By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/06/2006
Three weeks after Veterans Day, the Rams took part in Flag Day this past Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. But it was no celebration.
The Rams' season-high 126 yards in penalties against Arizona may have been an extreme. But unfortunately for coach Scott Linehan, it was merely the latest example of what's becoming a seasonlong trend.
Despite his efforts to minimize penalties, particularly of the pre-snap and post-whistle variety, Linehan's Rams are among the most penalized teams in the NFL this season.
Only Dallas (809) has been assessed more penalty yards than the Rams (721). And only Minnesota (93), Arizona (88) and Detroit (86) have been assessed more penalties than St. Louis (85).
Perhaps most disturbing is the fact that the Rams lead the league in false-start penalties this season (31). According to the STATS statistical firm, right tackle Alex Barron leads the NFL in false-start penalties (nine). Also according to STATS, center Richie Incognito is in a three-way tie for most holding penalties assessed (four).
Over the course of the season, dating to training camp, the Rams have run laps after practice because of pre-snap penalties such as false starts. When a "penalty" occurs in practice, the Rams repeat the play, according to Linehan.
"There's got to be some kind of consequence," Linehan said. "I think the emphasis has to be on holding that person, or persons, or group accountable to those things."
But there's only so much that can be done in the middle of a season. By league rule, players cannot be fined for such things as too many penalties. Bench Barron, you say? And replace him with ... who?
"You've got to overcome penalties," Incognito said following Sunday's 34-20 loss to Arizona. "They're going to happen. But when you've got that many, at critical times, it's tough."
There was a time when the Rams' offense was good enough to overcome penalties, sacks, and almost whatever obstacles were thrown at them. The 1999 Super Bowl championship team, for example, was penalized 113 times — the 10th-highest total in franchise history.
The '06 Rams are on pace for exactly that many penalties this season — 113. But the team isn't good enough offensively, defensively, or on special teams to consistently overcome that many flags. Which is why Linehan has stressed smart football since the start of his tenure: limiting errors, penalties and turnovers.
Even on the heels of Marc Bulger's three interceptions against Arizona, the Rams have done a good job limiting turnovers. Only six teams have fewer giveaways than the Rams' 16. But penalties are another matter.
"You would think it shouldn't happen," running back Steven Jackson said. "And...
-12-06-2006, 04:51 AM
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