Are The Rams Ready For The "Next Step"?

by VTramsFan on Nov 14, 2010 8:20 AM CST in 2010 St. Louis Rams season

Sam Bradford has been impressive this year, and that will need to continue for the Rams to have any chance of becoming successful on the road. (sprinkling Miracle Grow on head) (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Today is a big day for the Rams. When was the last time you could say the Rams controlled their own destiny? It's hard to believe that all the Rams need to do is win their games and they win the division. They don't need help from anybody.

But isn't that the theme Spagnuolo is trying to cultivate? Messages have been sent numerous times over the past two seasons with the release of Pisa, the trade of Witherspoon, the, "we're not interested" mentality with TO, Vincent Jackson and Moss and the list goes on and on.

Spagnuolo believes in what he is building here, and the good part? The team does as well. But as good as things are looking right now, are the Rams truly ready to take that next step and win on the road, make a push, and win the NFC West?

With Spagnuolo fending off Moss, TO, Jackson etc, he's sending a clear message that this team will not sacrifice the short term, for the long term. But by passing on these high level WR's, is that message also saying we're not ready to take that next step?

I don't think so, that is, I don't think that's the message trying to be delivered. I think when you look at everything with a "big picture" mentality, you're going to see exactly what is happening here in St. Louis. Spagnuolo is instilling a sort of "Patriot" philosophy is he not?

New England is always in the Superbowl hunt year, after year, after year and that's because they have built a program, not just a talented team. Like New England, we need a few more pieces in place to solidify our foundation before we take those calculated risks.

Although one can argue Witherspoon still had some gas in the tank, and Pisa as well, but with those players leaving, it opened the door for Lauranaitis and Brandon Gibson... who, as inconsistent as he has been, it's hard to argue we don't need him right now.

Yes, Spagnuolo appears to be the master of personnel.. (in Dumb and Dumber voice) "I like it, I like it a lot"

Are we ready for the next step? We'll know soon enough. But i'll say this, Spagnuolo is the type of guy who doesn't force a player to grow, he listens to them and let's them do it at their own pace.. he just patiently sits back with that smiling grin as players step up, almost saying, "See, I told ya so".

Let's hope Spags used plenty of Miracle Grow.. I'm not sure how much longer I can wait! How about today fellas?

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Comments

I am really glad you brought this up

Pisa was by far my favorite player of the “old rams” and he was the first one spaggs got rid of when he came in. It actually made me dislike Spaggs alot right off the bat. So my question is, why do you guys think he was the first one out?

by stlfan2004 on Nov 14, 2010 8:34 AM CST reply actions

I liked Pisa a lot.. I had similar feelings as you.

I’m not exactly why he was released, other than his inconsistency, and perhaps how he fits into a Spags defense.

Granted he was a tackling machine, but remember, with a relatively weak D-Line, it’s not hard for a LB to accumulate high totals.

Also I don’t think Pisa was a leader… look at JL… he is a natural leader.. would Pisa accept that role behind him? I donno, I think there was a lot behind the scenes from a, “How will these pieces fit” standpoint.

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi

by VTramsFan on Nov 14, 2010 8:44 AM CST up reply actions

Big Game

I wish i could feel confident about this game but I guess that goes with the territory. This is a young team still “learning how to win”. They haven’t won on the road in how long??
And as much as I’d like to believe that Spags is a GREAT coach….well let’s just say I wish I could feel more confident.
I suppose that will all come once they actually start winning games like these.
Good luck boys. I’ll remain a fan or lose

by ZamRam on Nov 14, 2010 8:38 AM CST reply actions

Go Rams GO

The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!

by DevsLaRams on Nov 14, 2010 8:50 AM CST via mobile reply actions

he got let go cuz he got hurt frequently

He still contributed but doesn’t help when hr has two knee braces on and a cast club on one hand. N i think first game as a bear he got hurt on first or second snap n done for the year

by markg1127 on Nov 14, 2010 8:51 AM CST via mobile reply actions

see I don't remember him getting hurt that often

but then again I don’t remember alot from the past 4-5 seasons… I think it is post traumatic stress…lmao

by stlfan2004 on Nov 14, 2010 8:57 AM CST up reply actions

This is why I was glad they skipped on Moss and Co

As a fan we obviously have limited insight into whats going on, but something he’s doing is working. If he says the four pillars work I believe the four pillars work. Stick to what they believe in and build a team, not just a bunch of good players. (see 2009 Vikings)

by HomerForTheRams on Nov 14, 2010 9:22 AM CST reply actions

2009

Vikings is a bad comparison, that was a damn good team lol. You mean 2010 Cowboyssssss!

"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.

by douchiedude on Nov 14, 2010 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

I thought he was released

Due to his size. I thought Spags wanted size on his team. Pisa was small wasn’t he? Oh well, I like the direction of the team. Today is a must win. Put those P.O.S niners in their place. LAST. Go Rams!!
I hope SJax plows them for 1000 yards. And handy Danny blows up.

by Skunkburner on Nov 14, 2010 10:38 AM CST via mobile reply actions