Rams approval ratings: Head coach Steve Spagnuolo
by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 10, 2010 8:35 AM CST
in 2009 St. Louis Rams regular season
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PrintAs tough as the 2009 season was for the St. Louis Rams, the TST community is still behind the team. Last week, 84% of you said that you felt the Rams were still heading in the right direction. That speaks well of the changes occurring this time last year at Rams Park.
Now, with the NFL playoffs underway, let's go back to the fan approval polls for the team's leadership, starting today with rookie head coach Steve Spagnuolo.
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I voted yes too.
I believe in what he is doing and where we are going as a team. There is one thing I don’t like and one thing that he can improve on.
The thing I don’t like: Pat Shurmur (or the hiring of and staying with of him) . I don’t know what to make of him. He is supposedly running the same offense as the Eagles, but it looks nothing like the Eagles offense, which leads me to think he needs better players to work with.
The thing he can improve upon is in-game decisions. The one that sticks out at me most is the one at the end of the Jags game. We were down 3, at around the Jags 10. It was 3rd down or less. There was 7 seconds left in the 4th Quarter and he decided to kick the field goal instead of taking one more shot at the end zone. We ended up forcing OT and losing on the first possession. Hopefully he’ll learn with experience now that it is really not that important.
Some details I don’t approve of , but I approve with the big picture.
Also, no thread for the Patriot beat down?
Bulger makes Bradey look like a High School undrafted Rookie
When the WR’s around you start failing, and your blocking disappears-the QB position or talent thereof becomes a moot point. If Bulger had the protection on the Ravens O-line, there would never be any posts about his future, it would be assured with the Rams.
What happened when Bulger had Pace, Bruce, Holt, Jax et. al in their primes?
Nothing! He’s not even in the same league as Warner, Favre, Brees, Rivers, Brady, ManningX2 or Big Ben. He’ll be most remembered as the guy that led the STL Rams to a 6-42 record during his last three years while making $8-9M per year.
If by nothing you mean:
Setting NFL records, leading the Rams’ offense into the top 5 consistently, specifically in the passing game since Faulk was declining/Jackson was developing, then I guess we have very different definitions of what “nothing” is.
Also, if you want to diminish his efforts based on overall team success, I’ll remind you that the defenses we fielded those years were some of the worst units in the NFL those years. The offense would consistently have to post 30+ points to win a game because of the defenses’ failures.
Lastly, he won’t be remembered as the guy that “led the Rams” to 6-42, he’ll be remembered as a guy who was one of the top 5 QBs in the NFL before a dysfunctional organization, coupled with pathetic personell decisions, and joined by declining play of former stars, ruined a once promising, sky’s the limit career.
Also, I always laugh at when people bring up Bulger’s contract as if he didn’t deserve the money at the time based on his play years prior.
It’s not his fault Scott Linehan was his coach. Please remember that.
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
-Kobe Bryant
A mantra for all athletes.
by TrojanRam on Jan 10, 2010 2:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
What do you mean?
He’s not even in the same league as Warner, Favre, Brees, Rivers, Brady, ManningX2 or Big Ben
Not even in the same league as all those guys? You just named the elite QBs in the league and you’re saying he’s not even in their league. You’re making them sound like they are all Kyle Boller. And making Bulger sound terrible because he’s not as good as Brett Favre or Peyton Manning. I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.
Yeah, because Bulger allowed Vick/Falcons roll up
300+ Rush yards. Yupp. He was out there playing D while that happened and he missed all those tackles right?
Was that him or Jason Sehorn’s old ass that whiffed trying to tackle Steve Smith the year prior? I thought it was Sehorn I swear.
Wait, did Marc make the decision to go for the tie after our offense, led by Bulger, picked it up and rallied back? Wasn’t that Martz in his most out of character moment ever?
I could’ve sworn it was Mike.
Yeah, Marc’s record is 1-2, but as far as I know, it’s a team game and there’s 52 other people on the field that may or may not have failed to do their jobs those days. It’s no ONE PERSON’S fault.
The QB saves everything theory is more apt for the PD website. If you’re going to argue that Marc can’t do it anymore, that’s fine. But to put these last 2-3 years on him with Linehan around and our countless busts, is pretty ridiculous. Almost as ridiculous as putting those 2 playoff losses on him. Pretty short memory if you ask me.
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
-Kobe Bryant
A mantra for all athletes.
by TrojanRam on Jan 10, 2010 6:27 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Bulger is more responsible than you think...
If he could’ve kept the Rams offense on the field longer and scored more points, neither Vick nor Dunn would’ve had the clock time to rack up so many yards. Also, it was a sorry ass Jason Sehorn that got faked outta his jock strap on the Steve Smith TD play. But, it was an INT by Bulger on our last possession that gave Delhomme and Smith the chance in the 1st place. That Panthers game should never have been in OT in the first place except that our first four entries into the red zone resulted in 4 stinkin’ FG’s and NO TD’s. We scored one TD in 6 quarters. Some great offensive performance huh? Of course we had a chance to win at end of regulation trailing 23-20 and with the ball near the Carolina 10 yard line. But Martz elected to go for the tying FG rather than let Bulger take another shot at the endzone. Martz was an idiot, but my guess is he was fearing that Bulger would toss an INT… And, btw, my memory is not short, I’ll take you on any day regarding knowledge of the NFL for the past 40 years…
Some stats from that ATL game.
First Downs: StL – 19, ATL – 18
Rush, yards, TDs: StL – 18, 77 yds, 0 TDs, ATL – 40, 327 yds, 3 TDs
Passing: StL – 23 of 35, 299yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, ATL – 13 of 17, 84 yds, 2 TDs
Sacks: StL – 4 for 37 yds, ATL – 1 for 14
Total Yards: StL – 339 (262 net passing), ATL – 397 (327 rushing)
Turnovers: StL – 2, ATL – 1
Penalties: StL – 4 for 26, ATL 4 for 32
I guess you can try as hard as you can to blame that game on Bulger. But when your defense gets gouged for 327 yards while the Falcons aren’t even interested in throwing the ball, it’s kinda difficult to win. I know you think this is Bulger’s fault. Even though he (in Mike Martz’ pass happy offense that couldn’t run the ball at all) single handedly carried the offense on his back.
FYI. The defense not being able to stop the run and the Rams inability to run the ball is why the Falcons out TOS’d the Rams by 11 minutes in that game.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
TOS should be TOP (time of possession)
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
So are we changing the subject?
or just blatantly ignoring the fact that Bulger played his ass off in a game that you blame him for losing?
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
Your choice. Regarding the Atlanta game, which I'm sure we both watched that fine Saturday nite; you say he played his ass off. I say he (and the rest of the team) played like an ass.
Now, 1/2 the post was about the Carolina game. I’m 100% sure you’ve got a good excuse for Bulger in that one too.
Man are you ever wrong?
Not even facts against your argument can prove you wrong. Must be nice. I suppose not making the playoffs in 2006 was Bulger’s fault too.
Fine.
Did Bulger throw 3 ints that game? Absolutley. But, if I remember correctly, Martz couldn’t care less about ints. But, let’s cut and paste some more stats….
Passing: StL – 27 of 46, 332 yds, 0 tds, 3 ints, CAR – 16 of 27, 290 yds, 1 td, 1 int
Rushing: StL – 23 carries for 64 yds, 1 td, CAR – 41 carries for 216 yds, 1 td
Total yds: StL – 380 (316 net passing), CAR – 485 yds.
Penalties: StL – 5 for 33 yds, CAR – 13 for 92 yds
Eight different Rams recievers had catches.
Jeff Wilkins kicked 5 FGs (3 from inside 30 yds and another from 33).
If it’s not obvious by now that that team (and the one against the Falcons) could do NOTHING but pass the ball (i.e., couldn’t run, couldn’t stop the run, or in this case the pass either) then I’m not sure what else can be said.
The reason the Rams failed so much in the Red Zone was because they couldn’t run the ball. Then, when Carolina had the ball (even though they committed 13 penalties) gashed our defense all day long.
If it weren’t for Bulger, we might have been shut out in that game.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
tackle tackle tackle
you should know better than this! you have to know by now that when it comes to edpjr, we ignore statistical evidence and just go WITH WHAT WE THINK, DAMNIT! because if what we want to think is right, THEN IT MUST BE! STATISTICAL EVIDENCE BE DAMNED!
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 10, 2010 11:54 PM CST up reply actions
It's funny around here that whenever I use stats such as for Bulger or Chris Long or even team stats...
that some of you clowns (fang in particular) always dismiss them with comments like; “yeah Long only made one tackle, but he missed six sacks by a 1/2 second,” or “sure Bulger threw 3 INTs but his receivers couldn’t get open,” or “Keith Null looked confident despite throwing 5 INTs and gettng sacked 4 times.” You can’t have it EVERYWAY that suits you guys.
i don't think any of the quoted material is mine...
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 11, 2010 2:34 PM CST up reply actions
well, you said he played horribly and was a big reason why they lost the playoff games
So I gave you pretty thorough stuff (not just the record or final score) to show that the defense was a sieve in both games and the Rams were completely unable to run the ball.
Bulger on the other hand, almost single-handedley, carried the offese both games. But we lost, so I guess it’s his fault.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
The "D" stunk up the field versus Atlanta, but...
holding Carolina to 23 points through 5 quarters doesn’t seem that bad considering the offense could only get FGs and turned the ball over several times. Recalling these two games and the last few seasons has helped get me in a frame of mind to build a 2000 Ravens type “D” as the priority. IF we can get Suh first and then an OLB with the second pick and maybe one of the available FAs, our “D” should improve markedly. Of course that assumes Chris Long is really coming into his own.
you just changed the subject again because he was right
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 11, 2010 5:16 PM CST up reply actions
below says it all...
Passing: StL – 27 of 46, 332 yds, 0 tds, 3 ints
our first four entries into the red zone resulted in 4 stinkin’ FG’s and NO TD’s. We scored one TD in 6 quarters. Some great offensive performance huh? Tell cousin Marc hello for me.
you're an ass
but as explained to you above, we sucked in the red zone because we couldn’t run the ball. yes bulger had something to do with that, but not enough that you can blame his ass for the loss.
and you still haven’t addressed the whole atlanta game that your theory got destroyed on.
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 11, 2010 6:36 PM CST up reply actions
Ya know, I've had it with you, you little smart ass SOB.
You’re just another internet brave man. If we were face-to-face I’d give your college twerp ass chin whiskers a massage with my fists. Buzz off!
Enough with the name calling.
And this was going to be directed at stlcardinalsfang but I’m just putting it at the bottom of this thread since it’s completely gotten out of control.
As for ed, I’m just about to reply to your query about the Rams vs the Panthers, but unfortunately I got to read this crap.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
my bad
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 11, 2010 8:37 PM CST up reply actions
Now, in response to the Red Zone offense
Seriously?
I know you understand the importance of running the ball especially in the Red Zone. Pass only teams get killed in the Red Zone. Warner did, just like Bulger did.
If you can’t run the ball in the Red Zone, you’re basically a sitting duck waiting for the worst possible scenario. The field is short and it get’s increasingly tough to get receivers (even the great Holt, Bruce, Curtis, and Faulk) open.
This isn’t advanced stuff. And I’ll say hello to Marc for you when I see him over Easter Break. He cooks a kick ass ham.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
I'm not at liberty to say anything right now.
;-)
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
I'm sorry but, being around longer doesn't equate to good analysis of a game/the reasons we lost.
Also, is this a test? Because if you’re testing whether or not I saw the Carolina game, I’ll answer. The interception you referred to was a wrestling match that our dear Torry Holt LOST to Ricky Manning. Our HOFer didn’t make a play for his QB. I suppose it’s his fault for not throwing a better ball? Or maybe he trusts his Halloffamertobe WR to win a wrestling match against Ricky (who?) Manning. Putting that one completely on Bulger is a mistake. I’ll remind you that he’s a big reason they were even there with a BYE.
"I was just letting the shots fly. You know, I don't leave any bullets in the chamber."
"Everything negative- pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise."
-Kobe Bryant
A mantra for all athletes.
by TrojanRam on Jan 10, 2010 9:20 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
You're sorry - so what? Experience builds knowledge and wisdom.
Go out and interview for a good job and tell them experience doesn’t matter…
I'll always remember Marino as a SB choke
can’t even win a SB, shouldn’t be a HOF.
I believe in 2010
This guy has got the Obama touch for enthralling gullible fans...
by edpjr on Jan 10, 2010 12:59 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
You, sir
are a troll.
Gregatron is not responsible for any of the crap he just wrote.
St. Louis vegetarian blog
obama touch? the romance is over! he just another nigga like bush killing people
just more polished then the hillbilly
by james535 on Jan 11, 2010 9:01 AM CST up reply actions
wow
this should finally get you that ban.
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 11, 2010 9:15 AM CST up reply actions
it's pretty easy...
we don’t discuss politics on this site.
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 11, 2010 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
Off Topic
but do you really expect Obama to fix 8 years of destroying our country in 1 year? you need to be a little more realistic………it will take at least 5-10 years to fix what Bush and his cohorts did to our country
Jake Locker in 2011
Nope.
Off topic from time to time is fine.
This isn’t.
End of discussion.
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
He'll just pick a better user name and a different email address and be back on TST in an hour.
Compared to some of the foul filthy disgusting language I’ve seen on this site, he’s committed no “Cardinal” sin. While his choice of words was poor, he simply bashed two presidents of different parties.
but we don't talk politics on this site. it's the simple.
and he used the n-word, which is simply not acceptable under any circumstances. foul language happens in 99.9% of internet forums every day.
follow me on twitter @nickg105
by stlcardinalsfang on Jan 11, 2010 6:37 PM CST up reply actions
Spags did a lot of things right this year
Sure 1 win isn’t what we hoped for, but I feel like the Rams are actually making progress again finally.
I think next year is the true test, and I will certainly be more results oriented when judging Spags.
Spags gave the Defence a personality but Shurmur will kill this team and Spags
by james535 on Jan 11, 2010 8:41 AM CST reply actions
Let's at least give him one more season
If he can’t make it all the way through- so be it.
I don’t think you can judge him with the team that was fielded this year.
I believe in 2010
Maybe, but...
I secretly had high hopes for Bulger, but was doubtful. I thought Boller was better than he was. Jackson is All-Pro. Avery, Robinson and Burton were supposed to do good things. The O-Line had been reinforced with Smith and Brown. I just couldn’t imagine these guys being any worse than 2007 or 2008. But, they were at 10.9 points per game. And, I believe uninspired and highly predictable play-calling was a big factor. Why take a chance again next year? Do the Mora thing with Shurmur and bring in Wild Man Martz.
Yea, Shummer is just a ner'-do-well
that has slummed his way from team to flop-ass team, working his way through lousy teams so no one would notice what a failure he is.
The Poll Asks
“do you approve?” how can anyone approve of anything on a 1-15 team? I voted “no” because no matter what Spags did in the off season to better us in the future, it didnt translate to the field, for this, i dont approve. For his questionable play-calling, I do not approve, for his lack of taking any risk, I dont approve……..but that doesn’t mean I dont think Spags should be our coach, I will wait until this time next year to offer an opinion about his job.
Jake Locker in 2011
About The Earlier Posts
as far as ed, tackle, fang, and the rest talking about who sucks and who doesn’t. I think everyone of those guys bring something to the table, ed brings unrivaled criticizm, tackle brings his own opinion and so do the rest………what i’m trying to say is everyone brings something to this message board…….imagine if all we did was agree with everything our team does? there wouldnt be that many people on this board, i know i wouldnt be here…i sign on everyday looking forward to what Van and the rest of em have posted regarding a team I have followed since 1979, then i read about what other fans think of the news that was just posted………..i guess what i’m trying to say is, DON’T STOP DOIN WHAT YOURE DOIN just cuz some people disagree with you………thats what makes TST so great
Jake Locker in 2011
While I cannot "approve" either, Tackle made me realize something....
It’s very likely that top of the line coaches like Shanahan and Cowher wouldn’t even give taking the Rams job a second thought. Being a longtime fan and partisan, I overlooked the reality that most SB winning coaches might not relish the idea of taking over a team that’s won 6 outta 48 games the last three years and has no QB or D-Line. I now recall a story last year by either King or Banks questioning why a guy like Spagnuolo would risk what might be his only shot at being a head coach in the NFL by taking on a team as bad as the Rams. So I suppose one has to give Spags credit for having the guts to do so and then making pretty good 1st and 2nd round draft picks, but I’ll temper that praise with my disappointment in a lot of the play-calling/ coaching decisions I saw this past season. I guess we can only hope Year #2 is the charm in fixing the house that Linehan built.
You gripe a lot about play calling
Interesting to see your response to the Packers-Cardinals matchup. Should the Packers DC be pounded for his lousy first half D schemes, or was it the players fault? Conversely, Should the Cards DC be pounded for calling a D scheme for the second half that almost cost them the game, or was it the players who could not execute? There’s a lot more to the game to consider than to blame the Coaching staff for a busted play.
As is frequently the case, you don't make any sense.
“Blaming the coaches for a busted play???” The “gripes” as you call them have been indictments of the silly-ass highly predictable offensive play-calling, i.e. run Sjax for 2 yards, throw two short incompletions, punt. Virtually everyone on TST knows about this fact, how did you miss it? Regarding the Cards-Packers game, I enjoyed the heck out of it. Two offenses running wild with the both "D"s giving up a gazillion points. But each having some very important plays like forced fumbles and sacks. Play-calling by the Rams DC had very little effect all season because we had a non-existent D-Line and ultimately gave up over 400 points. And our offense scored 10.9 points per game. In sum, Shurmur sucks as OC. Our D is atrocious. And we’re clearly the worst team in the NFL. If you don’t think those stats deserve criticism, you have some mighty low expectations.
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