Turf Show Times

Is Linehan's Makeover Enough?

Witherspoon 51 — Tue, 13 May 2008 05:02:22 -0000

It seems that Head Coach Scott Linehan, who used to be boring and afraid has changed to a new, more exciting coach. He has developed a personality and has tried to communicate that to the St. Louis media and fans. Linehan has seemed to figure out that he is on the hot seat, which is where his sense of urgency has come from. But will this change of personality make a difference or is it too late. With games against the Super Bowl Champion Giants and the AFC Champion Patriots looming in the upcoming season it would seem that Linehan's time could be running out. However, he could change everyone's mind with a great offseason and maybe even an unexpected playoff appearance. Will Linehan's change of character be enough?

Long over Dorsey... Not even a question.

Witherspoon 51 — Sun, 11 May 2008 03:23:07 -0000

Many have questions, but only some have answers. Long over Dorsey??? Yes. Long over Dorsey, and all I have to say is that was a great move. Here are my five reasons why: 1) Dorsey is not going to sign until the last week of training camp, thus limiting his production in his rookie season. 2) Dorsey had a down second half of his last season with the LSU Tigers. 3) Dorsey is overrated, and is not the next Warren Sapp. 4) Chris Long is better and more determined. This is why Long should have been drafted over Dorsey.

Summer Camp

kevinramsfan — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:05:13 -0000

As VanRam recently mentioned, Rams minicamp is right around the corner. After picking up eight players draft weekend, the Rams signed 12 undrafted free agents to compete in camp. Normally these players have a slim-to-none chance of making the team; however Quinton Culberson's success last year is an example of why this group shouldn't be easily overlooked. So, in order, here are a few UFA's that I think can make the 2008 squad, and maybe even make an impact.

1. Vince Hall - 5'11" 238, LB Virginia Tech
I know Rams fans likely tired of hearing the phrase "high motor", but this kid has one. He played a pivotal role on a Hokie defense that was ranked 4th nationally in total defense. Hall's production did drop off in his senior campaign; he had 37 solo tackles this year to 61 in '06. He played inside in college, and I think that's where he's best suited to play at the next level, though he may be slightly undersized. Hall's NFL.com profile had high praise:

To say that Hall has a "nose for the football" would be selling him short. He recorded 404 tackles during his career and became the ninth player in school history to lead the team in tackles twice in a career.

It also mentions that Hall was a pre-season All-American this year, and would have been one at the end of the season as well if he hadn't been injured. With Will Witherspoon not getting any younger, a budding Brandon Chillar signing elsewhere and the linebacking corps as a whole growing thin, I think Hall has a great chance of making the 53-man roster.

Current linebackers on roster (w/o Rookies):
Will Witherspoon
Pisa Tinoisamoa
Tim McGarigle
Chris Draft
Quinton Culberson

2. Yvenson Bernard - 5'8" 204, RB Oregon State
The first thing that jumps out is Bernard's height. At 5'8", he's short even by non-NFL standards. However he makes up for it with the combination of quickness and athletic frame. In short, he's a spark plug. In his four-year career at Oregon State, he rushed for just short of the 4,000 yard mark, including 1,214 in '07. He also flashed some hands, catching 36 balls for 179 yards. Here's what Sporting News had to say about this Beaver (Gotta love the mascot):

Bernard has experience playing in an NFL-style offense, so he will have to make few adjustments. He projects as a good backup who plays mostly on third downs.

Oh yeah, and he went to the same school as SJ. Funny mascots and famous alumni aside, Bernard's realistic ceiling is probably third string. Antonio Pittman turned out to be a steal last year after the the Saints cut him, and Jackson is obviously the starter. Assuming Brian Leonard isn't listed strictly as a "running back", Bernard could battle Travis Minor for the third spot and action on special teams. All in all, Bernard is a versatile player who could fight his way onto the team.

Current running backs on roster (w/o Rookies):
Steven Jackson
Antonio Pittman
Travis Minor

3. Russ Weil - 6'0" 241, FB Illinois
While I have seen the previous two players in action on multiple occasions, I confess to not having seen Weil play. The two games I did see the Illini play were the Rose Bowl and the Ohio State game; clearly they are spread-option type team in which the fullback isn't fully utilized. Why then would I pick a fullback who didn't get used much in college to make an NFL roster? Because it's the Rams. After the frustrating, outright release of Madison Hedgecock early in the season (he got the better end of that deal ) the Rams were left without a true lead-blocking, head-banging tank to clear the way for SJ. Sure Brian Leonard is a "fullback", but he's not a great lead blocker. This guy seems to have the body type to do so. I couldn't find much about him anywhere, but I did find this gem on his Illini profile :

Caught a career-long 31-yard pass against #5 Wisconsin, a play that was a "Top Play Nominee" on SportsCenter.

They kind of dug deep for something, but hey, not everybody gets to be on ESPN. Weil seems to be a long shot, but at least serves to motivate and compete against the other players in camp. If he does make the team, he can give the Rams the physical presence they've lacked at the position for some time.

Current fullbacks on roster (w/o Rookies):
Brian Leonard
Richard Owens

Poll

Which rookie(s) will have the biggest impact in '08?

Book Report

AmpLee — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:32:19 -0000

First, in my everlasting and fruitless desire to want to be loved and respected, I want to go on the record by saying I really get a kick out of Kenny Mayne the person and ESPN anchor. That being said, I think Kenny needs to work a little on the whole "author" thing. An Incomplete and Inaccurate History of Sport is Kenny Mayne's first stab at writing a book. The title says it all and it's not necessarily a good thing. Mayne's straight faced deliveries, dry wit, and stream-of-consciousness diatribes are what made him the sports/entertainment personality he is today, and for the most part, it has rewarded him with a very nice career. The problem is that his style holds up and translates smoother in 30 second increments with various interruptions from other anchors and commercials. When reading his book, that same style can seem to drone on endlessly and become quite tiring. Mayne, himself, refers to his publishing as "not quite a book" as much as it is a "coaster" for a coffee table. He constantly downplays his own efforts in creating the book and chides the reader for even trying to follow along. Sadly, the reader (me) ends up agreeing with him and finds it difficult picking it up at times just to get through it. The book isn't all bad, though. When Mayne drops the "schtick" and starts writing from the heart about various topics close to him like his children, family, and exploits as an athlete and reporter, the reader becomes engulfed in some pretty amazing stories. If I was Mayne's editor, I would have had him write nothing but his life and various athletes and personalities he has come across. Mayne adds a nice touch in the book by offering "illustrations" by his two young daughters. They are both touching and comical. As a whole, the book falls way short of it's $24.95 asking price. In the spirit of Kenny Mayne, I would toss him a ten($) and tell him to start again.

Top 5 Tackles by Rams Defenders

Marmie is the best — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:42:27 -0000

I overheard an argument the other day about the top 5 tackles made by Rams defenders. Obviously, Mike Jones' tackle of Kevin Dyson was high on the list. Leonard Little sacks and Keith Lyle blows were discussed. Even though I knew that I would ruin thier discussion, I had to jump in; I just had to.

If you rank any Mike Jones' tackle as #1 and a Leonard Little sack at 3 or a Keith Lyle crushing hit at 5, you miss all 5 of jimmy Kennedy's career tackles which clearly makes everyone be on the outside looking in.

Rams 2008 Draft

ksmooth — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:56:03 -0000

As a die-hard Rams fan over the past 2 decades I was so pumped to see the Rams take a franchise player like Chris Long. I think he will come in and contribute to the defense right off the bat. Hopefully Leonard Little can come back this year with a vengance and put pressure on the outside. I think the defense is headed in the right direction and J. King was a quality pick in the 4th round with plenty of upside. I was hoping the Rams would have taken Dan Connor in the 3rd round but I think the OL need was more important. Overall the Rams did a good job and I'm excited to see some of the young guys get some action this year. We still have plenty of star players and if Pace is healthy the Rams can definitely be a playoff contender. Let me know your thoughts.

Welcome to the new Turf Show Times and SB Nation

clockwerks — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:38:23 -0000

Hey Turf Show Times,

Today is the big day. We've switched your community over to the new SB Nation sports blog platform. My name is Trei, and I'm here to help you get adjusted to the new home we've built for you. If you have questions or trouble with the new system, post a comment in this thread and myself or one of the team (lovitt, sixfoot6 or odacrem) will try to point you in the right direction.

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Sign up for your SB Nation network account and claim your old blog accounts
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The new system does not work like the old diary editor. For example, in HTML mode the new editor doesn't auto-create a new paragraph from two line breaks. But it does offer a whole array of new features. Look for the blinking help button on the right side of the FanPost editor for quick tips, and take a look at our full guide to writing FanPosts on the new platform.

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the k weighs in on draft dodging...

3k — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:41:11 -0000

Since I'm stationed in Germany, I don't get a lot of traditional media output on the Rams #2 pick. I have to go off of this site, some other random places I get to, and whatever comes on AFN Sports.

So now, with just days to go, here's where this Soldier stands...

I watched a ESPN special on the draft with Wingo, Schlereth, & Marcellus Wiley (ugh, I hate Cowgirls). They spent a decent amount of time talking about the Rams & even interviewed Linehan through a 5 minute or so phone call. Carriker ended up being the pistol in the drawer for the duration of the discussion.
Schlereth (I think) mentioned that Carriker has buffed up to about 315 pounds and, seeing as no DE comes to mind over 300, that suggests that either he or the Rams staff or both are pushing him to be a full-time DT. I think that's great. He's a beast and his interior presence can stuff the middle to stop power runners (think Marion Barber, et al) and draw focus to free up Little and the other DE to pile up sacks.
This underlies the truth about this draft and the ultimate three-way decision the Rams have to make: Dorsey as DT (and continue to bounce Carriker inside and out), Chris Long as RE (and keep Carriker inside), or trade down. The reason I don't mention Gholston here is that he doesn't seem to be garnering the kind of attention a #2 pick does. He gets it here at TST, but not outside, it would seem. So here is how I approach our option in declining desirability to me:

3.) Dorsey
First off, Dorsey is a hoss. I have no doubts he will be a great DT; but I could say the same for Carriker who already has a year's experience better. When it comes down to it, I'm not optimmistic about putting Carriker at DE full-time.
Top tier tackles have been handling power DEs and suffering against more agile ones (think Freeney, Umenyiora, DeMarcus Ware (no he's not a LB.)). That suggests to me you need athletes on the outside and beasts inside. Could Carriker and Dorsey be the best DT tandem in the NFL? Probably. Does that significantly upgrade our pass rush and strengthen the long-term health of our line overall? Probably not.

2.) Chris Long
I think Howie Jr. is the best fit for the #2 pick for us. He injects youth at DE, along with power and speed. Plus it's hard to question the intangibles of Howie Long's son. I think he and Dorsey will both be successful in the NFL, but it comes down to position. What position is most important to us now and in the near future? I've got to go with d-end.

1.) Trade down
I'm still optimistic that some good salesmanship will find someone who is desperate for Dorsey, Long, or even McFadden or Matt Ryan. That desperation could get us a great player and some draft compensation that can fill all of our needs in a single day's work. I can feel it coming. A trade down to lower single digits, pick up Gholston and get a phenomenal defensive talent and maybe more in the process. It's got to happen. Please. I'm begging.

Honestly, I think the biggest thing the Rams can do for the rest of this off-season is get younger and bolster those areas most susceptible to injury devastation. We've put some depth on the O-line. I'm praying lightning doesn't strike twice and we can keep Orlando and enough of his linemates around to give Bulger & Jackson enough protection to catapult our offense back to the upper echelon of the NFL. For me, we have to add some youth to take the heat off of Leonard now and next year we can look at safeties, WRs, and maybe another LB.

I'm hoping that May 1, I can wake up every morning with a smile knowing the Rams are back in the hunt and that come November, we'll be playing for a playoff spot, not draft position.

Poll

Where does Adam Carriker line up next year?

Vikes pay big for DE Allen

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:23:36 -0000

With two of the best DT's in the business, the Norseman went big for a need. Defensive End:

Jared Allen for their No. 17, No. 73, and No. 82.
(NFL NETWORK)

With two of the best DT's in the business (both made the Pro Bowl), they may now have the best defensive line in the NFL.

The Chiefs get to rebuild. The Vikings have their defensive line.

Trade Breakdowns

AmpLee — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 05:31:25 -0000

As all of you know, Jake Long swims with the Phishes. And that's a good thing. Now we are left with the proverbial #1 spot. Besides drafting C. Long, Dorsey, or Gholson. I think all 3 would be more than satisfactory if we stayed put and just fired away. However... we have a chance to possibly get any one of these three and STILL accumulate great quantity and value on the ole draft board.
It's time to look at trade partners. (Let's keep in mind that we are using the standard "draft value guide" that almost every organization incorporates when it comes to evaluating a possible transaction.)

As I look at trades that involve nothing but picks, only two teams stand out: Atl. and K.C.

In terms of pure numbers matching up, Atl. would have to trade #3 and #48 to get our pick.

K.C. would have to trade #5, #35, and #66 to get there.

Oak., NYJets, and N.O. could trade their entire drafts and still not match up. This leads me to think of some roster players that would make it work.

Oak: #4, #104, and Fabian Washington CB (or) #4 and Derrick Burgess DE

NYJets: #6, #36, and Shaun Ellis DE or
#6, and Kerry Rhodes S or
#6, #67 and Justin Miller CB or DeWayne Robertson DT

N.O. #10 and Will Smith DE
#10 and Charles Grant DE
#10, #40, and Robert Meacham WR

Logic abided, these seem to the choices we face. If I had my pick. I would do business with ATL. and get #3 and #48 or I would do business with N.O. and get #10 and Will Smith DE. What do you think?

Who wants to trade up to Rams

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:16:41 -0000

Afraid someone might take your beloved Ryan or Macfadden before he gets to your pick? Let the bidding begin. The folowing is the reason teams want to trade up to the Rams

Saints - Dorsey. They want to win it all this year

Ravens - Ryan. Could be taken by Atlanta, KC,
Jets

Jets - Ryan or McFadden. Mac daddy might be
taken by Oakland or even Atlanta.

KC - Ryan

Atlanta - Ryan. If they don't want someone else
trading up to the Rams for Ryan, they
had better trade up.

Most interesting: Atlanta and Rams swap. What the hell, we'll settle for a 3rd rounder! We still get our defender either way! (Unless the tricky bastards say they are going to take Ryan, then choose Dorsey).

Brown's Back!

AmpLee — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:20:38 -0000

According to the St.L Post Dispatch, Fakhir Brown will be allowed to play for the Rams in '08. Holy (Non)Smokes! Let the parade begin. Fakhir is here. Now we don't have to blow a high pick on corner because Brown stayed off the trees. Between the uni block and schedule from hell, this is the first bit of good news from Ram's camp in a while.

top 40 yard dash for runing backs in 2008

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:50:42 -0000

Name Time
Johnson, Chris 4.24
McFadden, Darren 4.33
Alridge, Anthony 4.36
Charles, Jamaal 4.38
Simpson, Chad 4.42
Mendenhall, Rashard 4.45
Forte, Matt 4.46
Parmele, Jalen 4.47
Jones, Felix 4.47
Stewart, Jonathan 4.48
these are the best time they each posted at the combine ,man these guys can all fly, i hope we can at least get one of them since no one seem to want mcfadden,we need speed back on this team,i can only hope
james

Straight Up Dealin'

AmpLee — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:51:30 -0000

[editor's note, by VanRam]Say what you will about us here at TST, but, dammnit, we think big AND outside of the box, outside the big box even. I love this draft scenario from AmpLee. It probably isn't the most likely scenario, but truthfully it's not at all the most far fetched - remember the Steven Jackson to Dallas trade rumors? Feel free to post draft scenarios in the diaries; we'll make sure the best ones get seen. (I'm going to go ahead and call them fanposts like at the new SBN sites. NFL fans just don't have diaries, do they?) Enjoy. More draft talk to come soon.

As the schedule's come out and the draft nears, we, Fans of the Ram, might have our most enjoyable time on April 26-27 during the entire 08 season. This team is SCA-RUUUUUDE for next year when Roger G. and the rest of the NFL brass decided to piss on poor Georgia's grave and hand us an opening two months that would have made the 07 Patriots go 5-3. So if you're in control at Ram's Park and you are well aware of the circumstances, why not trade your ass off for the future and to give the Fans of the Ram a little hope down the line.

Of course we don't have any idea if these teams will take us up on it, but, in my bloggadiary, THEY WILL!

Let's get down to business. After Jake Long signs a huge deal with the Dolphins at #1 and every other colluted owner in the league snickers to themselves because Parcells fat-ass has to pay the piper, Jerry Jones can't take it anymore and comes bursting into the Rams War Room screaming, "I can't take it anymore! Just give me the fucking second pick!!!" The Ram's oblige by trading #2 for #22, #28, #61, #92. (Remember, JJ and the Boys aren't that far away from a title. It may seem steep, but if JJ thinks they're just a superstar away, JJ will pay. This possible Adam Jones is a good sign of things to come.)

Cool. "Well, let's get goin'!" you say. Ah, ah, AH! Not yet. After the Falcon's pick Glenn Dorsey, they will be very chipper. Arthur Blank will feel a little left out because he wants a QB. Don't worry, Arthur! The Rams will let you draft Brohm, or Flacco, or Henne, or whoever the hell you want at #22! Just give us #34, #48, and #103 and you got it, Pappa! Arthur can't believe his good fortune of being able to pick up a franchise DT AND QB and bites hard.

"Dude!", you say, "We're trading all of our good picks away!" Not so fast. This draft is a very deep draft for starter caliber defensive players and offensive tackles. Quote-unquote GOOD PICKS are all over this be-yatch throughout the first four rounds. And by the way, we just parlayed the #2 over all pick into #28, #34, #48, #61, #92, and #103. That doesn't even count the ones we already have at #33, #65, and #101. So let's lump them all together and have some fun.

#28 Gosder Cherilus (OT)
#33 Quentin Groves (DE/OLB)
#34 Dan Connor (MLB)
#48 Brandon Flowers (CB)
#61 Earl Bennet (WR)
#65 Cliff Avril (DE/OLB)
#92 Red Bryant (DT)
#101 Kevin Smith (RB)
#103 Wesley Woodyard (SS/OLB)

That's just the first four rounds. Once again, this is entirely possible. The Rams just need to keep a stiff upper lip, slow play, and then pounce. Remember, next year will be painful. This is for the real future.

Trade it down!

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:04:20 -0000

When I first joined this site a month or so ago, I really had no clue of what Rams fans were thinking. Since that time, I have gotten great insight into our Fan's opinions mainly through this sites polling.

For instance, I was a big on the trade down but thought I was a minority. Sure enough, a poll showed most of the Rams fans were for a trade down.

At first I thought about trading down to the 6 or 7. Now, I don't think we can really get anything out of that.

A trade down to the 15-30 range might be different. We would demand a very good player plus the draft pick. We get 3 (picks 1-33) for the price of two. And possibly cheaper (a number two is going to cost big time).

The poll is a about a difinite scenerio, the cowboys, however, I would not expect this to actually happen. My point is, do we try to trade down for something compatible to this poll. 3 for 2?

Poll

Would you trade #2 for Cows 22 and 28 picks?

Football Outsiders Mock Draft

Marmie is the best — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:02:06 -0000

[editor's note, by VanRam]When Football Outsiders speaks, we listen...or something like that. Anyway, they posted their mock draft with a good analysis of each pick, and given it's draft talk time now, their mock draft is worthy of a discussion. Our friend "Marmie is the best" posted this diary to discuss it. As you can see, the idea of the Rams defensive line getting beefed up and becoming the stuff of nightmares rings like a dream come true for us long suffering defense first contingent of Rams fans...and all other Rams fans should enjoy the thought as well.

FO had the Rams picking Dorsey in the first and Manningham in the 2nd. While I would love to get Manningham in the second (and perhaps Sam Baker in the 3rd; he would definitely fit our 3rd round type guys) I am not sure about Dorsey. However, FO made a compelling argument that if you start thinking about it, you can just a see a dominating Rams defense; a dream that is hard to stop thinking about...

"I see Dorsey at the 3-technique on rushing downs, then moving over center on passing downs while Adam Carriker moves inside. That's a deadly interior rush that should make Matt Hasselbeck shudder and keep Mike Martz from instituting many 60-pass game plans."

If there is one thing that I love, it is seeing Hasselbeck shrudder.

Atogwe again

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 06:37:58 -0000

OK, once again I am doing an Atogwe article. And once again, I am looking for help from "Smart People."

Mr. Atogwe is one of the few remaining restricted free agents. I understand that if we don't match an offer we get a first round pick. What kind of first round pick? This year? Next Year? Is this a pick we would get at the end of the first round (like a supplemental pick)?

PS. Anyone heard anything about Mr. Atogwe's situation? Seems like his status right now is just as important as who we will take at #2! (or close to it).

New Idea for Gatorade

Marmie is the best — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 02:34:50 -0000

Gatorade has recently introduced "Gatorade Tiger," which is "inspired by, and formulated for, an athlete who embodies mental strength, physical power, and technical perfection." It comes in three flavors Red Drive, Cool Fusion, and Quiet Storm. Tiger has reportedly received close to 100 million dollars for his endorsement.

This is the first Gatorade named after an athlete, but as Gatorade continues its push to be more than a sports drink, with products like G2, "the low-calorie electrolyte beverage designed for athletes off the field."

May I suggest, Gatorade Marmie as an addition to the line. Flavors would include, The Best, Cover 2, and Larry's Lemon Lime. This Gatorade is for those who settle for nothing less than the best. After all, Marmie is so well thought of that in 1993 he was chosen to teach an instructional video for the Science of Coaching Football Video Lecture Series, called "Linebacker Drills and Techniques." What this fact illustrates is the deep respect Marmie commands within the coaching ranks. Every coach in the NFL, college, and on down the line will be reaching for a Gatorade Marmie to stay hydrated. There is a lot of money in it for Gatorade. Sure Marmie may cost a little more to get than Tiger, but I can almost guarantee that even if Gatorade charged $15 a bottle, that Gatorade Marmie would not be able to last five minutes on any store shelf within a 30,000 mile radius of St. Louis.

Here's to hoping that in the near future, everyone can enjoy an ice cold Gatorade Marmie.

Poll

What is your favorite flavor of Gatorade Marmie

DEFENSE: RDE VS LDE

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:42:50 -0000

What does that mean? I hate to admit it, but I really need some education between the two. Is Little a LDE? Is he a RDE? Can he do both? Has he done both? Does he take on the RT and AND TE, or LT?

What is Chris Long's position?

What is Gholsten's postion?

Who can play left side and who can play right?

I have kind of asked this before in comments and no one has answered. Let me assure you, I do not know the answer myself. I am seriously asking. How 'bout some feedback here.

We should draft Mcfadden with #2 pic

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:14:59 -0000

McFADDEN is by far the best player in this draft he will make a imidiate impact on this team,he is a super star caliber NFL player,if we take him he will be the next Marshal Faulk ,great rushing and catching ability,super fast brake away speed,this guy is ready for the home run ever time he touches the ball, this is what the Rams need right now, not some three year project lineman, enuph wasted #1 pics on the deefensive line ,after 4 years of drafting DT with our number one pic,and not one of them is on this team
now last year we drafted Carriker again #1 Pic, and he is just a average player in his position,lets make this NUMBER ONE PIC COUNT PLEASE TAKE THE BEST PLAYER IN THIS DRAFT MACFADDEN,and end this drama with the DT lineman ,is every one blind?? this kid is a super star waiting to happen ,who ever dont take him when there time comes up will be crying later this year,this player is the real deal ,take him with our number 1 pic, the second pic in this draft, that is if Bill P. dose not take him first
james

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What is your favorite flavor of Gatorade Marmie

DEFENSE: RDE VS LDE

We should draft Mcfadden with #2 pic