Rams sign ex-Seahawks DB

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
10/27/2004

Things haven't quite reached the epic proportions of the Great Fullback Search of 2003. The Rams' search for depth at safety this season is getting close.

Sit down, get comfortable, and let's review. This will take a while:

Rookie Jason Shivers was selected in the fifth round of the draft in April but struggled to pick up the system and was relegated to the practice squad one game into the season.

Veteran Tom Knight was signed Aug. 3, suffered a dislocated finger Aug. 5 and eventually came off the injured reserve list Sept. 15 after finger and hamstring injuries were deemed healed.

Veteran Zack Bronson was signed Sept. 4 and suffered a season-ending ankle injury minutes into his second practice with the team Sept. 8.

Veteran Jason Sehorn agreed to terms with the Rams on Sept. 7 but then failed his physical Sept. 8.

Released in the final round of roster cuts Sept. 5, Justin Lucas was re-signed Sept. 9 after the Bronson and Sehorn developments.

Veteran Kwamie Lassiter signed with the club Sept. 21 and, after four largely unproductive games, was released last week.

Which brings us to Tod McBride. Formerly with Seattle, Green Bay and Atlanta, McBride signed a one-year contract with the Rams on Wednesday - in the team's latest effort to help its dime package and its special teams.

McBride, 28, has played in 73 NFL games with the Packers and Falcons, including 19 starts. He was Green Bay's nickel back from 2000 through 2002. But with a chance to be a starter, he signed a four-year, $9.38 million contract with Atlanta as an unrestricted free agent last year.

McBride started the final nine games last season for the Falcons, finishing with 29 tackles and a career-high three interceptions. He returned one of those INTs 15 yards for his first NFL touchdown Nov. 16 at New Orleans.

But slowed by knee tendinitis during minicamps and training camp, McBride was released Sept. 5 by the Falcons and their new head coach, Jim Mora. McBride signed with the Seahawks nine days later and was a pregame inactive for the next three games, including Seattle's 33-27 overtime loss to the Rams on Oct. 10.

Seattle released McBride two days after that Rams game when the Seahawks needed a roster spot to re-sign offensive lineman Jerry Wunsch.

And now, here he is. A cornerback-safety 'tweener, McBride is 6 feet 1, 208 pounds. He began his college career at UCLA as a wide receiver before switching to safety as a senior in 1999. In the NFL, he has played almost exclusively at cornerback, although it appears the Rams would like to use him in a safety-like role in their six-defensive back set.

In Green Bay, McBride played mostly on the slot receiver. There, he was known as a strong, physical, but somewhat stiff defender who could run well and muscle receivers at the line of scrimmage.

The Rams had roster room for McBride after releasing kicker Jeff Chandler and running back Dusty McGrorty on Monday. McGrorty cleared waivers Tuesday and was re-signed to the practice squad, where he had spent the first six weeks of the season. Chandler was signed last week as insurance in case Jeff Wilkins' ankle injury prevented him from kicking against Miami.

This week's moves leave the Rams with one spot available on their 53-man roster, but they won't fill that position until next week, most likely with a linebacker.


Sack adjustments

Based on review of game film by Rams coaches, the Elias Sports Bureau has adjusted the sack total on three plays in Sunday's Miami game:

Safety Adam Archuleta was credited for a full sack on Sammy Morris' attempted halfback pass in the second quarter. Originally, Archuleta and linebacker Tommy Polley shared the sack.

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A third-quarter sack originally shared by defensive linemen Eric Flowers and Bryce Fisher now has been credited as a full sack to Fisher.

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A sack later in the third quarter originally credited to Anthony Hargrove has been credited to Leonard Little.

So, for the game, the Rams' six sacks are now officially counted as follows: Fisher, two sacks; and Archuleta, Little, Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett, one sack apiece.

Just goes to prove the back seven aren't doing their part.

While I'm not betting the farm on a DB who has been bounced to 4 different teams within one season, it would be nice to have someone who...

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was known as a strong, physical, but somewhat stiff defender who could run well and muscle receivers at the line of scrimmage.

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While I'm not betting the farm on a DB who has been bounced to 4 different teams within one season, it would be nice to have someone who...

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was known as a strong, physical, but somewhat stiff defender who could run well and muscle receivers at the line of scrimmage.

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I agree, If nothing else the DB's need to be more physical. I can't stand watching these guys play five yards off the receiver, and still get beat.

Something's got to change come next week or the Rams will be in big trouble.

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This week's moves leave the Rams with one spot available on their 53-man roster, but they won't fill that position until next week, most likely with a linebacker.

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Jason Gildon anybody? I think that'd definitely help our run-D woes a bit.

I am telling you guys we should have called nolan cromwell and dave elmendorf to ascertain their current physical condition. I cant imagine that bake mcbride is going to help much, but i hope i am wrong.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

Come on deeeeeefense! :angryram:

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I am telling you guys we should have called nolan cromwell and dave elmendorf to ascertain their current physical condition. I cant imagine that bake mcbride is going to help much, but i hope i am wrong.

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Hacksaw? :ramlogo:

Hacksaw would not have helped us much in pass coverage, although he might take a few shots at the tight end over the middle at least coming off the line that would change our current matador attitude towards covering the tight end. Certainly, he would enhance the spirit and fire of a defense that seems to be sorely lacking in that area.

Ramming speed to all

general counsel