The Rams are right where I thought they would be. Even though they have won just one game over a team (Detroit Lions) that went winless last season, the Rams were flat-out bad before the season started and we all knew that.
Most of us thought there was a potential for futility. Well, they have lived up to that expectation so far. I am not sure how anyone thought there was going to be a drastic turnaround in such a short time.
Remember, Haley’s Comet has already been through here and is not scheduled for a return in these parts until roughly 2061. No worries, the Rams will win before then. The Lions could be another story.
Do you remember how last season ended? You had a coach who had lost the team and was more concerned about campaigning for the job, only to have the likes of Sarah Palin advising him. You had a roster that had gotten old or was severely deficient in talent, ooor drafts that had come back to haunt them, an unstable front office and fan apathy.
As the Rams entered 2010, there is a new front office structure, new coach and a new attitude. The problem is there are too many bad players and not enough good ones. Throw in a mismanaged salary cap by the previous regime and you have the makings of your 2009 St. Louis Rams: a 1-7 record with no relief in sight.
I did not expect much from this team and still don’t when it comes to wins and losses. This team is not equipped to be a contender for anything other than a high draft choice.
Let’s start with the front office. Newcomers Kevin Demhoff and Billy Devanney have had to juggle a number of issues with respect to a talent shortage and salary cap issues. At least they are creating a better attitude at Rams Park.
Head coach Steve Spagnulo has become one of my favorites. Even though he has only won once, I have come to appreciate his passion and presence. While he is still learning how to be a head coach and his staff is learning how to work together and coach inferior players, I think they are headed in the right direction. They will not be stuck with bad draft choices and bad street free agents forever.
Then there are the players. Some players on this team were part of the demise of Joe Vitt, Scott Linehan and Jim Haslett. Others have been revitalized and have met the challenge. Steven Jackson has had one of his best seasons since arriving to the NFL. His numbers don’t lie and he is all the offense the Rams have to offer as Mark Bulger continues to regress as a quarterback and the receivers are flag football-like in their skill levels.
Jackson is not by himself, Leonard Little is winding down a very good career, although he is winding it up more than anyone would have thought. His play on defense and his overall leadership on and off the field should not be overlooked. He is still one player the opposition has to game-plan against. It’s too bad that his play along with Jackson’s could not be as contagious as the Swine Flu.
In all, this is a team that will grow. The bad news is that this will be in small increments. It will take another draft, perhaps two. Progress from the draft choices that are already on the team and a key free agent signing from time to time would be a good start for the Rams as they take the road back from oblivion.
