Sights & Sounds: Coryell, Martz, Gibbs are a pack of winners

[RamWraith]

Compiled By Bill Coats
Of the Post-Dispatch
Friday, Aug. 27 2004

A total of 317 NFL victories were represented when Don Coryell (111-83-1), Joe
Gibbs (124-60), Jim Hanifan (39-53-1) and Mike Martz (43-21) posed for a photo
before Friday night's game at the Edward Jones Dome.

Does it matter? With their win over the Redskins, the Rams ended a
four-game exhibition losing streak.

Early trouble: For the third game in a row, the Rams' defense gave
up points on the opponent's first drive. A 28-yard field goal put the 'Skins up
3-0 midway through the first quarter.

Upon further review: Martz lost his first challenge of the
preseason. It came on a first-quarter Marc Bulger pass down the left sideline
to wide receiver Torry Holt, who was ruled out of bounds.

Coincidence? Moments after Bulger was booed when he missed badly on
three successive passes, public-address announcer Jim Holder cautioned
spectators about using "abusive language."

Ouch (again): Considering that a succession of injuries played a
role in guard Tom Nutten's retirement last August, should we be surprised that
he dinged a toe in his first game action since rejoining the Rams a week ago?

Ben would've been proud: Running back Rock Cartwright got
considerable work for the 'Skins. One question, though: Where were Hoss, Adam
and Little Joe?

The "C" word: With Bulger less than impressive again and Chris
Chandler handling the offense nicely in relief, do we have a quarterback . . .
naw, too early.

By the way: Kurt Warner had a nice game Friday night against the
Jets, while his competition for the Giants starting job, rookie Eli Manning,
struggled badly.

[DJRamFan]

Re: Sights & Sounds: Coryell, Martz, Gibbs are a pack of winners

I don't want Chandler anywhere near the "C" word. He's a stable backup and that's about it. He starts continuously and he's liable to break something.

Coryell doesn't get anywhere near the respect he deserves in this league.

[Nick]

Re: Sights & Sounds: Coryell, Martz, Gibbs are a pack of winners

I don't want Chandler anywhere near the "C" word. He's a stable backup and that's about it. He starts continuously and he's liable to break something.

Agreed. What I'm taking away from Chandler's performance in this preseason campaign is that if Bulger goes down with injury, we've got a guy who can step in and run the offense very well. We didn't sign Chandler to be a starter. We signed him to provide experience and talent at the back-up position, and thus far, he's done that. Hopefully he'll continue to help Marc (assuming he has been) perfect the parts of his game that's been troubling recently.