We are just two games into the NFL season and what a surprise, there is panic among Rams fans. I’m sorry, about that. I am wondering who thought this was going to be the 1999 version of the Rams that was supposed to hit the field this year. Even the sane, rational supporters who thought it could be a tough season of hope are starting to unravel just a bit.
Here is a little reminder. It’s week two of the season. We knew the Rams were trying to be better than the one win of last year. Two wins and they may close government offices in St. Louis. I think even the most of the optimistic crowd was hoping for a four- to six-win season … and now this. The Rams have lost to two teams that before and after they played St. Louis have been blown out by an opponent. Not a good sign.
The two losses are wins I had put in the Rams column this year so I am already in a tough spot, as there is no such thing as a gimme on a Rams schedule. This team has work to do.
Sam Bradford is the future … Really? I think he has shown some signs that he can be a very accomplished quarterback in the NFL. He has tools; unfortunately, he does not have enough when it comes to personnel around him. No accomplished receivers to speak of, with the exception of Mark Clayton. A running game that is pedestrian the moment Steven Jackson comes off the field, along with an unimaginative play-calling system on offense. At last check, you do have to score in this league to win.
Remember, these are the Rams – the worst team in the history of the NFL if you look at their record over the last four years. So I was not expecting a lot to start with, other than a more competitive team throughout the game and a few more wins. They have competed so far; now, for a win for all the work.
Changes are sure to be made on and off the field. The head coach should be fine. He gets it, but Bill Walsh would have a hard time coaching this team up. I like Steve Spagnulo but he needs help. The players that are being put on the field are not living up to the expectations. Is that drafting or coaching? Either way, someone will have to go.
Give it more time as we have little else to root for in October. If there is not an improvement, you have the option of not supporting them, whereas they will have to make changes to win back the hearts and money of an already suspicious group of fans who thought they had already seen rock bottom.
Gateway Classic returns
One of the true jewels of the St. Louis sports scene is once again upon us as the Gateway Classic is set for action this weekend. Under the direction of CEO Rich Gray, the Classic will feature Arkansas Pine Bluff and Clark of Atlanta. An annual event that has featured some of the top black college football teams over the years and is the ultimate black college homecoming in the Midwest.
A variety of events will take place over this weekend that will include the Classic Coaches Luncheon at the Gateway Classic headquarters. This years honorees will be future Hall of Famer and former St. Louis Ram Issac Bruce and one of the the greatest high school basketball coaches in the state of Missouri inMarvin Neals. Coach Neals is the only coach in the state that has won championships in two different classes at Soldan and Cardinal Ritter.
For tickets and information about this weekend’s activities, call 314 621-1994.
