Rams QnA with Turf Show Times

by VanRam on Nov 13, 2008 12:41 PM PST Comment 14 comments

EDITOR'S NOTE 12:45PM: Thanks to VanRam for posting this Q&A. Also, my Q&A is up over at Turf Show Times. If you feel like answering their questions, go to town.

Greetings fellow beleagured fans of a struggling team. I'm VanRam from SBN's Rams site, Turf Show Times.

I suppose I could give you a hundred words or so about the state of the Rams, but I'd say the best route is to crack open a thesaurus and see how many synonyms for crappy/bad/underachieving you can find. There's three already...

Okay, as usual it's not that simple. The Rams are suffering from a long chain of events going back several years. It starts at the top though, with poor management. Years of bad drafts, letting our best and brightest walk via free agency, and the resulting poor play have put the Rams where they are now.

Things really are picking up, despite what you saw last week against the Jets. The Rams had a good draft this year, and their first and second round picks - DE Chirs Long and WR Donnie Avery - are already exceeding expectations. Firing head coach Scott Linehan really has made a difference. And a new owner - Chip Rosenbloom stepping in for his departed mother - has promised further changes, including a much needed overall in the front office, after the season.

With a third win on the line for both teams, this ought to be a fascinating matchup and I'm sure you've got questions about the Rams...or Mike Martz maybe. Ask away.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

7 recs | Comment 14 comments

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Do you

see the 49ers any differently now that Singletary is our head coach? Do you see us any differently after how we played on MNF? I know, these are questions about the Niners and not the Rams but I’m eager to see a fan of another team’s opinion.

by Ninjames on Nov 13, 2008 7:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I certainly don't take them for granted

a team in the Rams’ state can’t afford to.

In a way, I see a situation similar to ours, questions about identity, areas lacking talent, and a lack of cohesiveness.

by VanRam on Nov 13, 2008 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We’re not the only team this season with an interim coach. How do you like Jim Haslett? I’ve been a bit of a closet Haslett fan since he was coaching the Saints, and I think he got a pretty raw deal in New Orleans. It seems like he had your team playing better for a few weeks and then the bottom fell out again. What gives?

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Nov 13, 2008 7:05 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

way to come out of the closet, man

we’re all proud of you!

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Nov 13, 2008 7:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Haslett

I like Haslett. I think he’s brought a stable influence to the team. The players still have a tough time executing, but I think as they weed out some parts of the roster and start growing talent again that’ll will change.

What’s killed the Rams and their coaches is the lack of a dedicated front office and owner. By all accounts the new owners are going to bring in a new front office, with passionate football people. That’s the first step for getting this franchise on their feet.

by VanRam on Nov 13, 2008 11:02 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How did you and the rest of the fans feel about giving Jackson that huge contract before the season started? If you were for it, then do you now feel like it was a mistake, or that he can get over his injuries and live up to the money? Also, what can we expect from his replacement (I don’t even know his name, for shame).

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Nov 13, 2008 7:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

not a mistake

Though, there are fans who do feel that way. Jackson’s in a situation like Bulger, so much of what he does is contingent upon the offensive line, and the Rams have terrible o-line. That puts more onus on the RB to compensate, putting him at higher risk of injury.

Jackson’s a top flight running back, and locking him up through his prime at market rate was a good move. The Rams will get better and they’ll have a true centerpiece to their offense.

by VanRam on Nov 13, 2008 11:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry for the ignorance

haven’t followed the rams closely- what’s Jackson’s injury status right now?

Still defending Rich Aurilia, and the Niners' classic unis

by wjackalope on Nov 13, 2008 11:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Jackson

not looking good for the game. he has to have one practice at full speed, and he sat out yesterday after being sore from a Wed practice at half speed.

by VanRam on Nov 14, 2008 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Pittman

Can you tell us a little about Antonio Pittman? Like what kind of back he was, what we can expect from him, etc…

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Nov 14, 2008 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How much of a surprise has Donnie Avery been?

by Rishi on Nov 13, 2008 8:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

he was a nice surprise

but since the offense has struggled without a running game, safeties can just sit back and take him out of the action. He hasn’t been able to do much the last couple games…like the rest of his teammates.

Still, I don’t think anyone expected him to do as well as he has. Receivers often struggle to adjust in their rookie years. His playmaking ability and speed bring an excitement to the team that we haven’t had for a while.

by VanRam on Nov 13, 2008 11:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Avery is no surprise!

He kicks my ass on Madden every time I play the Rams in my schedule lol. He’s the only one that hammers me on that team. Got him on my fantasy too but not starting him. I’m too much of a homer for that.

Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.

by maveric_87 on Nov 14, 2008 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs