Spags and Devaney circa April 2011 (Courtesy of STLouisRams.com)

Black Monday brought about the firing of Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo and general manager Billy Devaney.  I was hoping for a personal appearance from the big man, Rams owner Stan Kroenke, but he sent his right-hand man (?) Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Kevin Demoff, to be the messenger of bad news.  Kroenke did send along this statement:

 I would like to personally thank Steve and Billy for their dedication to the St. Louis Rams organization over the past several seasons.  This was a difficult decision for many reasons. We have tremendous respect for Steve and Billy as people and football professionals.

No one individual is to blame for this disappointing season and we all must hold ourselves accountable. However, we believe it’s in the best interest of the St. Louis Rams to make theses changes as we continue our quest to build a team that consistently competes for playoffs and championships. We wish Steve, Billy and their families the very best in the future and thank them again for their commitment to our organization and the city of St. Louis.

It reads like your standard “thanks for trying but it’s just not working out for us” see ya later pink slip.  All politically correct, of course.  It’s even harder to really get a sense of how Kroenke really feels due to the fact that he’s harder to catch than a fly with chopsticks, Karate Kid style.  We’ll just have to assume this is really him talking – or at least his speech writer.

Here’s a statement released by outgoing general manager, Billy Devaney.

I want to thank so many people for my time here in St. Louis. While certainly disappointed in our record, I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. This is truly a special place.

I thank old and new friends made. I thank Stan Kroenke, Chip Rosenbloom, Lucia Rodriguez and the entire Rams organization. I wish you all much success. I thank all Rams fans. You are really great, great fans.

To all in St. Louis, I’ll meet you further on up the road. Cheers!

No surprises here either...

As Spagnuolo goes so does his boss, general manager Billy Devaney.  NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi is reporting Devaney has lost his job in St. Louis as well.

Let the speculation begin about his replacement as well.  Keep your eyes and ears open for news in San Diego.  A.J. Smith may be getting the boot today as well.

It’s going to be an exciting off season and it’s begins now.

For more about how their fates were tied together read here.

*You know it was coming because NFL Network actually dispatched reporter Randy Moss to Rams Park.  They don’t send people unless they thinks something is going down.

**Why is it so hard for NFL insiders to get names spelled properly?  First, Jay Glazer misspells “Spagnuola” and now Lombardi with “Devanney.”  Have some respect for the guys, they just got fired from their jobs.  Just sayin’…

Head Coach no more (Courtesy of STLouisRams.com)

In the cut throat world of the NFL only two numbers really matter.  In the three years under Spagnuolo those two numbers are 10 and 38 – glaring enough for Stan Kroenke not to take action.

Glazer could have at least spelled Spags' name correctly...

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we?

Steve Spagnuolo arrived at Rams Park in January of 2009 as one of the hottest coaching candidates of the previous year.  He turned down a job with the Redskins in 2008 to stay another year as the defensive coordinator of the Giants.  But when the Rams and general manager Billy Devaney came calling in 2009 at the tune of 4 years, $11.5 million he couldn’t say no.

Hopes were high and expectations equally lofty as the Rams brought in their new leader.  Surely, Steve Spagnuolo can bring the Rams closer to the promise land.  After all, his blitz happy defensive squad had pulled off the biggest Super Bowl upset (at least in my book) in history when the Giants beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.  He orchestrated the fall of the mighty Master Hoody so naturally he would be able to help the Rams rise up from the bottom of the NFL.

ESPN article from January 19, 2009:

Spagnuolo was one of five finalists for the job, along with Haslett, Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and defensive coordinators Rex Ryan of Baltimore and Leslie Frazier of Minnesota. Garrett flew into St. Louis on Friday night, prompting speculation he would be the new coach. But he was only here for another interview and perhaps as a backup option in case Spagnuolo was hired elsewhere.

Note all the candidates are from defensive backgrounds whereas former Rams head coach Scott Linehan was of an offensive mind.  Clearly the Rams were going a certain direction.

We now find Jason Garrett (Dallas Cowboys), Rex Ryan (New York Jets) and Leslie Frazier (Minnesota Vikings) all head coaches in the league while Jim Haslett serves as Mike Shanahan’s defensive coordinator in Washington.  Interestingly enough, all four former candidates didn’t make the playoffs this season.

Billy Devaney on Spags during the honeymoon stage of the relationship, “We considered some very qualified and outstanding candidates for this position, but we kept coming back to Steve Spagnuolo.  There’s just a toughness about him.  He represented what we were looking for when this process began.”

Maybe Devaney didn’t realize it at the time but his wagon was hitched to Spags for better or for worse.  And clearly, it’s become worse.  We’ll have to see about Devaney’s own fate.

The 2009 season was, to put it mildly, a disaster.  They finished with a 1-15 record.  But it did land the Rams the first overall pick in the 2010 draft.  The Rams wisely chose QB Sam Bradford and with Bradford at the helm he led the 2010 team to a 7-9 record.  They just missed out on the playoffs by one game and once again hopes were high.

But 2011 didn’t turn out as all expected.  This season’s mantra was “Next man up.”  A rash of injuries landed key players and most of the Rams secondary on IR leaving ill-prepared substitutes to take their place.  Coupled with some ill-advised roster moves and ill-conceived play calling the regular season was pretty much over before it ever really began.

As I said yesterday, don’t expect Spags to be on the unemployment line too long though.  My guess is he will be packing his bags and will be well received in Philly under Andy Reid as his defensive coordinator.  Sorry, Juan Castillo your seat just got blazing.

For what it’s worth, in a strange twisted way I’ll miss listening to Spags on Mondays.  I personally wish him and his family the very best as he moves forward.  Good luck in Philadelphia, sir.

We’ve reached the last game of the season, believe it or not.  Seemed like eons ago when the Rams faced off against the “dream team” Eagles in the home opener.  Such high hopes for the regular season after going undefeated in the preseason only to have eight players go down in that first game – most notably RB Steven Jackson, QB Sam Bradford,  and WR Danny Amendola.  The Rams’ season wouldn’t be the same after that.

Fast forward 15 games later only to find ourselves staring down the oh-so-wrong end of a 2-13 record.  If it’s about the journey and not the destination then it was a long path of frustration and futility.  For those who’ve suffered the most the season will mercifully come to an end tomorrow.

Don’t expect the 49ers to sit back and relax though.  They are still in the hunt for the second seed which bears the fruit of a first round bye during the playoffs.  A win in the Edward Jones Dome hands them a week off.  Or they can wish upon a star that the New Orleans Saints lose against the Carolina Panthers.  I don’t expect the latter to happen so the 49ers will do what they can to secure that two spot.

This may be a blessing in disguise for the Rams though.  They could land the coveted (?) number one overall pick in the 2012 draft (twice in three years) with another loss and a Colts win over the Jaguars.  After all, there has to be some positive in all the negative that the Rams have faced this season.  Jacksonville is 3.5 point favorites for those of you who are into the spread.  Go Colts!

Game stats from week 13: Rams at 49ers

What the Rams offense has to do

First and foremost, run the ball better.

In their first meeting back in week 13, the Rams were shut out at Candlestick.  Too bad the transformers didn’t shut down that day…  RB’s Steven Jackson (10 carries) and Jerious Norwood (11 carries) COMBINED for a whopping 19 rushing yards.  It might be safe to say we’ll see better numbers than that, right?

It will be good to see if QB Kellen Clemens bounce back from last week’s performance of 68 passing yards.  You know, baby steps FORWARD and not backwards.  Or this just could be the part of me that’s accepting of mediocrity.  Hey, I’m just trying to stay positive to the end.

Also, according to ProFootball Talk’s Gregg Rosenthal the Rams never advanced past the 49ers 45-yard line.  I’d like to see them at least do that once – just to say that some progress was made.

But like last time, it could be an uphill battle.

LB’s Aldon Smith (rookie out of Mizzou) and Larry Grant (former Ram – ahem…) will do their best to make it a repeat shut out game for the 49ers.  Not to mention, DE Justin Smith and CB Carlos Rogers.  ILB NaVorro Bowman is not a household name (yet) but he actually had the most solo tackles (6) in week 13.  Their other star LB Patrick Willis is listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury.

What the Rams defense needs to do

Hold RB Frank Gore to the 21 carries and 73 rushing yards just like they did in week 13.  I think this can be done again – at least for the first three quarters.  Depends on how much the defense is left on the field due to the lack on offensive on the Rams’ part.  Don’t count out their other RB Kendall Hunter.  He’ll be getting some time in so Gore can get rest.

The real struggle again will be keeping the passing game (insert scowls here) in check.  The 49ers’ WR trio of Michael Crabtree (96 yards), Kyle Williams (65 yards) and Ted Ginn Jr. (55 yards) gained over 200 yards on merely 10 total receptions.  Luckily, for the Rams it sounds like the latter duo of Williams (concussion) and Ginn Jr. (ankle) are listed as questionable for Sunday’s rematch.  So, that leaves WR Brett Swain, their beast of a TE, Vernon Davis as their main passing threats.

What the Rams special teams need to do

Oh, I don’t know…  Maybe get a field goal through the uprights???

I’m not sure what’s up with K Josh Brown but he better get his act together.  He’s only made two of his last five field goal attempts.  Last week against the Steelers he was 0 for 2.  I can almost understand the missed 52-yarder but the 20-yarder, I have no answer.

With their number one and two return men listed as questionable the 49ers may turn to RB Kendall Hunter to pull double duty.  He’s listed as the back up RB as well as the back up KR.  Regardless of who’s back there the Rams special teams need to limit the 20+ yard returns.  Special teams is all about field position, isn’t it?

Who will win

Honestly, I just want to see signs of life from the Rams.  Get points on the board some how and not get shut out on the last game of the season.  Overall, I’d like to see the younger players get some “meaningful” playing time.  I realize performance bonuses might be on the line but why not see what these guys can and cannot do.  In reality, the Rams have been in a talent re-evaluation mode for quite a while now.

The Rams will fight hard for the home crowd and for their own dignity.  But they will come up short again and with a Colt victory will clinch the first overall pick in the April draft.

Rams fall to the 49ers again 24-10, but this time put up at least one TD and one field goal.

Sobering stat: Only three teams have eaten the dreaded donut in 2011 – week 2 the Steelers blanked the Seahawks 24-0, week 8 the Bills shut out the Redskins 23-0, and our beloved Rams were kept out of the end zone twice.  The first time in week 13 by the 49ers and once again by the Steelers just this last week in Heinz Field.

*Thank you very much for a wonderful 2011 and here’s to an even better 2012.  Happy new years everyone.

Sigh... SMH.

With Pettis out, revisiting the NFC West drafts

Rookie draft choices are making strong contributions throughout the NFC West, but less so in St. Louis after the NFL suspended receiver Austin Pettis.

Something we here in St. Louis know oh too well.  And not the rest of the ESPN/NFL world knows it.  It’s especially depressing when you go through and read how the other teams’ draft picks have progressed and flourished.  49ers’ Aldon Smith and Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson just to name a couple of stand outs.  Most people couldn’t even name one Rams’ draft pick from this year.

Rams 2011 draft class disappointing

Through injury, poor performance and questionable roster decisions, this year’s draft has not been very productive for the Rams. In fact, in the final two games of the season, defensive end Robert Quinn (first round) and tight end Lance Kendricks (second round) will be the only two drafted players active. Two undrafted free agents will also play: cornerback Chris Smith and long snapper Jake McQuaide.

Um, yeah…  So what’s going on with the Rams?  Is it bad talent evaluation or is it bad coaching, or both?  Another damning red flag against the current regime staying.

Stop with the excuses for Spags and Devaney

Perhaps I need to read (again) the words of the late, great Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, just to make sure I remember the objective here.

It was Lombardi who once said, “Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will all be judged on one thing: the result.”

Yet, many make excuses for Spags and Devaney staying put.  I’m pretty much decided on getting rid of Devaney but there’s definitely a part of me that thinks Spags could get another year – at least let him finish out his contract.  I’d like to see what he could do with a healthy roster.  I don’t think Mr. Miklasz really agrees but that’s okay.

Rams GM Billy Devaney

Many Rams bloggers are channeling their inner Clash.  The questions swirling around Twitter are basically this: Should Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo and GM Billy Devaney get another chance in St. Louis or should they get the heave-ho.

First up a piece from Turf Show Times discussing Spags:

As far as Spagnuolo goes, I’m still pretty convinced of what 3k wrote earlier this week, about the culture of losing that runs deep into the roots of the Rams organization. Spagnuolo was given ample opportunity to put his imprint on the team, from the training staff to the equipment manager to the interior decorating to a handful of other non-football personnel.

Spagnuolo was also a victim of circumstance. The Rams improbably won seven games last season, not a significant number in and of itself, but more than was expected thanks to a soft schedule and a few lucky bounces. Sadly, the team we saw on the field in week 17, that prime time disaster against the Seahawks, was a much more accurate snapshot of the 2011 Rams.

They sound just as split on Spags as I’ve been.  Ultimately though, Spags has to take responsibility for the 2-9 record, no?  The biggest answer we seek will be from owner Stan Kroenke.  Has he had enough of this mediocrity or is he willing to let Spags play out his coaching contract.

Second, what about Rams general manager Billy Devaney?

T-bron makes his case for the Rams keeping Billy Devaney.  Just like Spags he’s had his hits and misses.  In my mind, more of the latter.  I probably have greater issues with his draft success than anything else.

So let’s be frustrated as fans; we have every right to given the state of this team and they don’t deserve sympathy. We also should remind ourselves that it’s not easy to build a team up from nothing. Bringing back Devaney and his crew next season, might feel like getting your teeth pulled, but the end result could be better than a fat kid eating cake.

If you’re going to keep Spags then the Rams should ride it out with Devaney for another year.  If no progress is made in the last year of Spags’ contract then they should both seek employment elsewhere.

Someone’s excited about the game on Sunday.  Not really anyone from the Rams though.

(This pieces gives a little more insight and depth to the quick blurb from yesterday’s post.)

That person who’s just can’t wait is 49ers running back, Frank Gore.  He’s licking his chops at an almost gimme game of 100+ rushing yards.  If the Rams rushing defense gave up 200+ yards to Cowboys DeMarco Murray and Cardinals Beanie Wells then Frank Gore who is a better more proven back could put up some sick numbers come Sunday.  Like I said yesterday, we could be looking at a 300 burger.

Rams General Manager Billy Devaney

With all the insanity swirling around the scandal at Penn State University it’s been hard to focus on the Rams but here goes.

Does the buck stop here?  Bleacher Report makes the case: The root of Rams’ problems can be found at the top of the organization in the form of Rams’ GM Billy Devaney.

Check out their Devaney’s top 5 busts in this article.  Agree or disagree with their rankings?  Who would you add to that list.  Sadly, there’s a nice pool to choose from.

Howard Balzer gets you up to date on the latest from Rams Park.

The Rams are running thin at another defensive position – linebackers.  Read who’s hurt and who needs to step it up in the games ahead.  Ugh.

Why do the football injury gods hate the Rams?

Through the opponent’s eyes.

Next up are the Cleveland Browns.  Do you think they fear the Rams?  Maybe.  Okay, probably not.  After all, their new head coach is former Rams offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur.  He knows the Rams very well.  This should be an interesting game on Sunday.

Here is a link to my weekly column on 101ESPN.  He Said/She Said: Rams Edition and some of my thoughts on the Penn State scandal.  This one was really hard to write for obvious reasons.

I wasn’t able to make it to training camp on Wednesday but I know it was in capable hands.  @Ramsherd was on the job and he did a fabulous write up on it here with even more fabulous pictures. It’s always nice to get a different set of eyes out there at training camp.  Click on the link, you know you want to!

Does anyone else think training camp is sort of dragging?  We’ve gone almost two weeks now and all I can think of is how many more days until the regular season starts.  The coaches won’t agree with me but I can’t wait until some real games are played.

But before we can have the regular season we’ve got to get through the preseason, finalize the roster, and continue to expand upon the new offensive playbook.  It just feels like lots of little baby steps right now but soon enough we’ll be in full speed sprint.  Can’t wait!  

1) Despite taking it easy this week and not getting enough reps during practice, RB Steven Jackson still plans to play on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans.

Coach Spags’ plans were to let the first team play roughly the first half but things seem to be in flux with SJ.  Spags:

I talked with Steven over there at the walkthrough this morning and said, ‘What do you think?’ And he said, “No, I’d like to try to go.” So his mindset is he’d like to get some plays in, but we’ll see.

He has to find the right balance between letting SJ get familiar with the new system and stressing that sore hip even further.  I found it interesting that he dodged the question as to when and where he exactly got that “sore hip.”  Is he trying to hide something or am I just reading into it too much?

See what SJ had to say at the presser after today’s practice. (video link: Sorry, I tried to embed it but it wouldn’t work.)

2) Pete Prisco, the self proclaimed “social assassin” was another national writer checking out the Rams this week.  He writes that Billy Devaney and the Rams have the right parts to build a winning franchise with staying power.

Okay, let’s just say it.  Do the Rams have the makings of a young dynasty?  Yes, they have yet to win the Rodney Dangerfield division of the NFL.   And I’d even venture to say they look very good on paper.

Only time will tell how the Rams will do but you can’t help but to be optimistic about their chances.  Just look around the rest of the NFC West and you’ll jump on the bandwagon shortly.  I fully expect the Rams to win the NFC West crown this season.

3) I think we should take a step back from all this football talk for a second.

I know, when the lockout was going on all we wanted to do was talk about real football.  I know…  But one of the great things that came into the limelight during those dark football times was the community service work the Rams organization does on a monthly basis.

Do you remember back in June when they went and built a playground in Maplewood?   Well, we finally got to see the fruits of their labor.  Rampage, the Rams mascot, was present at Giant Steps School‘s Open House celebration. 

I love that the Rams do these monthly service projects!  Please keep up the great work.

Many people had concerns about the impact all that time off would have on the players.  And if the last three weeks are any indication, then we’re in for a long season.

More than 10 Rams players are not participating during practices with big names like LB James Laurinaitis, TE Michael Hoomanawanui, and CB Ron Bartell just to name a few.  The biggest lost so far has been CB Jerome Murphy who seems to be lost for the season with a broken ankle.

Looking at the most updated roster you’ll find a plethora of new names.  Those, including me, who thought Billy Devaney and Kevin Demoff were gun shy were sorely mistaken.  The Rams didn’t make huge waves during free agency with any glitzy signings but they made some key acquisitions to shore up the holes left by the departure of S OJ Atogwe, WR Laurent Robinson, LB Larry Grant, OL John Greco, TE Daniel Fells, and FB Kenneth Darby.

They even addressed the pesky “Who’s going to be Steven Jackson’s back-up?” question by bringing in two change up RB’s in Cadillac Williams and Jerious Norwood.

Let’s take a look at the new additions, shall we?

Among the new free agent faces you’ll find in Rams Park are S Quintin Mikell (from Eagles), OG Harvey Dahl (from Falcons), WR Mike Sims-Walker (from Jaguars), DT Daniel Muir (from Colts), RB Cadillac Williams (from Buccaneers), RB Jerious Norwood (from Falcons), LB Brady Poppinga (from Packers), LB Zac Diles(from Texans), CB Al Harris (from Dolphins), and LB Ben Leber (from Vikings).

Along with the Rams draft picks: DE Robert Quinn (first round, North Carolina), TE Lance Kendricks(second round, Wisconsin), WR Austin Pettis (third round, Boise State), WR Greg Salas (fourth round, Hawaii), S Jermale Hines (fifth round, Ohio State), and S Jonathan Nelson(seventh round, Oklahoma).

(That’s not including all the undrafted free agents that have come and gone since the lockout was lifted.)

As the preseason progresses we will still see changes to that list until the final 53 is determined by September 3.

They should just install a revolving door at all the NFL camps, don’t you think?

It’s real early on Friday and when the clock chimes at 5:00pm CT tonight it will mark the official beginning for an all out free (for all) agency.

Where have your favorite players gone?  Still with your team?

The Rams…  Ho hum.  *Twiddling fingers.  *Wipes smudge off glasses…

Other than coming to terms with former Eagles Quintin Mikell the Rams have been pretty quiet.  Not that I’m expecting a checkbook busting deal from Billy Devaney and Stan Kroenke but come on!  I keep telling myself they’re taking the “wait and see” approach to free agency this year.

You wait long enough, you’ll see all the solid players get signed by other teams.

I’ve been reading many a rumblings on Twitter from frustrated Rams fans.  Maybe these next few links will help calm you down – or maybe not…

1) Here’s Jim Thomas pretty much echoing what many of us are thinking: What gives, Billy Devaney?

2) Reports have the Rams are close to agreeing/signing many of their undrafted free agents but not much in terms of official information is being given.  They are expected to be formally announced today.  But good ole Howard Balzer has the scoop from within.

3) Another good breakdown of Rams free agency today courtesy of Turf Show Times.

The Rams are officially kicking off their camp today in Rams Park.  Tomorrow they will conduct their first of 19 open-to-the-public practices at the Russell Athletic Training Center.  1:50pm in the smoldering heat.

I’ll be the one in the Steven Jackson jersey grasping an oversized Slurpee for dear life.  Hope to see some of you guys there!  Don’t be shy and come say hi to me.