20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

[AvengerRam_old]

1. I really want the Rams to beat the Niners this week.

2. I really want the Rams to get the first pick in the draft.

3. GO LIONS!!!

4. Steven Jackson has done enough. If his back feels better after a week off then, by all means, he should play. If not, he's done enough... great play, great effort, great leadership. Can't say enough about the guy.

5. Someone is going to have to tell me what they see in Null to make them think he is more than a career backup/journeyman at best. I just don't see it.

6. If the Rams are the beneficiaries of instant karma next year, they should go undefeated. I can't recall watching a team lose so many players to injury (not to mention the flu).

7. Call me crazy, but despite the record, I sense so much more unity and hope from the Rams than at the end of the last two seasons.

8. Interesting stat: James Laurinaitis is fourth in the NFL in solo tackles.

9. If you can't see the progress Chris Long has made, you're just not looking. He's not there yet, but I wouldn't bet against him.

10. I still have hope for Donnie Avery, but I won't try to change the minds of those who don't.

11. Peter King's All-Decade Team had Randy Moss and Hines Ward as the WRs. Um... Peter... did you bother looking at who was first in receptions and yards for the decade? That would be Torry Holt (and, oh, by the way, the other All-Decade WR should be Marvin Harrison).

12. Looks like the Seahawks have packed it in. Mark my words... the biggest story in Seattle next year will be regarding how the Hawks are the most likely candidate to select local hero Jake Locker at the top of the 2011 draft.

13. I am actually looking forward to this offseason. From Jan 1 until the end of the draft, there will be a lot to talk about.

14. Wherever C.J. Spiller lands, I will be a fan. That kid really impresses me.

15. If the Rams get the No. 1 pick, I think our biggest worry will be that the team will pass on Suh. Unless Bradford wows the doctors and scouts, I don't think we need to worry.

16. Here's a tougher question... if Bradford's shoulder is evaluated as not entirely healed, but expected to heal completely, AND he falls out of the first round, would the Rams pull the trigger?

17. I've noted this in other threads, but I still think there will be a cap in 2010.

18. Term that that people most frequently use, but don't fully understand: (a) antioxidant, or (b) West-coast offense?

19. Its interesting how quiet the sale of the team front has been. This means one of two things: (1) the team is about to be sold, or (2) the team is not about to be sold.

20. I have the Rams as the early favorites for Team of the Decade in the 2010s (why not us?).

[VegasRam]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

1. I really want the Rams to beat the Niners this week.
Me too - ain't happenin' tho.

2. I really want the Rams to get the first pick in the draft.
Me too - will happen.

3. GO LIONS!!!
Ditto.

4. Steven Jackson has done enough. If his back feels better after a week off then, by all means, he should play. If not, he's done enough... great play, great effort, great leadership. Can't say enough about the guy.
Me either.

5. Someone is going to have to tell me what they see in Null to make them think he is more than a career backup/journeyman at best. I just don't see it.
Attitude and composure. C'mon - he got thrown to the wolves.

6. If the Rams are the beneficiaries of instant karma next year, they should go undefeated. I can't recall watching a team lose so many players to injury (not to mention the flu).
And never have it referred to in the Media.

7. Call me crazy, but despite the record, I sense so much more unity and hope from the Rams than at the end of the last two seasons.
Anyone not seeing this simply is not watching.

8. Interesting stat: James Laurinaitis is fourth in the NFL in solo tackles.
are 1, 2 or 3 rookies?

9. If you can't see the progress Chris Long has made, you're just not looking. He's not there yet, but I wouldn't bet against him.
And...with questionable support.

10. I still have hope for Donnie Avery, but I won't try to change the minds of those who don't.
I wish I did, but I don't.

11. Peter King's All-Decade Team had Randy Moss and Hines Ward as the WRs. Um... Peter... did you bother looking at who was first in receptions and yards for the decade? That would be Torry Holt (and, oh, by the way, the other All-Decade WR should be Marvin Harrison).
King was OK at one time - now he's just a parrot.

12. Looks like the Seahawks have packed it in. Mark my words... the biggest story in Seattle next year will be regarding how the Hawks are the most likely candidate to select local hero Jake Locker at the top of the 2011 draft.
Would like to replay all the "heads" picking them this year. They're going to be bad for awhile, due in part to Mora (IMO).

13. I am actually looking forward to this offseason. From Jan 1 until the end of the draft, there will be a lot to talk about.
Me too.

14. Wherever C.J. Spiller lands, I will be a fan. That kid really impresses me.
I've not seen him.


15. If the Rams get the No. 1 pick, I think our biggest worry will be that the team will pass on Suh. Unless Bradford wows the doctors and scouts, I don't think we need to worry.
It just cannot happen. When I ponder all the bad things that have happened that were out of our control, and then think about NOT taking Suh, I actually physically shudder in horror...

16. Here's a tougher question... if Bradford's shoulder is evaluated as not entirely healed, but expected to heal completely, AND he falls out of the first round, would the Rams pull the trigger?
In a heartbeat.

17. I've noted this in other threads, but I still think there will be a cap in 2010.
Hope so.

18. Term that that people most frequently use, but don't fully understand: (a) antioxidant, or (b) West-coast offense?
WCO - and I still don't.

19. Its interesting how quiet the sale of the team front has been. This means one of two things: (1) the team is about to be sold, or (2) the team is not about to be sold.
My view is that I don't see anyone St. Loo or LA born who's made it big and always wanted to own a NFL Team - ala Snyder. Point being, if they're sold, I'm assuming the buyer is going to be intelligent enough to not mess with the Devaney Spags combo, which will produce spectacular results leading to # 20...

20. I have the Rams as the early favorites for Team of the Decade in the 2010s (why not us?).

Works for me.

[Rambunctious]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

5. Someone is going to have to tell me what they see in Null to make them think he is more than a career backup/journeyman at best. I just don't see it.

I don't think there is enough information yet to assume one way or the other on Null.

I will say I think people get too hung up on where players come from and what they did in college. Yes it is an indicator but you will never know until someone steps in and plays.

Phil Simms went to Morehead State University and he seemed to do ok.

Brian Brohm was a really good college quarterback with huge numbers and look at his performance last Sunday with the Bills.

Bottom line... scouts and coaches get it wrong all of the time. The system isn't perfect. Null's rookie performance, to me, just looks like the rookie performance of most quarterbacks... whether they were drafted in the first round or last.

IMHO

[Mooselini]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

As for 19, I think things like sales need to be done behind closed doors. The reason why we haven't heard anything is that we shouldn't. There are still games being played and we can't have any distractions off the field.

We won't know if the team is going to be sold or not, everything is just speculation. Won't believe anything until its official, and thats the way it needs to stay.

As for Null, it's hard to evaluate. The guy had virtually next to no tools around him. He has two regular starters on the O-line and two solid receivers out. Not to mention, against Arizona SJax was out.

Let the entire crew come back healthy, and lets see what he has. Either way, this experience is helping him.

[Richbert88]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

[QUOTE=AvengerRam;324310]15. If the Rams get the No. 1 pick, I think our biggest worry will be that the team will pass on Suh. Unless Bradford wows the doctors and scouts, I don't think we need to worry.

Who? :-)

16. Here's a tougher question... if Bradford's shoulder is evaluated as not entirely healed, but expected to heal completely, AND he falls out of the first round, would the Rams pull the trigger?

In a heart beat!! Won't happen though. But wouldn't that be great, getting a future "this guy sucks" QB in this draft for the haters in addition to Suh!

17. I've noted this in other threads, but I still think there will be a cap in 2010.

18. Term that that people most frequently use, but don't fully understand: (a) antioxidant, or (b) West-coast offense?

(c) Ram Fan.

19. Its interesting how quiet the sale of the team front has been. This means one of two things: (1) the team is about to be sold, or (2) the team is not about to be sold.

IMO, that's 50-50! :-)

20. I have the Rams as the early favorites for Team of the Decade in the 2010s (why not us?).

The system and the youth combined with the high picks will make it so!![/QUOTE]

[39thebeast]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

IMO Uncapped year is going to happen. No deal in place and there is no signs of one comming on the Horizon. There is more talk of lockout because the uncapped year looks like a forgone conclusion. I don't think the lockout will happen because there is just too much money to be made, but an uncapped year looks verry likely with Free agency just a few months away with nothing in place.

[molar_pistol]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

2010 will almost certainly go uncapped...whether or not we play in 2011 is the question at this point.

people call me crazy, but we're on the edge of competing on both sides of the ball. if we can replace a few guys on both sides, i think we'll be very good. a new qb, backup rb, continue to upgrade the o-line, fix the d-line and we're getting somewhere.

[gap]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

I don't think there is enough information yet to assume one way or the other on Null.

I will say I think people get too hung up on where players come from and what they did in college. Yes it is an indicator but you will never know until someone steps in and plays.

Phil Simms went to Morehead State University and he seemed to do ok.

Brian Brohm was a really good college quarterback with huge numbers and look at his performance last Sunday with the Bills.

Bottom line... scouts and coaches get it wrong all of the time. The system isn't perfect. Null's rookie performance, to me, just looks like the rookie performance of most quarterbacks... whether they were drafted in the first round or last.

IMHO

I was talking to a co-worker this moring. He did not know that Null was a rookie out of D2. As soon as he heard that, his impression of Null took a drastic change.

While he may only be a Journeyman/Backup the rest of his career, he has shown more tools than you would expect to see ina D2 rookie. Maybe our opinion of Null is based on our failed wish to see him come in and be Matt Ryan II. Maybe he will be better than we think, and we won't find out until he has moved onto a different team because we want a QB with a better pedigree.


gap

[NJ Ramsfan1]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

To Avenger- point by point:

1. A win would be nice
2 & 3. Yes on both counts
4 & 5. Agree on both counts
6. The Rams' injury situation is of almost comical proportions. I don't understand it.
7. That most guys are still busting their tails is a tribute to them and to Spags.
8. Good players on bad teams usually are league leaders in tackles, as they're on the field for long periods of time. Not surprising Laurinaitis is currently 4th.
9. Chris Long has definitely made great strides. Ditto for those being blind who haven't noticed.
10. Too early to give up on Avery, but 2010 is a critical year in whcih he must elevate his game.
11. Peter King was asleep at the switch for overlooking Holt and Harrison.
12. Seattle blows. Two losses to them was a slap in the face.
13. Looking forward to the offseason as well. At least all my Sundays won't be ruined.
14. Haven't seen enough of the guy to comment one way or the other.
15. Devaney won't pass on Suh, unless he's offered a King's ransom to trade down.
16. Bradford slips to round two? Can't see it happening, but grab him.
17. Cap a strong possibility in 2010.
18. No comment
19. When I see something concrete about the Rams being sold, I'll care- until then it's a dead issue to me.
20. Team of the 2010's? Bold statement for a team that's 6-41 over the last 3 years. At least that's better than fans in 2012 telling me to "be patient, we're still rebuilding".

[RamsFanSam]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

1. I really want the Rams to beat the Niners this week.

2. I really want the Rams to get the first pick in the draft.

3. GO LIONS!!!

4. Steven Jackson has done enough. If his back feels better after a week off then, by all means, he should play. If not, he's done enough... great play, great effort, great leadership. Can't say enough about the guy.

5. Someone is going to have to tell me what they see in Null to make them think he is more than a career backup/journeyman at best. I just don't see it.

6. If the Rams are the beneficiaries of instant karma next year, they should go undefeated. I can't recall watching a team lose so many players to injury (not to mention the flu).

7. Call me crazy, but despite the record, I sense so much more unity and hope from the Rams than at the end of the last two seasons.

8. Interesting stat: James Laurinaitis is fourth in the NFL in solo tackles.

9. If you can't see the progress Chris Long has made, you're just not looking. He's not there yet, but I wouldn't bet against him.

10. I still have hope for Donnie Avery, but I won't try to change the minds of those who don't.

11. Peter King's All-Decade Team had Randy Moss and Hines Ward as the WRs. Um... Peter... did you bother looking at who was first in receptions and yards for the decade? That would be Torry Holt (and, oh, by the way, the other All-Decade WR should be Marvin Harrison).

12. Looks like the Seahawks have packed it in. Mark my words... the biggest story in Seattle next year will be regarding how the Hawks are the most likely candidate to select local hero Jake Locker at the top of the 2011 draft.

13. I am actually looking forward to this offseason. From Jan 1 until the end of the draft, there will be a lot to talk about.

14. Wherever C.J. Spiller lands, I will be a fan. That kid really impresses me.

15. If the Rams get the No. 1 pick, I think our biggest worry will be that the team will pass on Suh. Unless Bradford wows the doctors and scouts, I don't think we need to worry.

16. Here's a tougher question... if Bradford's shoulder is evaluated as not entirely healed, but expected to heal completely, AND he falls out of the first round, would the Rams pull the trigger?

17. I've noted this in other threads, but I still think there will be a cap in 2010.

18. Term that that people most frequently use, but don't fully understand: (a) antioxidant, or (b) West-coast offense?

19. Its interesting how quiet the sale of the team front has been. This means one of two things: (1) the team is about to be sold, or (2) the team is not about to be sold.

20. I have the Rams as the early favorites for Team of the Decade in the 2010s (why not us?).

1. I just want to smack the whiners around so bad...like a Rams win 56-0.

2. I think we already have that first pick...just a feeling.

3. The Lions have a chance to win now that Stafford is out. They should have drafted Sanchez like I said...

4. I agree.

5. Null is improving week-to-week. He takes the game seriously. I think he'll make a great franchise QB....a great BACKUP franchise QB, that is.

6. John Lennon said "Instant Karma's gonna get you". If you listen real close, you can hear a faint background noise. You play it backwards, it says "Instant Karma for the Rams in twenty-ten".

7. You're crazy, but I agree. Now if we can just have some unity of the fan base...

8. Not bad for a rookie. Maybe we should trade him for some draft picks. (just kidding...)

9. If you think Chris Long is dangerous now, wait until we draft Suh (if it happens). No one will know who to double team, and even I could walk into the pocket.

10. Avery is a work in progress. Check on him next year at this time.

11. Peter King is a giant.....hygeine product.

12. Seahawks are three years away from legitimacy.

13. I agree. $20 says Suh is one of the hot topics.

14. Guess I need to research this one.

15. Sam Bradford? Are you serious? Late 1st round at best.

16. Pull the trigger to shoot themselves in the foot by drafting Bradford? I hope not!

17. I agree - rush deal on the cap. Too much money to lose otherwise.

18. Term that that people most frequently use, but don't fully understand: Vick. 'Nuff said.

19. I think Chip will find a way to buy out his sister's part, even if it means bringing in outside money.

20. I'll put five on that.

[MoonJoe]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

What did you do for 19, subcontract out to Bernie? ;)

[Aussie Dave]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

What did you do for 19, subcontract out to Bernie? ;)

thats brilliant, i was thinking something similar when i read the original post

[The Rammer]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

I think it's great that our great players are flying under the radar. Steven Jackson is always listed behind Adrian Peterson as a top back in the league, yet he carries the ball more, gets more yardage, and doesn't fumble the ball.

James Laurinaitis is obviously the best defensive rookie in the league, but he won't get any recognition.

Donnie Jones is a wonderful punter, but he's a punter so nobody talks about him.

OJ Atogwe is a complete machine, but if you asked somebody from New York who "Oshiomogho Atogwe" was, they'd ask you what type of food he made.


And it's also great that we are laughed at for "only beating the Lions because of a fake FG" and can't beat a real team.

And of course, Chris Long is still the worst top-5 pick in history according to ESPN and New Yorkers, he hasn't made any strides at all this year.

(those last 2 were sarcasm)

[WhinerFan]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

1. Dare to dream.

2. Wish granted.

3. Okay.

4. He is an amazing talent.

5. Neither does any sane person.

6. The most players/game lost to injury in one season happened to San Francisco in 2005, I believe, when we went 4-12 (sweeping the rams, btw).

7. Really? Okay.

8. Interesting.

9. Chris Long is exactly who he was expected to be when he was drafted. He is solid, but not special. He was the well-developed, low-risk pick with limited upside.

10. I am not sure you would succeed, in any case.

11. Peter King is a good reporter, but a terrible analyst. He needs to stop. Please . . . just . . . stop . . .

12. Keep dreaming.

13. There may be only one thing to talk about, but it will be talked about a lot.

14. Okay.

15. Suh is, by far, the best DL to come out this decade. That said, the Rams are absolutely out of their minds if they do not take a QB with that pick. I can only hope.

16. In a heartbeat. It will never happen, though.

17. You are wrong.

18. (b) West-coast offense. Should be termed "Cincinnati Offense".

19. (1)

20. (why)

[tomahawk247]

Re: 20 Random Near-the-End-of-the-Year Thoughts

James Laurinaitis is obviously the best defensive rookie in the league, but he won't get any recognition.

Laurinaitis is great, but i dont think he has been better than Brian Cushing or Jairus Byrd

Just look at the stats for Laurinaitis and Cushing:
Laurinaitis
115 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF, 2 Int

Cushing
128 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 FF, 4 Ints

Laurinaitis has been great, but Cushing has had an excellent rookie year

As for Jairus Byrd, he leads the league in interceptions with 9, which is ridiculous for a rookie