The Rams
had the perfect pre-season. They had a 4-0 record for
starters and there were no major injuries to key
players.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>There were plenty of spirited battles at every position, including the back-up quarterback position. The Rams’ unblemished exhibition record means more than one would think. It shows the growth of this franchise over the last three years.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>There was never a time during the Scott Linehan era that the St. Louis Rams looked and played the part of a competent football team. There were no fierce battles for competition on the field. The only battles were only among us media members on who’s first in line for pulled barbeque chicken, baked beans, and potato salad.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>I recall back in the spring of 2007, as a guest on PrimeTime Sports, host Randy Gardener asked me what do I think the Rams record would be at the end of that season. I said,”They’d be lucky if the finished 3-13.” They finished that season 2-14.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>So, the Rams took a different approach. They could’ve made a play for Rex Ryan after the Linehan/Jim Haslett debacle. But, they courted Steve Spagnuolo and four years later after I made those remarks about the former embattled inept head coach of this franchise, the Rams are on the move. Now, I’m starting to see what made Spagnuolo the Rams main choice.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Yes. Spagnuolo was the brains behind the championship New York Giants football team that took down the vaunted New England Patriots three seasons ago. But, he really is a players coach. When James Hall first got to the Rams, you’d be satisfied if he was able to get you anywhere between 5-7 sacks a year. Today, can you imagine what the Rams front four would be like without him? In the Rams last pre-season game when he tweaked his back, there was a collective sigh of relief from us all.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>That’s why I feel this is the year when we find out if the Rams are for real. The moral victories don’t count. The Rams will never be pampered like the baseball team here. But, when the Rams are clicking and on top the baseball team has to share the spotlight.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>This is a rabid football town. And a winning professional football team can be the toast of the town. It can very well be. Take at look at where the Rams are now from ten years ago. The names has changed. The sizzle may not be there. However, that buzz has returned. And maybe soon the Rams can wash the toast down with a bottle of champagne. P.S. Get on the bandwagon now.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Any questions or comment email me at Livnlegend@hotmail.com
