Guess a good (?) night’s sleep didn’t help much in swallowing the ugly loss.  Tensions are still running high on Twitter and on 101ESPN.  The BigEZ from Zach and the Coach is ranting right now as I’m typing this.  He is hot and bothered and not in a good way.

I gave the Rams a D+, just shy of a failing grade, because of the 7 points from what now looks like a freak TD from Sam Bradford to Brandon Gibson.  Without that it would have been an F for sure.

09/25/11 Spags (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Realistically, there’s not much you can do about the bad luck with all the defensive backs.  One by one the secondary landed on the IR.

Jerome Murphy, Mikail Baker, Dionte Dinkins, Ron Bartell, and Tim Atchison.  Unfortunately, that’s where the Ravens stuck it to the Rams the most.  They took the phrase, “Lather, rinse and repeat” to the fullest.

But with all that being said there were a couple of glaring red flags we cannot ignore.

Red flag #1: The Rams coaching staff didn’t make adjustments quick enough.

From Spags’ post-game presser:

I don’t have an explanation. I wish I did.  If I had I would’ve solved it at halftime, but I don’t.

I know one of the things, they came in with a little different approach then we thought.

What do you mean you don’t have an explanation?  You’re the head coach of an NFL team.  You must have some idea of what the Ravens did.

Analysts all over the airwaves and fans seem to have more of a clue than what you just said there.  Take a look at Twitter timelines for some answers, Coach.

Another thing that puzzled me was Spags’ phrasing.  ”I would’ve…”

Last time we looked Spags still had a complete complement of coaches on his staff.  Are we to understand that no one the coaching staff was able to come up with anything?  I hope that Spags’ control freak tendencies didn’t get in the way of him listening to suggestions.

Just because you were once labeled a “defensive guru” doesn’t mean you have to be stubborn and inflexible about something that worked in 2007.  A true guru would recognize when things aren’t working and adapt.

Granted he’s has fewer raw materials to work with but that’s what a good coach does – produce the best product with what he has.

They were laying it down-field and they were successful at doing it.

Now there’s an understatement.  The Ravens were quite successful.

Oh and by the way the Rams helped Ravens WR Torrey Smith become the first rookie in NFL history with three touchdowns receptions  (74, 41, and 18 yards) in the first quarter of a game.  He might want to send the Rams a little bouquet of flowers with a thank you card.

Had they missed a few of those maybe it would have been a little different.

Why does Spags phrase it that way?  If THEY had missed?  How about if WE hadn’t let them make those plays???  It seems to me he’s turning the focus away from the train wreck that is the Rams after three weeks.

Red flag #2: Where’s the fight?

More from Spags’ presser:

No, I’m not mad at the team. I never get mad at them. I get mad for them. I get disappointed for them.

Okay, let me preface this by saying one’s coaching style doesn’t necessarily determine the success of the team.  Some got it done by yelling and screaming (Coughlin, Ditka, Parcells, etc.) and some got it done being mild mannered (Dungy, Lovie Smith, etc.)

But sometimes, a head coach has to identify when it’s time to turn up the heat.

Spags, you need to get mad – get mad at your coaching staff, get mad at your players, and most of all get mad at yourself.

Please stop playing the “I’m/we’re disappointed and frustrated” card.  We’re past that.  Way past that.

At half-time I asked them to just go out and fight. I thought we did that.

That’s all a head coach can ask at that particular point when another team is obviously doing a better job than we are.

You can ask all you want but as coaches don’t you think you should tell them, show them WHAT to do and HOW?

“Go out and fight.”  How vague.  Give them specifics and details.  Give your players a better plan.  Can’t you just hear the players saying this a la Jerry McGuire, “Help me help you.”

Ah, that’s right.  ”I don’t have an explanation. I wish I did.  If I had I would’ve solved it at halftime, but I don’t.”

Who goes into the regular season with only 4 cornerbacks?  Just sayin’…

Realistically, in a worse case scenario I could see the Rams starting 0-8.  Harsh but realistic.

Buckle up folks this could get more bumpy before it gets better.

Dreary out but quiet as I get my day started.  I kept thinking I’d have to wake my son up for school only to realize I could have slept in an extra hour this morning since he’s at camp.  Didn’t think I’d miss him so much even though he’s daddy’s boy.

I’ll have to console myself some how.  Maybe lunch at one of my favorite Indian buffets will get my mind off of things for a bit.  The best way to distract oneself is through a food coma I always say.

Courtesy STLouisRams.com

1) Here are some Rams notes from the H-man himself, Howard Balzer.

Most notable is the fact that the Rams have become the team where cornerbacks come to land on the IR.  Count them four now.  Jerome Murphy, Dionte Dinkins, Ron Bartell, and now Tim Atchison.

This reminds me of the 2008 Broncos when their RB corps dropped like flies.  Michael Pittman, Andre Hall, Ryan Torain, and Peyton Hillis all went down that year.  How do I remember?  I had three of them on my fantasy team.  Good thing I handcuffed my RB’s a lot that year.

And here I thought we had come out of the Giants MNF game relatively unscathed.  God speed your recovery gentlemen.

2) Want to know how the Raven fans see the Rams?  I’ve done some “Google-ing” and found this.

Again it points out the impact of all the Rams injuries has on their chances of winning this match up on Sunday.  Of course, they predict a Ravens victory.

3) Did you ever wonder what NFL ticket prices are around the league?  How do they compare to the Edward Jones Dome?  It does depend on the visiting teams as some attract greater attention therefore higher prices.

Here’s a look at this week’s match ups and how certain seats price out.  The best deal is in Oakland.  So those of you who are monetarily conscience need to be a Raiders fans.

If you missed my tweet from yesterday and have some time please check out my article on 101ESPN.com for this week.  I have The (Football) Sickness.  Do you show signs of these symptoms?  I had fun writing this one.

Have a good day, everyone!

STL Rams at KC Chiefs

Is it JUST another preseason game tonight?  Not if you’re from Missouri.  The Rams and the Chiefs will battle it out for the bragging rights and the Governor’s Cup in Kansas City Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium.

Sam Bradford, Steven Jackson, and the Rams will do their best to bring the trophy back to this side of the of the state after losing the Cup in a 13-27 loss last December at the Edward Jones Dome.

This will mark the thirteenth time the two have met since 1995 when Rams moved to St. Louis.  The Rams franchise holds the preseason record of 12-8 against the Chiefs and will look to add another win tonight.

What I’ll be watching for:

1) Roster spot battles.  With the first team scheduled to play the first three quarters or thereabouts the competition for the last couple of roster spots will definitely be heating up tonight.  Each block, missed tackle, or dropped ball could mean you stick or get cut.

Again with Danny Amendola, Mike Sims-Walker, and likely Brandon Gibson already having cemented their place on the roster I’ll be keep a close eye on Danario Alexander, Donnie Avery, and Mardy Gilyard.  I’m going to assume unless there’s some gross error on the rookies’ part Austin Pettis and Greg Salas should be safe.

Watch for LB’s Ben Leber, Brady Poppinga, and Zac Diles to get more playing time today as they try to earn starting positions.

I also expect CB’s Al Harris, Justin King and Dionte Dinkins to see their fair share of time on the field as well.

2) First of the two biggest things that worried me from the Titans game: The number of times Sam had to peel himself off the turf.  He’s going to need better protection up front from the big guys otherwise all those offensive weapons down field won’t matter.

If he’s rushed look for flashes of last season where he’ll be dink and dunking off short passes to either his TE’s or RB’s.

Remember that $1,000/game incentive?  Maybe Sam should sweeten the deal.  Nothing like positive reinforcement, right?

3) The other big issue from last week’s squeak of a win was the sloppy defense.  Miss tackles and blow gap coverages made the Titans’ back-up RB’s, Jamie Harper and Stafon Johnson, CJ2K-esque (to a point, of course).

Things will not be any easier tonight as the Rams defense will go up against Chief’s RB duo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.  And don’t forget the self proclaimed Offensive Weapon, Dexter McCluster.

James Laurinaitis

Degrees of separation or Hoody’s discipline reunion:

Rams OC Josh McDaniels and Chiefs DC Romeo Crennel spent four seasons together on Bill Belichick’s staff.

Rams TE Coach Frank Leonard coached Chiefs GM Scott Pioli at Central Connecticut State.

Leonard and Pioli also worked together with the NE Patriots.  Leonard was a special assignment scout for the Patriots in 2004 when Chiefs DC Crennel was DC in New England.

Make Master Hoody proud, gentlemen!

Final wish:

It would be outstanding to come out with a win tonight and bring back the Governor’s Cup.  But in the end, I just wish the guys a safe game with no more injuries to the team.

Kick off is set for 7:00 p.m. CT.  Enjoy the game!

What amounts to possibly the worst timing ever, I was unable to really join in the festivities that was Twitter last night at 5:00pm CT – right when free agency officially kicks off.  So this morning, I’m playing catch up on all that happened in the last 48 hours.  Come join me!

1) Rams sign their first big free agent acquisition former Eagles Pro Bowl safety, Quintin Mikell.

2) Rams also pick up former Packer/Dolphin CB, Al Harris.

3) Official press release from the Rams about all the recent signings.  No numbers though.

RAMS SIGN SEVEN DRAFT PICKS, FOUR RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS, TWO EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Rams have signed seven of the team’s eight draft picks as well as four of their restricted free agents and two of their exclusive rights free agents.

TE Lance Kendricks (2^nd round), WR Austin Pettis (3^rd round), WR Greg Salas (4^th round), S Jermale Hines (5^th round), and CB Mikail Baker, LB Jabara Williams and S Jonathan Nelson (7^th round) have all signed their rookie contracts. First-round pick DE Robert Quinn is the only member of the team’s 2011 draft class who is not under contract.

In addition to the rookies, four of the team’s restricted free agents have signed their tenders. That group includes LB David Vobora, G Jon Greco, T Renardo Foster and LB Chris Chamberlain. Exclusive rights free agents WR Danny Amendola and DE C.J. Ah You signed their tenders as well.

Each of the players who signed Friday will be on the field Saturday when the Rams hold their first practice of 2011 training camp. Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo’s team takes the field for the first time at 1:50 p.m. The practice is open to the public.

Travon Bellamy CB Illinois

Bryant Browning OG Ohio State

John Dempsey S Villanova

Dionte Dinkins CB Fort Valley State

Tyler Donahue OT Bowling Green

Pete Fleps LB SMU

Randall Hunt OT Illinois

Karri Kuuttila OL Lock Haven

Jake McQuaide LS Ohio State

Schuylar Oordt TE Northern Iowa

Taylor Potts QB Texas Tech

Chris Smith CB Northern Illinois

Arthur Thomas DT Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Beau Warren C Virginia Tech

Teryl White DT N. Carolina Central

Eddie Wide RB Utah

5) The Rams pick up former Jacksonville Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker.  Nice write up from @Ramsherd on the matter.

Like Ramsherd said I couldn’t really see MSW as a great target in JAX with the emergence of Mike Thomas and more importantly TE Mercedes Lewis.  But with a QB like Sam Bradford, an OC like McDaniels, and no clear cut WR1 on the Rams, MSW’s ceiling just got raised.

The biggest question surrounding MSW is, can he stay healthy.

6) Remember the speculations on who Sam Bradford’s playbook tutor was?  Well a SI story broke yesterday that it wasn’t Ben McDaniels as many had thought – me included.

Did anyone see Charlie Weis coming?  I certainly didn’t.  That’s almost like getting coached by Bill Belichick.  Okay, not really…

7) Here’s recap of Friday’s happenings at Rams Park from Fox2.

8) And this great summary of the Rams transactions from Turf Show Times including signings of OG Harvey Dahl and OLB Zach Diles.  Also, the release of OG Jacob Bell.

9) And this JUST IN: former Rams LB Larry Grant is going to the 49ers.

LB Larry Grant

Larry Grant's Farewell Tweet

10) NO word on WR Mark Clayton yet.  Still waiting for news.

11) Rams first open practice is set to start today at 1:50pm at the Russell Athletic Training Center.  Hope to see some of you there!

The Russell Training Center is located at One Rams Way, Earth City, MO 63045. Here’s how to get there:

From Interstate 44:

Take I-44 to HWY I-270 North. Merge onto I-70 West. Exit Earth City Expressway North exit- 231B. Make a right on to Rider Trail. The facility is on your left. Park in the designated parking area.

From Interstate 55:

Take I-55 to I-44 West. Take I-44 to HWY I-270 North. Merge onto I-70 West. Exit Earth City Expressway North exit- 231B. Make a right on to Rider Trail. The facility is on your left. Park in the designated parking area.

From Interstate 270

Merge onto I-70 West. Exit Earth City Expressway North exit- 231B. Make a right on to Rider Trail. The facility is on your left. Park in the designated parking area.

From Illinois

Take I-70 West, Exit Earth City Expressway North exit- 231B. Make a right on to Rider Trail. The facility is on your left. Park in the designated parking area.

From I-64 (HWY 40):

Take I-64 to HWY I-270 North. Merge onto I-70 West. Exit Earth City Expressway North exit- 231B. Make a right on to Rider Trail. The facility is on your left. Park in the designated parking area.

From Lambert St. Louis International Airport

Take I-70 West, Exit Earth City Expressway North exit- 231B. Make a right on to Rider Trail. The facility is on your left. Park in the designated parking area.

Woke up Tuesday frantically trying to get everything done early morning.  I had to gear up for what was supposed to be a historic crazy day of free agency.  Dozens of players were supposed to be signed and the big names, Kevin Kolb and Nnamdi Asomugha, supposedly had their ducks all in a row just waiting for the “go” signal.

9:01 am CT comes and…. meh.  What happened to the Twitter frenzy?  What, no fail whale?  I have to say it was kind of a let down.  Quite anti-climatic for the most part as far as the signings were concerned.  The entire day has passed and both big names have yet to make any waves.

The bigger news came from teams letting players go to make salary cap room.

Bloody Tuesday…

Giants announce half their offensive line would not be brought back - Shaun O’Hara, Rich Seubert, and Shawn Andrews will have to seek employment elsewhere.  Any guesses as to whether Spags would bring in some of his old guys?

The Ravens weren’t lacking in their cutting skills either.  WR Derrick Mason, TE Todd Heap, RB Willis McGahee and DT Kelly Gregg were among today’s body count.  Although, I do hear rumblings that Mason and Heap might have their contracts restructured and brought back if possible.

Other notable cuts from Jerry’s World include WR Roy Williams, RB Marion Barber, and OL Mark Colombo.

Of course, these cuts and waives don’t become official until Thursday.

So, who are the Rams’ newest additions and salary cap casualties on day one post-lockout?

Making A Big Splash

O.J. Atogwe, who?  In a somewhat surprising move by Billy Devaney, the Rams have agreed on a four-year, $28M contract with former Eagles 8-year veteran safety, Quintin Mikell.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo knows Mikell from his days as Philadephia’s DB/LB coach.

Mikell was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Eagles back in 2003 and has played his entire career with in Philadelphia.  He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 2009.  Mikell finished last season only missing one game and accumulating 88 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 3 INT’s.

Gregg Rosenthal report sums up Quintin Mikell’s contract the best.

Auf Wiedersehen

As I posted earlier today, LB Larry Grant tweeted the following:

He had a sense that his time was up in St. Louis and knew he was about to move on.  Larry Grant was picked up late in the 2008 season.

Undrafted Free Agents

One area where things moved fast and furious was last night when teams were able to talk to and agree in principle with undrafted free agents.  The Rams weren’t out at the start of the gun but made pretty good progress at the night went on.

Here are the eleven UDFA’s they picked up:

1. Taylor Potts – QB Texas Tech
2. Dionte Dinkins – CB Fort Valley State
3. Arthur Thomas – DT Arkansas-Pine Bluff
4. Bryant Browning – OG Ohio State University
5. Schuylar Oordt – TE Northern Iowa
6. Randell Hunt – OG Illinois
7. Travon Bellamy – CB Illinois
8. Beau Warren – C Virginia Tech
9. Karri Kuutila – OT Lock Haven
10. Pete Fleps – LB Southern Methodist
11. Eddie Wide – RB Utah

I don’t know much about Eddie Wide but his signing doesn’t strike me as an answer to the “Who’s Steven Jackson’s backup” question.  Hopefully, the next few days will produce a better, more proven answer.  I hear Reggie Bush is available.

That was day one in a nutshell.  So much to cover and so little time.  Let’s see what’s in store for today!