Pros and Cons

Preseason football, you either love it, or you hate it. I am stuck on the fence for this one. First of all, I enjoy seeing football again. Who cares if it is the 198th pick trying to win a spot on the roster, he is still in a Rams uniform. That makes me want to watch the game.

As it gets closer to the first regular season game, I start to care less about Mr. 198th and hope the starters start playing like they are #1.

Secondly, I don't want anyone to get hurt. This is the dilemma of preseason football.

Fridays game was a combination of good and bad (I'll get off of my defensive horse later).

The Rams played the hapless Raiders and lost 20-10.

There are positive things that came out of this. The Raiders ran the ball 46 times for 172 yards. That is a lot of attempts for any team in the league. The Rams held them to a 3.7 yard average, not spectacular, but not like last year either. The Raiders starting running back Lamont Jordon, had 41 yards on 18 carries for a 2.3 yard average. That is impressive, but it is the Raiders.

The Rams 'D' had 4 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. That's good too.

Now the worst part, the pass defense was terrible. Tye Hill had 3 calls against him and the Rams had FIVE pass interference calls. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. This kept drives going that could have failed due to the Rams ineptitude, not the Raiders skill.

Now to get off of the 'D' horse. The Rams 'D' cannot stay on the field for that long whether it is preseason or not. The Rams starting offensive unit has only scored 3 points in 11 drives so far. I understand that Steven Jackson and Tory Holt aren't playing, but that is sorry. Next week the Rams final preseason game is against the K.C. Chiefs. The Chiefs will not win 4 games this year.

The Rams should start all of their first stringers for most of the game.

I see all the pros and cons of preseason, but I am ready to see what we are really capable of against Carolina when it counts.

"See you on the hit side" #21

A Strange Game

Saturday night was a different kind of game. I have to admit, that I was determined to watch as much as I could and report that the Rams were great, and I got a clear view of what was happening. Well, sometimes life throws a curve ball. I was invited to a bachelor party at a friends house, for someone I had never met. I was assured that when the game started, there would be no problem for me to watch the game. Wrong.

At 8:00 pm I went into the living room and turned on the game. At that point I was informed that the host had turned off his cable, because he was going to get a dish. Well, I was not happy. I rigged his TV so I could try and see it via antenna, needless to say I was stuck with a snow covered screen. Well I convinced myself that I could deal with that. I sat 2 feet in front of the screen and tried to devote all of my attention to the game, with all of the craziness going on around me. Wrong again.

The next thing I knew there were two strippers entertaining the groom, right behind me. Now normally, I would not mind that distraction, but I had copped an attitude, and they were not honoring their promise that I would not be bothered while I was watching the game.

I did get to see most of the first half. I saw that even without L.T. the Chargers could run the ball. I didn't get a real good look at the touchdown catch in the first half, but I thought Corey Chavous had the coverage and it was a close call.

I did notice that the Rams "D" settled down a bit and played better ball. I am concerned that the Rams allowed over a hundred yards on the ground and 4.4 yards per carry. Maybe next week I can sit in peace and really get a chance to dissect it correctly. Hopefully it won't be another strange game.

"SEE YOU ON THE HIT SIDE" #21

Cromwell's Corner

DO STATS LIE?

It's here! RAMS football.

During the offseason, it is hard to write about speculation
and what are things to come.

I have never admitted I have a crystal ball and I will try not
to. As I have stated before, I DO have hope.

After last years dismal and disappointing season, the Rams
defensive had to get better. Their performance was one of the
worst I've witnessed in a long time. They finished next
to last in the league against the run.

In my opinion things could only get better. God help us if
it gets worse.

So going into Fridays game, I was optimistic, but apprehensive.

I try to think of myself as a realist.  I realized a few things
about the first preseason game.

First of all I realize that the starters would only be in there
for the first 2-3 series.

Second, that some may not start at all.

Thirdly, that the Vikings are not an offensive powerhouse as they
once were. So what happened?

Jim Haslett's defensive unit gave up three first downs & 59 yards
in two series, but no points. I'll take it.

Adam Carriker was impressive in clogging up the middle & stuffing
Adrian Peterson early on. Carriker held his own against five time
all pro center Matt Birk  Matt told Linehan after the game, 
"He's a load, he's a handful. He's a heck of a player"
High praise indeed for a rookie from a pro bowler. Adrain Peterson
ended up with 33 yards on 11 carries. Overall the Vikings ended up
with 87 yards on the ground and 215 total net yards. Very
respectable indeed, but it was only the first preseason game.

As I said, I'm a realist. Do stats lie? We'll see.

"SEE YOU ON THE HIT SIDE" #21