An Open Letter to Those Losing Hope
by VTramsFan on Sep 22, 2010 8:33 PM CDT
in 2010 St. Louis Rams season
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Hey Ram fans. The following post is possibly the most meaningful post I've ever written. I'm sitting here on a Wednesday night working, and also thinking about the first couple of games in the young 2010 season. It also lead me to think about our Superbowl season in 1999. I do think of that often.
A month ago (while this could have been overly optimistic) I was dreaming about heading into week 3 at 2-0, Jackson and Bradford keeping us on the edge of our seats and a defense that had make me cringe at every snap, not from being cut up like last year, but from the very pain inflicted upon our opponents.
Yes, I am a die hard Rams fan. Reality hits fast, and we're sitting at 0-2 but you know what? We're not at the opposite end of the spectrum. Last year was the opposite end. Blowouts galore and really no excitement except for Josh Brown throwing a wobbler to our TE on a fake field goal, and an aged Leonard Little intercepting a pass and galloping toward the end zone - and of course.. SJAX.
After the jump, I want to tell you some important things.. especially you youngsters (god bless you for being Ram fans!).
I wanted to say that yes we are a BAD football team, but last year we were a HORRIBLE football team. Am I still frustrated? Heck yes! Did I want to throw my TV out the window at times during both games? Heck yes! Until I realized I watch the games on my computer.. and since I use it to connect with you guys here, I decided not to do it.. after all, I have breakdowns to do!
I'm not going to put you to sleep with facts and numbers and stats, I think we've discussed that enough. What I do want to do is mention a game I watched on youtube a couple days ago that really opened my eyes. 1999 versus the Atlanta Falcons. This was the second game of that Superbowl season, before anyone took us seriously.
In all honestly, that was the first year I did not order NFL Sunday ticket. Trent Green went down, Warner in.. I was really depressed.While I didn't jump ship, I did start to lose hope. I decided not to order, and wouldn't you know I missed one of the most magical seasons in NFL history, let alone, Rams history. I'll never do that again as long as I live.
Sure I caught the highlights, but not the full games. This particular game really amazed me. We were the greatest show on turf with 2 massive deep threats and you know what? Our first drive versus Atlanta, we went on a 17 play 80 yard drive. You read that right. 17 plays, 80 yards and ate half of the first quarter. It was very Shurmur like.
We also split running duty between Marshall Faulk and Robert Holcomb. Holcomb was very underrated and broke off some nice runs. The balance we displayed was incredible. Sure, we went on a long dink and dunk "Shurmuresque" drive but we were CAPABLE of the big play and teams had to respect that. Until we start threatening down the field, we won't see that type of long drive success.
The fourth game that season, we played the 49ers and previous to that we had lost 17 straight games to them over 5 seasons. 17 straight games. All you younger fans who think the Seahawks are the real rivalry, think again... not in my book. Guys like RamChop will tell you... he's been there (i know many others here too).
Look it up on youtube and watch Bruce cry like a baby on the sidelines after his third TD catch and you'll know exactly what i'm talking about. You know what? I was watching live highlights of the game, sick with the flu.. i even know the date; October 10, 1999.. and I cried with him.
I guess what I am trying to say is, don't miss the turn around. Have faith and when it DOES turn around, it will be the best feeling you've ever had in your life. It truly feels like you're born again!
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WORD
The passion lives. You know, the one moment it kicks in for me every Sunday is when I go to choose my morning jersey, and I always go with Bettis for coffee and breakfast. It’s a piece of shat, beaten up, got a hole or two in it, and it looks like anyone who would wear it should be ashamed. Unfolding it every Sunday is one of my favorite rituals:
You don't seem to want to accept the fact you're dealing with an expert in guerrilla warfare, with a man who's the best, with guns, with knives, with his bare hands. A man who's been trained to ignore pain, ignore weather, to live off the land, to eat things that would make a billy goat puke. In *St. Louis* his job was to dispose of enemy personnel. To kill! Period! Win by attrition. Well, *Steven Jackson* was the best.
by 3k on Sep 22, 2010 9:09 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
+10000000000000000000000000000000
No Rams jersey is a piece of Shat ;-)
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Awesome Jerseys!
I have the same Bettis jersey and a newer style #1 Blue jersey with my last name on the back that my wife got me for our anniversary last year.
I wear the new one on Sunday’s and my 14 y-o son wears the Bettis one! Awesome.
Get this though. Wife is a 9er fan and 10 y-o son likes the Seahwaks!!! Oh man Sundays are pretty interesting to say the least!
My two most respected autographed jerseys
Faulk and my son.
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
+10000000000 rec'd
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Thank you DD and VT
My son worked so hard, and is so tough, he truly earned my respect as a player and a young man, so I asked him to sign a jersey to go in my collection of greats. I’m extremely proud of that jersey and of him.
He enjoyed playing RB but his talent and playing time came mostly as a Strong Safety on defense (Kevin Payne, OJ Atogwe) and WR/Punt Returner on offense (Danny Amendola).
by CoachConnors on Sep 25, 2010 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions
im 15
and a diehard rams .. i watch the game on the directv sports package evry sunday and just pray for a win..i now call in desolation sundays all my friends say rams suck every day in school and i just keep saying in anothe ryear or so we ll see whos laughing go rams
When I was 15...
The Rams were coming off of another putrid season, finishing at 4-12. I grew up in the NY/NE area so all of the Patriots/Giants/Jets fans would kick me when I was down. To make matters worse, two of my best friends back then, and to this date, are the offspring of a New England Patriot player themselves. I would hear it out every week about how terrible the Rams were.
The next season began and my hopes were low, especially considering that the starting Rams QB Trent Green was injured very early into the season. However, little did I, or anyone else, know that the Rams would embark their only Superbowl Winning season, led by Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Torry Holt, Issac Bruce, Az Hakim, and a bruising defense. It was the greatest sports fan moment of my life watching Kurt Warner hold up the Lombardi trophy and all the misery was worth it.
Keep your head up and hopefully one day you will laugh in your friend’s faces when you get to watch Sam Bradford holding his Lombardi high in the air…
im 15 also
and i am too a diehard rams fan i too have my morning ritual of weither to my steven jackson jersey, marshall faulk, jerome bettis, deacon jones or torry holt i pray for wins and they usually dont come but every sunday i go down to my uncles bar and watch the rams game with his sunday ticket all my friends are vikings/bears/packer fans so i get made fun of (but i can give it back too ;) but anyway im a diehard rams fan for life
by jakem45 on Sep 22, 2010 9:25 PM CDT reply actions
Well said.
The first sentence in the last paragraph is pure poetry.
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
I remember that game
I like Ike.
I feel like I have stayed pretty positive. It’s not last year. It just feels different. I credit Bradford for that, in large part. We’re moving the right direction. I’d like to see us get the first win under our belts sometime soon, though. The guys need it. The fans need it. The coaches need it.
wow - everyone is 15?
I was at the first game the STL Rams beat the 49ers and it was an amazing experience. Almost as good as being at the Ricky Proehl NFC Championship game.
My first memory of coming into the stadium was the security guards making some fans roll up a huge sheet sized sign that said “Rams kick the 49ers…” and a picture of the behind of a Ram. Classic.
Future Redbirds! www.futureredbirds.net
Rams Gab! www.ramsgab.com
lol im 22
and up until we drafted Sam Bradford was the only fan in Oklahoma city….Now this place is crawling with people in Sam Bradford jerseys its a surreal feeling. I still get ridiculed at work for being a Rams fan but oh well….. My favorite Rams memory was during the 2005 season i was living in Houston and the Rams were coming to play the Texans. With QB jamie martin set to start well the rams were decimated by halftime down by 21 points. With Martin injured in comes rookie QB 7th round pick from Harvard Ryan Fitzpatrick, anyways to make a long story short, game goes to overtime and Fitz throws a game winning screen to Kevin Curtis, was beautiful and magical still the best game ever in my book
I remember that game!
To this day, I also count that as one of the best games I’ve ever seen. So you watched the game live?
The name's Rams, St. Louis Rams.
Nice
Hi there,
I remember that 49er game. I recall they were playing Twisted Sister’s “We’re not gonna take it”, and it was really hyped up. I also recall Issac Bruce breaking down on the sideline, just letting go of pent up emotion while we just tore apart the 49ers, was great stuff.
One day soon we’ll get back to it. Sports is great like that, you never know what is going to happen.
Night all!
I was 15 when
Vince Ferragamo led the Rams to the Super Bowl against the Steelers. I wasn’t happy with the FO selecting Sam over Suh until I got to watch him play. Every week he shows me why he deserves to be here. I’m positive that we will get better and amen to the diehards.
Oh, my favorite Rams memory….the season Joe Namath was the starting quarterback…what a wierd year that was
Indiana Ram I remner the pain and agony of Joe limping out therebefore we discovered Vince
I have been a Rams fans since 1976 when I started playing Ron Chapman football for the Carmicheal Rams, and have so many geat memories of Nolan Cromwell, Pat Haden, Lawren McClutcheon, Jon Capelletti, Jim and Jack YoungBlood, Rod Perry, Fred Dryer, HackSaw (until he defected) Henry Ellard, Dieter Brock, Dickerson, Everett, Pastorini, Charlie Bell, Flipper Anderson…god I could go on forever. I still bleed Ram Blue and Gold and HATE the NINERS, and I mean hate the Niners, more than alimony and my ex wife!
I will continue to believe and hope we canget 6 this year and 11 next!!! Go RAMS
"If my aunt had a set of nuts, she'd be my uncle"
rams with haden, lost to tarkenton in the playoffs…. i’m old ! lol
by giantdonkey on Sep 23, 2010 12:52 AM CDT up reply actions
There were some epic playoff games against Vikings and Cowboys in the 70's
"If my aunt had a set of nuts, she'd be my uncle"
Wasn't that Chris Everett......
I think I just had a Jim Rome flashback….
I'm a new fan, so I'm going to enjoy it when these guys find traction
Ever since the new regime (Spags, Devaney, Laurinaitis) started, I’ve been on board. These guys have class, respect for the game, and passion. That being said, you could say I’m pretty green in terms of my Rams history and memories (I grew up in Alabama, and followed the Saints were they were REALLY terrible in the late 80’s/early 90’s). I moved here about 5 years ago, and didn’t really have a team. However, my wife and I bought season tickets this year and went to our first training camp. We’ve gotten to meet a couple of the guys, and are impressed with their focus and desire to win. We are so excited about the potential of this team, and you guys are a fantastic collection of fans. I’m honored to share my newfound passion on TST and on game day. Go Rams!
This was great to read
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions
VT, you had me at...
Hey Rams fans. I was a SUH guy and when I saw this bradford kid take over in the 3rd & 4th preseason game I got so damn excited. I sware I was watch Warner getting comfortable with his offense. I could help but have HIGH HOPES. Truth be told I too remember the getting are ass kicked all through the 90`s when we would hold are own in the 80`s when there WAS NO FREE AGENCY. YES, I will be patient. Thanks for the "state of the union" speach, I needed it.
The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!
by DevsLaRams on Sep 22, 2010 10:21 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I'm 16
And a diehard rams fan too, im one of 2 ram fans at my high school and every Monday morning The capping starts. All my friends are mostly 9er,raider, and cowboy fans. Going through the lenihan o however you spell his last name was hard. Now with spags,devaney, and Kroenke on charge it looks like were on the right track, just a couple players through draft and making a big splash In free agency and we could be on top of the nfc west like in the old days.
I'm 12
And I’m the only rams fan at my school (except my Spanish teacher) everyone makes fun of me and I then tell them how many rings the chargers have (live in socal)
by LAraman on Sep 22, 2010 10:36 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
theres no way
That all you old farts are 15…step out of denial…look in the mirror. 15 year olds don’t eat prunes, lol
The only thing comparable to a Rams win is a 49er loss!
by DevsLaRams on Sep 22, 2010 11:00 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
37!!
I remember our first Superbowl. That’s right…the one against the Steelers? A bunch of blue collar underdogs leading at halftime only to have one amazing catch and the Steel Curtain dash our hopes away.
I went through 20 years of basically nothing – save for the amazing Dickerson and an occasional promise like Flipper Anderson or Henry Ellard. 20 years of teams like the Niners stomping over us.
Our success with Warner provided me with that “best feeling I ever had in my life.”
Now, I am hoping not to repeat the previous 20 years. My growing disgust with our team is reminding me of 20 years of misery.
Forgive me if I feel down, but I want Bradford’s legacy to mirror that of Warner – not Chris Everett.
No, not Jim – Chris. For those were too young to know – or those who need a good laugh, here you go….
Thank for playing that
I wish Jim would have pummeled Rome, I think Rome is a punk and you could see the fear in his face when Jim came after him. I woul like to see Rome try and stay in the pocket with Fred Dean and other coming at him.
"If my aunt had a set of nuts, she'd be my uncle"
LOL
His records (which won’t last long as long as Bradford in wearing a Rams uniform)aside, the lowerst I ever felt as a fan was Everett’s flop in th 89 championship game vs. the 49ers.
ugh, I had forgetten about that for 20 years.
Thanks.
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
by Midasknight on Sep 23, 2010 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Well since we're all telling our ages
I’m 19, and as frustrated as I get seeing the Rams struggle I already know that I will be watching every game this season no matter what. I think in 3 or 4 years this may be a very good team, and I just wanna see how the players develop over the course of the year.
Winners train. Losers complain.
by Redbirds_n_Horns on Sep 22, 2010 11:56 PM CDT reply actions
19 here as well
19 here as well and one of the few Rams fans from PA! Been a fan ever since grade school when they were making there magical super bowl runs. Regardless of our current record I still think in a year or two from now we will be contenders once again to go all the way.
by theramsfan39 on Sep 23, 2010 1:30 AM CDT up reply actions
New Rams Fan...
I have been a diehard Sooner fan for almost 40 years, and Sam Bradford is very special to me. So…when the Rams drafted him, I became a fan of this team. I am proud to be a Rams fan, and I know it is just a matter of time till things start to turn around. Those preseason wins were great, and they give me a reason to hope. It also helps to be in touch with other fans who are fans no matter what. I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s posts!
I am blind so don’t get as much out of the TV broadcasts as radio. Fortunately for me, I was able to purchase the NFL audio pass, and listen to the radio broadcasts online.
Keep hanging in and hanging on…it’s going to get better!
Go Rams...go Sammy B!!!
Welcome
to the fold my friend. You will not find more loyal fans than those on this site. Rams fans are not fair weather, we try not to boo other teams. Think classy, just like my fellow St Louis Cardinals fans. Speaking of which, I was at the game in 2007 when Matt Leinart went out with a broken collar bone courtesy of Leonard Little. When Kurt Warner took the field against us, the place went nuts. It was his first game in the Dome since he left us. Hell, I am still under the impression that everyone in that Dome wanted the Cardinals to win just because Kurt was on that team. Like I said, we are a loyal bunch around here. Anyway, you are in good company here. Welcome.
They will notice and they will giggle.
Thanks!
I feel very welcome here…my kind of people! I am also very loyal…I love Sam Bradford, and followed him to the Rams…but the entire team is now my team, and I am proud to say so. :)
Go Rams...go Sammy B!!!
The turn is a GREAT feeling
I remember the initial surge of hope when I woke up and saw we’d traded for Marshall (who I’d followed since his record-breaking first game as a freshman @ SD State). Then we got a compliment to Reverend Ike, who’d carried the team on his back for the past 4 years. And we had a line. And some D. And of course that Pro-Bowl QB from Washington and finally we were going to put it together…
I remember reading the season previews, after Trent went down, where analysts wrote the Rams off as a sad-sack team who couldn’t catch a break. Lindy’s Pro Football Guide [IIRC] made mention of this Kurt Warner guy and how Dick Vermeil believed he could get the job done. I wanted to believe it but it was too far fetched. Something coaches are supposed to say. But the rumor mill made it seem like the Rams brass had confidence in this no-name. So, trusting this allegedly respected coach that long-timers made a big deal about because of his Eagles coaching days pre-my existence, I reserved judgement until we could see it unfold.
Oh. My. God.
You know that year.. couldn't put it into words
I remember the press conference Vermeil had when Trent was lost for the year in the rpeseason.. he was crying and he said:
“We will rally around Kurt Warner, and we WILL play; good football”
You know, to be honest when I first heard it I was thinking “OH CRAP” and thought Dick was being overly optimistic. After the season unfolded, I looked back at that press conference…
You know, DV was a leader. A true leader. When he said that, he REALLY believed that. There wasn’t a shadow of a doubt in his mind that things were more than fine.
It takes a leader like that to really make people play at or above their peak, and I think last year we started to get some of that back with Spagnuolo. With all of the things that people have disliked about Spags, I don’t think anyone can question his positive or uplifting outlook.
It may seem wishy washy now (as did DV his first season) but when this team starts to put it together, that will be it’s biggest asset.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
I think JL is a leader with strong will
I think Bradford is too. By clearing out some (or all) of the older vets, the FO created an atmosphere where young leaders could come in and begin to exert their personalities without holding back. It’s the first step in a housecleaning.
I truly think we’re seeing the turnaround happen right before our eyes, I just think a lot of guys don’t realize it yet. A lot of guys aren’t even old enough to know what to look for, they’ve enver seen it done before, but they hang right in there and still believe with us old timers. And yeah, I’m old enough to remember the Rams in LA. I have bubble gum cards of Youngblood and Gabriel.
This whole post was very well written, and I thank you.
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
It's funny because
after the whole Lawrence Phillips fiasco I think we were all a little sketched out on trusting Dicky V’s player endorsements. We knew he wasn’t a complete sucker who would blindly follow just any bad player, but he ran the risk of backing guys he believed in beyond reason. You wanted to believe in this Warner guy as much as coach made you believe he could turn Phillips around without the fallout. I think that added to the suspense and drama of it all.
He was also known as the coach who bought a house in the same neighborhood as most of his players and had their families over for regular bbqs. He created a culture, not where one guy would do the stanky leg after a td but a whole squad would do the bob ‘n’ weave. Like you’re saying here and Coach C has just below, Spags is slowly placing his stamp on this team and we’re seeing the growth of that: a TEAM.
I said it before, but I can’t relate to the impatience for this team to win in a hurry because this is half the fun. This doesn’t feel like “more of the same” to me. It’s great watching the lightbulb go off for players, watching the early gushing praise for Bradford from opposing coaches, watching guys develop, seeing sleepers blossom. Like seeing Jimmy Johnson’s Cowboys put it together or, as a Spurs fan, watching Tony Parker find his way. It’s a shame Martz & Co’s egos destroyed a beautiful thing but haphazardly throwing money around to get high profile players isn’t how you build what we had; this is how you do it.
Sorry for back to back posts, but
I want to add that while I understand to call to go out and get talent like now so we can win some games, it really is a sweet pleasure to watch your own guys grow up. We were robbed of that pleasure last decade because our own guys were suckie and mismanaged and such, but watching the late 90’s team develop was great.
By the time we were able to win, guys like Todd Lyght, Isaac Bruce and Kevin Carter were seasoned vets who knew what to do and how to lead the youngins’. And, we’d picked up older players from other teams along way like Ray Agnews (Fred Robbins anyone?), who contributed to our Superbowl run at the end of his career. Of course Mike Jones (Na’il Diggs?). At first, these guys didn’t bring much excitement save for being older guys who were good enough. But, after a couple good drafts and thenthen signing key free agents they made perfect complimentary players to the high profile draft picks.
We didn’t have the luxury of hindsight watching it develop. No one saw the Superbowl coming pre-’99. But, if felt more like this than like the late-Martz/Linehan-era. Or the Rich Brooks/Chuck Knox-era. And nobody, NOBODY, took us seriously until that third season.
An Open Letter to Those Losing Hope ?
I do not understand why there is a friction between us VT. I believe we want the same exact thing. This is my dilemma with that statement "An Open Letter to Those Losing Hope "
After the Rams last few seasons having the worst record in the NFL for the last few years you think it is wise to question the loyalty of those who are still around? If they have read your post trust me they are Die Hard Ram fans!
I have new hope with Kronke being in charge. But I also am not a cubs fan. I do not blindly listen to my leaders. I ask questions and want and expect real answers. Not the cookie cutter responses that we are getting from Spags or Devaney.
Rams need to win some games THIS year otherwise.. ??
Thanks to ALL for the comments
To those who were at that Niner game.. I envy you.
Da Rookie – Anyone can lose hope.. that doesn’t mean they leave the Rams, it just means after so many losing seasons, it can be depressing.
I have seen a lot of depressed folks around here, myself included. Honestly, this post may have been for ME more than anyone else! Many of the young fans around here may have never been a part of a “turn around” so I wanted to share a bit of what it is like.
I do not doubt anyone here, or their passion for the Rams, but as a 27 year fan I’ve seen my share up ups and downs; more than many of the young fans who visit this blog every day!
This post was meant to be uplifting, and not question anyone’s loyalty, but remind us all of what it will be like very soon :-)
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
It has to be me..
I am not used to a message board that actually supports each other. I have to wrap my brain around that on this site a post may actually be what you said “Honestly, this post may have been for ME more than anyone else!”
I have got to learn to not to read things into others posts. I’m gonna need some time to get used to well be “civilized”. I am used to not showing a weakness and getting attacked for one mis-step. This is like finding an oasis. I’ve Been in the desert for years and I don’t know if it is an a oasis or a mirage yet.
No mirage.. welcome to TST
:-)
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
My fondest Ram memory
It was my first year in the Army. I took a lot of flack for being a Rams fan. My squad leader was a Titans fan. There was no better feeling in the world than looking over at him during that game and seeing his face deflate as Mike Jones made the infamous tackle. Of course, he got the last laugh a few years later when we fell to the Cheatriots.
I do have hope for this team. I first got turned on to the Rams after my father passed. He was a lifelong fan of the Cowgirls and I was one by default. So in 1995 when the Rams started up in St Louis I found my own team. Never looked back.
On a different note I do believe that the addition of VJax could make us division champs this year. Oh well. Hopefully the FO can find us a good number 2 for SJax and we can win some games.
They will notice and they will giggle.
Ament VT!!!
I know what you mean. I have been a Rams fan since I was a wee one growing up in MT! Didn’t get to see a lot of Rams games back then but was always glued to the TV. Five years ago I decided to get DirectTv for the NFL Sunday Ticket so I would watch the Rams. Well this year I was debating and debating about cancelling it. I just couldn’t do it as I was excited about the Bradford era and being able to watch it from the beginning. I hope that soon stop making the stupid mistakes they keep making and win these winnable games! Thanks for the post I loved it.
19!
Come on now, my father and grandfather were L.A. Rams fans (which also explains my Dodgers and Lakers love), it’s in my blood to hate the Niners as well. Every team in San Francisco SUCKS. I also grew up my whole life in Korea up until last August, so I didn’t watch much football aside from Super Bowls and some playoff games when I was younger. Kurt Warner is definitely my favorite player though and I love looking back at the 1999 season, even though I didn’t get to watch games and didn’t even know much about football, I can’t stop myself from reading about it and watching some Greatest Show on Turf highlights. I’m hoping Sam Bradford will be my favorite player in 5 years, even as a USC fan, Sam was my favorite college player and it was literally a dream come true for me when we drafted him. Back in 08, I never thought it would happen. Die hard Rams fan until I die and now that I can watch all the football I want being in the states, I will never miss a Rams game if I can help it.
I hate Pat Shurmur.
Wow, Should make tha a Bumper Sticker
Out of all 30 years of my existence, I felt hope 3 times being a Rams fan
Then sell them in San Fransisco.
Thanks!
You have just made what I have said in other post clear. There has been a real drop-off since last week in fan’s comments on this site. You have returned the faith of those who were about to jump ship, I’m sure!
I also continue to see the growth this year. True Ram’s fans have hope every time they step on the field regardless of their record.
The 85 Rams were my favorite team, but the Bears that year were no doubt the best team ever.
Favorite play was the Flipper Anderson TD catch against the Giants in 89.
Best game ever 1979 vs. Seattle W 24-0 -7 yds total defense
Just wanted to say
that even though I am a Dolphins fan, I have lived just outside St. Louis for 29 of my 30 years. I have always rooted for the Rams to do good (except when they play Miami) and have gone to at least 1 Rams game a year since they came to St. Louis. Even though they are not my #1 team, I root for them as my hometown team and want to see them win. My wife and I have season tickets this year, and we will be down at the Dome every home game cheering them on.
"Why don't you put that in a memo and entitle it 'Shit I Already Know'!" - Sarge from Red vs. Blue
I can't brain today, I have the dumb.
28 "Phinsider Feud" Points
hell yes
I know exactly how you feel, season ticket holder who loves an out of town team.
I would sell my bad child into slavery to have the Rams as my home team. (I’ll let tthem fight over who is the bad one)
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
It's tough knowing that you will only be able to see your team play live
once every 4 years unless you take a road trip somewhere. My wife is in the same boat as she is a Cowboys fan, but at least she has a better opportunity to see her boys play here if the Cowboys and Rams happen to finish in the same divisional spots. With my team being in the other conference, it is only once every 4 years. It sucks, but it makes me enjoy the games more.
I will say though that I am optimistic about the Rams, I think they are heading in the right direction. They are following a similar direction that the Dolphins did to get themselves turned around after their 1-15 season. Drafting some top prospects to bolster up the O-line, then getting a QB of the future, and you already have an established running game. I think they are definitely on the right track and you guys will start seeing improvements pretty soon.
By the way, since we got our season tickets early enough, we are actually getting the opportunity to go down onto the field for the Isaac Bruce retirement ceremony, which is awesome because I’ve been a huge fan of his for many many years. If you guys would like, I’ll see about getting some pictures during and post them up for you guys over here.
"Why don't you put that in a memo and entitle it 'Shit I Already Know'!" - Sarge from Red vs. Blue
I can't brain today, I have the dumb.
28 "Phinsider Feud" Points
Pics: please do!
I’m sure everyone would love to see that. Especially of something honoring Rev. Isaac Bruce, someone so worthy as a person. You lucky dog, Chupa!
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Redding Rams
was my Pop Warner team n 1970. I’ve been a fan of the (then) LA Rams since then. Used to be the Vikings back then that were our biggest adversary. So, been through thick and thin with them and not ever changing. Thanks, Van…for giving everyone the shot in the arm.
You’re ok in my book.
Great Post VT and really needed right now
I am 15….lol… just kidding. But seriously I am only old enought to have gone through the 90’s where we were sucky, the late 90’s early 2000’s where we were the Greatest Show on Turf, go through the demise and Georgia’s death etc, and now watch the new regime bring in young great kids that you really route for. My favorite memory was when I lived in Hawaii and we were fighting our way to the superbowl (during a year that started out horrible) My live in was a die hard Tampa Bay Buccs fan and was back in Florida on leave. I was all alone in my apartment watching the Rams and Buccs fight it out in one of the biggest nail biters I have ever seen. It was awesome… the ultimate which is better… our unbelievable offense or their best I’ve ever seen (EVER) defense. Neither team would die or give in and it literally went down to the last minute. The whole game my phone was going off the hook from my brother, mom just to make sure I had seen the last great play, my boyfriend to gloat when the Buccs would get a one-up on us…. I have never been so far away but felt so much as home as during that game. When we won it was the most incredible feeling, like all the bad we had gone through had paid off. To top it off I felt like I had enjoyed it with everyone I loved no matter the distance. Ever since then, no matter where I was, I watched the Rams and I felt like I was back at home, The fact is…. no matter what you are talking about in life, when you succeed it always feels so much sweeter when you have gone through the big struggle to get there. I have every faith that we are on our way back up.
no...lol...my live in was a marine corp sniper
I on the other hand was a free bird hippie with the ability to get scholarships to different colleges… and I always loved the beach…haha
Well opposites attact a lot of times, don't they
I was born in Honolulu and have never lived more than 90 minutes from a beach in my life. And now I can safely say I never will.
Go ’Bows!!
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah... that was when I was still young and fancy free
now I am married with a son, a business, a husband, a job,getting ready to go back to grad school and drive a soccer mom suv….lol…. life has a way of taking you places you would never expect as a kid. I loved Honolulu that is where I lived right on the canal. It was beautiful. I left the beach when I wanted to settle down and come back to all my family…. but I can see how you would grow up in Hawaii and have to live on the beach. It is a complete mindset there.
A lot of military on here, is why I asked. I myself was in the Navy for a bit.
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks everyone... just sayin' what I feel
And stlfan2004… you’re not alone anymore.. not with TST
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
After reading this post I just realized what the key is for this year!
VT, you need to cancel NFL Sunday Ticket! You say the one season you didn’t order it was the season we won the Super Bowl! I am superstitious and THAT IS THE KEY!
I like the jersey pix. I have an LA Rams road colors Bettis jersey, a road colors Marshall Faulk jersey and a current home colors jersey #12 with my last name on the back. I love wearing that think. Some gullible people actually believe me when I tell them that I tried out for the Rams as a field goal kicker in 2002.
OK guys... NachoD you may be onto something
I think we can all agree that it’s too late for me this year to test that strategy, so next year I will NOT order Sunday Ticket… You all have my word.
However, let’s all hope a strike doesn’t happen!
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Rams Garb?
The screen name is Russian Ram, but first name is Bruce! Soooo needless to say i gots about every Bruce jersey made!! SOO raise ur hands if u dieharders have that uglyass gold throw-backs with ur fav ram???
MY HANDS WAYYYY UP!!!!!
I love the diehard dedication on this blog!!!!
I'm 16
and I’m a diehard Rams fan. I’m the only rams fan at my school and all of my friends are either Eagles, Colts Chargers and Giants fans and they all say the rams suck and have no hope of being a good team. I also pray for wins and have hope. I understand that this team is a rebuilding team and getting better. Its going to take a while but I will always be a rams.
I where my Rams shirt to teach
my college classes. I take abuse but my Ram’s pride lives on. I am a fan since ’71(10 years old). The first game I ever watched was Rams vs Baltimore Colts on Monday Night Football. Lots of Blue and white. The article in the paper the next day said “Colts Smack Rams, 24-17”. I remember the Rams beating the 49ers regularily – even with Jerry Rhome at QB. I fell in love with the Rams because of my good buddy Lance – he owned a Roman Gabriel shirt. Favorite games ever are when the Rams beat the Bucs to go to their first super bowl; the QB draw by Ron Jaworski to beat Pittsburgh 14-7 on Monday Night; and of course the victory over the Oilers….
I do like the 49ers, Cowboys, and Vikings – more misery for the Rams has occured at the hands of those teams….
Favorite Rams fact: On the dynasty wall in the pro football hall of fame the 70’s Rams are listed. I believe they are the only team on the wall to not earn a championship (not sure of this). To this day I believe they could have beat the Pittsburgh and Oakland teams that Dallas and Minnesota regularly lost to. They were funky circumstances for many of the NFC championships they lost.
Looking forward to the return to dominance.
Eloquently put VT. Personally, I'm just po'd.
We should be 2-0. But we’re 0-2 versus bad teams. I think Washington is better than either the Cards or Raiders. Sam’s doing pretty good with nobody to throw too. And, something’s not right with SJax. As I feared, Shurmur picked up just where he left off last year; play-calling is boring, bland and predictable. I ‘ve seen Sam throw a fb 50 yards before. So what’s with all these crappy short passes again? Why can’t we ever run to the outside? As long as our offense keeps up with the 3 and outs, we’re gonna get killed. When our “D” is on the field all day they’re gonna give up 400+ yards. You can’t win games that way. Thus, we’ve lost 27 of 28 games making me almost yearn for Linehan’s first season of 8-8. Yecch!
I assume you approved of the playcalling in the Patriots pre-season game?
I also assume you saw the game, hopefully you did or this won’t mean anything to you.
Now that game was a whole nuther world, right? They playcalling included effective deep strikes, and a nice balance that made everyone perk up and think the corner had been turned.
So what’s different now? Why couldn’t that philospohy carry over to the regular season? Not talking about backup players and the usual caveats about pre- versus regular season performances, just strictly the playcalling philosophy and why it worked then but can’t be attempted now.
Your a smart guy, a man of science. You know something must be different.
My take on it is the Rams no longer have someone who makes the defense respect the deep reception.
I know you weren’t impressed with Avery the last couple of years but then again you know it usually takes WR’s a couple of years to get to their potential, and you know he was due right about now to hit that timeline if he ever was, and you know he was playing the role of the deep speed guy. If you saw the game you know he was playing great, in his role, when he got hurt. That opened up things for Bradford everwhere else and the playcalling reached its potential.
I don’t think just anyone can step into that specialists job. Its very risky to just heave the ball downfield without someone trustworthy to 1) track it and bring it in and, just as importantly, 2) be able to defend if the ball isn’t perfectly thrown. Devastating turnovers on deep balls are bound to happen without that guy as your WR. If they don’t have the personnel to run that kind of thing, we could easily be looking at a Rookie QB with 5 INT’s and a demoralized team losing by 5 TD’s instead of being in games as they have been so far.
The fact that they knew they could call that kind of game and make it work vs. the Pats but aren’t even attenpting it now highlights the loss of Avery’s skillset. My take on it isn’t that they need a “true #1” to run that offense you’re looking for, but rather a “true deep specialist.”
If they had someone to do Avery’s job, they’d still be calling that kind of game.
by CoachConnors on Sep 23, 2010 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions
ok. coach.... I have a question for you
Did you watch the Ravens preseason game? We had amendola run outside and he made an amazing play after getting great seperation. I know it was against their second string and I know his natural position is at slot. However he is quick, he is tough, he is smart, he is hungry, and we all no the guy doesn’t know how to give anything but 100% with every play. My question is… why not try him outside on a couple of plays and see if he can get some seperation. The others don’t seem to be able to do it often. What is the harm in trying him outside. No harm if it doesn’t pan out. It would just be 2 more plays where none of the WR’s got seperation. I am just curious after watching that preseason game about if this kid is just the little engine that could… who could maybe use his heart to get the job done. I know it’s out there, but I was wondering what your take is.
Here's what I think (without the benefit of being able to ask the Rams)
This question is sort of why not move Wes Welker to the outside? Why not Moss on one wide and Welker on the other wide? Because Welker is badass in his role. Of course, he also benefits from having a true deep guy to play with, which Amendola doesn’t right now.
One thing I know for sure is quick and fast are two different things. I have coached both kinds of guys and they are almost never the same. So Amendola being quick doesn’t neccesarily mean he can routinely be fast.
I love Amednola’s work in the slot, even more now that I saw him play (check the pic of him giving direction to his teammates in my Gameday Pic post) and I’m not sure they have someone to fill that hole should they create one by moving him from it. He’s more valuable than people think, he’s got experience there and is a willing, vocal leader. It’d be easier to see his value if he had a deep guy to play with like Welker has.
But let’s say Danny can make the move to the outside, and let’s say they can fill the hole with maybe Gilyard or Gibson. If that’s the case, then moving Danny is possible and they’re just waiting to for someone else to step up. They may be forced to try this by injuries anyway, ready or not. From what I have seen, I would try to fill Avery’s spot before moving Amendola and then filling his spot.
My main point is WR’s are often specialists and not as interchangeable as one might think. Much like safeties are not easily interchangable. Most Strong Safeties struggle at the Free spot, and you really don’t want your FS spending time as a SS. You can play them out of their natural spot but it never really works out as well. LB’s, same thing.
I believe if they thought they had the proper players to keep calling that Patriots game they would, because it was obvious to all of us it was hitting on all cylanders. The main difference is Avery was hauling in deep passes then, and now they aren’t being attempted. As a coach, I think that speaks volumnes.
by CoachConnors on Sep 24, 2010 1:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Stop.
Stop replying to me just to engage in nonfootball insults.
This entire post is constructive. If you have a football take then fine, make your case, but base insults just ruin the vibe for everyone, man.
If you have a problem with me personally, take it offline and mee me somewhere, and let everyone else enjoy VT’s fantastic contribution.
by CoachConnors on Sep 25, 2010 6:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Mr Connors please your telling me that because we dont have Avery we have to trow two yard passes
You must have some thing wrong with you if you really think that ,I hope Surmur ends up on the Raiders that is one thing i do wish on you lmao
quote: "My take on it is the Rams no longer have someone who makes the defense respect the deep reception." Agree 100%
And, for the record, I’ve watched all the Rams games this year. We need a true #1 WR, who can get deep, so the passing game will get respect. We also need a true b/u RB so that everytime SJax gets a break the opposing defense doesn’t too. Regarding Avery, I’m afraid he’ll always be one of those guys on the injury list – it just happens to some players, even burners. I also whined all off-season for a guy like Brandon Marshall, and most lately V. Jackson.
thanks Chopper
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Hi Coach..
Of course, he (Moss) also benefits from having a true deep guy to play with, which Amendola doesn’t right now.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
That's what you said as your reasoning to why the Rams won't use Danny on deep routes
If that’s the case, who was Avery’s deep guy he played with?
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Roles and competitive advantages
Some Deep guys get seperation after ramping up to top MPH after 15-20 yards, while other Slot guys get seperation by changing direction very suddenly within a single yard. That’s the difference between fast and quick, respectively.
Quite often an athlete will have one of those competitive advantages but not both, and is better at one role or the other.
If you fill both the deep role and the slot role with guys who specialize in those things, its symbiotic.
Moss (deep) and Welker (slot) fill their roles the same way Avery (deep) and Amendola (slot) do. Avery benefitted from Amendola in the slot the same way Moss benefits from Welker in the slot.
Using Amedola deep might work. But then you’re going to have to fill his spot.
So the question is when injuries come, where do you have depth? I might be inclined to leave Amendola alone and just try to fill the hole on the outside where Avery used to be.
by CoachConnors on Sep 24, 2010 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Ah gotcha... and duely noted
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
I'm sorry.. (Moss) = (Welker)
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Thanks... that means a lot :-)
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
VT..too many fair weather fans do lose hope.
We are “rebuilding” and just in our 2nd year. There will be some "W"’s this year and some of those might actually come against “good” teams.
Execution still needs to be improved.
Also, a little luck is still needed.
Recommended.
LMAO you kill me RamChop!
But, with all you say that others question, we can never question your passion for this team.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
+10000 Thanks!
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Meant for RBramfan
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
All I can say to you VT is... THANK YOU!
… I really enjoy reading your posts but this one was one we all demoralized, deflated Rams fans really needed. Thank you!
Thanks abiRam!
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
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