Random Ramsdom 5/15: Rewriting the defensive playbook

by Ryan Van Bibber on May 15, 2009 11:08 AM CDT in 2009 Off-Season

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Alright, some non-QB related stuff for your randomness today. How 'bout that? Let's start with a look at how Spags and Co. are reshaping the defense.

The offense isn't the only unit dramatically altering it's approach. Spagnuolo and DC Ken Flajole are instructing the defensive linemen to move upfield, rather than slide left and right along the line of scrimmage to try and nab blockers. That approach, championed under Haslett, led to the Rams defenders being out of position so often, especially on a blitz. This piece from USA Today examines the Rams new approach and points out that last year the defense allowed 71 plays of 20 yards or more. Here's DT Clifton Ryan:

You're going to see whole different wrinkles from us on defense.

More...

A call to put Hanifan back in the booth.
KC Joyner, "The Football Scientist," takes a look at Tinoisamoa from last season and explains why his tackle numbers are misleading and why he might not be a real upgrade for the Bills.
This report from Pro Football Weekly cites "team insiders" who think the Rams will add veteran help at strong-side LB, where there is concern about Draft's age and Culberson's ability.

Randomness, non-NFL division...

You like hockey? You like the Blues? St. Louis Game Time has you covered. They've got all the Blues offseason action as well as updates on the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Viva El Birdos looks at the Cardinals sudden ability to pull depth out of their minor league system.

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KC Joyner, eh?

I never have liked KC Joyner. He takes football and tries to make it into a science. Guess what Joyner, it’s not Biology or Astrology. You can’t use numbers to figure out the game. The game is determined on the field and not in your rinky dink laptop computer.

Of course, there are hundreds of examples I could give, but just by reading this one, you will understand that this man has no idea what football is about. Here is his prediction about the 2008 postseason, based on “the numbers”….

“If history is any indicator, Arizona almost certainly will bow out of the postseason in a hurry, and the odds are very long for either the Vikings or the Chargers to win it all. It also says Carolina, Atlanta, the Giants, Philadelphia, Miami, Tennessee or Indianapolis most likely will end up hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season.”

So how did that postseason turn out, Mr. Joyner? Looks like the Cards made it all the way and the one team you left out of the list won the Super Bowl. You stick to your Excel spreadsheets and I will pay attention to the game.

On this team, we are all united in a common goal: to keep my job.
-- Lou Holtz

by RamsMan83 on May 15, 2009 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

Hanifan in the booth

He should have NEVER been taken out. I don’t care that he’s on the pregame show. I don’t care that people can call in and talk to him after the game. During the game the guy never lied about what he saw on the field.

I loved Jack Snow for what he represented for the franchise and his ingrained love for the organization. But he and Savard soft pedaled bad or dumb plays too often. He made excuses. Watching the game and hearing his description, several times they didn’t quite match.

At least 10 times a game I repeated what Hanifan said on the radio to my buddy in the seat next to me. I kept bringing my radio to games just for Hanifan.

www.stlouisgametime.com

by Brad Lee on May 15, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions