SB Nation - Adam Goldberg

Rams getting healthier

VanRam — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:40:04 -0000

You can't stop him.

New players, new coaches, new front office management, lots of things look different for the St. Louis Rams this season. One constant from past seasons, the injuries. The Rams head into their week 13 game against the bloodied Bears with some key players listed as questionable.

The good news is that C Jason Brown practiced yesterday and should be back in the mix this weekend. Good thing. The Rams took all kinds of abuse in the middle part of their line last week without Brown, starting RG Richie Incognito and replacement Adam Goldberg sliding over to fill in for RT Jason Smith.

Speaking of Smith, he's most likely out this week, still not having completed the necessary neurological exams required to play after suffering a concussion. Goldberg will take his place. Personally, I always felt like Goldberg did a better job filling in on the left side at tackle.

Steven Jackson didn't practice, but he does expect to play. He'll be without super blocking full back Mike Karney.

Does anybody else want to see more 4 WR sets this week? Yeah, me too.

Rams starters ailing & healing

VanRam — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:34:12 -0000

More photos » by Tom Gannam - AP

The big in the middle, Jason Brown, is healing from a knee sprain. The Rams need him.

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The St. Louis Rams strung out their game last week against Seattle with a skeleton crew. All over the field injured starters were replaced with backups, it certainly had an impact on the game's outcome. Yesterday the Rams got good news on some of their hurtin' units.

RG Richie Incognito is expected to return to practice this week. His fill-in, Adam Goldberg, did a great job a RG, better than his work at OT.

C Jason Brown has a mild knee strain. He could return as soon as Wednesday, and will hopefully be able to play against the Bears this week. The Rams really, really missed Brown in the second half this week. Notice that Brown had never missed a practice or a game in his young career until coming to the Rams. Something in the water here?

RT Jason Smith's status seems to be the least certain. His concussion tests came back fine, but he has to take more before he is cleared to play. How can you not like this guy when he calls himself "310 pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal." He's earned the right to a little blustery; it's clear what the Rams lack when he's not on the line.

MLB James Laurinaitis suffered a mild shoulder separation, but should be good to go this week. Whew. That would be one loss the Rams would have a tough time absorbing. Can you imagine how bad the defense would be without him?

FB Mike Karney is still out, and that's a tough injury to see the Rams suffer, especially with Jackson's back hurting. Keep an eye on this situation.

Look at that injury list, how does that not factor into the Rams piss poor performance this week?

Rams 17, Seahawks 27: Injuries pile on as the Rams take 10th loss

VanRam — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:47:40 -0000

More photos » by L.G. Patterson - AP

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First the good news, the St. Louis Rams have the top pick in the draft. The bad news is they lost a game against a bitter rival.

Once again, give Steven Jackson major props. He very nearly missed the game; only in warmups was he cleared to play. As usual, he had a helluva game, running for 89 yards on 23 carries. He started the game, but some of the team's top blockers did not, putting the running game in jeapordy form the start. FB Mike Karney, who has been clearing defensive linemen all season for Jackson, was inactive, as was RT Jason Smith. Things really looked bleak when C Jason Brown left the game with an injury.

It was rough day, and fans were calling for Keith Null to get a shot as the game slipped away from the Rams. That, however, would have been ill-advised as the offensive line struggled all day, even before Brown left the game.

Kyle Boller is Kyle Boller. I mean that in the sense that he is a backup QB reason, and he gave the team a solid effort, getting sacked 4 times and pressured on seemingly every play. Only the best QBs could have overcome those odds, not to mention one who lacks a true blue threat at WR. That said, it should be pretty clear that the Rams need a QB. Soon. Why was he throwing into double coverage? Not dumping the ball when he was getting sacked late in the game also reminded you of why Kyle Boller is not a long term solution. I'm not going to dump on the guy too much though. It would have been nice to see him get that late rushing TD. Like I said above, he is what he is. If the Rams were a more talented, healthier team they might have been able to overcome some of those mistakes, but they are not that talented in several key areas...as if you needed to be reminded.

Of course, their need for a defensive lineman stood out today as well, as the Seahawks gouged them for...oh, lots of yards and two rushing TDs.

Fortunately, it sounds like C Jason Brown should be back in time for next week's game, since he just suffered a sprain and nothing more serious. Not to take too much away from Adam Goldberg, but it's clear how talented Jason Smith is and how much the Rams need him on the field. His move to LT and the unceremonious end to Alex Barron's career in St. Louis can't come soon enough.

Heroes

James Laurinaitis - his game is not flawless, but it's damn good. Too bad teams are figuring out how to isolate him and take him out of the play. Nice to see the kid pick up a sack.
Steven Jackson - Is there any question about the man's greatness?
Danny Amendola - This midseason pickup is looking like another feather in Devaney's cap. He could really do something with a legit #1 WR on the roster...and a better QB.
O. J. Atogwe - Still got it.

Zeroes

Alex Barron - Am I too hard on the guy? Seattle got men around him, and he got another stupid penalty that took the Rams from 2nd and 4 to 2nd and 14. He had to hold the DL because he got beat, badly on the play.
The Defensive Line - Damn this group needs talent. The more I watch, the more I think we need to either draft or sign the best free agent DT we can get. More of the same next year if we don't.

Rams losing blockers by the minute

VanRam — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:00:44 -0000

More photos » by Duane Burleson - AP

Mr. Versatility slides over to RT this week.

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It's back Friday for the St. Louis Rams offensive line today too. They'll be without two starters this week and testing the reserves to protect backup QB Kyle Boller.

More and more, it sounds like RT Jason Smith will be out this week with a concussion. That's a blow to be sure. The Rams don't lose much with Adam Goldberg at RT, but without Smith's athleticism I think it becomes harder to keep defenders out of the backfield on those rollouts they'll need Boller to perform. Paging Billy Bajema.

Goldberg, of course, is sliding over from RG where he's been filling in for Richie Incognito. Cogs has a foot injury, and is probably another week from returning to action. Setterstrom will take his place, and we'll see just how good our OL depth is. Setterstrom you'll recall spent time starting inside, and has been a solid backup G that could start in lots of places.

Steven Jackson is not practicing, but the team seems optimistic that he'll play. They better hope so. Oh, and FB Mike Karney is likely out too. Eric Butler will replace him at FB. Yikes, it's 2007/08 all over again.

The most frightening thing about this is that Jackson's going to take on more of the physical toll he usually shares with the blocker, upping his injury risk.

Rams vs Cardinals: Gameday notes & injury report

VanRam — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:23:26 -0000

by Dave Weaver - AP

Can this man single-handedly stop Texas...and just how would he look with Golden Horns on his helmet?

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Don't count on injuries to give the St. Louis Rams a break today. The visiting Arizona Cardinals won't likely be sitting many player when they take drop into the Ed Jones Dome today.

RIght now, it looks like the only player out for Arizona is LB Chike Okeafor. The questionable list includes: CB Michael Adams (hamstring), LB Karlos Dansby (shoulder), T Mike Gandy (pelvis), LB Gerald Hayes (back), CB Bryant McFadden (ankle), WR Sean Morey (head), TE Ben Patrick (knee).

The Rams will be without DE Victor Adeyanju and OG Richie Incognito. As we've mentioned, the Adeyanju injury leaves them thin at defensive line. DE Chris Long is the only player listed as questionable, and Spagnuolo made it sound as though that would be a game time decision.

Continuing on the o-line theme form 3k's post yesterday, the PD has a look at the unit. No surprises there. This is a really strong group for the Rams now, with the potential to get better. One thing that's really helped the Rams this year is the depth. Adam Goldberg has started all but one game this season.

The Cardinals are kind of sneaky good again this season, winning five of their last six with the league's fifth best passing offense. It'll be a big day for our secondary.

Stray thoughts on college football

I watched the Mississippi State at Arkansas game yesterday, and three players really stood out. The obvious is Ryan Mallett. He's an accurate and strong QB, smart too, but needs to develop his ability to find other receivers when his guys are covered up too tightly. Surely, he stays in another season. Arkansas WR Cobi Hamilton, a freshman, is one helluva receiver. I was really impressed with Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon. He reminded me of Steven Jackson, similar moves and style. There's probably a reason for that: Sylvester Croom, the former Bulldogs head coach who was hired as the Rams running backs coach this season. Croom isn't getting enough credit for Jackson's big season, but he should be.

Les Miles, seriously?

Ndamukong Suh will get a national stage when Nebraska is sacrificed to Texas in the Big 12 championship game. I still think it could be a pretty interesting game, and I look forward to watching what he can do against one of college football's elite teams.

Michigan got beat by guys in sweatpants...Rodriguez has to go now.

Rams 23, Saints 28: The Spagnuolo era begins as Rams nearly topple a giant

VanRam — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:57:46 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

25 days ago: St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (21) recovers a fumble by New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (88) after Shockey was hit by Rams linebacker David Vobora (58) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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It's their eighth loss in nine games, but the St. Louis Rams played their best game of the year against the undefeated, heavily favored Saints today. And, no, there's not a bit of sarcasm dripping from that statement. The Rams played hard to a man and took it right down to the wire. That was truly a moral victory. If the Rams can play like that down the stretch, they'll win more games. Guaranteed.

It's an unusual Sunday afternoon when you don't feel like pointing fingers. At various times late in the game, the Rams overcame plays that would have surely marked the end of the game any other week. Not this time. An 11-point lead suddenly seemed like it might not be enough.

Ok. I'm giddy with delight. Let's nab a bit of rationality before we celebrate. Why? Because the Rams could have won this game. Should have won this game. A mistake free outing is rare even for the best teams - case in point, New Orleans - but the Rams had a couple of moments where they could have sealed the deal.

Special teams should have had the kick return that broke the tie to open the second half. It looked to me like they all overran the returner, leaving Josh Brown as the only guy who even got a hand on him.
They had a tough time getting holes for Steven Jackson after the half, when the Saints made adjustments. Credit the Saints some for that, but a misdirection play could have helped a little.
I'm not bashing Bulger. He played with heart. However, he seems to have lost his ability to adjust and find open receivers. He also made a few throws that would have been INTs had Sharper been playing.
Randy McMichael, have your hands turned to stone?
I realize that Pat Shurmur doesn't have much to work with, but some of the playcalling still befuddles me. Why the predictable call on 4th down? Why not open it up a little more with Avery and Gibson or Fells when the Saints were keeping SJ39 in check?

Enough. Tomorrow we can Monday morning QB this. All of those things feel kind of knitpicky. These guys played their asses off and deserve credit. Some standouts:

Steven Jackson - He made things happen. Though, unlike last week, he had plenty of help, help from...

The Offensive Line, Mike Karney and the TEs - This unit is really starting to come together. The right side was particularly fearsome. When Jason Smith, who has made the Rams first two round picks in this draft look absolutely brilliant, moves to the left side, Adam Goldberg deserves the first shot at RT. I think he'll earn it too.

Donnie Avery - This is the Donnie Avery we need to see on a weekly basis. Clearly the bye week helped, but credit the play calling for getting him down the field. Slightly better passing might have given Avery a 3 TD day.

Brandon Gibson - Hello, new guy. 7 catches, 93 yards, good God. He studied the routes and showed some nice hands this week, i.e. the grab on the ground that let the Rams take it to the very last play of the game. Too bad we only have three WRs now.

Marc Bulger - Not the Marc Bulger we used to know, but you can't question his efforts this week...notice the nice scramble for the first down at the end of the game?

Oshiomogho Atogwe - He's baaaaaack. Togs got his turnover mojo back today, getting a key INT, forcing a fumble and breaking up a 4th quarter TD pass to give the Rams new life with a touchback.

Jame Butler - Made up for an INT that turned into a safety by just getting an INT, no safety today. This guy played well, and when he and Atogwe are on their game, the Rams have some of the best safties in the league. If they had stud corners this would be a fearsome secondary.

The Defensive Line - They weren't perfect, but they made the best with what they had. They got pressure, they tipped passes, and Chris Long recording his second sack of the season.

I could go on and on, but these are the guys that really stood out to me. Who else belongs on this list? And finally, the game ball.

Game ball goes to...Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo. He had this team born again hard this week, playing damn near air-tight football. The passion, the commitment to what he's been selling....it all came together this week. This guy will have this team competing, by next season. Hats off to you coach, this was a win in every way but one. The next seven games should be some great football. The new era has arrived today.

Incognito out, Amendola in: Random Ramsdom, 11/10

VanRam — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:56:18 -0000

Feelin' kind of random today? Headlines are percolating as the St. Louis Rams gear up for a tough game against the New Orleans Saints this week, so let's shake off the bye week rust and jump right in.

RG Richie Incognito will be out. It's not official yet, but he's not practicing this week because of his foot injury. Adam Goldberg will start in his place. WR/KR Danny Amendola has recovered from his concussion and will play this week.

A couple of cornerbacks, Marcus Brown and Marquis Floyd, visited Rams Park yesterday. Neither has been inked yet, and S Anthony Smith's roster spot remains open. It seem like we could use the help at CB.

The NFL's schedule makers gave the 2-win Rams of '08 no breaks this year. New Orleans is the third undefeated team they'll face. That's the last, as of this week, elite team the Rams are scheduled to play, but 5-4 Houston comes to town in week 15 looking to keep their wild card shot alive. We've got two more games against the Cardinals as well.

New Orleans had a rough outing against the Panthers last week, having to fight their way back from a 14-point hole. Head coach Sean Payton doesn't seem ready to let that happen again.

Rams Gab takes a look at the New Orleans game this week.

Didn't get enough speculation with yesterday's Jason Campbell talk? How 'bout Tony Dungy suggesting Michael Vick for the Rams? His past aside, I'm going to give that a thumbs down based on Vick's stated desire to be a QB again. I want a guy who can run a passing game with more authority, sorry.

Donnie Avery, fantasy sleeper for week 10? Maybe. I'd feel a lot better about it if I knew Marc Bulger could throw.

Reading between the offensive lines: Random Ramsdom, 11/3

VanRam — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:22:05 -0000

Still basking in the glow of the St. Louis Rams first win? Yeah, me too. Let's dive into some random ramsdom.

RG Jacob Bell has a concussion and a neck stinger. Bell now has two concussions on the season, something that certainly won't help his effectiveness. Speaking of concussions, does it seem like the Rams have had an inordinate amout of concussions this season?

People can't seem to say enough good things about the Rams first round pick OT Jason Smith. He had a monster game at Detroit this week. I still don't understand why this guy isn't starting at LT. I think with his improved run blocking skills, switching him to LT and Barron to RT would give the Rams better run blocking on the outside lanes. And with Setterstrom, Brown and Incognito in the middle, you'd have the Rams best OL combo playing. Granted, not every game is going to be against the Lions. In pass blocking, you could put an extra blocker on Smith's side when the matchup wasn't favorable...or you could just let Marc Bulger get trashed, since it's not going to make him any worse (ouch. sorry).

The line is starting to gel. I can't help but wonder if Adam Goldberg has a future as a starter.

Bernie Miklasz gives his official endorsement to the Rams getting a new franchise QB. He does make a good point about Bulger, noting that the QB has done little with the extra time in the pocket he's had this season and pointing out that a rookie QB could fare no worse than Bulger. Amen on that. As I've said before, the Rams have a good OL, which should be better next year, and with Steven Jackson still set to thrive for a couple more seasons, it's a good situation for a rookie QB to step into, in the sense that he has some padding for early struggles. Imagine if Detroit had our offensive line and Steven Jackson, combined with Calvin Johnson; they'd have a lot more than one win this season.

Spagnuolo and the coaching staff will be taking a good, long look at the team and their own performances through the first half of the season.

Here's a drive-by-drive breakdown of the game, from Detroit blog Pride of Detroit.

Hey, what do you think about the new look at TST? I stayed up all night coding HTML...no, not really. Props to the gang at HQ for their hard work.

The future is delayed

VanRam — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:59:50 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

left tackle of the future, right tackle of the present.

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Some disappointing news from the St. Louis Rams practice yesterday. Let's start on the non-injury front.

With RG Richie Incognito out, Adam Goldberg worked with the first team at RG. Fine. Goldberg's a good lineman who has earned his playing time. I wish the Rams had more players like him. The disappointing news here was that Alex Barron was at LT and Jason Smith was at RT. The Rams continue to cling to an outdated mode of thinking, i.e. that they can win games with their current configuration.

The fact is that Jason Smith has talent, and has proven to be a quick learner. Remember how far he came after struggling early in the preseason? I'm not naive enough to think that he won't get schooled by guys like Dwight Freeny, but he's not going to be as bad as you think. Secondly, has Alex Barron done anything to give the Rams confidence in retaining him beyond this season, as anything more than a backup? After his half game benching he came out strong the next week, but quickly reverted to form against the Colts. Are those the kind of players you want at the foundation of your rebuilding team? Their stuck this week and have to use Barron in the starting lineup, but there's no reason not to start Smith's future on the left side...especially against Detroit.

Why is there even a question about whether or not Ruvell Martin "and/or" Brandon Gibson will dress this week? We know niether guy is the answer at receiver, but we need help at that position, with warm bodies qualifying as help at this point in time.

And on the injury front...CB Bradley Fletcher is out and Justin King is limited. If any Rams CB gets hurt this week, they've got a total of three corners to work with and offense that just can't keep the defense off the field. Worried?

Rams should make Jason Smith their starting LT

VanRam — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:31:16 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

At 0-7 the rebuilding St. Louis Rams are already playing for the future. The future starts with making 2009 second overall pick Jason Smith the starting LT.

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The St. Louis Rams playcalling baffled fans through the first half of the season. Some of that might be explained by the Rams having to deal with a sheer lack of talent on offense, while still leaving plenty of things to point to and scratch your head about. The confusion resulting from the play calling had nothing on the absolutely mystifying decision to use a three-man rotation at offensive tackle this week, working rookie Jason Smith who was returning from an injury, into the lineup with Alex Barron and Adam Goldberg.

Fans and media took the team to task for that decision. Here's Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz summing up the feelings shared by most of us:

What the hell is this three-man rotation at OT? What is this, a preseason game against the Titans?

Right or wrong, it won't happen this week because Adam Goldberg will be pressed into service at RG for the injured Richie Incognito. But it still begs the question, why are we not using Jason Smith as our starting left tackle? Especially, if the Rams are going to run to the right side so much more frequently than to the left, it'd be better to use Alex Barron whose a better run blocker at this point than Smith...or even Goldberg since Barron seems to be having problems with penalties again.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Poll

Should the St. Louis Rams make 2009 second overall pick Jason Smith the starting LT?

Yes

364 votes

No

41 votes

405 votes | Poll has closed