In the category of breaking news at inopportune time goes to the arbitrators overseeing the CVC/St. Louis Rams. Thanks. (Not really.)

The arbitrators have sided with the St. Louis Rams saying that the Edward Jones Dome does need vast improvements to comply with the league’s definition of a first-tier facility.

From Greg Smith, the Husch Blackwell attorney representing the CVC via the St. Louis Business Journal report:

The arbitrators determined that due to several structural deficiencies in the size and dimensions of the Edward Jones Dome that only the Rams’ May 2012 plan for demolishing and rebuilding the facility will make it First Tier under the terms of the existing lease between the parties.

The CVC proposed a $200 million renovation package. The Rams submitted a nearly $700 million remodel option which on paper looks like a great idea except for the fact that they didn’t outline where the $700 million would come from.

» Continue reading “Arbitrators Rule In Favor Of The St. Louis Rams”

Milestones.

Rams running back Steven Jackson is on the cusp of a few of them this Sunday as they take on the Minnesota Vikings.

a) 71. The number of yards Jackson needs to reach the 10,000 career rushing mark. In doing so, he will become only the 27th player in NFL history to accomplish this feat. Of the 26 ahead of him on that list, 13 are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

b) 164. The number of yards Jackson needs to reach 1,000 yards in one season. When he does get there he will have done this for the 8th consecutive year – the longest active streak.

c) 55. The current number of career rushing TDs Jackson has right now. One more he ties Eric Dickerson for second in Rams history. Three more he will tie Marshall Faulk‘s mark of 58 career TDs.

The 2012-2013 Rams are also hoping to achieve some highlights as well. With a win over the Vikings the Rams will have:

a) a winning record of 7-6-1. It’s been 10 weeks since they were above the .500 mark. (3-2 in Week 5)

b) had a winning record after week 15. This hasn’t happened since the 2003-2004 season when the Rams were 11-3 after 14 games.

c) won four games in a row.  Those same 2003-2004 Rams actually went without losing a game from week 10 to week 16 (seven game winning streak). They finished out the year going 12-4 under Mike Martz at the helm.

What’s nice is however minuscule, the Rams are still in the playoff chase. I love that we are still able to talk about a post-season. What a far cry from the 2-12 record at the same time last year. What a difference a new coaching staff makes!

» Continue reading “Minnesota Vikings At St. Louis Rams Week 15 Preview”

Week 8 is finally here and honestly I’m not sure how I feel about it. Kind of a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, like many other local St. Louis fans, I’m upset that we’ve lost a home game and the advantages that come along with playing in the Edward Jones Dome. It also would have been nice to watch certain New England Patriots play in person. Of course I’m talking about Danny Woodhead. Who else?

On the other hand, what a great opportunity for the Rams fans in the UK and abroad. I have many tweeps in the UK that are just thrilled to be able to see their cherished team in the flesh. Some have been counting down the days and hours since the announcements were made January 2012.

Here is a long time Rams UK tweep @PFF_RossMiles. See the joy on his face. Almost makes it worth losing that home game. Almost…

St. Louis Rams great Torry Holt and Ross Miles (Ross’ personal photo.)

Ultimately, this weekend is about the match up between your beloved Rams and the New England Patriots. If my research is correct, quarterback Tom Brady is the only remaining Patriot from that Super Bowl XXXVI squad. But I digress.

Five Things I’ll be watching for in Week 8

1) Can Rams quarterback Sam Bradford live up to the pre-grame hype?

With everyone and their third cousin’s uncle poo-pooing the Patriots secondary the pressure is on Bradford to put up some big time numbers on Sunday.

New England is giving up an average of 23.3 points per game (19th in the league) and their passing defense is giving up on average 290 yards per game (29th) to opposing teams.

» Continue reading “New England Patriots At St. Louis Rams Week 8 Preview”

Edward Jones Dome (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

ST. LOUIS RAMS CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON FIRST TIER PROCESS; WILL FORGO HOME GAMES

IN UK IN 2013 AND 2014

ST. LOUIS, MO – In an effort to focus on the Edward Jones Dome First Tier Process with the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, the St. Louis Rams are withdrawing their commitment to play a home game in London in each of the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

The St. Louis Rams will play the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at London’s historic Wembley Stadium as previously announced.

“We are looking forward to playing in London this season as the NFL’s international series offers a unique opportunity to grow the American football audience, expand the Rams’ brand to international fans and enhance St. Louis on the global stage,” said Kevin Demoff, Rams Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“However, moving forward, we believe our attention needs to be on the ongoing First Tier process. We have worked closely with the NFL in coming to this decision and remain key supporters of the international series and its’ objectives.”

The 2012 International Series contest marks the first time in team history that the Rams will play a regular season game outside of the United States. The Rams participated in the American Bowl during the preseason three times and won all three contests: a 1987 game against the Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium; a 1989 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan; and a 1990 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs at Berlin, Germany’s Olympiastadion.

Immediately, local Rams fans will be getting their two home games which they thought were “taken away” from them.  I still feel robbed that I won’t be able to watch Tom Terrific in person though.

Short term it means local St. Louis Rams fans can take a exhale a bit.  This shows, at least from a fans perspective, that the Rams are committing to a good faith effort to make things work here.

But on the other side of the pond, I’ve already seen tweets from very disappointed and let down Rams fans.  I truly understand your feelings guys.

If I’m playing the devil’s advocate I could look at this as appeasing the home crowd before yanking the team from the city.  NFL Network’s Albert Breer gives a little third party perspective in his tweet:

Rams announce they won’t play home games in London in 2013 or ’14, which could wind up being the final two years of their St. Louis lease.

As always, we will have to see how this all plays out.  This was a bold chess move on the Rams’ part – a move in the right direction at least for the local Rams fans.

Edward Jones Dome (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Although the full disclosure is not scheduled to happen until Monday we were given a small glimpse into the Rams proposal to the CVC via the local FOX 2 news.  Surprise!

When the teaser said something to the effect of “raising the roof” I had a feeling.  I had a bad feeling.  The more appropriate two R-words would have been “retractable” and “retrofit.”

Fox 2 Gets Exclusive Details On Dome Deal

Sources tell Fox 2 News that the biggest part of what the Rams want, involves tearing out the current roof on the dome and installing a retractable roof.

Construction experts have told us in the past that putting in such a roof would be almost impossible without major structural changes to the dome building itself, very expensive changes.

Since we don’t have all the details it is not certain what this roof make-over will cost other than it’s going to be more hundreds of millions.  *Dr. Evil voice…

My gut reaction to the news was that the Rams are asking for way over the top knowing full well that the CVC and the city would not and could not accept this specific proposal.  I hope I’m wrong.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: EJD Roof, Scouting Changes And Bell Retires”

Edward Jones Dome (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Ignorance is bliss.  Not that Rams fans or the public have a choice in the matter.  For what it’s worth it’s probably a good thing.  Rams fans, who are used to the ups and downs that are associated with this team, would be taken on a motion sickness inducing roller coaster ride if we covered the play-by-play of the stadium negotiations.

The CVC and the Rams are doing the correct thing by keeping all this in house.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: EDJ Lease, Brown To Jets And Eric LeGrand A Buc”

The Edward Jones Dome (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Take this new development involving the stadium for what it’s worth – not much.  At first glance it may seem to give local Rams fans hope that this will help with EDJ lease.  I don’t doubt there’s a big out clause for the Rams in the contract in the event they leave St. Louis.  In the meantime, life goes on and forward and the stadium will continued to be called the Edward Jones Dome, home of the St. Louis Rams.

The next deadline to consider is April 1, when the Rams have to present their counter offer to the CVC.

» Continue reading “Pigskin Cover 3: Friday Rams News & Notes”

I wonder what Ram Man thinks about all this. (Personal Photo)

On January 20, 2012 Stan Kroenke and the NFL worked out this fantabulous deal where the St. Louis Rams will be playing one game a year in the UK’s Wembley Stadium for the next three seasons.  UK fans rejoiced as they were happy to see more live NFL games on their turf.

The Rams and the NFL are happy.  And the UK/European NFL fans seem happy.

So what’s the big problem?  The games they offered up to the league were three HOME games.  That left a very bad taste in the mouth of local fans and the St. Louis Conventions and Visitors Commission (CVC) who manage the Edward Jones Dome.

Statement from Rams owner Stan Kroenke:

We’ve seen first-hand the increased popularity of the NFL not only in London but throughout Europe.  To play a role in that growth over the next three years will be incredible and is a testament to the many good things happening not only in the NFL but also in the St. Louis Rams organization.

» Continue reading “But What About The Local Rams Fans?”

The good OLD Edward Jones Dome. (Courtesy STLouisRams.com)

Friday the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission (CVC) not so kindly informed the Rams they were in violation of their stadium lease agreement.  As if the Rams didn’t know the terms when they decided to sign up for three visits in three years to jolly old England, please.  Of course they were fully aware and don’t anyone think otherwise.

Here’s the media release from the CVC:

Having the Rams play a game in London will elevate an awareness of St. Louis on the global stage, much as the Saint Louis Symphony’s upcoming tour will do.

That said, our lease with the Rams requires that the Rams play all their home games in the Edward Jones Dome. We immediately brought this to the Rams’ attention and are awaiting their reply.

Oops.  Someone sounds displeased.

Yes, the Rams are being compensated upwards of $5 million per game played in the UK but what really irks the CVC is what the city will lose.  Fans lose home games.  Local businesses lose income.  Neither the NFL or the Rams will likely make up for the lost tourism dollars.

Also lost is the notion of doing things in good faith.  Does that even exist anymore?  Gone are the days of business done with hand shakes.  Heck, even a signed lease agreement doesn’t mean much these days.  Guess I’m just old school to go along with the old dome.

» Continue reading “Edward Jones Dome: They Said, They Said”

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!