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  • #1

    Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

    12.02.2009 3:57 pm
    Spagnuolo applauds Rams’ practice habits
    By Bill Coats
    St. Louis Post-Dispatch


    Practice had wrapped up about 15 minutes earlier, but the indoor facility at Rams Park still was crowded with players.

    “Look at them,” St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “I mean, practice is over and about half the team’s out there working. I think that says a lot. But I’ll tell you what, that’s typical of this group. They amaze me every week, going through what we’re going through, to come out and practice they way they do.”

    Despite their 1-10 record, dampened further by an dispiriting 27-17 loss to a flagging Seahawks outfit three days earlier at the Edward Jones Dome, Wednesday’s practice was uptempo and upbeat. “They came out with a little bit of energy and practiced pretty good,” Spagnuolo said. “That’s a good thing to start the week.” (There are no practices on Mondays and Tuesdays.)

    Notes & quotes:

    *These players sat out Wednesday: QB Marc Bulger (leg), FB Mike Karney (neck), T Jason Smith (concussion), C Jason Brown (knee) and RB Steven Jackson (back). Spagnuolo said he was optimistic that Brown and Jackson could return Thursday.

    *Smith, who took a blow to the head Nov. 22 vs. the Cardinals and didn’t play vs. the Seahawks, won’t take another follow-up neuro exam “until he feels like he’s completely fine,” Spagnuolo said. “Obviously, he’s still feeling effects of it, so they’re just going to wait.”

    *LB James Laurinaitis has two sore shoulders, but he was a full participant Wednesday. “That’s life as a middle linebacker in the NFL,” Spagnuolo said.

    *G Richie Incognito, who has missed four games with a foot sprain, worked with the first-team offense and said that barring a setback, he expects to play Sunday in Chicago.

    *This week’s captains are QB Kyle Boller (offense), DE Leonard Little (defense) and LB David Vobora (special teams).
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

    It certainly doesn't sound to me like the team has become disillusioned or is showing any quit, as some in the media have hinted at. It's quite amazing considering the circumstances and a testament to Spags leadership.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

      Spags can get this group of losers to keep trying. That's what I like. I hate calling my team losers, but we have been losing for too long now. Most teams just assume they will lose the next game, but this group keeps working.

      Several more talented players, and this team is going places.

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

        Originally posted by Mooselini View Post
        Most teams just assume they will lose the next game, but this group keeps working.
        Good point. The Rams players could easily pack it in, but they know their situation is not a lost cause and continue to work toward winning, despite the mounting adversity.

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

          “Look at them,” St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said. “I mean, practice is over and about half the team’s out there working. I think that says a lot. But I’ll tell you what, that’s typical of this group. They amaze me every week, going through what we’re going through, to come out and practice they way they do.”

          Yeah, Spags has really lost the team! :o
          Always and Forever a fan of the St. Louis Rams

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

            I think it is great that that most folks here are looking at glass as half full. I see most comments on this forum wholly positive and you need to be given the fact Rams have 6 victories in 2+ years. It is good to see that the article displays the fact that the beleaguered HC is handing out kudo's to the team for practicing hard. I suppose that this what this team has come to. To be happy that we are still practicing hard. Are the lockers clean and organized and we all are singing We are the world? Let's make note of that as well in another self serving future Dispatch article. I am all about giving the coach and FO time to turn this ship around but please, enough of the howdy doody stuff.

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

              It shows character dude. It shows there's a big difference between Spags and Linehan, how can you (as a Rams fan) not be happy with that? The season as far as playoffs go are over even if we do win the rest of our games, I'm proud of our guys as stupid as that sounds to you.
              Always and Forever a fan of the St. Louis Rams

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                I suppose one could surmise that it is about character. But it is rather subjective and in the midst of all of this a little too contrite for my taste. Perhaps this is our "green shoot" and we will see more progress next year but for me, it needs to be on the field. Let your play, on the field, be the voice we need to see and hear about any character and progess.

                We have an ownership that is in flux. we have won 6 games in 2.75 years. We are arguably the worst team in football (certainly one of the bottom 3). We have holes all over the place. The fans are not coming out to the game. Blackouts are becoming commonplace. The NFL "experts" laugh at us. Every team that has us on their schedule marks down "W" well before the game.
                Reality sucks but it is what it is. I make no apologies about not getting excited about hearing the athletes, that are paid way more then any of us, are practicing hard. Can that comment, coming from the coaching staff, perhaps be just a bit self serving ?

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                  In light of all of the positive comments regarding Spags applauding his team's work ethic, why then did more than a few people feel the Rams effort was less than stellar during portions of their recent game vs. Seattle? I did not see much of the game, but it seems to me that there is a discrepancy in perception here.

                  I think one must differentiate between poor effort and poor play. You can put forth a ton of effort, but if you play stupid football, miss tackles and blow assignments it means nothing. Working hard is to be commended, but you also have to work smart, which the Rams don't do enough.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                    After the losing, the misfortune, the adversity, half the squad puts in extra effort on their own time to work at getting better, to work at playing more effectively, to improve as a team, and this is something to come down on? Please forgive those of us who see this as a good sign looking forward.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                      Originally posted by r8rh8rmike View Post
                      After the losing, the misfortune, the adversity, half the squad puts in extra effort on their own time to work at getting better, to work at playing more effectively, to improve as a team, and this is something to come down on? Please forgive those of us who see this as a good sign looking forward.


                      I for one am not "coming down on" anything or anyone. I clearly stated that hard work is to be commended. However, the Rams in the view of a number of observers did not play hard during parts of the Seattle game. Subsequently, when I hear about working hard in practice, it tends to ring hollow.

                      While I understand Spags' style is not to publicly call out guys, I tend to feel a lot better as a fan when a coach comes out with an occasional "this is unacceptable" or "such and such isn't good enough" when the occassion is warranted. You knock a guy down, then build him back up.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                        Originally posted by r8rh8rmike View Post
                        After the losing, the misfortune, the adversity, half the squad puts in extra effort on their own time to work at getting better, to work at playing more effectively, to improve as a team, and this is something to come down on? Please forgive those of us who see this as a good sign looking forward.
                        hey Mike I agree it's nice to hear that they haven't given up,but why only half of the guys sticking around, are they other half that good that they don't need any extra time ? to improve as a "team" wouldn't you need the whole team there, I guess when you are as bad as we are you look for anything to brighten the picture and I am one of them and if this helps get a few more wins then even better and yes it shows a marked improvement of attitude over the linehan days.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                          SJax is the only guy that deserves to leave early, quite frankly. But knowing him, he wouldn't anyway.
                          Always and Forever a fan of the St. Louis Rams

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                            I like to think Spags/Devaney are keeping track of those who don't wanna be here or are just collecting that nice check and that the process is ongoing. Afterall, it IS about chemistry. That' why it's so hard for Steinbrenner to buy a World Series .... or Jerry a Super Bowl.
                            If a team won their division seven straight times, that would be a NFL record. Now add on that team did it with seven different QB's in seven straight years,that record is unbeatable. To do that feat, you must of had a great Defense. Jack Youngblood was the captain of that defense.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Re: Spagnuolo Applauds Rams' Practice Habits

                              Originally posted by r8rh8rmike View Post
                              After the losing, the misfortune, the adversity, half the squad puts in extra effort on their own time to work at getting better, to work at playing more effectively, to improve as a team, and this is something to come down on? Please forgive those of us who see this as a good sign looking forward.
                              Hi Mike, I can appreciate the fact that there is a feel good around the practicing hard after 10 weeks of less then inspiring play on the field. I understand the genesis of this message was to illustrate the fact that Spags has the team behind him at this point in the season. This is positive, I agree. But, newsworthy? Not so sure.

                              I am very frustrated with the losing. And, not just this year. Since 1990, we have had a winning record 4 times. 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003.

                              Why? Ownership and front office. Coaches come and go. I actually think Spags is a good guy but can he be successful here? Will the Rams give him he tools he needs? Getting rid of Shaw and others was a HUGE step in the right direction. My opinion is until we have a dedicated owner that is willing to invest in putting a competitive product on the field, we will continue to suffer. Devaney notwithstanding, it takes commitment from the top.

                              I live in Niner country. Nothing will deter me from being a Ram fan for life. I am not satisfied with practicing hard articles given all the failing of this organization over the year. Apologies for the negativity. I am new to this forum but not new to being a Ram fan.

                              Comment

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                              • HUbison
                                After first practice, Spagnuolo says he now feels like coach of the St. Louis Rams
                                by HUbison
                                After first practice, Spagnuolo says he now feels like coach of the St. Louis Rams
                                By Bill Coats
                                St. Louis Post-Dispatch

                                Steve Spagnuolo adjourned his first practice — a 90-minute workout on the outdoor fields at Rams Park — Thursday afternoon and said that he finally felt like the head coach of the Rams. “I’d say that’s a pretty accurate statement, because this is what we do as coaches, this is what we enjoy doing,” Spagnuolo said. “So it was great to be out here and be with the players.”

                                Spagnuolo reported that all 64 players on the roster were in attendance and that wide receiver Derek Stanley, who is coming off knee surgery, was the only one who couldn’t do at least some of the drills. The main purpose of the three-day minicamp is to “evaluate the talent, learn how to practice and go over the basic fundamentals,” Spagnuolo said.

                                “What we’re trying to do is make our practices efficient, uptempo,” he explained. “We would like to not condition after practice; we would like to condition in the practice. I thought they did a really good job of that today for the first day, I really did.”

                                Another practice was scheduled for this afternoon.

                                All for now . . . more later.
                                -04-02-2009, 12:30 PM
                              • r8rh8rmike
                                Spagnuolo "Very, Very, Very Happy" With Rams' Energy
                                by r8rh8rmike
                                10.14.2009 4:29 pm
                                Spagnuolo “very, very, very happy” with Rams’ energy
                                By Bill Coats
                                St. Louis Post-Dispatch


                                Coach Steve Spagnuolo was almost giddy after Wednesday’s practice, the first for the St. Louis Rams since a 38-10 home loss to the Vikings on Sunday dropped them to 0-5.

                                “I was very, very, very happy about the energy today,” Spagnuolo said. “I thought the guys came out with a lot of energy, which is a good thing. It’s a credit to them, and I certainly appreciate it.”

                                Still, as defensive end Chris Long pointed out, the winless Rams don’t have a lot of options as they try to dig out of their 0-5 hole.

                                “You don’t really have a choice but to keep grinding away,” Long said. “Continuing to work hard and try to keep going up, that’s the only way we can do it. Build on the little things that we’re doing well and try to make those things big things.

                                “It’s no different than any other week. We’re trying to get that win, just the same as if we were 5-0.”

                                Notes & quotes:

                                *QB Marc Bulger took all the reps with the first-team offense and reported afterward that he was “on course” to start Sunday in Jacksonville. Bulger had been out with a bruised shoulder.

                                *Kyle Boller, who started in Bulger’s spot the past two games, passed his neuro exam and ran the scout team at practice. Spagnuolo said Boller will be retested Friday, just to be sure he’s OK to back up Boller vs. the Jaguars.

                                *T Jason Smith (knee), S James Butler (knee), CB Justin King (knee) and S Anthony Smith (Achilles’ tendon) were limited. WR Ruvell Martin (hamstring) did not practice.

                                *This week’s captains are C Jason Brown (offense), CB Ron Bartell (defense) and long-snapper Chris Massey (special teams).

                                *LaJuan Ramsey took the bulk of the first-team snaps in the defensive tackle spot that opened when Gary Gibson broke his left ankle Sunday. Gibson, who has been placed on injured reserve, had successful surgery Tuesday, Spagnuolo reported.

                                *WR Sean Walker, a member of the practice squad, played the role of ex-Rams WR Torry Holt on the scout team. Holt is the Jaguars’ leading receiver, with 22 catches for 306 yards.

                                All for now…
                                -10-14-2009, 10:54 PM
                              • BM_Face
                                No practice due to swine flu concerns
                                by BM_Face
                                St. Louis Rams cancel practice due to confirmed cases of swine flu
                                By R.B. Fallstrom (CP) – 1 hour ago

                                ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Rams cancelled practice Thursday due to an undisclosed number of swine flu cases on the team, just three days before a home game against the Houston Texans.

                                Coach Steve Spagnuolo would not say how many players had the illness but said five or six players had flulike symptoms, and added that other players had reported symptoms the last few weeks. He anticipated the Rams would return to practice on Friday with a workout that will incorporate some of the elements missed on Thursday.

                                "It's really more of a precaution than anything," Spagnuolo said. "We're checking everybody, we're just being careful."

                                Players were seen driving away from Rams Park shortly before noon after consulting with medical staff. Team spokesman Ted Crews said many players received medication before leaving.

                                "If there was one (player), we'd have to be careful because these guys are around each other all the time," Spagnuolo said. "I think it was the right thing to do."

                                Two players, quarterback Kyle Boller and centre Jason Brown, missed practice Wednesday and Spagnuolo said both players had flulike symptoms. Spagnuolo first reported Brown's illness on Monday, but Brown was back with the team Thursday and had been expected to practice before the team decided to send players home.

                                Spagnuolo said he didn't know whether Boller had been at Rams Park on Thursday. He was short on specifics regarding other affected players, saying "all the names are running together."

                                "I don't want to throw out a name and be wrong," Spagnuolo said. "The important thing is we don't want anybody else to get sick. The important thing is to handle it right, send everybody home."

                                Coaches and staff had the option of leaving Rams Park, but the parking lot was filled with vehicles Thursday afternoon.

                                Spagnuolo said the Rams became aware of the situation about 8:30 or 9 a.m., then held a team meeting after consulting with medical personnel and deciding on a course of action.

                                "There was no panic here," Spagnuolo said. "We took our time."
                                The Rams (1-12) host the Texans (6-7) this Sunday. Spagnuolo thought it a stretch that the game might be jeopardized.

                                "Don't send me down that direction," he said. "I'm very hopeful that by tomorrow, even if there's a couple of guys that have to be away from it, that we've taken the right steps and we'll be OK."

                                In early October, Texans rookie tight end Anthony Hill was hospitalized with swine flu in the first confirmed case in an NFL player this season. Other players around the league were also sidelined with flulike symptoms.
                                The Texans...
                                -12-17-2009, 03:56 PM
                              • r8rh8rmike
                                Spagnuolo Blasts Rams With "Hail To The Redskins"
                                by r8rh8rmike
                                09.18.2009 3:12 pm
                                Spagnuolo blasts Rams with “Hail to the Redskins”
                                By Bill Coats
                                St. Louis Post-Dispatch


                                The players were expecting simulated crowd noise when the loudspeakers were turned on during practice Friday at Rams Park. Instead, they got heavy doses of “Hail to the Redskins,” the annoying Washington fight song. It was coach Steve Spagnuolo’s idea as the Rams prepared for Sunday’s game at FedEx Field.

                                “I guess I’ll take credit for that one. I did,” he said. “I thought about it. I’ve heard it a lot.”

                                Spagnuolo went against the Redskins 20 times during his years on the defensive staffs of the Eagles and Giants, fellow NFC East squads.

                                Notes & quotes:

                                *Spagnuolo was pleased with how the Rams responded in practice this week after the 28-0 shelling they absorbed in Seattle. “They were really focused today,” he said. “Now, there were mistakes all over the place on Wednesday and Thursday, like there normally are. We’re putting in a new game plan and we’re seeing a new team. But I see a lot of guys out there that care. That’s the beginning part. If you have that, you’ve got a chance.”

                                *S Craig Dahl (hamstring) and G John Greco (wrist) won’t make the trip to D.C. Both could be back next week.

                                *Newcomer Leger Douzable, a 6-4, 305-pound defensive tackle signed to the practice squad Thursday, worked with the scout team.

                                *T Eric Young, cut Tuesday, is back with the Rams. He was assigned to the practice squad. WR Sean Walker was released from the practice squad.

                                *Former St. Louis Cardinals running back Stump Mitchell is the Redskins’ assistant head coach/running backs coach.

                                *QB Marc Bulger needs two completions to become the Rams’ career leader. Jim Everett (1986-93) is the current leader, with 1,847 (in 353 more attempts than Bulger).

                                All for now . . .
                                -09-19-2009, 10:19 AM
                              • r8rh8rmike
                                "Dr." Spagnuolo Finds Injury Judgements Difficult To Make
                                by r8rh8rmike
                                11.13.2009 2:04 pm
                                “Dr.” Spagnuolo finds injury judgments difficult to make
                                By Bill Coats
                                St. Louis Post-Dispatch


                                Judging whether to shut down a slightly injured player or to let him suit up and take the field is one of the more difficult tasks for an NFL head coach. The St. Louis Rams’ Steve Spagnuolo is finding that out during his rookie season.

                                “Every individual’s different,” he said. “That’s part of me learning the team. That’s what this whole year will be. I’ll have a better idea of how guys react to injuries. They all react differently.

                                “And I’ll tell you what: A lot of these guys react real good.”

                                Spagnuolo trusted the judgment of cornerback Ron Bartell, who has been nursing a sore thigh nearly all season but has remained in the lineup. Now, defensive lineman C.J. Ah You is in a similar predicament. The high-ankle sprain that he suffered Oct. 25 vs. the Colts has improved greatly. But is it enough that he could be effective Sunday vs. the Saints?

                                “C.J. is questionable right now,” Spagnuolo said after Friday’s practice. “He didn’t do a lot today, very limited. He’s still fighting that ankle. I’d like him to be a hundred percent on Sunday, so I thought it best to back off a little bit. He got plenty of the reps he needed Wednesday and Thursday.”

                                Notes & quotes:

                                *G Richie Incognito (foot) spent another day on the sideline with strength coach Rock Gullickson.

                                *WR Ruvell Martin got some reps with the first-team offense. Still, Spagnuolo hasn’t dressed more than four WRs for a game this year. So on Sunday, it likely will be Donnie Avery, Keenan Burton, Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson.

                                *Spagnuolo reported that Burton “had a real good week of practice. He looks real confident to me in what he’s doing out there, and he’s really helping all those other guys. A real pro.”

                                *With Ah You limited, Victor Adeyanju took some first-team snaps at defensive tackle.

                                All for now…
                                -11-13-2009, 04:03 PM
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