Hello fellas, Andrew from Revenge Of The Birds here to start our QnA for the week. We currently head down to St. Louis to take on your Rams and trust when I say, the Cardinals won't take the Rams lightly. They started to do that last week against the Seahawks and trailed 14-0 early. That has been the story of our season. We're inconsistent - something that I hope will change soon. We started the season 1-2, won 3 straight, lost to a struggling Panthers team at home, and now have won 2 in a row. If you have any questions for me about the Cardinals I'll be sure to answer them as quick as possible and I'm sure some fellow ROTBers will stop by too. Also, if somebody here can do the same QnA at ROTB, that woud be great. Here's to a good game on Sunday guys. 

I think this week's contest hinges on which Kurt Warner shows up; the 5 TD pass guy or the 5 INT guy? Unfortunately, about 4 out of 5 times the great passer takes the field. The Cards are coming off a nice whupping of Sheattle and the Rams should feel very good about their performance against the Saints. All we needed was one more break like stopping the kick-off return TD or not having an INT in the RZ to have won against the number 1 ranked team. Beating the Cards will require a plan similar to last week, i.e. run SJax as much as he can take to burn clock and keep Kurt off the field. We're gonna have to score some major points by hook or crook to win. I don't think anything under 28 will get it. Our weak D-Line is gonna struggle getting pressure on Warner and that will give Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston time to wreak havoc with our pretty decent secondary. So, our offense has got to step up and score TD's. SJax will carry his load - no worry here. The first thing we should do is sit "jinx" Barron and "stonehands" McMichael. Both are detriments to the team. Bulger will have to play with the intensity he did last week and bring his young receivers along with accurate passes. There's also nothing wrong with an occasional reverse, flea flicker or shovel pass. 4th and 1? Go for it instead of kicking a FG. Three pointers just won't beat a high powered offense.  If we'd scored 7 instead of 3 in the one instance last week, we'd have been tied 28-28 in the 4th instead of trailing by 5. It goes without saying that we can't survive turnovers and penalties. Anything that lets the Cards offense on the field hurts us. Anyway, Good Luck Rams, It's about time we got a few more breaks... To win 2-3 games this season against our NFC West rivals would be Heavenly.

As Rams fans, we all know that Steven Jackson is one of the best running backs in the NFL. When the national media will start to take notice of the fact that SJ is tied with Adrian Peterson for the third-most rushing yards in the league this season with 784, I don't know. Cameron Hallway of CBS Sports is off to a good start with a great piece on SJ up, and it's certainly worth a read. 

What I found most interesting in the piece are some statistics that point to just how good SJ is: 

Jackson, 26, has started 57 games in his career (he has missed nine games to injury and was a backup to Marshall Faulk most of his rookie season). In the history of the NFL, among players who have started 57 or fewer games before turning 27, Jackson is No. 1 in career rushing yards, with 6,075 -- and he has eight more games before turning 27 in July.

Take out the games-started criteria, and Jackson is 18th all-time in rushing yards through his age-26 season, again with eight games to go.

If he were to match his first half of 784 yards in the second half, he would climb to 10th on that list, bumping Faulk. The top 10 is a who's who of NFL backs: Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, Jim Brown, Jerome Bettis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Eric Dickerson and Faulk.

If that doesn't impress you, I don't know what will. The rise of Steven Jackson as a top-tier running back has certainly been fun to watch. To me, he has become the most complete running back in the league, with the ability to do virtually whatever he wants on the field.

SJ's performance so far this season should tell you all need to know about the kind of running back he is. Every defense he faces knows what is coming, and they still can't stop him. Against Detroit in the fourth quarter, for example, he single-handedly won the football game: 

With the outcome in the balance in the fourth quarter at Detroit, Jackson had nine carries for 82 yards, including a 25-yard TD burst that was the winning score. Big chunks: 7 yards, 11, 10, 5, 17, 25 ... only two of the nine carries gained less than 5 yards.

What's been most satisfying about his success this season is the fact that he has finally emerged as a true team leader, something he did not show in previous seasons:

As the Rams have loaded up around Jackson, he has reciprocated by becoming accountable as a leader, a trait the team didn't know he had before this season. Jackson has been quick to praise teammates, unwilling to gauge his success in light of the team's struggles, is a full-fledged believer in first-year coach Steve Spagnuolo's system and has become one of the harder-working players on the team.

That last sentence is what makes me smile the most. In the past, we had never heard stories about Steven being one of the hardest-working guys on the team. This offseason, however, that changed. Steven worked harder than ever, and the work is paying off -- he's on pace to rush for a career-high 1,568 yards this season.

Now that the Rams have a competent offensive line, SJ's numbers could get even better in the next two-to-three years. With SJ, the possibilities seem endless.

A little early to be getting too in depth about the draft, I know. I just wanted to throw this out there and see what you guys think. I know most of you believe Suh is the clear choice, but I'm not so sure. I have some concerns with Suh.

I think he relies a little too much on his size/athleticism. This might work in college, but it will not in the NFL. He's only 300 pounds, which in NFL DT terms doesn't exactly make him a behemoth. (For example, I think Clifton Ryan is 320 pounds). I don't know that he'll be able to just lean on the O-Line and bat down passes as easily in the NFL. If you watch him play (I'm talking entire games, not highlight reels), he doesn't really have a lot of technique/pass rushing skills. Too many college players rely too much on athleticism/motor and they really pay for a lack of technique when they enter the NFL. (Just ask Chris Long. Remember his senior year at Virginia? Absolute monster)

Also, when you watch entire games, you begin to notice that Suh doesn't exactly get great leverage. Surprisingly, there are a lot of plays where Suh just gets pushed/lifted back. I know he can't have a sack on every play, but it was surprising to see that happen a lot more than I expected.

Gerald McCoy is a viable option IMO. He's very athletic, and more importantly, has a nice set of pass rushing skills. Technique always translates much better than pure size/strength. McCoy would be great at the 3-technique for the Rams. I think he could really upgrade the pass rush, although he might lack a bit against the run, seeing as how hes under 300 pounds.

I guess it just depends on what the Rams want from the DT position. If they're aiming to upgrade the run D, I guess Suh would be the better pick, McCoy for the pass rush. Not saying one is better than the other, just wanted to see what you guys think.

If memory serves, wasn't it a couple years ago when a dismal Scott Linehan 0-8 Rams club came off the bye week and beat a pretty decent New Orleans club?  I'm not saying it's likely to happen again next weekend, or that there's even the slightest chance the Rams can win. But, NFL teams rarely go undefeated. Even Monsters like the Saints can have a bad day. What we need to have a shot at winning is a Saint's bad day coupled with the Rams playing way over their heads plus getting all the breaks. The Saints did not exactly run away with today's game against the Panthers (whom I consider to be a weak team).  This year the Saints have exhibited a superior offense reminiscent, "choke", of the greatest show on turf.  But I think the key to some of the Saints wins is forcing the opponent to beat themselves with turnovers. If the Rams go out there next week and throw 50 times with a couple INT's, we'll get slaughtered. However, if the Saints are looking down the schedule to games with teams like NE, we may be able to catch them offguard. If by some miracle the Rams can consistently block and run the ball, SJax will burn some serious clock keeping Drew Brees and co. off the field. There are some other key aspects too; (1) we cannot settle for FGs. Getting 3 points versus 7 against New Orleans is the kiss of death. (2) We cannot turn over the ball - period. The Saints feast on these opportunities. (3) We will have to be both lucky and innovative. That will require some trick plays and gutsy calls like going for it on 4th down. And why not, what's a 1-7 team got to lose?   Lastly, (4) we cannot tolerate any foolish "false start" penalties from a guy that should stay glued to the bench. So, if everything goes absolutely perfect, it could be the upset of the year. But, if somehow we're actually leading in the 4th quarter, don't count your chickens before they hatch. Our D-Line is just plain bad and generally gets even worse late in the game. The old vets like Little and Hall are pretty much spent and I still have NO faith in Chris Long. So Brees could bomb us out in the 4th quarter. After all, just two or three more sacks this season and we might be 3-5. That's my take. I don't expect to win or even cover, but it's possible...   

i had originally posted this on another fan post, and realized that I should leave the the other post for peoples responses rather than my opinion so detailed.  So here is my assesment of the O-line.  I try to take a step back and take a neutral stance when I analyze our team.  Sometimes better than others.  Since the last game where we were victorious against Detroit, people have been so stoked on our O-line, so I figure now would be a good time for mid season grades.  

Our “great” performance was against the worst D-line we will see all year. That was apparent.  Detroit traded their best D-lineman this offseason (Cory Redding) for Julian Peterson. Now that was not saying a whole lot, so their D-line went from crappy to shitty. And although we did well for the most part, they were by NO MEANS STELLAR. Jackson broke the first tackle in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage way to many times. There should have never been that much penetration. So let’s look at our guys.

Barron- like you said is in a contract year and he has already given the coaches a reason to bench him during a game and even use a 3 man rotation at LT. He has done nothing to solidy his payday in the offseason. In fact, I can recall several times people requesting that we just start Smith since he is the future. Barron has been a disappointment. I give him a C+, because has shown some glimpses of why the team drafted him in the first round, to go along with his boneheaded mistakes (penalties anyone?)

Bell-There was a reason why I was so pissed we didn’t go after Faneca in the offseason prior to the 08 season. Bell has shown me nothing to convince me I was wrong. He has been inconsistent, ineffective, and disappointing way too often. He is getting paid premium dollars and producing at an average level. I wanted the rams to draft Duke Robinson this last offseason to try and push Bell, and if he didn’t respond, bring in the young buck to take over. Setts even replaced him after he was concussed (what a great word) and showed us how to play the position effectively. I give him a D+ this is due to a two year disappointment from someone that we had such high hopes for.

Brown- I was a little skeptical in playing him at OG money but the kid has looked good for the most part. He was definitely not the biggest offeason transaction with Haynesworth bringing in what he did, but he has been arguably the most impactful. He has been very effective in preventing the pocket from collapsing in front of Bulger. He and Incognito have played very well together. I give him a B+. The best part is that he is young and that he is still learning he position.

Incognito- besides keeping a lid on his emotions, he has transitioned into a Professional. He used to struggle with dumb penalties and allowing his personal vendetta to look past his task at hand on the line. I love the fact that he is a bargain, a blue collar hard worker, and that he plays with a mean streak. I give him a B, wish he didn’t get hurt.

Smith- Well I think it is still too early to tell, considering the kid is still learning. He is coming along well, but still needs to focus on his technique. He is obviously a specimen, and I will be watching closely as the season goes on. He has struggled against some of the elite of the league (Freeney anyone?) but that is part of the learning curve. Maybe I am a little critical considering I really wanted Curry, but I do think that he played well this last weekend. I give him a B-. As long as he continues to progress I will be happy.

The bench has been great, they have filled in for the starters quite well and when called upon they responded. Setts and Goldberg have gotten the job done and been versatile. I look forward to Greco coming in and helping this group. I give the bench an A-. They have surpassed expectations and often times surpassed the performance of the person they filled in for.

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Steven Jackson has been a beast this year. He has shown up as a leader, on and off the field. He is having a career year. He is the Rams offense, and he will continue to do so until Week 17 is over. Jackson deserves 85% of the credit on his runs. The other 15% goes to those who are blocking him.

            Think about it, Jackson has his best career year in 2006 when Madison Hedgecock was his fullback. Then, stupid Scott Linehan cut him from the team and Jackson suffered. Any great running back needs a solid fullback (unless your name is Marshall Faulk). Then he hear that the Saints release FB Mike Karney, and quickly who scoop him up, and we know he hasn’t shown much in the stat book, but he makes holes for Jackson every week.

            Also, the Rams offensive line has stunk over the past few seasons, by along with the regime and some good by new Gm Billy Devaney, the Rams have one the best O-lines in the league. Along the line, you have ex-first round pick Alex Barron at LT, who has something to prove in a contract year. Jacob Bell who was signed last year who plays LG. Then, probably the biggest off season signing of the year, is Jason Brown the center who they signed from Baltimore. Although Richie Incognito is a big mouth, he is still a productive RG. Then you have the future, 2009 1st round pick tackle Jason Smith from Baylor. So far this year, he has shown he has quick feet, energy, and run blocking ability. Now that’s a pretty good offensive line to me.

            So with these 2 pieces, Jackson is a MVP candidate and it’s due to teammates. I personally praise the offensive line, and Mike Karney.

Anyone here use Twitter? I was looking around SJAX web site and came across his honorable tweet page and low and behold I made the list!

http://www.sj39.com/news/tweet-response-sj39-vs-lions/2009/11/03 (second one Honorable Tweet section PeterDunbar)

Steven really is a BEAST. Anyone who feels different needs to go play with a Barbie Doll, and give up football entirely.

He had one run that many older Rams fans would say looked strikingly similar to Roger Craig's run against US where our players got posterized for decades... and it appeared in highlight reels in just about every NFL "greatest" type videos as well.

Legs moving, grinding, dragging people, shoving players to the ground... Steven looked like me heading to the buffet at Ponderosa...

But seriously, it was breathtaking... and I hope those runs get appreciated by everyone in the league at the talent we have in the backfield.

NOW on another note, Steven snapped a picture of his Locker just before the season started and I, along with others, gave him crap for having a pink shower loofa...

http://twitpic.com/c3lu8

NOW because Steven looked like a mad savage beast on Sunday (I can still hear the Detroit villagers screaming), I felt I now needed a shower loofa too... bottom line, if using a shower loofa can make you even half the man Steven was Sunday, I'm owning one:

My apologies to you Mr. Jackson for giving you crap about your shower loofa... although if you look at the bottom left corner, mine is officially called a "Deck Scrubber Shower Tool" whatever to hell that means... but it still sounds better than loofa... 

BUT back to my point...

After Sunday, it's scary to think about what we could have going for us if we can get a few more pieces in place (WR, QB, D-Line).

BEAST (had to say it again)

Before the season started, I was all fired up to get the game day HD package so I could watch the Rams play every weekend, but things changed in August and I’ve really had my hands too full to ever really know that I will be able to watch the game until Sunday comes.  (Boo hoo for me, right?)

Anyway, when I can relax on Sunday I always appreciate it when guys post a video link to the Rams game on Sunday. That makes my day, it really does.

So in the spirit of sharing links, I wanted to tell you that you can listen to Jim Rome Is Burning on your computer, every weekday for free, with this link right here: http://player.play.it/player/player.html?v=4.7.124

I’m not a huge Rome fan and this isn’t to debate his show’s entertainment value, but it’s the best thing I can find to get me through the morning charge.  Weekdays 9am-noon, Pacific Time.  Put on the headphones and work away.

If you listen to something better, please post it in the comments so we can all enjoy.

thanks

As I said in my last post the win was nice but back to business.

I know it's early but it's something stuck in my mind.

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