one of the few playmakers we have on our young D…this move makes no sense to me, esp. considering we’ve already picked up Amendola and Ruvell Martin at WR. I don’t get it.
by bigwood25 on Oct 20, 2009 3:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes I was thinking that
exact same thing… but who knows… we questioned Pisa being cut as well… we’ll see how it plays out!
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Oct 20, 2009 4:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I never questioned Pisa being cut
and now he’s hurt again and out for the season. Surprised? I’m not.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Salary dump?
Could this move be a salary dump, in order for the Rams to possibly pick up somebody else too? That would make sense if they have some free agent they are really looking at, but with all the dead money they couldnt sign them. Now you get another WR, a draft pick and at least a couple million in spending money.
Possibly?
by bss212s on Oct 20, 2009 4:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the only thing about the salary dump
is that there’s nobody to really pick up at this point in the year
Turf Show Times
by VanRam on Oct 20, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
killing me inside
pat shurmer needs to go we could have gotten someone better than a 6th round pick for a keystone in the D but cuz shurmer worked with him before we got stuck with him, and not to mention his shotty play calling. i blame him for the 0-6 record
by thatRamsfan on Oct 20, 2009 4:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
gibson was drafted this year
when did shurmur work with him?
by brackenthebox on Oct 20, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didn’t, but obviously they see some value in a fuy that’s already spent a few months in the same system. Ditto for the eagles a witherspoon
by JasonB on Oct 20, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gibson is a great prospect
Really really shined in preseason with good hands and toughness.
On a scale of 1-10 how good has witherspoon been playing? Or what should his madden 10 rating be lol
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Joe_D on Oct 20, 2009 4:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, I've been disappointed in Spoon this year.
He was moved back to the weak side this year (what is supposed to be his best position) and I just felt he never met my expectations. Were they unreasonable? Maybe, but I’ve gone through games watching and never really seen him do much.
He’s tough though and is a true professional. He’ll fit in well.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with the move in principle
But it seems like we could have gotten more for Spoon. Maybe another draft pick, even a 7th rounder. Idk, I think Will could get more in return.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 4:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that's kind of what I wonder too
but i’m always surprised and underwhelmed by the draft picks teams give in return for veterans not in the first tier of the talent levels at those key positions.
Turf Show Times
by VanRam on Oct 20, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only 29?
Apparently they think Lenon and Vobora have played well enough to get us through a season that’s on the road to nowhere, and Spoon’s value will probably take a dip when he turns 30.
I’m not that surprised. A little, but not shocked. Nothing says “rebuilding” like trading away your best LB.
Gibson isn’t a replacement for Robinson, they don’t have the same deep speed. But he’s nice and young, just starting his career, so him and a 5th isn’t that bad of a value for Witherspoon. I think a lot of guys think 1st and 2nd round picks are easy to come by. They are the life blood of good organizations,and are tough to get
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 4:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1 on your last point
people think organizations just throw away first and second round picks on trades like they do in other sports. in football, that’s just not the case.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 20, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally,
I think JL is our best LB.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, you're right
I spoke too soon. Spoon wasn’t playing as good as the rook, and he has produced no big plays this year. JL has a couple of picks and leads the team in tackles. He’s our No. 1 LB
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if Witherspoon's birthday was yesterday
we wouldn’t have gotten the same value just because he turned 30?
And Lauranitus is our best LB in terms of value but Spoon is more seasoned. Lauranitus will develop into a much better LB than Spoon though.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same value before the draft - maybe. Middle of next season, no.
Aside from the age as a straight number, 12 months from now he’ll undoubtedly have more mileage on him and be worth less than right now.
I like the WR prospect and a 5th for him. Gibson was buried on the Eagles and all he has to do is produce a little to help everyone forget all about Spoon who wasn;t exactly starring for us
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree i think in an obvious rebuilding era you go with young talent that has potential, Witherpspoon was good on a shabby defense, so maybe it works out better for him and the birds in philly, like i hope it works out for the Rams
by peteyweestro on Oct 20, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ugh.
i agree with the move in principle, but it sucks right now.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 20, 2009 4:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Age isn't that important...
Will Witherspoon actually added something to this team and him and Laurinaitis made a pretty good Linebacker core. I don’t think we should have traded him just to get a WR and younger players. Next thing you know we’ll be trading Little for a 4th RD pick and some 7th round Rookie DT and move him to DE just for a young team.
by StopSpe on Oct 20, 2009 4:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Witherspoon has more value than Little does
He is 6 years younger. That much 6 years makes a big difference. I don’t think many teams would trade a 4th rounder for him.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
im getting tired of this age thing. you need experience and leadership on a team. you cant have a team full of rookies it just wont work. this was a stupid move
by NICKSC on Oct 20, 2009 4:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
rookies become vets.
This team will grow together in Spags system.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NO
it doenst work that way, older guys teach from experience. spags is a good coach but cant teach things that he learned on the field in the nfl.
by NICKSC on Oct 21, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Older guys also have bad habits.
It goes both ways.
Not every player is Marshall Faulk on the field (i.e., an extension of the coaching staff).
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Work when?
Now? It aint working now. They’re trying to make it work next year because at 0-6 any veteran leadership on your team is wasted.
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just read somewhere about having veterans on young (bad) teams. Where was it…it was a major outfit…
Anyway, they talked about how they needed people in the organization that would help the youngsters through it. Telling them that winning will come, don’t get down on yourself for thinking it’s your fault, you know.
I’m all for getting younger, that’s cool. But obviously not all prospects pan out, and having good veteran leadership in a few keys areas (look at Brian Dawkins in Denver, perfect example) will certainly help. I’m not thinking we need a revitalized 30 something playing at an insane level, but someone who can help the team and has experience winning and in the playoffs telling them I remember when we sucked etc, would certainly help.
I believe in 2010
by ram_rod on Oct 21, 2009 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
30 year dip
only really applies to running backs……..Spoon could have got us a WR with a name….instead we get a no name WR who has “good work ethic” and an extra pick in 2010 that we dont will even make the team………..ahhh all is well in Ramville
Rams Must Win In 2010.........2009 Is For Rebuilding, So Dont Expect Much
Chris Long Needs At Least 3 Years To Be A Great DE....Give Him A Chance
As Long As We Keep Losing, Dont Expect Any Respect From Anyone
by JordansDad on Oct 20, 2009 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Young doesn't equal great potential
And we can’t build a team around players just because they have a good attitude. You need skill, not good work ethic. I could probably go to Spanuolo, tell him I’m a wide receiver, and show him I have a good work ethic and have a job for years? We need to build a team based on more than just that. You won’t have any problems with T.O. type receivers crying to the media because they don’t get the ball enough, but I’d rather have that problem than lack of talent.
Being young and a hard worker is just about all you need for the Rams to hire you.
So if we had a chance to sign a guy like Brandon Marshall, would we not do it because he has a few off the field issues? I’d hope not.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 4:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i actually think it was smart especially since witherspoon was gonna hit 31 next year.
we could add some much needed depth on the dline or oline in the draft this year
by Habte E on Oct 20, 2009 5:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hmm...
29 this year and 31 next year?
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Born in 1980
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nonsense
Spread just got bigger after that trade. Proven weapon traded for un proven. Eagles were willing to deal Reggie Brown and we deal for Gibson? Even Curtis back to St. Louie made more sense.
by CB2956 on Oct 20, 2009 5:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thats what I'm saying
We value youth over talent.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd prefer Gibson over either Brown or Curtis.
Neither of those guys help the Rams in the future. Gibson might.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
?
thats open ended, why just because hes young means that he will help the future.
by NICKSC on Oct 21, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"will"?
Did I say “Gibson will”?
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
but you said the other too wont and there is no way to know that. and dont tell me they wont because there older.
by NICKSC on Oct 22, 2009 6:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're older and their either not very good or have been injured the last 2 years.
plus they’re both signed to big contracts.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 22, 2009 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have been far from impressed with Lenon this year.
He seems to be a non factor and misses a lot of tackles. Last week he had 7 tackles but I still haven’t been impressed.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 5:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
I saw him not wraping the ball carrier and try to shoulder tackle a few times (even MJD). Needs to do some tackling drills.
Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler
by mlkgandhiv2k on Oct 21, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just amazed that they even made a trade
I mean the Rams aren’t exactly dealing from a position of strength…they filled a position of need and got a halfway decent pick out of it…hell, the pick alone might be worth dealing ’Spoon…best of luck to him in Philly.
by tbell61 on Oct 20, 2009 5:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think they "filled" a position of need
They for some reason wanted to get another young WR that has proven nothing, which really does not solve any problems. If they want to concede to the unundefeated? (0-16) season, then why not trade Bulger and Little. There not going to do much for our future. We have no real backup to take the place Witherspoon, at least we have Boller and Null who could probably lose just as good as Bulger can. Bulger is only good for one drive a game is seems. Hall, Adeyanju, Long, and Ah You can rotate in and out for the rest of the season in Little’s place. So why not? Maybe get a 2 or 3 more fifth rounders at best out of those two guys.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hall is older than little and will likely retire after this year so…..
by Habte E on Oct 20, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
even if he was older
He still wouldn’t have much if any trade value so we’d need to keep him
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's a gamble
this is too much of a gamble i think. It cleared some cap space granted so hopefully we can pick up someone this off season. But a 5h rounder that might be a huge bust and just linger around on are roster. And a young receiver that hopefully can turn out like the Robinson trade. I keep having to remind my self we are rebuilding but it’s so frustrating seeing one of your favorite players leave for something that is uncertain
by keeperskillz24 on Oct 20, 2009 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
cap space?
it did not clear any space it actually cost the rams 180,000 due to spoon’s contract
by htr4465 on Oct 21, 2009 3:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This year.
Next year it saves money.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 7:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we get brooks foster off the IR along with Robinson too
Am i the one here that wants Corey Williams right now
by Habte E on Oct 20, 2009 5:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yea
We have Foster, Avery, Amendola, Robinson, and Burton already, what is the need for another guy like that. Our need at WR is only for a big playmaker, not a newer version of what we already have.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who would you suggest right now? TO?
I dont know any WR on the trading block right now that qualifies as a big play maker
by Habte E on Oct 20, 2009 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying we can get one this year
I’m just saying that it wasn’t really improving us all that much by getting Gibson.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wr
what about galloway? the pats just cut him and he could be had for a song. sure he is 35 or older but can he be any worse than what we have now? he may even teach these young receivers a thing or two (possible but not likely). we do have some potential at wr looking at next year with B.Foster and L robinson returning burton and avery with another yr under their belts. amendola if nothing else looks like he can contribute on punt and kick returns. give this new kid gibson a chance he may show something. let them play that way we know if we need to pick more receivers next yr or can we continue to grow with what we have. after all we are not going to the playoffs anytime soon so acquire some talent let it develop. all of these receivers would look a lot better if for one the qb play improved and the qb’s had more than 2 seconds to read the D and make a throw. a strong o line makes everyone better
by htr4465 on Oct 21, 2009 3:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you advocating for Galloway?
I couldn’t tell. It was like you endrosed him and then told us he wouldn’t help….
Personally, I think a guy like Galloway gets in the way of the development of the rest of the receivers by eating up playing time.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 7:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you like Amendola
It might make you feel better to know Gibson beat him for a spot on the active roster in preseason. Us Eagles fans actually liked both of those guys alot.
"What did it feel like? That collision, I Âdidn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
by jalarsen1 on Oct 20, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not that I don't want Gibson
But maybe we should pursue people other than the ones that aren’t good enough to play for the Eagles.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair Point
But you have to give the kid a bit of a break. DeSean is a stud. Curtis (when he’s healthy) is proven productivity. Maclin was given a chance to shine and BLEW IT UP. And Avant is responsible for almost every 3rd down conversion we’ve managed.
That leaves Reggie and Gibson, and neither of them were going to break in without an injury to open things up. It was more the case that we had too many guys who were good enough to play for the Eagles.
"What did it feel like? That collision, I Âdidn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
by jalarsen1 on Oct 20, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing against Amendola and Gibson
Its just that our coaches and front office pretty much fill our roster with leftovers from the Eagles and Giants because they have coached there and are familiar with our system. And it makes me think we’re missing out on talent just so we get guys who know the system. I don’t know, you’d think someone somewhere has better talent the whatever the Eagles and Giants have leftover.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In your position
I’d be frustrated too. You make a good point
"What did it feel like? That collision, I Âdidn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs
by jalarsen1 on Oct 21, 2009 6:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every coach does that.
But I’d rather take left-overs from the Giants and Eagles than left-overs from the Rams which is what Lovie Smith has done.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 7:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even in the biggest deal (the only one) at the deadline?
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by Carneros on Oct 21, 2009 8:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did we have Jay Cutler on the Rams?
I must have missed that era.
Because right now, the ex-Rams on the Bears are Pisa Tinoisamoa (out for the season with a knee injury….surprised? I’m not) and Orlando Pace (who is not only struggling, but cost the Bears a chance at beating the Falcons this week in the 4th quarter).
Last year they started John St. Clair on the line all season.
A couple of years ago they traded for Adam Archuleta after he failed miserably for the Redskins (and that ridiculous contract he signed). The reason was because he was suposed to flourish under Smith because of the system. Well…..he didn’t. And was released the next offseason.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 5th and a spent 6th round pick
Rams notoriously giving up more then getting since 2006.
by Go_Blues on Oct 20, 2009 5:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Were we winning before the trade?
Witherspoon wasn’t responsible for all the wins we’ve piled up wtih him on the roster, so I don’t think we should over-react as if this move will doom our great season either.
I liked him as player, but he’s only a solid not spectacular player.
2009:
Sacks = zero
INT’s = zero
Fumble forced = zero
Fumbles recovered = zero
Second in tackles, on a team lead by a rookie. He wasn’t doing that much, he wasn’t responsible for either winning or losing. The best thing he brought was veteran experience to a team that isn;t going to have a winning record anyway, and this isn;t such a bad value for a guy with the stats I posted above.
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 5:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Third in tackles not second, depending on where you look
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
look, when assessing the rebuilding plan, in 2 years when we should be hopefully turning a corner and starting to be a legit team, is WW going to be part of that? if not, why not get a pick and see if we can develop a player that seems to have some talent. as has been said above, we sure arent winning w/ him and he doesnt seem to be making much impact on the team.
by FunkeeC on Oct 20, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
stats
its kinda early in the season to judge those stats there is alot of pro bowl caliber players who are still at zero on those stats
by NICKSC on Oct 21, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A third of the season is in the books
6 of 16 games, that’s a little over 35% of the season and I think it’s fair at that point of the season to remind ourselves at that point that he’s not giving us irreplacable, spectacular play. He’s only 2nd or 3rd in tackles on our team, we probably have other guys that can step in for him and replace what he was giving us, and lastly, we obviously can’t wait till the end of the season to judge his plau because he’e gone now. =)
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 21, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
stats
james farrior is second in talkles on his team 22 (less than will 29) with 1 sack guess they should trade him. terrel suggs 23 tackles at least 2nd on his team. the top three tacklers have no sacks no ints. the 7 oth the top 12 in tackles have no sacks. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/byposition?pos=LB&conference=NFL&year=season_2009&timeframe=ToDate&sort=49&old_category=QB
by NICKSC on Oct 22, 2009 6:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I need to locate my apostrophe key
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 5:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Salary dump
Galloway?
Depth at DT and/or a DE?
I don’t know who is available at this point and time.
by 81 Witness on Oct 20, 2009 6:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Old Regime Dump
It seems like Spags is dumping most of the players from the old regime that dont have a big cap hit……that Leonard trade made sense, we got Harris then dropped him…..what a waste, Leonard is better than any backup we have now…..one has to question the moves being made by our front office……….by the way Spoon forced one fumble and we should have kept him……….the WR we got from Philly has yet to be active for any game this season…………why do we keep getting the short end of these trades?
Rams Must Win In 2010.........2009 Is For Rebuilding, So Dont Expect Much
Chris Long Needs At Least 3 Years To Be A Great DE....Give Him A Chance
As Long As We Keep Losing, Dont Expect Any Respect From Anyone
by JordansDad on Oct 20, 2009 6:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Spoon was supposed to improve after moving to the WILL LB
and he’s actually played worse than last year which was his worst season. They’re selling high on a guy who may be in a downward spiral.
If moving him to his natural position, alongside a legitimate MIKE, hasn’t dramatically improved his game, then what was?
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it is a little early to tell who got the short end of the trade
when the players haven’t even had time to reach their new teams.
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by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
player dump
does it really matter? we don’t have the talent or depth to compete right now anyway. we need two solid drafts where we actually get starters with 1st day picks and quality depth wit 2nd day picks. not the usual reaches and chances on guys who look good running the 40 or lifting weights. I can bench 225 lbs 30 times i am 6’1" 255 and my boss describes me as the hardest worker at the station 1st to show up and last to leave, but i couldn’t block catch throw or tackle if my life depended on it so should the Rams sign me?
by htr4465 on Oct 21, 2009 4:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are Zak Thomas and Derrick Brooks still free agents?
They could be a short term replacement for Witherspoon
Reserved-- been waiting 6 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can wait 1 more
by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 6:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Witherspoon was a big disappointment
this year for me. He was supposed to be really great when he got back to OLB. Instead I’ve seen him miss as many tackles as he’s made, and I haven’t seen him do much in covering backs coming out of the backfield on pass plays. Yes, our LB corps will probably be a little weaker with this move, but how much difference will that make in our record for this year? Let’s hope we can swing a trade for a good D lineman who can rush the passer, but even if we don’t the move isn’t that bad. Remember, we got Marshall Faulk in his prime for a 2 and a 5. He was light years better than WW ever was.
by andyrose on Oct 20, 2009 6:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i dont think
that would fit this system by the way things seem to be going they would not be a possibility. I’m starting to ease into this trade and i was reading will’s nfl live chat and he’s been saying this new defense is confusing the scheme. And you know what they say you can’t teach a old dog new tricks. The receiver has been praised he seems like a L Robinson sense his team has a lot of quality receivers. Wills stock would have went down this year and we might have gotten nothing for him. I still am skeptic but overall i think this is good for the rebuilding process. If your not apart of the solution your the problem.
by keeperskillz24 on Oct 20, 2009 6:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I just don't get
what the big deal is honestly. Was he that BIG a game changer??? I honestly can’t think of anything on the highlight reel or really anything substantial that says to me “he’s our leader and a game changer”
We freed up some money, added a draft pick and a potential receiver…
Little, Bulger and there will be more to be added to the casualty list… this is a good move… an especially good move if the kid pans out.
To me, this wasn’t a big deal or shocker. Let’s continue to rebuild.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Oct 20, 2009 6:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
To read some of the post here, you would think we just traded away Urlacher for a nobody on a defense that was taking us to the promised land?? With Will or without the defense is average at best right now , and we need recievers who can catch the freaking ball and according to the blogers from philly and the peeps in the know, we got a decent young dude lets work with it folks
by peteyweestro on Oct 20, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1 I like your first sentence...
It sumed up my thoughts perfectly.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
by VTramsFan on Oct 20, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On ESPN2
Superbowl XXXIV for those of you who miss the glory days.
Reserved-- been waiting 6 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can wait 1 more
by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 7:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ouch
Seeing this hurts. Sometimes I feel like we’re approaching mediocrity, then we’re hit with some big loss. I guess no one desires mediocrity, so might as well put all our eggs in the “potentially great” basket. Thought we needed a good WR but I dunno if that’s what we got, and saw Witherspoon underperforming, but dunno whose behind him. Maybe we’ll get lucky this draft but I still would hate to see these Rams go 0-16. Lets go Rams!
by kinzav29 on Oct 20, 2009 7:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think witherspoon was taking us to or saving us from a winless season. As is we have a little more depth on the wide receiver spot. And after fears of lining up two receivers following the avery/Carter injuries, that doesn’t seem too bad.
Plus we get an extra pick next april, and since we started almost all our picks this year, that doesn’t seem too bad either.
by GrnGyant on Oct 20, 2009 9:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
We've started almost all our picks this year?
2 and a half out of seven isn’t almost all. I say 2 and a half because Smith has been out with injury and Fletcher just recently earned a starting role. So really only 1 pick has been starting and contributing all season long and that’s Lauranitus.
Reserved-- been waiting 6 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can wait 1 more
by Carneros on Oct 20, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rebuilding? For what city?
I don’t live in St Louis but the fans there I believe are close to there end. Sure we are in a “rebuilding year” but I have been hearing that phrase “rebuilding year” for years. We have cleaned house of some of our best defining players (most of which have gone on with another team and been huge impacts including going and winning the SUPER BOWL.)and we have not seen the changes we need to see. In what year in the off season do the Rams get away from that horrible phase"rebuilding year"? Do you know how long I have been having to hear that shit. One large problem that will bother the fans in St Louis is if the rebuild continues over the next 2 years. The suffering we have had to go through will ultimately translate the Rams moving. Pull up our socks and let’s get something done.
by CB2956 on Oct 21, 2009 12:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sacramento
That’s where the Rammys will be playing next year.
And then I will wake up.
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 21, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
The rams better not move any where anytime soon. I cannot wait till i get a real job and be able to go to the games.
Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler
by mlkgandhiv2k on Oct 21, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I live in Sac and we wouldn’t even have a place for them to play.
No, Hornet stadium could not hold them.
But, I’m with you…it would be nice to get the Rams close by.
by CaliRamMan on Oct 21, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like how you speak for the fans in St. Louis
yet admit you don’t live in St. Louis.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOYAL TILL DEATH
I am speaking for any Ram’s fan that is loyal through all the ups and down. Victories taste all that much sweeter when you stick with your team through all the downs. Are you not fed up with these rebuilding years, with no changes?
by CB2956 on Oct 21, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WTF
Normally I am the ultimate optimist about my team, but this trade was terrible. We traded our starting Weak side LB for a 5th and 6th round pick. By the way we don’t get to pick that 6th rounder. That is not even the worst part of it. We just added another need for the future.
Add Weak Side LB to the list with Strong side LB and everything else.
I officially questiion Devaney!
Whatever happened to a gradual transition for rebuilding.
So, at this point we are already committed to 3 WR’s for the future and this trade is saying we hope he can make that 4th WR spot. Terrible
by CaliRamMan on Oct 21, 2009 1:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yahbut
All that will change if Spoon’s replacement makes a few big plays and shows we didn’t need him in particular, and/or if Gibson is as good as advertised (nothing but good things said about him from Philly fans). Let’s let them play and see where it shakes out.
Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.
by CoachConnors on Oct 21, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one will notice the difference
If Lennon can just learn to wrap up when tackling. I do not think we loose that much in terms of game changing ability.
How bad can the WR be? Remember he was drafted by the eagles not the rams.
Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler
by mlkgandhiv2k on Oct 21, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"gradual transition for rebuilding"
What is this?
If you “gradually transition” into a “rebuild” you’ll never accomplish it. That’s kinda what’s been happening the last 4 years. Instead of biting the bullet and rebuilding, the organization decided to sink money into a few positions and use band-aids and bad judgement for the rest of the roster.
And that’s why all of those guys (management) lost their jobs. That “gradual transition” was digging a bigger and bigger hole every season.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not talking about the gradual tranisition
of the old regime. Right now the patriots are rebuilding. This is a gradual tranisition while still being competitive. They kept guys like Vrabel, Junior S, Bruschi around for an extra year or two while they brought in guys like Mayo. They stack up 2nd round picks to have a shot at someone of quality to fill a need they forsee in the future.
If you haven’t figured it out just yet we are stacked with “NEEDS”
We are not going to fill all of them, let alone adding more to the plate and attempt to fill them as well.
Rebuilding needs to be done in waves.
Year one- identify all the needs, see what are available and pick the best players available in the draft. At the same time you hold on to some veterans to keep the structure in place but identify which will not be in the long term plans.
year two- Sift through the remaining needs and continue with the rebuilding. At the same time we can slowily start to tranisition some of these cogs (vets) that don’t fit with the future.
year three….well I think you can figure out where I am going with this.
That is a “Gradual Transition”!
I state this because nearly 40% of last years roster is gone. There is no doubt that we are rebuilding, but lets do it in an intelligent manner.
Oh by the way, there is still no Salary Cap next year, so I don’t see that as being the deciding factor in this trade.
Of course Phillie fans are happy, they just got a proven LB at age 29 to fill a need for that ailing LB core. To get Spoon they gave up a 5th rounder and their #5 WR that wasn’t going to see the field anytime soon. This is PHILLIE FANS we are talking about, the same group of people that threw a snowball at Santa. The same group that boo McNabb and praise him depending on the week. They are ecstatic, they got a steal of a deal.
by CaliRamMan on Oct 21, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no it wasn't
this team is in year 4 of a rebuild (and in it’s 2nd attempt at a rebuild) and it’s looking for potential buyers. A long re-build (3 more years, which would push it to a 7 year rebuild) is not at all what this organization can offord to do.
Besides, are we really comparing the Rams and the Patriots and thinking there is even a shred of common ground? The Rams are re-building their entire organization. The Patriots are reloading a couple of positions and are staying competitive because they have some amazing players, a great system and a great front office.
Then you take shots at Philly fans as if that has anything to do with anything. And of course they should be excited about Witherspoon. They got a (in this case…) middle LB who can fill in for the injured Omar Gaither. If you haven’t noticed, Philly might be 1 player away from making a good run in the playoffs.
The only good point is that there (currently) is no salary cap next year (no guarantee they will go ahead with no cap, btw), but that doesn’t change the team needing to get more talent into the organization. Besides, if there really isn’t going to be a cap next year, it’s even more important the Rams cut big contracts. If this goes forward, you’ll see teams like the Rams and Chiefs and even the Packers start to make much wiser decisions regarding their money. Tying up a big chunk of money on an aging, underperforming LB doesn’t help things.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 22, 2009 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
5 mill in cap space.
That’s what we save from this trade. Will that be enough to make a move for some of the other available LB in the off season?
Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers. ~Merle Kessler
by mlkgandhiv2k on Oct 21, 2009 11:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
100 comments for a non-game thread
a TST first if i’m not mistaken.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 21, 2009 12:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
:)
You guys are awesome. My roomate is a Browns fan and he checks the blogs and it’s always “darn Browns suck so bad, I hate all our players” then I look at TST and we’re always looking ahead trying to see if we’re really building this team right. Keep up the good work guys, Rams fan for life. (No offense to Browns fans, thats just what he says)
by kinzav29 on Oct 21, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a sad household....
Lot’s of losses in that place. Heh.
;-)
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
sometimes you have to look through a lot of garbage to get to some real discussion here, but if you’re good at finding it, some quality discussion about team building really does happen around here quite frequently.
by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 21, 2009 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get it
I can understand the trade cap wise but for another young WR’s it doesn’t make sense if anything look for some help in the 2ndary and some real help to get the chains moving on offense be we have a decent defense but they spend too much time on the field
by S H on Oct 21, 2009 10:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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