Rodney Dangerfield

Growing up, there were certain comedians that crossed generations. Rodney Dangerfield was one of them. His "I don't get no respect" line is still famous to this day. Being a Rams fan for forty years I have come to realize that the Rams are the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL. I love watching the NFL draft. I was excited this year, new couch new attitude, same old ESPN.

Living in Georgia, I don't get to see a lot of live interviews with Rams personnel. I was anxiously awaiting trips to the Rams "war room" during the draft. Nothing, nada. ESPN covered the Rams first pick of offensive tackle Jason Smith, because they had to. Detroit had already agreed to terms with their pick, Matthew Stafford, Friday. The Rams had been on the clock for a day. How did the Rams staff feel about that pick? Don't ask ESPN, crickets.

The Rams second pick was James Laurinatis, linebacker from Ohio State (I'm a die hard Bucks fan, I'II have more to say about this) and again, nothing from the Rams camp.

I got SO tired of looking at Jerry Jones all weekend.

Every time a team from the NFC East drafted or made any moves, ESPN was right in Jerry Jones face looking for his reaction. The S.F. 49'rs got Michael Crabtree WR from Texas Tech, and the Cardinals got Beanie Wells RB from Ohio State and ESPN didn't ask the Rams opinion about any of it.

Two of the biggest offensive weapons in the draft went in to the Rams division. Did I hear a pin drop? The coverage of the Rams draft this year was terrible. Welcome to the Rams, Steve Spagnuolo, get used to the alias of Rodney Dangerfield.

"See you on the hit side" #21

Decisions, Decisions

This has been an interesting couple of days. I wasn't sure what I would write about this week, the draft or the Rams schedule for next year.

Last week the Rams publicly came out and dangled their #2 pick in this years NFL draft. As Rams fans we all know we need a lot of help everywhere. So do you drop from the #2 spot and get quantity instead of quality? It seems the Rams new management and coaching staff appear to think that.

Prior to the draft the Rams as all of the other teams in the NFL like to throw out smoke screens. They try to keep other teams guessing on what they are planning to do. Is there anyone in this years draft that is worth the money the Rams would have to pay in the number two spot? I don't think so.

Linebacker Will Whitherspoon has already been told he will be moving from the middle linebacker position. So do the Rams pay $40 million plus for Aaron Curry from Wake Forest? The Rams could also use Michael Crabtree the WR from Texas Tech. The question is, is that too early to pick him at that spot? I am tending to side with the current Rams staff and would trade down.

Just like me, the Rams are facing questions.

Decisions, decisions. We will have plenty of time to talk about the schedule, the draft is upon us.


"See you on the hit side" #21

Farewell & Good Luck

This last week has been heart wrenching for Rams fans. On March 10th, the Rams released offensive tackle Orlando Pace. On March 13th, the Rams released wide receiver Torry Holt.

These two players have been mainstays for the Rams over the last 12 and 10 years respectfully. In this day and age of salary caps, it didn't surprise me that these moves were made.

As one Rams official stated, the release of Pace freed up enough money for their entire April draft. Pure economics. Growing up in Ohio, I am still to this day a die hard Ohio State Buckeye fan. I had the pleasure of watching a lot of Orlando play in college and was absolutely thrilled when the Rams drafted him.

Torry Holt was one of the best weapons for the "greatest show on turf". Henry Ellard has always been my all time favorite wide receiver, with Isaac Bruce running a close second and Torry sitting in the third spot.

I'm sure he will be missed in the clubhouse. Both were leaders on and off the field. I wish to say thanks to both of them, farewell and good luck.

"See you on the hit side" #21