Mark Your Calendars

by Ryan Van Bibber on Apr 11, 2007 2:02 PM CDT in Events

The NFL has finally decided to release the 2007 schedule, and the Rams were fortunate enough to draw a decent one.

The toughest four game stretch starts in Baltimore on October 14. From there, the Rams make a long trip over our little home here in flyover country on their way to Seattle for a 10/21 game. The long distance between these two games means either a long week away from home or lots of travel between B-town, the Lou, and Seattle. Not well though out by the NFL schedule brain trust. It's back home for a winnable game with the Browns before a week eight bye. Well rested, the Rams continue their four games stretch with a trip to New Orleans. That one will really test the Rams soon to be improved (?) run defense with Reggie Bush ready to dominate the NFL. Hopefully, Steven Jackson will show him a thing or two.

The Rams, if they make a key upgrade to the D-line and avoid some key injuries, can go 10-6, maybe even 11-5, if the Seahawks prove to be as overrated as I think they are.

Oh, and we'll also have the chance to bitch about the NFL Network on Thursday, December 20, as the NFL gets to show a Steelers team that for reason it wants the whole world to love.

Predictions?

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The latest news on the Kris Jenkins deal still has the Rams in the lead for his services; although, nothing much has been said about it since Monday. I suspect the quiet has a lot to do with this little tidbit reported at Rotoworld:

teams aren't offering higher than a third-round pick, and Carolina may want more. The Panthers will probably have to lower their asking price because of Jenkins' work-ethic issues.

The lack of news probably means the only thing going is a little behind the scenes negotiating. Other than the "work ethic issues" raising a small red flag, it sounds like the Rams may get Jenkins for a 4th rounder or some similar combination.

Jenkins has a cap figure of $4.5 million this season, and the Rams, as of now, have just under $9 million to spend. I suspect they'll try to renegotiate with Jenkins, if possible, and look for other ways to cut salary to sign draft picks.

I haven't put much stock into the visiting talent this week; it's just too much of a routine thing to read too much into. However, I'm beginning to think that if the Rams can get Jenkins, they'll take a WR, a fast one who can return kicks in 2007, in the first round. If they get Jenkins, I'd still rather they focus on defense, and take DE Adam Carriker, setting them up with a solid DE for the post-Little days.

I suppose we'll know soon enough.

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question

rams have a thursday night game on NFL network. is a local station (KTVI, i would assume) allowed to pick up that game locally? thanks.

by stlcardinalsfang on Apr 11, 2007 6:39 PM CDT reply actions

I don't know

I remember reports on the news that the Cheifs game was being blacked out on the NFL Network last year. No idea if it was because that would have involved watching the Chefs

by Ryan Van Bibber on Apr 11, 2007 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Yup

by Big Red on Apr 11, 2007 7:33 PM CDT reply actions

I love

the fact that when the jenkins rumor first started swirling many of us were ready to part with a 2nd rounder (and even some a 1st) and now it looks we might be able to swipe him for a 3rd or even a 4th. We need this trade. Rams are better than a 9-7 team in my book, jeff.

by 636thestruggle on Apr 12, 2007 8:39 AM CDT reply actions

9-7

the 9-7 prediction blows me away. our defense as is is marginally improved from last season, still has a ways to go, but the offense is worlds better and it wasn't too bad last year. the moves made thus far are worth 2 wins

by Ryan Van Bibber on Apr 12, 2007 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree

no way we go 0-2 to Seattle. Well, actually, there is plenty of ways but I'd bet against it. They missed their shot at a ring in my opinion.

by 636thestruggle on Apr 12, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

9-7

I am predicting 9-7. While I do think the offense has gotten better, the team hasn't proven to me that they can beat the teams they are suppose to. I am hoping Linehan learned from last year and will not try to call the plays and be a head coach at the same time. There is definetly the potential to win 11, but I also think 9 will win the division.

by sccardsfan on Apr 12, 2007 1:13 PM CDT reply actions

Safe

9-7 is a very safe prediction. 10 wins is absolutely possible and with some luck 11. But, I will go with the safe prediction of 9 taking the team as is.

by Big Red on Apr 12, 2007 3:34 PM CDT reply actions

Post-Dispatch reports

the Rams have signed Punter Donnie Jones. 5 years, $5.59 MIL including a $1.175 MIL signing bonus.

Miamai has 7 days to match or recieve the Rams 7th round draft pick.

Personally, since Turk seemed to be holding out for too much money (considering his age and injury history), I really like this signing. He's a real good, young punter who Linehan is very familiar with.

Well, at least he's tons better than that guy they signed a couple of months ago who doesn't even know how to spell his own last name.

Here's the Link

by Big Red on Apr 12, 2007 5:51 PM CDT reply actions