In case you’ve forgotten what a football game looked like here’s a picture from my personal archives.  Makes me sad that Mike Karney is gone and that this great game could be in jeopardy over $9B.

Since we got bombarded with lockout last night guess what’s filling my “to read” list this morning?  I thought I’d pass the good stuff along to you guys.

But first, here’s immediate proof of the fall out from yesterday’s ruling:

I wonder if Mr. Kroenke has someone on his staff who monitors Twitter feeds…

1) STLToday.com: Nice recap of what’s gone on since March 12, 2011 and what transpired yesterday.  From the tone of the ruling it looks like the players took a mighty blow in their argument against the owners.  Basically, the district judge (Judge Susan Nelson) had no jurisdiction over this matter because in the eyes of the 8th Circuit Court this is indeed a case stemming from a labor issue.

2) CBSSports.com: As usual, Mike Freeman, tells it like it is.  No sugar coating or beating around the bush.  Could the permanent stay be the beginning of the end for the players’ case?  Is it time to throw in the towel?

3) ESPN.com: For a follow up to Rick Reilly’s 2006-2008 redraft article Mike Sando addresses what took place in the NFC West.  It isn’t pretty folks.  You might wanna cover your eyes.  I think there’s a reason why the division winner had a 7-9 record last season…

Reports say the players have received a proposal from the owners late last night.  I’ll keep you guys updated on Twitter (@Aerys_Rams) as the news comes in.

Today’s the first of several do-or-die days for the lock out.  Judge Susan Nelson will be ruling, most likely against the owners once again, and this case will be coming to St. Louis to be heard in the 8th Circuit Court.  Experts say the hearing could come as early as end of May or the beginning of June.  It just means more waiting and wondering.

Hope we hear some good news.

Hope the Rams are really ready as they say they are if all of a sudden free agency is allowed to start.  We have Billy Devaney’s word on it, right?

1) 101Sports.com: Tony Softli write a quick run down of the record 25 players who will be attending the draft in NYC tomorrow night.  One of our locals, Mizzou’s Blaine Gabbert tweeted he’s already there with his family and has a busy day ahead.  Good luck tomorrow night!

2) Julio should be a Ram!

@SI_PeterKing Peter King

 

I’m starting a new feature here on The Pigskin Arch called the “Audibles”  -my own version of SI Peter King’s “10 Things I Think.”  When inspired, I’ll be airing my random thoughts, sharing tweets/comments, and just about anything that catches my eye.

• What’s that? Ah — Lock out?  Don’t talk about – Lock out?  You kidding me?  Lock out?”  That is all.  If I try and say anymore about it I will explode from frustration. 

 

• I think Steven Jackson means well but the team really needs to find a real #2 RB.  The Rams need a solid insurance policy for the RB position.  And this is not a snub on SJ as it is more common sense.  Don’t spend a first round pick on an RB but mid-round selection might not be a bad idea.  Names that are being tossed around are Alabama’s Mark Ingram, Illinois’ Mikel LeShoure, and SJ’s alma mater OSU’s Jaquizz Rodgers.

 

• When asked about his new OC during his phone interview with “Zach and the Coach’ SJ said,

“I haven’t sat down with Coach McDaniels yet.  The first thing that pops out is that we’ll probably be more of a spread offense using 4-5 receivers a lot more than we have the past couple of seasons.  Hopefully I’ll be utilized out of the back field a little more.  I know that’s what he typically does with his back and just to spread the wealth and the ball more than we have in the last few seasons.”  

• Does it bother anyone else that the new OC hasn’t met with the star offensive player of the team???  My understanding is McDaniels hasn’t met with Sam either.  I wonder if the Rams were one of the 5 teams that were caught breaking the silence rule.  I think the fines would be worth the rewards of getting some contact with the players.  Oh, did I just bend one of the Four Pillars?

 

• They’re looking all happy here during their reunion but SJ will be missing his buddy, Mike Karney, ON the field soon.

“Notably for myself, I won’t have a full back ahead of me there anymore.  Hopefully spreading the ball around and using the zone blocking scheme, we would run, will help out with the running game. “

SJ and Karney from @SJ39

• All these stories about what we think Billy Devaney will do during the draft is making my head spin.  One report says he’d be willing to trade up, another says he could trade down, and a third says he’d be content at 14.  So which is it?  All of the above?

 

• I’m disappointed that the Rams have their bye on week 5.  A little bit early in the season for my taste.  I’m sure the guys would have liked it more in the middle of the 16 game season.

 

• According to NFL.com, the Rams will travel 15,278 miles during the 2011-2012 season and have the 26th hardest schedule based on the opponent’s 2010 cumulative record.  But we all know last year’s records don’t mean much for the next season.  Hey, we went from 1-15 to 7-9!

 

• Ok, Derrick Mason can call the Commish a joke but Amani Toomer?  C’mon man! Saying Roger Goodell is “using his power… kind of a Gestapo-type situation,” you’ve crossed the line.  As Deion Sanders would say, H.O.P.!