Hadley--On Rice and Pittman

[RamWraith]

RAMS UPDATE

AN UPGRADE IS AN UPGRADE

Breaking down Antonio Pittman and Simeon Rice


THE FACT IS.

Antonio Pittman has the upside worthy of addition and Simeon Rice received
an offer that should've been consider too rich as this stage of his career.

There seems to be a belief that the addition of Pittman is fruitless and
that Rice somehow was the missing link to the Rams kicking off in the Super
Bowl come February.

Frankly, the only mistake made this weekend was my misinformation that Rice
would wear the horns. In the end, I was wrong. however the Rams weren't for
balking at the price tag that Rice adorned.

In both St. Louis and Denver, Rice managed to minimally pass physical tests.
There is no doubt that having Rice capable of rotating with James Hall was
intriguing. No doubt that the Rice and Hall combined with Leonard Little
presented a potentially fearsome trio of pass rushers.

All that noted, for the $3 million in guaranteed funds Denver placed on the
table, combined with a guaranteed starting position. Rice made the right
choice signing in Denver, as did the Rams in refusing to extend comparable
terms.

The Rams were proactive in pursuing Rice, and did in fact make Rice an offer
hence those insinuating the team didn't have legitimate interest are
misinformed.

In closing the book on Simeon Rice, both he and the Rams made the right
moves. my reporting that Rice was coming to St. Louis was the only flawed
chapter.

Back to Pittman, how can a player that many readers wrote, in April, was
worthy of consideration on draft day suddenly become so minimized five
months later?

Pittman has a nice combination of speed and physicality that is enticing. He
remains a work in progress needing to fine tune various aspects of his game
however is undeniably a "legit prospect."

I find it interesting that many ask the question why carry four running
backs? Are those posing the question asking the same of the New Orleans
Saints? Those asking why with Steven Jackson and Brian Leonard aboard is
Pittman on the roster. are you aware that the Saints drafted him having
Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister and Aaron Stecker already on the depth chart?
By the way, the Saints too have four runners on the depth chart. simply
stated, Pierre Thomas outperformed Pittman.

Pittman has never been one to avoid contact with the ball in hand hence I
suspect the Rams might well test his worth on the special teams coverage
units.

Pittman has value as a prospect, his addition was logical, and most
importantly, the Rams backfield is better.

The latter is the most important aspect. improvement in any increment is
improvement.

The onus is now on Pittman to transform from a prospect into a player; the
onus is now on James Hall to recapture the diligence of a superb pass rusher
and underrated run defender; and the onus is on me to improve on my sources
atoning for a misinformed presentation prematurely declaring Rice a member
of the Rams.


FYI: Regarding the Rams decision to begin the season with two quarterbacks
on the active roster. Coach Scott Lineman & Co. are merely following a
league-wide trend that will have a dozen or more teams making the same
decision this season.

Remember this regarding the Rams decision to deal Ryan Fitzpatrick. Last
year, the minimum restricted free-agent tender was $850,000. In 2008, it
will be at least $900,000 and possibly as high as $930,000. Would
Fitzpatrick been worthy of that price?

[laram0]

I like that we brought on Pittman even though I don't know much about him. Depth at RB is critical. I also trust the Offensive eye of Linehan when it comes to judging talent.

[RAMMAN68]

I think the Pittman signing will payoff later in the season. I saw a few video's of him and he seems to have great potential. As for not signing Rice, good move considering, IMO, that he isn't an every down player anymore.

And kudos to Hadley for correcting himself unlike some sports writers in town.

[RealRam]

Having three good RBs -- in due time, all in due time -- is a beautiful problem!

Jackson is the meat and potatoes man for several more years of success (I'm hoping our F.O. will succeed in doing its job too). Leonard, tremendous potential and character to be where he needs to be or is called to be. ...Pittman might develop into a strong, productive, effective RB. Terrific potential also. Let's help him mature as well, to become part of a great Rams running game.

[Nick]

Like him or not, you have to respect the fact that he admitted his error in the Rice situation.

[BigGameMN]

I like the Pittman signing. A good project type of guy who could turn out to be really good.