While I used to be a semi-active regular on this board, I have been lurking here for the last six weeks. A combination of frustration at what I believe as a waste of POTENTIAL by management, some concern at injuries of key players led me to have a bleak out look on the future, and also some comments made by other regulars here on this board, made me feel that I should come here to read the stories, get the information, but, maybe it was better if I didn't respond, even if I felt I had something to add.
The regular season record ended up about where I thought we would, and should be, the idea of getting into the playoffs was a dual edged sword. As a RAMS fan, I was very happy to see us have a chance for glory. I was also happy that with all of the adversity that this team has gone through this season that the TEAM stood up and played when they needed to most. But I was also concerned with the idea of the TEAM going in and embarrassing themselves, our history, and us, the fans.
But with input from this site and the others that I go to for sports news, a new feeling started appearing. Hope. I looked at the six teams in the NFC playoffs, the Packers, Vikings, Seahawks, Eagles, Falcons, and our beloved RAMS. There was not one team on that list that I could say did not have a chance to be in the Super Bowl. Including us. The Packers, Vikings, and Seahawks have had a hit or miss season all year. The Eagles have been dominant, but I think the loss of T.O. is going to affect them more than they HOPE. And the Falcons, they are just so hard to read. They have a solid defense, decent RB's, and the key to their success, Michael Vick. But, if Vick should have a bad day or go down, they are easily beatable.
As to the RAMS, we were getting healthy. Players were starting to get the system and gel as a TEAM. They were picking each other up, standing up for each other, standing with each other. The defensive line started pushing and penetrating. The linebackers and backs started popping a little harder and going after the ball. The offensive line started protecting. The young wide receivers started living up to their POTENTIAL, joining Torry and the Reverend Bruce. The two headed monster of Marshall and Jackson were pounding and sprinting.
And Marc Bulgar, yes, one I have been critical of, has started showing me that he has just started to play. He is making quicker reads all across the field. He is throwing both the short and the long ball. He is LEADING this team, something I didn't think he would never be able to do due to his quiet and introverted personality.
Finally, Mad Mike, our beloved Rain Man, has done what he does best. He put me on the edge of my seat, yelling at the TV, wondering what bullheaded or most amazing play he was going to run next. But, he some how also rallied this TEAM. Whether it was by...
-01-13-2005, 08:29 AM
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