For the St. Louis American
Was it me or was that a defense the St. Louis Rams had on the field on Sunday? I know for the very young this element of football is something that was not on display in recent years, but I guess it was real.
While there were some new faces on the Rams defense, the fact that some of the holdovers stepped up and contributed was quite noticeable. Think about it. Jimmy Kennedy suffered a broken hand in the first quarter and came back to play in the game. Last year, I am not sure if that would have been the case. The year before that? No way on the planet. While I am not advocating that everyone is in a position to play with a broken hand, this is the NFL where the so-called tough guys play.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Haslet and his staff did a masterful job against a very potent offense in the Denver Broncos. It was team effort by every member of the staff and players. But before you start to run out and get in the lottery for Super Bowl tickets, let’s hold on partner!
The Rams’ offense has work to do. While the Rams moved the ball effectively they did not score. I need to remind you that “the greatest show on turf ” is dead, stankin’, gone and it’s not coming back. There are a number of ways to score without all of the antics of a coach who was losing it. The Rams will score. They have enough tools to be respected by every defense in the NFL. It will take a little longer than I thought.
The next test will come this week in San Francisco as the Rams take on the 49ers, a team that seems to have improved, a team that beat the Rams twice last season. It is also a team that scored 27 points in its opener against Arizona. It is supposed to be a new day for everyone. If the Rams go out there and blow it, forget what I said. It may take longer than I thought to figure this team out.
Mizzou wagon has room
OK, this is the year… The year that Missouri football makes a statement. Yeah, that’s right, this is the year that Missouri breaks through and makes themselves a player in college football. While the rigged BCS will not allow the Tigers to compete for a national championship, they will be competitive as well as entertaining. Head Coach Gary Pinkel and his staff have the right combination of experienced players and local products who have chosen Missouri to have something really special. They will still have to beat some teams they are supposed to beat like this weekend against New Mexico, but the time for them to stop beating themselves has come. This will be the year that they break through and make the statement we had been hoping for. There is still room left on the bandwagon, but don’t wait too long.
Marshall making it
If you have not had the chance to catch Marshall Faulk on the NFL Network, then you are missing out on some great knowledge. Considered by many to be one of the smartest players ever to play the game, his ability to point out the elements of the games that most would not see is fascinating. Enjoy him while you can, because he won’t be there long. Perhaps, he will head to another network although the NFL Network gives him more opportunities than just on Sunday, but he has an NFL executive written all over him. He sees like no other. He could build my team any day.
