Reality vs Fantasy

Well, it's here. The Rams of 2009.

This Friday the St. Louis Rams open there season with a preseason game against the New York Jets. I am not a big fan of preseason football. I would like to see 2 games max.

The "real" season starts September 13th when the Rams travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks.

The Rams have an interesting schedule this year. Besides the interdivisional play, the NFC opponents include the Redskins, Packers, Vikings , Lions, Saints and Bears.

The Rams AFC opponents this year are the Jaguars, Colts, Titans and Texans.

At the beginning of any sports season, fans are optimistic on the chances of their favorite team. Rams fans are no different. I am more of a "the glass is half empty" kind of guy. I have heard predictions for the Rams of 8-8 and 9-7 (making the playoffs as a wild card). I can't see it. With a new coaching staff, new offense and defensive strategies, this year will be a learning year for the Rams.

I think in terms of reality. The 8-8 and 9-7 fans are living in a fantasy world. My prediction is 6-10 and another year of not making the playoffs. reality vs. fantasy?

I hope ALL the Rams fans living in the fantasy world prove me wrong.

GO RAMS!

"See you on the hit side" #21

A New Era

A new era has begun for the St. Louis Rams. When the Rams hired new head coach Steve Spagnuolo, many Rams fans thought that was the beginning, but actually the beginning was Thursday.

Last Thursday Rams players started to play. The rookies and QB'S reported with the rest of the team showing up for their first full practice on Friday. All the Rams players showed up, no holdouts.

The whole team along with coach Spagnuolo can focus on one thing, playing football. Coach Spagnuolo has not had time to breathe, let alone look at his players since being hired. I had heard his training camp was going to be much harder than any the veteran Rams players had seen in previous years. He didn't disappoint. He is running two a day's from the get go and full contact practices.

Most players on the Rams (let alone in the NFL), haven't had those since high school. I love it. Some people will argue that it increases the chances of injuries, but so do four preseason games. If you prepare yourself and stay in shape over the off season, you should be ready.

Working this hard, this early in camp, can only pay off in the fourth quarter of games late in the season. The Rams have been coddled too long. The past is now behind them, it's time for a new era, and I'm applauding it.

"See you on the hit side" #21

Should I Stay, Or Should I Go?

I love the Clash. This was probably their biggest hit that got the most air play. Unfortunately, this phrase has recently come up with connection to the Rams. I usually talk defensive football, but I am going to go "defensive" in a different way today.

There are a lot of rumors regarding the sale of the Rams by current owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez. With the price of NFL franchises (the Rams are estimated at $929 million), greed is a huge factor. As an old L.A. Rams fan, I have heard they want to move back there. I can think of many reasons why they shouldn't. Here are my top 10 (excuse me David Letterman):

10. Georgia Frontiere moved them to St. Louis for a reason. Respect your mothers wishes.

9. Rams fans show up on time. Unlike Dodger fans that show up during the fourth inning, St. Louis fans know how to tell time.

8. Rams fans are loyal. People state that Rams fans don't show up, put a winning or exciting product on the field and they will.

7. Rams fans are friendly. I have met some great people in St. Louis and have new friends there.

6. Edward Jones Dome is not that bad. The lease is through 2014, honor it and then build a new stadium.

5. Budweiser. Who wants to go to a game and drink Pina Coladas or a Seabreeze?

4. Lacledes Landing. How cool is this place!?! Where else can you WALK to after the game, hit some bars and maybe dance with some Rams cheerleaders? Don't laugh, it happened to me a few years ago. It was a blast.

3. Good food and restaurants close by. Too many good ones to mention here.

2. Casinos. If the Rams lose, you can always hit the casinos and have a chance to win some cash. That would make the Rams loss easier to swallow.

1. If the Rams move, I wouldn't be able to go to a game every year. Call it selfish, it is.

So if you ask "should I stay or should I go?", I say stay!

"See you on the hit side!" #21