SB Nation User Blog: PCarn

The Upsides

PCarn — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:52:58 -0000

Even though many of us are dissapointed with the outcome of the Seattle game, which by all means you have the right to be upset because it was a huge damper on a long off-season. Let's look at some upsides...

1) The combination of O.J. Atagwe and James Butler is a deadly combo. Combined together of 9 solo tackles, 3 passes deflected, and a couple of key interceptions.

2) There are 8 teams which have more than one interception in the league, and only three over two interceptions. That means we're tied for 4th in the league.

3) Though it may seem last we are the worst team in the league, there are 5 teams that have allowed more points, and 5 teams that have allowed more yards. Sure, that's not great, but it's not like we are that over-whelming loser that the media makes it out to be.

4) Vobora and our starting linebackers crew of Laurinitis and Witherspoon seem to be developing a knack for each other. contributing over half of the teams total tackles.

5) The refs made some bad calls that hurt us on some crucial drives. The Leonard Little call was definitely a bad call, and if Ingonito kept his cool we could have easily gotten down to Seahawks territory to get at least a field goal.

Overall, I think it was a bad game in general, but there are many upsides to look at. Look forward to a good game against Washington, I have a feeling the St. Louis Rams are going to surprise.

Avery set for early return?

PCarn — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:44:41 -0000

Via ESPN Insider

Donnie Avery was spotted by Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Tuesday without the orthopedic boot that was being used to shield his broken foot from further injury, and apparently the Rams top receiver is seeking to return faster than the original diagnosis.

"Donnie wants to go; that's Donnie," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo told the Post-Dispatch. "I would rather have guys like that, but we're just trying to be smart." In other words, despite his exuberance, don't expect to see Avery on the field any time soon. His return will likely be sometime after the regular season begins.

Unofficial Depth Chart

PCarn — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:19:45 -0000

Unofficial Depth Chart

Take a look at the unofficial depth chart

David Tyree being cut from Giants?

PCarn — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:38:03 -0000

I know that the Rams have made public statements saying they are not looking to bring in any more depth at WR, but the Giants are looking more and more likely to cut David Tyree (yes, the Super Bowl winning catch guy). Seeing that Steve Spagnuolo has worked with Tyree in the past with the Giants, I feel as its though its quite possible the Rams will consider bringing this guy in.

Here's the post from ESPN Insider

The drops have added up, and David Tyree could soon be off of the New York Giants roster.

Tyree has had an especially frustrating training camp, and Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News has all the details. Especially telling is Vacchiano's comment that Tyree may have seven receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, and that the Giants are unlikely to keep eight wideouts on the final roster.

Even with a bad case of the dropsies, Tyree could see some interest around the league if he is cut, as several teams are desperate for help at receiver.

Once Brown moves into the starting lineup, the Rams could potentially have one of the most talented...

PCarn — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:14:06 -0000

Once Brown moves into the starting lineup, the Rams could potentially have one of the most talented lines in football.

Some respect for Rams on ESPN's front page

St. Louis Rams interested in DT Hollis Thomas

PCarn — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:31:59 -0000

Reading ESPN Insider this morning, and the Rams' name was listed as potential destination for Hollis Thomas. If you do not have an ESPN Insider account, I will copy article below:

Hollis Thomas is ready for season No. 14 of his NFL career, and apparently there are four NFL teams who are ready to have him.

Furthermore, Pro Football Talk has been told by a source that Thomas is set to make a decision upon where he'll play in 2009 this week. As per PFT, the Philadelphia Eagles -- with whom he visited recently -- and the St. Louis Rams are in the mix. Another potential team could be the Detroit Lions, who are looking to add bulk to their defensive line with free agent signee Grady Jackson injured and facing a suspension.

Poll

Should the Rams acquire Hollis Thomas?

Yes

217 votes

No

83 votes

300 votes | Poll has closed

Madden rankings for NFC West teams

PCarn — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:06:23 -0000

Here is the madden rankings for each of the NFC West teams.

Some notes:

-Keenan Burton: 62 overall

Way too low for Burton, but I guess he has still yet to prove himself. Even Brooks Foster is ranked higher than Burton!

-K. Boller: 51 overall

He must have done something to piss off the Madden rankers.

-O Lineman

Really liking the looks of these guys. They were given pretty solid rankings with Jacob Bell being an 86 overall, Jason Brown a solid 90, and Jason Smith an 84 overall.

Thought's anyone?

St. Louis Rams release veteran TE Anthony Becht

PCarn — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:50:16 -0000

Rams released Becht today. Obviously McMichael will be the featured tight end, and Klopfenstein to back him up. I guess this makes sense since we just signed blocking specialist FB Mike Karney.

I must say I'm really liking the looks of our inside offense. We can run it down the middle Jason Brown plowing through with Karney following and Jackson right behind him! McMicheal will also provide some good play action scenarios. if only we can get some help on WR next!

[Note by VanRam, 03/12/09 2:15 PM EDT ] The move saves the Rams $1 million in salary cap space. And the roster continues to get younger. Becht turns 32 before the season starts. He was marginally effective last season, among the ranks of Rams blockers most generously described as uninspiring. There were even those strange instances where Al Saunders tried to get Becht involved in the offense...usually at times when we really needed to move the ball, like 3rd downs.

The Rams still have some deadweight on the depth chart at TE. I'm looking at you Joe Klopfenstein. I suspect the team will try and add a blocking TE to replace Becht. Reports of interest in 49ers blocker Billy Bajema surfaced a while back, and the Rams and Jets are still reported to be the primary suitors for his services. Of c ourse, it seems like a pure blocking TE can probably be found in the late rounds of the draft or even among the ranks of undrafted rookies next month.

Now, the question is who's the #2 TE behind McMichael? Klopfenstein has been mostly frustrating, another Rams second round pick drifting without any real strength or role. Waiver wire pick up Daniel Fells flashed some promise last season, making a case to replace Klop on the roster.

Poll

Keep or cut TE Joe Klopfenstein?

Cut - Adios mi amigo

190 votes

Keep - he's gonna break out any day now

75 votes

265 votes | Poll has closed