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The St. Louis Rams are in peril. Not because they are 1-3 and not because they have lost three in a row -- everyone considered that a legitimate possibility initially -- but because they have fallen in such a fashion that it forces us to question whether they are, in fact, an improving football team.
The Rams did actually do something last Thursday that gave fans a sense of assurance: they scored first and held the lead throughout the first quarter. Nonetheless, it wasn't nearly enough as they failed to build that advantage as the game wore on. Now we're again stuck in limbo wondering when they will turn it all back around.
We know better than to take any game for granted and assume victories, that's why I make no assumptions regarding next week's matchup with the 0-4 Jacksonville Jaguars. We just need to wait this one out.
Former Rams and Saints fullback Mike Karney knows a thing or two about hard times in St. Louis.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Joe__Mazzi">@Joe__Mazzi</a> mini bye week. R&R ..reflect and move on to next opponent</p>— Mike Karney (@Karney44) <a href="https://twitter.com/Karney44/statuses/384214657419841536">September 29, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Joe__Mazzi">@Joe__Mazzi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/T_Bron">@T_Bron</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Nmartin55">@Nmartin55</a> I like Jeff fisher a proven HC but had some work to do in getting the rams on track</p>— Mike Karney (@Karney44) <a href="https://twitter.com/Karney44/statuses/384212252829548544">September 29, 2013</a></blockquote>
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More from Karney to come soon...
For now, head onto some links.
Five takeaways from the Rams' third loss - The Rams aren't ready for primetime, for showcasing a winning football team at the dismay of another team. Many thought -- hoped -- the days of being embarrassed on Sundays on a consistent basis were over. They're not. Are the coaches holding Sam Bradford back? Or does the fault land with both parties?
When is Stedman Bailey's turn? - Most believed the Rams found themselves a steal when they acquired Stedman Bailey late in the third round -- many felt he was actually the better West Virginia receiver -- so why isn't he being utilized in the offense? It's time to set the other rookie loose.
Checking up on injuries - Rookie safety T.J. McDonald was not the only Rams player to suffer an injury during Thursday's contest with the 49ers; however, his was the most serious. Linebacker Will Witherspoon and corner back Cortland Finnegan both hurt hamstrings as well. With the Rams already thin at linebacker, weary at corner and unable to rely on Darian Stewart for any extended period, it may be time to look for outside help. Jo-Lonn Dunbar, anyone?
Sports Illustrated 2014 NFL mock draft - Why not? It's still not even October, but the St. Louis Rams are 1-3, so let's be down on ourselves for a moment. Then again, if all the excitement of last year's draft has spoiled you into thinking the Rams are done building in the trenches, you may not want to click.
How about Greg Roman to USC? - To hopefully quiet the Jeff Fisher to USC rumors for a while, how about throwing another potential candidate into the mix? Niners Nation speculates that San Francisco offensive coordinator Greg Roman could be a possibility, given his coaching experience in the PAC-12 and, of course, his more recent success.
Seahawks rally, beat Texans in OT - Down by 17 points at halftime, the Seattle Seahawks looked en route to disappointment at the hands of the Houston Texans. Then, as you would expect, Pete Carroll's squad turned it around, shutting out the home team for nearly three more quarters.
Cardinals edge winless Buccaneers - With Josh Freeman benched and rookie Mike Glennon in under center, Tampa Bay could do little against the Cardinals' tough defense. This marks Arizona's second win of the season and places the Rams in sole possession of fourth place in the division.
Redskins get off the schneid in Oakland - For those of us hoping for the No. 1 overall pick in next April's draft, the dream took a big blow yesterday. Robert Griffin III and Mike Shanahan got their first win of 2013 over the Oakland Raiders.
Want to re-experience the heartbreak? I doubt it, but, well, here you go.
Talk to you soon Rams fans, ideally under much better conditions. As always, though, go Rams!!!