I know I'm Not the First to Say This!

As many of my friends continue to ask me, "What is wrong with the Rams this year?" My answer is a brief, cover all the points answer "What's not wrong with them this year!" While, this is a ploy to stop the hounding due to the fact that many of them are 9er and Raider fans. The taste of it all is bitter, causing me to spit, curse to myself and being tempted to just shut it down for the year. Though it all, I remember that there are plays during games this year that I still say good job, way to go and his play gives me hope. I guess that is what being a true fan does to you. That little green alien keeps telling me "Taosman, the force is strong in you, don't be consumed by the dark side."

Everyone, please stop the blame game-

Again, I'm with you on the disappointments of this year. The finger pointing, he's on the hot seat, he's not the player we expected, no true #1wr, etc., etc. etc. We're all as Rams fans trying to answer or solve (in vain I must add) the issues of failure. But in reality, (as this is my personal view) it's the organization as a whole.

A matter of balance-

There just isn't any-

The good (YIN). A general manager (many, many of you disagree) that has brought in upgrades this year in numerous positions. And while the draft doesn't get a passing grade yet, the talent is there. A second year QB (who will pick up the mantel from Warner in the next year or two) in a new offensive system with (what I feel is) too many added responsibilities. Comparisons stop because other QB in similar situations had much better talent around them. A solid but aging RB who in his now limited by all the short-comings around him, but always gives 110%. A improving receiving corps(I know all the dropped passes are unforgivable) that is an upgrade over last season that gives the QB more options to throw to.

A very good defensive line that has some age and will need upgrading in the middle soon. One of the best MLB in the whole NFL and some outside talent that is in the show me or go mode. One of the 10 best defensive backs period.

Also a very good place kicker, punter and serviceable special teams.

Sadly, that's it.

The bad (YANG). Where, oh where do I start? First, every other position not mentioned above. Coaching, head coach on down the line. Even if the players are the end result of plays, the current lack of discipline is causing the penalties and mistakes. There is no miracle pill for the 'Brain Fart' disease that has hit this team. Maintain the offense you're running and stay with it. Practice it, practice it and practice it. Fine every violation of the 'Brain Fart' disease during practice and games. This just has to fire up some of those abusers to correct it.

As I said in a previous posting, the four pillars is good in principle, but if their is no one to instill it, the whole idea of it has been a complete failure. This alone has blinded the decision makers to pick up certain players with risk involved that might have cut down this disaster in the making.

The head coaching has regressed! There , I said it. Should it cost him to be replaced? No, there is 3/4th of the schedule to be be played. If this team doesn't at least make noise in the NFC west this year, I will openly endorse a change. While he's a great defensive mind, he hasn't done enough on the other end to fix it.

Injuries have really hurt this year. Capable replacements are hard to find, I know, but some measures need to be done and soon.

Does September 23rd 2002 mean anything to any of you? After the jump.......

That is the date of the game that Kurt Warner's starting streak ended in which I have deemed the Curse of Mike Martz. This curse continues with this organization today and has infected the 49ers (which is not a bad thing for us) and currently the Bears (poor Mr. Cutler). The scientific name for this is Martz's Multi-time Mauled Syndrome. The symptoms affect the (see Marc Bulger) Quarterback, the o-line (previous years run blocking and currently everything it seems)and amputates the running game from the offense.  The list is long of Quarterbacks specifically that never recover from this. But at least one QB, Kurt Warner found the cure, WINNING FOOTBALL GAMES. Please, don't let this curse affect Sam Bradford (your our only hope to break this).This curse will continue until the Rams find and use Kurt Warner's cure.