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By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch
10/20/2004
Three years ago, Miami defensive tackle Daryl Gardener offered these words of warning before a Dolphins game in St. Louis: "We've got speed, quickness, strength and size. We've got it all. When we get (to St. Louis), just take the key, lock the door, and let's see what happens."
After St. Louis pulverized the Dolphins 42-10 in that 2001 contest, Rams coach Mike Martz presented each of his players with a "Key to the Dome" plaque - complete with a metallic-style key attached.
Gardener is no longer with the Dolphins. But defensive end Jason Taylor is.
On Wednesday, Taylor provided some, uh, food for thought in discussing the Rams' offense with Dolphins reporters. The Rams play the Dolphins on Sunday in Miami.
"They're a good offense," said Taylor, a two-time Pro Bowler. "They're not unbeatable. I mean, I don't think they are what they were a few years ago with their whole 'Greatest Show on Turf' thing. They have some quality players, and we have some quality players, too. I think it's a good matchup for us. We'll get a glimpse of where we are at this point."
Taylor was then asked what was different about the 2004 Rams compared to their earlier offensive juggernauts.
"They're not what they were before," Taylor said. "They've made some changes. Kurt Warner is gone. They had it rolling back then. They were scoring 50 points a game. ... Don't get me wrong, they're still a darn good offense. They might not be scoring 50, but they can put up 49."
Taylor probably is right in his assessment, but will the Rams - who had Wednesday off - take it that way?
T. Fisher, Kennedy are upgraded
For the first time all season, cornerback Travis Fisher and defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy aren't listed as "out" on the Rams' official injury report. Kennedy is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game in Miami, meaning there's a 25 percent chance he'll play. Fisher is listed as questionable, meaning there's a 50 percent chance he'll play.
Fisher, who suffered a fractured forearm in the Rams' Aug. 23 preseason game against Kansas City, has been cleared to play. He has done a lot of drill work during practice in the past couple of weeks and could play at Miami.
Kennedy, who has been doing running and drill work on the side, probably is a little farther away from game readiness. He suffered a broken foot Aug. 5 during a joint practice session with the Chicago Bears in Macomb, Ill.
Tyoka Jackson is questionable
Defensive lineman Tyoka Jackson is listed as questionable with a hamstring pull that kept him out of the Tampa Bay game. He's not expected to return until the New England game Nov. 7.
Linebackers Robert Thomas (ankle) and Trev Faulk (hamstring) are listed as probable, and both are expected to play against Miami after sitting out the Tampa Bay contest. Also listed as probable is offensive guard Adam Timmerman (knee).
Extra points
After cutting LB Tony Newson from the active roster to make room for K Jeff Chandler, the Rams have signed Newson to their practice squad to fill the spot created by Tuesday's release of OT Matt Morgan. ... After missing the Dolphins' past two games with knee and ankle injuries, former Rams offensive tackle John St. Clair returned to practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable by the Dolphins.
Of the Post-Dispatch
10/20/2004
Three years ago, Miami defensive tackle Daryl Gardener offered these words of warning before a Dolphins game in St. Louis: "We've got speed, quickness, strength and size. We've got it all. When we get (to St. Louis), just take the key, lock the door, and let's see what happens."
After St. Louis pulverized the Dolphins 42-10 in that 2001 contest, Rams coach Mike Martz presented each of his players with a "Key to the Dome" plaque - complete with a metallic-style key attached.
Gardener is no longer with the Dolphins. But defensive end Jason Taylor is.
On Wednesday, Taylor provided some, uh, food for thought in discussing the Rams' offense with Dolphins reporters. The Rams play the Dolphins on Sunday in Miami.
"They're a good offense," said Taylor, a two-time Pro Bowler. "They're not unbeatable. I mean, I don't think they are what they were a few years ago with their whole 'Greatest Show on Turf' thing. They have some quality players, and we have some quality players, too. I think it's a good matchup for us. We'll get a glimpse of where we are at this point."
Taylor was then asked what was different about the 2004 Rams compared to their earlier offensive juggernauts.
"They're not what they were before," Taylor said. "They've made some changes. Kurt Warner is gone. They had it rolling back then. They were scoring 50 points a game. ... Don't get me wrong, they're still a darn good offense. They might not be scoring 50, but they can put up 49."
Taylor probably is right in his assessment, but will the Rams - who had Wednesday off - take it that way?
T. Fisher, Kennedy are upgraded
For the first time all season, cornerback Travis Fisher and defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy aren't listed as "out" on the Rams' official injury report. Kennedy is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game in Miami, meaning there's a 25 percent chance he'll play. Fisher is listed as questionable, meaning there's a 50 percent chance he'll play.
Fisher, who suffered a fractured forearm in the Rams' Aug. 23 preseason game against Kansas City, has been cleared to play. He has done a lot of drill work during practice in the past couple of weeks and could play at Miami.
Kennedy, who has been doing running and drill work on the side, probably is a little farther away from game readiness. He suffered a broken foot Aug. 5 during a joint practice session with the Chicago Bears in Macomb, Ill.
Tyoka Jackson is questionable
Defensive lineman Tyoka Jackson is listed as questionable with a hamstring pull that kept him out of the Tampa Bay game. He's not expected to return until the New England game Nov. 7.
Linebackers Robert Thomas (ankle) and Trev Faulk (hamstring) are listed as probable, and both are expected to play against Miami after sitting out the Tampa Bay contest. Also listed as probable is offensive guard Adam Timmerman (knee).
Extra points
After cutting LB Tony Newson from the active roster to make room for K Jeff Chandler, the Rams have signed Newson to their practice squad to fill the spot created by Tuesday's release of OT Matt Morgan. ... After missing the Dolphins' past two games with knee and ankle injuries, former Rams offensive tackle John St. Clair returned to practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable by the Dolphins.
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