St. Louis Rams receiver Torry Holt strives to finish strong

[RamWraith]

By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Saturday, Dec. 13 2008
The Rams' sad state of affairs has reached this nadir: They are 2 1/2-point
underdogs Sunday, at home, against a 2-11 opponent. And that news didn't
startle wide receiver Torry Holt a bit.

"The way that things have been going for our football team," Holt said Friday,
"I'm not at all surprised."

The Rams also are 2-11, and riding a seven-game losing streak; the visiting
Seattle Seahawks have dropped six in a row. That's some tumble for teams that
have captured five of the seven NFC West titles since the divisions were
reorganized in 2002.

As Holt's 10th season with the Rams winds down, an air of uncertainty swirls
about Rams Park. What the roster will look like in 2009, who will be coaching
the team, and who will wield power in the front office is to be determined.

"We don't know what's going to happen," Holt said. "These last three or four
years, it's been a roller-coaster for this organization, for this football
team, for players, coaches, etc. ... It's really disheartening to see what's
happened to this organization and where we are right now."

The Rams won the Super Bowl in Holt's rookie season and were back in the NFL
championship game two years later. In the seven seasons since, however, they've
only had one winning season, and last year's 3-13 fiasco has been followed by
this year's ugly reprise.

Holt's numbers have declined dramatically this season, at least in part because
of the emergence of young wideouts Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton and Derek
Stanley.

Holt is the team's leading receiver. But his 50 catches, 587 yards and two
touchdowns fall far below the standards he established during his first nine
seasons. During that span, he averaged 89 receptions, 1,318 yards and eight
touchdowns a year.

A "veteran's day off" from practice Wednesday not only helped Holt rest his
32-year-old body, but also to "get my head together."

"The last few days — and the last few years — have been tough, speaking from a
personal standpoint," he added. "You reflect on all that we said and all the
promise that we had coming into the season. And then with three games left,
you're a 2-11 football team. It can wear on you. ...

"But you can't dwell on it; you've just got to try to put your best foot
forward and ask yourself, what can you do to help our football team get things
turned around?"

Holt is under contract through next season, when his base salary would be $6.65
million. He also is due a $1.25 million roster bonus at the start of the league
year in March. If he were released or traded, the salary cap hit would be $2.2
million.

"I'm a realist. I understand the business and how things go," Holt said. "I'm
going to keep all options open ... and try to finish up these last three
(games) strong. And then let things fall where they may."

[Rambos]

Holt wants out, can't blame him. As long as he comes back when he goes in the hall.

[Mooselini]

Keep him. Even though he's not as great as he was before, we need his leadership for the young kids.

He's been a great Ram, always have, hopefully always will be...

[rammiser]

By finishing strong does he mean he's going to try for real now? Does he mean no more alligator arms the rest of the year? Does he mean no more immitating Bennett by dropping catchable balls? Hmmm...13 games into the year and Holt wants a strong finish. Let's call it like it is an audition for another team. You didnt leave your heart in San Francisco it left with Bruce in the off season. Fare well Holt nice knowing you.

[maineram]

By Torry, thanks for the memories !!!!

What do you think his trade value will be after the season ??

A 3rd, 4th ???

Maineram -

[jkramsfan]

Keep him. Even though he's not as great as he was before, we need his leadership for the young kids.

He's been a great Ram, always have, hopefully always will be...

I agree he has been a great Ram,but I have to question his great leadership,maybe but I don't see it and his play doesn't reflect it either. I really see no chance that he is back next season and as far as his trade value goes I think we would be lucky to get a 5th round pick and dinner for 2at Outback Steakhouse.

[The Special One]

By Torry, thanks for the memories !!!!

What do you think his trade value will be after the season ??

A 3rd, 4th ???

Maineram -

NE got Randy Moss for a 4th round pick.

Unfortunately, I don't see Torry's being any higher than that and probably even a round or two less.

[Big-Dave314]

torry just caught td pass from bulger woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

go rams

[THoltDaBest81]

So far he is playing harder. A good game with a TD, decent yardage, and I even think he converted on a 4th down catch. Though kinda non-existent in 2nd half.