There’s a lot of talk about the dollars and cents of the Rams proposed renovations to the dome. There’s a wide-range of emotions, from letting them leave for greener pastures all the way to build a brand new stadium. Right in the middle of all those emotions is the Rams proposal. At 700+ mil, it would turn the dome into, well, not a dome, but also a first tier facility.

There’s something about the use of taxpayer money that rubs many people the wrong way. Why should cash-strapped governments shell out more money to help billionaires make more money? The simple is answer is; the market demands this.

Because certain local and state governments have begrudgingly paid to keep their teams, it has created a market for tax-payer dollars funding stadium construction. I would argue that the deal the Rams have put forth is both practical and fair market for an NFL team (albeit one that hasn’t really produced a great product).

My discussion points after the jump.

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First off, read VT’s article here. It inspired this

It’s Day 12 of Fisher watch, and it seems every morning when I wake up Adam Schefter tells me Fisher’s decision will come tomorrow. The Rams have spent enough time courting Fisher, and while, they still have done interviews, the pursuit of Fisher reeks of desperation. The Rams have gone all in on Fisher, to the detriment of choosing a GM, finding a staff, and making the key changes that will move the organization forward. Each day the way is one less day to scout, prepare and understand the draft, free agency and the future of the 53-man roster.

Fisher has the tenure that the Rams desire at the position. He provides solid foundation to re-build (yet again) the franchise on without having to take the lumps of a rookie HC learning the ropes again. He will never be confused for an elite head coach, but in a time where the Rams can’t afford another false start, he will do. Unfortunately, I don’t think waiting on Fisher to make a decision is the right thing to do.

Some opinions after the jump

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[Note by VanRam, 05/04/11 10:17 PM EDT ] Diggin' it, so I'm bumpin' it. Killer fan posts lately...the draft really inspires, huh?

After reading 3k’s post on the draft and the direction of the team, I decided to do some analysis of what a Rams receiver looks like today. I was actually surprised that the direction of bigger receivers started before Josh McDaniels even set foot in Ram’s Park. I’ve broken down the size and weight of all the active wide receivers on the Rams, how many games they’ve played and when they joined the team. I’ve purposely left off statistics. They are meaningless in gauging the direction of the offense, and for players like Donnie Avery, who is on his third offense; they do not reflect future production.

The Rams have an astonishing 13 receivers on the roster.  This was astonishing only because we finished the season with only 5 active receivers. As many are speculating who will be left out in the cold, most keep Donnie Avery firmly on the “in” camp. The prevailing logic says he is the only burner we have. I’ve created a chart after the break.

I believe that by September, Donnie Avery will not be a Ram.

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Earlier in the year, we had multiple posts about tailgating. Now I'm interested in seeing this in action.

Since moving to Cincinnati, I rarely get to see Rams games lives. I usually only make one a year. This year is no exception. I purchased tickets to the Rams/49er's game after Christmas. Last year, I went to a November game against AZ, and the tailgating atmosphere was abysmal (with a team to match) This year I'm expecting big things from the STL home crowd.

My questions are

1. How many TST'ers tailgate?
2. Where is the best tailgating spot downtown?
3. Who would like to meet up with a fellow TSTer?

Basically I'm looking to join up with a tailgate, but since it's the last game of the year, I think it'd be cool to meet up with some fellow fans and enjoy a Rams game the Rams clinching the NFC West. So if anyone wants to hang out, or set something up with the loyal fans of this site, let's do it!

After watching two weeks of "typical" Rams football I've come the conclusion that these Rams are playing not to lose. Why are they playing not lose? The games say it all. The teams you see in the first half is playing to score points. The defense plays to attack the opposing offenses. The play calling is less predictable. Even the energy levels are completely different. Even as fans, we can feel the energy and the hopelessness setting in.

We can't argue that this team has a void of talent, and isn't complete from player #1 - #53 and that makes it hard to hang with the toughest teams in the league. The lack of talent argument can't explain what has happened to the Rams in the first two games. These frustrating games have shown a light at the end of the tunnel, and that is even more frustrating then the blowouts of the past.

The Rams need to learn how to win. The Rams need to learn how to play to win.

This is a mindset that needs to change with the coaches and the players. The team needs to learn that digging in and hoping to survive the last two quarters isn't a viable strategy. Spags said it after the first week; this team needs to learn to close games. This team needs to learn to win.

Winning isn't getting a lead and sitting on it. The team needs to keep the hunger throughout the game. They need to continue to hunger for points. Continue to attack the quarterback. I just hope that this team turns it around and starts playing to win. The last game I saw this team display a hunger was against Dallas two years ago. Until they do this, they show this hunger they aren't going to be competitive and respected by other team.

This season isn't over. Even if we don't beat Washington, the season still isn't over. The Rams are only a game down, in a division that has no clear winner. Spags needs to turn this attitude around quickly and the only way to do this is to play 4 quarters. To not dig in and hope to win. They need to play like they are down. To throw the ball all over the field when the run is taken away. To pound the opposing teams offense till they feel like victory is hopeless.