Now that the fun part of the Rams’ season is behind us, it’s time to face the cold hard facts. It is what it is with the
2008 version and there is no relief in site. The most recent effort may have been the most embarrasing in the
history of pro football in St. Louis. Think about it for a minute. If you remember the days of the Football Cardinals and some the low times they had on Sundays, it’s quite a statement.
Sunday’s pitiful performance in New York that saw the Rams give up forty points in the first half is beyond belief. So far this season, there have been 10 games where a team has scored 40 points or more. The Jets have done it
twice. They did it once against the Arizona Cardinals where they hung 56 points, and this most recent weekend where the Rams felt the wrath. The Rams have the dubious distinction of giving up 40 points fast than anyone this season. It only took them a half of football.
To say that the Rams are bad would be an understatement. They are awful. The reality is this is a reality that has
no chance of changing this season. Normally, the coaching comes in to question. I am not sure if that is the total
problem. This staff has experience, and have a legitmate plan. Head coach Jim Haslett summmed it up after the game on Sunday. “Eiether they don’t want to do what we need them to do or they can’t do what we need them to do, its one or the other.” He could not be more right. So what do you do? Does the coaching staff dumb it down only to get more exposed?
This team is a mess. While the coaching has been adequate, it does not insure the staff’s return. I would play the young players to see if the Rams can build on the future. The problem is as they learn on the job, there will be a price to pay in the manner of losses. Losses do not look good on the resume of a coach unless ownership is on board and the Rams make a concerted effort to let the fans know what the game plan is. At this point the Rams have nothing to lose with playing someone else considering what we have seen from many of the starters.
When you look at this team, you ask the question how many of these players could actually start on a average to good team. No need to mention great in this equation. The answer is a short list. The kicker and punter lead the way.
Orlando Pace can still make it happen most Sundays as can Leonard Little when healthy. In the right situation, Torry
Holt can be a valuable contributor as would Steven Jackson when healthy and committed. The first-year players get a pass here as they are still going through the evaluation process. As for the rest, there are handful that can be
coached up like Will Witherspoon or Oshimigo Atogwe. The rest are having either bad seasons or flat out cannot play at a level the Rams need them to. Lack of skill has a lot to do with that.
Who ever put this collection of players together should no longer work for a team. It’s a mess. So now what? That is
for Billy Devaney to figure out. He has been charged with supplying talnet to a talent short team. This will not
happen over night with a high-round draft choice or a overpaid free agent. It will take time something you have to
give here in order to get this ship called the SS Rams on the right course. To bash them on a regular basis is
theraputic for some as the talk shows and barber shop talk will prove. At the end of the day it will not solve anything for this season. Unfortunately those are the loudest second guessers in some caes are the ones who truly
know the least about whatthe problem actually is and how to fix it. Blame Mark Bulger if you must but remember this is a team game and this team has few shining lights to speak of.