By Jeff Gordon
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Joe Stafford: Good afternoon Jeff, After this season is over, Will
Jim Haslett get a shot at the head coaching job for the Rams? I know he had problems coaching the Saints, but I think he has brought the Defense along way since taking over for Larry Marmie, and if it wasn't for Linehan's usual halftime choke job, they would have put away the Seahalks last week.
Jeff Gordon: It's all still up in the air. This was just a so-so victory over a bad Atlanta team. Linehan still has come convincing to do. Haslett defensive work can't be overlooked -- and his head-coaching experience is notable -- so he could get a shot if there is a change.
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shane gray: Jeff:
First play of game on offense, pro-bowler D. Hall is on Isaac Bruce, NOT
Torry Holt, and we drew the flag. Other teams recognize Isaac's abilities more than some here. The post last week had it dead on: Isaac consistently gets and has gotten more seperation the last couple years than Torry and we need to use him rather than force the ball. Once again, birthday totals should not be used to judge this man's current level of ability!
Let me join in on the "Haslett for HC" bandwagon and I will happily be a horse pulling the wagon along the way. This guy is doing a FABULOUS job with this group especially considering all the negative's surrounding this team this year. He is obviously respected, loved, and trusted by his D and the rest of the team surely respects him as well.
I believe he has grown and matured over the last few years and SHOULD BE, without question, our head coach in '08. He has brought PASSION, DISCIPLINE, CONSISTENCY, CREATIVITY, DETERMINATION, MENTAL TOUGHNESS, and LEADERSHIP to this defense. We are high in numerous NFL defensive stats this year,as pointed out by Bernie this week. More and more it is apparent that
Jim Haslett is the man to lead this team.
And Isaac Bruce is still outstanding, especially if we had a healthy o-line this year and a coach who will call plays that suit our players (like deep-ins, slants over the middle, etc.)
Contending for the painful releases of Chavous, Glover, and yes, a trade or release of Bennett replaced with speed, although salary cap implications should be considered. He has been a bust. Too bad we don't have Curtis with his deep speed and ability also to take attention away from Ike and Torry.
Jeff Gordon: This game was another notch in the holster for Ike. He took another step toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Some fans argue for younger WRs and can't dispute the need to add another Kevin Curtis-type to the mix. But Bruce proved again that he still has a few miles left in those legs.
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shane gray: Then again, Gordo, Glover has been playing like he's back in the Big Easy the past few weeks but still, with the emergence of our young DT's, I still think he and Chavous must go to continue to upgrade other areas of need (OL, DE, etc.)
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, I'd still want a big hitter to play with Atogwe. Glover has made some plays because the kids are doing all the heavy lifting, allowing him to be the change-of-pace guy -- a decent role for him at this point in his career.
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shane gray: CONGRATULATIONS TO ISAAC BRUUUCCCEEE! #5 ON THE ALL TIME RECIEVING YARDS LIST. MORE INTERESTINGLY, NOW LESS THAN 1,000 YARDS FROM #2 ON THE LIST (OR #3 IF MARVIN HARRISON IS ABLE TO GET BACK IN THE FIELD IN THE NEAR FUTURE).
ALSO, NEEDS 13 CATCHES FOR #6 IN RECEPTIONS (MONK) AND 24 TO #5 IN ANDRE REED. BEST CASE SCENARIO, NEEDS 174 FOR #2 ALL TIME RECEPTIONS LIST SO ABOUT 150 OR SO AFTER THIS SEASON! THAT WOULD BE TAKE MORE THAN 2 SEASONS, POSSIBLY 3 TO DO.
WITH HIS CONDITIONING, THOUGH, ALONG WITH HIS DIET, WORK ETHIC, AND DETERMINATION, IT'S POSSIBLE. RICE WENT PAST 40 EVEN AFTER A DEBILITATING KNEE INJURY AND IKE IS JUST 35 SO DON'T COUNT THE REV OUT JUST YET!
Jeff Gordon: His numbers are scary. Combine his career total with his two Super Bowl trips -- and his memorable Super Bowl moment -- and he should be a Hall of Famer.
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shane gray: Don't look now, but Brown, Hill, and Bartell are becoming one of the best DB trio's around. Atogwe has really grown this year as have our young DT's which has immensely helped our LB's. Once again, Haslett for HC in '08. I actually think it went from a possibility to a better possibility to now I think a probability and a very likely occurance. It'd be fun to see the once-hated Haslett leading the blue and gold with some fire and aggression unlike the current overwhelmed, albeit likeable, Linehan.
Jeff Gordon: Bartell and Hill made plays, which is great. Hill needs more consistency and Brown isn't a great tackler, but this group has taken a big step since last year. Wade has a future, too.
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wiramfan: Gordo.. Did you see the way Haslett took charge on the field during the call after the quarter ended?!!!
Now I'm not lobbing for Haslett as Head Coach but you could see him not only getting in the Ref's face but also Linehan's. I do believe he was trying to get Linehan to throw the challenge flag!!
A little more intensity from Linehan and maybe the Rams would be playing for something this season..
Keep Haslett after this season as D coach and throw the rest out on a rail!!
Jeff Gordon: Scott had to join the fray, just to remind everybody that he was still the head coach . . .
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Midnighter: Same story every week with this team. The Falcons were the worst second half team in the league but they managed to put points on the board. The Rams need a new offensive philosophy/scheme/leader. Linehan needs to go. Take McFadden in the draft, trade Jackson for a 1st rounder, and take the best pass-rushing DE or OT available. I can't take even another week of this crap. They also need to find a real corner and make Hill the nickel back.
Jeff Gordon: Hill got picked on a lot until he finally made a play at the end. But I don't deal Jackson with that size/speed combo. And he certainly he a Pro Bowl run late -- behind a line that didn't open a lot of holes during the second half.
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Sonny: Nice early start to get us excited Jeff. Now I'm trying to follow it on gametrax and it's the fourth quarter and just as expected...they are letting the falcons get back in this.
question..Why can't they keep the pressure up and why the try not to lose the lead attitude?
Have a nice day!!!!
Jeff Gordon: Haslett didn't have the best day ever, since Redman, of all QBs, picked apart his D.Give the Falcons some credit for adjusting to Haslette's blitzing. But still . . .
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Mike: Nail in the coffin for Linehan. Win or lose this is a pitiful second half performance by the Rams once again. PLEASE, let's start fresh next season.
Jeff Gordon: Jackson and Hill saved the Rams in this game, but, yes, poor second halves come back on the coaching staff. It is an alarming constant with this team.
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shane gray: Super-Jeff:
Apparently you were RIGHT ON about the rams chowing on pizza at halftimes! Week after week after week this occurs. Any theories?
Jeff Gordon: It appears the Rams have pretty solid gameplans, especially on defense, from week to week. But then the opponents change up, forcing the Rams coaches to adjust to the adjustments. This staff isn't great at this. Can't speak to the halftime motivational chats, but they must not be all that compelling.
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Gary Staat: Jeff, your closer to what's going on with this team.Do you get rid of Linehan, injuries surely have hurt this team. But offense has a lot of weapons, the 0-line if there was no injuries would we better or is it the play calling.
We have a great tight end I don't think we use him near as much as we should and Bennet has been a big disappointment to me.
We definitely need line help on both sides of the ball will there be any good free agents that we could build a better team. And as good as Withersoon is I think we need a stud at middle linebacker. And looking back we should have signed Simeon Rice.
It's really hard to judge Linehan this year with all the costly injuries. What is your true opinion on him you've seen him up close. We definitely need a few new coaches. Who is the offensive line coach he can't get these guys to block on the one yard line with first and goal.
I'm a real fan but I miss the exciting offense but we need a burner at wide reciever. Just to strech the field.
I miss watching them on tv.
What do you think we got to do we've got some great players so we don't need to completely rebuild to be a good team.
Gary
Jeff Gordon: Rice -- no! The poor guy can't play anymore. The concerns the Rams had about this once-great player have been confirmed this season.
I agree with the need for speed. I don't agree about OL coach Paul Boudreau, who has had to work with scraps this season. He has done as well -- or better -- than anybody could expect.
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Mike: How can a team totally collapse like this week after week? This is ridiculous. This is not a good Falcons team. What does that say about how bad this Rams team really is. We need a change next season. Goodbye Scott, it hasn't been fun.
Jeff Gordon: The Rams needed to win this game by four TDs. You would expect the Falcons to fight back at some point, but the Rams needed to take that 21-point lead and go Belichick on Atlanta.
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Alan: Jeff,
Does Linehan truly not understand the concept of running out the clock? How do you build a 21 point lead and then slowly squander it away by putting the game in the hands of a journeyman quarterback instead of an all pro running back. Watching the stats on NFL.com is revealing. You see a pattern, if it's 3rd and 2 or longer, Linehan passes. He also have a horrible tendency to pass on first down, thus leaving the Rams in 2nd and long and 3rd and long situations.
He doesn't even try to run, he doesn't try to pound it. He WON'T do it, if I'm a simple schmuck watching it on nfl.com and can figure it out, I'm sure people who are paid six and seven figures can figure it out as well. At least when Martz was throwing the ball all over the place, the offense had some imagination... The game's not over but the Rams will consider themselves luck if they get out of this with a win and Linehan's predictable play calling.
Jeff Gordon: The second half run blocking wasn't great. Jackson finally delivered the kill shot, but there wasn't much happening in the run game. Believe me, Scott is conservative by nature. His first instinct with the lead is to work the clock.
And about Gus today? His second half wasn't nearly as great as his first half, but he had a nice bounce-back game.
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Glutton for Punishment:
Tye Hill actually made a play! I can't believe it! That's a first for #26.
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, it was a little tough on Tye out there. But I'm still drinking the
Tye Hill Kool Aid. I think he'll be pretty good.
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John (Ozy Rams Fan): Wow
How much lower can this team go, 3 touchdown lead is nothing with linahan in control. Week after week the poor play of the team in 2nd half of every game is is just mind blowing. How can a team be that badly coached !
I hope the result is Shaw will be forced to fire Linehan, injued played aren't an excuse for the horrible 2nd half play. Never scoring and doing just enough to lose every game, I have had enough !
Jeff Gordon: This victory wasn't all that helpful to Linehan's cause, as I noted earlier. Shaw needs to look at how the team is playing, not how many games it is winning.
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Sonny: Wow...we held on...props to the team...obviously I thought we were going to give it away.
Question Jeff,
Did we use new music and was there any different attitudes running throughout the game?
Jeff Gordon: The trouble, as Jackson notes, is the quality of the sound system. As he said, Disney music could sound great on a terrific sound system.
The trouble, as Linehan notes, is that the Rams have played the sort of football that doesn't inspire crowd noise.
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ColoradoRamsFan: Jeff,
Even though the Rams won this game, I still think that a coaching change is needed. Linehan still (after 28 regular season games) cannot make the correct adjustments after halftime.
He may one day do well as a head coach, but right now he is in over his head and is "learning on the job".
Jeff Gordon: Yes, Scott is still proving himself.
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Matt: I was at the Dome for last Sunday's game against the Seahawks. I live in Boston now (not a Pats fan) and was home for Thanksgiving and decided I would make a trip to the Dome. While I know the Rams are a bad team, the atmosphere at the Dome was the worst I've ever seen. I was depressed watching the game in a dark and quiet place. When the loudest cheer is for dogs catching frisbees at half time you got a problem! I understand what Jackson was saying and while I'm not making excuses for this team, I feel bad for anyone that has to sit or play in that atmosphere seeing the same adds announced on a 3rd down situation to pump up the D. Nothing like getting pumped up to an add about Dairy!
Something must be done to change the atmosphere in there its like a morgue.
Jeff Gordon: No arguments here. The Rams know that the place needs to be brightened. The Rams know that the audio/video must be much, MUCH better. But do the Rams know they have to curtail the litany of commercial plugs? After awhile, that is all just background noise to the fans drifting off.
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sean: why do the rams break down in the second half? whats the difference? if we had scored 3 points in the second half, we wouldnt have been holding our breaths untill that jackson td run. i can't figure it out.
Jeff Gordon: I can't imagine this team let up with the lead, given all its trouble finishing off foes for most of the season. So I'll keep pointing to tactical adjustments (or lack thereof) or motivation (or lack thereof). All week we ask Linehan for his explanation and we never get it.
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ColoradoRamsFan: Jeff,
I thought for sure that Frerotte was going to find a way to snatch Defeat from the jaws of Victory! How he can continue to make rookie throws after 15 seasons in the league is beyond me.
Adding to my frustration is the expression he carries on his face as he leaves the field looking as if he just doesn't want to be out there. I do have to give him credit for the throw to Jackson that was dropped. The sad part is that even if Gus is gone next year, Fitz is already gone and backup QB's are very hard to come by.
Jeff Gordon: Everybody handles frustration differently. Like Marc, Gus is at the other end of the spectrum from Chase Daniel. Animated he is not. But the guy does care and he does compete.
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Rich Sielaff: Gordo, I have seen enough of the Scott Linehan parade.
This guy has no clue or passion for this game. Even in
victory it is a train wreck to watch. Please Shaw , end
this madness and promote Haslet.
Jeff Gordon: He has a passion for the game. And he works around the clock because of it. But does he project great command on the sidelines? Not so much . . .
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Jack J: Gordo,
This would have been a bitter pill to swallow if the Rams had given the game to the Falcons. I mean Chris Redman a back-up coming off the bench cold and throws 2 TDs. Anyway our defense played well again when we needed them to, getting a pick and Jackson closed the book on a tremendous 50 yard TD run. Nice to have the first home win but it was a nail biter again late in the 4th.
Congrats to the Rams!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Gordon: Yeah, the Rams allowed 352 yards in the second half. That is a scary number.
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Mart Reihart: As with last week game the Rams had the led and blew it.
Don't blame the defense however this was a better effort against the Falcons in front of the home folks did they feel like they had something to prove compared to last week.
The team looks likes it's responding better why the change
Jeff Gordon: Spirits were pretty good when the offense clicked early and put up that 21-0 lead. A three-score lead will pump a lot of guys. Still, there was some sleepwalking in the second half.
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wiramfan: Was that an I formation that broke Jackson loose? Nah couldn't have been, that would make sense...
All year long the Rams have lost games because they didn't have an I formation to run out of.. That includes last weeks lose, the lose to the Cards the lose to the *****, the lose to the mighty Ravens and the first lose to the Seahawks! The Rams almost lost to the Saints because they couldn't close a blowout!!!
Please Please don't let this weak win against a very weak team sway anyone's thought about this WEAK Head Coach!!!
This game should speak volumes about how good this team could be and how without any halftime adjustments sinks to the bottom of the league!
Who needs a fullback anyway? Linehan = BIG JOKE
Jeff Gordon: Owens at fullback had a big block on that play. And get this:
Joe Klopfenstein had a big block in the open field. Imagine that!
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Grimmsta: Hey Gordo..
I've been keeping up with the Rams on the forum here when I'm not able to see the games. I'm wondering how YOU see S.Jax..
I see him as one of the TOP BACKS in the league with a good OFFENSIVE LINE in front of him. On the forum, however, people HATE him and want him TRADED! I don't get it... They say his stats or built on ONE BIG RUN PER GAME.... SO WHAT!
Look at BETTIS. The ONLY year Bettis didn't succeed was his ONLY year in STL behind a terrible offensive line. He goes to Pittsburg and HE'S BAAAACK!!
Give Jax a Line, and NO one will stop him!
How do YOU see Jax?
Jeff Gordon: I'm a big fan. Jackson is a physical freak and he is hungry to put up numbers. Sometimes Steven is too upright and sometimes he is too earger to go east and west instead of north and south. But he runs hard when he is healthy and he is a deadly receiver, even if he did have a bad drop in this game. His pass blocking is not great, so he will have to bow out in some of the more obvious passing situations.
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Go Rams!!!!!!: Wow!!! We just beat the might Falcons!!! Oh wait, this isn't 1998 is it? Anyways......I watched the 1st half and was really bothered seeing the caliber of Rams fans at the dome. After any big play, the camara would pan to the crowd showing the devout fans SITTING in their seats clapping peacefully as though they were at a Air Supply concert. I know the team is lousy this year, but show some darn emotion at the dome. I live in Chicago, so I don't have the luxary to go to the dome this year, but if I was there, I'd be climbing the walls having some fun. It's an NFL game,!
Other cities have teams that have rough years and the fans remain loyal.....imagine watching a 4-10 Packers team in -30 windchill....those fans go nuts from kickoff till the final whistle. Don;t worry....the Rams will get good again....and when they do, I'm sure the dome will fill up again. Too bad it takes a winning team to have any solid support for our team. The baseball Cardinals sure have it good....let's show them Rams some love too!
Jeff Gordon: Come on, Air Supply? That is a cheap shot. This was a nothing game. A lot of the fans got their tickets from a friend. Nothing much was at stake. I can't blame fans for bringing their indifference with them into the dome.
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chris: bottom line...do u think linehan should return next year?
Jeff Gordon: I haven't seen enough to say that. I believe he still has some work to do to earn Shaw's support. John can't possibly be excited about this game.
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Grimmsta: Gordy...
First let me CONGRATULATE Pinkel and the TIGERS for a magical season REGARDLESS of yesterday's game!!
Do you see any TIGERS that will come out this year who are BONIFIED FIRST ROUNDERS?
Jeff Gordon: This year? No. But Rucker and Franklin could go pretty high, as could Coffman. Maclin has to play at least one more year and he ought to be a first-rounder.
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chris: jeff: do u think the rams should use their first round pick on a quaterback?
Jeff Gordon: No,that is very costly. Paying a No. 1 pick AND Bulger would be tough to do in the cap system.
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Royce Kendall: I wasn't able to watch the game due to the black out, but when I heard the rams were up by 21, I knew they would either blow it or get by, by the skin of their teeth. Jackson didn't do much until that big run, so I am still not sold on him. He is still not reading the oline holes very good. Thanks for the forum. But as the old saying goes a win is a win.
Jeff Gordon: Holes? There were O-Line holes? Well, there were holes here and there that Steven missed, but not a lot of them. He also caught four passes for 71 yards. This guy is a beast.
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chris: what players do u see not being with the team next year?
Jeff Gordon: Some of the risk/reward guys might move on, lead by Byrd and Wroten. If they aren't willing to work their way into bigger roles by progressing, then it's time to turn the page.
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chris: the lack of use of the tight end on this team is crazy...
given the resources used on this position the last couple yrs... any explanation for this?
Jeff Gordon: It's great that McMichael caught a TD pass, but his two catches for 10 yards didn't have the Falcons shaking.
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jjg: How significant of a mistake is it (in your opinion) the fact that we are not using this time to groom a young QB...it may come to hurt us in future seasons....these(meaningless in regards to the post-season)games,,,,??
PS-Our Defense(in my opinion )is the best we have had in 5 years and looks very promising if we add just a couple of parts....
Jeff Gordon: Given that commitment to Bulger, the team will have him for awhile. So taking a top QB high in the draft didn't make sense once Marc signed that deal.
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Grimmsta: I like the pieces that we have at skill positions.. I DO think we need a real FULLBACK and move Leonard to RB with Jax and Pittman. At WR, I think we are good enough to exploit ANY defense! We could use some Speed at the position, but we have VETERANS who can still do it. the problem is the OFFENSIVE LINE.. we really need to raid the draft and free agency for offensive line depth AND starters. Just as we did with the D-line this season.. FIX THE LINE, OFFENSE IS TOP TIER IN ST. LOUIS.
Defensively, we could use a HAMMER at SAFETY (ala TOBY WRIGHT), a stud LB (preferably Middle, though I Like Witherspoon)and D-end.. I like Hill, Wade, and Brown but not a SHUTDOWN CB...
I don't think we're far off from returning to prominence, but some things need to be done, am I right? Is it THAT easy? Don't know, but it'd be interesting to see how much an improved o-line would help this team IMMENSELY...
Jeff Gordon: The Rams would kill Leonard by using him a lot as the lead back in the I. Owens did OK with that in this game, but a heavyweight blocker in that spot would be welcome. Leonard is a great pass blocker and a versatile back. I would save him for spots where he can use his still. And Pittman looks like a nice get.
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Grimmsta: Did BULGER PLAY TODAY? What was up with that?
Jeff Gordon: Last question on the list, so we'll wrap this up.
Frerotte overcame last week's fiasco with a great first half. He made a couple throws he would want back in the second half, but on balance he showed why he is still a capable back-up. He can't lead the Rams past a top team at this point in his career, but surely he can beat the Falcons.
And he did!
Linear Mode
