Rams Notebook: Special teams not so special

[RamWraith]

By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Friday, Aug. 11 2006

Rams special teams were in midseason form in Thursday's preseason game against
Indianapolis. And given the state of special teams play in recent years, that's
not a good thing.

For starters, Indianapolis snookered the Rams with an onsides kick on the
game's opening kickoff. Defensive back Von Hutchins recovered for the Colts on
the Indy 41, eventually leading to a Peyton Manning touchdown pass.

The Rams' first kickoff of the exhibition season didn't go too well, either.
Following a Remy Hamilton field goal for the Rams with 5 minutes 50 seconds to
go in the opening quarter, T.J. Rushing returned Hamilton's kickoff 63 yards to
the Rams' 39.

That led to Adam Vinatieri's field goal. Vinatieri, who beat the Rams with a
game-ending field goal for New England in Super Bowl XXXVI, is now a Colt.

"We had some issues on special teams," coach Scott Linehan said.

But there was one noticeable change on Rams special teams Thursday -- the
number of starters and regulars on the coverage and return units. Kevin Curtis
began the game as the kickoff returner; with Shaun McDonald opening as the punt
returner.

The kickoff return team featured safeties Corey Chavous and Oshiomogho Atogowe;
linebackers Brandon Chillar and Will Witherspoon; fullback Paul Smith;
offensive guard Richie Incognito; and tight end Joe Klopfenstein. All were
starters on offense or defense Thursday.

Denzel in the house

Actor Denzel Washington, whose son John David Washington is trying to make the
Rams' roster at running back, attended Thursday's game. He watched the game in
owner Georgia Frontiere's luxury box along with his wife and three other
children. Frontiere did not attend the game.

Entering the game in the fourth quarter, John David carried four times for 15
yards, with a long carry of 8 yards. Afterwards, Denzel posed for pictures
outside the Rams' locker room and then gave his son -- the halfback -- a hug
when John David came out in street clothes.

Injury update

Despite playing only two series, the Rams' starting defensive unit didn't come
out entirely clean. End Anthony Hargrove suffered a sprained right knee in the
first quarter, just before Fakhir Brown tackled Peyton Manning for a safety.
But the injury was not serious, and Hargrove said he returned to the game
before the starting defense was pulled from the game. He did not get the knee
X-rayed after the game.

Depth-chart update

Aaron Walker, who signed with the Rams last December, worked as the second
tight end with the starters Thursday instead of rookie Dominique Byrd.

Sitting it out

Despite taking part in Wednesday's practice, cornerback Jerametrius Butler did
not dress for Thursday's game because of a tight hamstring.

"I worked it in pregame and there was some tightness," Butler said. "It's day
to day."

Linebacker Drew Wahlroos (hand) also sat out.

Ram-blings

Hamilton handled the place-kicking chores for the Rams, with veteran Jeff
Wilkins getting the night off. ... Witherspoon will leave the team this morning
to be with his wife Rebecca for the birth of a daughter.

[HUbison]

Fakhir Brown tackled Peyton Manning for a safety.

Come on, Jim....you're better than that. lol

Rams special teams were in midseason form in Thursday's preseason game against
Indianapolis. And given the state of special teams play in recent years, that's
not a good thing.

Yea, they had their pants down on the opening kickoff, AND they looked bad on the first KR coverage.....BUT, our return game was actually pretty good.

[txramsfan]

Well, are best special teams tackler, Jeff Wilkins, wasn't playing.

[ZigZagRam]

Yea, they had their pants down on the opening kickoff, AND they looked bad on the first KR coverage.....BUT, our return game was actually pretty good.

Not to mention about 5 punts that were inches away from being blocked, one for certain without a holding call. That's the closest I've seen us get in years.