As a soldier stationed in Germany, I'm at the behest of the Armed Forces Network when it comes to watching NFL games. Yesterday, AFN aired 3 out of the 6 afternoon games, and I have to say I'm glad the Rams game wasn't one of those three. After waiting all week to see the Rams bring an emotional, spirited, full-fledged effort to the field, it's obvious that didn't happen.
I wrote earlier in the season that it was too early to fire Linehan. I stand by that...for seven more days. Regardless of what happens against Buffalo next week, by the morning of Monday, September 29th, I expect to have a new GM and new head coach for the Rams. It will give the pair a bye week to get their philosphies ingrained into the team. I'll get to that more as this week and next week go by, but it's time to end the Linehan era immediately after the Bills game.
After seeing Donnie Avery got his first NFL catch (and two more) yesterday, I thought it would be pertinent to look at how the rookie WR's around the league have fared through three weeks. Obviously, I'm leaving out about 80% of the drafted WR's to make a point, so take it for what it's worth:
- 33rd pick (2nd round) - Donnie Avery (STL) - 3 rec, 24 yds
- 42nd pick (2nd round) - Eddie Royal (DEN) - 18 rec, 194 yds
- 49th pick (2nd round) - DeSean Jackson (PHI) - 17 rec, 256 yds
- 128th pick (4th round) - Keenan Burton (STL) - 0 rec, 0 yds
- 174th pick (6th round) - Josh Morgan (SF) - 2 rec, 24 yds
- 226th pick (7th round) - Chaz Schilens (OAK) - 2 rec, 29 yds
Food for thought.