Multiple notes on Ram players from the Sporting News

[RamsSB99]

Steven Jackson – RB Jan. 20, 1:00 p.m.
New Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo says his offensive philosophy is to "to be able to run the football and protect the quarterback."

Fantasy spin: The Rams' best player is Steven Jackson, so it's sensible to make him the focus of the offense. But St. Louis also plays in a pass-friendly dome and S-Jax is an outstanding pass catcher. A three yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust philosophy wouldn't necessarily play to the Rams' organizational strengths.


Chris Long – DE Jan. 8, 3:46 p.m.
Chris Long finished his rookie season with 16 quarterback pressures, 57 tackles, and four sacks.

Fantasy spin: While Long faded after a strong first half, the high amount of pressures bodes very well for a big sack increase in '09. Defensive end is a tough spot for rookies and Long acquitted himself just fine. Better tackle play next to him would also help.


Torry Holt – WR Jan. 6, 3:29 p.m.
Torry Holt holds a $10.205 million salary cap number in 2009.

Fantasy spin: The Rams can forget about Holt restructuring because he wants out of St. Louis. If they cut or trade Holt, only $2.2 million will be left in "dead money." As usual, the Rams aren't in great cap condition and have several key players on defense to re-sign, so there's a good chance that Holt will be gone.


Marc Bulger – QB Jan. 5, 4:32 p.m.
The Rams would take nearly a $10 million salary cap hit to release Marc Bulger this offseason.

Fantasy spin: According to beat writer Steve Korte, Bulger's contract "guarantees that he'll be back next season as the team's starter." The Rams might use a draft pick on a QB in April, but they're not expected to do so in the early rounds due to their many needs elsewhere. Outside of Detroit and maybe Kansas City, there isn't a roster in the league with less talent signed through 2009.


Corey Chavous – S Jan. 4, 12:57 p.m.
The Rams are not expected to retain SS Corey Chavous in 2009.

Fantasy spin: Chavous, who will turn 33 on Monday, would only be worth a roster spot if he redid his deal to the veteran's minimum. Though still a good locker room presence, he lost his starting job late in the year and can't cover anymore.


Drew Bennett – WR Jan. 4, 12:31 p.m.
Drew Bennett will likely be back with the Rams in 2009, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Fantasy spin: The Post-Dispatch cites "cap concerns" as the reason why Bennett will be kept, but cutting him wouldn't cause a major hit. It would be nice if Bennett agreed to redo his contract after being a complete bust as a free agent signing before the '07 season. He only caught one pass for four yards in 2008.


Antonio Pittman – RB Jan. 4, 11:36 a.m.
The Rams are expected to look to upgrade their backup running back spot next season.

Fantasy spin: At this point, Antonio Pittman is probably behind Kenneth Darby in the pecking order and may not be back. Dynasty owners of Steven Jackson are probably going to have to look elsewhere for a long-term handcuff.


Will Witherspoon – LB Jan. 4, 11:28 a.m.
It "seems certain" that Will Witherspoon will be moved to weak-side linebacker next season.

Fantasy spin: The Rams need to find someone who can hold up in the middle of their defense. This won't hurt Witherspoon's IDP value much, and may keep him healthy.


Richie Incognito – GJan. 4, 11:26 a.m.
The Rams were reportedly upset with G Richie Incognito when he sat out Week 17 with an "illness."

Fantasy spin: Jim Haslett was so pissed, he "slapped a candy bar out of Incognito's hands on the sideline." Incongnito has been inconsistent at best throughout his career, and doesn't figure to be asked back in 2009.


Marc Bulger – QBJan. 4, 11:24 a.m.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch believes that Marc Bulger isn't going anywhere this off-season.

Fantasy spin: We thought the Rams would seriously consider cutting Bulger, but that doesn't appear to be in the plans. Of course, a new coach will have his say, but Bulger seems likely to be back at his $6.5 million salary. A draft pick or veteran to compete to start should join him. (NOTE: I THINK THEY REALIZED THE CAP HIT AFTER THEY WROTE THIS.)


Multiple Scrubs Jan. 1, 5:15 p.m.
Rams signed WR Joel Filani, DE C.J. Ah You, DT Willie Williams, and WRs Travis Brown, Matt Caddell, and Nate Jones to futures contracts.

Fantasy spin: Of this group, Ah You is the best bet to make the Rams' 2009 roster. St. Louis is going to lose La'Roi Glover, and Leonard Little could be an offseason cap casualty. The rest of these guys are practice dummies for the spring.


Joe Klopfenstein - TE Jan. 1, 5:12 p.m
Rams TE Joe Klopfenstein underwent a "clean-up" procedure on his knee to remove loose cartilage Tuesday.

Fantasy spin: Klopfenstein, who played through this injury and a torn ligament in his wrist throughout 2008, finished another disappointing season with 11 catches for 123 yards despite starting 10 games. No part of Klopfenstein's game is especially strong, and he has not developed into a vertical weapon.

[39thebeast]

What is this rotoworld

[RamsSB99]

What is this rotoworld

I just thought it might be a discussion starter it might have been a bad idea. But sometimes its interesting reading short snipts of people outside Rams nation and their thoughts about our players. Sometimes they don't have a clue as to what they are talking about and other times they say something that you never really thought about. Your probably right it was probably a poor post. Its just that slow part of the season for talking Rams players we are waiting for free agency and the draft.

[Alec22]

THis is interesting, i hope holt does indeed stay, but it doesnt sound like it

[shower beers]

Yikes...this appears very grim. I do not like the looks of this.

[txramsfan]

Nothing said in here should surprise anyone. We stink. The Rams are a bad bad bad bad team. All this talk for the last few years from some of us that this team has the talent to win is just not true. This team needs a house cleaning. It's about time. I love T Holt but it's time to part ways. Pace, thanks for the memories. Little, you were good for awhile but it's time for you to find a new home. Chavous, it's time you took up that new career. Cogs, you just didn't man up. Bennett, you've been hurt, it's not your fault it didn't work out. (the cap hit on Bennett isn't that much more than his salary).

[Fargo Ram Fan]

what is this rotoworld

....lol....

[AlphaRam]

New Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo says his offensive philosophy is to "to be able to run the football and protect the quarterback."

Wasn't that always supposed to be our philosophy?

[bruce4life]

So the cards had a Super Bowlesque team this season? or What about the Giants last season? hmmmm dont think so sir. With so much parody in the NFL now a days anything can happen

[itsguud]

Uhhhhhhhhh... the bennett comment makes me sick

[shower beers]

Uhhhhhhhhh... the bennett comment makes me sick

Well, if Holt is going to no longer be with the team as expected, we need SOMEONE with experience to guide the youngsters, even if he's doing it on the sidelines with a cracked toenail.

[live4ramin]

While there may be "parody" in the league, may I also suggest the Seahawks are particularly parroty.

[eldfan]

Nothing said in here should surprise anyone. We stink. The Rams are a bad bad bad bad team. All this talk for the last few years from some of us that this team has the talent to win is just not true. This team needs a house cleaning. It's about time. I love T Holt but it's time to part ways. Pace, thanks for the memories. Little, you were good for awhile but it's time for you to find a new home. Chavous, it's time you took up that new career. Cogs, you just didn't man up. Bennett, you've been hurt, it's not your fault it didn't work out. (the cap hit on Bennett isn't that much more than his salary).

Man I agree with most of this you can’t be 5-27 over two years and have much talent. We have allowed ourselves to become old and sorry. So yes bring out the broom. I do think we still need Little.

[unorthodox1999]

I just thought it might be a discussion starter it might have been a bad idea. But sometimes its interesting reading short snipts of people outside Rams nation and their thoughts about our players. Sometimes they don't have a clue as to what they are talking about and other times they say something that you never really thought about. Your probably right it was probably a poor post. Its just that slow part of the season for talking Rams players we are waiting for free agency and the draft.

Nah man, your good..at a time when talk is slow we need tidbits like this..Good Post!